October Obsessions and GSD

Happy Halloween!!  I'm going to get a last minute post here for October.  We look a little miserable here, but trust me, we were greatly rewarded for our efforts with lots and lots of treats.  

So, I think I spoke too soon last month.  I am technically back in Blogland, but I am trying to research anything and everything I will need and need to know for Baby Bean.  This has consisted of lots of internet searches as well as lots of emails asking my friends where the heck to start.  My friends are professionals now so they have given me so much awesome information.  Yay to having awesome friends.  However, any sort of crafting has come to a halt at the moment.  But, I am just enjoying the last few weeks of it just being me, Mr. Bean, and the Fred.

My obsessions this month will be short.  Mostly because I have to finish up some stuff so I can leave early and buy some candy for the handful of trick or treaters we'll be getting, but also because I will have a November post up shortly.

{image via Cicada Daydream}

GeoCentric by Michelle Engel Bencsko.  I am pretty obsessed with this fabric line.  I can't really say much else.  Except that I'd like to marry it.  That is all.  I love all of the patterns, all of the colors.  I even love the name.  Check out Cloud9 Fabrics if you want to purchase this for me.  Check out Michelle's blog here.

That's it. Told you it was short!  This month is GSD month at the Bean household.  Getting Stuff Done.  My FIL has come over to help us hang lights that I bought months before we were pregnant.  Replace light plates and outlets that have been begging to be updated since 1982.  I'm exaggerating here.  Our house was built in 2001, but the builders used the cheapest, ugliest possible materials they could to put this house together.  We are seeing the floor in the guestroom now as I'm finally getting my books down to the minimal only-keep-the-ones-I-love stash.  Getting rid of books is hard for me to do because I am, at heart, a lover of books.  I love my Kindle, but man, I love to hold a book.

I haven't started purging the craft room, but that will come in time.  Right now, I just need to finish up filling a few more boxes of donations.  For a while there, you couldn't tell if we were moving in or moving out, but I think we are getting to the point that you can tell we are going to stay for a bit.  And that is a good feeling.

We got the baby's room painted. The closet is ripped out and repainted, waiting for the elfa shelving sale at Container Store.  The crib is in the room and will be built this weekend.  Her new ceiling fan is hung.  Please see the above comment about the ugliest, cheapest materials used on the house.  I know I'm somewhat behind in the nursery department, but I'm feeling pretty good about where I'm at in the GSD department, so that's all that matters to me.  

This weekend I will be attending Quilt Market.  I am going to try to remain focused and only by what it necessary.  And by 'necessary' I mean only what I need.  And by 'only what I need' I mean only what I can carry in one bag and not pass out from holding it for 5 hours.  Wish me luck.  

September Obsessions

Hello, Friend!  I think I'm back!  I think I've caught up enough at work that I feel more comfortable slacking off and blogging a bit. So, here I am!

There isn't much to catch you up on.  The last few weeks have been really just a lot of working and cooking and cleaning and purging.  I am feeling like a normal person again, so I've actually started cooking again.  The smell would get to me too much to ever finish what I started, so I've been avoiding the kitchen the last few months.  Mr. Bean is relieved because he prefers home food and is not a fan of eating out constantly and he is always too tired when he comes home from work to cook himself.  So he is grateful that he doesn't have to worry about dinner anymore. I am just grateful that I am not as sensitive to smells anymore.

I feel like I am forever saying that I am purging and cleaning, but I think the end is near.  I guess I have always had enough room to keep my purging pretty minimal since I have always had two spare rooms to still hoard stuff.  But now that Baby Bean will be occupying one of those rooms, I had to really get down to the nitty gritty and get rid of a ton of stuff.  My mom is the cleaning/organizing/purging extraordinaire so she has helped me a lot.  I am proud of what we've gotten done so far, but there are a million little things to still go thru.  I aim to finish that up by this weekend so we can paint her room.  Oh, did I not mention that?  We are having a girl!  When we found out, Mr. Bean's first words were, "First we buy the crib, then we buy the shotgun."  :)  So I think you can guess what kind of daddy he will be...

I can't wait to get her room painted so I can start making things.  I am a procrastinator at heart, so I know my list of things I'd like to make is more of a wish list, but I will definitely keep you posted on what I do make.  This is a craft blog, after all.  Not a Pintobean update blog. Word?

This obsessions post will be short because I really haven't been reading about anything other than baby stuff lately.

{image via Dotmmo}

Gardens of Time.  Thanks to Sharmee, I am absolutely addicted to this game.  She told me she was addicted so I downloaded it to see what all the fuss was about. And now I am obsessed.  The part that they get you is that you are limited on your energy so you can only play a limited amount of time.  In order to get more energy, you either buy more gold or you wait it out.  And trust me, it feels like forever when you wait so it is mighty tempting. But, man, is it worth the wait.

