Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Farewell, November >> My 8 Favorite Posts


Today we bid November a fond farewell, and tomorrow we wake up in my favorite month of the winter season.  If you're a regular reader, you know that I'm not exactly winter's #1 fan.  December, however, is my exception.  I'm busier than ever with work, but I appreciate the downtime so much.  There's something so warm and comforting about decorating for Christmas, making gifts and going shopping, and the rare-but-so-appreciated evenings where I sit by the fire with Robbie and Bubby dog and do absolutely nothing.  Before I jump into December though, let's give November a proper send-off with this recap of my 8 favorite posts from this month.  Just click on the images or links below to check them out!

5 Ways to Beat Creative Burnout and Get Inspired!

Our DIY Wedding Decor (& How You Can Make It Too!)

10 Wonderful Winter Whites

Bye Bye Long Hair.  Hello Locks of Love!

Need An Inspiration Boost? Watch These.

Homemade Peanut Brittle

Inside My Home (In My Dreams) - Part 4

Bubby & Bean's 1st Birthday // What a Difference A Year Makes


I hope your November was absolutely amazing in every way. What are you looking forward to in December?
Tomorrow = Announcement of Blogiversary Giveaway winner!




Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Wrap it Up! The Prettiest Holiday Packaging


I am a totally last-minute person when it comes to the holidays.  This is an insanely busy time of year for me work-wise, and I tend to save the majority of my making and purchasing of gifts until the week before.  I also almost always stay up most of Christmas eve night wrapping presents.  Along the way, however, I love searching for inspiration on pretty ways to package my gifts.  I also try very hard to reuse as much as possible and to make each package one-of-a-kind, so it's helpful to have some ideas collected along the way.  These are some of my favorites so far this year.  I hope you like them too!

1. A vintage gingham shirt used as wrapping paper and a vintage brooch for a bow = perfection.  You nailed it, Country Living.
2. This handmade typographic wrapping paper is basically my dream come true.
3. Such a simple concept, but such a stunning package. Handmade red snowflake (you can make your own via How About Orange) atop simple kraft paper and tied with white string. 
4. Black and white stripes against bold green ribbon looks so modern and chic.  Love.
(From House & Home)
5. How awesome is this Christmas light bow
6. I adore this packaging DIY from A Pair of Pears.  Simple, elegant, and so easy to reuse materials you already have!
7. This gorgeous non-traditional paper from Arboreal is also eco-friendly.  I'd love to mix some pieces of this in with recycled kraft paper.


Are you a last-minute type like me when it comes to holiday shopping and wrapping, or do you get it out of the way early?




Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Monday, November 28, 2011

Our Holiday Weekend in Photos (+ Some Good News!)


Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful 4-day holiday weekend!  I thought I'd share some of my Instagram shots from the past few days.  There are just a few photos, but they actually sum things up fairly well.  There were lots of relaxing, homey moments mixed with some crazier moments from the band's Thanksgiving shows at the Aragon Ballroom.  Such a fun few days.

Although I admittedly worked a lot over the past few days, I had a very nice weekend that culminated in Robbie and I pulling out the holiday decorations last night.  I'll post some photos of our decor once I actually finish.  I usually wait until December 1st, but I've learned from past experience that with how busy I get during this time of year, decorating tends to get pushed back until it's almost too late.  Even setting up just a few smalls things last night made me feel like I actually accomplished something outside of work!

Speaking of my beloved Instagram, if you use it, be sure to leave your username in the comments section so I can check out your photos!  And if you'd like to follow Bubby and Bean, you can do so here, or under the user name bubbyandbean.
Before I go, I have two quick pieces of good news to share!

1. If you are shopping handmade/indie this year, you can get some major savings today with the Cyber Monday deals going on at both of our shops!  Mountains of the Moon is offering 30% off storewide (with 10% going to American Rivers!).  We also added dozens of new items to the shop this weekend!  And  Bubby and Bean Art is offering 20% off everything today, including our brand new holiday card sets.  Just click on the images below to visit the shops, then use code BLACKFRIDAY to redeem your savings until midnight tonight! Yay!




2. You still have one more day to enter the One Year Blogiversary Giveaway for a chance to win 7 seriously amazing prizes worth nearly $200!  Just click here or on the image below.


Have a beautiful day!




Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Friday, November 25, 2011

Major 4-Day Sale in Both Our Shops! (+ My List of Other Amazing Black Friday / Cyber Monday Deals)

30% Off at Mountains of the Moon
20% Off at Bubby and Bean Art

From Friday 11/25 through Monday 11/28, we're having some serious Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday goodness at both of our shops!  You'll save 30% off your entire order at Mountains of the Moon, plus we'll make a 10% donation to American Rivers (part of our 'Green Friday' celebration!).  And at Bubby and Bean Art you'll save 20% off your entire order (don't miss our brand new Holiday Card Sets!). Just enter the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2011 when checking out from either of these shops, and the savings will automatically be deducted from your order. These are our biggest sales ever so be sure to take advantage! :)

I also want to quickly say that I am SO grateful for our customers and your support of eco-friendly and handmade products.  We couldn't stay in business without you, and I truly appreciate you choosing to do your holiday shopping with us!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Ours was very nice and relaxing.  Robbie had to leave early this morning to work the band's two shows at the Aragon Ballroom this weekend, and I'll be heading there tonight as well.  I'm actually looking forward to Sunday though, when the two of us can have some down time.  It's been pretty nonstop around here the last two weeks!

