What Am I Thankful For?

Blogmas day 24! It’s Christmas Eve and I just can’t believe how we have gotten here so quickly. This time of year is beautiful, it really does allow you to think of all the things you’re grateful for and how appreciative you are of life.

This year, I’m so thankful for change. Some people are afraid of change and I know I was as well, but this year, I embraced it. I graduated from my first degree, started my second in a new town, new university and begun creating a new life for myself. I’ve met some incredible people and I’ve had the best first semester ever. I threw myself in the deep end and started to experience the uni life I never really had in Aberystwyth.

With that in mind, I’m grateful for my grandmother. This year she’s had all sorts thrown at her and she has fought her way through it all. Taken it all in her stride and not let it get her down. Each day I realise that she’s the reason I’m working so hard to better myself. She’s a real inspiration and someone I’m so incredibly grateful to have in my life.

My niece and nephew are growing up so quickly, Gracie recently turned 7 and Ethan is due to turn 2 next month. It’s so amazing to have the honour of watching these little ones grow and develop into the most wonderful children ever. They’re experiencing childhood to the full and have the most amazing people in their lives to help them achieve whatever they want. They’re beautiful and I love them so much!

However this year, I’m most thankful for my mum. We haven’t always had the best bond, we haven’t always been close. To be honest, we’ve fought and battled with each other for years. Until this year, I experienced my first heartbreak and my mum was my absolute rock through it all. I was devastated and she helped me through everything. Something I never thought I would ever see her do. I do think she’s finally realised that I’m an adult now and she hadn’t been able to let me go for so long. But now she has, we’re closer than ever. I couldn’t imagine my mum not being in my life even when she’s being the biggest pain in the ass. This year I am so grateful to have had her help me and guide me through everything I’ve needed her for.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

10 Benefits of Exercising

I recently started to take exercising more seriously and don’t get me wrong, I’m no expert at all. Although that doesn’t mean I haven’t become aware of the perks of exercising whilst doing it, my body has been changing but not only that, my mental health. Whether it’s my shape, my skin or my mind, I’m finding that there are so many benefits from exercising and it’s encouraged me to do it more. 

It has so many benefits, most of which I never knew or understood for a long time. In fact, the thought of exercise used to give me major lazy-bones syndrome. I hated everything to do with exercise for so long and when I eventually started taking my weight loss seriously I just knew that I wanted to increase my chances of loss and changing my body shape by adding exercise to my plan. 

Exercise is different for everybody and people change in accordance to their mind and body. These are the things I’ve noticed that have happened since I’ve started taking exercise more seriously but I would love for you to share with me your feelings on exercise! 

I used to exercise religiously, in fact it probably wasn’t at all healthy. However,after minimising the amount I exercise and finding a balance between what makes me happy, I have noticed the benefits that come from exercising. So, what benefits have I noticed from exercising? Continue reading to find out. 

1. I do struggle with acne and I always have but I’ve found since exercising my skin has become so much more clear. Perhaps this is the amount of water I’m now drinking, the healthy balanced diet and exercise combined. Whatever it is, it’s working and I’m very happy! 

2. Exercise boosts your endophines, meaning that you’ll become less stressed, anxious, angry and confused. 

3. You’ll feel more confident seeing changes to your body. You’ll try on your old clothes and start feeling more yourself again enjoy the skin you’re in. 

4. Eating healthy and exercising can decrease your chances of being unwell and having to fight those nasty winter colds. As well as improving your blood pressure.

5.  Your balance will improve along with your flexibility! I really encourage yoga for balance and flexibility, it’s a great workout and I’ve found my body has become more flexible in just the few months that I’ve been practicing. 

6. Improves your sleeping pattern. I sleep so much better than ever! Getting between 8-10 hours a night. 

7. You will have picked up a new hobby so instead of spending your time doing nothing whilst sat at home, head out and exercise. It passes the time away and makes you feel good. 

8. It’s mentally stimulating which helps productivity throughout the day. For me, if I’ve got an essay to write or reading to do I’ll always start my day off with a workout to aid my energy levels. 

9. Your lung capacity will improve and you’ll find yourself with better stamina. At the beginning I noticed this change and you will too, eventually you’ll be doing certain exercises like jogging better with your ability to control your breathing through the session. 

10. Exercise gives you a better outlook on life, it helps with your mental health drastically and can seriously reduce depression and anxiety. Along with that you can decrease your chances of having diabetes, heart problems as well as a strokes by up to 50%. 

