Category / Texas Lovely

by Bethe

Announcement & a free download

I am so glad I can finally blab my little secret!

When I opened my little shop last summer, I hoped to sell a few pillows. Little did I know that it would turn into what it has – an opportunity to bless others, and a blessing to my family.

Tonight, more than 800 women (including a group of our beloved ESL students) received a free Texas Lovely print at my church’s women’s dinner. There is nothing that makes my heart happier.

I’d like to share it with you too. Here is a downloadable PDF. This is for personal use only, not for resale.

by Bethe

Support your favorite small business

Today is Small Business Saturday. Who would have ever known that I would have a small business? But I do, and I am so very thankful for the people who have supported us through the last few months. This little shop has really helped us as we went down to one income to launch Mr. Right’s new career as a real estate agent.

In honor of Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday, which is a heck of a lot cooler than Black Friday), I’m running a sale in the shop. For every print you purchase, you will receive one print FREE (print must be a $15 value – does not apply to custom prints). This means you can knock two people off your Christmas list at once, or you can buy for a friend, and keep something for yourself. I’m happy to report that there are several Christmas prints framed and up in my house – pictures coming soon. Well, as soon as I finish decorating my house for Christmas… which I hope will be tonight, but to be honest, that’s debatable.

But back to the sale. You don’t need a special code, just purchase your favorite print, and in the comments let me know which print you want for free. Offer ends Monday night at midnight.

Now, back to finishing another Christmas quilt and finding a place for all these decorations stacked up in my garage…

by Bethe

Happy birthday to my blog… and to me.

Today is my birthday. Not only that, but it’s also the fifth birthday for my little blog.

Here’s the first post, written on my 27th birthday. Well, technically, there’s the first post, but a few months ago I moved everything over to this fancy new home.

Well, that’s not exactly right either. Technically I’ve been blogging more than five years. Because really, I started over here in July 2005. Do you realize that was seven-and-a-half years ago? My goodness, a lot has changed in that time, but funny enough, much of the time I still feel like that 24-year-old wide-eyed girl. I’m so thankful for (and highly amused at) the chance to go back and relive what life was like from 24-32. It has been a wild ride for sure.

But back to today’s birthday. Today I turn 32 (although if anybody asks, I’ll say I’m 29), and since it’s also Thanksgiving, I thought I’d look back at what I was thankful for in year 31:

-I am thankful for my TWO new nephews. Those little boys have totally changed my life. I’m head over heels in love with both of them. Both are total miracle babies, and both increased my faith in different ways.

-I am thankful for the chance to open my little Etsy shop. I have learned SO much about opening a business, about bookkeeping, about shipping. It has been a total blast, but also a ton of work. (PS – I just signed up for my first pop-up Flea Market event for next weekend – stay tuned for more details)

-I am thankful for Mr. Right’s new job. It was a huge leap of faith to leave his current job at the church and venture out to try something new. And while we launch his new business, we’re dreaming about the next step in our ministry. The two are not mutually exclusive.

-I am thankful for the chance to visit BOTH coasts this year… two trips to the West Coast and one to the East Coast. The gypsy in me enjoyed visiting all new places this year.

-I am thankful for both of our families, and for their continued health. We had a few scares this year, but I am thankful that God blessed me with TWO amazing families who love Jesus.

-I am thankful for my own health. After battling a health issue for almost 18 months, I am happy to say that I am fully healed and so very thankful to finally feel good again.

-I am thankful for sweet friends, both old and new.

-I am thankful for my ESL ministry. It’s such a privilege to do something that you really love and work with people who feel like family.

-I am thankful for Mr. Right, for the way he has supported me, taken care of me, and been my best friend. He pushes me to take risks, and cheers me on when I feel unsure of myself.

So Happy Thanksgiving… and 32… here goes nothing!

by Bethe

Who likes free stuff? And a road trip…

I am thrilled to announce that McGowan Images is holding a contest on their blog for a free Texas Lovely print! Three lucky people will get to win, and I’ve love it if one of my friends was on that list. Go over and share the “thorn” that you are thankful for.

PS – That’s not the BIG announcement. But I’m still uber excited.

In other news…

Last weekend Mr. Right and I headed down to College Station to watch his beloved Aggies whoop up on poor Sam Houston State. We sat about 10 feet below outer space, and parked about 80 miles away. Or so it seems. My cute new birthday boots rubbed blisters the size of Texas on my poor feet. It’s not cute.

After the game we headed to Houston to stay with Mr. Right’s college roommate and his wife, who have sweetly adopted me right into their family. The next morning we woke up and headed to church with Mr. Right’s former boss, who is now working in Houston, and then met up for lunch with my bestie and her husband, who also just moved to Houston to work for a church. A couple of observations:

1. Only a group of three ministers and their wives would get so excited about touring various churches. Things like “We use this system to track attendance!” and “Check out our baptistry!” and “Woah, I love your Welcome Center!” are probably not part of most peoples’ weekend roadtrips. But it was part of ours and we loved seeing where our good friends work.

