Monday, April 20, 2009

I love www.pingg.com!

Seriously, this is by far my new favorite invitation web site. www.pingg.com It is so chic and easy to use. The perfect tool for all our creative ladies.

What I love is that although they have hundreds of trendy invitation designs that are ready to be emailed to your friends with just a few clicks, you can also design your own. And I'm not talking about cheesy clip art photos and unattractive colors. I mean, design something that is personal and all about your event. Check out the invite I just created for one of our classes.

CLICK HERE to see the invite and web page.


And that isn't all, there are so many fun little add-ons. Like publishing your invite to twitter or facebook, sending it over to your blog (uhh hum) and it even creates a personal event website. You can send your invitation via email or even as a text to all your friend's phone.

Now, I'm not going to say anything bad about that "other" online invitation website. Because honestly, I'm impressed with their branding. Everyone knows "that" site. Job well done marketing department. But I guarantee once you use www.pingg.com you will NEVER go back.

Go ahead and create an invitation, you know you want to. And feel free to invite me. Or better yet, throw a Molly O party and then I will be sure to show up!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Just the Girls

I love a girls night out! Especially when it involves friends, wine, chatting and of course a creative energy.
















We held a focus group class this week to get feedback on the new Molly O look, classes, concepts and vision. I can't tell you how much I adore and appreciate the ladies that attended. I limited the attendance to 6 so we could focus on what needed to be accomplished. You wouldn't believe the great advice and suggestions that I got from these women! I've been frantically working every since trying to implement the improvements that resulted from our class. Often times, I get so caught up in the my ideas that I forget that not everyone thinks the same way that I do. I got the perfect combination of positive feedback and constructive criticism.


It was so great to watch as everyone started to have those "that's how you do that!" moments. What fun to teach my friends the secrets and tips that I have learned along the way. My friend Julie even went home at 10 p.m. and made more bows! She has 4 girls at home, so she needed to get started. LOL. I love it, and can't wait to see her girls in all their bow glory.









Our next focus group will be in 2 weeks! This week we focused on our basic bow class. Next up is our flip flop class. Perfect timing for this beautiful weather we are having in Vegas. I will be limiting the class to 6 people again. So drop me a note if you want to attend.

Monday, April 6, 2009

It's all about the bling........

I know, I know, I need to rein it in when it comes to bling. But how can you not love things adorned in Swarovski crystals?! I love to sprinkle them on everything from my girl's bows to the throw pillows in my newly decorated living room (pictures to come!).

So, when I saw some cute crystal converse shoes in my local children's boutique, I just couldn't resist blinging out my new Ed Hardy sneaks. O-kay, they look a little over the top. But I swear that if you put them on with some cute jeans and a solid black or white top, you have a really cute outfit! That is the key to bling. Keep it to one item and one item only. Don't wear a bling tshirt, with bling jeans with bling shoes. Then you just look like you have been living in Vegas too long.






















Of course I had to make a pair for my girls. This time I added in some black polka dots using jet black crystals and made the matching shoe laces. We get stopped every where we go when they are sporting their bling high tops. I think these would be adorable for pageants as well.



The best part about these shoes is the price! They retail for $110 at my local boutique. You can make them for half the price at a Molly O class. Our Molly O Stylists can teach you all the tricks and techniques for making these fabulous shoes. Book your class today!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

National Autism Day

Today is National Autism Day. It is amazing to me that autism was almost unheard of just 10 years ago except for people's narrow perception from the movie Rain Man. And now, we have a day and month dedicated to awareness.

But I still think that many people don't truly understand what autism is. Or for that matter what the children look like that are diagnosed with this disease. Could you pick out a child in the grocery store that has autism? How many times have you looked a mother because her child was screaming or throwing a tantrum in the store? I have been on both ends. From thinking that a mother needs to get her child under control, to later being glared at and even asked to leave church because my child could not keep it together. Trust me, you feel the need to run away and punch that person in the face all at once. And then head straight to confession. LOL.

Let me show you what Autism looks like. Meet my sweet son Clay (right) and his friend JC (left). Are they the cutest little 5 y.o. boys you have ever seen?! Both were diagnosed with Autism around the age of 3. They have been in school together since that time and have both grown by leaps and bounds. When they are together, they make you laugh until you cry.





















They both have an obsession with legos and Star Wars. Put a new lego catalog in front of them that features star wars sets, and they are in heaven. Where speech use to elude them just a few short years ago, and eye contact was non-existant now comes excited chatter and sparkling eyes describing each star wars character and whether they are on the good side or dark side.

In the fall they will both be transitioning into a mainstream kindergarten class. But this new achievement did not come easily. You may remember that I shared my story of Clay's diagnosis last year during Autism Awareness Month. It feels like a million years ago that he was diagnosed and yet it has flown by. I wish now I had kept track of the countless hours spent doing therapy with him at him, taking him to speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc. But I guess the journey isn't as important as the destination.

