planning | Her Daily Muse

It’s all my fault

Mar 072013

Sometimes an overwhelming amount of work can come out of nowhere and hit you like a tidal wave and you're all like "where did THAT come from???" and then sometimes you're in the studio working like Sisyphus and realize that you brought it all on yourself. Oops. I occasionally get so into planning that I think I can accomplish more in an amount of time than what is realistic (and by this I mean updating the web site...I ALWAYS low ball the time on that one!). On top of that, when I have multiple big deadlines, I tend leave no room for unscheduled additions and it seems these days that there are ALWAYS unscheduled additions. Currently a last minute trunk show on March 11th (at Maga La Boheme on E 6th, March 11th...4-8pm) and a Gilt Group like event on a Japanese web site happening on the same day threw a bit of a wrench in my carefully planned out schedule and BAM, my studio looked like this earlier this week:

You'll be happy to know that the chaos has been corralled and by tonight I should be back on schedule, but it was a bit hectic for a few days. Especially when FedEx decided to hold my wire for an extra day that SIX wholesale orders depended on. I still have a bit of a grudge over that incident...but it arrived and all was ok. Now I am finishing up jewelry for the trunk show and web site and focusing on the Limited Edition Summer Collection because it should have been done last week...which I also just realized. Ok, my computer ban during day light hours is back on...later gators.

Oh yes...if you were not aware, the S/S 2013 Collection from Manic Trout debuted this week, sqeeeeeee!!

Deep thoughts on preparing for a trade show

Deep Thoughts 1 Response »

Feb 112013

Jewelry during the "dress rehearsal", before I wrap the boards and label everything

I figured that as I have become consumed with Magic and Pooltradeshow and it occurring next week, I might as well indulge myself and compose an entire Deep Thoughts post solely about the preparation. As I knew would happen, yesterday marked the one week mark until I headed to Vegas and the stress hit the ceiling. In order for everything besides my jewelry (which is compact and the one thing I can't show without, I plan on carrying it on the plane with me) to arrive in time for the set up on Monday, I need to ship it all out by tomorrow at the absolute latest. In addition to the show prep this week, I also have a bustling normal studio routine going on, complete with wholesale and website orders, emails and ahem, blogging which all still need to happen. I also have to prepare for the time I will be out of the studio while going to the show...so you can imagine I am a bit amped up right now. Adam actually left the house this morning just so he could hide from me and my twitchy snapping.

1. Signing up for a show that costs a huge amount of money and will bring on a ton of stress is best of done super fast before one can really think about it...that way by the time you freak out with the "what have I done?" moment, you have already committed to it and now just have to deal.

2. Even if you have planned and measured and methodically laid out how you want your booth, you will immediately doubt every decision once you reach the date when change can no longer be made.

3. Ditto for all printed material.

4. Ditto for your products.

5. People telling you that it will go great and not to stress out should keep those opinions to themselves as when one is irrationally stressed out, rational thoughts are useless.

6. For every person you will be relying on to make something happen related to the show, you're stress level will increase exponentially.

7. Two weeks before a trade show is not the time to give up candy, cookies, cupcakes and all things that bring instant happiness.

8. Lists will be crucial, plentiful and across multiple mediums...on phones, computers and paper...yet they will save your sanity.

9. It is incredibly helpful when dealing with a new adventure, to have friends who have been involved with it before to help with advice and tips. Even more helpful if you know both buyers and vendors to advise you. Write down their advice and keep it on your person, it will sooth you to be literally armed with knowledge.

10. Exercise and eating well to make it through this are are no brainers but you need to remind yourself of this daily...hourly even.

Ok, the countdown continues...wish me luck!

Sum it up…

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Jan 252013

WORKING ON: Lots and lots of busy work such as line sheets for the new line and ordering custom wall coverings for pool. Especially excited for some custom 'luggage' to haul Manic Trout to trade shows thats in the works...so fancy!

THINKING ABOUT: That I'll actually be busier when I return from Vegas and then I have to stop thinking and take few deep breaths and breath.