Before my masters degree I wasn’t ever keen on exercising, I didn’t know what I was doing and I couldn’t control my breathing correctly. With time you’ll adjust and you’ll learn how to successfully control your breathing, for me, yoga did this. I practiced yoga before starting the gym and it really helped me to learn how to control my breathing when in poses and sessions that are hard.  Don’t get me wrong, I do struggle to find the time for it as I’ve gotten busier these past few weeks, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t like to exercise. In fact, I enjoy it more!

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

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 

My Flatmates Are Cool

In September 2016 I moved into a new flat with some of my very best friends, Macaulay, Naomi and James and now it is coming to an end, I’ve realised how fantastic my flatmates really are. So, I thought I would share exactly why they’re so brilliant. 

A little insight into my friends and how we met.. Macaulay and I met almost 4 years ago during a 6 week summer university taster in Aberystwyth (where we now live) and we’ve been best friends ever since. When Macaulay moved to Aberystwyth in 2015 he moved into a flat with James and Naomi, as well as Matthew my boyfriend. Across the year I became really good friends with all of Macaulay’s flatmates and when the time came we decided that we would live together and I’m super happy we made the decision too. I really appreciate having flatmates who are my friends and who make me feel so comfortable in the place that I live. They’ve made this year so much easier and have helped to make my final year of university the best I have ever had. So, I thought I would share with you guys a few little reasons to why they are the coolest and some of my most favourite people. 

1- They are always there for me when I have been stressed, overwhelmed with university and on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. My anxiety can sometimes get the best of me and panic attacks occur, this is when these guys are running into my room to cuddle me and make me feel so much better. This is the reason I love them, because of their constant support. 

2- They love my boyfriend just as much as I do.. sometimes I wondering if they love him more than me though. 

3- They super chill. Literally all the time, sometimes after a few hours of not hearing any of them I start to wonder whether they’re still alive. They are forever so calm and understanding of everything and they don’t kick up a fuss over a bit of mess. It’s the best. 

4- They’re always ready for a takeaway. Our most asked question in the group chat is ‘fancy a takeaway?’ and we always say yes. That way when I fancy a takeaway but don’t want to feel guilty, they do it too and I feel better. They take one for the team. 

5- James and I have this odd banter when we shout and swear at each other just because… But it doesn’t change the fact that he’s one of my very best friends and I love him a lot. However, I really do like walking into a room and shouting at him for fun. It’s amusing. 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Reading List

I live for books.. literally live for them. I love nothing more than settling into bed with the smell of a new book lingering. Recently I’ve been looking for new books that I can’t wait to get my hands on and I thought I would share with you guys what books I hope to get soon.. or later. 

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 

My Not So Perfect Left by Sophie Kinsella 

Bossypants by Tina Fey 

Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Girls, and Everything in Between by Lauren Graham 

Two By Two By Nicholas Sparks 

A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard 

Paris for One and Other Stories by JoJo Moyes 

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella 

Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven 

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness 

Let me know some of your book recommendations and in the meantime, take a look at my social media: 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

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

With love, Beth x 

10 Reasons Why I’m Grateful For My Best Friend

Over the 20 years I’ve been living I’ve definitely had my fair share of friends and the term ‘best friend’ is thrown around so often I’m always concerned to whether it’s actually true. Since being at university I’ve definitely made separate friends to the ones I have at home. Not that my friends at home are any less my best friends but I’ve made friends-for-life in the people I’ve become friends with at uni. I’ve got the best group of friends who I definitely consider my best friends but one in particular really does make a difference to my life. Megan and I met as she was a flatmate of my friend Macaulay, as was Matt. Over the year I’ve known Megan we really have formed a lifelong friendship and I’m super grateful for all the times she listens to my rants and cuddles me when I cry. She’s an absolute star so I thought I would share with you guys 10 reasons why I’m grateful for Megan. 

1: The constant support

Megan makes it so easy to be friends with her because of her constant support. Through every achievement Megan is either at the end of the phone ready to scream with excitement or she’s with me jumping around with happiness. Whether it’s a good time or bad time, Megan is available with support and love knowing full well it’s what I need. 

