JonCarDesigns

In the Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:25:00 +0000

If you are wondering where I have been and why I have not posted (for a LONG LONG time) that is because I am on the island of Saipan (an Island in Micronesia - where I am from). I wish I could say I am here for vacation but Juan Diaz who is so much like a father for me, passed away. So I am here for a funeral.

I haven't had the chance to tour the island like I normally would (it's been 3 years since I have been here). The picture below is the most sought out place to take pictures of - I really don't know why. Perhaps I may get a chance to go take a shot myself but the chances are so slim. I have been busy with family and rosary (everyone here is Catholic and so the funerals are done quite differently than in the States).

For starters, it's a full dinner with tons and tons of local food (yum yum) every night of the rosary. 9 days before the funeral and 9 days after. Quite expensive BUT the islanders all help out by donating money or food to the cause. So I have been enjoying alot of food. Remember those 20 lbs. I lost? Well looks like I have gained 5 - darn!

Where Did Last Week Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:54:00 +0000

Quickly that's for sure. I have been swamped with gazillion things! So sorry I have not posted.

For starters, my son Enoch got burnt (left hand and arm) from the campfire the Friday we went camping. All is well, and he is recovering very quickly. My son John got baptized last Saturday. And with all the baseball and soccer games, I have been one busy mother.

I did wear this top when we went to a dinner party a couple days ago.

And I received nice compliments. There are so many friends that knew I was starting this business and every time I wore printed clothing they would ask if that was from my line. It was nice to finally say, "Yes, this is a JonCar design."

I'm LIVE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:31:00 +0000

I am totally breathless. I am LIVE!!! I have a real business now. Wow, this feels like graduation or something. Wow!

And to think I told you we will be up and running by Sept. 2nd at the earliest, huh. Well, it is so nice to beat the deadline. If only I could do that in other areas of my life. Special thanks to my wonderful web designer Rachelle!

So browse my site and SHOP. :) I can't wait to show you my little girls line called "Scraps from Home". Why? Well, the prints are all mix matched and just funky. And I have hired seamstresses that do work for me out of their home here in Utah.

This Matilda Jane line is such an inspiration! One day...

We're Almost There...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:32:00 +0000

Okay, so I know I have said this many, many, many, and many times before. But really we are going live SOON. VERY VERY SOON!!!

I want to tell you a date, but what if it doesn't happen, huh. Aw, what the heck Sept. 3rd - there how's that? Okay, let me give myself a few more days, let's change that to Sept. 5th. That way if we launch on Sept. 2nd, then I would have surprised you all.

My family and I are going camping tomorrow and won't be back until Sept. 1st. I figure I better relax this weekend (although, who am I kidding...camping with kids is anything but relaxing, huh) anyway, I better get away because once the site goes up, I will be busy, busy, busy. Not that I am not but... I will be busy with a new busy... MARKETING my line.

By the way, the new stuff on production is so, so cool! I already cannot wait to show you the new stuff.

So here's a picture of me... doesn't look like I have lost that much weight from my profile picture but this morning I weighed myself and if the scale is correct then I only have 5 more pounds to go! Yipee!! Maybe, if I cut off all that hair of mine, then I will be at my desired weight. Hhmmmm, that's a thought.

Thank you models and photographers...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:33:00 +0000

Wow this has been a journey. Thank you... Gabby, Tiffany, Shannon, Steve, Sasha, Tifny, and Emily! I see the light at the end of the tunnel and we are close to opening shop.

This is Gabby...

She is such a beauty! She has modeled before (wedding attire) and I loved having her be a part of JCD. My boys always see her at Lifetime Fitness and would tell me..."Mom, I saw your model at the gym." My model, eh? I do share :), so if you are needing some work done let me know and I can get you connected to Gabby, the Draper beauty.

And then theres Tiffany... (I know she is sideways and I have no clue how to fix that but hey my kids think its cool - kind of like a spiderman move, well sort of)

She is Steve's assistant but was willing to model. She is so natural. I was amazed at her confidence with the camera. She's great in front or behind the camera! Hey Tiffany.... send me an email... I need to give you that gift card to shop at JCD. Yahoo!!!

