June 8, 2009

Hello Everyone!

How do I start my journal on this fine day of June….

It has been challenging, I’m afraid to say so, but I have a new attitude…

We are doing well and that is the approach we should have in tough times…

Why you might ask? Feeling sorry won’t help us much, in fact will make us more susceptible to the winds of the moment…

We need to take charge of our own affairs.

Let’s look at our matters with a positive eye and magic will happen!

You will see that in the toughest of times we become more resourceful and creative…

Ask yourself “haven’t I?” I bet you have!

If we focus our energy into positive, positive will happen, so I say lets do just that…!

If we are pleased about the small progress we make then we can see the winds of change and with a hopeful heart keep on going and soon we'll be sailing with no complaints…

Positive thinking, not over confidence, is what helps us be more productive, I believe that!

Any way…we don’t own much in this life, I read a small article in a men’s magazine that said just that, the author continued explaining that, our homes don’t belong to us if we have a mortgage on them, our business are our investors, our cars belong to the banks if we have payments…but something he said touched me and I like to share that something with you.

He said that we own our time, our moment and what we do with it. Let’s make that moment positive and fruitful, let’s not waste it in laments and wishful thinking…

Let us materialize our goals and vanish the laments…let’s make positive with what we have.

O.k. now…I have expressed what is deep in my heart to all that want to join me to walk through these challenging times that will only makes us stronger with a positive outlook…

If you like to know what kind of magic is happening lately at The Studio, let me give you the scoop!

We have found lead-free crystals that are SPECTACULAR.  They radiate enchantment with their twinkle, and boy are they Sparkly! So yes!! We are all certified!

Also, we have new items that have been made with the lead-free policy in mind and they are just breath-taking!

We have new Tutus that are just charming…and again, we have revamped our tulle into something exciting back from the 80’s when I used to be a teenager!! Not too long ago… I’m a happy 40 year old now!

Well, stay tuned because new and fabulous things are happening here at Meg Dana…and I’m hoping to amaze you once more with what we have created with care and love!

I’m thankful for you!

Have a wonderful June and come & visit us soon! Maggie

November 2008

Hi Dears!

This is a very special entry, a bitter-sweet one, a look at reality...

My little sister contacted me this November a few days before Thanksgiving and said that she was going to Haiti to meet the baby she was adopting; his name is "Kennedy"... I was just speechless with emotions.

Happiness never felt so real, pure and selfless.

I decided to accompany her and leave my family behind for the thanksgiving holiday and join her in Haiti to help her become a Mommy for the very first time. You see my sister and I have never lived together. We were brought up in different households. She was brought up with her biological father and me with my biological mother. We both had extraordinary parents with all the meaning of EXTRAORDINARY.  

I thought what better way to express to her my unconditional love than to walk with her through the road of mother hood, the hardest job you learn to love, more than anything.

So I flew to Haiti the Monday before thanksgiving without any expectations just with the hope and dream to share with her the most amazing moment in her life, meeting her baby boy.

I can't explain to you the shock when leaving the airport in Haiti and immersing ourselves between the people.

I have never seen such poverty. It was everywhere yet the people were just full of spirit.

Waiting for us were Barbara, the orphanage mother, Vera, her assistant, Madeline, Anne and with them 3 beautiful babies. Two of the children were twins, Rudlaine and Midline, they belong to another adoptive Mommy that flew in with my sister. Her name is Elisa, and she is the essence of love. Elisa has 3 more adopted children. I'm honored to have met such an amazing, beautiful and strong woman.

And then there was Kennedy, a 7 month old Truffle. You had to see my sister's face. Her eyes were full of tears. There was not a bigger joy in the world than the one she was feeling in her heart at the moment she met her son while holding him in her arms for the very first time.

I was so moved by the experience of seeing my sister fall in love in seconds with Kennedy...

That I went to the orphanage and met the other children, so many of them waiting for families to love them. Some of them were as young as a few hours old -some of them were as old as ten. When arriving so many of them would run to you and hold your hand and try to hug and kiss you. Some of them looked shy and worried not knowing their future: These being the oldest ones!

The orphanage has between 30 to 50 children looking for parents. Some of them have been born from HIV mothers and have successfully made there own antibodies and tested negative for the virus. Some other ones have been left there because of the lack of food and the state of poverty of there parents and some of them are unwanted.

I have been blessed with the chance of holding these children in my arms. With humbleness I take with me their love and the memories gathered in my heart.

I want to give my sister Paulina a heartfelt thanks for having given me the opportunity not only to share her special moment but the experience of a lifetime where I found true love in the eyes of the unknown... thank you Po! I truly love you... you inspire me!

I would also love to thank all the parents and children of our local public school, Dixie Canyon Elementary, who helped collect new and used toys, books, clothing, and diapers for the children in Haiti. Thank you so much it means the world to me and even more to them!!