Before I go, here's a handy little list I've put together of some awesome Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, specials, and coupons I'll be checking out today and throughout the weekend!

>> 50% off over 150 items at Modcloth.com. (11/25-11/27)
>> 60% off everything at Cardstore.com with code CSSAVE606. (11/26-11/28)
>> Up to 30% off + free shipping at Crate and Barrel. (11/25-11/27)
>> 25% off regular priced items at GoJane.com with code GJ25R. (11/25-11/28)
>> 50% off boots, slippers and more at Payless ShoeSource. (11/25-11/27)
>> 50% off all sale items at Anthropologie. (6 AM - 11AM on 11/25)
>> Free Shipping on all custom photo books (Instagram, etc.) at Blurb. (11/25-11/28)
>> 25-50% off at Michael's. (11/25-11/26)
>> 20% off  at Shabby Apple with code GIVETHANKS. (11/25-11/28)
>> Free shipping + BOGO 1/2 off $30+ at E.L.F. Cosmetics with code BLKFRI. (11/25-11/26)
>> 10% off + free shipping at Dogeared.com Jewelry with code FALL2011. (11/25-11/28)
>> 30% off at Mountains of the Moon Eco.Fashion with code BLACKFRIDAY2011. (11/25-11/28)
>> 20% off at Bubby and Bean Art with code BLACKFRIDAY2011. (11/25-11/28)





Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Bubby and Bean's 1st Birthday // What a Difference a Year Makes

Happy Birthday Bubby and Bean!

Little ol' Bubby and Bean officially turned one year old yesterday.  (Pssst... We posted a very special Blogiversary Giveaway to celebrate, with almost $200 worth of prizes! Be sure to check it out!) 


As I mentioned in the giveaway post, Bubby and Bean feels like it's been around much longer than a year.  When I started this blog, I had no intention of creating the design and lifestyle journal that it is today.  And I certainly didn't plan on posting regularly.  I'd had a small blog before that was a companion to my clothing business, where I'd post occasionally - mainly with updates on new designs or events where I'd be showing.  When I started Bubby and Bean Art last year, I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog as a companion to it as well.  You can read more about my motivation for starting both the art shop and blog here, but basically, I'd recently experienced a very tragic loss in my life and took some time off to travel and "follow my bliss."  When I returned, I was recharged and re-inspired.  Despite my original plans to make Bubby and Bean a small extension of my business, I was full of new ideas and new ways to find creative inspiration everywhere I turned.  So it was inevitable that the blog would grow alongside me.

And grow we have. Bubby and Bean has become such a big part of my life, in fact, that it almost feels like an old friend.  After all, I spend a couple of hours with it almost everyday (usually over coffee). I share pieces of my life with it.  I tell my blog about my favorite things, my latest design obsessions, fashion I covet, music I love, and new things that creatively inspire me.  If I have ideas for decorating my home, I tell my blog all about them.  When I travel, I tell my blog about my adventures. I even planned my wedding with my blog.  I get together with my blog to work on DIY projects.  When Bubby dog got sick, I told my blog right away, and have made sure to share updates with it on a regular basis.  Even my family knows my blog quite well.  My husband comes to my blog to share stories about his job working on the road for a band.  My sister even cooks for it. I feel like a huge dork for even saying this, but this blog truly is a dear friend.

I also can't believe how much Bubby and Bean has evolved in a year's time.  Last December, it had around 30 followers.  Now it has close to 2,000 subscribers via readers, Google Friend Connect, and Bloglovin'.  This, of course, is thanks to all of you.  I am tremendously grateful for the support of my readers! The design of Bubby and Bean has grown as well.  What started out at a plain Blogger template now reflects my style and taste, much like the way the decor in my home does. And like my home, I'm constantly thinking of new ways to redecorate.


Another pleasant surprise that's come along with Bubby and Bean is the new friends I've made.  I've been lucky to travel the world and live all over the U.S., and I've made so many incredible friends along the way who I still see on a regular basis.  When I started blogging, it never occurred to me that I'd actually make friends in the blog world as well.  Turns out, the blogging community is pretty bad ass.  I've gained some wonderful friendships and shared some pretty amazing experiences with other bloggers who I've never even met in real life.  I've also become friends with all of you!  I can't tell you how much it means to me to read your comments and emails, and to be able to share my ideas, inspirations, and stories with you. 

As for year two of Bubby and Bean, I have all sorts of plans floating around in my head.  I'd like to start doing some video blogs, especially with my DIY tutorials.  I have some new series and features in the works that I can't wait to share.  After the holidays, I'll be working on redesign/makeover.  And there will be some absolutely amazing regular contributors joining the team, the first of whom is my sister, Morgan.  She is an incredibly talented cook (have you read her Sweet and Sour series?), and will be a more frequent part of Bubby and Bean in 2012 as our official food and entertaining editor.

