Saturday, April 30, 2011

Saturday Morning Daydreams

hanging wedding decor
These pretty hanging glass baubles each contain one little flower! 
I love this kind of wedding decor.  Simple and fresh.

floral wedding head piece
Sigh.  No really - sigh.  Who needs a bouquet with a floral wedding head piece as dreamy as this one?

vintage suitcase wedding card holder
A vintage suitcase as a wedding card holder?  Yes please! 

wedding furniture outside
I'm a little obsessed with the idea of using vintage furniture (that it meant to be inside) as wedding decor (set up outside).  The rustic, aged wood creates such an elegant balance up against the yellow, rose and blue decorations in this gorgeous photograph, don't you think?

citrine rose pelplum dress
I really like the look of bridesmaids wearing different dresses, so I told mine they could each pick out their own, as long as they were gray (my colors are gray and yellow).  However, how amazing is the Citrine Rose Peplum Dress from BHLDN?  The cut is gorgeous, and look at that off-centered detailing on the bodice!  Maybe I should reconsider my colors...

Despite our challenges in finding a venue, I haven't stopped daydreaming of a barn party wedding.  I'm just so in love with the idea of pairing urban with rural, modern with rustic.  Still crossing my fingers for something just like this.

With all of the madness of the past few weeks (see yesterday's post for more on that), I haven't had much time to devote to our wedding.  And yes, if you're a regular Bubby & Bean reader, you may recognize this whole "lack of wedding planning time" thing as a recurring pattern!  I'm starting to wonder how people actually make weddings happen, especially when they're DIYing everything like we are. Do they have magical helper fairies that they're not telling me about?  Did I not get the memo with instructions on how to fit wedding planning into a normal person's life (and/or create more hours in each day)?  I realize that most couples don't have crazy jobs that keep them on the road with a band for half the year (Robbie) or working 80 hour weeks running three creative businesses (me), but shouldn't we be a little further along with our date only 5 months away?

I decided that the only way to kick this whole planning thing into fast gear was to motivate myself via a weekend full of creative wedding inspiration.  So this Saturday morning, darling readers, I am daydreaming of the loveliest of weddings, as can be seen in the images above.  Regardless of whether or not you happen to be planning a wedding, I hope these pretty pictures bring some creative inspiration to your weekend as well!

(Pssst!  You can check out past editions of Saturday Morning Daydreams right here.) 






blog book giveaway
Tomorrow (5/1) is the LAST DAY to enter our latest giveaway for a chance to win a limited edition handbound copy of "The Luxurious Life of Rigel the Cat!"  To enter, just click on the link above and tell us your favorite animal!




Friday, April 29, 2011

t r a n q u i l i t y

peaceful images

You know that feeling you sometimes get in life where you realize you haven't breathed in a while?  Where you become aware of the fact that maybe things have become a little too complicated or intense, or that you've been overwhelmed for a while but have continued to motivate yourself to keep going (until you hit a wall of exhaustion that you just can't fight)?


Yesterday I had that moment where I was forced to accept the fact that I need some downtime.  Admittedly, I've had a lot going on lately, between Bubby dog's illness (update on that below), Robbie's dear friend's passing, the madness of owning three businesses, wedding planning (which has been put on the back burner until everything else slows down), and lots of other random bits of mayhem.  I haven't slept much, have been forgetting to eat, and have skipped more showers than I care to admit.  In short, I've become a little overwhelmed.  I've has this lifelong tendency to push myself to work harder, go further, do more; and that's just me.  Eventually though, the stress snowballs, and I have to surrender to the flow.

relaxing picnic
tibetan prayers flags

As difficult as these moments are, there is some "beauty in the breakdown."  These are the times where we're forced to remember how important it is to take care of ourselves, slow down, and make time for calm.  It's all too easy for me to forget how to relax, and these moments become my reminders.  So I decided that the first thing I needed to do was look at lots of pretty pictures that would evoke feelings of tranquility, and then take a long, hot bath.  As simple as it sounds, it made a big difference, and today, I'm breathing a little more easily.

let it be
peaceful images

I'm sure many of you can relate to these moments where accumulated stress takes over, so I hope these images bring some tranquility to your day as well.  I made a promise to myself to visit this post and meditate on these pictures several times today, just for that gentle reminder to breathe and let go.

So far, my sweet boy is doing really well.  His vet called yesterday to check in and was really (pleasantly) surprised that he's in such great shape a week after his collapse. We've continued to spoil him rotten, have been cooking his meals, giving him supplements, and showering him with love. When I see him acting so "normal," I almost forget that he's terminally ill, which is both good and bad I suppose.  I'm grateful for everyday I get to spend with him. I'm also grateful for the amazing outpouring of love and support I've received from my readers. You guys are the best!  I'll be sure to continue to keep you updated.


I'm wishing you all a lovely, peaceful, relaxing day.





Image sources from top:
here, here, here, here, here, here, here, & here.


P.S.
blog book giveaway
Don't forget to enter our latest giveaway for a chance to win a limited edition handbound copy of "The Luxurious Life of Rigel the Cat," worth $35! 


I also have just a couple of sponsor spaces left for May.  If you're interested in sponsoring or have questions, please contact me ASAP via the contact form, or by emailing: bubbyandbean AT gmail DOT com.


