American Crumpet

Cheerio American Crumpet...Bienvenidos Mia-mi Likee

2010-09-07T00:33:00.000-07:00

It’s official. I’m moving yet again, with two suitcases in tow, to South Beach on the 20th of September. I’m swapping pale skin and crumpets for Cuban food and bad tattoos. Get excited!

My adventures in England have come to a conclusion...therefore, I’m laying American Crumpet to rest (tear) and birthing a brand new blog: Mia-mi Likee

I’m not sure what it’s going to look like, but I’m expecting plenty of beach hell-no’s and failed attempts at Spanglish.

Thank you so much for following me these past two + years...ya'll are awesome!
Love, Mary Beth

(ps. Mia-mi Likee is a work in progress...the posting will begin on September 25th.)

Beware of Baby

2010-09-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Arrrr...

Hide Your Wife, Hide Your Kids...They're Raping Everybody

2010-08-18T22:40:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure this is the funniest thing I've seen in a long time...

...and the remix is classic.

Lil' Brenly got Baptized

2010-08-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

...and I'm the lucky Godmother. Don't be jealous.

The Ugliest Bridesmaid Dress in America...

2010-08-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, this really happened.

So...I'm Moving to Miami Beach

2010-08-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

image by dc32

I can honestly say that Miami is the last place that I ever pictured myself moving to...however, the thought of running on the beach and listening to the sound of the waves come in (on a daily basis) makes it all OK.

After 4.5 years of designing greeting cards, I've decided to go back to school for fashion/editorial photography at Miami Ad School in Miami Beach, Florida.

here's one of the essays that I submitted with my application:
WARNING: heavy on the cheese.

My favorite question to ask people is, “What’s your best piece of life advice?” After all, every one of us has varying opinions as to what makes a good life, well, great. Answers that I’ve received from people all over the world have, in a sense, influenced me to be bold, to follow my heart, and to chase after my dreams, as big or small as they may be.

On a small, wooden sign, hanging in my friend Drew’s house, was a quote by Anthony Robbins. It said, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” Throughout our college years, Drew used to repeat that to me whenever I needed a good ol’ dose of man advice. Needless to say, it stuck with me. There are times in life when unfamiliarity may be just the thing you need to step outside of your comfort zone. I feel extremely fortunate that in my career with Hallmark Cards, I had the chance to do just that. Two years of my career were spent working overseas at Hallmark International Headquarters in northern England. This opportunity not only allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, it exposed me to a completely different culture, not to mention a whole other world of design. Drew’s advice, and the advice of others have influenced me, not only in my career, but in every other aspect of my life as well.

I hear over and over again people telling me to, “follow your passion” and “make a career doing what you truly love to do.” I feel as if I’ve always had a clear direction as to what it was that I wanted to do with my life. In high school, I remember spending endless hours in the darkroom, not even aware of all the time that was passing me by. My passion for photography was apparent from early on. When it came time to choose a major in college, my mind got in the way of my heart and I chose Communication Design over Photography, thinking that it was the sensible career choice for a creative person. After all, the photography industry was far too competitive. Here I am, five years later, grateful of the opportunities that have presented themselves to me, but also aware of what I need to do to quiet this untamed heart of mine.

Some of the responses that I’ve heard over the years have been insightful, others…inspiring, and some, downright funny. But, in spite of all that, there’s always little or lots of wisdom to be taken, wisdom that I’ve put to use throughout my journey.

Weekend in McKinney

2010-08-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

Not to rag on my roommates (aka. Mom & Dad), but a little time away is always a good thing.
My dear friends, Mark & Amanda had me up for a long weekend in the ‘burbs.
It’s been...a wild one.

People really buy this crap...

Mark's dog Maggie. She sleeps like a college girl.
Yep. This is for reals...

Brenly's Baby Tricks

2010-07-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

I make babies smart.

A Leather Mini and Slider Shorts...

2010-07-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

...wow.

It's like I'm in Shipley all over again.

Nine Times a Bridesmaid...and No More in Sight

2010-07-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Phew...I can breathe.
My closet...not so much.

It feels like forever since I've given The Crumpet any quality attention.
Where are those chavy Brits when you need ‘em?

I saw a 300 lb. woman at Wal-Mart sporting lime green stripper get-up. Classy.
I tried to take a picture with my cell phone, but I was within gleeking distance and the snap, unfortunately, caught her attention. I’m happy to report that I didn’t get shot or sat on.

Stephanie's Very Own Little Fashion Shoot...

2010-07-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Stephanie was gracious enough to be my model for the day...in 100 degree Texas heat.
I'll explain what these are for here in a few weeks.
Isn't she just adorable? Thanks Steph, you're awesome.

Amanda & Mark's Wedding Weekend Part II

2010-07-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Bridesmaides...6 out of the 12

Gift from the Groom

Bustin' a move...

