Takeover Tuesday - Instaa_Sam!

Hey there,

My name is Sam and I have control over this weeks “Guest Blog Post” here on B.V.E. As you’ve probably guessed, my wonderful fiancée Sarah runs this blog and having popped up quite a few times in her previous posts, I felt it would be a good chance to let her take a break and hand the reigns over to me.

Anyone who knows me will know that I love music. I’d rather listen to music than watch TV, and much prefer to lose myself in lyrics rather than the lives of the Kardashians! This is why I’m going to hit you guys up with my “Top 5 Instaa_Tunes of The Week”

5 - “Downtown” ~ Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

So were going to kick this off with the guy who introduced us to the “Thrift Shop”, you know the one that’s “Downtown”? (See what I did there?!) This is one of those songs that had me hooked the first time I heard it. There’s just so much going on in the song that it’s hard not to like. I’m not a massive fan of Macklemore but I’ll listen if one of his songs are on. He should feel privileged to be on this list!

4 -  “Omen” ~ Disclosure feat. Sam Smith

I like Disclosure. I like Sam Smith. These two artists are definitely a perfect match (similar to the pairing of Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne) They previously worked together on Disclosure’s first big hit “Latch” back in 2013 and it’s still song I find myself going back to. There’s something about this song that makes it catchy, I’m pretty sure its the “wompy” bassline.

3 - “Can’t Feel My Face” ~ The Weeknd

I remember hearing an instrumental version of this song in the Apple Music announcement video and hunted high and low trying to find out what it was (I don’t use Shazam!) and had almost given up hope when I heard it on the radio. This guy has an incredible voice, and an even more incredible hair do! I was also a fan of “Earned It”, which featured in the movie adaption of that dirty book that raunchy old woman wrote. Anybody who says they don’t like the song is lying to us. And themselves.

2 - “How Deep Is Your Love” ~ Calvin Harris and Disciples

Anybody who watched “The Whisper Challenge” will know that I am a massive fan of Calvin Harris and should have expected him to pop up at some point in this post. His newest hit is probably my favourite he’s released to date and anybody who was looking for that “summer jam” should be happy he’s provided them with one! If this is a taste of things to come, I’m looking forward to his next album for sure.

1 - “Peanut Butter Jelly” ~ Galantis

It’s here, number 1 on my list! SPREAD IT LIKE PEANUT BUTTER JELLY!! The first time I heard this song, I thought it was utter garbage. And then I heard it again. And again. I could safely say that this is one of my most listened to songs on Apple Music, and their album is also a sure fire winner with dance music fans out there. Be sure to check it out!

Alas, we have reached the end of our time together. Lets not be sad about it. I’m glad we’re leaving here with a better understanding of each other and I’m no longer just a name in a blog! Be sure to check back for the next post on B.V.E and who knows, Sarah might even let me back and we can mingle some more.

Peace.Love.Over&Out.


x

August Favourites!!

Hello Again,

It's that time of month again (no, not that time of month), Monthly Favourites! I can't believe August is over and done with, for me it has been an exceptionally testing month so I'm glad to see it go! But I did definitely buy a few (only a few, I promise, ok maybe more than a few) new beauty items to add to my collection and quite a few have made the cut for my Favourites!

So I'm just going to dive on in, come with me if you want to see my little idea of Heaven!!

First up is something that is actually helping me with typing this blog post! It's my new glasses from Specsavers! I haven't worn glasses in a good few years, I actually lost both of my old pairs and never replaced them but recently I have been experiencing visual migraines so my doctor recommended that I go and get my old eyeballs tested and low and behold - I still need glasses! I got two pairs but these are my favourite - A huge bold black frame which suits my face and a lovely tortoise shell pattern on the dainty legs - I love them!!

Next up is two little products from the Body Shop. Over the years I have forgotten all about it really, so when Eilidh and I were walking past a while ago I had to go in! My intentions were just to have a look and walk out but no, my purse jumped out of my bag and before I knew it I had bought a couple of things! (so happy) I picked up the Vitamin E Eyes Cube which i had actually seen advertised by the Body Shop on YouTube - I was very intrigued so I had to try it out (for the blog, obviously). It's essentially a refreshing balm for your eyes!! I apply this 2 times a day, in the morning after toning and moisturising and then again last thing after taking off my make up and cleansing. It makes your under eyes feel amazing!! It actually wakes me up in the morning and my under eyes have never felt softer! I highly recommend this!!

