my life: meet josie

I am lucky to be engaged to a man who has an amazing family, and I love seeing great things happen for them. His parents recently adopted a 4-year-old beagle-mix named Josie. This event was especially exciting because (a) it's exciting when anyone gains a furry family member, (b) this furry family member happens to be a dog whose part beagle, and (c) it's the first time Dan's mom has ever had a dog! I got to meet Josie a couple weeks ago, and she is ADORABLE. Her and Madison are already fast friends.

P.S. If you think this video Dan made excellently showcases her cuteness, you should see her in person!

my life: happy birthday daniel

Today is my fiance Dan's birthday! I am so lucky, blessed, and grateful that I not only have him in my life, but that I get to marry him! : ) Dan is from Columbus, OH, and we met in college as members of the same teaching program. We worked together as peer facilitators for that program, shared a group of mutual friends, and took the same classes due to having the same major (social studies education). Over time, we became close friends, then best friends, then boyfriend and girlfriend. This past fall, we got engaged and have since began planning a summer 2013 wedding. I am so proud of all Dan does and who he is, and hope he has the best year yet! In celebration of his day and our shared love of history, here's a list of other great things that happened on March 1st. Happy Birthday, Daniel! I love you! : )

• 1692: The Salem Witch Hunt began
• 1781: Articles of Confederation were ratified
• 1790: Congress authorized the first U.S. Census
• 1803: Ohio became the 17th U.S. state (History of Ohio was the first class Dan and I took together!)
• 1845: U.S. President Tyler signed the congressional resolution to annex the Republic of Texas
• 1867: Nebraska became the 37th U.S. state
• 1869: Postage stamps with scenes were issued for the first time
• 1872: Yellowstone National Park was established and became the world's first national park
• 1917: The Zimmerman Note was published in the U.S. (WWI is Dan's favorite topic to research and teach about!)
• 1928: Paul Whitman and his orchestra recorded "Ol' Man River"
• 1936: Hoover Dam completed and turned over to U.S. government
• 1941: FM radio began in Nashville, TN
• 1949: Joe Louis retired
• 1961: Kennedy established the Peach Corps
• 1966: Soviet probe crashed into Venus, becoming the first unmanned spacecraft to land on another planet (Dan loves to learn more about space and the world's space programs!)
• 1968: Johnny Cash and June Carter were married; Elton John's first single was released in England
• 1969: Mickey Mantle retired (Dan proposed to me by writing "Will You Marry Me?" on a baseball we played catch with!)
• 1974: Queen began their first headlining tour in England
• 1987: The Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons for the 2,235th win (Dan is a big basketball fan!)
• 1995: Yahoo! was incorporated
• 2002: Announced there is a possibility of water on the planet Mars
• 2005: Honda unveiled its new Civic (which is the type of car Dan drives!)
• 2008: The naming of the U.S.S. New York occurred

Some famous birthdays on this day: Glenn Miller, bandleader (1904); "Deke" Donald Slayton, astronaut (1924); Robert Clary, actor known for Hogan's Heroes - a show Dan & I love to quote! (1926); Robert Daltry, musician in The Who (1944); Alan Thicke, actor known for Growing Pains (1947); Bryan Winters, basketball player (1952); Ron Howard, producer and actor known for Happy Days (1954); Javier Bardem, actor (1969)

Sources for information: 1, 2, 3

Photo above of Dan & Madison, summer 2011

my life: recent happenings via instagram

First three photos: My friend Elizabeth's cute papillon puppy, Rosie (she's 2.5 pounds!); Madison in a basket of blankets; cuddling with my family's dog Sasha while watching Wheel of Fortune with my parents. Middle three photos: fantastic Melt Quesadilla appetizer Dan & I shared on our first trip to Melt Bar & Grilled; my delicious BBQ chicken grilled cheese from Melt; yummy cake from Resch's Bakery, courtesy of my future-in-laws, to celebrate Dan & I's engagement (and in our wedding colors!). Last three photos: Dan & I before his indoor soccer game; Dan knocking down an opponent player while playing; booty from my weekend trip to Target.