ANTICIPATING: I am being interviewed by two blogs this week and am excited to not only do both of them, but to a part of their roster of interviewed designers! Also, I found out yesterday that a great friend of mine will be in town for SXSW and we'll get to visit...yay!!

LISTENING TO: The David Bowie station on Pandora...pretty excellent.

EATING: The best cookies in the world came out with a Red Velvet version. Oh to die! Check your local grocer for Lofthouse Cookies. You'll ~~thank me~~ hate me for it later.

THANKFUL FOR: Getting to see both of my parent in one day last week! Also that my husband is so awesome that he added an extra long massage to my monthly facial/pedi day and treats me to the whole shebang. Oh, and that is all happens in an hour.

PLANNING FOR: The Spring Summer 2013 Line launch and Pool...and world domination.

READING: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. I have a weird superstition that I have to buy 2 books at the airport before I fly...last week I did this in both directions...usually I buy all business books, but I added this one to the pile and it is HILARIOUS!

WATCHING: Almost done with Private Practice on Netflix...I think I'll watch the West Wing next...any suggestions?

The fear of leaving the studio

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Jan 212013

More time needs to be spent doing things like visiting my grandmother

There are many things I have learned in building and running a business for 10 years and many things I of course still need to. There are also things which I am trying to figure out how to learn such allowing myself to have a life. For eight years, I worked full time and ran Manic Trout, so working essentially dragged me out of the studio. It also gave a bit of perspective for example if I wanted to travel, I felt I could take off from MT the same amount I took off from my day job and that was reasonable.

However, when I finally reached the point where I could leave my day job, I also reached a point where I was terrified to leave MT. Usually if I am gone for 4 days, all is well as orders still get out in time and thanks to wifi, most things can be handled from my laptop and phone wherever I may be going. Even in Mexico a few years ago, I was able to happily work away for a few hours on the balcony of the suite while gazing at the ocean. Admittedly the down side is that the first few days home are a bit rough as I have to play catch up, but for the most part, nothing bad comes of my leaving the studio. And yet, try telling that to my brain the thought of planning a trip comes up.

Last week Adam and I went to NH to visit my dad and his entire side of the family...I visited with my dad, stepmother, niece and nephew, grandparents and my dads 4 siblings, spouses and some cousins. It was the first time Adam met my dad (I will be finally meeting his in March) and a loooong overdue trip. We booked the trip about 2 weeks before leaving and I don't think one day went by that I didn't have a panic attack about going. These panic attacks were not about anything in particular other than the fear that my not physically being in my studio for 4 days would result in an armageddon or something. Which is kind of bizarre as I have done big shows here in Austin which have required me to be away from the house for just as long only I would come home to sleep each night. But my brain is really stubborn and refuses to acknowledge all of this logically.

I'm sure its all about letting go (something I struggle with) and relaxing (also a struggle) but I really need to get over this irrational fear...and thats what it basically is. Fear. Such a nasty little 4 letter word, but there it is. I am trying this year to work on this fear. I will be participating in the largest fashion trade show in the world in 1 month overcoming my fear of not only taking a big financial risk with MT but I will at the same time be tackling my fear to be gone for 1 week (I want to throw up just thinking about it!). Right now my course of action is to book shows and flights when I'm in a caffeine and sugar fueled rush and then freak out later. So far it's working pretty well...we'll see how it's going after the next 2 trips.

Some days you tackle the world and some days it tackles you

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Jan 082013

Sunday was one of those days that I got stuff DONE. Including packing away Christmas until next year.

I've been having extreme days lately. One day I will check off every thing on my to do list and feel like the champion of getting things done and then the next it feels like the minutes are being yanked away from me so quickly that poof it's time for bed and it feels like I got nothing done. This is not necessarily bad, it's just overwhelming when the things I need to do end up being much more than the things I can actually get to. January is actually a super busy month for Manic Trout as the Spring line comes together and this week especially, the unexpected items which pop up in my inbox seem to be multiplying. Thank goodness for the days when I feel on top of my game, I need more of those please, universe! I have a feeling this is going to be a long month.

