First Step

The first step in building a business is creating a good image - right? And in this day in age where do you go to find out about a company? The internet of course!

I have met with a website designer to get this moving. I wanted to put up a splash page to at least give people an idea of what the image was for Little Citizens. As soon as I get my samples back and get the designs correct I can create the full page.

Here is the splash/landing page for Little Citizens

And my good friend Raya will be helping me with the press shots for the site. She is amazing!!!

And the train keeps on movin'....

On a Mission

I have told just a few people my true dream.....to own my own business. Not just any business, but a CREATIVE business. Jim has been telling me for years that I should open my own advertising agency and pull some of my direct clients into business with me. No thanks. If I'm going to work for myself, I want it to be something that I'm creatively passionate about.

For those of you who know, I have been working part time on a couple of business ideas. One being for graphic design, and the other being focused on a baby blanket company. Lately I have been 100% focused on this blanket company, and I am getting more excited about it as the days go by. I have been doing TONS of research on the logistics and the product development of this business....along with streamlining my designs.

I have 10 different designs, and I have finally found a manufacturer that can work with me on my vision. I am meeting with them next week to sit down to talk more...along with a web designer to help me with my website. The company is called Little Citizens and the website will soon be www.littlecitizensunite.com.

I have never put myself out like this before...and I have never been more excited. I really like my job in advertising, but it would be so great to work for myself...with a company that is my own vision.

I am not working off of my computer right now, but I would love to post some of my designs for some good ol' fashion feedback. Love my blogging friends! (Raya/Faith) :)

Now, I just need to meet with a lawyer and make this legit!

It's been a long time...

I can't believe it's been a month since the last time I blogged. I have been one busy chicken.
First off, we got a dog. Her name is Kimba and she is adorable. She really is a sweet dog....almost too sweet. She will cry when we close our door at night to go to bed...and she cries when we put her outside. She just wants to be with us ALL the time. Here she is....all 80 lbs of her.




I also threw a baby shower for my friend Amanda. Amanda and I have been friends since we were in 6th grade. We have been close for a long time. She had her baby on July 20th - the original date for the shower. She was 4 weeks late! After some traumatic events, the baby is good and Amanda is healthy. We had the 'redo' shower on September 14th at my house.







For the theme, I kept it simple. Outside in the grass, all white dishes and napkins, with little wooden toys as the favor. I didn't have a table that would seat 10 people - so Jim MADE me a table! How cool is that!? It turned out really cute.
We made onesies as our 'game' - which was a blast. With this group, the onesies came out tame....and I think Amanda will actually use them.

And lastly, I just finished up designing my good friend Bonnie's wedding paper - the programs, menus, table numbers, etc. It was a very fun experience - my first in the wedding world. I did my own paper when I got married, but it was very different designing for someone else! Way more pressure! But I really enjoyed it. I worked with a great printer that made the experience great. But that's where you make the money! Yikes! I need to get me a high-quality printer!
Bonnie is a great friend, and she was so sweet to have me start this new venture with her! Thanks, Bon!

Workin'

So the past two weeks have been really different. I have had my normal (early) schedule, while Jim has been going into the studio to START work at 6pm and working until 2am. We have been ships in the night!
It is finally getting back to normal though. Thank God!

I have my good friend Bonnie coming over today to work on the final changes for her wedding programs, menus and table numbers. It's been a fun project, and I'm excited to show her the final versions.

Once we get it finished, I'll be sure to post.

The Bug Loves...when she gets to be creative....and see her BFF (Jim)

Great Finds in LA

I sometimes stick with the same old furniture stores - because I don't know where else to go.
My main websites and stores are:

Urban Home
Crate and Barrel
West Elm
CB2
Pottery Barn
Just Like the Model in Fountain Valley

I'm breaking out from the pack and I'm going to try these new (and old) stores this week. Get my furniture shopping on!

Chestnuts & Papaya Incorporated at 459 1/2 S La Brea Ave
Bahay Home Furniture at 3825 Main St in Culver City
Mortise & Tenon at 446 S La Brea Ave
Shelter Furniture at 7920 Beverly Blvd
Scavenger's Paradise in North Hollywood
Nick Metropolis at 100 S La Brea Ave.

I'll try and take some pictures are each of them so you can get a good understanding of what each store brings!

My Job

Sometimes I feel like all I do is work. I work from 8:30-6:00pm every day. That isn't all the time!
I think the reason I feel this way is because I think about it all the time. My blackberry is going constantly - vibrating me to sleep at night. I never turn work off.
My mid-year resolution is to create a better balance in my life. I need that. I crave that. My happiness relies on that.
Wish me luck.

