I know, I know... I've not been back in the blogging game for long, but I need to eliminate distractions! We are moving!!!! So then we'll probably have no internet and be living out of boxes! Oh the fun!!! But at least we'll be in our very own home that we'll OWN!!!
So I think I'm gonna take these couple of weeks to rest my brain (oh blogging is so very taxing) and work out my life. Big stuff I know, but I should probably figure something out. I'll return a new woman!!! Maybe I'll even start vlogging again in my pretty new home. My home! So proud of us and so thankful for the help from my mum and dad that has opened all the opportunities Dave and I have had to be able to provide for each other and our Sally. I promise you Nanny and Pops, that we will have more grandchildren to express out gratitude, just not for quite a while yet :D
So grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing us so much. Sacrifice truly brings blessings, however much you struggle and dislike it at the time.
Thank you for reading my randomness and I shall return!!!!
Bon voyage!
Beth x
Sunday 26 January 2014
Friday 24 January 2014
23 years, 23 facts!
Ahhhh! I'm 23 today, and it feels very old, well more odd. Guess I can't belt out that Taylor Swift song anymore :( Have a feeling this is going to be one of the best years of my life though :D this time next week we shall HOPEFULLY be moving into our new home! That makes the year all by itself... but with my Sally around it's gonna be even better :D
So given my new age I shall share 23 facts about me :) some you'll know, some you won't!
1. I am the youngest of 3- have one older brother (four years older) and one older sister (8 years older). Unfortunately everyone thinks they're younger than me! Being married and having a kid (and soon to be a mortgage) probably adds to this! Get the anti-aging out.
2. I really disliked going to school- Primary especially. It wasn't that I found it hard, or that I didn't have friends, I just loved my mum so much I didn't want to leave her (despite her attempted bribings). I even remember running after her through the empty school playground balling my eyes out. Really hope I don't get my comeuppance with Sals as it made my mum feel so bad!!
3. My main hobby is watching telly :D bad I know, but I just love FAR too many programmes! I have cut down though- when I was at uni, Dave and I added up that I watched 16 series at once. Does it really count as a hobby though?
4. For my 16th birthday my parents took me to watch Anton Du Beke and Erin dance in London (very posh dinner thing). I got to dance with him! Nearly fainted!
5. I used to faint A LOT in my teens! Doctors just said I was a person who faints, and gratefully it has not happened for the past 5 years :D
6. I got to meet the Queen on my actual 16th birthday at school :) it was in the papers, "Elizabeth meets Elizabeth".
7. Beth is short for Elizabeth.... and there are no other shortenings of my full name that are accepted.
8. I have 15 years worth of journals :) and still going. They are my most valuable possession after Sally of course.
9. I have a huge nail varnish collection, stored in an over the door shoe holder. Cannot have too many... just ask my sister.
10. I got my driving licence when I was 17 (passed third time... just), but didn't drive again till last year, so 5 years later. Safe to say I had a top-up lesson.
11. I absolutely LOVE rollercoasters! That scene in Despicable Me (the first one), where they're on the rollercoaster gets my adrenaline going :) hopefully be off to Alton Towers this year :D :D :D pregnancy prevents so much fun!
12. I taught myself to play the piano from the age of 12. I wouldn't have been able to learn it any other way as I would have despised classes!
13. My left thumb is double jointed.
14. Dave and I were dating for just over 2 months before we got engaged (which was exactly 4 years ago yesterday).
15. We were engaged for just 8 months before marrying, and it wasn't shot gun :D
16. I have a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Leeds- I got a 2:1 :D
17. I've never really known what I wanted to be when I grew up. So I've decided that I'm a mum, who does a bit of writing on the side. Eat that career advisors from high school :P
18. I have been to see lots of different people at concert- Take That (all 4 tours), Lady GaGa (was like being on drugs!!), Britney Spears (she didn't sing live at all, and wasn't that great at dancing... but it was Britney :), the Pussycat Dolls (they were supported by Rihanna, before she got WAY more famous than them!), Spice Girls and Pink.
19. I have a lazy left eye, in that it is much more blind than my right- even had to wear eye patches when I was little!
20. I was married aged 19, 2 years older than my mum when she got married.
21. Everything I have in my life I put down to my loving Heavenly Father. I could not be happy without my faith.
22. My mum is by best friend.... literally cannot go one day without calling her :)
23. My greatest achievement in life is my Sally! Baffles me that I grew her inside me, and that we love each other as much as we do :D
Happy Birthday to me!
BBx
So given my new age I shall share 23 facts about me :) some you'll know, some you won't!
1. I am the youngest of 3- have one older brother (four years older) and one older sister (8 years older). Unfortunately everyone thinks they're younger than me! Being married and having a kid (and soon to be a mortgage) probably adds to this! Get the anti-aging out.
2. I really disliked going to school- Primary especially. It wasn't that I found it hard, or that I didn't have friends, I just loved my mum so much I didn't want to leave her (despite her attempted bribings). I even remember running after her through the empty school playground balling my eyes out. Really hope I don't get my comeuppance with Sals as it made my mum feel so bad!!
3. My main hobby is watching telly :D bad I know, but I just love FAR too many programmes! I have cut down though- when I was at uni, Dave and I added up that I watched 16 series at once. Does it really count as a hobby though?
4. For my 16th birthday my parents took me to watch Anton Du Beke and Erin dance in London (very posh dinner thing). I got to dance with him! Nearly fainted!
5. I used to faint A LOT in my teens! Doctors just said I was a person who faints, and gratefully it has not happened for the past 5 years :D
6. I got to meet the Queen on my actual 16th birthday at school :) it was in the papers, "Elizabeth meets Elizabeth".
7. Beth is short for Elizabeth.... and there are no other shortenings of my full name that are accepted.
8. I have 15 years worth of journals :) and still going. They are my most valuable possession after Sally of course.
9. I have a huge nail varnish collection, stored in an over the door shoe holder. Cannot have too many... just ask my sister.
10. I got my driving licence when I was 17 (passed third time... just), but didn't drive again till last year, so 5 years later. Safe to say I had a top-up lesson.
11. I absolutely LOVE rollercoasters! That scene in Despicable Me (the first one), where they're on the rollercoaster gets my adrenaline going :) hopefully be off to Alton Towers this year :D :D :D pregnancy prevents so much fun!
12. I taught myself to play the piano from the age of 12. I wouldn't have been able to learn it any other way as I would have despised classes!
13. My left thumb is double jointed.
14. Dave and I were dating for just over 2 months before we got engaged (which was exactly 4 years ago yesterday).
15. We were engaged for just 8 months before marrying, and it wasn't shot gun :D
16. I have a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Leeds- I got a 2:1 :D
17. I've never really known what I wanted to be when I grew up. So I've decided that I'm a mum, who does a bit of writing on the side. Eat that career advisors from high school :P
18. I have been to see lots of different people at concert- Take That (all 4 tours), Lady GaGa (was like being on drugs!!), Britney Spears (she didn't sing live at all, and wasn't that great at dancing... but it was Britney :), the Pussycat Dolls (they were supported by Rihanna, before she got WAY more famous than them!), Spice Girls and Pink.
