Counting Up!

The new year is fast approaching! Only hours away in fact! So here are three things from l'Amore Intimo to you:

BE SAFE!

BE HAPPY!

ORDER your favorite Birthstone Thong by midnight tonight (pacific time) to receive the introductory price of $85.00, and the shipping and handling is on us!

Happy New Year

Dream Sweet

l'Amore Intimo's First Matching Bra

To get a sneak peak of the first Birthstone Thong matching bra - the Blue Topaz, log on to BIRTHSTONE THONG FAN CLUB. Custom order yours before the New Year to receive a special discounted price.

Dream Sweet

From Our Sponsor

Hello Everyone,

How's the holiday shopping going? Waiting for that perfect gift to pop up requires a bit of effort for shoppers. If you're running out of ideas along with time there's always the l'Amore Intimo gift certificate. Just click and give then wait for the smiles.

If this post seems very much like an ad - no worries, it is one.

Dream Sweet
and
Happy Holidays from l'Amore Intimo to you!

You Got to be Kidding

The words that ran through my mind when I walked into the office this morning. It's great to be needed and missed but dude...! The once meticulously organized recruiting are was an unorganized mess! The running joke was how i would be tackled and dragged back into the office if I made a break for it. I couldn't cry, did laugh a bit, but honestly I didn't know where to start. Didn't matter much though because the day dictated itself. And now it is 9:40PM and I have managed to get the machines back into the factory. Hope to start sewing tomorrow, because tonight would be a time for sleep. WOW.

Dream Sweet Y'all

Second Wind Again

Walking into this place I call home and factory today, I saw no sewing machines on the table, no mannequins adorning beautiful works of art, no stacks of drawers that hold thread, needles and the like. What I saw was a cleared space. Although the space was needed for Thanksgiving past, it looked wrong. Tomorrow I will put everything back and get this factory up and running.

My vacation was indeed refreshing, and although I still have to deal with the 45 hours given to the federal government, I am opened to what God has in store for me through l'Amore Intimo.

Dream Sweet

Leaving from our funship...

the last song the dining room servers sing at the last dinner on the last night of the Carnival cruises. I honestly really don't like that song -- a rendition of sorts of "Leaving On a Jet Plane". Oh well, I guess we all work for vacation time, but I truthfully could do vacation time all the time. I believe doing your heart's desire is vacation-time. I believe l'Amore is vacation-time. It's my heart's desire and I don't particularly care to leave it to be abruptly awakened by a horrifying alarm clock sound in the wee hours of the morning in order to sleepwalk into an office that steals 40+ hours a week from me and l'Amore Intimo. WOW. Sorry about that bit of venting.

It's all good y'all. Soon and very soon I will be able to focus even those 40+ hours on my heart's desire, and go sailing again and again when my heart desires.

Dream Sweet and HAPPY HOLIDAYS from l'Amore Intimo

So Many Faces - So Little Time

Time stands still for no one as this is our 5 day out here somewhere. Without sounding like an ad - I had fun with my family today in Atlantis. Now back on board wishing this rig would set sail so that life on deck can resume - I enter this web log post.

Thinking of the faces of l'Amore - you thought I had forgotten? Not forgotten at all. As a matter of fact the thought the concept the idea is very much alive in my heart. When I get back to dry land in LA, things will be pushed into gear to find Mr. January. If you know someone or someones let me know. I am not quite clear on whether or not the monthly winner will be chosen by me or l'Amore Intimo's supporters. ??? Throw out ideas and maybe we'll get a winner.

Thanks for reading.

Dream Sweet

On Being Pride-Full

A much needed vacation on the ocean has left me very thoughtful to what's going on in the diverse minds that sailed away from the Baltimore Harbor with me 2 days ago. As I discovered on the census trail, people in general are quite interesting - and sometimes that's not a good thing. Everyone has their own agenda, but yet the majority will follow the leader.

Well, here on the Carnival Pride headed for Florida and then the Bahamas there are some perplexing personalities. But I am quite convinced that the truth of a sinful natural is organic, especially listening to the drunken rant of a woman who believes that infidelity is an experience that everyone should take part in. Her mind's eye believes that as long as the spouse comes back to you than no harm, no foul, if they sleep around. All I can say is WOW - that's not l'Amore Intimo.

Dream Sweet

Winter Wonderland Gift Set

Deadlines that are set are sometimes not met. But not today. Preview the Winter Wonderland gift set right here tomorrow before it makes its way to the Sip n' Shop event. Gather all your friends for this fun time on December 4th in Rancho Cucamonga. Maybe you will be the lucky winner of this exclusive l'Amore Intimo gift set!

Dream Sweet

Project Runway Marathon

Last night I finally found the opportunity to sit and watch a few - two - episodes of this season's Project Runway. I had to record the marathon event of the season. That's a terrific show to hone one's creativity as a fashion designer. The first challenge was to create a red carpet look. The winner of that challenge created something fun. My thinking exactly - because how many times do you get that red carpet opportunity. For that challenge I would have created a flirty little number for the Emmy's with Eva Longoria in mind.

The second challenge was to create a chic maternity outfit for Rebecca Romaine. Once again the winner of that challenge and my thinking were similar. I would have created a very feminine and comfy dress with a matching jacket, and then added something very l'Amore to remind her that being a mommy doesn't have to mean losing your sensuality.

After I finish my 12 hours in the factory today I can watch the third episode of the season.

Dream Sweet

The Road Less Travel

Robert Frost penned the beautiful "The Road Not Taken"...

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

There are lots of different reasons why I post this poem -- 1. Lately I have been lost in translation at the census office 45 hours a week, 2. l'Amore Intimo is still my heartfelt dream and I haven't posted here as regularly as I once did because busy is an understatement of what I am these days, 3. I am also involved in a project with Prescott Frost (grandson of Robert Frost), and I am studying the works of his ancestor.

That's what I have for now. Black Friday is in the making.

Dream Sweet

Sip n' Shop

With the holidays fast approaching as we make our way into the new year, I am pleased to announce l'Amore Intimo will be included in the swag bags at the Sip n' Shop event on December 4, 2009 in Rancho Cucamonga, California. l'Amore Intimo will be donate for a free raffle gift, the exclusive l'Amore Intimo -- the Winter Wonderland Gift Set. This gift set will feature the first intimo matching bra to December's - the blue topaz Birthstone Thong! The swag bag donation will be 40% discount cards and a pantie from l'Amore Intimo's Every day collection. WOW!

Dream Sweet

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

You asked for a peak, and you got it. l'Amore Intimo's introduces the Wedding Thong. Can you hear the sounds from the wedding singer? The is the what every bride need and even the veil.

The something old is the beautiful antique lace from the early 1900s. Something new would be the Wedding Thong itself. Something borrowed is the sweet charm attached to the back, but wait - this charm goes to someone other than the bride - but the bride gets to borrow it for her day. The something blue is the blue sari fabric which makes up the waist band.

Got wedding? We gotcha covered. Available for purchase November 27, 2009 - Black Friday - at a 50% discount if you say you read it here.

Dream Sweet

Preparing for Black Friday

To debut on the l'Amore Initmo website just in time for Black Friday...

This pretty in pink in the first in the l'Amore Every Day Collection - The Joy. 50% of all proceeds from the purchase of The Joy will be donated to breast cancer research. Join l'Amore Intimo in the cause.

Dream Sweet

Back in Love Again

Not that I ever fell out of love with l'Amore Intimo -- but it's so much to do and no time. All of this will pay off. But no complaining about the temporary office position that I have with the census today. I have a bridal bead strand to finish tonight. Tomorrow before I head out to see MJ's This Is It, I have a l'Amore Boxer to stitch together - first I got to get that complex serger threaded - again. Loving every minute of it.