And the other 3...

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Shannon (on the far left - looking at the picture) - is PREGNANT!!! Perhaps, I need to start a maternity line so you can model for JCD. Her son and my youngest Enoch are born on the same day and year. It's fun to watch them play together.

Sasha (in the lime/blue) has modeled before for ModBod BUT she looks better in JCD. Okay, I am being bias but really now... she does look good.

Tifny (in the red)is the thinnest gal I have ever seen. For my next photo shoot I need to stock up on XS just for her! I do love her cute flirtatious smile. Her wedding was only a few days after the photo shoot and did she ever glow.

And there's me in the purple. Still trying to lose the weight. I have 8.5 more pounds to go and it has been tough. I slacked on the swimming but I still eat less than 1500 calories a day. Now that the boys are back in school, I need to visit the gym more often.

Steve and Emily...you are great photographers! Thanks for being so patient with me.

The Fortune

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:12:00 +0000

A month or two ago we had take out Chinese food (from Panda Express, I think) and I got this lucky fortune cookie....

I saved it to post on my blog (weird, I know) but it doesn't beat a friend of mine who is pregnant (CONGRATS, you know who you are)and took pictures of the tester that states she is pregnant (the picture is for her blog). I know a bunch of us re-enact the "Kodak moment" for our blogs. Funny, but entertaining!

So the cookie... (yes, it's stale - and Brian who took the picture joked that there is mold on it - GROSS). The fortune... is so, exciting! And no, I don't believe in those mass produced fortune papers, horoscopes, or fortune tellers.... but that little piece of paper... got me dreaming.

You see, when we do hit a fortune that would mean that I have donated and served many charities and organizations promoting self-sufficiency and that is what EXCITES me. Sounds like those multi-level business that teaches that you won't be a success unless you train others to be a success. Well, I don't deserve to have my fortune unless I have shared it generously with those in need, first.

And that's that.

Another Random Post

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:29:00 +0000

I know I need to write more on my blog since I know there are a bunch of you out there that are keeping tabs on me. Everyone, including my children keep asking WHEN IS YOUR SITE GOING UP? I had to laugh the other day when I told my boys..."SOON!" And then my husband says that he has been telling his customers weeks ago that my site will go up in about 10 days. Those 10 days are long gone. But hey... on the bright side... my husband won me a Rowenta iron.

We went to his work annual picnic and there are these gifts on the table that are for the employees. They pick a number which tells them when their turn is to choose a gift. So if you are #1 then you pick first. We were 24, bummer. So I did not even glance at the i-touch or bike or trendy electronics (things my boys wanted Dad to get) and I started looking at the more modest gifts, such as, plates, kitchen items...and the iron.

The Rowenta iron. Supposedly THE iron of irons. At least, that is what my sewing teacher says. And when my husbands number was called...he got me the iron. The kids were disgusted...buy hey, when you get into the business I am in, suddenly irons, hangers, needles, etc. are important.

And YES, I said sewing lessons. So let's see... I take Spanish 2x a week in the afternoons, sewing one night a week, and I have this business. Call me crazy...but I am loving life.

As for Spanish, my brother Brian just got called to serve a 2 year mission with our church in Paraguay! So the Spanish will come in handy because when he gets back he will be so fluent.

He is going to be humbled as he serves in this country. The green chalk board reminds me when I went to school in the islands. And the dirt, oh my goodness, I am so glad I don't have to deal with that here. I am blessed.

And as for me sewing...well, I'd just like to know the language of it all when we talk about dressmaking. And it sure makes designing easier if I can sew. I know I have got things backwards...but what the heck...now I am moving forward.

So here's a picture...

Go Phelps GO!!! What an inspiration he is. Why settle for one gold medal let's get 8!

And so for JonCar...I'm going for the gold! Lots of them!!!

