Friday, January 31, 2014

10 Great Valentine's Day DIY Projects


10 Great Valentine's Day DIY Projects // Bubby and Bean
1. Conversation Heart Pinatas, Studio DIY  //  2. Geometric Wall Heart, Oleander and Palm  //  3. Love Yarn Letters, My Sister's Suitcase  //  4. Black and Gold Heart Dice, Design*Sponge  //  5. Printable Valentines, Bubby and Bean  //  6. Felt Heart Valentine's Wreath, The Alison Show  //  7. Printable Pencil Valentine, Sweet Muffin Suite  //  8. Valentine's Day in a Box, You Are My Fave  //  9. Date Idea Arrows, Sugar and Cloth   //  10. Printable Arrow Straws, Wild Olive


My husband and I aren't big Valentine's Day celebrators.  He is always on the road with the band on February 14th, and although we do usually give each other a card and possibly some kind of deliciously unhealthy edible treat, we've never gone out to dinner or exchanged elaborate gifts or done anything that would be considered even slightly romantic or traditional.  That said, I'm still a fan of Valentine's Day, and always have been.  Any holiday that celebrates love is alright by me, and I'm a sucker for Valentine-themed DIY projects.  I remember getting ridiculously excited back in grade school when it was time for the annual shoe box Valentine card holder contest.  I'd plan out my shoe box for weeks, then spend several days after school meticulously pasting pink tissue paper, doilies, red hearts, and pink bows to it until I felt fully confident in deeming it the perfect Valentine card holder. 

I have a lot going on this year, so I'm not sure whether I'll have time to get crazy with the V-day crafts, but that hasn't stopped me from searching for project ideas.  So for this edition of '10 Great,' I decided to share ten of my favorite Valentine's Day DIYs you guys. 

Are you pro or anti Valentine's Day?  And if you're a fan, have you made (or will you make) anything V-day themed this year?

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Wonderful Winter


 1  //  2  //  3  //  4 

Those of you who know me (even through this blog) have most definitely never heard me use the words 'wonderful' and 'winter' in the same sentence.  I complain about winter on a fairly regular basis.  I'm a nature girl at heart, and it's just not desirable (or even possible most of the time) to be outside during the winter months here in the Chicago area.  It's beyond depressing, if we're being honest.  This year in particular has really been horrendous - not just here, but throughout the majority of the U.S.  Just take a quick glance at your Instagram feed, your blog reader, or your Facebook page, and you're bound to see complaints galore about this craptastic winter we're having right now.

  5  //  6  //  7  //  8  //  9

Rather than waste more of my energy ranting about my hatred toward winter, I decided that it's time to take the positive route.  I hunted down some really beautiful wintertime images, and used them to remind myself that the most disliked of all seasons can actually be pretty wonderful sometimes.  When I lived in Colorado, I remember thinking that winter there was the most beautiful season I'd ever experienced.  And although it will never look like that (or, let's face it, like any of these images) where I live now, it does look like this somewhere, which is good enough for me.  You'll never be my best friend, most freezing and colorless of seasons, but you definitely have your merits if given a chance.  And, as these images prove, you can be quite stunning too.


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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Baby Essley: The First Month


Baby Essley: The First Month // Bubby and Bean

Today is Essley's one month birthday.  It's been a few weeks since I last checked in with an update about what's been going on 'behind the scenes' around these parts, so today seemed like the perfect time. Although this little girl is admittedly pretty much my whole life these days (and I'm grateful for that!), I've been mindful about not bombarding you with baby pictures and stories. (Those of you who follow me on Instagram get enough of that as it is!)  I do want to share occasional updates though, because having a new baby affects every area of your life and work, and the blog wouldn't be genuine if I completely left this stuff out.  Plus I just love her so much that I want to scream it out to the whole world every second of the day.  So there's that too.

