Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!


Happy Halloween from Bubby and Bean!

Happy Halloween! Halloweens that fall on Fridays (or Saturdays) are the best, aren't they? Although Essley and I are a little sad not to get to be with daddy on her first one (the band is playing in Boston this year, which was just too far), we are very excited to be here in Indianapolis, celebrating with her Auntie Morgan. My little sister, since I can remember, has been absolutely smitten with Halloween. Her decorations are always incredible, as is her costuming. And she's going all out for us, with everything from pumpkin carving to Halloween movies to sugary treats. I'm dressing up as a witch (which is admittedly the least effort I've ever put into my costume, but hey) and Essley is going to be my little black cat. I made her costume and promise to annoy those of you who follow me on Instagram later today with at least slightly excessive picture sharing. We're also taking Essley trick-or-treating with Morgan's neighbors, and yes, we will be eating her candy. Just being honest, guys.

For those of you celebrating, have a wonderfully sweet + spooky Halloween!  And have a great weekend too.

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Thursday, October 30, 2014

The Coolest Whimsical Fox Family Photo Shoot



When freelance Denver photographer Kyla Fear (whose business is called Fearless Photographywhich is awesome in itself) submitted this gorgeous shoot to us, I instantly approved it. I love everything about it - from the beautiful location to the clothing to the creativity (those masks!) to the overall vibe (which is equal parts adorable and edgy). And the photography itself is just stunning. I asked Kyla to share a little bit about the shoot and what inspired her.

"On a chilly spring day, my good friends and I ventured out to do their annual family shoot. This is a family full of artistic and creatively inclined beings, and this year we wanted to bring something a little extra to their shoot," Kyla explained. "I wanted to use fox masks and create a dark but whimsical shoot in this location that was just dreamy. The day of the shoot we got a big rain storm and there was very little light and it added to the overall feeling in the images."


"We found these spectacular fox mask templates by Wintercroft Masks," Kyla said. "My friends built the masks, and then hand painted each mask, bringing individual personality traits into them. We added a vintage flare with their wardrobe and a beautiful antique chair from Vintage Rentals Denver. I added a bit of dark by adding fog and a bit of whimsy through the balloons. The shoot was so much fun, and I'm so excited to be working on a whole series that includes these amazing Wintercroft Mask designs, built and painted by my friends Ben and Shannon Faber."


Kyla says that although she's mainly specialized in family and child portraiture in the past, over the last year she has been exploring more of a fine art element within her work. We'd say she's doing an incredible job so far! You can see more of Kyla's work on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

GIVEAWAY // Win A Garnet + Diamond Necklace from Angara!


GIVEAWAY // Win A Garnet + Diamond Necklace from Angara and Bubby & Bean!

I'll admit I'm a little biased, because it happens to be my birthstone, but I think that the garnet is one of the most stunning of all gemstones. The color is so rich and deep, and it looks lovely paired with just about anything. And for that reason, I'm thrilled to be teaming up with the folks at Angara to give one lucky Bubby and Bean reader this gorgeous oval garnet and diamond shell pendant and matching chain, worth $109!  The garnet, which is AAA quality, is contained in a silver prong setting along with two brilliant, colorless diamonds. It is truly an elegant, timeless piece of jewelry.

Angara is a family-run company that has been in the fine gemstone business for generations, and has deep roots in gemstone cutting, polishing and design. While they have primarily catered to larger retailers around the world, in 2005 they decided to bring their gemstones and gemstone jewelry directly to the public. The offer hundreds of different pieces of jewelry and stones, for any occasion and any person. And I love how they came up with their name, Angara - a word in ancient Sanskrit that means "the fire within." They say that it is with this Angara that the earth has created their magnificent gemstones.



To enter, just use the entry form below.  There are several ways to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through November 4th and is open to Bubby and Bean readers worldwide. The winner will be randomly chosen and listed here on the Rafflecopter form within 48 hours of its ending.  Thanks again to Angara for offering up this beautiful necklace to one of our readers. Good luck!

This giveaway is in collaboration with Angara.

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Monday, October 27, 2014

A Fan of Sleep, My Baby Is Not. (This Monitor Helps.)




