Big Blue Nation camps out.

September 23, 2014Every day lifeBBN, Big Blue Madness, Big Blue Nation, camp out, Coach Cal, college basketball, KSR, tent city, University of Kentucky, wildcatsBeth Berger

Just a few blocks from my house, a temporary city formed last week. Fans of the University of Kentucky basketball team pitched 760 tents encircling the campus’ Memorial Coliseum for their chance to secure tickets to the players first official public introduction. Populated by students, families, young, old, and citizens from all over the Commonwealth; the mass camp out is certainly a sight to behold. Kentuckians, without any pro sports teams to speak of, pledge their allegiance to college basketball. And they honor that pledge in wacky, intense, heart-warming ways. Ever fascinated by this diverse set of super fans known as the Big Blue Nation, I made my way down Euclid Ave. to scope how those camping were spending their time (corn-hole, shootin’ the shit in camp chairs and enjoying massive pizza deliveries from players), what the tent real estate market was like and who would be mingling with fans (Marcus Lee, the Harrison twins). I snapped some pics because I love displays of commitment and I thought you might like to see…

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What’s your favorite sports team? Would you ever do something extreme, like camp out for a week, in order to attend one of their events? I’ll hand it to this crowd, the energy in the air was electric! Definitely worth spending an evening exploring.

Escape from the Quiverfull movement.

September 22, 2014Brainpower, Media19 Kids and Counting, abuse, American Atheists, cult, Duggars, oppressive religion, patriarchy, Power and Control Wheel, Quiverfull movement, speech, video, Vyckie Garrison, women and religionBeth Berger

Yesterday, I read an excerpt from Vyckie Garrison’s remarks to American Atheists about her escape from the oppressive confines of the Quiverfull movement. Much like reality TV’s Duggar family, Garrison belonged to a devout Christian family, their values informed by literalist interpretations of scripture.

The Quiverfull movement is comprised of fundamentalist families who aim to live the biblical model of marriage and child bearing/rearing. The Bible dictates that children are blessings–“As arrows in the hand of the mighty man, so are the children of ones youth, happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them.” Quiverfull couples leave family planning in the Lord’s hands and women willingly remain pregnant, nursing or both for the majority of their adult lives.

As Garrison explains:

“Probably the most recognizable and influential Quiverfull family in America is reality TV’s Duggar Family of “Way Too Many and Counting” fame. But unlike fundamentalist Mormons who tend to congregate in just a few places in Utah, Arizona, Texas, etc., you will find Quiverfull families in nearly all types of churches in every community. This is because Quiverfull is not a denomination, with a creed to sign and a church to join. And it’s not technically a cult in the strict sense of having one central leader … instead, Quiverfull is a mindset (a very powerful head trip) in which each family becomes a cult unto itself with Daddy enshrined as the supreme Patriarch.”

and

“So this was about political domination. The whole point of having a quiver full of babies is to … out-populate the “enemy,” … that would be all of you; and to shoot those many arrows “straight into the heart of the enemy.” And by that, we meant that our children would grow up to be leaders in all the major institutions of our society. This was our plan for taking back America for God. So the children were like arrows (which is the ammunition) in God’s holy war.”

Garrison goes on to share how, while she initially did not have the language to identify her lifestyle as abusive, her exposure to a “Power and Control Wheel” helped her identify the ways in which she had been manipulated, exploited, mistreated and enslaved. Her story is a compelling one. The parallels between a Quiverfull family unit and a patriarchal cult ring true. Certainly the manipulation and isolation are present but also the over-arching use of militaristic rhetoric as expression of the group’s mission–a very common and powerful tactic in many modern cults.

I worry about women in entrapment similar to Garrison’s (and their children, too). I’m glad she is raising her voice.

You can watch her full speech below. She also blogs at No Longer Quivering.

(top photo via here.)

Happy birthday, Katie!

September 19, 2014Personalbirthday, family, Happy Birthday, Katie-okay, personal, sisterBeth Berger

Happy 24th birthday to my little sister Katie, who’s making waves in the Florida theater scene. I’m glad I got to grow up with you!

P.S. Isn’t she the babest of babes? That black and white photo could totally be an album cover.

Book crush <3

September 18, 2014Books28 going on 15, book crush, John Green, Looking for Alaska, novel, quote worthy, YA fictionBeth Berger

Do you ever read a book and just fall totally high-school crush level IN LOVE with it? I’m talking underlining passages, writing quotes in your neatest cursive in the margins of your notebook, keeping it on your nightstand long after you’ve finished just to revisit the pages and cover and words kind of love. Looking for Alaska by John Green is a favorite book crush of mine. I have found in my old age ; ), that Green’s coming-of-age novel is a real heart-breaker with it’s nostalgia inducing plot line and swoon-worthy quotes.