19. I have a lazy left eye, in that it is much more blind than my right- even had to wear eye patches when I was little!
20. I was married aged 19, 2 years older than my mum when she got married.
21. Everything I have in my life I put down to my loving Heavenly Father. I could not be happy without my faith.
22. My mum is by best friend.... literally cannot go one day without calling her :)
23. My greatest achievement in life is my Sally! Baffles me that I grew her inside me, and that we love each other as much as we do :D
Happy Birthday to me!
BBx
Thursday 23 January 2014
Lightbulb Scripture Moment
This year in Sunday School at church we are studying the Old Testament. Sounds like hard work but with the help of the Institute study guides I've learnt soooooo much and it's made everything more simple and applicable to everyday life which is the whole purpose of studying scriptures!
In studying for this Sunday's lesson on The Fall I discovered a couple of scriptures I'm pretty sure I've never come across before. They always seem to magic themselves out of nowhere. They are in the Book of Moses (part of the Pearl of Great Price, click the link to find out what this book of scripture is for those less familiar... or who have completely no idea what I'm about to harp on about :).
Moses 6:59-60
In studying for this Sunday's lesson on The Fall I discovered a couple of scriptures I'm pretty sure I've never come across before. They always seem to magic themselves out of nowhere. They are in the Book of Moses (part of the Pearl of Great Price, click the link to find out what this book of scripture is for those less familiar... or who have completely no idea what I'm about to harp on about :).
Moses 6:59-60
59 That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the a spirit, which I have made, and so became of b dust a living soul, even so ye must be c born again into the kingdom of heaven, of d water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and e enjoy the f words of g eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal h glory;
60 For by the a water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are b justified, and by the c blood ye are d sanctified;
It just made everything slot together properly :) don't know how I've not seen it before, or heard it before as for me it explains the whole process of baptism and confirmation perfectly, and links them to the atonement. Just perfect!
These quotes from the institute manual really added to it too :)
Moses 6:59. Water, Blood, and Spirit
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained:
“Two births are essential to salvation. Man cannot be saved without birth into mortality, nor can he return to his heavenly home without a birth into the realm of the Spirit. … The elements present in a mortal birth and in a spiritual birth are the same. They are water, blood, and spirit. Thus every mortal birth is a heaven-given reminder to prepare for the second birth. …
“In every mortal birth the child is immersed in water in the mother’s womb. At the appointed time the spirit enters the body, and blood always flows in the veins of the new person. Otherwise, without each of these, there is no life, no birth, no mortality.
“In every birth into the kingdom of heaven, the newborn babe in Christ is immersed in water, he receives the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and the blood of Christ cleanses him from all sin. Otherwise, without each of these, there is no Spirit-birth, no newness of life, no hope of eternal life. …
“… These elements were again present in [Christ’s] death. He sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane as he took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. This same agony and suffering recurred on the cross. It was then that he permitted his spirit to leave his body, and it was then that blood and water gushed from his riven side” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 288–89).
Moses 6:60. “By the Water”
“Baptism is not optional if one wishes the fullness of salvation. Jesus said a person must be born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:3–5). When he sent the twelve apostles forth to teach the gospel he told them that whosoever believed and was baptized would be saved; and whosoever did not believe would be damned (Mark 16:16). …
“Baptism in water has several purposes. It is for the remission of sins, for membership in the Church, and for entrance into the celestial kingdom; it is also the doorway to personal sanctification when followed by the reception of the Holy Ghost” (Bible Dictionary, “baptism,” 619; see also D&C 76:51–52).
Moses 6:60. Justification
To be justified is to be made just, or free from guilt and sin. The Holy Ghost is the member of the Godhead whose power acts as a cleansing agent that removes guilt and sin from our lives (see 2 Nephi 31:17). President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “Through the shedding of the blood of Christ, we are cleansed and sanctified; and we are justified, through the Spirit of God” (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:324–25).
Moses 6:60. Sanctification
To be sanctified is to be holy and worthy of eternal life and immortal glory (see Moroni 10:32–33). Through His perfect Atonement, Jesus Christ shed His blood and made it possible for all who have faith and repent to be sanctified (see Mosiah 3:11, 18; Alma 34:10–16). Thus, we are ransomed and made holy by the blood of Christ. President Joseph Fielding Smith, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught:
“The atonement by which men are redeemed, was made by one without blemish and without spot. He had to be one who had life in himself, and therefore all power over death. No mortal man could make the atonement. Moreover, the atonement had to be made by the shedding of blood, for blood is the vitalizing force of the mortal body. …
“The Scriptures are replete with passages teaching us that there could be no remission of sins without the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1956, 127).
A lot of words again I know, but saves you having to click from this link to another link etc. Hope you found this interesting in some way or another! xx
Tuesday 21 January 2014
Avon Order C.3
As you guys know I really love Avon :D the whole experience of looking through the brochure in your own time and having a personal relationship with the seller is right up my street! I always feel like I look like a bit of a shoplifter when I'm trying all the testers in Boots or Superdrug, and then decide not to get anything! Plus Avon always have fab deals and have some super beauty products, amongst many other things. Obviously the one negative is that you don't see or try before you buy, but all items seem to be pretty reliable and they do a 30 day money back guarantee on pretty much everything (all cosmetics at least!).
Thought I would share with you the items I bought from the last brochure, Campaign 3.
Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner and Leave-in Treatment. As you'd have seen in my pre-birthday haul blog I've recently been using a very simple E45 dermatological shampoo, so I'm wanting to find more nourishing hair care in other areas. So I finally decided to jump on the argan oil band wagon! And for the price (paid £1.49 for the conditioner and £3.30 for the leave-in oil) you can't really beat these! It could be that they're so cheap compared to other comparative brands because they're not as high a quality, but I guess we shall see! Excited to try them out though. The conditioner smells DIVINE! Like a hair salon :) makes me want a wash, cut and blow dry... actually need one... anyways... getting distracted!
Thought I would share with you the items I bought from the last brochure, Campaign 3.
Irresistibly Sexy Sultry Lip Pencil in Red Vixen. Been really loving deep red lips in winter, but hadn't managed to find a deep red that truly met what I wanted. But now I have! This is a gorgeous smooth deep vampire red lip pencil. When you swatch it, it does seem somewhat sheer, but when on the lip the pay off is beautiful. Because it is a bit sheer you don't have to worry too much about messing up and it being unfixable (a problem I've found with my MUA Luxe Velvet Lacquer). It does mean though that it doesn't really set as such, and does transfer, but it does also stain, so I'm not too bothered! It's just such a beautiful blue toned red shade, and one coat is plenty :D and the pencil does allow for precision application, even if it does mean I'll need to sharpen it.... an arduous task with all beauty products. They had some other gorgeous deep shades in this range too, so definitely worth checking out especially for £3.50, even if the packaging is not too my taste.
Now just to wait for my next order :D feels like Christmas every time my Avon lady knocks on the door! Join the fun.
