Wednesday, February 29, 2012

tell us what to make! (+ a leap day coupon from my clothing line)

*To redeem, enter code LEAPYEAR at www.mountainsofthemoon.com. Valid today through 3/2/12.


Good morning!  I thought I'd share with you guys the e-newsletter that we sent out today from my eco-friendly clothing line Mountains of the Moon.  We're in the process of making some changes, and want to know what our customers (and you!) would like to see us make in terms of our product line.  If you have a couple minutes, I'd love it if you could take the quick survey mentioned above.  And if you don't take the survey, no worries - you can still take advantage of the awesome discount we're offering to celebrate Leap Day. 

Thanks for reading my little business plug!  And yes, today is Leap Day!  It's kind of a cool concept, right?  Once every four years, you get a whole extra day.  Seems like the perfect occasion for a special coupon to me.  (And for a special giveaway...  Today is the last day, in fact, to enter our current giveaway, which includes a gift certificate to Mountains of the Moon, among several other rad prizes.)

Are you doing anything special with your extra day?  I'm not (other than working a lot, as usual), but I still hold my belief that this day is sort of magical.  Just sayin'.


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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Our DIY Wedding Decor // Part 2 (Finally!)


Way back in November,  I posted about our DIY wedding decor, along with details on how we made each item.  It was such an involved post that I wasn't able to include everything, and I promised that a "part 2" would follow soon.  Somehow it got pushed to the back burner, but four months later, here it is!  I covered the majority of the "how-to's" in the initial post, so today I'm just going to share images of some of my favorite parts that were left out last time.





I can't believe that in just one month, we'll  have been married for half a year!  It really does feel like it was just last week that we were frantically running around finishing up projects, getting dressed up, and celebrating with our friends and families.  Even with all the madness I've endured with my businesses over the years, I really can't think of anything I've done that was more work - or more rewarding - than DIYing our wedding. It wasn't easy, but I wouldn't have done it any other way.  It was a beautiful day full of amazing people and a ridiculous amount of love.  AND I got a rockstar of a husband out of it too!  I'm the luckiest.
Photos by Bliss Studio.


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Monday, February 27, 2012

My Top 5 Fashion Picks for the 2012 Oscars

Back in January, I posted my top 5 fashion picks for this year's Golden Globes, and explained the reasoning behind my long standing tradition of obsessively watching movie awards shows:

From the age of 2 until the age of 22, I wanted to be an actress. I spent my teens and early 20s doing commercials, tiny indie films, and plays, and graduated with a Specialist in Acting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  There were also countless awards speeches practiced in my bedroom mirror, you know, just in case and everything.  As for why I'm no longer acting (and am instead designing clothing for a living), I had an epiphany of sorts during a required costume design class my final semester of college.  I adored fashion and had been sewing my own clothing for a while, and one day in the middle of that class, I realized what I was really meant to do.  Luckily, the career change from performance to design still allowed for me to find inspiration through watching these awards ceremonies, and I continue to be shamelessly fascinated with observing the looks that my favorite actresses (or their stylists) have chosen for the red carpet.

As much as I love watching the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards is the awards show in my eyes.  I mean, I make a serious event out of it.  Sometimes I host get-togethers, sometimes I watch it alone (with excessive amounts of Ben and Jerry's to keep me company), and sometimes my husband is even home from tour to watch it with me.  This was the case last night, when I subjected the poor guy to hours of red carpet viewing before the show even started.  ("But babe, the Oscars are just like the Super Bowl. Everyone is just dressed better.")  I have a strange tradition of making fondue on Oscars night, so we consumed lots of delicious Gruyere-coated bread while I frantically scrawled fashion-y notes in my trusty awards show journal.  There were several looks that I really loved from red carpet this year, but I chose the following five as my very favorite.

Michelle Williams Oscars
Yes. I loved her again.  In fact, Michelle Williams was my absolute favorite on the red carpet last night.  She looked soooo elegant in her bold coral Louis Vuitton peplum dress and simple Forever Mark jewelry, and I'll just never get over the adorable-ness (is that a word?) of her pixie cut.  Just like with the Golden Globes, there were all sorts of comments on Twitter comparing her dress to cupcakes and what not, but I for one think it's awesome that she takes risks with what she wears.  Her look was the perfect combination of classic and fun.  I just adore her.

Milla Jovovich Oscars
Everything about Milla Jovovich's look (which was my second favorite) epitomized old Hollywood charm to me.  Her makeup and hair - red lipstick, subtle finger waves, and rosy cheeks - were flawless.  And the sequined one-shoulder Ellie Saab gown she wore, paired with an Edie Parker clutch, was gorgeous.  I could stare at her for hours. Creepy but true.  P.S. I randomly met Milla at a thrift store in Madison, WI when I was in college.  She was sooo cool.  I was awkward.  She was also even prettier in person.  So not fair.  P.P.S. Speaking of Edie Parker, I'm am officially obsessed with her clutches.  They are beyond amazing.  Truly.

