Genuine Beauty

four-thousand words

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:28:00 +0000

waiting.

layers.

Palm-tree.

More than one.

peanut butter summer

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:47:00 +0000

When it feels like summer outside....I dress for summer! My shadow approves.

You can do this the night before and when you take it out the next day you will have beachy-looking waves.

Probably the best snack/breakfast you could ask for: Peanut Butter on warm toast, chocolate chips that melt into the PB and a generous amount of coconut to top it off. Delish.

much to-do about plenty

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:22:00 +0000

I have been overwhelmed lately with busy days that end as quickly as they start and I end up feeling as if nothing was actually accomplished that really needed to be. *Enter checklist*

How revolutionary. ;)

Before I go to bed, I write down several things I know I need to do the next day on a post-it note, and I stick it on my calender. I like to write down at least one thing that I have to do everyday because I know it will be checked off, and we all love that feeling of accomplishment, do we not? ;)

The first thing on my list below has to do with my job, and none of the to-do items are listed in any particular order.

I'm also managing my time a little better -getting up earlier and going to bed earlier (thats a big deal when you are a night-owl like me), but it's working! I made it through a Monday and did everything I needed to get done for the day! It felt sooo good. ;)

The craft (something fun and relaxing) ended up being an "inspiration wall". My walls still felt a little bare to me so I decided to jazz it up with some photos of places I've been or want to go, letter's from friends, quotes etc. Thanks for the idea Rebecca. ;)

Before

After

My favorite.

a busy week!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:37:00 +0000

I am so excited. :) I finally got an "official" invite to the Wednesday youth meeting from the youth pastor, Tim! I've already signed the papers for them to do a background check on me to see if I'm a criminal or not, ha; hopefully they won't find out about that one particular incident though... Just kidding. ;)
I got to talk to him over the phone on Thursday for at least half an hour about the upcoming leadership program this weekend -he wants me to help! He calls it "Summit" (not to be confused with the Summit Ministries program I went to last May). I guess the most exciting part is having no clue what all I'll be doing to help (ha-ha it's an adventure, right?) but also the fact that the Lord is giving me this opportunity to be involved. So excited. :)

A few other things that my week comprised of:

Voting for the first time in South Carolina.
Bowling with the family.
Watching Beauty and the Beast in 3D!
Mexican *and* Chinese food -although not both on the same day. ahem.
Visiting a new Sunday-school class this morning.
Helping with the AWANA program at church. I love the Cubbies! ;)
Celebrating my brother's 18th birthday.
Watching my co-worker's son's Boy Scouts flag burning ceremony. It was really neat.
And learning that God ALWAYS has a plan, I just have to be patient.

sometimes you take your outfit pictures where ever there is a mirror ;)
shoes-Journeys, legwarmers- Shoe Sensation, jeans -JCP, blue shirt- JCP, sweater- AE, earrings- F21?

And now for another new week!
Who knows what adventures are awaiting us... ;)

so many fabulous far away places

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Hawaii via pinterest
Who's up for some surfing? :)

Swallows Nest Sea Castle, Crimea via pinterest
This makes me want to sing that song, "somewhere beyond the sea".

Prague via pinterest
I think of Tangled and the Festival of Lights when I see this picture.

Rothenfluh near Schwyz in Switzerland via pinterest
No wonder Heidi never wanted to leave...

Germany via pinterest
A winter-wonderland! I'd be fine with spending winter here -and Christmas too for that matter.

This has always been one of my favorite songs (can't remember if I've posted it before but I guess it won't hurt to post again! ;) It's from the original Doctor Doolittle movie but it's sung by Sammy Davis Jr.

questions from a fellow blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:19:00 +0000

I was visiting with Marie from Marie Loves today :) Follow the link to see what we were up to!

all in the shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Uggs -target

Yesterday I went shopping with my sister for a few more things that she needed for her
upcoming trip; she's going to Costa Rica for a Christian Spanish immersion program -3 months.

