2017 goals

Hey guys!
long time no see ( or should I say speak) its literally been so many months since I've posted on here and with good reason... in September I obviously went back to school as a year 11 (last year in school) so i've been packed with exam timetables and revision literally everyday after school so I have been held captive in school since then and since its the holidays I am finally having some free time,well not really I should be revising for my literature exam that is a week away but don't you love procrastinating :) but anyway I  hope you've all had a great Christmas and are eating as much as i am and are making this exact list I am about to.I wasn't sure whether to post this but then I thought if i put it on here i'd have you guys as proof and motivation i hope haha.

So this is my 2017 goals I hope to full-fill.

1.Self love (be a happier person)
Don't worry I wont be doing a big paragraph on each but this one is a big one for me. Every year like everyone I make the same 'resolution'  to get fit and eat healthy where I would both like to complete this which is why I will try,It is also particularly unrealistic as i am a 16 year old girl going through the busiest exam year I think i'm entitled to eat a chocolate bar or ice cream every now and again. Also with this self love it is about loving myself mentally and physically and not giving a shit about what everyone else thinks about me which is why i'm titling 2017 as my 'Selfish Year'.

2. Pass at least 5 of my GCSE's with a grade between A*- C
 Otherwise I can't get into sixth form so my career is screwed....

3. To appreciate everything around me
Whether it be my surroundings or people,I feel like no one actually stops and steps back to appreciate what is there which is why im going to stop getting so caught up in drama because in long term and for my health it isn't really rel event

4. To go on my phone/social media less
This is definitely something we ALL need to do less because why does it matter if someones got more likes than you?

That's all I can really think of any more but if you have any it would be great to hear in the comments below :)
I know this is about of a random post but I'd obviously like to get back into speaking to you guys so if there's anything you'd like me to write about then give me a message and as always check out my other posts. They will not be posted this late regularly i just had a little writing spur haha.

                                                          I'll speak to you all soon,
                                                                    Bella B X

Vanilla sponge with strawberries and Fresh vanilla cream

Hey guys,
It's been a while and today I thought I'd share a recipe I made for my mums birthday. I have never liked regular birthday cakes with icing etc and if your like me I think you'll enjoy this cake!

For the vanilla cake you will need;
175g (6oz) margarine or softened butter
175g (6oz) caster sugar
3 large eggs
175g (6oz) self-raising flour, sifted
1tsp baking powder
1tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt 

For the filling and topping;
300ml of double whipping cream 
1tsp vanilla extract
1 carton of fresh strawberries 
Strawberry jam (optional) 

Preheat the oven to 180C.
Vanilla sponge is one of my favourite things to bake as you can just chuck in all the ingredients in a bowl and mix all the ingredients together.
I recommend lining your tin with baking paper (because i don't know how many times I've broken a cake trying to get it out of the tin😂) 
Once the cake is golden and fully cooked through (stick a knife in the middle making sure it comes out clean) 
Leave to cool,if your planning on making a cake that requires it to be neat I would leave it in the fridge over night to let it firm up.
Cut the cake in half and fill with the jam and cream.
For decoration you can do what ever you like. I used a piping bag to pipe the rest of the cream in a pattern that placed the strawberries around it. 

I hope you enjoyed this simple and classic recipe suitable for any occasion! If any of you do make it send me a photo on Twitter @beynon261 .
Thank you for reading and i would appreciate it if you read my other posts.
                                              Speak to you all soon,
                                                       Bella B x

2016: The year so far...