Octavia Spencer Oscars
Octavia Spencer (who absolutely killed it in The Help), looked seriously stunning in a sparkling white and silver beaded Tadashi Shoji gown.  Her look was glamorous without being overdone, which in my opinion is the ultimate chic.  I really loved her subtle updo and gorgeous Neil Lane drop earrings, paired with an elegant metallic clutch by Judith Leiber.  And her acceptance speech?  SO touching. Tears.
Natalie Portman Oscars 2012
Natalie Portland never ceases to amaze me.  She was the picture of style and grace in a vintage 1954 Christian Dior gown, all vibrant red and full of polka dotted goodness.  I love how she went with a sleek, elegant hairstyle and fresh-faced makeup - very Grace Kelly.  And check out all that sparkle (courtesy of Harry Winston)!  She was a vision, for real.  Plus, anyone who opts for vintage instead of a brand new gown that will ultimately be discarded gains points in my book.

Gwyneth Paltrow Oscars 2012
Although I'm normally a huge fan of capes and capelets (I even designed one for my spring 2010 collection!), I wasn't all that into Gwyneth Paltrow's full length cape at first glance.  After taking a minute though, I found her look as a whole to be really striking.  The dress itself - a Tom Ford design - was clean, elegant, and perfectly fitted.  I also loved the all-white ensemble.  Combined with her pretty swept back hair and simple makeup, I thought she looked very classy and fresh.  The best part though was that she stood out with a look that was understated.  And when it comes to fashion, that's not an easy thing to do. 


I also have to add that although Midnight in Paris was my favorite film of 2011, I was pretty happy that The Artist took so many awards. I adored the costumes, the acting, the story line, and the risk they took with making a real silent film in a time when technology is everything.  Plus, Uggie the dog rules. 

Did you watch the Oscars?  What were your favorite looks?  Thoughts on the winners?



Photo sources from top: Getty, Getty, Getty, Getty/Daily Truffle, Getty/Wireimage.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

friday is for favorites









Time for a brand new edition of Friday is for Favorites!  For new readers, 'Friday is for Favorites' is my (almost) 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 gathering of a few random things that I happen to be loving this particular week.


1. Oh my goshhhhh.  I can't put into words how much I love these shoes from Arts and Science's spring collection.  Really though.  I want them on my feet.

2. Without a doubt, Midnight in Paris was my favorite movie of 2011.  Even though it didn't win the Golden Globe for best picture, I'm crossing my fingers it wins the Oscar on Sunday.  Everything about this movie is just ridiculously amazing.  Seriously.  If you haven't seen it, see it.  You'll thank me.  Promise.

3. If I had a million dollars, I would make our spare room into a closet and fill it with awesomely patterned black and white dresses, like these beauties from ModCloth.  Actually, I'd use it to pay bills and buy a car that wasn't on the verge of its final breakdown.  But it's Friday, and I'm not going to ruin it by focusing on the practical.  Jeez.

4. The design dork in me is completely fascinated by this vintage design magazine, called Arts et Métiers Graphiques. Published from 1927 to 1939, it was an influential graphic arts magazine created by the head of the French type-foundry Deberny et Peignot.  I am currently on the hunt for a copy that I can hold and drool over in real life.  Fellow design nerds, you can find on more on AMG here.

5. How about this colorful painted bench, created out of the remnants of a wooden ramp?  It reminds me of a xylophone, and I want to make one of my very own.  Instant cheer.

6. I'll be honest, it's been hard to see cute doggy products (and dog treats, and dog food, and dogs...) since we lost our Bubby boy.  But this adorable 'Woof Woof' bowl from Ruche makes me smile big.   I think I need to grab one for the Bean (my sis's smart + sassy Shiba Inu).


Do you have any fun weekend plans?  This is the first weekend in 2012 that Robbie will actually be home, so when I'm not smothering him with annoying amounts of affection, we'll be gallivanting around town visiting estate sales, coffee shops, and vintage stores.  Or maybe just getting groceries and stopping by the hardware store.  Whatever.  We should probably also spend some time spring cleaning our hot mess of a house (the clutter built up in here could quite possibly make us candidates for that Hoarders show), but putting that off in exchange for more pleasurable activities sounds much more appealing.  We'll see...  The delayed reaction of a winter that decided to envelope Chicago today may just force us to stay put and get organized.  Then on Sunday, one of my favorite events of the year - the Oscars - will finally arrive!  Hurray!  I explained in my Golden Globes post why I'm slightly obsessed with movie awards shows (pssst... I have an acting degree!), so I'll spare you the repetition and just say that I'm really, really excited.

I hope that your Friday is full of everything wonderful.  And your weekend too! 
Have you entered our Leap Year Giveaway?  If not, click here for a chance to win a prize package full of over $100 worth of seriously amazing goodies!


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Thursday, February 23, 2012

LEAP YEAR GIVEAWAY! >>> Win a prize package worth over $100!

It's not every year that we get an entire extra day.  We say that's cause for celebration!  In honor of Leap Year Day (February 29th!), we've gathered some seriously awesome prizes from a few of our February sponsors, and thrown in something special from Bubby and Bean Art too.  This incredible prize package is worth over $100 - and one of you will win it all!