Christmas and New Years is approaching fast and I don't want to miss the opportunity to thank you and wish you all the very best that this new year of 2009 has to offer.

Like I say every year, it's a new canvas; white, painted with memories, laughter, love and family... make it into your own master piece!

Cheers from us at Meg Dana to all of you...

Thank you for sharing your moment with me!

Smiles always, Maggie

October 2008

Hello There...

I'm so sorry that I haven't written anything for almost a year... 2008 has been a rollercoaster ride hasn't it?

The economy shifted in such a drastic manner that my heart has been shattered while seeing some of my customer friends (Boutique Owners) close down their stores after many years of business.

Their hopes and dreams have been broken, their hard work has vanished!

My heart is sore to see this happen as a daily routine... It is shameful that our country that is the essence of hopes and dreams has lost its spark...

Seeing all this has made it hard for me to walk in to our studio and face reality...

I can't believe that what I loved doing the most has become work...

Being at my studio has always been a heaven to me, creating late at night and waiting with excitement for the morning to show all the new design to the rest of our Meg Dana family has not been the focus lately.

However with all this madness in site we have so much to be grateful for.

We are thankful for each other, for a new day, for endless hope, for the business that keeps coming in. We are thankful for all the beautiful comments, pictures and requests from all of you... you are the soul of our studio.

Well on a bright note, the latest most "Wow!!!" design has become our Tutu Dress'... have you seen them??

They are absolute beauty!!

Our seamstress, Karin, thinks I have gone mad!! I think that we have made "fantabulous" into reality because of the thought that has gone into this design.

We thought of it all when creating these dresses, from the way they tie on the shoulders, to their "Non-itchiness"... tank you Kiki, this one is for you Babe!

My poor, poor Guinea Pig, she is my test dummy. Her view points make very eloquent decisions happen.  

We do ask our girls ("little fairies") for advice in almost everything that we put together, their advice and point of view make our products almost perfect, and they are our little secret.

I want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving, when thinking of how bad things have become for you, as well as for some of us, think again of how much worse they can be and then, just then, we can be thankful for what you have.

I'm Thankful for all of you...

Smiles,

Maggie

January 2008

Hello Everyone!

Happy 2008! The year started-out busy and super exciting! At the studio our family is growing with more magical hands making whimsical bits and pieces!

I'm so excited to have a fresh canvas to paint on a novel masterpiece.

This year our goal is to make our lines vast, adding new pieces to every category. For example, our tiara line has developed into a full easy-to-wear collection. We have added so many new pieces some of them are exclusively ours and we have created them with all the fairies, princesses, ballerinas and baby angels in mind!

Our Chapeaux line has grown even more flowers to garnish them with. We have also used new ribbons and feathers and made the hats into a 1930's extravaganza!

Our original Princess Leotards have changed specs and become flawless fitting garments with snap crotches for the youngest ballerinas that have absolutely no time to waste while going potty!

The yoga line is doing so well. It's just the yummiest and comfy fitting outfits our princesses can wear while playing or lounging around, from ice-cream shops to their gymnastic class.

Our hair accessories keep amazing our retailers and consumers alike. There is nothing better than to be addicted to a piece of Art. Every day we come out with something new. The most exciting part is that we all have input on them.

After talking to Yoko one day we came out with a little butterfly that we made out of different size Swarovsky crystals and called it "Kiki". You see we have called clips under almost everyone's angels name and Caylen has been waiting her turn so patiently that this one goes for her.

"My Beautiful Baby Girl we made you in to a Butterfly because you are as tender, beautiful and graceful as they are... I love you my Dear Caylen I'm honored to have you as my inspiration".

I hope you enjoy our new Couture Line of Tutus. I think they are amazing and so innovative! We have the Princess Tutu that has been made with a marvelous crinkled taffeta and in each rosette: its like crinkle lays a stone.

We also have the Bohemian tutus. We have gathered a collection of mesh fabrics in different and unique prints and made them into tutus that you can wear everywhere. Caylen and Sabrina like to wear them over jeans or tights and military boots with Rock and Roll T-shirts. Our babies are growing! Oh, boy!

We have also added lace and patches on some of our new tutus like our Camouflage Tutu where we have incorporated a beautiful red rose patch splashed with rhinestones. If you have a sweet-tooth you would LOVE our Cherry tutus. They come in two flavors -turquoise and cherries or pink and cherries... they are delicious especially on a ballerina on-the-go!

There is also a field of Margaritas that we have used on our tutus. You have to see to believe the beauty of this flower -embroidered on organza -it's just breathless. Wow! I can't stop blabbing away about all we have done. I can't wait for you to see what is coming soon, yup more! And... it's magical!