Fun Stationery and Calling Card Sites

I have become slightly obessed with stationery and calling cards. I have always loved stationery and all things paper, but this is getting out of control.

I think my quest is driven due to my constant search for inspirations for my own designs. I have been working hard on creating fun and different designs for friends' (and husbands) business cards - and I'm having a great time!

Here are a couple of my favorite stationery and calling card sites.

OiMoi is golden. Fun and unique designs. Some of them are a little too busy, but overall good.



Brooklyn Social Cards is another great site for classic calling cards. They use letterpress as the main design, and it's beautiful. The slimplicity of the design makes it classic and memoriable.



Wedding Paper Divas is a great site for not only wedding invitations, but personal stationery. They are not your traditional wedding invitation site! Fun designs that scream FUN COUPLE! Love it.

All Done!

We have a new...beautiful...kitchen! It doesn't even feel like the same room. Myles of Style did an amazing job! After 2 weeks have having strangers in our house and dust on everything we own, we have a beautiful kitchen to show for it! And those strangers became people, and the dust became a story to tell.
Jim and I really enjoyed our times with the cast and crew of the show. They have a great bunch of people.
We will know the date of the show soon and we will be sure to let everyone know. I'm interested to see how they portray us...it could be anything!!
And just for a tease factor...a Barcelona chair, black granite counter tops, and a chandelier. Yes! It's that good!

It's a secret.

Yesterday was the first day of shooting for Myles of Style. I have been told I can't post pictures or tell much info...so I'm sort of stuck in terms of what I can post. Sorry!
All I can say is that yesterday was really fun. I love Kim's pitch for the kitchen. I was hoping we were going to knock out a wall...but I think it's going to be perfect just the way Kim envisions. The crew is super nice. Kim is a doll. I think this is going to be one of the most fun experiences Jim and I will have.
Thanks HGTV!

Cemetary Screenings

Living in a big city sometimes feels like we miss out on 'small town' activities. There really isn't very many events that make you feel like a community.
However, last year we were introduced to Cemetery Screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It's one of my favorite things here in LA. For $10 a person, you can bring food and alcohol into the cemetery and watch a movie...with around 1500 other people. It's one of the coolest experiences. You walk through the cemetery onto this large grassy field. You camp out, eat dinner, drink some wine, and when the sun goes down the movie comes on. It's projected on a large building and the next thing you know you are at a drive in with all the luxuries of home. It's really cool.

For more information on this year's movies, visit Cemetery Screenings.

High Class Flyin'

Jim's dad is a private pilot. He flies out of Burbank for a real estate uber-wealthy man. A few weeks ago he called Jim and asked if we wanted to take a quick flight to Long Beach. We jumped on the opportunity! Who else can say they have flown in a G550...Oh yeah....the Rich.
We had a great time seeing how it feels to fly First Class....in a private jet.

Art. For Art Sake.

I am involved with Festival of Arts - an incredible art show down in Laguna Beach which features over 150 local arts. Amazing Artists.
One of those artists is Regina Jacobson. Her attitude towards art and her craft is inspiring. "I love painting figures captured in the momentary quality of arrested actions, or with an expression that allows us to glimpse the attitude of the heart." Wow.
Here is just a glipse into what Regina is able to capture using live models.

So True.

In this month's In Style Josh Groban's house was featured. He owns a beautiful Hollywood home that has tons of character. Imagine that....a celebrity's home that actually has life.
One of the pictures features Josh in front of a killer metal piece of art that captures the emotions of all that live in LA. The check mark moves so you can reflect your attitude. Mine changes daily. :)
For details on the artist please visit David Buckingham's website.

The Count Down Begins...

Today marks the "Two Weeks from Demo" date for Myles of Style - The Roach Edition. We officially start the kitchen redo on July 14th. I'm excited to start the process...but I'm more excited to just find out what we will be doing! I'm putting all my trust and faith into you, Kim! I know it will be beautiful!

Stay Tuned...

The Mac and Andy Show

My trip to Oregon was great. I was able to share some great sister time with my one and only sister. The experience of watching her go through labor was one of the greatest experiences I have had in my lifetime. It was truly amazing.
I was finally able to go through my pictures from my trip. Andy is one of the cutest kids. My sister and Adam make some beautiful babies! My nephew Mac and Andy....they will soon be starting their own radio program. Stay Tuned.

My Boy

I found a picture of Kitty Pants on my brother-in-law's computer...and it just made me smile. I have been gone from both of my boys for almost 5 days now. I miss Jim and KP.

Looking forward to getting home....

