Yesterday, my mom sent out an e-mail to our family asking if we would like to meet at a yet-to-be-determined restaurant for her birthday dinner today. With two picky eating adults, a vegan, and a baby, eating out is usually a stressful experience. To make my mom’s day easier, Mr. Lasertron and I volunteered to host a birthday party at our house! With 10 hours to bring it all together, I think we were able to create a fancy and festive little shindig!

Here are my five best tips for throwing a party on the fly:

1. Choose a monochromatic color scheme. Sticking with one range of colors is one of the easiest way to make an impact with short notice. I went with my redhead mom’s favorite palette–green and black with a dash of sparkle.

2. Order food or buy things pre-made. Who cares? To save time and please everyone, I got everyone’s favorite pizza from Whole Foods. I also put together a few salads from the salad bar and cut up some fruit and vegetables before dinner. I picked up ice cream from eCreamery down the street, and my mom used a Groupon coupon to get cupcakes from a local cupcake shop. My mom always says, no one will have a bad time because they had to eat store bought food. And get nice drinks.

3. Because it’s all about how you serve it! Being a dish and table linen collector is always an advantage at the last minute. I have borrowed dishes and tableware from friends too. You already know your friends’ favorite movies, foods, and lipstick shades…why not familiarize yourself with their party stash too? It’s awesome to know who to call when you need an orange tablecloth or a disco ball.

4. I feel like having balloons always makes a party look like it took effort. I’m sorry, but I’m going through a balloon phase right now. I love simple, round, solid-colored ones. Busy shapes and colors can look too childish.

5. Budget $10 for something extra fun or unexpected. Party poppers? Twisty straws? Gold confetti? A package of craft beer? Fancy ice cream or materials for s’mores? Special boxes for guests to take home leftovers? Party hats? Disposable camera? Kitschy cake toppers? Curtains of crepe paper streamers? Even $10 of balloons blown up and scattered on the floor! These inexpensive details are the things guests remember.

Finally, don’t beat yourself up for not getting everything to look perfect. I wish we had curtains on our windows, I wish we finished painting the dining room, I wish we had more room to hang up coats. Not only will your guests never know what you didn’t get around to doing, it just gives you a chance to have a new project to show off next time you entertain. That’s always been a big motivator for me.

Most of my time was spent on making this paper mobile decoration (inspired by this project created by Jordan Ferney) and setting the table. Everything else was easy.

happy birthday, dear mama!
xo

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One of the most common questions I get as a designer and business owner is about where to begin when all you have is a great idea, a Twitter account, and a fire burning under you to make your mark. The place to begin is by establishing the foundation upon which all of the other components of your business will stand–your brand.

Steve Gordon, owner of Rdqlus Creative, illustrious author, longtime friend, and part of the CAMP Omaha crew, recently approached me about kicking off his new blog series of downloadable color schemes called Palette Jackin.

I played creative director, set up inspiration, and Steve applied a little bit of his own “Identity Therapy” to it, refining the meaning of the style and defining the direction of the brand based on what I gave him to work with. I must say he nailed it.

Starting with a fantastic mixed media collage of colored paper, sequins, lace, glitter and cloth—inspired by a little girl playing “dress-up”—a back-story began to unfold. This collection has a happy eccentricity to it. The white & pink lace mixes shades of “classy” with slight undertones of a fun naughtiness (think sexy hosiery).

It’s been almost two years since I did a full mental audit of the state of my branding and marketing and I, too, am revisiting the values and mission of Princess Lasertron. If you’re in the same boat with me–whether you’re starting out to achieve your dream of success or re-evaluating the work you’re already dedicated to–all you have to do is face your brand, flex your creative muscles, and challenge yourself today to define why you are doing what you’re doing and what the pillars of meaning are in your endeavors. Then the definition of the brand emerges.

Click on the image above and check out the rest of Steve’s ID Therapy treatment on my inspiration collage download the color palette if you are so inclined, and maybe think about sending in your own to him based on your business or current project. The doctor is in.

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In my life I’ve had the most wonderful series of opportunities to lead me to where I am now and I have taken lessons from every experience to share with you! Let me explain a little bit about my background.

I started out studying to become a journalist. After winning several awards as a column and feature writer and working for a local newspaper and news radio station, I applied for a job as a high school speech coach and worked there for four years. In college I started Princess Lasertron as an outlet for my creative and artistic energy, which soon became a full-time job as my list of bridal clients and the demand for my custom designs continued to grow. In 2010 I founded Omaha’s first creative coworking space, CAMP, to provide a space for independent business owners like me to focus on collaboration and creativity while growing their businesses. I have also served as an adviser in planning many local conferences and events and am one of the organizers for Omaha’s annual Barcamp event. My online presence began in 1995 when I started my first blog, which fed my lifelong interest in self-development, building relationships, identity, and marketing.

I love to speak about marketing yourself by being yourself, creating the life you want, and falling in love with the world! I am podium-free, engaging, and I also provide free recordings of the session and downloadable notes for your audience.

To book me as a speaker, use our contact form and I will be in touch within a few days. Here is a list of some of my favorite talks in the past, and some nice words from a few industry leaders who have seen me speak!

