One year ago, right about this time, many, many doors abruptly closed for my family and me; and we were forced to make some difficult changes and decisions. After many moments of evaluation and reflection, I find it so incredible what a difference a year makes! 

One year ago, I was a stay at home Mom to two baby boys, just going day to day. 

Today, I can add business owner and dream maker, to my list.  

One year ago, my boys adhered to strict schedules designed by a super tired Mama. 

Today, my boys have the freedom to be kids. 

One year ago, I was betrayed and hurt by people I thought were my friends.

Today, I have the most amazing group of inspiring women I am lucky to call my friends.

One year ago, I had to try so hard.

Today, things come effortlessly.

One year ago, I had no sense of belonging.

Today, I am a part of a supportive community. 

One year ago, I was filling my house with flea market treasures.

Today, I am packing up boxes and boxes and boxes of things to give to others.

One year ago, the sky and earth were darker than they are today. 

Today, the world is a rainbow; and the ocean is calling my name.

One year ago, I was only half of the person I am today.

Today, I am incredibly grateful for having gone through this growth. 

Today, everything is different because everything has changed! 

Change makes a difference!

I love change! 

I love making a difference!

I love today, and every day . . . 

Now that everything is different!

xoxo

Samantha

A Love Letter

Dear Loves,

I truly cannot believe that it has been over a month since my last blog post. Over the last couple of months, my life has been a series of ups and downs. While everything is relatively incredibly positive, there are always moments of doubt and fear, followed by confirmations of truth and love. In other words, I have been on the "ride of my life."

In retrospect, I know that everything is part of the process and to trust in the process; because everything always works out exactly how it was meant to be. I need to remind myself of this in the months ahead, as we pack up our home, let go of a lot of those "things" we don't "need" anymore, and continue to move on to the next {very exciting} chapter of our lives.

I feel so blessed to have such an amazing group of women around me; from those I have met in this magical blog world, to those I have recently met and feel like I have known forever, and those that I have known my entire life. Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life.

I feel so blessed to have a beautifully loving and supportive family, who have embraced our newest member, "Mindful Octopus," with enthusiasm and excitement. Family is the greatest love of all!

I feel so blessed to have the freedom, in this blog space, to "check in" and share my thoughts and feelings, even if they may sound totally elusive, at times. Hopefully, they will resonate with you and your life, in some magical way.

All in all, I guess what I am trying to say, is that, not a day goes by that I am not forever grateful for it all - all the love and all the bullshit! For . . .

We live in a day dream . . . with the love, support, and freedom we need, to create a life beyond our wildest imaginations! Because nothing else matters . . . in life and in love.

xoxo

Samantha

Happy Lovers' Day!

via

xoxo

Samantha

In An Octopus's Garden

Wow! It amazes me that it has been 2 weeks since I have last written a post or visited this special blog world! It has also been 2 weeks since I officially launch Mindful Octopus, my storytelling, yoga, and art program for kids. I know many of you have also been incredibly inspired, through your blogs, to create a company, project, or career. I give a lot of credit to our blog world for opening doors of connection and creativity. It is truly a magical place!

Thank you for all your love and support while I have been {m.i.a} in an "Octopus's Garden."

I'd like to be under the sea

In an octopus's garden in the shade

He'd let us in, knows where we've been

In his octopus's garden in the shade

I'd ask my friends to come and see

An octopus's garden with me

I'd like to be under the sea

In an octopus's garden in the shade

We would be warm below the storm

In our little hideaway beneath the waves

Resting our head on the sea bed

In an octopus's garden near a cave

We would sing and dance around

Because we know we can't be found

I'd like to be under the sea

In an octopus's garden in the shade

We would shout and swim about

The coral that lies beneath the waves

(Lies beneath the ocean waves)

Oh what joy for every girl and boy

Knowing they're happy and they're safe

(Happy and they're safe)

We would be so happy you and me

No one there to tell us what to do

I'd like to be under the sea

In an octopus's garden with you

In an octopus's garden with you

In an octopus's garden with you

"The Whale of Gratitude" by, Dennis McNett

"The Wolfbat Shamans" by, Dennis McNett
{aka the mindful octopus set up}

Yoga in Laguna Beach


xoxo
Samantha

Scenes From A Dream Come True

Friday was officially the launch of Mindful Octopus! I offer 8 Mindful Octopus classes a week, with the hopes of adding more, as we grow. Creating Mindful Octopus has been a dream come true! I never could have imagined that I would be a storytelling yoga teacher in Laguna Beach, sharing and teaching yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and art to the little yogis of our world! It is a honor and a gift that I am incredibly thankful for every day.

