Monday, October 31, 2011

DIY Tutorial >> Autumn Treat Flags!


Just a quick note to let you all know that I was a guest blogger tonight over at Miss Indie, as part of her All Hallow's Eve Blog Party!  I shared a D.I.Y. tutorial on how to make these super cute treat and drink flags.  The tutorial includes a free printable file of the flags I designed (which you can print out right here), with options for Halloween, Thanksgiving and autumn in general.  Make sure to head over and check it out!  The blog party has been so much fun - there are all kinds of cool Halloween and autumn-themed posts from some of my favorite bloggers.  Such a great idea!


Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Costumes of Halloween Past


As I complained about mentioned in Friday's post, this is the first Halloween in six years that I won't be (A) meeting my husband on the road with his band, or (B) dressing up.  In fact, I'm almost 100% certain that this is the first Halloween ever that I'm not dressing up.  It's not because I had the sudden realization that I need to act like a "grown up" (trust me), nor because I'm just not feeling into it.  I adore Halloween, and I equally adore planning and making costumes.  It's just that between the comedown from nonstop wedding madness and the holiday work I need to get done for Mountains of the Moon and the Bubby and Bean Art shop, I just had to sit this one out.  I'm actually looking forward to hanging with Bubby dog and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.  I can't even remember the last time I was in town and able to hand out candy, so I'm excited!


Since I don't have a fancy schmancy costume to share this year, I thought I'd share my costumes from the last few Halloweens.  These are all low quality cell phone shots, but you get the idea.



1. We got to play in San Francisco (my favorite city in the U.S.) on this particular Halloween, and Robbie's and my dear friend Eddie and I decided to get a little punk rock as Sid and Nancy.  Eddie has very curly hair, and we had so much fun straightening it with my flat iron and sculpting it into liberty spikes.  There was a very large amount of hairspray involved.

2. For their Halloween show each year, Robbie's band has a mash-up theme. They mash songs together (my favorite thusfar being Pink Floyd's The Wall and Michael Jackson's Thriller), and the band and fans mash costumes as well.  My friend Annie and I decided to go as "Bunny and Cher" last year in Saint Louis.  We carried around fake microphones and sang "I Got You Babe" to each other all night.  It was hilarious.

3. This one might be #1 for me.  For those of you who experienced the same shameless/guilty pleasure that I did in the reality show Rock of Love and its equally-as-terrible spinoff Charm School Girls,  you'll appreciate this one.  My dear friend Mary Welch, her fiance Ryan (bass player in the band), Robbie and I decided to do our own mashed-up interpretation of these shows.  Mary Welch and I were "Lucky Charm School Girls" (we wore their school girl outfits with 4-leafed clover and lucky horse shoe jewelry), Ryan was "Bret Michaels Jackson" (check out the rad MJ jacket), and Robbie was "Big John Lennon"(Big John is Bret Michael's roadie).  We got to celebrate Halloween in the giant Sequoias that year for a festival that the band played in Yosemite. It was pretty amazing.

What about you?  Are you wearing a costume this year, and if so, what are you wearing?  If not, what are your Halloween plans?



Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Friday, October 28, 2011

friday is for favorites

Tulle Holidays Dresses







As promised earlier this week, here is the newest edition of Friday is for Favorites!  This series has been a bit sporadic over the last couple of months due to temporary brain overload/insanity caused by this thing called getting married, but it's back with a vengeance.  For new readers, 'Friday is for Favorites' is my weekly 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, trend collections, or matching aesthetics here.  Just a random collection of things I happen to be loving on this very Friday.

1. For the most part, I am a dress girl all spring and summer long.  Come fall and winter, I become a dress-and-tights girl, specifically a neutral dress and brightly colored tights girl.  I'm thinking these beauties from Tulle4Us would all look divine against a vivid shade of red.
2. So it's a store/showroom lightbulb display.  So what?  I'd rock this thing in my living room. 
3. What's that you say?  You'd like to send me $208 for this ridiculously chic multi-colored laptop bag?  Why, that's so kind of you!  Make the check out to Melissa Baswell Williams.  Cash works too. xo  
4. This glorious golden chair is like something out of a mid-century modern fairy tale.  Amazing.
5. Who doesn't need a vintage '70s orange mechanical alarm clock???  The alarm on my iPhone is just so borrrrrring, darling.
6. These vintage Halloween cards are all kinds of awesome.  I think they'd look extra cool matted and framed together to hang on the wall this time of year.


What are your plans for this pre-Halloween weekend?  This will be the first in six years that I don't join my boyfriend husband (wow!) for his band's annual Halloween weekend shows.  I'm a little bit of a sad panda about this, but things are just way too busy for a trip to Atlanta right now.  Sigh.  Thankfully, my sister Morgan is coming up to Chicago from Indianapolis, and we're going to be big Halloween dorks.  Although I won't be dressing up this year (another first!), we're going to watch scary movies while we drink copious amounts of wine and carve pumpkins with our rockstar of a mother.  We're also going shopping (hello, new winter coat!) which I'm thinking should ease the pain of missing the hubby's shows quite well.




Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Help Me Pick A New Winter Coat!

winter coats

My winter coat and I have had an amazing relationship over the last five years.  Yes, you read that right.  Five glorious years. With its perfectly tailored cut and gorgeous pea green color, it's been there for me - with style- through many bitter Chicago winds and snowstorms.  Sadly, toward the end of last winter, one of the arms got caught on an airport security belt, and it emerged from the other end with several nice big tears.  Sigh.

It got cold very suddenly this week, and I was forced to pull my trusty winter friend, rips and all, from the back of the closet.  As much as I wish I could stretch out our relationship for one more season, I've faced the reality that prancing down the street on a daily basis with gaping holes in my arm and side seam probably isn't the best idea.  On the upside, I get to go shopping!  My sister Morgan is coming up for the weekend and I told her that coat shopping was an imperative part of the agenda.  But I've been doing some digging online too, and have found some pretty incredible examples of winter outerwear that might be contenders, as seen above.  I can't make up my mind though, so I need your help!  I'd like something fairly neutral (can you tell I like gray?), but mustard (my favorite color) is always an exception.

1. The Ascot Swing Coat from Anthropologie.  There isn't much I don't love about this one.  The color, the bow tie collar, the buttons = yes, please.  $168
2. The Carefully Chosen Coat from Modcloth.   Absolutely adore the houndstooth pattern and asymmetrical collar. $99.99
3. The July S Gray Wool Coat by JS Custom on Etsy. This one looks like it could definitely withstand a Chicago winter or two.  Plus, look at those oversized buttons!  $99
4. The Wool Jersey Peacoat by Orla Kiely. While completely out of my price range, the A-line silhouette and detailing on the pockets are perfection.  $595
5. The Military Tailored Coat by FM908 on Etsy. The collar and angled pocket closures are to die for. $118
6. The Beyond the Gold Coat from Modcloth.  Love the simple cut, princess seams, and pretty gold accents. $104.99


So spill it!  Which is your favorite?  I'm going to wait to make any purchases online until Morgan and I hit up some stores, but I'd like to narrow these down in case.  A thrifted and/or vintage coat is a possibility as well.  One of my favorite coats of all time is a wool cape that my grandmother gave me.  It was hers in the '50s and it's pretty amazing, but not suited for everyday use.  I'd also love any suggestions for eco-friendly coats (they're not so easy to come by). 

Thanks in advance for your help! I'll be sure to let you know what I end up getting.



A couple of days ago, I posted the wedding video that Robbie and I put together of our big day.  If you'd like to see it, just click here!




Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Guess Who WON the October Giveaway?!


Thanks to all of you who entered the October Giveaway!  I loved reading your favorite fall colors in your entries. The winner was chosen via random.org, and that lucky Bubby and Bean reader is...



CONGRATULATIONS Rachel!  You are officially the winner of four incredible prizes from Little White Chapel,  Edison Rex Minimalist Knitter, and Mountains of the Moon Please contact me at bubbyandbean {at} gmail.com with your address so we can get you your prizes. 


For the rest of you, don't shed any tears...  We have two amazing giveaways already scheduled for November! 







Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Eco-Fashion + Halloween Coupon Goodness!


This morning, we sent out the October Newsletter for my eco-friendly clothing line, Mountains of the Moon, and I wanted to share the goodness with all of you as well!  Today through Halloween, we're offering two awesome coupon codes to use in our shop >> HALLOWEEN10 will get you $10 off any order of $30-$60, and HALLOWEEN20 will get you $20 off any order of $60+!  These coupons can be used on anything (except gift certificates) - including sale items - so it's quite the discount. :)   If you like vintage-inspired clothing made from all eco-friendly fabrics, just click on the image above to check out all of our fall styles.  Enjoy!

Also - be sure to check back tomorrow to see who won the October group Giveaway!




If you are thinking about a Holiday Sponsorship here at Bubby and Bean, make sure to book your spot ASAP.  This is the most quickly ad spots have ever sold, and there are only a couple left for November.  Click here for more info!






Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Our (D.I.Y.) Wedding Video!

D.I.Y. Wedding Video

Although we did not have a videographer for our wedding, we did have a few friends/family members who were kind enough to record bits and pieces of our big day with their iPhones and home camcorders.   In the spirit of the D.I.Y. vision we had for our wedding, Robbie and I decided to ask for copies of these recordings, and proceeded to have some editing fun.  We watched nearly 3 hours of footage, spent many hours editing, and finally put together this short 10 minute movie.  The video is very far from professional, but we love the fact that we did it ourselves.  By cutting and piecing together clips from different moments in the day, and adding photographs and music from our ceremony, we were able to create a visual memory of the best day of our lives. 

