Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Color Love // Inspired by the Sky


Sky Blue // Bubby and Bean
1. Keeper Chambray Shirt, J.Crew  //  2. Kate Spade Metro Watch, Bloomingdales  //  3. Bikini So Teeny Nail Polish, Essie  //  4. Sky Blue and Silver Necklace, LynJewels  //  5. Ceramic Door Knob, Anthropologie  //  6. See Eye to Sky Bag, Modcloth  //  7. Reach the Sky Sandal, Modcloth  //  8. Breaker Chair, CB2


Last week, I snapped an Instagram photo of the bluest sky I'd seen so far this year. The sky that day was very striking to look at, and for the last few days, I've felt instantly drawn to anything sky blue that I see.  A sky blue tone called 'dusk blue' made Pantone's spring 2013 color chart, so I guess it's actually on trend too.  Bonus!  For me, it's just so soft and summery, and such an effortless, calming shade.  What are your thoughts on sky blue this season?

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Monday, June 17, 2013

IMPORTANT REMINDER!



Sorry to shout at you guys with the ALL CAPS (!) subject of this post, but because I love you and don't want to lose you, I wanted to make sure I got your attention.  This is just a quick reminder that in two weeks, Google Reader will be shutting down for good.  Many of you use Google Reader to follow Bubby and Bean, and unless you transfer your reader or sign up using a different method (see below for alternatives), you will no longer be subscribed to Bubby and Bean come July 1st.  Boooo to that!

There are a few great alternatives that I'm recommending (and using myself) in place of Google Reader. The first two make it incredibly easy to transfer your feeds.   

1. BLOGLOVIN' - I have been using Bloglovin' to follow some of my favorite blogs for years now, and highly encourage you to follow us there.  In a few simple steps, they can also guide you in how to transfer your Google Reader feed over to them.

2. FEEDLY - My other favorite is Feedly.  Just log in with your Google account, and they will automatically sync your Google Reader account there.  It took me less than 30 seconds.  You can add us to your Feedly feed right here.

3. EMAIL - You can also sign up to receive our posts to your inbox via email each day.  Just use the 'subscribe by email' box on our subscribe page.


I'm so grateful for those of you who you have chosen to subscribe to Bubby and Bean, and I hope you'll stay with us!  If you have any questions about making the transition, let me know and I'll do my best to answer.


Friday, June 14, 2013

Friday is for Favorites // My 10 Favorite Things This Week


Hey fellow music nerds, can we all just agree that this shirt is basically amazing? 


I'd take any yard I could get (oh the downfalls of living in a townhouse), but if I got to pick my dream yard, it would look something like this.  I had a place years ago with a backyard made up of endless acres of forest and wildflowers, and I vowed to have something similar again one day.  A bad ass treehouse would be an added bonus.

It's Just Water To Go Cup
I love this, but mainly because my it reminds me of my little sister.  I'll just say that we've had all sorts of fun with incidents involving summer cocktails and 'to go' cups.  Morgan, if you're reading this, you're getting a present.


While completely out of my price range for a top, this blouse is just so pretty and summery that I've been going back to the Anthropologie website on the daily just to look at it.  It reminds me of pictures of my mom from the 70s, all barefoot and flower child-like, traipsing though fields and stuff.  I want it.


No explanation necessary for this one.  It's a baby giraffe.  It's really cute.  Enough said.  (source)


This article, entitled "Do Yourself a Favor and Forget What Your 'Size' Is," is spot on.  As someone who has worked in the fashion industry and has designed for a clothing line for many years, I can also tell you this - there is no standard size chart that the industry must follow.  Brands can make up whatever sizes they like to define garments.  So in the end, the numbers and letters on those jeans you've been coveting are likely all lies anyway.  My advice (to myself as much as anyone else) is to try things on and pick what looks the best on you.  Period. 


Imagine how much more collectively calm we'd be if we each took a couple of minutes to do this everyday... (source)



Even better than the deliciousness that the photo of these grilled peaches exudes is the description on how to make them: "There's not much fuss about it.  It's peaches.  On a grill."  This will be happening at my house this weekend. 


Because everyone needs a 'Random Crap' bag.  (Or as this one is more demurely titled, a Random Kindness Bag.)  The best part about this cheery oversized tote?  It doesn't put on any airs.  It just tells it like it is.  Nothing to hide. And the company that makes it, Wild & Wolf, supports the organization WaterAid, which helps to provide clean drinking water to people around the world.  Win-win



I've been listening to this album all week.  Which is nothing new.  It just happens to be one of those favorites on regular rotation.  'Old man take a look at my life, I'm a lot like yoooouuu.."



