How did I get this life? Did I save a princess from an evil, tyrant monster in a life before? Wow, I’ve been playing too much Super Mario at home… But really, HOW did I become so blessed? I’m 23 and in China. I’m 23 and in China. And Lauren, she is on cloud 9. I don’t think her feet have touched the ground since we’ve been here. I love sharing this experience with her. China is 100 times better when you have someone new to share it with. Denise said it best when she brought me for the first time TWO YEARS AGO, it’s like seeing China with ‘new eyes’.

And this brings me to the point of this whole blog. I have been writing this in my head for days, actually since the night before we left for Shanghai. I do this very often. I’m a horrible sleeper at home, in China, on a plane, in a box, or under a bridge (sorry it turned a little Dr. Seus-sical there for a moment!). So when I’m trying to drift off into sleep I start writing blogs in my head. Sometimes they don’t get written, but this one I had to share. Denise, David, and Lynette….Thank you. Thank you for giving us ‘Whippersnappers’ the opportunity to see a new place, and me a chance to see it again with new eyes. Thank you for putting faith in myself and Lauren, to not only navigate ourselves through the streets of a foreign city, but to represent all the wonder and creativity that is Matilda Jane. Thank you for not looking at our age or our degrees, or lack there of I should say, but giving us the chance to learn and grow with Matilda Jane. Yes, I’ve made mistakes while working for you three, but you’ve never EVER held them against me. And Lauren? I’m sure she’s bound to make a few too, but I’m so excited that she gets to do that in your presence and mine.

I always knew I was good with color and making things cute. Heck, it was probably the only thing I considered myself good at. (Gosh, I hope that doesn’t sound like I’m full of myself!!) But did I ever have the confidence to DO something with those seemingly small (to me) talents?? Did I even have the faith in myself to go to school for Fashion and Design? No, I didn’t. I know I thank Denise a lot, on our drives home from Platinum on Wednesday nights and just in random texts sprinkled throughout the year, and I know she always says the same thing “Sam, I’m thankful for YOU.” And of course she tells me I’ve worked hard to do what I’m doing, but no amount of natural skill or sleepless nights working would have given me the courage to KNOW I’m good. Or the bravery to take a 20 year old with me to China! Or even the sheer boldness to write my thoughts down and share them with you. Matilda Jane has given me so much more than a job.

I’m so thankful I get to design Matilda Jane for you and your darling girls. I’m so thankful I get to work with some of my best friends on a daily basis. Matilda Jane, David and Denise, are the family and inspiration I always wished for, but never thought I’d be lucky enough to have. I mean it when I say I feel like I’m the luckiest girl in the world.

We fly home tomorrow; I can’t wait to see everyone and to give Denise a huge hug. Yes Denise, it’s in writing so it must happen.

Love,

Sam

Leave it to David to talk sense into me. Carla was meeting us in Shanghai from Peru. How could we both back out on her. So off I went. My very first trip alone. And my very first trip I didn’t have the window seat. Had Sam come I’m sure she would’ve switched with me. Though the gentleman who filled her seat was as nice of a man as I could hope for!! It was a good flight.

I landed and the nervousness began to build up again. Dang, I had to catch a cab alone. It’s crazy the things you think are so scary when you are alone. A partner just makes them all go away. But I admit, I feel a tad bit braver for calling the cab alone. Yup. It’s the little things that make us grow!

1.5 hours later
I love this place! It’s nice to see Carla’s face. As we walked through Yu Gardens we saw a great wedding. The place is packed but the streets so quiet. I guess everyone is at the wedding. And we went to get dumplings. The dumpling place is the one consistency in every trip. Hopefully Sam will share the tradition with Lauren when they come over.

Just waiting to get train tickets. This time Carla did not have her passport so she’s running to get it as I sit and type.

30minutes later
Mission complete. Train tickets bought for the big day tomorrow. We are going to Ningbo. Never been there, so here’s to new landscapes!

