It's (Not Quite) Fall, Y'all!

Hello friends!  I tried to fight it, I really did.  But I am kind of getting ready for fall.  This is always such a tough time for me, a lover of summer, but it comes each and every year.  I get tired of the blazing hot sun and start getting ready to pull on my boots and scarves.  However it is quite tough to part with going on the boat, sundresses and not having to bundle up to fight the elements (I HATE the wintery chill!).

This awkward Summer-Fall transition does bring a lot of my very favorite things.  G's birthday.  My birthday.  The start of Football season.  Plus, with all of these Fall-inspired pins on Pinterest, I can't help but get a little excited!  That being said, we're going to look past the allergies and go on to my second favorite season's greatest attributes...Fall!

Boots
My parents met while working at a boot company.  My grandparents and my aunt & uncle met while working at the same boot company.  I am genetically engineered to love this footwear.  Cowboy, riding, rain...I love all varieties of boots!  Just look at these beauties.  Wouldn't they be great with some leggings or skinny jeans tucked in?

Seasonal Beverages/Scents

Pumpkin Spice, gingerbread, hazelnut, cider- it just warms my soul.  I caught myself in the candle section of Walmart the other day sniffing a Pumpkin Spice Candle.  I had to get a grip and keep moving.  However, when the weather cools down I believe I am going to give this a try.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte via Pinterest

Hayrides and Pumpkins
You have to admit, in theory, the idea of a hayride is a little bizarre.  "There's nothing like gathering your closest friends/family and dragging them behind a truck/tractor seated upon livestock feed!"  But seriously, I do love getting snuggled under a blanket and taking a spin on a trailer of hay.  Our church has one every year and I have such wonderful memories of those.

I also love pumpkin picking, carving and pumpkin decor!

Soups
Now if the truth be told I can usually eat soup at any time of year.  In fact, I had soup last night for supper and I had been sweating earlier in the day.  But there's just something about soup and fall that just go together!  I can't wait to find some delicious goodies on Pinterest to try this season.

Football
Just 24 days until it's football time in Tennessee!!  I love the pageantry of college football.  The marching bands, the cheering, the tradition and of course...the tailgate food!  Saturdays down South are no joking matter.  Menus are planned well in advance, tailgating spots are decorated, some people go as far as hooking generators up to televisions to be as up-to-date on football coverage as possible.  

If you've never been to an NFL game, I'd highly recommend it!  You may be right on the field or hundreds of feet above but you're guaranteed a good time.  At least at Titans' games.  I think Titans fans are some of the most welcoming and friendly fans in the NFL....oh wait and the loudest :)

So what are you most excited about this fall? 

Oh 21st Century, Why Must You Cramp My Style?

Have you ever gotten really excited about a book or a movie and someone told you the end?  Or reenacted the funniest/most exciting parts?  I know I personally get very upset.  So can someone please explain to me why media outlets think it is a fabulous idea to ruin our suspenseful Olympic Game experience?


Now don't get me wrong, technology can be very helpful as well as entertaining, but I sometimes miss being less "connected."  I distinctly remember watching these young ladies win their gold medal with all sorts of hopeful suspense. 

Now granted yes, I was only one time zone away and I was also 8 or 9 at the time and probably not checking up on the Olympics on my Windows 96 computer.  But I do remember watching as precious Kerri Strug was carried by Coach Bela after completing her vault routine....on a terribly hurt ankle.  Sidenote: Think about what that was probably like.  You know when you get a foot cramp or you accidentally kick the coffee table with your pinky toe?  Do you want to run, jump off of a springboard and then fling yourself through the air after that?  And her ankle was hurting way worse than a cramp!

However this year I had the men's swimming relay ruined (thanks G!) as well as the Fab Five women's gymnastics team gold medal ruined.  The sad thing is, I found out about the women's gymnastics gold medal from someone on Facebook complaining that they had seen it online.  Irony.


I really do think we as a society, spend entirely too much time on our phones.  I am just as guilty as the next person.  I did see this good idea via Pinterest and I think it's worth a try!  That is if I can pry G's phone out of his hand.....

So, are you enjoying the Olympics?  Or have you been paying too much attention to your telephone :)  Hope you're all having a happy Friday!!

Swirlz Night!

