What I learnt from work experience

Recently I spent some time at a small advertising agency in my hometown whilst I was back for Christmas and as cliche as it sounds, I learnt some valuable lessons as to the way they worked. Not only is it normal to speak to the same person ten times a day but also want to shout, scream, laugh and cry in the space of ten minutes. Hopefully this will direct me towards the road to success, but for now I will leave you with what I've learnt. 

1. Note to self: Wash out mugs from the staff room or else your tea will taste like fairy liquid.

2. Put on your sweetest voice when talking to the most difficult clients, it will keep them buttered up.

3. That difficult client will always be right, no matter what. So you just have to suck it up and get on with it. 

4. Everyone loves cake. Victoria, chocolate, fruit it doesn't matter. Clients will devour it. 

5. Having a desk next to a window will ultimately result in endless hours being spent people watching.

6. And staring at the street Christmas lights come 4 o'clock will distract you even more. 

5. Finance systems are the most boring thing, but probably the most important you will ever have to do. 

6. It's crazy how happy a freshly painted room and new blinds can make staff- they even come in on their day off to have a look at it. 

7. Join in on complimenting their freshly painted walls, they really like that. 

8. There's always that one person who doesn't want the heating on #myofficemyrules

9. Finishing work early is like finding that box of chocolates you hid away 3 months ago, everyone is a winner. 

I had a blast at trying my hand at adult life, something my 15 year old self would shudder at the thought of, but it's got me set up for when that 9 till 5 job does come around. 

Little Things #13

It's been a while since one of these posts has appeared on my blog, I almost forgot that I had started this series. But never fear, they will be back on a weekly basis now normality has resumed and the Christmas madness is over, 349 days to go till Christmas 2016. I joke, I'm not really that crazy person who is counting down till this year's festivities, I am. Before I go off on a rambling about Christmas I'm going to end this intro here, and leave you with what I've been loving this week. {I've said Christmas far too many times in one paragraph}

1. I'm completely obsessed with my new, silver, shiny shoes. I could not resist these after spotting them in Matalan, and when I saw the price tag of only £4, holla January sales, I pretty much jumped up and down on the spot. They may not be winter wearable but they make my feet look, in the words of Sharpay Evans, fabulous. 

2. Sherlock Holmes graced our screens once again. It may have been the most confusing episode ever but nonetheless it lived up to expectations. {Ed's note: Don't watch it slightly hungover or sleep deprived, it will leave you mind-boggled}

3. Prince George once again made the nation 'awwww' after photos were released of his first day at nursery, just look at his golden locks and chubby cheeks! 

4. I, Bethany Webb, have started running. I can happily admit I'm not getting very far, at the moment, but it's crazy how much better it can make you feel. If you ever see a girl wearing a neon pink running top and Christmas pudding hat then that will be me. 

5. January sales also saw me adding this beauty to my spring wardrobe. Everyone needs a coat for every season right?

6. Rumour has it that Emma Stone is set to play Cruella De Vil in a new live action film surrounding the fur coat, stiletto wearing villain. If this is set to be anything like Maleficent then we are in for a treat. 

7. Another Emma related point, but this time it's about my-ultimate-girl-crush, Emma Watson. She announced this week that she's starring a feminist book club and I cannot wait to see her recommendations. 

8. Jason's mumma hit the mark with this scarf (pictured) for Christmas. It doubles up as a travel blanket and it's my number one companion for setting foot outdoors. 

9. My recent discovery has led to me finding out that the end of this month is in fact York Residents festival. In other terms if you live in York you get into lots of tourist attractions for free, now who's winning at life. York Dungeons and Castle Howard come at me. 

That's all for now folks, I'm off to pack for a flying visit home for a family get together and to pick up my thermals as it's set to snow next week, hallelujah!

What I got for Christmas 2015?

Christmas? Oh yeah I remember that, the day that was two weeks ago but might aswell be a lifetime ago. I know this may probably seem like an overdue post but I suppose you can also look at it as a December favourites, 2 in 1 #winningatlife. I've seen so many of these posts crop up  on my feed as I watched my to-do list (mainly consisting of pre and post NYE party clean up) grow bigger and bigger. However, my inner nosiness curiosity leaps for joy every time I see a 'what I got for...' so I figured some of you may appreciate this post however late it is. This is the part where I should probably mention that I'm not showing off or bragging about my gifts, more just appeasing to other peoples needs- plus they often offer up some great inspiration for gifts for other people or even a treat for yourself.

