Favourite Books of 2017

Happy blogmas day 20!

2017 is finishing and I’ve read a lot of books this year. Truthfully, I do like to try and review every single book I read but honestly, I don’t always get the chance or simply, I don’t do it. I don’t review every single book because well 1. They might be rubbish and so bad that I don’t care to review them. 2. Life gets in the way and University is a priority so instead of uploading a review I might just upload a post that’s been in my drafts for a while (lazy yes, practical yes). This year I have read my fair share of books, just like I do every year so I have carefully gathered my 8 favourite books of 2017, I hope you enjoy. Fortunately for you, I have written reviews on all of these books so go ahead and click on the links, they’ll take you to where you need to go for the review. 

We Were on a Break – Lindsey Kelk

White Lies and Wishes – Cathy Bramley

The Girl with The Lower Back Tattoo– Amy Schumer

The One We Fell in Love with – Paige Toon

Diary of a Fat Girl – Moira Mugweni

All the Bright Places – Jennifer Niven

The Break Down –  B.A Paris

Harry Potter 1-7 (ignore Order of the Phoenix because that’s crappy) – J.K Rowling

Share with me some of your favourites to add to my 2018 reading collection. 

twitter: @bethdaviesblog

instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Why You Should Read Harry Potter

During the summer I read all 7 Harry Potter books for the first time since I was a child. Even at 21 years old they didn’t fail me, in fact I was so captivated by the story that I was reading them so fast. The minute I picked one up I couldn’t put it down and before long I was half way through the book regretting reading them too fast. 

I honestly believe that everybody should experience reading the Harry Potter books, especially if you were never keen on the movies. The movies and books are similar don’t get me wrong but there is much more of a story in each book. There are things you find out in the books that you’re never told of in the movies. 

Not only that, they’re such fun reads and just brings you straight back to your childhood. For me, I wanted something that I could continue to read across a series and fall in love with the characters. This series just done it for me. Admittedly, I’ve been a big fan of Harry Potter ever since the first movie was realeased. 

It’s fun, imaginative and J.K Rowling created a story that will be forever known and loved by generations of children and adults. 

Twitter: @_bbbethan

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With love, Beth x 

Book Review: Hollow City

Last month I reviewed the debut novel by Ransom Riggs called Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and now this month, I’m reviewing the second novel to this collection called Hollow City. Now, I’ve you have watched the film before reading this book then I will say that this book has nothing to do with the film at all, not even a little bit.

In fact, the film is totally different to the ending of the first novel and all of the second. Admittedly, I’ve not read the third novel but I have every single intention of it since I’m so interested to see what the ending is like for the peculiar children. As I said in my first review, these books are incredibly imaginative and creative. They feel so real that it wouldn’t surprise me if Ransom Riggs had been alive and experienced the second world war himself. It’s written with so much history and life to it that it literally makes you feel like you’re experiencing or have experienced it. When reading this novel I felt even more involved than the first which is probably because they’re travelling through loops and through 1940.

After escaping from the hollows on their little island of wales the peculiar children and Jacob Portman travel to London in hopes of finding a cure for their beloved Miss Peregrine. However, along the way Jacob’s peculiarity begins to form and Jacob is struggling to find his place within the group especially when Enoch makes things so difficult for him. His relationship with Emma is blossoming, but his biggest fear is that he may never be able to save his friends and Miss Peregrine and make his way back to his normal life but that depends on whether he actually wants to go back. The hollows continue to look for them and everybody knows what will happen if they do find them.

This book was even better than the first in my eyes. It was so indepth with the war and the history behind it and whilst reading it I felt that I was reading it from the view of an actual peculiar children. I stated in my first review that the random pictures throughout the book irritated me and this is something that continues, I would much rather than being in a big section throughout the book however I do understand why they are placed where they are. The pictures are incredbile and I think it’s even better that they’re pictures of real life people which makes this book even more worth reading.

If you’re interested in a book with all different genre’s in it then this one is exactly for you! In fact the whole collection will be, remember to read the first novel of this collection first to fully understand the story.