All Cause of You by The 88.  So I am a bit embarrassed to admit this, but if you promise not to judge, I'll tell you.  While I was home one day with a bad bout of morning sickness, I started watching Blue Lagoon: The Awakening.  I am a sucker for teen romance movies.  Like Geek Charming.  Please don't judge.  You promised you wouldn't.  Anyway, BLTA was a mini obsession of mine for a few days.  The movie itself could have been a bit better, but it satisfied my craving for a good teenie bopper love story.  However, the soundtrack rocked.  I went crazy trying to find a proper soundtrack listing and apparently other people on the world wide web were doing the same thing.  Some other awesome songs:  I Do by Dave Thomas Junior,  December Days by Tim Hanauer, and No One Here by The 88.

That's all I've got for this month!

In other news, I've started up a website.  Pintobean Creates.  I haven't done anything with it yet, but that is in the To Do list.....one day...  And I apologize for the Papyrus font on there.  Mr. Bean typed it all in for me as I've got to figure out how to actually make a website so I can get that started.  He knows not what he does.

August Obsessions and Other News

Hello, reader!  I'm sure you noticed that I took an unexpected hiatus from blogging.  Or maybe I am thinking too much of myself and you didn't.  But, I did, and I'm sorry I dropped off the face of the internet.   It was a little burnt out-ness, a little busy-ness, and a lot of tiredness and morning sickness....or as I like to say all day sickness.  Yep, Mr. Bean and I are having a baby!!  Baby Bean is expected to make his/her debut around January 27th, 2013.  As much as I would love to say 'that sounds so far away', Mr. Bean and I are hoping time slows down a bit because we have a lot to do before then and we are already wondering what we got ourselves into.  In a good way.  

I know we shocked quite a few people with the announcement.  I think most people gave up on us, but that made the surprise that much sweeter. We wanted to do something special to make the announcement to Mr. Bean's parents, but knew to keep it simple because they aren't extravagant people.  So, I made some cupcake toppers and a cupcake banner with the news.  They were definitely surprised and over the moon. I think my FIL calls me more now than he ever did Mr. Bean or Billy Bean. My FIL is a man of few words, so Mr. Bean is always surprised when he comes home and I am talking to his dad.

I am overwhelmed with the amount of love and support we've received from friends and family.  Especially Mr. Bean's family.  I get calls/texts/emails all the time from friends, uncles, aunties and cousins just checking to see how I am feeling.  While I don't always feel like talking - the morning sickness has been worse for me in the evening - I can't tell you how much I appreciate their thoughts and kindness. I know the "highly anticipated" - as my MIL says - Baby Bean will be loved wherever we take him/her.  And that means the world to me.

Now on to my August obsessions.

{image via Ben Gilman}

The Olympics.  I missed July's obsessions post in a big way, but I can tell you the only obsession I had. Because it carries over to this month's obsessions list: The Olympics.  Mr. Bean and I LOVE the Olympics.  I pretty much cry every day at least once.  Love hearing the athletes' stories.  Love seeing the athletes getting their medals. Love hearing the national anthem. Love the competition.

{image via Gloss and Glam}

butter LONDON.  And speaking of the Olympics, my friend gave me this Heavy Medal Collection from butter London as a gift.  Too cute.  butter LONDON is an eco-friendly nail polish line that I'm quickly becoming obsessed with. I have used all three colors and can't decide which is my favorite yet.  But, I think I will have to start stocking up on other colors because me likey.  Find out where you can buy their products here.

Bob Dylan.  I have had an ongoing obsession since about April that I haven't shared since I haven't blogged much.  Mad Men.  I started with season one on Netflix and am now down to the final two episodes of season 4.  It took a few episodes to grow on me, but I was definitely intrigued with the clothes and the furniture so I pressed on to total obsession.  It's a pretty scandalous show and sometimes I find myself yelling at Don Draper hoping he'll hear me, but I can't wait to get started on season 5.  I also love the music the show plays as the closing credits roll.  Heard this song on one ep and have been listening to Bob ever since.  

That's all for this month.  I promise to start working on some more posts!  

June Obsessions

I cannot believe it is already June.  I didn't really obsess over too much this time around.  I haven't really been playing around on the internet lately.  I've mostly been catching up on TV and cleaning out the Bean house.  I try to do a good spring clean every year, but sometimes it turns into a summer clean.  This time around, I realized I've let my house go the last few months so I am spending some time reorganizing.  It is a slow process but I think it will be worth it in the long run.  Now, on to my latest obsessions.

{image via Container Store}

Shelf Dividers.  I am a closet neat freak.  I say 'closet' because I tend to jump from completely organized to insanely messy if I don't have enough time to put everything back exactly where it is supposed to go. So Container store is kind of my guilty pleasure shopping spot.  I could spend all of my life savings at Container Store.  Sometimes during lunch, my mom and I will just go and walk the aisles and dream of a perfectly organized Container Store home.  Since I'm doing some reorganizing, I've been hanging out at Container Store a lot more.  These shelf dividers make me smile.  I swear I invented these in my head years ago.  It drives me crazy when my towels and linens get thrown around in the closet.  The shelf dividers maintain my sanity.  It keeps all my towels from spilling over onto my teal towels and my tea towels separate from my napkins.  I couldn't be happier.  They come in tall as well for that very top shelf.