Hey guys,
Wow its been over a month since i've posted on here! I'm really sorry about that i've just been really busy with exam revision and stuff but I thought id do a life update on here, i'm not sure if any of you would actually like to know about my life but oh well if you don't I wont make it a regular thing.
So as it is has nearly been half a year since 2016 begun (it has flown by personally) I thought I would do just other stuff has happened since the beginning of the year and what's coming up for me :)

My 2016 so far...
 . Well to start off I was doing weekly posts on here which I am still trying to do between school
 . I have my first exam May 16th (sociology) for my GCSE which I am dreading but trying my best to revise,If you have any tips id be really grateful! (I may also do a post about how to stay calm and revise for exams soon?)
. I recently got discharged from my Therapy clinic which I am extremely happy about
 . Also on May 16th i'm getting my braces off after 2 1/2 years of having them
 . I auditioned for a role in my school summer production (We Will Rock You) and got the role I wanted!
 . Begun DofE then stopped doing it as I didn't enjoy or have the time to be committed to it (shall I do a post on my experience?)

Things i am planning to do for the rest of the year...
 . Pass all 5 of my exams so I can focus on my other subjects
 . Have the most AMAZING SUMMER EVER.
 . Actually try and eat healthy and get fit (TRY...)
 . Try and make some new friends

Thank you for reading and I hope your all having a lovely day. If you would like an updated one in a few months/end of the year comment down below and be sure to check out my other posts!

                                                          Ill speak to you all soon,
                                                                      Bella B x

Hey guys,

I just wanted to keep you updated,so recently I have decided to take part in DofE ( The Duke of Edinburgh Award) and part of my skills section I am thinking of doing photography. This means I need to post them some where so I was thinking I would on here? I will still do a regular post but on a different day of the week id do a photography themed post.

Let me know what you think of this idea and if you would like to see my photos every week,

Thank you for reading and check out my other posts

                                                              Speak to you soon
                                                                       Bella B x

Vanilla sponge with coffee butter cream

Hey guys
I have a recipe for you  that I baked today!
And I have to admit it tastes delicious not to mention my favourite flavour is coffee.

Ingredients
For vanilla cake;

• 110g/4oz butter or margarine,softened at room temperature
• 110g/4oz caster sugar 
• 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 110g/4oz Self-raising flour 
• 1-2 tbsp milk

For coffee buttercream;

• 100g/3½oz unsalted butter
• 200g/7oz icing sugar 
• 2 tsp coffee granules 
• 1 tbsp boiling water

Method 

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4 and line a pan with baking paper and butter/oil.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale. Beat in the eggs a little at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.

Fold in the flour using a large metal spoon, adding a little milk until the mixture is of a dropping consistency. Spoon the mixture into a large tin (whatever size you have)

Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden-brown on top and a skewer inserted into the cake and make sure it comes out clean this indicates it's cooked fully. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the tin and cool on a wire rack.

Coffee butter cream frosting

For the coffee buttercream, place the softened butter in a bowl and mix with a hand-held electric mixer. Add the sifted icing sugar and beat together. Dissolve the coffee in the water and add to the buttercream and stir. 

To assemble the cake simply cut the cake in half when fully cooled and spread as much of the buttercream as you want,I left a little bit over for decoration on top

Flip the lid back on top of cake 

As decoration I piped little stars around the top of the cake and stuck on mini chocolate chips.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Thank you for reading be sure to check out my other posts.

                                             Speak to you soon,

                                                   Bella B x

Photography inspiration

hey guys,
I know its been a while,but today I thought I would show you a few of the photos i've took on my new Nikon Coolpix L840 camera i got for Christmas. I would also like to talk about a few things such as why I enjoy photography,what inspired my to take it as a hobby and how I would like to use it in my future.

I really only started getting to photography at the end of last year hence the reason I got a proper camera for Christmas,I think the main reason I enjoy it is because I think its an easy but powerful way to express my self.You see many people would just think these pictures are just of trees etc but I see more deeply into these things (that sounds cheesy I know) I see life and I think its an amazing way to relax,I have a feeling of serenity when I go to places and find photos like this.I wouldn't say I was necessarily inspired by anyone person even though there are some outstanding photographers i've seen but I would say i'm more inspired by nature.There are so many things to capture in this busy world but I think people forget about the things that actually keep us alive. Hopefully in the future I will have a job involving photography or possibly doing part time photography shoots but even if I do  think i will always enjoy taking photos just for a hobby. If you are looking for a new hobby or just something to try out I do think you should try it especially if you suffer with anxiety or stress it really helps just taking out one day a week and go explore.