Our destination often changes and new goals are set. But we are getting there! My neighbor said to me recently, "are you sure the doctor gave him the right diagnosis?" Yes, I'm sure. But to see him today he is a completely different kid. We still have some hiccups. And will probably continue to face new challenges. But thanks to following my mother's instinct and screaming my head off at our peditrician (it went a little something like this, "Something is not right with my baby, I just know it! He is 2 and he can't talk! I scream his name and he doesn't hear me" Her response, "my brother didn't talk until he was 4, let's wait a year." Mommy instinct kicks into high gear, "NO, YOU WILL GET ON THE PHONE RIGHT NOW AND FIND SOMEONE THAT CAN TEST HIM AND FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG.") We never went back to that pediatrician. Though my husband gets to see her at work. Oops. Sorry honey. But sometimes the momma lion just has to take care of business.

Point being, mommy instinct and early intervention are key to this epidemic. The earlier you find out (even if you don't want to know) the sooner you can start helping and pull these kids out of their secret world and into ours. And I'm so happy we were able to do that for Clay. I just can't imagine my world without him.

Time to Flip for Summer!

I don't know about the rest of the country, but here in Vegas it is starting to feel like spring/summer. If the winds would just die down a little we would have a few gorgeous days. I even have my first sunburn of the season to prove it. Time to break out the sunscreen!

Along with warm weather comes fun summer shoes. But in this economy, who has the money to spend big money on everyday shoes. We have the perfect solution! Our adorable boutique flips flops are perfect for anyone that can walk with flip flops on their feet. I say that because my 3 year old is still trying to master that task.




We have designs and ribbon combinations for little girls, tweens and even trendy moms. And I can't say enough about how comfy these flip flops are. I searched high and low to find a manufacturer that didn't cause blisters or sore toes. Isn't that the worst?!







These shoes are so fun to make. Get the girls together and we will teach you how. I would also suggest a pedicure, but considering I don't really like feet you are on your own for that one!

If you are in the Las Vegas area and are interested in hosting a party, email us at info@mollyodesigns.com

If you are outside of Las Vegas you can contact us to find out when a Molly O Designs franchise will be opening near you!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Announcing our first Molly O class!

We are so excited to finally kick off our first class for 2009. There will be many more coming in the next couple of weeks. But we thought we would start off with our most popular request.

Over the years, we have sold thousands of boutique bows. And often our customers would say "I wish I knew how to make bows." So what better way to start off our new party adventure then to offer our "Basics of Bows" class.






You will learn everything you need to know to make 6 different styles of boutique bows and hair accessories. We have tried many different methods, materials, glues, etc. over the years and have come up with our favorite finds in all areas of bowmaking. And now we are passing it onto all of you! The class will include all the materials you need to make each bow. You will also have the opportunity to purchase all our favorite tools, ribbon, hair clips, glue, etc. to take home with you. We also have adorable boutique headbands and beanie hats available to display your new creations!







If you live in the Las Vegas area and are interested in hosting a Molly O class at your house, drop us an email at info@mollyodesigns.com We will help you choose a class and date so you can host a fun and creative girls night out!

If you live outside of Las Vegas, let us know if you are interested in hosting a class as well. We are in the process of launching franchises across the U.S. So, we may have a "Molly O Stylist" in your area soon.

Do you have a basic knowledge of crafting and sewing and would love to own a business? Now is your chance! Contact us for more information on becoming an owner of a Molly O franchise. info@mollyodesigns.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A New Chapter

As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

The implementation of the CPSIA forced me to make a very difficult decision. As many of you know, I've decided to discontinue my children's clothing and accessories line. But I just couldn't lay down and let the government kick me like a tired old dog. I have put blood, sweat and tears into my business {and a few bottles of wine after some stressful months}. Hey, no judging, I was vulnerable. I have learned a lot along the way and now my head is full of information that needs to be passed on. Plus to be honest, my husband is tired of listening to me talk about fabrics, notions, pattern grading and the what silhouette will be hot next season.

So, the new Molly O Designs is reborn. I have taken my knowledge, fabrics, patterns, ribbons, buttons and any other supply that is stacked in my design studio, and created trendy and creatively chic sewing and craft parties for a generation of women who never learned how to thread a needle.

Now, I know what image just popped into your head. Frumpy, polyester wearing, home perm getting, no makeup wearing stay-at-home mom. No way sister! Let's start again.

Imagine, a mom's night out. Fun, trendy women who are getting together for cocktails, gossip and a night of learning to make the "hottest" new boutique items. And I'm not just talking about things for your kids. How about boutique designs for you, your house, gifts for teachers, friends and family. Chic, "must have" items that cost $100's in a boutique. You will learn to make it from beginning to end, in 2 hours while hanging out with your girlfriends. Oh, and did I mention how affordable it is going to be?!

