bugs & bean

happy new year from magpie lovely!

2012-01-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

what a great first year it's been. we love working with all of these wonderful designers and getting the opportunity to introduce their products to a new audience. thank you to everyone who works so hard to make the shop a success. we feel very fortunate to love what we do. there are some great things ahead for magpie lovely. think: new categories (men! pets!), a lot more new designers and some fun contests.

the first year open was a year of growth and discovery for magpie lovely and we have high hopes that the second year is going to be booming!

here is a special offer for our blog readers.

use promocode: cheers2012 for 10% off your order.
cheers! we wish you all a happy & healthy 2012! xo

he's here

2012-01-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

well, he's been here for three weeks (three weeks?! when did that happen?) but this momma has been busy (read: beyond tired).

meet will. he is awesome in so many ways.

lots of baby updates to come, but for now it's back to bed.
xo

hello (and goodbye) due date

2011-12-14T16:50:00.000-05:00

so here i am at 5 pm on 12.14... made it to my due date. i feel like it is quite the accomplishment since it hasn't been an easy road, but i am very anxious at this point to meet my boy. he is fully cooked and ready to face the world. t likes to say that he is too busy hanging up his christmas lights in there - our own little clark griswold. bean still has a week to come on his own, but my doctor scheduled me for an induction 12.21. cool date, right? he will be a week over due and i'm sure i'll be ready to try anything at that point. for now, we wait. oh and eat...a lot. i eat a hearty meal each night juuuust incase i go into labor and can't eat for a few hours. this girl does not like to be hungry.

hopefully my next post will be with a picture of my little man.

off to do some jumping jacks. xo

crunch time: a name

2011-12-02T15:19:00.000-05:00

what's in a name? a lot.

i've been discussing names since day one of this pregnancy. i love names. really, not sure why but i just think the concept of choosing a name for your child is so special. that is why i want to get it right. i tend to like a little more unique/creative names and t prefers classic names. one thing we both agree on is that we want it to be a strong name that will carry him through life in whatever he wants to be.

here are three tests the name must pass:
1. yell the name on the lacrosse field. gooooo ______!
2. the blind date test: if i am a girl on a blind date and i hear that his name is ______, what is my first impression. (got this one from joanna at a cup of jo)
3. picture his name on a resume

i'm happy to report we landed on a name that we both love! it's perfect and i can picture myself snuggling with little _____, but also yelling "_____, stop it and get over here!"

here are some of our (my) top picks (i left out the one):
only boys, of course...

anderson (anders)
oliver
mason
griffin
henry (hank)
bennett
harrison
elliott (maiden name)
grayson
ronan
brady
hudson

very much looking forward to sharing bean's name. what are some of your favorites?
xo

cyber monday deal for magpie lovely!

2011-11-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

hello shoppers! just for our followers we are offering 20% off your entire order! get out those holiday shopping lists. enter promocode: cybremon11 at checkout.

this is what i am asking for this year

happy shopping! xo

full term, baby

2011-11-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

life has been busy...and by busy i mean crazy, filled with many sleepless nights worrying about my little bean and if he is growing. t and i have had some ultrasound scares, but thankfully we got great news on wednesday that this boy is healthy and right on track. 6 pounds, 4 ounces at 37 weeks - we are thrilled. we went from having our bags packed, ready to meet our boy on thanksgiving to full relief of knowing bean can come when he wants. personally, i think he is quite comfy in there and i will have to get induced after my due date. momma birthday prediction: december 16. and we all know, momma knows best.

it feels great to be full term and know that when he comes he will be a nice big boy, ready to breathe on his own and come home with us to see his room!

t and i both attended the university of delaware and live relatively close to campus. we try to avoid the area when school is in session (mostly because it's hectic and parking is rare, but also the older we get, the younger the students get), but after our awesome news on wednesday we decided to wake up early on thanksgiving and take some pictures of this belly on campus. it was beautiful! we could not have asked for better weather. here are some of my favorites.

ok buddy, we are ready to meet you. come on out :)

xo

ps. cyber monday deal for magpie lovely coming tomorrow! (a day early for our followers) yea!!

holiday gift guide - part four! (home)

2011-11-17T10:00:00.004-05:00

the last part to our magpie lovely gift guide - items for your home! these would make fantastic host/hostess gifts.

1 {modern elephant clock} 2 {chevron personalized stationery set} 3 {staghorn cable knit pillow sham} 4 {garden apron} 5 {black/white chevron tray} 6 {fuschia flower coasters}

that's it for our gift guide. i hope you enjoyed our ideas. we couldn't mention everything, so make sure you check magpie lovely for more great products.

holiday gift guide - part three! (jewelry)

2011-11-16T10:00:00.001-05:00

here we go, part three of the holiday gift guide for magpie lovely - jewelry!