Sorry I've been a bit absent lately. (I also apologize if there are formatting issues while viewing this post - some browsers aren't displaying it correctly) The end of the swim season accompanied with subbing and traveling often has taken some toll on my spare time, which has been spent with family and friends with little leftover time for blogging. What have you all been up to lately?

*If for some reason you are having trouble leaving a comment, please e-mail me at beagleandbear@yahoo.com or leave me a comment on Beagle and Bear's Facebook page. Thanks for your help with this issue!

things that are making me happy

Source: cdn.lulztruck.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• The screenshot above - it cracks me up every time I read it!
• Watching wild animal segments on my favorite morning shows (like Good Morning America and Live with Kelly)
• Nights spent simply chatting with hilarious and supportive friends
• Curling up with my Kindle and a big cup of tea
• Going to pick up my wedding dress, trying it on, and having to order the next size down instead : )
• Delicious meals at my favorite local restaurants (like here and here)
• Awesome performances by my swimmers at an invitational meet this past Saturday
• A new pair of gray boots and a gray and white jacket from my fiancé
• Hearing favorite songs on the radio
• Breaks in the crazy winter weather that make it easier to walk the dogs

What's been making you happy lately?

*If for some reason you are having trouble leaving a comment, please e-mail me at beagleandbear@yahoo.com or leave me a comment on Beagle and Bear's Facebook page. Thanks for your help with this issue!

things that are making me happy (and grateful!)

Source: marthastewart.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Celebrating Thanksgiving with my family, and all that celebration entails
• Favorite Thanksgiving foods like cranberry slices from the can, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, green beans, sweet potato casserole, strawberry pretzel jello, pumpkin pie (pictured above), sugar cookies shaped like turkey, and, of course, actual turkey!
• Helping my dad put up our outdoor Christmas lights
• Walks with my dogs during which they run through fallen leaves
• Baking mini-muffins and cookies
• Watching the high school swim team I coach grow closer as a group and improve athletically as we prepare for our first meet!
• Discovering where Zumba classes are offered in my area
• Exploring all the gift guides my favorite sites and blogs are publishing (a round-up will be coming soon!)
• Waking up to sweet voicemails from Daniel
• The weather being cool enough to dress in layers, scarves, and boots, but not snowy and cold enough to be an everyday challenge
• Getting sucked into ridiculous movies my dad finds on the broadcast TV's digital sub-channels
• Drinking big cups of tea and coffee (homemade or Starbucks holiday drinks) while curling up with a big blanket and a good book (like this one)

What is make you feel happy and grateful today? I hope lots - Happy Thanksgiving!

weekend wrap-up

This was a perfect fall weekend! Friday I left to visit Dan in Columbus, and that evening we had an amazing dinner at The Wine Guy. Afterwards, we ate ice cream and watched Paranormal Activity (which totally freaked me out!). Saturday afternoon Dan and I went shopping and out for lunch. In the evening, we all ate cake in celebration of Dan's father's birthday. (Also on Saturday, my alma mater won in football! Ay Ziggy Zoomba!) Sunday morning we ate pancakes and relaxed. In the afternoon we carved pumpkins, made caramel apples, drank apple cider, and went for a walk with Madison. Then I headed home to Cleveland. My family and I ate our last made-on-the-grill meal of the year, sat around a fire to chat, and ate pumpkin mousse pie and homemade apple crisp. Tell me about your weekend : )

Clockwise from top left:

Dan and I before dinner Friday night; Madison in the bat Halloween costume we bought her Saturday afternoon; pumpkin spice coffee and birthday cake; Dan and I with our pumpkins (a cat and a bat); caramel apple and apple cider with a goofy Halloween straw; sitting around the fire with my family back home Sunday night.

All photos taken via Instagram.

saluting the small things (day five)

TGIF! and the final day of my appreciation week for the little things in life:

Source: bohemea.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

1. Mega-cuddling with your pets (love that this dog looks like a pit bull...we think Madison may have some pit bull in her).

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

2. The perfect night in - books and wine.

Source: etsy.com via Kelly on Pinterest

3. A classic sassy Marilyn Monroe quote.

This week's posts were fun and refreshing to create - the perfect accompaniment for the craziness of this week and easing back into regularly blogging. Did you enjoy them? What little things have you been loving as of late?