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Share a book crush below!

mid-week round-up

September 17, 2014Wednesday Linksfood news, just for fun, links, movie marathon, news, round-up, science, weekend eventBeth Berger

Half-way there check-in, readers! How’s it going? What’s new? I started a new position on Monday, and last night I watched my weekly dose of The Wire with friends (and had some Country Boy Brewing Cougar Bait lol). Also, if you’re looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, head on out to the Clark Family Farms on Saturday for the Follow the Food Farm Tour–featuring farm exploration, live Bluegrass music and local products available for purchase. Oh, and ME in the Good Foods tent. : ) Very in the spirit of this post. Hope you have a delightful week, and here are some mid-week internet gems…

Ever “discover” something that wasn’t really new?

What development can mean for our natural wonders.

For when you’re craving something sweet.

Excommunicating women.

Futuristic farming in Japan.

Well this certainly makes my blood boil.

I love a good themed activity.

Terrible. Super police work, LAPD.

Books can solve anything…even PMS!

Plans are in the works for a “pay-what-you-can” community restaurant in Danville, KY.

What your rental dollars can get ya.

Feels like an homage to this summer! (So long KY Summer. See ya next year!)

Free-time this Fall? No need to break the bank!

September 16, 2014Every day life, How to'sAutumn, ballin on a budget, cheap hobbies, don't break the bank, Fall, free-time, spend less to live moreBeth Berger

As the weather gets a little chillier and we shift from Summer to Autumn, I’ve got penny-pinching on my mind. Summer may have seen you spending a bit more liberally (vacations, eating out, outdoor adventures) and back-to-school time can get costly as well. Looking ahead to the holidays, the next couple months can be a great time to rein it in, make some cut-backs and start saving. So, turn off those air conditioners, meal plan, host a Naked Lady party to score clothes for a new Fall look…and as for fun; here are 10 ways to spend your down-time this Fall without breaking the bank!

Sweat.

Forget the fancy gym memberships and costly classes. You can just bust a move from the comfort of your own living room. Youtube and Pinterest are fitness gold-mines! Do Erin Motz’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge. See how many reps of push-ups/sit-ups/lunges/squats/WHATEVER you can do in a row. Try to do more each day. Go upside down in a hand stand! Wanna explore? Jog in your neighborhood. Find a hiking trail nearby.

Practice.

Commit to picking back up a hobby you let fall by the way-side or finally learn the skill you’ve had the equipment for in the back of your closet for ages. Play around with that camera (even if it’s just on your iPhone…you could even sign up for an Instagram “picture a day” challenge). Bust out your craft supplies. Build something. Grow something. Dust off that violin. Teach yourself calligraphy or German or darts.

Play.

Turn off your TV, close the laptop and play a game instead. Spread out on the floor with your significant other or gather ’round the kitchen table with friends. Play Backgammon, Rummikub, Pictionary, Jenga, Chess, Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly. Got a deck of cards? Deal out Hearts, Poker, Euchre, B.S. or my always and forever favorite THIRTEEN.

Explore.

You don’t always have to strap on your hiking boots and hit the woods to have an epic adventure. Try your hand at urban exploration. Find a historic neighborhood and provide a running commentary on the architecture (even if it’s completely made up). Get lost in a gi-normous indoor flea market or antique mall. Check out abandoned buildings (don’t get arrested). See how many green-spaces, fountains, swing-sets, hot-dog stands, libraries or pedways you can walk to in one day.

Enrich.

Do a little research and find free cultural events going on in your area. Check out galleries displaying art in public places. Go to an educational lecture hosted by a school or church or non-profit. Lots of organizations love hosting free movies. Got a friend or family member in a play, concert, dance recital? See if you can peep their dress rehearsal for free. The public library is a fantastic resource. And if you live in a university town you’re golden!

Read.

Nothing says Fall like hunkering in a cozy spot with your latest page-turner. Join a book club. Start your own. Blaze through some Young Adult fiction on your e-reader. Pick up a stack of historical romance novels from the library. No one needs to know about your literary guilty pleasures.

Slurp.

Don’t shell out all your hard-earned money at Starbies. Yes, you may lose that gold status (R.I.P.) but you can learn to make your favorite hot beverages at home. If you want to drink all pumpkin everything until Christmas day…so be it.

Pamper.

Choose one evening a week to have some “you” time. Learn a new hair-style. Do face masks. Do the DIY kind, too. Give yourself a manicure.

Cheers.

Ok, so this may cost a LITTLE bit but if you have a Trader Joes we’re not talking much. Have a few friends over for a nice night in. BYO #3buckchuck. BYO #horsdouevrestoshare BYO #classyattire Set your Pandora station to whatever you like best, mingle, and let the conversation flow.

Volunteer.