Before Essley was born, we were given a hand-me-down baby monitor. Although it's a little outdated, it served its purpose for the most part, and we were grateful to have it. Unfortunately, the sound began to crackle with constant static and the blurry video started to go in and out, so it became only partially effective. And of course, the need for a monitor increased right around the time that this one stopped working. Essley is now crawling like crazy, standing, and even beginning to take some steps, both out of her crib and in it, which means that there is a lot more to have to keep an eye on than just a peacefully sleeping baby. She is also not a big fan of sleep in general, and will do just about anything to try to convince us that she needs out of her crib to play - whether before/during a nap, when we put her to bed, or in the middle of the night. We do always come check on her and/or get her if she is crying or seems distressed at all. And we do sometimes co-sleep as well. But for the times that she's making play sounds or giggling or chattering, I've wished I had an effective way to see her without her seeing me, regardless of where she was in her crib - because as those of you with little ones know, once they see you, it's all over.

We eventually realized that as far as baby monitors go, we probably needed something a little more reliable and with some extra features. So we got a new one. What we got - the Motorola MBP36S video baby monitor - was so much more than we expected. And I'm taking this post to share its awesomeness with you guys. We have a happy, cheerful, easy baby - except when it comes to sleep. If a monitor can help make sleep time easier for us, it might just do the same for you.  Whether you have a baby or toddler (or even an older child), or a baby on the way, or family/friends with babies/kids, I'm telling you - this monitor is golden. (And yes, this is a sponsored post, but I would be singing this thing's praises regardless. Getting a baby to sleep can be incredibly tricky, and if a good monitor can be key in making the process less challenging, I'm going to tell everyone I know. The end.)


My favorite thing about the Motorola MBP36S is the fact that the camera (which showcases the video image on a full color LCD screen) remotely pans, tilts, and zooms. This means that no matter where my constantly moving child is in her crib, I can position the camera - from another room - to see her. The monitor also provides crystal clear two-way communication, which means when she thinks it's play time at 4 AM, I can say, "Essley, it's time to go to sleep," and she will hear me as well as if I was standing right there. Yep. It also plays five different lullabies, which means if my voice doesn't do the trick, I can remotely start playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (her favorite) from the comfort of my own bed. The infrared night vision allows for a clearer view of her at night than if I was in there with it, which is also a huge bonus. Oh yeah, and did I mention that there is room temperature display, so I know the exact temp of her room? As for the other stats, it has 2.4 GHz FHSS wireless technology, a 3.5' diagonal screen, a sound level indicator, volume control, a range up to 590 feet, ad out-of-range alert, a rechargeable battery, a low battery alert, a flip out stand on the parent unit, is expandable up to 4 cameras (additional baby units sold separately, Model: MBP36BU), and if you have more than one little one, you can view two baby units simultaneously with picture-in-picture technology. Phew.


The biggest thing for us is the fact that Essley wants to party all night, and we were having a terrible time trying to get her to settle back down when she wanted to play, because the second she saw us in the room all hell broke loose. The Motorola MBP36S video baby monitor allows us to keep a close eye on her - and even communicate with her - without physically standing in front of here. Not only does that enable her to fall back asleep more easily, it also saves several exhausted trips from our bed to hers. I get it - sleep is probably all sorts of boring for a 10 month old. But mommy and daddy crave it, and baby needs it to stay healthy, and the MBP36S is proving to be incredibly helpful in the whole family getting longer, higher quality sleeps.

If you're interested in finding out more info or purchasing the monitor, you can do so at Diapers.com.

Who else has a baby/todder/kid who would rather rage all night than sleep? What do you do to help them settle down and get some freaking sleep already?


Thank you for supporting Bubby and Bean by allowing me to post occasional sponsored content. All sponsored posts feature products or services that I genuinely feel would be of interest to my readers. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Friday, October 24, 2014

Be a Part of Bubby and Bean for the Holidays!



Although we rarely post sponsor calls anymore, this time of year is the most important of all for small business and brands to promote their goods and services, and we'd love for you to let us help you get the word out! November and December are the highest traffic months of the year here on the blog - and therefore for our sponsors as well. And advertising with Bubby and Bean is an an affordable, effective way to promote your brand to several thousands of interested people every single day.

