Sunday, December 30, 2007

The Bug Loves a lot of things today...



I saw this in someone's office about a month ago, and I absolutely love it. It's classic, but really playful. Who can take someone seriously that has a fake chandelier in their house?
Go to Chiasso for this little gem.

The Bug Loves fake realness (in my guest room).




I can't tell you how badly I want this pendant lamp from Crate & Barrel. We have a $500 gift certificate, which means this would be FREE....but I'm still getting stiff-armed for my 'Our dining room can't live without this lamp!".

The Bug Loves really nice lighting for FREE!



Hurray for our new coffee table from Urban Home! (Don't go to the site thinking you will see anything...it's really bad!) However, if you go into the store, you'll find lots of goodies!
We had to order the table and side table, which will take 4-6 weeks....but we thought we've lived for years with our old table, what's a month and a half more? So true.

The Bug Loves finally having a living room that works together!



The most amazing thing happened today when Jim and I were in Lowe's. It was like the planets were alined. It was like Jesus was smiling down on us. It was like Jim and I saw each other anew. We actually agreed on something for the house!
It might not seem like a big deal to you, but this NEVER happens!
We found this wallpaper that we both love...and actually agreed on where it should go in our house! We would love to see this wallpaper on the back wall of our house. It's the first wall you see when you walk into our house. Can't wait to spice things up in the Roach household!

The Bug Loves her husband when he likes what she likes.

Spring Clean Come Early


As the holidays are coming to a close, and the house looks like Christmas had the stomach flu everywhere, I am feeling the need to clean. With wrapping paper in the living room, guest bedroom and (honestly) even in the kitchen - with un-gifted gifts still sitting out - with the last few seasons of 'stuff' just piling up....it's down right out of control.
My first project was the hall closet. I feel much better.
Even Kitty Pants is liking the clean organization.
What's next??

The Bug Loves a Clean House.

Friday, December 28, 2007

New York 2007



Jim and I took a 4-day trip to New York. We had decided a month earlier that it would be a fun trip to take since all the Christmas lights and decorations would be up. Plus, since we work so much we actually have to fly across the country to be able to spend quality time with each other. I know. That's awful.

Anyway, it was a great trip. My goal was eating amazing food for every single meal. Jim's goal was to walk every inch of the city in 4 days. I think we both succeeded.
Instead of spending $700 a night on a hotel (that's what rooms were going for!) we decided to go the more adventurous way. Jim got on craigslist and found a loft that was being sublet for the exact days we wanted. It looked great in the pictures and it was in a perfect area. Score!
I was nervous that we were going to show up and the person that lives there would be found to be a cat person and we would have to share a very small loft with about 20 cats. So happy that wasn't the case. When we first drove up to the building it looked pretty dodgy. But you can never tell a building by its cover....or something like that....because it turned out to be great. New York is known for old buildings being super awesome inside. They got to work with very old buildings...that's all they got...and it's awesome!

A couple highlights: good food! had a great time at the MOMA! Found the rock we got engaged at 3 years earlier! Met up with a friend and got to catch up at a rad little bar. got to spend some good, quality time with my hubby as we walked NYC for 4 days in the snow/rain/sleet! Love my little adventurer!

The Bug Loves NYC, bitches!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Christmas Surprise



This Christmas was a good one. I got to be with family and friends, eat REALLY good food, play with my little nephew...And Santa was oh-so-good to me.
My husband totally surprised me with the gift that ends all gifts. He got me an iMac! What a little devil. I have been asking for a new computer for awhile now, only to be met with the response, "let's just wait." (He's the thrifty one in the relationship.)
So, we waited - or at least that's what I thought we were doing.
Christmas morning came and as we sat with my family opening presents, Jim brings out this large box from the back bedroom. This large box had never been seen by my eyes. We loaded the car together, we wrapped presents together. Where had this box been this whole time!?
Nevertheless, I torn the wrapping off the box to reveal, it's it's full glory, the iMac box. I can't tell you how happy I was. Actually, I can because we have a video....and I started crying. :)
I have 3 days off of work and I have been spending all my time working on the computer. Trying to transfer information over from my very old PC, trying to not lose any songs (which has been unsuccessful) and trying to make this computer my very own. The whole transfering songs from my old iTunes was suppose to be easy, but it hasn't. I almost lost it last night...but then realized that they're just songs. Who really cares. I have a new computer. That's all that matters. :)

The Bug Loves all things MAC.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Baby Baker's Shower



One of my best friends is having a baby boy. She is one of the sweetest people I know, and one of the most deserving. She is also one of my most creative friends.