Let me know what you think. Check out my social media:

Twitter: _bbbethan

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

With love,  B 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 

L’Oreal Lumi Magique Primer

So.. I’m aware that I’ve been super delayed on trying this primer. In fact definitely over 6 months delayed if not longer. I was so hesitant about trying this primer because I thought it wasn’t going to be as good as everybody claimed and eventually I gave in and decided to try it for myself. I knew I wouldn’t know whether I did like it or if I didn’t unless I gave it a go. I picked it up last month and I’ve been giving it a fair trial to see whether it’s that good. 

I don’t always wear primers as my foundation generally stays put and if I do wear them it’ll be in my T zone. However, as I’ve been trying this I’ve been applying it across the whole of my face and waiting for it to dry before applying further products. It comes out so white, it’s really brightening and highlighting. In fact it shocked me when I first went to apply it as I thought I’d picked up an unusual looking highlighter. 

To apply I just rub it against my fingers and distribute it across my face by massaging it and gently patting it in. It’s incredibly soft and don’t feel like a drugstore primer at all. It doesn’t need much work at all to blend in and it dries quickly too. However, my favourite thing about this is that it makes my skin feel so cool and soft. Whenever I apply this it always leaves me feeling like I’ve been wearing a sheet mask. It’s incredible for moisture too. 

Do I think that it makes my makeup last longer? Eh, I never really see a difference. Personally I think and actually know I can wear makeup and not apply this primer. I don’t think it makes my makeup last longer at all.

Do I think this makes my makeup look glowy and dewy? Absolutely! I always feel so highlighted and dewy when I wear this under my makeup. It leaves this beautiful glow under the foundation and I always have compliments when I wear this. So then yes, I’ll possible repurchase this for when I really want a glowing and highlighted look. 

Let me know your favourite primers and check out 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 

Makeup Obsession Palette

Back in November I visited a Boots store in Worcester and come across a stand called Makeup Obsession. The brand had a selection of eyeshadows, blushes, contour and highlight shades and I was curious. 

The idea of the brand is to make your own palette with the shades, at the time there was a deal that if you spent £12 on products you would have a medium palette (6 shades) free. So I took advantage and picked up 6 of the eyeshadow shades. This brand was really super affordable. Each eyeshadow was £2 each, contour for £3 each, highlight for £3 each and blush for £3 each. I picked up 6 of the eyeshadow shades and after sampling them on my hand. 

From the first swipe I knew these had made me curious. They were so creamy and the pigmentation was incredible, literally couldn’t get over how amazingly bright the copper shades were and especially how light the highlight shades were. They blend wonderfully and effortlessly, however I do find that I have fall down with them so I’ve gotten myself into the habit of doing my eyeshadow before my base now. 

I picked up the shades Lucky Charm, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cosmo, Mink and Pearl. The idea of this is identical to the Makeup Geek palettes. You insert the products of your choice into a palette and it gives you the option to create your own ideal palette. For me it was easy, I wanted shades that I could create a bold look with as well as a neutral look and at the time I had a huge obsession with red, coppery eyes and I found the most perfect shades in Ginger, Cinnamon and Cosmo. 

The only issues I’ve had with this palette is that they’re quite difficult to get the shadows out of the palette if you want to replace them or change the selection. The shade Lucky Charm in my palette was accidentally thrown across the room and it broke everywhere. Another issue is that they break so bloomin’ easily, the smallest tap and they’ll be destroyed and so will your heart. Otherwise I think they’re brilliant for the money and they’re definitely worth the purchase. 

Let me know your favourite affordable brands, I love testing new products!

Social media: 

Twitter: _bbbethan

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With love, B 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 

Favourite Things About Christmas

Hey, Guys!

Christmas is near and I’ve just finished university for 3 whole weeks, yippee! As a little treat to you guys, for this full week you’ll be getting a new post everyday until Christmas Eve. Be sure to check back here everyday at 1pm for a new blog post. Merry Christmas! 