I'm back y'all!  My apologies for the blog hiatus but I'm back from Gulf Shores and very relaxed!  PS - the backpack beach chair was amazing!  My friend Jessica had one just like mine and we called them our "Turtle Chairs" as we felt like we had a shell while wearing them.  SO convenient.  Also, if you're ever down on the Alabama Gulf Coast and have the opportunity to hear a band called The Foxy Iguanas...do it!!  They were my favorite!  We even got them to play a little "Rocky Top" for some Tennessee girls (btw if you're reading this Iguanas, I'm still REALLY sorry for mistaking your ashtray bucket for your tip jar.  That could have ended badly)!

The weekend before last, while on blogging hiatus, G and I went to Swirlz with two of our good friends.  Swirlz is a painting studio where you are given a set painting and then an instructor gives you step-by-step directions on how to recreate it.  It was such a good time!


We signed up for "Starry Night," very similar to the Van Gogh edition. As you can tell from this picture G and I got a little carried away with our moons.  G also took his own artistic liberties with his painting and eradicated his entire town of houses.  He also accidentally turned his church into the Weasley's home from Harry Potter.  What can I say?  The man is an artist... or something like that!

Our friends had been to a previous Swirlz class to celebrate a birthday.  Jen said she figured her husband would have to go if it was her birthday...and he loved it!  I'm pretty sure that was the only reason G was talked into the situation....and he loved it too.  So guys, don't think it's girly or silly...just go and have fun!  Plus they do "manly" paintings like 12-point bucks or Apache helicopters.


The calendar is posted online (here) so you are able to see which painting you'll be working on that night.  As previously mentioned, they do different styles of paintings and will hold private events for groups as well as paintings specifically for kids.  The website is also where you reserve your seat(s) for the class.  Depending on what painting you sign up for, prices typically run from $35-$45 per person.  That provides your paint, smock and canvas.  You're allowed to bring in the beverages of your choice as well.  Water, cokes, wine, beer, Gatorade....whatever!  However, beware that you may or may not accidentally try and drink your brush water and/or put your dirty brush into your bev.  


Also, if you are a little pokey (like me) they try and accommodate you, but try and keep up.  Until G went rogue I had to keep asking what the instructor said because I was super focused on the proper blending of my stars.  Now, don't go all speed demon either...that's how G ended up with a brown moon....


So, if you're feeling some artistic energy you'd like to get out or are in need of a fun/unique date night or girls' night, head on over to Swirlz!


PS - I left with more paint on myself than on the canvas (no seriously, it was in my hair and I even found some the next day I had missed!  Can't take me anywhere.) so maybe bear that in mind when selecting your outfit!

Beach Trip!

I apologize that I've been MIA on the blog here lately.  I've had a pretty full plate and am just now getting to sit down and write anything.  But don't worry, I've been doing lots of fun things to keep you all entertained!

I will start by saying that I, like the rest of the world, extend my thoughts and prayers to those in the Aurora/Denver, Colorado community.  As we pray for those who were victims in this tragedy, remember also to pray for this very, very lost soul as he has ruined many lives as well as the peace of mind of countless others.

 "⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

This Wednesday I will be departing on the Senior Trip I never had with 3 of my best friends.  Our Senior year of high school we decided that we wanted to go on a beach trip together.  *Backstory: we were the complete opposite of troublemakers or party girls.  We had every intention of having ourselves some good, clean fun.*  However, our plans were foiled by our mothers who insisted that we could not drive to Florida by ourselves and that they would caravan along behind us and go too.  Only we "wouldn't know they were there."  They said they would stay on different floors of the condo, eat at different restaurants...my mom even said we could call them and tell them not to go somewhere because we were going to go there.  Ultimately we thought that was super lame and didn't even book the trip.  

So here we are, seven years later, and we are going to the beach together!  In honor of this momentous occasion I am linking up with my BFF Lindsay at Simple & Chic and sharing some of my favorite beach trip must haves!

Beach Towel

Most people will probably find this weird, but I LOVE beach towels!  They come in such fun and bright colors, it's hard not to.  I'm loving this one!

Bathing Suit
Granted I wish I looked like this in the bathing suit...I don't!  But I love the top!  I would pair it with a different colored bottom, like black or something.

This Chair

I typically have trouble trying to load up all of my beach goodies and am quite clumsy when it comes to actually getting to my spot in the sand.  This year I bought this chair at TJ Maxx for $10 less than I had seen it on Amazon (woo!).  It has a backpack-like set of straps to help you make it to the beach with one less thing in your hands.  I'm sure I will look like Screech Powers but frankly I do not care.

The Cooler Tote

Is it just me or is this quilted cooler tote precious?  Plus it looks enormous so you could fit all sorts of snacks, drinks and ice in there!