Thank you for reading and I would appreciate it if you check out other posts of mine.If you have any ideas or just want a chat comment below. 

                                                             Speak to you soon,

                                                                   Bella B x

10 facts about me

Hey guys,
Today I'm doing 10 random facts about me that'll help you know even more about me

1) I have 3 brothers and 1 sister - I am the middle child.

2) My favourite place to be is Cornwall.

3) My actual first name is Annabella-Poppy but everyone calls me Bella.

4) Even though I'm very shy my favourite subject is drama.

5) In my friendship group my nickname is 'shortie' because all of my friends are so much taller than me.

6)when i was younger I use to write fictional stories  about how I wanted my life to be,I think I still have them to this day 😂
7) I like express my self through writing and drawing.

8) I am slightly obsessed with The vampire diaries,pretty little liars and Super Natural

9)My favourite food is pizza and mozzarella.
  
10)When I finish school I want to go to college to do beauty and be a part time youtuber/blogger.

I know this wasn't the best post but I have been really busy lately and didn't have time to write a big post,I promise they will get better but check out my other posts

                                                       Speak to you soon,
                                                             Bella B x

DIY Body and Lip scrub

Hey guys!

I have 2 DIY's for you today which are both very handy in these cold and dry winter months when you need to get rid of any unwanted skin that'll get tugged and pulled off leaving you with sore and raw skin.

The first one is guaranteed to leave you with sweet tasting soft lips that's all you need is a bit of your favourite lip balm and your good to go!

YOU WILL NEED:
White or brown sugar which ever you have
Flavour extract (it could be vanilla,bubble gum,mint)
A small container (from an old lip balm etc)

I also really recommend adding coconut oil or honey for really sore lips to help them heal and prevent any more damage.

This is honestly the most simple DIY to make thats all you do is;

Put 3 tablespoons of the sugar in a bowl with a few drops of your desired extract and mix (Add more sugar for more product and more extract for a stronger taste).If your adding any honey or coconut oil this is when you add it in,it'll help all of the sugar to stick together and be easy to press into the container.
To press in container you literally just have to get a spoonful and put it in the container and condense as much sugary goodness into there as possible making sure you dont have a loose sugar falling out.

The second one is a Salt scrub you can use just before you get in the shower or bath or after you've soaked!

YOU WILL NEED:

1/2 cup oil. Use any type of massage oil. Don't use simple cooking oil from your kitchen as no one wants to be greasy.

1 cup fine sea salt.Don't use simple table salt - it's too harsh. If you have sensitive skin you can substitute for sugar, which is gentler.

5-15 drops high quality essential oils. The essential oil you choose for your salt scrub depends on the result you want. Lavender is relaxing, lemongrass is refreshing and rosemary is stimulating. You can experiment and do your own blend.

Then to make it you will need to;

Put the salt(or sugar) into a bowl.Then combine the oil in to it mixing thoroughly - The texture should be able to stick together but not be to oily. Like a sand consistency I guess (i'm not good at explaining okay).

Lastly add your essential oil(s) and mix through. You could go wild by making all differently concoctions mixing different oils in.

  I hope you enjoyed reading this post and you should try these scrubs for definite as there so natural and easy to do,you should check out my other posts too!

                                                               speak to you soon,

                                                                     Bella B x

High end lipstick dupes

Hey guys,

I have a dupes post for you today i hope you enjoy reading!

My first one is a lipstick i recently got for Christmas which is the Mac velvet teddy and honestly i love the colour pay off and the consistency but not everyone can afford to get high end products so i recent found the E.L.F (Eyes.Lips.Face) lipstick in beautiful berry,It isn't an exact match as it isn't as opaque and matte as the Mac one but the coverage can be built and i found it is a lot more moisturising for the lips!


