THE DOMESTIC DIVA’S DISASTERS™

I was able to take a long walk this morning…away from the hospital to get some fresh air and do a little shopping.  Now some of you might think that shopping should be the least of my priorities.  You would be so wrong.

First, the exercise is good.  And while I don’t miss my personal trainer and the 50 friggin’ flights of stairs he makes me climb each Wednesday, I do need to do some exercise.  Second, shopping is a great diversion and is good for the soul.

Well, I found a few stores…Ann Taylor, The GAP and Urban Outfitters.  Not my usual shops, but they would do for now.  Anyway, although I didn’t like the musty smell of Urban Outfitters, I found a small flip book which had my name on it.

But when I flipped thorough it, I came across this…

How ironic?!  LOL!

Many of you have asked about sending cards and emails…well, the Children’s Hospital makes it easy:
Send Marielle an E-Card (Marielle Carroccio, Room 5W27)

Gotta run…Marielle and I are watching a movie!  Thanks for everyone’s continued prayers and good wishes!

With friendship,

Lisa

After a rough day at the hospital yesterday, doctors finally saw things my way and have a transport team coming to get my Sunshine Girl later today to bring her to Philadelphia.

A mild panic sets in–will Mr. Diva remember to feed my fish?  Will I bring enough clothes?  Did I remember my cosmetics case?  Got to remember to copy my hard drive onto my flash drive so the laptop is useful.  Can’t forget the cell phone charger.  This is the kind of stuff that goes through my mind every single time I make a trip to Philadelphia.  And it needlessly drives me crazy.

Luckily, the Philadelphia hospital is just an hour and 20 minutes from home and I can usually come home on the weekend for a few hours.  Still, I get anxious thinking I’m forgetting important things like medicine and medical records.  Ugh.

Anyway, although my Sunshine Girl is in need of a new kidney, it may take months to get a donor.  The good thing about kidney disease (unlike liver disease) is that there is always kidney dialysis, if needed, until they find her a new kidney.

I had a long talk with one of the renal transplant team members yesterday and it was an eye-opener.  In order to get her transplanted there, I need to commit to at least 2 weekly visits for follow-up.  Oh and to get her listed for a new kidney, we’ll have to undergo 2 to 3 weeks of testing to make sure it is the right choice (like as if we have any other options…duh!).

Mr. Diva continues to be so stressed out.  He just doesn’t know what to do.  He thought one of these would make my commuting easier.  Thanks guy!  Nothing wrong with my current Beamer, just the color–gun metal gray.  I’ve been bugging him for a white one ever since I got the gray one two years ago.  Poor guy.

Just want to REALLY thank everyone.  The wishes of health and strength bring me to tears.  I read each and every comment and email…I just don’t have enough hours in the day to respond.  But know it means the world to me right now.

I’ll update everyone as soon as I can.

Today we are supposed to find out whether my Sunshine Girl will be transported to the kidney transplant center in Philadelphia from our current hospital in NYC or if I will take her on an outpatient basis for kidney transplant evaluation.

Based on her current kidney function levels, on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the most severe), my daughter rates approximately 4.7 (about 18 GFR).  So basically, there is no turning back–no cure other than kidney transplantation.

I accept this.  I’ve been mentally preparing myself for this over the last year when we were first made aware of her progressing kidney failure.  I wish the same could be said for Mr. Diva.  He’s having a real hard time with this.

So with all this, the question of whether or not to launch my boys’ clothing line needs to be answered.  Do I put everything on hold until her health is restored or do I continue with business as usual?

Now I’m sure most of you my feel I need to focus on my daughter’s health.  And yes, I agree.  However, I also need to have something to keep my mind busy when it is too painful to think of the reality of our situation.  I’ll need something to fill my days.  Sitting in a hospital room with beeping machines can drive you crazy.  Having a reason to keep going, no matter how slowly, might prove to be a good thing.

I’m on my way to Manhattan to meet with a label manufacturer.  I need to select the leather and woven labels for my line.  If I have enough time, I also plan to visit an embroiderer to see if it’s feasible to add embroidery to the garments.  It’s raining, so I canceled my appointment in the city (and we know how I don’t like to drive in the rain or snow).  I could always go another day.

