{Tunes} on Tuesday Featuring: Paul Simon

In case anyone was ever curious as to why my photography business is called "Betty Photography," here's your answer: 

One day, a long time ago, before they discovered things like the iPhone and dinosaurs and stuff,  I was hanging out with one of my best friends and we were doing something that called for protection.

He asked me if I would be his bodyguard, and immediately inquired if he could call me Betty. 

Being well versed in the splendor and magic of Paul Simon, I retorted, "Only if I can call you Al." 

And right there it was settled.

Did You Know I LOVE Paul Simon?

like, wo.

Do You Have An Alternative Ego {or} 

An Interesting Nickname Story?

Say "No" To Drugs, Say "Yes" To Giraffe Encounters.

Today I could not wipe the smile from my face…not that I tried or anything. 

We went on a bike date to the fantastical Phoenix Zoo and had our share of adventures while we were there.

Here are the highlights:

Mercats. I want one. Eh...let's make it two.

These guys are too fun to watch. They're so humanlike.

Birds intrigue me, and inspire me for outfit color-combos. 
After all, nature knows best!

I wanted to snuggle these cheetahs. 
They were so romantic and their habit was majestic!

The lions, not so much...

I love riding bikes!

Down Under

Okay, here's where the magic happened. 

I love giraffes. 

They have always been my favorite exhibit at the zoo 

(Well, I have two favorites--i love the otters). 

I just can't contain my happiness when i walk in and see them, with their necks all tangled up together, their big eyelashes, and their laffytaffy blue tongues. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine getting up close and personal with my babies. 

When I heard this was possible I, as BBL would put it, "geeked out!"

K, seriously, when this happened I felt like I was high on drugs (or what I imagine it might be like, since i have no first hand experience with said situation) 

I took more pictures, basked in their splendor, and said my goodbyes, then ran around the zoo telling everyone that they MUST go to the giraffe encounter. 

I'm sure that sales peaked thanks to me. 

It was magical beyond all definitions. 

It has been over 10 hours and I am

still glowing over my zoo trip. 

I miss my babies and will be volunteering at the zoo as soon as I move back to Arizona.

Go to the zoo. Bring an extra four bucks. Feed the giraffes. Experience euphoria. Die happy.

Petting the stingrays was also a fantastic experience. 

So bring two more dollars and make it a hay day!

Sunny Weather, Entire Day Outside, Riding Bikes, Animal Encounters, Beautiful Pictures,  Cute Hubby, Dinner with BusyBeeLauren & Ted=

Best, best, best day everrrrrr!!!

What's Your Favorite 

Animal At the Zoo?

If You Were An Animal From the Zoo, Which Would You Be & Why?

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: Week Rule of 3's

Alrighty dear readers, it's time for a little fashion tip, one that you may already know, but one that is too crucial to skip, (in case you don't already know.) 

It is called the rule of 3's. 

It applies in all sorts of artistic pursuits, 

but today I will relate it to fashion.

Notice the main colors in this outfit: Red, Yellow, and Blue. 

It doesn't necessarily have to be three colors. It could just be two different colored solids and a pattern that is one of those main colors. 

Or even three different (complimentary) shades of one color.

The thing is to rarely (if ever) wear only two solid colors. 

It tends to look boring, immature, even cheap. 

The Lumber-Jane Look:

The Breakdown:

Yellow Cardi: H&M $14

Blue Rhinstone Brooch: Antique $5

Red Plaid Button-Up: Hollister $36

Double Strap Belt: Forever21 $5

Vigoss Skinny Jeans: TJ Maxx $19

Slouch Boots: Charlotte Russe Clearance $5

Navy Peacoat: Forever21 $34

Watch: Urban Outfitters $34

Gold & Diamond Rings: Marcus Nielson $date nights, waffles nights, 11 months of dating, some kisses, video-chats, and a brave move to Idaho.

Here Are Some More Examples:

Does It Make Sense? Do You Agree?

But More Importantly, 

Would You Hire Me to Chop Your Firewood?

Clothes Make the (Wo)man; Naked People Have Little to No Influence On Society

After our delicious Bagley Family Dinner we headed over to the Nielson's house for a visit. 

I entered the guest bathroom to "powder my nose" and suddenly had a flash back to one of the first times I found myself at a Nielson Family Dinner: 

 I had drunk quite a bit of water that evening, and I needed to use the restroom. I got in there and attempted to lock the door. I tried and tried, but it was no use. 

The relationship was too new for me to just go out there and ask Marcus to help me lock the door, so I surrendered and just hoped no one would walk in on me. 

