Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Inspired By Daisies

Inspired By Daisies // via Bubby and Bean

1. Your Lucky Daisy Dress, Modcloth  //  2. daisy image  //  3. Flicker Fabric Bee Wristlet, Kate Spade  //  4. Daisy Chain Link Necklace, TopShop  //  5. Casual and Effect Flat, Rocket Dog  //  
6. Meadowlace Mini, Madewell  //  7. Spitfire Mixed Ability Sunnies, Urban Outfitters  //  
8. Daisy Stud Earrings, TopShop  //  9. Rooftop Party Colorblock Clutch, Threadsense


Daisies are my favorite of all flowers, and have been since I was a little girl.  They instantly evoke feelings of summertime, sunshine, and all things happy and good.  I love that they're simple and unassuming and elegant and timeless.  They were the main flowers in our DIY wedding bouquets and arrangements, and they're my go-to choice when I'm buying fresh flowers for my house.  There also are aren't many colors that I love more than white and yellow.

Any other daisy fans in the house? What flowers are inspiring you this season?

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Monday, April 29, 2013

Snapshots from the Weekend


Snapshots from the Weekend // Bubby and Bean

This weekend consisted of Robbie's band playing a six hour show on Friday night, a night in a fancy hotel, co-hosting a surprise baby shower for a dear friend on Saturday (more on that later this week), Robbie's band playing another local show Saturday night, a visit to my grandmother's, a major replanting of our springtime seedlings, a lot of errands, an afternoon of work catch-up, and an overall lack of sleep.  I'm so tired you guys.  But it's Monday - and that means way too much to do to let sleep deprivation get in the way. Did you do anything fun this weekend?

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Friday, April 26, 2013

My Favorite Nail Polishes For Spring and Summer


The Best Nail Polishes for Spring and Summer // via Bubby and Bean



I'll start this post by admitting that more often than not, my nails look pretty terrible.  I don't bite them, but I polish them and then let weeks go by before I polish them again.  The end result is a hot chippy mess.  My excuses are as follows: I work from a home studio and very few people see my hands during the day, I use my hands a lot in my work, I don't have a ton of free time, and I refuse to pay for manicures outside of special occasions. 

All of that said, now that the weather is starting to warm up, flowers are beginning to bloom, and I'm feeling inspired by the season in all its vibrantly colored glory and stuff, I have officially decided to make the effort to keep my nails colorful and in good shape for spring and summer.  Despite my excuses (aka laziness), I think that the act of painting your nails is a simple, fairly quick way to do something nice for yourself. 

The nail polishes you see above feature my favorite new (or newish) colors from some of my favorite nail care brands.  (Right now I'm wearing #3, Essie's In the Cab-ana.  It's bold and bright and pretty freaking happy, I have to say.)  Are there any nail polishes or specific nail colors you've been especially into this season?


The winner of the Ray-Ban Sunglasses Giveaway as selected by random.org is...
Congrats Kelly!  Please contact me at bubbyandbean (AT) gmail with your mailing address so we can get you your sunglasses!


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Thursday, April 25, 2013

10 Mother's Day Gift Ideas (That I Know My Mom Would Adore)

10 Wonderful Mother's Day Gift Ideas // via Bubby and Bean
1. Mother's Day Pendant ($58), Kate Spade  //  2. Wall-Mounted Teardrop Vase ($4.95), CB2
3. Gigi Bracelet ($18.90), Shopbop  // 4. Mr. Boddington's Mistral Soap ($8), Anthropologie
5. Mother's Day Taster Snack Kit (Small: $45, Large: $70), New York Mouth
6.
'Mom I've Always Wanted to Tell You'  Book and Journal ($14.99), Modcloth
7. 'Home Is Where Your Mom Is' Wood and Silicon Spatula ($9.95), Paper Source
8. Handmade Ceramic Stoneware Bowl ($55 each, various colors), IMKAdesign
9. Mother's Day Be Lovely Card ($4), Bubby & Bean // 10. Facial To Go Kit ($34), Terrain



My mom is one of the most amazing people I've ever known.  And although I try to make sure she knows that I feel this way on a regular basis, I always get excited for the chance to make her feel extra loved on Mother's Day.  When it comes to gifts, I usually try to make her something unique, but I like to buy her a little something too.  She and I have very similar taste, so it's always fun to shop for her. 

Above are some of my favorite gift ideas that I've come across in my search - objects and goodies that are beautiful and interesting, and that I think would make any mama feel special.  Oh and mom, if you're reading this and want to know which one(s) I purchased for you, thank goodness you only have to wait for 17 more days to find out. :)


P.S. Bubby & Bean is teaming up with our pals over at Emerging Thoughts to offer you guys 20% off store wide with coupon code MELISSA through midnight tonight!  It's one of my very favorite online stores and if you haven't visited it before, I highly recommend it.  They carry some really gorgeous clothing and accessories from small, emerging designers all over the world.