First, let's get the not-so-amazing stuff out of the way.  It's easy to sugar coat the experience of a new parent with adorable baby pictures and tales of unconditional love.  And I fully understand why many choose to only share those bits and pieces.  But the reality is that it's really freaking hard sometimes.  Sleep deprivation is no joke, and when you're faced with it for days or weeks, it can really put a damper on the joy that a new babe brings.  Essley cries a lot at night, which is common for newborns, but sometimes nothing but nursing will console her (and trust me, we've tried every trick in the box).  I won't get into Baby 101, but you can't spoil a newborn, and you're supposed to quickly respond to their needs - which are expressed through crying. But sometimes you can't figure out what those needs are, and constant attempts to do so without results (with a baby incessantly screaming in your ear) can make you a feel a little insane.


I've always been a night owl and an insomniac, so the late nights and broken sleep didn't bother me that much - until Essley was two and a half weeks old and Robbie left town for work for the first time since before her birth.  We had a pretty good system set up for the nights, where I'd nurse and he'd change diapers, and we'd take turns with her during the crying fits.  I had no idea what I was in for when he was gone, but let's just say that I now have a profound respect for single moms.  In additional to having to do all of the feeding, burping, changing, and consoling during the nights, I also found it very difficult to fully fall asleep.  Essley sleeps in a co-sleeper attached to the side of our bed, and with two of us here, there is a subtle reassurance that at least one of us will hear her crying or spitting up or coughing in the night.  I felt so much added pressure with Robbie away and was subconsciously terrified that if I fell into a deep sleep, I wouldn't hear her if she really needed me.  The most I slept in a night was two hours, and I was delirious and feeling pretty depressed.  He was only gone for four days on that run, but by the end of it, I'd hit a wall.  I'd also only taken a two week maternity leave (gotta pay the bills!), and I'd started working again that week, so I needed to stay awake and work during the days while Essley was asleep.  Even if I hadn't had to stay awake, I am physically unable to sleep during the day, regardless of level of exhaustion (I haven't been able to take a nap since college).  So the 'sleep when the baby sleeps' advice wasn't an option for me.  I was a train wreck by the end of those four days guys.  Truly.  Thankfully, the first period of time with daddy away came and went, and we survived.  We're into the second one now and my fingers are crossed it's a little easier this time.

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There have been other little challenges too that are just par for the course with a newborn.  Essley came down with a bad case of Thrush when she was about a week old and went through a short period where she had trouble nursing.  At her two week doctor visit, she still hadn't gained any weight since we left the hospital, and was still a full pound under her birth weight.  With patience and medication, we were able to win that battle, and now she's at a healthy weight and is a champion nurser.  It's also been difficult to get out of the house much (especially when Robbie is gone), thanks to Chicago's hellishly cold winter this year.  I am yearning for the days when I can finally take this little bean for a walk in her stroller or be able to run errands with her without having to warm up the car, bundle her up in an excessive amount of layers, cover her car seat, etc.  (The post office is a half mile from our house, and dropping off packages has gone from a two minute process to a twenty minute one.)  Working is a whole new world too.  Aside from getting through the crazy nights, figuring out a schedule to continue to work full time is probably my greatest challenge.  I'm learning as I go though and hope that a healthy balance eventually falls into place.


And now that I've rambled on and on about the hard stuff, onto the good!  I could honestly fill dozens of posts with stories of the endless joy that this little girl has brought to our lives.  It's cliche but it's 100% truth.  She's at a point now where she is so much more alert and interested in the world around her.  When you have a kid, suddenly everything becomes more interesting to you as well.  Essley reminds me to notice tiny things that I normally just skip over: the way the light or a shadow delicately hits the corner of a room, the way a person's eyes look when you're locked into a mutually smitten gaze (hers are so bright and shiny and the deepest shade of blue), and the details, shapes, and patterns of the most mundane objects.  I absolutely love breastfeeding too, and the bond that accompanies it.  It's the coolest thing you guys.  Watching her grow is pretty incredible too.  I see her so much that I'm not aware of the changes that are occurring physically, but I've noticed how certain outfits are suddenly too snug, and how the next size up in diapers is starting to fit her better.  People tell you that they grow so fast, but I didn't realize how true this was until I saw it for myself.  It's beautiful and bittersweet and a little intense.