James & Laura...such a fun couple

Amanda & Mark's Wedding Weekend

2010-07-11T18:18:00.001-07:00

The Bridal Brunch Gang

Sisters

Brunch Decor

Rehearsal Dinner. Ryan, Stephanie, MB, & Devin

Morning of the wedding...

The Beautiful Bride

Amanda's Bridal Portraits

2010-07-04T22:09:00.001-07:00

Jennifer & Chris's Wedding Part III

2010-06-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

My grandma is awesome. Ha.

Jennifer & Chris's Wedding Part II

2010-06-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Jennifer & Chris's Wedding Part I

2010-06-28T11:31:00.001-07:00

My cousin, Jennifer and her husband, got married in Ohio this past weekend.
I had the honor of shooting their wedding. More to come...

Little Brenly's Birth Announcements

2010-06-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

designed and photographed by her biggest fan

Tom & Brian...Houston-style

2010-06-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

I flew down to Houston for the weekend to spend some quality time with my favorite couple, Tom and Brian.
I met these two loons in Kansas City and we've been close friends ever since.

We decided that someday we're going to start a business called, Two Fags and a Hag...
Not quite sure what that would look like, but I'm imagining lots of...sparkle.

New Kids on the Block Lovin'...Circa 1989

2010-06-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

I loved Jonathan Knight so much...that, for some strange reason, I thought it would be a good idea to eternalize those feelings and spray paint "I love Jon" on the side of my parents house. I was just cool like that.

Mike & Michelle's Family Photos

2010-06-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

My oldest brother, Mike and his wife Michelle, flew me down to Austin to take some photos of the fam.
We were fortunate to get some decent ones in spite of the stormy weather...

A little kid in a bucket...what's cuter?

Amanda's Wedding Shower

2010-06-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

My friend Stephanie and I, along with both of our moms, hosted a wedding shower for our best bud Amanda.
She'll be making F.O.R.E.V.E.R promises next month to a really cool guy...from Oklahoma.
And yes, I just used cool and Oklahoma in the same sentence.

The lovely bride-to-be, Amanda

The whole gang

Favors...super cute, if I do say so myself.

Amanda...and the rest of the Giant Rock Club

I'm a Chunky Necklace Chaser...

2010-06-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dana LeBlanc Handcrafted Jewelry

...and I want a piece of this!

Emma's Adorable Birthday Video

2010-06-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

I know...my birthday was soo last week, but I just had to share this awesome video that my dear friend Emma made for my big day. And yes, that's her hunkalicious cousin Simon in the pink Polo. (see favorite posts on right)

Emma, you totally made my day...from 5,000 miles away!

It's My Party...and I Have Nothing to Cry About

2010-06-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

...this is a good thing.

Brenly Claire's Very First Photo Shoot

2010-05-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

Another special baby in the family to love...

Happy Holiday Weekend America

2010-05-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love this picture.

Fun Times with Grandma

2010-05-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Little Lauren's Bachelorette Party...Drag Queen Style

2010-05-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

My little neighbor Lauren...who's not so little anymore...is getting married to the love of her life next month in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Lauren and Amanda (her older sister) lived two doors down from my parents house growing up. Their dad taught me how to shoot a BB gun, Amanda shared with me the orange wonders of Sun-In, and Lauren showed me how to rock the open-mouthed glamour shot smile...which I tried out in my fifth grade school photo. I now know why Cody Taylor and I ended our two week relationship.

(and a shout out to Mrs. Nelms, my super special second mother! I love you!)

Amanda, MB, Monica, & Lauren...back in the day

Amanda, Lauren, MB

Lauren proved to be the real queen of the day...but here are a few of the others.
"Miss Gay Everything"

"Lady Gaga"

"Coffee"

I'm All for Big, but Really?

2010-05-19T20:27:00.001-07:00

"I wish they had milk on tap."

Generation Gap

2010-05-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

MB: "Grandma, what did you have for dinner?"

Grandma: "A Sonic hamburger sandwich. It was real good."

MB: "In Texas, we just call them hamburgers."

It's Friday...

2010-05-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Whatever it is, make it a fun one!

The Bandit Thong

2010-05-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Dressed to impress…no one, really…I head out to meet up with my two girlfriends for dinner.
We sit down and order drinks when, unexpectedly, I begin to feel a little rumpling on my outer thigh.
If I hadn’t kicked ass with Billy Blanks the night before, I wouldn’t question rumples on the thigh region, however, what I was feeling wasn't a part of my leg…it was that other thing in my jeans. So, I decently excuse myself from the dinner table, head towards the restroom and take into custody…The Bandit Thong…just waiting for that gratifying opportunity to fall to the floor and disgrace its owner.

Praise the Lord for skinny jeans...I learned that from the Brits!