We at the Tree top studio of Meg Dana & Co. would like to wish you a prosperous, healthy and most of all happy 2008. We hope with all our hearts that your goals will be achieved and your dreams will be accomplished. We thank you for treasuring our creations and making them part of your life. All of us love what we do to create these items for you. Please know that all items are made to put a smile on your face and treasure a moment in your life.

Cheers on the new years from all of us to you, with love...

Yoko, Virginia, Bai Yong, Anna, Haydee, Nancy, Betty, Karin and Maggie.

Thank you for stopping by!

Love, m. 

August 2007

Hello There!

Can you believe it? It's August already. I have not had time to write for the month of May, June or July... do apologize!

I do however want to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my HUSBAND DEAN!

"Baby, you have grown to become a wonderful man, husband, father and friend. You look even more amazing with time!  Happy 40 th Birthday my LOVE! What a treat it is for me to share my life with you, thank you!"

So now, the fun part of the year is coming... Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas. Did I forget to mention that the kids go back to school?  I don't know about you... but its kind 'a nice when I don't happen to open my tulle closet and find a little monkey buried between all our rolls of tulle.   Or one in our big trash can full of scraps of flowers, tulles and ribbons. Trust me it's a little scary to see them pop up where you less expect it.   So now, when I need to find my monkeys, I will pick them up at school.   Nevertheless having most of the kids in the studio in the summer filled us up with lots of laughter, joy and a couple of grey hairs...Thank you Kids!!!

I'm so excited to tell you about what is coming up! Yeah, more stuff... I think my reps are just nodding their heads at this time, sorry guys! Can't stop inspiration!

O.k. so we have new tutus, really amaizing ones -some bohemian, some what Cinderella would wear if she took ballet and a brand new chiffon tutu, full, full of flowers.   Oh yeah...I forgot!   We just got in this amaizing tasseled material.   Honestly I bought it because I just could not stop staring at it.   My mind just went a little wild.   But that is o.k. because from wild comes inspiring ideas that don't let me put my head down and go to sleep.   This means what comes from wild, for me, has always been FANTASTIC! Can't wait to do something with my new tasseled fabric!

For our Chapeaux we have added new big, bold fabulous flowers and now we have gone to an extra larger size so our older princesses can wear them too!

Our leotards are doing great! We are adding more flavors and we have adjusted them so they have tighter feet... for extra, extra comfort. So all my little princesses can just dance and move till to their little hearts content-looking just that much more magnificent!

The YOGA LINE!!! (love this line) it's just so, so YUMMY! Really! My daughter, Kiki, wears it even if it's dirty... and you know what? That is all right with me. A little dirt won't hurt anyone. But it does tell me that I have created comfort without jeopardizing style.

For our little hair treasures we have grown new flowers with bright colors. The touch of gentle little petals on a baby's hair is just the perfect accessory. Did you know that we call most of our flowers by their original names? We do! I love to learn the names of all kinds of flowers and even though at times none of us can pronounce the original names, we get to learn them. You see, colors have more names than just the name of it's own but also they have the name of a tangible, delicate treasure, like a flower. Of course, our Swarovski crystals keep dazzling and give all our accessories and tutus the sparkle of a million stars!

Enjoy fall and the changes of colors all around you... it's inspirational!

Thank you for stopping by.

Smiles,

Maggie

April 1 st 2007

Spring is here!

I love April when the flowers bloom and their scent wraps us up with the magic of spring.   When the crisp cool mornings become embracing, warm, afternoons.  When the twinkling of the stars look just like diamonds in the sky.

At this time of the year, I celebrate the birthdays of my two loves, my children, Kiki now 7 years old going to 13 and my son Daniel, 10 years old.

Many of my friends also celebrate their happy day in April and I would love to acknowledge them this month.

I want to wish a very Happy Day to my little model, Magali, 2 years old and her daddy Renard. We won't say his age but he gets more distinguished every year.  It is also Steve's birthday, the best drum teacher ever! He is just one year older than I. My dear friend Yoko and her husband Curt, spring chickens, also are celebrating. My dear friend Kevin, who just keeps getting fabulous with age, is celebrating, and last but not least... It's also my Birthday... yippee!  I think I'm appreciating what age does to you... no, not what it does to your body, but what it does to your mind, confidence and self esteem.

Our line of tutus, warm up, chapeaus and accessories is in full force doing better than ever. I would like to thank every one that makes that possible. You are the heartbeat of our company, Thank you!

O.K. let's see... what is coming up soon... more tutus, amazing ones, accessories, breath-taking ones, chapeaux, enchanting ones and of popular demand, our leotards and warm up lines are going to have more colors to choose from... Exciting!!!!!

I hope every one will have a wonderful spring and summer. Don't forget to stop once in a while and enjoy what life has given you. Savor each breeze, morning dew and fill your lungs with the scent of spring.  It will draw a smile on your face and make you see the wonders of each day. Promise!

