Happy 2017, Happy Beth.

Happy New Year and welcome back to my blog. It's been a bit quiet over here, partly due to the fact that work and life got in the way, and partly due to the fact I'd lost my love for my blog. The content I'd been producing wasn't content that held my heart. I was writing and publishing because others were, leading me to churn out posts that I didn't 100% love, and wasn't 100% happy with, and therefore, eventually I stopped altogether. 

But, with the new year, I'm feeling refreshed and revitalised and ready to fall back in love with writing again. Don't get me wrong, I'm not setting any new years resolutions to define my style or post x times a week, because that's not how I want my blogging life to be. My new blogging path is going to be a care free journey. I want to write about things I want to, not what I think I should be doing or what other people are doing. I want my blog to look how I want it to look, and not what other's look like. There will be no more comparing. No more half-hearted posts. And definitely no more shitty photography shoots {if you can even call them that}.

So, expect to see new posts, and know that when you're reading them, I've thoroughly enjoyed writing them. Expect to see a new design that I whole-heartedly love, and expect to see the parts of my life I choose to share with you. Sit tight and enjoy the ride, because I know I'm going to. 

I'm Feeling Twenty-Twooo

If you didn't sing 'ooo-oooooo' after reading this blog title then you need to seriously consider what you're doing with your life*. Lol, jk, apparently, twenty-two year old me is even more sarcastic than twenty-one year old me, which is something many (many being Jason & my mum) didn't think was possible.

I am officially 6 days into the year of it being socially acceptable to sing Taylor Swift when someone asks 'how are you feeling?' and I'm digging it. I think it's mainly because I don't really feel any older other than the fact that the bill-man still expects you to pay him even if you're celebrating Beth-day. Question- When do you start to feel a day older? Because I'd quite like to prepare for when that moment comes.

A beautiful bouquet from Bloom & Wild from my BFF (& a magazine subscription which I'm uber excited for next month) | A super snazzy stripey top from ASOS | Lovingly created tickets for #FRIENDSFEST until the real ones arrive (brithday is a personal touch) | A fancy flamingo scrapbook that fulfils my inner artistic goddess | Exclusive New Look dollar to keep my wardrobe in tip-top condition| The dreamiest set of tealights you'll ever smell

This year's birthday was my first ever birthday I've spent at work, and away from my family- they weren't even in the same country. {They did manage to wake me up at 6am though after forgetting they were an hour ahead, luckily I was in a good mood}. I did however keep up the tradition of opening my cards and pressies in bed, which 57% made up for the fact I wasn't able to lounge in bed for another couple of hours. The other 43% came from the fact that my work buddies had made my first work birthday a pretty good one by booking for me and Jay to go to #FRIENDSFEST in September, along with presenting me with some gorgeous smelling candles, a pretty little orchid for my desk and a yummy Victoria Sponge- Blue Digital, you da best.

And what does a twenty-two year old do when she gets home you're asking? Shewalks through the door to flowers and fairy lights all over the flat courtesy of her wonderful boyfriend, eats some dinner and heads out to the cinema to watch Finding Dory complete with pick'n'mix, because Beth-day wouldn't be complete without Disney. (It was great in case you were wondering)

*If you don't want to consider what you're doing with your life then you can at least watch this and it all might be a little clearer. 

Sunshine, Strawberries & Scones

Sunday the 24th July 2016 has officially been renamed to Strawberry Sunday. It should probably include raspberry in there somewhere, but it doesn't have quite the same ring, just like my super alliterative title that just rolls off the tongue. We've just celebrated our four year anniversary so what better way to spend day one-thousand-four-hundred-and-sixty-two of our relationship than by filling punnets with juicy berries. {no innuendo intended}

The last time we went fruit-picking the strawberries were out of season, so my pre-weekend mission was to find a farm that still had strawberries to pick. Turns out most farms do (need to work on my seasonality knowledge for when we get our allotment), so we chose The Balloon Tree, just a fifteen minute drive outside of York. 

Obviously we headed for the strawberries first, they're my favourite if you haven't already guessed. It didn't take us long to fill up a punnet of the plumpest strawbs so we then took a trip to the bottom of the field to find some raspberries. It seems no-one had ventured down to the spot we chose, so we had a wide bunch to choose from, and quickly filled up a second punnet. 