2: Her honesty

As a person I am always honest with everybody and to find a friend who also does the same with me is something I am so grateful for. I know if I go to Megan with a problem and ask her if I’m in the wrong, she’ll tell me if I am and she’ll also tell me if I’m not. She’s so honest with me down to whether I look chunky in a dress. She’s so honest and truthful, her candid is something I admire her most for. 

3: Singing in the car

Karaoke in the car is my most favourite thing about being Meg’s friend. Without fail we get into the car and we know exactly what songs we’re going to sing to with no embarrassment of who hears us.  I love having a friend who I can be myself with and singing badly to  pop songs is definitely something I enjoy doing. 

4: She reads every single blog post 

As I said before, Meg is so supportive. She literally reads all of my blog posts and has done since the beginning. In fact Megan was the first person I spoke to about starting a blog and therefore Beth’s Corner wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for her. I love that I know at least 1 person is reading my posts and cares for them as much as Meg does. 

5: She always has my back

I know that Meg will happily defend me in any situation. I don’t like confrontation and it’s rare that I’ll ever defend myself and that’s why I love Meg. Meg is one of the many friends I have who jump to my defense and I am always so thankful for that. Even if I’m in the wrong she’ll still manage to find a reason to why I’m right. 

6: The memories 

Who doesn’t need a friend who will sit on the sofa with you and eat pizza on a Saturday evening? I’m so grateful for every single memory Meg and I have had together. Especially sitting in the kitchen at 9am with Jeremy Kyle on the TV. She’s utterly fantastic and makes every memory worth having. 

7: Her ability to instantly dislike somebody that I dislike 

I love nothing more than sending Meg a screenshot or picture of someone who has done something to annoy me. The screenshots we have from messages we have received is endless, my photos are full of them. Everybody deserves a best friend who will dislike whoever you dislike. 

8: For the advice 

I go to Megan with anything, literally anything. It could be anywhere between serious life advice or what  outfit to wear. Everybody needs are least 1 friend who you can rely on for honest advice and although I have more than just Megan for that. I’m extremely grateful that my best friend is able to do it. 

9: Her friendship with my boyfriend

Megan and Matt are such good friends. Both of my favourite people actually enjoy each others company and we have so many inside jokes ( threesbetween the three of us. In fact we also have our own Facebook messenger group. I always understand that Megan can often have issues defending either of us if we ever have an argument but that’s why I love her. She’ll always think of the situation beyond what it is and see both sides before making any decisions on who is right or wrong. I couldn’t imagine my best friend not liking my boyfriend and i’m so thankful that they actually do.

10: For the compliments

Megan and I have no boundaries, so whether I send her gross photos of me or pretty ones. She literally never fails to give a compliment. If I post a photo on Facebook, normally she’s the first to comment with a compliment. Who doesn’t need that in their life? How could I not be thankful for that?! 

I am so grateful for the friendship I have with Megan and I just know that in years to come when we have our own children they’ll be just as good of friends as we are. 

Social media: 

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

With love, B x 

Concealer Hacks

Concealer was created and sent by the heavenly angles to help make our lives easier. It’s true, concealer has so many purposes and there are so many good concealers out there that aren’t raved about enough enough. So, here I am today sharing my concealer hacks with you guys.

My favourite drug store concealer are:

• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
• Collection Lasting Perfection
• Bourjois Radiance
• L.A Girl Concealer

These 4 concealers just do it for me. They’re bloody great, full coverage and fantastic for highlighting. The Maybelline Fit Me Concealer is excellent for covering blemishes and especially the Bourjois Radiance Concealer is so good for brightening the under eye area.

Hack #1: Lipstick fix.

If you’re like me and applying lipstick perfectly isn’t your strongest point then this is the hack for you. Getting lipstick around the outside of your lips is by far the most annoying thing ever. However, a bit of concealer to tidy it up and you’re good to go. Take a small and thin brush with a small amount of your favourite Concealer, place on the imperfection and lightly blend the Concealer in minding not go touch the lipstick.

Hack #2: Sharp Lines.

A lot of people use tape to create a flawless line for that perfect smokey eye. However, if you don’t fancy using tape or if you haven’t got any then concealer is your best option. I usually do my eye shadow before my base but this hack can be done before or after the base is on. Once you’ve finished your perfect eye look and if you line just isn’t as sharp as you want it, take your small thin brush and a small amount of concealer from the end of your brow to the corner of your eye and blend outwards. Ta-dah! Perfect.

Hack #3: highlight your face.

