Book Review: The Break Down

A few months ago I read the novel Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris and loved with. So, for my birthday Megan bought me the newest novel by B.A. Paris called The Break Down. I’ve finally had the chance to read it and I will say, it didn’t disappoint. 

After Cass’s mum died young, after being diagnosed with Early On-Set Dementia at 44, she was finally getting her life back together. She got herself a teaching job, married a wonderful man and everything started was perfect. Until, she began to forget things, appointments she had made and things to do. On a summer night the murder of a woman close to their home started to spook her, this is when things take a turn for the worse. 

I loved this book, this may seem weird but I actually was so interested in it, it gave me the shakes. It was brilliant, I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again and again, B.A. Paris is an outstanding author! She literally just knows what the reader wants from a thriller. I loved it so much that I know I’ll re-read this book.

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

What’s In My Carry On

Travelling isn’t easy at all and I like to know I’m organised and prepared for my trip. However, this time I headed on my adventure alone, without my parents or Matt to care for me so I was extra organised this time. I decided to go ahead and pack check a suitcase in and take a carry on since I was on a long-haul flight and I had a layover in Madrid for 2 and a half hours. I wanted to make sure that I packed everything that I needed to keep me entertained throughout the flight and even when I make it to Spain. 

Firstly, the most important thing to pack is my passport. It would be pretty foolish to get to the airport without my passport wouldn’t it? I like to carry it in a small bag on my waist whilst making it around the airport but when I’m on the flight it’s packed away in my case for the duration of the flight and then removed when needed. This is usually with all the documents I’m going to need which include my visa (as I’m on a different visa than a travel visa) and insurance documents. I’ll also include any valuables in this so my phone and money with my purse. Since I am stopping in spain I took a small amount of euro’s to grab some food whilst in Spain and and USD for when I arrived in New York. 

Next is my entertainment for the flight. I always like to take a book as I’m an avid reader but this time I wanted to take a colouring book and colouring pencils as I’m likely to use the colouring book at different stages throughout my trip. I didn’t want to over pack so these are the only things I took for the flight and I’ll also have movies on the flight to New York from Madrid. I’ll definitely have lots to do! 

I packed a few toiletries in these small toiletry bag just to freshen myself up throughout the flight. There are so many germs on airplanes and being in such a small place for so long can really make you feel a little dirty and just a bit gross. To make me feel a little better I paced a toothbrush and toothpaste, I was originally going to bring chewing gum with me but I thought that it would be best to bring toothpaste and toothbrush that I can use again whilst I’m away and will save space (not a lot but some) in my case.  I added a deodorant as well because nobody wants to sit by someone who smells do they.  

I didn’t bother wearing any makeup whilst I flew because I just didn’t see the point in it really but it’s still nice to feel a bit brighter. To do this I took some skin care products, I really wanted to make sure I had some hydrating mist with me because I just find that it sinks into my skin and just makes me feel more awake. I packed some wipes and hand sanitiser because you just don’t know when you’re going to need these. Whenever I fly I find that my skin becomes really dry and needs a little bit of loving so I added some hydrating moisturiser that will help to make me feel and look more awake when I arrive. 

I then packed a few other personal items. I do take prescription medicines so I made sure had all of my medicine with me just in case my other suitcase goes missing. On that note, I packed extra underwear because you just don’t know what’s going to happen do you? I made sure to pack my glasses and sunglasses for the same reason and any chargers I need. 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Beauty Wish List

In one month I’ll be flying out to New York for the whole summer and whilst I’m there I will definitely want to buy a few new makeup bits. I’ve had my eye on a few things that I would like to purchase whilst in the States and I thought I would share with you guys what I’m thinking of purchasing when I’m out there. 

Colourpop have become a world known brand and it’s near impossible to get delivered to the UK since the international delivery is so expensive. I’m super interested in purchasing some of the Colourpop single eyeshadows and some of the Colourpop liquid lipsticks and ultra satin lipsticks, especially the shade ‘November’ which is in collaboration with Kathleen Lights. 