What do you have planned for this weekend? I will be visiting Dan, and we are going to have a full-out fall fun fest - carving pumpkins, watching scary movies, drinking apple cider, playing outside with Madison, etc. I will also be posting some weekly gems! : )

things that are making me happy

Afternoon naps followed with a big cup of coffee

The cute photo of Madison up above

Making bow bouquets at bridal showers

Watching movies with my dad

Fresh fruit

Favorite 90s songs on the radio

Inside jokes with my co-workers

Deciding my next nail polish purchase

Trivia about U.S. presidents

Planning my next visit to see Dan

What is making you happy as of late?

LOL, pet love edition: dog walking

My dog, Madison, loves her leash. It's her favorite thing in the whole world. It's like her security blanket. Last week, I decided to see what happened if I took Madison's leash and clipped it onto the collar my family's dog, Sasha. Watch the video to find out! : )

(twenty-two) things that are making me happy

Hello everyone! Today is my 22nd birthday! : ) My 21st year was filled with wonderful times with the people I love, lots of hard work, plenty of reflection, and tons of the "little things" that brighten life. I hope my 22nd year is just as blessed and adventuresome! To start it off right, here are 22 things that are making me happy as of late:

1. Iced black coffee
2. Comic book movies
3. Presto Pink nail polish
4. Quality time with family
5. Starting my summer job as a lifeguard
6. Visits with Dan and his family
7. Long walks with the dogs
8. Going to Indians games
9. Apple slices dipped in peanut butter
10. Reading favorite books
11. Naps on the porch swing
12. Trips to Bowling Green to see friends and visit favorite places
13. Cheers marathons via Netflix Instant
14. Pub trivia with friends
15. Morning workouts
16. Days filled with sunshine
17. The treats I can make with my birthday present (thanks, Elizabeth!)
18. Catching up on favorite magazines
19. Striped sundresses
20. Chocolate-covered bananas
21. Picking out picture books for little kids
22. The flowers my dad picked for me for my birthday, pictured above : )

What things are making you happy as of late?

my life: 21 things I learned in college

1. You are much stronger than you think you are.
2. It is possible to be young and have fun while also making healthy choices.
3. The best way to re-energize during study sessions is to drink a cup of coffee and then take a 20-minute nap.
4. My parents are smarter and more generous than I ever realized (and I really did think they were smart and generous before!), and my grandma is my biggest inspiration.
5. What you learn from your educational experience cannot always be measured in a grade.
6. Binders, Post-It notes, a planner, highlighters, and file folders are all essential organizational tools.
7. The ability to truly forgive is rare and important.
8. Eating decently, getting enough sleep, exercise, going to church, having a pet, calling home often, drinking plenty of tea, practicing gratitude, and having a fully loaded and charged iPod are all key to staying emotionally balanced.
9. Downtown Bowling Green is west of campus, not north of it.
10. Nothing is more important than family.
11. Most people are doing the best that they can, and if they aren't, they need your faith in them more than ever.
12. Do not wear flip flops on a rainy day.
13. I have amazing friends who are truly incredible people.
14. Living with integrity means treating others the way you want to be treated.
15. Whoever invented pizza is a genius.
16. Love should not be the sole basis of a relationship.
17. The Greater Cleveland area is an awesome place to grow up and live.
18. Breakfast food is an acceptable meal choice at any time of the day.
19. Things will only go as you planned about 50% of the time, and the other 50% of the time, will work out okay in the end anyway.
20. You never know how much of an impact you have had on someone's life or how much someone will come to mean to you.
21. I was meant to be a teacher.

things that are making me happy

Source: flickr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• The photo above
• Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish (especially in Commander in Chic)
• Watching The Golden Girls
• Yummy ice cream treats
• Seeing and now quoting the movie Your Highness this past weekend
• Long walks with the dog
• Reading articles on Reese Witherspoon's wedding
• Making delicious chicken and pasta dinners with the boyfriend
• Weather getting warmer
• Listening to all the Glee volumes on shuffle
• Visiting with family and friends this past weekend

What is making you happy this week?

my life: spring break to-do list

Source: eyeonlifemag.com via Kelly on Pinterest

1. Catch up with friends over coffee.
2. Bake some sweets.
3. Cook a new meal.
4. Talk, laugh, watch movies, eat dinner, and play cards with family.
5. Walk the dogs.
6. Chat and watch TV shows with the boyfriend via Skype.
7. Grade papers and plan lessons.
8. Work out.
9. Apply for jobs.
10. Read a few magazines and a book or two.
11. Daydream.

