tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18274147068564108412024-03-17T09:15:03.192+00:00the Elle next doorA Personal style and Lifestyle blog (with some beauty thrown in for good measure) Written by a full time blogger and ex TV Producer named Elle. If you love photography and a humorous writing style... follow along outfits, makeup, skincare, food and London jaunts :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.comBlogger448125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-82815904166275125752019-03-22T08:33:00.001+00:002019-03-22T08:33:29.494+00:00THE TRAVEL GUIDE TO MADEIRA<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziLJko53IYLWusHZ3JuZ12Ue0_bHu3OF1E9-XhDl373CA1pfOXGA9H5Fl8FxsUQQco-w0u2wvKcaqoNJGvH_ym7A2UsXREUF_5czVaqQJwDiezaeZNWYibm6bwbWfqcQhkaC-On9afok/s1600/P2241029.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the extent of what I knew about Madeira before receiving an email asking if I'd like to visit...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It has good cake.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">No seriously, I'm aware that that's slightly moronic and borderline ridiculous of me but I knew that it was somewhere in the realms of Portugal - an autonomous region of <a href="https://www.jet2holidays.com/destinations/portugal" target="_blank">Portugal</a> comprising of 4 islands off of the north west coast of Africa actually (thanks google) - and I knew I'd never been and that was about it. So I said yes to the trip because a cute 4 days with your bestie/boyf/whoever fancies getting on the floor to get the gram for you is never going to be a no is it? And then, we sort've just went a matter of weeks later.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">So I thought I'd share with you my findings and my recommendations and overall, why <a href="https://www.jet2holidays.com/destinations/portugal/madeira" target="_blank">Madeira</a> is a little cutie and somewhere that returned my zen (lol have you ever heard me be such a hippie twat in all my life? probably not).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A big fat huge thank you to Jet 2 holidays for providing the flights and accommodation, it was so amazing to work with you!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where we stayed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.jet2holidays.com/portugal/madeira/funchal/se-boutique-hotel" target="_blank">SE Boutique Hotel</a> </b>- </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This hotel, <i>genuinely</i>, was one of my favourite ever hotels to stay in. It had the perfect mixture of traditional character whilst being modern and extremely comfortable. For me, the USP and absolute winner is the roof terrace, a <i>stunning </i>area, filled with colour - and loads of flamingo print, sassy little thing - and the most chilled, zen environment. Not to mention it also has the most insane views of Madeira, possible <i>ever</i>. (I mean, ok, yes I'm bias but still). The staff were wonderful, super friendly and helpful, and the food (they have a few restaurants as well as a champagne and lobster bar) is fab! The hotel was such a big part of why our stay was so lovely, so the biggest thank you to all at SE Boutique for being amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>How we got there </b>- </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I need to give a huge shoutout to <a href="https://www.jet2.com/en/flights/portugal/madeira" target="_blank">Jet2.com</a>, and not just because I am working with them, but because the service from start to finish really was incredible. The staff were fantastic and the flight itself was super comfortable. My 6"4 boyf mentioned how comfortable and roomy the seats were so I think that says <i>a lot</i>. Plus I sat next to a little old lady who said she only flies Jet 2 now so there we are, pleasing all sorts of crowds ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I've linked up where else Jet 2 fly to from Stansted <a href="https://www.jet2.com/destinations/london-stansted-destinations-map" target="_blank">here</a> too so you can check them out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://madeiracablecar.com/en/" target="_blank">The Cable car</a></span></b> - </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">By far, one of my favourite things to do in Madeira. The Cable Car takes you from, erm... somewhere in Funchal up to the top of somewhere else in Funchal. In short, it gives you incredible views of the surrounding towns and the ocean, and, well it's just really bloody cool. It also takes you up to where the beautiful Japanese gardens are which we sadly didn't get a chance to visit, but I've stalked enough on insta to know they're stunning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.blandyswinelodge.com/tours.html" target="_blank">Blandy's Wine tour</a></b> - </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Not just an amazing excuse to get <strike>totally pissed</strike> slightly tipsy, the Blandy's wine tour was the absolute perfect way to start the day (yes I drank Madeira wine at 10:30am and I'm totally OK with it). It was super interesting wandering around the grounds of Blandy's and hearing all about it's history and how the wine is made. And then came the good part because then we got to taste it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">And I don't remember anything after that...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><i>Just kidding ;)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP3QOkSOTG6XBSsHevIFWh0_yITNGJ0_dGBJCvTrSgtEx9bFB2aaODo16_STBOMP07Y5PPNojBWt9QURrOcJNsD-UcfuekDDrzQZGGcU4SaoxkB36b8QhrUDRrmCWtgDGLLAqFci7_10/s1600/P2241021.JPG" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large; font-style: normal;"><b>Sunset cocktails on the SE Boutique rooftop </b>- </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-style: normal;">I know I've briefly mentioned this above but honestly, if you're in Funchal in Madeira, get yourself to the roof terrace of this hotel, order yourself a cocktail (boyf LOVED the New York Sower (actually spelt like that before anyone thinks I'm a dumbass), I preferred the mojitos. But both were divine, as was every evening we spent drinking cocktails there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>The Old town</b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 400;"> - Now, look. I'm going to be honest with you. One thing I wasn't quite aware of was the average age/demographic of people that visit Madeira. I could sit here and lie to you and say it's the perfect place to go raving it up, but it isn't. It is quite slow paced and it is definitely an "older" destination (right <i>now</i>, anyway) but there is so much charm and beauty to it. And one of my favourite areas was the old town at night on a weekend. It was the first time I'd really seen the island come to life and it was so much fun sitting and eating dinner with some drinks, listening to the local musicians go to town. Literally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>The Lidos</b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> - Finally, the last place I'd 100% recommend from our trip was a visit to the Lidos. Not only is the area breathtakingly beautiful but if it's warm enough and the sea is calm, taking a dip would be divine!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'd love to know if you've ever been to Madeira before? Do you have any more recommendations? I'm all ears :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you SO much to Jet2Holidays for organising our complimentary press trip. We had the best time and can't wait to return!</i></span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-52510454743512466112019-02-27T16:25:00.000+00:002019-02-27T16:25:03.751+00:00THE PERFECT GETAWAY TO CORNWALL<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoA0CBMfmA3-N-hWSXBfmEcY0cg-2hXN7fWLenkks4pBU1MqeBSmXDCxIQOOY0K9WpZTeOM7FcwcBaKMS8QueJD54rfVIFH3ncKlXv7KLTNYYbOQ0BGQ9G-YFMpwRnAsC6bl9SCiOQ0g/s1600/P8301496.JPG" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Many moons ago when the weather wasn't so cold that it felt like your fingertips could fall off 10 seconds after walking outside (I started writing this a few months ago in the depths of winter FYI), I went down to Cornwall for one of the most chilled trips of 2018. I was invited by a beautiful hotel, and to be <i>totally </i>honest... as lovely as it looked and "nice" as the google images looked, it just wasn't a trip that was at the top of my list. I wasn't, how can I say this....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Buzzing my t*ts off?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently that's what the cool kids say so we'll go with that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was happy to be exploring Cornwall but I wasn't racing around with joy and excitement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That was until I arrived in Cornwall and immediately realised that google images does a horrific job of selling's Cornwall incredible beauty, and nobody quite tells you how magical this place is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we arrived at the <a href="https://www.fistralbeachhotel.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fistral Beach hotel</a> which has the most perfect views known to man. Our pretty gigantic room - with insane balcony - was complete with personalised robes (anyone else a total sucker for personalisation?) and amazing service from the staff. The thing about Fistral beach is, it's sort of luxurious but friendly. It's not like one of those pretentious places that makes you feel as common as the Artful Dodger, it's relaxing and peaceful and a total little haven in Newquay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, talking of relaxation... I managed to hustle (/I was kindly offered but hustle sounds more gritty) a massage for myself and boyf and jesus f**king christ, it was easily up there in my top 3 ever massages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And yes I win first prize for such a pretentious leaderboard but girl likes a massage. I was so relaxed at Fistral beach that I did the super cute thing of falling asleep and dribbling whilst catching flies... no you're sexy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the massage of dreams - it got a thumbs up by Dan FYI who said, quote "she put all these nice smells under my nose and I got to choose. There was at least 5. Amazing" - we got ready for dinner, otherwise known as a feast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the incredible manager who looked after us at dinner - and breakfast the next day - but he was possibly the most wonderful manager/waiter/sommelier (I know, fancy)/human being ever and made us feel totally at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ya know, if my home was a 5* hotel and I got a 3 course meal delivered to me with wine to pair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The food was <i>stunning</i>, as was the breakfast buffet the next day (which was well needed because I tried port for the first time and <i>reaaallllyyy</i>) liked it. Lol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only downer of the trip was slight work hiccups - polite way of saying we were both dealing with <strike>bellends</strike> unhelpful clients so sadly had to cancel our surfing lessons with the Fistral beach surf school which, I was gutted about.... until I dipped my toe in the sea and I still don't think the feeling has returned to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, instead, a few hours later I borrowed a surfboard for some pictures and became the epitome of "all the gear and no idea".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall, it was 3 days of total peace and serenity and bloody incredible food and that is something I am 100% up for any time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much to the <a href="https://www.fistralbeachhotel.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fistral Beach hotel </a>for having us, we will definitely be back! Just maybe when the sea is warmer than Voldermort's heart ;)</span></div>
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Complimentary stay from Fistral beach hotel.</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-89045817049400390322019-01-15T20:30:00.000+00:002019-01-15T20:30:54.757+00:00HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ME IN 2019<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rHCQ6vg9xvG-wqdptfjDbR0GzRMLFuEiE3Smrg9_C6_oAh-xYVmCHYGvGp3LA9ydE-0dbNwahlf_Cy8BNLx0CNSR_UPN3TtX1Ff-Eagw-d1nNIvYtEMq5QP4qzZ9kGFWKzkhC5g47g0/s1600/IMG_3778.JPG" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember back in the day when I just used to sit down and write and not even think about what I was typing and it would feel like we were all just having a bit of a chat?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No? Me neither. Well, I do but they were so long ago now that it feels like a different lifetime. But f**k me I miss those days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I miss the days where I'd buy a new jumper and suddenly a whole blog would appear purely about this jumper. Or nail varnish. Or nail varnish <i>remover</i> (... yes I did a whole post about the bourjois pot that you dunk your fingers into and LOL it was shockingly shit). But the thing is, times change, trends change and standards change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2017 was the year that blogs turned glossy and editorial and basically like an online vogue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2018 was a bit like the year that blogs <strike>died</strike> were abandoned, but for me, 2019 is the year I get right back into it. (I know I've said this before but this time I wholeheartedly <i>believe </i>it and I think that sort've means I'm halfway there?). But yeah, this is the year that I take my camera everywhere and snap a extra few pics that I can turn into a blog post and then just ramble for half an hour about my week/day/life/shiny new jumper and we can all have a chat like the old days. That sound fun?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*silence*</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well I think it does anyway. So yeah, I went to Disney and jesus christ is there a better place to start off your year, no Susan, I don't think there is either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here's some snaps from Disney.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50r69u5_S4dQy7BLXsHlXKx2qkAPMEJo5XrniEz3psn-KEAr7lZK0juno4S6aza4wmFlNuUQC5Su7CpjstR__2s-5cpvKfPD8RAu8HK6JaI91aqsJ6kEMdqTYC2x5E5JZ5bvMCKikKws/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, Disney was great. It was also incredibly busy and incredibly cold and in two days we had 45mins free time and went on 2 rides. I'm absolutely not complaining, I feel <i>so</i> grateful to go on these amazing trips, but I do think it's important to show that life really isn't perfect skies and milkshakes yano?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Disney, overall, was wonderful and a bloody magical start to what is shaping up to be what is looking like a really exciting year *insert anxious emoji here because we all know life has a way of being like LOL no, things have been going too well, here's some shit to deal with*.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So apart from things which I can't really mention yet, here's some things that you can expect from me this year.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">More chatty blog posts. These are <i>always</i> my favourite to read and always my favourite to write so expect a lot more of these kinda posts where you get to the end and think... what have I gained from this? Absolutely sod all. But I did I feel like I was chatting to a mate? Yeah sort've.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">More Vlogs on Youtube. Youtube has always been a tricky platform for me. I love chatting, I love being creative, but it's always felt like a lot of effort for not a lot of return. Please don't get me wrong, every single <i>one</i> comment means the absolute world. But I guess you're open to so much more criticism over there that it kinda balances out to a bit of a bleugh platform. This year I want to do more chatty, everyday mundane vlogs as again, they are always my fave to watch so hopefully you like them too.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(and if you don't, my Mum will watch on repeat #That'sAtLeast10ViewsThere)</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">More fun snaps on insta. I've been experimenting over the last 6months or so with more fun poses, rogue captions and basically trying to do anything which feels remotely unique. To be completely honest, and I'm so aware this is going to make me sound like a stuck up, self righteous tit... but I am so bored of seeing carbon copies of my feed everywhere, even to the point of copying my captions. It really is a never ending first world problem battle to consistently try to mix it up. So yeah, expect more fun stuff.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Actually</i> living my best life. I used to say I was doing that all the time but realistically, I wasn't. I was still stressing about Instagram and content and chasing invoices etc. This year (and for the past year actually) I've put my actual life, and not my online life, first. And I really have been living my best life since.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I realise that what was meant to be a tiny list of things to expect in case I go awol again and don't post for 3422974247 months again has actually turned into a full on resolutions post but, you know, I guess this is all part of sitting and typing and enjoying the process and not getting wrapped up in this social media world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From now, I've decided to make content for me. Not for certain brands and not for what is considered popular and most definitely not for likes. 2019 is the year of not giving a flying f**k.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's also the year of working incredibly hard and making a lot of big dreams come true. And it's also a year of having the most fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wow, you got a lot to live up to 2019!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com202tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-51614768687822133422019-01-11T16:29:00.001+00:002019-01-11T16:29:44.014+00:00TWENTY SIX<style type="text/css">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.allyshipway.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Photography by Ally</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Twenty fucking six.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When, what, how, help, please, thank you, thank u next.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now look, I know it's not <i>old</i> for anyone currently plotting to murder me/who's just bought a tanned, blonde doll from Amazon ready to turn into a voodoo. I <i>know</i> it isn't. But I just can't help but feel like, wasn't it only yesterday that I'd just turned 19, had fresh skin, zero eye bags, not a scrap of cellulite in sight, a shit load of energy and a nickname of baby Elle because I was SO BLOODY YOUNG.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I'm closer to 30 than I am to 20 now - here is the part where I insert a laughing emoji because I am laughing through the pain/attempting to laugh rather than cry but mostly just achieving psycho grin - so yeah, I feel a bit more like an adult now, or more like I should feel more like an adult now and this year, afterall, has been a bit of a bloody big one so I thought I'd list a few things I've learnt in the 9538 days that I've graced the earth with my presence.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. The older you get, the more comfortable you get in your skin <strike>until you reach around 50 and start getting all saggy and wrinkly lol jk</strike>. But there is absolutely no doubt that my self confidence has progressively increased as the years go by. I'm not sure whether it's more that the older you get, the less shits you give, or whether it's that you finally give up and realise that this is just your face and there's nothing you can do it about it... but either way, it's really bloody nice.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. Friends come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. This was the year that I finally let go of negative people in my life that literally brought 80%+ neggy, bad vibes. The thing is, these people generally aren't bad people, but some just take a lot longer than others to gain perspective in life and some never gain it at all and I kinda just feel like, life is difficult enough as it is, erase the negativity and make your life easier. As soon as I did I honestly felt like a thousand weights had been lifted off my shoulders and it's a big reason why this has been my happiest year yet.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. Life is really fucking short. I know I'm not telling you anything you don't know here but I've experienced a lot of death in the last 12 months - one of which was a school friend who was 26 years old, studying law and had her whole life ahead of her - and it finally gave me the kick up the arse to enjoy every minute of life.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. Working less doesn't necessarily mean working less hard. This year was pretty big for me career wise because not only did I decide to cut down significantly on content - quality over quantity and also how on earth did I ever post 2 instagram pictures a day - which meant I could focus on other non social media related work and you know, that thing called time off (nope, hadn't heard of it until recently either) but I also signed to Margravine Management. A huge step for me because basically I'm a massive control freak and find it terrifying handing over a little part of my little baby (blog not actual real human) to someone else, but it's been one of the best decisions I've made. I finally feel like I have a little team and I finally feel like the dreams that I had that were too big are maybe not too big after all.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5. I will always love NYC and I will never ever not feel like I belong there.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6. Once you start taking a step back from social media you really do see the world through your actual eyeballs as opposed to a camera lens and it really is incredible. Yeah, it's nice getting the perfect instagram pic but do you know what's nicer? Making memories with the people you love or even just for yourself. Never get too wrapped up in your online life that you stop appreciating your actual life.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">7. The other day I thought to myself, are these trainers - you know the ugly cool ones? - a little bit too young for me.?And mostly it just got me thinking, fuck.. what do I wear when I'm in my thirties and my entire wardrobe is full of tiny skirts and over the knee boots. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lol.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8. I realised what I'm actually getting a bit too old for is travelling for over 50% of my life. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore travel and love nothing more than visiting a new place or an old favourite and exploring every corner living my absolute best life.... but I also really enjoy coming home and readjusting to life. So yeah, maybe I've got one or two more years left of living out of a suitcase and never knowing what time zone I'm in.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or maybe I'll just retire now and buy 10 cats and never leave my house again.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">9. I'm actually getting less patient as I get older. For example, I just realised this was only point 9 and thought, jesus christ I'm not even sure I've got time/cba to get to the end *insert cry laughter/"I'm having a quarter life crisis emoji here*</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">10. I still love Take that. I still give zero shits that people still think that's uncool.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">11. I still could rewatch the whole of Grey's anatomy and never get bored.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">12. I still adore Harry Potter.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">13. I still truly believe I was meant to grow up at Hogwarts.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">14. I still get bored easily and constantly need to be mixing things up.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">15. I realised this year that I'm not invincible. I am a firm believer that with hard work you can achieve anything but sometimes I know I can take it a little far. At one point this year I had travelled to 5 different places in 6 weeks, been in 6 different time zones living off of 4 hrs sleep average and not only did I consistently feel like a bag of shit, but I was also not really performing the best I could. We all need a break and I'm not bloody superwoman so yeah, it took me 26 years to figure that out, but here we are.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">16. I fall in love with grandads easier than Taylor Swift writes about men.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">17. Why are grandad's so adorable, I need help with this please.