Because THEY are FUN!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:52:00 +0000

I could not resist! I did a second shoot with some new models and a new photographer Emily. I was at her home last night going over the hundreds of pictures she took and chose the photos that will go on my site. It was FUN! How I wish I could post all of them, even the not-so-good ones, because quite honestly the not-so-good ones were pretty darn good to me. So I begged (okay I didn't really, I just asked and Emily is so sweet)and so I requested (there that's a better way to put it).... I requested 2 pictures that I quickly chose to put on this blog. I just couldn't resist.

I told Emily not to do anything with the pictures (crop, edit, fix - all those confusing things photographers do). And just email them to me "as is" raw. Because it was 11 pm and I know we were both tired. So the picture above was a hoot. You will never believe where we did the shoot of all places.... hmmm, I'll keep you guessing. But I must tell you about the couch...

Emily found the couch at Savers (a thrift store) and thought it would be great to use in some of the shots. It ended up being a great idea and we had a blast. After the shoot we drove it back to Savers and that was that.

I wonder what she will think of next?

And so you know, I was stupidly daring at this shoot. Because I was feeling great that I lost 10 pounds, I actually put on a dress and modeled it. DUMB. Because I just am not photogenic. Hopefully Emily can make me look another 10 pounds lighter. I'll save those pictures when I am over my stupidity and post then on another day, or never. :)

Here is another picture. And Emily ended up doing some fancy stuff even though I did tell her to send it raw. Boy she goes that extra mile. I am pleased.

The logo is not my true logo...but what can I say, she did try. We are going live so soon. I'll keep you posted!

And thank you Tiffany, Sasha, Shannon, Jackie (the 8 1/2 month hair dresser!) and Emily - you are all so FUN!

Halfway There!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:07:00 +0000

I weighed myself today and I am thrilled to report that I lost 10 pounds. YEAH!! I am so thrilled. I have been on a strict 1500 calorie diet(that means no Diet Cokes or Fresca!). And it has been paying off.

Yesterday, I was trying on a pair of jeans that are size 4 (jeans I wore 5 years ago - for a short while due to pregnancy). And I fit them! Okay, so they are the Old Navy stretch jeans but still... a size 4! I was at awe. I had to call my husband and tell him of my achievement.

I want to fit a non stretch size 4 and then I will go splurge and buy me some designer jeans.

Quite honestly I have never bought jeans that cost more than $50 bucks! But then again, I never really cared to shop because of weight issues. So I am tucking away a few bucks here and there because when the time comes... I am not holding back. I will buy a pair or two of designer jeans. A well deserved reward, don't you think? My husband will think I am crazy. Hhhmm, maybe I am. Teasing.

It amazes me how much people spend on jeans. The rage with the jean party is mind boggling. Are they really that great? I guess I'll find out but I have to lose my last 10 lbs. then off to Nordstroms I go. Or a jean party.

Anyway, here's a picture of my brother Brian testing his photography skills. He told me after taking several pictures of this dress that he thought it was good enough for my blog. So on my blog it goes.

By the way, it's getting close... we are going live SOON. Promise.

None other than Shannon Adams....

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:58:00 +0000

I know I promised in a previous post that I would share a picture of Shannon laughing during the photo shoot.

She is AWESOME! It was fun watching her as Steve took the pictures. She was so serious and he said something to make her laugh and he kept taking photos of her laughing. It was great.

And there is this picture....

As he was taking this shot, he was amazed and said, "Oh, I love this...it is so 80's." I had to laugh when Shannon asked if that was a compliment or not.

It was a fun shoot. Thanks Shannon for modeling for me. AND she is so well connected, I'm still getting over how much she has done for me. For this upcoming photo shoot she has referred me to very useful people. And she is modeling for JonCar again! Yipee.

WHEN (not if) JonCar gets big... let's do a photo shoot in the Islands!!! FUN!!! Shannon I owe you big time! Thanks for being an awesome friend.