Best Korean Tea...in America

2010-05-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

My brother Matt recently discovered this Korean Honey Citron Tea at a local international store. It’s the latest craze in the Koeth household. My dad is out buying jars for the whole family. You can find it here.
Coffee whores no more!

Baby Tricks

2010-05-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

...I take credit for this one.

Welcome to the World Sweet Brenly Claire!

2010-05-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Mom & Dad ready to roll!

It's a Girl!

Grandpa

Aunt Cristina & Great Grandma Cironi

Grandma Marlene

The coolest aunt ever...

Leave it to Monica…

2010-05-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

…to have her baby on Cinco de Mayo.

This is the awesome hatchback that my sister bought for $500 her freshman year of college.
As a joke, her friends put her name in gothic lettering on the back.

Pictures of the little one to come!

I Have a Feeling I’m Not in the UK Anymore…

2010-05-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

photo by uneak

I wake up and it’s sunny.
I go to bed and I can see the stars.
The weathermen predict crap weather…and it’s still sunny.

Trust me, I’m not complaining.
There are worse things to moan about…like, birthing babies (Sorry Monica!). My bold and brave sister is about to go where, well, millions of women have gone before…to the maternity ward.

Bust out the stirrups (…the Texas kind, of course)…baby Monica & Glen is on its way!

Baby Ben

2010-04-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

I went to visit my friend Melissa and her new little one, Ben yesterday.
I'm not one to get all broody, but dear Lord this baby is cute.
Congratulations Melissa & Greg!

Ben says, "Hi."

Mystery Man Numero 9: Drop Dead Dallas Designer Man

2010-04-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

A Mystery Man is someone who is admired from a distance.
A woman must keep her mystery man at a distance for fear that the idea of him would be busted if a conversation was actually exchanged. You get to see all of him…thank you Father Jesus…and the rest of him (intelligence, sense of humor, maturity, relationship status, everything that really means anything) is whatever you want it to be.

Sighting:
At the paper store downtown.

Physical Description:
Tall, great profile with light brown wavy hair.
He looked like he just walked off of a yacht.

Eye Contact:
No...fortunately, I got to see his even better side.

Conversation:
Negative.

MB Man Rating:
9.2

Assumption:
He's a designer (why else would he be at a paper store?) and he owns a boat...a really large boat...and bought it back in the day when he worked on Wall Street.

Sarah & Ken's Engagement Portraits

2010-04-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've known Sarah since kindergarten. It's fun to see her all grown up and loved up.

Marlene...and the Dallas Mavs

2010-04-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

All four of my siblings and I played pretty much every sport growing up.

Being the youngest, I had the pleasure of accompanying my mom and dad to all of the games...baseball, basketball, football, you name it. My dad was always the calm, silent supporter. My dear mother—not so much.

This is why I hid under the bleachers most of the time.

Abby & Terry's Midwest Wedding Part II

2010-04-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

Abby & Terry's Midwest Wedding Part I

2010-04-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

You Know You're In the Midwest When...

2010-04-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Off to Chicago for the Weekend...

2010-04-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

See you all on Monday!

Monica's Baby Shower

2010-04-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Cristina and I threw a baby shower for my sister Monica this past weekend.
Since I've been back, I’ve been surrounded by nothing but babiness…craziness!

the invitation

the sweets

the gang

the gifts

the punch...yeah, not that kind of punch.

the mom-to-be

three generations

The Return to Normal

2010-04-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

I landed in Dallas late Tuesday evening, woke up early Wednesday morning and thought to myself…
OK sweet, what now?

So I decided to go for a long run—in shorts, I might add…and thought about how I so don’t miss that winter coat that I had been sporting for the past eight months. Then I thought about the middle-aged man in Manchester airport who chose to do his overseas traveling in pajama pants. Seriously. You’re pushing fifty and SpongeBob SquarePants is step repeated over your entire lower region. I'm all for casual, but come on...put on some chinos or man pants that are a little more...manly.

After my first trip to Wal-Mart (don't judge me, I had to buy a melon baller), it became apparent that all-things-casual (pajama pants included) are what my American brothers and sisters embrace the most.
Oddly enough, ASDA in Shipley is suddenly losing its weirdness.

Athens and Santorini

2010-04-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Goodbye England, Hello Texas...for Now

2010-04-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

This day is pants :(
But, seriously, don't you love them...the pants...

Lovely Paris

2010-04-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

The Frenchman

...and his amazing store.

Ellie and I giving our best Parisian look

The Farewell...from my Hallmark UK Family

2010-03-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

I never thought a goodbye could make me feel so loved.
A huge thanks to my UK family for the laughter, care, and friendship that you all have showered me with these past two years. I'll never forget you.

