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!

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.

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.

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!

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.