So many people have been raving about the Sonia Kashak Soft Focus Satin Matte Foundation and I can’t wait to pick it up and test it out for myself. I love a good Matte foundation and it’s apparently supposed to be really full coverage, so definitely looking forward to getting myself this foundation. 

Tarte has been killing it with their new releases, but mostly I am so excited to get myself the Tarte Shapetape Concealer since so many claims say how amazing it is. I would also really like to pick up one of the Tarte eyeshadow palettes as I’ve heard people say how pigmented and bendable they are. 

When I visited Spain last year with Matt I went into the Sephora but regretted never purchasing any of their brushes. I especially can’t wait to purchase some of the face brushes. I would also like to get some of the Sephora Collection face masks, especially the 

A few other items that I would like to purchase are: 

• Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer 
• Wet & Wild mascaras. 
• Jordanna Lipsticks 

Perhaps I’ll even get the chance to pick up a few things that I’ve not heard of before. I’ll definitely be on the look out. Give me some recommendations in the comments on what you guys think I should definitely get. 

Social media: 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram:_bbbbethan 

Use my discount code bethdavies20 for 20% off at www.coconut-lane.com

With love, B x 

Book Review: Two By Two

I’m a sucker for a Nicholas Sparks book, I just can’t help myself. I always anticipate his newest books and I’m not ashamed to say that I find them so enjoyable and such lovely reads. He recently published a new novel called Two By Two and I actually listened to this through an audio book rather than actually reading it which was so different for me. 

At 32 Russell had the perfect life, a beautiful wife, Vivian and a fun loving 5 year old daughter, London. With his career booming and his family at it’s peak makes his life as perfect as ever. Until life comes along and changes everything he has ever known. Russel describes the problems he had facing his divorce to Vivian, his loss of job and the new venture with his business, which isn’t going well at all. 

I will admit, this isn’t the best book I have ever read (or listened to) by Nicholas Sparks but it wasn’t my least favourite. It started off slow within the first 5 chapters but eventually I begun to really enjoy the story and relationship between Russell and his daughter London. The story is very real and perfectly describes the issues couples and families face throughout their lives. It also focuses on Russell’s life as a single, newly divorced parent and how his life changed to create a comfortable and happy life for himself and his daughter. It was a lovely read, occasionally a little bland but something I could see myself reading again since it was so easy to follow, as are almost all of his books. 

Social media: 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Summer Makeup Look

Summer is here! I love doing seasons makeup looks for you guys and now the time has come for my summer makeup look. 

During summer I love a very natural, bronzed look. I don’t use a lot of blushes or highlight at all either. Everything is very soft and neutral which I love for this time of year. 

I never want to feel like I’m wearing loads of makeup when I’m in the heat. I find that it melts off my face and makes me feel more hot and sweaty than I feel necessary. I hope you like this look, enjoy!

Base: 

Firstly, I started with the Revlon ColourStay Foundation and mixed it with the Stilla Aqua glow perfecting bronzer. I did this to darken the foundation because it was too light for me. 

For concealer I used the Maybelline Fit Me for any blemishes and then the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer under my eyes to highlight.  Then I set all of this using the Maybelline Super Stay power but only in the places I’ve concealed so I still have that nice glow coming through. 

I used only one palette for the rest of my base, the Tanya Burr Rosy Cheek Palette. I bronzed my forehead, cheeks and under my jaw line with this bronzer and added more than usual to look extra summery and tan. I lightly put the blush from the palette on the apples of my cheek (very light, it’s super pigmented) and then dusted the highlight on the high points of my face. I used my beauty sponge to buff everything out and look flawless. 

For eyes I only used the bronzer shade from the Tanya Burr palette. I started in the crease and then dusted it all over my lid. I used the highlight for my inner corner and finished with the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.

For my brows I went in with the BBrowbar eyebrow pencil in Indian Chocolate and only filled in the areas that needed doing. 