The Phone Call...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:11:00 +0000

It is 11:11pm (total coincidence) and I am waiting for THE call. I have a buyer! Yes, you read that right... a buyer! And this is not some small order either. The buyer is calling me from Hawaii which is why I am up late waiting for the call. The last past 2 days I have been up quite late anyway. One night at 1:30am and last night at 1:00am. Hopefully tonight I will go to bed at 12:30. It makes it a bit easier when my husband is not here. He is doing a 50 mile hike with the 2 teenage sons and other scouts. They basically packed everything they need in a backpack for a full 6 days! CRAZY. I bet they are hungry. Hopefully, they have caught a lot of fish.

But anyway, with my husband not here I have no one to say, "Carlene, you've worked long enough...it's time to go to bed." So I continue to work. We did agree that blogging is part of work, right? I did study Spanish for about 1/2 before blogging and I had to take a break. Learning to say things in past tense is so hard.

Well things are looking good with JonCar and I am tickled. I know I have hit it big time when you see mugs, pens, and all those promo stuff that says..."JonCar". Until then, it's Mason Jars and whatever pen I swiped (accidentally...honest!)from anyone in contact with me.

5 more minutes! I better get an order form out. Funny, I don't have one just yet. Good ole' legal paper will have to do for now. Gosh I am so unprofessional. I think I should call my company..."JonCar, LLC - expect the unexpected!" Or how about..."JonCar, LLC - we're unpredictable."

Oh no...2 more minutes. I better shut up now. Chao!

My sister Velma...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:33:00 +0000

This is my "Velma in Safari" top. It's more sarari/pineapplish but that would be a funny title so we'll stick to safari. This is one of my favorite tops. And who is Velma? That's my oldest sister. She's in Texas and I can't wait to go visit her. I'll wait until it's bitter cold here and then I'll visit. If you are reading this Velm, start making those Empanadas!

A couple weeks ago she called and this is how our conversation went.

Velma: "Hi, Car (that's my nickname) how are you doing? chomp, chomp

Carlene: "I'm doing just fine, what are you up to?

Velma: "Nothing much, just making some food." chomp, chomp... again!

Carlene: "Oh really, like what?" I hear her giggle.

Velma: "Just this and that and this and that (okay she really didn't say that, she mentioned names of local food from our Island which I love but somehow I just caught the empanada part." chomp, chomp...AGAIN!

Carlene: "AAAAAGGHHH, I wish I was there. I am so hungry? What are you eating?"

The chomps are annoying me. :)

Velma: "Yummy, Empanada. Oh, and it's really crispy and golden just like back home!"

Carlene: "AAAAGGGGHHH, can you send me some?" Ofcourse, I am not being realistic.

Velma: "Sure, open your mouth and I'll put it through the phone." Now she's really laughing!

Carlene: "Funny." Ofcourse, I'm not laughing.

Velma: "Well if you want some, come here and get it."

Carlene: " Okay. I just might do that."

SO VELM.... BE EXPECTING ME, I am visiting you...SOON! And make TONS of Empanada.

Life is Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:12:00 +0000

I LOVE "Life Is Good" brand. When I first saw their shirts, it was the quality and looks of the shirt that caught my attention and my money (I bought a few of them). But after reading their story, it was what the company was all about that completely sold me. I love "don't give up" stories and message of optimism, which is what they are all about.

My husband has several of their shirts (thanks to me) and all my children have had at least a shirt or two from them as well. I, on the other hand have yet to buy one for myself. Can you believe that? So when we were at REI on Friday buying last minute items (we are so the last minute family - not a good thing) I saw in the children section "Life is Good" shirts... on CLEARANCE!! Yahoo. So I started looking for my kids when I came across this shirt...that is so me. And that is who ended up getting it... ME.

So what if it is a size 12/14 for kids. It fit me just fine. However, my husband claimed it was HIS shirt. Uh huh... I've got to see him try and get into a size 12/14 for children. But I know it was a hint... to buy him more shirts.

But before I do, I have got to get me this one!

Oh, and for some wonderful news.... My line is ALL DONE!!! Hip hip hooray. It is being air shipped here this week! Boy am I excited. Yes, LIFE IS GOOD!!!