It was then that I realized I was wearing this jumpsuit, 

and in order to use the restroom I would have to take everything off--leaving me, in an unlocked room, sitting on the toilet in only a bra, at my new boyfriend's house, with more than 20 people who could at any minute get the urge to use the lou...wow. 

Suddenly, I really wished that door would lock.

By this time, I had been in there for a while and I started to panic. 

People would start to wonder what had happened to me. I needed to act, and I needed to act fast.

So, I took a gulp, and stripped down. 

My heart was pounding and my legs got shaky as I vigilantly watched the door. I peed as quickly as I could and immediately began to re-dress. Just as I zipped myself up, one of the youngsters twisted the handle, my heart jumped, but it was fine now. I had made it. It was almost too close for comfort, but I had miraculously avoided possibly the most awkward situation ever...and that is what I am grateful for today.

Anything Crazy Happen At Your Family Dinner?

Gobble, Gobble

Thanksgiving Fashion:

Why, hello Handsome!

I think my ankles might be too skinny for this style of boot...oops

I'm thankful for my cute husband,

feather earrings,

tangerines (that's what he's eating),

and for dress-worthy weather.


The Breakdown:
Me
Floral Dress: Victoria's Secret $60
Feather Earrings: Charlotte Russe $4
Striped-Socks: Urban Outfitters $8
Boots: Vintage (my mom's closet) $free
Marcus
Plaid Shirt: H&M $30
Grey Cardigan: $30
Jeans: Target $20
Clark Boots: Last Chance $30
Timex Watch: Timex Online $32
Do You Guys Dress Up For Thanksgiving Dinner?
Have you entered the giveaway?
Time's running out!

Walkin' On the Moon

I am in my beloved hometown--Mesa, Arizona. 

The weather is something from a storybook--60 degrees and sunny. 

In Rexburg, today, the high was 4 degrees. 

That's right, the high! 

Man, I love being home for the holidays. 

Everyday in AZ we've been busy with photo-shoots and we're saving our earnings for Christmas presents!

On one of our location scouting trips, we pulled over to an abandoned wash. 

After hiking down, Marcus started snapping some pictures of me...then we heard someone. Yelling.

I saw him first. It was a cop from the Salt River Department. Apparently, we were trespassing, and would make 

"easy pickin's for some bad guy to come down and kill us." 

Wow! Who knew? 

Anyway, he said since we had "innocent intent" he would just give us a warning.

Then he fell. Ha! 

Sorry, that was mean.

Thanks officer, for not being a meany.

Moonscape

Want to know what I'm hiding 

under those Ray-Bans?

No, no, no, I'm not a domestic violence victim! It's that darn birthday sty. It's almost gone though :)

Hahaha I've been tempted to wear a 

pirate patch all week.

Do You Have Any Good 

Cops Stories???

(please keep in mind that my brother is a police officer, so don't bash too bad)

{Tunes} on Tuesday Featuring: Brett Dennen

Credit & Copyright: Stefan Seip (Astro Meeting)

Once upon a time, a long time ago, before they discovered things like the iPhone and dinosuars and stuff, I got a letter in the mail. I opened it curiously. 
Inside was a small, folded up piece of paper. 

All it said was

 "just like the moon"

I had a pretty good idea what I was supposed to do. 

My internet was down, so I got in the car and went to the 

Mesa Public Library. 

After a few google searches, I found this.

Then I cried. 

That was a hard year, but I still like this song.

I am a Moonchild.

BloG giVeAwaY!

A few weeks ago the talented and generous Ms. Valleygirldesigns, donated this magically delicious necklace for my second blog giveaway and I've been holding on to it, waiting for just the right occasion to give it away. 

After everyone's kind birthday wishes yesterday, 

I decided today was the day!  

Thank you!

Here are the many ways to enter 

(you can get up to 5 entries):

1. Visit the etsy shop and tell me what your favorite item is.

2. Become a follower of my blog.

3. Tell me your favorite thing about this blog.

4. Tweet, Blog, or Facebook about the giveway.

5. Tell me one thing you're grateful for...here's the kicker, it has to be about yourself! 

Afterall, Unicorns, while they are always looking to do good in the world, they are also ever-so-vain.

here are my answers:

1. Other than this unicorn necklace, this might be my other favorite... or maybe this, ya i think it's the second.

2. Does being the writer count as being a follower?

3. Comments are my favorite part about the blog. I love to hear what's going on with other bloggers around the world.

4. Tweeted, blogged, facebooked :)
http://twitter.com/#!/ashleyanielson

5. Green eyes. i'm always adorned in my favorite color, plus there are some pretty cool songs that talk about green-eyed ladies :)


***November 30th is the last day to enter***

Backseat Bingo

*Disclaimer: my mother-in-law wanted me to make sure everyone knew that these are not actual cigarettes. Ya know, just in case you thought i was into that sort of stuff...:)


I was born for Murder Mystery Parties; 

and when they fall within a day of my birthday, all the better.