This makes it not only very exciting to be able to give back and throw a baby shower for her...but also very nerve racking. The stress of giving her a party she will enjoy and love was almost too much at times! I wanted everything to be perfect! :)
Another good friend offered to help throw the shower. So, together we set out to give our most creative friend a very fun, creative, warm baby shower that she would always remember. I think we were successful.
On December 8th, with the help of Blueprint Magazine (rest it's sole) as our faithful guide, we threw a couples baby shower for 40 people.
The invitations were the brain child of the mom-to-be so we didn't have to stress too much about those. They were too cute for words. Raya (the mom-to-be) found these adorable invitations from
Tori Higa. Raya sent a photo of her and Forest to Tori. Tori then took the photo of Raya and Forest and turned it into a modern and fresh drawing...perfect for a modern, fun couple.








We took major inspiration from Blueprint and focused on creating a clean, simple decorating theme that would be good for men and women. We created mobiles for the kitchen area and the dining room, and took beautiful colored paper and placed them around the house. We served finger food that had very similar colors as the decor, and for the main dish we served up some good salad with lots of goodies - chicken, sunflower seeds, feta, oranges. The food was a hit.







For the 'game' we instead had an activity. What man loves to "Guess what's in the diaper"? No thank you.
We instead had everyone paint onesies for Raya. They were not only good decorations, but a great project for our all creative friends. We actually had quite a few turn out to be really cute. Who knew.

















And lastly, for our party favor we burned Jason Falkoner's Bed Time with the Beatles CD for all the guests. I took grey felt and sewed little CD pockets and created CD labels to match the decor. It was a fun project, and I'm sure everyone will love the favor.












Overall, it was a very fun afternoon with our close friends....all celebrating the upcoming birth of Baker Carlisle. We can't wait to meet you, Baker!

The Bug Loves Baby Baker and Raya.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Baby on the Mind




I don't know if I have ever gotten into what I do for a living on my blog. Often times it doesn't feel very important. However, I'm going through a (slightly-past) quarter-life crisis in the modern world. In today's world, it's hard to just have one spouse work, while the other stays at home to care for said child. It's just too hard. Too expensive. What's the answer?
When I was little, I didn't realize how much my parents were giving up for my mom to stay home with me. She didn't go back to work until I was about 4 years old. Even then it wasn't like a full time job because she was a teacher. She got Christmas break off. She got summers off. And when we had to stay in daycare after school, it was only until 4pm. I remember other kids having to stay in daycare until 6pm...everyday. I don't want to do that.
But what do you do when you want to have kids. Especially when you're the one bringing the majority of the money in. It's tough. Stressful. But should we put having kids on hold simply because we don't know how we'll do it? My feeling...no.
So I have been actively 'searching' for a stay-at-home career. I know myself and I know that if I quit my job someday and only take care of our children, I might go insane. No, I take that back. I will go mental.
My personality is fast paced and always looking for something to do....with a little homebody mixed in every once in awhile.
I have been toying with the idea of a baby blanket apparel line for several months. I have been doing some research, critiquing my ideas and designs (with the best of my artistic ability) and trying to figure out where to start.
I feel very confident in my ability to Sell. I can sell anything. I can sell beach front property in Arizona. What I am nervous about is diving into an industry that I am passionate about, but completely clueless. I have heard (from reading blogs and other articles) that people in the industry are very protective about their 'sources' and manufactures. I am used to competition, but it's tough when I don't know anything. I need a little help.
Well, I came across this great blog called StartUpKidsLine and this girl isn't afraid to share. Her advice on the industry, her candid remarks about her mistakes and victories and her 'venting' blogs are truly inspiring. She makes me feel that I can do this. There are a lot of brands out there for children, and I want to be one of them. I want to break in. Wish me luck.
Have any suggestions for a good name?

The Bug Loves living in the USA...where I could actually do something like this!

