Sommer Designs

Old Towne Orange with Scotty

Yesterday I dragged my very supportive [and quite possibly bored] spouse with me to Orange County to meet with the sewing house I am using. I love sharing this whole process with him, and bring him because he might actually think of something I might forget, and also will remember things down the road that I can't. [Plus, I like to think of him as my partner in this whole experience.]

Afterward, we were close enough to Old Towne Orange, and since he'd never been, I wanted to show him some of my favorite places. We started at Gabbi's, which is the best Mexican place I think I've ever been to. Shari brought me there a year ago, and every time we meet, I have to go to Gabbi's! They make a mean Sangria, and after my last lunchtime experience with one, I decided to pass yesterday.

The place is all old brick with an amazing antique bar - I should have taken a picture! It was delish, as always - Scott got tired of me snapping and grabbed the camera, I tried to look non-challant...

That's HIS margarita, not mine. After lunch, I dragged him to all my favorite antique stores, and I tried to look interested when he wandered into comic book stores. One of the best places, Tony's, was closed the last time Shari and I were there, but it's been reopened with a new owner and the place was spiffied up a bit. Tony's used to be a giant salvage yard type place.

[Yes, that does say $15,000]

There are still magnificent doors and stained glass windows, but the place is cleaner and more organized now.

We found an amazing store full of mid-century modern furniture, including the largest selection of Heywood-Wakefield I have seen in one place.

All of it in pristine condition. I only wish I had a house to furnish - and an unlimited budget.

This was a cool idea- framed vintage furniture advertisements in the stairwells.

Fun afternoon with the hubs. On Monday, I'll tell you about production, and what I've learned. I hope you'll check back!

Have a great weekend - and Local Peeps: If you missed the Spring Fling last week, I'll be at the Palos Verdes Farmer's Market tomorrow from 9-1 (actually 6-1, but I wouldn't make you meet me there that early!). Last chance for Mother's Day shopping! I still have clearance items!

That little nagging voice; you know the one.

It's a four letter word, and not my favorite four letter word [although it also starts with F]. It's called fear, and I've been working though it for the last several [seemingly endless] weeks. Actually, scratch that. I've been working through the fear for years. Fear of failure; fear of success; fear of putting myself out there; fear of rejection; fear of making an ass of myself; fear of playing with the big guns - you name it, I've feared it.

Last year, my goal was to take my business to the next level; but looking back now, I don't even know what I thought the next level was. All I knew was that I couldn't go on the way I had been, doing everything myself; sewing everything myself; being everything myself. But I really didn't know where I wanted to go. I took a Ladies Who Launch Incubator, which is an intensive 4 week meeting with other women where you brainstorm for them, and they in turn, brainstorm for you. It was pivitol for me and was fabulous in terms of confidence building. Without it, [I know] I would have never had the nerve to fly to Chicago and pitch my apron line to the Country Living editors. That was a huge step for me. And I made it - it was amazing, and I still can't believe it, and am still so humbled.

But self-doubt has a way of creeping back into the psyche, and before you know it, it's taken root. It's hard to shake fear. It's hard to move through the fear. And yet, I still have this weird drive pushing me forward. I'm still trying, but I'm still scared. Does that make sense? Does that fear ever go away?

So, in working toward moving forward, I'm still trying to move my business to the next level. I still have no idea what that next level is. Recently, I took another big step out of my comfort zone and applied for the California Gift Show in July.

There. It's out there. I'm accountable.

And I'm pretty scared.

Yesterday, I received booth options, and once again, the fear arose. I could take a 10 x 10 booth in the middle of show, or a 5 x 10 booth in the back. I had applied for the smaller booth, thinking, it's my first show, I should be conservative. But seeing where the smaller booth was raised my doubts about the success of the show for me. And who knows, I may blow anyway. This will be the most expensive show I've every done. The larger booth is $2475, and the smaller booth is $1551. I know, we're not in Kansas anymore Toto.