Love,
Mary Beth

Let Me Be Your Hero
Directed by: The one-and-only...Jez Spencer
Featuring: Rob Palmer (aka. Hottie Rob), Tom Gill, Joe Maguire, and Jez Spencer
CMYK

Goodbyes from the Studio!

Farewell Mary Beth
By: Alan Jones

She came from KC with her camera in tow
To take loads of photos wherever she goes
What will she shoot next? Well, nobody knows!
Our snap-happy star, Mary Beth!

She likes taking photos of curious sights,
Like bright colored blouses and strange patterned tights,
Or two-tone dyed hairstyles and bad Euro-spikes
Our fashion police, Mary Beth!

She loves drawing pictures of boys that she's seen
In skinny-fit t-shirts that bulge at the seams
The Mystery Men that come straight from her dreams
Our boy-crazy babe, Mary Beth!

But she needs no zoom lens to see one and all
From the borders of Shipley to Bradford Town Hall
'Cos you can see miles when you're seven foot tall
Our towering gal, Mary Beth!

And with her adventures the blogging world's blessed
So the whole world can see, from the East to the West,
How perfect she is - we all know she's the best!
We'll miss you, our dear Mary Beth!

Shipley/Saltaire Pub Crawl Pics

2010-03-25T02:07:00.001-07:00

The very last stop...VM Lounge

Emily and Emma

Amy, Emma, and Ebony

The Americanas...

Richard, Amanda, and Emma

Emma Greaves...FOREVER

"add squirty cream for an extra 40p"...

2010-03-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

Whipped cream on hot chocolate has never sounded so appetizing. Yarf.

Homage to Hottie Rob

2010-03-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Shipley/Saltaire Pub Crawl

2010-03-19T01:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my leaving do ☹
Given the vast array of classy pubs in Shipley, I thought that a local pub-crawl would be both fun and fitting.
For some strange reason, I'm already predicting that Saturday is going to be a rough one.

Emma's 'T' Party

2010-03-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

English people have a thing about fancy dress parties…and, yes, they really say fancy dress.
For Emma’s 35th, she decided to throw a ‘T’ Party.
Here’s everyone dressed to a ‘T’!

Tea Bag Tramp & the Texan (that would be me)

Twister & Creepy Tele Girl

Emma is someone from an English TV show, Tea Party

Tiger Woods...ha. Matt is awesome.

Trojan & Thunderbird

Tigger, Toadstool & Crazy Twilight Fan

Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby, and Scarborough Part 2

2010-03-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby, and Scarborough Part 1

2010-03-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Road trip to the east coast with three of my buddies. (Ellie, Chris, and Mark)
A charming part of England that I would highly recommend! More pics to come.

A Dude...In Harem Pants

2010-03-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

Matt, a random that I met at Selfridges in Manchester

I have no idea how he managed to pull it off...but, I dig it.

Happy Birthday Dad & Grandma!

2010-03-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Mike...my wise and laid back dad.
I never really call him Mike...it’s always dad, or daddy-o.
My dad is the most patient man in the world. Who else would voluntarily wait in the Albertson’s parking lot for an hour and a half while Marlene buys…flour? My dad is a pro when it comes to anything and everything relating to math, chemistry, lemony desserts and waffles. When I was little, Sunday mornings meant…crap, dad’s in the kitchen cooking eggs again---with all the leftovers in it. None of us ever had the heart to tell him that peas in scrambled eggs are a no-go. When I asked my dad what his best piece of life advice was, he responded, “Always know what’s important in life…all the other stuff…it’s just fluff.” He’s always been there…for guidance, support, and many much-needed pep talks. Happy Birthday Dad...I think the world of you.

Edith…my modest and very funny grandma.
She’s 89 and lookin’ fine!
My grandma is a devoted Hallmark Hall of Fame junkie and wears hose…on most days. She’s a matching nightgown, robe, and slippers type of gal and is known to slip a twenty in her grandkids pockets on occasion, telling them to, “Go have some fun.” She’s witty, sweet, and laughs at all of my stupid jokes. Yup, that’s my grandma---and those are just a few of the reasons why I love her so. Happy Birthday Little G!

Yay!...It's Springtime in England

2010-03-09T23:08:00.000-08:00

Bust out the creepy dolls and celebrate!

Singles Night in Shipley

2010-03-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is my idea of an utterly entertaining slash amusing night out…
‘Singles Night’ at the not-so-classy pub in Ship-lay.

I decided to drag along my two buddies, Ellie and Manny, for the ride.
I haven’t heard from either one of them since…

Singles Night Highlights:

• The healthy woman in the tight, pink onesie who liked her some Manny.

• The woman staring at the door (trust me honey, we were all thinking the same thing!)

• The group of seventy-year-old chaps that were giving Ellie and I ‘come hither’ looks. I wanted to go, but Ellie stopped me.

