GTL

{Image Courtesy MTV.com}

Gym Tan Laundry. I only live by T & L, but still I can relate to these guido's and guidettes.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one pumped for the Season 2 premiere of the Jersey Shore tonight. I hate to say it but it's probably my #1 guilty pleasure. My mom is even a fan! Her favorite is Pauly D (she loved the episode where he got stalked by that Jewish girl Danielle).

Snookie is my girl! If I was that areea, we would be friends...I could get down with her poof! I also like Vinny and Pauly D. Everyone else can kick rocks. And what is this Angelina girl doing back? No one even knows who she is, nor do we care. Um...if you want to call in sick from work...don't show up with full make-up and nice clothes and tell them you're sick. They can see your face...you're not sick. Oh, she's dumb. She is NOT the hottest girl in Staten Island.

Fist pumps all around! :)

loves,

sweetbef

Happy Birthday to Two Special Ladies!

Today is my mom's birthday. She is 29 today! ;) We're so close in age, it's hard to believe she's my mother. Okay, enough of the jokes.

I can't describe in words how much my mom means to me. She's my best friend. She always spoils me and puts me first and being an only child...I get all her attention. I don't know how she put up with me from the age of 12-18, but she did it and was able to raise me into what I think is an intelligent and mature woman. I owe everything I am and will be to her.

The other special lady in my life is my grandmother or "Me-Maw" as I call her. Funny thing is...I'm the only person that calls her that. My two cousins call her "Grandma." She taught my mom everything she knows who in turn taught me everything she knows. My grandma is the sweetest little lady. Everyone knows her around her hometown because of that fact. She does anything and everything she can for her family and friends. She also knows everyone in town and somehow she says we are related to them too. She'll be 84 years old on Friday and she still runs around like she's 29.

loves,

sweetbef

Happy Anniversary!

*I totally forgot about a very important date yesterday*

My mom and stepdad's anniversary was yesterday. They have been married for 8 years and together for 10. David, my stepdad, is the sweetest guy you will ever meet. I've never seen my mom more in love with a person than she is with David. She is smitten with him. I'm sure they'll be celebrating many more anniversaries in the future!

{image courtesy Sweet Memories Photography by Sandi McClain}

Tunes Tuesday

I just started being a follower of Handbags and Handguns and I'm already obsessed. Today (and probably every Tuesday) she does what is called "Tunes Tuesday." Well, I decided I wanted to participate in this today and maybe it will become a weekly thing on my blog.

I love music...but I can't say that I love all types of music. I'm not a big fan of country. I hate Kenny Chesney, but I love me some Lady Antebellum and would buy a ticket to their concert in a heartbeat. I'm also not a fan of Dave Matthews Band. I know that probably makes me an outcast, but so be it.

However, I am a HUGE fan of anything 80's, early 90's, and hip hop. I always have been a fan of rap/r&b/hip hop. I remember when I had the TLC CD "Crazy, Sexy, Cool" It was and still is (in my opinion) the jam. I also had the soundtrack from Waiting to Exhale and Puff Daddy and the Family and would listen to both on a loop. Remember when you could get like 10 CD's for a penny? Well, I did that several times when I was a wee teenager, until they called wanting more than a penny and my mom told them I was underage and she didn't know I was getting these CD's. I had all kinds of CD's. That's where I got the majority of my CD's back in high school.

When I first starting writing this blog, I had a list of like every song I've ever loved or could remember. That got too long and I could go on FOREVER on how much I love music and what each song means....so I decided to just give you the three songs that are in the running for my First Dance tune at my wedding. God forbid, I ever do get married. Maybe next week, I'll share with you my favorite tunes to do during karaoke. :)

These three songs are in the running for my wedding song...I don't know if I'll ever be able to decide. And will you look at that...one is country. :)

The Fray - Look After You

Gavin Degraw - More Than Anyone

Lady Antebellum - When You Got a Good Thing

loves,

sweetbef

Concerts with Mandy

So...I would like to apologize to my sweet tall friend Miss Mandy Mac. In my previous post, I did not mention that she also joined Sandi and I for one of the two Justin Timberlake concerts.