My other favourite goodie that I bought is the Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream in the shade 01 - I have been wearing this to work for the past two weeks now and my skin loves it, my nose on the other hand doesn't appreciate the strong smell, but don't be put off, it goes away after applying, it doesn't stick around all day (it's just quite an overwhelming tea tree scent). I just really like the coverage of this - I would say its light to medium and it honestly feels like I'm not wearing a base which I really prefer when I'm at work all day. This has honestly budged my MAC mineralise foundation and my Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation to the back of my collection! I also want to add that it's super affordable at under £10. I am definitely popping into the Body Shop more often!

I am so (literally sooooo) excited to finally own these two products! MAC mineralise Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle and MAC Fix +. Now Jaclyn Hill is to blame for my obsession with Fix + as every time I see her use it in a video I crave the effect she gets. I have such dry skin and I find when I use powder is sometimes goes cake - so a couple of sprays of this makes that go away - plus it makes me look DEWY!! OMFG I have always wanted to achieve that dewy look and I finally can! (heel-click) I did only buy a little travel size just to try it just in case I found it made me look too wet but it doesn't so I will be buying a full size one, also I want to try their new Rose Fragrance one!!

Now can we just take a minute to admire this - MAC's mineralise skinfinish in the shade Soft and Gentle - ahhhhh! I love this!! It is my perfect holy grail (only had it a couple of weeks and can safely say that) highlight!! Its beautiful for along the tops of my cheekbones, cupids bow and all this other little bit you want a nice natural glow - also it's the perfect shade for me and my pale skin! This is super super pigmented and I only need to use a little (a little really does go a long way) to achieve this. I was literally so excited buying this and it will be with me forever!!

My next favourite is this little pot of niceness! It's a solid perfume from lush - now I do have to thank my Mum and my Sister for introducing me to this. It's a very strange concept as it's like a lip balm form but I literally (realised that I say literally a lot, like literally) love this! Now I chose the fragrance Dirty, which is contradicts itself as it so minty and fresh, with light smells of the ocean and sun tan lotion!! I put this one first thing in the morning, which for me is the back of six and it is still there at 9 o'clock at night! I don't really have anything else to say about it, I love it and I'm not much of a perfume person, but this is by far my favourite!

Now this is a very brave favourite of mine and it's not one I had expected to feature on my blog at all but I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and look at this little beauty! It's by Maybelline and it's in the shade 547 - Pleasure Me Red (ooh lala) It is a very deep red and at first I didn't feel comfortable wearing this (my friend Eilidh would tell you all that I put this on while we were at Costa and I had wiped it off after only having it on for about 5 minutes) but I have been wearing it around my house and I think, I actually think I can wear it out and about! This is my favourite time of year so I'm so looking forward to wearing this along with many more bright and bold colours! YAY!

So they are all my August Favourites, it was very hard as I have had a lot to choose from. But I hope you enjoyed this post. I do have to say my overall Favourite is this Blog! I have loved doing it which I am surprised at because I have tried over the years to do a one and it's just never stuck, but I actually look forward to doing all my posts. I don't know where this blog is going to go or where it's going to take me but I'm sure as hell enjoying the journey!

What have been your monthly favourites? Also please if you do read this and have a blog yourself leave your blog in the comments as I'd love to read it!

'Till next time ...

Guest Post - Eilidh Bee!

You Gotta Friend In Me

Hey everyone, 

It's Eilidh Bee here from Eilidh Bee is Blogging! 

Sarah has invited me to be a guest blogger for her page so I decided to spread the message #beeyou around. As you have probably guessed from the title it's going focus on friendship and being a good friend!

I decided to do this because I thought, considering I’m being a guest blogger on my besties page, I’d talk about friendship and my top 3 tips to help. These mainly focus on helping a friend who is struggling or has something going on. Hope you enjoy!

PS: I am no friend expert or know what I’m talking about professionally, this is just based on my experience and what I feel helps my friends and I. 

Empower and Encourage

I haven’t known Sarah for very long at all but I would already class her as one of my best friends which are hard to come by. One of things I feel is important when being a friend is always encouraging them. Whether it is “OMG you need to eat that cake or I will” or “come on we can do one more mile running” - having a friend to push you and give you the reassurance you need to do something can mean soo much! When I think about who encourages me to do what's best and be strong enough to do things I may not want to, my friends are usually the ones who give me that finalisation its what I should be doing. My family and Chris (my boyfriend) are always there to support me but sometimes you can’t help feeling as though they may just be saying it because they love you and want to make you happy but friends can be brutally honest and still love you after it all.