I wore these comfy boots during the day yesterday with leg warmers but they aren't really showing up in the pictures.

purple cami -JCP, white shirt -AE, coat -Sears (junior section for $17!), jeans -JCP, leg warmers (they are purple but you can barely see them) -Shoe Sensation, flats -Old Navy

That same evening my sister's and I had a dinner date with a friend so I just swapped out the shoes for a more formal look (more formal than casual but not formal..you get the idea ;). I would have swapped out the bag as well if I wanted to go all out. But I didn't. Plus, we all know how much of a pain it is to switch out purses...and you always end up forgetting something in the purse you left behind. ha-ha

For laughs.

(how a "real man" eats an oreo)

the opposite of inconspicuous

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:25:00 +0000

via weheartit.com

My family decided to visit another church this morning and as usual, everyone was runnin' around getting ready; the instant I pulled out a breakfast cookie from the freezer to heat up, Dad said we had to leave...no breakfast for me. Sniff.

This church's service started earlier than the other one we had been attending so we ended up running a little late (I still I had an extra 15 minutes! wrong..) As usual, I tend to stress over Sunday mornings by trying to round up everyone and get out the door on time so we don't have to awkwardly walk in late. It's not really the best way to start off your Sunday morning: stressed.

I kind of held my breath while waiting in the car for the last person to come out the door so we could hit the road. It was only a four minute drive to the church but once we got there, and finally found a parking space, we had to walk a good distance (in the bitter cold wind) to get to the main entrance. Once we got inside and were right outside the sanctuary, an usher went to find seating for us and then had us follow him.

Do you want to know what the opposite of inconspicuous is? It would probably be a family of twelve walking in a long trailing line down...and around...and through the aisles, while the rest of the congregration was still seated. Yep, that would have to be it.

I couldn't help but smile to myself the whole time (it was a long walk to our seats) and think, "Okay God, I get your point. Next time I'll spend less time worrying over being on time and what people might think, and more on You".

We need to slow down, take deep breaths and know that things are never half as bad as we make them out to be.

Sometimes the Lord shows a little humor when he corrects us, does He not? ;)

twenty-five ways to wear a scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:47:00 +0000

This video was too cute not to post! Who knew there where so many ways to tie a scarf?? ;)

crunchy french fries

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:41:00 +0000

shoes -journeys, jeans -jcp, vest -consignment, shirt -maurices

Can be found at many Kroger or Food Lion stores.

I found out that the local Food Lion stores have health food sections! They are a lot like our Krogers back at home. Just take a gander at what I found in ours. ;) I tried these from my Grandparent's Kroger in Kentucky and thought they were pretty good; they're made with rice flour and do not contain gluten, or dairy.
These cinnamon-sugar "Donuts" come frozen so I just put them on a paper towel and warm them in the microwave for less than thirty-seconds.

As far as my breakfasts go though... I've been sticking with the breakfast cookies. ;)

Yesterday was a pretty busy day. Right after work I went with Mom and a couple of my siblings to help them pick out shoes for soccer, went to BedBath&Beyond for a few things (and to take advantage of the sale. I also saw an awesome "road and mountain" canvas there thats pictured above :). Right after we got home I rushed out with the three oldest boys to take them to the soccer field; I had a coupon for Ruby Tuesday's so we ate out afterwards.

For some reason the fries were really crunchy (I don't really like them super crunchy) so I asked to get a new batch (hey, the waitresses are always asking if the food and everything is okay so when it's not, ya gotta say something. lol In a very kind way of course. ;) My brothers ended up eating half of them though, thanks guys. ;)

healthy breakfast cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:55:00 +0000

I decided to give these yummies a try today! I found the recipe for these "Breakfast cookies" on Blueberry Girl's website through Pinterest (gotta love that place).

I'm always on the look out for anything that can be made quickly for breakfast since I'm usually in a hurry in the mornings. Make-ahead breakfast cookies? Bingo.

The recipe called for dried fruit but I used semi-sweet chocolate chips (they are dairy-free) and raisins -plus I didn't have any dried fruit on hand anyway. ;P

They really tasted quite good (chocolate makes anything work ladies, we all know it. ha-ha) and all I have to do is wrap each one and freeze it, then the night before I can take it out of the freezer (still wrapped) and let it sit out over-night so that it's ready for breakfast the next morning!