My Peruvian Friends (Family)

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:11:00 +0000

This is my Peruvian connection I was talking about in a previous post. They do some home sewing for me. Rossana is the daughter and the mom is.... oh my gosh! I am not too sure of her first name. I think it is Maria. But I refuse to call her by her first name. Where I am from it is disrespectful to call someone like her by her first name. They are the "manamkos" of the islands and must be spoken to in high regards. So I am stuck. She does remind me so much of my mother (who passed away 3 years ago)and there is a bond with her that I cannot explain. Funny thing is, she speaks NO English. And I, at one point spoke NO Spanish. But I have since taken lessons and I was able to speak somewhat to her. Ofcourse, Rossana (the daughter) is an excellent translator. It is my goal to speak Spanish fluently.

I have a private tutor teaching me Spanish 2x a week. I asked her to teach me for 2 reasons. One it is good for my business as I plan on expanding to Peru and other South American states, countries, cities???? My mfg in Indonesia will be my primary source for Spring/Summer and Fall but it is difficult to source fabric for Winter items. And secondly, which is probably one of the most important reasons for me is that I want to communicate to the Hispanics and Latinos, most especially Nan Maria (Nan would be a respectful way of addressing her).

I wrote her a card (Nan Maria) - oh my goodness, wouldn't it be hilarious if her name was not Maria!!!! I am almost positive it is. I'll write in another post and let you know, whether I am right or wrong. Anyway, I wrote her a card in Spanish. I did the best I could. AND according to Rossana, I did well. Anyway, Nan Maria started to cry! Not good. Because I tried HARD not to cry myself. I love them, they are great friends - I consider them mi familia Latino.

So last night we went out to dinner to Benihanas (Japanese Teppanyaki). They have never been to a teppanyaki before so it was a treat taking them there. They both enjoyed it and our chef overheard our conversation and told us that his parents served an LDS mission in Peru for 2 years and then stayed an additional 5 years because they love the country and the people. I can relate!

Well the kids are going crazy right now and my poor husband is being so patient with me. I told him I am working. Writing on my blog is working, right? All right, I better go and help out. Darn.

Iron?

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:13:00 +0000

Did I ever tell you I hate ironing? I think that is going to be the most trying part of my business. When I use to own a children's resale shop we had a commercial steamer that did its job. I wish I kept that sucker because it took me a LONG time to iron that dress for my mannequin in my office.

The clothing that my mfg sends to me is packaged quite nicely in plastic and nicely pressed. It is so flat that it surprises me. How do they do that? I wonder.

I wish I could afford to take all my laundry to the cleaners but with 6 boys and a husband it would cost quite a fortune. Until then I do the washing and ironing. Stinks.

Also, I hate my chubby hands! This picture was taken a month ago before my aggressive weight loss program, so hopefully I have taken some of that chubbiness away!

My diet is a 1500 calorie a day diet. I am not that sophisticated so I only count calories. I don't count the fat grams or protein, etc. I just count calories. So if I am stupid enough to blow my allowance on a 500 calorie cake (that's a meal for me)...then I deserve to gain that weight. So far I have lost about 6 to 7 pounds. 13 more pounds to go. Today, I ate only 380 calories total for breakfast and lunch because I had a dinner with my Peruvian friends (they have done some home sewing for me). I can't wait to post pictures of them. Anyway...enough of my boring rant on calories. What I wanted to say is that I am so proud I did not drink soda! My reward for losing weight is a big 44 oz diet coke (caffeine free). Since then, I have not had soda and I was so tempted tonight. I am so glad that I was disciplined to fight off that temptation.

We have a reunion this weekend with my husband's sibling and I know there will be tons of food. This is a great way to test my temptations. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can... I KNOW I can(I love that little steam engine!).

"The Devil Wears Paisley"

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:12:00 +0000

Here are 2 of my paisley prints. The black and chocolate looks very vintage and the other is hip. Paisley is "IN" and will continue on to 2009. It seems like oldies are goodies and vintage is todays look. I love it. And so... the devil wears paisley.

I remember when I first heard of that movie... "The Devil Wears Prada", I thought what an awful title for a movie. It got my attention, which probably means their marketing worked. The movie was great.