Thank you for stopping by. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

Smiles,

m.

                                         Special Report

It is with a sad heart that I have to report this inside news.

I apologize ahead of time if this might shock some of you, but sometimes injustices need to be shared and revealed. I'm not going to let this go unnoticed. It is simply not fair at its most basic level and in my opinion, there should be laws against such behavior.   This is what has happened to us for giving a helping-hand even though I was advised otherwise. I felt that everyone deserves a second chance, and I still do -even now.

Our company was unfortunately violated by one of our suppliers -a supplier that we had given patronage to by selling their items bundled along with our tutus.

This company was deceitful enough to steal our tutus and their intricate designs attempting to reproduce them. Additionally, they stopped production of the matching leotards packaged with our tutus. We did never keep any profits on the leotards and never asked to make any profits on them. We wanted this company to succeed. This particular company was not content with keeping most of the profits on the tutus that we had offered (we basically provided our tutus to them at cost) that for 2 extra dollars they found it necessary to pirate the tutus that I, Maggie Dana, spent almost 10 years developing prototypes and patterns for with so much effort and love.

For this particular manufacturer, my patterns and designs were "basics" yet worthy enough to steal

It's fully acceptable to get inspired from existing products and styles, even to borrow an idea and make it yours incorporating a few modifications.   We all have done it and I feel honored and flattered if someone thinks that my designs inspired them to create their own vision. But it my opinion it's not remotely acceptable to pirate ones design and attempt to utilize ones resources for the sole purpose of counterfeiting and replicating it. A design that is most important to them, their basics -that which they have accomplished with dreams and hopes specially after having the knowledge that this particular design is there soul. That is what has happened to me and when the person was confronted and asked "Why", all they could say is:

"Don't be such a victim"

Wow! I suppose desperation and depravity can make some do horrible things even to the ones that have given a sincere helping hand. This experience has only made me stronger and wiser but not heartless. I still believe that giving a helping hand is soul food.

I have announced in my previous journal sheet of the overwhelming response to our "Princess Sleeve Leotards", so we have manufactured them ourselves -better than every before.   They are 100% top-of-the-line knitted cotton with snap bottoms for easy "got to go" access. The new leotards are going to be available in 4 colors and 3 sizes and they will be part of our new warm up Yoga line called "Worm up" and will be available in the next couple of months.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.   We kindly ask for your patience at this time as we are working very hard to insure to have these on their way to you as soon as possible.  

"Be yourself and speak your mind -the ones that mind don't matter and the ones that matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss

I believe in humankind!

Smiles,

Maggie D.

February 9, 2007

Well, it's 2007 and the year started fantastically!  We are in the process of launching our new knitted lines of Yoga-wear called "Worm up", our Chapeaux, adorned with flowers, and our very own leotards. The Tutus this season are very Romantic, full of lace and raw Silk and if that is not exciting enough, we have made a Tutu that has special surprise that comes with it -can't wait for you to see the complete line (just like my friend Bahaiyyih describes more than "fabulous")   it's "Fantabulous!!"

We are also working on our line of hair accessories that I love to create along side of all the ladies at Meg Dana (they are just non-stop when creating -I'm surrounded by inspiring women, I'm blessed!)

This season we have introduced more flowers like sweet peas and Clematis Spray and of course we have not forgotten our very sparkling crystals that seem to be twinkling all over the place making the line even more magical.

I'm writing this page of my flower journal on the plane returning to LA from Atlanta, Georgia where I spent the weekend with my amazing Atlanta Representatives: Danny (funny, funny man) and Trine, (just and exquisite lady), both of Two Generations.

If you are a buyer and you ever find yourself at market in Atlanta I urge you to stop by their showroom. They carry an exquisite array of breathtaking lines of children and Maternity in their very charming showroom.

Let's see what else I can share with you... hmmm...

Well, I will be going to ENK Children's Show at The Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York this March. I am excited! I LOVE New York!  What an incredible city? It reminds me of my very own Buenos Aires. So fast-paced and full of life -not to mention loud! I hope I can meet some of you there.

I will be showing our new line of accessories and work out collection along side other great lines with Ali of Ali's Market, my sales representative in New York. If you don't know Ali I can tell you that she is a little Humming Bird not only beautiful but amazing to watch at work.

One of our collaborators, Bai-Yong, has gone back to China but has left behind a little hair clip design named after her called "Bee-Yong". You will see it in the new accessory collection.   It's a little adorable "bee" made by hand!  We hope to have her back very soon. We miss her essence already - it is an honor working with her.

All this and I haven't asked how has your year started? I hope you have set some goals and looking forward to accomplishing them. I know you can!   We all can if we just focus on one thing at a time. We can conquer all!  When you think you can't, that is when you must try a bit harder. I promise you, the outcome is sweet!