{image via Fat Quarter Shop}

Mod Century by Jenn Ski.  I've been reading Jenn Ski's blog for a several years now.  Love her mid century aesthetic and I am a huge fan of her artwork.  And her home.  It's Mad Men pimp.  She's now got a fabric line out thru Moda.  And it is pretty fantastic.  I'm going to need 5 yards of every one of those prints, please.

Next to Me, Emeli Sande.   I heard this the other day and couldn't stop singing it in my head.  Love it.  You'll have to click thru to You Tube to hear it, but it's worth the trouble.

That's all I have this month.  I hope everyone is staying cool. It seems like every time I make peace with the summer humidity, it gets hotter and more humid.  Bleh.  But, hopefully, Mr. Bean and I can take a break soon and head to the pacific northwest to cool off.  Hopefully that's very soon.  

May Obsessions

I'm working on a crafty post for you, I promise.  But, I figured since it is officially May that I would start the month off right with a post on my latest obsessions.

{image via Amazon}

OPI: Samoan Sand.  I thought about this as I was getting my nails done for Julie's wedding.  I don't typically get manicures because I get antsy with the all the small movements and poking and prodding.  I feel like I am being restrained and slowly tortured.  Like the torture where they just drop tiny droplets of water on you until you go insane.  I know.  Dramatic.  But I really do get sort of a claustrophobic get-me-out-of-here feeling when someone is doing my nails.  Anyway, I usually do my own nails and I used to be forever searching for that perfect everyday nail polish. This has been my go-to nail polish for at least 5 years.  Probably twice that if I really thought about it.  One coat on top of a clear base coat always does the trick.  I used to buy countless bottles of nail polish trying to find that perfect shade of a neutral-but-not-too-pink-and-not-too-tan-and-not-too-white.  This is it. I always have at least 3 bottles at home for fear of it being discontinued and any time I see it in the stores, I pick up another bottle when I can because it is often sold out.  So, stock up.  If it gets a little old/thick, just add a drop or two of nail polish remover into the bottle and shake it up.  It's just like new.  

{image via Sew Mama Sew}

Summersville fabric designed by Lucie Summers for Moda Fabrics.  I am 100% obsessed with this fabric collection.  I have been eyeing it pretty much everyday.  I will add like 40 yards of it into my cart and then dream of all the things I want to make with it.  *sigh*   I don't know if I can pick favorites, so the only answer is to buy out Sew Mama Sew's stock. I want it all. And I want it now.

{image via Amazon}

Ruffle Foot.  Seeing ruffles makes me giddy.  Making them....not so much.  I was asking my mom if there was a shortcut for making ruffles and she practically disowned me she so disgusted.  You'll see why I was asking in my next post.  But then I found this ruffle foot and I became her second favorite daughter once again.  I didn't know there was such a contraption but man, did it save my life.  It makes ruffles in half the time it usually takes.  My aunts and my grandma were even impressed. Now I kind of want to ruffle everything.  Just doing what I can to make the world a cuter place to live....

White Stripes.  Icky Thump.  When I have a big project to work on, I always rely on my good friends The White Stripes to keep me going.  With all the wedding stuff going on, I've had the Icky Thump album on repeat for about a month now.  Especially this song.  There are very few bands I can listen to over and over again and not get sick of them.  Love me some White Stripes.  While we are on the topic...have you heard their cover of Jolene?  Kind of fantastic.

That's it for May!  

April Obsessions

The countdown has begun.  My friend Julie's wedding starts next Thursday. I've been basically running on coffee fumes the last few days as I aim to get everything done by this weekend so I can enjoy Billy Bean's visit for Easter Weekend.  Sometimes when I wake up sore from working all night, I wonder how I get myself involved in these situations.  But then I remember. Oh yeah. Because I love it. In two weeks, I'll be going thru withdrawal, so I'm not complaining.

I've haven't had much time to myself lately but I figured I'd share the two things I've been obsessing over lately.

{image via Costco}

Cannoli.   This obsession popped up out of no where. It started out as an innocent, lazy Friday night.  I didn't have time to cook so Mr. Bean looked up a new pizza place that delivers and decided to order a couple of cannoli as well.  Ever since then I cannot stop thinking about them.  My first cannoli was in NYC at Ferrara's.  Mr. Bean and I actually stood in line for these cannoli and had just started asking ourselves why when we got the chance to bite into one.  Deliciousness.  I don't know why cannoli don't get more love.  The crispy shell and the creamy inside.  Yum.  And they just look so cute all wrapped up in their flaky blankets. If you want to be hardcore, order some from Ferrara's.  They ship.  It's pricey but worth it.  Me?  I keep looking at their website everyday wondering if I should commit to a dozen.  Because I know I'll eat them all.