Let me know if you give them a try. :)

Enjoy!

Note: The only ingredient you may not have on hand is the Almond Flour. I used the Bob's Red Mill brand which you can typically find at Kroger or Food Lion.

Also, you may want to pop them in the microwave for a few seconds -I prefer mine warm; it tastes better in my opinion.

the market common

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:48:00 +0000

jeans- JCP, shoes- Journeys, sailboat shirt Old Navy, forgot where I got the ring..

Yesterday, a friend of ours took my Mom, my sisters and I to The Market Common -an open shopping area in Myrtle.
The weather was so beautiful (70 degrees!); I saw a rocking chair outside of a surf shop and just sat there for a little while soaking up the sunshine. Deliciousness.

I found a cute shop called Francesca's Collectibles, where I picked up a few gifts for friends, and a place called Random that had a table full of Pam Am bags! I wish they hadn't been so expensive...I wanted one so bad. Sigh.

We went to a place called California Pizza for lunch -I restrained myself from getting pizza (gluten *and* dairy? ..not the best combo for me) and I got a Teriyaki Chicken salad instead...verrry tasty. My stomach thanked me. ;)

sixties pink (and scarf/makeup tutorial)

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:36:00 +0000

Sorry, the lighting is really bad in my room (with or without flash). ;)

I decided to do something similar to Taylor Swift's makeup HERE

(1. FreshComplexion, natural beige concealer) (2. Rimmel London Special Eyes, black magic eye liner) (3. Maybelline 24 Color, pink blush) (4. bareMinerals, angeled brush) (5. Revlon, powder blush, softspoken pink)

(source)

Ever since Pan Am I have been absolutly in love with pink toned makeup. Pink blush, pink lips...I love the 60's. ;)

Still keeping with the 60's ;)

"Bell bottoms" as they were called, were first made mentioned of in 1813 (according to Wiki)! They became part of a navy sailor's offical uniform in the mid-19th century.

The difference between Bell Bottoms, Flares and Boot-cut acccording to Wiki:

60's Bell Bottoms (which came into fashion in 1964 to the end of the decade) flared out back and front from the bottom of the calf down and the hems are slightly curved. Usually worn by lads and girls wearing Cuban heeled shoes and Chelsea Boots. The bottoms usually flared to around 18 inches. By the end of the decade the new fashion were parallels which had the same wide leg width from top to bottom. The fashion didn't take off though. 70's Flares flared out massively from the knee down. The bottoms could be up to 26 inches. Modern Boot-cut flare just slightly at the front.

That's probably more than you wanted to know. ;)

Scarf -aerie (from a friend!) Jeans -JCPenney (these are on sale right now!) Shoes -Journeys, Minnetonka Mocs
Sweater -Old Navy
Ring -Glitter

Not sure what I was doing with my hands...hmm...

Below is a tutorial I did for my "scarf weave". I actually have no idea what it's called but that's the name I gave it. So there.

I'm so proud of all of you for making it through the week! Hooray for weekends!! ;)

Do you have anything exciting or relaxing planned?

words of wisdom via pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:14:00 +0000

when you don't have a lot of storage space...

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Utilize your doors.

shoe organizer from walmart

Instead of putting my shoe holder over my door I tacked it up on the wall inside my closet -

That way the inside of my closet door was free to hold bags --using a stick-on (easy to remove) hook.

from maurices

The other side (outside) of my closet door holds my jewelry organizer.

On the inside of my bedroom door I used a hanger to organize all (well most) of my scarves. They look pretty on display and now I can get to them more easily.

I use the Commando hooks (the ones in these pictures are 3lb capacity strength). They are only $4 or $5 for a pack of three I think and you can get them at Walmart or Hobby Lobby. I like them because they don't have to be permanent and they don't leave holes.

