Friday, February 28, 2014

Baby Essley: The Second Month


Month Two of Motherhood // Bubby and Bean

It's so cliche to say this, but holy crap has time flown by since this mini creature entered my life.  Today little Essley Morgan is officially two months old, which is just bananas to me.  It honestly does feel like just last week that I was in labor, equal parts excited and terrified, utterly clueless about motherhood.  And now here she is, quickly on her way to becoming a little girl with her own feisty personality.  And here I am, a mom - who had absolutely no idea what she was doing but somehow has been able to figure it out enough that her daughter is healthy and strong and growing.  Crazy.


On Essley's one month birthday, I shared both the good and bad parts of my first few weeks of motherhood, and I didn't sugarcoat the struggles.  I'm not going to get too into the challenges today, because for the most part, they haven't changed.  It's still really hard working full time with a newborn when your husband is out on the road for his job 75% of the time.  It's still exhausting and I'm still seriously sleep deprived.  But it has gotten exponentially easier with practice and lots of trial and error.  Essley is sleeping for longer stretches, which is huge.  And we've learned how to nurse in a way that creates less gas issues for her.  I've also become much more open to accepting offers for help.  Ess and I have gone to stay at my mom's a few weekends while Robbie's been gone which has been a lifesaver (meals prepared + extra sleep + help with laundry = gold to a new mom).  I'm adjusting to my new work routine too.  My work schedule is much less fluid than in the past, but I'm getting pretty good at putting down a project in the middle of it and being able to quickly pick up where I left off.  I'm also getting better at saying to no to projects that I simply don't have the extra time for anymore.  This is a big deal for me, because I'm a workaholic by nature and have often valued my own self-worth by the level of success in my career and/or amount of projects I'm able to juggle at any given time.  Although I have to continue to work full time because of boring adult things like bills, my priorities have definitely shifted career-wise (baby comes first, always), and I'm learning to accept that without feeling guilty.  In fact, everyday I'm more grateful for this major shift in my life.


As with the challenges of month number two, the rewards aren't much different either - they've just gotten greater.  The more natural things are beginning to feel with this baby in our lives, the more I've been able to appreciate every moment (even the ones that are filled with screaming, vomit, and/or poop).  Seeing her smile is just huge you guys.  I think if you'd told me a few months ago that seeing a baby smile could bring me to tears, I would have rolled my eyes.  But it does.  I was nursing her the other night, singing 'You Are My Sunshine' (because she is), and she unlatched while I was singing, looked me in eye, and broke into the biggest, gummiest little smile.  Tears instantly filled my eyes, I felt a lump in my throat, and my voice started to quiver.  I'm pretty sure that my heart was close to bursting - all because of a tiny smile.  It's also been so cool to get Essley together with friends' babies and to watch them react to one another.  She had her 'first date' with a baby boy named Jackson a couple of weeks ago, which was ridiculously adorable on every level.  She also got to go work with daddy, and meet up with about half a dozen other babies of band/crew members at the band's sound check when they played locally last weekend.  Hilariously, she slept through the entire check (I guess music runs through her veins enough that it naturally lulls her to sleep!), but it was the best feeling in the world to get her together with this little gang of future playmates.  As the days go on, she is more and more alert, interested, and involved.  Everyday is better than the last.  She is honestly the most amazing person I've ever known.


Just like last time, I could go on and on, but I'll spare you before things get out of hand.  (Side note: Although I might feel like it sometimes, I'm not the only person in the world who has had a new baby, and I will never be offended by readers who choose to skip over these excessive baby gushing posts.)  As much as I can't wrap my head around the fact that it's already been two months since Essley entered this world, I also can't quite remember life without her.  I love her and my little family more than I could ever put into words.  It hasn't been an easy adjustment by any means, yet it somehow feels completely natural. Everyday is better than the last.  Sincerely.  I can't wait to see what month three brings.