1 {amazonite multicolor dream knotted necklace} 2 {brunswick necklace} 3 {never ending jersey & leather necklace} 4 {love knot silver necklace} 5 {natasha earrings} 6 {alexis hoop earrings} 7 {lark green onyx bracelet} 8 {slim silver stacking bands}

get 10% off!! use promocode: holidaygg

see something you love that we missed in our gift guide. we would love to hear!

holiday gift guide - part two! (women)

2011-11-15T10:00:00.003-05:00

here is part two of our magpie lovely holiday gift guide featuring women items!

1 {butter cream shoe clips} 2 {iva tote} 3 {grey reversible aspen wrap} 4 {denim blue bow belt} 5 {bena clutch} 6 {navy & stone tiger lily moccasin}

don't forget, blog readers get 10% off their order with promocode: holidaygg

up next, jewelry!

holiday gift guide - part one! (kids)

2011-11-14T10:00:00.005-05:00

in preparation for the holidays coming up we have put together a little holiday gift guide from magpie lovely!

we broke it down into a few different categories. first up, kids!

1 {elbow patch cardigan} 2 {lucy dress} 3 {denim seersucker tiered dress} 4 {nautical long sleeve set}

1 {ivory cable knit wool slippers} 2 {jack frost wool slippers} 3 {o'henry booties} 4 {wheat elephant baby shoe}

1 {baby modern hedgehog clock} 2 {jumbo first wooden blocks} 3 {alligator to zebra poster} 4 {english retro style cards}

enjoy and happy shopping!
ps. 10% off for our blog readers - enter promocode: holidaygg at checkout!

just another music monday...

2011-11-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

as i mentioned yesterday, i'm in the holiday spirit. i even ended up watching one of my favorite christmas movies yesterday - elf, a true classic. if that movie doesn't make you laugh, there is something wrong with you. i managed to keep it together and only cry once.

and now some christmas tunes, compliments of j. bieber. don't judge before you listen.

bright side sunday: frost & christmas music

2011-11-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

there is officially frost on the ground and it's light out at 6 am, thanks daylight savings time. i have always loved this time of year, but now that bean is on his way (just 5 1/2 weeks left!) i am even more excited for the holidays. i was walking through the mall yesterday and christmas music came on...due to these lovely pregnancy hormones i started crying. i guess it was the combination of bean's red/white stripped christmas outfit i had in my hand and the thought of it being his first christmas that pushed me over the edge. t and i can't wait to get our christmas tree and decorate the house for bean. so, as of yesterday i decided we are starting the holidays early this year! christmas music - all. the. time.

here are some things to celebrate this sunday:
34 1/2 weeks and feeling great! (minus not sleeping, killer leg cramps, lower backache & utter exhaustion)

bean's room is DONE! beyond excited and i will be sharing some pictures soon.

these fun finds around the web:
this 2012 watercolor calendar

fun wooden cars (from handmade charlotte)

a combination of two of my favorite things: polka dots & scarfs love this minty color

one more scarf - a true piece of art

and a big congrats to these bloggers on their new additions:
sydney from the day book blog welcomed a baby boy, everett

emily from the day garnish welcomed a baby boy, cullen (new fave blog!)

hope you all had a wonderful weekend! big day this friday with an ultrasound and childbirth classes. that should make for a fun post. xo

new gems at magpie lovely!

2011-11-05T10:46:00.000-04:00

get free shipping too! use promocode: fallfreeship
hurry, offer ends 11/11/11

babymoon to the beach

2011-10-28T15:48:00.000-04:00

t and i took a much needed mini babymoon to rehoboth beach in delaware last weekend. his cousin has a fabulous house right on the beach that provides an instant sense of calm the minute you walk in. rehoboth has a great main street filled with restaurants and shops. since bean's nursery is a nautical theme (in hopes that he enjoys the beach as much as we do) we picked up a few fun items. side note: i can't wait to share pics of his room. when we first found out we were pregnant i begged t to let me decorate the nursery however i wanted. i've spent the past few months scouring the internet and local shops finding the perfect pieces and i can't believe how everything has come together. it's awesome. i will just sit in his room at night and think about the day we get to bring him home...heart melts.

ok, back to the babymoon. we ate a lot and laid around a lot and ate some more. it was really just what we needed. i came back refreshed and ready to tackle the next few weeks.

here are a few pics of the bean at 32 1/2 weeks (yes, 1/2's count these days).

can't wait to take bean to the beach and put those little toes in the sand! happy weekend to everyone. enjoy!! xo

winner of adele tote!!