As you know by now I love Christmas and for my family it’s a busy time of year but it’s the best. There is nothing better than spending the festive period with your loved ones to celebrate. We make such a huge effort at Christmas time and my parents home looks like Santa’s grotto for around 6 weeks (yep, i’m serious it’s that long), the kids love it and I love having the chance to relax and spend time with my friends and family. I thought I’d let you guys know what my favourite things are about Christmas! 

#1 – From around November 1st the Christmas Spirit is in full speed and everybody is preparing for Christmas. I love the upcoming weeks to Christmas when everybody spends their weekends shopping, taking the kids to visit Santa and his reindeer and visiting Winter Wonderland. It’s such a great time and I really enjoy the build up to Christmas. It’s so lovely to walk down the high street and hear people singing Christmas Carols and dancing around the supermarket to Wham!. Nothing is better than seeing my Niece become a big ball of excitement because Santa will be here soon. My Nephew, Ethan is almost 1 year old and this is his first Christmas, I can’t wait to see his little face on Christmas either. 

#2- Christmas films are a brilliant way to get you in the Christmas spirit. I love turning on the TV with a cup of hot chocolate and curl up with a good Christmas film. It’s so relaxing and peaceful to chill out, especially after busy day, with a film and it’s even better to do with your loved ones. Every Christmas eve, my parents, brother and I always like to sit down and watch a film together before the business of Christmas begins. 

#3- My favourite thing is giving people gifts that I know they’ll love and appreciate. I like to buy gifts for my friends and family that I know they’ll love and be so grateful for. I’m not one of those people that needs to receive a present when I’ve given one to someone, I just love giving people that little something to let them know I’m so grateful to have them in my life and appreciate the things they have done to help me through the year.

There you have it, my favourite things about Christmas. What are yours? let me know in the comments. 

I’m always on social media, check them out:

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

With love, B x

My Top Tips for Stress Relief

I’m going to admit it, I struggle with stress massively, so much so that it usually results in a severe panic attack. It’s not fun, it’s difficult to live with and it causes so many issues for me to do things during my life. Anxiety is generally the biggest problem I have and have been experiencing since the beginning of the year.

Each morning I wake up wondering how difficult the day is going to be and its a battle. But it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of ways that people can do to help reduce stress and challenge themselves during stressful times. These are the 5 ways I reduce and prevent symptoms of anxiety and stress.

One: write everything down. This may seem obvious but it works, I write down my daily to-do lists as well as any feelings I experience throughout the day. I write down any anxieties I have and then write next to it whether I can help the situation or if I’m over thinking it and let the situation go it’s own way. I find this so helpful as I become more aware of what I’m in control of and realise that I’m not in control of everything and it helps to settle my nerves.

Two: Stop whatever you’re doing and breathe. Take a deep breath, count to 10 and continue to do so until you feel better. Remember that your feelings aren’t permanent and they will ease. Nothing is set in stone. I find that panic attacks start when I forget to breathe, so I stop for a moment take a deep breath and count to 10 and do so until I feel my anxieties settle.

Three: Build a solid support system with friends and family. Make those people supportive, easy to talk to and understanding. They should be people you trust to not judge and keep your personal life to themselves. These people should be those who you can rant to whenever you need to discuss your feelings and any issues you have. Expressing your feelings is the best way to allow yourself to understand how you feel.

Four: Allow yourself a little play time during your day. Read a book, watch a film or listen to music. Allow yourself some time to do your favourite pass time that allows you to relax. It’s okay to take a break and enjoy your life beyond work, school or university. Give yourself some time to enjoy the life you’re given and remember to relax from those activities that make you most stressed.

Five: Believe in yourself. You are able to relax and feel normal, you’re able to achieve greatness. Just give yourself some credit. Everybody struggles sometimes and it’s okay. Everybody has something that they find difficult. Follow your heart, talk to your family and friends and embrace the stress. See it as a challenge rather than a problem.

These are my 5 ways that I reduce and prevent any anxious feelings and stress that may be overwhelming.

With love, Beth x