I can't wait to get home and hug my babies until I get that little breath of air you get out of them when you squeeze them really hard... smells kinda like cotton candy... I LOVE it!

Have a wonderful start in this great year that is 2007.

I'm grateful for you having stopped by, thank you!

Smiles,

Maggie

PS: Oh! One more great announcement.  My very close friend, Jacqueline is with child and it's a GIRL! Yippee! Don't get me wrong I love Boys (I have one).

Can you imagine what I'm going to do to that little peanut when I put my hands on her? Oh poor thing, I don't think she will have a strand of hair left without a hair clip in it.

December 14, 2006

Well! We have enjoyed another year! I don't know about you, but it was a challenging one for me.  So much has happened this year some great and some not so great. I lost my Dad in 2006 and gained a little understanding of life. You see... things seem sweeter when you know sorrow. This doesn't mean that sorrow is good or we need it to understand life but how would you know what good is good without knowing what bad is?  I guess for me I thank G-D for each awakening because I get to enjoy my children, husband, friends, co-workers, neighbors and all that a full day gives you from the warmth of the sun, the symphony of the rain to the twinkling of the stars.

There is something special that happened this year that made me ball when I saw it. At our office Christmas gathering, I decided to have all of our ladies at Meg Dana & Company enjoy an evening at The Cheesecake Factory and then go see a movie. My pick was "The Holiday", with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. You might ask, "Why this particular movie?" Well that is my surprise, our Bow Blossom Tutu was featured in the movie... even mentioned by Jude Law (what a cutie-patootie).

It was a short and sweet shot of our tutu displayed on his bed.   But it made me think about all of us having something to do with it. Just looking at my co-worker's face and remembering that that tutu went from hand to hand. From my idea to the sewing by Karin, my seamstress (that saws all of our tutus personally) to the hands of Ana, Virginia and Bai-Yong for the finishing touches of sparkles, flowers and Love, on to Yoko, my friend and assistant, to be packed and shipped to the Sony Studios. But if you would like to know who made the Tutu such an item, I must say that would be our Representatives at the CMC in Los Angeles, Eloisa & Mia along with Vickie and Kathy who proudly display all of our products in their one-of-a kind, amazing, showroom.

I would like to be the first one to welcome our new lines of Yoga, Chapeaux and Leotards that we started manufacturing and will have in stock in 2007. We just keep growing and veggies had nothing to do in our growth spurt or did they?

I'm blessed because of all the people that surround me. Maybe I don't have my Mom and Dad along side, and yes I do feel lonely some times, but my family composed of my Husband and kids, friends and co-workers make me the wealthiest person ever and I'm thankful to share my life with them.

I would also like to thank our RETAILERS who help make this company all that it can be with their support and expectations.   We Love you and thank you and wish all of you a prosperous and happy new year with celebrations of greatness for all of your endeavors.

Our canvas for this year is full of color. It's time to start a new painting. A clean white canvas is waiting for you to make it all that it can be. Fill it with color according to who you are. Be true to yourself! Your uniqueness is what will make your new painting a success!

Thank you for sharing this year with us, with me, and like always, THANK YOU for stopping by.

Smiles and Cheers

Maggie

October 20, 2006

Hello there!

Well, what do you think about the new collection? All the pieces are my most favorite.   I'm not biased, really! First and foremost I would like to thank all my beautiful little models who worked so hard to capture that perfect shot. My little Magali is the youngest of my flower bunch.   Wow, can she work the camera?   Or better yet, the photographer?  We couldn't stop oohing and aahing over this little diva. We can't wait to have Magali back for more pictures. And this time we'll have even more mangos on the set just for her. Thank you Magali, you looked just breathless.

Olivia and Emerson: these twin little flowers were just amazing. Their personalities were in such contrast. I think the most romantic pictures I have ever captured were with Olivia. I wondered about where she imagined herself.  Her sister Emerson's smile lit up the whole day. And it was one incredibly sunny day so imagine how much more amazing her smile was. Thank you my little sunflowers.

Alicia is one adorable little girl! She comes to visit every time her mommy Satomi comes to pick up and drop off work at the studio. Alicia is our studio's "Honey Suckle". She brought her own tutu to the photo-shoot.  It was shabby and beautifully worn out. When I saw the tutu, I said "Wow Alicia! That's one amazing tutu! Where did you get it?"  Satomi looked at me kind-a funny and said "It's your Bow Blossom Tutu".   You should have seen my surprise and pleasure to know that our tutus can be worn to beauty! Alicia, to see you at the studio makes our day that much more special. You know where the chocolate milk and cookies are!  

To Sabrina, aka "Bona" (keep your eyes on this little artist, don't let her size fool you), you were Dynamite!   Sabrina is our singer, dancer and actor -boy, can she model!   The future for this fab little girl is bright.   She will have an academy award before her 20 th Birthday. Just wait and see! Sabrina you Rock!