The next swag bag event for l'Amore Intimo is called Sip and Shop on December 4th. l'Amore Intimo will give 28 panties - the rainbow collection, 4 in each color - and as many of the 40% discount cards as they need for each bag. But before that we are participating in BBPN's Business Promo. The Backyard Boutique Party network is putting together packages for Hitmakers - this will also be a great way to publicize. I have to do it while the office job is still paying and then l'Amore Intimo will start paying -- I'm sure of this.

Dream Sweet

A Funny Thing Happened...

With the hustle and bustle of working full time away from l'Amore Intimo and working on l'Amore Intimo in the hours left in the day and week, I missed checking in on the website. I thought it had only been a few days, but in that few days something went wrongfully awry with the front page. My catch was missing and so was the description of the featured birthstone thong. Then to top that off the opening statement was out of sorts from it's normal positioning.

I'm not a techie but I don't believe that these changes made themselves. In all its wonder with my password for my wix account securely kept, I wish I knew how this happened. Hackers? Or maybe it's just hosting with wix. Whatever it is I don't want it to happen again.

Dream Sweet

Firsts

Today goes down as another l'Amore Intimo first. This will be forever the day l'Amore Intimo procured the first independent consultant. There was a 3 hour "can this be a productive business relationship" meeting . My instinct is yay.

Until again --
Dream Sweet

Passion

Tonight, another excellent teacher - Miles McPherson - speaker delivered an inspirational message at revival. The sweetness of this message wasn't that he said what he said, but rather how I was tuned into what God was saying to me.

There are times when I still wonder with l'Amore Intimo, what's it all about and then I design something or write something and it all makes sense. Some may not understand, with my eyes fixed on my spiritual beliefs, how I could be the designer of intimate apparel. To that I say, you are welcome to walk in my shoes and see how I got to this point.

Once I was told -- and with all due respect I believe that it was out of nothing but good intentions -- that l'Amore Intimo would appeal to strippers and she knew quite a few of them. I pray that the unique beauty of l'Amore Intimo appeals to more than that demographic as it is intended to represent the intimate love. That love is the love of yourself. Loving is respecting yourself as a woman and treating yourself with the utmost respect and honor. Not intimate wear to tease or please the opposite sex. Intimate wear because you think it's beautiful for you.

But these things got me thinking while the speaker was talking this evening. He said his church - the Rock - has a ministry outreach that goes into the strip joints in San Diego bringing the strippers positive messages. l'Amore Intimo has been placed on my heart and my mission for this business is to reach women who are hurting, sick, or feeling incapable and needing a boost, through various women's charities. Any way, beyond the wordiness that is happening here, I was championed to bring a message of love through the l'Amore Intimo products. I have since (yes just tonight) decided on a special design for raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. It's pink and beautiful and for every one that sells, 50% will go to breast cancer research.

But the message didn't end there for me. Everything became very clear about why I am working 8 hours at a job and then coming home at the end of my day to have the day begin again with l'Amore Intimo - the intimate love. This speaker spoke of 5 p's -- preparation, purpose, pain, power and passion. It was all very inspirational but more so when he got to passion - as I had to turn my note sheet over and on the back where I had written at the beginning of his message a note to myself, a revelation of sorts that said "l'Amore Intimo is to minister with the love it holds behind the product". It was there I wrote "passion". He said that passion is the commitment to NEVER QUIT. Eureka! l'Amore Intimo's slogan is "release the passion in you" -- find your passion and release it. Passion is your commitment NEVER QUIT. I won't quit. Will you?

Dream Sweet

What's Love Got to do With Anything?

Tonight was a wonderful revival night. As I joined in the worship at my church, sitting only 4 rows from the front, I watched the deaf interpreter. I saw love in what she was doing. Expressing music and words through facial expressions and deliberate hand motions, is her labor of love. As I watched her beautiful joyful expressions I thought to myself -- everyone should be full of this love.

Dream Sweet

The Weekend is Coming

And I gotta a lot of work to do. Doesn't seem like I will ever catch up with myself. Seems like I need an assistant. Seems like little of nothing is getting done. Then I look back on where I was this time last year, and I'm so much stronger, so much wiser, so much more. Pursuing the desires of my heart - l'Amore Intimo tops the list - has been the best thing ever.

Have you pursued your dreams today?

Dream Sweet

Showcase

Today I found a cute portable showcase for the Birthstone Thong Collection. The 12 fit beautifully inside this single bin - not too big, not too small. It does have green handles which can either be painted or left as they are. This is a great case for independent distributors to showcase any of the l'Amore Intimo collections, but first I will use it for my meeting with the board of the charity group we will be sponsoring the event for in November. I'm siked about this worthwhile cause and believe my designs will make a great impression with or without the bin. But it adds a little something.

Dream Sweet

Something New for October

Not that the original bead strand for October - The Pink Tourmaline Birthstone Thong from l'Amore Intimo wasn't gorgeous enough but because the lingerie is hand-crafted we get to change things up as we grow. My goal is for everyone who orders a l'Amore Intimo to feel they are getting something uniquely beautiful crafted just for them.

Dream Sweet

A Night at the Observatory

A friend and I trekked to the Griffith Observatory tonight, and I must say GO. If you are in the L.A. area it's worth it. Besides admittance is free. There are special events that you need tickets for but everything else is free. There's a restaurant and a gift store which of course if you want something form these places you need to bring your wallet, but everything is free. I harp on this because my first experience at one of L.A.'s museum was a bit of culture shock to me - a DC girl who grew up on the Smithsonian and the National Zoo, which are free admittance. So to have to pay to enter a museum or a zoo was foreign to me.

Any way. Tonight there where nothing but couples at the observatory. Couples kisses under the stars or gazing through telescopes or holding hands as they made their way through the exhibits. I totally agree this is a good thing - dinner and a nice Sunday drive to the observatory. Economic and romantic. I had fun.

Dream Sweet

Pulling A Murn

Is there ever a tactful way to point out ignorance? Thinking maybe not. It is what it is. I'm not just rambling on - I'm talking about something so typical it could be overlooked or deemed unimportant. Profiling. You know that goes on in airports more post 911. It also still exist in the workplace. Categorizing someone's talent or abilities by the way they look (be it the color of there skin or appeared age). It's called discrimination and it won't be allowed when I do start hiring at l'Amore Intimo. I experienced the deeming jolt of discrimination and maybe from poor ignorant assumption, this week at the census office. No worries, I handled it by pulling a Murn.

Dream Sweet

(Murn is a pet name I call my Mother who is a very strong matriarch and business woman - takes no bs from anyone, and if crossed will help the crosser to recognize who she is and that her place in this world is where she wants to be.)

Have You Ever Seen a Rainbow?

Of course you have. You've seen the beauty of the purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Maybe, just perhaps you've even had fantasies of finding the gold at the end of a rainbow. Today I found the gold when my fabric samples arrived in every color of the rainbow. The fabric is rich and the colors vibrant. The l'Amore Intimo Every Day Rainbow Collection is on its way.

Dream Sweet

Unlucky in Love

You know the saying "lucky in cards, unlucky in love"? And then there's the version "lucky in business, unlucky in love". What do you believe?

I'm not quite sure that luck and love go together. Seems that too much time and nurturing should go into love and loving, to call it lucky when it works or unlucky when it doesn't. Whatever the statistics may show I believe anything that's worth having is worth the effort that is put into it, but I also believe sometimes when you're looking, and hoping, and waiting for love, that you could fall into something far from it just because.

To experience one great intimacy is worth a million empty desires.

Dream Sweet

The Sassy Bride - As promised

As promised -- a sneak peak at the first design in the l'Amore Intimo Bridal Collection. This one is the Sassy Bride. To come are the Classy Bride, the Boy oh Boy Bride, and the Wedding Thong. The Sassy bride is a remake of the Sassy Tavi design in white fr the bride.

The Bridal collection will premiere online November 2009. Don't worry about the flesh tone - it's only a mannequin.

Dream Sweet

Shark Tank?

That was the buzz around the office today - Shark Tank. I didn't see the show but hear the premise is about some rich investors looking to steal business ideas right from under their owners. Hmmm.