What are some tricks you use to store things when you are tight on space?

start off the day with mac and chreese

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:13:00 +0000

Mac and Chreese

What a day! Since New Year's fell on a Sunday, our office was closed for the day and we all had the day off. :) I tend to stay up way later than I should so I didn't get up this morning until about 10:00 (totally feel guilty saying that). Since I only had the choice of eggs or oatmeal this morning (I eat eggs almost every morning) I decided to try my Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free "Mac and Chreese". Doesn't that sound...creepy? Chreese? Well I gave it a try this morning for breakfast, and it wasn't too bad; probably should have stirred the cheese sauce stuff a little more though since it was a tad gritty. :P
The Walmart near my Grandparents in Kentucky (where I stocked up on our recent visit) carries a lot of gluten and dairy free products but the one here in South Carolina doesn't. I'm going to ask and see if they'll carry more..

braided top-bun

Well after my "breakfast" I got ready to go out to lunch with my sisters and meet up with a friend from church. I put my hair up in a high ponytail and divided it into two sections, braided both, then twisted them around the base of the ponytail and pinned all around it.

I always forget to take a picture of my food but we ended up going to Percy and Willies (soo good!!). I got a hamburger and fries --I've never tasted such a delicious hamburger! The burger was so thick! Mmm..

After lunch, my sister's and I went to Target; also found a local surf shop! Didn't know we had one :).

I tried on a pair of ultra-comfy heels, and bought them. Couldn't help it! I never find heels that are actually comfortable; they'll be nice for work.

more Christmas gifts!

I had a little surprise waiting for me in the mail! Two actually. ;) Thank you Rebecca and Emily!

Em got me the cutest decal stickers for my laptop (I'll have to include a picture sometime), and Becca got me a pink tank top and scarf from Aerie! Such a lovely surprise. Oh and the mini Buble poster didn't hurt at all. ;)

sweet pocket detailing

I simply cannot wait for summer! I know, I know, winter isn't even in full swing here yet...I'll try to be patient. ;)

my little brother and his silly "hippie" sister

My brother and I got a little silly later on in the evening --listened to Pocketful of Sunshine and 90s dance hits; I caught him dancing in front of my mirror doing disco moves. Cute.

Hope you all had a lovely day as well!

oh, and happy new year!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:20:00 +0000

Twenty-twelve. January 1, 2012
It's a new year, ladies! How exciting is that?! A brand-new year, with no mistakes in it, as Anne Shirley would undoubtedly say. This past year as taught me so much.

-You have to except change; God always has a plan.

-Home is where the heart is.

-God truly blesses those who honor him.

-Laughter is the best medicine.

-What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger ;)

Last year was filled with road trips, good times, lots of laughter and wonderful friends. But there where also "valley moments", tears and heartache. Through all of it, God's love was always constant, and His grace was always enough.
I'm excited to continue on this great adventure we call, life. I still have so much to learn and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store.

Happy New Year!
And may the Lord richly bless you.
Love, Beth

it's grey and sparkly

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:21:00 +0000

12 hours is a long trip! So glad to be home.

I only see my little cousin once or twice a year but she remembered me and came right up and hopped on my lap. ;) Such a sweetheart. <3

Getting ready for church this morning.

It was so good to be back at our church this morning! I love our choir to pieces -such passion when they sing and such beautiful songs. This one was one of my favorites. :) It's called "I'll Sing of Your Love"-

Higher than any mountain
Deeper than any sea
Wider than any ocean
Is Your love for me

How is that for starting off the new year?! Wider than any ocean is His love for me...

lest you think it isn't cold

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:32:00 +0000

photos from Instagram iPhone app

racerback tank -AE, top -AE, jeans -JCP, shoes -Shoe Sensation

this is my "lest you think it isn't cold" picture ;)
I like to take my photos without wearing a coat but that doesn't mean its not cold! haha

on the road via instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Stockin' up!

Yesterday my family and I drove 11 hours from South Carolina to Kentucky to visit my Mom's parents for New Years. I haven't seen them since we had visited with friends on our Nashville Trip, and that was back in August. It's also nice to be in a familiar place with familiar faces -still adjusting since we've moved.

saw snow in the mountains!

nice and cozy inside..at least for the most part. lol it was freezing outside!

open road

did a little reading on my kindle

drew with a henna pen on my arm :P

listened to some music

and stopped at Wendy's for an iced coffee ;)

how was your Christmas weekend?