It's probably worth saying that this PYO farm isn't the cheapest, especially when it comes to paying per kg not per punnet, but the experience is super relaxing and it's a lot of fun choosing your own fruit/veg for the week. The also do some very tasty scones which make for a great afternoon tea!

Harry Potter & The Cursed Child

 Warning, this post does NOT contain any spoilers what so ever, I'm all over that #keepthesecrets business as I have a snazzy badge which tells me to do so. (Plus I wouldn't want to upset J.K Rowling, she's a feisty bird!)

*Skip to paragraph four to avoid the ramblings* Throwback to the end of October, where I was in the height of unemployment and priority booking for the eighth Harry Potter story opened, meaning I had nothing better to do then fight other avid Potter fans for tickets. It's safe to say my laptop got a bit of a shouting at, but we got through it and I ended up with four tickets to the West End performance #BossedIt 

When booking I didn't really take into account dates, and ended up travelling home for the third weekend in a row, but who doesn't love a good road trip in Dudley when you forget about the fact that you can't feel your bottom anymore, and the battle between opening the window for fresh air or keeping it shut to stop getting blown away because you're avoiding turning on the air con to save fuel. 

Fast-forward to Sunday just gone and we were on the train heading to the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue via the box office to pick up our tickets. Before joining in the queue we decided to take a short stroll, bad decision. Ever wondered what happens when a Chinese restaurant catches fire and your in close proximity to it? It spreads pretty damn quickly and visibility is minus one-hundred. But what better way to take your mind off the fact that your lungs are filled with smoke and you're sitting in the Balcony of a very hot theatre, then by Part One starting. 

The creators behind the show did an amazing job at bringing the magic of the wizarding world to life, along with the composers and choreographers- it continually amazes me how a certain tune or dance (not that it was dancey) can reflect the scene so perfectly. The first half whizzed by, with an ice-cream interval of course, and before you know it part one is over leaving it on the biggest cliffhanger- for those of you who watch Pretty Little Liars, it felt like one of the series finales. 

A two hour break before watching part two meant time to feed the grumbling tummy. We opted for Maxwells in Covent Garden after hearing my parents rave about it, and I opted for a classic BBQ chicken, chips and apple coleslaw. It's probably most famous for it's Instagram-worthy freakshakes, but if I had one of them I would have definitely been in a food coma for the second performance and so not in the right state of mind to concentrate. 

Part Two commenced and although it was like 100 degrees inside and I could feel the sweat dripping down my face (slight exaggeration) I enjoyed every moment of it. The actors were amazing at keeping the energy alive, and the atmosphere in the theatre was incredible- you were literally surrounded by crazy Harry Potter fans who cheered when the most annoying character was defeated and laughed at every pun. 

If you can still get tickets I would 1000% recommend purchasing them as you won't be disappointed! I also realise that this is a bit of a long post, however we're currently having a Harry Potter marathon and it's taken me far too long to write this for me to go back and change it all. (Yes, we probably should have done this before seeing the play, but we like to be unconventional) 

P.S. If you can spot yourself a wizard amongst the muggles in one of these pictures then you're a true Potter fan. 

Gift Guide: New Home

It's been one whole year since we picked up our keys to our little flat and it's been one hell of a ride. To start with I've managed to put up with living with a boy, which I think I deserve a medal for. Yes they smell. Yes they're messy. But they have dinner ready for when you get home for work and don't moan about your obsessive cushion arrangements or bed making- at least that's what mine does/doesn't.* In light of this flatversary I've put together a collection of gifts we received when we moved in/bought for other people that are perfect for new homeowners. 

1. The best bathroom guest book there ever was from Oliver Bonas.
2. Pretty colourful vases or 'Amalfi Torps' as Next call them. 
3. All drinks need a deep sea diver ice-cube from John Lewis.
4. Pom pom cushions are always a winner from Oliver Bonas.
5. A jazzy unicorn spaghetti measurer from The Gift Oasis.
6. A Disney reference is essential with this be my guest dishcloth from H&M.
7. A giant colouring page of the world from Oliver Bonas.
8. Make a house a home with this yellow decorative frame from Zara.