• The chick with the ripped 80’s leggings and teased, platinum, side pony. Awesome.

MB's Second Favorite Word that English People Say...

2010-03-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Boys

2010-03-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

No matter where you go...they're all the same.

Europe on my Doorstep

2010-03-01T06:15:00.000-08:00

Aside from the lovely little English people that I work with, the thing that I’m going to miss the most…is having Europe on my doorstep. French men, Italian men, Dutch men, you name it ladies! (or fellas…if you're into that) They’re all less than a three-hour flight away.

As Ellie mentioned in her post below, we’ve booked a few trips for March (pictures to follow)

• Whitby: Charming coastal town in North Yorkshire where Bram Stoker wrote his famous novel, Dracula. I’m terrified already.
• London: One of my favorite cities in the world! It never gets old.
• Paris: I wanted to go back to Paris just to photograph it. When I traveled there a little over four years ago, I had a crummy little digital and shot on low res to save room on my memory card. Drr. Exploring that city is like eating lavender cotton candy.
• Athens: Greece tops my list of countries that I’ve always wanted to see. Hello donkey rides!
• Santorini: This is pretty much like a fantasy honeymoon trip for me—minus the man. Sunshine, sand and water…yes please.

Ellie's Here!...

2010-02-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Guest Post written by: Ellie

Hello hello! I'm yet another American living in England. I am already on my second month here and am loving every minute of it! Outside of work, I've been taking in all that I can of this wondrous country. I've become addicted to jacket potatoes with beans on top, have found my favorite pub in Shipley/Saltaire, Fanny's, and have fallen in love with the British blokes! ;)

I have a couple of trips lined up for this month: Whitby, London, Paris, Athens, and Santorini (along with my new travel buddy, MB). I'm super excited!!!

I wanted to write a quick little story about something I noticed about living in England thus far...

I decided to take a shopping trip into Leeds the other day and as I left my flat I noticed it was raining out. I always carry my umbrella with me here because you never really know when it might rain. Aside from the snow that we've had, I haven't really noticed what I would consider to be bad weather. Meaning, 90 mph winds and rain. Something a girl with curl cannot stand! Well, it was one of those bad weather days, so I whip out my brolly and hoist it open. Within two minutes of me having it open, it inverts on me. This was somewhat amusing to me and onlookers I'm sure, but as having just done my hair before I left, I wasn't too happy about the event. I flip my umbrella back into its proper position and head on my way to the train station. I was close to turning around and just not going, as I couldn't imagine walking all day in this from store to store. But, being that that is the weather here, I decided to embrace it.

Once the train got into Leeds, as I was walking across one of the main roads to the shopping district, I saw many people in the same predicament that I was in earlier with my inverted umbrella. It also amazed me to see a few people with completely broken umbrellas still trying to use them to protect them from the rain. I wish I had my camera with me. I saw one woman struggling with her inverted umbrella and then just gave up the fight, closed it up, threw it in her purse and continued to go on her way in the rain. This comforted me, as I thought I was the only one with the problem. I quickly learned how to hold my brolly against the wind to keep it from inverting =) From that point on, I no longer saw the elements as a negative to my shopping trip but rather something that was somewhat charming...seeing those broken and inverted umbrellas put a smile on my face. Hello England!

Friday Bliss

2010-02-26T01:30:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very relaxing weekend!

Break Up Letter…Because it’s Just Easier This Way

2010-02-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Dear England,

I'm regretful that I had to do this through written correspondence and not in the flesh. I believe it’s better this way. Never is it an easy thing to tell someone that you’re done...and that you’re leaving to hook up with their best friend.

America is sunny and the connection that we have is undeniable. It’s really not you, it’s me.
You’re a skinny jeans type of guy and I tend to go more for the straight, relaxed type. These past two years have been really special. I’ll miss the sloppy way you flirt when you’ve had one too many at the pub…that always brought a smile to my face. No really...it did.

Love Always,
Mary Beth

It's official! My time in the jolly ol’ is coming to an end.
Two years in a foreign country...it's amazing to me how quickly it's all gone by.
I've formed lasting friendships, encountered situations that have made me stronger, seen more of the world, and dated...no one, really.

I'll be packing up my belongings and jetting back to the US of A for good at the start of April.
Now, if I could only work out what I’m going to do with The Crumpet…

British Word of the Day: Niggle

2010-02-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

Oh to be at University Again…

2010-02-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

...I just said university.
I don't really say that.

This weekend, I housed up a group of college gals from Abilene Christian University.

These four gorgeous girls are studying abroad at Oxford for the semester...leaving their friends, families and boyfriends behind in order to see the world…and study, of course.

Natalie
Before I moved to England, I met Natalie at the local High School where I was substitute teaching.

Sydney

Cailee

Kelly

Friday's Make Me Smile...