Despite the crappy subarctic weather we've been having and extra work involved in loading up a baby in zero degree temps, taking Essley places has added a whole new element of fun to everything as well.  Simple errands feel more like adventures - even a quick trip to the grocery store.  Her doctor visits are even fun.  Who knew that finding out your baby's weight each week could be so exciting?  We've also taken her out to my mom's house twice so that we could go on quick dates.  You receive all kinds of advice when you're a new parent, but one of the best pieces we've gotten was to make time for each other now and then.  I can't tell you how much more you appreciate going to see a movie or grabbing a bite to eat with your partner when it doesn't come easy anymore.  And when the date is over, you get to come back to your sweet baby, which just makes the whole experience that much more awesome.


I could easily keep going, but I'll stop for now.  Thank you for reading (if you're still here) and letting me share some of this journey with you.  As I've mentioned before, I'm one of those people who 'waited' to have children after focusing on my career and travels during my twenties and the first half of my thirties, and getting pregnant took some time and patience.  I really think that having to work a little harder to make it happen heightened my appreciation of the whole experience, difficult times and all.  I've only been a mom for a month, but so far, it's absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me.  For real.  I am officially little Essley Morgan's biggest fan.

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Come Be a Part of Bubby and Bean in February!


Come Be a Part of Bubby and Bean in February!

In just a few short days, the first month of 2014 will come to an end.  That means it's time for the official February sponsor call here at Bubby and Bean.  If you have a shop, blog, Etsy store, or small business, I'd love for you to be a part of the blog next month!  A Bubby and Bean Sponsorship is an affordable, effective way to promote your brand 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 that 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.  There is currently a handful of spaces open in each size for February (except for XL, which is next available for April).  All ad spaces are first come, first serve. 

Have questions?  Feel free to contact me

Friday, January 24, 2014

Big January GIVEAWAY // Win A Prize Package of Goodies Worth $250!


Big January GIVEAWAY // Win A Prize Package of Goodies Worth $250!

The holiday season has come and gone, but the spirit of giving is still going strong here at Bubby and Bean, thanks to our January sponsors!  This month's big giveaway features items from several handmade + independent shops and blogs (and Bubby and Bean is getting in on the action too).  The best part is that one lucky Bubby and Bean reader will win it all, valued at more than $250!


VISIT THIS SHOP



VISIT THIS SHOP  //  VISIT THIS BLOG



VISIT THIS BLOG  //  VISIT THIS SHOP



VISIT THIS BLOG  //  VISIT THIS SHOP



VISIT THIS SHOP



This giveaway is open to Bubby and Bean followers/subscribers.  If you're a new reader, please make sure to subscribe first through GFC or Bloglovin' in order for your entry to count.
Then just leave a comment telling me which item you'd most like 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 runs through January 30th and is open to Bubby and Bean subscribers worldwide. The winner's name will be chosen randomly and announced shortly after.  IMPORTANT: Please make sure that you check back after the 30th and/or that there is a way to contact you through your entries in case you are the winner.  Thanks again to our January sponsors for contributing such great prizes!  Good luck!

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Quick Lentil, Root Vegetable, and Arugula Salad


Quick Lentil, Root Vegetable, and Arugula Salad // Bubby and Bean
This amazing recipe comes to you via my pal and plant-based chef extraordinaire Jessica Murnane from One Part Plant. Also be sure to check out her recipes for vegan cherry brownies and sundried tomato, spinach, and cashew cheese stuffing. Yum.


One of my favorite stories about being a new mom comes from my friend Abby.  She told me she shared with a friend what a hard time she was having in the first few weeks of her baby being born, and that her friend replied, "Really? but it looks like it's going so well, based on what you've shared on social media". Of course it did. Who wants to see photos of a screaming baby, eating takeout for the tenth night in a row, or crazy unwashed hair?