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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

A Weekend in Austin, Texas



Saturday morning, I hopped a plane to Austin, Texas for a short two-day trip.  My brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, nieces and step-sister all live there, so when Robbie's band plays there and I can find a way to make it a semi-business trip for myself, it becomes a very convenient, practical, and affordable getaway to one of my favorite cities.  I was especially grateful to get to go this time because my sister-in-law ran the Boston Marathon last week, and all of the little kids were there when the tragedy occurred (as I shared in more detail here).  Knowing that I'd get to hug them extra tight after what they'd just experienced sealed the deal on this trip for me.


I only brought a small carry-on, so there wasn't room for my camera, but I made sure to snap a few photos with my phone.  We didn't get to do a lot because I was there for such a short time, but it was really nice to get to hang out with family, see my husband after a couple of weeks apart, play in the sunshine with the kids, and do some quick exploring on Monday before it was time to board my Chicago-bound plane. Oh, and eat deep fried avocado tacos. Yep.


I'll admit that I've been insanely tired since I got back Monday night (two flights in 48 hours, an overall lack of sleep, and four energetic kids between the ages of three and eleven will do that to you), but sometimes a fast, last-minute weekend trip can be the best kind of trip.  There's so much less planning and stress involved, and if you can stay with friends or family and plan a work meeting or two while you're visiting, it can be infinitely more cost-effective too.  If you can make it happen in one of your favorite places, even better.  Austin is such a great town.  I used to move from state to state every couple of years, and I've reached a place in my life where I'm content with the roots I've put down here in Chicago, but Austin is definitely on my "I'll maybe live here someday" list.  In the meantime, it sure does make for the perfect weekend getaway.

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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Want To Be On Bubby & Bean in May?


Join the Bubby & Bean Sponsor Team

Today starts the very last week of April, which means it's time for the official sponsor call at Bubby and Bean.  May is one of my favorite months - warm weather clothing, springtime DIY projects, music festivals, summer foods, fresh home decor projects.  All the things I love most about May will be featured here on the blog, and I'd love for you to be a part of it!  If you have a blog, shop, Etsy store, small business, or brand you'd like to promote to several thousands of interested people every single day, I'd love to help you through a Bubby and Bean Sponsorship!

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.  We currently have a handful of spots open in each size except for the featured spot, which is booked for May (but available for June).  All ad spaces are first come, first serve. 

Have questions?  Feel free to contact me

Monday, April 22, 2013

Our 5th Annual EARTH DAY Project


The 5th Annual Mountains of the Moon Earth Day Project


Happy Earth Day you guys!  I'm spending the day in beautiful Austin, Texas (came here for a short weekend trip to see my nieces and nephew, watch Robbie's band, and have a quick business meeting), but I wanted to make sure I stopped in here to share this project with you.  As many of you know, I've been designing for the sustainable fashion line Mountains of the Moon for the past 12+ years, and for the past 5, we've put together something called the Earth Day Project.  In honor of Earth Day, we offer our customers a special discount, and then team up with American Forests to plant trees!  This year, I'm especially excited because my line of art and greeting cards, Bubby and Bean Art, is participating in the project too.  In either shop, by using the coupon code EARTHDAY2013 today (4/22) and tomorrow (4/23), you'll get 30% off your order and 30% will be given to American Forests, who will plant one tree for every dollar we donate.  Pretty cool, huh?  If you've had your eye on a pretty new organic cotton dress or some 100% recycled greeting cards, now is your chance to make a difference through your dollar (and save some big bucks for yourself!). 

Are any of you doing anything special today for Earth Day?  If so, I'd love to hear about it.


*Coupon code is valid through 04/23/2013 only. May not be used toward the purchase of gift certificates, or combined with payments made with gift certificates or store credits. Coupons cannot be applied after purchases have already been made.

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Friday, April 19, 2013

Big April GIVEAWAY // Win A Package of Prizes from 8 Shops & Blogs!


The Bubby and Bean April Giveaway // Win 7 Prizes Worth $200!

Happy Friday!  I'm telling you guys, I get more excited with each month's big group giveaway.  This time, some of my favorite shops and blogs have contributed goodies, including clothing shop credits, jewelry, art, blog ad space and more.  This giveaway includes 8 prizes and is valued at $240 - and one lucky Bubby and Bean reader will win it all!


VISIT THIS SHOP  //  VISIT THIS BLOG


VISIT THIS SHOP  //  VISIT THIS BLOG


VISIT THIS SHOP  //  VISIT THIS BLOG


VISIT THIS BLOG  //  VISIT THIS SHOP


VISIT THIS SHOP  //  VISIT THIS BLOG


VISIT THIS BLOG  //  VISIT THIS SHOP


VISIT THIS SHOP  //  VISIT THIS BLOG


VISIT THIS SHOP




This giveaway is open to all Bubby and Bean followers/subscribers(Please note that Google Reader will be defunct as of July 1st. We recommend following through Bloglovin'.)
To enter, just leave a comment telling me which item you'd be most excited to win!
 


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).


This giveaway goes through April 26th and is open to Bubby and Bean readers worldwide. The winner's name will be chosen randomly and announced shortly after.  Thanks again to our April sponsors for contributing such rad prizes!  Good luck!


The winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway as selected by random.org is...


Congrats Beautifully Pure!  Please contact me at bubbyandbean (AT) gmail so we can get you your voucher!