2010-02-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

...so does this video of my mom.

Have a wonderful weekend people!
Be sure to call your mom/mum.

I Think There's Been an Escape from the North Pole

2010-02-17T22:39:00.000-08:00

Two Years in a Foreign Country: MB's Journal Highlights

2010-02-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

5.11.08
It’s so sad when distance comes between two people. The connection was once there, but somewhere along the way it was lost. And then, there are those connections that were never quite there in the first place, but you still hold on…maybe just for the sake of holding on. It all just goes to show that people are irreplaceable. You go through life and never meet two who are exactly the same. Some people are easy to get to know. Others…not so much. But if you take the time to get to know what someone is really all about, you’ll find that there is something profound in every one of us. That’s what I’m out there to find. And instead of thinking what went wrong along the way, I’ll just think about how beautiful it all was while it lasted.

10.6.08
Traveling inspires me. Thinking about all of the places that I can go, the conversations that I will encounter, and the stories that will come of it.

11.3.08
I’m slowly regaining my vision.
(I think this one’s my fav…I have no idea if I was drunk, or just a bit lost)

11.6.08
All of these amazing people in my life…each one, offering up a new perspective, teaching me something about myself that was unknown to me before. The characters in my life’s play…

11.15.08
I’m disappointed…and a little sad.
These feelings will pass…and I’m going to look back and think, seriously, what a giant nob’ead.

2.25.09
Sometimes you feel like you’re getting somewhere. Somewhere sweet. Somewhere different. Somewhere exciting. And then, all of a sudden, life comes in and says, NO…this isn’t the path I’ve chosen for you ~ completely wiping away the new, sweet excitement. Grrr.

3.8.09
…and sometimes, just when you think life has taken something away, it comes back and brings a smile to your face once again.

6.23.09
…My mother just told me a story about how when she was in the 8th grade, she asked this boy to come to her party…and he never showed up. This is supposed to make me feel better about the state of my love life. Funny…but sad.

8.13.09
I want people to look up and say “hello.”
Oh wait…it’s raining...again.

Sweetest Shout Out Ever...

2010-02-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Check out this sweet shout out that I received from a fellow art school buddy. What a nice surprise!
Julie Cope is an awesome photographer in the Austin area. If you need photos, she's your gal!
Go on, have a look at her blog while you're at it Asymmetrical Press

Impressionable.
So oddly enough, I was checking up on the good ol' Texas Tech alumni blog and came across a very impressionable girl, I knew from around school. Here's how Mary Beth Koeth made her impact. This very bubbly and extremely helpful girl graduated and landed a job with Hallmark in Kansas City and is now working in the UK. All this to say, my boss received a very funny Christmas Card from her come the following winter {prior to graduation}. There in front of us was a family portrait of this beautiful twenty something girl with 2 or 3 children along side a balding older gentleman that clearly screamed...MISMATCH! Anyway, I was tickled at the fact that she'd sent out an utterly false impression of herself that obviously couldn't be true just to satisfy self amusement. I tell you this story because I found her blog which is just as hilarious as the card she'd sent, and I want you to enjoy it too. I mean, we all like to laugh...right? And yes, it may be a bit of a *friend crush*.

I'm pretty sure this is the Christmas card photo that she's referring to...
(ps. Paul, I think you're beautiful)

V-Day Lovin' from a Few of my Friends

2010-02-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

On This Valentine's Day...

2010-02-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

...be sure to not except any 'hot' dates from questionable men who go by the name of Chester.
Have a lovely weekend everybody!

Monica's Baby Shower Invitation

2010-02-10T13:25:00.001-08:00

My sister and her husband are expecting their first little munchkin on May 11th.
Cristina (my sister-in-law) and I are throwing her a shower to celebrate!
These are the invites that I designed. The baby carriage was made out of type elements.

Congrats Monica & Glen!

Not Judging...Just Observing

2010-02-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

How low can YOU go?

Guess Where I'm Going Next Month?...

2010-02-08T00:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a juicy clue...

image: The Sartorialist

Emily's Fashion Friday's

2010-02-04T22:28:00.000-08:00

Emily's rockin' out the cowgirl look this week. I think it suits her, don't you?

Are You Hungry?

2010-02-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

I guess the real question would be, "Are you hungry anymore?..."

Untimely Lip Licking

2010-02-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

I’m a graphic designer. I stare at the computer screen all day everyday.
So…when my eyes catch any glimpse of movement outside the vicinity of my monitor…I look up…as you would. Under these circumstances, rarely would you make eye contact with the person-in-motion because it happens in a split second and the look is, well, unintentional.

So this is the awkwardness that took place today: (Marlene, I need my blankie)

H-E-L-L-O M-O-T-I-O-N within my ocular range.

I look up…as you would…and simultaneously lick my lips.