The first few months are hard. Period. But sometimes we forget how hard it is, because we only see the pretty, Instagram-able moments. We need to remember to help new mommas. Whether that's delivering them some groceries, relieving them so they can take a nap, or in this case, giving them quick and easy recipes that will last all week. As you know, Melissa has a new bean and this recipe is dedicated to her.

Quick Lentil, Root Vegetable, and Arugula Salad

The first generation of this lentil recipe started at a For Reals Meals hosted by Chef Elaina Vazquez. One the guests at the lunch asked Elaina for the recipe and then she put her own twist on it. Then that same guest sent me the recipe and I changed it up again. And here it is (I hope Elaina approves)!

What I love so much about this recipe is that you can make a batch of it and then use it in completely new and different ways all week. Here I've tossed the lentils with arugula to make a salad, but I've used them to make lentil and cashew cheese nachos, and topped them with rice, some avocado and hot sauce. Anything goes here.

Congrats Melissa! I bet your hair looks very Instagram-able.


QUICK LENTILS AND VEGGIES INGREDIENTS
1 cup dried black lentils
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 root veggie, diced (I used a turnip)
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon thyme
3 teaspoons cumin
Vegetable broth (about 3 cups)

SALAD INGREDIENTS
1 cup of lentils and veggies
3 big handfuls of arugula
Juice of half a lemon

DIRECTIONS
Heat a medium-sized pan and cover the bottom with vegetable broth. Add veggies and garlic and saute until soft, about 10 minutes. In a medium sized pot, combine lentils, veggies, spices, and enough vegetable broth to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed.

Toss the arugula and lentils together, squeeze in lemon juice and mix well. Fini!


How would you get creative with these lentils? Share your ideas with new momma Melissa in the comments! -Jessica

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, + Cashew Cheese Stuffing

I can't thank Jessica enough for putting together this fantastic recipe for me (and for Bubby and Bean's readers!).  I also can't thank her enough for her kind (and very true) words about being a new mom.  I wish I could honestly say that my hair (or any part of me) was Instagram-able these days!  Make sure you guys pay a visit to One Part Plant - it's my very favorite food website/blog.  You can read more about Jessica and OPP here, like OPP on Facebook here, follow on Twitter here, and check out her Instagram photos here. xo, melissa


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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

My Winter Outerwear Wishlist


Winter Outerwear Wishlist
1. Corey Coat, Andrew Marc  //  2. Nicholas K Noble Check Coat, Free People  //  3. Olive Moss Parka, J.Crew  //  4. Sophie Trench, Andrew Marc  //  5. Boxy Coat, H&M  //  6. Marled Trench Coat, F21  //  7. Hybrid PrimaLoft Coat, Nordstrom  //  8. Oversized Cargo, Free People  


My regular readers are well familiar with the fact that winter is my least favorite season.  And so far, this has been the coldest winter I can remember.  To make things even worse, last month I tried to squeeze my then very pregnant belly into my winter coat, and a button popped off, shot across the room, and cracked in two.  I also busted out a seam.  (It was both amusing and pathetic, let me tell you.)  I was able to temporarily repair it, but the coat has definitely seen better days, and with at least two months of winter weather still ahead, I started thinking that it might just be time for a new one.  Besides, what better way to make the best of a less-than-ideal situation (I'm talking to you, Chicago winter from hell) than with something new and fun to wear? 

Any of the outerwear you see above would make me a very happy lady, winter and all.  I think the front runners are the Sophie (which would make a perfect transition-into-spring jacket and is also 60% off right now!) and the super chic Corey, both from Andrew Marc, and the cheery yellow Boxy Coat from H&M.  They're all very different styles, but each one caught my eye for its gorgeous design.

Have any of you invested in a new winter coat this year?  What are your favorite items from the picks above?

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