I'll hold my hands up and say "I Bethany Emerton, am undoubtedly as addicted to Instagram as I am to coffee, my dog and more recently Love Island."

It's true and I'm a surely not the only one.

We've all double tapped our far share of salads, puppies and makeup tutorials AND more importantly found out all the goss of who's sleeping with who by looking at your friend's ex boyfriends brother's Instagram, am I right?!

We do love a good scroll every now and again, if now and again means every single second of every single day, basically.

So here below are 43 thoughts I had and you (most probably) had whilst scrolling through the 'gram...


1. Bathroom selfie. Shocker x

2. Ooh you've gone travelling. Lifechanging. Are you wearing elephant print trousers though?

3. Look at that effing dog <3

4. I've been scrolling for 4 seconds how am I already 32 weeks deep on my friends brother's ex girlfriends holiday pics.

5. One more ab pic or booty shot and I am *this* far away from driving past the gym and straight to McDonalds.

6. Look it's Jess from Love Island promoting her fave toothpaste

7. Is that the dog filter

8. That post doesn't qualifying for a "#throwback" if it was yesterday babes.

9. Ooh is she on a photoshoot abroad?!

10. No, just a family holiday

11. Look it's Jess from Love Island promoting something else, again.

12. No way has he liked her photo

13. They must be shagging

14. Gotta tell the group chat

15. Cute quote, double tap that

16. Didn't she just delete this picture 10 minutes ago

17. Look it's a pug

18. You can't hashtag #fitsagram just because you wear Ivy Park and have done one lunge

19. Ew what a cute loved up couple

20. You're having a Nando's?! Amazing! Never been! Tell me how good it is! Upload 2 more pics!

21. How does she get her makeup like that

22. Since when have I been following you

23. How long have I been scrolling for

24. Should I start an Instagram theme

25. Look at that outfit

26. Tap for details? Yup, don't mind if I do

27. Where are all these mystery Instagram clothing shops coming from

28. Look at that effing dog <3

29. Double tap

30. Since when did they look like that

31. What filter is that

32. Is it prime time yet

33. Shall I upload a pic

34. Ooh notification

35. Ummm why did they just like my pic from 7 weeks ago

36. Creep. Who does that?!

37. I need to watch this hair tutorial

38. That before and after pic is insane

39. Shall I workout

40. Ooh they're at Wagas

41. I fancy a Wagas now

42. Why can't I take a selfie like that

43. Right it's 6pm, what am I going to upload

So I'm going to be real right now and admit that the whole "yeah I'm gonna get back into blogging like everyday and be consistent and post twice a week and dive head first back into it" and all that jazz didn't really pan at very well....or at all, actually.
Me being me was too busy doing life and everything that comes in between (apparently) so writing up a blog post wasn't on the top of my To-Do list if I'm totally honest.
But since meeting up with a friend who kind of gave me a push to kick start it again reminded me how much I actually loved blogging. So here I am....jamming these sentences together.....about to write something life changing for you all. Lol.

And said life changing topic of discussion is me.

Yup that's right, I'm writing a blog post all about me,

Not like Hi my name is Bethany; I'm 19, I'm obsessed with my dog, my favourite colour is orange and I've currently got 17 things sat in my Zara basket kind of post (but hey, there's an insight into my fantastic life) but more like what I want to achieve out of life from now on.

Just roll with me, okay.

So your girl may have *slightly* hit rock bottom. Mentally, physically and quite literally.

Rock bottom being where I can't remember what my bedroom floor looks like because I've lost it somewhere underneath piles of clothes, M&S receipts, Zara boxes as well as half of the kitchen and realising that my social life slash sanity slash normal teenage life is null and void. I promise I'm still cool though.

Honestly, I'm a bit lost. Not Lost Garden's kind of lost BUT if Lost Garden represented the whole world, I'm somewhere in the middle of the dance floor probably on the actual floor with an empty glass in one hand still trying to sing to R Kelly whilst being trodden on.

Basically, I need to sort my self out.

And I say this to myself everyday that I want to sort my life out, get back on track (and tidy my effing room), but somehow I never get anywhere.

So that's why my New Year's Resolutions are starting in July because you know what, I've only just decided what they're going to be. Yeah that 100% sums me up, 7 months late and promising to myself that 2017 was going to be my year - eff that, I've still got a muffin top and not driving a Range yet. High and lows babe, highs and lows.