{image via IMDB}

Downton Abbey.  I've heard people talk about Downton Abbey here and there, but I don't like picking things up after it's been on a few seasons.  And then one night my life was forever changed.  I was flipping thru the TV guide looking for something to listen to while I was doing some repetitive craft work for Julie's wedding and decided to check out Downton Abbey on Netflix.  I thought I would check out the first episode just to see what it was all about but then I watched the second episode. And then the third.  In one night.  And now I am absolutely obsessed. I even had Mr. Bean pretending not to watch it.  So.Good.

Alright, that's all I have this month.  I gotta get to work.  I can't wait to show you all the things I've been working on these last 3 months. But, until then, I think I'm going to go look at some pictures of more cannoli online. I know. I'm a simple girl with simple thoughts. 

March Obsessions

Since I haven't done a proper obsessions list in a while, I've had quite a bit of time to obsesses about quite a few things.  I'll share a few of them with you here.

{image via Staples}

Martha Stewart at Staples.  Um, I don't know about you, but I kind of think Martha rules.  And now that she's conquering office supplies, she's not only my BFF, but also my idol. I haven't bought out Staples just yet, but trust me, I will.

{image via The Toxic Avenger}

The Toxic Avenger.  I got a heads up about this musical from my friend Laura.  She texted me during the intermission and told me that I had to come see it.  Within a few minutes, I texted Mr. Bean and ever so discreetly told him he better take me to see this or I wouldn't cook for a month.  He surprised me with tickets a few days later.  What a guy.  *Blush*  Anyway, it was down right hilarious.  Mr. Bean and I couldn't stop laughing.  Try to catch this show if you can.  Oh, and for American Idol fans?  Constantine is in it.  I didn't really care for him before, but I'll admit when I am wrong.  He was pretty awesome in it.

{image via Amazon}

Honeycomb paper.  I have always been slightly obsessed with honeycomb paper party supplies.  It often comes across as cheesy, but that's only when you don't do it right.  I discovered you can buy sheets of this stuff in Seattle.  And I kind of don't know how I could live without them in my craft supplies.  Because it's kind of awesome.  Just look at what crazy cute cards you can make with it. Obsessed.

{image via Amazon}

Candy Cane Joe-Joe's from Trader Joe's.  I have always been obsessed with anything peppermint.  And I've always loved a good Oreo cookie dipped in milk.  I discovered these cookies in Seattle and I instantly realized that it was the one thing I was missing in my life.  Love, love, love these cookies.  I believe they are a seasonal item, so when we get our Trader Joe's this year I will be first in line with these in my basket. 

The Black Keys.  Between work and Julie's wedding stuff, I've pretty much been on my iPod 20 hours a day.  The Black Keys have been getting me by.   Listen to Countdown and you'll see why.

I have tons to share, so I will try to post of it next week.  Until then, I've got a big project to star tonight and I. Can't. Wait. 

January Obsessions

OK, so I know I've been promising a post for a while now.  I just can't find time to sit down and sift thru all the pics I wanted to share with you.  We've started up all the crafting for my friend's wedding in April and I'm fighting the clock for a Jan 31st tax deadline.  So technically I'm not supposed to be blogging right now at work but seeing as how I've already chewed off all of my nails, I figured I'd better start doing something else with my fingers before I start gnawing on other things....

This list will be short because I've really been avoiding the internet like the plague since I got back from my trips.  Turns out missing 4.5 weeks of work isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Probably not one of my most thought out decisions, but I can't say I regret it. :) Anyhow....

{Image via Amazon}

Martha Stewart's Scoring Board.  I've been boycotting this product ever since it came out because I thought it was pointless.  I've always said I made up this product long before Martha Stewart did.  I've used a Tonic Studios Guillotine for at least 6 years now - the same one, in fact.  It has little grooves in it at each half inch mark so while I was making my wedding stuff over 5 years ago, I started using it as a scoring board as well. Works like a champ.  Even though I am a self admitted hoarder of craft products, I don't like buying all sorts of crafty contraptions unless I really need it because I simply don't have the space.  So I've never seen a reason to buy a second product that just scores, but man, is it addicting.  I played with it last night and decided I forgive Martha for getting inside my head and stealing my million dollar idea. 

{Image via Amazon}

Tissue Paper.  I know this is not a new discovery or anything, but this has been a long time obsession of mine. And as of late this obsession has really kicked in.  It is so versatile and inexpensive.  I could look at tissue paper for hours.  In fact, recently, I have.  Love. 

{image via L'Occitane}

Almond Delicious Soap.  I've always been slightly obsessed with L'Occitane, but just recently picked up this Almond Delicious Soap to take with me to India so I didn't have to deal with a loofah and a bottle of liquid soap.  It's only 1.7 oz so very small and light weight.  It totally changed my perception of bar soaps. My skin was amazing after using this for 3 weeks.  Now I buy the trio.  Can't get enough.  It lasts a lot longer than I thought, too.  One bar probably lasts about a month.  

