More than family..

I've been lucky throughout my life you know. I've had loads of family around me growing up. Some of them blood relatives, some of them hand picked and adopted. I suppose those ones are 'friends' really...

But I've been lucky enough to have a blood relative, my cousin- Jordan, who truly fits into both the family category, and the best friends one!

And today, she's 21! Chances are, she won't see this, but in case she does, I just want to say thank you!

Thank you for being my cousin. My best friend. My first ever best friend. Thank you for being my role model. Walking to school with me when I was a year 7 not knowing where I was going. Thank you for the memories. The holidays. The nights messing about at the social club when we were little.

Have a fab day gal, you deserve it!

Bethan Rose x

My Main Man

SHIT DAUGHTER ALERT! I'm on holiday and not in the country for fathers day! My Dad was gutted- right up until I presented him with a 4 pack of Red Stripe and a beer bucket WITH BOTTLE OPENERS ON THE SIDES! OMG! Anyway, he's a lil' dedication to my main guy...

Dad

I wouldn't say I'm a major Daddies girl, but if I were you I wouldn't get between me and my dad. Or offend or upset me in any way. He will threaten you. I've seen him do it... Like most girls, I think my Dad is the best. But that's because its true. He had the patience to teach me to drive, even though i was a bit shit when I first started... He taught me to ride a bike. He takes me to and from work. He shares his bevs. He fixes my car, even though we both think it's kind of a bit of a dead loss.. Basically, he's an all round ledge!

Grandads

I was never lucky enough to know my Grandad off of my Mom's side. There was a bit of a family fued between him and the rest of the Hoppos, and he died when I was very young.

Grandad Pez however, was my No.1. He was Welsh and barely left the house without wearing some form of garish printed/Hawaiian style shirt. I thought they were a bit cringey at the time, but looking back they were what made him him. Never without a beer in his hand, my Grandad used to play for hours with us in the garden when we were younger. His veggie patch was the best I've ever seen, even though he used to get annoyed when we'd eat the pea pods straight off of the plant! Although he's been dead for more than my life he was alive, he is still by far one of my favourite humans!

Uncles

I've got 6 Uncles. Mick, Chris, John n Dave. Non of them enjoy a photo, so unfortunately you're not getting a piccy... I'm on holiday with Mick at the minute. As much as I love the guy, he winds me up so much! Just like Mick, John is also my God Father! He's crackin'- apart from after a few bevvies when the singing starts... I don't see much of the other 2 anymore... Chris lived with us for a bit, but now he lives back in Liverpool. And Dave? Yeah, Dave lives in Hong Kong. Only see him one every few years, when he comes baring me new Make-up brushes! Although I don't see them all that much, I know they've still got my backs!

My Main Men

Ok, so not all of these I'd class a father figures. But my Dad's best mate Gaz, he's been my Dad No.2 for years... And Uncle Paul, Laz and Uncle Jase, I know they've definatley got my back. As for Chico, well, hedć have my back if anyone ever dared to get near him- normally the volume of him deafens people before they get too close! I love them all dearly, and I'm so lucky to have such a great/big extended family! I wouldn't swap 'em for the World!

I know not everyone is as lucky as me to have such a good bond with their dad as I do, or even to have as big of a group of 'geezers' supporting them, but these guys- they mean the world. I definitely couldn't wish for a better dad!

Bethan Rose x

There's never enough knit...

So, what else have I been up to since finishing second year? Lounging around all day watching Come Dine with Me? Chilling with friends? Sleeping away the never ending exhaustion of student life?

No- I've been getting a little bit of work experience!

Janie Knitted Textiles is a small knit company based in Welbeck, Nottinghamshire.And a few weeks ago I spent a few days over a few weeks working alongside them! 

Ran by the brilliant Jane Whithers and Micheal Hanmer, they specialise in making stunning interior products, including the most fabulous knitted lampshades. They also have a gorgeous range of cushions, bags, hot water bottles, and many more- but the lampshades are by far my favourite!

We even got to have a go at making one of our own!

In just four days, I learnt so much about what it takes to run a small business- from trade shows to product promotion, from the small 'boring' jobs that make the business run, to the final packaging and delivering of a product. I'm honestly so grateful for the time I got to spend with them! And still oh so jealous of their fab lampshades!!

Bethan Rose x

London's Calling...

London is one of my favourite cities. It's home to my first proper job. It's where I've been to concerts, museums and art galleries. I've got friends who live there. Friends who study there. It's a great city, where I've made many great memories! And so this week, I was glad to be returning for another sneaky exhibition trip!

The Balenciaga exhibition at the V&A was where we were heading! First of all it was so nice to be reunited with some of my uni gals after over a month, and whilst coach breakdowns and road closures lead to a five and a half hour travel down from Derby, it was good to have a good catch up!

Once we finally arrived in London, the V&A was the main port of call! I have to admit- it is my all time favourite gallery/museum! But we were there mainly to see the Balenciaga exhibition!

I have to admit, I didn't think I knew who Balenciaga was, but it turns out I do! Once I'd seen some of his stunning fashion pieces, I knew exactly who he is! And it turns out he was a very talented designer!

After the exhibiton, we had a wonder around the rest of the museum.. I won't bore you with the "inspiration I gathered for uni", so instead here's an amusing photo of me n Claud with a very large statue with a very small you-know-what!

A 4 hour coach journey home and a Chinese finished off a fab day!

Before I go, I just want to mention the 2nd terror in 2 weeks, hitting London Bridge on Saturday. My thoughts go out to all those involved, all those who's lives have been changed by the events. I stand by what I said last week. Terrorism is a selfish act, one of which we shouldn't be fearful off. We must stand together, as a Nation. Never let them win.

Bethan Rose x