My sweet Ariana has accomplished so much by the tender age of seven. Not only has she modeled for Ralph Lauren, but this year she was accepted to a magnet school's gifted program. Ari is so outstanding she even reads to the children at the studio, especially to my son Daniel who loves to listen to her stories. If all this is not enough she is beautiful inside and out. "Ariana, you have it all!"

Oh yeah, have you met Natalia? Well, Naty felt very shy in front of the camera at first.   She doesn't know it yet but she is a natural!   What a girly girl she is and tough too. She keeps us all in line.   Don't let her beauty deceive you, Natalka is always in charge!   Thank you Naty.   It has been an honor knowing you and having you at the studio making sure I do my job.

Last but not least to my own Kiki. Caylen, I fell in love with you from the moment I laid eyes on you. You fill me with wonder.   You inspired me to create and you keep inspiring me every day when I see your glowing face. Caylen, you make mommy complete: I adore you!

I can't forget all the parents of these little flowers that made the photo-shoot such a great success.   Your children made the collection breathless.   I thank you for your time and your kindness to have shared your children with me.   You are marvelous!

Please enjoy the line as much as we all at Meg Dana and Company enjoyed making it for you. I have included a behind the scenes folder so you can see our funnies and meet all of us.   One thing is for sure, we at Meg Dana have lots of fun and are honored creating for you.   Enjoy!

Smiles,

Yours truly,

Maggie

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Hi, how are things? Hoping all is well.

We are doing the finishing touches on our spring-summer collection 2007 and all looks just delicious. Our tutus are looking very French If I may say so and the hair accessories: well they are as sparkly as usual or maybe a tad more.

We are having our next photo session to capture the enchanting tutus and accessories for the upcoming spring-summer 2007 season and our little models are making them look even more special.

I have to apologize to my sales representatives and retailers that have been waiting for my collection to be completed on time. Unfortunately time has not been kind to me this past year as I have lost my Mom in June 2005 and my DARLING Father just this past June 2006. It's a big loss and everyday I try to gather myself and fill my heart with the love of my husband and children to go on... but still I miss my father so, so much.

Daddy:

How grateful I am that you chose to be my father and you chose to give me love. Your wisdom is endless, your kindness is immeasurable. What a great man have you been! What an amazing father and a loyal friend. Your selflessness, Oh! Your selflessness is of no comparison. I thank you for each minute that you have loved me and for the eternal love that you keep radiating with the memories you have left behind in my heart.

Oh my Dear Daddy, there are no words to express the sorrow in my heart. I cherish you! I love you so much!  The pain is merciless and you are not here to make it better. For the first time I'm standing alone on my own two feet. I know that you have given me everything to make me strong to go on. Wisdom: to understand life and live it fully.     Selflessness: to take care of the ones that depend on me. Loyalty: to be a good friend.   Kindness: to always have empathy for others.   Humility: to respect and understand others.   Strength: to go on no matter how immeasurable the ache in my heart can be.   But even though you have taught me well to stand on my own feet, it still seems so hard without you.

And just then, I close my eyes really tight and imagine your warm smile your kind eyes and your strong hands holding mine and I understand that even though you are not a phone call away anymore, you are just a blink away, I go on doing my all to make you proud!

Thank you Daddy... thank you for loving me,

Yours always,

Maco, your daughter.

"The truth is, that I have always been yours in your heart..."

5/1/2006

Hello again!

I have one smple question to ask.

When did we learn the significance of multitasking? I don't know about you, but I learned the meaning of multitasking when I became a MOTHER.

Wow! In just a few hours, your life will never be the same. Swiftly, you will care for someone for the rest of your life.   You will feel for that someone an immense love that you have never felt before and at that moment you have become a Mother.

Suddenly, you turn into things that you've never thought you would be: like a clown, a doctor, a magician, a short order chef, a teacher, a mediator and so much more. At that exact instant, you will learn the meaning of multitasking.

Have you ever heard your baby ask you "Mommy how come you are so warm, soft and smell so, so good?" My heart melts and I answer, "G-d made all mommies this way because they have babies to take care of"

My mom, Vicky was amazing. She was so ahead of her time: a designer, a true free spirit. I waited awake in bed every night for her to come home from work. She used to give my brother and I something that she had worn all day: a scarf or a necklace. We held to that piece of something and smelled it till we fell sleep. My mom's scent was roses. Every now and then a sweet swift smell of roses passes by me.

My mother never saw me fall in love, get married or become a mother. She was ill from the time I was around sixteen. My mother suffered from Alzheimer's and lived with this sickness for 20 years. Her last 13 years of life was cared for family and friends in a geriatric center in Argentina that her daddy, my grandpa, helped built.