What would be on your spring break to-do list?

weekly gems

How was everyone's week? Mine went pretty well, mostly because I followed the quote above, getting enjoyment out of morning skinny vanilla lattes, thought-provoking conversations, catching up on blogs, walks with the dog, and baking brownies. I am still enjoying the little things today as Dan, Madison, and I are visiting Dan's family this weekend. We'll head back to school tomorrow, and Monday morning I'll head home for a few days...because I am finally on spring break!! : ) What are your favorite spring break activities?

• This hydrangea cake and the painting that inspired it are both beautiful! These tiramisu cups look delicious, too. And I'd like to make these cake pops for Easter this year.
• Awesome tips for building your blog, whether it's a design blog or not.
• Love me some JGL ; )
• A 200-year old love letter was found! What a story...it feeds my hopeless romantic soul.
• Tributes to the late, great Elizabeth Taylor - here and here. And an all-photo tribute here.
• Super excited about Glamour's cookbook!
• Cute and classy bangles.
• These tips on shopping for books are excellent.
• Thoughts on the new additions to the Oxford English Dictionary?
• I read The Magician's Nephew for a book report in 5th grade and totally loved it. If it does actually get made into a movie, I will be first in line to see it!
• Beautiful paintings.

Image: my Pinterest

pet love: dogs are a (wo)man's best friend

I'm sorry for the lack of a post yesterday and the late post today. I stayed home from school yesterday and had an adventurous experience at the health center, but I'm doing much better today. How are you all doing so far this week?

I have always deeply loved my family's pets, but for some reason this week I have been especially grateful for my dog, Madison...probably because it's been rather stressful and tiring. In any case, I was very excited to discover a few articles about pets (especially dogs) that seem to be popular this week.

• Sharing a bed with your pet
• The dog's role in the modern family
• Animals aiding in therapy
• Dogs motivating healthy habit

Have you read any interesting articles about animals lately? Or about special things in your life that keep you happy?

Photo 1, author original

Photo 2, Pinterest

things that are making me happy

Hello, everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty darn good. The next couple of weeks before my spring break are going to be relatively busy, but I'm feeling very optimistic about them. So, in the spirit of positivity and starting the week off on bright note, here's my latest list of things that are making me happy. What is making you happy today?

1. Starbucks skinny vanilla lattes. Sometimes with a chocolate chip cookie.
2. The movie Death at a Funeral (streaming instantly on Netflix!)
3. Hearing birds chirp outside in the mornings.
4. Hosting a yummy pasta and wine dinner for friends Saturday night.
5. A kind neighbor returning my iPhone to me when I lost it this weekend.
6. This amazing, inspiring article about a teenager whose leg was amputated (you must read it!).
7. Finally starting to feel better after being under the weather for a few weeks.
8. St. Patrick's Day on Thursday giving me the opportunity to wear a cute new green top.
9. Already having my lesson plans for the next two weeks outlined.
10. The weather starting to get nice enough to go for long walks in the park again with Dan and Madison.

P.S. Sorry for the accidental, not-complete posts

as of late. I swear I'll fix my posting problem!

things that are making me happy

• Spending lots of time with family this weekend
• Day off yesterday due to Presidents' Day (in honor of George Washington & Abraham Lincoln's birthdays!)
• Having a day off today due to bad weather
• My boyfriend and our dog being okay after getting into an accident yesterday
• Knocking lots of things off my to-do list
• Having electricity (it went out this weekend due to the storm!)
• Coffee and dinner plans with friends this week
• Girls' night with childhood best friends this weekend
• Parks and Recreation marathons
• New teaching clothes
• New magazines to read that were delivered while I was away from home
• An adorable cupcake-making gift bag from my boyfriend's mom
• Getting enough sleep : )

What things are making you happy?

weekly gems

the loves of my life cuddling away!