OK, that's all I've got.  I need to get back to work so I'm not here too late.  I am heading out for San Francisco and Napa tomorrow, so probably no posts until February.  Yes, I know.  I have a rough life....  I'll be sure to drink some wine for you. ;)  This trip will be the calm before the storm tho.  When I get back it will be hard core crafting until April.  Can't wait.

November Obsessions

It's November!!  And I'm less than three weeks away from my crazy shopping trip to India. I.Can't.Wait. I am freaking out just a little bit because it is starting to hit me that this will be the longest I've ever been away from Mr. Bean and Freddie.  I haven't ever left him for more than a weekend.  But, I am pretty sure that the three weeks will fly by quicker than I'd want.....we have a lot to get done there! Anyway, here are my obsessions for November!!

{image via the Purl Bee}

Echo! Lotta Jansdotter's new fabric line.  I became obsessed with Lotta Jansdotter last year when I happened upon a book of her stencils.  A friend bought me that book of stencils for Christmas without knowing how much I loved it and I've been coveting it ever since.  I love her clean, simple designs.  I kind of want to stencil my entire house with those.  And she just seems like she's cool.  Like she was probably always the cool kid at school.  Like myself. Hehe. When the Purl Bee announced the launch of LJ's new fabric line, my jaw literally dropped.  So.In.Love.  

{image via iTunes}

Fuzzle.  Best game ever.  I am known to get obsessed with games here and there.  Lately, this game has been occupying all my free time lately.  I wake up and play a game. I play just before I go to sleep. I play during lunch. While I am microwaving my lunch.  While I am cooking.  I play anytime I have at least one hand free.  It is so addicting.

{image via Bravo}

Mad Fashion with Chris March.   Yep, another Bravo TV show that I can't get enough of.  I was a fan of Chris March when he was a contestant on Project Runway season 4.  Not just because of his crazy designs, but because he was so funny.  His show is just a fun show to watch.  As expected.

{image via Amazon}

Modern Minimal: 20 Bold and Graphic Quilts by Alissa Haight Carlton.   I happened upon Alissa's blog a little while ago. Lately, I've been wanting to sew a quilt, but not a traditional one.  Her book Modern Minimal is not out yet, but it gets me so excited.  Now I just need to figure out when I can get started.  :)

That's it for November!  I've got a post to share with you that I hope to put up soon!  Until then, I've got to get packing!

October Obsessions

It's beginning to look a lot like fall!  The weather is cooling and I'm already itching to get my Christmas decorations out.  This year I'm starting Christmas early because I'll be gone for 3 weeks starting November 23rd.  Since I won't have time to put everything out after I get back, I told Mr. Bean I want to have the house decorated by November 1st. That way at least he'll enjoy it while I am gone. I'll be missing 3 weeks of my most favorite time of year, so I think I will be motivated enough to start early, but we'll see how that goes....

This month's obsessions is dominated by TV shows.  I know it seems like Mr. Bean and I watch a lot of TV, but we really don't.  We do, however, make time for watching things we like.  Here's some shows that are on the top of the list of my list....so far.  

{image via Beyond Hollywood}

Pan Am.  I've been counting the days for this show to begin.  Mostly to see the clothes.  I have a soft spot for '60s glam.  Everyone always looked so chic back then.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that the show has some weight to it when the pilot aired last Sunday.  Can't wait to see more of the clothes.

{image via Hulu}

The Sing Off.   Mr. Bean and I got addicted to this show when it was first aired as a four night special.  We were ecstatic when it came back for a second "season".  And when we heard it was coming back a third time as an actual show?  We jumped up and gave each other a hi-five.  Because that's what all the cool kids do.  My favorite performance yet?  The Beezlebubs' "Magical Mystery Tour".  So.Much.Fun.   But, you can't deny the talent of the season one winners, Nota.  

{image via Kube57}

Anderson.  Need I say more?  I have had a crush on Anderson for probably a decade now.  I love watching him on AC 360.  Love his RidicuLists.  I joined twitter just to follow him.  For real.  But I really love watching him when he fills in for Regis on Live with Regis and Kelly simply because I love to hear him giggle. The first time I saw Giggle Gate, I watched it about 25 times in a row. Now every time I watch it, I have to watch it at least two times.  My absolute favorite part of the show?  The very end of the credits where they show the production company.....there is about 2 seconds of AC giggling.  Love. 

Violent Femmes.  It's been a Violent Femmes kind of month for me.  I've been listening to my old school faves lately and I've kept Violent Femmes as my Pandora station for a few weeks now.  Kiss Off is one of those songs that I always like to listen to when I am pissed off. And lately I've been listening to it a lot.  

That's it for this month.  The last couple of weeks have been an insane roller coaster ride for me.  After this weekend, I aim to do something for myself.  And that just might mean some late spring cleaning.  I feel the need to purge.  

