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

7 Things To Do In The New Year

Another new year has passed and we’re almost in 2018! There are people everywhere doing things as a fresh start for the new year, whether it’s adding or removing things to your life or simply having a clear out. We all do a little something to really make a difference to the new year and month.

For me, I always like to have a clear out. I think there’s nothing better than starting the new year with a freshly cleaned home and a clear mind. I also like to do other things just to really make the extra difference to my life and I think it’s time to share them with you!

1. Having a clear out is important so whether it’s your clothing, your draws or whatever it could possibly be. Go ahead and empty your unnecessary items into the bin for another year.
2. Make decorative change to your home. Fancy a new colour in your living room? Flooring? Make a list of things you want to do to make your house feel that extra more homey and you’ll thank yourself in December when you achieve these.
3. Send happy new year cards! It’s always lovely to show people how much you love them and how grateful you are for them. I think writing cards is so thoughtful and what better than letting someone know you’re so happy that you have them in your life.
4. Give to the homeless or a charity, maybe both? Who knows. December is a month for giving and it doesn’t stop there! Whether you have left over food or clearing away any old toys, you can always donate them.
5. Organise your monthly bills. Paper chase have the most incredible annual budget diaries and I think it’s a great way to get your finances in order and make 2018 another successful year.
6. Plan a trip! There is nothing better than knowing you have something to look forward too. I definitely plan on organising a holiday this year and I can’t wait to give myself a little motivation and excitement for the upcoming months.
7. Setting goals is important and for me, I like to do them monthly rather than yearly as they’re often more achievable. I really think that it’s important to do more of what makes you happy and do things to improve your sense of self.

Let me know some of the things that you like to do in January to make your new year more successful!

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 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I’ve been an avid fan of the Garnier skincare for several years now. I think Garnier is one of the best priced and greatest quality on the drugstore market right now. So when I come across the new Garnier Micella Cleansing Water I was definitely intrigued.

There are two types of this product, one for combination and sensitive skin and another for just sensitive skin. I’ve been trying both at separate times to make sure I give them a fair and equal review.

I tried the combination and sensitive skin first, this one comes in the green bottle. I do have both sensitive skin and combination so I thought this would be ideal for me. I had been using it for several weeks and had noticed that my skin had been breaking out more than ever. After 4 weeks of using this and once I had stopped, I noticed my acne was clearing up amazingly. I don’t know whether the grape extract in this product maybe affected my skin but there is something in this product that made my skin flare up.

However, I really did like this product otherwise. I found that this really removed all my makeup, dirt and oil and I really felt like my skin was sparkling clean. Although I did like it I knew that it wasn’t helping my acne at all.

I then went ahead and tried the one that is just for sensitive skin and it’s been amazing. So amazing in fact that my skin has started to clear up and It’s even helping to control the oils on my face. It totally removes my makeup, makes my skin feel fresh and healthy and I can’t recommend this product enough.

Personally I think the one for sensitive skin is dependant on how sensitive your skin is but honestly, as a cleanser and makeup remover I think this product is outstanding. The formula really doesn’t feel drugstore at all.

Garnier has done it again and created the ideal cleanser!

The best part is how affordable this product is. I get mine for around £2.60 in savers but you can also purchase this in your local Superdrug, Boots and Wilkinson’s as well as many supermarkets.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Equality is the New Feminism

Blogmas day 18! Let’s discuss why I should be allowed to sleep with 50 men and nobody give a shit? 

There is this massive stigma in society on the rights and wrongs on what women do and I for one, have had enough of it. So many people, both women and men believe that each gender should act according to the norm and to other people’s views and I call total bullshit on it. It’s 2017 for crying out loud and if I want to wear men’s clothes, sleep around or be a brick layer I bloody well will. 

Many people, especially the older generation (some may argue) believe that women are to raise children, cook, clean and be seen but not heard and I personally find it highly offensive. I’m offended that my education isn’t deemed important or significant in every day life and that my purpose on this earth is the give birth and be nothing more than a house wife. Don’t get me wrong, if that is what you want with your life then by all means. My point is though, that we should all have a choice on what happens in our lives and how we decide to live it is nobody else’s choice and quite frankly, their opinion is totally invalid unless asked for it. 

