Thursday 29 September 2016

Autumn Primark Haul

Do you know what I am currently loving... the fact that IT IS OFFICIALLY AUTUMN! My birthday has been, the leaves are starting to turn and the fire in my living room has officially been turned on (not quite the heating yet though). My wardrobe has also been pimped up with a few Primark goodies too- got to love a few bargain buys. I usually have a love/hate with Primark stores (many are better than others) but this time around I really did have a successful trip. So check out my mini look book below and also my Primak Haul/Try On video on YouTube (click here).

Above: click here to check out the Primark shirt post
Above: A few screen shots from my Primark Haul video on YouTube
Don't forget that throughout October I shall only be posting videos on my YouTube channel every Sunday and Friday.


Above: click here to check out my Primark Haul on YouTube
Have you picked up any Autumnal Primark buys yet?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)
Share:

Tuesday 27 September 2016

Is Fitness Gear Becoming The New Active Wear? Niki P London

So I am currently sat at my desk with my Niki P London leggings on ready to go to the gym later- 'why don't you put your leggings on just before you leave to go to the gym' do I hear you scream? Since becoming a full time blogger I have pretty much been wearing my fitness gear 24/7, I mean I often find myself buzzing around all over the place so looking stylish and being comfortable at the same time is always an added bonus. So with fitness gear becoming the new 'active wear', I am so happy that Niki P London has embraced the market and has designed these gorgeous legging to fit for both purposes.

Not only do I love the fact that they are bright and vibrant but they also have anti camel toe technology- so the worry of the ol' camel toe creeping through is no longer. This wearable art is designed by Niki who is a talented artist who spreads happiness through her creativity (her work is honestly insane). Her #ReasonsToSmile crowdfunding campaign has launched this week and I would love for you guys to head on over to support her by clicking here. You can also pick up a pair of these snazzy leggings on there too- they are seriously amazing quality!

Do you also wear fitness leggings most of the time? Let me know below.
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)
Share:

Monday 26 September 2016

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! Outfit Of The Day

Hooray today is my 24TH BIRTHDAY! 24? Oh my, how is life just flying by? So today Joe is treating me to a shopping trip where I will no doubt will pick up a few lovely new items. But guys today is the day where I can finally justify buying myself a new pair of Cloud 9 wide plate hair straighteners *heart eyed emoji*. But before I share what I got for my birthday in a future blog post, let's check out today's birthday outfit:

Now I am totally in love with this H&M top- I just love the fact that I have not yet spotted one person wearing this style of top. I first saw this top a few months ago in the Oxford Street store (where I totally regretted not buying it as soon as I saw it) but like a true passionate lover, I went back to buy it of course. Paired with these gorgeous Primark Boots, Boohoo leggings and River Island leather jacket, I just love how this outfit looks as a whole!

Seeing as though last week was London Fashion Week, this week is going to be 'Eltoria Fashion Week' where I shall be sharing a few of my favourite picks this week. So subscribe to this blog and my YouTube channel (click here) so you do not miss out!

What is your ultimate birthday outfit of the day?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)
Share:

Friday 23 September 2016

The Perfect Manofatto Keyring Accessory

Ok I have a confession to make... I have a hidden obsession for key accessories. I guess it isn't the most unhealthiest obsession to have but I must say that I am inclined to the odd pom pom or two. Not only are key accessories easy on the eye, but they can also be very functional. What I love about my Manofatto key holder is that I can pop in my house key, debit card, or my business card with no issue- leaving the house and forgetting my card/key essentials is now a distant memory. I also love that it is genuine Italian leather (you can really smell that 'leather' scent) and it also looks ever so sophisticated. Manofatto collaborated with British Fashion Designer, Phillipa T, to create the best hand crafted leather designs on the market- and I must say that I strongly agree here. I personally went for the key holder in black but they also stock some other gorgeous colours, you can click here to check that out.

Don't you think my Manofatto keyhole looks super cute against my pom poms? Not only do poms poms look great, but they also make your own set of keys super identifiable.

What do you like to have on your keys?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)
Share:

Wednesday 21 September 2016

My Fitness Supplements Update

Note: I am not a qualified nutritionist or GP
If you have been reading this blog for a while you would know that I am a little bit of a gym bunny. Over the last 6 months I have really been focusing on my fitness- I just find that it is the best catharsis in this world. Since I have been upping the weight in the gym I have been taking a few additional natural fitness supplements to ensure that my muscles repair and grow efficiently and effectively. I just want to stress that I am no way one of those people who are obsessed with a strict diet and going to the gym everyday- I believe in a healthy balance. Sure I eat carbs, cookies, milkshakes... but I do it in moderation and in proportion. After taking two weeks off and doing what I like to say 'light workouts' for the last month, I am extremely happy to where I have come and I look forward in continuing with my fitness journey. Oooh before I forget to mention, I made it onto the main banner for fitness on South Beach's website (how cool!):

Above: http://www.southbeachofficial.com
So supplements, here is what I currently take (please note that I am not a GP or a qualified nutritionist):

Protein Shake (always taken within half an hour after a workout): I always take a protein shake within a half an hour period after a workout so that the protein can be delivered to my muscles to start healing the micro tears. Because solid food takes more time to digest and break down the protein to send to the muscles, it is for this reason why it is best to take a protein shake immediately after a workout (as it only takes around half an hour to reach the muscles).

