Monday, December 31, 2012

Farewell, 2012 // Thoughts On This Year



Today is the very last day of an entire year, which is always a strange concept to me.  Maybe it's because time seems to accelerate as you grow older, so each year appears to pass more quickly than the last.  For me, 2012 came and went in a flash, but carried a sense of calm.  In 2011, I got engaged on the first day of the year, got married 10 months later, and had to say goodbye to my furry soulmate Bubby dog, just a few days before the year came to an end.  These were all major life events, so in comparison, 2012 was much less outwardly eventful for me.  It was a quieter year, but one of simpler appreciations and discoveries, where I really learned how to make time for myself.


Like everyone else, I faced challenges.  I lost one of my dearest friends, Margarita, in April, and my sweet Aunt Kathy in October.  It was also my first year without Bubby by my side in 16 years. This was especially difficult during the first few months of 2012, when Robbie was on the road almost nonstop, and I had excessive amounts of time alone to think in the cold Chicago wintertime.

There were also a lot of incredibly wonderful moments.  I took one of the best vacations of my entire life (aka our very belated honeymoon) to beautiful, blissful Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I experienced weddings of and new babies born to dear friends.  I helped my grandmother celebrate her 98th birthday.  I took lots of day trips with friends and family.  I traveled to San Francisco, Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Colorado, Michigan, and Mexico.  I saw the most successful holiday season my businesses have had in years. 


Right now, as I prepare to welcome 2013 (and my birthday!) tonight with my husband and friends at the famous Tabernacle theatre here in Atlanta, I'm feeling especially grateful for all of you.  Thank you guys for making 2012 Bubby & Bean's best year yet.  I hope your New Year's Eve is filled with fun, and that your 2013 is bright and beautiful in every way.  I'm looking forward to sharing another year with you all.


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Friday, December 28, 2012

Playing Catch-Up (+ Holiday Giveaway Winner!)


Hi friends!  It's been awfully quiet around here this week, partly because I chose to spend a couple of days 'unplugged' to hang with my fam for the holidays, and partly because I contracted some sort of seriously nasty stomach virus on Christmas night that left me completely out of commission.  It wasn't pretty you guys.  I haven't been that sick in a good ten years (truly), and I spent the majority of my time from Christmas night through last night snuggled up to the toilet, unable to function.  Despite the excessive barfing, I had a really nice holiday, listening to music, watching movies, exchanging gifts (how about those killer Pantone iPhone covers from my husband and mom?!), and laughing over old memories.  And just like every year, I'm a little sad it's over.

Robbie flew down to Atlanta the day after Christmas for work, and tonight I fly down to meet him.  They are playing four shows for their New Year's run this year, and although I'm planning on attending the final two, I'll be spending tonight and tomorrow night in the hotel, playing catch-up with work and sleep.  I'm looking forward to working on a post that will share some highlights from/thoughts on the past year with you guys, so look for that on Monday.  On New Year's Day (my birthday!), we'll head back to Chicago to start a brand new year.


And now, it's time to announce the winner of the Holiday Giveaway!  The winner was chosen via random.org, and that lucky Bubby & Bean reader is...


Congrats Lauren!  You are now the official recipient of a prize package of 6 amazing goodies worth $270 from Sew Beastly, Rebecca Murphy, Row House 14, Roots & Feathers, Little Tree, and Bubby & Bean Art!  (Please contact me at bubbyandbean {at} gmail.com so we can discuss getting you your prizes!)


One final thing: if you'd like to be a part of the Bubby & Bean sponsor team for January, there are a couple of small and medium sizes ad spaces remaining, as well as the XL featured spot! You can check out current stats and book your space directly in one click right here, or send an email to bubbyandbean {at} gmail.com before 12/31.


That was a whole lotta stuff crammed into one post, I know.  I wasn't kidding when I titled it "playing catch-up."  Evil stomach viruses will cause you to fall all sorts of behind.