Thursday, April 28, 2011

Pretty Cocktail Ring from Lucid New York!

cocktail rings

A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from jewelry designer Anna Sabino.  She said that she was a reader of Bubby and Bean, and that she wanted me to pick out of a piece of her handmade jewelry as a gift.  It really made my day to get such a sweet email from a reader, and when I visited her website, Lucid New York, I fell instantly in love.  Her work is incredibly versatile, and includes everything from elegant, classic rings, to cute little charms that are very on trend.

I was torn between whether to chose one of her necklaces (as a fashion designer, it was hard to resist this adorable gold scissors necklace) and her gorgeous cocktail rings.  In the end, I went for the pretty sterling silver flower ring above.  I'm a big fan of vintage cocktail jewelry, and this piece reminded me of the rhinestone flower rings my grandmother used to wear.  The ring is stunning in person, and I see myself wearing it with everything from fancy dresses to casual everyday outfits, like the one I'm wearing in the photos above.

handmade jewelry

As an indie designer myself, I was also impressed with the fact that all of Anna's jewelry is handmade in the U.S.  Producing my clothing designs locally is incredibly important to my mission as a sustainable designer, and I'm always thrilled when I meet other artists and designers with the same sentiments.  I'm honored and grateful to now own one of her beautiful pieces of jewelry. 

Oh, and turns out, Ms. Sabino has garnered some attention from the likes of some little publications you may have heard of called Vogue and Nylon.  Keep up the fabulous work Anna, and thank you for the lovely gift!





P.S.
Don't forget to enter our new giveaway for a chance to win a limited edition handbound copy of "The Luxurious Life of Rigel the Cat," worth $35! 



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Handbound Illustrated Book GIVEAWAY!


I made a joke in yesterday's post about this week unintentionally becoming "Pet Week" here at Bubby & Bean, but it's looking more and more like this could actually be the case!  

When illustrator Megan Eckman contacted me to offer me a copy of the e-version of her new book, "The Luxurious Life of Rigel the Cat," I was thrilled.  I have a soft spot in my heart for other animal-themed illustrators, and I thought it was lovely of her to give me the opportunity to read it before it was released.  The book is a hilarious, beautifully illustrated tale of a sophisticated little cat name Rigel, who lives a rather extravagant life full of all kinds of fancy adventures.  The short story is both funny and endearing, and the artwork is visually stunning.  It's a wonderful book for children and adults alike, and even those who aren't "animal people" will find it charming.  


I really loved the book, and was so excited when Megan told me that she wanted to offer a very special giveaway to my readers.  In addition to the online version of "The Luxurious Life of Rigel the Cat" that will be available though her website on April 29th, Megan will be offering a very limited number of handbound hard copies of the book for sale.  These limited editions will be numbered and signed by the artist, and will sell for $35.

The best part is that a lucky Bubby & Bean reader will get one of these exclusive handbound books for FREE through this giveaway! The absolutely gorgeous handcrafted book measures 5" x 8" and includes five of Megan's beautiful illustrations along with the story (which will have you laughing at every page).


To enter this special giveaway, just leave a comment with:

(1) your favorite animal
, and
(2) which method you use to subscribe to this blog. 

That's it!


*
If you're a new reader, just make sure to follow/subscribe first using Google Friend Connect or a reader.


You can also gain one additional entry for each of the following:
(*make sure to list each additional entry in a SEPARATE comment)

+ Become a fan of Bubby & Bean on Facebook
+ Follow us on Twitter
+ Tweet about this giveaway
+ Follow Bubby & Bean on
Bloglovin'
+ Follow us on Pinterest

The winner's name will be randomly drawn via random.org this Sunday, May 1st, and will be posted Monday or Tuesday, so make sure to check back to see if you won!  (To be eligible to win,
you must complete #1 and #2 above).


A SPECIAL GIFT FOR BUBBY & BEAN READERS -
Megan is also generously offering Bubby & Bean readers a free copy of the e-version of "The Luxurious Life of Rigel the Cat" just for signing up for her mailing list!  To sign up, just visit her website or facebook page, enter your information, and you'll receive the online version via email this Friday, April 29th.

I'd like to extend a huge thank you to the talented Megan Eckman for giving my readers the opportunity to win this very special limited handbound version of her delightful book!

Good luck everyone!





UPDATE (05/02/11) - This giveaway is now closed. Winner announcement is right here!




Tuesday, April 26, 2011

dogs + love + art

dog love plaque, Patina
L: 'please let me be the person my dog thinks i am' sfgirlbybay 
R: 'i love my dog,' Lisa Weedn

Yes, it seems to be turning into "Pet Week" here at Bubby and Bean.  Admittedly, after the sad news I received on Friday regarding my Bubby, I haven't had much else on my mind.  These past few days have been profoundly bittersweet; I feel grateful for every blissful moment I'm getting to spend with him, while knowing in the back of my mind that each of these moments is one step closer to saying goodbye.

'dogs are miracles with paws' by SARK

I feel strongly that dogs, and pets in general, are some of life's greatest gifts.  Pets are teachers, superheroes, comedians, gurus, keepers of secrets, muses, and unconditionally loving companions.

L: 'good dog,' bubby & bean 
R: 'minouette,' FARP

Regardless of whether or not you are an animal lover, I hope that these lovely, artistic tributes to our canine friends bring some inspiration to your day.