Saturday 18 January 2014
Disney Movie Rewards
Okay... granted... this post is going to seem a little random, but I feel it so very necessary to share! I do love a good deal, and freebies are even better.... especially when they come in Disney form :D
Not sure how many of you know about this but when you purchase a Disney DVD in the UK (not sure about U.S.A but I imagine they have something similar) inside the case you will find a leaflet with a code on with a website! Here's the link so you can go check it out yourself!
http://www.disneymovierewards.co.uk/index.htm
Basically you just register your details then enter your codes from each DVD you have (you need the case too for the last 6 digits of the barcode). It then gets turned into points, normally 100 points for a single DVD. With the points you can earn rewards! That's right! Points make prizes!!! The best prizes I think are the DVDs, which include a load of Disney's best! They cost around 500 points, more for a blu-ray. So if you have 5 DVDs you get one free :D But there's also a ton of other stuff you can get. Including lots of different character based downloadable and printable colouring and puzzle like packs perfect for kiddies :D It's just an awesome place so very easily overlooked!
So far I have got Cinderella, John Carter and the Midnight Before Christmas free... possibly one more but can't remember! And it's so easy to get the reward, just put your address down and boom it arrives in the post a couple of days later :D
So go raid the DVD case!!!! You may even find codes in other Disney malarkey so keep an eye out!
You are most welcome for me highlighting these freebies :D Make sure you mention me in your memoirs.... xx
Not sure how many of you know about this but when you purchase a Disney DVD in the UK (not sure about U.S.A but I imagine they have something similar) inside the case you will find a leaflet with a code on with a website! Here's the link so you can go check it out yourself!
http://www.disneymovierewards.co.uk/index.htm
Basically you just register your details then enter your codes from each DVD you have (you need the case too for the last 6 digits of the barcode). It then gets turned into points, normally 100 points for a single DVD. With the points you can earn rewards! That's right! Points make prizes!!! The best prizes I think are the DVDs, which include a load of Disney's best! They cost around 500 points, more for a blu-ray. So if you have 5 DVDs you get one free :D But there's also a ton of other stuff you can get. Including lots of different character based downloadable and printable colouring and puzzle like packs perfect for kiddies :D It's just an awesome place so very easily overlooked!
So far I have got Cinderella, John Carter and the Midnight Before Christmas free... possibly one more but can't remember! And it's so easy to get the reward, just put your address down and boom it arrives in the post a couple of days later :D
So go raid the DVD case!!!! You may even find codes in other Disney malarkey so keep an eye out!
You are most welcome for me highlighting these freebies :D Make sure you mention me in your memoirs.... xx
Monday 13 January 2014
Empties: Autumn/Winter 2013
Been gathering the bits and bobs of interest I've used up in the past 3-4 months. And, well I guess you never really use up something you don't really like, so I'd thought I would share :) sharing is important :) they teach you that when you're a kid! So it must be true!
B. Nourished Night Serum. Yep that's right... I basically tried the entire skin phase 1 range! Much like the day cream it's a good all rounder that met my moisturising needs! Was pleasantly surprised too that just one pump of the serum kept my face moisturised until the morning- was worried I'd have to use another moisturiser on top. Lasted a good while because of needing so little! But also like the day cream I've decided to try something a bit more nourishing and soothing! Especially in these colder months! But if you don't have such complicated skin as me then their ranges are definitely worth trying! Won't break the bank either! Plus they've always got some sort of deal going on in Superdrug in the range (they also do makeup which has pretty good reviews too!).
Avon Solutions Ageless Bloom Neck and Chest Treatment SPF15. This is the first neck/chest moisturiser I've ever used. Very paranoid about getting a wrinkly neck, so when I saw this on a deal I got it! And enjoyed using it! Definitely noticed a difference in the texture of my skin on my neck which I was most pleased about. Used it more as a prevention than a cure :D One pump did plenty! Currently using an alternative also by Avon just so I can compare and decide which is better. But all in all this is awesome! And it has tons of 5 star reviews online. So if you're paranoid like me, or need a bit of firming and toning then it is definitely worth the purchase- especially if you get it on a deal, which is nearly always the case with Avon.
Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Hand Cream. One of the many hand creams I've used this year! Was happy to just use any hand cream before I used this one! Got it as part of a set on my birthday, and the sales lady said her dad doesn't use any other hand cream! So I had high hopes! Is beautifully smelling and very luxurious. For me it was a bit too hydrating (a touch greasey) for everyday use, so I got around to only using at night. Was a little sad it ran out :( and I think I won't be repurchasing it as I've found one better......
Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream. LOVE THIS STUFF! So sad it's all gone! :( The best hand cream I've ever used! Got it as a freebie with a beauty magazine last year. It smells DIVINE! Sweet orange scent, but not too overpowering. Simply gorgeous! The perfect hydration, non-greasy and just all round amazing. And it saves the bees! Just a shame it's so darn expensive. So going to try Soap and Glory's Hand Food as I've heard lots of good things about that. But maybe this shall be a repurchase as a treat one day.... I can hope....
Diesel Loverdose EDP. This is one of those perfumes that when I first got a sniff of it I wanted to smell like it for the rest of my life! An what a beautiful smelling life it would be. Tried to make this last as long as possible- but all good things must come to an end :( A floral, oriental scent, that luckily I have found somewhat of a dupe in Katy Perry's Killer Queen EDP. But as a designer perfume Loverdose's scent is more concentrated, and the bottle is just sooooo beautiful! Is it worth the pretty pennies? Would be if I had them! :)
Now to wait for my bin to fill once more....xx
This first one won't come as a surprise! My B. Pure Micellar Water! Amazing stuff... Cleanses and removes make up like a dream :D and it's not pricey either... shan't go on about it anymore... for now anyways :D
My second B. product of 4 in this blog! B. Energised Eye Cream. Is the best eye cream I've ever used and really wakes up and refreshes your eyes! Also had little to no dark circles when using this even with a 1 year old :D Quite pricey for me so I am trying a cheaper product to see how it compares, but I was very impressed with this one! I imagine the one's in skin phases 2 and 3 are also good (phases are according to age, which is a clever idea in itself). Lasted forever too! Have a feeling I may be going back to it in the future!
B. Ready Day Cream. I think my favouritist thing about this product has to be it's packaging! Because all the other B. items I had tried were so good I thought I'd give this ago. An all round decent moisturiser. Prefer my moisturiser in this sort of packaging too because you get too use every bit of it, unlike tubes. It met my dry skin needs, but my skin is quite sensitive and so decided to try something else once I'd used this up as it left a bit to be desired in terms of soothing the skin.
Now to wait for my bin to fill once more....xx
Sunday 12 January 2014
A Prophet's Life
This past week in preparation for the Relief Society lessons this year, I decided to read the first part of the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, which is a kind of summary of his life! I was truly amazed and touched by so much of it, but a couple of things really stuck out to me and this really seemed like a good place to share my discoveries!
For those new to this blog and therefore new to me, I am a Mormon :) born and raised, and living the commandments and principles we believe out of choice because of my faith. In the future I will do a post on this so you can get to know me and my beliefs a bit more, but for now just go over to this website :D you can pretty much get any answer to any questions you may have! I sure you'll be able to take something from this post anyway!