If you're anything like me; firstly god help us and secondly I hope you'll benefit from my list of 2017 New Year's Resolutions that WILL, I'll have you know, actually happen.

Here goes...

(Mega cringeballs alert)

1. Be happy

I'm not saying I'm sad. This resolution is to be more happy and to be happy often. To do things that make me happy and to see myself being happy. You feel me.

2. Be more spontaneous

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't spontaneous, I basically live and breathe spontaneity (if you count inpromtu Starbucks visits as spontaneous then I don't even need to include this as a resolution). I just want to live life on the edge a little, be a bit more daring and not so effing boring.

3. Make myself proud

I want to do something, achieve something or surprise myself so much that I can actually whack my arm over my shoulder, give little old me a pat on the back and be like yeah babes you did good. Give myself some loving for a change and do me proud.

4. Believe in myself

I want to believe in myself more. I want to believe that I can do anything I want to do. I want to believe that I've got the power to change the way I think and act. And I want to believe in myself that I can actually do it and that if I want something so bad that I believe I can actually do it.

5. Stop being so comfortable

Eff the normal day-to-day routine, who says you've got to do the same thing day in day out. Why can't I get out of my comfort zone once in a while and be a bit rebellious and have the best time of my life.

And that is all.

Just my 5 little belated resolutions that I am going to achieve by the end of 2017, if not sooner.

Positive vibes babes.

To you all who made it to the end of this post without vomming a little, then we're in this together sister and thank you for giving your time to read what my freshly manicured nails can type when they feel like it.

Mwah.

I'm outty.

As I'm writing this, I'm not going to lie to you I'm sprawled across my bed half naked. 

I've just fake tanned for the week ahead and I'm letting myself, shall we say, air dry. (God forbid anyone to walk into my room right now).

What's the harm in being honest?! 

I could've told you that I typed up this post whilst doing something a bit more exciting (and fully clothed) like people watching out of a Starbucks window with a Latte to my right and a giant slice of cake to the left of me, but that would have been a big fat lie - plus, I don't eat cake.

Nethertheless, here I am laying on my bed letting my new terracotta tinge melt into my body as I jam these sentences together.

Anyway this post is about being honest, not about the everchanging colour of my skin. 

I felt like being honest. Well, quite frankly I am always honest. Not brutaly but very honest. I wouldn't neccessarily tell you how awful your outfit looked on you, but I would tell you that your crop top does not sit well with your low rise jeans (c'mon, I'm just doing a girl a favour).

But more to the point, honesty is always the best policy. Hold up, cliche police. Yeah I know, whatevs. 

And right now, I wanted to be honest. No, I haven't got a massive secret to let out. More so I just wanted to be honest with myself and on my blog is the place I wanted to do it.

Have you ever had that time in your life where you just sit (or lay across your bed, clothing optional) and wonder what is your life?! What have you got to show for yourself? What have you acheived? What are you proud of? And what the future holds. Yup. That's me, right now. 

It's a Sunday night; it's gone 9pm, I'm shattered, still full from my roast dinner and I'm thinking back on the day I've just had. 

I'm thinking how each day I start and finish is another day and another oppurtunity to make something with my life. A chance to set myself up for my future, 24 hours to make a difference to what my career/life/family will be like. And what do I do? I fill it with a 9-6 shift, too many roast potatoes and the constant doubt that I'm wasting my life. 
Yes, I'm 19. An age which some people may consider to be young and others old, an age where half my peers are still fumbling around muddling through each day and the other half are making something of themselves and then there's me, doing something kind of in the middle. 

Maybe I have this all wrong? Maybe everything I'm doing now is right. Maybe my job, my hobbies, my friends, my choices are all, without me knowing, steering me on the right path and to the place I am destined to be. Or maybe I am right. And maybe this Sunday night revelation is the wake up call I've been needing. Or maybe I'm overthinking this whole situation cos I'm f*cking tired and bored. Who knows. 

But what I do know is I want more. 

I want to wake up every morning (in my Pinterest designed London apartment) and feel like I have the power to make a difference. To reach for goals no matter how big or small they are. To make myself proud. And to, more importantly, be the best version of me. I want to finish the day patting myself on the back for squeezing the most out of my day, being my best self and helping my future self on whatever path she ends up on. 