Because of that...I would like to share with you two of my other favorite concerts with Mandy.

In 2008, there was Kanye West...this was Pre Taylor Swift VMA "imma let you finish" speech. Rihanna, N.E.R.D., and Lupe Fiasco were the openers and there was a Bow Wow sighting. There was also a Quincy Jones sighting and I would like to mention that I am able to spot Q. Jones from nosebleed sections to floor seats. I'm pretty proud of that skill.

Then, on St Patrick's Day of last year I got a sweet present from an Irish Leprechaun. Known as free tix to see New Kids on the Block. Well, they weren't free, but I think $1 per ticket is pretty close to free as you can get. I was at work and got a call from Mandy asking if she were able to get us tickets to the concert would I go...my answer "Heck yes!" We had awesome seats (value of seats = $65). It was one of the most fun concerts I've ever been to. :) Jammin' out to Hangin' Tough & Step by Step!

I haven't been to one concert this year. I atleast try to go to one every year. It's one of my favorite things. Got any suggestions? Or know of anyone coming to Greenville, Atlanta, or Charlotte that I can go see? The Biebster (that's what I like to call my jail bait boo Justin Bieber) is coming to Greenville in December, but I would feel like a total pedophile if I bought tickets to his concert.

loves

sweetbef

Blogger's Block

{image courtesy williamrast.com}

It's a slow blog day for me, so I thought I would let you enjoy this man up there...Justin Timberlake...or "my boo" as I like to call him. He's been #1 on my list since I saw the video for "I Want You Back" by N'Sync. Those bleach blonde locks made my heart pitter patter back in '98. And to be honest, it hasn't stopped. I've seen JT in concert 5 times...two of those times were for the same FutureSex/LoveSounds Tour in 2007 with Sandi. I'm pretty confident if he met me, he would be like "Um...Jessica Biel who?" That's why I'm saving myself for him. When ever I'm feeling down, I just watch his "Cry Me a River" video. It's my personal fave and always got me through tough times in college...or for a nice study break.

I could go on forever about my love for JT, but I won't bore you with those stories...I'll just let you enjoy the picture above. Ahhhhhhhh....

loves,

sweetbef

Give Yourself Some Sugar

Fellow blogger and real life bff, Sandi is the owner of a designer boutique in a small city in South Carolina. She opened her store, sugar, in April of 2008 and has had two successful years with her fabulous business. She is truly living her dream. Recently, she launched a GREAT new feature to the stores web site...ONLINE SHOPPING. Who doesn't love shopping in their underwear?

Sandi is absolutely, positively the hardest working person I know. She is also the sweetest person you will EVER meet...not to mention the best dressed. She did get Best Dressed at our high school her senior year...and that title has stayed with her for the last 8 years (and will continue for 80 more). She always has a smile on her face and God in her heart.

Please take a moment to check out sugar's web site and tell all of your friends. I do know that other bloggers have visited her at the store and only had wonderful things to say (I was there to witness). :)
~~And Don't Forget~~

Become a follower of Sandi's sweet blog La Dolce Vita.

and

Become a follower of sugar's blog for the latest trends, deals, and items hitting the racks.

loves,

sweetbef

Pray for Logan

Kate and Chris on their wedding day in October 2008

In my last post, I announced that my co-worker Kate was having her new baby Logan. Well, he finally arrived at 10:32AM on Saturday morning with a "head full of black curly hair." Kate called me this morning to give me an update and little Logan had trouble transitioning once he was delivered and had problems getting oxygen. He's in the NICU and will be there for at least a few more days. Kate and her husband Chris haven't been able to touch or hold him because of his complications. However, the doctors are very optimistic that he will have a speedy recovery and will be able to go home very soon, but I know this is a scary time for first time parents. I could hear the fear in her voice. I've known Kate for almost 3 years. She is actually my boss...but more like a friend than someone who calls the shots in my professional career.