Monday, October 1, 2007

First Home



When you purchase your first home...or move into a new apartment...you will probably feel overwhelmed. Here's some good advice on where to start.
Firstly, pat yourself on the back. Congrats on finding a place you love and making the jump!
Second, decide on an over-all feel.
If you want your house to feel welcoming and personal, pick soft fabrics, put up personal photos and create a soft look with good lighting. Be aware, don't over load your house with personal photos. Putting up tons of photos may feel cluttered. A welcomng space has an open feel!
If you want your house to feel modern, then choose modern pieces of furniture, use color on the walls (or even the floor) and choose lighting that creates focal points of interest.
If you want your house to feel classic, choose pieces of furniture that you would see centuries ago (but be sure to mix with practical pieces), use soft colors and wallpaper and use lamps for your lighting.
There are many ways to 'start' the decorating process, but I think deciding on an over-all theme is a good place to start.
Thirdly, during your decorating process make sure you stop and assess your progress. Often times I start wondering away from my theme because I just like certain pieces. That's great! Just be sure it's where you want to be going.
And lastly, have fun. For me, decorating is one of my favorite hobbies. I love the thrill of the hunt. It's about finding great style, and making your own.
I find great inspiration on HGTV and Better Homes and Gardens.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Furniture Junky Annonymous



I am a furniture junkie. There. I said it. I wish I had a 3,000 sq ft house only for the sole purpose of filling it with great pieces of furniture. I love decorating books, shopping online and bargain hunting for the next best piece. I wish my living room was large enough that I could create two different sitting areas...there...again.....not because I want a bigger house, but simply so I could buy more chairs.
Since I think about furniture and often window shop for furniture, I thought I would pass along some good bargain furniture stores that I love. I have two favorites.
1. Just Like The Model in Fountain Valley. This place is like gold. I always find something in their huge warehouse. And when I say huge, I really mean it. The idea behind this great store is that model homes bring their furniture here after the model home is sold. The furniture is technically 'used' since it has been sitting in a model home for however long. The prices are good. And the selection, depending on the shipments that came in, is usually pretty good. They have everything - from couches, to fake plants, to art, to chairs, tables...even bed linens!
One thing to look out for: Really look at the furniture before you buy. The lighting sometimes isn't great and you can later find fabric that has faded or scratches on a table. So make sure you take a good look before you purchase your treasure.
2. Hotel Surplus in Van Nuys. Hotels in LA that have either gone out of business or have just remodeled take their surplus to this great place in Van Nuys. The showroom isn't as large as JLTM, but it's still good. This place is great for dressers and amoires. Unlike JLTM, Hotel Surplus doesn't get as many shipments and usually have the same pieces for longer periods of time. Good news with this, you don't have to go each week. Bad news, if you don't find anything you probably won't for awhile.
With that...happy bargain furniture shopping!

Monday, September 17, 2007

Sleepy Time Tea



It was 5:30pm when I managed to get out of work. I rushed out, only to rush over to the grocery store. I don't like going to the grocery store ever...especially around 5pm or 6pm...everyone is there rushing to get food for dinner. No one is nice. Everyone is on a mission. Including me.
As I was turning off the canned food isle to go down the isle with the pasta, a little old lady crossed my path. Our carts went smoothly passed each other and I smiled. Apparently that was a sign to her that I wanted to talk. I stood there as this little old lady proceeded to tell me all about this Night Time Tea that she bought from Trader Joe's. I literally stood there for 4-5 minutes as she explained why this tea was so great. She had never slept better. She told her entire church about it. Her friend, who has trouble sleeping, tried it and has never had a better night's sleep. And it's only $2.99 at Trader Joe's.
As I'm standing there listening to her tell me about this tea, it dawns on me.....she just wants to pass along a little nugget of wisdom. So I let her....and by the end of our one-sided conversation she was smiling ear to ear. She just wanted to tell someone.
And then I saw Newman from Seinfield on the way out.
Maybe going to the grocery store at 5:45pm isn't that bad after all.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Loading the Boat


Sometimes I feel like I'm just loading up the boat.
What I mean by that is that I'm just adding weight to my life. Stuff.
Stuff is all around us. In our houses, in our cars, at the offices and even in our heads. As I get older, and acquire more stuff, I realize how much I don't need these things.
Who's telling us that we NEED more things? Society? Maybe. But when we get right down to it, it's really us. WE are the ones buying into this theory. WE are the ones that are actually buying the stuff.
I'm not quite sure where I'm going with this. Even now, as I write my self-righteous blog about stuff, I'm waiting for deliver of my new car.
Stuff.
That's all it is.
And I'm a victim of a heavy boat.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Amazing Home



My good friend Raya Carlisle is not only an amazing photographer, but has a nack for home decorating. She can see an item at a flea market that looks so 'kitchy' that you want to throw up...and she can make it super hip in her beautiful cottage home.
I sometimes shake my head and wonder at those that just 'have it' in them. Thank God they are my friends...and Raya is one of them for sure!