9. Super adorable pair of garden gnomes from Next.

10. Have a fart-free zone with his candle from The White Company.

11. Because ordinary toast is for losers from Waterstones
12. A decorative rolling pin from Anthropologie.
13. A retro radio for kitchen dancing from John Lewis.

*I'm partly-kidding about the smelly and messy part and I love living with my BFF!

Wisteria Wanderings

 Whenever I was little our Sundays would normally always include a trip to The Lodge, whether it was to try out our new roller-blades, take our bikes for spin or go on a bear hunt, metaphorically of course. This was then nearly always followed by a trip to a garden centre for a slice of cake and cup of tea, which is something that I've ingrained in my weekend outings. What a nice story aye, stick with it, I'm getting there. 

When you're younger you don't really appreciate those places that are just up the road from you, but as you grow up and move away it makes you appreciate what you had. So, whenever we go home for a visit we always try to squeeze in a walk round The Lodge,  a) for the nostalgic element, and b) it can then be accompanied with tea and cake. 

My recent trip home left my admiring all the wisteria that had blossomed in our garden, and when mum informed me that it was out in full bloom at my childhood happy place I had to go. It wasn't the most sunniest or warmest of days, but that didn't matter when your faced with purple paradise in the form of wisteria. Literally everywhere I turned there was some lilac creeping into my vision and don't get me started on the smell. When it comes to wisteria, my home-town has got it right. Home- 1 York- 0 

RHS Harlow Carr

You are now reading the blog of a fully fledged RHS member. Yes, I'm twenty-one years old going on sixty. We hadn't even stepped through the doors before handing over our money, those sales guys see us coming! But, it's no secret how much I love a good garden centre, so pair that with acres of flowers, plants and trees galore and I'm sold. 

This is most definitely my new happy place. Pair that with the fact that it was a scorcher of a day and I was pretty much in heaven. I'm probably forgetting to mention that the real reason we headed here was because my Dad was up from home visiting my grand-parents, so thank you papa for introducing us to this wonderful gem. Walking round, the gardens were scattered with tulips, keeping in with the season and all that jazz, and with my recent obsession with the flower you can imagine I got a bit picture snappy.

At the half-way point we had a pit stop at an outdoors Betty's shack. I wasn't going to be one of these crazy fools who have a hot drink because it's somehow refreshing. No-way, hos-say. I opted for two scoops of chocolate ice-cream in a tub, and what a good choice that was. Once the oldies had rested their legs, we set off again, ambling round and admiring the hours of handy work some dedicated gardeners put in. I probably should include something about the time I also spent glamorously dodging wasps, there is downsides to the great outdoors and those insects are one of them.

I must admit I was pretty sad to leave, I could have spent hours there. But it just means I'm hella excited to return and explore the woodland walks and meadows, because, ya know, we get in for free now and all that,

Things I Love About Spring

My flat is filled with tulips and daffodils, the sun stays up till gone 8pm and I'm starting to head out of the house without my coat. These things can only mean that Spring has finally sprung, (well technically it sprung nearly two months ago but the rain to sun ratio was very much so 5:1). If you hadn't guessed already, I love Spring and what comes with it. With blossom flowing in the wind and lambs bleating in the meadows I'm pretty content, as long as the sun is making an appearance that is. And just like any other season, I feel Spring brings a right of passage of things that have to be done over the months, so I've created a list as to what I think that list should include.

1. Dining Alfresco
If I was still living at home I would 100% be coming home from work  and heading straight outside to sit down with my book and dinner. Unfortunately, a garden is the one thing we're missing with our flat, but fear not, we've applied for an allotment and have a large amount of neighbouring parks nearby. 

2. New Clothes
It goes without saying that a new season means a new wardrobe. It's out with the dark colours and in with the light. Mine is currently filling up with pastel skirts and printed shirts, now isn't that a nice phrase. 

3. Baby Animals
I know I've touched on this before but driving past the lambs every morning just makes my day. I've also started jogging in the evenings again which means when I get to the river there is a stream of ducklings just bobbing along. It's the little things that make me happy!

4. Flowers and Greenery
When it gets to this time of year I always think that the grass is just calling out to be sat on. It's just so green and fresh, and that smell once it has been cut, heaven {unless you're a hay fever sufferer}! The streets and fields are all so colourful too with the fresh blooms which make for great Instagram photos. 