Bubby and Bean works with companies big and small through banner advertising, sponsored content, product review, sponsored giveaways, and other means of custom collaboration through this blog and social media integration. For more information on our various advertising packages, current stats, press, and pricing, visit our sponsor page right here to view our ad sizes and rates. You can also book banner ad spaces there directly in one click.

If you're looking for other ways to promote this season, such as sponsored content, giveaways, or gift guides, be sure to contact us ASAP as these opportunities book up quickly and usually several weeks in advance.

Have questions?  Feel free to contact us
(image source)

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

GIVEAWAY // Win Your Choice of Minnetonka Shoes!


GIVEAWAY // Win a Pair of Minnetonka Moccasins from Bubby and Bean

Last week, I shared a project I'd done with my pal Laura and my friends over at Minnetonka called 'One Style, Two Ways,' both here on the blog and over on Minnetonka's site. Minnetonka is one of my absolute favorite companies, and it's always such a pleasure to get to team up with them. I own more Minnetonka shoes than probably all of my other shoes combined. They're just that great. And now one lucky Bubby and Bean reader is going to get to pick out a pair of Minnetonkas of her/his own - any pair of shoes/moccasins/boots/wedges/etc.!


Minnetonka Giveaway


To enter, just use the entry form below.  There are several ways to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through October 29th and is open to Bubby and Bean readers with a U.S. shipping address. And don't forget, Minnetonka is having a contest of their own! This month, head over to Instagram and show how you make your Minnetonka shoes your own personal style with the tag #MyMinnetonka, for the chance to appear in their gallery on minnetonkamoccasin.com. Plus, each Monday through November 3rd, a winner will be selected and awarded a new pair of Minnetonka moccs and a $250 gift card! More details on their contest are available right here. Entering their contest is also one of the entries you can choose for this giveaway (worth 5 points!), so it's a win-win. Good luck!


ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Our Favorite IKEA Hacks


By Home Contributor Paige Ronchetti


I love me some IKEA. If I had to pick a furniture/home store as my best friend, I think the blue and yellow palace would be it. That might be a bit surprising for someone like me to admit, but for real: they're affordable, you can find literally everything in one place (right down to paper napkins if you're throwing a party), and they feature a variety of styles. I know some people think it's "dorm furniture" and therefore beneath them, but those people are missing out for all of the reasons I just mentioned, PLUS they won't get to do any cool IKEA hacks after they get home. Lame.

Hacks tend to fall into two categories: dressing an item up, or turning an item into something else. Both are equally awesome and there were so many great examples floating around that I had a hard time choosing favorites. In the end I had to play the whole "what would I want in my house" game and went from there. (I literally cannot choose an Ultimate Favorite from this list today, so don't ask. Ha.) Hacks are a great way to customize a piece for your space. IKEA tends to make things in limited colors--my only minor quibble with them--but getting your hack on takes care of that problem. And if you're feeling extra creative, you can take some of the unassembled parts and mix them with other things. The coffee table above, for example, has midcentury legs added to a Lack tabletop.

All of this talk makes me want to run out and buy some paint! And maybe gold leaf! And I DO think I need some of those midcentury legs...  How do you feel about IKEA hacks? Have you made any? Which of these is your favorite? And if you had to pick a furniture store BFF, what would it be? -Paige

I'm with Paige on this one. Those who think they're above IKEA are missing out. It's my favorite furniture store too, and I can't wait to try out some of the hacks that she's shared here! In addition to writing for Bubby and Bean as our Home Contributor, Paige works as an Interior Designer (check out her biz, The Room Kit) and blogs over at Little Nostalgia. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram


ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Monday, October 20, 2014

Bathroom Makeover: Modern Accessories


Modern Bathroom Accessories // Bubby and Bean


A few months ago, I posted a bathroom vanity wish list roundup and told you guys all about my upstairs bathroom (the only full bath in our place), and how it's my least favorite room in our house. I mentioned that aside from a table and a couple of art prints, it resembles a painfully generic model home bathroom in almost every way. Since the reality is that there won't be any major remodeling work happening in there any time soon, I decided that I'd do some window shopping for accessories and smaller items that, together, could potentially give it a whole new look. The items you see above (all from Modern Bath, who carries some seriously beautiful luxury bathroom furniture, fixtures, and accessories) are at the top of my list right now.  I love that they're all simple, modern, and even a little sleek, but don't look too matchy-matchy paired together as a group.