Anderson "Andy" Blaine Bledsoe

Andy is here! Perfect as can be. He was a little slow to come, but once the pushing started it was only 15 minutes until he made his presence known.
Courtney is doing great. She was so calm and collected. I'm not sure if she was a good person to watch through this whole thing...she made it look so easy!
Here is a picture of the beautiful baby boy!

Cottage Living

One of my favorite magazines is Cottage Living. It organized a sneak attack and has become one of my favorites. When I used to think of 'Cottage' I automatically assumed 'Country'. I was wrong!
Because of this magazine, I have defined my style as Modern Cottage Eclectic. I know I just made that 'style' up...but I really have come to love the cottage feel. It's relaxed and welcoming, but very stylish and clean.
Here are a couple of photos that I feel represent Cottage Living.

Baby Time.

My sister's due date for her second baby boy is June 25th - exactly a week from today.
About 3 months ago, my sister called me to ask if I wanted to come up to Oregon and be with her in the delivery room. I was totally taken back and was very flattered that she not only asked me, but even thought to have me involved.
My sister and I are very different. We have finally found a comfortable metaphorical corner that we have settled in after 27 years. We have finally figured out how we can be close sisters - different in almost every way. Growing up we found ourselves constantly fighting. I wanting to be more like her. She never wanting me around. A familiar scenario in most 4+ year gap of sisters.
So as I'm mentally preparing for this 'first' of my life, I want to prepare my heart not only to experience first hand the miracle of life, but fully be present in the miracle of sisterhood. It's a wonderful thing. We just had to figure it out.

Sex and the City

I still haven't seen Sex and the City: The Movie. I know...I should be stripped of my 'I love Sex and the City" title.
Vogue did a spread on some beautiful Carrie and Big shots. Since I didn't see the movie, I'm assuming they aren't from the movie. They are just too glamorous to be in the movie! Only Vogue could create this! Her outfits are amazing. The photography is amazing. Enjoy!

Dads

Happy Father's Day to all those that are Dads.
Coming from a woman, and seeing the influence that my dad has had on my life and the choices that I have made, I encourage all dads to make Being a Father the most important role they play.
Thinking back on my life and seeing how my life has been shaped gives me a greater appreciation and deeper love for my dad. My husband wouldn't be my husband today if my dad hadn't take the time to show what it means to be a loving husband and father.
I realize in my 27th year that having great role models for parents isn't totally normal. But I have learned so much from my parents. I have greater self respect, and healthy, passionate love for my husband because of my father.
Happy Father's Day.

We're In!

Watch out HGTV - The Roachs are coming!
That's right! Jim and I made it on Myles of Style! We are so thrilled! We will have a new kitchen by the end of July.
Kim and the entire crew came by this morning to meet Jim and myself. I was a little nervous, but immediately felt comfortable with Kim. She was ssoo nice and very concerned about understanding our style. This made me feel so much more comfortable about giving up creative control. She asked a ton of questions about what we like, what we don't, what we want to keep, and how we envision the space. After meeting her, I like her even more!
They met inside by themselves for awhile to talk about the space and if they felt it would work for the show. They came outside and told us the great news - they want to redo our kitchen!
The plan right now is for them to come mid-July and will tape and remodel for one full week.
We'll be sure to let everyone know when it will be aired.
Thrilled. I'm just so thrilled!

Places Everyone, Places!

So Thursday is the day that Kim Myles from Myles of Style will be gracing the Roach Motel. I'm so excited to meet her and to hear her thoughts on our kitchen!
In preparing the house for an interior designers arrival, I have started to doubt all my designing efforts. It's so strange how you can feel confident and comfortable in your home, until you are expecting an arrival of a TV star with designing-genius!
The two rooms I feel good about are the office and our bedroom. I think I like those the most, and feel those two are the most indicative of our style because we started from scratch. All the pieces that are in those rooms have been purchase in the past year. They were bought for those rooms.
The other rooms in the house (especially the living room) are made up of pieces that were handed down or purchased last minute when we bought our house. Our couch is super comfortable and was only $400 from Ikea. HOWEVER, it lacks structure and looks sloppy a lot of the time. I just need to relax and remember...style is style. You don't always love it and it comes and goes.

Wish us luck!

Beautiful Pictures to Come

I have been absent a camera for about 6 months. It's strange...when I was in high school I didn't leave home without it. It was sort of like a cell phone.

And then the cell phone came...and I didn't have enough room.

Until now.

Jim and I just splurged and got a Leica D-LUX 3. It's a beautiful camera that takes amazing photos. The photos look more like photos from an SLR than a point and shoot.

Jim was in a band last year and the photographer used this camera for the entire shoot. The pictures turned out amazing.

Here's to capturing more memories (beautifully)!