I remember my first Prada purse. Let's backtrack... back in the days when I was quite materialistic (not a good thing). And I bought purses I could barely afford. I owned 3 different Celine purses, a Gucci purse, a Fendi purse, and my much prized Louis Vuitton which to this day I cannot believe I walked out of that store spending close to 1K. What was I thinking? That's it, I wasn't. Now it wouldn't be a bad thing to spend that money if you had the money to blow...I didn't. I was a single mother and had zippo savings. So that was a stupid purchase! I didn't think so then. So I finally woke up and as they say in the Islands... stop drinking wine on a champagne budget. I decided to drink water and not cry over spilled milk.

So I get married and move to Korea, the heaven for knock offs. And that's where I bought my fake Prada. A very good one, too. So good, that the replacement for my husband when we were repatriating back to the States kept looking at my purse several times and asked if my purse was real. I laughed and told him it wasn't.

9 years later I have yet to make a large purchase on a purse, although it's been tempting. BUT a Vera Bradley purse is more within my budget right now. :)

Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:50:00 +0000

I am posting a picture of one of the prints we are doing this season. Although the dress may be a bit short, the model is close to 6 feet! Why am I showing you this? Because I am EXCITED!!! The mfg in Indonesia said my production is just about done and we are probably going to ship items this week! I am thrilled!!!

And I have to admit, a bit nervous? Will you like my clothes? Will it sell? Will I be a hit? Will I be on Oprah? Okay, so I am dreaming big. Blame my husband on that. He's a big thinker but the confidence he has makes me believe in him. I need to build that confidence so you all will believe in me. Back to those PMA books. :) Right now I am reading about the private life of Chairman Mao (written by his personal doctor of 22 years). Sounds boring, huh? Well, I read it 9 years ago and started reading it again and I am actually liking it.

But back to the celebration... I am thrilled that the production is just about done. I honestly was anticipating it to be done in August, due to all the problems we were having. But it's shipping this week and I am celebrating by blogging when I should be working. There is so much for me to do.

BUT...I am also celebrating the loss of 6 pounds! Yoohoo!!! I have totally cut down on my eating habits and I am still swimming. I am feeling good. Today at my son's baseball game (All Stars - by the way they made it to the championships and are guaranteed to play for state!!!)...anyway, at his game my pants were so loose that in between games I went home and put on a belt!! I am ecstatic. Soon I'll be posting an updated picture of me. Soon.

Because We're Free...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:53:00 +0000

My two youngest (Enoch, the youngest and Teancum the terrible three) are just the cutest, aren't they? Well on 4th of July we participated in the neighborhood parade and the kids had a blast. They zipped around our neighborhood with decorated scooters, bikes, power wheels, ATV, and one neighbor even brought out his golf cart. We had Enoch and Teancum in the jeep with red/white/blue ribbons and the flag.

At about halfway down the block the flag fell off and my husband attempted to fix it. Needless to say, we ended up carrying it. BTW, John is only 41 years old but the grays are deceiving. He refuses to dye it! Oh well.

But we had a great time and throughout the day I was reminded of my freedom. I love July 4th!

Just last week, I was interviewing a beautiful Iranian women for possible sewing work that I need done here in the US. I became quite interested in knowing about her story and what brought her here to the states. She told me that they had very comfortable lives there in Iran and were quite prosperous however due to the revolution there 10 years ago, they knew that none of it was worth it if they don't have freedom. Hence their move here.

I am so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy. I am so grateful for my oldest son Raymond and many like him that are in the military defending the freedom we enjoy!

We are blessed people!

A JonCar Print...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:16:00 +0000

So it's about 2:30 pm and two boys are at work (one is at Rumbi Grill and the other is at TJ Maxx), the baby is sleeping, the next two youngest are playing outside, and my husband and our third oldest son went to Idaho for a fun church activity. Let's see, I've accounted for six boys right? Yes, I did. Phew.