Both of the snippets I want to share are missionary orientated in a way.....
In this first section it is talking about the letters his family wrote to Joseph whilst he was serving his mission in England (he got married just before he got the call to serve so his wife, Louie, was left behind for two years.)
Pg. 11-12.
I feel like this part of President Smith's life can be a source of real encouragement for, first of all, missionaries. We often as members measure a missionary's success by the numbers they accumulate. But this affirms to me that it is about how honourably you served the Lord and what he makes of your efforts. Baptisms are obviously important, but they are not the measure of a missionary. It also relates to the rest of us, with an eternal perspective in mind- are we going to return 'home' to our Heavenly Father with an 'honourable record and release'. I hope so!!
This next one's a biggy, but was of real interest to me!
Pg. 23-25
In 1939, President Heber J. Grant assigned Elder and Sister Smith to tour all of the Church’s missions in Europe.
For those new to this blog and therefore new to me, I am a Mormon :) born and raised, and living the commandments and principles we believe out of choice because of my faith. In the future I will do a post on this so you can get to know me and my beliefs a bit more, but for now just go over to this website :D you can pretty much get any answer to any questions you may have! I sure you'll be able to take something from this post anyway!
Both of the snippets I want to share are missionary orientated in a way.....
In this first section it is talking about the letters his family wrote to Joseph whilst he was serving his mission in England (he got married just before he got the call to serve so his wife, Louie, was left behind for two years.)
Pg. 11-12.
Louie sent letters at least once a week. “Remember,” she once wrote, “I am here to love and pray for you and that I never forget you for one single moment. … Bless you, my own precious husband, is my prayer always.”25 Louie was clear about her devotion to her husband, and she was equally clear about her devotion to the Lord and His work. She consistently reminded Joseph not to allow homesickness to weaken his resolve to serve.
Elder Smith needed such encouragement, for he rarely found anyone who would receive the message of the restored gospel. Years later, he “told his son Joseph that conditions were so bad and the people so disinterested that he reached a frame of mind where he thought that he could not continue. One night he lay awake thinking of the need to work for passage home.”26 But inspired by encouragement from loved ones and strengthened by their prayers and his own desire to serve, he overcame such thoughts. He knew that the Lord had called him, and he knew that he needed to work diligently for the good of the people he served and for the good of his family. He wrote: “I would rather stay here forever than come home without an honorable record and release. … I pray that I may have the spirit of the gospel and a love for my fellow man that I may be able to stay here until I am released honorably. If it were not for the many prayers that are offered up for me at home as well as my own I could not succeed.”27
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith was honorably released from his mission on June 20, 1901. In his two years of diligent service, “he did not make one convert, did not have opportunity to perform one
I feel like this part of President Smith's life can be a source of real encouragement for, first of all, missionaries. We often as members measure a missionary's success by the numbers they accumulate. But this affirms to me that it is about how honourably you served the Lord and what he makes of your efforts. Baptisms are obviously important, but they are not the measure of a missionary. It also relates to the rest of us, with an eternal perspective in mind- are we going to return 'home' to our Heavenly Father with an 'honourable record and release'. I hope so!!
This next one's a biggy, but was of real interest to me!
Pg. 23-25
In 1939, President Heber J. Grant assigned Elder and Sister Smith to tour all of the Church’s missions in Europe.
Although World War II had not yet erupted when the Smiths arrived in Europe, tensions between the nations were increasing.
“The day finally came when all trains, ferries, and boats made their last runs from Germany and we prayed that Wally [President Toronto] and his four young charges would be on that last ferry as it headed for its home port. Seeing that I was very worried and getting more upset by the minute, President Smith came over to me, put his protecting arm around my shoulders and said, ‘Sister Toronto, this war will not start until Brother Toronto and his missionaries arrive in this land of Denmark.’ As the day advanced into early evening, a telephone call came. … It was Wally! The five of them had come out of Czechoslovakia with the British Legation on a special train that had been sent in for them, boarded the last ferry from Germany, and they were now on the coast [of Denmark] waiting for transportation to Copenhagen. The relief and happiness felt in the mission home and among the 350 missionaries was like a dark cloud lifting to reveal sunshine.”52
Elder Smith was grateful to the people of Denmark, who allowed so many evacuated missionaries into their country. At the outbreak of the war, he prophesied that because of their generosity, the Danish people would not suffer for lack of food during the war. Years later, “the people of Denmark had survived the war perhaps better than those of any other European nation. The Danish Saints had even sent welfare packages to distressed Latter-day Saints in Holland and Norway. Membership had steadily increased, and tithing receipts in the Danish Mission had more than doubled. … The Danish Saints considered their circumstances a direct fulfillment of [the] prophecy that Elder Joseph Fielding Smith had made.”53
As the war began, Elder Smith organized the evacuation of the 697 American missionaries serving in Europe. Because some of the
Although Elder Smith was happy that the American missionaries were able to return safely to their homes, he expressed concern for the innocent people now caught in the tragedy of war in their homelands. He wrote: “My heart was sick every time we held a meeting and shook hands with the people at its close. They all greeted us warmly, and their [friendship] meant more to me than they perhaps realized. Some of them shed tears and said they were looking for grave trouble, and we would never meet again in this life. I feel sorry for them now, and pray each day that the Lord will protect them through this dreadful time.”54
Elder Smith’s son Lewis, who was in England when World War II began, was part of the last group of missionaries to return home.55 About two and a half years later, Lewis crossed the Atlantic Ocean again, this time to serve in the military. “This condition brought sadness to us all,” wrote Elder Smith. “It is a shame that the clean and the righteous are forced into a conflict of world proportions, because of the wickedness of men.”56
On January 2, 1945, Elder Smith received a telegram informing him that his son had been killed in the service of his country. He wrote: “This word came to us as a most severe shock as we had high hopes that soon he would be back in the United States. We had felt that he would be protected as he has escaped several times before from danger. It was hard for us to realize that such a thing could happen. … As severe as the blow is, we have the peace and happiness of knowing that he was clean and free from the vices so prevalent in the world and found in the army. He was true to his faith and is worthy of a glorious resurrection, when we shall be reunited again.”57
I had often wondered what happened to members of the Church during those years of war and turmoil. This account was a real eye opener to the realities of that time. It also is a testimony to me of the power of our Heavenly Father, and how even in the hardest of circumstances, when man is at his most destructive, people can still receive and feel his Spirit and influence. Makes me so grateful to live in a country where my beliefs are protected and where I can walk, talk and worship freely, like so many other religious and non-religious persons!
I know this post is a little different to the usual, but I really wanted this blog to reflect my life, and my faith is a HUGE, if not the foundation, part of my life! It's cheesy but true, so deal with it :D Feel free to comment any of your thoughts and feelings on these matters :D
xx
Friday 10 January 2014
Pre-Birthday Haul
If you follow me on twitter (@bethybonss) you'll know that I got a bit excited in town the other day and had a little shop :D It's what I do best :) I justified it by saying it's my birthday in a few weeks, so I was just building up to that ;) So I thought I would share my loot with you!
First shop was Superdrug....