Sum it up (aka…the week I declared I would rock this year like a hurricane)

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Jan 042013

A peek at the Spring Line debuting at Manic Trout in March!

This week contained both the last of 2012 and the first of 2013. It also was a week that I looked over 10 years of business and declared that after 1.5 years of being full time at Manic Trout that I was ready to ROAR my way into 2013 and that I wanted to push any last wisps of fear aside and jump to new heights this year. Well, on January 2nd, the news that I had three (THREE!) necklaces in a magazine I have been trying to get into to for 6 years was all the push that I needed. I immediately applied (and was accepted yesterday, yay!) at what I know as biggest ready to wear fashion and accessories trade show in the US. Kind of want to throw up as it's in 6 weeks and I have only done teeny tiny regional trade shows before...nothing like this and nothing where I have to ship my booth out ahead of me. I am however, more excited than nervous and may have already stopped sleeping in anticipation. I'll keep you posted...but until I know more...here's this weeks Sum It Up...

WORKING ON: Finishing up the Spring 2013 Line! Finally it's come together in a crashing wave of inspiration.

THINKING ABOUT: Obviously the trade show, which I realized was consuming me when I started a random conversation about the pros and cons of driving to Vegas with my bank teller this morning. (there was only one pro...I could take as much as I wanted for my booth)

ANTICIPATING: Finishing up the Spring line and seeing it al together!

LISTENING TO: I tried a few new stations on Pandora this week, but this morning ended up right back at the Bird and The Bee.

EATING: I just devoured an amazing Thundercloud Sub (Veggie Delite), they are everywhere here in Austin.

THANKFUL FOR: The support of my loving husband who has to deal with my freaking out about upcoming things that scare me (and is willing to help fund really big new ventures for Manic Trout).

PLANNING FOR: Duh.

READING: Upside Down Inside Out by Monica McInerney...at first I was having book deja vu, I kept thinking I've read it before, but it changed direction and now I'm just enjoying a nice fluffy book.

WATCHING: Last night I watched the entire 5th season of Californication while in my studio last night. I love that show so much, why are the seasons so short? It pains me when it ends.

Have a great weekend, and if you're in Austin, stop by the Manic Trout tent on S Congress tomorrow!

Sum it up

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Dec 282012

Amusing myself while waiting for sisters at the Domain

I had high hopes of getting things done (like blogging) while my family was here all week, but well...I'm sure you know how it goes. The first arrived on Sunday, the last left a couple of hours ago and I didn't want to break away from what little time we all have together to do anything else. We had such a great time...cooking, eating, shopping, chatting the nights away, eating...it was a wonderful week. So aplogies for only posting a Sum it up this week, but I'm sure you understand.

WORKING ON: As I have done nothing in my studio since last Saturday I'm just get back into the swing of things. A bunch of jewelry was pulled for a photo shoot today though, fun!

THINKING ABOUT: The last year, and what will come in the next.

ANTICIPATING: Figuring our what on earth to do for New Years Eve. All of our energy went into planning for the past week...totally forgot about NYE. Also facing the fact that as Adam has the flu, I'm next in line. Ugh.

LISTENING TO: The Wild Belle Station on Pandora.

EATING: It's time to walk away from the sugar for awhile. Way, way waaaaaaay too much. I'm pretty stoked for all of the leftovers in the fridge right now though.

THANKFUL FOR: Having such an amazing family.

PLANNING FOR: A pretty awesome first few months of the new year are already in the works! Some great press, an exciting new project and the Spring line!

READING: Local Knowledge by Liza Gyllenhaal...so far so good. If I get sick, the good part will be I'll get to read it.

WATCHING: No joke, we watched Pitch Perfect 5 times this week...each and every one of us became addicted.

Holly, Sheryl (Mom), Sierra, Gillian and Thea

And in case I miss Monday...Have a Happy New Year!