Craft Pegs | White Chocolate Buttons | Cheshire Cat | Smarties | Ted Baker Nail Polish | Cath Kidson Apron | Muffins Recipe Book | Wooden Spoon | Personalized Photo Block | Cocoa Bubble Bath | Bambi DVD | Brave DVD | Grey Notebook | Alice in Wonderland Notebook | Victoria Sponge Scented Candle | Heart Measuring Spoons | Elle Magazine Subscription 

 I decided to pick out my favourite bits I received, and as you can probably tell many of them were baking or Disney related which I couldn't be happier about. (I'm a very easy person to buy for!) I also cannot stress enough how amazing the Victoria Sponge candle smells, I often make a trip to the other side of the room just to smell it so you all need to get yourselves one of these. This Christmas also marked us becoming proud owners of a slow cooker, and you know you're acing adult life when you get excited about new pots and pie dishes to add to your collection. Happy Thursday!  

Winter: five favourite Instagram accounts

This time of year is one of my favourite times to spend endless hours scrolling through Instagram. I love seeing how people have decorated their house for Christmas, or how they've been for a muddy walk followed by a spot of baking. I get some serious house envy and #futuregoals so it's time to share these accounts with you so you can join in in wishing you had an open fire to light after a wintery walk, leaving your hats and gloves to dry off in front of it. 

1. @lolypopp3
Just look at this feed, doesn't it make you want to cook up a storm of treats in the kitchen and make some dreamy hot chocolates. Or go and find that perfect #bobblehat and find places to pose. 

2. @cookiesncandies
Everything about this feed is perfect- the colours, the content, the captions. Every time a new post appears on my screen I just want to jump into a car and go and find a pretty village to explore

3.@ciderwithrosieblog
As a fellow country bumpkin I like to think I have something in common with this Instagrammer. Her posts are normally something you'd find on Pinterest, so as you can imagine I obsess over her feed. 

4.@emilyquinton
Emily is a user who has set up her own business sharing her skills on how to take beautiful photos and I want to sign up to every single course she runs ever. 

5.@flora.forager
I'm an avid flower lover so when I stumbled across this feed my eyes lit up the room. She creates beautiful botanical arrangements and you all need this on your feed. 

There you have my top five for the winter months. There is nothing better than scrolling down to see pictures of wreaths, freshly baked gingerbread and crisp country landscapes. I'm off to Tesco to buy the food for our Christmas dinner with friends, how exciting!

Throwback Thursday: Christmas as a kid

So this past week I have been helping out in the lower school my mumma works at, primary school to all you two-tier-systemmers, and it has been glorious. I can tell you now, if you struggle to get into the Christmas spirit then go and volunteer in a school for their last week of term, that'll change your mood. From Christmas caroling to festive films to taking a coach full of kids and staff for an afternoon at the pantomime #hesbehindyou. Being a part of all this took me back to when the biggest decision of the day would be choosing what Christmas picture to colour in or crossing everything in hope that your name would be pulled out of the hat to open the advent calendar. It was a pretty magical time back then, so I've compiled a list that will bring those memories flooding back and leave you wishing you were seven once more. Editors note: This is written by a 90s kid so may be more appropriate for any fellow 90s babies. 

1. November. Mum has picked up the latest Argos catalogue. You spend, what feels like, hours on a Saturday afternoon circling the things you would like for Christmas. 

2. The boxes of Christmas cards have arrived in shops and you spend ages trying to decide which one's your favourite, studying all of the pictures of the cards on the back thoroughly. {I always chose Disney ones, normally Winnie the Pooh, without fail. Woolworths was a godsend.}

3. Once your Christmas cards were bought, your evenings were spent deciding who you were writing them to and what one they would receive. Not forgetting to draw festive pictures around their name and class before posting them in the Christmas letter box. 

4. Feeling like the postman when you and your friends were asked to sort through the cards and deliver them to the right classes. Then feeling super popular when your teacher gave you the biggest pile you'd ever seen. {Yes, I'm fully aware there are three points about Christmas cards, but they were one of the main parts to Christmas}

5. Forever wishing that you got the fake finger in your cracker at the school Christmas dinner rather than the plastic mustache that pinched your nose. 

6. Religiously learning your lines for the school play every night for a week then freezing when it's your time to announce that "the dance is about to begin". Yes my skirt may have fallen down that night too, thank god for a petticoat. 

7. Singing super loudly to Away in a Manger, whilst dressed as a star in the Nativity, secretly hating on your best friend who got to play Mary. 