What I am trying to say is the house is quiet. Just a half hour ago when I was having my Spanish lesson here at home, I was apologizing for the chaos and my tutor says, "I'm just amazed at how you do it all." And then I thought about it, and quite honestly... I am amazed myself.

But it's quiet right now...YEAH! So I am blogging. It's actually therapeutic. Hope you enjoy my rambling. I was actually thinking of changing the title of my blog to.... Carlene's Rambling. That would be a hoot. Well we'll see. I have to get my husband's opinion on that one.

Anyway, we have issues right now with a certain fabric that is causing the hold of the production. My mfg had a great remedy and I actually like the new colorway much better than the first. So it's a bit delayed... AGAIN. If everything could go wrong in this production...it did, at least that's what I was told. I guess, that's a good thing as I prepare for the 2009 season. Still... I can't wait to go live.

Until then... I am posting a picture of one of my dresses and print. Enjoy!

I Love Color.... I Love Comments!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:03:00 +0000

I love color! I love the Free People website. They are the sister company of Anthropologie. When I first decided to get into this business I knew that there were many allies out there that offered modest clothing. I truly appreciate them as there is clearly a need for a strong modest movement.

Most of the modest brands with the exception of Down East Basics mainly offer solids and layering shirts. I wanted to fill that gap and offer you loads of prints and colors! Translated to FUN, FUN, FUN!

This Free People dress has a bunch of different prints and is colorful. Believe it or not, it was one of the few pictures that I could find that is somewhat modest (I know, the skirt length is a bit short - but if you are creative like my sis-in-law Heather she would transform this to a top and make it look good!)

My 2009 line will be full of colors and prints all while being modest. If you love Free People clothing, you'll LOVE JonCar! Now I know what you're thinking...what about the 2008 line? It's almost done with production. This is a learning curve for me, and being that the prints are done by hand it takes about 60 days to complete the production. The 2008 line is more Indie and Vintage, while the 2009 line is more Bohemian and Mayan with a little taste of everything around the world. For instance, I have a print in this 2008 line that is so New York! At least, that's what a lot of people say.

Nonetheless, they are all fun, hip, trendy, and MODEST!
AND there will be no need to layer! This Free People tank would require layering for those that are modestly conscious. Wouldn't it be great to be able to just buy the top "as is" knowing that you don't need to wear an undershirt?

That's my niche!

AND the part on my heading where I say, "I Love Comments!" Well, leave a comment.... I love knowing you are reading my blog. And thanks to the many of you who have sent comments to my personal email - I appreciate it.

I love color.... I love comments!

MFG Overseas Through Email....

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:56:00 +0000

This is one of the tops that will be released during the launch.

Both me and the mfg are stunned at how we were able to pull off doing business through email. We did talk with each other over the phone when she visited the States. But other than that it was ALOT of DHL and emails. Amazing.

The process starts with me giving her the design (silhouette) and print (motif) samples. She takes the print and works from there. After a few tweaking and what not (she does that-since she is the expert in this) we go forward with the sample. She sends the sample via DHL, I call on my sounding board (thanks Lisa, Sue, and Jennafer) and we try it on and they give me their feedback. Then we do the second sample based on the feedback, after which the final sample is approved. Then it goes into production.

So the picture above was an email for clarification on the length of this top. I answer it, and then we proceed. Sound simple, huh? Not really, but it's fun work. I am enjoying it all.

I work mainly with my mfg in Indonesia but I do have one style of T-Shirts (in 3 colors) produced through my Peruvian connection. I love Indonesia which was my obvious choice to do business since traveling there is sure to come. That's my salary in the business... a nice awaited trip to Indonesia. Want to come? :)

The Lean Me...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:05:00 +0000

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been swimming to lose these extra unwanted pounds, and it has been good. Except that I realized this morning I am out of shape. I was watching this older lady (about late 50's to early 60's) swim back and forth and back and forth and back and forth so effortlessly. She was already swimming before I was and sad to say was still swimming as I got out AND was still swimming back and forth and back and forth and back and forth non stop while I was in the sauna! To top it off, there was a rather larger lady about 40 lbs. overweight who was swimming laps effortlessly as well.