My family, friends, and the community have already been so wonderfully supportive of Mindful Octopus. Not only do I have two amazing local businesses, the AR4T gallery and The Art of Fitness providing me with the space to offer the classes, but the idea of 'trade' has landed me an official Mindful Octopus 'uniform,' courtesy of the fabulous Novella Royale! {If you have not been introduced to the loveliness of Novella Royale, it is a pleasure to introduce this amazing clothing and accessory company to you.} Don't you just love the top I am wearing in the first pic and the bells in the bottom pic!? I am in love. {another local california company founded by a mom}

So, what I have learned thus far: Always remember to not be afraid to put what it is that you want, out there in the Universe. The Universe works in very magical ways. Always believe in your self and your dreams. Remember to give thanks every day! And always remember to be LOVE!

xoxo

Samantha

The Creatives

I have always believed in supporting your local businesses. It is important to be a part of the community in which you live, and in turn, helping to create a sustainable and loving environment. 


When I moved to Southern California, I was incredibly impressed with the number of international businesses that call this beautiful place in the world, "home." But when I began immersing myself in the local community, a world of creatives opened up to me. I am forever inspired by their dreams, their products, and their visions; and I am forever grateful for their pioneering spirit that has paved the way for people, like me. 


I would love to showcase "The Creatives" and their companies, here on Vintage is for Lovers. So, I guess, this is my subtle way, of continuing my all time favorite feature: Lovers Lane. {I so wish I had more time in my day to write posts and share more . . . .} 


But I do have the time today; and in addition, this showcase comes with TWO GIVEAWAYS! YAY! 

The Creatives: Sandalista

How cool would it be if you had the opportunity to design the perfect sandal, using your creativity, your style, and even make money doing it? Dream job, right!? Think you don't have that ability? Well, I am happy to be the one to tell you, that you are wrong, my love. 

Sandalista is where "sandals, creativity, and comfort meet;" and where you can go online and design a sandal how ever you want it to look. You can upload a picture or design, choose from an existing design from the creative images contributed by artists, designers, and photographers, or even upload one of your own designs and earn cash when ever a customer purchases sandals using your designs. 

Your custom printed sandals are created using the best material. You even have the ability to choose your footbed color and strap color. Recently, I was offered the opportunity to design and create my own custom printed Sandalista sandal; and I was super impressed. Not only was the process incredibly easy but it was also incredibly fun! Sandalista's advanced technology allows you to see your custom sandal from so many angels and dimensions. When I was finished designing these sandals, I couldn't wait to receive them in the mail. I also couldn't wait to share this local company with you! 

"Sandalista was started by a group of footwear professionals, who have worked for, and with, some of most respected footwear companies in the world. Taking a chance, {they} broke away and formed Sandalista around the idea of leading sandals into a new dimension- self expression. Located in Southern California, all of the sandals are printed and assembled locally.

I love this creative company and wanted to learn more about them, so I asked them to please answer my 10 questions . . . here are the Marketing Director, Kara's answers: 

*But before I forget, if you would like to WIN yourself a custom pair of printed sandals, please leave a comment and "like" Sandalista on Facebook! Also, please be sure to leave me the best way to contact you. I will announce the 2 winners on Tuesday. 

*And if you would like to create your own custom sandals today, or when ever, the generous creatives over at Sandalista are offering my Lovers a 15% discount. Enter promo code: VINTAGE4LOVERS 

1. Where do you find your daily inspiration?
I love to go on early-morning jogs outside -- when the sun is just starting to peak over the horizon. It's a good quiet time to think and draw inspiration for the day.

2. What is your most treasured item in your home?
I would have to say my grandmother's old silver set that she recently passed down to me. It's beautiful.

3. What is your favorite comfort food?
Macaroni and cheese!

4. When did you realize that you were an artist?
n/a (I wouldn't really consider myself an artist, but we do work with aspiring artists and feature their sandal designs on our site.)

5. Best advice you ever received?
Be yourself -- you're the only one who can do it right.

6. Your best advice to an aspiring artist?
n/a

7. What is one thing people would not know about you?
I like to eat pie for breakfast. ;)

8. Are you a Lover of Vintage?
A total lover.

9. Where can we find you next? (Blog Lovers get attached easily) Sandalista.com

10. What is your favorite thing to wear?
My mom's vintage leather jacket she had when she was 20 years old. It's amazing.

Here's some extra background about Sandalista:

http://business.transworld.net/69801/news/exclusive-interview-with-will-goloveyko-founder-of-sandalista/

xoxo

Samantha

Born Free

CLICK HERE. IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 

http://sopastrike.com/strike/