Evaluate your unique gifts and skill-set and figure out ways to give back. Sign up to be a mentor. Play with puppies. Organize events. Try your hand at a radio reading service. Answer phones, ring doorbells or just listen. When you give of your time, not only are you NOT spending money, the Universe finds powerful ways to reward you. : )

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What about y’all, dear readers? How do you save money without sacrificing fun? Will you be ballin’ on a budget like me this Fall? Sending you an encouraging high-five if so! We got this!

DIY: Magnet boards.

September 15, 2014DIY, How to'sbuttons, fun fabrics, glue gun project, home decor, magnet board, magnets, office decor, style, upcycledBeth Berger

My sister, Katie, and I did this DIY project a few months back but I thought it was too cute not share with you guys. We thought it was a really adorable way to take something cheap, cookie sheets from Big Lots, and turn it into something beautiful–fabric covered magnet boards. I love how easy this project is to customize. Choose fabrics and details that suit your style and follow a few simple steps…presto, change-o! You’ve got some cool decorative flair for any room. Because we were making our boards as a present for our Mom, we chose a bright, cheery color palette that we knew she would enjoy. Once you’ve got a style and color palette picked out (and some GORGE buttons for magnet-making), it’s time to get started!

What you’ll need:

-Cheap-o cookie/baking sheet(s)

-Fabric

-Glue gun (mine just happened to match PERFECTLY!)

-Glue sticks

-Magnet dots or magnet tape (you can get the kind with adhesive backing but I would use the glue gun so your decorated magnets hold together a bit better)

-Scissors

-Sewing notions to make magnets–we used a variety of buttons and some golden ribbon

And how it all comes together:

-Cut your fabric to size and hot glue it to the back of the cookie sheet.

-Fold edges like a package and trim so they are all even. Cut another piece of fabric to size and glue over the opening–creating a backing. You could do this with a solid more sturdier piece of fabric (maybe even a felt) or stick with the same fabric you used for the front.

-Once your boards are covered with fabric, it’s time to make magnets! Glue buttons, ribbon, googly eyes, ANYTHING YOU LIKE onto magnets with your hot glue gun. Be sure to press them on hard and let them dry completely.

Magnet inspiration–

-For hanging you can get some picture hanging kits from the craft or hardware store to attach to the back or just set ’em on your desk and prop against the wall. Now load your board up with grocery lists, reminders and pics and you’re ready to go!

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Where would you like to hang one of these babies? By your back door? At your office? What colors would you choose? My work just ordered me a new desk (eeps!) so I would love to have one there for a full work-space face-lift. Maybe in some pretty Fall colors to kick off the season!

mid-week round-up

September 10, 2014Wednesday Linksa capella, ballet, hump day, just for fun, kittens, links, middle of the week, news, recipe, round-up, Sunday Routine, videosBeth Berger

What are y’all up to this week? Fall is in the air, so I’m trying to soak up the last of the warm weather. I love the sunlight in September! Does that sound weird? It just has such a perfect golden shine during this month, no other month’s can compare. Today, I think I’m gonna finish up some DIY projects and maybe power through my current book so I can queue up some new ones to be set aside for me at the library. Hope you have a blissful day, and here’s my weekly round-up of notable links for you to enjoy…

Great review of one of my favorite books.

Archaeologists uncover oldest case of Down’s syndrome.

A rise in fraudulent diplomas means promising things for pet population.

In important slow cooker news…BREAD!

Proof that we’re not as classy as we used to be.

My favorite part of Sunday is reading Sunday Routine.

Rambunctious kitten play-time!

Evolution of Music, a capella style. (P.S. Is the guy on the bottom left this same dude?)

This is literally my worst nightmare.

Sorry not sorry, I can’t wait for this movie.

Powerful ad–ballet is STRENGTH.

This sweater is so cute! And perfect for Fall.

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So for RANDOM WEDNESDAY!

Tea party.

September 9, 2014Every day lifegreen tea, loose tea, Peter Pan, tea, tea accessories, tea party, thrift store finds, VintageBeth Berger

Today I thought I’d share my current favorite teas and tea essentials! Tea for two and two for tea…

1. Blackberry Black loose tea from MonTea,a fabulous little tea shop in Lexington, KY in the Chevy Chase neighborhood.

2. Yogi Pure Green tea bags in a thrifted glass tea jar.

3. Loose green tea leaves from the Good Foods Co-op bulk tea section. For the easiest bulk foods container DIY? Just spray paint the lid of a mason jar with some chalkboard paint.

4. Hand-painted tray table, thrifted. (Similar: here, here, and here.)

5. Local honey in hand-me-down Hadley Pottery.

6. Tiny cups from my stackable espresso cups and saucers set .

7. A mesh tea ball to steep loose leaves. (Though I’d love to get my hands on some cheekier infusers like this one and this guy.)

8. Mismatched spoons.

9. Linen tea towel, thrifted. (Similar: here, here, and here.)

So, now the only question is…