Someone suggested this might be something to consider for l'Amore Intimo. To that I would have to say let me watch the show first. But my initial thought is, why would I sell a business I am so very passionate about? Give 50% or more to some investor who can then give me the boot, mass produce cheap "beep" in China and call it l'Amore Intimo? I can see how this could work if I was in this just for the money - but today - I'm not there. Maybe way down the line somewhere. Who knows. Today I'm loving being the owner of this beautiful venture. But I will watch the show and let you know.

Dream Sweet

Anything Online

To make my life easier I found a chocolate thermometer spatula (for tempering l'Amore Intimo Chocolate, ribbed stretch fabric for the l"Amore Intimo The Cami, power mesh in all the colors of the rainbow for l'Amore Intimo Every Day Collection for $10 less than the shop in the fashion district.

There's information of every shape form or fashion to aid any entrepreneur. I even think information from those who are working their way through their first year of business can be found - like this web log. Thanks for reading. Thank you google.

Dream Sweet

PS - Come back tomorrow to see the first design in the l'Amore Intimo Bridal Collection.

Is Busy Good?

"Everybody's working for the weekend" and "working 9 to 5", are lyrics that come to mind when I think about my time spent away from l'Amore Intimo production. There is so much that needs to be done on a daily basis and not enough time to do everything,without that constant feeling of exhaustion. But I know this too will pass, or will it ever? Will there be a time when I won't have to sacrifice in hopes of living the dream, and just live the dream?


Dream Sweet

Cool

A friend of mine told me of the upcoming wedding of her 19 year old son. Since the Bridal Collection is under construction I thought what a perfect gift to give a couple in love. I offered to give the groom and his bride the Bridal Gift Set - which includes the Wedding Thong, the l'Amore Intimo Boxer, the l'Amore Scentual (candle), and a sample of chocolate sweet and chocolate heat.

Funny thing is I thought the gift offer would at least get a quick response of yay or nay. Three days went by and nothing until this morning when I got this response (as I paraphrase)...

I don't consider myself a prude but I had a hard time sitting down with my son over my shoulder as I showed him your email with the gift offer and then your website. He, however thought all of it was "cool" and would be happy to receive the gift.

To which I took a bit of time to consider my reply which I thought was necessary...

You are a wonderful mommy. Allowing your son to choose outside of your personal preference, I adore that. L'Amore Intimo means The Intimate Love, and the brand logo is release the passion in you. The intimate love to me is loving yourself , building up and edifying with self respect, self regard, and sharing that with the world.

My goal is to create uniquely beautiful pieces that are indeed inspired by love, hand-crafted with passion and cherished for always. Cherishing the moments, the time, the memories. Meant for every woman.

Dear friend, since I started l'Amore, introduced it to the public--people have come out of the wood work to instruct me on what to do. Many, most love the brand and the concept behind the brand. Most understand I am not selling scank wear but rather intimate apparel, very high end yes, but also a message from a place deep inside my heart. I am taking a complete original stance by not photographing my designs on models, and have confused many men who have offered to shoot this for me. What I feel is that I am not going to conform. L'Amore Intimo will be different. A website and catalog that's not a skin flick. My desire is to use silhouette sketches as models make the pictures beautiful pieces of art like my designs.

You know some of my heartache in the past years, and I am still standing after so much drama and what some consider disaster and sadness. L'Amore Intimo is something I have lovingly created. I am even sponsoring a women's charity event to aid the women's recovery shelter in Santa Monica. L'Amore Intimo also gives 10% of sells earnings to women's charities. I believe that supporting women's causes is of the utmost importance, because many times we're overlooked.

I hope that with the intro of each one of our collections to come that you indeed will find a particular design that you love. Kelli used to be a bit prudish as did many of my supporters until they held a design up close and saw the love that I put into it.

Daily I am growing and changing just like my company. Making a way out of no way instead of crying about my ex owing me two years of support and our house being lost in a short sale. Lynn God is good all the time and through it all I am stronger and hopefully more humble and giving.

Check out my blog, I believe it could help any new entrepreneur. lamoreintimo.blogspot.com

xoxo

I add this reply to my sweet friend it's okay to release your passion in whatever your heart's desire. My heart's desire is to create intimate apparel that's hopefully different and loved by most. For too long I lived in a stifled state, wasting my creative mind, not wanting to step out of bounds for myself and what I wanted. The best lesson I took away from my marriage and divorce is that time is indeed a terrible thing to waste. a few of my "friends" no longer speak to me since I started l'Amore Intimo and sometimes that bothers me, but I have also gained close, caring, supportive real friends (which include family) who understand that it's not about the panties, which are indeed beautiful, it's about living the dream, following your heart, and learning every day.

Dream Sweet

Top 10

Today someone told me they were fired for low productivity once. She said her supervisor offered no assistance but instead looked at the number of cupcakes made and fired her. Behind this low productivity was the fact that the facility was cheap on the non stick spray required to produce a cupcake that wouldn’t stick to the pan.

The random stories I hear about people's work situations, better aids me in how I would deal with the same situations. In this case of low productivity, I would make sure first that the employee does indeed have the right equipment needed to do their particular job, and that all of my ducks are indeed in a row. I would expect that my employees ducks should be all in a row too or low productivity would indeed be a factor.

One day all of this great stuff I’m learning is going to help me run a company which will be considered one of the top 10 companies to work for. That’s my goal..

Dream Sweet

The Blitz Is On

It's obvious by most that i am a huge BASEBALL fan, but I also enjoy football - or I should say the Redskins and anybody that beats Dallas on any given day. I know a little about the blitz and it's time for l'Amore Intimo to BLITZ. or the past two days I have been working on a very important ad/pr campaign for the company to be introduced this weekend. What my hopes are is to increase of course the sells margin but also to fatten that rolodex. I'm siked with my plays and I'm headed for the goal. I would appreciate your prayers and cares and constant well wishes. Grazie Mille.

Dream Sweet

Driving Traffic

Today I read some great information on driving traffic to your website. The first was “31 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website” (http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/ecommerce/a/drivetrafficmm.html by Maria Marsala for about.com) and the other was from SCORE - “Free Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website” (http://www.score.org/eb_29.html by Karon Thackston, KT & Associates). The readings were very helpful, and have at least inspired me to stay proactive in this beautiful business that is l’Amore Intimo. Passing this on to all you other entrepreneurs.

Dream Sweet

I'd Rather Be

As I sit here listening to the chatter of the office, I am wishing so deeply that I was at the home front working. Getting into the design of the l’Amore Intimo Every Day Collection vice being here. Not to be deep and sentimental, because that would just make me gag, we do some mighty awesome things to get where we want to go.

On the lighter side of l‘Amore Intimo, I did order some new business cards last night - 500 for under $8 on 100 lb card stock.If those turn out well, I will order the hang tags from the same place. Not too shabby.

Dream Sweet

l'Amore Today

Today it was another trek down to my favorite fashion district. I rushed downtown to pick up some stretch binding - got it and rushed back. That was my day. Oh yeah - the quarter that i put on the broken parking meter was taken in the 5 minutes that I was in the trim shop. Oh yeah - I am just about done with the keynote presentation that I am making for the meeting with the people in charge of the charity l'Amore Intimo is sponsoring in November. Oh yeah - I have decided that l'Amore Intimo will give 10% of every sell to a woman's charity. And the biggest oh yeah... a new fan joined the Birthstone thong Fan Club and will receive 20% off her first l'Amore Intimo order.

l'Amore Intimo is a big oh yeah!

Dream Sweet

Sponsor

The next l’Amore Intimo PR event is in November. We are the main sponsor of this event. It’s another charity function but this time benefitting a women’s group home in Santa Monica. One of the missions of l’Amore Intimo is to support women’s charities, and fortunately enough this is a worthy cause to champion, and maybe it will help everyone involved. This is an opportunity for l’Amore Intimo to introduce the l’Amore Intimo Every Day Collection which is not your ordinary every day pantie. The challenge will be to create what could possibly be a large number depending on the donations given on this evening.