Katy Perry Killer Queen 50ml EDP - first got a whiff of this scent before Christmas in a magazine and I was delightfully surprised by its deliciousness! Especially as a cheesy celeb scent (do love me a bit of Katy Perry though!). The last couple of years I've been sparingly using my Diesel Loverdose as I loved it so and it was so dear! But this smells very similar, lasts much longer and is around half the price! My kinda dupe :) hubby loves it too. He said he kept getting whiffs of it and it was like hitting a brick wall, but a nice wall.... he's special :) hehe... it's described as a 'floriental' fragrance... fancy shmancy... just noticed that Superdrug now have an awesome deal on the 100ml bottle... gutted....maybe an 'actual'-birthday haul gift?
B. Pure Micellar Water- yep, I had to get it whilst it was a third off! Plus I had triple points in Superdrug as it's my birthday month. You all know I love it from my review of it in my 2013 favourites here!
MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer Reckless- before Christmas I was looking for a long-lasting deepish red lipstick. I tried the tester of this and fell in love! But they were out of stock... so I waited till this week :) Haven't properly tried it out yet- tomorrow will be the first day! But I have heard lots of good things about this range and they are apparently matte too. Still dreaming of Rimmel's Apocalips new shade Eclipse... waiting for a good deal! For £3 this shall defo do the job for now! Dark lip is perfect with a nude eye and winged eyeliner in winter :) guess my make-up for tomorrow!
Next shop was Boots...
Johnson's Skin Perfecting Oil For Stretch Marks- For some reason this was in the clearance (normally £9.99) and I couldn't resist! I have some MAJOR stretch marks! Look like a loaf of tiger bread! I do love them though as every one reminds me that my Sally used to be part of me. But they do need a little attention. I couldn't believe how well this seems to be working just in the couple of days I've been using it, morning and night. Just seems to have smoothed the skin so they're less dimple like, and they just feel more nourished! Plus I do love a good bargain!
E45 Dermatological Dry Scalp Shampoo 200ml- been wanting to try this out for a year or so now. But with winter and changing shampoos my sensitive scalp tipped the scales and this entered my basket. Not the cheapest shampoo I've ever bought but necessity prevailed and after one use my scalp felt immediately soothed :) and it has no funky smell or oily leftover residue like other dermatological shampoos I've used in the past like T-Gel. Likely to become my go-to shampoo from now on!
Picked up these two things! One sale one not! I've been in need of some new leggings for a while! And I could not refuse these gorgeous grey denim-like pair! And their high waistish too :D literally LOVE them! And for £15 I felt they were defo worth it! Not too tight fitting either :)
Also could not resist this watch in the sale for £5 instead of the original £18! Perfect skinny watch to go with my silver days (I have gold jewellery and silver jewellery days... no mixing and matching... hehe). Another proper bargain!
Just want to add that everyone should have and use their points cards! Specifically Boots Clubcard and Superdrug Beautycard! It doesn't take long to build up your points and you soon get money off! I didn't have to pay for both the leave-in conditioner and the stretch mark oil. Plus I got £1 off my Superdrug spend. Got £5 to spend on my Debenhams beautycard too...that shall have to wait until my actual birthday for sure (Urban Decay Naked 3 palette here I come!).
First shop was Superdrug....
Next shop was Boots...
Boots Ingredients Coconut & Almond Leave-In Conditioner 150ml- this was a bit of an impulse buy just looking around at various hair products. Given my simple shampoo I wanted to get something that would do what other shampoos do, without the shampoo part! It supposedly detangles and lessens frizz. Definitely detangles, not paid too much attention to the frizz part, but it smells gorgeous! And unknown to me it has lots of positive reviews online! Obviously have a good eye ;) plus it's dirt cheap, especially for a hair product!
Last shop was River Island!
Picked up these two things! One sale one not! I've been in need of some new leggings for a while! And I could not refuse these gorgeous grey denim-like pair! And their high waistish too :D literally LOVE them! And for £15 I felt they were defo worth it! Not too tight fitting either :)
Also could not resist this watch in the sale for £5 instead of the original £18! Perfect skinny watch to go with my silver days (I have gold jewellery and silver jewellery days... no mixing and matching... hehe). Another proper bargain!
Just want to add that everyone should have and use their points cards! Specifically Boots Clubcard and Superdrug Beautycard! It doesn't take long to build up your points and you soon get money off! I didn't have to pay for both the leave-in conditioner and the stretch mark oil. Plus I got £1 off my Superdrug spend. Got £5 to spend on my Debenhams beautycard too...that shall have to wait until my actual birthday for sure (Urban Decay Naked 3 palette here I come!).
Wednesday 8 January 2014
FYI breastfeeding is HARD!!
Having just watched a heart breaking interview on This Morning with a man whose wife committed suicide as a result of post natal depression, somewhat exacerbated by her struggles with breastfeeding, I felt I should take to the keyboard and share my experience.
Looking back on it now Sally's birth was pretty traumatic. I have done a previous post on this here if you wish to get the full low down. I had prayed whilst I was pregnant that I did not mind what I had to go through as long as my baby came out healthy. Which of course she did, at my expense! I class myself extremely blessed that such depression did not take hold. It's effects are devastating to mothers, and even scarier for these women is the knowledge that if they were to have another child there is a 50% chance of PND returning. I in no way wish to demean the struggle these mothers go through, I just want to highlight to mums to be out there that things can also go well! Very well!
Having read and heard lots of stories of mothers who have struggled to breast feed and felt like failures, who had little support and knew not where to go, I feel tremendously blessed that I got the care I had both at the hospital and at home.
I developed pre-eclampsia in the last couple of weeks of pregnancy, though they did not fully acknowledge this until the day I went into labour. As a result of this, and the general physical trauma I had from a forceps delivery to a nearly 9lb baby, I, unlike most mothers, had to remain in hospital for an extra two days. Although this meant little rest with babies and phones going off all night and day it did mean I had on call support to help me get the hang of breast feeding. Breast feeding had been my intention from the beginning, but nothing had really prepared me for how much energy it takes out of you, how difficult learning how to get the right latch on is, and also how painful it is for those first couple of months. In the lead up to giving birth you see all these beautiful photos of women breastfeeding, and it's almost instilled in you how worthwhile it is for not only the baby but you yourself. I just wish my midwife had said, 'Be prepared, breast-feeding is hard!' Those few days in hospital I called the staff nearly every time I fed Sally to check I was doing it right. To be honest most of the time I needed them to latch her on for me, or show me different positions which may be easier. Gratefully they were more than willing to help, and I never had the feeling that I was a burden to them, despite their heavy workload.