Don't get me wrong squeezing the most out of everyday isn't always going to be easy. Traffic, fake tan disasters and running out of soya milk (to name but a few personal life tragedies) with stop you firming in your tracks but it's about rising above them, remaining positive and grabbing life by the butt cheeks. 

So here's to this. The here and now. To whatever the f*cking future may bring and to me being the best version of me (whoever she is). Cheers.


I'm outty. 


Note to self, don't pour your heart out in another blog post again. 

K thanks, bye babez.

Eff off Regina George, pink isn't only just for Wednesday's.

Pink is for everyday of the week.

And according to what the street style fashionistas of this years LFW were wearing, pink is the new black.

Holllaaa pink to make the boys wink and all that jazz.

If you know me, you know that pink is my favourite colour. Anything pink, throw it my way. Pink and fluffy? Forget throwing babes, catapult that my way. 

A self-confessed "all black erry'thaang" outfit lover, I can't help but inject a bit of pink into my outfits here and there. See this recent Instagram post - said black outfit was non-existent and in it's place a triple pink ensemble #soznotsoz.

Whether it's soft bubblegum hues or bright and bold fuchsia tones, this girly trend is back again this year and just in time for the pretty Spring months. 

Most highstreet stores have adopted the colour with a pastel twist, keeping it cute and feminine and easy to wear. Just look at this velvet pinafore dress from Topshop - how adorbs!

New Look Pink Matte Anorak - £34.99

New Look Mid Pink Tie Waist Trousers - £24.99

River Island Pink Soft Oversized Hoodie - £26

New Look Mid Pink Belted Midi Pencil Skirt - £19.99

Fancy something a bit more out there? Yes? You daredevil, you. 

River Island Bright Pink Suede Block Heel Ankle Boots - £65

New Look Bright Pink Hoop Belt Wide Leg Trousers- £27.99

Topshop Pink Oversized Basic Hoodie - £26

So it's February and the start of that transitional period. The season where it's not cold enough to wrap yourself up in your chunky Winter coat but certainly not warm enough to venture out the house in anything lighter than a leather jacket. 

So you see what I mean, we're in that limbo stage.

And that limbo stage causes mega confusion when deciding what to wear in the mornings. 

Like is it acceptable to go out in tracksuit bottoms and sliders (for me yes) because it's kinda cold but not cold enough that my toes can't hack it?! And will I get looked at weird if I rock up to Sainsbury's in my fur coat and boots because the world is my runway and aisle 14 is my catwalk - I think not.

So yeah you can say that piecing an outfit together recently has been a struggle. 

Anyway, the following 4 are fashion trends and go-to outfits that I've been loving recently. They're things that I've stuck to when deciding what to wear at 7 o'clock in the morning in that pre-coffee stage; still half asleep but have managed to get out of bed and put on a full face of makeup. 


1. Layering

I can't stress how important layering is. No, I'm not an over-protective mother worrying about whether you'll catch a cold in Britain's bi-polar weather. I'm talking purely on a fashion level, promise. Layering just looks so damn cool. C'mon you can't disagree when I say that layering just makes you look like you know what you're doing (still talking fashion, can't say it makes me know what I'm doing with life). 
Layering gives your outfit dimension and the perfect way to branch out from an I-only-wear-all-black outfit with a pop of colour (by colour I mean white).
Take the following photos for example; the lace bralet over a simple white tee and longline t-shirts under jumpers - they just add something extra to the outfit. 




My go-to: mesh bodysuit under and black sweatshirt dress. Roll the sleeves up to show a peek of the mesh and pair with black leather-look jeans. Throw on a sleeveless leather jacket for warmth and finish off with black heeled boots.


2. Tailored Trousers and Trainers 

By far the easiest way to look like you've just spent the last week strutting about Central London for fashion week (when in reality the only strutting you've being doing is to the fridge and back). In terms of tailored trousers I'm talking the kinda trousers you see in Topshop, H&M and Zara and don't immediately run towards (side note: I do not run). The kind of trousers that you make think hmm yeah they're cute but I wouldn't wear them - sound familiar?! Well, sister now you can! For now I'd keep it simple and stick to black (omg what a shocker). It's a no to the fitted trouser - you are not at primary school anymore - opt for a tie waist, peg leg or cigarette and chuck on any pair of (clean) white lace-ups.