Dream Sweet

Don't Stop Believing

I love that song by Journey. So edifying and uplifting. I hope that everyone is have a don't stop believing week. Don't let anyone steal your joy. Joy is within any way and it can't be obtained from anyone outside of the Spirit. But don't let anyone distract you from your heart's desire. All things are possible. Things may not come when you want or expect them to come but that does not mean these things are unobtainable. Just don't stop believing. Take control. It's your business. It's your life.

Dream Sweet

A Very Joyful Day

Things might not always seem to happen the way I wish they would but every day I try to build l'Amore Intimo. Today after spending the afternoon in Dodgertown I picked up a gift card from Claim Jumpers. I found out that the company who makes their Gift Card caters to the restaurant community. But that didn't stop me. I googled retail store business cards and found plenty of companies. Now I get to wade through them and find the one for l'Amore.

Always learning.

Dream Sweet

Learning Curve

This is real from my heart, so listen up. When you own a business, you have to own the business. Don't let anything go by without first checking and re-checking. You will avoid mishaps if you look at it through discerning eyes that have your interest in check. No one can see your dreams better than you can. No one can make them happen for you either. So it's important to make sure you always have last looks on everything.

Today I received some gift cards in the mail from an online print shop. The cards were printed wrong with the wrong copy. I can only blame myself for not having the last looks before they went out to the printers. It's going to cost me PR for this weekend, but I learned and will come back with a vengeance to never let that happen again. Lessons are good, and learning them early in the game is even better. l'Amore Intimo has only been online for 2 and a half months, and things will get better when the e-commerce site is up and running. Plus I still have a charity event before years end - this should bring in some PR with the right press release going out about it.

That's all I got. No -- one more thing. The Chocolate Sweet (rose flavored) and the Chocolate Heat (cayenne pepper flavored) candy that I gave away last night for a ladies movie night out - went over huge! They all raved about both flavors. Now I just need the right molds to form the perfect rose and heart.

Dream Sweet

Positive Reflection

Yesterday's post ended with positive reflection. Today I open this post with positive reflection. I saw it today.

I have been working on everything I can motivated myself to work on once I get home from my 8.5 hours in the office. This week I finished the Dodger blue dress for a birthday present and took on solid chocolate making. Last time we made truffles that were awesome, but I wanted to try molding solid pieces of chocolate. Without a thermometer, it's not accurate and doesn't work well. I did get some beautifully delicious rose chocolates or chocolate sweet and cayenne pepper chocolate or chocolate heat made.

This morning I boxed a Chocolate Sweet (Rose) solid heart in a brown linen box and tied a l'Amore Intimo blue ribbon around it. I thought the package was brilliant. I gave it to a co-worker who always greet me each morning with a smile. She wasn't expecting it but admitted how Friday's are her favorite day and holding up the box with a grateful smile, she added "this is why". This was a nice thank you.

The day went one with lots of reading for the job and after lunch she called me. What she said was humbling and right on time. She told me thank you again, and added that from the packaging to the flavor the chocolate was simply perfect. She went on to add her sincere wishes for l'Amore Intimo to grow bigger than big. WOW! Confirmation when things seems slow that it is all worth it.

Forge ahead is what I will do. Thank you.

Dream Sweet

Stick to Your Business Plan

Every morning when you open your eyes do you feel thankful?

Today I opened my eyes and felt sleepy. Thing is, I went to sleep early last evening (around 1030). It’s not that I am not thankful for the new day and new hopes and prospects, it has nothing to do with that for me. But, I am feeling a bit weary in well doing. I got attacked by a naysayer again. They’re out there - so watch for them if you have a dream, because they will attempt to squash you like a bug. The bad thing is, most of the time these naysayers are close loved ones. It doesn’t even matter if you have always been encouraging or supportive to them. They may not grasp positive reflection.

The attack came yesterday when I was reminded that I don’t have orders bogging me down. Probably wasn't meant maliciously. I came back with, one day soon I will have that many and more orders. But then I started thinking what if I never get any orders? I have put so much time and effort into this business. I don’t have the funding to back me when it comes to the necessary PR so I try other avenues and have to depend on others who I can’t pay right now. And no I don’t have orders bogging me down. How much and how long does one go when one doesn’t have the support of a loved one or how long can one listen to the naysayers whose words cut even if they are true?

I’ll say this from a place deep inside my heart. I appreciate everyone who has supported me in the building of l’Amore Intimo (especially the readers who commented so positively on yesterday's post, I needed that boost) - it’s a viable venture and I will work hard and do all that I can to build it, even if that means having to cut loose the naysayers. You can’t go forward if you allow negativity to drag you backwards.

To all you entrepreneurs out there - stick to your business plan, know when it’s time to revise it, and don’t stop believing. I won’t stop.

Dream Sweet

All Together Now

Haven’t seen the twelve l’Amore Intimo Birthstone Thongs together? Now you have. l’Amore Intimo representative’s will be on hand at a few charity events here in Los Angeles and will be swag bagging in a few spot as well. Keep up to date of their whereabouts and maybe you can snag a golden ticket - 40% off any one Birthstone Thong gift card! All this just in time for the holiday gift giving.

Get a better look at this collection on our website www.lamoreintimo.com.
Dream Sweet

l'Amore Every Day

Today I have to decide on the design for the l’Amore Every Day collection. It would seem that this collection will be featured at a charity even in November. I have lots of ideas and I’m sketching - and still waiting for that new butt model to arrive in the mail.

The design I think will be easiest sewn in white and then dyed the Rainbow colors that I want for the collection (red, orange, yellow, green blue, purple and white or should the 7th color be black). We’ll see. Either way, this collection will be sold in a package of 7, and promises not to be just another boring pair of every day panties. Would you expect anything less from l’Amore Intimo? I hope not.

Dream Sweet

Dodger Blue and l'Amore Intimo

Today after the office I will rush back to the factory to finish a Dodger Blue sun dress for a birthday gift for someone special. As I was sewing on it yesterday, I thought to myself about the fact I need to put my label on it. The l’Amore Intimo brand. Then I thought, it’s not lingerie so do I need to put a label on it? Yes, it’s still an exclusive design by l’Amore Intimo because that’s who I am. So I choose to label. Soon I will need a full body form mannequin not just a butt mannequin. Cool.

Dream Sweet

l'Amore Intimo

One day my sister called me to tell me about someone who had stolen her heart. Something was different in her voice - a tone of contentment, joy, happiness, and peace. I could feel her heart and was/am very happy for her. She deserves every bit of happiness that comes into her life. Besides I've apologized at least once for sticking her finger with a pin while I was twirling around being a high schooler, way back when. Then the majority vote was to prick my finger so that the two of us would be always joined by blood. It was childish but she couldn't be closer to me in mind, heart, and spirit if she were my biological sister. So her happiness is an utmost priority.

Here's looking at you kid, and the love who has entered your life. You both have touched my heart with the love you share. It's not sickening, it's real.

l'Amore Intimo interpreted is the intimate love, and the two of them have found that kind of love - the love who you want to spend all your time with. We all should experience this kind of love. My hope is to toast them at your wedding.

Dream Sweet

NEW AGAIN

As I sit here (seems like I am always saying that), but as I sit here after the morning fire alarm (I was called upon to search the office for a missing something. Couldn’t find it, because it’s not here like I told them) -- any way, as I sit here practicing the peyote beading stitch, I decided it was time to take a peek at the finished hang tag and gift card sent over to me from Idiom+ this morning. They’re perfect, quite l’Amore Intimo indeed. The copy I added fits nicely and the design a masterpiece -- but what else would it be.

Slowly maybe, maybe not, everything is coming together and it’s looking a lot like what I envisioned or simply think about all the time. Here’s the front of my new BC.