And now I must call it a night. I’m exhausted and I can feel myself getting puffy. Ha, and I even had Sam’s salt free peanuts. The plane totally does it  to me. I remember the first time, and Lynette go ahead and laugh, but the first time my feet were so swollen I had to wear hotel slippers. Crazy right. Okay, well kinda crazy.

Night!! And good morning to you.
-Denise

He goes by the name of Mark. And he’s been around for 4 or 5 years. Ha, I should probably know this!! But we don’t really think a lot about time since we plan on this thing working forever. Oh, I’d be the luckiest if this plan works out! Seriously, I think my brain would be 100% filled with MJC if Mark wasn’t around. He keeps me balanced. Sometimes I can get really consumed by all things Matilda Jane and just forget to go home and be a girlfriend or friend to someone. Sometimes I find it difficult to be someone outside of Matilda Jane. Ha, who am I without MJC anyway?>!

And did I mention how nice he is? So often girls go for the bad boy, or the, well, jerk. Not me. Mark is the sweetest puppy around. He’s even good friends with my best friend Megan. (They go to family things together when I’m out of town..AWWW) Well that boy is my GOOD one. I bet he would have loved TGO when he was a kid. Actually he still loves it because he’s big time into skating and we all know Stuart from THE GOOD ONES loves to skateboard. Yep, Mark’s a skater boy, doesn’t that make him even cuter?

And what inspired all this ooey gooey lovey dovey stuff about Mark? The poor kid was up all last night getting sick from something. I think it’s food poisoning, but I have no idea what it could be because we ate all the same things yesterday?! Regardless I hope he feels better today because last night was the saddest sight to see. Cross your fingers I don’t get whatever it was… Because I want to cut Platinum tonight! Lol

And because I know you guys want me to stop talking about Mark and start showing you some color….

LOVE, SAM

Ps. Thanks to Michelle Huesgen for the breathtaking photos. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I DO think that’s right. We are so lucky at Matilda Jane to have each other when things feel like they’re moving a little too fast.

Do you know how great it feels to have someone to hug around every corner if needed? I’m such a sentimental gal, but seriously a hug can make me feel not so...alone. I got a hug from Lynette today and I feel even luckier because of it!

Big things are happening around here, but we are ALL in it together. Even you guys!!

LOVE, SAM

Check out out THE SANDBUCKET

Oh,, and here’s a little bit about one of my favorite ladies!

“My name is Sandi.  When I was about three years old my brothers and sisters started calling me Sandi Bucket, Sand, Sand Bucket and eventually just Bucket.  I thought this name was awful and would cry and complain to my Mom to make them stop calling me that.  My wise Mother told me if I would just stop complaining about it and pretend that I didn’t mind, well then they would eventually forget and stop calling me that.  Well, next month I turn 40 and am still referred to as Sand, Sando, Sandi Bucket and Bucket.  I have long stopped complaining about it though.  Instead, I think of it as a term of endearment.  Now when I am referred to as such it is always from someone who has known me since childhood.   Someone that loves me, someone that I love.   So I do hold the name of Sand Bucket dear to me.   However, the magazine is certainly not named after me.

When I was trying to come up with the mission of what I wanted this magazine to accomplish I knew I wanted it to be a place of ideas gathered from wise women from all over.  I thought about what it was that could hold treasures and pictured someone walking along the beach.  Whenever I am at the beach with my children they gather up all sorts of treasures and carry them along in their sand buckets.  Plus, the fact that one has endless possibilities of what they can create with a simple sand bucket.  And so here is where the name of the magazine was dreamt up.

As I grow older and learn more, I realize how much I do not know.  In no way do I want this magazine to look like a “know it all- this is how life is done” magazine.  Rather, my dream is that it can be a collection of experiences from women from all over.  Life lessons that we can share and learn from together.