After applying your foundation take a concealer lighter than your skin tone in a triangle shape under your eye. Blend thoroughly with a brush or beauty Sponge, I often use my fingers to blend too.This will then create the illusion of a natural and pretty highlight to the face. It also covers dark circles perfectly and helps reduce the look of sagging or puffy eyes. 

There we have it, my 3 concealer hacks that can help you create a flawless makeup look.

Social media:

Instagram: _bbbbethan

Twitter: _bbbethan

With love, B x

Don’t Apologise For Being Human

The society we live in makes so many woman and men feel guilty for looking a specific way, for their sexual orientation, for having an illness. It’s ridiculous how much we have to keep hidden in case our way of living offends someone. It’s 2016, so what if two men love each other? That’s their choice, loving someone is natural. There are thousands of people that struggle with mental illnesses and still in 2016 they’re afraid to announce that they have anxiety, depression or bipolar in case someone says they’re attention seeking and making things up. A recent news article showed a 19 year old man saying that women should learn to control their menstral cycle when having a period. What bullshit that is. How have people become so ignorant? These are a list of things you should never, ever apologise for. 

#1: Mental Illness. As someone who struggles with anxiety I know how it feels to have a panic attack and instantly apologise when I’ve recovered. I know I don’t have too but I feel like such an inconvenience to the people around me or that it’s a sign of weakness. You shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are, having panic attacks or anxiety or any type of mental illness isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s strength. Having the strength to get out of bed and face the world when you’re at your lowest is the hardest thing in the world. You’re so strong. Don’t apologise for having emotions and needing to let them out. Don’t ever apologise for needing to rant to someone about something that’s bothered you. Those people that shame mental illness, they’re the ones who need to apologise. 

#2: Sexual Orientation. If you love a man or woman it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t effect anybody. If that man at the bus stop doesn’t like to watch two men hold hands and show each other love and affection, don’t stop to cater to his feelings. You continue to show love to your significant other and say a big fuck you to those people who can’t accept the different sexual orientation. Love is natural and is a normal aspect of human nature. Don’t ever apologise for the need to be loved and wanted. 

#3: Periods. As a female who bleeds for 1 week out of the month I will not apologise for having a function that comes with being human. I was given this body and a period in order to survive. One day I wish to carry a child, without the ability to bleed once a month I’m unlikely If at all able to be a mother. My boyfriend, Matt, is 100% the most supportive person to have when I’m bleeding. He has stuck by my side even when I’ve been bleeding for over a month. That’s what you need in your life. If you have someone telling you that they don’t like you or want you because you have a period, or that you smell or are dirty. You need new people in your life. 

#4: Weight. I’m not the smallest of girls and at 5ft 2 I’m definitely  slightly overweight. So what? That’s my choice. I love my curves. Matt loves my curves. I am who I am and I will never apologise for not being a size 8, 6ft model.  I am 5ft 2 as is my mother. Genetics is a part that determines your general weight and height and I’m okay with that because that’s not something I control. What I do control is having people in my life who can’t love and accept me for who I am and how I look. I love my curves. Every single one. My fat ass don’t care what you’ve got to say, keep your negative and judgemental  opinions to yourself.  

#5: Height. I can’t comprehend why girls think that they can’t be with a boy below 6ft. Apparently they’re ‘too short’. This is bullshit! Is society now telling men that it’s unacceptable to be any height below 6ft because they’re unlovable? There isn’t a rule book that says they aren’t worthy of love because they don’t fit the criteria. I’m 5ft 2, am not sexy enough? Am I too small to be appreciated? No. Absolutely not, it’s ridiculous. Me and my little legs won’t stand for it anymore and neither should you.

#6: Acne. This one really grinds my bones, ugh. Acne is not something that people ask for. Acne can be caused due to so many things and it’s commonly linked with homrmores for both males and females and it can start at ANY age. In fact, 80% of people between 11 to 30 have been affected by acne. No matter how many face scrubs and acne treatment’s people buy, there a slim chance of them removing acne forever. It will come back. I have stress spots that appear quite frequently, just because life is  a pain in the ass. It doesn’t mean that a person is dirty because they have acne and it’s actually a really personal and embarrassing subject for most people. It really upsets me that people think it’s acceptable to point out people’s insecurities and slate them for it, you have no idea of the lasting effects your nasty, vile words do to others. 

        Don’t apologise for being human. 

Social media:

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

Beth x