This week has been crazy: full of teaching ups and downs, a sore throat, two-hour delays due to low wind chills, and multiple trips to Starbucks. I am ready for the weekend! I plan on sleeping, crafting, getting my haircut, having dinner with friends, planning lessons/grading, job searching, and watching movies. What are your plans for this weekend?

A small list of weekly gems for you all...

• Entertainment news: article on the casting of a new Lois Lane, Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, full list of pilots ordered by the major TV networks, and Julia Roberts as Snow White's evil queen.
• Kate Spade has a tumblr. Be still, my heart!!
• Definitely enjoyed this interview with the Matchbook Magazine founders and this one with just Katie Armour.
• It's interesting to see what celebrities were once roommates.
• Love the Makeunder My Finances series on MML.
• Have you heard of the Google Art Project? You must check it out. Incredible.
• This to-do list of Johnny Cash's brought a smile to my face.

my life: seven things

The "seven things about me" post has been circulating the blogosphere as of late, so I decided to take a cue from Mackenzie of Design Darling and do my own edition of it. Here we go!

1. I attend Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. I am studying AYA Integrated Social Studies Education (grades 7-12). I am currently student teaching and I love it!

2. Nothing is more important to me than my family. We are a crazy bunch, and we might get on each other's nerves, but we are always there for each other. I am proud of the fact that in addition to an amazing immediate family, I have a huge, close extended family. I wouldn't trade a big family for anything!

3. I love Ohio, and more specifically, Cleveland. Both get a bad rap and are totally underrated. I am incredibly grateful I got to grow up where I did and will always, always love it.

4. I adore holidays - any holiday. I'm a big fan of traditions and holidays are chock full of them (as well as family get togethers)!

5. Music plays a central role in my life. I don't think I go a day without listening to music and I have playlists for every occasion. I actually played alto saxophone for seven years before I started college and didn't have time to anymore with my schedule. (I would love to get back into, but I'm a little stumped as to how when I live in an apartment. Any tips?)

6. In addition to my family, my life would not be complete without my friends. College has definitely taught me a lot about friendship, and I'm so grateful for the caring and fun people I have in my life. Similarly, my life today would not be the same without my own little family, my boyfriend and our dog Madison. I love any time we get to spend together.

7. I love movies and TV. Before I realized I was meant to be a teacher, I planned entering the entertainment industry or becoming a film critic. I love watching both old and new movies and shows, and totally get into trivia, behind-the-scenes material, and award shows.

Photos:

1. Bowling Green campus, fall 2009

2. Family, summer 2009

3. Cleveland skyline as seen from the Flats, summer 2009

4. My dad as Santa Claus, winter 2010

5. My friends Kaylyn and Sarah, along with myself, summer 2007 (at our last marching band event!)

6. Dan and Madison, fall 2010; Elizabeth, Courtney, Katie, Sarah, and myself at Alpha Phi Omega semi-formal, fall 2009

7. Netflix DVD and movie tickets, spring 2011

What are seven things about you? Leave a comment listing them or with a link to your seven things post!

weekly gems

On Snow Day 2 of 3, Dan, Madison and I climbed the mountain of plowed snow in my apartment complex's parking lot. We could slam dunk!

How was everyone's week this week? Mine was awesome! I had school Monday, but thanks to the crazy blizzard that hit so many states this week, school was closed Tuesday-Thursday! I got all caught up on the things I was behind on, and now I can use this weekend to relax and get ahead. What are your plans for the weekend?

• I want pretty much all of these love posters.
• Definitely looking forward to reading the magazine High Gloss this weekend!
• I loved The Dark Knight, so I've been excited for The Dark Knight Rises. Then I heard about Anne Hathaway joining the case. And now Joseph Gordon-Levitt is, too? So pumped!
• Fascinating article about Swedish surnames.
• My awesome friend Kaylyn hooked me up with this interesting "Which Founding Father are you?" quiz. (If you take it, make sure you tell me what you got in a comment!)
• Totally obsessed with Scholastic's You Are What You Read.
• I definitely enjoyed this slideshow of top romantic movies.
• Love this quote post.
• Favorite weddings of the week: one, two, three.
• Like this idea for a resource party.
• Interesting (and brief article) about the Oscar curse.