2. Apparently the new hot game in Houston youth groups is Four Square. It’s a big deal. And the four of us may have had a rousing game at 8:30 on a Sunday night in the youth room, all to ourselves. Stay tuned for a 4 Square tournament party at our home later this year. It’s going to be epic.

3. The other hot youth group game is called Israeli Dodgeball. Or Gaga. It just sounds dangerous.

4. I’m crazy out of touch with what’s cool for youth. And I’m cool with that.

Monday morning I convinced Mr. Right to drive back through Waco so I could revisit the Promise Land… Baylor. I hadn’t even been south on I-35 in about five years, so it was so nice to drive by and see all of the new buildings, and to show Mr. Right my old apartments. Which look even older than when I was there 10 years ago. I can’t believe I was a SENIOR ten years ago. That’s impossible.

I now have a shiny new Baylor shirt and some warm fuzzy memories from that quick stop.

We topped off the night with a sushi date and Twilight, which is how I know my man loves me.

Vacation, Day 2, here we come. Today involves sewing and a birthday party – not a bad day indeed.

by Bethe

I have a secret

Have you ever had a secret that’s SO GOOD, but if you told people it would ruin all the fun? One of those secrets that you’re dying to tell everybody you pass on the street? A secret that might just make you explode?

Well, I have one of those secrets. And it has nothing to do with pregnancies or babies or moving or anything major. But it’s a fun secret and it’s exciting news and some of my friends will get a total kick out of it. And I promise to tell you NEXT week.

Promise.

by Bethe

Baby birth announcements

Inspired by spending my Saturday cuddling with my nephew, I decided to add some baby birth announcements to the shop. I’m offering both an 8×10 print for your nursery (or other sizes upon request) and 5×7 announcements you can mail to your family and friends. And because I know that new mamas have their hands full, I’m happy to take ALL of the work off your hands (at least, when it comes to the announcements – when it comes to diapers, you’re on your own). I am offering to address, stamp, and mail your announcements for you so you can have more time to cuddle your sweet bundle of joy.

 And because I know you don’t mind a good baby picture, here’s my sweet nephew. I love this picture because it includes (1) my nephew, (2) my dog pouting in the background, (3) the quilt I made Mr. Right.

by Bethe

Friday Favorites & a Give-away

If you moseyed on over here from my friend Helene’s blog, welcome! You can read more about me here and visit my shop, Texas Lovely, here.

Okay, now that we’re friends, on to today’s post:

These are a few of my favorite things…

For those of you who are new here, I teach English as a Second Language to refugees and immigrants from all over the world. Last night I taught my beginners about our elections, and the basic structure of government – things like term limits for the president and congress, names of local government leaders (governor, mayor), and about our two party system. The highlight of the class was having one of my favorite students, a large African woman about 70 years old, lean back in her chair and say, “Mmmm… I don’t like Obama. Romney is my man!” Now, regardless of your political leaning, a moment like that goes against just about every political stereotype, and it makes teaching English an absolute hoot.

I asked my students to tell me about the governments in their countries, how their leaders were chosen and whether or not they’ve ever voted. It was eye-opening to go around the room and hear students from Congo, Ivory Coast and Togo each say that it’s too dangerous to vote – that they would never do it because it’s not safe. It’s just another reminder that regardless of how you feel about the candidates running, we are blessed to be able to go to the polls without fear of physical harm.

To the woman who told me today, while I was wearing my big-girl suit no less, “There is NO WAY you could be 32! I could have sworn you were in your mid-20s,” all I have to say is, BLESS YOU. BLESS YOU. BLESS YOU. You’re my new best friend.

It totally makes up for the woman yesterday who asked me if I was pregnant, and when I told her I wasn’t, she said she didn’t believe me. That’s a new one. (And of course I was wearing a new shirt that I just LOVED, but which I love a little less now.)

This sucker is BIG! But I love the craziness of the pattern, combined with the neutral Christmas colors. It doesn’t just scream “Yea! Christmas!” but instead whispers it soothingly as you cuddle by the fire.

Oh wait, I’m now personifying my quilts. Maybe I’m spending too much time in my sewing studio, watching How I Met Your Mother on my laptop. (The first six seasons have seen me through three different quilts.) Anyway, this gal will probably end up in my shop — unless I decide to keep her for myself, which is a strong possibility — so stay tuned for an announcement about her listing. Feel free to call “dibs” on her now by leaving a comment. I haven’t measured her yet but it’s definitely big enough for two people to snuggle under it next to a fire.

My friend over at Helene In Between is giving away a Texas Lovely print on her blog! If you don’t already follow her, go check her out – she’s a Dallas girl (love supporting local bloggers) and her blog is gaining popularity at warp speed. Thanks Helene for so generously partnering with me! Now hurry up and go enter the give-away so I can send you something lovely!