So please just keep Kate, Chris, and baby Logan in your prayers this week. I know they'll appreciate it.


p.s. this weekend in Charleston was fabulous and I have a TON of pictures to share...but saying I'm exhausted would be an understatement, so I'll try to post a recap as soon as I recoup. Off to bed now. :)

vacay morning post...

i made it safely to charleston yesterday evening. right now, i'm watching the sun come up at my friend jessica's little condo on james island. i'm an early riser (not by choice) and she's a late sleeper (definitely by choice). we have plans to meet up with our friend melanie on sullivan's island and have some beach time together then a little gal's night out downtown tonight. i hope i can remember enough about our adventure(s) to do a "weekend recap post." i'm sure the pictures i'll be taking will help.

question to my blog buddies...i know most of you who follow are internet/blogger saavy. how does one post headers with other fonts besides the ones provided by blogger? how do you do a personalized signature? and how can i make a "button" and have others "grab it"?

if you know, you can comment below or email me at sweetbefblog@yahoo.com. i would like for this to be the easiest/painless way. ;)

thanks in advance for all of your help!

p.s. my co-worker Kate is at the hospital RIGHT NOW in labor with baby Logan! :)

Introducing Miss Mandy Mac

My real life bff has started a blog...go visit Miss Mandy Mac and become a follower. She is not new to the blogging scene, but hasn't been on blogger in a few years. Well, she's back. You may know her as the girl who got me the awesome birthday gift this year and she also went with me to Myrtle Beach last weekend. Not only that, but she is hilarious and you'll love her.

Let me give you a little background of the Miss Mandy that I love. We went to neighboring high schools, so we had mutual friends. But we didn't become "official" friends until we were debutantes together during our freshman year of college. Yes...two TRUE southern belles...white dresses, gloves, curtsey's and all. Despite the fact that we went to rival colleges, we managed to visit each other every chance we got. We've traveled together and there is never a dull moment when ever we're together. We have the same sense of humor that others may not get. She has been the bestest over these almost 10 years and she's always there for me...NO MATTER WHAT! I could share a novel full of our adventures together, but I won't bore you with all of that...now.

We share a love for karaoke (she's better at it than me), obscure indie movies, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, concerts, random YouTube videos, and much more.






Enjoy Miss Mandy Mac! You can thank me later. :)

loves,

sweetbef

Top 5 Fictional Crushes

Cool Gal from It's the World I Know got the Plastic Joy Award, and has inspired me to do my own post similar to this post she did.

I would like to share 5 fictional crushes (movies, t.v., etc.). I won't pass this along, but feel free to join in on the fun if you like.

1. Jonathan Taylor Thomas or "Randy Taylor" from Home Improvement.

He was the ultimate when I was growing up. We all called him, J.T.T. for short. Tiger Beat and POP mags were adorned with his sweet mug back in the 90's. I remember when I was 12 my daddy took me on a trip to Los Angeles, CA. One of my friends told me she would be so jealous if I met J.T.T. Sadly, I didn't meet him or any celeb on that trip.

2. John Krasinski or "Jim Halpert" from The Office.

One of my favorite TV shows is The Office. I became obsessed with it a few years ago and a big reason for that obsession was Jim. His crush on Pam was so cute and the mischief he causes Dwight and Michael always cracks me up.

John was in Leatherheads with George Clooney and the majority of the movie was filmed in the Upstate of South Carolina (near where I live). I remember finding out in the hometown paper that they filmed a football scene at a high school stadium 10 minutes from my house. I was so disappointed I missed him. I also found out he went to local bars in Greenville at night to sing karaoke. I wasn't living here at the time...so sad. Too bad he's married now or I might still have a chance ;).

3. Bradley Cooper or "Phil" from The Hangover.

The Hangover is one of my all-time favorite movies. I can't tell you how many times I've watched it, but every time I do I always crack up. And B. Coop (we're pretty tight so I can call him that) is so dreamy in this movie...even when he's all beat up and hungover.

4. Jeff from Big Brother Season 11 (2009) & Amazing Race Season 16 (2010)

I know that reality TV is not fictional (unless it's The Hills) but I love reality TV too much not to nominate to the hottest guy from reality TV. I had the biggest crush on Jeff last year during Big Brother. He's SOOOOOO hot and seemed so down to earth. And not to mention he was hilarious. I will admit, I'm jealous that Jordan got to take him home as her boyfriend, but she's a Southern gal too (she's actually about an hour and a half away in Charlotte) so I can't hate too much.