Two weeks of Friday is for Favorites posts in a row?  It's a miracle!  For new readers, 'Friday is for Favorites' is my (once upon a time weekly; then monthly; now more accurately occasionally) series where I become a rebel, and break all of my own rules of design cohesiveness to which I normally adhere on the Bubby and Bean blog.  No themes, curated collections, or matching aesthetics here.  Just a gathering of a few random things that I happen to be loving most this particular week, now shared with you. 




I'm so glad that today is Friday, and even more grateful than usual that the weekend is here.  This has been a heavy week you guys.  Late Sunday night, my grandmother (and idol) 'Maggo' had a massive stroke.  I haven't said anything here, but I did mention it via a photo on Instagram, and the thoughts/prayers/good vibes that came in as a result are appreciated beyond words.  She has been slowly improving - even moved out of ICU into a regular room.  We're staying hopeful and spending lots of time with her as she recovers. 

Yesterday also marked three years since my 'brother,' long-time ex (I hate that word), and closest friend Jeff took his own life after years of struggling.  I've mentioned this only a handful of times here on the blog, but it was without a doubt the most horrific time in my life.  I am a firm believer in creating positivity out of even the worst situations though, and losing Jeff in such a tragic way motivated me to make some major life changes (including breaking years of a workaholic lifestyle), and ultimately to start this blog and my art shop as side businesses.  Jeff was loved by so many people, but he just wasn't able to see this for himself toward the end.  If you or anyone you  know ever feels this kind of emptiness or desperation, please reach out.  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a wonderful organization with whom I've worked several times now by donating items to their local walks, in Jeff's honor.  They are here to help.


As I said, I strongly believe that we have the power to make positive situations out of difficult ones, and to create happiness out of sadness.  So let's leave this post on a happy note.  It's the weekend!  It's summer!  My husband will actually be off the road on a Saturday for the first time in forever!  My sister is coming to visit!  I hope your weekend - and the rest of your Friday - is full of all of your favorite things.

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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Let's Talk SUMMER PIES


12 Summer Pie Recipes // Bubby and Bean


I love sweets.  Give me a vanilla milkshake, a chocolate cupcake, a jelly doughnut, a warm peanut butter cookie, a slice of strawberry cheesecake, or a lemon tart, and I will be a very happy girl.  I don't discriminate when it comes to desserts.  I love them all.  But when it comes down to it, it's pie that, errr, takes the cake.

When I was a little girl, it only took a promise of custard pie or lemon meringue pie for me to be on my very best behavior.  These days, a piece of blueberry pie topped with vanilla bean ice cream can make my entire week.  So today, I decided to share some of my favorite summertime pie recipes (because let's face it, summer pies are the best pies) with you.  And if you have one that I missed, be sure to let me know.  The more pie the better.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I Want To Know: What Is Your Favorite Summertime Food Or Drink?



Those of you who are regular readers know that I am just a little infatuated with summer.  This is my favorite time of year - the sun shines at its brightest, everything is lush and alive, apparel is gauzy and flowing, and backyard gatherings reign supreme. And the food and drinks - oh, the food and drinks!  Meals and snacks and beverages are extra fresh and especially delightful in the summertime.  So in honor of the very first month of summer and the delicious treats that come with it, I decided to ask Bubby and Bean's June medium and large sponsors to share their favorites with you guys.  These amazing shops and blogs inspire me on a daily basis, and each of the summertime treats that they chose have officially been added to my summer food and drink list. To find out more about the rad people behind Bubby and Bean's June sponsor team, just click on the links in each of their submissions below to visit their homes around the web.

1. ANDREA FROM GAIA CONCEPTIONS: SWEET ICE TEA
Sweet Ice Tea!  :)  As a southerner I love it year round but it's absolutely perfect on a hot summer day with a slice of orange and if your really feelin frisky a shot of rum.
VISIT ANDREA'S SHOP  //  BLOG  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK 

2. BRANDI + KELLY FROM MUCHO MUCHO BUENO BUENO: TOPO, MINT JULEPS, FISH TACOS, AND SPICY FROZEN MARGARITAS
BRANDI: Food - fish tacos because its an excuse to have friends over for Taco Tuesdays!  Drink - My husband's Spicy Frozen Margaritas but only his because he doesn't put a bunch of sugar or extra syrup that most places use. Most margs hurt my stomach.
KELLY: I have a few.  Non alcoholic drink is Topo with orange, lemon and lime slices. Alcoholic drink is Mint Julep (It's a new favorite. A friend introduced me to it at Coppa in Houston. Amazing.)
VISIT BRANDI + KELLY'S BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER 1  //  TWITTER 2