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“Social Media Heavyweight Panel”
Panelist
Lincoln American Marketing Association
February 25, 2010

“Growing up online: Using tech resources as an advantage for life”
Otte Middle School
April 6, 2010

“Coworking in Omaha”
Omaha Chamber of Commerce
June 24, 2010

“Coworking: A call for collective intelligence”
Lincoln Social Media Club
Sept 8, 2010

“Putting the Social in Social Media & Free Expression”
Panelist
University of Nebraska-Omaha
October 10, 2010

“Creating the Life of my Dreams”
Pecha Kucha
October 15, 2010

“Stop Marketing, Start Engaging”
Panelist
Greater Omaha American Marketing Association
November 2, 2010

“Advertising, Branding, and Social media – Oh My!”
Panelist
University of Nebraska-Omaha
November 3, 2010

“Make it Pretty”
Barcamp Omaha
November 20, 2010

“Badassery at Work: Collaboration, creativity, and coworking”
Meet the pros
February 7, 2011

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“I’ve had the good fortune of both speaking with, and listing to Megan speak on many occasions, and it’s always a pleasure. Sometimes serious, sometimes feisty, sometimes funny – but always passionate. Her’s is an incredible story of starting, personal branding and creativity, and her love of her work, friends, family and community shine through.”

Dusty Davidson, Co-Founder, Silicon Prairie News and Big Omaha

“Think of your fondest, most relaxed conversation with a good friend over coffee. Then add a little spunk to the story. That’s the unique and entertaining presentation style of Megan Hunt. Megan shares what she knows in a conversational style that is as refreshing as it is engaging. But more than talking about her own experiences, her passions, and her business, Megan love conversing with the audience just as much (if not more).”

Wendy Townley, Author, Nerdy Thirty

“Megan is an endearing mix of ‘classy’, ‘candid’ and ‘fiesty’. The best connection to any audience goes through the gates of common ground; a little bit of humor, a dash of tell-it-like-it-is, but a base element of humility that allows the listener to approach, get closer and be attentive of their own choice because they can relate. Now wrap all of that in a brightly colored, pristinely styled package—topped with a spectacular, hand-crafted bow—and you may have just been gifted a little dose of Megan Hunt.”

Steve Gordon, Owner, Rdqlus, Author, 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers

I love to talk and I am good at it! I would love to bring my experience, thoughts, and engaging speaking style to your event or conference. Drop me a line and we will work together to make magic.

xo
meg

Photos by the glorious Lilia Ahner

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Dear, sweet little Alice,

All month long I make little mental notes about everything you are doing and learning, every funny story and every lesson learned. I get anxiety about forgetting something. I can’t believe you are already nine months old and I still keep thinking I have a tiny baby, but you are growing and changing every day and becoming so independent. As heartbreaking as it is to watch your infancy drift farther and farther away, these days are the most giggly, silly, loving, joy-filled days yet. You are really turning into a little shadow. You are reacting to us as a person would. Like a real human. You laugh at us and glare at us and ignore us and reach for us and have your own ideas about everything.

As you become a Real Human you are also revealing a Real Personality. I am calling it now–I think I am in for a life with a very strong-willed and challenging little girl, and it’s probably exactly what I deserve. You are a boss. You can be so serious and humorless. And bossy. And did I say bossy!?

You took your first steps early this month and now you are testing your limits constantly, letting go of the table or couch and carefully stepping forward three or four steps, holding your arms out like a tightrope walker for stability. When you eventually stumble, I cheer and clap, but you never celebrate. When you fall you are clearly miffed and frustrated, and it’s hard for you to keep at it because with each fall, you get more exasperated until you give up and do a noisy, yelling, sloppy, half-assed crawl toward me and bury your head into my shoulder. It’s okay little bean. You will be running around before you know it.

Your dad and I were so lucky to both be there when you took your first steps. We were at CAMP sitting about two feet apart on the floor playing with you and suddenly you STOOD UP from the ground and took three steps from your dad to me. We were so surprised and incredulous and we started yelling and cheering so loud and called all the grandparents to tell them the great news.

Your number-one favorite thing to do is get things out of bags. I pack a bag full of things and leave it in the room for you to find and paw through. It can keep you busy for up to an hour. You pull each thing out, touch it to your mouth, turn it around in your hands, carefully examining and considering it. Then you absentmindedly throw it over your shoulder just as casually as you had been meticulous.

We’ve finally got some toothies too! You got your first tooth a few weeks ago and just today I noticed a second one up right next to it. Just today. My little tooth-having baby.

So what else is new, girl?
…You’re straight-up standing. For as long as you want.
…You learned how to climb stairs and you could do it all day. I am totally fine with this, as it exhausts you.
…You yell for attention when you would like to be looked at–”HAAA! HA! MAM! MAM! HAAAAA! MAAAM!” (“Mom. Watch. Mom. Watch. Mom? Mom.”)
…You have started to throw things.
…You’ve also started to hit, and are continuing to yank hair–especially while nursing. I understand why most moms quit breastfeeding at this time. We’re still being consistent though with consequences for hitting and yanking.
…This month you started going to Kindermusik every Thursday with Grandma. There are two other older kids there and I hear you are pretty shy and observant in class. You hate the scarves and massage, and love the drums and maracas.
…You can say “mama.”
…You can slowly repeat “papa” but don’t know what it means yet.
…You’ve never been sick.