Tall man in suit makes eye contact…during the lip lickage.

Split second moment seems more like ten minutes…ten extremely inappropriate minutes.

I swiftly look away...and vow to reapply ChapStick hourly.

Here’s the painful reenactment…

Mystery Man Numero 8: The Super Hot Dutch Boy

2010-01-31T13:00:00.001-08:00

A Mystery Man is someone who is admired from a distance.
A woman must keep her mystery man at a distance for fear that the idea of him would be busted if a conversation was actually exchanged. You get to see all of him…thank you Father Jesus…and the rest of him (intelligence, sense of humor, maturity, relationship status, everything that really means anything) is whatever you want it to be.

Sighting:
At the gym in my flats.

Physical Description:
Tall & lean with an amazing jaw…I’m a sucker for man with a nice jaw.
I heard him talking, and I think he’s Dutch. No clogs (boo), just sneakers.
Sometimes he wears cut-off shirts and I pretend that I don’t see him…it’s a fun game. (I hate cut-off shirts)

Eye Contact:
Barely.

Conversation:
I’ve done the head nod...which, in my world, translates as,
“Heeeey there, super hot Dutch boy. Wanna go make out in the sauna?”

Yesterday, I was ballzy and said, “bye.”

MB Man Rating:
9.8+

Assumption:
He rides a bike to work(complete…with a bell) and speaks seven languages.
If we had babies, they’d all be tall and blond…and I’d be OK with that.

Hope Your Weekend Doesn't Stink

2010-01-28T13:51:00.001-08:00

See you all on Monday!

Introducing...Queen Anne's Lace on ETSY

2010-01-26T14:07:00.000-08:00

All of this fun, travel photography and what to do with it?
Check out my new ETSY shop: Queen Anne's Lace

Here's just a few of the items that you'll find...

How To Look Posh...

2010-01-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the Bend & Snap of the future.
Thank you random man in London.
p.s. I love you.

Emily's Fashion Friday's

2010-01-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

Meet Emily.
She’s the tiny and trendy lass who walks in every morning in her fuzzy fuchsia hat and leopard skin coat.
You know those people that you look forward to seeing everyday…because you know that they will be sporting something awesome? I had a teacher in second grade named Mrs. Marshall who had the greatest shoes ever. That was back when shoulder pads and slap bracelets were in. Now that I’m in the land of skinny jeans and silver studs, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of this British fashion with you, via Emily.

Introducing Emily’s Fashion Friday’s.

¿Dónde Está el Poncho?

2010-01-20T22:47:00.001-08:00

Let’s face it…I live in a foreign country and your five-year-old neighbor probably owns more stuff than me.
One thing that I do own, thanks to Marlene and her extraordinary care packages, is a giant poncho…you know…for when it rains and stuff. Ponchos are cool in Mexico and all, but they don’t seem to be the going trend here in the United Kingdom.

After trying to pawn it off to my Scottish friend, Heather (believe it or not, Scottish people aren’t into ponchos either. Kilts, yeah…but ponchos…not so much), she came up with the brilliant idea to take pictures in my poncho and make my readers find me. I thought that sounded like even more fun than speed dating.

So…

¿Dónde Está el Poncho?

There’s a New Yankee in the ‘Hood…

2010-01-18T13:55:00.001-08:00

Not only is she fun, sweet, and crazy petite…she’s uber creative to boot!

Meet Ellie…Hallmark UK’s latest transplant from headquarters in KC.
Ellie is a typography artist slash designer who was gutsy enough to pack her life & shoes up in two suitcases (actually, more like six) and move to the land of pork pies and mincemeat…everything.

Things you should know about Ellie:

• She has an identical twin named, Rachel.

• Ellie and I played on the same corporate softball team in Kansas City…The MasterBatters.
She broke her nose that season, bless her.

• She has the most amazing curly hair.

• She’s dated a British man…so, more or less, she knows what she's getting into.

Welcome Ellie!

Damn Girl...

2010-01-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

Who cares if your teeth are fugly and you're pushing 80...those calves are AMAZING!

Loving Lovely Clothes...Sometimes Blows

2010-01-14T03:55:00.000-08:00

Why is it that when you set your mind on saving money, shopping is all you can think about?
My favorite clothing store in the UK is having an amazing sale...REISS (Go on...I think you'll like it)
Please, buy everything...so that I can't.

Winklepickers

2010-01-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to England!...Home of the Super Fruity Man Shoe
The ones above aren't actually all that bad..I just liked the 80's checkerboard effect.