My second one is a dupe for the Chanel lipstick in 02 and i have no clue if it has a specific name but thats all is on the lipstick but the Rimmel london Kate Moss lipstick in 01 red nose day is a basic match to the chanel one maybe a little darker but it has very good stay power and is half the price,A little fact about me im OBSSESSED with red and berry lips so when i can find an exact match for cheaper in one of my favourite lipstick ill buy 439844789 please.

I know this was a short one today and i am very sorry for no photos but i promise as soon as i can upload my photos to my computer ill edit them in!

             Thank you for reading and i hope you enjoyed! be sure to check out my other posts!
                                                                  Ill speak to you soon
                                                                            Bella B x

Mac Lipstick Velvet Teddy Review

Hey guys!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year,My mission is to post on here every Friday at 5pm so I hope your all looking forward to that cause I sure am.
As its the first day of 2016, I thought id do multiple reviews on different make up I recently got!

Mac - Velvet Teddy 

Unfortunately my new camera wasn't focusing on the swatches I was making so to prevent me breaking it,I just got a photo from Google but as you can see it is a pale pink nude,although when I wear it,it gives a more dark pink but i'm super pale and depends on your skin tone.It is a matte finish so make sure you use lip balm before or your lips go all shrivelled up because no one wants that.The consistency of the product goes on very smoothly and it stays on for a good 4-6 hours before it needs re applying and like all Mac lipsticks it smells of vanilla where can you go wrong!  I also feel you would be able to get away with it in school if you like wearing make up,Overall I really recommend it to anyone who is starting off in high end products or just looking for a new neutral lipstick!

                  Thank you for reading and why not check out my other reviews and blog posts!

speak to you soon 

Bella B x

Also comment below if you'd like me to do anything (Reviews,DIYs,Recipes etc) specifically im                open for suggestions! 

Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation Review

Hey guys!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year,My mission is to post on here every Friday at 5pm so I hope your all looking forward to that cause I sure am.
As its the first day of 2016, I thought id do multiple reviews on different make up I recently got!

       Mac Studio Fix Powder                   Foundation in NC30






I do not usually use a Powder foundation due to having combination skin (oily T-zone and Dry cheeks) but when i received this for Christmas I was very excited to try it,You cant really tell the colour on the photo but it may be mistaken as a translucent setting powder. it is NOT a translucent powder, i mean you could use it as a setting powder but you must be matched or have it the same tone you would get in a liquid foundation. I haven't used it on its own purely as a foundation but I used it to set my concealer and liquid foundation,it is also very good for extra coverage on redness or possibly and blemishes. I personally wouldn't use it on spots just because it'll cake around them and block your pores stopping it from healing. It is a pressed powder meaning you wont make a big mess like with loose powders and it is very fine and soft and not heavy at all.
I will definitely do an updated review on this,but from what I can see there is nothing wrong with it and no reason why I wouldn't recommend it.

       i hope you enjoyed this review and helps you make any decisions to buy this,Please check out my other reviews and blog posts!
                                                          Ill speak to you soon,
                                                                   Bella B x
Also comment below if you'd like me to do anything (Reviews,DIYs,Recipes etc) specifically im                                                                      open for suggestions!

Mac Extended Play Lash Mascara Review

Hey guys!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year,My mission is to post on here every Friday at all 5pm so I hope your all looking forward to that cause I sure am.
As its the first day of 2016, I thought id do multiple reviews on different make up I recently got!

Mac Extended play mascara

This mascara is great for lengthening my lashes.I use two different mascaras ;this one too lengthen and separate my lashes and the Thick and Fast mascara by Soap&Glory to thicken and volumise my lashes.The packaging is very pretty but basic. It does the things it says it does so i would recommend it if you have short lashes or if you are going for a dramatic look use the thickening mascara for huge long lashes!

i hope you enjoyed reading and be sure to check out my other reviews and blog post!
speak to you all soon,
Bella B x
Also comment below if you'd like me to do anything (Reviews,DIYs,Recipes etc) specifically im           open for suggestions! 

Mac Golden Hours Mineralised Eyeshadow Review

Hey guys!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year,My mission is to post on here every Friday at 5pm so I hope your all looking forward to that cause I sure am.
As its the first day of 2016, I thought id do multiple reviews on different make up I recently got!

Mac Golden Hours Mineralised                    eye shadow                    





This eye shadow is split up of 4 different golden shimmers that can either be swirled together or used as separate individually beautiful colours.I used the lightest shade as a highlight on the top of my cheekbones and on my brow bone arches. I used the darkest shade in my crease and then mixed the other two browns swiping them all over my lid and blended them all together.As i said they are all shimmers but very subtly and pretty (you wont have chunks of glitter all over your face). It is in the classic mac black packaging and is perfect for travelling if you want to add a little something to your normal make up! It is also great for newbies who don't know what to buy because you get 4 in one.

I hope you all enjoyed or gained something from reading this,id appreciate it if you all checked out                                                   my other reviews and blog posts as well!
                                                            speak to you all soon
                                                                     Bella B x
Also comment below if you'd like me to do anything (Reviews,DIYs,Recipes etc) specifically im                                                                      open for suggestions!

Elf Eyebrow Kit & Clear Brow and lash mascara Review

Hey guys!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year,My mission is to post on here every Friday at 5pm so I hope your all looking forward to that cause I sure am.
As its the first day of 2016, I thought id do multiple reviews on different make up I recently got!

Elf-Clear Brow & Lash Mascara

Elf -Eyebrow kit

Elf is one of my favourite brands to get amazing quality make up for an extremely good price! I swear both of these things cost under £10 which is the best thing i could think of,I have bought things from elf before including there lipsticks,which may i say are sooooo moisturising like a lip balm but are still opaque.Anyway,usually when I use brow mascaras they leave them hard and crispy but with this they still actually felt like eyebrows PLUS it comes with a lash mascara meaning when your going for a no make up make up look you can use the clear mascara to make them stand out.
       Secondly,the eyebrow kit can definitely be a dupe for any drug store or high end brow kit. Out of interest,i did a comparison with my brow-zing from Benefit and the Elf on the other eyebrow, I saw no difference apart from the slighter lightness of the Elf kit meaning if you are on a budget i really recommend getting the elf one!

I hope you enjoyed reading this and would really appreciate it if you checked out my other reviews                                                                       and blog posts
                                                              Speak to you soon
                                                                     Bella B x
Also comment below if you'd like me to do anything (Reviews,DIYs,Recipes etc) specifically im                                                                      open for suggestions!

Elf blush Review

Hey guys!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year,My mission is to post on here every Friday at 5pm so I hope your all looking forward to that cause I sure am.
As its the first day of 2016, I thought id do multiple reviews on different make up I recently got!

     Elf Blush in Mellow Mauve







This is my first blush from elf and will NOT be my last! In the picture it is a lot lighter than what it actually is,but as the name suggests it is a mauve colour (brown/maroon) which means it goes very will in the autumn/winter seasons to give a bit of colour to your cheeks. I'm really not a blush kind of person as I don't want to risk looking like i've run a marathon but this is very pigmented but not so much that you cant control what goes on your face,of course you could build it up to a more intense colour but in one stroke you can have a really natural look.Many reviews i've seen people have said that Elf blushes are dupes of the Nars blushes the product and packaging so i'm going to pick up a few more of these considering there a fraction of the price of a high end product.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review and would love it if you check out my other reviews and blog                                                                             posts!
                                                               speak to you soon
                                                                         Bella B x
 Also comment below if you'd like me to do anything (Reviews,DIYs,Recipes etc) specifically im                                                                      open for suggestions!