Dream Sweet

Your Special Offer

Today as I plugged away at the ad copy for the l’Amore Intimo’s first promo gift card and that all important hang tag that will be around for a while, I ran into my own thinking and had to call on some very special ladies. I sent a text to 7 very diverse women. My question to them was “does a woman want to be desired or cherished?” Within seconds - I know it wasn’t a full minute, four out of the 7 sent their response. My mother called with hers. WOW! That kind of support, encouragement, and love got me all misty eyed at the office where several dead spiders or maybe they are sleeping, waiting, are gathered in a corner.

Gracias mi familia e mi amigas! I love you back! Check out the l’Amore Intimo hang tag to see the concensus. I thought so too but I had to ask.

Dream Sweet

The Entrepreneural

What makes an Entrepreneur? According to the FASHION ENTREPRENEUR by Sandra Burke www.fashionbooks.com, entrepreneurs possess certain character traits. One of those traits she defined brilliantly I think.

"Internal Locus of Control: Fashion entrepreneurs who have a strong internal locus of control believe their lives, their destiny, and their successes are determined by their own actions and not by the actions of others. By analyzing their own actions and addressing their shortcomings, entrepreneurs know they will be successful next time round. It follows that if entrepreneurs feel they are in control of their lives they also feel in control of their risks - if they have a problem they will fix it.
In contrast, external locus of control applies to people who believe their lives, their destiny and their successes are determined by the actions of others. They expect other people to make decisions for them, and if there is a problem, they expect other people to fix it - entrepreneurship is not for them."

When I first read this I immediately understood that I possess the internal locus of control trait, along with all the others Ms. Burke penned. Since this web log is a study in starting and building a small business - let me ask do you possess internal locus of control or external locus of control? Always learning

Dream Sweet

Maybe So

Today I visited some a premium outlet to look. And that's what I did. I browsed through 10 stores or so looking at clothes, handbags, lingerie. I was told to stop inspecting seams and stitches by my shopping buddy, who informed me that she hated it when her roommate - who is in film production - would analyze every movie while they were watching it. At least I am not the only person who gets on her nerves.  I will be apologize for loving the creativity behind l'Amore Intimo and wanting to become better at what I do through research.

The lingerie I looked at was shapewear. They carry shapewear in the S size. Very strane to me. Do people with 24" waist (the regular S) really need to wear girdles? Do I answer this question out loud? Will l'Amore Intimo eventually carry shapewear? With the tremendous request to take the mundane of the present day shapewear and make it something more beautiful without losing the shape, all I can say is -- I'm considering this very much. Stay tuned.

Dream Sweet

"FAN"tastic

The Birthstone Thong Fan Club is set and ready to join. Only a few pics are missing from the new ones taken in August. Soon they will be available too. I feel like I am sometimes at a deficit when it comes to maneuvering PR on Facebook. But ya can't keep me down for long -- sooner or later I will figure it out.

Join the Birthstone Thong Fan Club and receive 20% off your first l'Amore Intimo purchase -- just in time for the fast approaching holiday season and the upcoming debut of the Sassy and Bridal collections. This special offer will be extended until further notice.

Dream Sweet

REAL TALK

This is exactly what I want for one of l'Amore Intimo's future magazine regular articles -- a voice so fresh and honest and REAL. Can you dig it?! Check out this blog by Cornelius, he's a friend of mine - more family, but outside of that he's what we've been looking for but didn't know it. I caught his first web log on yahoo, where he had a tremendous following for the short time he was there, and deservedly so. My Sis will get the first Wedding Thong by l'Amore Intimo for their nuptials. Read, follow, and take to heart the raw words of wisdom. Real talk by Cornelius. Thank you very much.

Dream Sweet

Back and Forth

This weekend has to prove successful in the time I spend designing and creating. I am back and forth beween the "Sassy" collection and the "Bridal" collection. Something in a little leather for the Sassy, and of course traditional white for the Bridal. If I can knock two beautiful designs out of the park this weekend, I will be more than happy and feel progressive.

Today I order a not too used fabric mannequin. This butt model will be better for designing and crafting. The other one that I have is awesome for displaying, and I have to keep it in good shape for the shows coming up. Today I sent in my application for the Head to Toe Women's Expo. Today was a great day!

Dream Sweet

My Future Office

Dream and Dream BIG is a good motto. Today in the quietness of the office that I guard on the oath I took to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, I found my solace. A place I can go to dream and dream BIG. Since a very young child I would sketch like a seasoned architect - or so I thought - my office. When I was younger it was a doctors office. As I grew and found my love for creating it was a store. Today? Today it is l'Amore Intimo's fashion place. A place where inspiration turns into designs, where designs turn into patterns, patterns turn into intimate treasures, and intimate treasures turn into passionate memories.

I stood there in that office, and in my mind transformed it into the world of l'Amore Intimo. It was wonderful. There was the reception area where all hopeful designers, pattern makers, seamstresses, attorneys, accountants, p.r., models, photographers, my people, and me will have to walk through to the other side. Then inside there's the designer's brainstorming room with a door, the pattern making station, the cutting station, the machine sewing station, the hand sewing station, a huge meeting room for those morning meetings and lots of space for a huge theater screen to have viewing of movies, office party videos, red carpet events, project runway, etc., an over-sized storage room - big enough for many many bolts of fabric on shelves and a recreation area for some gym equipment or pool table or video games whatever will do to relieve the morning work rush and work off lunch. On one side. Then passing through the lunch area - where washing hands is always required when working - there is my office with a beautiful classic desk with all the usual on it, and a table, but instead of the round table there's a sewing table with the best machines at my will, outside my office there's my assistant (he or she has to be able to finish my sentences), he or she is very much overpaid but worth every penny. There's also on that side of the office a quality control station and customer service station. Nice.

I could see everything in all its blanket blue and personal brown colours. I could see it, can see it, and I love it. I am also thankful for the opportunity to dream and work hard toward seeing this dream become a reality.

Dream Sweet

New Photos New Logo Coming!

I'm very excited! Have been completely way too busy though - but that's a good thing. Back with the Census Bureau - inside this time, THANK GOD! But even though the knowledge of knowing this is a helpful gig to supplement l'Amore Intimo, and I am completely grateful - it still takes away from the factory. I will get as much done as I possible can. At least at this point, I am able to catch up on the business side of l'Amore Intimo while in the office and waiting for the official start of work. Right now it's slow but I have no internet thus far and can't get in my business email or blogging or Facebook and Twittering is just out.

Stay tuned though because Idiom+ has developed a beautiful brand name logo for l"Amore Intimo! I LOVE IT and can't wait to transition. It's going to stand tall with the big hitters. Now we're working on the brochure and gift card for the Cystic Fibrosis swag bag. This is a super promotional opportunity for l'Amore Intimo.

PHEW

Dream Sweet

Inspirational Waiting

l'Amore - the love. And the love was definitely in the air last night at the Dodgers' game. Couples galore - hugging cuddling - going to first base - some second. Me -- sitting there watching and thinking about l'Amore Intimo. What's in store? Then today - back to the grind or not. I've been watching season 5 of Project Runway on Bravo. It's been inspirational. So much so that I am going to finish watching all the episodes -maybe 1 more to go.

But wait?! Aren't there cocktail waitress outfits to be done? Yes, and they are done. Maybe not sewn, but done and no spazzing please - the deadline was moved. That's the biz. Any biz. Rush Rush Rush, then sit and wait. But most of the time you don't even get warning. So. The outfits are due Sunday for a Monday meeting or turnover for consideration. You'll see them here. Exclusively l'Amore Intimo.

Dream Sweet

A Cocktail

No I'm not having one. Don't drink much, but this design is making me think about it. It's the design for the charity event in September. Not quite sure how I got entangled in designing a cocktail waitress outfit - considering I have not designed a costume in a while and actually created a finished product. It can be done but with the learning curve of the new - ridiculously particular serger that does fifty million different things - I have felt a bit pressured and not accomplishing much.