Anyone can do this.  You just need to have a video editing program, gather videos/pictures/music, and be prepared to exercise patience.  Some of the videos we used were high definition, but the majority were not.  We made the best of the lower quality clips by intentionally playing up the raw/home video effects. For editing, we used Windows Live Movie Maker because I'd used it a few times in the past, but looking back, I wish we'd used iMovie on our Mac.  If you decide to create a video of your wedding or event and have a Mac, I recommend going with iMovie, as WLMM has a lot of issues and limitations.  I also suggest transferring any files that may be on a flash drive or CD/DVD to your desktop before importing them into your editing software.  Visualize the style of your wedding as you're working, and try to incorporate that into the style of the video.  It's quite a bit of work, but if you split it up over time, it can become a really fun art project.  When you're done, upload the video to vimeo (my recommendation) or youtube so you can share it.

We loved putting this little film together (see below!) and hope you enjoy watching it!




Click here to watch this video on vimeo.




Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Monday, October 24, 2011

SWEET+SOUR >> Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
'Sweet and Sour' is a new series here at Bubby and Bean, written by my little sis Morgan.  You can read the story behind the series here, and check out her Cajun grilled shrimp recipe herexo, melissa

As I write this, the high temperature for the day is 47 degrees. I am definitely not ready for cold weather. My husband, on the other hand, loves days like this.  If he had it his way, our home thermostat would be set to the lower 60’s. On a typical weekend morning, you can find me bundled up under two blankets, wearing a hoodie, sweatpants, and two pairs of socks. My husband can be found in shorts and a t-shirt.

While we don’t agree on preferred temperatures, we do agree on what to make for brunch on these chilly kind of days. My picky eater (read more on that here) is never picky about our favorite tummy-filling comfort food: homemade cinnamon rolls.  This is one of those cases in our food/cooking relationship where it's all sweet and no sour. As for what to serve with these gooey bits of goodness, I usually fry up some potatoes and bacon (of course).   It takes a couple of hours from start to finish, and because the anticipation is torture, it also takes some serious patience. I promise you the wait is well worth it.

The keys to success with this recipe are (1) good quality ingredients and (2) not telling the fussy-about-food-textures picky eaters for whom you may be cooking that that there is cream cheese in the frosting.  (After they've taken the first heavenly bite, feel free to reveal all ingredients).  A hefty mixer is a must, unless you have He-man/She-Ra arms. I am obsessed with my cobalt blue Kitchenaid Mixer, but any strong mixer will do.

Total time required: Around 2 hours
ROLLS
1 cup 2% milk
1 packet rapid rise yeast
2 eggs
1/3 cup melted butter (slightly cooled)
4-1/2 cups bread flour (unbleached if you can find it)
1-1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup white sugar plus 1 tsp (for yeast)
Little bit of vegetable oil to coat bowl

FILLING
1 cup dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1/3 cup melted butter

ICING (this makes a ton, but that’s how we like it)
½ tub cream cheese (room temp)
1 stick butter softened
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
½ tsp real vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1. Heat the milk in a small bowl to approximately 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Stir in 1 tsp sugar and yeast until dissolved. Set aside.
3. Put flour, salt, and ½ cup white sugar in the bowl of your mixer with the paddle attachment. Turn on low just to mix these together.
4. Put the eggs, melted butter, and yeast/milk mixture in the bowl. (make sure your butter is not too hot or you will cook the eggs)
5. Turn the mixture on to a medium setting until everything comes together.
6. Switch to the dough hook attachment and turn mixer on a medium/high setting. Leave this for about 10 minutes as you prepare a large bowl. (this will take care of any kneading)


7. Find a large glass bowl. Coat the bowl with a little bit of vegetable oil.
8. Once the dough is smooth and kneaded, place in the oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place and leave until the dough has doubled in size. Anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.


9. In the meantime, prepare the filling. Melt the butter in a medium bowl and stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
10. When the dough is done rising, lay it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 16X21 inch rectangle.
11. Spread the cinnamon/sugar/butter over the dough. This can be tricky so I usually use my hands.
12. Roll up the dough and cut into 12 even rolls. Lay rolls in a lightly greased 9X13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm place to let rise. This should take about 30 minutes.


13. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
14. Place rolls in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.


15. While the rolls are baking, make the icing. To do this, just place cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in the bowl of your mixer with whisk attachment or use a hand mixer. Slowly incorporate all ingredients until combined. Turn mixer on high for about 4-5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
16. Place rolls in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
17. When golden brown, remove rolls from oven. Spread a light layer of icing over your rolls and place a bowl of the extra icing to the side to add later.


Now it's time to eat! These homemade goodies are especially yummy with hot coffee or a cold glass of milk (or in Melissa's case, organic soy milk :)).


I'll be back again next week with another edition of Sweet and Sour.  In the meantime, I'd love to hear any and all stories from fellow food lovers who cook for ridiculously picky eaters.
*Kitchenaid mixer image via Kitchenaid.



Today is the LAST day to enter our big October Giveaway for your chance to win $120 worth of goodness from Bubby and Bubby's October sponsor team. Just click here or on the image above!


Subscribe to Bubby and Bean