The first issue will be released in January of 2012 for both online viewing and print.  It will be filled with articles from real people of their experiences.  There will also be a number of fun articles of diy projects as well as fashion and just plain fun.  I hope you check back to this blog regularly as well.  We will have lots of fun posts for this holiday season.  And don’t forget to go to our facebook and be our friend to stay updated!”

Oh, and that’s another reason I love ART FAIR. There are SO many new people each year! I will have butterflies and flying monkeys in my stomach for weeks leading up to the event and then… It’s here and it’s love. Every time. We all hang out and it’s as if we’ve known each other forever. I’ve never been apart of anything like it. ART FAIR is seriously my favorite MJC event. Ever.

And that brings me to the most incredible people I have met simply by working in this old brick building we call 435. You hear Denise and I talk about ‘our girls’ all the time so you know how much we appreciate and admire these woman. Each person that works here has brought something unique and wonderful to 435. Whether it’s Kiara and her natural ‘cutting’ skills or Alicia and her OUT OF THIS WORLD people skills. So many of us are lucky to have found a niche here and really thrived because of it.

And sometimes, if only occasionally, our girls will fly from the nest and set out on their own adventures, outside of 435 and Matilda Jane. We are luckiest when they find what they were looking for and make it back : ) Last summer one of our fastest girls (fast at packing, fast at pulling, just plain FAST) left us for an adventure of her own, and I’m happy HAPPY HAPPY to say that she has come back to us. Yep, today is her first day back and we couldn’t be more pleased. You guys have any ideas of who this sweet girl is?

I’ll pick the first correct winner and a few randoms for a great prize!

LOVE, SAM

As crazy busy as we all are, there is something exciting on the horizon for us too! The photo shoot for THE RIGHT ONE is this week! Denise, Lynette, and I get on a plane this Thursday and fly out to Austin, TX. There are about a million reasons why I’m looking forward to this, but here’s a list of the top 5:

1. Getting to meet THE RIGHT ONE. Can’t wait to work with you, cute Isaiah!

2. Getting to meet a bunch of new friends. Yep, we certainly are unpredictable and when we go on a trip there’s usually more than one reason, not to mention always a few surprises up our sleeves!

3. Seeing Michelle Huesgen and Jami Davis!!!!!!

4. A photo shoot in a new place with new people! We are taking along our buddies Matt and Jake from One Lucky Guitar to help make this one of the BEST shoots ever. Just you wait.

5. To see the boys line to come to life! Seriously, we can’t wait to let you in on the secret!

And up at the top, those cute arms are from one of the models from the Serendipity shoot in CA. I highly doubt this weekend’s photo shoot will have as many sparkly accessories as the CA one : ) But that’s half the reason I’m so excited–to hang with your sweet boys instead of your darling girls for a change!

I have a feeling a few boy’s sneak peeks are in your future, so hold tight!

LOVE, SAM

As some of you know, I just got back from my second trip to China. I am in awe each time and it takes me a few days before realizing where I am. How many people can say they have been to China. “Is this really my job?” I say to myself over and over as we walk the streets in Shanghai. Each view more beautiful then the next.

This trip I was accompanied by Lynette, Cindy and Carla. I have never laughed so much in my life. I am so thankful for all three of these ladies in more ways then I can count. For my travel partner, Lynette, you are everything I hope to be in a Mother and Women. To Cindy, for your HUGE heart and sense of humor, and to Carla for everything you have taught me and everything I have yet to learn. It amazes me the women you come in contact with through MJC. From the customers to the Trunk Keepers, you ladies amaze me, always so full of laughter, passion, and kindness. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

On a side note, sorry if this is off subject, but for all you Fort Wayne readers. Look who was on our flight. Fort Wayne’s re-elected Mayor. What are the chances? I see why he was re-elected; even after a 15 hour flight he was so sweet and kind. Thank you, Mr. Mayor for posing for a pic so Denise would believe us.