Teaming a pair of white trainers with tailored trousers dresses down a smart everyday look and screams sophisticated but even louder HELLO COMFY OUTFIT.



My go-to: black tie waist trouser and white lace up trainers. Add to that a simple black v-neck tee, black zip up hoodie and chuck on a leather jacket for warmth. 

3. Hoodie

Ever think you'd see the day that your go-to-errand-running-just-popping-to-the-shops thrown on is counted as a key fashion piece? Well now you have. Hoodies under leather jackets, hoodies under denim jackets and hoodies under tailored jackets have recently been creeping up all over my Pinterest dashboard on the likes of Kendall Jenner and other fashion icons. 

And I wanted to jump on it. 

I mean, who's going to turn down the opportunity to look stylish but comfy at the same time, not me!

Oh and side note, I am not talking about your Class Of '14 school leavers hoodie. You know the one with some cereal stains down the front and 100 kids names plastered all over your back. I'm talking about your basic, American Apparel style hoodie; simple, black, grey or white drawstring hoodie.  Zip up or pull over, either way, chuck it under any coat or jacket for an easy off-duty look. 


My go-to: grey hoodie under black leather jacket, paired with black ripped jeans and trainers. 


4. Denim, Denim, Denim.

You can't beat denim. A staple outfit for every girl has to be a classic jeans and white tee combo. Denim speaks for itself, and is so so so easy to style. My current high street faves recently have been denim jackets, heavily distressed denim and wearing denim with denim. Yup, double denim! 

Now, get the image of Britney and Justin circa 2001 denim "ensemble" (shall we say) out of your head. There's no denim cowboy hats or denim maxi dresses in this blog post for sure. 

I'm talking about a classic blue skinny jean paired with a distressed denim jacket and a simple white tee underneath. Easy. Or if you're not brave enough, swap the blue jeans for black jeans. Still double denim but a less obvious pairing. 



My go-to: ripped blue jeans, white t-shirt, blue distressed denim jacket and trainers.


And there you have it. A snippet of what I've been loving recently, go-to outfits and ways to look like you know how to dress - sort of.

Thanks for reading!

I'm outty. 

via GIPHY

Guess who's back.

So I've been thinking about getting back into blogging for a while now. 

I've been umming and arring with the idea of blowing the cobwebs off bethanyemerton.com and resurrecting it from it's year long "nap". What harm can jamming a few sentences together every now and again do, eh?

Honestly, I've missed blogging. 

I've missed writing and seeing what satirical posts I can come up with. I miss getting excited about something new I've discovered and wanting to share it with like-minded people who may or may (probably) not read my blog. I just miss the freedom of being able to plonk myself down with my laptop and type away any old nonsense about lipsticks, food and shoes and everything else inbetween. 

But seriously, I totes miss how fun blogging was and writing about whatever I wanted and expressing myself on such a platform.

I guess if you're reading this you *may* be reading the first post of many to follow, the first post of 2017 and the first post of me getting back into the swing of things and bringing bethanyemerton.com back for good. How exciting. 

So Bethany, what have you been up to since you last post in February 2016 I hear you ask, well if I reeled off all the wonderful, adventurous and exciting things I've been up to since then we'd probably be here for days.........only kidding. 

Although "wonderful things" isn't *quite* the phrase I'd use to describe the past year, it has actually been a gooden'; I've grown a lot as a person and done things I never thought I could do, bought things I never wish I had and drunken enough coffee to see me right through to the next millenium - so yeah, you could say I've had a pretty fab year.

But that was like so last year, let's focus on the here and now and most importantly the fact that I am writing this and if you're reading this then it means I haven't forgotten how to write and have actually hit the publish button. 

Lol.

But by no means does this post give you the right to have a snoop through my old posts to see what you've missed. Nah nah nah. I mean, unless you're looking for my SUPER AWESOME Sweet Potato Fries recipe (that's why you came here in the first place, right?) well you can read that here or my "famous" list post about Bournemouth, oh yeah hi that was your gal right here that wrote that. I know right. Groundbreaking. It has 20,000+ views, say whaaaaat. Have a read of it here if for some reason you missed in back in the Feb of 2015.