Hat

I love big floppy hats, but I am just not that glamorous while sitting at the beach.  I feel like I really would spend more time chasing the big, beautiful hat down than I would relaxing.  So, while that would be entertaining for other beach-goers, I choose a good ole ball cap!  This is one of my favorite hats from Volunteer Traditions...I have the mint green one!

Don't forget the sunscreen!

Inspirational Ladies

You know when people always ask "Which celebrity, living or dead, would you most like to have lunch with?"  I've always wondered, "Why do we have to have lunch? Couldn't we have a glass of tea or some pie or something?"  Everyone knows sitting around chatting over dessert always seems to last for hours!  


In typical Bethany fashion, I can't choose just one person so we are changing this question to "Which celebrities, living or dead, would you most like to invite to your home to have a glass of tea or enjoy a slice of pie?"

1.  Dolly Parton
I swear, I really think Dolly and I could be the best of friends.  I think she is truly one of the most gracious and candid people in the spotlight.  In an age where people are famous for just being born, this lady is a rare gem of talent.  Not only is she an amazing singer/songwriter, but an actress and a business woman.  She also plays the fiddle, drums, harmonica, piano and even the flute!  With all of her great success, you'd think she'd definitely be on a high horse...but no!  Dolly frequently laughs and jokes about herself, never taking herself too seriously.  I once saw an interview where she was asked if she would ever pose nude for Playboy.  She answered "No, not until I'm 100.  And then won't you be sorry!" She's very proud of her roots as a Tennessean and as a Christian.  I have attended church in the chapel at Dollywood and let me tell you, if you find yourself in the theme park on a Sunday morning you'll be sure to be blessed.

Fun Dolly Facts:
-She met her husband of 45 years at a Nashville laundromat.-She wrote the bare bones of the song "9-5" by "playing" her acrylic fingernails.

2. Reese Witherspoon
Is or isn't Reese Witherspoon the cutest person there ever was?  That's right!  She is.  She is just so spunky and adorable, it would be easy to view her on her pretty face and sweet demeanor but Reese Witherspoon made her way from Harpeth Hall to Hollywood using the good sense God gave her.  With doctors for parents it's probably hard not to be a smarty.  In her acceptance speech for the MTV Generation Award a few years back I remember she said how disappointing she thought it was that women were becoming famous from scandalous videos and pictures on the internet.  She is a dedicated mother and just seems like such a down-to-Earth girl.  Therefore, she's invited to our Pie Eating Date.

Fun Reese Facts:

-She is said to be a relative of John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

-She graduated from Harpeth Hall. The all-girl school in Nashville.

3. Dale Smith Thomas

I became familiar with Dale Smith Thomas while at a work conference this past fall.  They loaded us all on buses (I was one of the lucky riders of the County Workhouse bus) and took us to an auditorium for a "motivational speaker" session.  Now I will be the first to admit that I have heard some less-than-motivating motivational speakers in my day so I wasn't so sure how this adventure was going to go.  I could not have been more pleasantly surprised!  I boarded that Workhouse bus back to my room feeling so uplifted and really eager to attend her session the next morning.

Not only is Dale gorgeous, she's also got the right mindset to tackle whatever life may throw...bonus points, she is hilarious!  One of the points Dale made was that if you wake up each morning with a defeated attitude, you're already down for the day.  She challenged us to wake up, look ourselves in the mirror and say "Good morning Gorgeous!"  Then we had to say it to people as we passed them in the halls, at breakfast, etc.  You might have felt a little silly at first, but seeing other people's reactions was great.    Dale also spoke on the power of positive thinking.  How we can be winners by choice.  She spoke about the time she had competed in the Mrs. America pageant and was ready to win and catapult herself into a speaking sensation.  The only problem with that is that she didn't win....but did that stop her?  Not a chance!  She has definitely made an impression on me as well as many others nationwide...including Dr. Phil!  

Check out her website for more awesome tools on how to have a great, positive mindset here

Fun Dale Facts:

-Dale Smith Thomas was born and raised in Mississippi but lives in Nashville.

-She won the title of Mrs. Tennessee.

-Her program "Boot Camp for Beauty Queens" was featured on an episode of The Simple Life with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie

So these are my Tea and Pie dates.  Who would you eat lunch/pie/tea with?