5. Days Out
Now that the sun is actually out there's no excuse for you stay in your pjs all day. My favourite thing is the longer days and we've even started doing things in the evenings after work, who would have thought it!

6. Spring Scents
I love sniffing out a new candle and when you're in a new season it gives you a reason to head out and restock your rooms and cupboards. 

There are another 101 things I could ramble on about such as the pastel nail varnishes I'm yet to paint my nails with or the addition of Spring homeware essentials but I don't want to send you to sleep, so I shall leave it short and sweet. Have a wonderful spring-filled weekend!

Get to know Bethany Alice Webb

"What are we?" "A leading single-sex school admitting boarders at age 11." "Wrong! We're winners!" There are two reasons as to why I love this quote a) Wild Child is a great film, b) It pretty much sums up my life. Not that I'm a leading single-sex school, but that whenever I introduce myself to anyone I always seem to word-vomit the most boring parts of my life. Who wants to know that I'm a twenty-one year old, who went to university in Southampton and now lives in York? No-one. I should be shouting about the fact that I'm a proud owner of a Blue Peter badge, or that I used to play the cello. So really, this blog post is a reminder to me about self-facts that may be midly more interesting than my geolocation.

• I could eat coco-pops for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• In another life I hope to be above-average at science and fulfil my dream of working with giraffes/lions/bears/elephants, basically saving the planet.
• I can be prone to fainting when I'm in a hospital.
• I can't resist a good cushion, and we've almost run out of new places to put cushions which deeply saddens me.
• I make lists, about making lists.
• I don't like cheese- unless it's on pizza, or spaghetti bolognese.
• I have mild OCD- volume has got to be an even number, wardrobe is colour coordinated, that sort of thing.
• I can tap dance, not very well anymore, but nonetheless.
• I have been to Disneyland Paris five times #noshame
• No matter how many times I try, I will never be a neat baker. I just can't do it.
• I'm a Wagamamas virgin.
• Dolly mixtures are my new go to, I could eat them all day long.
• It doesn't take much to make me happy
• I get far too attached to shoes.
• I have too many pairs of shoes, but some would say you can never have enough.
• I'm an avid lover of pretty book covers- I will have the most Pinterest worthy bookcase one day
• There's no in-between with me. Let me give you an example. I will either eat all of the Easter Egg or none of it.
• My middle name is Alice after Alice in Wonderland.
• I adore musicals and tend to try and sing like I'm a West End star.
• I have very little patience when it comes to my hair. Which isn't great with how long it currently is as I just end up looking I've been dragged through a bush backwards.
• I will always be dreaming about what foreign country I'm jetting off to next.
• I hate bananas.
• I can be a big wuss and get scared easily.
• I have a history of purchasing great birthday presents.
• I will always choose stairs over a lift because I'm that kind of person- unless it's like eight storeys high, obvs.
• I have already planned that once we buy a house, we're getting a ginger Cockapoo and calling him Mowgli.
• Majority of my wardrobe is made up of shirts and stripes.
• I'm a sucker for rom-coms
• I'm also a super Harry Potter fan- I made Jay a Harry Potter monopoly for Christmas once. One of the player pieces was a dolls house porcelain snake.

I could probably keep going but I don't want to give away all my secrets or make you have to scroll any further. Lets just hope that the next time I'm introduced to someone I can refer to my bank of self-facts to make me seem like a slightly more exciting person.

P.S. This is also my 100th post so I've given myself a pat on the back. I'm pretty amazed I've stuck at it for this long without getting bored. To put things into perspective, my Sims never made it to retirement.

Easter: Photo Diary

You are never too old for a game of pooh sticks

Aren't we a good looking bunch

Garden centres are the best in Spring

Pizza is my one true love, especially when it involves ham & pineapple 

 Dinner and drinks with my girls, how sophisticated

Dodging the showers meant we got these views

Watching the wildlife doing its thing

Every time I see a rainbow I have an urge to sing

Daffodils and boats make a great picture

We made some friends

Just 'swanning' around

I'm currently in a chocolate induced coma and I don't regret one bit of it. All I have seemed to have done for the past four days is eat and it has been great. It does now mean I'm back on the salads for lunch and runs after work though, unless I pretend that it's still Easter because I've still got Easter chocolate to eat, that's a legit thing to do isn't it?