I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday week, and that you have something awesomely fun planned for bringing in the new year!

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Monday, December 24, 2012

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM BUBBY & BEAN!

Happy Holidays from Bubby & Bean!

Just a quick note to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!  We had an amazing time in Mexico, and are now spending a few days with our family, wrapping, baking, listening to music, watching movies, drinking holiday cocktails, eating way too much, and relaxing.  I'll be back in a few days.  Until then, I hope you have the happiest of holidays!

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Want to Be on Bubby & Bean? Join Us In January!


Be a Part of Bubby and Bean This January!

Happy Friday you guys!  Today is officially my last day in Mexico, and with the weekend, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day coming up fast, I figured now was the time to send out the official call for January sponsors.  I have some big plans for the blog for the new year, and it promises to be pretty amazing time to be a part of our sponsor team.  Advertising on Bubby and Bean is an affordable, effective way to spread the word about your brand, blog, shop, Etsy store, small business, or online portfolio to several thousands of interested people every single day!

In addition to promoting sponsors through their ads on all pages and posts here at Bubby and Bean, I work one on one with each advertiser to ensure they are given optimum exposure through the blog and our social media channels.  For more information on our various advertising packages, current stats, press, and pricing, visit our sponsor page right here. You can also book your ad space there directly in one click.  Right now we have a handful of spots left, and all ad spaces are first come, first serve. 

Have questions?  Feel free to contact me

Thursday, December 20, 2012

GIVEAWAY // Win A Hand-Painted Neclace from Vivi Dot


Win A Hand-Painted Necklace from Vivi Dot!

I'm so excited to announce that in celebration of the season of giving, we have another incredible giveaway this week!  This one comes courtesy of December's featured sponsor, the amazing Molly of Vivi Dot.  She has a brand new collection of seriously gorgeous hand-painted necklaces and rings, each one handmade and completely unique.  And today, she's giving Bubby & Bean readers a chance to win a hand-painted necklace of your choice!




This giveaway is open to all Bubby and Bean followers/subscribers.  (If you're a new reader, just make sure to subscribe first using GFC or one of these readers). Then just leave a comment with your favorite item in the Vivi Dot Shop!


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).
  • Favorite Vivi Dot on Etsy 
  • Follow/subscribe to the Vivi Dot Blog  
  • Like Vivi Dot on Facebook  
  • Follow Vivi Dot on Twitter 
  • Tweet this:  Win a  hand-painted necklace from @vividot Bubby & Bean's latest GIVEAWAY!  >> http://bit.ly/c6j9XX via @MotM_EcoFashion 
  • Follow us on Twitter 
  • Pin the top image from this post on Pinterest 

This giveaway is open through December 27th. The winner's name will be randomly chosen and announced shortly after.  And if you'd like to snatch one of these pretty necklaces (or any of Molly's other stunning jewelry pieces) to wear for New Year's Eve, she's offering up a pretty amazing coupon:  Take 20% off your order in the Vivi Dot Shop with code newyear!

Thank you again to Molly and Vivi Dot for giving Bubby and Bean's readers the chance to win one of these absolutely beautiful necklaces! Good Luck!

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Last Minute Holiday Ideas >> Free Gift Tags + DIY Projects!

Last Minute Holiday Gift, Decor and Treat Ideas // Bubby & Bean

I had the best intentions to create a bunch of rad holiday DIYs for you guys this year.  I really did.  But between the madness that accompanies owning a small business this time of year and the fact that I'm in Mexico right now without much crafty material (unless I whip something up that requires a lot of sand), it just hasn't happened.  Thankfully, the are a few past DIY projects that I'm going to share with you, and if you're in the same position as me (still with shopping and wrapping to do!), they might just come in handy!

DIY Printable Gift Tags // Bubby & Bean
Last year, I designed two different holiday gift tags, along with a free printable and instructions on how to make them extra pretty.  These tags feature smaller versions of my 'Santa Dog' and 'Joy to the World' card designs, and the printable file contains 20 tags per sheet.  For details on how to print them out and turn them into beautiful accessories to your wrapped gifts, just click here.