Today however, I took a piece of fabric, and cut a ten inch trip, then sewed it together and made viola -- A Mini Skirt. I then took another piece of fabric and cut a nine inch strip, sewed it together and voila - a mini skirt lining. Then I put it on the butt model mannequin, and voila - A Cocktail Waitress outfit! Still need a top but at list I am halfway through and it really is pretty -- will be beautiful after I add the l'Amore Intimo touch. Content Happy Life is Good.

Dream Sweet

Like Julie

I found out yesterday that www.lamoreintimo.com had a whopping total of 55 visitors in the past 30 days. Okay. Not such a great review, but a great business in the making. Analytics stink and can be quite misleading and disturbing.

Over the weekend I went to see Julie & Julia. A story about a woman who blogs about cooking all the recipes in Julia Child's cookbook in a year. Good movie - see my review on troop180productions.blogspot.com to post later today. Anyway -- Julie's blog was slow in getting read way back in 2002 but she was on a mission to complete these recipes and write a blog about her adventure.

I have been on a mission as well. I started this blog as a prelude to l'Amore Intimo, the business. Hopefully the ups and downs along with the ends and outs of sacrificing to start the business of their dreams - has helped someone, anyone. Like Julie, I wonder if anyone is even paying attention. Regardless of all that, I'm still here - 55 visitors in a month can only grow.

Check out lamoreintimo.com

Dream Sweet

What's Up With L'Amore?

L'amore Intimo was in meeting most of the day yesterday. Ok - not really but I did have to deal with the Trademark office. They needed for be to reply to some nuisances they found. The attorney looking over everything was very helpful and I gave them extremely sound arguments about the originality of the mark.

But after those hours L'amore Intimo closed for it's annual observance of the president's birthday. It seems the birthday goes on for more than a day too. The factory was gifted with a new serger!! It's not a Bernina but it's the top of the line Singer. Bernina coming though - I can feel it! For today I am completely happy.

Dream Sweet

Seeing the World Through Chocolate Rose Ganache

After filling out the city of Los Angeles business tax application - funny they make you apply to be taxed - funnier, you do it... after an afternoon of paperwork, because when you file the one form you also have to file the tobacco sellers questionnaire - regardless of your intent to sell tobacco - which I am not. Back to the real story for the day...

I broke the bank on 8 ounces of fine baking bar chocolate and whipping cream and spent the evening making chocolate rose ganache for truffles. Mmm Mmm - not only did the room light up with this terrific aroma, the taste was delightfully sensational! Instead of rolling in cocoa powder I shook the delights up in rose petal sugar. I have to work on the technique, but delicious.

Dream Sweet

Framed

Thank you everyone who has offered my l'Amore Intimo designs such great complements. I am deeply humbled and extremely moved by the numerous well wishers. Often time you may receive a few bravos, kudos, well dones, or even that's nice or some say nothing at all. But I thank everyone who follows this blogspot or l'Amore Intimo on Facebook or Twitter - I am encouraged.

The latest compliment came from a beautiful woman who I have known as a neighbor and friend for about 8 years. She's an Arbonne consultant and I wanted to have a private party to premiere the Sassy and Bridal lines with her demonstrating the wonderful Arbonne product. She was all for it until she went to the website and saw the designs that don't hang on models but speak volumes all on their own -- but I guarantee they are 100% more beautiful on the feminine body. Any way after viewing the Birthstone Thong collection she wrote me this (I copied and pasted to get the exact wording and added the quotes) --

"Your lingerie looks like it needs to be framed and hung on a wall, not worn, they are beautiful!"

I too honestly feel the collection is a work of art and what a excellent idea to frame these original designs and hang them on my studios wall. Dream big.

Dream Sweet

Do you got it?

Here's when you know -- when people that you only know because someone has mentioned their name a time or two and mere acquaintances come out of the woodwork to say "you got it but I can make it better if you do it my way". Here's what I believe you should do in that case -- stick to your goals. Listen but do not feel pressured to follow the ideas of others especially if those ideas get you off track of your goals. Implement a suggestion into your business plan only if you absolutely love it and believe it will work without upsetting your goals.

Put your foot into every aspect of your business and don't take it out unless you are confident you have not stepped on a land mine.

and then...

Dream Sweet

The "Sassy" Collection

Here's a sneak preview at the first in the l'Amore Intimo" Sassy collection - The Tavi. Finally the label is in place and the lucky owner will have this sweet little number soon. This line will be available for order in November 09 for the general public, but if you want yours before then - email me with your request.

The bridal collection - in production now - will also feature in white or antique white - a design from the "Sassy", "Classy" and the "Boy o' Boy".

Dream Sweet

INTIMATE LOVE

The English translation of l'Amore Intimo. Merriam-Webster defines Intimate as a noun - an intimate friend or confidant, adjective - belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature, and a transitive verb - to make known especially publicly or formally and love had many meanings including the love of God but also strong affection for another. Therefore, I conclude from the desire of my heart, l'Amore Intimo is the perfect name and meaning for my business that evolves daily.

The US Trademark office has put me in the driver's seat of owning the rights to this name. There's Intimo and there's Amore but there's only one l'Amore Intimo. I love that.

Dream Sweet

Check This Out

I must admit -- computers are not my talent and maneuvering around the web, although very necessary, I'd rather be sewing. But today I would get a gold star for my work. On yahoo small business I found that I could forward my domains to my URL. You know what? I did just that.

Check out:

http://www.birthstonethong.com

and then

http://www.releasethepassioninyou.com

You will be taken to my soon to be an ecommerce site lamoreintimo.com.

Yes I am happy about this and yahoo helped.

Way Cool

Dream Sweet

Ecommerce

Soon lamoreintimo.com will feature its own ecommerce area. Shop til you drop right on the site. Told you to stay tuned.

Other news... l'Amore Intimo will debut in its first swag bag for a charity event in Hollywood at the end of September. Keep it right here for more details. This event should prove to be a formidable jump start for l'Amore Intimo, and makes me quite the happy designer!

Dream Sweet

In With The New

Lamoreintimo.com is growing daily. New photos of the "Birthstone Thong" collection were taken this past week and will soon be posted with lots of beautiful details to give more of a sense of the quality and care that goes into each extraordinary design.

The l'Amore "Bridal" collection is in production to soon make its debut, and will include the l'Amore "Boxer", candle, and chocolates. Keep an eye out.

Dream Sweet

Stay Tuned...

I'm pretty sure t here is something I should be creating right now - but I choose after a day in the fabric district to relax before I create a one of a kind for a friend of mine. Maybe this little number will make the "Sassy" Collection - ??? - Stay tuned...

Dream Sweet

Idiom+

To my friends at Idiom+ -- thank you for all the work you have put into building the l'Amore Intimo website. The pre-launch would have not made my own July 4th deadline if it wasn't for the persistent and dedicated work of Idiom+. The creative ideas your company brings to the table and the innovation of your work deserve high accolades.

Check out the http://www.lamoreintimo.com.

Ciao Y'all

We Have Lift Off

I'm making panties - COOL! Now that the design portion of the "Birthstone Thong" Collection is behind me - I am receiving much interest and many collective compliments which I am very grateful to receive.

Along with the request for this or that I am working the l'Amore Bridal collection. Thinking more antique white lace and then the crisp white satin, maybe silk. Whatever the turn out please take my word it will be on all the brides registries.

Also pulling together the Classy, the Sassy, the Boy o' Boy, and the '09 Every Day (with a twist) collections.

Busy is a way good thing!

Dream Sweet

FaceBooked

There are lots of interesting amenities to Facebook. Yesterday I started the l'Amore Intimo Fan Club Group, and today I placed an ad to start running tomorrow and go for 10 days. But the catch here is they charge per click - so if you already are linked to l'Amore Intimo please allow newbies to click on the ad. The object here is to build the business.

Don't forget that if you are a follower of this l'Amore Intimo blog, l'Amore Intimo Facebook, or l'Amore Intimo Twitter - you will receive a 10% off your online purchase!