I’ll do my best to update everyone as soon as I know more about our plan.  As always, my sincere thanks for all your support and good wishes.  It means the world to me.

Ok…so maybe it’s not Part 222, but it certainly isn’t part 2…LOL.  I finally narrowed down my fabrics to 8 main prints and worked for a week on figuring out how the fabrics could all work together in my upcoming boys’ clothing line.

This was no easy task trying to find a way to connect them so they looked like they belonged together.  Before you even worry about who you’ll hang with (displayed along side a competitor in a boutique), you have to be able to hang with yourself.  By this I mean your line needs to look like it belongs to the same collection.

This wouldn’t have been difficult if all the prints were from the same color family…but no, I had to challenge myself to make my black prints work with my brown prints.  The way I accomplished this was by using one of two contrasting prints with each of the 8 main fabric prints:

By using these two contrasting prints, I could tie the line together (and make great use of fabric allocation).  So now all the dress shirts fit together.  Then came the issue of knit shirts.  Using aqua blue, dark brown and rust knit fabric, I could match at least two knit shirts to each print shirt.  And I was even able to match all three knit shirts to certain dress shirt prints.  This is so important as it makes merchandising the line much easier for the boutiques.

Keeping with the aqua blue, dark brown and rust theme, I then moved onto the pants.  Using these colors for the pants, I decided on contrasting topstitching and waistband lining with one of the contrasting fabric prints above.  I then did the same thing for the sweatshirts and hats.

Now that I’ve ironed out all the fabrics, I need to work on final design sketches to send to my pattern maker.  Along with the sketches, I’ll need to send my line sizing guidelines (every designer should have a good idea of how they’d like their line to fit their target customer).

On Tuesday, I’m have a meeting with a label company to figure out my leather jeans label and some other garment labels.  I’m hoping my Sunshine Girl is out of the hospital by then…keep your fingers crossed.

In the meantime, I thought I’d share my life at a standstill.  My lonely new garden room cushions (don’t you just love Joel Dewberry fabrics or what?)…

My new polka dot ironing board cover waiting to be taken out of it’s package…

All my new wall art (yes, those are custom hand painted D I V A letters) for my sewing room…

I’m missing my things terribly.  Although the hospital is only 5 minutes away from my home, I only get to stop by twice a day for a quick shower and a few minutes of email.

My Sunshine Girl is still having trouble keeping her blood pressure down.  And she’s miserable with stomach cramps.  But lots of friends and family continue to visit her everyday to cheer her up.

So many people have come forward to help and the outpouring of support and prayers is humbling.  Thank you for making it all bearable.

Just like Tony Soprano and the ducks in his pool, the ducks keep appearing in my life.  The same two ducks who were taking up residence in my pond last week have now joined me over at the hospital.  Seriously.  At 5 am this morning, there they were–sitting next to my car in the hospital parking lot.  Coincidence?

Marielle is still in the hospital.  As soon as the doctors can stabilize her blood pressure, she’ll be able to come home for a few days before we make the trip to the kidney transplant hospital in Philadelphia.  Thanks to everyone for their kind words of support!

UPATE BELOW

My Sunshine Girl has been hospitalized since last night.  The doctors are not sure what is causing her problems this time.  It could be a multitude of things…her hemoglobin is once again lower than normal, her kidney numbers have skyrocketed (BUN 59) and her blood pressure is through the roof (178/130).

But if I was to guess, I’d say she hasn’t had migraines all along…that it’s her uncontrolled high blood pressure causing all her headaches…KWIM?  And her elevated kidney levels are the slow deterioration of her kidneys.

Today is my 45th Birthday…guess we’ll have to put off the celebration until we get my Sunshine Girl home.

—————————————————

Update:  After a VERY LONG night with her blood pressure spiking to 180/133, the doctors administered 6 times the dose of blood pressure medicine and were able to get her blood pressure down to 122/80.  That was the longest 3 hours!  Whew!

And although it looks like they will be able to control her blood pressure, the bad news is her kidneys are shot.  Doctors are estimating she has no more than 20% kidney function and transplant is inevitable much sooner than later.  They suggested I get her listed for a kidney transplant, so we are being referred to the center where she had her liver transplant 14 years ago.