I've never been more attracted to this madman.

We got to write our own character:

Ms. Vivian Rose is a California girl who spends her time where she believes a woman belongs--in the kitchen. Fulfilling the “essence of womanhood” is her highest priority. She was once married to the extremely wealthy, but chauvinistic, Jeremiah Foxworth, who she tried, futilely, to keep satisfied with her girlish charm and to-die-for-cooking, but it was common knowledge that he was habitually unfaithful. I say, was married, because he died prematurely in his bed after dinner, about 2 years ago, of an undiscovered cause. Vivian mourned as well as one can for a man like Jeremiah, but as of recent, she can be seen, looking quite cheery, on the arm of a Mr. Jack Thompson, the long time associate of her deceased husband. From the looks of things, they are getting quite serious...

Jack Thompson is a charming man who can win a friend with his effortlessness smile. He lives an honorary life which he fills with the jovial companionship of his international cliental. Although he could understandably become engulfed in the incalculable lucre of the game he plays, he keeps his morals at top priority and thus earns the respect of everyone under his influence.
By all accounts, he sounds like a gentleman of the highest degree; he does, however, have a secret. There is one year he cannot account for. A year of complete disappearance in his life that he will never speak of. When you find him alone, thinking, one may assume he is thinking of that year, as if he left something behind. Something he can’t quite forget. Business associate with Francis, Foxworth’s eldest son.

World Class

My mom's the shiz.

World Traveler

The Group

Also, did you see this post?
I cried a little bit.
best.thing.ever. 
Seriously, though, isn't she the greatest?

Thanks for the birthday wishes...now if i could just get rid of this sty on my eye. gah!

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: Week Beetlejuice?

Remember this story? 

Here's the outfit in question:

I couldn't decided if the leg-warmers looked dumb...

 What Do You Think? With or Without?

Can You Tell, I LOVE T-Strap Mary-Janes?

The Breakdown:

Striped Shirt: Nordstroms $30

Purple, Silk Dress: Gap Sale Rack $40

Black Leggings: Forever21 $4

Leg-Warmers: Ireland Study Abroad $4

Rainbow Earrings: Forever21 $4

Steve Madden T-Strap Mary-Janes: TJ MAXX $19

Black Bow: Vintage

Did You Know Tomorrow's My Birthday? 

Got Any Good Birthday Ideas?

PoP! Goes My Heart

 Marcus and I watched Music & Lyrics two nights ago and this song has been stuck in one of both of our heads since. What's strange is that neither of us care; it's absurdity is just still so amusing. 

It was Marcus's first time seeing the movie and when this song came on, 

he got really excited and said, "Oh man, I love this 80s song." 

It was pronounced with such sincerity that he almost had me convinced that it was a real hit from the 80s. He was really distraught when I Googled it, and found that it, of course,  

was not, in actuality, around in the 80s. Should have been though.

We mostly enjoy finding times we can say, "Hey hon (really seriously, so that they think you going to say something important)...you're gold AND silver."

I wonder when it's going to get old?

VideoLink
Did you see the new buttons?

Oh, and You Should Be Getting Really Excited About the 

Next Blog Giveaway. Really.

Well, I'm off to Arizona.

Buttons & Bows

Did You See? I Got Buttons! 

There Over There, 
Just To Your Right and Down a Bit...Aren't They Cute?

Which One Do You Like Better?

I'm Just As Sane As She Is.

 Can You Guess What I'm Excited About?

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." 

"A Wrackspurt-they're invisible, they float in through your ears and make your brain go fuzzy," she said. "I thought I felt one zooming around in here." 

Halloween 2009

Did you know I don't get to go to the Midnight Showing? 

My heart is basically breaking in a million pieces.

We're driving to Arizona early tomorrow and we didn't think we'd be able to stay awake for 16 hours after a midnight movie. 

Worst decision of our lives? yes. 

Now that we thoroughly regret our 'responsible thinking' all the movie theaters are SOLD OUT! Dagger in my broken heart.

Are You Going?

Who's Your Favorite Character?