VISIT THIS BLOG   ///   VISIT THIS SHOP

VISIT THIS BLOG   ///   VISIT THIS SHOP

VISIT THIS SHOP

VISIT THIS SHOP


This giveaway is open to all Bubby and Bean followers.  If you're a new reader, just make sure to follow first using Google Friend Connect (click here, or click on the blue "Join This Site" button under "FOLLOW" in the right side bar), or subscribe with one of these readers. Then just leave a comment telling us what you'll be doing with your "extra day" on February 29th.  That's it!


Once you've completed the mandatory entry above, you can also gain one additional entry for each of the following.  (*Please put each extra entry in a SEPARATE comment in order for it to count).
  • Visit any of the shops from this giveaway and list your favorite item(s).
  • Follow/subscribe to any of the blogs from this giveaway.
  • Follow Bubby & Bean on Bloglovin'.
  • Follow us on Pinterest.
  • Like Bubby & Bean on Facebook.
  • Follow us on Twitter (please list your username)
  • Tweet this: Win a prize package worth $100+ in Bubby & Bean's NEWEST GIVEAWAY!  >> http://bit.ly/c6j9XX via @MotM_EcoFashion
  • Add Bubby & Bean on Google Plus.

This giveaway is open through Leap Day - February 29th. The winner's name will be chosen randomly and announced soon after.  Big thanks to Keeping It Indie, Scathingly Brilliant, and Mountains of the Moon for giving our readers a chance to win such incredible prizes! 
BEST OF LUCK!


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Illuminated // Worley's Lighting

Today's post is a special interview with this month's featured sponsor, Shelli of Worley's Lighting.  Shelli is a talented artist who makes insanely gorgeous lamps and lighting decor from organic and found objects.  I hope you enjoy this glimpse into what inspires her and makes her tick!  


Hi Shelli!  Please introduce yourself to Bubby and Bean's readers.
My name is Shelli Worley and I'm the owner of Worley's Lighting.  I live in a cozy little condo in Fort Mill, SC with my husband, Seth, who runs the shop with me.  Besides running Worley's lighting, I work at a desk job to help make ends meet (nothing much to add here, so boring), and my husband plays guitar full time for a Charlotte musician named Andy Cherry.  He also scuba dives!

How did you become interested in creating lighting and home decor?
I've always loved all things crafty.  Growing up I was always drawing, making dolls and animals out of paper and other materials, and even decorating large boxes intricately as homes to hide out in.  When I discovered Etsy in 2010 my love for creating increased.  Browsing all of the handmade and vintage items for sale really inspired me.  This led me to open my own Etsy shop September of 2011, creating and selling home items.  I finally settled on creative lighting as my strength and have really taken off with it ever since.


What are your favorite materials to work with? What types of things most inspire you?
This might sound cliche but nature honestly does inspire me!  My most used/favorite material to work with is definitely natural wood.  I use drift wood, old barn wood and untreated natural limbs of trees right now for my lighting pieces. Wood with some character (not store bought) is a great inspiration in itself.  Nothing is cooler than coming across a great unique piece with an awesome grain that's over 200 years old!  I'm such a nerd! I'm also inspired by modern design.  

What other artists or businesses have influenced your work?
I have a never-ending list of Etsy shops that inspire me, one of my favorites being Theater Clouds.  Even though her art really has nothing to do with lighting, it really gets my creative juices flowing.  Just take a look for yourself!  I try to draw as much inspiration as I can from places other than businesses or other artists, but I do enjoy a good browse though an Anthropologie catalog!


The Bubby and Bean blog focuses on living a creative lifestyle. Aside from photography, are there other things you particularly enjoy creating? 
I'll try creating things using just about any technique.  Though I am not very good at a lot of them, I do enjoy giving pretty much anything a go!  Nothing gets me out of a creative rut like switching to a foreign medium and giving it my best shot!  On another note, I enjoy music and song writing.  I released my first EP on iTunes in September of 2010 called Copies&Repeats.  (Back then my name was Shelli Harsha; if you're interested you can check it out on iTunes. Just search for the album or my name).

If you had to pick one piece of your work that was your favorite, what would it be?
My most popular pieces are definitely my Tree Branch Candle Holders, but MY favorite is probably my Drift Wood Lamp with Edison Bulb.

Where do you see yourself and/or your business in 5 years?
In the next 5 years I plan to be running Worley's Lighting full time from a studio successfully, without needing any supplementary income. We'd love relocate closer to the beach in North Carolina to be closer to family. I'd love to add a dog to our family as well!

One of our most popular series on Bubby and Bean is 'Friday is For Favorites.' Tell us your favorite of each of the following: color, movie, food, and band.
My favorite color is green, my favorite movie is Ratatouille, my favorite food is cream puffs, and my favorite bands are Coldplay and Bon Iver.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with my readers?
I'm so thankful for Etsy.  Without it, I probably would have never found a way to create as a job.  And thanks to Melissa and Bubby and Bean for an awesome blog and good reads, and for letting me be your featured sponsor! <3


Thanks again to Shelli for taking the time to share a little bit about herself and her work with our readers!  Make sure you take a minute to check out more of Shelli's gorgeous work in her shop.  You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.


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