Today the whole MJC family sat together for Lunch. These are moments to be thankful for, a bunch of great girls and (David, Joe and Gabe) taking time to laugh together and enjoy one another before Thanksgiving. I think it is important to do that every once in awhile, and Denise is so good at arranging that. Denise and David’s kindness is endless and are the main reason I have so much to be Thankful for.  “Thank you” would never be enough to show my gratitude, but none the less, “THANK YOU” one more time.  My life was forever changed after that late night interview while Gabe ran crazy across the cutting table. (The part about Gabe hasn’t changed though. LOL). MJC is who I am and for that I thankful.

I think I could go on and on for all of the things I am thankful for but I will save that for another day. In honor of Thanksgiving and for David (He made us do this at lunch so I am passing it on)

What is your favorite kind of Pie? (David please note my proper use of  “your”)

Well Ladies Have a FABULOUS Thanksgiving and Drive Safe

XOXO

Kayla

It has been these past six months- crazy as they may have been- that have taught me about what it really means to be thankful and about what REALLY matters in life. I’ve found that it’s not finally having the college degree that has been my focus for the past four years,  being able to throw around that I work at THE Matilda Jane to anyone who asks where I’m working (although I do love that!), or how much cute stuff I have decorating my apartment (again- definitely not a bad thing!), but it has been the relationships with my friends and family that I have been the most thankful for.

Being away from my family has allowed me to be aware of all of the things they have done to help me get to where I am today- not just over this past summer and fall, but over the course of my entire life they have taught me, encouraged me, challenged me, disciplined me, and instilled in me values and principles that I am finding myself living by every day now. I can tell you that it was for sure not the easiest job in the world to be my parents every day when I was growing up, but I am so thankful that they did not give up on being my parents so that now I can not only call them my parents, but two of my best friends. My other biggest cheerleader throughout my life has been my grandpa. He is by far and away my favorite person in the entire world, and to be completely honest, I have missed him more than anyone else that I moved away from. Growing up, I saw him almost every day, and going from that to seeing him once every one or two weeks has made me realize just how much I don’t know what I would do without him. He is the sweetest, spunkiest, and WITH IT 89 year-old you will ever meet! You can see for yourself just how cute he is!

It has not just been my family that I’ve learned to appreciate more than anything else, but it has also been my friends- both old and new- who I am thankful for. I love the old friends who I’ve known for over a decade, who know the true me, and who we can get together for a weekend after not seeing each other for weeks, and it is as if we were never apart. I love my coworkers who have become more than coworkers- who help me paint crazy designs on my wall, who stop at Starbucks while they’re out running errands to bring me an afternoon pick me up, and who laugh at my ridiculous stories of the awkward situations I get myself into. And I love all of the new friends I’ve made since moving to Fort Wayne- the friends from my new church who completely accepted me when I was the new girl, who invited me to spend time with them before they even knew my name, and who have already learned about a lot of my quirks and still talk to me- even if they do love to make fun of me!

I am so excited to get spend more time with my family and friends this next week, and I hope that you all are making plans to be with the ones you love and who love you! I know the holidays can become stressful and overwhelming, but I guarantee if you can take a minute to think of and be thankful for even one person who has made a difference in your life this year, you can get through anything the next week and month will throw your way! I will be talking to you all again in a few weeks! And…. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

And this photo makes me feel grown up too. Like I have my entire life figured out. I know I don’t. And in life, curve balls are a dime a dozen. But today, this morning, the future does not seem so scary to me.

Plus, when you work with people like this, your friends. (hi carrie and emily!)

And you live with people like this, your family.

How could growing up seem anything but exciting?

Thanks to Michelle Huesgen, one of MJC’s closest friends, for the beautiful photos. You are an incredible person and we are all lucky to know you!

Enjoy your Veteran’s Day weekends.