Well, apparently Raya's amazing talent is being noticed by others! Check out Design*Sponge today to see all her amazing pictures of her house featured on this legendary blog. You not only will want to sign up for your local photography class, but you will get some great ideas for your own home.
Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Wine. Dine. Donate.



After much time and planning, Jim and I finally had our "Wine, Dine, Donate" party that benefitted America's Second Harvest. It was such a great feeling to have friends over, enjoy some good wine, and give something back to others less fortunate.
We were able to earn $550 in our first dinner. We are hoping to have several more before the year end!
To find out more information on how you can host your own party, visit Wine.Dine.Donate.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Wow...That was a long Hawaiian Vacation!













So...it's been awhile since I last 'blogged'...but I'm back and dedicated again.
Promise.
I think the main reason I haven't been very good at this is that I'm just too busy. I know...bad reason...but it's true. And I think that leads to a realization - We (meaning me) commit to too many things that we don't leave time for ourselves.
The times I feel the most stressed are the times that I don't have a minute for me. A minute for me. That should be my new slogan. Sorry, can't hang out....I'm taking a minute for me.
With that in mind, I'm taking a minute for me. What do I like to do?
I like working on the house, sleeping late on weekends, watching Conan with Jim when I know I should be asleep, playing with The Boy, cooking for friends, catching a favorite show on TV unexpectedly, going to breakfast at Aroma, walking in the door from a long day and seeing Jim, playing Madden with Jim, beating Jim at Madden, getting my hair done, visiting friends, entertaining, going to the flea market, laying on the couch looking at a magazine, having an occasional cig, picking wine based on the label, seeing dirt under my finger nails knowing I worked hard in the yard, drinking whiskey with Jim's dad, learning to sew, dreaming of my start up business, reading books for my book club, going to the church on the corner, taking a nap under the tree in the backyard with Jim, closing a deal, watching The Big Idea, 31 Flavors Mint Chocolate Chip, looking at old family pictures, watching my nephew turn into a little boy, planning the future with Jim.
This has been a minute for me, but Amy Roach

Friday, June 22, 2007

Hawaii



I'm currently in Hawaii....but still have a computer....and I finally feel like I'm on vacation. This is one of the first times where I haven't been connected to my Blackberry. I'm not checking it every hour, and I love it.

Who can ever say there's no Creator??

Friday, June 8, 2007

Love



That's all. Love.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Making your Emails Personal

i came across Fontifier the other day during a hectic work day. I have been meaning to blog about it because it's such a great idea. You fill out a template with your handwriting, send it back and then they send you a personal font of your handwriting. How cool is that?
Try it out and let me know how it goes....

Interior Style



When you buy a house the thoughts of decorating often times feels overwhelming. Where do you even start? Especially when it's your first house. Going from a rental to owning a home is one huge transition.




My good friend Raya gave me the best house-warming present. She made me an inspiration board! This has helped me tramendously! Each time I find something that I like in a magazine, I add it to the board. It's always growing and always developing. Going back to that board time and time again has helped me stay on a path for decorating the house.

My theme for my house (with the help of Raya) is POMP & POP. This means that I am incorporating my Pop Art pieces together with vintage and modern pieces. I'm a huge fan of Pop Art. I love the style, the color and the way it makes a house have instant character!



This Lichtenstein print is my prize piece. I love that it has it's own wall! It's the first thing you see when you walk into my house.









This piece was purchased at the Melrose Trading Post Melrose Trading Post. This obviously is based on the famous Warhol painting of Marilyn Monroe. It brings so much color and energy to the room. I'm really happy with it.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Wanna Get Involved?

I am guilty of being cynical of most good things in life. I don't know why. I didn't used to be that way. I'm cynical with churches, charities and, sadly enough, some really nice people. My cynical statement is always, "Oh, really?"
I can't tell you how long it's been since I had a 'home church'. I can always find something wrong. I rarely give to charities for one reason or another. Sad. I know.
Things are changing. My goal right now in my life is to stop being so cynical...and to just get involved.
I came across this a website the other day called Epicurious and found out about Wine.Dine.Donate. The challenge is to host a dinner party and give back. Give where? Give to America's Second Harvest.
I encourage you to check out this amazing charity, and this amazing idea. What's better than to host a dinner party, cook great food, enjoy friends and drink wine...all benefiting people less fortunate. Check it out.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

See Jane Work... In Style

I have been looking for great accessories to make my work area a little more...how do you say....work-like? I think often times I get bogged down with the feeling that I'm trapped at my desk, that I forget it can also be my playground.
I found www.seejanework.com and I fell in love. Check it out...it's that good.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Traveling



I love to travel. I might not LOVE the airplane..but I love walking into a new city. I love that feeling of not knowing what lies beyond the corner. And with some cities that are so different from my own, I just love the 'newness' of it all.
For the past four days I have been in Portland, Oregon. Might not sound like a crazy traveling adventure, but it was so fun. Portland is a city that I had major misconceptions about. I pictured trees, tree huggers and birkenstocks. That was about it.
I went to visit my college friend, Joy. She showed me a great time in her city.
I think my favorite part of my trip was this little coffee shop owned and run by another college friend and her family. The shop is called Sip & Kranz. Totally adorable....and has totally found a niche.
Going to this coffee shop and seeing my friends made me think how great it must be to do something on your own. To not only find a need, but to enjoy it....must be a great feeling. The bug loves inspiration.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Day Two


Day Two....
Jim just hit his high score at brick breaker...which is a measley 6,225 points. But it's his only second day of playing. I guess it's the second day of many things.
My day two is of blogging. I thought about this blog thing today at work. I think my goal is to push myself creatively. Maybe this means I go to a lot more museums. Maybe it means I try more crafts. Maybe I choose a new hobbie every month to 'try out'. Maybe it's to finally define my style.
I received a wonderful Christmas gift this summer from my mom....a brand new sewing machine. My first project, pillows. Of course. I found out about this sewing machine from reading Blueprint...Martha Stewart's new magazine. She said it was a great machine for beginners because it has all the basic stiches AND it comes with free lessons. Free lessons? Yeah, I'll take that one. I need all the help I can get.
The machine is GREAT! I really love it. It's the Huskeystar E10 by Husqvarna Viking. It's a small machine, which makes it easy to move around and fit into (for those of us that don't have 5,000 sq ft houses) smaller spaces. Some day I'll have a craft room.

Monday, May 7, 2007

The Bug Loves...

Well, I have done it...I have offically become a 'blogger'.

I remember years ago hearing the term 'blogger' for the first time and thinking, 'that is so nerdy! People looking online for topics to write about...online...to no one?" Does this mean I'm a nerd?
If so, I welcome the new adjective to my list of characteristics. I guess it means that I'm branching out and growing. Right? Or maybe just susceptible to pop culture.

I'm hoping to use this blog has an escape, as a place where I can express and enhance my creativity, a place where I can share things I love and use as a sort of online journal. I have been keeping journals since I was in Jr. High....man those are funny!!!....and I'm hoping to use this outlet in a similar fashion.

Who am I?
I'm 26 years old. I'm a girl. I'm blonde...with the help of my hair stylist. I have been married for a year and a half. I married my best friend. I married up. I started working right out of college and am in my 'career' at 26. I feel fortunate to find what i love, but at the same time I feel a yearning for a more creative outlet. My job is that I sell air....radio air time. I live in Burbank. My hubby and I just bought a house.

I think the whole buying the house got me a little more connected with my powerbook, because all I want to do is find great things to fill my house with. I want my house to be an expression of myself and my husband....not an expression of Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel. Don't get me wrong, they get it right most of the time. However, I don't want my house to be out of a magazine....because I'm not out of a magazine.

So as I conclude my first blog....wow.....look at me, mom.....I'm blogging.....I have to sit back and ask, "Where will this new venture take me?" I can't wait to find out. I have a good feeling about this.

Oh, and for those of you who are asking, why 'the bug loves'.....well.....my name is Amy Roach. If I'm going to change my name from Owens to Roach, I'm going to run with the whole bug thing. And my goal in this blog is to find out more about myself. What do I really love.