So that's that.

I guess you might be seeing a lot more of me then (lucky you). 

If this post was a one time thing and nothing more came of it, then cool thanks for your time. BUUUT if something does come of it and I actually follow up with my not-so-new-years-resolution of getting back to blogging then HOLLA FOR A DOLLA your girl is back in the game.

But for now I'll shut up and let you get back to scrolling through your Facebook feed and I'll call it a day.

If you read this then thanks, means a lot.

For now, I'm outty.



via GIPHY

If you can't treat yo' self on Valentines day (oh as well as Christmas, Birthday, pay day, the other day and everyday) then when can you? If you're a single pringle (regardless of whether you're ready to mingle or not) or you've already got ya'self a fella, the following list is for you. In fact it's for everyone. It's for every girl. Every girl with a bank balance that has anything more than three big fat 0's in it that is.

When Sunday 14th rolls around you can expect to see me have some qual time with me, myself and I, cos I don't need no man telling me what to do *clicks fingers in sassy triangle* (lol but on a serious note I hope my future hubby isn't reading this).

So regardless of your relationship status, treat yourself this V-day and buy yourself something (or everything) off the following list and give yourself some well deserved self-loving. Cos at the end of the day, if you don't love yourself, who else will!

1. A tea set for one



Well if this doesn't scream "Look at me I'm single" then I don't know what else will. Forget the His & Hers matching crockery appearing in every goddamn store, get something for you and you only. Why I hear you ask? Well here's why. If it's a crockery set for none other than numero uno then you don't have the unnecessary stress about someone else using your fancy mug -  that is quite clearly YOURS AND YOURS ONLY. You don't have to fret about someone else breaking it (of course it's okay if you break it but my god if someone else dare break it - well that's a whole other story). And finally god forbid someone else will even have the audacity to go behind your back, unbeknown to you and use it - that would be taking the absolute biscuit!

So get yourself your own set for one, put the kettle on, devour a whole packet of Tesco's Finest biscuits and in the famous words of JB, love yourself.

2. The snazziest most glitteriest, sparkliest pair of headphones




Block out the haters in these bad boys and listen to your fave album, audio book or video on your own. Zone out and lose yourself in something that only you can really appreciate.

3. The biggest bouquet of flowers




Get yourself the most prettiest, pinkiest, floweriest bouquet of your fave flowers and give them to yourself.

You can even go one step ahead and write a note saying "from your secret admirer" and get them delivered to your door so your family won't think you're some lonely loser (or they'll think you've got a stalker, but hey either way flowers are pretty).

4. A bouquet of cute kittens 



One word.

YOLO. 

5. A bouquet of cute ponies

6. Matching set of underwear




C'mon you can't say you've never put on a matching set of underwear and felt like you could take over the world?! I don't know why, but matching underwear just unleashes your inner boss babe and gives you the power making you feel like you could achieve world domination. It's just fab. So this V Day treat yourself to some pretty new undies and a matching bra. I suggest browsing the Victoria's Secret page or for a more affordable alternative defo check out H&M's lingerie.

7. Fancy chocolate



Get yourself some really fancy choc. By that I don't mean the chocolate from your local supermarket that's £2 more than the basic range. By fancy chocolate I mean proper fancy chocolate. You know the stuff. The stuff you wouldn't dare buy if you just fancied a little cheeky choco snack. The stuff you walk past in the shops and go "oooooh that looks yummy" - that's the stuff I'm talking about. And now you have an actual excuse to consume some of that heavenly stuff.

8. Waffle Maker



Who in the whole of the world wouldn't want a waffle maker?! Who wouldn't want to be able to make waffles all day everyday?! Uhh not me that's for sure. Imagine the Insta pics you could upload of these dreamy waffles.

9. This mug

If you don't get anything else on this list, just get this - oh and a large bottle of vodka too.

10. This bear sleeping bag



If you want to hide away from all your problems, have the best nights sleep ever and look like a werido, then this is a must.

11. A rose scented candle



If you can't fathom the idea of sending yourself a bouquet of roses, this can be your substitute - on the plus side, it will last way longer.

12. These glasses




Oh Ma Gaawwwwd. I need these. And so do you. Plain glasses are just so boring and darling, you're not boring.