September Obsessions

Hello, Friends!  Sorry I've been neglecting you.  Work has been really busy.  Every year I have the same audit and every year I let it bite me in the butt.  In my defense, I usually delay the audit for a couple of months, but this time I decided to get it over with. And I am paying for it now.  Anyway, enough work talk.  Because that is just boring.

My September Obsessions will be short.  I haven't had time to obsess over much so I am kind of in an obsession slump.  But here we go....

{image via Lifetime}

Project Runway.   This is a yearly obsession for me.  I've been watching Project Runway since Season 3 after having caught a marathon of seasons 1 and 2.  As soon as PR is over for the year, I honestly feel a void in my week....until it returns. Love Nina. Love Heidi. Love Tim.  His "Make it Work" is something I tell myself probably twice a day.  Love Michael Kors.  Sometimes I have to rewind the DVR because I'm laughing so hard at his comments, I can't hear what happened next..  Some of my MK favs......

• “Next thing you know, it’s big button earrings and you’re on ‘The Facts of Life.’”
• “She looks like a Pole dancer in Dubai.”
• “She looks like an Amish Cocktail Waitress.”
• “She looks like a transvestite flamenco dancer at a funeral.”

Oh, MK.  You make me laugh.  My favorite designer this season?  Anya. 

{image via Helen Musselwhite}

Helen Musselwhite.  Totally inspired by her work.  There isn't much else to say other than she's kind of my idol.  Every time I look at her work, it makes me happy. 




Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson's Relator.  I love everything about this song.  I heard it the other day on my iPod. I'd forgotten I bought it.  Love when I rediscover a song on my iPod.

August Obsessions

I'm baaaaack!!  I wish I could say I've been busy in my craft room, but I really just took a break from crafting.  And blogging.  And life.  But, all work and no crafting makes Pintobean a very sad girl, so I did manage to fit in one project. I will be posting about that shortly. But until then, on to my August Obsessions. 

I have basically been vegging out in front of the TV lately or reading (on my Kindle!!), so this month is a short post.  But, here it is....

{image via Amazon}

Sew Wild by Alisa Burke.  I stumbled across Alisa Burke's blog and became an instant fan. She does some pretty amazing things.  But, what I was most in awe of how she creates her own fabric with paint.  How pimp is that???  I am totally obsessed.  She is offering a class right now ($10 off this week!).  Sooo tempted.   

Alexander's A Million Years.  Love, love, love.  I can't say much else.

That's it!  I have another post coming soon.  Promise.  :)

July Obsessions

So, does anyone know where the year went??  How is it already July??

It is pretty much one week since Sharmee's wedding and I think I'm almost recovered.  I am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow.  Once I do that, I think I will be fully recovered.  Mr. Bean has been studying for an exam he has to take for the last three weeks, so between my wedding crafting duties and his studying we've pretty much been roomies the last few weeks instead of Mr. and Mrs. Bean.  But, Mr. Bean's exam is today and I know he'll do well.  And I am making some pulled spicy pork for tonight because Billy Bean is in town!!  Woot!  If there is one thing I have learned about being a Bean it's that you must have pork on hand at all times.  So, I am looking forward cooking tonight for two of the most important men in my life.

Now, on it my obsessions....

The Beatles.  I am a Beatles fanatic.  My freshman year in college, my friend and I kept her 6 CD disc changer filled with Beatles.  Six CD disc changers were pimp back then and my friend brought hers to college which made me pretty pimp by default.  She owned pretty much every Beatles album ever made, so we basically jammed to the Beatles our entire freshman year.  She had an awesome Bose system, so we'd have to turn it down really low so that we wouldn't bother our neighbors, but by second semester that didn't keep our neighbors from yelling from the other side of the wall "CAN YOU LISTEN TO ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES THE BEATLES?"   We'd add in some Jagged Little Pill for posterity's sake, but we kept The Beatles in for the most part. For Christmas last year, Mr. Bean bought me a wifi internet radio.  Probably the best gift anyone could give me.  It connects to my Pandora account and I can stream music from all over the world.  There is one station I found that is entirely Beatles music.  And I dig.  "Come Together" is one of my favorites.  It makes me wanna move.  It makes me wanna clean.  It makes me wanna craft.

{image via Amazon}

Rhinestones.  Is this a surprise?  I am crazy for rhinestones lately.  In the last few weeks, I've developed quite a repertoire of rhinestones in my craft room.  And me likey. 

{image via Chick-fil-a}

Chick-fil-A's Deluxe Spicy Chicken Sandwich.  I've kept this secret for a while.  But now my spicy chicken sandwich pride must not be contained.  This sandwich pretty  much fulfills all of my chicken sandwich desires.  And it is actually spicy. 