There's a lot to think about, and it's been dragging me down. It's been hard to come here lately and be my normal cheery self. I think that's why I haven't been updating as much as I usually do. I have too much baggage these days - nobody wants to hear the doldrums. But this is what's going on - now you know.

This post may self destruct - but I strive to keep it real; and this is pretty real for me. Thanks for listening.

Meet The Betty's.

No, I don't normally name my mannequins. My son Dylan asked me what one of their names was, and I said, Betty. Then he asked what another was named, and I said, Betty. Finally, the last, and I said, you know.

Dylan looked at me and said, "You can't name them all the same name! That's creepy."

Me: "No kidding. Mannequins are creepy. They are The Betty's."

End of story.

I bought them last week at a store that was going out of business in Hermosa Beach. It was one of those expensive stores that I could never afford to shop in, but everything was 70% off, so I stopped in. And I still couldn't find anything, except The Betty's.

Look at their awesome feet! I needed some matching mannequins for an upcoming trade show, and The Betty's will be perfect.

And, they were only $35.00 each. How could I not take them home with me?

ETA: The Betty's came with the pink sashes - I did not outfit them! They were from a store called PINK, in Hermosa, that donated all its' profits to breast cancer research. It's a real shame they closed, but I think they might have lost their lease. Maybe they'll continue via the web?

Gorgeousness Continued

I'm talking about the weather, of course. It's another one of my obsessions, but you know this. After that killer hot weekend 2 weeks ago when the temps reached into the 90's, we had another extreme cool down and I was back in jeans, clogs & sweaters. Gradually, it got warmer last week, until Spring Fling day, which was in the mid-90's. I kid you not, I had to turn on the air conditioner in the afternoon, it was sweltering! And for the last three days, the a/c has run every evening, because the upstairs is unbearable (and we are heat wimps).

These are the Iceberg Roses that are in my front yard, and stopped me dead in my tracks yesterday when I drove by. I know, I have to drive by my own home to notice these things. I think they are the product of hot/cold/hot/cold/hot. There is an explosion of blooms out there, and the lavender hedge is right behind them, two months early.

It was the perfect backdrop for a quick photo for my email newsletter I sent out this morning. New Del Cerro Totes have been uploaded, as well as new burp cloths. Missed the email? It's right here!

This dogs life.

I swear, I just walked into the kitchen and found Gracie sleeping like this on the couch.

Regretfully, my camera snap woke her.

Where procrastination comes back to bite me.

Maybe I just need to start delegating - that's what the husband tells me, because I feel like all I do is work anyway. So how is it that I'm sick to my stomach at my to-do list and scrambling all the time? I logged off the computer in an attempt to really buckle down and get some work done. It worked, but I have miles to go before I sleep...

I love these new Del Cerro Totes in Pink Lotus and Butter Toile - they were a little experiment, and if I can get it together, will be on the site at some point this week (just being realistic, okay?). The bases are brown poplin, and they're perfect for summer. I got a slew of aprons packaged and more cut out, and currently, I'm working on cutting out a bunch of lavender liners.

I had a slew of older fabrics that I've grown tired of, so I played around and made them into Market Bags/Book Bags. They're quite cute, and I considered adding them to the site, but I really didn't enjoy making them. They were one of those things that sat cut out on the table for two weeks, and everyday I would walk by and shake my fist at them. I finally sewed them together (to put us both out of our misery), and will offer them at the Spring Fling this weekend.

Speaking of, the Spring Fling is coming along - I feel much more scattered this year than I have in previous years, and I wonder if that's a sign that I'm growing tired of it, or just don't have the time. It used to be such a big deal, with me preparing for weeks ahead of time to make it just right. This year, I feel like I'm sort of just throwing it together at the last minute. I'm not, but for some reason, it just feels that way. I know it will all come together and will be a fun day - but it's just stressing me out right now (can you tell?)!

It's time for me to get back to work - Happy Monday!