13. A pair of shoes



Whether that be a pair of sexy Kurt Geiger's you've been eyeing up or those pair of boots from Zara, treat yourself to a pair of killer shoes. Go on, treat those feet of yours. 

14. Lipstick



Pink, red, orange, nude or whatever your fave colour is, treat your pout to a fresh lippy and go kiss the boys and make them cry ;)

Gwarrrn, treat yo' self.



To contact me, or for business related inquiries, please feel free to email me at bethany@bethanyemerton.com

We're 2 months into 2016 already (don't even get me started - where the efff did January go?!) and it's about time your wardrobe deserved a total (if not partial) revamp. It's time to get those basic necessities incorporated into your closet and make sure you have enough staples to see you right through to 2017.

So what's on my list? Well, let's get started...

1. Cat Eye Sunglasses



A classic, chic and sophisticated shaped sunny, these bad boys are my all-time faves. Forget aviators, bug-eyes or your classic RayBan style, the cat eye is where it's at. These beauties can totally transform any outfit and make you look a million dollars.

From the likes of New Look, Asos, Quay and Topshop; the high street is being flooded with my favourite shaped sunglasses and it's about time you got your hands on a pair.

Check out some of my personal faves...

Topshop

New Look

River Island

2. Camel Coat



Okay so you may be thinking that camel coat's are so last year and that everyone and their dog has hopped onto Kimmy K's bandwagon and got themselves this trendy number. But no, camel coat's are a staple piece in any fashionista's wardrobe and something you've got to get yourself - if you haven't already. The camel coat can be teemed with any outfit. From an all black ensemble to a casual jeans and tee combo, throw on a camel coat over any outfit and you're good to go and take over the world. Dress it up with some court shoes, or even wear it with your fave pair of white Nikes - the possibilities are endless and this piece will see you right through all seasons. 

What are you waiting for?

Here's my faves...

New Look

Miss Selfridge

Missguided


3. Pointed Court Shoes




Now these are a must. A real must. A real must-have in any women's wardrobe regardless of your passion for fashion (lol cringe). The pointed court shoe is one of those shoes that just fit with any wardrobe, they're perfect for any age and any and every type of style. So simple yet so stylish, iconic and let's not beat around the bush ladies, they're just super comfy as well! Most highstreet stores stock these bad boys in a variety of different yet similar styles. 

Check these ones out...

Topshop

ASOS

Office


4. Black Roll Neck Jumper



Now this is more of a A/W (and S/S if you're from the UK) staple piece that should have a firm place in your wardrobe. It can act as a base layer to warm you up in the chilly months or as a top layer as we progress (fingers crossed) into more warmer months. And black? Well it's the perfect go-to colour and obvs goes with everything.

P.S. It's also fab at covering up dodgy fake tan that makes you look like you have a weird skin disease (lol guilty).

Have a look at these affordable ones...

New Look

ASOS

River Island

5. Black Skinny Jeans



If there isn't at least 5 different pairs of black skinnies in your wardrobe, you're doing something seriously wrong. These staple trousers are super easy to throw on with anything and something everyone must own! They're the perfect bottom half for any all black outfit and they're the easiest things to dress up or down. If you're like me and own about one pair of black jeans for everyday of the week, go and treat yourself to a fresh black pair to get you through 2016 and pray to the gods that they don't turn into grey jeans after 2 washes.

Here are some fab black skinnies to get your hands on...

H&M

Missguided

Topshop


6. Heeled Boots



And last but not least, heeled boots. Grab yourself a pair of black, brown or tan heeled boots to see you right through to next Winter. Wear with a chunky knit, jeans and an oversized fur coat for a luxe Winter look or with a summer dress to add an edge-y look to your Summer style. Now is the perfect time to invest in a decent pair of heeled boots. Whilst shops aim to rid their Winter clothes to make way for all the Summer pieces that have already begun to arrive in our favourite high street stores, sales should be full of gorgeous heeled boots to get your paws on. Go on, treat yo' self.

Here are some ones I've found...

Zara

ASOS

Topshop 

So now you have no excuse to not have anything to wear! Make sure you've got all 6 items and your 2016 wardrobe will be the envy of all of your friends.

Thank you for reading!



To contact me, or for business related inquiries, please feel free to email me at bethany@bethanyemerton.com