Lips: 

I lined my lips with the L’Oreal lip pencil in 302 and buffed it out with fingers. I then filled in my lips with the YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in 218. 

There you have it! My finished look. I hope you enjoyed. Check out my social media: 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

20 Summer Blog Post Ideas

Summer is here and some of you guys may be struggling with what posts to publish throughout the season and how to make your blog summer ready. So, here are 20 blog post ideas for you guys. 

1- Create and share a summer inspired hairstyle.

2- Share your summer goals.

3- Show us some of your summer pictures.

4- Favourite things about summer.

5- Summer beauty hacks.

6- Tell us about some old summer stories.

7- Explain what has changed about you since summer 2016 to now.

8- A summer outfit.

9- A summer makeup look.

10- Your favourite skincare for summer.

11- Garden Party Decor

12- How you prepare for the upcoming academic year.

13- A day in the life.

14- A recipe.

15- DIY Ice Cream or Ice Lollies.

16- A photo a day.

17- Summer cocktail recipes.

18- How do you keep healthy and fit during the summer.

19- Travel guide from your trips.

20- Favourite summer scents.

Share this post to give other bloggers ideas of what the post this summer. 

With love, Beth x 

Favourite Films of 2017.. So Far

I won’t lie to you but I don’t watch many films at all I’m more of a TV series type of girl, simply because I grow so attached to the characters. However, this year (so far) I’ve seen a few decent ones that I thought deserved mentioning. I don’t ever really go to the cinema as the one in Aberystwyth is an a small, 1 screen cinema which only shows 1 movie a day (sometimes 2) at 7:30pm. In fact, it’s so old fashioned it does intervals during the adverts. Whenever I go there I feel like I’m in the 50s! 

The movies I have picked may not have necessarily been released in 2017 but they are definitely ones that I have recently seen and thoroughly enjoyed.

I’ll start this post with Logan, the 4th movie in the Wolverine franchise. I’ve been a fan of X-Men and Wolverine for as long as I can remember and I think I’ll always love them. I went ahead with my brothers to watch Logan when it was first released and I loved it but I was totally heartbroken to know it’s the last movie Hugh Jackman will ever do as Logan. He was incredible and he done the franchise so much justice with the way he acted was just outstanding. The story couldn’t have ended any better and I love that the writers have left the opportunity for a follow through with his daughter’s story (sorry for the spoiler).

Next is Hidden Figures which I’ve actually already done a review on. It was breath taking and the story truly brings so much knowledge and information to the world. It’s an outstanding story based on 3 black women who worked for NASA throughout the difficult times in 1960’s. It’s the type of movie I want the next generation to be aware of, the story isn’t just a story. It’s real life, it happened and it changed the way we see the world today.

Nerve (has now been put on Netflix) is in a totally different genre to the other two movies but it was excellent. So good that it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole time I was watching it. It stars Dave Franco and Emma Roberts who are players in the game Nerve. Nerve is a game that asks them to do different (not always legal or safe) activities throughout the evening to win.  It’s definitely a thriller and I couldn’t help being scared for the characters even though I knew it was a movie, I felt like it was real.

Eye in the Sky is a fantastic tribute to Alan Rickman that brings to life a the story of a military mission in Kenya. It describes the difficulties that are faced and the decisions that are to be made to capture one of the most wanted women in the world. It was so inspirational to watch and made me realise how lucky I am to be isolated from the horrible things that happen in this world. Also how fortunate I am to live in a much safer place. I couldn’t stop crying at this film and I would recommend to everybody if you love an action film.

Now, how can I not incredible the wonderful Beauty and the Beast? It was outstanding. The magic was literally brought to life and it felt so real. Emma Watson was a wonderful choice for Belle, she was beautiful. I loved this movie more than any of the recent Disney remakes (hated Cinderella).