2011-10-24T16:16:00.000-04:00

congratulations to our winner (lucky number 19): joolee

joolee, please contact us at kate@magpielovely.com so we can get your contact info.

thanks everyone for entering!

just another music monday...

2011-10-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

ever since i heard the zac brown band on the today show a few weeks ago i've become a big fan. i when you can listen to an entire album without skipping over the songs you think are just "eh." get this album (or anything by the zac brown band, you won't regret it.

how great are the lyrics to the chorus of "let it go?"

you keep your heart above your head and you eyes wide open
so this world can't find a way to leave you cold
and know you're not the only ship out on the ocean
save your strength for things that you can change
forgive the ones you can't
you gotta let 'em go

yes you do, zac.

big giveaway from magpie lovely!

2011-10-16T16:20:00.001-04:00

here is your chance to win the perfect tote for fall. magpie lovely is giving away one adele two tone tote by fabric & handle.

if you haven't seen this bag yet, it's so adorable. this 100% linen tote bag with 2 tone color, light brown and cream, features cream canvas interior with 1 patch pocket, magnetic main compartment closure and double leather handles with adjustable buttoned straps. it is easily washable, just remove the leather straps and wash it cold with like colors in your washing machine. the size is: 40 cm. width x 42 cm; height strap; length: 24-63 cm.

meet the designer: fabric & handle (thailand) founded in 2006, owner salinya creates well designed, useful and stylish bags. she works with a small team of tailors and leather workers to guarantee the quality of their handmade bags. she believes that besides good design, it is craftsmanship and attention to detail that make the difference.

for your chance to win, leave a comment below on why you need a new bag for fall!

for extra entries:

follow magpie lovely on facebook and post below

follow magpie lovely on twitter and post below

we will choose one winner at random on sunday, october 23rd.

good luck and have a wonderful week!

meet the designer: white nest

2011-10-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

i have been on a search lately to find some fun art to add to magpie lovely. enter white nest. meg is a former interior designer turned full-time crafter. she turned her knowledge and experience of interiors into creating beautiful handmade pieces with high quality materials and techniques.

just ordered this piece and it is even more beautiful in person. love it!

i caught up with the lovely owner, meg and here is what she had to say…

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

1. my husband, dog, and cat (yes! i count this as one answer!). my husband allows me to live my dream…his continual support and unconditional love is amazing. our golden retriever, gracie is my best and favorite co-worker. and our tabby cat, bob johnson, is stuck to my hip…they make me so happy!

2. lipsmakers chap stick…is it wrong that i’m 30-years-old and i still use lipsmakers as my main lip care!? ha!

3. my “studio” and supplies! my studio is our spare bedroom and it makes me very, very happy. everything is tucked and stored in it’s spot…it’s small but works!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

is running white nest a nerdy answer, because it’s true! i love to do all things “crafty” or “diy”. i knit and i’m constantly re-arranging and re-doing things in our little condo (which i started documenting on my blog!), since i was an interior designer in my former life.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WHITE NEST?

like many people in the recession, i had a 9-to-5 job that became increasingly more trying and difficult. three rounds of layoffs and three rounds of people’s work landing on my desk made me crave an outlet for the stress. i had always done something with my hands, so i started producing embroidered designs that i turned into artwork. i loved doing it so much that i listed some items online and the rest of history. needless to say, my 9-to-5er job is no longer and i couldn’t be happier!

how cute is her pup, gracie?!

thanks meg! so happy to have you as a part of the shop. check out all of white nest’s gorgeous art here. and, stay tuned i will add more soon.

xo, kate

it's halloween time!

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

have you seen these adorable shirts at magpie lovely? order by the end of this week to receive yours in time for the big day!

happy columbus day - free shipping!

2011-10-10T09:00:00.001-04:00

today only - get FREE SHIPPING on your order at magpie lovely!

enjoy and happy shopping.

bright side sunday: football, chili & hypnobirthing

2011-10-09T15:02:00.000-04:00

talk about multi-tasking... there is a big pot of chili cooking, my husband is watching the eagles/bills game (go birds, there i said it tom) and i am laying next to him on the couch reading my book on hypnobirthing. ok people, it's not as granola as it sounds. i'm not thrilled about the idea of a giant needle jabbed in my back so i'm looking into other relaxation techniques. i mean jessica alba used the technique twice so it has to work! yes, i've listened to everyone who has told me that when it comes time to get this boy out i'll pretty much be begging the doctor to stab the epidural, rusty needle and all into my back...or eye, really whatever they need to do to take the pain away. BUT, being the person i am i need to feel like i am going in prepared - helmet and pads on (football, remember?)

