And I think to myself -

We could all probably use a little thanksgiving in every day of our year. Whether it be something as important as the roof over our head, or as seemingly insignificant as the kindness in someone holding a door, we might fret a lot less about the negatives seeing how many positives are in our lives. Especially at a time like this, right? Some are already hit much harder than others, some will be, but we all are worried. There is no one I know that feels unaffected by this crisis, or anyone who feel particularly secure in their jobs/bank accounts right now. However as I traveled home yesterday down the New Jersey turnpike none of that was running through my mind. I had woken up to Christmas carols on the radio (always a bonus in my book), felt healthy at the gym, and was lucky enough to have my father travel to get my car and then pull up at my doorstep to drive me home. My doormen had rushed to my aid as my too-many, overstuffed bags spilled out of the elevator, and I knew my mother and two sisters were waiting at home. I played DJ on the drive (always) and hearing Israel Kamakawiwo’ole sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” combined with “What a Wonderful World” actually brought tears to my eyes (huge nerd, I know). Two days ago I watched an Oprah (per usual-slightly embarrassing to admit) about “blue zones” in the world – those communities that have the longest living and healthiest people (in concentration) in the world. Oprah and Dr. Oz do health specials often so I don’t think this one was timed particularly because of the crisis or Thanksgiving, but it seemed so perfectly timed to me. Among other common factors there was the detail that all of these places have specific emphasis on community and family. Whether it is that families lived longer together, or friend/group activities were required or supplied they all had a strong weight on spending time with others and forming meaningful relationships. Turns out your best friend/boyfriend/sister, is as important for your heart as that olive oil and morning jog. And All I could think about was how much I was looking forward to this holiday or how everyone on the road and in the airport was in a hurry to see the sister they used to share a bedroom with, the cousin who used to pull their hair, or the uncle that gave them upside-down tickle tortures. I hope everyone can take today to forget about where their careers are headed or how much the Turkey cost. I hope there is a lot of touch football, eating and hugs. I also hope there is a lot of counting of blessings. I know I sat at a dinner table with 4 of the top of my list last night having already laughed a lot, having encouraged water fights, and having built a birthday gingerbread house. I wasn’t worried about our scarf top stock, or our DM AMEX bill (yikes), and won’t today either. Because as cheesy as it sounds – it is a wonderful world, and I’m so lucky to have my family, and friends, health and heat. I will count each name individually today, thank some in person, and continue to feel like if I just keep concentrating on the positive, the negative is all small potatoes (make that sweet or mashed). Happy Thanksgiving.

Black Friday

Hope everyone looks like this Friday -- although Black Friday experience tells me your sweater will be ripped, mascara running down your face, black eye/skinned knee perhaps. Oh, and don't forget stuck in traffic... Channel Julia by doing your shopping online instead :). If you didn't get our email, here is the info --

Time to shop for holiday tops and dresses and much much more! Go to www.dakotamartin.com ALL merchandise is 50% off for BLACK FRIDAY! Shopping starts now... through Sunday November 30th. Cheers!Lizzy and Shannon

Throw on a sun hat while sitting in your desk swivel chair if it helps. Happy shopping!

Packaging

I like a well packaged product as much as a well packaged person (we are selling ourselves too kids!). Despite not being a chip eater (I'm a sweet girl), I always notice these Dirty Chip bags in stores. They are just SO dead on with all of their color combinations, they don't need anything else. I'd love to see the color charts in their art department.

I KNOW they can.

Today one of my best friend's in the world and her husband (also a very good friend!) set out for Arizona. Before you get jealous that they're headed for sunny skies, know that this is not a weekend off. This weekend is probably the most on weekend they have ever had. They are headed there to compete in an Ironman competition: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run. You may remember last year when I went to South Africa to cheer on my sister Jen in hers. Well, they were with me -- and were so inspired they basically got off our 18 hour flight and dove head first into training for this one (and I might add ALSO signed up for Lake Placid summer '09). And they have spent the last many many months going farther and farther distances. More laps, more miles. These two are a team in more ways than one. They are married, they run their amazing company - Linda & Harriett together, and are now competing together. They wake up together, they work together they train together. And still go out to dinner together, go to many concerts together, travel together, and as you can see above, throw a great ugly sweater party together. If that's not inspirational I'm not quite sure what is.

And of course this training has come with its fair share of trials. Liz has found herself with knee issues that have persisted for many months now (and the word issues certainly doesn't do justice to the pain she has been put through). She has combed the city for every piece of advice/therapy/help that she can. She has proactively worked towards overcoming, she has simultaneously nurtured and fought her pain. Clearly this one is a fighter and a doer. Her mantra as crunch time has come has been "I think I can." I'm getting on a plane friday night. Camera, running sneakers, pom-poms in tow, and the mantra I'm tucking in my carry on is "I know they can." Because I've watched Liz come out on top of a lot of situations in life. She is a tough cookie, and she deserves this.

Last year as the marathon got closer I had to stop running because of foot problems. I'm embarrassed to be putting this out there, but I got so frustrated with limping around and being in pain I cried on the phone to my sister almost every day. And then suddenly Jen had to go into the field (NOLS speak for into the wild with students) and I couldn't cry to her every day. I mentioned this to Liz in passing and she read everything that was behind my attempt at a calm casual mention (okay so she could hear my voice crack as I tried not to cry telling her). She swooped in as my life coach and cheerleader till the end. And by that I mean the literal end. First notes, calls, gifts, and then she and my little sister jogged the last 6 miles with me. And as I pushed myself harder than I ever have for the last mile I had her voice in my ear -- steadfast, encouraging me to push past the others, to elbow through walkers if need be. Its rare to get that sort of support from outside your family. Unwavering and with no agenda. I'll never be able to fully thank her or explain what that meant to me, or what she always means to me. And to be honest she is family. And while this last bit has little to do with her Ironman, it explains to you a snippet of the kind of person she is and what she means to me. She deserves the finish line so very much. If something physical should hold her back, she really already deserves the medal for the last several months - as they say, the journey is the thing. Regardless of the outcome, our little cheering brigade will be the proudest group out there. I couldn't be more excited for Liz and John or happier that I'm able to be there. love you guys. Ready, Set................................

Holiday Trunk Show.

Tomorrow night Shannon and I, KEP Designs, Kage Handbags, and Tucker Blair (Kelly, Krisitin and Taylor) are hosting a joint trunk show at my apartment building. Right now we're disregarding the fact that only 35 people are allowed in the space at once and we have about 100 respondents. Won't all be there at once right?! Instead we're baking cookies (double batch of batter this morning!), purchasing wine and cheese, and getting our gear in order. Hope to see you there - you need to get going on that Christmas shopping--let us help you!!

Style House

Meet Janna! Janna is the founder and head of Style House PR, and we have just joined forces with her and Emily (her assistant) to get the DM name out there on the radar. Janna and Emily represent many (awesome) lines which you can find on her site. She has done a fantastic job getting them great recognition, and has already been a huge help to us! below is an example of what we have worked on with her so far -- our "about" page. We did other informational bits, and are now poised to jump into market appointments with publications - be it in our showroom or a "desk side" (learned that from her!). Janna and Emily are as sweet as they are capable, so Shannon and I are proud to align forces and make sure that more of you out there know who we are!!

Fall Fabs

What I was staring at all morning. Here is a sneak peak of fall 09 colors. A few of them anyway. Happy weekending! :)