8. Watching the clock hit 2 o'clock as that's when school stopped for the day and Christmas activities begun.

9. The Christmas school disco meant you were dressed head to toe in glitter. Glittery nails, glittery dress, glittery tights, glittery shoes.

10. Watching your mums face light up when you hand her piles of homemade crafts. That was the grandparent's presents sorted. 

11. Wearing your Santa hat to school and making everyone jealous as they forgot their's, or vise-versa.

12. When someone gave you a present that you didn't buy for resulted in you having a mini-meltdown and awkwardly mumbling that you left their's at home- Mum's always saved the day, usually with bath bits and chocolates. 

13. Getting a present from your teacher was the best feeling ever even if it was just a pen or pack of bubbles.

14. Getting to leave school early on the last Friday of the term and feeling fabulous as you walk out with arms full of presents from your BFFs.

15. The annual trip to the panto was a firm favourite. True fact: I once bit into the plastic spoon instead of the ice-cream and nearly choked, scarred for life by interval ice-cream. 

16. Having to take it in turn each year as to who gets to put the angel on the top of the tree #sisterprobs

17. Going with Mum to do the Christmas food shop was a game of how many times could you ask if you could have something in a super-sweet voice before she finally snapped. 

18. Not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve and worrying yourself silly that you might see Santa and he wouldn't give you your presents.

19. Characteristically running into your parents room too early, hanging onto your stockings and shouting "HE'S BEEN" to be told to go back to bed for another half an hour.

20. Christmas day means one thing- that new Christmas outfit you haven't been allowed to wear yet but yo can finally strut your stuff in. 

21. Going to bed super happy on Christmas Day as all your new presents are piled in the living room and you know exactly what you're going to play with first thing in the morning. Plus the Boxing Day buffet was/is delicious.

Just writing this is making me feel tingly! Hope this post makes you feel nostalgic, kids, appreciate it while you can, it doesn't last forever- she says whilst she is getting ready to go to a Christmas pre-school party that includes a visit from Santa. 

What's on my Christmas tree?

I always feel that everyone's Christmas tree tells a story. Whether it's full of home-made decorations made by the grandchildren or decorations passed down the family tree, each one is unique which is why I wanted to show you what I've got hanging on my tree. Just remember, we're not here to pick out how skinny my tree is. You can read about why we haven't got a real one this year here. 

Gold & Copper Baubles
These beauties came from one of our new found garden centers about half an hour away. If Jason had his way, our theme would be multi-coloured everything but fortunately he eventually agreed that a gold and copper would look nice after circling round the different sections multiple times. The packs we chose gave us a nice mixture of glittery, shiny and matte and are a perfect size- not too big or not too small. 

White Gold Hearts
I must admit, my mum has bought many of my Christmas decorations this year, including this set from Next. For only £5 you get 12 heart baubles, 4 glittery, 4 matte and 4 with an individual letter spelling 'l-o-v-e'. They're not quite as gold as my round baubles but they compliment them wonderfully. 

Copper Stars
I absolutely love these. There was only two in a pack, and quite honestly I wish I bought more, but never fear, they come from the garden center my sister works at at home, so I'm sure I can put a few more through the checkout. They're a deep copper colour but just look gorgeous on the tree. 

Glass Baubles & Angel
As part of my Christmas present last year, Jason bought me this beautiful glass bauble from notonthehighstreet.com. This year we have decided to start the tradition of buying a new glass one every year, so our second one for the collection was from the garden center I previously mentioned. It adds a little story to the tree and words can't describe how nice they look when you hang them in front of a fairy light. Our angel was a present from Jay's family after attending the York Minster Carol Concert and she's so delicate but reflects the light gorgeously.

Wooden Decorations
Currently my wooden decorations stand at a pair of ice skates and a reindeer. The skates we, again, bought last year in the sale and suit us perfectly as we like to make it an annual tradition to visit an outdoor rink. The reindeer on the other hand is beautifully hand-crafted by my good friend Cam and his girlfriend Demi. When he first posted that he was selling them I didn't even hesitate in buying one and I'm so proud to hang it on my tree- it received many a compliment from the in-laws too when they paid us a visit. If you want one, you know you do, then head over to their Etsy page!

Copper Decorations
I then have a few odd copper decorations that my mum picked out which add a bit of individuality to the tree. They hang so nicely among the rest of the decorations and I always feel it's nice to have the one offs dotted around the branches. 

Disney Princess Chocolate Decorations
How could I not feature Disney on my tree? I have to say, I didn't buy these myself, they were another gift from my mumma bear but I love them. Each one has two different princesses on and they fill the gaps between my branches. Not to mention they taste super yummy! (I think these were a Primark purchase)

I'm now back at my home in Bedfordshire enjoying spending some quality time with the family! Not long to go now folks until the big man comes down the chimney!

York Festivities

Picture this- cobbled streets, Christmas huts, twinkling lights, carol singers. Are you feeling festive yet? If not you need to take a trip up to the grand old city of York, that'll soon change your mood. Last weekend saw the 'in-laws' come up for a visit which meant a packed flat and sleeping on an airbed for two nights, but I had my teddy bear sheet so that was okay. We managed to squeeze so much in that it was no surprise I was tucked up in bed at 8pm on Sunday night feeling very tired but very happy. This time of year there is so much to do in York that realistically you need a whole week to soak it all up, but you can do it all in one weekend if you try. Due to having the grand-parents here too we didn't quite get to do everything Christmassy York has to offer, but I've done it the past two years so that makes up for it. 

1. Christmas markets
Obviously this would be on the to-do list of what-to-do-at-Christmas-in-York. There's so many parts to this year's one it will probably take you a day to get round them all, but prepare for crowds of people who like to suddenly stop in the middle of the path or who walk at 2mph. 

2. Thor's Tipi
This is new to York this year but it is the perfect place to sit around an open fire with a glass, {plastic cup} of mulled wine and a bratwurst sausage. Beware it does get very busy and you may not get a spot round the fire, unless your inner lioness is ready to pounce at any moment.

3. Winter Wonderland
Set a bus ride/ car drive outside of York at the designer outlet is a miniature Winter Wonderland. It has some classic fairground rides, Santa's Grotto and a Christmas tree centered ice-rink. It's all good fun, so long as you don't fall over!

4. Helmsley
This gem of a town is a place we discovered a month ago and was the perfect destination to take the family too. Recently winning 'Best high street of 2015', the town has a wide variety of independent shops that fill your time. If you go at the right time of year you'll get the added addition of their annual Christmas tree festival in the church. This year the theme was 'panto' and there were some super entires. 

5. York Minster Carol Concert
This is a must. It sells out every year and after attending on Saturday night I can see why. The band was incredible, the choir was incredible, the atmosphere was incredible. The carols were the best way to get in the festive mood and my experience was made even better when meeting one of the readers, Mariam Margoyles, aka. Professor Sprout from Harry Potter. {Yes, I may have just stood there in silence when she was trying to talk to me, I don't cope well with fan-girling}

This weekend there is an ice-sculpture trail around the city so we're heading out tomorrow to wander round followed by an early Christmas in the flat before heading home for Christmas! Have a lovely weekend. 

Mince Pies

Nothing beats a nice, home-made batch of mince pies at Christmas, and the best thing is they're so easy to make. If you don't want to make the pastry yourself then you can buy some ready-made stuff and you're already halfway there! If you're reading this post and feeling inspired then check out the quick and simple recipe below. 

Ingredients
375g plain flour
260g softened butter
125g caster sugar
1 large egg
1 jar of mincemeat 

Method
1. Mix together your flour and butter until it resembles breadcrumbs then add the caster sugar to the mix.

2. Add the egg into the bowl and mix all the ingredients together until it forms together like a dough.

3. Once it's come together, be careful not to over mix, wrap it in cling film and put it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. 

4. Whilst it is chilling, pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees. Grease your muffin/cupcake trays and lightly sprinkle your surface with flour. 

5. Take the pastry out of the fridge and roll it out to around 3mm thick. Using your choice of cutters cut out bases and fill your trays. {But don't use all your pastry as you will need some for lids}

6. Scoop your mincemeat into the bases being careful not to overfill- you probably want the to be about half full. {Top tip: If you don't like mince pies, who are you, then you can replace mincemeat with jams and they'll taste just as yummy}

7. Next roll out your remaining pastry to the same thickness as before. If you're wanting completely closed mince pies use a smaller version of the cutter you used for your base. We used a mixture of stars, holly and lids but it's up to you what you want to do!

8. Place them in the oven for 15 minutes/ until they are golden brown then take them out and leave to cool for 5 minutes. 

9. Eat them all whilst they are still warm. Or you could eat one or two then share them out, whatever floats your boat really. 

I hope you enjoyed this quick and simple recipe, I'm off to make myself a cup or tea, pop the television on and tuck into one of my mince pies!

Deck the halls

What a weekend. I can safely say I've had three days full of food, festive activities and family. Jason's parents and grandparents came up to visit, so we crammed as much Christmassy things as possible into the three days they were here. What did we do you are asking? Well, all will be revealed over the next few days! Before they arrived last Friday, I got to work decorating the flat, sprinkling a bit of magic all over and thought I'd give you lucky people a glance as to what my place currently looks like in all it's Christmas glory. {Disclaimer: Before we start I will just say this is Santa's Grotto on a budget, if I had more money it would be resembling the Harrod's Christmas store.}

Yes, my Christmas tree is the skinniest tree in the world but we live in the 20th Century so no trunk shaming allowed. (We would have got a real tree but it's only going to be up for a week before we head home for Christmas so we went for the artificial option).  And if you wanna know what's on my Christmas tree then there will be a new blog post coming your way very soon!

December goals

On the third day of December Christmas sent to me, a promise of the Christmas tree. It will be travelling up tomorrow with Jason's parents and as soon as they arrive it's going up! Unfortunately we're having to stick to the skinny, artificial tree my Mum dug out of the loft but as we're heading off home for Christmas next weekend it seemed like a waste of money to buy a real one to then neglect. So we're saving a Christmas tree's life and making do for this year. It doesn't mean my tree will be any less pretty though! Anywho, we're already three days into December which means we should probably get going on my goals for this month, which I warn you will be very festive. But, first things first, lets reflect (again)

1. Write my Christmas list
2. Read 2 (or more books)
3. Keep upright when walking across the stage at Graduation
4. Make the flat as Christmassy as Santa's Grotto
5. Start Christmas shopping
6. Have plans for Bonfire night
7. Cook lots of casseroles and stews

I did it, almost. Once again I haven't stuck to my book goal, which is very unlike me, but I'm really struggling to get into the book I'm currently reading as once I start I won't give up. However, I did manage to not fall over at Graduation, Christmas has already begun in our abode and my Christmas shopping has been started. So, I didn't do too badly last month. Now the pressure is on for December, although I don't think I'll have any trouble with these ones:

1. Bake some mince pies
2. Go to a carol concert
3. Finish my Christmas shopping
4. Drink lots of mulled wine
5. Have a Bratwurst hotdog from the Christmas market
6. Stuff myself full of good food
7. Spend lots of time with family and friends
8. Host an unforgettable NYE party
9. Finish my book! 

I don't think any of those goals are unrealistic really, and will probably be achieved without realising it, but it's good to have it in writing! Right now I'm off to head into town and continue with my Christmas shopping, check back soon for some more festive fun!

Gingerbread, Gingerbread, Gingerbread

I'm currently surrounded by all things Christmassy and the smell of roast potatoes filling the room, I am in heaven. The Christmas posts have begun and this one is a gingerbread overload. I love Gingerbread. Gingerbread men, gingerbread hot chocolate, gingerbread candles, gingerbread shower gel, gingerbread everything. So it was fitting that I baked a nice big batch of gingerbread to fill up our biscuit tin. They are getting munched through fairly quickly, especially after having my mum up for the weekend, but the recipe is super simple that I can easily make another batch to refill the stock. And for this reason exactly I thought I'd share the recipe with you. 

Ingredients:

350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling out

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground ginger (Alter depending on how ginger-y you want them to be)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

125g butter

175g light soft brown sugar

1 free-range egg

4 tbsp golden syrup (I suggest a squeezy bottle)
This recipe is from BBC Good Food which suggests that this will make a batch of 20 however it depends on the size of your cookie cutters!

Method:

1. Sift together your dry ingredients and then crumble in the butter using your hands until they resemble bread crumbs- yes you will get messy. Then stir in the brown sugar.

2. Make a well in the middle of the mixture and add the lightly beaten egg (do this prior to pouring it in) and the golden syrup. Stir together until it becomes a satisfying dough consistency. 

3. Take the dough out of the bowl and place on to a lightly floured surface. Knead until it is smooth, then wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. 

4. Whilst it is chilling, make yourself a cup of tea. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees and line baking trays with greaseproof paper. {Or get some elbow grease behind you and butter, butter, butter those trays}

5. Flour the surface and roll out the dough to '0/5cm thickness', AKA till it's very thin. Now the fun begins- take your cutters and make lots of different shapes, placing them on the baking tray. (Don't forget to leave a gap)

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes/ until they are a golden brown, then take them out of the oven and leave to cool. 

7. Once they are cool, decorate to your hearts content. Disclaimer: Jason decorated many of these and took a quirky approach.

These definitely taste as good as they look and are a perfect festive treat to bake! I'm off to enjoy my Sunday dinner with a glass of wine and The Grinch on the TV. Happy Sunday!