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Tag: lifestyle

Afternoon Tea at Betty’s | QueenBeady

This was going to be the year my sister & I spoilt our Mum spoilt rotten for her birthday. It passed with the blink of any eye last year with my granddad being in hospital so it was time to celebrate, albeit a year late (& another year older!) So off we pottered in to York on a brisk, January day. We laughed and giggled and pondered wondering how long it would take for us to get in to Betty’s. For those who don’t know this delicate, Yorkshire privilege is that there is normally a trail of winding around the tall, grand windows of Betty’s as far as the eye can see to eat a Fat Rascal or macaroon. But boy, is it worth it! We only queued for 15 minutes or so & once we got inside we were met with warmth and the decadent smell of coffee beans and all things sweet.

We were taken downstairs to another room & immediately my sister & I piped ”I feel like I’m on the Titanic” & it really did feel like we had time travelled back to 1912. The wood panelling and the boozy, dim lights made it feel more intimate than the large room upstairs with tourists staring at you. Of course, upon handed the menu’s we all opted for the afternoon tea. I, of course, went for a glass of champagne (as one does!) And what a feat we had. The delicate little sandwiches were just divine, I could have eaten a mountain of the smoked salmon sandwiches & I think my sister would have joined me in that too. A scone with jam & clotted cream was next on the agenda. By this time I was nearly bursting at the seams but it was my mission to tackle the ”third course” of a selection from the patisserie stand. A fruit tart, a decadent chocolate cake & an almond macaroon, all of which were yummy in their own special way. We sipped team laughed & giggled some more. I felt so happy in that moment spending time with the dearest woman in my life, Mum, Nana & Jessica. We vowed we needed to do this more often!

No visit to Betty’s is complete without having a little wander round the shop upstairs. I was desperate for some chocolate macaroons which were so amazing, they just melt in your mouth. I also, picked up a cute little chocolate heart to take back for Mr C, yes, it may sound cute but of course I made him share it.

Did you have a lovely weekend too? Have you been to Bettys, if so what was your favourite sweet treat?

Rebecca xxx

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February 3, 2015
My Top 5 Essential Work Out Songs | QueenBeady
Most of you know that I am now in the midst of a ”get fit” campaign to fight the mounting excess bulge that has appeared over the last six months. I’ve always found it really hard to motivate myself at the gym. Mainly because I dread the post-gym sweat. But, I’ve been working on ways to get myself pumped & ready to go hard and faster and I’ve worked out what it is that helps me get through my work out. Music. It’s no evolutionary matter but for me it really is. As soon as I put my earphones in I am ready to go for it for the next hour. So what are my top 5 essential songs?
1. Years & Years – Real
I adore this electro-indie trio that just seems to be making waves in the music industry. After winning the BBC Sound of Music 2015 award I have really kept my eye on these guys. It’s just a really, feel good tune that makes me sing along, great for your first work out!
1. Ella Eyre – Comeback
Ever since I saw ”The Lioness” at a gig in Leeds last year I have been totally mesmerised by her! Her voice is top $$ – those pipes are enviable. This song is a real angry song that makes your heart beat faster and work harder. I tend to listen to this one when I’m on the exercise bike!
1. Neon Jungle – Braveheart
This is about the only song that I have heard by these women but the dirty baseline is a real get up & go song too. This is what I put on when I want to push myself on the Stepper/Crosstrainer, I seem to burn so many more calories when I listen to this so it’s a definite must. Albeit I am shattered once I come off.
1. Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne – Real Love
After we saw Clean Bandit at Leeds Fest last year I just love them I listen, especially when the collab with the fabulous, raven haired Jess Glynne! This one is great for the Rowing Machine. The beat is great to keep the momentum going.

5. Flight Facilities – Down to Earth

This one is for the cool-down. It’s a really good tune that I downloaded for free on iTunes and have it on repeat. I tend to listen to this one when I’m doing a steady, inclined pace on the Running Machine. If it’s free download it, even if it isn’t, download it.

It’d be great to hear some song suggestions from you guys too! Let me know what keeps you motivated at the gym.