At this point I was on fire, and motivated to do more this Monday. It takes me 20 minutes to do 5 laps (including a bit of pool exercising) and catching my breath in between mid laps! So the goal is to swim a lap without stopping at the end of the pool and to increase my regimen by one more lap all within 20 minutes. I can do it.

As always, I relate this to business. We are often told to find a mentor (that's the older lady at the pool). Watch what he/she does and work on doing what he/she does to get you where he/she is at. Always set realistic yet challenging goals to get you there. Hmmm, 6 laps is realistic and to do a lap without a breather at the end of the pool is challenging! Here I go....

One side note... last night after my son's (Deven) basketball game at BYU we grabbed a bite to eat at Teriyaki Stix. As I placed the order she asked what my name is so she can call me when the order is ready for pick up. I told her, "Carlene". She then proceeded to write my name on the receipt and spelled it Carlean. Interesting. I have had my name spelled many different ways (Carlyn, Carleen, Karleen, and so on). But never CarLEAN. I actually like it (the lean part of my name). Motivating!

A Wardrobe Malfunction and Imagination!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:04:00 +0000

This is my son John making do with what little Harry Potter items he had. He chose to buy the wand and glasses at a magic shop we visited in Las Vegas. And then it hit him....where's his robe?

No problem, he's got dreams and imagination and he wasn't stopping with just what he bought at Vegas. He took his BYU throw blanket his Grandma Bonnie made him, flipped it over and tied it together with the stringies (did I just make this word up?) in the ends of the blanket (I hope he didn't over stretch it - although it looks like it in the picture). So there you have it, a Griffindor robe.

And to make sure he stays at course and doesn't bump into Argus Filch, he needs his Marauder's Map (compliments of copy paper and a black crayon). And he wouldn't be official without his scar from Voldermort (that is my favorite!). Oh we just had to take his picture.

How we (I) need to be like him. Going the extra mile, using what you currently have and making the most of it. And using your imagination to go after that dream. Children are so special and we (I) can learn from them.

More...on me...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:08:00 +0000

Okay, so here is a shot of me (more than 20 lbs. overweight!). I will use this picture on my website. I am not using my body shot. My stomach looks like it is stuffed with coconuts (need to do some ab workouts) and my hips are wide as ever (great if I was still hula dancing). So the body shot will have to wait.

So about me... well I have 6 boys. Raymond (19), Nick (16), Deven (14), John (7), Teancum (3), and Enoch (1). My husband's name is John and we have no pets (we figure 6 boys is all we can handle). We live in Utah, but have lived in Korea, California, and Pennsylvania.

I am from the beautiful island of Saipan way out in the South Pacific. I truly miss my family and friends back home, however I do have my brothers David (in Oregon) and Brian (Utah), sisters Velma (Texas) and Jodene (California) all living here in the States. We all agree that we miss the Island life.

I love to read non-fiction and have just started scrapbooking (an expensive hobby to get into). I have a private tutor teaching me Spanish (Brittney you are awesome) and I love to travel!

Gosh what else do I say about myself? I wish I could say something interesting like "I climbed Mt. Everest" or "I met the President of the United States" but being mother of 6 and starting this business - I guess, is interesting enough.

Until then... Carlene

About Me...

noreply@blogger.com (Carlene) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

As I was looking for a picture to post I noticed that I look 20 lbs. heavier, so I am skipping the picture. I have been swimming at Lifetime Fitness early in the morning (5:30am) M-W-F. That use to be my work-on-the-business time BUT I need to work on me! Most especially when I was viewing some pictures of me within the last months. Hhhmmm... not good.

Last week I had professional pictures done by my photographer Steve. I was going to offer to pay him more if he can shave off those extra 20lbs. with todays photo technology BUT I decided not to as he is a photographer NOT a miracle worker. The pictures were taken for the "About Me" page for my website.

So.... that is where I struggle. I have a hard time writing about ME. On my site there is a short paragraph. However, for those who read my blogs....you get the real scoop about ME.

....to be continued tomorrow (I promise).

Carlene