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:37:00 +0000

The crazy thing was already cracked into peices when I opened it. Operation: Fix Gingerbread House.

My weekend:

Christmas story read with family

watched Shop around the Corner

had a big lunch (ate lamb)

went to a evening showing of Mission Impossible

played games

napped, lol

My Dad looking forward to seeing mission impossible (it was very good by the way).

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts i want to think

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:55:00 +0000

I still find each day

too short for all

the thoughts I

want to think, all

the walks I want to

take, all the books

I want to read, and

all the friends I

want to see.

-John Burrough

jeans -American Eagle (best jeans ever!), minnetonka moccasins -Journeys, top -JCP

Sally Hansen's "Xtreme Wear" nail polish. It's called Mint Sorbet (340).
I bought mine at target but Walmart would have it too.

HERE is a fun post on nail polish/art by a friend.

Currently crushin' on:

Indie/Folk-pop music

minnetonka moccasins

peppermint mocha (even though I haven't tried it yet! haha)

the beach (I want to do a music video there this weekend)

mint sorbet nail polish

lime ricki swimsuits (gotta get a head start right? *wink*)

I love this girl's simple music and crystal clear vocals.

Oh, and by the way ladies...

Merry Christmas!

christmas belles

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Christmas Belles -Etsy $26

I love this holiday print :)

a little fashion inspiration from Kerti

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:03:00 +0000

This girl knows how to layer!

Kerti is a 21-year-old fashion design student/photographer from Tartu, Estonia.

You can find these looks and more on her Lookbook page.

isn't that hat darling?

i'm in heaven with the color of that blue.

like mary

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Ann) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:54:00 +0000

Two months ago I would not have seen it coming. Making the family decision to move, finding a home, and moving-in (all within a month, tops) kind of left my head spinning, to say the least!
I loved my little town along the river and my dear friends that I have come to know so well through the years, but at the same time that I resisted the idea, I didn't...

via Pinterest

Let's just imagine for a minute, that you live on a farm and you're taking your morning walk to the barn to feed the livestock when you hear someone calling your name. You turn, but no one is there. You had closed the door behind you and the only available light is provided by the morning sun that is streaming through the cracks in the wall.

There it is again. A man's voice. But it's soft and gentle.
You look again; standing there in front of you is what appears to be a man...a man shrouded in light. It's almost hard to see his face at first and you become very afraid. What kind of man is he?
But then he speaks. And he says,
"Do not be afraid...you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

You stare in amazement. What did he just say...? You ask the obvious question. How is it possible?

And the angel answers,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. ...For nothing is impossible with God."

If after hearing an angel tell you that you will have a child (even though you have not had relations with a man), you are able to reply;

"I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."

then let me just say right now that I admire you greatly; yours is a faith I envy. In fact, I'd like to meet you. I know for sure I'd like to meet Mary. What a woman of faith! Do you know that she may very well have been only 13 years old??

The story of Mary, as well as the story of Ruth, came to mind many times last month, during the process of my parents signing papers for our new home, and packing.

I am nothing like Mary, but I knew that God's hand was in it all and I knew that I wanted with all of my heart to have faith and trust the Lord that everything would be okay. I wanted to be strong. Sometimes I think being strong means not crying. That isn't true.

The last night I spent in our old home, I cried. And I mean buckets.
Mary knew that God would supply her every need. That doesn't mean she didn't possibly have little breakdowns here and there; we're human. But in our weekness, we find God's strength.

Like Mandisa's song Stronger;

"when the waves are taking you under, hold on just a little bit longer

He knows that this is gonna make you stronger.

the pain ain't gonna last forever

and things can only get better

believe me, this is gonna make you stronger"

He does what He knows to be best for us. Even if it doesn't look that way at first.
The only thing I was certain of when we moved, was that God's hand was in it, and that He had decided there was somewhere else He wanted us to be.

God's choices are not always the ones we'd make for ourselves if we could choose. But we can't see the "big picture". God can.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said,

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase".

Have faith that the Lord will take care of you; you know He always has.
Have a faith like Mary's.

"I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."

via Pinterest

Scripture taken from Luke 1:26-38