DIY Photo Gift Vouchers // Bubby & Bean
This summer, as part of my partnership with Adobe Photoshop Elements, I showed you guys how to create personalized gift coupon sets using your favorite photos.  These vouchers are a creative (and budget-friendly!) way to give unique gifts to your significant other, parents, kids, co-workers or friends.  And the meaningful gesture behind them won't fade as soon as the holidays are over.  Find out how to make your own right here.


DIY Leather Wrap Bracelets // Bubby & Bean
One of my personal favorite projects from Bubby & Bean is this super quick, easy, and affordable DIY on how to make braided leather (or faux leather) wrap bracelets.  It only takes a few supplies, and you can create several of them out in a half hour.  I plan to make a few of these when I get back home this weekend to give as gifts on Christmas morning.  To find out how to make them, click here.


Homemade Dog Treat Recipe // Bubby & Bean
Last year while I was in Mexico (for the same festival I'm at now, but in January), my sister shared her special recipe for homemade dog treats in honor of Bubby dog, who we'd lost a few weeks earlier.  Her dog Isis (aka the 'Bean' in Bubby and Bean) absolutely loves them, and we think they make the perfect gift for your doggies or friends who are dog owners.  Just drop some in a cello bag and tie closed with a piece of ribbon.  You can check out the recipe right here.


DIY Mason Jar Lanterns // Bubby & Bean
Before our wedding in 2010, I wanted to create some unique candle holders that fit in with our vintage theme.  We'd been collecting mason jars, so I decided to cut up an old catalog and try decoupaging them to make lanterns.  They turned out really well, and I've since made several for gifts for friends.  The great thing about these is that they have so many uses for the holidays - you can give them away as candle holders, fill them with candies or greens (they make great vases!), or use them as holiday decor inside or outside of your home.  Details on how to create them can be found here.


Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe // Bubby & Bean
Every year, my sister makes a big batch of peanut brittle and puts the pieces into pretty tins as gifts for friends and family members.  She shared the recipe with you guys last year, and if you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it.  In addition to being a sweet gift, it's also a delicious treat to serve when hosting friends or family for the holidays.  To see how make your own, click here.


DIY Vinyl Record Dessert Stand // Bubby & Bean
If you're having a holiday party or gathering at your place for Christmas and want to add a unique touch to the decor, check out our vinyl record dessert stand DIY.  This easy project also makes an amazing gift for music lovers.  You can find out to make your own right here.


I hope that these projects and recipes give you some fun last-minute inspiration for holiday gifts, decor, and treats.  If you've done any DIY projects that make for great last-minute holiday ideas, please share them in the comments!

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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Adventures in Wonderland


Hola from Tulum, Mexico!  A few weeks ago, I received this submission from photographers Layne and Johnathan Grime.  I loved the concept of it, and immediately thought that it would be the ideal shoot to share with you guys while I was out of town.  It's so much fun and so whimsical, and it's exactly that kind of magical vibe that feels perfect for the holiday season.


I asked Layne what motivated them to choose an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme, and she said that she wanted to do something a bit edgier than their usual weddings and family portraits. "I wanted to create something unique just for myself.  I love photography and sometimes I love to make beautiful art, just for the sake of beautiful art."  I couldn't agree more. 

Location: Brantford, Ontario //  Photography: Layne and Jonathan Grime
Hair and Makeup: Rebecca Joy Frank and Catherine Elizabeth Greene
Set Design: Layne Grime and Rebecca Joy Frank // Costuming: Grime, Frank and Green


Big thanks to Layne for submitting this amazingly fun shoot to Bubby to Bean!  You can view more of her and her husband's work via their blog, Facebook, Instagram, and website.
Do you have a photo session or DIY project you'd like to submit to Bubby and Bean?  You can find more information on how to do so here.


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