When I was finally discharged I was pretty scared of what to do if I couldn't get it right at home. So when I got home I just read all of the pamphlets and stuff they had given me on breastfeeding to see all the different techniques. They had also highlighted to me the 24hr helpline you can call if you are struggling, so I knew I had that as a last resort. Those next couple of days were hard. Dave won't mind me saying he was a little bit useless at night time, and when I would be feeding Sally and would try and wake him up he'd be half asleep and practically non-functioning. To be honest there wasn't much he could do but it got very lonely those first few nights, and I often would cry to myself because of the pain of feeding and Sally just wanting to be fed all the time. Thankfully in the days that followed my midwife reinstructed me how to latch Sally on properly as this is what was causing such agonising pain. With her help and that of the breastfeeding support worker who also came, I felt confident in my technique. The initial pain remained, but after 10 seconds or so of what they call 'let down' the pain would subside and I was able to enjoy breastfeeding like all those women appeared to do on the photos. In complete honesty it is hard work, and you can feel like a cow being pumped especially when you have a baby that refused a bottle like Sally. But when you see how satisfied your baby is and how much they are growing just on what you have inside you, it truly seems miraculous! Then as you continue to 3 months, or 6 months, or in my case 1 year, you can't imagine you're child not having it! By 3 months the pain is gone completely! And you can just enjoy your hot water baby! Plus I'm generally the sort of person who likes to do things the easiest way possible, and once you have the hang of breastfeeding it requires very little effort. Yes there's the whole initial nerves of having to breast feed in public, but I had an AWESOME nursing apron that I took everywhere! And it worked a treat. Plus my breastfeeding support worker had instilled the confidence in me to tell people where to shove it if they turned their noses up or said anything to what I was doing. Gratefully I never had to employ my responses, as you can breastfeed with people barely noticing. And if they do they either smile or quickly look away out of their own embarrassment! Deal with it people! It's just a booby, and I'm not even waggling it in front of your face! Also nobody, by law, can ask you to leave a place when breastfeeding, so don't feel like you have to sit in a stinky loo somewhere shivering! You wouldn't eat in a loo, so why should your baby. I have fed at coffee shops all by myself on a comfy chair, fed whilst enjoying Pizza Hut with the family, and even fed in the middle of a Sunday School lesson (as we currently meet in a school so no mother's room) and gave answers at the same time! Daring I know! Could almost class me as a feminist! Just don't feel like you have to exclude yourself from social environments otherwise the whole process can become very lonely!
Breastfeeding is a hard journey that has a great reward (like most difficult things in life)! Count yourself lucky, or I prefer blessed, if you manage to do it! And if you struggle ask for help! Tell your other half or family member you're finding it hard. Trust me, they really can't read your mind! Call your midwife and everyone else on your list until someone comes to reassure you! And if you don't want to do it then fine. I won't lie, I am all for breastfeeding, but mothers should not be judged by others (especially other mums) for the choices they make which are 99.8% of the time for the benefit of their baby, and they shouldn't belittle themselves either which is more than often the case. Do what's best for your individual, different from any other, baby. Yes there are all the pros and cons of each method, but it's about your sanity and your baby's happiness, so like most things in life make the choice that reaps the most rewards for you and your loved ones. All I would say is that breastfeeding is hard, but totally worth it, and things can go the way you wanted them to. Don't give up at the first hurdle, but don't jump over it by yourself. Heck! Even contact me if you're struggling!
I hope that kinda helps someone in some way! Baby's are the most precious thing Heavenly Father can ever give us, so in the end just enjoy them! They don't stay tiny for long, and once they are bigger I hardly think one of the first things they will ask you is how you fed them as a new born- it will most likely freak them out too much!
Looking back on it now Sally's birth was pretty traumatic. I have done a previous post on this here if you wish to get the full low down. I had prayed whilst I was pregnant that I did not mind what I had to go through as long as my baby came out healthy. Which of course she did, at my expense! I class myself extremely blessed that such depression did not take hold. It's effects are devastating to mothers, and even scarier for these women is the knowledge that if they were to have another child there is a 50% chance of PND returning. I in no way wish to demean the struggle these mothers go through, I just want to highlight to mums to be out there that things can also go well! Very well!
Having read and heard lots of stories of mothers who have struggled to breast feed and felt like failures, who had little support and knew not where to go, I feel tremendously blessed that I got the care I had both at the hospital and at home.
I developed pre-eclampsia in the last couple of weeks of pregnancy, though they did not fully acknowledge this until the day I went into labour. As a result of this, and the general physical trauma I had from a forceps delivery to a nearly 9lb baby, I, unlike most mothers, had to remain in hospital for an extra two days. Although this meant little rest with babies and phones going off all night and day it did mean I had on call support to help me get the hang of breast feeding. Breast feeding had been my intention from the beginning, but nothing had really prepared me for how much energy it takes out of you, how difficult learning how to get the right latch on is, and also how painful it is for those first couple of months. In the lead up to giving birth you see all these beautiful photos of women breastfeeding, and it's almost instilled in you how worthwhile it is for not only the baby but you yourself. I just wish my midwife had said, 'Be prepared, breast-feeding is hard!' Those few days in hospital I called the staff nearly every time I fed Sally to check I was doing it right. To be honest most of the time I needed them to latch her on for me, or show me different positions which may be easier. Gratefully they were more than willing to help, and I never had the feeling that I was a burden to them, despite their heavy workload.
When I was finally discharged I was pretty scared of what to do if I couldn't get it right at home. So when I got home I just read all of the pamphlets and stuff they had given me on breastfeeding to see all the different techniques. They had also highlighted to me the 24hr helpline you can call if you are struggling, so I knew I had that as a last resort. Those next couple of days were hard. Dave won't mind me saying he was a little bit useless at night time, and when I would be feeding Sally and would try and wake him up he'd be half asleep and practically non-functioning. To be honest there wasn't much he could do but it got very lonely those first few nights, and I often would cry to myself because of the pain of feeding and Sally just wanting to be fed all the time. Thankfully in the days that followed my midwife reinstructed me how to latch Sally on properly as this is what was causing such agonising pain. With her help and that of the breastfeeding support worker who also came, I felt confident in my technique. The initial pain remained, but after 10 seconds or so of what they call 'let down' the pain would subside and I was able to enjoy breastfeeding like all those women appeared to do on the photos. In complete honesty it is hard work, and you can feel like a cow being pumped especially when you have a baby that refused a bottle like Sally. But when you see how satisfied your baby is and how much they are growing just on what you have inside you, it truly seems miraculous! Then as you continue to 3 months, or 6 months, or in my case 1 year, you can't imagine you're child not having it! By 3 months the pain is gone completely! And you can just enjoy your hot water baby! Plus I'm generally the sort of person who likes to do things the easiest way possible, and once you have the hang of breastfeeding it requires very little effort. Yes there's the whole initial nerves of having to breast feed in public, but I had an AWESOME nursing apron that I took everywhere! And it worked a treat. Plus my breastfeeding support worker had instilled the confidence in me to tell people where to shove it if they turned their noses up or said anything to what I was doing. Gratefully I never had to employ my responses, as you can breastfeed with people barely noticing. And if they do they either smile or quickly look away out of their own embarrassment! Deal with it people! It's just a booby, and I'm not even waggling it in front of your face! Also nobody, by law, can ask you to leave a place when breastfeeding, so don't feel like you have to sit in a stinky loo somewhere shivering! You wouldn't eat in a loo, so why should your baby. I have fed at coffee shops all by myself on a comfy chair, fed whilst enjoying Pizza Hut with the family, and even fed in the middle of a Sunday School lesson (as we currently meet in a school so no mother's room) and gave answers at the same time! Daring I know! Could almost class me as a feminist! Just don't feel like you have to exclude yourself from social environments otherwise the whole process can become very lonely!
