A couple of weeks ago my son Nicolas finally had his first experience riding on roller coasters. For his 7th birthday my family and I took him to a local amusement park to celebrate his special day. While taking a 7yr. old child on thrill rides may not seem a big deal to many, for my husband and I, it was a monumental day to remember.

A few blogs ago I had written about Nicolas’ sensory challenges since he was an infant. At the age of two, swinging back and forth and side to side was unbearable for him. When his occupational therapist would work with him on this particular issue, Nicolas would run away screaming and crying with his arms flailing in all directions. She would run after him and lovingly embrace him with her firm arms until he calmed down. Although he’s come a long way since then, I didn’t think he would overcome most of his sensory issues as early as he has.

That day at the amusement park Nicolas had finally changed his tune. There were no signs of fear, no screaming and no crying. No one had to run after him to calm him down. The only sound that came from his lips were laughter and joyful shouts as he rode each ride that he considered too scary only a year ago. That was music to my ears! His smile was so wide I didn’t think his mouth could stretch so far! At the end of the day he kissed my hand and said, “I love you mom! I had a great time!” As exhausting and expensive as that day was, it was well worth it!

Flowers are one of the most beautiful things I truly appreciate and admire. What’s not to love about them? The various colors, shapes and fragrances they offer to our senses can bring healing, passion, sentimentality and joy to our spirit. I’m always touched whenever my husband Eric would bring home a bouquet of flowers to surprise me on my birthday or on our anniversary. Words of love and encouragement that follow seem to penetrate more deeply into my heart, making those flowers even more beautiful, more vivid and more special to me. For this reason I wish flowers can last forever. But we all know that they don’t. So how can I recreate a similar experience without having flowers die out on me? Flowers don’t last forever, but cards do!

Cards can’t be as wonderful as flowers in the way they look and smell, but they can hold written messages that can capture a moment in time. For the past 7 years I have written down a variety of meaningful compliments my husband and people have said to me on little cards that I have made for myself. A wise person once suggested that I start this collection of cards so I can always refer to them when I need to remind myself that I am loved, valued and special. She called them a bouquet of cards. So whenever my spirit is down and I need a little pick me up, I would rummage through my stack of hand made cards and read through them. Although not quite the same as receiving flowers, the written words on the cards would penetrate my heart just as deeply.

I have taken this idea and applied it to my friends as well. A couple of my friends have received a stack of homemade cards from me, and I suggested that they write down words of encouragement and love they receive from others around them. They really appreciated this idea and it has blessed them a great deal. I plan to start a bouquet of cards for my kids soon. Kids and adults alike can never get too spoiled when it comes to being reminded of how much they are appreciated and valued from their family, friends and teachers.

We are smack dab and a half in the middle of an extremely busy communion season. To ensure there is something for everyone, we’ve stocked Pink Princess Headquarters with every type of white dress imaginable:  Knee length, tea length, floor length, satin, organza, taffeta, beads, sequins, flowers…you need it, we got it.

Communion dresses rank right up there with wedding dresses in sentimental value, and when choosing a dress of that level of importance, our customers demand a certain “wow factor.” We couldn’t agree more.  We want to offer that “wow factor,” and so while scouring the high fashion markets for communion dresses earlier this year, there was one name we keep hearing over and over:  Joan Calabrese.

Joan with Miss New Hampshire USA and models

For almost 40 years, designer Joan Calabrese has been creating high-end children’s clothing for stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Her couture dresses have been worn by young members of the British Royal Family, daughters of many Heads of State, and child celebrities.

Here is Jackie Evancho (America's Got Talent) wearing a blue Joan Calabrese dress at the Toronto Film Festival. Yes, standing next to her is THE Robert Redford!

Now you can find Joan Calabrese communion dresses right here at Pink Princess!  We love carrying this line because we know that every dress is worthy of becoming a treasured heirloom.

Take a peek at some of Joan’s gorgeous, timeless pieces:

Joan Calabrese White Ruched Bodice Tulle Dress w/ Multi-Layered Skirt

Joan Calabrese White Lace Appliqué Communion Dress w/ Satin Bodice Tulle Skirt

Joan Calabrese White Chevron Pleated Bodice w/ Multi Tiered Chevron Ruffled A-line Skirt

Pink Princess staffers are experts at finding what looks good in children’s’ clothing. Our team of children’s apparel veterans, mothers, industry consultants, and fashionable 20somethings are fully equipped to provide you with the hottest styles at the lowest prices. And, when it comes to fashion, the French are at the forefront of the latest styles.

Our latest designer clothing line is Eliane et Lena. It’s a high-end brand based in Biarritz, France. The company prides itself in providing the hottest women’s and children’s fashion. And rightly so.

I had the great experience of getting up close and personal with its Spring 2013 children’s line. Though the styles below are meant for spring, they’re so cute we know your Pink Princess will be wearing them well into summer!

Each item is constructed from mostly cotton – and it’s nice cotton too – very soft to the touch and comfortable.

‘Mahiko’ is stretchy and versatile. It’s great for mixing and matching with dresses, skirts, tunics, and tops!

‘Pradette’ is a contemporary twist on a classic French color – black! The skirt itself has multiple layers of ruffles – perfect for twirling!

‘Sanary’ is a Pink Princess favorite ‘cuz, well, it’s fuchsia PINK! With a multicolored fabric belt, it goes great with just about any color shoe!

‘Greta,’ like ‘Mahiko,’ is versatile, and a must-have for any wardrobe! This top has vertical lines for a tailored look, and adjustable straps and an adjustable buckle for a custom fit. Here, ‘Greta’ is paired with ‘Fudji.’

With summer approaching, nautical is in! The navy, white, and stripes of ‘Fudji’ has us shouting, “AHOY, MATEY!” With butterflies and ruffles that go on for days, it’s sailor. Girlified.

‘Faune’ is an eye-catching sundress. Great for layering or wearing alone, it is comfort and style rolled into one big lemon gumdrop. Pair it with a big brown belt for extra chic-factor.

‘Nice’ has us wishing our daughters were wearing this in Nice, France! Colorful like an eclectic bouquet of flowers, this dress was made for tea parties in the sand!









Tell us: which one’s your fave? Or do you like them all?