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">18. This year was the year that I started putting goals out to the universe rather than keeping them bottled up for fear of not achieving them. Basically I learned to not be a massive <strike>pussy</strike> wimp, it also made me work harder to achieve the goals.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">19. Love can be the most painful goddamn motherfuckin thing in the world but it can also be the best. As terrifying as it is, it's better to put yourself out there, no regrets, and risk getting hurt 10x over than to hold back and not give it everything you have. And trust me, I get that it's not easy (this is coming from the girl that got told at least 7 times through dating that my guard is taller than the burj khalifa - not in those words fyi, far too witty for the chronically boring people I managed to match with) and I quite often fail to practise what I preach... but what I do know, wholeheartedly, is that when you finally let your guard down and give something/some<i>one</i> everything you've got, the happiness you can feel is like no other.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now BRB whilst I vom into a bucket for cheesy/soppy messes.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">20. Trust is earned when actions meet words. It also takes a long time to build and a very minimal amount of time to break. Be careful who you give it to and keep that circle small. Not everyone has your best interests at heart and the older I get, the better I get at recognising who deserves to be in my little circle.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">21. I am buying my own house end of this year/next and as much as this makes me want to shrivel up into a little ball and die to say.... I'm really f**king proud of myself. I mean, it's in London so it'll be a shed, but I would've done it all by myself. Hard work really really does pay off.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">22. I will always value self deprecation and being humble over <strike>arrogance</strike> confidence, especially misplaced confidence. To me, nothing is more attractive than someone who is incredible but doesn't even know how incredible they are.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">23. Ryan Gosling is timeless isn't he? Just forever fit. </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">24. My patience is still super shit and I'm so happy we're nearly at point 26.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">25. Every day I feel more and more grateful for the life that I lead and I feel more and more grateful for every single person that engages with what I do. I will never be able to believe that I get to talk about things/people/places I love, get paid to do so, and have people take an interest in what I do. Thank you endlessly.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">26. Age really is just a goddamn motherf**kin number. Do what you, when you want. Live life for <i>you</i>. Unapologetically.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Love 26 year old Elle, currently rewatching Gossip girl for the 4th time. Still drooling over Chace Crawford.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBKXUG8fpXKOSziCQeDI7FdcWetJzY9Svp9OIvHNYLXvS8BWQhI32kyPmKDrP-vF948MvGrYk3WyoUMRx22loJlZCcHluwX_mn6ZFkmmDe0bHvjEQpiTsrt7HTvQ-WCdfW3sjUCe5IxQ/s1600/0Z5A2765.jpg" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0quugSbKGEPxpqgbGQxR7ptxCqNMotRznYQ9i3AeeOwiODmy4LfKf0whvM9hi1mFQXMQ80VKjdd6-lGtUYysY-Rq6iLKJjRnTPy_yuUQIZcdiK7cFMLOxAc1Grwq4fuFySHTchkdz0k/s1600/0Z5A2928.jpg" /></span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-44979880206694755652018-12-17T16:33:00.000+00:002018-12-17T16:33:23.303+00:00THE LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: JEWELLERY FOR HER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOqvUTFuzOKq_fq3m8ds0aQ2ew_HEnMrDpzqr0iMaCUSiVaPf-nxwcYQv0jO0tPgOIKQyr_-zK_M1LX_qpIrPpPDVzNzL4E8hlvbCdmSWhxDBMB3lWq419wrnKXBTjrn79BxYSiVzTxU/s1600/PC150429.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">IT'S CHRRIIIIIIIIISSSSTTTTTMAAAASSSS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please read that in the Noddy holder voice and sing it out loud with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's christmas so so soon and whilst I never managed to put together 5 gift guides for Mum's/Dad's/dogs this year - I'm blaming 3 weeks in India in 33 degree heat for ruining my christmas vibes and productivity - I have however got you a little last minute gift guide for girls and I'm really blimmin excited about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jewellery can be such a difficult thing to buy ladies - I know at least 4 guy friends that have got it awfully wrong (sorry lads, savage but true) - so today I've got you the most <i>beautiful </i>earrings, a bangle that I haven't taken off since getting it myself, and a couple of classic but stunning watches that will suit every sassy independent lady in your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't say I don't treat you to anything ;)</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6V8a4KIWGeHW2bxj-hs9gEq6qrQWoBU0L1JTwTG1hzRbG73F16QABuP2OlKC7P2BScrbhtUxGxhr7rNatshAnv9KgQu8W74pSGzvN26tP6TAHCLIiKT6tluRJEBJFaTGcSFaDzQcOVU/s1600/PC150422.JPG" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kw6ogziE9vNTYGXPjWIoYVuotxqeh0RUV3cHCiUe7CrNq5ngz7IB6mLUeTFir_SycjANZv0MH2rI3CN-NdMug6auy9g7PcvU88nBduHivFTT3_BRBKx7buONqeKczQ2Av-ZULKb8uyw/s1600/Olivia+burton+earrings.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ6qGKkshlY_1eq-Tt7sCLQ1zwrPW8nKShjm2FJAl0-fTSJQCz4bMLPCEhXk03WtTu0oV5olNLzGJjjOAzVOOBnMh8oA4HBeX0wcrJS54BCIjOF2wXgYmx87X82WUlJHFgPOs-NeB3i4/s1600/PC150423.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's just take a moment for these earrings... have you taken it... revelled in the beauty?... OK so now I'll start. These little huggie bee earrings are just the perfect mixture of stylish but ridiculously cute too. They are super dainty but are pretty enough to be worn as a statement (they look particularly good with an updo fyi) and they're basically just the perfect piece that are gorgeous, unique but at £45 are also incredibly affordable too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.oliviaburton.com/uk/shop-watches/-3d-bee-huggie-hoop-earrings-gold--OBJ16AME34.html#cgid=bees&start=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olivia Burton 3D Bee huggie hoop earrings</a></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4xbI-iHMCfhsOylkMlWNCgCkB6t19bQHp30I0LIjERtrmAGQAQSyRWcPusPWiPyiyVVlTslEYfxQrpVFmF2yR6GOLI_M3UYqVhOl67QS5Q84PBMqt6mR_wdATwlxmjz06m5ZNjfThns/s1600/PC150457.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOqvUTFuzOKq_fq3m8ds0aQ2ew_HEnMrDpzqr0iMaCUSiVaPf-nxwcYQv0jO0tPgOIKQyr_-zK_M1LX_qpIrPpPDVzNzL4E8hlvbCdmSWhxDBMB3lWq419wrnKXBTjrn79BxYSiVzTxU/s1600/PC150429.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, officially my favourite piece of the guide *insert all of the cry with happiness/"if it's wrong to be in love with a bangle I don't wanna be right" emoji's here*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am a sucker for anything two toned so the silver bangle with gorgeous rose gold details is immediately a winner for me. The rose gold bees are stunning and beautiful and just delicious, and the bangle itself is extremely classic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel like it's a repetitive theme for me to keep saying that the products are classic but unique but I think that that's what Olivia Burton does beautifully... they take classic styles and make them totally original. So yeah, the bangle is an absolute dream and it's actually replaced a bracelet I've worn for years... so there's that for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.oliviaburton.com/uk/shop-watches/3d-bee-bangle-silver-%26-rose-gold-OBJ16AMB59.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olivia Burton 3D Bee bangle Silver and Rose Gold</a></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuOjhwpEaFT1kqSZcxD123UKO0v1B3pviOa9PXXdcoRk-MljqqFe8zm593SqUkqwnb8Raif1yhujdS6kSrJXHIkYP6i-_Cx9l6s5i4zyGsrktrBtn4KZKC_ftjVin9XSuhJ-RoFjGg5g/s1600/PC150434.JPG" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAwMjKPkbD850r7vQKAowGLFF1OhX8bXfMz_riaSuqgtQnY67FjSPSdOpq7IR6TEaI2bdKA10jQmpS9BVYkt6XrqE7qMEt1QWJ2kat_5KKpnU9fAtQyq9Fxt3mErjR2YqmkIZHbCjs2c/s1600/olivia+burton.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfgM1KrCH0KgBY8n_rKcTg1kwsDDTYzmj5OGcgzFRxUTiO3_5rySI1KUmZWcOLe8qrumyVAnl_eWnudJWhDAo0LW_1ZDiFD7tWvYK6bntJear3Y5ImC0h4GKGRHjeVAyQSaMhohRgTt0/s1600/PC150450.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPu8UvrAmYz8qDzJcSNde4Qr8MoVuOamFK2G_dBZD2EXu-rWHH5pFkkJp1CkYlKykzsMUZfTMscic6l-hhUapYYD3qYpTcK3ftkZpGX49O57QlP3TbSMFRdl5TcM2lUyyEav9_5W2b78/s1600/PC150443.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9m2XxAosLtPFcOSQrL64q4y6eb0TV3MnBkDakTCGXwehR3PVEPGd7vt7QmZClQ9kiyKvhbohmJ1ga7fioqkd0576e-zvWcOlPa00bqkSpSSGJvK0QXNjD8HsKwfnRMLG_3kq8JO9GMo/s1600/PC150453.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, the jewellery is special, but watches are really where Olivia Burton come into their own because they have an amazing way of making them young and youthful but whilst also being able to appeal to all ages. From leather straps in all different colours, to beautiful floral/butterfly faces to a simple, more subtle style, there really is something for everyone. I've always been a massive fan of mesh watches and OB - yeah, my and Liv are friends now so we'll call her OB - really do do them the best. I have two gorgeous ones above in gold (with an amazing foiled gold speckle effect) and rose gold (with a super elegant nude blush marble face) and both are the perfect watch to go with every single goddamn outfit you own. They look classy, they look classic but mostly, they look super cool and stylish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#<strike>sleigh</strike>slay</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.oliviaburton.com/uk/shop-watches/shop-all-watches/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shop all of the Olivia Burton watches here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that brings my little last minute jewellery guide to an end. I really hope you found it helpful and got some inspo for some lovely little gifts (they also have a whole gift section on the site too which is super handy).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I don't speak to you before Christmas, have the BEST festive period with all of your loved ones. Take some time off, relax, chill, laugh until you cry and get yourself refreshed for a new year. I've got a feeling 2019 is going to be a good one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This is a paid partnership with Olivia Burton</i></span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-33087274782408449422018-12-05T18:10:00.001+00:002018-12-05T18:10:27.707+00:00THE MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE<style type="text/css">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8TyLDcG3Uyi7R4z0BQczO3xk43iw2bx0gi5q3Jber94MGAKL6nr-H1vOY91-Q1QIDbROCenpeHXNAD4GXpeYYSOk4WnozquMIDcUK3bvJjAXHj2VKrQb9OYs7Noditqp5eyKuIgLVf4/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whenever people find out I’m a travel blogger, I get asked the same question every time…. where’s the best place you’ve ever been to?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A more decisive person might just give a straight up answer but you’re talking, well, <i>reading </i>from the most indecisive person on the planet so I tend to say “oooh that’s so difficult because New York makes me feel alive, but Disney makes me feel magic, Paris is like a second home and actually, sleeping under the stars in Dubai was pretty goddamn dreamy”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At this point most people have generally walked off to avoid falling into a boredom coma… but my point is, no matter how many places hold a special little place in my heart, to me, Mauritius is still the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From rolling white sand and crystal clear seas to incredibly breathtaking nature and wildlife, not to mention the <i>people</i>, it really is a place that I’d wholeheartedly jump on a plane in a heartbeat and fly out to at the drop of a hat.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">*searches skyscanner for cheap flights*</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So I thought I’d put together a little guide/things not to miss list for anyone considering venturing on a trip of a lifetime because I promise you, Mauritius is not a place to miss.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Where to stay</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.beachcomber-hotels.com/en/hotel/trou-aux-biches-golf-resort-spa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beachcomber Trou Aux Biches</a></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> - The first place we checked into and to date the most incredible suite I’ve every stayed in. With an outdoor plunge pool, an outdoor shower (plus an indoor shower and bath the size of my whole house in London) there really wasn’t anything you could want or need for. Plus it backed out onto the most stunning beach I think I’ve ever seen. Trou aux biches was calm and tranquil and yet in a strange contradiction, also buzzing with life. They had around 7 different restaurants - the Indian was out of this world and by far my favourite<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- covering numerous cuisines as well as so many activities as well. Stepping outside my door - onto my deck with plunge pool and beach behind it, I know I hate myself too - honestly felt like heaven on earth every morning and I tell you what pals, that’s not a bad place to be.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/island-of-mauritius/mauritius/outrigger-mauritius-beach-resort" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outrigger</a></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> was our second stop and whilst still beautiful, felt like a more chilled, casual place to stay. The beach was always a little more quiet and tranquil and generally this just felt like a little safe haven/slice of heaven/home from home. Home to the Plantation restaurant which served some of the best food I ate whilst out there - please please go if you get a chance - as well as the sassiest buffet I’ve ever seen (think every cuisine and every option) Outrigger were also absolutely incredible for coeliacs with the chefs taking me through every single option. An amazing choice if you’re looking to stay more south of the Island.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I’m gonna be totally honest with you all, when I was asked Pre-trip what there was to do in Mauritius I sort’ve just blankly stared back and used one brain cell to answer “erm, the beach, wildlife… not really sure what else” (Soz Mauritius boo, I value you and fangirl over you now) but on our trip I discovered what an incredibly diverse and stunning place it really is. Here’s a few options that I’d highly recommend.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Botanical gardens</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> - The botanical gardens to me felt like I’d been picked up and plonked into another world. Breathtakingly beautiful, the lily pads are one thing you absolutely won’t want to miss. Everything is so green and vibrant and honestly, absolutely no pictures do it justice. But if you get the chance to wander through the little jungle of paradise then get your tickets now and enjoy the beauty.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Visit Port Louis market</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> - I always adore visiting markets around the world and trying to pick up little gems and Port Louis market was absolutely a stand out for me. Absolutely brimming with people - locals and tourists - I’ve never seen so much vibrant and fresh fruit and veg. It genuinely just made me want to walk around with a coconut and a pineapple juice munching on fresh tomatoes and sweet snacks. And then you wander upstairs to the beautiful handmade straw bags, hats, scarves (basically any accessory you can think of) and that’s where the fun part comes in. Haggle away (I released my inner Del Boy and lived my best life) and grab yourself some bargains.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Rhumerie De Chamarel</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> - I’m mildly mortified (of my lack of rock n roll past\0 to say that prior to going to Mauritius I’d never actually tried rum (I made up for it by being 99% rum most evenings)… so the Rum plantation wasn’t at the top of my list but it was actually one of my favourite things to do there. The experience itself takes you on a tour of the plantation with a guide talking you through how each part works (I realise I’ve made this sound as entertaining as watching paint dry but they are so amazing and engaging that it almost made me want to pack up blogging and make rum. <i>Almost</i>).</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After becoming a self proclaimed rum expert we then tried so many different types of rum (note that I didn’t give a number because after 3 I couldn’t even remember what my name was) as well as some cocktails and then sat in the sun taking in the beauty around us and it really was one of those “pinch me” moments.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We also visited a stunning </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">tea plantation</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> which just so happened to have wild deer running around (a sentence I never quite thought I'd say) which was absolutely stunning. Sitting with a cuppa looking over the beautiful fields of tea - I'm aware this is probably not the technical term - really was completely surreal and totally took me away from "real life".</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Rochester falls waterfall - my ultimate pinch me moment. The thing with press trips right, is that as amazing as they are, sometimes you’re so focused on getting the content that you don’t always take in what you’re looking at. You see it but you’re not really <i>feeling</i> it, but on the last day when we visited Rochester falls and after taking 294829842 pictures and doing my best Peter Andre in a waterfall impression, I looked back at the most beautiful waterfall I’d ever seen and just stared (probably looking mildly insane) and it was one of my favourite moments of the trip.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On our final day we went on a beautiful boat trip to see Le Morne mountain and to generally just enjoy the island. I remember so distinctly looking at the sea and thinking, I can’t even facetune this to look any more beautiful. And I think that that’s now the first thing I think of when I think of Mauritius, it’s breathtaking natural beauty and the wonderful people.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There is such a good energy and positive vibe from the locals and just every Mauritian I ever came across that it’s hard not to walk around smiling.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So yeah, if I haven’t convinced you by now that you need to go to Mauritius then maybe <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwZK8_rvNNQ&t=1060s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">watch my Vlog</a> and see the beauty for yourself because it really is one of kind. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thank you so much, as always, for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A huge Thank you to Mauritius Tourism UK and Hills Balfour for the most amaaaaazing trip. I am endlessly grateful!</span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-73369197264768343422018-09-07T11:41:00.001+01:002018-09-07T11:41:35.261+01:00A LITTLE LIFE UPDATE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOm44um8X0UxjAa_ITQHa2IY3isnFkWFYKeCxz1i8SY5l-k9CEHBqWVh8E1wotY3PJhN4UjTU3ctdVY0oNfs_afjtA0l9WkNF42TlEZX2uvoN8oXRfVQfFOYgcZ4rg33m16UgV6jDQUk/s1600/P7061273.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It feels like a <i>very</i> long time since I just sat down and bashed out - mind out the gutter, please - a blog post. And I don't mean actually <i>writing</i> a post because a few have popped up here and there over the last few months (more on that later), but I mean the kinda post where you just grab a cuppa, put your headphones in, zone out from the world and just type away. Mindlessly*.<br /><br />*Hence numerous typos no doubt but in all honesty, in this moment - 2 wines in and deliriously tired - I'm not sure I really care.<br /><br />Soz grammar police/Mum.<br /><br />So I thought I'd do a mini life update come ramble of a post, mostly to be like I'M SO SORRY I'VE BEEN SO MIA AND CRAP I PROMISE I'LL BE BACK SOON and partly because I took some photos whilst risking being stung by 34893843 bees, so may as well use them, right?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNxm4B8vs5CLKTxrl1xjDwmdrlTncY5i1br1pyfO0qaXe66SQp40h-7wW5LKjbRRGCBYQI5XFPNSMmQ7DT423TucXBUhkwDBFJN9Gyvpkm3fa_5lllATUvEOsvndBuiCz9eghhTh3POE/s1600/P7061287.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXQtpUgHeOcmXW1g4XF88P-3i_Kr_9d3_9_h10yPcHE7t6CAfvya0GVcP_EbDhS1GA0LtJsS1JyjMOoOdqGF_wjjS4vbkTfeu4VXmz7JZ0_p2iMA8HTCdUzThyphenhyphena5ZDq7p2L2S7NvHO6I/s1600/P7061298.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Work</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My blog has been neglected for a long time now. It was my baby, my first ever platform and still to this day, my <i>favourite </i>platform. But with the rise of instagram - my own and as a whole - I found it so ridiculously hard to produce content over there every day, reply to my emails, film youtube videos <i>and</i> blog. And for anyone thinking, how long does it take to take a selfie - <i>yes someone did say that to me recently and yes I managed to respond with punching their balls, go me! - </i>I'm going to give an example. The average instagram for me will involve planning an outfit to specifically match the background, researching a location that I haven't shot at before which also matches my theme, a 2hr round trip to get to said location, recently a 4:30am wakeup call to avoid the summer sun and lots of people, getting the shot (try 2983294824 photos and just managing to find one that you like), 1 hr to edit.... you get the gist. Then add in 4/5hrs of emails per day, negotiating projects, responding to event invites, working out trips, creating content briefs etc. etc. etc. Plus 4ish hours to film and edit an entire video.... I am by no means being a moaning myrtle raving it up at a pity party for one but I guess I'm trying to explain that yes I have been crap at writing posts but it's in no way because I don't love this platform anymore, it's purely because other commitments/work/life has got in the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />However, I am currently undergoing a huge redesign WHICH I AM SO BLOODY EXCITED ABOUT, which will probably be live within the next few weeks. I am possibly getting some help with emails and content and life admin - I'm going to be that tit that says they can't say anything right now, but I actually can't - so yeah, <i>soon</i>, there will be better and more frequent posts and I am so bloody excited about it.<br /><br />Other than that, work is good. Amazing in fact. I still feel lucky to wake up every day doing a job I love and I still have to pinch myself that I get to make content and travel the world off of the back of it. There are so many exciting things coming up and I can't wait to take you along with me.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to talk about my "personal" life without turning into a little school girl with a crush but things are very very nice (nice is such a crap word isn't it?) right now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I mean, <i>look</i>, it hasn't been a bed of - <i>very instagrammable, obvs</i> - roses. I went through a health scare - pre cancerous moles fyi, no <i>you're </i>glamorous - as well as an old school friend sadly passing away from Cancer (for anyone that follows me on Instagram, you'll know what I mean and thank you so much for your support and anyone that donated to her fundraising page for treatment, I am eternally grateful), as well as some shitty friend stuff... it's been a little bit of a rollercoaster. But with the sad has not only come a <i>lot</i> of perspective but also a hell of a lot of good. So yeah, even with all the crap, right now I am probably the happiest I've been in as long as I can remember, and that feels really bloody nice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have the best friends imaginable - <a href="http://www.allyinblunderland.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ally</a> and <a href="http://www.frockmeimfamous.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hayley</a> I'm glaring at you in particular - and I'm finally at a point where every single person in my life is exactly the kinda person/people I want to surround myself with. Those that put others first, those who value friendship over stepping up the career/life ladder, those with a kind, honest heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If there's anything I've learnt from the last couple of months, it's that letting negative people/people that do things that put you in a negative mood go from your life is single handedly the best thing you can do for your state of mind. I'll leave this topic with a quote I found recently with summed it up perfectly...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"You are only going to be as good as the people you surround yourself with, so be brave enough to let go of those weighing you down"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiva0LgDqYf5hm1RhtClynnxeQZXzeyVna0bdp0TK8WIGOrYwxdU3DuypslljR-rzNPw5HMcJncfWKu67WSuyo2oLi73XjYCidj4TQ3nNRejmMyqdSKcfxWNpA8lTHlu3hm-MpZpEXoRv4/s1600/P7061269.