The Tale of the Stoneware Jug

My friends and family often tell me that the weirdest things happen to me and I should write a book chronicling them someday.  It is for this reason that I present to you the second installment of Bethany's Tales....The Tale of the Stoneware Jug!
A few years ago I was on a quest to find the perfect stoneware jug for my room.  I have always liked old stoneware items but hadn't realized how expensive they could be.  You can imagine my excitement when I found a jug that was not 5" tall for less than $50.  The jug I bought came from a local antique store's back room that has a dirt floor and innumerable items crammed on shelves.  Charming or claustrophobic, you be the judge.  I paid for my jug and made my way back to my apartment to show my roommate, Katy, my cool find.  The jug looks really similar to this one.

Katy was on her way out the door but also thought that my jug was perfect.  Coming from a dirt floor room it needed a little washing off so I filled the sink with soapy water and let the jug sit for several minutes.  I came back to rinse out the jug and as I dumped the water out I noticed something was somewhat blocking the opening.  I shook it around, trying to knock the blockage loose assuming it was just some dirt-turned-mud but it was pretty stubborn.  I grabbed something to try and loosen whatever this thing was.  A few curious clods fell out and upon inspection I decided this must be some old man's ancient spitter and this was the world's oldest wad of dip.  Gross. 

By this time I was fully committed to releasing whatever nastiness my poor jug was afflicted with and forged on.  I tried to take a closer look and saw that the blockage was not tobacco but appeared to have antennas of some form or fashion and thought "Oh sick, this is the world's largest roach.  I am going to throw up."  I wanted the roach corpse out of my jug so I gave it one good pry and something flung out of the jug's opening and into the sink.

It was a dead mouse.  I threw down the jug (don't worry it didn't break) and I screamed like a dead human was laying in my sink and ran straight out the front door.  I know what you must be thinking..."Why did you run out the door?  The mouse was dead, it wasn't coming after you," but I was not expecting a dead mouse to come flying forth from my stoneware jug and was traumatized.  Plus I had a plan.  So...I ran out the front door and began banging on my neighbor, Will's, door.  Will answered and I told him I needed help with something.  After explaining the situation he took a deep breath, collected himself and grabbed his gloves.  They were something like I would imagine him to wear on a ski trip.  So Will and his North Face gloves accompanied me to my apartment where I gave him a plastic sack to grab the nasty thing and he took it to the back door to throw it over the fence out....where he let go of the mouse a little too soon and it fell onto the back step.  I screamed, then laughed.  On the second try mousey found his final resting place on the other side of the fence.

My best guess is that the poor mouse fell into the jug's opening and then couldn't get out.  Kind of sad...but still disgusting.

So what have we learned here friends?  Let's review:

1. If you buy a stoneware jug from an antique store with a dirt floor back room, splurge on the one with the cork.  It will cost more but will most likely be critter-free.
2. If you wind up with a dead animal/bug in an antique purchase, wash that thing in bleach and scalding hot water.  You don't want diseases.
3. If you ever need to dispose of a mouse carcass on a ski trip, your North Face gloves will do just fine. 

DIY Photo "Frame"

Hello friends!  I hope everyone is having a happy Thursday and congratulations on making it over that hump!  As I mentioned in a previous post, G has a new job (same company, new position) and also a new office.  I had printed one of my favorite pictures of the two of us around Christmas time and have yet to do anything with it so when he said he needed a picture of me for his office (what a sweet guy!), I decided to grab my craft box and get to work!

I wanted to do something a little different using wood but G is super picky about things like this.  I made a trip to Hobby Lobby and found these manly looking "wood hunks" and decided that was my best bet.  

Now, if you would like to create your very own "wood hunk photo frame" here is what you will need:

• Piece of wood (could be from your own backyard if you've got some spare wood handy)
• Mod Podge (I made mine with equal parts white school glue and water mixed)
• Desired photograph
• Scrapbook paper of your choosing
• Paint brush/sponge
• Spray sealant
• Easel

Step One:

Cut your scrapbook paper to the size of your wooden piece.  If you are using a piece of wood from your own home you could always cut it into a fun design of your choosing.

Step Two:

Brush your wood piece with Mod Podge.

Step Three:

Place your scrapbook paper onto the wood and cover with Mod Podge.

Does anyone else have the problem of their paper bubbling while Mod Podging?
Let me know if there is a way to fix that!

Step Four:

Place your photo on your layer of paper.  Smooth from the center using your sponge or brush and apply one last coat of Mod Podge.

Step Five:

Allow the whole project to dry for a few minutes.  Then spray the entire project with a spray sealant.  I used a Krylon clear coat.

Step Six:

Once dried, sit your new photo "frame" on an easel and enjoy!  

This bad boy is sitting on G's bookshelf in his office.

And that's it!  It's that easy!