{image via Paper Source}

Smash Books.  OK, so apparently I am not the only one obsessed with these Smash Books.  Every where I looked they were sold out.  These.Are.So.Cute.  The concept is not new, but just goes to show what great marketing can do. Check out the awesome video they put together.  Marketing at it's best, I tell you.  Ever since I saw the video, I've been on a hunt to own one.  I am not a scrapbooker per se.  I call myself a well intentioned scrapper.  I am notorious for keeping little pieces of papers and magazine clippings and notes with the intention to use them on a scrap page but when it comes down to sitting down and scrapping, I don't know where to begin.  But these books make me feel less intimidated and make me want to smash some stuff in them while singing the cute Minnutes song. 

That's all I've got!  I hope everyone has a happy and safe fourth of July! 

June Obsessions

Wow.  I can't believe it's June already.  Well, you know what they say, time flies when you're having fun.  And apparently I am having a blast.

It's Friday, it's hot, and I'm ready for a nap, so I won't bore you with too much talk today.  I'm just going to jump right into this....  Here are my obsessions for June!!

Color Combo:  Kelly Green and Navy.   This is my beautiful friend Sarah.  I've known her for going on 23 years now.  She is hands down one of my most favorite people in the world.  And not just because she's kind of awesome, but also because she has always had such a great sense of style.  In her home and with her clothes.  I'd kill for some of her accessories and I'd die for some of her purses.  After I got to wear them, of course.  She's definitely my go-to person anytime I have a design decision to make as well as when I feel like having a good hard laugh.  Anyway, I have been obsessed with kelly green and navy ever since she showed up to her nephew's birthday party wearing this awesome navy dress, a green cardi, and the peacock brooch I've been coveting forever.  How cute is she???  And how awesome do those colors look together??  Love.

{image via Ciao Bella Gelato}

Ciao Bella Key Lime Squares.  This is one of those life changing moments that one must splash all over the world wide web.  I happened upon these at Costco with my friend one day and I've never looked back.  Except to make sure I knew what aisle there were on so I could go back for more.  This is now one of my staples in life.  It's key lime flavored gelato nestled between graham crackers.  Yum.  It's like an ice cream sandwich all grown up.  Mr. Bean doesn't even like key lime, and we have to fight every night over how many the other has eaten.  Check their website for where you can buy these.  Then call me and tell me how they've changed your life.  OK.  They might not change your life like they did mine, but if you live in a world of chocolate like we do at the Bean home, this is a nice refreshing treat.  Perfect for summer.  And winter.  And fall. And spring.  I think Ciao Bella needs to change the saying to: "When life gives you key limes, make key lime gelato sandwiches." What, not as catchy?  I'll work on it.....

{image via Polyvore}

Stripes.  I'm going join the rest of the world and admit I am a tad bit obsessed with stripes lately.  Something about them screams summer.  And although I can't stand the summer, a dress like this might help beat the heat.  I can't really say much else except:  awesome. 

Well, I guess that's it.  It felt like a much longer list when I started typing.  Oh well.  Enjoy your weekend!  I should have another post up soon that will have you thinking pink. :)

May Obsessions

I missed last month's obsessions list, but I'm pretty sure you all were obsessed with the same thing.  The Royal Wedding.  I am not ashamed to admit I woke up at 3:30 am to catch what I could and I'm so glad I did.  Loved every minute of it. I didn't want to do a Royal Wedding post since there are much better blogs/bloggers out there that would do it far more justice than I, but just know this:  I can't wait for the next one.  So, back to reality. 

April and May have been pretty busy, but I've been wanting to change up my blog header for a while now, so I spent a few nights working on something summer-y.  Show some love if you like it. :)  Other than that, I've been pretty busy trashing my craft room - I will share my latest project soon - so this month the list is short.  Here are my obsessions for May!



Birds.  I don't know why but I have become completely obsessed with birds.  I see them on the stretch of highway I take on my way home from work.  Every evening, there are thousands of them sitting on the electrical wires along the side of the road.  Suddenly one of them will start flying and it will start a frenzy.  They'll all start flying around in loops and eventually land back on the wires.  Then it will start all over again.  It just makes me giggle.  I need to make something with birds.  Think I could get away with something like this on Made By Bird in my living room??  Too cute. 



{image via Cooking with Trader Joe's}

Cobbler.  OMG have I been craving some cobbler.  When we were in junior high, my dad's mom came to live with us for about a year.  Every day we'd come home after school and she would have dinner ready (yes, at 4:00 pm) and a fresh cobbler waiting for us.  Every day.  Eventually, my sister and I would want to puke at the sight of cobbler.  But, as they say, time heals all food aversions so now that the grocery stores are filling up with lots of beautiful, cheap fruit I can't stop thinking about a plate of warm fruit cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  Totally making some this weekend.  Maybe this one? 