I had this hope that maybe, if she saw me become mother, if she just saw the light of her grandchildren's eyes, she would wake up from this debilitating illness. It was just my dream. Every year when I went to visit my Papa I also visited my Mama and I used to take a deep breath of air and fill my lungs with her scent of roses so that it would last me until the next time I saw her.

I always wanted my mom to see me become all I have become: a mother, wife, and a friend. I had always had a dream of her visiting me. Now that she is free from her bed of illness, she comes around quite often. I feel her everywhere: in a soft, gentle breeze that kisses my face: in the smile of my children: in the smell of roses. I hear her call me "Margaret" and even though I can't see her, I know she is with me. I have woken up smelling her scent on my pillow.

Kiki and I have a saying now... "Mommy will never go away, she will always be here to fluff my dress and Daniel's tie" That is my promise to them and I will do everything within my power to keep it.

G-d bless all Mothers for their courage, patience, unconditional love, kindness, selflessness. G-d bless all Mothers for their sleepless nights, for their worries, for their understanding and acceptance, for their good advice.

You have been blessed the day you become a Mother, especially if you chose to be one.

Never one will love you the way your mother does.

Now I understand!

In honor of a great woman who happened to be my Mom. She passed away in June of 2005.

"Momita te extraño tanto, ya eres libre de volar"

Thank you for visiting my flower journal...

Happy Mothers Day!

Maggie  

April 1, 2006

Wow it's April already, time flies!

How is everyone? I hope happy and healthy.

Well this is a big month for me. My Children get to become a year older, Daniel 9 and Kiki 6 and for me... well; I get to become a year younger.

It's funny. When you're young, life just goes by; you don't stop to savor each day. Now at 37; I have learned to stop and smile. I have learned that little things give so much joy and every minute that we have in this world we should cherish. I have learned that the laughter of a child is the best medicine. Sleeping in your PJ's and cuddling with your children is the greatest gift of all. I have learned that soul food is giving a hand to someone in need. I have learned that prayer works miracles. I have learned that one good friend can make a difference. I have learned that every friend you have is a different flower with unique characteristics and scent. I have learned that you can feel butterflies in your belly at any age, and it feels as great as when you were 10. I have learned that you can fall in love over and over again with the same person. I have learned to give thanks for any compliment. I have learned to except my mistakes and turn them in to experiences where I would value the lesson learned.

I have learned so much more, but the best part is, I can't wait to keep learning, I can't wait to keep growing.

Every age is unique and even though there are growing pains, we should enjoy each year that goes by without dwelling on how old we are or how young we would like to be. You see, if we dwell on what we are not, we will forget to live the moment which we will be wishing for some time in the future.

I would   love to wish a very Happy Birthday to my talented Debbie, to my sweet Natalie, my beautiful Tia Alice, to spunky Karen, to my good friend Yoko and her husband Kurt, who is touring with Mama Mia, to the best drum teacher Steve, and I can't forget my Prince Daniel and my Princess Kiki who rule my world.

I wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone that becomes a year older or younger.

Saver life to the fullest today will never come again.

Thank you for stopping by it's always great to have you here!

Smiles,

Maggie

February 20, 2006

Hi There!

How are things going? Hoping all is well. As you can see we have new sparkly things to share with you, how do you like them? I love making things for our little princesses but I wouldn't want for us, grown-up princesses, not to have something special too. So that is why I decided to spoil ourselves with some sparkle. The Broaches you see on our velvet headband line are exquisitely made. My most favorite "The Chain Black Diamond Headband" was designed just for you.

Be funky and wear two or three "Chain Bands" at the same time with your hair up & messy: its so glamorous. This idea was given to me by my beautiful Tia Alice while we were visiting my family in Buenos Aires, Argentina this Christmas. I love to be pampered and loved by cousins, aunts, uncles and last but not list my Delicious Papa.

Kiki and Daniel don't speak Spanish and don't quite understand what is going on... but boy do they have fun. My sweet husband is overwhelmed by the loudness of my family. Now he understands why our babies are so very loud!

If I could recommend a place to visit, I would recommend my native Argentina. The whole country is full of treasures from the north starting at Jujuy, the water falls of Iguazu, all the way south to Tierra del Fuego. If you want a dash of romance the place to go is Buenos Aires, one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Any way... can you tell? I miss it already!

Please enjoy the new collection and if you have any questions drop me a line and I'll answer any questions you may have. The world is an inspiration. Don't forget to look around and enjoy all the little things and pray for the ones less fortunate.

As usual thank you for visiting us...

Smiles,

Maggie D.

January 8, 2006

Happy New Year to All!

Hello and Happy 2006!

It has been quite some time that I haven't wrote on this journal. We at the studio have been busy filling orders for the Holidays placed by our wonderful retailers and so much time has gone by and left me without a moment to write.

Well, our Summer-Fall collection 2006 is on its way. It's almost done and I can't wait for all of you to see it. When a collection is finished I always say "it's our best one yet", well, I feel the same about this one.