here is the book that is going to make me have a "safe, easier, more comfortable birthing experience."

i keep throwing out comments like, "so apparently we're supposed to identify feelings, experiences or recollections that may be painful or hurtful, thus limiting our ability to approach birthing free of harmful emotions." i get a response of, "wait we?" and "let's identify these feelings during half time."

so far all signs are pointing towards the meds.

onto the bright side!

i found out i'm going to have a niece! seeing lots of pink and i think this will be my first purchase from magpie: eyelet ruffle bloomers set

pre-ordered the new i-phone 4S - enough said, super psyched.

latest purchase for bean's room: this chevron throw. isn't it gorgeous? found on you are my fave blog

secret promotion coming tomorrow for magpie lovely facebook and twitter followers!

have a good week! xo

meet the designer: bink & boo

2011-10-07T09:23:00.000-04:00

on fridays i am going to start introducing magpie lovely designers and give them the opportunity to tell the story behind their brand.

first up, meet bink & boo!

bink & boo pairs their vintage fabric finds with modern textiles for a cheerful approach to creating such beautiful products.

i had the opportunity to talk with the fabulous bianca from bink & boo and ask her a few questions. she is as bright and cheery as the lovely fabrics she uses for bink & boo. here is what she had to say.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN CREATING DESIGNS FOR BINK & BOO?

I am inspired by so much, but specifically when I am creating new designs it is always in the early morning between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. I love being the first one up in our house…and the neighborhood. There is something so peaceful about the silence of the morning and welcoming a fresh new day before the light of dawn. I usually stumble down into my office, and once I turn on the lights I am instantly awakened by the vibrant decor and vivid textiles that are scattered about for inspiration. It’s kind of like a welcoming slap on the face each morning, but in a good way–it has to be when you are up as early as I am. My creative space is filled with lots of family photos from the 60′s and 70′s, swatches of my favorite fabric finds, and all sorts of chachkies and chingaderas from thrift trips; It’s the juxtaposition of these things that help me create and bring me inspiration.

WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS THAT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?

This question cracks me up, because the first thing that comes to mind is that I could NOT live without Trader Joe’s (grocery store). Isn’t that silly? But seriously I love it, and I have told my husband that we could NEVER live somewhere that doesn’t have a Trader Joe’s. I have shopped there since I was a little girl. My husband didn’t really get the whole TJ’s obsession until recently, and I am proud to report that he is now just as much a fan as I am.

The other thing that I could not live without is my flat iron. I have short hair that is very thick and naturally curly/wavy. If I don’t straighten it, my hair begins to look like Rod Blagojevich, it’s awful.

This brings me to the third thing I cannot live without, lip gloss. Because I have short hair I feel like I always have to have a little gloss to keep myself from looking too boyish. I am a fan of Stila lip glaze, I feel like every color is made for me, but “apricot” is my go to. I keep one in my car, one in my husbands car, two in my purse, one in my office, and one in the stroller.

And the one thing that I could never live without (I know there were only supposed to be three, but I have always been a rule breaker), my family. My mom, dad, grandmother, aunts, uncles, my amazing husband and son, they are me. I am a mix of cultures that all consider “familia” to be the most important thing. I have experienced some amazing highs in my life with a sprinkling of some lows, but through everything my family has been there to love me, hug me, catch me, dust me off, and send me right back on my way. I do not want to know what life would be like without Trader Joe’s, nor do I want to walk around town with Rod Blagojevich hair and no lip gloss, but I would give up all those things in an instant for the comfort of my family.

WHAT IS YOUR WISH FOR BINK & BOO?
My wish is for bink & boo to becomes a household name and brand. It’s our mission to spread an extra ray of sunshine to every corner of the country. There is so much joy, love, and history behind our brand and each creation, and we feel that when people buy our goods all that “sunshine” comes through and it makes people smile. Making people smile is a wonderful gift in life.

we are going to ask bianca to move into her office. isn’t it just lovely?

check out bink & boo! new items in stock now.

these booties are my favorite!!

xo, kate

ahoy it's a boy - baby shower

2011-09-29T22:30:00.001-04:00

my baby shower was last weekend and in one word it was - amazing. i left feeling like my little boy is already so loved - again, just amazing. my creative and talented mom and sister-in-law did everything. i'm quite the type a, controlling person and they wouldn't even let me know where it was being held or who was attending. i was so nervous (not really sure why, i guess i never like being the center of attention), but i walked into the restaurant and was blown away.