Winklepickers (also known as Winkle Pickers) are a style of shoe or boot worn from the 1950’s onward by male and female British rock and roll fans. The feature, which gives both the boot and shoe their name, is the very sharp and quite long pointed toe, reminiscent of medieval footwear and approximately the same as the long pointed toes on some women's fashion shoes and boots today. This pointed toe was called the winkle picker toe because, in England, periwinkle snails are eaten with a pin or pointed object to get the winkle out of the shell (hence the term, that I’m sure all of you have heard, "to winkle something out"). -Wikipedia

Emma & Her Unabashed Look-a-Like

2010-01-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Have I ever talked about the shoddy magazines over here in the UK?
They’re all useless, with the exception of Elle, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. Celebrity gossip is bad enough…what’s even worse is when you get random people off the street sharing stories like this…

Actually, this is my new favorite story…

…only because the lovely girl on the right is my sweet friend, Emma.
How shocking is that resemblance?!
Her mum would be so proud.

Take Me Back to Spain

2010-01-07T14:08:00.001-08:00

-20C...so not OK.

Have a great weekend everybody!
Try to stay warm.

2010 New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

Be open to all possibilities

Train for a run. Not quite ready for another marathon...but maybe a half...?

Travel to Greece

Go easy on the cheese...mmm...cheese

Complain less, smile more...even if it hurts

Be nicer to English boys. I like you...but I want you to love me back.

Find a tiny, charming village in England, travel there...and do something only English people would do, like, play cricket or scream, "PANTS!"

Refrain from singing in public and/or the office. Face it, no matter how hard you practice, you're never going to be good.

Don't go to ASDA on Sundays...you'll be a much happier person because of it.

Farewell to the Ang-meister

2010-01-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend, Angie has headed back to Kansas for good. Oh how we will miss her so!

My favorite things about the Ang-meister:
* Her obsession with Anglo-Saxon men and vampires
* Laughs that turn into wheezing...that turn into OMG-can-you-breath moments
* Playing female construction workers, wolf whistling at British men
* American sandwich hugs: Step 1: grab a British person, Step 2: stick him/her in the middle of two Americans, Step 3: group hug!...ps. British people hate this.
* Her thoughtfulness and crazy fun personality

Love you Angie!
-MB

written and designed especially for Angie by Hottie Rob

Way back in 2007,
a plane landed in the UK
A balloon blower on board
with ideas so broad,
And with plenty of gibberish to say.
Obsessed with her ‘Smart Punctuation’
And ‘elements of typographic style’
She reinvented this place
with her charm and her grace
And her massive American smile.

But then she discovered the ‘hand job’
A book, before you all ask!
Full of some great ideas
from her yank typo peers
That would help her to complete her task
The task was to enhance our type skills
and she’s so good we all want to steal her
but her other ambition
was an alcohol mission...
to introduce us all to tequila!

Her favourite drink was tequila,
vodka jelly her favourite food
And when she made a list
of the people she missed
at the top there was Mike and his boob
No, good people, please don’t you worry,
her boyfriend does not have a breast,
It is just his job
“no he hasn’t made a kn*b”
but Angie still says he’s the best!

So what will she miss about England
When the Yank ups and leaves us all here?
Well it won’t be the weather,
‘cos it’s not that clever
And she certainly won’t miss our beer.
But we know she’ll miss our funny accent
The one she’s worked hard to perfect,
Shouting “knob’ead”, and “tosser” and “wanker”
But only, of course, when she’s wrecked!

She’ll leave us fantabulous memories,
of a happy and eccentric gal,
who made us all smile
with her Kansas City style-
someone we all call our pal.
So, Yank, click your red heels together,
And then back to Kansas you’ll fly
You’ll be greeted by Mike
and your good friends alike
But remember we love you - Goodbye!

The People of the Bus Station

2010-01-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

image: theelephanttrunk

Some things are the same anywhere you go...such as, The People of the Bus Station.
Go on...visit your local. I guarantee you'll find my list to be highly accurate.

The dressed down transvestite

The pigeon that accidentally walked through the automatic doors.

The chick with really bad extensions

The token Chinese tourists

The old woman with a limp

The 400 lb. man eating Burger King

The family with ten babies...all of whom need a bath.

The backpacker with dreads

The homeless man who won't stop staring at your goods

I'm an Aunt...Again!

2010-01-02T21:34:00.001-08:00

Ethan Noah's first photo shoot

chillin'

The proud parents

Breastfeeding...yeah!

Tiny toes

Nothing is cuter than a giant man hand...

In Dallas...We Drink Margaritas...and then, Go Bowling

2009-12-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

The holidays are flying by! I arrive back in the jolly ol' on Monday, until then, pictures it is.
Meet some of my close buddies...
Amanda's famous aloof look

Stephanie & Ryan...pretending to be preggers...
Amanda & Mark

Poor Steph...someone's gotta suck more at bowling than Amanda.

Ryan's happy face

Special Bowling Club of America...aka. Gutter Club

Ryan's winning form

mmm...diet coke

Yup...they're huge.

Work it.