I want to send a big thank you to all of you–your kind words and support truly make a different and give me strength to continue down this path.

Mary swiped this from Blair…so I’m doing the same.

Accent: Definitely!  I have a Brooklyn New Yorker accent…and I talk fast.

Book that I like: I love to read How To books…everything from sewing to decorating.

Chore I don’t care for: Laundry…that’s why I sent it out!

Dog or Cat: Neither.  We had a beautiful German Shepard years ago.  Too much hair.  I prefer my Koi fish as they live outdoors.

Essential Electronics: my Dell computer, new T-Mobile Shadow, the Flip video recorder I got from the Martha Stewart Show and of course my beloved Nikon D70 camera.

Favorite Cologne: Tiare by Chantecaille and Michael by Michael Kors.

(Available at Hirschfiled’s if you are so inclined.)

Gold or Silver: Only gold…even better when you combine it with diamonds and emeralds.

Handbag I carry most often: Coach.

Insomnia: a bit.

Job Title: Designer Entrepreneur, Resident Diva.

Kids: Two - daughter 14, son 6

Living Arrangements: Mr. Diva, the kids and I live in Staten Island…one of the 5 borough of NYC.

Most Admirable Trait: Enthusiastic.

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: oh…there were MANY (sorry Mom).  Baby Powder and Windex fights with my Brother.  Making my sister eat marbles.

Overnight hospital stays: Two births.  One major car accident.  Several pneumonia stays.  Many others.

Phobias: Driving in the snow.

Quote:  “It could be so much worse.”

Religion: non-practicing Roman Catholic.

Siblings: Middle child. One older sister, one older brother and two younger sisters.

Time I wake up: Between 4:30 am and 5:30 am…even on the weekends…ugh!

Unusual Talent or Skill: I can touch my nose with my tongue..

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Artichokes, beets and Brussels sprouts.

Worst Habit: Web surfing.

X-rays: Dozens!  Between pneumonia and the car accident, I should be radio active by now.

(recipe at Martha Stewart’s site.)

Yummy Stuff: I love King Crab legs, lobster, mocha buttercream cake, piss clams (steamers), proscuitto, roasted peppers…oh the list goes on and one.

Zoo Animal I Like Most: Lions and tigers.

Feel free to join in!

With friendship,

You know, with the popularity of Project Runway, so many individuals have gotten the bright idea to start their own fashion line.  Little do they know what is REALLY involved.  Many people think they have the new hottest idea.  Truth is most of it has already been done.  Lots of them are trying to reinvent the wheel.

Yesterday I attended the first part of Liza D.’s Fashion School and it got me thinking.  Seems about a third of the attendees didn’t belong there IMHO.  Not that Liza isn’t a wonderful teacher…she’s great.  But some of the attendees were very secretive about their brilliant ideas.  In conversations with them, they barely gave you an idea on what they were trying to produce.  How the heck are you supposed to give them sources for contractors, fabrics, etc. if you don’t know what they are trying to do.

I shared my line sheets, samples, and some fabric sources with the class.  Yet, when asked directly, several of the “designers” were very guarded with what they were trying to manufacture.  Well, how in the world is anyone going to suggest a sewing factory if they don’t know what you are sewing?  See, some sewing factories are great at sewing knits while others only sew woven fabrics.  A place that sews bras wouldn’t sew your hats (unless of course you’re wearing a bra on your head).  Thankfully, by day two, attendees started to loosen up a bit.

Many were so concerned with patents.  Unless your idea is truly innovative, that’s throwing money away.  Instead, spend that money on marketing.

One of the great things about Liza’s seminars are the networking opportunities.  There were a few individuals I’d want to hang with:  the three girls who wanted to start a bathing suit line (they asked the right questions), an Asian gentleman who was all business, the Vietnamese handbag guy who knew a lot about overseas production and the sweet blonde who wanted to do plus-size women’s wear.  These were the ones I’d put my money on.  They got it and would most likely be successful in their ventures.  None of them were concerned with small silly details.