…You got into the freezer and ate the ice cream.
…You love pushing your carts around the house and figured out how to turn them.
…Your “holding still” skills on the changing table have markedly improved.
…Napping you are not good at. When I really need you to sleep for work, I take you in the car and work in the parking lot at dad’s work, using the wi-fi.
…You won’t wear hats. And you’re still totally bald.

…You are the peek-a-boo champ.
…You eat anything. Favorites lately include toast, raspberries, bits of cheese, and the old favorite of both mama and baby, applesauce.
…You learned how to roll a ball back and forth with us.
…You know how to give kisses. Open-mouth sloppy kisses.
…You will only fall asleep in our arms. It’s only a bad habit if we don’t like it, and we don’t mind. I just try to cherish the closeness, dependence, and snuggling while I can.

There is another new game that you love–chasing. The game starts when you quickly crawl a few feet away from us, then turn back to look at us and giggle. You do this over and over, with less giggling, and more yelling (HAAA! MAAAA!) until you get our attention, and then the game is on. Through the living room, into the dining room, around the kitchen, to your bedroom, into your bed. Then you are busted. Then there is tickling.

This month a lot of tragic and tumultuous things have happened in the world and I often think about how lucky and fortunate we are to have what we do. We have our health and we will always have each other. I often think about the pain and reality of life on planet earth and feel a twinge of existential guilt about not being able to shield you from it forever. All I can do to assuage that guilt is fully dedicate myself to serving you as a parent.

Your father and I promise to raise you as a citizen of the world because we never want you to be afraid of the world. We promise to show you compassion and understanding because we wish for you to experience others through a lens of empathy. As a parent I do not just feel responsible for you and your upbringing–I feel responsible for raising this baby I brought into the world to be a positive contributor to it. You have been born with your own gifts and we promise to help you know them and share them.

You and dad are all I need.

I love this baby time so much. You are friendly, social, and fun to bring everywhere we go. You love chatting and waving. I still can’t believe I’m a mom. I just feel like a busy woman with a little shadow who goes everywhere with me. I love you, busy bee.

xo
mama

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♥ My dear Bill Jones from Jones Bros Cupcakes on the latest episode of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. I’m so proud of you–way to hold it down for Omaha! ♥ Working with another author on a new book–I’ll share more as soon as I can. It’s about entrepreneurship and taking the plunge! ♥ Pie Lab Omaha is moving in next door to CAMP…uh oh ♥ these cute vintage-inspired printable valentines from Veer ♥ Yinghua Zhu’s paper art ♥ Candy buttons ♥ I wish little alice would wear a bow, like these from louandlee ♥ snowglobe collection ♥ any collection ♥ Josh and Naomi’s new little bean, Eleanor ♥ ♥ homemade ice cream ♥ that darth vader kid ♥ This gallery of crafts from the Japanese American internment camps from 1942-1946. Check out the boutonnieres for weddings made from seeds and found objects. ♥ Breakfast at Tiffany’s midnight movie ♥ hiring another employee–for real! ♥ taking the high road. especially when it’s super hard. pat yourself on the back for those times–you’re only human. ♥ an entire coast to coast episode about star children ♥ speaking to UNL’s textiles club ♥ biscuit foot ♥ going through old pictures with my mom (that’ll be a good post) ♥

another outfit styled at scout

With Bill Jones from Jones Bros

Eric with his phone, and me with my dozen Jones Bros cupcakes (and humongous homemade marshmallow in the to-go cup)

A look at the paper sculptural art of Omaha artist Yinghua Zhu

Bunny boots

♥ real housewives of omaha ♥ my nine month old baby ♥ my new coat in my favorite colors ♥ string cheese ♥ homemade dish soap ♥  ♥ dark grey nail polish with a heavy coat of gold glitter on top–my new power manicure ♥ just realized I own 3 gold clutch purses and NEVER use them…that changes this week. ♥ wendy williams. period. ♥ waterford vase we got for our wedding full of dice ♥ wooden wick candles ♥ liz’s bow belt tutorial ♥ cuddling to sleep with my little tiny beanbag ♥ the cute guy who works at the locksmith. hi, josh. thanks for saving me today. ♥ speaking of wendy williams, the new season of ru paul’s drag race. do you know you can watch online?! ♥ custom rubber stamps–there is a factory down the street from my office and they do SUCH great work! ♥ homemade banana bread–I’ve made three batches this week ♥ a new box of wine to keep on my desk (mom of the year) ♥

The crew at CAMP

the best guest room

wonder woman makeup mailed to me by reader kari!

everyone wants homemade ice cream made on the porch in a coffee can

Eric and I giving our talk at Meet the Pros earlier this week, Badassery at Work: Creativity, collaboration, and coworking.

xo
meg

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