10 things that make Bethany Hway happy
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 
Who: Bethany Hway
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
What: designer behind Emmy Lu Design Studio, blogger of b*spoke, creative-thinker
Ten things that make me happy:
1. The sound of my husbands car pulling up our gravel driveway. He's my best friend, and the best part of the day is the moment I know he's home safe. Whatever I'm doing, wherever I am, I pause and smile, because my other half has returned to me.
2. The comfortable, familiar smell of my home. There's nothing quite like the simple pleasure I get from walking into my home after a long trip, or even a busy day of errands, and breathing in the warm, comforting aroma that seems lingers there. I can't describe it, but it makes me so happy. 
3. Hot summer days on Burntside Lake. I am such a summer girl. I love being barefoot, soaking up the heat of a hot midwest afternoon, and diving off my parents boat into the crystal clear waters of my favorite lake.
4. Lapsang Tea candles from West Elm. If I could bottle this fragrance as a perfume, I would. It's subtle, warm, earthy, rich, and a little bit spicy. *only available in stores
5. Eating well, especially while traveling. I was raised by parents who knew how to appreciate a good meal. They both are wizards in the kitchen, whipping up delicious dinners each and every night. To this day, nothing beats a meal at my parents home. I'm not quite as gifted as they are in the kitchen, but I do share their love of good cuisine. One of my very favorite things to do while traveling is find one of those off-the-beaten-path places where the locals eat. The food is usually cheap, the atmosphere isn't always perfect or pretty, but boy, the meal you are going to get is amazing.
6. Sunny days. Everything is better when the sun is shining. There is so much promise in the rising of the sun, so much warmth in its rays streaming in my window, and so much peace in its setting.
7. Fresh baked apple cake. Especially during this time of year, nothing beats the aroma of apple cake wafting through my home. Pull it out of the oven, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and dig in. I love the simplicity of this dessert, and the fact that I usually make it after a trip to the orchard.
8. Clean sheets, feather pillows, and a good nights sleep. After a long day, and a hot bath, I really love climbing into bed, especially when there are fresh sheets waiting for me. Snuggling up under my down comforter, and laying my head on my feather pillows is bliss to a tired body.
9. The change of seasons. While I love summer, I also have a keen affection for autumn, winter, and spring. What I love about Minnesota is that each of our four seasons are very distinctly different. There is a shift in the air as one season turns into the next. I love the promise of a new chapter, and the fact that all of nature is changing around me.
10. Hiking, biking, swimming, running, exploring. I love the outdoors, and I really love being able to get active and have some fun while exploring the trails, woods, and lakes of Minnesota. After a long bike ride, a rigorous hike, or a swim across the small lake near my home, I feel ALIVE, and ready to tackle the world!
{all photos taken by Bethany}
Reader Comments (4)
These photos are amazing! Love it! <3
-Mia
http://miafied.blogspot.com
What a thoughtful list and the photography is beautiful. Makes me want to get outside and do something in nature right now.
Thanks for having me, Emily! I really enjoyed taking the time to pause and think about the things in life that make me happy. It was a great exercise, and I'm honored to be on your blog!
Loved having you, Bethany! You leave me inspired. Like Estelle said, I just want to get outside. xoxo