I’m sure in the past people believed that life would be different in the future. Well, the future is happening, the 21st century is here and yet women and men are still seen as different and honestly, we aren’t. Some of the smartest people I know are women and some are men. I know women that are strong, empowering and intelligent who can take on whatever life throws at them. However, the minute they use their intelligence, a man’s ego is hurt because said woman can calculate mathematics better than him. 

What really, really grinds my bones is that it is absolutely accepted for a man to sleep with as many people as he wants. However, the minute a woman has a number count over 5, they’re deemed damaged and slutty. How is this fair? Equality, I don’t think so. Sex is 100% a natural experience that is totally required for 90% or more of people. I know from personal experiences that I have felt so guilty and unworthy after having a one night stand because I feel like Society will judge me. However the more I’ve grown up and have experienced casual sex, I’ve realised that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it and in fact, it’s fine to sleep with people with no attachments if you truly want too. So why can’t I decide who I want to sleep with and when, without being identified as a whore? 

So what if I want to work 60 hours a week, wear a face full of makeup and a low cut t-shirt. I am the owner of my own body and if a man can’t control where he looks or feels intimated by a hard working woman, then there is something wrong with him rather than me or any other woman. 

My point is, I’m fed up of living in a world where it isn’t OK for a man to have feminine characteristics or a women to want to work in a male dominated career. It’s absolutely fine to be whoever you want to be and nobody should have an opinion on whether or not it is acceptable. 

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog 

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Favourite Movies of 2017

Each year the movie industry releases so many good movies, admittedly I don’t often see many since I’m so busy. However I do make the exceptions to try and see as many as I can. With that in mind, I’ve seeen some decent ones this year and I can’t wait to share them with you!

• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
• Suicide Squad
• Wonder Woman
• Dunkirk
• Spider-Man Homecoming
• Beauty and the Beast
• Logan
• Everything, Everything

These have been my favourites of this year! I hadn’t noticed the common theme of superhero movies but I know that these have been good ones! Let me know some of your favourites so I can give them a watch.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Soap and Glory Mask Review

Blogmas day 14 gives you a full review on the Soap and Glory 2-in-1 Pore Purifying Mask and Peel! 

I’ve been testing this product out for around 6 weeks now. I purchased mine in Boots, on a whim whilst it was around £6.60, although the usual price is at the £10 mark. This is definitely the most expensive face mask I’ve ever purchased but I had read so many positive reviews on it, I just couldn’t help myself. It really helped that it was also on sale as it made the decision to buy it, a lot easier! 

This mask is specifically allocated for those with oily/combination skin, which I definitely do have. The box says you’re supposed to massage into the face and focus on the t-zone. Now, I don’t like the texture of this mask at all so I do use it with a brush and once it is on my face I like to gently run circular motions around my face to really let the product sink in. 

It does give you the option of just leaving it for 5 minutes to give you a quick refreshed look. Otherwise, you’re able to leave the mask on for around 15 minutes to give your skin a deep clean and you can do either of these from 1-3 times a week. I only really use the mask twice a week as I find that it has helped so much. At first I was using it 3 times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However as the weeks have gone by I’ve started to reduce the days because I don’t feel like I need it as much. I do leave it on for 15 minutes at a time though and normally apply before I go in the shower so I can use the hot water to really rinse it off. 

I was confused when I first applied this product because I assumed that it would dry and become a peel off face mask, which it didn’t do at all. The title says it’s a 2-in-1 facial mask and peel but really, it’s just a standard mask. 

However, with that in mind, it has worked amazingly on my skin. I don’t find that my pores get as clogged as they used too anymore. Generally, it just helps to maintain how clean my skin is and really does help to reduce redness and acne. Although, this isn’t a mask that does help to reduce spots completely. 

I can’t say that this mask has changed my life but I do honestly believe that it really does help to remove any dirt from the skin and just help to create a healthy refreshed look. The texture of my skin does feel better when I use it and I do like that I have the option to pick whether I want to use it for 5 or 15 minutes, dependant on what I really want. 

So whether I’m heading out for the night and want something to make my skin feel and look better before applying makeup. Or if I’m spending the night in and want to give myself a good pamper, this face mask is something that I would go too. Especially if you have a problem with pore clogging and oiliness. This mask has really helped to reduce the amount of oil the I have during the day!

