Hi. I'm Bethy. And I'm an athlete.

I've never considered myself an athlete. At least, not a real athlete. Yes, I know I probably should, but everyone has their insecurities. One of mine is that I don't really think I'm athletic, no matter how many races I run.

But something happened the other day at the gym. I don't typically choose to run on the treadmill, but since I was working it out during my lunch break, it was just convenience.

I snagged a treadmill right in front of the mirrors and started warming up. Then I glanced up. And I saw an athlete.

I'm not trying to be cheesy here, folks; I'm just telling you that for the first time, I looked like an athlete to ME. It didn't hurt that I was wearing short, black compression shorts and a black tank top. I could see my leg muscles contracting as I ran--I'd never done that before. Even my arms looked strong as I swung them in rhythm with my strides. And my face looked focused and determined.

I'm an athlete.

So no matter how many times I want to give up or I feel tired. Or even if I skip a workout. I've seen myself as an athlete in the mirror. And that's what I am.

{Gap dress: exactly | NYC scarf | Banana Republic boots: Exactly | Target earrings}

Should You Watch It? Episode 1: Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

In my latest online experiment, I start a video series all about the one thing everyone loves to hate: reality TV.

Be gentle--it's my first time shooting with the 50mm fixed lens and my first time editing in iMovie.



Can't see the video? Man, are you missing out. Click here.

Keeps the Doctor Away

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, will this top keep him away for a few months?

No. Because that's silly. But it is a great top. Just menswear enough to be prim, but flowy enough to be comfortable and work perfectly with a pair of skinny jeans (these I've had for years) and some flats.

Thanks once again to the Gap for providing this lovely to add to my wardrobe. I imagine it'll be getting a lot of wear this fall, probably with more skinnies and the boots in this post.

On an unrelated note, I learned how to (pretty much) use iMovie today from the miracle of YouTube tutorials and I am creating some fun new video content that is sure to blow your mind. Well, not literally. And probably not figuratively, either. I don't want literal or figurative mind-goo getting in the way of your watching my video.

Anyway, I figured a new vlogging project would do me some good and help me learn a valuable online skill. Get ready for lots of fun transitions and title screens! And sample iMovie sound effects!

{Gap top (exactly, but different print) | Target jeggings (super old, but still going) | Banana Republic bag | Target shoes (similar) }

A Tale of Two B.B. Creams

I am not a beauty blogger. I never have been, and I never will be. In fact, I keep my beauty routine pretty simple. But every now and then an affordable product comes along that promises to be the answer to all of my minimalist beauty prayers.

Most recently, it's B.B. cream. I know I'm a little behind the curve here, but I had to experiment first so that I could share my learnings with you, dear friend.

I tried two different creams:

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

Maybelline Dream Fresh B.B. Cream



First it was the Garnier. I think because I read about it in a magazine. Yes, folks, magazine ads work on me, apparently.

I liked the Garnier cream for the coverage and cooling application, but I found it greasy. After walking a mile to work, the cream felt dewey on my face. And now a good "she's glowing" dewey, but a sticky, "wipe your face with a tissue as soon as you get to your desk" dewey.

That's when I decided to try the Maybelline cream. Just before I left for my conference in Denver, I decided to grab this little tube of wonder. And I'm glad I did. This cream doesn't cover quite as well as the Garnier, but it's light-weight and non-greasy. Even after walking around hot downtown Denver. No deweyness.

So the clear winner was the Maybelline Dream Fresh. Packaging doesn't lie. This might replace my moisturizer/powder combo on days when I'm in a rush.

Have you tried B.B. Cream? Do you like it?

How to Stand Out at a Work Conference

I'm meeting some awesome personal finance bloggers at #FinCon12 this year (last year rocked, too), and there was no way I wanted to blend into the crowd. You too, my dear reader, can learn to stand out at your next work conference with these easy tips:

1. Wear bright colors. Obviously, this top counts, but I also wore two other dresses (here and here) this weekend in fun colors. (And you guessed it, they are both a part of my great knit dress collection).

2. Wear animal prints. Oh, leopard print linen pants from J. Crew, how I love you. Plus, I scored these beauties for $20 at a great sale.

3. Wear awesome glasses. These Warby Parker specs have gotten me more compliments than any other item of apparel I have ever owned. Yes, that was quite superlative in nature, but it's also accurate. Maybe I should try the monocle next.

 Downtown Denver view is more like track view.

I have a badge and everything. Totes Offish. Ew, I hate that I typed that. But backspacing is for quitters. Oh, and I was in an infographic for the conference, c/o the awesome guys at Budgetable. Look who's a "Rising Star." Hey, girl. Hey.

Old Navy top (exactly)

J. Crew pants (exactly)

Old Navy shoes (similar)

Seeking: Polka Dot Jeggings

I've seen these all around the style blogosphere, at She Hath Done What She Could, Rose a la Mode AND Blog No5. So I'm convinced. They're pretty cool and would make a lovely addition to my wardrobe.

Particularly at $30 a pop from American Eagle.

Latest Obsession: Knit dresses

You know I'm obsessed with scarves (especially this spaced-dyed infinity scarf), but now I've found my latest love: knit dresses.

They are PERFECT.

Comfortable. (Like fat pants for your WHOLE BODY!)

Wrinkle-free.

Figure flattering (and kind).

Easy. (I like outfits that consist on one article of clothing.)

Perfect.

This one is from the Gap (where else?). In fact, I returned to the Gap the same day these photos were taken to pick up another knit dress I had tried on earlier. I should probably stop for the season after that one, though. After all, I already have the perfect knit dress in my closet.

{Gap dress (exactly) | Gap scarf (exactly) | Banana Republic boots (exactly) }

P.S. If you're hungry, go pick up some drunken goat cheese from Trader Joe's. You won't regret it.