Dream Sweet

July - The Ruby

With the completion of the seventh month of the year design the "Birthstone Thong" Collection is complete for 2009/2010! There are 12 count them for yourself - and then go back and wonder about the exotic beauty that each one possesses as they speak to your passionate side.

January - The Garnet is festive for the beginning of the New Year

February - The Amethyst is a purple majesty

March - The Aquamarine is no doubt a soft breeze on a romantic beach

April - The Diamond is the dazzling silver lining around any dark cloud

May - The Emerald is the flower of the group

June - The Pearl is the I gotta touch this rare find

July - The Ruby is an American beauty

August - The Peridot my birthstone, the best design, must I say anymore

September - The Sapphire is the royal layers of photographic perfection

October - The Pink Tourmaline is the definition of delicate delight

November - The Citrine is the midas touch

December - The Topaz is a special as the gift giving month it hails

Choose your favorite and order securely and conveniently through PayPal. l'Amore Intimo welcomes all customization to suit your own fancy. So if you prefer another design but in your month's color scheme then order it (additional cost and design time required). Please email regina@lamoreintimo.com with any questions before you order.

Remember when you sign up to flow this blog or sign up as a friend on the l'amore Intimo Facebook or the newly implemented l'Amore Intimo Fan Club group on Facebook, or l'Amore Intimo's Twitter, you will receive a 10% discount off your l'Amore Intimo online purchases through December 10th (the final date to order to ensure delivery by Christmas 2009. Please add this note to your order.

Dream Sweet

Pay-a-Pal

Order securely with PayPal now on l'Amore Intimo. It's easy, and I recommend this method of payment for your online shopping.

Wait and see July - The Ruby will appear tomorrow - Sunday - and this will complete the 2009/2010 Birthstone Thong collection. Pick your favorite or favorites, place your order, and enjoy.

Dream Sweet

March - The Aquamarine

The white satin ribbon waist band delivers the pop of the aquamarine sheer beauty. Nothing cut straight for a whimsical fantasy reminder of how fun a day on an exotic beach can be.

WOW - did that sound really commercial? Good. As I am very happy with this design. It's the last in the Birthstone Thong collection to be designed for 2009/2010. Well ok - July - The Ruby is in remake mode. Bow he mass production begins. That's right mass production. There all gorgeous and it has been a pleasure to witness my very own growth in this process.

Dream Sweet

Back to Class

Today it was filing sales and use tax day and back to class for me. I took a two hour workshop offered on SCOREMENTORS on business plans. Seems that a business plan could take weeks or months to develop and then have to be updated quarterly. Is anyone thinking what I'm thinking? But I do agree that a sound business plan should be developed since 90% of all business fail within the first two years - I know that's true living here in the SCV. This developing town has seen its share of businesses come and go. So I won't go I need to go sew.

Dream Sweet

Created, Sewed, Threw in the Trash!

But that's a good thing. Creativity often comes with a full trash can. It's the learning that you take from the scraps hopefully. The only thing that may bother me a tad is the reality I am in the final lap of this race - all has not been easy but the "Birthstone Thong" collection is almost all complete for 2009/2010. And to think I get to do this all over again next year designing the 2010/2011 collection. Let's not forget l'Amore's other collections that will preview in November '09. Busy - Busy - Busy ME.

I love the comment, compliment and even the peekers who are interested in the beauty that is l"amore Intimo. Thank you. Stay tuned - you haven't seen all there is to see yet!

Dream Sweet

Purple Majesty

It's sometimes when a classy understatement speaks loud and clear. That time is now.

Let me post this disclaimer - I don't like purple. Reminds me of grape and not those delicious ones in the clusters that involves a fan and some sort of veil. Purple like in candy. Purple grape candy was never one of my favorites. My mother put me in every shade of purple know to man when I was a little girl, and she still tries to tell me how nice I look in this color. So to say February - The Amethyst took some doing, 'm not kidding.

But like all good things - and this one is way more than good... all good things come to those who anticipate. The wait is over. Introducing February - The Amethyst, the latest "Birthstone Thong" to be added to the collection. Enjoy - I know I will.

Dream Sweet

As Promised

A fun way to fall in love with the Emerald. This Birthstone Thong is the wholeness of the month of May - minus the maypole (did children really wrap ribbons around a pole?).

Introducing May - The Emerald "Birthstone Thong" available to order from lamoreintimo.com

Dream Sweet

May - The Emerald

Cleopatra's favorite gemstone has been a labor of love at best. The design is working out well now that the serger is working well. This one will come on line tomorrow. I believe Cleopatra would have proudly worn this little gem!

Dream Sweet

A Much Needed Breather

Not long - just a little break. The serger is not wanting to be threaded - thinking I may have to replace it sooner rather than later, because it's sounding peculiar. But I will sew with it until it won't sew no more.

Nascar drivers change their tires numerous times during a race. I guess changing out equipment when you're working hard is commonplace.

The Amethyst, The Aquamarine, The Emerald, and The Ruby will be available for viewing soon. They are still available for order. The designs are beautiful and will fit well with the other 8 photographed.

Keeping checking in to l'Amore Intimo.

Dream Sweet

www.lamoreintimo.com

To all my readers, don't forget when you sign up to follow or subscribe to this blogsite, you will receive a discount when you order from l'Amore Intimo. Sign up and pass this information on to your people, and they in turn can get in touch with my people. Funny. But I am truly excited about this pre-launch. To those who supported me -- Thank You!

Dream Sweet

The Pre-Launch is a Go!

Get 'em while they're hot! The new side of sensual apparel - l'Amore Intimo has just released the 2009/2010 Birthstone Thong Collection! Pick your favorite and get ready to release the passion in you!!

Dream Sweet

Free website - Wix.com

TIRED? UNDERSTATEMENT

Tonight I am off work early - the serger sewing machine is not wanting to thread and so properly. So I completed the two remaining bead stones and now I am turning in early. Ha Ha 2:00AM - funny. No I just call it owning a business. But today Idiom+ worked very hard on the website design. Saturday is fast approaching and I know some of the uncertain birthstone thong designs will not be featured - When they are ready to premiere I will post them.

Ok - before I fall fast asleep in front of this laptop...

Dream Sweet

Keeps Going and Going and Going

Just like the energizer bunny - that's me. Although I am very tired. But had to catch up on my posts here. Nothing much to say other than "do you like my panties?" The latest creation is The Blue Topaz - December. My Mom's birthday is in December.

The more I design and sew these pretty sensual things - thongs - I believe the designs get better and better.

Dream Sweet

The Night Shift

No work for the weary today. Too tired after the 4AM wrap. But now I am alive and well on planet earth. Getting ready to go out to pick up a jamba juice and stop at the Michael's for some more emerald green beads for May, then back to the office tonight to finish the Emerald - May's birthstone thong! Hopefully will get things prepped to work on the Amethyst and the Aqua Marine on Tuesday.

How'd you like the Pink Tourmaline? Send me your comments y'all! I can't conduct a consumer research with out the consumer's comments.

Stay true to you.

Dream Sweet

The Balancing Act

I lost two hours of work due to a serious in house video game tournament. The balancing act of keeping everyone happy in full effect. It was fun, but now at 4AM I am finally done with today's design -- The Pink Tourmaline - and completely wiped out.

Tomorrow - well, later today, when the fog clears, I will start on the design for January and then February. Busy busy bee.

Dream Sweet

Hump Day

Today and yesterday actually since today wasn't here two and a half hours ago when I was finishing up - but today/yesterday I finished The Sapphire. Probably the most photogenic of the six that I have created. The color is amazing. This is a real girly pantie. Very frilly but quite alluring for the more sophisticated lady.Definitely can imagine high powered business women with the feminine number under their suits and knowing they are empowered with being a real woman. Way cool.

Six down. Six to go. But the going is a bit easier now, because it's hump day (middle of the road - halfway there day).