ahoy, it's a boy!

the room was all decked out in a nautical theme. my mom even made these adorable aprons as gifts for everyone. here i am with my college roommates sporting our aprons.

here are some more photos of the decor.

and here i am with my fabulous hostesses.

we received so many amazing gifts and i will be spending the next few weeks trying to get organized. but, i feel one step closer to being prepared (or as prepared as you can get as a first time momma). such a fun day!

just another music monday

2011-09-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

every time i hear this song it makes me want to grab a margarita (virgin, of course) and run out to the deck (in my tankini) to soak up what is left of the sun.

dirty heads - lay me down

bright side sunday

2011-09-25T16:24:00.000-04:00

cheers to a productive weekend. don't you love when you can sit down on the couch after a long day and feel accomplished (opposed to when i usually just feel like a bum).

here is what is making me smile as the weekend comes to an end:

it's fall! bring on the mild weather and big chunky sweaters! fingers crossed that i pass my three hour glucose test so i can indulge in these pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

my inspiration for bean's room (thanks, lay baby lay)
i will post pictures as we make progress. right now it's a giant pile of baby gear.

the most beautiful handmade costumes for babie s - i mean, really? the mermaid! it's just too much and kind of makes me wish that bean was here for halloween this year... boys can be mermaids, right?

wearing this dress to a party (and not feeling incredible huge, nice!)

this precious organic little mouse onsie - new at magpie lovely. makes me smile.

hope you all have a good week!

pillow talk

2011-09-22T18:59:00.000-04:00

sleep. it's totally over rated. (this coming from the girl who drove half way to work this morning before realizing my hair was still in a wet mess on top of my head, wrapped in a towel.) i think i've officially developed "pregnancy brain." before i got pregnant i thought this was something pregnant women made up...now i know it's really from not sleeping.

i used to be a stomach sleeper, which doesn't happen anymore since it feels like i swallowed an inflated beach ball. i try to sleep on my side, but my legs fall asleep and my hips hurt. hello, grandma. i often wake up on my back and get upset because in all the pregnancy books i read it says to not sleep on your back. i have visions of my giant uterus crushing my little nugget.

so, solution: everyone told me i must get a pregnancy pillow. genious!

here is what i went with:

the boppy prenatal pillow
it's definitely helped, but it seems to have lost some of it's fluff. so, i had to improvise. now i have the boppy pillow on the left, my regular pillow at my head and my king size pillow on my right. no, there is not a lot of room for my husband, but hey i'll do anything to sleep these days.

i'm thinking about investing in this:

the serenity star pillow - even the name says "sleep" to me
do i invest $100 in a pillow? i'm thinking yes. plus, i often find my husband napping with my boppy pillow so i don't think it will be a hard sell.

sweet dreams!
xo

bright side sunday

2011-09-18T20:06:00.000-04:00

ever get the sunday blues? i sure do! it's the feeling of oh great, the weekend is over already and i need to go back to reality tomorrow. i never sleep on sunday nights (not like i sleep much ever, but more on that later). i've decided to call out some things to be happy about on sunday. so here we go...

the emmys are on tonight! i much prefer the watching the glamour on the red carpet over the actual awards part so here is who i will be on the look out for:

{keri russell}
always been a fan of hers (i even stuck by her when she chopped off all her hair during "felicity." man, i miss that show)

{dianna agron}
i find her incredibly put together and poised at all times and i hope she rocks her new pink hair

{john krazinski & emily blunt}
love them as a couple! i hope she is a bit more daring this year, though.

{lea michele}
she can do no wrong in my book. i would love to meet her stylist one day. i'm thinking bright red this year.

pics from 2010 emmys {just jared}

who are you excited to see?

happy sunday! have a good week. xo

{sponsor} welcome ampersandity

2011-09-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

i am slightly obsessed with our logo - don't you love? i worked with the super crafty cathie hong of ampersandity to create the bugs & bean logo (and our magpie lovely logo). i just love working with cathie and she has a great etsy shop. make sure you check it out.

this custom rubber address stamp is my favorite!

just another music monday...

2011-09-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

i love this song and plan to put it on my hospital playlist (you know, along with "push it" from salt & peppa). i'm sure my little guy will come out smiling and hopefully dancing.

lights - ellie goulding

fun, right? taking suggestions for other songs to add.

our first post!

2011-09-11T14:43:00.000-04:00

hello all! welcome to bugs & bean. this blog serves as a creative outlet for me as i navigate through pregnancy & motherhood and everything that comes with it. i i hope you will leave feeling inspired and happy. come back often and feel free to let me know what you think!

xo. kate