I’ve been a huge fan of the Fast and Furious franchise for as long as I can remember. I’ve loved every film and find them so enjoyable and always have. With that in mind, The Fate of the Furious was no different. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t my absolute favourite out of them all but it’s definitely up there for action scenes. It was totally different watching it and not having Paul Walker show up did put a little downer on it, but it’s still a fantastic movie. 

Finally, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2! Admittedly, I preferred the soundtrack in Vol. 1 but I actually preferred the story in the second. It’s such an easy watch, the characters are fantastic, the comedy and action are brilliant and the overall film is just wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed, how could I not? Chris Pratt is gorgeous!

There we have my favourite movies that I’ve seen in 2017! Recommend me some of yours and I’ll give them a watch. In the meantime, check out my social media:

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Clothing Clear Out

During the easter break I thought it would be the best time to start digging through my clothes and making decisions on what’s best to give to charity and pack up for the change of seasons. 

If I’m totally honest, I hate this part of the year. It’s ridiculous how much  clothing I keep based on how much they cost me and I barely bloody wear them. I’ve been looking through my clothes and I realised several things 1. How fortunate and grateful I am to own so many pieces of clothing. 2. How much I wish I hadn’t bought due to lack of wear in them and wishes I had donated the money to charity instead or saved it. 3. How I am so boring and I stick to the same clothes all the time and never experiment enough. 

With that in mind, I’ve had a look through my cupboards and wardrobe and packed up my winter clothes ready to go home to my parents. I had a look through and threw away my old coats that I no longer wear, jeans that don’t give or look awful and tshirts that are discoloured, ruined and old.

I then went ahead and looked at the rest of my clothes and realised I own far too many pairs of pyjamas and they’re totally unnecessary. Some I’ve owned since I was a teenager and my goodnes aren’t they old so I went ahead and threw them away too. I did make a pile just for the charity and generally I only donated shoes because the rest of my clothes that I no longer wanted really wasn’t in a suitable condition to give away. 

After doing this it made me feel so much lighter mentally. A clear out really helps to declutter your room but also to declutter your thoughts. I never realised how rewarding it to donate to charity either, there are so many people who aren’t able to go out and buy expensive things so it’s nice to know that my items are going to go a good person and someone who is deserving and grateful of these items. 

 I’m really glad that I’ve done this clear out and I urge you all to go ahead and do it too. Check out my social media: 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Summer Skin Care

For the summer I generally like to keep my skin care routine very basic and simple. I find my skin becomes more oily within the summer months and I don’t want to add to this by applying loads of products to my skin.

Without fail I’ll wash my face with a cleanser both morning and night. I make sure I give a thorough wash and make sure the cleanser also goes down my neck as I do apply makeup there. My favourite cleanser is The Body Shop Tea Tree cleanser. I have been using this for months now and I swear by it.

After cleansing I’ll use a moisturiser. I do this to make my skin more hydrated, feel softer and prepared for any makeup application. I have a few which I love, the First Aid Beauty moisturiser is fantastic, as well as the Simple Moisturiser and Bliss Moisturisers. They all are excellent.

Next, I like to ensure I have SPF on at all times. Regardless of whether I’m in the sun for long. It’s incredibly important to maintain your skins health. So whether you apply sun cream directly to your face or have it in a primer or foundation. You should always be wearing this.  Whenever I buy new products especially in the summer I like to make sure there is SPF in it.

I also like to exfoliate once a week. I have very sensitive skin and exfoliating more than once a week is never a good idea for me. My skin feels worse off if I do it more than once a week. My favourite exfoliant is The Body Shop Seaweed exfoliant. It really helps to remove excess dirt and replenish my skin. It doesn’t damage my skin at all and helps to matify my skin.

I do like to use a face mask at least once a week. Although most say it’s recommended for 2-3 times a week I simply feel no need. My favourite mask is the Garnier Moisture Bomb Mask. It’s incredibly hydrating and I’ll probably use this maybe once a fortnight to help boost my skin.

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

With love, Beth x