LOVE, SAM

Denise always laughs at me when I do my blog contests because they’re almost always a “Wow, I bit off more than I could chew this time” kinda deal. And of course, this time was no exception! You guys sure know how to write! And how to tear at my heart strings! If there’s one thing I love in this world, it’s my best friend. Best friends I should say. I’ve got the best girl in the world, Megan, and the best boy in the universe, Mark, holding those titles. If you’ve been to any of the past 3 art fairs, you would have seen them there. Ahhh, I love them. ANYWAY,  it’s very clear to me you love your ‘other half’s’ too! So how about Sarah Cleveland, Kimberly B. (BFF Mark), Kayla (Bff Ren), and Kristy Determan email Kiaraa@matildajaneclothing.com with BOTH (Yours and your BFF’S) of your sizes and she’ll send you out a taste of our You&Me adult collection!

Now I’m off to work, Denise is out of town this week which usually means things are pretty crazy here. Kind of makes me laugh because they’re usually pretty crazy when she IS here too!

LOVE, SAM

The most creative gal stepped up when we were looking for donations for Val’s auction. Her name was Lisa and she blew us all away with her hair goods.  They were nothing short of fantabulous. And I was even more excited when she sent us some for the You+Me photo shoot.  As you can see from many of the photos they were well used!!! And as you can see from her Etsy page, she is oozing of talent.

So a huge shout out and “thank you” to Lisa for helping us out with the shoot!

And a heartfelt thank you to you and all your sweet comments!

Basically what I’m getting at is during the Fall 2011 Photo Shoot, we were all talking about our blogs (Jami, Val, Michelle). We were sharing ideas for future blog/website layouts, great graphic artists, and how exciting it would be when we could finally post the photos from the shoot. I told Val how EVERY time her lil chicken Claire shows up on her blog she’s wearing MJC and I LOVE that. Her simple response was “Oh ya, I’m fiercely loyal to you guys.” Reading it doesn’t do it justice, she was FOR REAL, not just casually saying it. I could feel it. That was a month ago now and I’m still thinking about it. Weird right? Honestly I have no idea where I’m going with this… But I had to share that thought. It’s been floating alone in my brain for too long and needs to find a few new good homes (maybe in your brain?!).

Here’s a sneak peek of what our Summer Girls (interns Lauren, Jamie, and Sophie) have been working on for the look book. Just you wait. I was supremely jealous not to be a part of this project! It’s all about color and it’s all turning out amazing. You’ve gotta check it out on Monday.

LOVE, SAM

To continue on seeing my movie starts in 37 minutes…I think it is just about the right time to start spreading some love in a BIG way.  And because I think I am fancy, David set up an email just to do so, spreadthelove@matildajaneclothing.com. (You know a friend said, well,  kinda hinted I look unprofessional cuz I had a yahoo email account, is that bad? I really just am so used to it… but hey, Spread the Love is very professional…so we are good to go. And in case you wonder why I always put ….it’s cuz I am not quite sure if I should put a comma or a period. And no I am not blaming my finger on that.)

Okay back to the story…. (ha, dot dot dot again) There is nothing I love more than sending out surprise packages. I love it and would do it all day long if I could.  Seriously, what is better than putting a smile on someone’s face?  I’m totally smiling thinking about it.  Now your job is to shoot us an email with who you think we should surprise with a nice MJC package. It could be a teacher, a friend,  your mom or pretty much anyone that you want to put a smile on their face. We will need a complete address and sizes to be considered.  Please note due to the volume of requests we get we will not be able to reply to all of them therefore  you MUST include the above information to be considered.  We’ll keep this running for as long as we can get it to them in time for the holidays.  And if you saw my Pink Tree, I am so dying to send a little girl a tree with little presents. So cute and she would totally be in love! I can see it now..and I am in love with what I see.

Oh, and I should show you something that you may love….and try not to notice the pics..Sam does flats and they always look great. Me? Not so much..and that is why I have the yahoo email!