—-I’m linking this post up with the Bargain Blonde’s Friday Favorites link party—

by Bethe

Art imitating life

Mr. Right and I are getting our Christmas card pictures taken Sunday evening with our favorite rockstar photographers and good friends, McGowan Images. We’ve used them a ridiculous number of times (here’s a list), because we decided that as a family we want to prioritize capturing memories that we can keep for the rest of our lives. It’s going to be even worse when we have kiddos – Chelsea and Mack, you might as well start resting up now because our little rug rats will keep you busy. Someday.

So while I LOVE getting pretty new pictures, I hate having to pick out the perfect outfit. I like to pretend like I have style, but in reality I have no clue what I’m doing. I currently have it narrowed down to two outfits – one that’s neutral and sparkly, the other is a big pop of color. Regardless, I’m going to be sneaking in my new birthday boots, because let’s face it, the whole outfit will be centered around getting to wear my pretty new birthday boots.

So while reminiscing about last fall’s pictures, I got inspired. Last year we took pictures with our two favorite things – our beach cruiser bikes, and Will’s great-great-grandmother’s antique quilt. I’m not sure how we’ll ever top those, but the props made our pictures even more special.

PS–I was sick last year on picture day. I was also growing out my bangs, which is explains the hippie braid – because it was the only way to keep them out of my face. Praise Jesus this year the bangs are gone, and I’m determined to be healthy, with a natural fake tanner glow right out of a bottle.

Inspired by our his-and-hers beach cruiser bikes (and my recently added basket), I created my newest shop print, which I can’t wait to frame at my house. Or office. Or both. I’m starting to run out of frames and space!

And if you’re like Mr. Right and me, and you like exchanging love notes with your significant other, then these little 5×7 flat cards are for you. You can find both in the shop here.

 Now I just need to figure out what clever prop we’re going to use. Or maybe I’ll go with a less-is-more theme (translation – “Bethe was too busy to plan ahead” theme). Either way, I’m confident McG will make us look good. Stay tuned for sneak previews of the pics later next week!

by Bethe

Grab a cup of hot chocolate, let’s talk Christmas goodies

Halloween was just a week ago, but since I’m the worst kind of planner, I spent time tonight working on my Christmas card list. Maybe I’m inspired because we’re taking our annual Christmas card photos Sunday evening, or maybe it’s because Thanksgiving is around the corner and after that, I know I’ll blink and it will be Christmas, and I want to do my best not to run around like a crazy woman all December and miss out on just enjoying the holidays with my family and friends.

Although, if I were a betting woman, I’d bet that there will probably be more running around like a crazy woman than I’d like to admit.

For all of you fellow planners, I added a few Christmas goodies in the shop I wanted to let you know about.

I love giving personalized gifts, which is what inspired my latest print – the family tree. I think it makes a special Christmas present, or you could also give it for a wedding or anniversary. Everything on there is fully customizable, including the Bible verse or quote at the top as well as the colors.

If you’re looking for a way to decorate your home for the holidays, I came up with a few 8×10 prints – the red JOY print will be printed and framed over my mantle (I’m blowing mine up to 16×20). You can click on the print for the link to the shop (ps- If you ever want a custom size, message me on Etsy or leave me a comment on the blog and I can usually work with you).

And finally, I made some simple, quirky thank you notes that will help you to say thank you for all of those Christmas goodies headed your way. Or if you’re like me and you have a birthday coming up in say, two weeks, they’d come in handy then as well.

It’s over here in the shop.

by Bethe

Etsy Shop Update – Thanksgiving & Christmas lovelies!

I’m trying hard not to just pimp my shop on my blog. That wasn’t the purpose of this blog and never will be. But it’s also a big part of my life right now (and with launching Mr. Right’s real estate business, a huge help financially), so I want to be sure to remind you that it’s there.

I only have a few Thankful prints left. Once they’re sold out, I probably won’t print any more until next fall. So if you’ve had your eye on this for a little while, be sure to pick it up before it sells out!

I can’t believe it, but we’re going to blink and it will be Christmas. I’ve still got some hand-sewn Christmas cards available in the shop (only available through Nov. 15, then I’m discontinuing them), but I also have these new photo cards if you prefer something a little more economical. Just click on the picture to link to the shop listing.

With these photo cards, you can either purchase the art file, ready to send to your printer, for just $20, or for an additional cost (and if you don’t want to mess with finding a printer and envelopes), I will be happy to print them for you (prices range from $1.20-$1.50 each, including envelopes, depending on quantity ordered). If you have questions, just leave me a message in the comments section of this blog post.

 Also, I am offering a limited number of custom Christmas card designs. Price will be $50 for the design, plus the cost of printing if you want me to print them for you. If you’re interested, just leave me a message in the comments section of this blog post.

And finally, I’m working on a Christmas quilt or two that will end up in the shop. Follow me on Instragram (@texas_lovely) to see sneak preview pictures. The last few quilts I made were “sold” before I ever listed them in the shop because folks saw it on Instagram and staked their claim. I’m perfectly happy to pre-sell again, so let me know if you’re interested in having a warm Texas Lovely Christmas quilt in your home!

Love you all, my friends!