Would I say it’s worth £10? Probably not, I’d actually say around the £6 mark but it is Soap and Glory and I trust their products since I know they do work so well (Not all but most). 

Have you tried this mask? let me know what you think! 

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog 

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Dating Is Scary

This post is a little different for blogmas but I just wanted to share my advice on dating! I recently jumped back into the dating world (I say recently, a few weeks ago..) but I’ve really enjoyed it.

This year I had a break up and I honestly thought it was the end of the world, spoiler.. lol no it wasn’t.  However, the thought of dating again terrified me for a few months. I was certain that all guys are the same and that they would all break my heart and I quickly learnt that they are. In fact, there are some really genuine guys out there.

What I’ve realised though is that I had no intention of rushing into dating again. So when I started thinking of whether I was actually ready, I waited it out another few weeks just to be really sure. The real reason for this though was to really make sure that I completely experienced being totally alone so I knew completely that I wasn’t just going back into dating because I’m lonely or needing to rely on someone else to feel stronger.

What helped me realise that I was ready to date in the first place was a rebound. It sounds ridiculous and slutty but it helps. I don’t mean just have sex with a random guy, I mean by all means go ahead but for me, I had sex with a friend and it really helped to improve my self esteem. It might sound so crazy that my self esteem got boosted from having sex but it really did. It made me feel good, his affection made me feel appreciated and beautiful again.

So, when did I decide that I was ready to jump back on the bandwagon and date again? At around 3 months post break up, I truly knew that I was completely ready. I first experienced the feelings at around 2 months post break up. I knew full well that I wasn’t completely over the break up and I was still feeling fragile so I didn’t want to go into the dating life still feeling vulnerable. I also especially didn’t want to date someone and not end up feeling the same as the guy may. It wouldn’t be nice for him nor I and it would just result in a series of bad dating. I had offers from guys and I had said no because of these reasons, although one of those guys did his fair share of grafting with me and asked me a second time, I did eventually say yes.

To be totally honest, I don’t think anybody is ever really ready to start dating after having a serious relationship. I think there is a point where you just have to throw yourself back at it because if you don’t, before you know it you’ll be single a year and a half later not knowing how to flirt and socialise with guys. Still thinking that you’ll be alone forever and considering which type of cat or dog to get.

As interesting as that sounds, do you really want to be that person? I know I don’t. I want to experience the thrill and fun of a new relationship, those butterflies you get when he calls you beautiful or when you see him for the first time after a few days. Those firsts, the first kiss, first holiday, first time you tell them you love them.

So honestly, if you’re in the same position, my biggest and best advice is to just go for it. Talk to that guy in the club, download tinder, tell them you like them. The worst thing that can happen is that you get let down, he says no, the relationship didn’t work. You’ve got to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince but I can assure you, you’ll find them. You won’t be alone forever and you are worthy of love.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Jingle and Mingle

Tanya Burr is a makeup artist, YouTuber, author, now actor and owner and creater of Tanya Burr Cosmetics. I’ve been a fan of Tanya’s eyeshadows and lip products so each year, if I like a product I like to try and pick something up in her Christmas releases.

I’m not one of those people that has to get everything because to be honest, I won’t wear everything. There were some new matte lipsticks that I just didn’t really think I needed since I already have lip colours similar. I also didn’t think I needed a new bunch of her eyeshadows since I know they’re already incredible.

However, I just couldn’t leave this palette t sit on the self. For the price of £18 the Jingle and Mingle palette gives you 3 eyeshadows, a bronzer, a lip gloss, a silver glitter pot and a black eyeliner!

The reason I choose this particular palette is mostly because of the bronzer but I also felt like out of the releases, this is the palette that I’ll get a use out off and I particularly liked the tones of this palette. The Jingle and Mingle palette is labelled the night palette and there is another palette that is the day palette. However the other palette had shades that are similar to some I already own and I thought I wouldn’t get the use out of it.

I think for the price of the palette, you do get your money’s worth. Especially because glitter isn’t cheap at all and other than a mascara, you’re able to create a full eye look with this palette alone. So if you’re travelling over the holidays you can take this palette and a few other makeup items to create the perfect look.

I got mine from Superdrug and it’s also available online and at feelunique.com.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x