I'm already tired thinking about next week.

So, today was a Farmer's Market - and do I have to tell anyone about the weather in Southern California? It reached 94 degrees today. That's just insane for April 13. Heat like this breeds lethargy.

I really wasn't sure what to expect from today's market. Susan was supposed to split the booth with me, but she was super busy and low on inventory, so she backed out last night. More room, less chatter. At least my friend Kim was next to me [so I got some chatter anyway]!

The markets have been a little slow lately, and I say that even as a shopper. When Scott & I go on non-market days, it's slow. I can only imagine what the farmer's are thinking. I'm always wondering how the economy is for them and how the rising prices are affecting them. Today was hot, so it could have gone either way. It was busy early on, people were smart in getting their shopping done early before the heat got bad.

I had some new bags I was thinking of debuting today, but they didn't get done in time. I got too lazy in the heat the last couple of days and didn't finish them. So, hopefully they'll be done by my Spring Fling Boutique in two weeks.

This coming week is going to be a little insane. I'm posting tonight because I don't know if I'll have time for the next couple of days. This week is the Los Angeles Textile Show, and I might be attending everyday. That's unusual for me because I usually just go and visit my favorites and blow out of there.

But this time, I'm sourcing a new product that has been in the works for almost a year, and admittedly, could have been released a long time ago if I could just make a decision. I've made a big committment (that I'll tell you about later!), and it's time to really get serious about it. So I'll be sourcing in a big way and will be picking everybody's brain.

Couple that with getting ready for the Spring Fling in two weeks, another Farmer's Market the week after, and the Palos Verdes Street Fair at the end of May. THE END OF MAY is next month!

Who put time in hyperdrive?

Saturday morning hike::Palos Verdes love, part 2

Must keep going, must keep going, must keep going. We are expecting a high of 87 today. I kid you not. My apologies to those who are still dealing with snow, sleet and rain. Spring is here.

Right.
Here.

At 7:30 a.m. this morning I grabbed my girlfriend and her leash, and we headed out the door. The McBride trail is around the corner from my house, but I do it backwards. I don't know why, but I always have. I don't call it the McBride Trail either, I call it the Rim Trail. The Rim Trail is so much more appropriate, because it skirts the rim of a pricey development of homes hugging the canyon that faces the ocean. I'm talking about prime real estate and jaw-dropping views. But you have to be careful where you step, because this is the canyon after all, and there are creatures out there.

I've seen many, together with little cottontail rabbits, scorpions, and beetles. Here's a photo op with Gracie - I'm explaining the flora and fauna to her, and she's rapt with attention:

You go around that little bend and up a butt-kicking hill to the rim.

That construction dead center in the photo is the old Marineland site, which is now becoming the Terranea resort.

I prefer looking South - less building, more pastoral views. More real Palos Verdes. The way it was, the way it should stay.

I tried to take another picture with Gracie, but she just wanted kisses.

"Look Grace - that way." No. She's having none of it. She would rather gaze at me. At least my dog idolizes me.

"Oh! You mean like this?! You want me to look AT the camera?"

"Well, okay. But it'll cost you."

"That will be one belly rub please."

Sometimes, it takes us a while to finish a hike. What with all the belly rubs and kisses along the way.

Friday morning hike::Why I love Palos Verdes.

My friend Karen dragged my butt out this morning. Well, she didn't really - we planned it a couple of days ago. It felt so good to walk around San Francisco that I didn't want to let the motivation go. I feel so much better when I walk (especially my lower back, which was really beginning to strain!), and today is amazingly gorgeous (over 80 people!), that I had to comply.

We did a trail near her house, off Lariat Lane. I've only done it one other time with her, and it's beautiful and dotted with three butt-kicking hills. It's a feast for the eyes, and always so fun to see what people/animals are up to on the trail. This little lady was getting some new shoes!

Isn't she beautiful? "Take a picture, it'll last longer." Yeah, yeah.