Bon Iver.  I've been in a funk for a the past few months.  I won't bore you with the details.  It's not really important.  I just get like this sometimes.  And sometimes I like to just have a pity party and get really melodramatic and listen to sad music and watch sad movies and put on some sad, DVR'd Oprah shows so I can ball my eyes out so I can get it out of my system so I can get my butt up and smile and tell myself I'm just being melodramatic and continue to live the fabulous life that I've been blessed with.  Anyway, I turn to Bon Iver when I am feeling down.  I love "Skinny Love."



{image via Trailers Hut}

Guillaume Canet.  I caught Last Night on Apple TV a few weekends ago.  I didn't know it was just out in theatres, so kind of cool.  Not the best, but very thought provoking. I don't know that it'd be a good date night movie unless you and your SO like to analyze things.  I can see this movie causing lots of fights between couples as they leave the theatre. Ha. But, I have to say, the entire movie I kept asking myself, 'Who is this Guillaume Canet??'  Patrick Dempsey's French brother?  I've never really cared for Patrick Dempsey, but I need to see more of Guillaume.  Ruggedly handsome, yes.  But he's actually a really good actor. Totally going to catch whatever films I can of his. 

Alright, it's Friday night and my bed is calling me.  It'd be rude not to answer.... 

March Obsessions

Miss me??  Mr. Bean and I took a little trip to Ireland this month.  We went for a wedding, but in between rented a car and road tripped the island as much as we could.  I will upload a few pics for you soon, but I almost don't want to lest I make a mad dash to the airport with a one way ticket in hand.  It was that amazing.  Until then, I will show you my obsessions for March.

{photo taken off the west coast of Ireland along the Ring of Kerry}

Pano for the iPhone.  This app replaced my crappy camera while Mr. Bean and I were in Ireland.  And I think it speaks for itself.  The views could not be properly captured on my little Canon Sure Shot (I desperately need an upgrade) so after a while I gave up and let Mr. Bean take over.  This gem was one of the many that Mr. Bean took with his iPhone along the Ring of Kerry.

{image via A Lovely Garden}

Daffodils.  Speaking of Ireland, there were daffodils everywhere. It was hard not to become obsessed with these as you walked by them.  Don't they just scream happiness??  I've been daydreaming about a planting these in my front yard.

{image via Amazon}

Adele's 21.  I bought this album just before I left for Ireland.  I wasn't disappointed.  I am sure you've guessed by now that I love music.  This album proves why.  Check out her cover of Lovesong.  I am very pleased (but also probably biased because anything that involves The Cure kind of rocks my world).

{image via Apple}

Jo-Ann's iPhone app.  Jo-Ann's has an iPhone app!!  My friend showed me the light with this life changer.  After the Jo-Ann's near me shut down a couple of years ago, I haven't really gone out of my way to go to the next closest one.  It's just too far out of my way.  I downloaded the app just to see what it was all about.  Total awesomeness.  That's what.  They allow you to download digital coupons that can be used in the store.  Or you can have the coupons texted to you.  Finally a sewing store that has jumped on the bandwagon with this fad we call technology.  Love it. 

{image via Little Willow's Thinking}

The Hunger Games Trilogy.  I am the first to admit that I judge a book by it's cover.  For some reason, I can't stand to pick up an ugly book.  Reading it doesn't excite me like a book with a beautiful cover does.  I wasn't too keen to read The Hunger Games when my friend picked it for March's book club pick simply because it didn't look interesting, but I read it anyway.  And I was addicted.  I was in Ireland looking at the most magnificent views I've ever seen in my life yet I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel room to finish reading this book.  I started Catching Fire last night.  I just hope I put it down long enough to feed Mr. Bean.  For his sake.  He'll need his energy to buy me the third book in the trilogy, Mockingjay. 

That's all for March!!!

February Obsessions

I cannot believe it is actually February already.  2011 has already proved to be flying by faster than 2010 seemed to.  I'm just going to keep holding on tight and hope I can keep up. In the meantime, here's my latest obsessions for February.  Since February is a short month, I thought I'd keep my list short this time.   

Hearts. So, I know this is a bit cliche seeing as how it's February and all, but I have become obsessed with hearts.  And I kind of need these punches to satisfy my hunger for the perfect heart punches.  My Seester has both of them so I might have to take them off her hands next time I visit her craft room. 

{image via Amazon}

Heart Breaker (L'arnacoeur).  My Apple TV/Netflix affair is still going strong and I don't see us cooling off anytime soon.  I caught this movie by chance one evening and I can't stop watching it.  It is really, really cute.  It's the perfect definition of a romantic comedy but it's also got a bit of action to it so that it's not too painful for any significant others of the male persuasion.  Just watch it.  You'll see. 

Jaymay's You are the Only One I Love.  I've been jamming out to Jaymay at work lately. This one is one of my faves, along with Gray or Blue but I wanted to stick with heart/love themed obsessions.  But check out the entire Autumn Blue album.  Love her voice.  Love the lyrics.  Kind of obsessed.

That's pretty much all I have this month.  Work has been insane lately, so I've had very little time to obsess.  But, no worries.  I'll have a nice long list for you next month!