We have been working on an adult line; it involves velvet bands with mesmerizing broaches, French ribbon head bands so you can feel super glam during the day and clips that are simply gorgeous!

So now not only your little one looks sparkly but you will too!

Have you seen our Tutu "cute" line with matching leotards? They are beautiful. I know I have said this before but I promise you there is nothing like it on the market. I have taken to heart the LOVE you have for your little princess and the LOVE I have for mine and put it in our Tutus worthy of your baby.

Each tutu has between twenty and forty yards of material carefully crafted by our seamstresses and with care finished by hand, some with flowers or crystals, really! Must see to believe, it is a work of art.

I have received phone calls from some of you with complements about our line. Those calls make our day, THANK YOU!   I have also received calls asking for more pieces from our line and I have referred them to our local stores. If you are too comfy to step out of your home or work, please contact one of our retailers or their web stores to get what you are looking for. If all this fails, contact me by phone or email and I'll arrange for you to get what you are looking for at one of our stores located near you or through a web site.

Please keep sending those beautiful baby pictures that we ooh and aah over. We love to see them all and I'll make sure they get in Kiki's Picture Trunk on our Web-Site.

Thank you again for being part of us! I would like to wish you all a great, prosperous 2006 full of laughter, milestones, surprises and blessings. My prayers are with you!

Like always, keep true to yourself, follow your heart and remember that all your wishes can come true with a little perseverance.

Smiles,

Maggie D.

February 19, 2005

Hello again! I hope all is well.

We, at the studio, are excited about the new Summer-Fall Line 2005. We are working with new flowers, colors and ribbons. We are in the process of designing our "Vintage Holiday" line. As soon as our products are ready, our amazing web designer Marianela, will begin entering all the new products into our site...so...stay tuned. Also, if you are a retail store and you have some information or corrections please feel free to contact as so we can make the changes needed as soon as possible. For all our customers, we would love to hear from you so please drop us a line. I will answer any question you may have, personally. We also love to see pictures of all the little princesses out there. My daughter will be happy to put all pictures in her trunk. Thank you again for stopping by.

Smiles,

Maggie

A word from Maggie

February 18, 2005

Hi, I would like to welcome you to our site. I'm a Mom of 2 like many of you "Super Moms out there". I had an idea just like most of you who get an epiphany when one becomes a Mommy. I'm honored if you wear any of my creations. I have made all of them with you and your Baby in mind. Wear it and enjoy it, as much as I did when I made the very first one.

I was brought up in Buenos Aires, Argentina and was virtually raised in a design studio. My mother was a Couturier. I still remember playing under cutting tables and between rolls of fabric with my small sewing machine. The sweetest sounds in the studio were the monotone ticking and clicking of sewing machines and the laughter and chit-chat of my mother. She was surrounded by talented seamstresses and patternmakers. Creativity flew through the whole second floor of the work shop on Cabildo Blvd.

I grew up loving to design and create. Couture was my door for imagination. So, I grew up and moved with my family to the United States. We relocated our lives and dreams to California. Unfortunately, it wasn't the greatest time for our move economically, and after a couple of years we had to go our separate ways. My parents returned to Buenos Aires. I stayed put in a city that offered a world of opportunities, and followed my heart. I studied fashion design and learned with detail the art of sewing and pattern making. Even though I couldn't afford the Fashion Design College of my dreams, I had the best teachers at a local occupational center. All of our materials were donated by charitable organization and we sold our products to help the design school keep at float. And that was my world...humble...but perfect.

My first teacher, Mrs. Grey was quite amazing, until now I thank her for all the faith she had in me. At our first year end fashion show she called me to her desk and whispered, "Maggie, I have saved this peace of cloth for you...it's silk... and I can't wait to see what you will make with it..." I used that same dress that I made for that show to enter in a design competition at the California Market Center. First prize was five hundred dollars, Wow! That was a lot of money for me at the time. At the interview when asked by the judges what did I see myself doing in ten years I answered with a big smile "I'm going to be here at the grand CMC showing my line, whatever that may be"! Now about 15 years later my line is at the CMC. And with the five hundred dollars, I bought my first adult sewing machine.

After giving birth to my baby girl, creating accessories for my little peanut become an obsession. With my design background and couture heart, I started making hand made clips for my daughter. I wasn't able to afford delicate and expensive materials to make one-of-a kind dresses for Kiki but I could surely manage to make the most fabulous clips and baby bands for her and her friends. Like so, Meg Dana & Co. was created with "the Company" that is my two children, Kiki & Daniel. Small, but full of love and energy.

And that is a little bit about me... I would like to encourage every one that has a passion not to ignore it, but to follow it, nurture it, and make it all that it can be. Believe in yourself! Thank you for sharing my passion.

Maggie.