Yup, meet your Jane Exclusives. Well, some of them. Now remember, you must be a Jane (host a show) in order to get these goods….but they are only while supplies last.   Talk to your TK and she will help you out.  If you have never had a Trunk Show, contact customerservice@matildajaneclothing.com and they’ll help you out.  Wow, I am super sensitive about the yahoo thing, cuz normally I would put matildajaneinfo@yahoo.com, but maybe me and Kayla need to get MJC emails. Oh, man, what do you think Kayla?  Ha, next we’ll have to wear pantsuits to work!

Ya,  pantsuits and rollers. Hmm, I think Kayla is the only one that could pull that off.

Start thinking about who you are nominating…..and send all of the required info to spreadthelove@matildajaneclothing.com

Good night : )

UPDATE::: PLEASE ENTER AT THE SPREADTHELOVE@matildajaneclothing.com  EMAIL.  Any emails that go to the office will not be accepted. Sorry, but it is way too many to keep track of.  Thanks

Talk about a smooth photo shoot. The place, the people, the CLOTHES, the accessories, the weather—EVERYTHING was perfect. I don’t know what it is about Matilda Jane, but we really do have the best luck when it comes to people. The models and their families were so wonderful. They helped out with everything whether it was keeping their girl in line (LOL CHANTENA!), helping to clean up the kitchen after dinner every night, or following Michelle and I to every location for photos. I didn’t hear anyone complain once! Long story short, Spring 2011 Photo Shoot was awesome. Thank you to everyone that was a part of it and to everyone that was with us in spirit! Can’t wait to show you guys!!!!!!!!!!!

And now we’ve been given 3 days at home until we are whisked off on a plane to California. I’m spending mine with Mark, Butters, and Greasy. My 3 boys. Love them. You’re probably wondering what we are doing in California though, right? We are shooting the Spring 2011 Adult Line!!! Did I mention the Adult line is huge??? Also did I mention it is beautiful?? Like over the moon, stunning, amazing kind of beautiful?! I’m so excited and proud of it. That is true for the whole Spring line though!!

By the way, Michelle is amazing. I don’t know who would be more sad if we ever used a different photographer!

LOVE, SAM

Kiara, Keekee, keeks, whatever her name is…Love this girl. And…

Sam, Sammy, Samurai…Love this cat. The Demarchis’s are lucky to have her.

And not to BRAG or anything, but I took both photos!! HA, now who’s the photographer!??!

Oh and just WAIT until you see Spring 2011. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that or not, but I can’t help myself!!!!!!!

LOVE SAM

People keep asking if boys can come. Of course they can or else Joe and Gabe would be pretty upset. And Saturday night the common question is, can my husband come? Of course he can or else David would be a one man show. One thing for sure is that my Mint in my garden is getting huge and we are gonna have some real good Mojitos.

I’ll try to get some pics up this week of 435 so you can start feeling the excitement!! We gotta clean a bit first before I can show you!!

Oh, also, if you have any questions about 435 leave a comment and I will reply there. Off to bed got lots of G-saling to do bright and early.

I must admit Sam and I have made some of the cutest dresses for 435. Pure cuteness all around. So back to the garage sale. We are having our neighborhood G-Sale this weekend and I am on a mission to find a few cute furniture pieces for our “Glamour Shots” on Friday evening during 435.  I’m super excited about this…Today, our interns Kiara and Desiree cut some tablecloths for all the tables…it’s gonna look awesome. And oh, to those of you who came last year..guess what? You know how it ended up outside?  Well, this year we moved it in the lawn next to 435. Nothing is better than a huge white tent. You feel like you are getting married all over again.

So guess where Joe, David and I are going? So dang excited, I have never been here and Lynette has been bugging me like crazy to go. She loves Paris and I think so will I!!! We are leaving the day after 435!

Kayla is working on the slide show of all the Cover Girl entrants. So you can see all the gorgeous girls yourself and see how tough it was to decide.

You know I have been thinking. Yes, I do this once in a while. I think I should have Kayla and Sam blog a bit on here too. I always feel so guilty not blogging everyday, and they would be a huge help plus they are pretty cool. Just thinking, so if you see a post that sounds a bit odd…it is certainly not me!