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IROow4tI1tQt5D02Z6MyZWdVqTs7X8JJf3mETzlDqqtlfT3Q0uthRNaBrOoNtPU786vdFPoK3ZZRG5V68UkGIncmA-bMStjy9cJJ7Jsl2x27T32XurJPvV4t8xAP9Js8qCuf41BVzts/s1600/P7061282.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Travel is such a blurred line for me whether it comes under work or life as 99.9% of the trips I do are either for work, or I spend 80% of my time working... but I have been so lucky to travel to some amazing places recently and I have so much more to come. Including, incase you're interested, Santorini, Disney World Florida, Venice and <i>possibly</i> Canada, NYC and Florida (again. I know, I hate myself too). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, I guess that's about all my updates. I mean, there might be a couple more <strike>that may or may not have contributed to said happiness</strike> but that'll all come trickling out soon. For now, thank you so much for anyone that's still stuck with me even though I've been more MIA than Kanye's braincells 99% of the time (lol, imagine if no one but my Mum is around anymore. Oh well, HI MUM). And also... please let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to see over here as I'm always open to ideas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much for reading <strike>Mum</strike> I can't wait for you to see the new ellenextdoor.com soon!</span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-91396480386890723232018-08-05T09:52:00.000+01:002018-08-05T09:52:12.836+01:005 REASONS WE ALL NEED TO BE SMILING MORE<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT0xvdsydq6iWxcdJKeisX8z7cpZgoIxaqurg15b80vN3UMxlZH6jUBY2SsW_jS4ZgomLcsJWSJgQN3kO131Gk_pScUK4oMWxFdgedtmlPwdx3SHq16AaZaVrfA9nLcb4XD2eLYqTem8/s1600/P6050910.JPG" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If there's one thing people will generally know/recognise me for - bar being a complete and utter Harry Potter nerd and having shares in carbs - it's the fact that I'm always smiling and laughing my head off. Partly because I surround myself with good people who make me laugh until I borderline grow abs, and partly because life is too short to be miserable isn't it?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I'm not being one of those "smile, be happy, go hug a tree and let go of your problems" people because life isn't that simple and sometimes it's bloody tough. However... the benefits from a simple smile - physically and mentally - are without a doubt, mind blowing. So I thought I'd do a little post about reasons we should all be smiling more... so get your gnashers ready and your best smiles on kids!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">You are instantly more attractive </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For me personally, one of the first things I notice in someone is their smile. Nothing makes you look more beautiful than a bright, glowing, friendly smile and it's genuinely the thing that makes me instantly warm to someone more than any feature. So for me, having a smile that makes you almost need sunglasses on just to look at me - </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">lol jk, not quite that bright but that'd be nice wouldn't it?</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> - is always a total essential. If you've been subscribed to my channel or follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I've been using </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.listerine.co.uk/products/strengthens-teeth/listerine-advanced-white" target="_blank">Listerine®</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.listerine.co.uk/products/strengthens-teeth/listerine-advanced-white" target="_blank"> Advanced White</a> for a couple of months now and I honestly can't recommend it enough. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It lifts stains from teeth and prevents new ones forming, helping to give a whiter smile. I genuinely feel so much more confident in my smile and when talking to people and I wholeheartedly put it down to this.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Brightens your day and your mood</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have a little challenge for ya huns... next time if you're feeling sad or down, just smile. A big, fat, teethy smile. And I promise you you will instantly feel a little bit better (it's scientifically proven guys but obvs I've forgotten the <i>actual</i> scientific part so you'll just have to take my word for it). If you're slightly more of a pessimistic person - I'm with you sister - then little things like thinking about funny stories or small things that make you smile is the best way to start your day right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It brightens <i>other people's</i> day and mood</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm a born and bred Londoner so it's safe to say that I'm not very used to people randomly smiling at me on the street and if you decide to smile at someone out of the blue, 90% of people will give you an evil/suspiciously look at you as if you're up to something. But honestly, without getting all tree hugger hippie on you, giving somebody on the street a random smile and seeing their response (when it's good and not a total evil glare) is one of the most heart warming things you can do, and will subsequently make your day too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happier people are more successful</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was reading a random article recently - probs during one of those black holes where you go to read something for a second and 4 hours later you've covered every topic imaginable - that mentioned happier people being more successful. A mixture of the fact that happier people generally make more effort and are more personable meant that they ended up being more successful in their career and their personal life. Now if <i>that</i> isn't a reason to get your gnashers out and start smiling then I don't know what is.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It makes you do crazy things etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most of you will know - or will have seen according to the DM's with screenshots *insert monkey covering eyes emoji here* - that my girl Ally and I took part in an amazing campaign with <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.listerine.co.uk/products/strengthens-teeth/listerine-advanced-white" target="_blank">Listerine®</a></span> based around the power of a smile. It saw friends/couples/family etc. tell their story of how a simple smile made them do something crazy and spontaneous (my personal favourite being a guy who got off of a bus to tell a girl she had an amazing smile and he'd love to take her out. They're now together. NO IT'S SO CUTE I CAN'T COPE EITHER!). Mine and Ally's was based around the time when we spontaneously booked flights to New York even though we were both so busy, hadn't even looked at prices or dates and it probably really wasn't a sensible idea. I smiled one of my <i>we 100% shouldn't be doing this but we're going to do it, aren't we? </i>smiles and minutes later we'd booked to go. It really does blow my mind how much impact a simple smile can make.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZAD3MATkOZGEMXTBIweIzLDD8MFG0AlRAzZkEjocYjY5m_CQdnw4rLXiWeEMZcrHaEuBX7e5tlc2mW25Suf3bYtTVmXaQm1CIDUOadPEP7WCs_O1oGtgbmotxTN3lA1_WgiQT7cgfzE/s1600/P6050934.JPG" style="font-size: medium;" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRPer-INIAC3K3at0jPkQsYmvSRnsGvZYbyysQrIO16FWPLiuy4CWTzWpeyApacbYN88CttOwcI3QGNM4vjb_a8qZilkfO4nrzPokwiCxDk2i8-MRftfJrwdO0yJNXFy02jDaeiv4d7E/s1600/listerine+advance+white.jpg" style="font-size: medium;" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that brings me to the end of this little smiley <strike>cute af</strike> post... if I haven't convinced you to smile wider than my waist after my New York Pancakes breakfast by now then maybe just go and google some cute cat or dog memes, but get smiling people, surely life's too short not to?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear your smile stories, have you ever done anything based purely on a smile? I always love hearing your thoughts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>This post is sponsored by </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Listerine®</span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-41299835561030033852018-07-15T09:17:00.000+01:002018-07-15T09:45:03.279+01:00TIME IS PRECIOUS<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnsFta4v3mdvFZG7gvrwWkpFejPaer7_yujrFJehyphenhyphen2pYvwVafOKiCXnDG5IzhE4zDc6E4-2O120BcFWcSNoD1g9zqDPhx5L7vIgD8_X_rrMPbGLLhd9ngL7L9Ne5JaJpJ6o_KMC6zlVI/s1600/IMG_9911.jpg" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Photography by <a href="https://www.allyshipway.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ally Shipway</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time is a funny ole thing. It's something that dictates our life on a daily basis but not something we really think about. Something we take for granted but the only thing we can't get back once it's gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Well, apart from my sasspot ladies who won't ever take back </i><b>that</b><i> idiot who made the worst mistake of his life. Or the pizza I just demolished, or the bikini body I had when I was 20 and my metabolism was on fire....</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">OK, look, in <i>theory</i> it was a good sentence so let me just live my best philosophical "move over Gandhi" life for a little bit and just go with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time is something I took for granted for the vast majority of last year. I fretted about things I couldn't change and I lost sight of all of the things most important to me. I put social media numbers before my health and let them dictate the kinda day I was going to lead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This changed for me in 2018 but there was still tiny little remnants of this leftover. Even if it was putting up with people talking about it when they know you have harder things to deal with...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But something happened recently which put everything into perspective. It made me finally step off of the ridiculous work carousel/treadmill/[insert your own choice of object that consistently moves here].. because the only thing it left me thinking about was time. And just how precious it really is. I was never going to talk about it, but when I realised that <a href="http://www.oliviaburton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olivia Burton</a>'s - who I am beyond beyond beyond excited to be working with because I've been obsessed with their watches and jewellery for 3483984 years - latest campaign is all about how precious time is, it just felt like perfect timing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYqqRWaEw7YWue5MqX6uMOrGk0lG6cTTaRETy8a_oqek_F0gaqr_OUp5kNL0Q5InueJnoV8HtfdOaXwZefPE4ZXSjmFBeSy7SL0O6j-Uhbq1ktRPrpNtsv_qn1FJSpFQqjfPv4vLEW1U/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T_NTw6OLvIjs4kBUyFD0i73yVyjhyLos_Hah12YQ-ql6Xxjrajcn39XeJl4XN3E08haY4jXkflwb9uQa1qa_-vBr1c-63BWBRUgSW3MFgRPTk6Gxg_VJw8kcFzeO3wp0-3X5mi6psB4/s1600/olivia+burton.jpg" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've never really been that good at getting personal so I tend to just blurt things out and hope for the best (classic Elle coping method). A few weeks back I noticed that I'd gained a lot of moles (tiny little freckle like things) all over my body, and some, which I'd never even noticed before had gone from being totally flat to almost hilariously raised. I didn't think much of it, I booked an appointment with a GP - who was absolutely useless FYI - and subsequently went private because whilst I am the most blase person on all the land, I just wanted to check it out once and for all. I went to my appointment, had even booked in dinner and drinks after, and the next thing I knew, I'm on the table being injected with anaesthetic and having two "worrying" and "suspicious" moles removed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not a big deal <i>(I mean it probably is but denial is better than acceptance right?)... </i> but in that moment, <i>nothing... </i>not work, not money, not girl dramas not boy dramas, literally nothing crossed my mind apart from time. Have I used my time wisely? Have I made the most of every second I've had? If time left was limited what would I do...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For anyone thinking, it was possibly just a cancerous mole at worse you tit, I am not by any means saying it's huge and serious as it mostly can be easily rectified but any little health scare is enough to put things into perspective isn't it? And this was just mine.</span><br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnsFta4v3mdvFZG7gvrwWkpFejPaer7_yujrFJehyphenhyphen2pYvwVafOKiCXnDG5IzhE4zDc6E4-2O120BcFWcSNoD1g9zqDPhx5L7vIgD8_X_rrMPbGLLhd9ngL7L9Ne5JaJpJ6o_KMC6zlVI/s1600/IMG_9911.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXyQWxeYoJYFTDmgY8jTBtLkPHDrrL5JGb0mINeq6wAvgZ5Ochz227i2hCF4IrgZQJbjM6410IcsOa_rPj5RBEGnDKMyOgZ0AkDHNiMkwqmWUruAxOeVSSjLt5V41xULX02QkRNfvtYc/s1600/IMG_9976.jpg" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah... time is pretty darn precious, and Olivia Burton know all about this. During the design process of their latest Semi Precious stone collection - which is just outrageously stunning fyi - Olivia Burton were reflecting on what precious time means to them. From small snatched moments to yourself in a busy day to celebrating the weekend with your favourite people in world. It's the small things that count, making every single minute worth your while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been wearing the <i>beautiful</i> <a href="http://www.oliviaburton.com/uk/shop-watches/-semi-precious-rose-gold-mesh--OB16SP01.html#q=rose+gold+mesh&start=1&cgid=root" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Semi Precious Rose gold mesh watch</a> and I've been absolutely obsessed with it. Not only does it look gorgeous with the perfect rose gold tones and stunning dusky pink marble face, but the dial is also layered with Rose Quartz, aka the Heart stone (HOW CUTE!!!), famous for attracting and keeping love - i.e the perfect wing woman, I'll wear it every day ;) - and it's soft, peaceful energy. It's the perfect classic piece that looks timeless - please feel free to appreciate the unintentional pun - and goes with every outfit whilst still feeling modern and on trend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Basically, I haven't taken it off since I first got it so I think that says it all really doesn't it?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT05-g5m4_UepR1Thdr64abZjhgbqUqFK96Xp1cZc4MTECYPD51TyqOqE_U6DWsMdQNgb2pGSLa_l2Woyg5IXRiBUxsVw_5D2aV5WoDaxEIXmfTPDzQAkitKB3JC3NsF3CptbfdWdatXE/s1600/olivia+burton+rose+gold.jpg" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGXGs_34Qq9tff79EGT4ueKQik7rV2pNqT24WPw15l0i1mEvvnGB7HzloQ7bt1OmZXPwVKrFYdMIYv-ZesFBbZaBrlYQlX_CjvrAG72w7kw0pJb5sVmBQkG878mN7ncWBRK27xn4PgWw/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I think it's about <i>time</i> I wrap this up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, feel free to punch me in the face for that pun because it really was atrocious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to know what precious time means to you? What little things never fail to put a smile on your face? Cute af stories welcome please ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This post was sponsored by Olivia Burton</i></span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-23109439016550161452018-06-17T17:31:00.000+01:002018-06-17T17:32:12.596+01:003 OCCASION-WEAR OUTFIT IDEAS AND GETTING THE LOOK FOR LESS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG24B5pSQ5BinokIwsAZlB2tkOGu4yH1abzVtrDEnzLPWV695Yxf5MV76HJaWxXVFCOt3qPp-HDpZTwXdK-ps-0Oct9I8pXDyZPCmLoFGG8So2mcR36AJH261kma_-ALotEqkqumBen_M/s1600/IMG_0494.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's that time of year again isn't it, ladies? Weddings, Christening's, Ascot, your best friend's brother's dog's puppies first birthday... you name it, there is <i>always </i>an occasion to get dressed up for at this time of year and I have to say, I have a love/hate relationship with it. Don't get me wrong, I love nothing more than getting dolled up - <i>lol, no you talk like a Nan - </i>putting on a pretty outfit and going out to have some fun in the sun with your favourite people. But it's the deciding what to wear that always gets me. What does smart casual even mean, am I too overdressed, is that <i>even</i> a thing? So I decided to put together a mix of looks that can work for any and every occasion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was going to say I'm being like a clothes fairy godmother helping all your sartorial needs but I think fairy godmothers are responsible adults that don't run away from their awful decisions aren't they? <strike>Which means I'm definitely counted out of that.</strike></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yes, I've put together some looks - all from Very who you all know are one of my all time fave online stores - and I'm also here to tell you about how to get these looks for less (because if you don't love a bargain I'm not even sure we can be friends) with the help of <a href="https://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/very.co.uk-vouchers?bi=ellenextdoorvery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Voucher Codes</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you've never heard of <a href="https://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/very.co.uk-vouchers?bi=ellenextdoorvery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Voucher Codes</a>, they are a website with <i>amazing</i> deals across 100s of high street brands and restaurants. They work with brands to provide the best deals to make things as affordable as possible for us shoppers. They have an amazing app - <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/vouchercodes-discounts-deals/id428938827?mt=8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">which you can download here</a> - which will show you deals in your local area too, pretty snazzy if you ask me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Voucher Codes currently have a sassy little code in case you want to shop anything from this post or from the Very website. <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/very.co.uk-vouchers?bi=ellenextdoorvery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Using the code <u><b>ELLEND5,</b></u> New Very.co.uk customers can get £5 when they </a><a href="https://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/very.co.uk-vouchers?bi=ellenextdoorvery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spend £20+</a></span>... I think this means it's time to get shopping doesn't it? Yep, I thought so too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Photography by Ally who you can find <i><a href="http://www.allyinblunderland.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/allyinblunderland/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></i>.</b></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzwmrbT0pAXtwxpvYUvTu2oTvuh0VNs4CuQt42Zn4srFUXguci40V48lPu770vmUkH7geoHBtXmfSUOiVszQ86ioe7t5p85QEeuEXY8lVW5jay-bToZ6QTcR4PGl2nUiaguLho33m0IM/s1600/IMG_0088.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sb-NhDKM7Ac_54h8EjOjU61cHFobkbV7YBwyxzEJVPu9Jw4kmosolP1zHiJEI4vevntM9LZe3e6FwC0QDekYm0sVSHIWCOkm3eoVZ9_Gnxqj7Z7SB3eWGV4TmdjD4w4EhrUPuUfi_PQ/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTYVXlivlNm7kGzryiEyZS6jOGpWbFcoZOVgWGV2iHaTcGfvqrdbntdfjOVATwlTulNQ59W86ywoL8_53gi9YPLA9Bs9m9oLCnuBAxV379cymLK7CRjOYWcOiehl4jkCEzRLkKpsRP3Q/s1600/occasionwear.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">THE MINI</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As much as I love a flowy little number, my heart will always be lost to the mini. Maybe it's because my long legs are just about the only redeeming feature - no, no, please put your tiny violins away for me - or maybe it's because it has that added boost of sexiness but a respectable mini is always a solid shout for me. I absolutely adore this cornflower blue option as the long sleeves and 'just above knee' height make it appropriate for any occasion. This has such a Self Portrait vibe about it (but for a third of the price) and just looks so classy whilst also being a bit different too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Paired with these gorgeous silver strappy heels - which I've also worn to death with cropped jeans lately - and this beautiful dusky pink velvet clutch... this is the perfect pretty but chic outfit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-premium-lace-frill-dress-light-bluenbsp/1600227854.prd?amendCommerceItemId=ci193497002284" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DRESS</a> / <a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-v-bar-velvet-clutch-bag/1600226092.prd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BAG</a> / <a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-bella-ankle-strap-minimal-heeled-sandal/1600068920.prd?amendCommerceItemId=ci193497002364" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SHOES</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">THE FLORAL MAXI/MIDI</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this dress?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">... perfect, <i>thank you ;)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This dress really is one of the most beautiful, and <i>versatile</i>, pieces in my wardrobe. I've worn it to a beautiful dinner in paris, I've worn it with trainers for a casual day at the park (which may or may not have included a Nando's), I've worn it to a christening. It just <i>works</i>. The neckline and shoulder detail is just gorgeous and the open front and fluted hem really does make this little cracker just a bit special. I actually paired this with one of the most quirky pairs of shoes I own in the form of these ruffle rose gold pointed courts - what a mouthful - and this pom bag which is the definition of unsubtle but I'm kind of all about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-sweetheart-neck-frill-maxi-dress-red-print/1600242389.prd?_requestid=260544?amendCommerceItemId=ci193497002253" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DRESS</a> / <a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-tassel-edge-clutch-bag-pink/1600233102.prd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BAG</a> / <a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-sofia-leather-frill-point-court-shoe-rose-gold/1600227446.prd?amendCommerceItemId=ci193497002802" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SHOES</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">THE JUMPSUIT</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally, for my most unique - and also possibly most favourite, shh - <i>the jumpsuit</i>. But let's be honest guys, this isn't just any old jumpsuit is it? LET'S JUST TRY AND STAY CALM AND CHILL OVER THE RUFFLE BARDOT NECKLINE!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And breathe... but seriously, there's something about the cut and fit of this that instantly makes me feel put together, <i>ready</i> for anything and, as much as it makes me want to curl up in a ball of self indulgence... a <i>little</i> bit sexy. Maybe it's the sleeves or the perfect crop and fit of the trousers but my god is this piece a little stunner? The jumpsuit does all the talking so I paired this with nude strappy heels (without a doubt my most worn style of shoe) and this leopard print bag just to give the girly look a bit of an edge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-bardot-sleeve-detail-jumpsuit/1600226208.prd?_requestid=258496?amendCommerceItemId=ci193497002292" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JUMPSUIT</a> / <a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-leather-leopard-clutch-bag/1600226091.prd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BAG</a> / <a href="https://www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-petals-block-heeled-sandal-with-ankle-strapnbsp/1600069108.prd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HEELS</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And that's my third and final look. I'd love to know which one is your favourite? I'd also love to know if you've ever heard of/used Voucher Codes before as I'm a liiiiittle bit obsessed with it now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget, you can check out all of the deals they have to offer <a href="https://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/very.co.uk-vouchers?bi=ellenextdoorvery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> . Happy shopping guys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This post was sponsored by Voucher Codes and Very</i></span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-51686192236340235962018-06-04T18:54:00.000+01:002018-06-04T18:54:26.973+01:007 REASONS WHY BREAKFAST IN BED IS THE BEST THING ON EARTH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGDlddleHVB4H2hslAE0afh3KRrqNdGwhMqndVx04TasE9RHgGP2guFZYHbAAHBzvzsJ5jM9bBHxDsL674YXHef6LqacaWDwRh0-Q5NY-297ugesSzdEwhLMdOIwFTJQ9YZ0VNYv8LpI/s1600/Facetune_24-05-2018-17-48-18h.jpg" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know you might be thinking, has she really written an entire post about breakfast in bed? Alternatively you might be thinking that my hair needs a little bit of a brush which I would also 100% agree with but let's just go with that you're thinking the former.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">And the answer would be yes, yes I have written a post based around breakfast in bed. I mean yes and no. It's also about my recent stay in Farnham bush which was so ridiculously dreamy that I never really wanted to leave but mostly, <i>mostly</i> it's about breakfast in bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">100% <i>sorry not sorry</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">So, a few weeks back I headed to Farnham Bush for a little break with Mum Next Door i.e my resident photographer i.e the most patient person on the planet. We explored the town, did a bit of unintentional shopping and stayed at the <a href="https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6621-mercure-farnham-bush-hotel/index.shtml?utm_term=nom&utm_campaign=ppc-mer-nom-goo-uk-en-far-bus-exa-se&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=uk-en-GB-V178195&utm_source=google" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercure hotel</a> because you guys know that those guys are my fave gal pal for quick, easy, comfy stays so I was blimmin chuffed they had one here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But yeah, we had such a lovely little trip and topped it off with a chilled out morning and breakfast in bed. So, shall we have a quick natter about why BIB (is this gonna be the new fetch, trying to make BIB a thing but it's just not a thing?) is so amazing before I dive more into my little break then? Yeah? Ok fab...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">1. When the options are endless and you <i>almost </i>feel like you've been given a billion quid to go and spend in Selfridges. Like...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Do I want almond, soya, oat, rice, whole or semi skinned milk?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Hmm... fat fries, curly fries, cheese fries, crinkled fries... I'll take one of everything please lad!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You get the gist... and I have to say, t</span><span style="font-size: large;">he room service breakfast at the <a href="https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6621-mercure-farnham-bush-hotel/index.shtml?utm_term=nom&utm_campaign=ppc-mer-nom-goo-uk-en-far-bus-exa-se&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=uk-en-GB-V178195&utm_source=google" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercure</a> was pretty bloody incredible. From smoked haddock - no <i>you</i> brought the sass - to full english, to continental, they got it down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">2. I'm eating in bed and it doesn't even matter that I'm dropping crumbs and egg yolk on the sheets because IT'S NOT MY BED AND IT'LL BE WASHED BY SOMEONE ELSE AND OHHHH WHAT A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">3. It feels like you're pampering yourself doesn't it? Take some time out to chill and relax and wake up slowly rather than setting a god awful alarm every 5 minutes to make sure you're actually awake.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">4. Did I mention being in bed? I have? Well I'm mentioning it again because for the 32482984th time, the beds at the Mercure hotels are just <i>the </i>comfiest and I promise once you've slept in one you won't want to book anywhere else again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">(OK, that's a <i>very</i> big claim so don't hold me to that but you <i>will</i> love it).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">5. The entertainment. Like, do you go for TV. And then do you go for trash TV (Kardashians I'm looking at you huns!) or a documentary or a bad boy Netflix series? <i>Or</i>, do you push the boat out and watch a film? THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS MY FRIENDS.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">6. No need to get ready and look presentable, you can look like a total slob and it's absolutely fine. I repeat, you can look like a total slob and it's <i>absolutely</i> fine!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">7. You can create your own little home from home (just without the cleaning up after yourself). I've always loved how comfy and chilled Mercure hotels are and Farnham Bush might have been my favourite yet. The staff were amazing, the food spot on *insert hands in the air emoji here*, the hotel and lobby/chill areas beautiful and the area itself... just <i>stunning</i>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So after finally forcing ourselves out of bed<strike>/getting kicked out because we'd exceeded check out time by hours</strike> we took a stroll around the grounds (dreamer than Ryan Gosling), wandered into town (cuter than Ron Weasley when he thinks Hermione is a bit fit) and then finally left to go back to London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving these little getaways is always a bit hard for me. Anyone who has been around here for a while will know that London will always be my favourite place on earth but sometimes the city, and work, and life gets a bit much doesn't it? So thank you Farnham Bush (and <a href="https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6621-mercure-farnham-bush-hotel/index.shtml?utm_term=nom&utm_campaign=ppc-mer-nom-goo-uk-en-far-bus-exa-se&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=uk-en-GB-V178195&utm_source=google" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercure</a>) for providing me with a dreamy break and a little bit of my sanity back. I bloody loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever stayed here before? Is there anything in the world better than Breakfast in bed? I always love hearing your thoughts!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post was sponsored by Mercure.</span></i></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-25390768651710089982018-05-22T20:09:00.000+01:002018-05-24T18:36:42.358+01:00WHY YOU NEED TO BOOK A SURPRISE TRIP WITH SRPRS.ME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are lots of things that I probably take for granted a little. Being a born and bred Londoner and living in one of the best cities on earth. Being <i>reasonably</i> healthy. My family, who are absolute heroes. The fact that gluten free pasta exists and it's actually good (my <i>god</i> isn't pasta good?!)...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The list is a bit too long for my liking, but one thing that I never take for granted is the fact that I get to travel so much. Whether it's for work - it's 99% of the time for work fyi and it's 99% of the time nowhere near as glam as it looks - or pleasure, I have been so incredibly lucky to travel the world more than I could ever have imagined in the last couple of years and as a result of this, when I book my own holidays I'm always at a bit of a loss where to go. You guys know that if I had full control I'd end up only ever going to NYC for the rest of my life which is why when I stumbled upon <a href="https://srprs.me/uk" target="_blank">SRPRS</a> I just <i>knew</i> I was going to end up booking and going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1HKOMtiizYxQV6TEr53GMJjgYJd2W5ieuXYMNj7ToIKtP9_OV9sFJPGm7KBp-v2I2aZ59qYl7oa4PvuaiOtvDh3EpHOAglveLmi4HltFy4knJ-8Zd-l6CnHLvZJ3IekBxkoli1pemLM/s1600/IMG_6768.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://srprs.me/uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SRPRS</a> is a company that is based around booking a surprise trip, with very minimal filters so you end up wth absolutely no idea where you're going until you get to the airport. You can chose from a 3,4,5 or 7 day break in Europe, which London airport to fly from, whether you'd like a slightly more comfortable room and then of course, the dates you'd like to travel... and then the rest is left up to SRPRS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 month before the trip you'll find out what time you need to be at the airport (and <i>which</i> airport you're off to). 1 <i>week</i> before the trip you can log in online and check on the weather forecast so you know whether you need your cossie - cossie,<i> lol</i>, no you're secretly a 90 year old inside - or your 10 layers of fleece, coat. A few days before you receive your pack including a scratch card which you'll use at the airport to unlock a code that you then enter into your app. Included in the pack is also your boarding passes in a little black envelope so that once you find out where you're off to, you don't need to worry about checking in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then you're ready to go *insert all of the party popper/sassy lady in red/airplane emojis here*</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So after arriving at the airport with my partner in crime, <a href="http://www.allyinblunderland.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Al</a>, we scratched off our scratch card, entered the code and honestly jumped with pure shock and delight when we realised we were going to.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">GOD DAMN MOTHERF**KIN VIENNA!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBMt3agq6_w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Video evidence here to see our first reaction, I still enjoy watching this back.</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, blimmin Vienna. It's funny because when we received the forecast (2 degrees fyi, no <i>you</i> are cold just thinking about it) we looked at all the places it might be, made completely uneducated guesses and not once did we even consider Vienna. It just <i>never </i>crossed our minds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A plane and mildly terrifying taxi journey later and we arrived at the <a href="https://www.ruby-hotels.com/en/hotels-destinations/vienna/ruby-sofie?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyaCa1ISZ2wIVBJ3tCh0OoA8KEAAYAiAAEgLzivD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruby Sofie Hotel in Vienna</a> and I have to say, it was pretty much love at first sight. The bar area and lounge spaces are laid back and cool - think The Hoxton meets Clerkenwell Grind (if you're not a Londoner/a blogger this might be ridiculously unhelpful for you) - and whilst I hate the word "trendy"... it was really bloody trendy. Our room however was an entirely different vibe... possibly the largest I've stayed in (that wasn't a suite), our room was white and airy and incredibly spacious. We had a bed that could fit 5 people - Oi, get your head out of the gutter, you - and a beautiful shower/lounge space. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think I forgot to mention that the breakfast buffet, i.e my life forte, was absolutely incredible, with endless tea options, almond/oat/rice/god knows what else milk and basically every option known to man... I challenge you to not demolish at least 4 plates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And if you don't then we can't be friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I mean, we <i>can</i>, but you'll just have to up your <strike>total pig</strike> eating game ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vienna as a place was the Meghan Markle of cities. Beautiful, elegant but also a lot of fun (I mean, I don't know Megs personally but I bet she's secretly a right ball). Think clean and light and very easy going. The food was bloody amazing and the general vibe of the city was somewhere I could see myself spending a lot more time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, as we were only there for a few days and spent most of our time chilling and soaking up Vienna rather than seeing every tourist site there is to see, this won't be a "guide" as such... but here's a few highlights I'd recommend;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Schonbrunn Palace</span> - A beautiful and historical monument for the city, Schonbrunn is absolutely worth a wander to as it really is stunning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Swing Kitchen</span> - <i>OH MY GOD SWING KITCHEN!!! </i>Ally found this place as it has Vegan burgers and Nuggets and all sorts of wonderful, amazing things and a lot of the food here also happened to be gluten free. If it's wrong to love Nuggets and chips then lock me up and throw away the key pals because this place was <i>incredible</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Stefel Rooftop</span> - After a day of wandering Al and I took it upon ourselves to live our best Sex and the city lives and headed up to the rooftop bar at the top of Stefel department store. An aperol spritz and 30483084 belly laughs and cry tears later and I think I could safely say that it was a very good decision!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Hundertwasser House</span> - Nestled quietly off of a side street in Vienna, you'll find Hundertwasser house. An apartment house built after the idea and concept of Austrian artist Friedensreich, it's an expressionist landmark which to be honest, is just pretty damn cool. There's nothing to <i>do</i> there but it makes for a fun photo <i>and</i> there's a red telephone box there so, you know, if you fancy a taste of London in Austria, this place is your guy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">St Stephen's Cathedral</span> - We absolutely just stumbled upon St Stephen's cathedral and my <i>god</i>, am I glad that we did. It's pretty much an architectural dream (not that I have a single f**king clue about architecture). Stunning inside and out, whether you are religious or generally have no interest in cathedrals, get your butt down there and marvel at the beauty, I promise you won't regret it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Photography by <a href="http://www.allyinblunderland.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ally</a></i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I think that's it for my little Vienna adventure. As I've already fangirled 304830943 times, SRPRS really is such an incredible idea and one that I can not only not recommend highly enough but will also be rebooking <i>asap</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse of Vienna too, it's one of those places that's pretty much <i>perfect</i> for a weekend break. Enough to do and take in but also chilled enough to just enjoy it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Just the way I like it!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lol, that 100% sounded like some kind of cheesy slogan at the end of an American toothpaste ad. Soz about that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A huge thank you to SRPRS for organising the most dreamy trip for me and Ally. We'll never forget it!</i></span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-15246374450109870142018-05-17T08:13:00.001+01:002018-05-17T09:08:24.169+01:00TAKING A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA IN MEXICO<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4FrPvXCHNmKktP__hqOagSkKQl0Uw4YaMPdcfZcHgHByyLcPBvfIjMHi68VCameO4tnybWft43tzsi8b-XkVJ4qJEJqf91VmoPD_JvSxImcbD79rUqjK0ES2ZsJW3_KW5z_tgK2vYv4/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jet lag is a bitch isn't it. And I don't mean the oohhhhh I'm <i>soooooo</i> sleepy kinda jet lag. I mean the kind that sits on your shoulder from 10am - 10pm like <i>"Go to sleep now Elle. Oh, you're not sleeping? Well BRB whilst I get some bricks and put them on your eyelids then." </i>And then from 10pm to 5am "<i>COME ON BITCH WAKE UP, WE HAVE AN ALL NIGHT RAVE TO GET TO!!!!"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, this is me, with 2hrs sleep, googling "Can you die from lack of sleep" and subsequently "how to get over being a drama queen".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thursday to you all too kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, this post - the first in a month which I'm generally mortified about but I'll get to that soon - is not a big ole moan about jet lag, it's about my trip to Mexico where I spent 10 days with my favourite person on earth, <a href="http://allyinblunderland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ally</a>, drinking Pina Coladas, laughing until I cried, ignoring my phone, forgetting that my job and life outside of my Mexican all inclusive resort even exists and honestly... living my <i>best</i> ever life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This post is about how I ignored social media and how my life became 34983589x happier for it, and how even though I'm back into the swing of work (20 emails down before 5am, sometimes Jet lag, you're <i>not</i> a bellend), I'll never, ever let social media/namely <a href="http://instagram.com/ellenextdoor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, effect my mental health and my overall happiness ever again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes I said mental health. Yes, I let Instagram affect my <i>mental health</i> and to any non Bloggers that may sound extremely extreme, but to 99% of full time bloggers/bloggers who's blogs/platforms take over their lives too, I know you'll get it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, let's begin, how I gave up giving 2 tiny little fucks about likes and managed to be the happiest I've ever been....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I want to start by saying that I've not had a <i>proper</i> day off since I went full time with my blog a little over 3 years ago. That sounds dramatic doesn't it? It's <i>not</i>. Even on Christmas day I wrote a blog post (<i>yes</i> it was because I actually felt inspired and yes I adore writing so it didn't feel like work, but yeah... it's still work). It's not that I don't <i>want </i>to... I guess it falls down to the fact that a) I have been extremely, extremely lucky to have worked consistently for the last 2 years or so, and now more than ever, so I physically haven't felt able to take a day off for fear of falling so far behind and ending up in a black whole of 359385 emails and tears. And b) because I guess when you've worked so tirelessly on this hobby that's turned into a career and your own business that you, and <i>only you</i> have made work... it's hard to walk away from that you know. Even if only for a day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know from an outsider how that looks/sounds. Oh diddums poor you that you have to fanny around in front of a camera or say yes or no to travelling around the world. And I also know that to bloggers/people that <i>get</i> it that you'll understand entirely which honestly, is why I'm writing this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that so so many of you will also feel the same (some less so, some more so) so I hope it inspires you to change the way you look at social media. I hope it allows you to step back and realise that taking some time away won't stop the world from turning...</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something changed for me in Mexico and in all honesty, this whole year. Last year, and trust me when I say that I am genuinely, wholeheartedly embarrassed to admit this... Instagram completely <strike>ruined my life</strike> affected my life to the point of, it had the capability to make my day good or bad. I never at one point didn't <i>hate</i> that it had the ability to do this and I never at one point lacked perspective enough to know that how I felt was ridiculous. Ridiculous, illogical and completely irrational. But, no matter how many times I saw stories of young kids with terminal illnesses or <i>terrible</i> disasters happening all over the world, I couldn't <i>completely</i> snap myself out of the sheer panic that my photos were "dying" or my followers were declining for long enough. I'd say "<i>life's too short to care"... </i>and then 3 days later, there I was caring again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Again, everything you may or may not be calling me right now is nothing I haven't called myself before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But Mexico was different. Mexico I paid for myself - as opposed to a lot of trips I go which are press trips and therefore have obligations for content in return - I went with my best friend and absolutely zero work obligations. We booked all inclusive specifically so we only had to move from Beach to pool to restaurant to pool bar. We decided, basically, that we were only going if this was 100% a holiday and not a "mostly holiday but also half the time I'll be stressing about taking photos for instagram" holiday. And that's exactly what we did. I had a back up of London photos and I took 4 photos the whole time I was there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>4.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>4 photos in 10 days.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For reference, I usually go out and shoot a minimum of 2 outfits (approximately 100-200 photos per outfit) every single day at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I replied to max 4/5 urgent emails per day, I decided to post on Instagram every other day so I didn't have to wake up at 4:30am every morning (screw you 6 hour time difference).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I basically laughed every second of every day, I made some of my favourite ever memories, I watched the stars at night from the beach, I swam with turtles and snorkelled through cenotes. I flirted with Mexican men (absolutely no shame, it's what Ally and I do best because together we are insufferable and totally shameless), I turned myself from human to 99% Pina Colada and 1% regret. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I didn't do, was stress about Instagram. I didn't get even slightly down or sad or panicky or stressed that the algorithm has changed and my engagement is now half of what it used to be. I didn't go to some of the most stunning places in the entire world and see it through my phone, I saw it with my eyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Barely because I'm as blind as a bat but I tried anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I finally, <i>genuinely,</i> lived my best ever life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just didn't care. And most life changingly (pretty sure that's not a word, pretty sure I couldn't care less)... I still <i>don't </i>care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still wake up feeling unbelievably grateful every single morning that I get to do the job I do. I still work just as hard as I ever did. I still create the same content that I did before. From the outside, apart from slightly less posts than before, absolutely nothing will change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But from behind the rainbow coloured grid, this girl will actually be living her best life rather than saying she is whilst actually having a minor breakdown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sorry this was the most rambly, repetitive, probably shockingly written post... but if I'd have read something like this a year ago whilst I was struggling so badly with social media <i>every single day</i>, I'd have found it a great source of hope. So I hope that if you're struggling too, you can realise that one day... you really just won't care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life is too short to give a tiny little shit on God's green earth whether you got 2000 likes or 5000 likes. You'll be grateful for your health and your loved ones and your happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just how it should be!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-37799281495638274022018-04-10T10:42:00.000+01:002018-04-10T10:42:01.297+01:00MEMORIES FROM NEW YORK CITY<style type="text/css">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I’m aware that that’s not the most loquacious way of expressing my feelings but I feel like it best describes <i>exactly</i> how I feel. Plus the fact that I’m currently sat in the airport with our flight being 10hrs delayed, a flight attendant so rude that it’s making my blood boil at a temperature of 379248 degrees and I’ve just realised that I’ve lost my memory card full of New york content… so I kinda just need to drop an F bomb anyway. Just to get it off my chest, let out a little rage alongside the love, ya know?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So yeah, I really fucking love New York. I’ve spent the past week there with one of my favourite humans <a href="https://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/new-york-attraction-tickets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hayley</a> and my god the thought of leaving and going back to “real life” is just filling me with the most amount of dread and stress and anxiety and just shit vibes.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You see, new york is my happy place. When I’m there, nothing really matters and everything is OK and not an issue and no problem can’t be solved. I’m aware that I’m going to sound like a giant bellend (what an image) but Jay Z and Alicia really weren’t joking when they said the streets will make you feel brand new and big lights will inspire you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BRB whilst I vom into a bucket of “never let me say that again”…</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But it really does make you feel like you can do anything. It’s the place that I go to when I’m happy and it’s the place that I go to when I need to run away from life. So here’s a little diary* from the last week/thoughts on NYC/thoughts on friendship/thoughts on life.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">*Diary, in this case, means a complete word vomit of thoughts so you know, just bear that in mind.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This was my 8th time in New York and I think out of every trip I’ve done, I probably worked the most and the hardest this time around. Hayley and I are just very similar when it comes to work ethic and getting content and our love of New York and sharing it with you guys… and it’s amazing because I know that we are both as dedicated to getting that shot as the other, but it also meant we never <i>really</i> switched off until the last day (where I accidentally bought some Gucci Loafers, I currently can’t talk about it because we’re still at the point of feeling sick at spending so much money on flats). So we laughed until we cried and we spoke life stories and had deep meaningful convos that I’ll never ever forget and we had the best time but we also worked our arses off and I have to say, I’m really f**king proud of us. We did an amazing collab with Primark and our content was some of my favourite that I’ve created in forever. We shot so many photos that I could post NYC blog posts everyday for a month (but let’s be honest I just about manage to find time to blog once a week these days so that won’t happen) and we just sort of went above and beyond to do the best we could. And we were talking about work and travels and campaigns we have coming up and I kinda just had this moment where I thought (probably slightly self-indulgently which will subsequently make me want to punch myself in the face), hard work really does pay off. We are in New York, we are working with our favourite brands, we are fronting campaigns… and it’s all because we’ve given everything for years to make this work. After said moment I forced* Hayley into getting another bottle of prosecco to go alongside our takeaway pizza in our room and toasted to us. To blogging. To Team Internet. And to being in N-Y-Fucking-C off of the back of it all.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">*When I say forced, what I actually mean is she suggested it, I said absolutely yes and no more convincing was needed. My kinda girl.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So now I’ve taken a moment for myself - heavily induced by being hormonal x100 - here were some of my favourite parts of our trip;</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Being upgraded</span> on the way out. HI LEG ROOM, HI SLEEP, HI FEELING LIKE A MUCH ROUGHER AND LESS SASSY VERSION OF BEYONCE.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Turning the corner and seeing that <span style="color: #741b47;">Manhattan skyline</span> for the first time.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Discovering <span style="color: #741b47;">Two Boots Pizza in Brooklyn</span> which did the most incredible gluten free Pesto pizza, and taking it away to eat in our hotel with a bottle of prosecco and just chilling for our first night. What dreams are made of.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Shake bloody Shake</span>. I didn’t know that Shake Shack did gluten free buns and pretty bloody amazing ones at that and let me just tell you lads, demolishing the Smoke Shack in Madison Square with a grape soda putting the world to rights was a pretty special moment.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Exploring Brooklyn</span>. This was the first time I’d ever stayed outside of Manhattan and I absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Williamsburg hotel which is all the interior goals you could possibly imagine and I really really loved finding cute independent coffee, clothing, interior etc. shops whilst also pretending I was Dan Humphrey’s girlfriend just waiting for him to come and pick me up. No <i>you’re</i> cool.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Heading to a party shop to buy balloons for a shoot and accidentally ending up in an extremely rough af area of Brooklyn. It was probably one of our most silly moments but the thought of us extremely English looking tourists wandering around with 18 helium balloons in the hood still makes me <span style="color: #741b47;">laugh until I cry</span>.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spending time around Union square which made me <span style="color: #741b47;">reminisce so much about my trip last October</span> where I spent 3 weeks living in NYC and just having the best time imaginable. I stayed in an Air BnB not far and it’s always felt a little bit like home from home.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A strange one, but getting to grips with <span style="color: #741b47;">the Subway</span> and seeing <i>all </i>sorts of characters on it. From buskers to the most <i>insane</i> dance groups, there's always something to see and smile at.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Visiting the <span style="color: #741b47;">Top of the rock</span> for the 305835 time. No matter how many times I see it, that view never <i>ever</i> fails to blow me away. This time I got my tickets through <a href="https://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/new-york-attraction-tickets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attraction Tickets direct</a> which is perfect for booking tickets in advance so you don't end up queuing on the day or struggling to book while you're out there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Really taking in Brooklyn bridge and <span style="color: #741b47;">the view of Manhattan and Brooklyn</span>. We shot there for well over an hour which was complete and utter chaos with the thousands of people constantly getting in the way but at the end, I kinda just took a moment to take the view in and see it with my eyes and not my camera and just appreciate where I actually was. My favourite place on earth.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Nailing the cliches</span>. Pietro Nolita, Cha cha, Egg shop, Sezane, Mott Street.. looking at you huns.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finding a new found love for <span style="color: #741b47;">Pizza and prosecco in bed</span>. <i>No</i> amount of lovely meals out quite compares to being a total slob in your pjs with a face mask demolishing every crumb of pizza in sight.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just spending every second with <span style="color: #741b47;">Hayley</span> laughing until I was ugly crying (shout out to anyone that looks like a goddess when they're laughing, teach me your ways.)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And I think I’m gonna wrap this up here because to be honest, I’m about to board a plane for 7hrs and I’m lucked out in Premium again and I’m hoping to just sleep for the rest of eternity. Thank you always for all of the love on my New York content - especially the Instagram’s… you always give so many good vibes - I think anyone that has followed me for a while knows how much I’m obsessed with New York (somewhere between my love for Harry Potter and my love for pizza) so I hope you didn’t mind this little diary/favourite moments type of post rather than a really helpful guide because in all honesty, sometimes i just want to be able to look back and remember some of my happiest moments rather than constantly focusing on trying to get the best, most helpful, searchable, high blog traffic worthy content. Sometimes I just want to have a little brain splurge and that’s exactly what this is.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sending lots of love to anyone who’s stuck around to this point, from a totally broken, jet lagged Elle that will probably read this back and re-confirm that I’m a complete and utter mess in life.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">xx</span></span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-41734482581687002502018-03-29T07:45:00.000+01:002018-03-29T07:45:14.449+01:00WHY THE KALIYOGA RETREAT CHANGED MY LIFE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t29FoSnvYIYbsPUa_WWWBb6tVYJ3gHJ3YbENbDYk03wJ3WNYVdOke2ZBUEwokHPxhrB2igx_ozLK49aUKLGHCvQ6gCg7tEFyD7qOvqsmeURMtONLTyOxtxqKwoYdJFN6m9QoF9DL-ho/s1600/P2231482.JPG" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone that knows me will know that I am 95385935x more likely to go for extra fries than exer<i>cise</i>. I don't exercise - my arteries and cellulite will attest to that - and I don't <i>really </i>eat healthily (blueberries on top of pancakes totally count as 1 of my 5 a day, right?) and I am a self confessed <strike>psychopath</strike> Stressy Sally so embarking on a retreat consisting of a lot of yoga, a lot of mediation, nothing but extremely healthy food, no alcohol and caffeine - NO YOU ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK AT THE THOUGHT OF NO COFFEE! - and lots of time to chill and "be at one with myself" was basically not something that I was ever going to say yes to was it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until, <i>well</i>, it just <i>was</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see, I started February going through a bit of a rough patch/quarter life crisis and to be honest, whilst yes it made me feel all of the goddamn feels that I did not want to feel, it also made me reassess everything. It made me make decisions I didn't really want to make, it made me put myself first, it made me push myself out of my comfort zone. It made me take control of my life rather than forever choosing Option c (which fyi, is avoiding the issue and dilly dallying your way through life).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It made me just say yes. Yes to things that were scary and yes to things that I might not even like or enjoy, but it made me say yes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So fast forward a few weeks and there I was, on a plane alongside 8 other absolutely <i>babe'in</i> bloggers - <a href="http://www.frockmeimfamous.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hayley</a>, <a href="http://www.wonderful--you.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Megs</a>, <a href="https://positivelyjessicaward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jess</a>, <a href="http://www.southmoltonststyle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna</a>, <a href="http://www.copper-garden.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jess</a>, <a href="http://scarlettlondon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scarlett</a>, <a href="https://www.beautyrocksblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jamie</a> and <a href="http://launeden.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrea</a> - heading off to the nothing short of f**king incredible <a href="https://kaliyoga.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaliyoga retreat in Spain, Orgiva</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the rest is history*.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*I when I say history, I actually mean a life changing 4 days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://kaliyoga.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaliyoga</a> is set in the heart of Orgiva, Spain which is around an hour and a half's drive from Malaga airport. There are so many reasons why the retreat is one of the most magical places I've stayed but the location and backdrop is most definitely up there in my top 3. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, beautiful blossom (they obvs knew I was coming #doitforthegram) the retreat is genuinely drop dead gorgeous. Like, give Ryan Gosling a run for his money, gorgeous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Founded by Rosie and Jonji Miles, two of the most inspirational people and wonderful souls I have ever met, the 4 day retreat we embarked on consisted of the following;</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Daily Vinyasa Yoga and meditation classes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A hike in the breathtakingly beautiful mountains</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Macrobiotic Ayurvedic Food (the vast majority being gluten, wheat, sugar, dairy and alcohol free - I have coeliac disease and there was only 1 or 2 things I couldn't have on the whole trip)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A raw chocolate/fermentation workshop</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">One holistic therapy (You can choose from Reflexology, Thai or a deep tissue massage).</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, without sounding like a tree hugging hippie - not that there's anything wrong with that because my god you are all so cool - but the trip really was life changing and I feel like because everything was so incredible, I need to break it down into a list of my top 5 reasons why I loved it and why I honestly couldn't recommend booking in immediately, enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ <a href="https://kaliyoga.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">BOOK A TRIP TO KALIYOGA HERE</span></a> ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>1. Daily Yoga and Meditation Classes</i></span> - True story, a few years ago I tried hypnotherapy for severe insomnia and the hypnotist - who was world renowned fyi said I was one of the hardest people to "put under" because I have such an active mind. </span><span style="font-size: large;">LOL. </span><span style="font-size: large;">(You know that lol is the kinda laugh where you laugh because if you don't you'll just cry).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I struggle <i>deeply</i> to switch off. In massages I'm thinking about what I fancy for lunch or that email that I forgot to send. In quiet moments I'm concocting hilarious messages to send to Ally. You get the gist. So when I knew I'd be partaking in 1.5/2hr yoga and meditation sessions, I was genuinely worried. Worried that I wouldn't switch off and then Jesus christ 2hours is a long time to be overthinking your entire existence. Worried that everyone else would be connecting while I'm like <i>lol but tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy is where Derek and Meredith write the frickin post it note.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't need to worry. Our instructor Lelly, was absolutely <i>incredible. </i>She is the first instructor that I felt like I've ever really <i>connected </i>with, like she wasn't judging me and like she was just here to help. We were all doing it together, with no one better than anyone else (I mean, I put myself at the back because this wasn't actually the case but I didn't feel like my moves were sacrilege to Downward dogs even though they definitely were). All I can say is that every time, those hours just <i>flew</i> by, every session I could feel myself challenging myself further and genuinely wanting to get better. Our morning yoga left me feeling so ready for the day and our evening yoga made me <i>almost</i> want to skip dinner and go straight to chill and sleep... it really was just incredible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And. AND. I did meditation and was so relaxed that I fell asleep at some points. UP YOURS OVERACTIVE MIND, I WON!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>2. The Retreat itself </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">- We all know that a picture speaks a thousand words but in some cases no photos and no words can quite do justice to something so beautiful and this is the case with the Kaliyoga retreat. One of the most peaceful, zen, truly stunning landscapes I've ever set eyes on, my favourite thing was just taking a few minutes to wander off by myself and stare at it. A bit like builders when a blonde walks past but without the creepiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>3. The Food</i></span> - During the trip we had the absolute pleasure of spending lots of time with Nutritionist and Superfood expert Becs who not only had the clearest most insanely amazing skin I've ever seen, but she also gave us an incredibly insightful nutrition workshop which I actually enjoyed so much (I know, enjoys something foodie that doesn't involve pizza or burgers, who the hell knew?). The food on the trip was probably one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises for me. We went Alcohol/Sugar/Meat free and I hand on heart absolutely <i>loved</i> everything we ate. The chefs at Kaliyoga are not only the most creative beings alive but so much thought goes into each dish that there's honestly so much flavour that you struggle to believe it's so healthy. I came away from the trip A) not missing meat at all which for the girl who's middle name might as well be Nandos, was a massive shock. B) Desperate to recreate everything we ate and C) full of energy and finally feeling light and clean and not like a sluggish potato (forever the sexiest human on earth).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FYI - Kaliyoga have their own cookbook and if there is one book/thing you buy this month, make it this. I <i>promise</i> you won't regret it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>4. The Therapies</i></span> - I spoke more about the Sound therapy we had with Kim in my Youtube video but in short, this part of the trip was 100% the most eye opening for me. It's quite difficult to put into words how I felt during the session but if you imagine that every person in the room was crying at one point (in a positive way), you felt like Kim reached right into your soul and knew everything about you just with a single look, and then in one sentence she managed to sum up entirely how I'd been feeling for the last few weeks/potentially over many years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She was absolutely wonderful. The therapy was life changing. And honestly? I'd go back just for this <i>alone</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also had the most amazing reflexology session with the wonderful Anna and I'm going to be completely honest.. I was last to put my name down so I missed out on the deep tissue massage and was a bit gutted that I had because <i>omg massage me always. </i>But, Anna was a total genius and reflexology is now something that I am the biggest advocate for and have also incorporated into my life. I fell asleep at one point (this has never happened in a massage) and felt completely refreshed afterwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">BRB whilst I work out how to smuggle Kim and Anna back to the UK with me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>5. Discovering myself away from the internet </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">- I think when you live your life on/for the internet, sometimes your actual life and your internet life blend into one a bit <i>too</i> much. I for one, am the world's worst at finding a work/life balance and it's something that's really affected my physical and mental health in the past year or so. Taking myself away to the retreat - which would usually be more of a digital detox but obviously us bloggers were getting content so we could tell you all about it - and having much more of a digital detox than usual really made me reassess the way I've been living and the way I feel about myself. I'm a perfectionist and ever since taking this blog full time, I've never had a day off and never taken time out to appreciate everything I've achieved - still haven't got the McDonalds black card yet but I'm working on it - I learnt that whilst it's fine to consistently be the class clown and the joker of the group, it's important to not hide behind it, to take that mask and guard down at times and let yourself be vulnerable because actually, I would rather take a risk and wear my heart on my sleeve and risk getting hurt than never truly opening myself up to feel all of the amazing things I could be feeling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I learnt that my life going forward will prioritise me, my family, my travels, my best friends... people that truly deserve my time and love. I work to live now and not live to work and this has honestly changed the game for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So thank you Kaliyoga for not only giving me the most amount LOL's I've had in ages - pretty sure couples yoga with my main gal Hayley will be burned in everyone's brain forever - for not only making me realise that I do enjoy healthy food and I don't <i>need</i> coffee all day long but also that I am <i>actually</i> OK at yoga and when I put my mind to it, I <i>can </i>meditate and switch off. Thank you for giving me an experience that will stick with me forever, I already can't wait to return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And PS sorry for completely butchering Downward Dogs more than they've ever been butchered before. God loves a trier though right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to know if you guys have ever been to a Yoga retreat before? Have you heard of <a href="https://kaliyoga.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaliyoga</a>, is it something you'd consider booking? And if you do, I'm coming with you in your suitcase yeah?</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;">Costs: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "ovo" , serif; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">£995</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "ovo" , serif; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">(Sharing a twin Mulberry room/for single occupancy teepee glamping),</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">£1,250</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">(Room with shared bathroom),</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">£1,300</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">(Single occupancy En-suite room).</span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-71835752282311150612018-03-26T20:48:00.000+01:002018-03-26T20:53:14.548+01:00ULTIMATE CHILL TIME AT THE MERCURE BRANDS HATCH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6heYlqJwMW4FIX2xrEFQTV9rxbksKMWWEnVCzf_mo5ANyMzXo0IXJmv7-27pxrbw-T6D_FKrcbfZupyh1BhKCVGYmuZu85ViFQI7wPRMaDY9B0rrUMmI5X_nU71hG4muDSd3q7cPNm4/s1600/P2261543.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Most of you reading this will know that what you see on Instagram is about 0.23923% of a blogger’s actual life. You’ll know that whilst it’s absolutely not a lie in any way, shape or form… social media is a way of showing off your highlight reel, probs whilst sat in pyjamas with baked bean stains all down them, greasy hair (no </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>you’re</i></span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> </i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">sexy) and no makeup on. And that’s cool, it’s what our job is and it’s fun and it’s</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>art</i></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">and that’s just how it works.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One thing that my social media would say about me is that I chill out a lot when, if I'm being <i>totally</i> realistic, I genuinely can’t remember the last time I felt completely, totally chilled out without any stresses, my to-do list longer than Kanye’s list of positives about himself constantly crossing my mind and generally feeling like my brain has an outrageous amount of tabs open. So a few weeks ago mid snow storm - the awkward moment the beast from the east takes your nickname - I took myself off to <a href="https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-A0I7-mercure-dartford-brands-hatch-hotel-spa/index.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brands Hatch with MumNextDoor to stay overnight at the Mercure</a>, escape London for a bit, eat all the food and do all the chill.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZfmFekT2RLGoF4erPutr2job73Pq-OHlf3K1q1ZlK6mSU6qRJho5k09m4askpFkWsv-lpUyBKLuWVe1AgVHHwt5EQvcQAjFioxm0sKUQ5qRWbcE7hWfHWtsHL_VViVfXuIwRYyCHG4w/s1600/Mercure.jpg" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-l_YHt1FqczYcODUijsAJrtESwn_-gfGL9VO0jhA8AWBK-gkIePgZWRCMR17gujTlrJNlPeXAt3GNmmcM07aBcuuwHAURJnP6GeBwjzg9EnuuRpZS3PBsRFC8xwg5-HLPXBY_4-IDaQ/s1600/mercure+chill.jpg" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;" /></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Firstly, for any racing driving fans that might want to go to see some racing at Brand’s hatch, you won’t find a better location than this. It literally looks over the track so, you know, if you fancied keeping warm you <i>could<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i>just watch it from your room (yes I’m aware that that is sacrilege, apologies). So yeah, we arrived, dived on the bed - because if you don’t turn into a 5 year old and face plant the freshly made bed are you even in a hotel? - made a cuppa and chilled for a while before dinner.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, I’m gonna be completely honest with you. Mercure hotels are known for being comfortable and practical and a place that <i>does the job</i>. So when it came to the food, I kinda just expected it to be standard hotel restaurant food. Lol BRB whilst I eat humble pie and day dream about my pulled pork burger because sweet baby f**king jesus it was incredible. Not just good hotel food, but really, really good food. And not the kinda of good food that comes in teeny tiny portion sizes… hearty, tasty af, dreamy food. I went for the tomato soup (it was called something more snazzy than this but I obviously can't remember and my god, if it was socially acceptable to propose to a bowl of soup then I’d be down on one knee because it was so good! Add the double - yes I did size up because I wasn’t joking when I said I am the beast from the east - pulled pork burger which was just so god damn good and we had ourselves one pretty bloody great meal.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMYTGjP9tZAThBzK7Xh1mhIXiJ3ciwE3DmISY9pBrkrSfZ7nHVjn_SUAHZvUwk0ehSLjJAI1irqE-LpxbQb0UxvO05jCLAKb30jw3dyKKJM8kknWuF40Wpp9T1_JjFDaccIA9i2ldrGw/s1600/P2261572.JPG" /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm1hXI1LD2GvqBeeUe9nG_fX-tMMpKeEto3-dRppMlycR2P98c0oV7oWGbBW1mMcMLwyt4Y0_PCAKG91uzYCofyrKR8icGulBVVnnP_dsYF_i0cMlGT0LK6_BBDDyfMeA_ZEp39WKQz0/s1600/P2261576.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSq2EXitvakYO8_g6xguY8PT1oABTkGw-IwWZPvFaO49mucQGNtoUV07hoDbXOY3BN3J3m7qvQsOwXVW83QfDkyne-PK-W8yXUqFQeHAI6-s3YIZj1d0-Hs0D7dw6mIpn3tWUfChv3ZY/s1600/P2261579.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5Blpl18xvSycOtxSK9Vqtjb5ztrK14mijrzVB6iSTV4CHjPgdvUmgQCt7DmA3IL0o6HfpaG4xG1EB2Gr_ZsjJ41AuUV6cmp6tQBmvYNI8lN03KTpLegEL6z1y-Fo8aZ3ksn_IGxk7do/s1600/P2261577.JPG" /></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then I went back to my room, got my heels and my Victoria’s secret add 30 cup sizes bra on and went out on the razz*.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lol, JK, went back to the room, made a cuppa and fell asleep watching The Voice.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">*Razz. One day my inner 90 year old will stop insisting on making an appearance in posts.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If anyone has been around this corner of the internet for a while, you’ll know that alongside generally making a tit of myself, my other forte is nailing a breakfast buffet. So obvs that’s what I did the next morning. Every Mercure that I’ve stayed in have always had amazing staff but the guys at Brand’s Hatch really did go above and beyond. I was made aware of everything that was gluten free and offered gluten free toast - obviously said yes because, <i>me - </i>and it’s just a really nice atmosphere to sit and chill ant 9384394 rounds of breakfast.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7-UHt8siTXHSap7Xv5-AaHX5-tEl0PI9sAr4fTwxAXws5rHoAlLewqI6BaQIFXTOH6WMvDUmzhYtlP3KpMDxleGoy78f9CVpzQ8UM5DdU5VI4YdR8DlQOEVpPbYSCexEj4x149PA4BA/s1600/P2261564.JPG" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5RtBS5DzkNNNrah4ZQLCGj7s4MzZsMtjKyfQCM_g6DNoypJdOoYIxxUoVXadsa9SLVVRerk1nAHsp26TWOgkCyA8g5tYaOjHDs3ZHKs3kTHuqQQ-KIN39-MUmbdnyHb8_CptdLZhOQk/s1600/mercure+breakfast.jpg" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghft6sZN4815TPMe616H0QQACwPtqqslrcoKkndcrfWZhMErKzEaRNFgFdiOAl0OQrEkz6NomfExEBKzW3df-OmiXmRddixp5Tr60fnaP-zQVjxX9-HD8bQLkkrFTLgYOrgxtC-df5Hf8/s1600/P2271587.JPG" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSeSyt2rNvYI-WdlwxMdLh9v9u9uQNmOsY0ZsT07DrFeOL0RSiOcCjX3ogo4DwUnN_g5gt8UvDLdJzkNjvcE4B0zLH0ft9ly0cOvjQeZqoaCbLk6FqpLFsNJnCrlx4ndtmuJ5mHhi_wg/s1600/P2271581.JPG" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Super frickin annoyingly because of the snow I had to rush off before getting totally snowed in so I had to miss my massage but I did manage to have a quick swim and check out the facilities before leaving. I’ve actually had a massage at a different Mercure before with the babe’in Decleor products and it was one of the most relaxing I’ve ever had, </span><i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">and</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I even managed to switch off and not think about my schedule for the next few days/lunch/any random thought.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pcx9QihJlK-sRpmAJI9GQ4coa7qgNTnDYYQ5OfsSHja8joMTWjR23-0QK1mZ8Mt0eI-AMbpHw8l6bNuAV-ZeSIJkW48eGsIqZkI6FIdgfRh6l7QIOQspkr_o151gfv8cGVw5hYj8G58/s1600/P2271592.JPG" /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwMBu2YRSDtMHkTGuxthhqT1bz7ZKNXvyW0_P92ePdN5INCIJtOAKo-n-uRNoyIedrjUUOO7I3lTUwmCgJzWlupTmUDy2G9PjiyxlBuIkTvS3kxSi0A11UR1Wob7EVeymk7ARgiPlgn4/s1600/decleor.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I left Brand's hatch feeling something I hadn't felt in a really long time... <i>refreshed. </i>The staff were incredible, the food was great, the room was just everything that you really need to be... it was just a good time and place to get away and chill and close at least a few of those tabs open in my brain which honestly looks like a child's paint splattered painting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to know what you lot get up to when you need a bit of a break? Where's your favourite place to run off to and chill? And finally, if you have any tips for decluttering a jam packed brain then send em a sister's way and I'll do my best to actually implement them rather than just looking at them, knowing they're a good idea ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This post was sponsored by Mercure.</i></span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-86980748509617315522018-03-21T09:02:00.000+00:002018-03-23T11:23:24.089+00:00TWO PRODUCTS THAT IMPROVE MY DAILY CONFIDENCE<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QqZol0_ZGz3VpC7NuW9Uh_YuSwrCEr-IHRO83PiB0DP9UXeFzpwjv-b9Ng792vSVzHZIQ1wQAyLQ-qPeeqtVyGwTN-U4vocFW_J1khEsecUT_uBjp2Qxp3EEMR13kGTqLK6_1z1YdLs/s1600/P3101682.JPG" style="font-size: medium;" /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If any of you lot follow me on Instagram, you'll know that my weekends are mostly dedicated to pancakes, pretty baths, pamper sessions, Netflix, more carbs than are socially acceptable and the occasional shopping trip. Basically what I'm saying is, I like to leave my bed less on a weekend than Kanye likes to be in a room full of people who don't want to talk about him. But last weekend I got on my gladrags - lol at consistently saying phrases that make me sound 120 years old - and headed down to the <a href="http://philips.to/2oz4MHS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glamour Beauty Festival</a> with my faves, Philips (who were the main sponsor for the festival FYI), to check out what's new, chat to some beauty experts about how to get the best out of some of my products, mingle with fellow beauty lovers and basically just have a really bloody lovely saturday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also spent most of my time fangirling over the <a href="http://philips.to/2G6lC7X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philips Lumea</a> - which you guys already know I adore - and the new Sonicare DiamondClean</span><span style="font-size: large;"> smart to anyone that would listen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because I'm <i>super</i> cool. Obviously... </span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLLdhXzFfBzuCc8oJ_FDiFS3a1JeQxqbiMsa0fHUEfLUV4-EMGrsNUiCwa53qxm9qBvoAW2lDyh8iyoI2hkKaqkO_-zP3NGdVx4lCJWlEOhRSHkgEwqqw13p5KviAUmbDhhCXnIs3sXI/s1600/philips+sonicare+diamond+clean+smart.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So after wading through the queues and finally getting into the festival, I headed straight through to the Philips section - not at all because they were offering a free prosecco for anyone sharing content tagging Philips ;) - because I wanted to check out the new launches and chat to the incredible experts on hand there. After swooning - yes I said swoon, you don't need to judge me because I'm judging myself - over the beautiful pink <a href="http://philips.to/2G6lC7X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lumea Prestige</a> I hunted down the gorgeous Chico Shigeta to talk all things facial massage (she's an expert and also the cutest lady alive) and the Philips VisaPure (which I am BUZZING to try) as well as the lovely Megan, celeb dentist and teeth whitening expert to basically be like, how can I drink 350539853 cups of coffee per day and still have white teeth?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finishing the day off with a flower wall selfie (<i>obvs</i>) and another glass of prosecco (would've been rude not to right?) and then I went home to have the <i>biggest</i> pamper of all time with all my new pieces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So shall we have a little in depth look of said game changing products then? Yeah? <i>Perfect</i>, let's do it...</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYokVGoglbm05t5d4PKgAx1oMXslBjN4rFdl0Dso467X2F5FdqPMQ_eSTBbT_7bmL6M2uGvZujTIxEHE_aWHH34RXvGpaRYI_UCiX5wlyYdZHWc9xKnLq4GKFuAD0sFuNlkJYrW9nBT_s/s1600/P3121727.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rbcBk76UesHi9Hokz_h00f3ZYxc2sfSTDKbhBXrdBH3YwhR-ZPvYZyNHdU-GAfBUbWf8L9DXzeIB2Uqt6EoF7eIUgiqzKSuHi3vILR5-0m3Y6VXD4dAVTUNHdimeeE26Lpgnie9R2MQ/s1600/P3121725.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7m5DKD1NMW6Cj0kx8OvepWVbONM4093IJSgWA1G2dYtRpVbP-FKpgoeN93Yf3MVFhLT_WIJq_sE1RobzzL6ce4JoVXO_SWc5FcWuulDue4DMOhWOQwH1Iccn2UGbAlNGoY3tGFhguo0/s1600/P3121719.JPG" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So as I mentioned, the <a href="http://philips.to/2G6lC7X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philips Lumea Prestige</a> has been a product that I've used and loved for a long time now. In short, it's an at-home IPL (Intense Pulse light) which is designed to provide a tailored hair removal solution for all parts of the body meaning us ladies (and guys) can experience the feeling of continuously hair free skin (I.E THE BLOODY DREAM) for up to 8 weeks. It's been clinically proven to remove hair growth up to a whopping 92% when used every 2 weeks within an 8 week period and works by applying gentle pulses of light and heat to the hair root/follicle which gradually reduces the amount of hair that your body grows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are so many reasons why I bloody love this piece of genius (alongside 1.5million other women, now <i>there's </i>a stat for you), not only because it helps me not be such a humongous Hairy Mary (no <i>you're </i>sexy) but also because it's just so easy to use which means it really easily fits into your day to day life, <i>and </i>it has a SmartSkin sensor which basically works by assessing your skin tone and determining which setting will work best for you. Once you've got your setting, you're ready to go. The back of the product also has a white light too to let you know when it's ready to treat so you really can't go wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's be honest, if I can figure it out, <i>anyone</i> can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I said back in May, within 2/3 sessions I already noticed that a lot of my hair hadn't grown back at all and after using it for another 8 sessions nearly <i>all </i>of my hair was totally non existent. Nearly a year on, I still love it just as much as I did nearly a year ago (where has the time flown?). For numerous reasons, travel, lol being so single and therefore <i>slightly</i> lazy with looking after myself... there were points where I couldn't use it so much and did notice some regrowth but as soon as I got back on to it, it has worked like a total dream every time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's funny isn't it, there's a bit of a stigma around hair and yet for me, being hair free is one of the few things that <i>instantly</i> makes me feel 10x more confident and ready for the day/night/whatever I'm up to. So yeah, in case you couldn't tell, I'm <i>still</i> more than just a <i>little</i> bit obsessed with this ;)</span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0UlO3QR-fbY2Va36etSMmAiNJK_-Hb3nfbixo_nG9G04kc1N569zxj51S8biqJVAaXcy1qNE6_8qkRYeHokrVCretRQKye73ryVEU8RszJn26-nQIcKa5lhJWNG8wQKP_uv8GkgBtoY/s1600/smile.jpg" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, so I am pretty excited to sink my teeth into telling you about this next product.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It's a toothbrush. Sink your teeth. Get it? Get it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lol, won't be giving up my day job any time soon...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But yeah, after trialling the new <a href="http://philips.to/2pnMWI9">Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart</a> toothbrush I can officially say that I am obsessed with a toothbrush (if that's wrong, then you know I don't even want to be right). Described as a complete healthy mouth system bringing you the latest in Philips Sonicare innovation and a new range of high performance brush heads, this, honestly gal and guy pals, is the Ryan Gosling of toothbrushes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, now might be a good time to take a seat because I've got a fact for ya. The <a href="http://philips.to/2pnMWI9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart</a> removes up to 10x more plaque than a normal toothbrush, with up to 100% better stain removal within 3 days, and up to 7x better gum health in just two weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know. <i>I know. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Smart sensor technology in the brush provides personalised coaching and guidance and just helps you feel like you're actually making the most of the brush by focusing on the areas that really need it and therefore giving you confidence in your smile (<i>nothing</i> is more attractive to me than a beautiful smile). I have to say, every single time I use it, I <i>genuinely </i>feel more and more confident in how my teeth look and feel. Apart from not being a total hairy mary, the other one thing that gives me a boost is having a bright smile because let's face it, your teeth/mouth is pretty much the first thing people see when they speak to you, so I honestly cannot even tell you what a difference this has made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now bring on all those Bumble dates.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lol, just kidding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*insert upside down emoji here*</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But it really is incredible. It actually makes me look forward to brushing my teeth which <i>yes</i> probably means I need to get out more but it's just the truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I think that's probably my cue to wrap this up. In case you couldn't tell, I absolutely adore both products and credit them hugely for giving me more confidence in my appearance and how I feel in myself so I can't wait to hear your thoughts if you've tried them/try them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's the one thing that always gives you a confidence boost? How are you prepping for the summer months? As always, I love hearing your thoughts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This post was sponsored by Philips</i></span></div>
Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-84020335734399024952018-03-19T17:29:00.000+00:002018-03-19T17:29:37.697+00:00HOW TO HAVE THE ULTIMATE GIRLS NIGHT IN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVHAa_za9OecKm1w9pzhdckN8s7jOWZU6Edi6CuZ694QG_l-YECONKHQPr740crvq0a91gejNKEJ6pD_DQFEXsHgUlH3yCURKqWtZTMd_hrjlAVFBZE4Rxu0AB8xx-lHURC0iuO4kHVM/s1600/PC032000.JPG" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZq7HPU_IvYuCqSqw9ySogUPRG176WDvgWuOVTQPs9e49BZud9-tXtOt1wcI_DKbPUywqQEvfgB22hWNGI88aMvHGFX34kuw0n_zt1uDAZeFXKb5o6n5jczxcJkCnE5rQ4bhbh-PVe4I/s1600/PC031938.JPG" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone that knows me will know that 9.9/10 I will take a cosy night in - complete with a takeaway/netflix or Harry Potter marathon/even more completely unnecessary snacks etc. - over a night out any day of the week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 0.1 is dedicated to my inner wild child which sometimes likes to pop out and drink too much gin, very occasionally slut drop - subsequently falling over and landing in the foetal position on the floor - and make an even bigger prat of myself than I usually do but luckily she stays tucked away most of the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But anyway, I like a good night in, and I think I do them pretty well too. I can nail the food part (<i>obviously, goes without saying</i>), I can usually pick a Netflix classic that everyone will want to watch/I have carefully curated a friendship group that all love Harry Potter so let's be honest, that's what's going on isn't it? But sometimes you want a bit more than just a standard night in. Maybe it's a friend's birthday. Maybe it's a celebration. Maybe you're feeling all yolo/"COME ON QUEENS LET'S SLAY THE WORLD AND BE ALL SASSY INDEPENDENT WOMAN"... and that's where this post is going to help you make your night the "night in" equivalent to Beyonce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who run the world, <i>girls</i>, and all that...</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4EUvWFJw7o1qYG60SHbC-3R1S-C1-uGfvxNT8LZaw1L4x-nKLlBlMCTWdgRyPxbo3EBkqZOghiOhrKdaXPT48UnJx2BnweWq4WrngxsH6PD1d9-D0fUpYPkd3JUFlVvPSvtY_mZqvoY/s1600/P9060049.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU67Twy6DP-OsyJd60a4HiHdkrrsg-b0Wn3Svaum3y2xBQ2YYQz6Lh5-Npg8mZYxh6Dgt_tqVqbVEhcQwnWr1VYb9N2KF_LeQFZRvX2XpG4-m8PlTRGZCSsLAyTEz-7bAa0CYHf0-lOwo/s1600/P9060066.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">1. Choose your location </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So <a href="http://www.allyinblunderland.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ally</a> and I fancied a night in and we fancied feeling a bit swish - swish, LOL, nope I have no idea who I am anymore either - so of <i>course</i> we went back to one of my all time favourite hotels in London, <a href="https://www.ampersandhotel.com/143193" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ampersand</a>. Set in the heart of South Kensington, The Ampersand is a 5 star boutique hotel (and restored Victorian building fyi, check the sass on that) super closeby to the V&A, Natural history museum and many more. The location is not only perfect for your Beyonce themed girls night in but also especially amazing for any London first timers or anyone looking for a real taste of London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, apart from the actual location of The Ampersand, here are some reasons why I want to move in and never leave;</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">THE BATH THAT DREAMS WERE MADE OF, JUST LOOK AT IT I DON'T EVEN NEED TO SAY ANY MORE DO I, NO I DON'T!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The bed. The bed is huge, the bed is beautiful, the bed feels like you are sleeping in clouds that have been spritzed with some kind of magic goodness. Basically I want/need the bed in my life every night.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The bathroom is not only monochrome and more stylish than Olivia Palermo but it has heated floors and it's basically heaven on earth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The restaurants serve a dreamy dinner and the BEST gluten free afternoon tea. I actually previously reviewed a stay here and the food before so I'll pop that link <a href="http://www.theellenextdoor.com/2016/09/LondonHotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The staff are wonderful and so friendly that I want them all to be my friends. Does that make me sad? Possibly. Do I care? Definitely not.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And that's just a few reasons. Honestly, treat yourself to a night here and you'll see why I cannot stop fangirling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">2. Choose your people</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The cool kids say your vibe attracts your tribe and I couldn't bloody agree any more. One of my favourite things about age is you care a little bit less about the things that don't matter. Over the years people have joined my little squad and others have dropped away and I can honestly say that anyone in my life right now is there because I 100% want them to be there. Obviously you all know about Ally (if you don't, where on earth have you been?), she is basically the cooler, funnier version of me and no girls night goes ahead without her <3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">3. Snacks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I may make diabolical life decisions but one thing I do OK at is the snack run. On our girls night in, after ordering room service (pizza and chips fyi) we whacked out our little box of cupcakes - alongside some prosecco because if you don't go basic are you even a blogger - and devoured them all whilst watching Friends/Harry Potter/Netflix*.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">*When I say watching, I mean having it on in the background while we talk over the whole entire thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">4. Entertainment</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, if you and your girls are like Ally and I then you won't even feel like you need entertainment because let's be honest, <i>you</i> are the entertainment (anyone else have those friendships where you genuinely consider making yourself a comedian double act but realistically you're the only ones that find each other funny?) but... if you're having a day off - because, <i>you know</i>, can't be the life and soul of the party all the time, then you need your entertainment ready. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Something to watch;</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Grey's Anatomy - my one true love, queen <strike>bae</strike> bee, my everything. If you haven't already seen it, start it now and join the queue for Derek Shepherd/Mark Sloane/Jackson Avery.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Suits - Another of my all time favourites and 100% most definitely absolutely not because Harvey Specter is my dream man. Nope, not at <i>all</i> because of that.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First Dates - my current favourite thing on TV because it manages to equally make my dating life feel less tragic <i>and</i> give me hope that good guys exist.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Harry potter. I don't need to say any more do I?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Something to read;</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My good friend and absolute blimmin star Elle Croft has released her first ever novel <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guilty-Wife-thrilling-psychological-suspense-ebook/dp/B06XRL6P7Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Good Wife</a> and whilst I barely even have time to empty my bladder right now, I am one chapter in and I already absolutely LOVE it. Order a copy here and thank me later.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Erm, this blog. <i>Obviously. (</i>*insert eye roll/LOL JK TOTALLY TAKING THE PISS emoji here*)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sophie Milner's blog. Soph is a friend of mine and absolutely KILLING the game on instagram but for me, her blog has always been something I've loved devouring. Her recent post about playing the <a href="http://fashionslave.co.uk/2018/02/why-im-so-over-being-cool-girl-when-it.html/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cool girl in relationships</a>/whilst dating was nothing short of brilliant and summed up <i>exactly</i> how I currently feel.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">5.Pimp it up</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you follow me on Instagram then you'll know that I'm all about being as extra as it gets and every little extra helps so obviously I took 399593439 (nearly dead) roses so I could rip off every petal and have the most indulgent bath in existence. It made for a great gram but a f**king awful clean up job so you know, those extra details are down to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lol. No <i>you're </i>all of a sudden slightly embarrassed about your levels of doing it for the gram.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5-nZG1MCIglIsnAyP1EazSOhdo1chOA12LU_4JanqBi2WvVOgqIQMfEylj9adUp4ZyuXi3HuGARq4VJ9VQ6dPtdsAh7TiEAJASGlBDsMiK8PfjandflbGCKtOnoKlopu7c76fceRI_Y/s1600/PC031936.JPG" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4ERuxVKfddLpO4P5NFzWE3UQnJ5F78FJ9Q3u1D6LMM-IxOpYaFE-c_-s0pEZCr3taEYI5bEW18PbwoSt5zmHtDZcSTat2Zg98boi9mk0OJKXbHNqwkw2PghgRVGVaPOHdCSXAUx26UQ/s1600/PC031988.JPG" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I think that's where I'm gonna wrap this post up. I hope you enjoyed it, I hope you got some inspo for a girls night in, and I hope if you ever need a place to stay or fancy treating yourselves that you think of The Ampersand because it really is a beaut!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where's your favourite place to stay in London? What's your favourite thing to do on a girl's night in?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Huge thanks to The Ampersand for letting us feel like the Kardashians for a day/night. We'll be back soon!</i></span></span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-2697001412002273142018-03-02T09:20:00.001+00:002018-03-02T09:20:21.497+00:00TAKING A STEP BACK TO APPRECIATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA6xncwv3vscOKr5eOwEMlyN818YJDUklyzFN6UcqTVstLAhcpqE3VQtDriywbzGR91oBdVjefvumr7fmU70Qqq6loM7dKX6VT2GDimQ7CjU9sWf-OMHPq5eEEHD7oWHgX73N56ZDLrE/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">"YOU'RE GOING TO THE F**KING BAFTAS"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't remember what preceded or followed that statement from Ally when I casually spoke about my following week but I know those words were said at some point. I <i>think</i> - I say I think because we talk a thousand times a day so it's hard to remember y'know? - it was said during a conversation where I was probably being an anxious, overthinking mess and probably said something about forever failing life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because I <i>do</i> consistently fail life/make hilariously awful decisions but at least I have great stories off of the back of them, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lol.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Case in point.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But yeah, my point to this long ramble is mostly that ever since I started blogging full time nearly 3 years ago and said bye to "normal" life and hi to 5:30am - midnight work days, I haven't ever <i>really</i> stopped and taken a proper step back. I've never <i>really</i> had a full day off - no YOU wrote a blog post on Christmas day - I've never really had time out. I've never really stepped off of the ridiculously crazy carousel that life as a full time blogger is to take a moment out and reflect on everything that I've done/achieved and I think that in doing so, you tend to never actually appreciate what your life is, your successes and most importantly, living in the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess part of this is because I would like to think I was one of the least self-indulgent souls on the planet - even saying that makes me want to shrivel up like a prune and die inside because it feels like calling myself that is the complete opposite - and I am forever batting away compliments as if they physically pain me (sometimes they do), playing down any achievement and basically just portraying myself as a walking disaster (I mean, let's be honest, not much acting goes into that does it?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But after said conversation with Ally, it sort of forced me into reassessing things a bit. I went for a long ass walk sans phone and thought about the last 3 years and honestly just thought, f**king hell girl, you ain't done bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">BRB while I vom into a bowl of self indulgence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, this post is about going to the BAFTA's with <a href="http://ee.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EE</a>, it's about walking the red carpet and feeling <i>very </i>momentarily like a mix of Beyonce and Blake lively and let me just tell you lads, I was all about that feeling. But mostly it's about the fact that no matter what job you do and where you're at in life, from time to time you really need to take a step back and appreciate it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because what's the point in working your ass off if you don't even <i>truly</i> reap the rewards?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Dress</b> - <a href="http://bit.ly/2orEG8L" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Needle and Thread</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Shoes</b> - <a href="http://bit.ly/2BJlY4J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ASOS</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Bag</b> - <a href="http://bit.ly/2ojC6T4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Accessorize</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So this gal pal was lucky enough to be taken to the BAFTA's with <a href="http://ee.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EE</a>. Lancome did my makeup (shoutout to <a href="http://instagram.com/itsonlyabitofmakeup" target="_blank">@itsonlyabitofmakeup</a> for making me look 100000x better than I usually do), I whipped on my dress and then we headed for drinks with the rest of the team before walking THE GODAMN MOTHERPLUCKING RED CARPET.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are two things to note. Red carpets are not as glamorous as they look and they are stressful (I knew this from Cannes but lol forgot all about when I was swishing around in my princess dress). And secondly, we got to use the 4GEE Style Scanner which basically creates one of those sassy little gifs and allows people to shop what you're wearing. And that was really cool and made me feel momentarily like a celeb before realising that absolutely nobody knew who I was. Lol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After going up - and down because you know, gotta get that gram - the red carpet we then went in to the Royal Albert hall where I stalked Angelina Jolie (the woman who made it cool to have humongous lips, god I love you Ange), watched the ceremony, drunk champagne and sort've just kept looking around in awe because honestly, how the hell did I even get there?</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogLRodLZ-ZOYNWmr7CtUU90hsfHLSmEdl_m6qxnPnDOmOckbWCoGtm2aIZC7XsXtWM_Www6Bw7LwYK9L9aXk_A7M85aW2d-bifX0ZxbgIC3jAt4SByd_NNJ1Plxbvh9hf4JiZguUkKJs/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, as I sit here nearly a couple of weeks on with avocado and coffee stains on my pyjamas and feeling approximately 100000000% less sassy and glamorous than I did on that night, I'm really glad I decided to put this post together with a few random images shot on that night. Because when I'm old and wrinkly af and my kids think I'm the most uncool Mum at the school gates because I'll probably be bringing them Harry Potter related snacks and getting a random student to take a snap of me for an #OOTD, I'm hoping I can look back on this and think "yeah... you did good girl".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because let's face it, right now, life is so busy that the only thing I'm doing good at is replying to emails 3 weeks after receiving them and never taking a day off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that's it from me folks. I hope you enjoyed a few of the snaps. I hope you enjoyed having a sneak peak inside the BAFTA's/the red carpet. And I hope, even just 0.01% of you was just a little bit inspired to truly believe that with a lot of hard work and determination, there really is <i>nothing</i> you can't achieve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sending lots of love and good vibes and mostly just prayers that you're not also covered in coffee stains and avocado smush because honestly, it's really not the hashtag goals morning I had in mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*insert eye roll emoji here*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so, so much to <a href="http://ee.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EE</a> for taking me to the BAFTA's, it was a total dream come true!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-30457820158071024102018-02-26T18:18:00.000+00:002018-02-26T18:18:52.075+00:00HOW TO STYLE A SUIT AND 12 OF MY CURRENT FAVOURITES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuygnh9fWyUaU8Qygrz1DVq8-kwSnlBoDV7C56RbTeA8RPze9DE6j_BeK3aaFjMNmk_JO08wWoqxMPySJlZ_WvGeqAYPjRZza6dNdFi9Ky0kgIRYywI4FIdjCcinCb2Aw95dP2Sb2BV4/s1600/SHLFWElle-1183.jpg" title="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.fordtography.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Photography by Kaye </i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Originally this post was going to be one of those super snazzy styling posts (lol, who do I think I am apart from a 90 year old that still says snazzy and clearly has memory loss because I am not a super snazzy styling person, I am a "here's a little ramble about my life and what I decided to shove on today" kinda girl), however, the actual case is really quite different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The actual case is that I've just got back from a yoga retreat - <a href="https://kaliyoga.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KaliYoga</a> in Spain fyi and it was f**king dreamy! (more on this soon) - and I am so mentally, emotionally and physically drained that the most I can <i>really</i> manage is.... I'm wearing this suit which makes me feel as sassy as Beyonce - or, you know, as sassy as one can feel whilst having 4 day old greasy hair and legs that haven't been shaved in about 2 months - and I really blimmin love it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here's said suit. Oh, and an <i>amazing</i> pair of sunnies from Valentino via my baes Sunglass Hut, which I cannot get enough of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and my GIRLvsCANCER tit tee which is forever my favourite tee on earth. Nuff said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BRB while I shoot myself in the face for saying a phrase that made me gag at 15, let alone 25.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTNyMDws0deoAMCFk5eNOmENAqGc4wmsbwUa1Sp0Km_5B4ts3dp5r3uMgoQwJY6_zwNwAILouOdAElGcX3w4H3lbaRfznS080gBPhNPhdJRgrJcHSFRIaNKwBDD7PiWsHU0HA3Whv1xE/s1600/SHLFWElle-1256.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWtj5kDwkWl1U0EjSrGOHnyH09BX6J9Z9he9cORFcuLSbRehnyHlWvNVzro9LRx4RdheeCUqI1WFq9CHThOkUaZ7q2x09DlZhd0R826Rcy475Q8iJXpgtf3OoQgENlIRbMRZigrRACtM/s1600/SHLFWElle-1219.jpg" title="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>5 Tips for rocking a suit</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Pair it with some trainers for a casual/chic look. A suit, no matter what style or colour is a bit of a statement and it might feel a bit much on a day to day basis (I'm personally all for it fyi), so to make the overall look a little more laid back, whack on a pair of trainers to make it a little more casual cool and effortless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Ditch what's underneath and get your sass on! For me, the ultimate way to wear a suit is for a special occasion/night out with nothing underneath - or a pretty bralette if you've actually got boobs which don't just stay where they are because they're so miniscule - paired with a sexy ass pair of stilettos. Just make sure the blazer is well fitted and buttons up tightly. #FreeTheNip</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Break it up! If you're going all out with a bright red suit - my absolute fave - then you're best bet is to break it up with a plain white tee and some neutral accessories to avoid a "you are a walking telephone box/kaleidoscope" look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Pay attention to the fit. If you're going for a tailored blazer and cigarette trouser suit then you're going to want to make sure it fits really well to keep it all looking sleek and sexy (no <i>you</i> die inside at the thought of trying to help people look sexy when you are the human equivalent of a potato). If you're going for a laid back/baggy/loose/cool af suit then maybe try one that nips you in at the waist and pair it with a tighter fitting top to avoid looking like a colourful bin bag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Wear it with confidence. And if you haven't got any, like me, FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT SISTER. Whack on some Beyonce, channel Queen Bee and get your sass on!</span><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe9pzGFcHHlMIW3RntRXqymcj9yrnF7KR2XwEs_zCD8JQlwp-UPscCwwkYWndzkV4U15Q3LqcsDHeA_dERDFboDSOZ1fYHUsd5J7QiJThifPte0kh_SQRFGxiYrdEiluQEGz1d1T0PBM/s1600/suits.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought I'd show you a few of my current favourites on the high street/give myself an excuse to procrastinate whilst online shopping so please enjoy these and treat yoself because beans on toast actually tastes really good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Insert upside down smile emoji here*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://bit.ly/2F1LeW6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boohoo Blue Suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://bit.ly/2F5QbNw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Topshop Green suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://bit.ly/2ETnCni" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ASOS Pastel blue suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="http://bit.ly/2CF9Put" target="_blank">ASOS Forest Green suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="http://bit.ly/2CIxPgi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">French Connection Pink suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. <a href="http://bit.ly/2F1mWf0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ASOS Stripy Green suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. <a href="http://bit.ly/2EPrk1o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Topshop check suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. <a href="http://bit.ly/2F5XftF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ASOS check Blazer and skirt suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. <a href="http://bit.ly/2CJeCet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Missguided White contrast stitch suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. <a href="http://bit.ly/2CGKeS4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Missguided Military Black suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">11. <a href="http://bit.ly/2F4eXh2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shein tweed blazer and skirt</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">12. <a href="http://bit.ly/2CIx2Mm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Y.A.S Red blazer suit</a></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLWNL7XZYjo1cJvnb_FuJB2gujU113AJuQy14ylmarDnQJBs77zkr1Ck_qo4LkbF57a3xXxaDm5zpjICLQAdlOWXTAi7MNK1Doi-GdUZJqbQHAzj5f8JtVJz71bj_lRNxbskK5NFNE-k/s1600/SHLFWElle-1301.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuHW93u25qS94MRbbHH-_dH6-MuaAIojY1d42_7NLbnpyWC3Db6bLjL9oYZtyOE0uiPff8s0Ys5TL_YG-5jd8GyjN-sygybQYUaoLSBwSsbT7VkDqiRFhBmjjl1ICUg_xUGD7-M24xSM/s1600/SHLFWElle-1290.jpg" title="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blazer</b> - <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/zJHd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">H&M</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trousers</b> - <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/zJHG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">H&M</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trainers</b> - <a href="http://bit.ly/2EV1usQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adidas</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>T-Shirt</b> - <a href="https://girlvscancer.co.uk/product/love-hearts-tit-tee/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Girl Vs Cancer</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sunglasses</b> - <a href="http://www.sunglasshut.com/uk/trends/trending-sunglasses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Valentino via Sunglass hut</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, I really really love this suit. It's the perfect "I have no idea what to wear and 10 seconds to pick something because I spent too long watching Grey's anatomy whilst getting ready" outfit because it's so wearable for so many different occasions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's from H&M who I have to say, are absolutely smashing it in the Blazer/tailored goods - LOL, WTF ARE TAILORED GOODS? - department right now. And I honestly can't imagine ever not loving it. So I hope you enjoy it because this bad boy is going to be popping up more than Gemma Collins does on every reality show in all of the land.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqdZuTsuZAeBCK3F_T3AnvN9GWYCGuYPcckn3LR6CBwmnhRbnZ5MTUJsfkIdsdODscpKvklC01Ta13o1gb78MoGeeB1cMJervuDqh9ob_75m7nhIHdsRRYwygvgzGga0JmqDKf_bkOn0/s1600/SHLFWElle-1203.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignI2uC3U28MxTnzsHN9cZix5OCAPNmB4BR9cZvhzFbAKsxBe5eB7OwN21o7T5xYt-qIXsn_dwK5CRZTiNkACALEEYLJ2OO2DRpFUCaLQHXnhJ8qsPHui_P-GWUQa81IOrCaZYqkbbVcg/s1600/SHLFWElle-1157.jpg" title="Ellie Adams - ellenextdoor" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that brings me to the end of this post. I hope you liked the suits, I hope you liked photos - taken by the babein <a href="http://www.fordtography.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaye</a> FYI - and mostly I hope you didn't mind the fact that half of this probably makes no sense and is as dull as dishwater because gal pal is currently 80% exhaustion, 10% still zen from Spain and 10% red wine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next post will be better, I promise*.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Can't <i>really</i> promise anything but I'm really bloody hoping it will be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-88305966844831378562018-02-08T17:20:00.000+00:002018-02-08T18:10:27.824+00:003 SUPER SIMPLE MOCKTAIL RECIPES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY7ISo22ICEkONzf5nb3-bLW9fsfaRlBdYY7Jy_NQPjXwdlk1lgzW3X37xRPaEmowhzQ7zpxuEEEmhrhkXoP74gPrxroPuwyBAOmdup6feH8wSI7rewJ-kg-lz0SxbQH5sbWFG0VIwyI/s1600/EDIT+FINAL.jpg" style="font-size: medium;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Photography by <a href="http://instagram.com/allyinblunderland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ally</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I have been a strange contradiction - </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>lol</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">, story of my life - of super pumped for new beginnings and ready to take on the world (obviously insert all the sassy red dress dancing girl emojis here) and then simultaneously like, "can we start January all over again because I wasn't quite ready world?".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But one thing that I haven't failed at/felt like I needed to restart all over again because surely it's still December and we all need to be in bed watching Love Actually with leftover quality streets?... is Dry January (Yes I know, I'm a sucker for punishment). And in all honesty, the only reason that I've been able to stick to it is because I've forced myself to be more creative with my drinks and I <i>may </i>have found an absolute game changer in the form of the new <a href="https://www.robinsonssquash.co.uk/our-products/product-range/#FruitCordials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robinsons Fruit Cordial</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In short, they are <i>the</i> most perfect mocktail mixer, adding all of the fruit and sass to your drinks helping you <i>breeze </i>through Dry Jan (#yassss). So, Robinsons are introducing two new ranges for grown-ups, Fruit Creations and Fruit Cordial. They enlisted flavour experts - who knew that was a thing and where on earth do I apply? - to create the perfect fruit combinations (and my <i>god</i> did they do it). The Fruit Cordials, as well as all Robinsons squashes FYI, are made using real fruit and no artificial colours or flavourings and the new Fruit Cordials are also in a pretty snazzy - forever saying the word snazzy, forever secretly 90 years old - glass bottle which I love because it feels a little bit more sophisticated and grown up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, now you all wanna run out and buy the Fruit cordials, let's make some mocktails...</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIcgUIr9GFBXTUpefmdGDJARoTQBWubTOqHwTLwXY235rV2CrLj67dM154FoR-baZPcrafkEPhIIUWgSOMrGemt7E3MqlFm2bZPdDb994K4djhX6zh4k-zN7gDYIJNRVzHDSthk76uYQ/s1600/Edit+6+copy.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2nfNu7TIeAczbiv1aLs0_BGgy_SC_fV4DAkji59qy5Q_ZRoMxsIiFkvhwkYihrH2xX2vdd6NF2_pqkEx9lYO7Lf4vBS0yzhxclAISihffRcTP8qLfdXYFDNKj_NNvTx5ne1EpvzRuDs/s1600/EDIT+FINAL+5.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pp4EhsAx4o5AfhY-9O3nfMYTrMD3u8kKZh_t7_qu_GRQcMZfx2eR77MTM2lYF2JU3GJ7LMu3XcT1dY-gUafe21pxtqJsGkhMsVr42BCuT1pbRnqbyXol3Ri_GIBwy_KSOkahFBZrnSc/s1600/Edit+4.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">THE FAUX-ITO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ingredients:</i></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mint leaves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Two wedges of lime</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Robinsons Crushed Lime and Mint Cordial</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Soda water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Apple Juice</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Method:</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Clap a handful of mint leaves together to release the smell and flavour. Chuck - technical terms - said mint leaves into your glass. Squeeze in two wedges of lime and add a couple of teaspoons of brown sugar. Add in your Robinsons Crushed Lime and Mint Cordial, top with soda water and a splash of Apple juice. Et Voila!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Spoiler, if you like mojitos then you </i><b><i>will</i> </b><i>fall in love with this.</i></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY7ISo22ICEkONzf5nb3-bLW9fsfaRlBdYY7Jy_NQPjXwdlk1lgzW3X37xRPaEmowhzQ7zpxuEEEmhrhkXoP74gPrxroPuwyBAOmdup6feH8wSI7rewJ-kg-lz0SxbQH5sbWFG0VIwyI/s1600/EDIT+FINAL.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeHNxkSJhrMmnoIpdEh8rWgs8uBKlI89mBD0MWbqHoWLBXH8wt8C-XkueCcY4G1PaeZ_iW_3aiyUbF6-_918jIduShEvGnId9tGjk3Z2h4hBJtqyAR6GJaz_gMpetP926UcUXMkXVmE8/s1600/EDIT+FINAL+2.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfj7bvhtGyp2DFAQ8Zz9OBJ6Zv9STz9pazm3lxWnw_9E9H6fitxdk8gOiBWlbh4JrmwM9Ap42fy07c7HGRlEVqWlwuzLbGNjyF8b-2FMkm4WR2l2nhdtHIitRC83MCy0GPkZN2ZKdiuI/s1600/Edit+3.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">THE "SLAY THE OMBRE" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ingredients:</i></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Raspberries</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Robinsons Raspberry, Rhubarb and Orange Blossom Cordial</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pomegranate seeds</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Orange (with bits)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Method:</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mush some raspberries in the bottom of your glass using a muddler/whatever you can find to squish it all up (try harder not to be too blown away at my technical terms and knowledge). Cover your raspberries with the Robinsons Raspberry, Rhubarb and Orange blossom cordial. Throw in some pomegranate seeds and pour in your orange (at the side of the glass to keep the prettier than Harvey Specter colour split and you're done. Take a photo, post it on your instagram story, down in one.</i></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjLPC4QyFftahUt9yZSGMo-xPfHBlmo6OylP0pVWwqHKhyHFAnr4tZhgikUF-M-SUtUH786E4tBkOmpsdAvfjeVfdH7JGHZzoDV40OmU9iOfrqiAt4NxxUkadKsoRC10x0q8XBqY8t-U/s1600/EDIT+FINAL+4.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3UuPT4DoYQXkBhwhgLQyBLRdQPw_BwON9t431L0DVVF-lbf7yqaWwpGitlAejRmy95UFbaVwSMNLJa4bINZhQao0es1BdJeYog8-LVvbEIy0kOTq8YdIs5Sq8j6R_nb4Y7smf6YavWg/s1600/EDIT+FINAL+3.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rAKB3qYDS5L_2MQnczMnVQ0EjuUXitQXrc-GzZ1SFvSOwp5G8vPz84RefXkTTz-waobNUNQvnBzTF4QTSAs_U2Cxe6DEZSzryj5Qv_fNsh3bg45jbFXUDAFowMMq5TT5bOMTR3UPAcg/s1600/Edit+2.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">THE PUNCH BOWL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ingredients:</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chopped Strawberries, oranges, blueberries and pears</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Robinsons Pressed Pear and Elderflower Cordial</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Apple juice</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Method:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>So this one is the easiest of the lot. All you have to do is chop up lots of fruit, I went for strawberries, oranges, blueberries and pears for a bit of a fruit punch vibe. Mix with some apple juice and the Robinsons Pressed Pear and Elderflower cordial (incredible fyi) and enjoy. If you have some American style red cups, whack some in one of those and live your best American dream life!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And that brings me to the end of my little/big mocktail fangirl... I am <i>obsessed </i>with all three of these at the moment - although, shh, I think the Mojito-esque beaut might be my current fave - as they really are the perfect solution to nailing Dry January without feeling left out/like you never want to look at water/a cup of tea again. They really are just so easy to use but make such a big difference to your drinks so I couldn't recommend them enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'd love to know if you've tried the <a href="https://www.robinsonssquash.co.uk/our-products/product-range/#FruitCordials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robinsons Fruit Cordial</a> yet? If you're a mocktail girl/guy, what's your favourite combo? I always love hearing your thoughts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This post was sponsored by Robinsons but all thoughts, photos and love of a good ole mocktail, my own.</i></span></div>
<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-46564931924836174682018-02-02T21:32:00.000+00:002018-02-02T21:32:36.137+00:0015 SASSY AF WINTER ACCESSORIES UNDER £20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YvyHx4225VnwgivkEilwSO4_PueVP2GQUIOUFyASZUL1pESeHw85j5YfPq01eZqDMzY6yltGgHVvzUU2G2aP1O0O3qoKo4XqLm3I16O_Bwb_5xA-ZffKEGqcMqkv2s6pd8YoJ_FHi5M/s1600/P1080410.JPG" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Generally, I travel so much that I never really have to cope with one climate for too long - BRB while I shoot myself in the face for saying what might be the most twatty comment I've made - but you know what I mean. I could be freezing my non-existent balls off in NYC one week, back in London just a little bit cold but fighting - and losing - to the wind, or I could be in Spain/Italy/a warmer climate that usually makes me all YASSSSSSSSSS QUEEN GIMME ALL THE SUN!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">.... before turning into a lobster a few hours later and outdoing myself in the "typical brit tourist getting over-excited about the sun stakes".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But this month I spent my time in New York, Paris and London. All incredible. All completely freezing AF. So one consistent wardrobe staple of mine has been some kinda winter warmer - gloves/hat/scarf/[insert your own choice of basic cosy af item here] - mostly identical in style, mostly the exact same thing in 203949843 colours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I thought I'd let you in on a few, well <i>15</i> actually, of my current favorites. All under 20 quid because you know, still a bargain babe* at heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Bargain babe. Lol. Nope. No. Definitely didn't just write that.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JqGtYDDTL1b0UnTh4JbBRKridMcT0vnidI23K1nY8ndTRuvZ6bh54BbFNYWJaOsQrV4Aq8VrhbcI76_moWONiWdTx8I5twUolBDE-QfL3mXFGKESJJ9OCymf-vsyaazOhvidkkfT5-s/s1600/P1080426.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotQSYJiDS5_J7lcOiy0G_c6vzMk0Z7ZIij9hVJjpvQyE4JwBXdbKf0PBcmheR4DgNyCaEQJ6avehMjmkJDrV0r_ceyFbcJKNnmDeAnxodNW_xLi3XaDwF87HGuH3Fz5C4Bnq6wZ0Y3Ok/s1600/P1080413.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLDjDRvLaxufL_Irqv5Yi4IJ0nrJBtzJDCybE6oj58YmEzkmSnuDCelJDT7VwhIvmOtb1PRZWCpK7DHaX8f3DW5aJTsyzy0DcF79RTa3oICCfvKB7mpOaly5DpH4cGGXx0GD11WXlPd8/s1600/P1080419.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2DLJ60Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hat</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/2DGQXN7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scarf</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/2DKYMBh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gloves</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/2EjdFvK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bag</a> </span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSxuKuE7iRwHXn603_iGAI6CLf-BjNIpY5KJ_vYlVmzvn0xm_WGesg52Ib27-JW-Nx-9UA0qEHbNU41vSfqZSk4CzI815eBs0GlWeXamGAnKb_6V97dz9FFTb4AIjZBYdWHiBp45LE9U/s1600/winter+warmers.jpg" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">1. </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2ElpiT7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Classic black beret - £12</span></a></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">2. </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2DHtQlx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Black Faux leather Gloves - £16</span></a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>3. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DMmRrD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circle trilby hat - £14.99</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>4. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DJU6vC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Square Rayban inspired glasses - £20</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>5.</i> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2DJUfiw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Two tone stone scarf - £8</i></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">6. </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2Ej3yHk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Pink lens aviators - £15.50</span></a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>7. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DI1J5S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shearling gloves - £6.29</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>8. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DFiLBp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lace up Beret - £16</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>9. <a href="http://bit.ly/2ElrR7O" target="_blank">Twin Bobble hat - £10</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>10. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DITEOa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mohair block hairband - £10</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>11. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DM7dww" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Western tip Black belt - £16</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>12. <a href="http://bit.ly/2EiEOyZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Tone faux fur stole - £15</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>13. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DIs6Z7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brown suede studded gloves - £15.99</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>14. <a href="http://bit.ly/2EkBXWr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Green Croc ring belt - £14</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>15. <a href="http://bit.ly/2DKzofj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Tone cable knit hat - £8</a></i></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPr2xnFedSQ0XFyhebjAEVxLpS-Vc7v6gIbjx6C6BFDgtqGDl7nsxWBge1GagwLkRxeJdXlo9SGjEZ5jeoeUYSX3WTQvbKAN_IMAz_7A2aWwnvuAUOa5mdZomw7oeBE9q2DpTZoXVy88/s1600/P1080402.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOwkWC6XKShBEsNNWusP5RSDAj6VFpJasChQEFm9INMZRflv3aiipQV9yMrQDxiDLMr2YU7KefZZgPF0ChHnhlRb8ctQAMycOLt8IrEvqFsKxoSFnHa7nTwixjTc3hwwNNQSoo4hLgoU/s1600/P1080421.JPG" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTJofegIrsZDyh1tqEmCXmuRLEiQpIDTOcBRseIiM_YOErTecCcJsvZv_r_FZi2Sy7ss6WHoOSwvVQdJ1lwvk2LaPSLMnwCQAnqniT60OxT_vqQBZnHNLVJp7sug8uT6MFKO9UuFtGUM/s1600/P1080444.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, there's a few scarves and gloves and hats and basically just random things that I occasionally want to marry for keeping me warm when the weather is like "lol, enjoy feeling your face freeze off hun". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Personally, I am just so blimmin ready for spring and wrap dresses and leather jackets and Ice cream (I mean, <i>always</i> ice cream anyway)... and generally just to feel warm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But until then, I hope this gives you a little bit of inspo in case you're bored of your current winter accessories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you're all having an amazing weekend full of carbs and naps and netflix, see you on the flip side.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Standard "I've heard someone say that and it sounded cool so I'm trying it" Elle comment. *Insert eye roll/you are forever uncool emojis here*.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-3194518913421825942018-01-28T17:58:00.000+00:002018-01-28T18:03:30.913+00:00DEAR ALLY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolrjVcThU-V-i_I2jS13jlVaRjJ17NGh4cb9a7cR_TPMZ0wgUtHdxZtU8vVHDFVb87kqXBqtyW8m_CGae_zIujtRrbgWNL1McPrdHA2SdxhFbfTW-4b1N_x7fQuWON99Y2sSDTqF2CrM/s1600/Polaroid+15.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Ally,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've given myself the impossible task of trying to write you a letter - you'll even appreciate that because we have a private joke about <i>everything</i>, including letters - to basically just be like, you're amazing and thank you for everything. But it's the everything that I'm really struggling with. It's the everything that I can't even begin to really put into words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We met about 3 years ago now and instantly clicked. I knew we would always be friends but I was busy and you were too and we only really spoke once every few months. Until I saw you about 14 months ago, at my lowest point <i>(at the time)</i>, and honestly, you just <i>saved</i> me. And ever since then, we've spoken every single day since. Mostly a minimum of 30 texts a day and mostly a minimum of 3 hour phone calls at night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are soul mates. And writing that down sounds cheesy af but weirdly saying it out loud to each other doesn't because it's just <i>true.</i> We finish each other's sentences, we now sort've even speak the same (minus the brummie/"birminam" and cockney af accent). We <i>think</i> the same. We share the same morals and so many beliefs.... we are in a lot of respects the same bloody human. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Without you I'd probably be less sarcastic and a lot more tolerable. I'd probably get into less trouble. I'd probably call dates by their actual names and not the nicknames we come up with. I probably wouldn't waltz around on a plane with a sheet mask on deliberately scaring everyone in sight and then laughing so hard that we get complaints. I'd probably be a bit more sane</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> (debatable)</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">. I would probably be a little less savage - I am so aware that this is vice versa and we bring out the best and worst (the good kinda bad) in each other - and I most definitely wouldn't have the darkest of humour of all time because my god we are just too much sometimes aren't we?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But also without you, I would not have almost abs from crying with laughter 49583958 times a day. Without you I would not know what it's like to have a friend/just anyone that isn't a family member to be my true champion. To have someone that I know I can 100% rely on, any time, anywhere. Without you, I would have absolutely zero confidence, no sass and no belief in myself in the slightest. Without you I wouldn't see what apparently you and the rest of the world sees (which I have to say, I know is not completely true because you are biased/blinded with love for me, as I am right back at you). Without you I would not be able to bounce back from the <i>many fucking rejections</i> I've faced - laugh because I'm laughing - but I also don't even think I would have been able to go on dates in the first place without the fucking epic pep talks you give. (I'd also like to take credit for this point too #pullthecarover) Without you, honestly mate, my life would be dull af. Because we really do hysterically laugh all day long don't we?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCkcWvFh-A9VNZ24LuEMvRbyWxtIPWjBM9WI2QOqHZzFGb8mOVl2TGf8NEKCMnmogBS34LAeIi-GPNxm5ZcdxTt1Dm_Pck6F_c7mjmjbutI7kjH3Vnjlo8atcwKMn8rH-62oe6bQS5Qs/s1600/Ally+and+Ellie.jpg" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Ally's <a href="http://www.allyinblunderland.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/allyinblunderland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Youtube</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allyinblunderland/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, if you fancy seeing how incredible she is for yourself.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a strange one because you haven't been in my life for the vast majority of it and yet I genuinely, hand on heart, cannot remember life before you were in it. I imagine it was mostly laughless and half lived and honestly, super fucking lonely. I imagine I didn't do half of the things I say or do because I wouldn't have had the confidence to. Thank the lord (or OT) I was dumped and decided to force myself out to a place where I saw you because I can't even imagine how empty my life would be right now without you in it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ally.... I hope you realise that you are incredible. I hope you realise that you light up a room and are such a powerful, strong, positive energy that everybody is immediately drawn to you. I hope you realise that what you do on a daily basis - I know you say it's headaches and pointless calls but I know you do so much more than that, even if it's just talking and changing someone's day - is out of this world amazing. I hope you realise that the world is your oyster and actually, your life is only just beginning. I hope you know that you can do and be anything you want to... because you really are something else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I'm gonna wrap this up because honestly by now I know that you've cried a river and probably don't have any tissues on you because forever useless, by saying that I actually cannot believe my luck that we have the friendship we have. That I have somebody who is my biggest fan and supporter and will stand and cheer louder than anybody without an ounce of jealousy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for proving to me that those people exist. Thank you for the endless lol's, endless OMG I CANNOT BELIEVE WE DID THAT moments. Thank you for playing a huge part in who I am today and for making me feel like the person I am today is actually alright. I am so buzzing for all the laughs and memories and breathtaking (in a good way) moments to come. Because 2018 is the year for all of those things and more. Namely chipotle but also lots of other things I'd imagine too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Together we are unstoppable. Also completely fucking insufferable but mostly, unstoppable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for being you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Elle</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-44874375773571143632018-01-17T08:21:00.000+00:002018-01-17T08:21:01.121+00:00THE DETOX YOU'LL ALL WANT TO TRY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnqbH4ekIU95IPGa4GdoptMW63SCGETOs9LMuHkrzzmVIm4BVu5ht-OOy8s8DsG2VKZ2jk5cSqsDFXyp6bpiXO2iyXzIhM-1QdWRMfKkCN3w0_U_G14_EhFDfEsOYZaHtAbMC1J4FyYU/s1600/PC310209.JPG" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's January; the beginning of the year, a time for fresh starts, and let's face it... a time where the word detox crops up more than the people you don't want to see when you're wearing no makeup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Detox is not a word I enjoy or, <i>considering the fact that pizza is basically my middle name</i>, actually <i>do</i>, but one kinda detox that I <i>can</i> get on board with is skincare and more specifically, a good ole face mask because not only are they fun and relaxing and a massive part of my "switch off" routine... they also make your skin look sassier than Queen Bee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My current mask favourite "turn me into Queen Bee whilst I dance around to all of her tunes and better believe I'm doing all of her trademark moves" mask? <a href="http://www.boots.com/sanctuary-spa-purifying-charcoal-bubble-sheet-mask-10229325" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sanctuary's Purifying Charcoal bubble sheet mask</a>. More fangirl coming soon but what you need to know right now is that it bubbles on your face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>IT BUBBLES ON YOUR FACE</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, so what is this super magical, amazing mask and what does it do? The Purifying Charcoal mask combines the cleansing power of charcoal with the easiness of a sheet mask (my favourite kinda mask) but with the difference of the bubbles, to give you a sensorial experience as well as really detoxifying your skin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With the power of a million microbubbles, a duo - more impressive than Ant and Dec - of absorbent charcoal and purifying oxygen which work together to deeply cleanse and purify skin. The charcoal helps to draw out skin impurities (daily dirt, grime and pollution, looking at you huns) the mask claims to reduce pores and make skin visibly clearer and fresher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, how do we use this little sasspot then?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My favourite thing about this mask (apart from how it leaves my skin) is that it's so blimmin easy to use. After cleansing, apply both parts of the mask to skin, smooth out creases and leave for 10-15 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I recommend making a cuppa and grabbing a biscuit or 7 in this time, but you do you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rinse your face and voila.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok so I've waffled enough about the techy parts now, here's what I think about the mask. First of all, I love how easy this was to use and the fact that both parts of the mask fit really well and stay on your face well (I know that <i>sounds</i> silly but it means you can get on with whatever you fancy doing without worrying that it'll fall off). I absolutely <i>loved </i>the feel of the bubble effect on my skin and couldn't believe how quickly the mask started bubbling whilst on - and still <i>continued </i>to bubble up 10 minutes later - it's actually a little bit mesmerising (no <i>you</i> sat and watched your face bubbling up). I've used other bubble sheet masks before but none of them bubbled as much as Sanctuary's and oh, did I mention that it also smells like a dream? Well, it <i>does</i> *insert heart eye'd emojis here*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apart from feeling like I was living my best life, the best part of it is that it really did make such a huge difference to my skin in one use. My skin was brighter, clearer (TMI but I had a really fabulous spot which had pretty much dried and cleared up completely the morning after using this) and my pores that are usually bigger than a basketball were so significantly reduced that I almost couldn't quite believe my eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, Sanctuary's Charcoal bubble sheet mask (RRP £5) is available in most Boots stores, Boots.com and Sanctuary.com and right now you can save 25% off the entire Sanctuary skincare range until February 13th (that means this sheet mask is just £3.75 pals, snap it up!) <a href="http://www.boots.com/sanctuary-spa-purifying-charcoal-bubble-sheet-mask-10229325" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linked here</a> for anyone else who loves a pamper as much as I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I think that that might be it. In short, the mask is super fun and really enjoyable to use whilst also doing an incredible job of purifying and detoxifying your skin making it look so much clearer and brighter. It honestly transformed my skin in 15 minutes so I couldn't recommend it to you enough. Especially perfect for a girly night in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to know what you do to chill out and relax? Have you tried a bubble sheet mask before? I always love hearing your thoughts! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As always, thanks so much for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This post was sponsored by <a href="http://www.boots.com/sanctuary-spa-purifying-charcoal-bubble-sheet-mask-10229325" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> but all thoughts, photos and extreme love of bubble sheet masks my own.</i></span></div>
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<br />Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827414706856410841.post-35745220529923888612018-01-11T20:20:00.000+00:002018-01-11T20:20:56.905+00:0010 THOUGHTS THAT GO THROUGH MY MIND WHEN STAYING IN A HOTEL<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">So not long before Christmas I fancied a little getaway. Now, I'm not talking a quick weekend to Paris or a whistle stop tour of NYC (although, you know, if you're offering than I'm already there with a cliche slogan Bonjour/NYC top on). I wanted to stay just outside of London, I wanted to stay in a hotel that would be cosy enough to have a girly night in but also near enough to restaurants because.... <i>well</i>, we all know I love food more than Kanye loves Kanye so that's just a no brainer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So Mum Next door and I had a little girly day and then drove out to the <a href="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-6620-mercure-london-staines-upon-thames-hotel/index.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercure hotel in Staines</a>. It's closeby to some family friends, it's near to the high street which meant I had 348395735 options for dinner (#lifegoals) and it's a hotel brand that I've stayed in many many times before all over London and the UK so I knew it was one that would be cosy and comfy and just... <i>do the job.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We ate loads, drank <strike>like a fish</strike> some wine, watched some "I'm a celeb" in bed and all of a sudden I thought, I'll grab some water. And then I thought, is this free or do I need to pay for this. And <i>then </i>I thought, this is one of many thoughts I <i>always</i> have when staying in hotels. So I thought I'd write a blog post about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">10 THOUGHTS THAT GO THROUGH MY MIND IN A HOTEL</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. I never thought it was possible to look forward to getting out of bed in the morning but OH MY GOD HELLO BUFFET BREAKFAST, HOW YA BEEN, MISSED YA BOO?! The breakfast at the Mercure's are always amazing fyi and the lovely, lovely staff were so kind and brought me out some gluten free toast and poached eggs when I asked about GF options. It's that kinda service - i.e bringing all the food to the yard - that makes a difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Must.</span><span style="font-size: large;">Get.</span><span style="font-size: large;">A.</span><span style="font-size: large;">Waterfall.</span><span style="font-size: large;">Shower.</span><span style="font-size: large;">At.</span><span style="font-size: large;">Home</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>3. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">Hello mini bar, come at me, I give no sh*ts that you're probably charging me 3quid for a Mars Bar, I'm ready for all the snacks and my best life....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Looks at price list*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Googles nearest off-licence*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>4. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">If heaven on earth was a thing, it'd be this bed. But, even though it feels like I'm lying on a cloud of cotton wool or basically the comfiest thing on earth I'm still buzzing to get back to my own bed. Why does my brain work like this? Why am I more messed up than half the people I talk to on Bumble? Help me Jesus!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FYI if we could insert <i>all</i> of the heart eye'd emoji's for the Mercure beds than that'd be fab because omg I slept like a total, total dream!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>5. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">The beds are amazing and comfortable but I wonder how many people have slept in this bed. Stop thinking, stop thinking, stop thinking.</span></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;">6. </i><span style="font-size: large;">Walks through the door, jumps on bed. And now for the BIG question.... does the hotel room have a bath robe? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>7. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm in my robe, I have the possibility of calling for food and it appearing like magic, I'm living my best life.... I'm gonna pamper myself because <i>clearly </i>this is what it's like to be a Queen and queen's need pampering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Yaaaaaaaasssssss I'm so excited to get my summer wardrobe out and have fun because gal pal's on HOOOOOOLLLLLIIIIIDAY. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh hang on, I'm in Staines on a short break in January and its 1 degree, why the hell have I only brought denim cut offs and a cute ice cream slogan tee. Ffs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>9. </i>This is it, this is the time I gain the room with a view, #BUZZING for the balcony/skyline view and all the gram shots and... oh, it's the air conditioning units. Wonderful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S for once I actually <i>did</i> get the most beauuuuutiful view in Staines looking out onto the Thames. It was so peaceful and just a little slice of zen watching the world pass by. I actually got up early (yes I am insane) to watch the sun rise from our beautiful back door/window and it was the perfect start to the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0tn6w6R2WHhdc8llgzAD3Y5F5GTgsmQgyNJUpZWwnHjb3KtvhCws49UcETcqw2EPg1G3Py454AnRMZHtkSRWTdca57anafTK6tr59xJi7mRG-6bioccJ0sAI2R0otAI2CtlFHwyAkKQ/s1600/mercure+staines.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>10. Omg the staff are so lovely and kind and friendly and I think it's 100% legit that we could be best friends. I'll add them on Facebook, we'll grab coffee, me and Rosie can get matching tattoos.... </i>Oh, they're filing a restraining order. I see...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But on a serious note, I <i>almost</i> fell in love with everybody at the hotel because the staff were - and <i>always </i>are at Mercure - so incredible. So helpful, so friendly but never ever overbearing and <i>too much</i>. The perfect addition to a perfect stay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that brings me to the end of this post. Let me know what you always think when you're staying in a hotel? What's your favourite part of staying somewhere else? All funny stories/anecdotes welcome ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This post was sponsored by Mercure</i></span></div>
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Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174518444306667361noreply@blogger.com174