The Importance of Listening

Following that, encouraging them may not always be the first step to helping them. Listening is suuuper important and knowing when to stop and listen to what they are saying. Sometimes people can have loads and loads running through their heads and they need somewhere to let it out and that exactly what friends are for. If you guys reading this are anything like me, when I have a million and one things going on in my head I sometimes feel that if i start talking about them people will get bored. So taking the time to just listen to what your friend(s) are saying can make all the difference to them.

Unsure? Just Ask!

One thing I love about my best friends is their ability to know when something is wrong. There comes a point when you get to know someone so well you can pick up subtle hints something isn't right. It could just be the way their laugh sounds, the lack of conversation, or something as obvious as them having a sad face. If you are unsure if there is something wrong - just ask them. If you notice something that seems off, it could be nothing or it could be something they don’t have to courage to start talking about off their own backs. If they say “its nothing”, my advice would be don't hound them about it. They clearly aren't ready to talk but the fact you have asked shows them you are concerned and ready to listen when they are ready to talk. Try not to take offence and just carry on the day together as normal. Changing to topic or making general conversation can either take their mind off of the problem or give them time to think how they want to talk about whats bothering them. Overall, let them do things at their own pace and be ready when they want to talk!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guest post today about friendship, hopefully this is a helpful breakdown of my experience of being a good friend. I’m sure you all know all this already just thought it would be relevant, seeing as I am posting on my besties blog! 

Keep smiling…

x

#beeyou

sources: pinterest

Pamper Night!

Hello Again,

This is one of my favourites posts, why? Because I actually had a Pamper Night! It's very very rare that I get a couple of hours to myself to have a bath and treat myself - all you mums (and dads - I don't forget the dads) will know how hard it is to even have a pee in peace!! Like, Come on Kids, just 2 minutes!!!

But anyway I decided that seeing as I had treated myself to a couple of things from Lush that I would indulge in a nice bath so I firstly had to decide on what bath bomb to use! I bought three things, a Candy Creme Bubble Bar - it honestly smells good enough to eat (don't though, just don't), I also got a Dragon Egg, it smells so fresh and lemony, I think I'm going to really like that one I think but I decided to use Intergalactic! I have actually seen Zoe (Zoella) use this one in one of her vlogs and it looked amazing!! Of course April wanted to have a look, I don't blame her! Just take a look yourself:

So once it had un-fizzed, my bath water was left a beautiful deep blue with so much Glitter!! My sister said that its glitteryness was it's only downfall - but not for me - I love glitter! I also want to add that whoever at Lush comes up with the descriptions of their products is truly wonderful and they have such an imagination. The description for Intergalactic is, "Ground control to major bomb. Prepare for takeoff as this awesome mix of peppermint and popping candy explodes in your bath, creating the scent of an intergalactic 80's rogue. Launch it into the water to become to guardian of your own galaxy' - Now who the hell wouldn't want to be a guardian of their own galaxy?! I would say the only thing I didn't like all that much was how minty it was - I thought it was just a bit overpowering - but when I had been in it for about 5 minutes I was used to it. So after a couple of minutes letting the stresses of the previous week disappear I picked up this Month's edition of Cosmopolitan and had a read. I also put on the UK Top 40 of 2015 playlist from spotify just to fill the silence, I'm not one of those people who likes it to be completely silent (the voices in my head speak too loud for that). I am really liking how deep is your love by Calvin Harris right now, it's a song that I could listen to over and over again and not be put off.

I was literally about to fall asleep so I decided it was time to get out! But take a look at how much glitter was left in my bath!! I bloody loved it - it made me so happy! Ok I had to give the bath a clean and there is a light coating of gold glitter everywhere in my house, I still loved it! I am definitely going to be buying Intergalactic again and many many more!!

I did have a quick shower just to rinse off some glitter and just to, well you know, wash. I picked up my Sass Intimate Purifying Cleanser which I got in this month's Glossy Box. There is a very funny story about this but I shall leave that for my review on all the products. But this is a wash for your, you know, your who-ha! (we're all grown up's here but I just can't speak about washing my vagina, ok) but it really is an amazing product!! Leaves you feeling shower fresh all day which is all a woman wants!! I will definitely be buying and trying a few more of their products! I then moisturised with my Dove nourishing body cream, I love this especially for my legs, it leaves them silky smooth!! I've got really dry skin pretty much all over so this is a must!

I then cleansed my face with my Garnier Micellar water just to make sure that everything was off of my face as you don't want to go to bed especially with make up left on your face - it's not good for you. And that was pretty much my little Pamper Night. I do really think it is important to treat yourself every now and again because for me it really helped me to unwind and relax.

Is there anything that is a must for you when having a Pamper Night, if so let me know.

'Till next time...