Rebecca xxx

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January 28, 2015
Date Night with Vue Cinema | QueenBeady

I don’t know about you, but every now & then I like to have my husband all to myself. No dogs, no friends & no in-laws in tow. Thanks to Vue Cinema who kindly gifted us some tickets to watch a film of our choice I was going to get that night with my husband (oh, and maybe Liam Neeson too?)

In true cinema style we headed to Frankie & Benny’s to fill our tummy’s with some scrumptious food beforehand. It’s something of a ritual that we must go to one of those big food chains and pig out on as much food as you can so you can then sit in a food coma during the film.On arrival it was a little busy so I ordered my favuourite cocktail, a ”Woo Woo.” It had to be one of the best versions that I have ever tried, full points to F&B’s for an awesome cocktail & James had a Stella to clear away the cobwebs. After being seated in our little booth Icouldn’t help but find myself singing/humming along to the American Italian music that was filling the air. The atmosphere at Frankie & Benny’s is second to none, especially when the Birthday Boy or Girl has to stand on the chair and have a resounding chorus of ”Happy Birthday” sang to them.

As I perused the menu I just could not decide what to have, everything sounded too tasty! I finally decided upon Garlic & Cheese mushrooms for my starter & the New Jersey Chicken for my main course. Both of which were spot on. The New Jersey Chicken isa whole fresh chicken breast topped with crispy bacon and pulled pork, smothered in their famous BBQ and jalapeño cheese sauces. Served with spicy onion rings, corn on the cob, coleslaw & fries. James had the meatball starter & the Black Pepper Mayo burger, which he struggled with mainly because of the bread but he said it was delicious all the same! Service was a little slow but it was a Saturday night & truth be told we were happy just taking our time as we were a little early for the film. So of course desert was needed & we opted for the decadent Peanut Butter Cheesecake with peanut butter ice-cream. I am sure some of you saw the photos on Instagram & it really did taste as good as it looked. Thankfully Mr C & I shared as it was a masterpiece but very sweet!

Now, Mr C & I bickered all day about what film to go see. He wanted to see Taken 3 & I wanted to see Theory of Everything. Of course, he bloody won but on the contraire he picked up the tab at F&B’s so I will let him have this one, this time! And you know what, I’m pretty glad we did go see it as it was so fast paced & action packed I did not want to move my eyes from the screen. For those who don’t know what Taken 3 is all about have a little read here! After being assigned seats closer to the back (I didn’t know you couldn’t sit where you liked anymore with Vue. This was a bit of a pooper as it felt like everyone was sat on each others knee’s!) I got comfy in my corner & then I slowly gauged my way through a large popcorn, which is a must when you go to the cinema right? The thrill of the film was just too much to bear, (spoiler alert coming!) was Liam Neeson going to catch who killed his ex-wife? Who was going to get there ass royally kicked next? You just didn’t know. Even though it was a later screening it was jam-packed with Taken die-hard fans who ”Oh’ed” & gasped in the right places.

It was pretty late when we got out of the cinema & terribly icy, after a debate of whether or not we should meet some friends at the pub we decided against it & headed home. We’d had a lovely evening & it was time to get in our PJ’s and get ready for a nice, lazy Sunday!

Have you been to the Cinema recently? What did you go see? Let me know your suggestions for next time!

Rebecca xxx

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January 23, 2015
Be the Boss | QueenBeady

Do you ever have those moments where you just sit there & think “boy, I love my life” kinda times? I seem to going through one of those phases & I so desperately hope that it doesn’t end any time soon.

I spent a lot of time wallowing in self-pity after the wedding last year. I comfort ate, I never exercised so I just ballooned in weight. All that hard work for the wedding was in tatters. Sadly, I’m one of those types of people who never stick anything out. You know the type, the ones who jump on a bandwagon do it twice, maybe three times & then become bored so just give up. Whatever it was becomes a distant memory.

I’ve been determined to keep being positive in 2015. It was one of those so-called “resolutions” that we all make on New Years. So far, so good. Okay, I’m not immune to an odd moan from time to time but generally I feel it am a happier person.