I've learned over the years that sometimes just focusing on the smaller details of a room can create the illusion of an entirely new space, so that's my goal. If/when I go through with it, I'll be sure to share some photos here. For now, I'm just enjoying the daydream.

Have you even redone details of a bathroom just by replacing smaller things like fixtures and paint?  What about other rooms?

This post is in collaboration with Modern Bath.

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Friday, October 17, 2014

My Minnetonka // One Style, Two Ways


My Minnentonka: One Style, Two Ways // Bubby and Bean

I'm thrilled to be teaming up once again with one of my all-time favorite brands, Minnetonka Moccasin, for a special series they're doing called 'One Style, Two Ways!' This month, they're encouraging you to express your individual personality on Instagram by showing the world how you style your Minnetonka moccasins, wedges, booties, and boots, and tagging your picture with #MyMinnetonka. To align with this, they asked several bloggers to each partner up with a blogging pal to individually style the same pair in her own way. This is one of my favorite things about Minnetonka's products - a single style can be worn an infinite number of ways.

For my 'One Style, Two Ways,' I paired up with my dear friend and soul sister Laura of Roots and Feathers to style the Double Fringe Side Zip Boot.  Laura and I have similar tastes (especially in clothes, accessories, and music!) but also each have our own unique style. We didn't discuss what we'd be wearing beforehand, so it was really fun to see how the other styled the same shoe. Although our looks were different, they ended up really complementing the other. You can see more photos of both of us sporting this amazing ankle boot and read about what inspired each of our looks over on the Minnetonka blog.

Melissa Baswell Williams of Bubby & Bean for Minnetonka

And now it's your turn! Head over to Instagram and show how you make your Minnetonka shoes #MyMinnetonka for the chance to appear in their gallery on minnetonkamoccasin.com. Plus, each Monday through November 3rd a winner will be selected and awarded a new pair of Minnetonka mocs and a $250 gift card! (See more details here.)

One final piece of good news: There will be a very special Minnetonka giveaway here on Bubby & Bean next week. So be sure to stop back by!

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST

Thursday, October 16, 2014

GIVEAWAY // Win A Staycation at the W (or Any Starwood Hotel!)


GIVEAWAY // Win A One-Night Staycation at the W (or Any Starwood Hotel!) from Bubby and Bean

Last week, I shared the details of our recent (and incredible!) staycation at the gorgeous W Chicago City Center. And now, I'm teaming up with the fantastic folks at W Hotels to offer one of you a staycation of your own, worth up to $420! One lucky Bubby and Bean reader will win 12,000 Starwood points, which is good for a one night stay at the W Chicago City Center, the W Chicago Lakeshore, or any W Hotel or Starwood hotel!

As you can see in this post, I fell in love with the W City Center. From the chicly decorated, modern guestrooms to the cloud-like bed, from their delicious-beyond-words IPO restaurant to the Bliss body products in the bathroom, from the gorgeous lobby and lounge areas to the stellar location, it quickly became one of my all-time favorite hotels.  And the W City Center's sister hotel, the W Chicago Lakeshore, is equally as heavenly. It just went through a $38 million redesign and renovation that spans all guestrooms, meeting space, public space, and a brand new Living Room and restaurant (called Current) concept. Towering over Lake Michigan, W Chicago Lakeshore radiates what's new/next in the city at the water's edge. And it's got some killer views.




To enter, just use the entry form below.  There are several ways to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through October 24th and is open to Bubby and Bean readers worldwide. For terms and conditions, please see below. Thank you again to the W/Starwood Hotels for this offering up this amazing prize! Good luck!


Terms and Conditions: Lucky for you, Starwood Hotels and Resorts (think Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, and even the St. Regis) is giving away 12,000 Starwood Preferred Guest points to one lucky Bubby and Bean reader! This is enough for a 1 night stay at a category 5 hotel (or up to a 2 night stay at a lower category). If the winner of this giveaway is not already a Starwood Preferred Guests member, he or she will need to join (it only takes a minute and is free). More details can be found here: Room Category/Point Value // Cash and Points

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST