Little Things #11

The weeks are just flying by and finally we've got some luck coming our way! I'm still jobless, but I'm working on that. This week saw the nation go crazy for Black Friday- I was in Leeds with a few hours to kill and sillyily made the decision to head round some shops. What a mistake that was, Leeds is busy enough as it is let alone throwing crazy Christmas shoppers into the mix. I did manage to grab myself what I think is an amazing purchase though, not a Black Friday purchase, which will be revealed very soon. We've only got one day left before we hit the big month. Only one more day before all you scrooges have to accept that it is well and truly the festive season. I've been getting into the full swing of everything Christmas this week which has meant my week has been a holly jolly one!

1. I finally got round to buying my Christmas cards and have never felt more grown up. Next thing on the list is to buy some stamps and have the debate over who gets to write them. 

2. The Royal family shared these gorgeous pictures of Princess Charlotte looking as happy as can be. 

3. I discovered that Canadian Netflix is the place to be, their Christmas selection of movies is amazing

4. My mum and her friend came to stay for the weekend to do their Christmas shopping and it was lovely having some company for the festive lead up. The also bought us chocolates and wine #result

5. I baked a bakery's worth of gingerbread, filling my flat with a heavenly smell. You can check out my recipe here. 

6. Our Sunday afternoon was spent visiting a garden centre to buy some baubles and a garland, followed by a quick shop at Morrison's to stock up on mince pies and rounded off by a browse round Home Sense. (We also managed to get Jason's mum her Christmas present which is so unusual but super cool)

7. We then spent Sunday evening decorating the flat, Christmas tree still to come, cooking a roast dinner and settling down to watch Christmas movies followed by The Hunt #amazeballs

I hope you're all getting stuck into the festive spirit and if not why not? Don't be a #bahhumbug 

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!

Christmas Homeware Wishlist

So as you're well aware by now it's no secret how much I love Christmas, and with December lurking round the corner it's time to starting seeing some festive features. I'm someone who will be turning my flat into a Santa's Grotto {or a budget Santa's Grotto this year} so thought I create a Christmas Homeware Wishlist. These items would be straight in my basket if I had the money and they're just too good not to share!

1. ASDA- Let It Snow Cushion & Merry Christmoose Cushion | 2. TK MAXX- Wreath | 3. TK MAXX- Christmas Wall Hanging | 4. M&S- HO HO HO Decoration | 5. John Lewis- Nativity Scene Russian Dolls | 6. TK MAXX- Festive House Snowglobe | 7. Wilkinson- Bell Potpourri | 8. Wilkinson- Wooden Star | 9. John Lewis- Celebrate Christmas Bauble & Beaded Bauble | 10. ASDA- Gingerbread Candle

Graduation: The Photo Edition

The outfit below the gown. Dress- ASOS| Shoes- Primark

 Styling out the drowned rat look whilst feeling like I'm off to Hogwarts

Missing: Webb noses. Reward if found. 

Just look past the fact my face is as round as anything, he still loves me #goals

We nailed it

Ready for your close up Beth

 One of my favourites of the day. Kudos Mr Chamberlain

From Day 1 ft. a wonky mortarboard and Nandos

We so could have lived in the 1920s 

Cam is one of the greatest people you'll ever meet

#girlpower

There you go, a little snippet into my graduation celebrations last week. Feels like it was a lifetime ago now but I've got memories to last me forever. 

Little Things #10

What a week, or should I say two weeks. Life has been so hectic I haven't known whether I've been coming or going, but I'm back to some normality now which means back to some regular blog posts- hurrah! I can't explain how much bad luck I've experienced over the past two weeks, and it doesn't seem to be changing any time soon but I've been learning to focus on the good things at the moment and forget about the bad things that are going on. So what better way to do that, then to look back over what nice things have happened...

1. I went home Friday before last to surprise my Mumma for a nice family weekend and it's safe to say it worked. 

2. My weekend at home was full of everything Christmassy and I loved every second. 

3. I got to see my favourite 4 year-olds and their little sister and it was lovely to spend some time with them. 

4. My flat smells so cinnamonny after lighting this Yankee Candle my sister brought me

5. Lots of pennies later and Dudley the Peugeot is finally fixed

6. Our chili seeds are growing. You might remember me mentioning a while back that we Jay killed Frank the plant, so we recycled the soil and planted some chili seeds I got from Wahaca back in October

7. One week ago I walked across a stage and finally received my degree certificate. You can catch up on the written post of graduation here {The photo edition will be coming very soon}

8. I had a lovely weekend in Southampton filled with catch ups and dancing and relaxing

Hopefully my bad luck will turn to good very soon, but for now I'm going to fully immerse myself in the festive spirit and look forward to my Mumma coming up (again) for her Christmas shopping weekend. 

Graduation: The Written Edition

 I did it. I walked across that stage and didn't trip, I even managed to elegantly make my way up and down the steps. (I was imagining my moment to mirror Lizzie McGuire with my proven track record of clumsiness, if you're weren't a Lizzie McGuire lover then click here to see what I mean). This day was one I had been anticipating for months and thought I'd make a weekend of it by going home to surprise Mum, it's safe to say she had no idea. This meant I got to spend some quality time with my family before the hectic day arrived. 

Going to sleep on Monday night was like going the night before a Christmas, I couldn't sleep. I think I was feeling every kind of emotion possible and I really needed a nice early night which was obviously too much to ask for. Nonetheless, my alarm went off at 6am and I pretty much rolled out of bed. An hour and a half later and I was ready to rumble. Note to self: Don't curl your hair if the weather forecast hints at rain and lots and lots of wind. After what felt like the longest car journey ever, we arrived in the city that holds memories from three of the greatest years of my life. 

First things first, a battle across the park against the wind and rain led us to go get me suited and booted for the occasion. A robe and mortarboard later, not only was I feeling like a Hogwarts student with very frizzy/flat/non-curly hair, it was starting to sink in that I, Bethany Webb, was graduating. Professional photos taken and it was time ti go and mingle and soak up the atmosphere. It may have been tipping it down with rain and blowing a gale that resembled the nanny scene in Mary Poppins but it didn't dampen our mood. By the time 2pm came round it was tie to be seated and for it to begin. I had forgotten how to walk and how to breathe but it was over before it began. I don't think I have ever been so nervous to shake someones hand, but I managed it and I did it with pride. Back to my seat and it was time to stay put for another hour and a half clapping everyone else- I'm now a pro-applauser. Once the ceremony finished we headed outside for a few more celebrations before having to whizz off home so I could catch my train back up to York. 

Now I'm back I'm in York nursing my blistered feet in preparation for Friday where it will be time to dig out my dancing shoes as I venture back down to Southampton for our Graduation Ball- how exciting. So for now I leave you with this post, and you can eagerly await the pictures as I await for my sister to upload them from her camera. 

23 thoughts of an unemployed Graduate

I'm unemployed. There, I said it. For the first time since I was about fifteen I'm not earning money and it sucks, but no longer is it going to be the elephant in the room, or the word that makes me feel so ashamed or embarrassed. Yes I've cried so much I've laughed, and I've laughed so much I've cried, but I've come to realise that even though I'm twenty-one years old and I don't have a job it's okay, because when plan A doesn't work out we move to plan B. And even though life doesn't seem to be going my way right now, it will do soon. But for now I should be grateful for what I've got. I'm healthy *touches wood*, have a lovely flat and a loving boyfriend with a supportive network of friends and family back home. It may not be easy, and may not be fun but I've learnt to make the best out of bad situations, so take a look below to get a glimpse into what my life has been like the past days/ weeks/ months and the crazy thoughts that have ran through my mind. 

1. Why am I the only one in the world without a job?

2. Why does everyone hate me?

3. Maybe this is what it feels like in Harry Potter when a dementor is sucking out your soul?

4. Or maybe I'm really being controlled by Lord Voldemort under the Imperius Curse and this his way of torturing me'

5. I should probably stop watching so much Harry Potter.

6. Notification: Your connection has a new job on Linked in. Don't look on Linked In, Don't look on Linked In, Don't look on Linked in. 

7. *Scouts the Ben & Jerry's from the freezer* I looked on Linked In.

8. It's 3pm and I'm yet to shower. 

9. I haven't left the flat today, or yesterday. 

10. *New Email- RE: Account Executive Position* Ooo it's a reply. OMG this could be the one. Go Team Beth. Oh. You forgot to take down the post. Gee, thanks. 

11. I wish I had a dog. Or a baby. Just someone to keep me company

12. Let's start a new hobby Beth, that will get you out and about. *Google search for Free Hobbies in York returned 0 match results* 

13. Next door left at precisely 11.14am. They returned at 13.42pm and have just left again at 15.02pm. What is their job? Maybe they're unemployed like me? Lol, what am I thinking?

14. *Jason arrives home from Uni* Let's go out, let's do something. Come on. No, don't sit down. Let's go, let's go, let's go. 

15. Think of all the online shopping you could do Beth. Oh wait, you have no money. Scrap that one. 

16. 'That interview went really well'. Two days later... *New Email- RE: Interview* This is it, I'm finally going to have a job. *Opens it* Oh, someone else had more experience. Back to the drawing board I go.

17. Maybe I should change my career choice. I could go back to working in a nursery, or teaching. 

18. Level 2 qualification in childcare needed or equivalent- does an 1st class Advertising degree class as equivalent. 

19. Today's greatest difficulty: deciding on what to have for lunch. 

20. I'm basically Monica. Jason, I'm unemployed and in dire need of a project. Ya wanna work out? I can remake you. 

21. Maybe I'll start investing in stocks and end up working in a diner. Worked for Monica.

22. Or I could be like Joey and run a 'how to be unemployed course'. 

23. Let's look up some inspirational quotes whilst I send my Sims to work. One of us Bethany Webb's has gotta go to work, virtual or real life. 

It's a tough ride, and not an easy one but if you keeping surfing the waves, eventually you'll reach the shore. So I'm sticking by my guns, I' still going to walk across that stage next week with my head held high, because I worked my damn butt of for my degree, and I may have no job but I have a jolly good life in all other aspects. I hope this may be some reassurance for those of you in the same boat, as that's what made me realise I wasn't alone in this, and you never know, maybe in the near future there will be a blog post to share the news of me getting a job!

Over and out. 

Operation Christmas Child

If you're anything like me then the magic of Christmas is about seeing people's faces when they open your gifts. Of course everybody loves presents, but for me, the best part is buying and choosing them. Unfortunately, we still live in a world where many are grateful just to be alive. It's super easy for us to forget, especially at Christmas, that some may be wishing for their next meal, a warm bed or clean water for Christmas not that really pretty coat you saw in Topshop's window. Everybody can be guilty of getting wrapped up in the Christmas spirit to take the time to think and act for someone in need. 

But this year I didn't want to be that guilty person. I wanted to take part in Operation Christmas Child last year but was too late to do so, so this year I was super organised. Samaritan's Purse are a Christian charity that provide international relief for those in need. I can put my hands up and say I'm not a regular church goer or the biggest believer but when it comes to projects such as Operation Christmas Child I'm happy to get involved. 

I remember filling one of these when I was in school and had so much fun choosing the items to pack. They're so easy to do and you don't have to blow the budget on the bits you choose to fill it with. All it takes is just five easy steps.

Step 1- Find a shoebox and choose your recipient. 

You want to get a medium size shoebox and wrap the lid up in festive paper of your choice (Don't worry if you don't have a shoebox lying around, you can order a GO Box from the website. However, it could be a good excuse to buy some new shoes). Next you want to decide on who you want to send your box to. We chose to pack our box for a girl aged 5-9 but you can also choose to send to a boy, or to the different age groups of 2-4 or 10-14. 

Step 2- Fill your shoebox with gifts
This is where the fun begins. Shops like The Works are great for these kind of gifts as you want to have a balance between toys and essentials. As you can see we have packed a wide variety of items, but if you need a bit of inspiration then you can visit their Gift Suggestions section on their website.

Step 3- Make your shipping donation 
It costs a mere £3 per shoebox you pack- that's the same price as the pizza you are considering buying on your way home, a second on the lips, a lifetime on the hips and all. Top tip: If you make your donation online, you can track it as it make's it's journey to one grateful child.

Step 4 - Pray, add a note and a photo of yourself  

This step is a personal preference for each individual. However, by putting a photo on the inside of the lid, you can let them know who was kind enough to send them a gift. 

Step 5- Drop off your shoebox  

You'd be surprised as to where your nearest drop off point is but to find it you can use this handy tool. 

Don't worry, if this post has inspired you then you have until the 18th of November to pack your box and drop it off, it will make you feel great I promise!

Little Things #9

What a week. My brain is in full Christmas swing now if you hadn't already noticed by the picture. I may or may not be munching on a mince pie whilst I write this with Home Alone 2 on the TV {Netflix seem to have started their Christmas collection, so the first Home Alone was watched whilst I made my way through my everlasting pile of ironing- housewife material I know}. Anywhos, this week's weather may have been wet and miserable but spirits were high over here. 

1. We put our left over pumpkins to good use, making some delicious home-made soup and pumpkin cupcakes. 

2. The week countdown to Graduation week can begin and I cannot wait. 

3. John Lewis' ad premiered on Friday and as always I was super impressed. Unlike previous years it doesn't have the usual Christmassy feel, but does send out an important message that we should be looking after our older generation. 

4. I saw some pretty cool fireworks at a pretty cool venue which included a beautiful gift shop, scrummy food and lots of dancing. 

6. My Christmas shopping has begun and there's nothing I adore more then finding that perfect gift for loved ones. 

5. We ventured out into the Yorkshire Moors to find a new town to wander round and weren't we spoilt. It was full of independent gift shops and tea rooms my perfect combination. 

6. Sunday = roast day. Not only did we have a roast, but I treated myself to a bath followed by watching episode two of The Hunt on BBC to round off the week.  {I can't recommend this series enough- especially if you are a David Attenborough worshiper}

I hope you had a lovely week and are loving the Christmas filled advert breaks and chill in the air. 

Pumpkin Cupcakes

The skies are filled with grey clouds, you've got candles burning away and the heating is now on constant, am I setting the scene enough? If anyone else is was like me once Halloween is over the pumpkin heads for the bin. Well I'm now a changed woman. We have a tubful of pumpkin soup in the freezer (which was tantalizing) and a tin full of home-made cupcakes in the cupboard, and it feels good to know our pumpkins didn't go to waste! You can make these without fresh pumpkins, by using pumpkin puree in case you now have a sudden urge to treat yourselves to these!

To make 24 cupcakes you will need:
280g plain flour1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1/2 teaspoon ground cloves1/2 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda110g butter, softened200g caster sugar5 tablespoons brown soft sugar2 eggs, room temperature180ml milk250g pumpkin, cooked and pureed

For the icing you will need:
280g softened butter
560g icing sugar
3-4 tbsp milk
A few drops of vanilla essence
Sprinkling of cinnamon

Method:
1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 then line your cupcake trays with cases. (I went for a plain and simple look due to my indecisiveness)

2. Sift together the flour, spices, salt, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda then set aside. 

3. Beat the butter, caster sugar and brown sugar together in a bowl until it's light and creamy. Then add the eggs one at a time making sure they are fully incorporated into the mixture. 

4. Stir in the milk and pumpkin puree and then add the dry ingredients making sure you don't over mix- it's very easy to do. 

5. Scoop the mixture into the cases making sure the mixture is evenly spread. (They want to be about 2/3 of the way full)

6. Bake in the oven for around 20-25 minutes until golden brown then leave to cool on a wire rack. 

7. Whilst your cakes are cooling it's time to make the utterly goodness for the top of them. Beat the butter in a bowl until it's soft. 

8. Add half of the icing sugar and beat it until it's super smooth. Top tip: Add it slowly unless you want a cloud of icing sugar to puff in your face

9. Add the rest of the icing sugar, vanilla essence and cinnamon and milk one tablespoon at a time. It should be thick but creamy enough to form a spread.

10. When your cakes are cool decorate however you wish. I don't have any piping nozzles at the moment, so I went for the deliberately messy approach topped with chocolate sprinkles.  

11. Sit down, put your feet up and enjoy your masterpiece

Disclaimer: The basis of this recipe came from here: http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/8521/pumpkin-cupcakes.aspx?o_is=rotd  

Guy Fawkes Night

Remember, remember the fifth of November? I do, it was yesterday and it was great! I don't know whether I have ever told you this but I love Bonfire night and everything that comes along with it- hot dogs, toffee apples, sparklers, fireworks the lot. This year we splashed out a little and attended the Fireworks Spectacular at York Maze {One I would thoroughly recommend.} 

Luckily we thought ahead and I purchased some new wellington boots to keep my tootsies nice and dry whilst walking across the muddy fields. So at 6 o'clock I pulled them on, wrapped up warm and off we went. As the event was sold out we were expecting it to be a night-mare getting parked but it actually went rather smoothly. First things first, head to the gift shop of course. I've raved about this gift shop before when we visited over Summer, but this time it was filed with Christmas loveliness and I may have splashed out the cash on a few bits- I did buy my first Christmas present though. After putting it behind the counter to collect on our way out, super helpful, we headed off to find a space in front of the bonfire. We were warmed up with a fierce fire show then stood in awe as the bonfire was lit, I love fire. 

Half an hour later and the fireworks began. As the event was in partnership with Minster FM there was a collection of songs choreographed to the display, and they were amazing. I managed to get a few good shots but spent most of the time admiring the sky. Once it was over, we headed to the marquee to grab some food and ended the evening dancing away to the live band, who were a-mazing. Four hours later, with muddy boots and danced out feet we were on our way home after a lovely Bonfire night. If any of you are yet to celebrate I hope you have lots of fun and stay safe!

November Goals

A new month is upon us which means a whole new set of goals, or old ones that I haven't yet completed. I loved October, yes there was many parts that I would have liked to skip, but I learnt so much from it and had some very enjoyable moments- you can catch them here if you haven't already. But back to business, last month I set myself 8 goals and can safely say I stuck to nearly all of them!

1. Read 2 (or more books)
2. Bake some goodies
3. Tidy the flat (unpack the remaining boxes)
4. Paint the upstairs rooms
5. Find some more favourite blogs
6. Start yoga 
7. Do something fun for Halloween
8. Try a new restaurant

My books weren't delivered till last week and my super busy week has meant I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to spend curled up on the sofa. This also means we have put off painting till the new year when we're ready to get out our rollers and brushes again. Unfortunately, we haven't yet ventured out to try a new restaurant in York as we've been having too much fun cooking new recipes, you can check out my autumn mushrooms and herby pasta post here, but that may change in the near future. Now, below are my goals for November- hopefully I'll stick to all of these one!

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

As you can see, most of my goals are Christmas related, but Halloween is over which means Christmas can officially begin, right? Plus Starbucks now have their #redcups in, so technically the rest of us can get in the festive spirit too.

Little Things #8

Hello November! We said goodbye to pumpkins (well nearly in this house) and hello to everything Christmas- yes I have Christmas songs playing in the background. So far November has brought a strange, descending fog across the country and it has got noticeably chillier. However, this last week has been lovely, despite the rain and I had lots to keep me busy. 

1. This week I have had many a gingerbread hot chocolate, which are delicious may I add, and I'm sure I will be having lots more of the coming weeks.

2. We may have killed Frank, but our little cactus is growing and it feels so satisfying looking back at pictures from when we first got him. #proudparents

3. I spent Halloween out in the grand old city on a ghost tour which I have to recomend to anyone visiting York. We also got a free orange glow stick and I found a candyfloss stall. 

4. I had a lovely few days with my Mum and Dad which included some cute tea-rooms, millionaire's shortbread and fresh autumn air. 

5. My shelfs are finally #shelfie material.

6. I bought A Christmas Carol in CEX for 75p, what a bargain!

Rumor has it John Lewis' Christmas advert will be debuting at 8:00am on Friday, make sure this is in your diaries. Enjoy your week!

Monthly Round Up: October

The clocks went back last weekend which means colder nights and more reason to spend them curled up on a sofa. October has been a great month, I love the seasonal feeling it brings along with the change in colour of leaves, the reason to dig out big scarfs and woolly jumpers, and swapping of flats to boots. We spent the most of our October exploring the new surroundings, sprucing up the flat and getting into the swing of adult life, I seem to have a never ending pile of ironing to do. It's been a super month, and I can't wait for what November brings. 

The Good Great
October has brought us some great TV. We had the Great British Bake Off Final, go Nadiya, Dr. Foster, the return of Googlebox, Dr. Who and of course DIY:SOS. I've also been introduced to Sherlock, I know, I can't believe I haven't watched it before either, and I am hooked. So that teaser that we were treated to recently has got me super excited. 

The Bad
I have spent many a days with a snotty nose or a splitting headache leaving me feeling down in the dumps. 

The Ugly
We killed Frank. Well Jason killed Frank. Don't worry, Frank is a plant, not a person, however our parenting skills weren't top notch. 
  
The Weird
Blue mash, and the strange thing is it doesn't taste any different to 'normal' mash. These salad blue potatoes are super eye-catching, and something you can surprise guests with!  

The Wonderful
Pumpkins. Pumpkin everything is the most wonderful thing about October. The nights are darker and colder, but as long as you have a pumpkin candle glowing in the corner you can feel super cosy. 

Hope you all had a lovely October.