"Make sure you get this side too. Come back later, I'm getting my mane brushed and braided, you'll probably want to document that also."

This is such a beautiful time of year - everything is in bloom! The hills are a carpet of mustard. When we drove up Highway 101 last week, we passed miles and miles of hills blanketed in yellow, blue & orange. Literal blankets of color! It was astounding.

At the top of butt-kicking hill #1, we came upon this trail that looks like it's being maintained by the land conservency. I'm so glad.

I love the makeshift fence.

I just want to freeze this moment and this space.

Regretfully, the wildflower season is short, and then the big guns come in to try to keep the brush down, because wildfire season is long.

Another butt-kicker approaches, Karen is way ahead of me. She usually is. We called her the Energizer Bunny when we climbed Mount Whitney...

All trails lead to the [flat] street - this makes me very happy at this point.

But then again, so did the butt-kicking morning hike! I hope everyone is beginning to see signs of spring!

There's a frog in my throat ~ thank god for Social Networking.

I thought I was on easy street with this cold-thing. Stuffy nose usually passes in a day or two and I can jump back into life. But then a tickle took up residence in my throat and now I have that cough that's been plaguing the entire world. It seems better today.

But the last two days, I've had very little energy. I finished a bunch of burp cloths, pouches and a couple of orders, but it's taken longer then usual because I keep having to rest! The simplest things are leaving me pooped!

So I've been jumping on and off the computer all willy-nilly, and finding long forgotten social networking sites. Have you noticed the explosion of these? Best part is that you can still network and play, even though you're sick!

There's got to be a strategy for these though, and I have yet to really figure it out. I mean, there are so many out there, and I've joined many of them, mainly because I want to have a presence (either personally or professionally) in [all of] them, but also because I'm always curious how they might benefit my business. Off the top of my head, here's my take on a few:

1. LinkedIn: this appears to be more professionally oriented. I've joined, and I have a few 'connections', but since I am not really looking for 'clients', I'm not sure of the benefit to me.
2. Facebook: It seems like everyone is moving off MySpace and onto Facebook. Even the teenagers are beginning to favor it. I like the clean interface of it, but I don't like how it updates everything you do in all your contacts pages. I'm sure I can turn that off, but some things I do want updated. The other thing I like about Facebook is that you can set up a separate page for business, and people can become 'fans'. Well, Sommer Designs does have a page, but I'm not good at updating. For some reason, Facebook works really slow for me and I don't have time.
3. Yelp: this is my new favorite, but it's more personal than professional for me. When I was planning our San Francisco trip, my cousin Katie (who lives in SF) turned me on to this to find places to go, things to do/see and hotels. I checked it out, but didn't really 'get it'. The whole time we were in SF though, I kept seeing stickers on businesses that said, "We've been reviewed on Yelp" or "Check out our rating on Yelp", etc. So that pique my interest. I went back and created a profile, and now I love it. It's neighborhood oriented, so you can write a review on your favorite neighborhood spots; restaurants, parks, dry cleaners, stores, even hiking trails and gas stations. If you're looking for something new, do a search and see what real people think. I like it - here I am.
4. Twitter: This is just plain fun. And addicting. I don't even know how to describe it - you sign up, create your page/profile, and can update whenever (and if you go mobile, anywhere) you want with what you are currently doing - whether it's yawning, or looking for help with a project. You add people by following them, and can see what they're doing. It is definitely a networking tool, but it's also kinda fun. Good entertainment, especially when you're sick. This is my twitter.

Of course, there's always Flickr (and I *heart* Flickr!), This Next, Sk*rt, Del.icio.us (which I find poorly organized and overwhelming) and tons of others.

What have I missed? I know there's more. What social networking sites are you guys using, and how is it benefiting either you or your business? Is one better than another? Are they industry specific, in your opinion? Is it better to join them all, or just the ones that benefit you? I'm really curious about this!

I have no picture today. I'm sorry...