Finding a Theme

A good friend of mine has asked me to help her with "everything paper" for her wedding.
When I got married, that was my favorite part. From the invitations, to the save the date, to the menus and the programs - I loved it! Now that I'm trying my hand at design, I want to build up my portfolio. What a perfect way!
My advice for her was to pick a 'theme' to guide us through since all the elements of the wedding haven't been decided on. I had a monogram on my invitations that was used several more time at the wedding. I think it gives a great sense of balance.
That isn't to say that you can't go all over the board when working with your stationery! My save the date cards were VERY funky, but my invitations were traditional.
Here are a few monograms I was working on to help her not only find a theme, but for us to find the Style of the wedding.

What do you think? Have any favorites?

Corn on the Mind

When Jim and I went to New York this past December, we were lucky enough to have a local take us around - our friend Joel. Our trip had some 'touristy' activities, but it was mostly comprised of meeting Joel's interesting music friends from NYU, shopping, finding cool bars and finding amazing restaurants. One of the restaurants that Joel took us to was Cafe Habana.

I was expecting a large restaurant with classic mexican food. Oh no. I was wrong. And I was so happy that I was!

We waited in the FREEZING cold for 45 minutes until we were finally sat in this cramped little Cuban-Mexican, loud restaurant. Our table was tiny and the four of us were constantly trying to find room for all our plates and drinks. It started off with a bang.

Joel explained that they were known for their corn on the cob. Who's known for their corn on the cob? And how can you make corn on the cob that interested?

It was amazing.

I have been dreaming of that corn on the cob since that fateful night on Price Street....until I found the cuban-style recipe on Martha Stewart's Blueprint Blog.

For the recipe visit Martha Stewart. I can't wait to make it this weekend!

Barrett Johnson

I'm a huge music lover. From working in the radio industry, to having a musician hubby...I'm surrounded.

I have also become hard to please.

An old friend from high school has recently found a comfy place in my heart. His music is beautiful, mellow...and always interesting to listen to. He's a mix between Ryan Adams and Jeff Buckley. He's really good.

He sent me his CD in the mail today and I can't stop listening to it. Take a listen to Barrett Johnson and support a really good local artist.

You won't be disappointed.

Myles of Style

Our kitchen is in desperate need of some designer love. I think I'm out of my league trying to design that space. I'm into colors, furniture and lighting...but not square-footage and inches. It's too detailed...with much too much to lose!
I was on HGTV the other day and noticed that Myles of Style was casting for their new season. I thought, why not.
And you know....they just came out to the house today to do a camera interview with us. We picked a week in July for them to come for the remodel and taping. So we'll see if we make it! It sounds really positive!
Wish us luck!

First Job!

So, I have been working on things I can do on the side....maybe turn it into a full time job when I get prego. Well, I have been learning Illustrator and I really have been enjoying it. Since I come from the business mind, I thought working graphic design for business cards and letterhead would be a good place for me to start.

Well, I had my first job and I'm really happy with the way it turned out! And so is my client!

Check it out. (The size of the jpg didn't really translate...both images are business card size and the blue goes all the way to the edge)





Thoughts? Suggestions? Criticism?

Work Space

After Jim moved his studio out of the house, we found ourselves with an extra room. Imagine that!?
We were originally thinking to turn the back bedroom (the room that has been acting as the studio) into our shared office and keep the guest bedroom the same.
After much discussion, we realized that it would make the most sense to turn the guest room into the shared office. Jim wanted both a piano and a desk, and it just wouldn't fit in the studio room.
We finally have finished the office makeover and I LOVE it. It's a great space to focus on work....plus Jim can play me beautiful tunes on the piano!
Here are a couple "after" snapshots!

Curb Appeal

I have really been wanting to change up the front of our house. We have the worst looking stucco that covers our house. It's super thick. I would love to add siding to the house and extend the roof to highlight the porch more.
This house is by my parents house in Newport Beach. I love the way they kept the cottage feel, but upgrading everything to look beachy.
So cute!

LA Biz Ladies Meetup

Design*Sponge is hosting a Biz Ladies Meetup on April 15th. They will have four speakers covering PR/Marketing, Retailing/Wholesaling, Business and Legal Advice and a Local Designer to tell stories of their successes. My very good friend, Lindsay Horstman, will be the speaker for Business and Legal Advice. I am so thrilled for her!
The purpose of this meetup is to talk to others and hear others' stories on how they were able to take their business from hobby/past time to a full-time job. Can't wait to hear some good advice!
If you would like to attend, visit Design Sponge and email Grace.

Biz Ladies Meetup - Beverly Blvd Design Within Reach from 7-9pm on April 15th