Liza stressed the importance of having a business plan and went into detail of what should be included.  This particular session was very helpful.  One of the things which she suggested be included in your plan was asking and answering the questions, “What are the 5 problems that can happen?” and “What are the solutions to these problems?”  It’s how you deal with these types of things that can make or break your business.  For instance, let’s say a particular fabric you were planning to use is no longer available.  How do you plan to source replacement fabric in a pinch?  Or a worse case scenario–what about if the sewing factory burns down?  Do you have a back-up sewing factory?  I’ve purchased the Canadian Fashion Incubator’s Fashion Business Plan, but see where it needs to be tweaked.

Another important thing is the Cash Flow Chart.  It was suggested that you make a 2 year chart.  As designer entrepreneurs, we tend to focus on the artistic aspect of the business, but we really need to spend just as much time on the financial part.  Your designs may be awesome, but without a plan for financing it, all is lost.

I found came across this link which might be useful:

BRC’s Planning Guidelines

Today’s 2nd part of the seminar was awesome.  We learned about costing, cut sheets, factoring and production.  While I knew a lot of what was taught in the seminar as I’ve been researching my plan for the past two years, the most important thing I got from Liza was to stop over-researching and JUST DO IT!

Meaning, I could have the greatest ideas, but unless I get out there and produce, it all means nothing.  Thanks Liza for a wonderful weekend!  You’re truly inspiring.

For those interested in learning more about Liza D.’s Fashion School, visit her website!

ok…now for some pics of my traffic nightmare getting to and from Manhattan this weekend…a mere 15 miles which took over an hour each way…ugh!

While idling in traffic, I noticed this De-Fender fender protector on the SUV in front of me.  How hysterical!  Who would have thought?!  So if someone bumps into your fender, you don’t scratch your $2,000 bumper…brilliant and useful here in NYC.

Here’s a close-up pic of the De-Fender borrowed from an auto parts website:

Leaving the city, I passed the old World Trade Center…which is just a large pit and dozens of construction vehicles.  Still no new buildings.  The city has really dragged their feet on rebuilding the area.  Sad.

Seems most of Manhattan is under construction…ALL THE TIME.  Doesn’t matter what day or time it is, there is always construction.  The roads are getting worse everyday.  When they say you take your life in your hands driving in NYC, they aren’t kidding.

Oh and in case you thought it’s all bumper-to-bumper traffic in NYC, you can still drive 70 mph through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel…LOL!  See?

Off to watch the Season Finale of Desperate Housewives!  Have a great night!

This morning I’m heading to Liza D.’s 2-Day Fashion School in NYC.  Unlike the first seminar I attended, this one is in a different location and is much more intensive.  The course outline covers a lot more and will hopefully provide additional information I need to launch my boys’ clothing line.

(photo by David Shankbone, 2007)

oh and just one thing that has me a bit frazzled–the Manhattan Bridge.  Don’t laugh, but even thought I’ve been a New Yorker all my life, I’ve NEVER drove over the Manhattan Bridge.  Why?  Well, I prefer to drive through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to get to Manhattan.  Usually there is less traffic and then driving up the West Side Highway is so much more pleasant than the FDR Drive on the East Side.

So last night I asked Mr. Diva if the Manhattan Bridge is the bridge that has the train which runs under it.  Nope…the trains run along side the cars on the lower level…OMG…now I’m petrified!  7 lanes of roadway, 4 train tracks , pedestrians, and bicycles…just lovely.  Luckily it is a sunny day, because if it was raining, I’d probably be having an anxiety attack by now.  Seriously.

Enough about that.  Now check out what Ingrid of Cherry Tree Graphics did for me yesterday:

Art work for my Metal Jeans Snap

Leather Jeans Label

You cannot imagine how many hours I’ve put into trying to get my metal jeans snap manufactured!  The leather jeans labels are nowhere near as difficult to source.  And some of the minimums for the custom metal jeans snaps are 10,000 sets…ugh!  I could use 1,000 sets, but definitely not 10,000…KWIM?

Well, hope your day is off to a great start!

(t-shirt I painted back in the 70s…like 30 years ago!  Inspired by Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home.”)

Hope on over to Wordless Wednesday!