3. MARIA FROM LITTLE TREE: BURGERS AND MOJITOS
Summer food is definitely a nice juicy burger because nothing says summer like a burger or a hot dog, and favorite drink is a Mojito because it's refreshing and delicious!
VISIT MARIA'S BLOG  //  FACEBOOK  //  TWITTER

4. MACK FROM SOULMAKES: FROZEN YOGURT
I love a cold, refreshing cup of frozen yogurt, topped with yummy fruits and granola! Such a perfect treat for a hot, humid summer day!
VISIT MacK'S BLOG  //  SHOP  //  FACEBOOK  //  TWITTER
(PSSST... DISCOUNT!  Take 15% off at SOULMAKES with code BUBBY)

5. THE TEAM AT BLOWFISH SHOES: WATERMELON
We'll have to say watermelon because it is the quintessential summer treat. Plus, it's so juicy that it really qualifies as both food and drink in our book.
VISIT BLOWFISH'S SHOP  //  BLOG  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK 

6. JESS FROM JESS VARTANIAN: ICED HAZELNUT COFFEE
My favorite summer drink is iced hazelnut coffee, since I am a coffee addict.
VISIT JESS'S SHOP  //  BLOG  //  FACEBOOK  //  PINTEREST

7. SANDRA FROM NOTES FROM THE S LIFE: WATERMELON
My favorite summer food is watermelon, hands down. It's so fresh, juicy and sweet I know it's summertime when the fruit is available. You can make agua fresca, margaritas, and even put it in salads. So many possibilities!
VISIT SANDRA'S BLOG  // FACEBOOK // TWITTER

8. LAURA FROM ROOTS & FEATHERS: GUACAMOLE AND WHISKEY GINGERS
Guacamole and Whiskey Gingers!  They remind me of sunny afternoons with friends.
VISIT LAURA'S BLOG  //  SHOP  //  FACEBOOK  //  TWITTER

9. ALENA FROM DISCO BABUSHKA: WATERMELON AQUA FRESCA
Watermelon agua fresca with lime! Beats anything else in the sun!
VISIT ALENA'S BLOG  

10. PAIGE FROM OH NOSTALGIA: ANYTHING GRILLED
My favorite summer food is anything that can be made on the grill. We have long winters in Chicago, so I appreciate the grill whenever we get to bust it out!
VISIT PAIGE'S SHOP // BLOG // TWITTER // PINTEREST
(PSSST... DISCOUNT!  Take 15% off at OH NOSTALGIA with code BUBBYANDBEAN

11. KELLY RAE FROM FOXES IN THE GRAVEYARD: FIGS
My favorite summer food is figs.  They have a perfect texture and just the right amount of sweetness for the summer months.  They are also very aesthetically pleasing with their plump shape and very grandiose insides. 
VISIT KELLY RAE'S BLOG  //  TWITTER  //  PINTEREST


Not all of our medium and large sponsors were able to able to participate, but the others have lots of goodness to offer too!  Take a minute to click on their links below and see for yourself.



 PIE IN THE SKY   //   LUCKY LITTLE BEANS   //   LEE LA LA  

Thanks again to everyone who took part today (and to all of the wonderful shops and blogs who chose to advertise this month!).  Sponsors are crucial to Bubby and Bean.  The funds raised by their ad spots are used to devote the necessary time and money to keep this blog going and make sure it's at its best for our readers. Sponsors support Bubby and Bean, so when our readers support our sponsors, everyone wins!


Oh, and my favorite summertime treats?  Fresh guacamole and homemade margaritas! (Runners-up: Lemon pie and lemonade.)

Your turn!  What is your favorite summer food or drink?  I want to know!

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Guess Who WON the $75 Gift Card Chippmunk Giveaway??!



Thank you to everyone who entered the Chippmunk Giveaway for a chance to win a $75 gift card to the shop of your choice!  The winner was chosen via random.org, and that lucky Bubby & Bean reader is...



CONGRATS J.CRABBIT!  Please contact me at bubbyandbean {at} gmail.com so we can get you your prize.


Thanks again to the rad folks over at Chippmunk for giving Bubby and Bean readers the chance to win such a cool prize!

And if you haven't yet, be sure to enter our current giveaway for a chance to win a pair of shoes from our friends at Minnetonka!

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