5. Channing Tatum or "John Tyree" from Dear John.

I fell in love with Channing Tatum after seeing his sweet dance moves and sexy smile in Step Up. Channing is my #2 favorite celebrity (J. Timberlake being #1). When Dear John came out, he looked even better than in Step Up. I actually saw that movie TWICE in it's opening weekend, just because of Channing. I was memerized by his hottness and definitely let out many "ooh's" and "ahh's" throughout the movie. Oh he was sooo good looking in every scene.

The movie was filmed in Charleston and my friend text me one night during production and said "um...your crush is at the same bar i'm at." If it wasn't 10pm at night and I didn't have to make a 3 hour drive to get there, I would have driven just to get a peek.

Honorable Mention: Patrick Dempsey or "Dr. Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd" from Grey's Anatomy

I love me some Suga'

My favorite blog buddy and real life BFF, Sandi at La Dolce Vita gave me the Sugar Doll Award. I do think I'm pretty sweet, but I'm biased. :) If you're not a follower of her blog, you need to be. She takes the best pictures and always has fun posts.

She also is the owner of a boutique, Sugar, near our hometown. It has it's own blog and web site as well (where you can shop online) MAKE SURE you check those two things out. You'll be glad you did. She always has the "sweetest deals."

So I'll list 5 Favorites then pass along to 5 Sugar Dolls :)

5 RANDOM Favorites
Justin Timberlake

the beach

thank you notes

hip hop music

reality television

I'll pass this award onto...

It's the World I Know

Shrimp & Glitz

Freckles on the Nose of Life's Complexion

The Francis Family

Grammy Girlfriend

loves,

sweetbef

Happy Birthday!

Happy, Happy Birthday to my sweet friend Devin! She has a 7 week old baby boy at home, so I know this birthday will be particularly special for her!

Devin, I hope you have many more happy birthday's and that all your wishes come true this year! Love you lots! Thanks for always being the best!

loves,

sweetbef

hang in there...

Well, i just arrived back from my 2nd trip to Myrtle Beach this summer. it was a weekend trip with one of my bestie's Mandy. It was a GREAT gals weekend and I have tons of pics for you to enjoy tomorrow. But in the meantime...enjoy more photos from my fourth of july!

I spent the holiday at the Couch household. It was my bff Kelly's parents house in the country. I love spending time with them. They are always so sweet and inviting. All of Kelly's family was there. I always see them a lot during the summer and fall. In the summer, they have pool parties and cook-outs to celebrate during the summer holiday's and in the fall, we always tailgate together at the South Carolina football games. We always have the best time.

Here is me, Kelly's sister Melissa, and Kelly herself!

Kelly's and her boyfriend Brad invited his bff and his girlfriend Heather over as well. She is so sweet and so much fun! I love getting to know her!

I promise to post pics from this past weekend later...enough of these july 4th shenanigans.

loves,

sweetbef

Fourth of the Lie!

Who am I today? 3 posts before noon? I probably should actually do some work...at work. Anywho...I just wanted to prove to you that I celebrated America in style last Sunday. Enjoy!

Thank You!

"You like me! You really, really like me!"

I would like to thank Cool Gal from It's the World I Know for tagging me with this "Versatile Blogger" award. When you get a chance, please check out her blog. She is super sweet and always has the best posts!

In order for me to accept this award I must do the following:
*Thank the person who gave me the award.
*Tell seven things about myself you might not know.
*Nominate 15...err 5 (I don't know 15 NEWLY discovered blogs) newly discovered blogs.
*Let your nominees know about the award.

Here are some things you might not know about me:

1. I've seen every episode of Saved by the Bell and Full House...

2. No one in my family has red hair. I'm the only one. The only person in my immediate family that does is my stepdad...but I obviously didn't get it from him. :)

3. I minored in Dance in college...until I realized it would take me the rest of my life to get all my credit hours to graduate. Then, I switched to English.