Breastfeeding is a hard journey that has a great reward (like most difficult things in life)! Count yourself lucky, or I prefer blessed, if you manage to do it! And if you struggle ask for help! Tell your other half or family member you're finding it hard. Trust me, they really can't read your mind! Call your midwife and everyone else on your list until someone comes to reassure you! And if you don't want to do it then fine. I won't lie, I am all for breastfeeding, but mothers should not be judged by others (especially other mums) for the choices they make which are 99.8% of the time for the benefit of their baby, and they shouldn't belittle themselves either which is more than often the case. Do what's best for your individual, different from any other, baby. Yes there are all the pros and cons of each method, but it's about your sanity and your baby's happiness, so like most things in life make the choice that reaps the most rewards for you and your loved ones. All I would say is that breastfeeding is hard, but totally worth it, and things can go the way you wanted them to. Don't give up at the first hurdle, but don't jump over it by yourself. Heck! Even contact me if you're struggling!
I hope that kinda helps someone in some way! Baby's are the most precious thing Heavenly Father can ever give us, so in the end just enjoy them! They don't stay tiny for long, and once they are bigger I hardly think one of the first things they will ask you is how you fed them as a new born- it will most likely freak them out too much!
Tuesday 7 January 2014
2013 Beauty Favourites
I'm back! Time for a beauty post! Here goes!!!!
Let's start with skincare, body, face EVERYWHERE! ;)
Start with the simple things! Tesco Everyday Value 80 cotton wool pads. I like to get the best price for everything and these do the job! What's the point of paying pretty pennies for something that's going in the bin once it's cleaned your mucky face :D Can't find the link for them online but I think they're something ridiculous like 45p. My kinda cost!
B. Pure Micellar Water. This has been my main companion to the trustee pads. Been using this stuff for a year now and have gone through a few bottles. It is the perfect make-up remover and general face cleanser. It has also won a couple of awards which is always a good sign of a reliable product. The B. range as a whole has been a wonderful new discovery for me this year and this item is by far my favourite, and shall long have its place on my bathroom shelf. Ditch those wipes and grab some of this! Even removes waterproof mascara and is a great general cleanser! I have heard on the grapevine it's a lot like Bio Derma, but easier to find and cheaper :) It's now only £3.32 instead of the usual £4.99 at Superdrug (the only place it's available). My skin has never been so good and this had definitely been one of the keys to that. Doesn't aggravate my sensitive and dry skin either.... I could go on and on.... but I'm sure I'll mention it again in the future!
Let's start with skincare, body, face EVERYWHERE! ;)
Another B. product I have come to LOVE! The B. Refined Exfoliating Cleanser. This seems to be lasting forever which I am most happy about. As I have dry and sensitive skin I try not to aggravate it too much so only use this on my face once a week or twice if I have any breakouts, which hardly occur ever thanks to this baby! It has tiny beads which dissolve in rubbing and has no unpleasant nor fragrant scent. Really is simply designed to give your face a good scrub. Really love it! Not used any face scrubs in the past but this is for sure a keeper!
Now to my only lip product to make it into my favourites this year, and it was definitely an unexpected one! The Cocoa Butter Formula Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Lip Butter. I got this mainly because Zoella (an awesome blogger and youtuber) had said it was really good sometime last year. So I caved in and got it (luckily it was only a few pennies!). To be quite honest, although I used it frequently, mainly before bedtime as part of my night time routine, I only really liked it because it was like After Eights in gloss moisture form. It would not have made it into this post had it not been for me not taking it with me for the week we spent at my parent's for Christmas. After a day or two of being without it I realised how desperately my lips needed it! Yummy scrummy moisture that keep my lips happy! This tube has also lasted FOREVER! Showing no signs of running out and I've been using it for nearly a year now :)
Now for make-up related favourites.... this may take a while!
Maybelline Falsies Waterproof Mascara (Black). I didn't think I was going to find a mascara better than Benefit's They're Real, but then I tried this out! Mainly bought it as I needed a waterproof mascara for the summer, but it is simply the greatest mascara I've ever used! Perfect if you want your eyelashes to look literally AMAZING! It was also really nice to return to a non-plastic brush :) and the spoon design of this one is super for catching all your lashes from root to tip. Get some!!! Plus I love big chunky packaging.
This is the alternative to Falsies that has been my mascara go to this year! Avon Super Extend Mascara in brown/black. I had previously had this in just the black but I love it in this shade more as it is perfect for everyday, when you want to look more natural. I love it especially because it catches every lash and coats them nice and evenly. Just love the natural effect it gives. I won't lie though, I may just get falsies in brown if it even exists! Not sure if you can get this exact one from Avon anymore as they're always changing their stock, but there is likely to be something very similar!
Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner. These are by far a must have! They are an excellent dupe for Urban Decay's 24hr gel liners, but at a snippet of the price- especially if you get them in a sales brochure for like £2-£3. And the range of colours are gorgeous! Perfect for both waterlines and on the lid itself. The plummy-brown shades are my favourite for everyday. But I keep adding to the collection as you can see.
These are my only favourite eye shadows of this year (I love the rest but these I have used the most), Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo. I have the colour Permanent Taupe (left) and On-and-On Bronze (right). These are a cream shadow that blend beautifully before setting (I use my ring finger to apply). The taupe colour is matte and can be built up to a darker shade or blended out to be much fairer and the perfect base for more pinky/purple toned shadows. And the bronze is slightly shimmery and perfect just by itself. I turn to these most days I wear makeup for an easy everyday look. Plus they're super quick and easy to apply which is of great importance with a 14 month old close by, or even being held wanting to help mummy do her makeup (she's gonna be a pro by the time she's 4 years old). The little glass pots are going to last forever! The range has some other beautiful shades too! Only con is that when you use other shadows on top they can crease by the end of the day, but by themselves they are perfect!
The final product eye wise are two of my Real Techniques eye brushes. They are the Shading Brush (top) and the Base Shadow Brush (bottom). I tend to use the base shadow brush for my base shadow (who'd have thought it!!!) and in my crease. The shading I tend to used with cream shadows, for packing on shadow or for using shadows to define the outer edge of my eye more- for example creating a smokey eye. The Chapman sister's brushes are all amazing! Every make-up lover should definitely have at least one, if not more... lots more! They are completely synthetic so cruelty free, and clean easy peasy. They do everything you ask them to basically so are super versatile! And they're a bargain price considering how much you often pay for brushes who do just as good a job!
Do brows count as eyes? Here be Gosh Defining Brow Gel. The last quarter of the year I decided to rage against the machine and refuse to pluck my eyebrows for the foreseeable future. Luckily my brows don't get bushy but all brows need a little controlling. This gel is perfect! It's clear and keeps your brows in place all day! It also doesn't go crispy like some clear gels do. Just a perfect find that was unexpected from a brand I have nothing else from, but shall definitely look into more thanks to this product! Also works perfectly over brow powder if I fill my brows in.
Now to the general face department :) Collection 16hr Lasting Perfection Concealer. This will not come as a surprise to beauty geeks that this is a favourite! It's a favourite of pretty much everyone that uses it! It's easy to apply, has perfect long lasting coverage and has no faults I can find (except the black ink labelling rubbing off almost immediately). I have the two lightest shades, fair and light. I use fair (the lightest) under my eyes and where I want my face to be more highlighted, and light on blemishes :D the perfect combo! Need not try any other concealer! And it is a bargain too for the quality.
Bourjois Délice de Poudre Bronzing Powder. I have never really been a bronzer user until I decided to try this out. Yes I will admit I was mainly drawn in because it looks like chocolate :D It is lasting FOREVER and is matte but not muddy. I generally just like it and have used it every make up day since I've had it. It also smells delightful! I imagine there are better bronzers out there which I shall venture to find once I've had my fun with this! Also great for contouring by the way :) I'm full of such useful little facts! Another brand I have not ventured into much.
Avon Colour and Contour Rose Glow. Pretty sure you can't get this any more as I've had it for a good year or two, but I've loved it from the start! The perfect highlighter and blush combo. They are both very shimmery and highly pigmented so you have to be light with application (but it does mean it lasts forever). Using both together is perhaps not suitable for everyday- but definitely for more glamorous occasions! But the highlighter is perfect for whenever! Just beautiful on the cheekbones!
Real Techniques Blush Brush and Expert Face Brush. The perfect duo for my face! The blush brush, until I recently got a couple new brushes, I used for bronzer, blush, highlight and powder, and it did all jobs sufficiently. It is definitely my favourite for bronzer though, as it's tapered design means it blends whilst applying :) and it's super soft! The expert face brush is the only brush I'll use now to apply foundation. It blends it beautifully for a flawless finish! A must must must have!!!!
Nails Inc. Soho Silk base coat. I bought this on recommendation when I got my nails done last year for my birthday at Nails Inc. in Meadowhall (highly recommend it!). When I've painted my nails previously (especially with yellow nail varnish) the varnish has stained my nails not so attractively, even when I've used a base coat. The nail lady (how technical) said this base coat is really good at preventing staining and because it creates a white base the colour is more vibrant. And it has not let me down. Definitely my favourite base coat I've ever used! A big recommend of mine if you've had similar staining issues! Also when you use it by itself it creates a lovely healthy nail look :) Pricey (as Nails Inc always is unless you bag a deal :) but for me it's worth it!
And that's it!!! Not much hey? And that was a narrowed down list! Hope you enjoy these beauty related bogs and find them useful in some shape or form! Ciao!
Saturday 4 January 2014
2013 Everyday Favourites
Sometime soon you're gonna see a change in this blog of mine! Hopefully a good one you will like :D this talented hubby of mine (with my help of course) is going to beautify my page! Going to be a more dedicated blogger and cover everything from my life, family, faith and beauty. So watch out for that!
This blog is one of two on my 2013 favourites. The second will be beauty related. Let's get on with the show!
My Pandora bracelet. Got a few more additions to it this year including 2 clips so that my charms can be separated and don't slide all to the same place! I just love it because every charm represents something in my life! I now have 2 representing my Sally :D These really do make amazing gifts and mine has been a main feature on my wrist this year :)
My trustee Topshop handbag! I got this for my birthday last year and it has been the most perfect companion when you already have a huge changing bag that can carry most things, but you still want you're purse contents close to hand. It is basically a purse-handbag hybrid :D and was very useful at keeping everything in one place! But I am now sadly having to say goodbye to it as it is a bit worn out from all my wild adventures! But it was definitely worth the £7 or something ridiculous I paid for it..... Best go search through my small but beautiful handbag collection... Hello there ;) hehe...
My Joe Browns faux leather jacket! I got this for a steal from a charity shop when we lived in Headingley, Leeds. Couldn't believe my luck when I saw it! Got it for £10.99 if I remember correctly... and it has been worth way more than that to me! It's just super cool. I won't lie, I feel a little like Peyton from One Tree Hill when I wear it (BIG OTH fan :) It literally goes with everything and has been the perfect jacket for this English weather when it's neither hot nor cold! (As long as it's not raining of course!). I REALLY love it, and it is now getting rather worn :( maybe time for an upgrade? Hehehe.... best get searching the charity shops again!
My River Island boots! I have a soft spot for RI boots full stop! Still have pairs I got when I was like 16 and 17 :D They last forever- obviously you have to get new heels and soles every few years. But they are soooooo worth the often pricey price tag! These ones though were less pricey as they aren't real leather. I got them as my 'pushing' present after having Sals (every mum should get a gift for sho!) and I still love them as much as the first time I saw them every time I put them on. Primark are doing a pretty decent copy of them, but they're nothing like the real thing! Trust me :) Definitely my shoe of the year.
Yes, I know it's sad... but I just love tele! Sky+ has been the best thing ever! Now that Dave and I are not our previous late night student selves many a programme is recorded! Then there's those crucial times when there's 2 programmes on at the same time you love! Problem solved :) Have seen some AWESOME tv this year :) from Downtin Abbey, to Revenge, to I'm a Celebrity and my most favouritist programme The Apprentice.... New season soon please!!!!!
This final favourite is a combination of two things.
First our mini ipad! A most generous present from mum and dad last Christmas. The best thing ever! I use it for everything! And it was super handy when I was breastfeeding and only had one hand properly free- this kept me entertained during those hours of the day :D Going to be a favourite forever methinks! Especially now we have a baby proof case :D it actually bounces! Hehe!
Last, but by no means least my Sally! The bestest best thing ever! She has made every day of 2013 the best day. I can't actually contain how much I love her. It seriously grows with every giggle, smile, snuggle and cheeky grin! She's my princess and I know that both Dave and I would be lost without her! If I could be sure every child I had would be as perfect as she I'd have squillions..... okay maybe 3 or 4..... don't hold me to that though!
Hope you had a wonderful 2013 full of beautiful things and most important memories! That's what I have taken away from it the most!
Happy New Year! I have a feeling this is gonna be a good 'un!
This blog is one of two on my 2013 favourites. The second will be beauty related. Let's get on with the show!
First our mini ipad! A most generous present from mum and dad last Christmas. The best thing ever! I use it for everything! And it was super handy when I was breastfeeding and only had one hand properly free- this kept me entertained during those hours of the day :D Going to be a favourite forever methinks! Especially now we have a baby proof case :D it actually bounces! Hehe!
Last, but by no means least my Sally! The bestest best thing ever! She has made every day of 2013 the best day. I can't actually contain how much I love her. It seriously grows with every giggle, smile, snuggle and cheeky grin! She's my princess and I know that both Dave and I would be lost without her! If I could be sure every child I had would be as perfect as she I'd have squillions..... okay maybe 3 or 4..... don't hold me to that though!
Hope you had a wonderful 2013 full of beautiful things and most important memories! That's what I have taken away from it the most!
Happy New Year! I have a feeling this is gonna be a good 'un!
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