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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Let's Talk About Instagram


Let's Talk About Instagram // Bubby and Bean

I joined Instagram a couple of years ago, which actually made me a little late to the Insta-party.  So many of my blogger pals had already been 'gramming for quite some time at that point, but I was one of those stubborn BlackBerry users who took forever to let go.  After I finally made the switch to an iPhone and signed up for an IG account - something about which I'd been omg-so-excited for months - I didn't even use it all that much.  Between Twitter, Facebook, and the what sometimes feels like 5 million other social media apps out there, on top of the blog, I felt like I was already spending plenty of time oversharing without adding a picture app into the daily mix.

But somehow, over time, Instagram won.  These days I use it more than any other platform (Pinterest is a close second, but that's another post).  There's just something about being able to quickly share an image and a brief caption as a means to visually display a moment in your life.  It's easy, simple, streamlined, and no fuss. For the most part, there's no planning or over-editing or vast amounts of time involved. You take a picture with your phone, you share it.  In less than a couple of minutes, you've told a story.  Then you scroll through your feed and quickly get to see lots of other people's stories, without a big time commitment.  It works.

Instagram is no longer just for pictures of food or babies (guilty!) or dogs or sunsets or 'selfies' either.  More and more brands are using it as a means of promotion through giveaways, product placement, and mini ads. (Some brands even attribute their success to IG.)  Celebrities use it to post candid shots of their 'real lives.'  Bloggers use it as a micro-blogging platform.  (I even know some bloggers who have said goodbye to their blogs all together in favor of Instagram).  And here I am, devoting a full blog post to it.  To an app.  It's not even a new app or an app that people haven't posted about a hundred times before.  Yet somehow, even years after its introduction, it's still worth mentioning.  Its growth (from number of users to reasons for using) has been exponential.  At least in my eyes, Instagram has become a pretty big deal. 

What are you thoughts on the IG phenomena, and the role it plays in the online community these days?  And if you're an Instagram user, please leave your username and/or link in the comments so I can check out your photos!  You can find me and follow along under username bubbyandbean, or by clicking right here.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

8 Great Graphic Tees


8 Great Graphic Tees // Bubby and Bean

1. Tiger Cropped Tee, rue21  //  2. La Lune Foiled Muscle Tee, Urban Outfitters  //  3. Merci Tee, Zoe Karssen  //  4. Lion King Rasta Sun Tee, rue21  //  5. Lady Rebel Tee, F21  //  6. Peut-ĂȘtre Muscle Tee, Madewell  //  7. Grateful Dead Tee, ShopBop  //  8. See More Travel Cropped Tee, Modcloth 

I went shopping a couple of weeks ago for the first time since I had the baby, and I have to say, it was quite the positive experience.  I still have a few pounds to lose, but it was all sorts of liberating to be able to venture back into clothing sections and stores that didn't feature predominantly maternity or oversized, stretchy apparel intended for working out.  It was also downright exhilarating to see spring collections on display you guys.  After the winter from hell, I can't put into words how ready I am for warm weather clothing, and the racks were gloriously full of lightweight floral dresses, floppy hats, cut-off shorts and fun graphic tees.  Graphic tees in particular seemed to be everywhere.  They're kind of a long-time staple for spring and summer anyway, but the designs this season really caught my eye.  I noticed lots of bold prints, typography, white/black/gray combos (as well as more vivid colors), and soft, worn-in fabrics.  I ended up coming home and searching for even more of them online after my shopping adventure. (Admittedly, I may have to put myself in a t-shirt time-out before my entire spring/summer wardrobe for 2014 becomes a graphic tee fest.)

The eight tees above represent some of my favorite finds that I came across during my recent shopping adventure and online search, and I thought I'd share them with you.  The styles are different (and so are the price points), but they're all on trend, easy to keep casual (pair with cut-offs, a black slouchy beanie and some worn-in boots) or dress up (try with a tailored jacket or a pencil skirt and some fierce heels), and they all feature fun graphics.  I'm especially a fan of #1 from rue21 and #2 from Urban Outfitters.  Oh and I'm wearing #5 right now (true story).

Which of these do you like the best?  Who else is looking forward to wearing endless graphic tees this spring?