What a difference a year makes.  Happy Birthday Bubby and Bean!  Maybe it's because Thanksgiving is tomorrow, but I can't help but feel very, very grateful.  As for you, dear readers, I appreciate you more than I can put into words.  You guys rock.  I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I can't wait to spend another year with you.






Subscribe to Bubby and Bean

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

1 YEAR BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY >> Win 7 Prizes Worth $200!

Happy Birthday Bubby and Bean!
Guess what?!  Today is Bubby and Bean's one year blogiversary!  Honestly, I can't believe it's only been a year.  This little online design + style magazine/journal started out as a side project and companion blog to my businesses. I had no idea one year ago that it would evolve into such a big part of my everyday life. There will be a special post tomorrow all about Bubby and Bean's first year and what I have planned for year two.  I have a lot to share with you all!

Today, it's all about the celebration.  And what better way to celebrate our first birthday than with our biggest group giveaway ever?  We have compiled a seriously amazing prize package full of goodies from several of our wonderful November sponsors, as well as a couple of treats from Bubby and Bean.  This package of 7 prizes is worth nearly $200, and one of you will win it all!


A $20 Gift Certificate to Indie Darling!  Our pal Mandy of Miss Indie is giving the Blogiversary giveaway winner $20 to spend in her brand new handmade and indie accessory shop.  It's full of all kinds of adorable treasures - hats, rings, necklaces, earrings, hair bows and lots of other goodies.  Her designs also make really cool gifts for the holidays!  $20 value. (Shop/Blog)

A Hand-Embroidered Jackalope from Flex Family Arts!   This super rad piece of art was hand-stitched from an original pattern (created by Mr. Flex) onto natural colored cotton in black thread.  Framed in a wooden 4 inch embroidery hoop and backed with red and white striped cotton, it is ready to hang on your wall or give as a gift to a lucky friend.  $30 value. (Shop/Shop/Blog)

A 12 Piece Card Set of your choice from The Paper Puddle!   Each of these vibrant hand screenprinted cards are created using paper and envelopes produced via hydroelectric power from pulp grown in sustainable forests.  Printed with water based, non-toxic inks and natural metallic pigments that add a festive sparkle to each card.  These special card sets are all made in the Paper Puddle's small, family owned, Colorado studio.  $20 value. (Shop)

A one-of-a-kind Bubby and Bean Pearl Cluster Ring from Little White Chapel!  That's right, super-talented jewelry designer Paige Ronchetti designed this stunning piece exclusively for Bubby and Bean readers - you can't get it anywhere else!  Handmade from ivory Swarovski pearls, this elegant (and very special!) ring features an adjustable antique silver band to perfectly fit your finger.  $35 value. (Shop/Blog)


A Charcoal Star Bamboo Scarf/Shawl from Live the Life You Love!  This gorgeous, ultra-comfy scarf is made from a luxurious (and eco-friendly) blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton.  Measuring 93" by 16", it features raw edges and can be worn as a scarf or cowl, or wrapped around your body as a chic, cozy shawl.  My favorite part is the pretty white star print along the bottom!  $24 value. (Shop)

An Art Print or Holiday Card Set of 10 of your choice from Bubby and Bean Art!   Our earth-friendly holiday card sets feature prints of my original artwork, and are professionally printed using a sustainable waterless technique on Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified cardstocks.  Our art prints feature my illustrations and typographic designs printed on acid-free art papers with archival inks. The winner will get to choose from dozens of designs in honor of Bubby and Bean's first birthday! Up to $30 value. (Shop)

A Medium Sized Sponsor Spot here on Bubby and Bean!  The Blogiversary Giveaway winner will receive a 215x100 pixel advertising space on Bubby and Bean for the month of January, 2012.  This is an amazing way to spread the word about your blog, small business, Etsy shop, band, art, or organization to thousands everyday.  Hurray!  If you aren't in need of advertising space, this also makes a fabulous gift for a friend who does.  $30 value.


To enter this Giveaway, just leave a comment with:

(1) what you are thankful for this week (Thursday = Thanksgiving!), and
(2) how you follow/subscribe to this blog.*
THAT'S IT!

*This giveaway is open to all Bubby and Bean followers/subscribers.  If you're a new reader, just make sure to follow/subscribe first using Google Friend Connect or one of these readers.

You can also gain ONE additional entry for EACH of the following -
*Please put each extra entry in a SEPARATE comment.

>> Visit any of the shops from this giveaway and list your favorite item.
>> Like Bubby & Bean on Facebook.
>> Follow Bubby & Bean on Bloglovin'.
>> Follow me on Twitter (please list your username)
>> Tweet this:
Win 7 prizes worth almost $200 in Bubby & Bean's Blogiversary GIVEAWAY!  >> http://bit.ly/twWkyF via @MotM_EcoFashion
>> Follow me on Pinterest
>> Mention this giveaway on your blog.


The giveaway will go until November 29th and the winner's name will be randomly drawn via random.org and posted here on or around November 30th, so make sure to check back to see if you won.  Big thanks to the November sponsors who contributed such beautiful items to this very special giveaway in celebration of one year of Bubby and Bean!