So, what’s making you keep to your promise I hear you all ask? Well I will tell you if you really are keen to know.

At 25 I still haven’t passed my driving test. I am a sad, sorry state of affairs that relies on public transport (sob!) or the taxi of Mr C. Whilst it’s great to be driven around like a lady of leisure I most certainly don’t feel like one. So, after the kind donation of my Nana’s salmon pink corsa (she’s called Mavis don’t you know, so for the purposes of this post you will know who, sorry, what I am referring to!) So, on Sunday Mavis got her first test drive on the open road. No, not just on private land, an actual road with other passing cars tooting along next to me. I can’t tell you how wonderfully frightening it was but I got the taste of freedom (albeit Mr C was in the passenger seat keeping a mindful eye on matters.) I can’t believe, in fact, I hate to believe that I have gone so many years without driving. So, it is now my duty to make sure I pass my test this year & be my person without having to to rely on terrible timetables or my husbands schedule.

Secondly, we
have finally joined a gym. For a mere £25 a month I can swim and gym to my heart’s content. And it’s not just me doing it, Mr C is coming along for the ride too (hey, you see what I did there right?) After being told by the doctors that in order for his back to get better he must swim & gym up to three times a week. Whilst he drives me nuts with his “Come on get a jog on” comments and the “you go first & I will follow” orders, secretly I am super happy that he’s joining me. It means we can both get fit together & it gets us out of the house too. In the meantime I am dropping the lbs (or at least I hope I am!) to a newer, slimmer & more toned me. I can’t wait to see my results in the next few weeks!

Thirdly, I’m just enjoying life. The things I previously disliked would not have even been sniffed at, but now I am learning to just accept things. Those who know me or know of my rambling “about me” I proclaim to dislike cats. Well, for Xmas the father in law bought mother in law a kitty cat much to her delight (& to my horror!) after weeks of squirming when it came near me or tried to touch me I decided to finally pluck up the courage to stroke her. And in return I got a nice little lick on my finger and then a playful claw to it. I exclaimed “You little shit!” I smiled and it actually hugged my arm. According to my mother in law I’m the only person she comes to. So maybe this cat-hating devil lady (yes, that is me) may have thawed over & decided that she may have a little hole in her life that can be filled with some kitty love….

Life is kinda funny right? I have read some truly beautiful posts recently from Megan at Wonderful–You and it made my heart bleed, but all the same empowering. Accepting things in life sounds like a cowards way out but in truth, it’s accepting it & how we deal with circumstances that slowly makes us a better person. I’ve finally come to realise that. I’m a twenty-five year old woman (yes, a woman) and try as I might I have carved my own little life for myself, there is no point trying to change things drastically. Just be a better person, doing things that make you happy with you & who you actually are! I’m finally taking back some of my self-worth & I’m on that path to ”Be the Boss” of my happiness.

Rebecca xxx

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January 20, 2015
Framing Memories | QueenBeady

If there is one thing that makes me super happy, it’s reminiscing back to six months ago on our very special wedding day. I’ve rambled from start to finish & then some more about our imperfectly perfect day back in June 2014. I’m terrible, but I still haven’t had my dress boxed & dry cleaned which is at the top of my to-do list this year. I want to cherish that dress with my life. It holds so many magical moments in the delicate lace. I had a vision that I would also dry my flowers, or at least some of the gypsophila (baby’s breath to you & I!) to hang in a beautiful, vintage style frame. I knew exactly what I wanted. So when I browsed The Other Duckling I found the most perfect thing. After watching one of Zoella’s old youtube videos a while back she had something similar that I just knew I had to have. This gorgeous Memory Frame retails at £12.95 & it really is perfect for framing my dried gypsophila. In an amongst the website there were some beautiful vintage pieces that were perfect for any home finishing touches! I’m creating something of a montage on our living room wall which, when I have my fabulous Thomas Kent Wall Clock & a commissioned Amsterdam piece from Sian Lewis Original City Artwork all framed & amongst other bits and pieces I will be sure to share it with you. I’m all about making our home a home now the wedding is over & I could not be more excited!

Rebecca xxx

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January 6, 2015