In this economy, we all need a way to stay fabulous chic without killing our bank accounts. You would not believe how affordable many of the items are to make that you see in upscale boutiques. That is where my experience and knowledge comes into play. I have spent years finding the best quality supplies at the lowest prices. Which means, when you attend one of our parties, our Molly O Stylists {aka - teachers} will not only teach you the techniques from beginning to end, but you will also be able to buy every supply you need for that evening and to take home. Because you know you are going to want to make more once you get home! AND, every design is already prepackaged for you. So no stress about about choosing colors, fabrics, supplies, etc. Our designers have done it for you. Easy peasy {whoever came up with that phrase anyway?}

So now the question I keep getting over and over. When can I schedule a party?! Well, if you live in Las Vegas, the answer is NOW! If you live in other parts of the country, you may have a short wait.

We are in the process of creating franchise opportunities across the U.S. More about this exciting news in the next couple of days! As more franchises ramp up, we will start posting cities where you can host a Molly O party. We have several that are in the process of opening. We can't wait to introduce you to them!


Wooo! Did anyone actually make it to the end? Maybe that should have been 5 different posts. Thanks for sticking with me.

We are SO excited to be able to reinvent ourselves during such a difficult time. We hope you will enjoy the ride with us. I know that our new team can not wait to get started!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A sale to end all sales........

I'm continuing to promote my big clearance sale on my website www.mollyodesigns.com In case you haven't been over there, everything is now marked below my cost. Uh, that hurts to even write that. The entire site is 75-85% off.

If you don't have a little girl to buy for, maybe you could buy something and put it in your gift closet. Birthday parties, baby showers, new baby gifts are always popping up. And I know as a new mom I loved receiving clothing that was 18-24 months. By time your little one gets to that size you have nothing left from your baby shower!

Also, I have been receiving a lot of emails from other designers saying, "what are you doing, you don't have to sell it all off, there is a Stay of Execution for the next year and we are fine." Ummmm, not really. As of February 10th, the law still applies unless you have a garment without any snaps, buttons, zippers, etc. And most of my designs indeed have those things. So I MUST sell them before Tuesday or I will have to throw them out.

And if you don't believe me about the law, please pop on over to www.fashion-incubator.com and check out Kathleen's latest post.

I thought her mention of groups actually working with attorney generals to find people violating the law was a little disturbing. In a state like Nevada where the funds have literally dried up and there are more lawyers then houses, there is NO WAY I would take a chance trying to fly under the radar on this one. The state attorney generals are looking at this as a way to make money via the fines they will issue to violators of this law. I don't know about anyone else, but I would like to keep my house and my car and my bank account..................

I know, I know, I'm getting off my soap box now. But I'm not too proud to beg a little. Please, please, please tell everyone you know about our sale. Send it in an email, post it on message boards or your blog. I will be forever grateful.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Better Late Then Never. Great News on the CPSIA front!

Finally some good news!The CPSC put out a statement today giving us more guidance on the law specifically as it pertains to textiles/fabrics. This is a great step forward in providing relief for clothing designers.

As stated in the press release:

Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers should also be aware that CPSC will:

Not impose penalties against anyone for making, importing, distributing, or selling


*a children’s product to the extent that it is made of certain natural materials, such as wood, cotton, wool, or certain metals and alloys which the Commission has recognized rarely, if ever, contain lead;

*an ordinary children’s book printed after 1985; or

*dyed or undyed textiles (not including leather, vinyl or PVC) and non-metallic thread and trim used in children’s apparel and other fabric products, such as baby blankets.

(The Commission generally will not prosecute someone for making, selling or distributing items in these categories even if it turns out that such an item actually contains more than 600 ppm lead.)


Here is the LINK to the entire press release.

O-kay, so what does this mean for us? Well, it means that if I were to make a dress that didn't have any snaps, buttons, zippers, etc. that I don't have to test it. Super great news! Except that I've already started to shut down this part of my business and pursue a new venture (stay tuned for that update by the way!). I so wish that they would've made this decision months ago before companies started closing their doors. But hopefully, it isn't too late.

I actually received a phone call from an aid in Senator Harry Reid's office tonight. I was impressed that they were taking note of how this law is effecting their constitutes. They actually read the article written by Glenn Cook in the Las Vegas Review Journal.

He asked what I thought about this new development. He also had questions about my thoughts on testing methods including using the XRF gun and testing at the component level. This tells me that they are listening. I felt like it was a productive conversation or at the very least I got to voice more of my concerns, thoughts and ideas. Which is all I want to do from the beginning.

I can't help but sit back and smile just a little tonight. We are far from the end of this, but I can't help but feel like we made a difference. All the emails, phone calls, product mailings, message boards, etc. made a difference. It is our own personal 2009 version of a sit in, email style. We yelled and they heard us. Let's just hope that they continue to listen and use wise judgement so that our children continue to be protected by this law, while well meaning business continue to not only survive but thrive.

Cheers everyone! For tonight, I'm kicking back and raising a glass of wine. Lord knows I need one!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Pass It On!

This ad is being run by a coalition of trade associations In Washington D.C. Please copy and pass it along, post it on your blogs, send it to your local representatives.