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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

DIY Tutorial // Painted Bulletin Board

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

Although it may not seem possible in the midst of this crazy winter weather, spring is just a few weeks away.  And like many people, when spring is approaching, I feel a sudden need to get things organized.  I have a very tiny office space, and it fills up quickly with business cards, notes to myself, reminders on scraps of paper, and other bits and pieces that don't really have anywhere specific to go.  I've also had a big white space on the wall that has been screaming for something to fill it for months.  I decided that the perfect solution to both of these problems was to take a boring old bulletin board and make it pretty.

I love the way that gold and black look together (you can see how I spruced up mason jars with this combination here), so I decided to pair those together along with some nice clean white and paint a simple, colorblock style pattern on a plain bulletin board using some acrylic paints.  I loved the way it turned out!  This project is an easy, super affordable way not only to transform an old cork board, but also to add a fun accent piece to your office space, kitchen, or bedroom.  And if you're not into this particular color combination or it doesn't go with your space, you can use any color paints you like!


DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean
  • A plain bulletin/cork board
  • ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape for Multi-Surface with Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector 
  • Gold acrylic paint
  • White acrylic paint
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Sponge Paint Brushes
  • A palette or paper plate for your paints

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

1. Tear off a piece of ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape for Multi-Surface with Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector and place at a vertical angle on the bulletin board, making sure it goes all the way around the top and bottom edges of the frame. 

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean
DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

2. Put pieces of newspaper or paper bags under the bulletin board, and use your sponge brushes to paint the taped off section with your gold paint, including the frame.  Allow to dry, then apply another coat. 

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

3. Once both coats of gold paint have thoroughly dried, remove the ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape.

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

4. Apply a piece of ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape at a horizontal angle from the left edge of the bulletin board (around the frame) to the edge of the gold paint.  Then carefully apply another piece along the edge of the gold (so that it is on top of the gold paint and lines up with the edge) from where the first piece of tape ends down around the bottom the frame. (Note: before applying tape to freshly painted surfaces, make sure to allow for 24 hours of dry time.)

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

5. Paint the taped off section with the white paint, including the frame.  Allow to dry, then apply another coat.

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

6. Once both coats of white paint have thoroughly dried, remove the ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape.  

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

7. Apply a piece of ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape at a vertical angle, parallel to the edge of the gold paint, from the top of the bulletin board (around the edge of the frame), down to the top edge of the white paint.  Then apply another piece along the edge of the gold, and one more along the top edge of the white. (Note: before applying tape to freshly painted surfaces, make sure to allow for 24 hours of dry time.)

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

8. Paint the taped off section with the black paint, including the frame.  Allow to dry, then apply another coat.

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

9. Remove the ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape and admire your finished board!

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean
DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean

10. Hang your fancy new bulletin board on the wall and pin away.

DIY Painted Bulletin Board Tutorial // Bubby and Bean


If you try this project I'd love to see pictures!

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I am proud to be a 3M- sponsored blogger, and, as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate new products like ScotchBlue Painter's Tape. To join the creative community, visit ScotchBlue on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Come Be a Part of Bubby & Bean in March!


Sponsor Bubby and Bean in March

March (the month of spring! woot!) will finally arrive in just a few short days, which means it's time for the official March 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 are currently a few spaces in each size still available for March (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, February 21, 2014

February GIVEAWAY // Win $220 Worth of Goodies


February Giveaway at Bubby and Bean // Win $220 Worth of Goodies!

Happy Friday!  It's time for this month's big giveaway, which features some truly fantastic goodies from several of Bubby and Bean's February sponsors (and Bubby and Bean Art is getting in on the action too).  One lucky reader will win everything you see here, valued at $220.


1. Organic Apron Wrap Top from GAIA CONCEPTIONS in your choice of color/fabric. $130 value. (Visit this shop.)
2. A handmade Eagle Vision Necklace from ROOTS AND FEATHERS. $20 value.
(Visit this shop. // Visit this blog.) 
3. A $30 Shop Credit from BUBBY AND BEAN ART. $30 value.
(Visit this shop.)
4. One month Large Ad Space from LITTLE TREE VINTAGE. $40 value. 
(Visit this blog. // 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 February 27th 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 27th and/or that there is a way to contact you through your entries in case you are the winner.  Thanks again to our February sponsors for contributing such rad prizes!  Good luck!

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