‘Tis the season for twinkle lights

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Dec 052012

It's no secret that I am obsessed with twinkle lights. I have a pinterest board dedicated to them and designed a line of jewelry inspired by them. I have held back from having them in the house year round so that the winter months are more magical, but Adam is encouraging of their existence, so that may change. This week I have visited Target twice to buy more and I haven't even trimmed the tree yet! I'm a bit nervous to begin as I fear that this will happen...

It will start innocently enough...I'll stand there with that first strand of lights and wonder if I should begin with the tree or the mantle.

Then I'll be inspired to get creative...do something "fun" with the lights...look how pretty!

Once the creativity is flowing, I may start to get ambitious...covering vast areas normally not associated with twinkle light decorating.

Which will then escalate to even more bizarre placements as I get caught up in the frenzy of sparkle!!

Finally, I will go completely over board and fill the house to it's brim, causing blackouts throughout the neighborhood from twinkle light abuse and collapse in a pile under the wonderment that I have created...possibly fueled by too much candy while I worked.

I however will get to admire an amazing installation of light while lying there on the floor, so at least I'll have that. Let the holidays begin!!!

images via

Sum it up

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Nov 302012

manic trout, her daily muse, most amazing cookie

The most amazing cookie in the world

It's been so log since I did a Sum it post! It's about time, but I feel pretty confident in stating that I am getting back into a schedule after the wedding/moving chaos...even in the midst of holiday madness, I'm in a groove. Hooray for that...I love a good schedule. So now that lifes back to "normal", here's what I've been up this week...

WORKING ON: Stock for Holiday shows and markets and my sneakpeeq holiday sale, which debuts on Dec 8th!

THINKING ABOUT: The upcoming year and what my business and personal goals are. I'm excited about plans that will have me paying extra attention to the blog and am preparing for it by setting up a fb page for Her Daily Muse. If you'd care to "like" it, you may do so here!

ANTICIPATING: The spring line coming together...I'm starting to get really excited about it! I even met with my fav photographer today to plan the product shots, which is giving me an extra push of motivation.

LISTENING TO: A Pandora station based on The Bird and The Bee, it's pretty amazing and great to work to.

EATING: Too much. Dinners out, breakfast out, mini cupcakes from Hey Cupcake and those amazingly soft cookies from the bakery section of the grocery store that I (very late to the game)I discovered last spring (yes, thats one in the photo above), beware...they're highly addictive!

THANKFUL FOR: So many wonderful friends whom I've met in Austin...I love you guys!

PLANNING FOR: My mom and three sisters spending Christmas with me here in Austin, squeeeeeee!!!!

READING: The House of Peine by Sarah-Kate Lynch, oddly the second book in a row about France.

WATCHING: Breaking Bad on Netflix in my studio and when I catch it, Duck Dynasty because it reminds me of hanging out in the guides room at Tamarack.

So...how was your week?

Holiday prep at the Manic Trout house

Life of A Designer 1 Response »

Nov 282012

The bowls are increasing!! 1 bowl = materials for 1 necklace (but sometimes for up to 20 and that's hectic)

As anyone who owns a shop, is a maker or is involved in retail knows, the holidays are an entirely different time for us in it then for regular folks. For instance, I usually buy gifts for my own loved ones on Christmas eve as I am so busy getting jewelry out into the world up until that point, that I typically forget. I also have never decorated for the holidays as I wouldn't notice if was there or not. However, and I say that with a deep breath...I am hosting Christmas for my family this year and as we are spread all over the US (Austin, San Fran, NYC and Boston), this means that decorations will be expected.

Luckily the fam will all arrive at different times throughout the 24th, so I plan on putting everything off until after my last ship day and show which are both on the 22nd. I can do it all in 2 days, right? Let's stay positive as its getting chaotic all up in here as you can see above (it remains organized no matter what throughout it all thank goodness, but its still chaotic in that there is so much to do!!). The next three weeks is going to be intense! The reality though is that I love it, I love the flurry of orders that comes in every day and the shows and weekly markets at this time of year when everyone if feeling festive. Here's to the kick off of an amazing Holiday Season everyone!!

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