Dream Sweet

Long Day Done

The hero sample of The Ruby - DONE. Everything went right when it came to the design and it fits like a dream. The fabric is the only thing that gets to me. After struggling with the design. After spending more than 20 hours (over the past 2 days) assembling it, while sewing through eyes clouded with tears from the death of the star whom I was ever star struck over. After all this, the fabric stains. RED stain. I only purchase a yard of this fabric. I was so looking forward to ordering a lot more.

To recap - Keeping the design. Rethinking over the fabric. Thankful I have this business for sure. Everyone says all my work will pay off. I believe that's way true.

Dream Sweet

Tomorrow is Another Day

Today has not been great. The Ruby design is not happening. Maybe it's the sadness that exists in my heart over the death of Michael Jackson, and maybe it's a flawed design. Whatever it is, I am going to turn in early (2AM would be the usual) - and I will wake tomorrow ready to go again.

Not sure what the problem is at this point other than rethinking the whole thing. The fabric is fabulous though. Close your eyes and see fire engine RED that shines like a royal garment. It's stretch silk and maybe a lot heavier than the usual lingerie fabric. The bead strand is formed with ruby crystals, clear sparkling crystals - one for each state of the union (50), and a couple of blue sapphire crystals top it off! So you have summer heat in all it's red majesty with a patriotic, this is my country beading. Now I need to make the design work for me.

Tomorrow is another day.

Dream Sweet

Give Me a Minute

The Ruby - July's birthstone thong was to debut here today. Hearing the shocking news about the death of Michael Jackson has put my creativity on hold for a minute. Unfortunately I have been sitting here in disbelief for about two hours. My Mother called as I was thinking about calling her and asked what happened to Michael... All I could say through my tears was I don't know. I'm sorry everyone, but I need a minute.

My heartfelt prayers go out to the Jackson family. May God surround them with His peace and love through this time.

Tell someone you love them.

Dream Sweet

A Bigger Hat Box Please

This is a great thing. L'amore Intimo has outgrown the original hat box I have been using to hold the designs. Pretty little things take up a lot of space when there are many of them. The hat box only holds the designs I feel are viable, or something that may just need to be revisited when the time is right. Either way, these are keepers.

But how do I buy my storage? Do I buy practical -- not only for office storage but also display modules? Where do I get these containers - Ikea, The Container Store, Target... Do I buy quality or quantity? Whatever the storage I know the designs will outgrow the space - I also know the space will have to be replenished when the designs start flying off the shelves.

July's summer heat is sure to be one of those flying designs - The Ruby Birthstone Thong will debut here tomorrow.

Dream Sweet

April Showers of Diamonds

You know the saying - April showers ... I imagine billowy dark clouds that hold a inch or two of water. I imagine sparkles of light trying to peek through these clouds. I imagine a calm filled with anticipated excited. Then I thought of more...

The diamond, April's representative. The sparkle,the shimmer, the hope and the expense. So I imagine the black diamond, raw in all it's majesty. And then I see everything put together in one hand crafted creation. A weekend thought and rethought turned into a days well doing that some call work. I call love.

Today "The Diamond", June's Birthstone Thong came into being, and I love it. Fits maybe too perfectly on the mannequin. So it is true -- every cloud has a silver lining.

Dream Sweet

Here's What the Customer Says

Today for me has been a very encouraging day. On top of getting a very nice comment about the birthstone thongs I have posted, I also received a written endorsement. I am ever more excited about L'amore Intimo™, the new side of sensual apparel. Although this is not the first endorsement received for my designs - most which have been word of mouth - I appreciate so very deeply the time taken to sit down and hand write these words ...

Dear Regina,

Thank you so much for designing me the beautiful November month thong. It is so pretty, and creative, I love it.

I wish you the best of luck in your business, I will put in a wonderful word for you. Thank you so much again.

Love,

Angela G...

Although indirectly I know this soror, I have never felt so honored. You are very welcome.

The note card with these words will be framed and also placed always on the L'amore Intimo website. My prayer is to design many more beautiful pieces that will indeed receive equal and greater accolades, because everything I do is from a place deep inside my heart. Thank you.

Release the passion in you.

Dream Sweet

The Pearl

The antique lace is the seller on this Birthstone Thong for June! It fits elegantly or maybe the word is - majestically -on the hips. The fresh water pearls adorn this little number and are definitely the ticket to releasing the passion in YOU!

Yes I learned lots of lessons creating this beauty, all of which will enable me t be a more proficient corsetry artist. Life lessons enable personal growth.

Dream Sweet

Who Twitters?

And why? There are way too many ways to communicate with the world. L'amore Intimo is on Facebook, Twitter, and we now have a Skype connection - all on top of being right here and the website that will soon not just be under construction and coming soon! The goal here is to reach everyone who will be if not excited, curious about releasing the passion with the new side of sensual apparel which is L'amore Intimo™.

Two weeks and counting down to the website pre-launch!

Dream Sweet

Live and Learn,Then Buy Some Fabric

Not a fairytale past 3 days, but when things go wrong as they sometimes will I learned - you buy some fabric. At least for me the time wasted can be written off as a business expense, and I can continue "living the dream" (as coined by Gregory).

Don't let anyone steal your dream.

Dream Sweet

BlackBerry Boldness

I went to Let's Talk and got a great deal on a BlackBerry - they gave me $100 to get it. Yes it comes with a two year contract with AT&T, but it's a smartphone and a good deal for L'amore Intimo. I can honestly say, it might take a while to learn all it's features, but I get access to my email right on the desktop - very convenient for me. I set my voice mailbox up today. I like it - and when my customers start calling I believe they will like it too.

Doesn't take much to make me happy.

Dream Sweet

My L'amore Went Down the Bidet!

At times I really amuse myself. Take the time when I was frantic about my LaPerla being eaten by the bidet. Long story short, I was staying with a dear friend in Milan who informed me that the other toilet looking thing in the bathroom was quite obsolete and used probably by women to wash out the delicates. -- why they didn't use the sink is anyone's guess -- but alone and bored one I decided to wash my beautiful LaPerla in the bidet - when in Milan...

As the panties soaked in some aromatic dish detergent (which may not be good for delicate?) I worked on the initial thoughts for L'amore -- in those days called Breathe. When I went to rinse out my essentials, I found that one was missing. Not good! I panicked! Do you know how much these little things cost?! After searching for what seemed liked forever -- I sat frustrated on the couch waiting for my host to come home to tell him that his utilities owed me some panties.

Here's the short of it. The LaPerla was not indeed sucked up by the bidet but rather misplaced after a long night. How embarrassing. The moral of this story? Mind your panties while they are washing in the bidet, sink, tub, wash bucket... you get my point. Never leave to soak for too long by themselves. Be sure to count your pieces before you put them in the water. Please do always hand wash your L'amore Intimo (of course I have to plug my company).

One day someone will be frantic about the misplacement of their L'amore, especially these that sit in front of me right now. The Pearl - June's Birthstone Thong - MAGNIFICISSIMO!

Dream Sweet

5.50 Hours

The time for the crafting of the Peridot Birthstone Thong was 5 hours and 30 minutes.  Not too shabby.  I revisited the beading design and developed something more comfy to boot, without taking away from the original beautiful design.  This one also has the genuine Peridot gemstone incorporated amongst the beading.  Tres belle. or maybe molto bella.  

So 5 and a 1/2 hours from fabric cut to L'amore Intimo brown sparkly pantie bag with the pretty blue bow.  Tomorrow, first thing, I will trek back to the post office and send it off to the lucky one who one it at the charity auction.

Next designs to come will be April, May, June and February.  I have fabric and ideas for each of these4 months.

Dream Sweet

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY - BUT TODAY IS HERE NOW

Sighing out loud -sol.  Second prom dress in the USPS outgoing express mail box early this morning.  Then  five hours spent getting a writing assignment done - nowhere else to go but back to the sewing machine to knock out another Peridot Birthstone Thong.  I can actually get this done and in the mail tomorrow.  It's 3:00PM now  - I will time the process.  Remember I have to do the beading as well so don't judge.

Dream Sweet

On your mark - get set - GO!