4. I do not eat salads or anything like a salad (chicken salad, potato salad, tuna salad).

5. I am an only child, but when I was little I wanted a sibling SOOO bad. Most of my imaginary friends were siblings and I would have to go down the baby isles in grocery stores to get formula, bottles, diapers, etc for them...but per my mother I had to "pretend" I was picking up the items and putting them in the cart.

6. I have an excellent sense of direction. I could get myself out of a paper bag.

7. The only reason I applied to the University of South Carolina was because you didn't have to write an essay. Basically, all they needed was name, birthdate, and social and I was in. :) Hopefully, my grades and good looks had something to do with it too.

I choose to tag the following fifteen blogs:
Debby Derosa
Freckle on the Nose of Life's Complexion

Iva Messy

NYC Island Girl

Shrimp & Glitz

loves,

sweetbef

Big Brother 12

As you know, I am a HUGE fan of reality TV. And tonight will be the end of my social life for the next 3 months.

Big Brother starts tonight. I'm not sure how many of you watch Big Brother, but I do (along with my roommate who is equally obsessed) 3 times a week. Then, we are hooked to the blogs and live feeds everyday to get minute by minute updates on the happenings in the house. Not to mention that Showtime has a live feed that runs from 12AM-3AM every night...and there have definitely been times that my roommate and I will stay up just to watch them walk around, whisper, pick their nose and fart. Glorious fun!

I watched the very first season back in 2000 and drifted off once I got to college, but for the last 4 seasons I've been hooked. It happens every summer and from July-September I lose myself in the dramz that is Big Brother.

I always wanted to be on The Real World, but I'm pretty sure I've passed the age limit by now and as long as you're alive you can be on Big Brother. I've looked at the application and seriously considered going to their casting call in Charlotte for this season back in March (but couldn't get off work). I don't know if I could subject myself to that touture of not being able to talk to your family, no TV, no internet, no books, no writing....just back stabs and competitions. There is always next year I suppose.

loves,

sweetbef

Shoppers Anonymous

Hi, I'm Beth and I'm a shopaholic. Whew, glad I got that out.

This past weekend I was in Charlotte visiting my dad. If you've ever been to Charlotte, NC, you know they have great shopping. The best is at SouthPark Mall...which has everything from Anthropologie to Neiman Marcus to Louis Vuitton to Victoria's Secret to Tiffany to The Limited. I also have to make a stop to the mall about 10 miles down the road that has a Forever 21. I'm probably too old to wear anything from there. But it's so inexpensive I can't resist...the jewelry alone is a good enough reason to make a pit stop there.

For the next three weekends, I will be beach bound. This weekend...Myrtle Beach with my bestie Mandy. Next weekend, Charleston to visit my bestest girlfriends from college and the following weekend, back to Myrtle with my mom. My cousin and his family will also be there, so there will be plenty of time with little Campbell. With all these beachy plans up ahead, you have to have a few fun outfits to pack.

A month ago, I found this cute romper at JCPenney. It was from the Juniors section and probably too youthful for a late 20's gal like me...but it was only $15 and it fit me well and since it was cheap and trendy I knew it was worth the investment.

I can pair it with some black sandals or gold heels and with this necklace as a staple accessory. I love this owl necklace. It was my great aunt's and I found it at my grandma's about a year ago. Owl necklaces are so in and this is vintage...and free. What's NOT to love about free jewelry?

At Forever 21, I was able to stock up on a cute dress for $13 (see below) and a cute one shoulder top. I can pair it with white pants and these really cute pink and gold earrings my friend Kelly got me for my birthday (not pictured).

This is my cute $13 dress I'm excited about. With the floral skirt, there are some many options with shoes and accessories. I have way too much jewelry, but that gives me so many choices. I can wear it one night with this pair of shoes and that bracelet and this pair of earrings and the next week with something totally different.

I will definitely try to have my camera handy for the next few weekends so I'm able to post the results. I've been known to be lazy when it comes to taking pictures, but I promise you (and myself) that I'll do better.

I'm at the mercy of my friends to post pictures for the Fourth...because I was a lazy bum and wouldn't retrieve my camera from my car. I promise, there are more current pictures of me to come. None of these "throwback" pics.

loves,

sweetbef