Tuesday Motivation - What Lies Within Us

Good Morning! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I was blessed to enjoy the long weekend at the beach with my husband and some fabulous friends! But while I was soaking up the sunshine, I also tried to remember why we were celebrating this holiday. I am beyond grateful to those who have so selflessly served our country, and I feel so blessed to live in the United States of America. Thank you to all of the past and present soldiers who have given yourselves to a greater calling - I'm deeply appreciative.

We have a short week ahead! But sometimes we need the most motivation to get through these compact and often intense weeks! I found this quotation from Ralph Waldo Emerson so inspiring... Although it's easy to dwell on the past or worry about the future, those matters pale in comparison to the aspirations we have within us - the dreams and goals to make the most of our time here on earth. We can't always control what happens in our lives, but the foundation of who we are, what we live and work for, and how we treat others is what ultimately determines whether we leave this world a better or worse place than we found it. So let's listen to what's inside our hearts and work towards making the most of this life. I believe we can all do great things if we follow what lies within us!

Monday Motivation - Glory's Waiting!

Good Morning and Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was wonderful and relaxing!

I'm a huge fan of music, and living in Nashville is such a blessing. My husband and I love going to concerts - there's nothing quite like live music! One of our favorite bands that we've seen live at the Ryman (twice now) is Needtobreathe. They put on an amazing show, and they are incredibly talented. The thing I love most about Needtobreathe's music is their "message." I'm always so inspired!

So today's Monday Motivation comes from one of their songs, Slumber (go download it now). I love this line from the song because it encourages us to wake up, get up, and go experience all the glory out there! Just think of all the great things that are waiting for us if we only open up our eyes and live in the moment! So let's get this week off to a great start... Glory's Waiting!

Stationery Boutiques - GREER of Chicago

I love love love visiting stationery boutiques when I travel! Last week, my husband and I were in Chicago, and I did a little research in hopes to find a fabulous local stationery shop. I was thrilled when I discovered GREER at 1657 N. Wells Street - what an amazing, charming, and cozy little store! I could have spent hours in there admiring the displays and well-designed papers.

My favorite thing about GREER was the sheer love for paper, design, creativity, and correspondence that was so evident in every part of the shop. I purchased a couple of greeting cards, and noticed that the label on my bag had a saying (which is the tag line for the shop) "Civility is not a sign of weakness." I so appreciate this! Sending hand-written notes and custom printed invitations as an act of being thoughtful and hospitable is so very civil and noble - not a weakness!

The founder of the store, Chandra Greer, is quoted on her website saying "I founded Greer because I wanted to create a place whose purpose was solely, always, 100%, steadfastly, positive - a place devoted to good feelings, intelligent thought and the celebration of beauty." Well done, Chandra! You've definitely achieved this and more. I'm in love with your boutique and wish to visit again someday!

GREER of Chicago

(photo from orangebeautiful.com)

GREER's Bag Label and Greeting Card by Rifle Paper Company

Monday Motivation - Be Happy and Pursue!

Happy Monday! I love the "Monday Motivation" for today, and I hope it inspires you!

I sometimes find myself so concerned with all the "things" I want for my life that I begin to lose sight of the blessings I already have. I think it's absolutely wonderful to work hard towards your dreams in order to pursue happiness and success, but what does that all mean if you're not content with what you've already achieved? I think it's vital for us to step back, thank God, and be happy before moving on to conquering our goals. Why? Because it will make reaching our potential that much more rewarding!

So take time today to be thankful and content with all that you have, then go pursue the heck out of your dreams!

Monday Motivation - Take Pride, Have Faith!

Good Monday Morning! I hope you enjoyed your weekend... it's time for another Monday Motivation! This quotation is so encouraging to me because I often get caught up in comparing myself or my business to another that I admire and one that seems to be so much further down the road to success. But this statement inspires us all to be proud of what we have accomplished, and rather than dwell on the overwhelming to-do lists - be faithful in our abilities to go so much further! I'm so encouraged to work hard and reach my potential... go reach yours! You can do it! Have Faith!

Who I Am...

I've recently been challenged to be more personal in my business... tell a little more about the girl behind Beth Hart Designs. It's been a bit difficult, but I've finally developed a biography that I can proudly say truly represents me and why I'm in business - it expresses who I am and what I believe. Enjoy!

I’m a Southern girl.  A lover of life.  A child of God.  A blessed woman.  A firm believer.  A wife.  A daughter.  A sister.  A friend.  A designer…

Hi! I’m Beth Hart.

I love Southern hospitality… all aspects of it. From sitting with a best friend drinking sweet tea (or a glass of wine) on your front porch to hosting a swanky shin-dig at which you get to feel oh so sophisticated in your best dress. Southern hospitality is warm and gracious and makes you tingle with excitement at the very core of it.

What better way to portray Southern hospitality than with the perfect invitation or a personalized note card? Paper is a true icon of Southern hospitality. A hand-written note can do wonders for a bruised ego or a broken heart. The ideal invitation can excite your guests for the soon-to-be party-of-a-lifetime. With paper, birthdays are anticipated, weddings are glamorous, anniversaries are milestones, new born babies are introduced, Christmas greetings are shared, Life is celebrated.

I believe in paper, and therefore I’m a designer of paper.

I came to love paper through several life journeys… beginning with my heritage. I’m the daughter of a mother who treasures sending out heartfelt and meaningful Christmas cards. She also possesses the gift of writing and has touched so many lives with her handwritten notes – a true ministry. My grandmother was a hat-maker, yes a real-life milliner, who designed and created hats of all kinds for all types of people. Her work was superb, and her vigor for life and business makes me wish she was still here to inspire me. I’m blessed with a creative heritage, and for that I’m very grateful.

Southern hospitality runs deep in my education. From attending middle and high school at Battle Ground Academy, founded in 1889, to exploring the rich history of The University of Mississippi (fondly called Ole Miss) throughout college. I’ve learned to value education, work hard, be a teammate, lean on God, cheer at football games, graciously be a Southern lady, and flourish throughout life’s lessons at these incredible institutions, and for that I’m also grateful.

So there you have a taste of me, a bit of Beth Hart. A lover of music, fashion, sunshine, old hymns, antiques, twinkle lights, Sunday drives through the countryside, history, tradition, lazy days at the lake and of course, paper. I desire to be good at what I do and reach out to others to inspire stylish design and encourage Southern hospitality.

To go along with this biography, I needed some new professional photos. So I called up my good friend Molly of SimplyMPhotography to help me out. I'm amazed with her work! She possesses real talent - a true gift! She made me look good and was so patient with the sun & wind to work in our favor... I couldn't be more pleased! Thank you Molly! Below are a few of my favorites from the session: