Healthy Living

Anyone that has known me for any considerable amount of time will know that when it comes to health and lifestyle I go by two theories:
-Exercise is bad for you
-I'm so happy because I eat what I want when I want

I'm taking a stand against myself... the scariest of people to face ;) my new theories are:
-A bit of exercise is good for you
-Eat what you want when you want, but food isn't the basis for ALL happiness, though it is still one of my biggest contributors.

As of the past few weeks I have started counting calories... with the help of My Fitness Pal. Now this venture I have taken upon me a couple of times before, and just got bored very quickly. But this time it seems to be sticking. Obviously I am doing it to lose weight, but to be honest that is not the biggest benefit I've found from it (it is working though as I've lost 4lbs in 2 weeks :).
Here's the good things:

• I'm much more conscious of what foods are better for you, and what you can fill yourself up on and still have a ton of calories left
• Because I'm counting calories I now think when I pick up a treat 'Do I really want this right now, or will I appreciate it more later'.
• I can still eat whatever I like- so if I want to have a proper binge on 2 or 3 chocolate bars in an evening (don't tell me you've never done this) I have to do some exercise to earn them.
• I get fuller quicker, so sometimes can't even eat the remains of a days calories in chocolate despite wanting to.
• Drinking more water :D mother would be so proud :D
• I can eat cake and chocolate for breakfast if I really want :) and dinner, and lunch :D
• Salads are soooooooo tastey and awesome for lunch :)

So yep! Gotta keep motivated! I already can feel the difference in me, and in my energy levels- just feel AWESOME :) P.S EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!

So if you've on My Fitness Pal add me :D - bethybonsslds
BBxx

Spring Everyday Make-Up Use & Review

Thought I'd start a new kinda series of blogs where I create a make-up look for the main purpose of reviewing some products! 2 blogs in 1!! Snazzy I know ;)
So today children.... we are reviewing...

• MUA The Artiste Collection
• Barry M Lip Paint Touch of Magic
• Model Co Shine Ultra Lip Gloss- Berry Pink

Here's what I used for the entire look:

 

Let's start with the MUA palette.... I've had this for over a year now and I love it initially because it has everything you need in one place, and it's as cheap as chips for £6!

Eyes-

Mocca, Cookie and Chocolate

I took Mocca in the inner corner of my eye then used Cookie as a base really packing it on. It's a gorgeous bronze colour that isn't too shimmery so good for Spring. To add a bit of definition I used Chocolate in the outer corner, through the crease, and a little under the eye.
The eyeshadows in this palette are quite pigmented but at times a little chalky. But they last really well... though I do always use an eye primer... just very cautious like that :D

Face-

Shimmer Kiss, Bronzed and Pink Sparkle

I took Shimmer Kiss the highlight shade on the brow bone and across the top of the cheekbone- not as pigmented or creamy as what most people would like in a highlighter, and it has quite a chunky shimmer to it. Bronzed is the most impressive part of the WHOLE palette! I used it to contour in the hollow of the cheeks and along the hairline and jaw. I won't lie, it is a pretty scary powder when you first pick it up on your brush as it's super pigmented, so use it sparsely... like very much so. But it's just so darn good!! It's really matte too which is always desirable in a bronzer you're using to contour. I've been so impressed by it (once I worked out how best to use it) that I'm highly considering trying to find a similar full size product in the MUA range. It lasts all day too and blends very well...
I took Pink Sparkle on the apples of my cheeks- it's very kinda natural flushed blusher colour, and not all that pigmented. But works well for an everyday light look, good for spring.

Lips-

Waited so long to get this product! And it was well worth the wait. Superdrug website describes it as- Green goes pink. A waterproof formula with added Aloe Vera stays on for up to 8 hours. Depending on the alkali level of your lips, determines just how pale or rich the colour will go. And this is the colour it turns mine :D Love it!!! Feels nourishing and stains your lips all day. What I love most though is that it's MAGICAL!! Dave's never been so fascinated with a lip stick :D Plus Barry M Lip Paints just have such gorgeous packaging- makes it feel so much more luxurious and pricey.

I got this light reflective gloss free in Glamour magazine last week (worth £12 and still available) and I wasn't sure of it because it's a bit too sheer on my lip by itself. But it's gorgeous strawberry scent (tis AMAZING!!) and awesome mirror incorporated packaging (all lip products need to take note!) made me try it again. And on top of the Barry M lip paint it's awesome- makes the lips look so shiny and juicy! The shine is incredible, and the formulation isn't too sticky or tacky as far as lip glosses go. Your hair will still stick somewhat when the wind blows, but the gloss lasts well and feels super nourishing too! Defo worth the £2 for the magazine :D everyone loves a freebie.... Could sniff it ALL DAY!

Just an overall natural Springish look, with a pop of no-fuss colour on the lips :D
What do you think of these kinda posts?
BBxx

Mini Beauty Haul

May have done a little spend yesterday- I couldn't help myself! The sun was shining and everything! What was I to do?
Here's what I got :D

First up (and what I'm most excited to try out) is Garnier Cleansing Micellar Lotion. You all know I'm a big fan of B.'s offering in this department (have two bottles waiting to be used as I stocked up when they were super cheap!), but have heard many a positive review of Garnier's take on the beauty essential. Plus, as a bargainer I'm more than happy to pay the £2.99 I paid for this at Savers, especially as it's 400ml, and B. Pure is just 150ml... I feel a comparison coming in the future..... watch this space...

Rimmel 60 Seconds Rita Ora Nail Polish in Breakfast in Bed (a vivid deep teal) and Lose Your Lingerie (a pale bright white based pink, perfect for spring).... when I went into Superdrug I was confronted with a display of Rita Ora's offerings... and at buy 1 get 1 half price I just had to :D Side note, the lip crayons are pretty impressive! Even after wiping my hand with a baby wipe and giving it a good rub, my swatches were still present in a stain. They smell pretty good too :D just didn't really have any excuse to buy one.... but you don't need an excuse for nail varnishes, even when you do have around 70.... I really should count them....

MUA Pro Base Eye Primer- this has nearly always been out of stock in my local Superdrug, but not yesterday :D excited to see what it offers for £2.50!! Looks somewhat promising...

The least expected purchase for last... Beauty UK Baked Box Halo 3. Been looking for a good drugstore highlighter- I did purchase the MUA Undress Me a month back or so, but I just can't seem to love it! Very dry... but that's for another post! I've never got anything from Beauty UK before, but this really caught my eye. The packaging is Benefit-esque (which I love) and because it is designed to be a blush it's more of a subtle highlight shade... and because it's baked it's really easy to pick up with a brush.. only tried it a little but so far I like it :D

Must also note that I swatched the new Gosh Velvet Touch Lip Liners, and fell in love! They were also buy 1 get 1 half price and I totally would have caved but there was only a tester of one of the shades I wanted. They are super creamy and pigmented, and also withstood the baby wipe test! There's a gorgeous bright orange too- perfect for the Spring/Summer trend.... will be keeping an eye out for them...

Is it bad to love make up so much?? And I thought chocolate and shoes were my only weaknesses.... ah well... we can't all be perfect...

BBxx

A post about cotton pads...

Yes... I am about to embark on a post about cotton pads.... but honestly, truly, I think it's gonna rock your world... well at least your world of cotton wool pads, that's even if you use them.... if not you should start, and these are the ones you should use :D

Say hello to Aldi's Lacura 100% Pure Cotton Pads :D The main reason I purchased these was because I was wanting to try out some Aldi stuff (read about my first experience here) and for 2 packs of 100 pads it was something like 99p!!! Which works out cheaper than Tesco's everyday value pads that are 49p for 80 pads, and had been my favourite until now.... When I opened this pack just the other day I was expecting your standard cheapish pad, nothing special.... so boy was I surprised when I came across this dual-sided beauty!!!!!

It just felt so luxurious too... it almost appeared like the sides had been hand-stitched together. BOOTIFUL! I was literally in awe, and continued to show Dave the amazingness of the simple pad.... unfortunately his thrill didn't match mine. Sadtimes.... After admiring its beauty I investigated the packaging to find out what the meaning was behind this fandangle of a pad....

So I followed the instructions as such, and the results have been revolutionary for my skin. It removes my eye make up better, my face make up, and the smoother side really helps my toner to nourish and cool the skin. I can't believe how a simple pad can make your skin routine so much better!!! Yes you may think I'm mental but I don't care!! Just go and buy some- they are the cheapest option too after all.... I just can't believe it all..... Living the dream.... hehehehe.... Join me ;)

After trying these I think it's my duty to give the other Lacura products a trial... have you ever tried anything from this range?

BBxx

Beth the Inventor

Do you ever have those moments in your life where you come up with the greatest idea in the world, the sort that would probably make you a few bob... well I've had a few of these over the years... To be honest it was mainly confectionary related- who have thunk it??
Still to this day I believe I was the mind behind white chocolate malteasers and chocolate raisins in Revels (my dad was the personal manager for Mars and I'm pretty sure someone bugged our house and stole my ideas.. hehe...).
In a different sense I'm pretty sure I was the gal who first coined the term "Moobs" whilst in 6th form. Everyone thought it was hilarious, and from that day to this the term has grown in use... you may thank or unthank me for that one...
So last night I had another epiphany (or what Dave likes to call an 'epidural', I love that man for his Davisms). Unfortunately for Pippin it was just as we were getting off to sleep, when I usually start some crazy conversation, or ask him for a science lesson as I clearly didn't retain any of that info from school (who would have thought I needed it!). So to my idea... since having Sally and taking more and more pics on various devices I've have got slightly stressed out at the thought of organising it all into files on the computer. Then there's the question of what ones you should get printed, or uploaded online... then the worry of losing all your files... you with me?? So in those 5 mins I designed in my mind a website where you could store your photos in online albums, available and in a sense another safe place for them. There was a bit more detail to it than that... but I'm not sharing just in case..... So we decided that I'd talk to my dad about it, as he's all business heady... well my dreams of  the big bucks were shattered once more! Ever heard of something called 'Flickr'.... yep that online photo storage bad boy.... looks like I'm gonna have to carry on working hard at my novel series after all.... was nice to feel super genius inventy for a night :D Now to check out this 'Flickr' see if it's as good as my brain's version....
Don't stop dreaming big! I may get there someday!!!!
BBxx

"Saturday is a special day..."

If you've never been in Primary at an LDS/Mormon church then just ignore the title... except for the Saturday part :D
The Saturday just gone was pretty awesome ("Everything is AWESOME!!!").... Just a good all round family Saturday spent with my Sparrow and Pippin :D So I thought I'd share my day with you :D including a bit of an OOTD (outfit of the day) as I thought I looked cool :) because I'm just cool like that..... so cool!


Jacket- Charity Shop (M&S), Top- River Island, Skirt- Republic, Tights- ?, Boots- Faith

Excuse the mess in the background- Sally was having a nap so Dave decided to sort out his hoard of stuff under the bed! What a good man :D <3
I really liked the make up I did too... may even do a post on it at some point because it was a really simple but pretty Spring look...

We didn't even really do anything special, just went into town together did a bit of shopping and then took Sally to the park so she could walk around, have a play and watch the ducks and geese (luckily the geese were well behaved so I didn't get too scared :D brave Bethy). Sally really loved it :D she loves just walking along and nosing at people :D we had Subway for lunch- we hadn't had it for donkeys- and Sally didn't eat any of hers (apart from her oat and raisin cookie of course) because she had turned herself full 180 degrees to join in a conversation two teenage daughters were having with their dad..... she was proper joining in chatting away but luckily they were far away enough to not notice her sticking her nose in! She enjoyed herself though.... and well Dave and I... nom nom nom.... Need to go to Subway more :)

Love this pair sooooo much!!!!! She's such a pro walker now and is really good at wearing her reigns otherwise we would lose her- as Dave realised trying to keep up with her running around in H&M in new shoes we let her try on.... funniest thing was that they were still attached to each other by the tag stuff, but she didn't let that stop her shuffling along really fast between all the rails, daddy chasing her whilst I picked out a few additions to her wardrobe!

H&M does so many cute kids clothes!! They're really good quality and cheap too!!! Defo give Primark a run for their money, more so because their clothes are ethically sourced... and just cuter :D I managed to stop myself from buying pretty much everything... but Dave gave into the super cute red pinstripe jeans with an anchor button detail... and then once we tried the Converse like boots on Sally and couldn't get them off her (and she walked real good in them considering there's lots of growing room), we had to get them for her- especially as they were only £5.99 too!!! Then got her a simple pink short sleeve t-shirt which was on sale for £2 and a pack of super adorable bright patterned socks as Sally's always seem to get stolen by The Borrowers... crafty devils....
I also treated myself to a couple of bits from Primark... underwear related... let's just say some parts of your body don't get smaller again after having a baby, and for the price Primark is just about sufficient!!! Treated Dave to a new tie that I just loved, and a pair of grey jeans (standard Dave) which turned out naf as I got him his size and you could literally have fitted me in them with him.... which he would have enjoyed far too much I'm sure! TMI!! So they're being returned...

A perfect family day finished off with a bloomin' fantastic bath interrupted by Dave saying he'd done the dishes for me :D Relaxation to the max!
Going to try and make every Saturday more like this! It's amazing how just getting out and about as a family makes the day so much happier :D
Did you have happy Saturdays?
BBx

Sociable Sally

Just this past week or two Sally's little personality has multiplied in magnitude tenfold! At least! It baffles me how much of a person she is now. She's such a happy person, who can't stop herself from boogying and singing when music comes on (as we speak she's trying to sing along to 'Bibidy bobody boo', very suited to her jibber jabber!). She also loves walking back and forth to and from the kitchen carrying various things- usually her favourite knitted cardy worn on just one arm... Yes yes she's pretty unique too! Not known a kid like her and I've seen many with my mum's childminding and church. She gets very frustrated trying to be independent putting on her own clothes (there's no helping her sometimes!). She also loves to just sit on a chair by herself with her blanket (usually over her head) so it's nice to know she can have quiet time :) . She is a proper girly girl too... She loves helping me do make up and cleansing my face etc.. And she gets super excited when she's wearing a dress, like I can't get it on her quick enough! And it's definitely not all learnt behaviour from me.... I think anyway hehe...

I think what's surprised Pippin and I most of all about our Sals is she's super sociable!!! Just the past week she's taken her friendliness to a whole new level. Here are three instances...

1. Institute- so we went to visit my mum and dad in Leeds this weekend where they're serving a mission for our church as a couple for the Institute of Religion in the area. So the building where they live and where lessons are held (it's floopin huge and beautiful) has many a young person and people in general around. Let's just say they had already heard a lot about Sally (grandparents may be a little bit obsessed) and I'm pretty sure Sally still managed to exceed their expectations. She did a whole lot of charming on a couple of lads, who couldn't help but respond to her floozyness ;) and in a matter of seconds she had one girl letting her use her phone and laptop.... Crafty :) she was just so smiley and chatty the whole time!
2. Train ride- on the train home she was in an especially social mood. She just wanted to stand in the aisle the entire time chatting to people, and in some cases invading their personal space. At first I was reluctant to let her socialise but I knew she could tell the situation was different to that at the Institute where we kinda knew everyone. She never went out of arms reach and every few minutes came back to me for cuddles :) but boy can that girl chat! She had a group of lads giggling to themselves at her antics, and then became best friends with a young lady chat chat chatting like they were having an overdue catch up. She even asked me if Sally would like some Percy Pigs- now that's love! (I said no thank you wishing she had asked me!). There was literally no stopping her and it made me so full of happiness to see how much she was brightening the day of the commuters... Who are a pretty tough crowd!
3. Doctors- had to take her to get her night coughing sorted. Whilst we were in the waiting room she was the same as on the train, doing her cheeky fake giggle and staying close by whilst charming everyone. Then she busted with confidence and kept walking back and forth to the reception desk talking to the receptionists whilst on tip toes peering over the desk! Then in the room with the doctor she didn't stop talking except from when the doctor was checking her chest. She was non stop natter natter and the doctor pretended to have a comversation with her which was lovely.

I just love how happy she makes everyone, even when just pushing her along in the pushchair. I hope she always stays so sociable. Obviously we'll teach her all about stranger danger when she's older, but whilst she's with me she can talk all she likes :) plus 99.9% of people are harmless. Who wouldn't want their day brightened by my gorgeous girl! FYI I am totally child bragging :D who doesn't?
Here's a small snippet of my day-to-day life :D
BBxx

 

 

February Favourites

It's that time again..... Got quite a few favourites from this month......bear with :D
Let's start non-beauty wise....

Fiorelli Handbag- have had this a good 3 years or so now.... and I still love it!!! It's one of those bags that is perfect for the darker winter months, and literally goes with everything. Plus it looks gorge too :D good size too!!! Love it so much, especially after not using it for a good year or so- it was like Christmas all over again when I got it out to use it.
Owl purse- got this for my birthday from Dave's grandparents, and it literally could not have come at a better time as my previous little purse I used to hold lipstick like malarkey in in my bag broke! This one's much prettier :D and bigger :) so I can now hold chewing gum, brush-mirror hybrid, tablets, perfume, lipsticks/lip balms all in one handy beautiful place :D
Faith Ankle Boots- I've always been a sucker for a good pair of boots, but when I came across these in the Debenhams sale on my birthday, when I was searching for boots just like these, I could not believe my luck. They fitted perfectly, were real leather, and at £37.50 (half price) were cheaper than the non-leather boots I'd seen in River Island. So when I got to the till and they turned out to be £22.50 I REALLY could not believe my luck :D love it when you have those 'meant to be' moments with clothes/shoes/makeup.

Also I have to mention my love for my Black Tied Silver Midi Rings- click here to see my original post on these items- of the 3 items I got from this company, this pair of rings have been by far my favourite. Super comfortable, no fingers turning green, and they just look soooo darn good :D


Onto the beauty.....

Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Punch- this has been super at keeping my lips soft and hydrated whilst giving them a beautiful pink tint, a perfect transitional colour from winter to summer- is it just me or did that rhyme? Plus it smells floopin' delicious!!!!!!!

Urban Decay Naked 3- this has to be the most beautiful palette I have ever owned! It's rose-hued shades are gorgeous and so wearable for everyday. You've got mattes, shimmers, highlighter shades, and those perfect for liner or to create a smokey eye. Makes me want to buy Naked and Naked 2 just to look at their beautifulness... but the MUA dupes shall suffice for now :D And the brush that came with the palette is pretty handy too- can never have too many make up brushes!

Neutral nails- have turned to my nudish shades this month for some reason! Good transitional shades for inbetween the deep winter nail shades to the brighter pastel shades for spring :D I usually get bored of my varnish after a day or two, but loved these more each time I looked at them! The three I wore were Leighton Denny-Whatever, Barry M Gelly- Lychee and Nails Inc- Porchester Square which I'm going to have to buy the full size of as my miniature just won't last :(

Katy Perry Killer Queen EDP- I love this perfume so much!!! So much so I want it to be winter months for longer so I can carry on wearing it. It's definitely a rich winter spicey sweet fragrance. I'm so impressed by it, especially as a celeb perfume. Sad point though... the little extra crowny bit that is on the lid snapped off :( to be honest though I think it looks better without :D could smell like this forever!!! And it lasts all day too. Win, win, win.....

B. Energised Eye Cream- was in my empties, and I foolishly thought that I could live without it..... but my replacement Simple Eye Cream just wasn't doing the job, and soon the dark circles and puffiness appeared.... gratefully it was more than half off in Superdrug so it's back into my morning routine, and Simple is now part of my night routine as it's more moisturising and less energising. For the price I really don't think I am going to find anything that does as good a job or better.... feel free to challenge me though.

I've already got a good idea of what's gonna be in my March favourites!! It's gonna be a good month :D
BBxx

100th Post!

Can you believe it!!! Well I can actually- can't believe it's taken me this long to do 100 posts, especially since I've been blogging for like 3 years!!!! Ah well....
Crazy to look at how my blog has changed over time, and more noticeably how my life has changed :D So glad I've documented it all here. I also keep journals (have like 15 years worth!!) but it's just nice to see photos and stuff. It's mental how much stuff I've forgotten.

To begin with there was my uni and early marriage days. Life was really easy back then :) retrospectively at least ;) back when Dave cooked me a full roast dinner all by himself :D he now claims, when I brought it up, that he was only able to do it then because he didn't have 50 hour weeks (work and commute time). But I've made a deal with him.... a compromise of sorts. His only real chore (apart from emptying the bins when he remembers) has been washing the dishes.... and let's just say I'd giving up with the nagging, and searching for clean utensils. So I will now do the dishes as long as he cooks me a roast dinner every Sunday :D and he did :) we shall see how long it lasts as I gave him an easy start with roasting all the veg in little chunks, so no pre-boiling, and pre-prepared roast chicken veg. But it was still good :D He has to make me hot chocolates in the evening when I want them too :) I'm loving it though, because every time I go in the kitchen it's CLEAN!! I actually really enjoy doing dishes, gives you time to think. Plus Sally thinks me in washing up gloves is very entertaining- she waves at me then wants to kiss them... nutter!!!

Then there was the move to Chesterfield, Dave growing into a big boy and starting work and me being pregnant in the last months of my final uni year! Don't do anything a bit at a time :D From that moment to this I've loved every minute of living in this gorgeous town :D I can't find a single thing wrong with it except how long it takes Dave to get home from work. A sacrifice for now so we can stay in such a lovely place with such a lovely ward, but I may have to do a bit more compromising in the future...

Then the best thing of all happened!!! SALLY!!!! I was sooooooo huge for so long- once I got to the 1 week late point I literally thought she was never going to come out.... but she did :D all 8lbs 15oz of her, thick hair and all. Every day Dave and I love her more and more, and we don't know how it's even possible!!!! And now she's nearly 18 months!!! And will be in nursery at church soon- the mind boggles!!! She's my life, and I can't imagine being anywhere else than at home with her.

Now we're in my beauty-ish faze :D I'm just a huge beauty related things junky! Luckily I'm very thrift too, so I can just about contain myself! But I hope you guys like those sorts of posts too- good to mix things up a bit.

So what's to come? Well a move most definitely- hopefully within the next month- but apart from that who knows. One things for sure, our next new house definitely doesn't mean a new baby :D we can be very patient about that :D even with Dave's intense broodiness at times.... I may even finish my first novel this year, that's my goal!!!

Well thanks for reading along with my life this past 100 posts :D I've loved it all!!!!! Be sure to go back and read some past blogs- I was pretty funny back then, even if I do say so myself ;)

Love, love, love,
Mrs Bethy Bonss Patrick