Cod Liver Oil (x1 in the morning and x1 half an hour before a workout): I without fail take 1-2 cod liver oil capsules a day. Not only is it good for your skin, joints and nails, but it also helps to recover faster, reduce muscle soreness and to burn fat rather than muscle. 

BCAA Drinks (before and during a workout): I have become obsessed with these (especially the watermelon flavour!). I usually don't like squashes but there's just something about taking a BCAA drink throughout training (it's quite refreshing). BCAAs help to ensure that you are burning fat and not muscle. They also help to increase muscle retention and trigger the protein synthesis (which is obviously important for when you take a protein shake after a workout). Now I am no expert so go and check out this article by clicking here.

Multi Vitamins (x1 taken half an hour before a workout): taking multi vitamins ensures that you are getting a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Becoming deficient in vitamins or minerals especially when training can cause a break down in the metabolic pathway that produces optimum efficiency and performance. You can check out a really good article on multi vitamins by clicking here.


Obviously it is important to contact your GP or nutritionist if you are unsure what to take when it comes to optimising your performance.

How is your fitness regime going?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)

Share:

Monday 19 September 2016

Where To Buy The Perfect Shirt

Last week I went on the hunt for some fashion inspiration down Oxford Street and in Westfields Shopping Mall (both in Shepherds Bush and Stratford may I add *wink emoji*). So with it now getting slightly chiller here in the UK, I mainly wanted look for shirts and jackets to keep me warm in the up and coming Autumnal months (my favourite time of year if you did not already know). So I went into Primark and found a whole army of ideal shirts for Autumn- and most of them were only for £7.00! So I have styled this grey and white pin striped shirt with some washed out black jegging jeans, and I love the front slightly tucked in like it is shown below. So if you are looking for some new casual shirts, definitely hit up Primark!

Soon I will be doing a huge Primark Haul on my YouTube channel so be sure to subscribe by clicking here.

Have you found any nice shirts anywhere recently?
Much Love
Eltoria x
Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)
Share:

Friday 16 September 2016

I'M IN BLOGOSPHERE MAGAZINE!

Now getting published in Blogosphere Magazine has to be one of my biggest achievements to date (I mean it is the biggest and fastest growing digital and blogging magazines in the UK!). Last week I ventured off to London to attend the Blogosphere Issue 10 cover reveal party where it was revealed that the beautiful Victoria from In The Frow was going to be on the cover! She was so lovely to talk to and it was amazing to meet other YouTubers like Lucy and Lydia, Carly Rowena and Jessica Debrah from FBL.

Straight after In The Frow's interview you will see my 3 page article. Traditionally we think of success as popularity and wealth, but I argue that success can be achieved in many ways in blogging and vlogging. For me my success was happiness. This happiness has allowed me to harvest so many other new personal successes and I have championed things that I never thought would happen. Sure we all get bogged down with the number of followers and how much money we are making, but all that follows later (trust me I know), so stop comparing yourself to others and start concentrating on you.

You can also check me out in the Blogosphere Events booklet where Carly Rowena and I attended a Blogosphere Hula Fit class! It was so much fun and my waist sure was sore the next day.

Thank you so much to the fabulous Blogosphere Magazine for publishing me! Be sure to pick up a copy to read my full article!

How do you define success in blogging and blogging?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)
Share:

Wednesday 14 September 2016

The Truth Behind This Photo| Why I Sometimes Hate Social Media

Most of you have probably clicked on this photo in horror- how can someone do this to someone's hair? Perhaps many of you have formed the opinion that the hairdresser behind this 'monstrosity' should jack in hairdressing altogether. But what if I told you that the truth behind this photo was far from your thoughts and opinions? Well take a seat, grab a cuppa and let's take a look at this debacle as a whole.

I woke up Friday morning to find the above. Sure, it got my attention and the words 'poor girl' was muttered underneath my breath, but it was only until I noticed the accused hairdressers did a huge feeling of guilt hit me across the face. This accused hairdresser was my very own, Courtney Hamblin who is a professional hairdresser and extensionist who every time does a fantastic job on my hair. What on earth has happened here? I wondered. And I must admit, if I hadn't personally known Courtney I probably would of shared the post with the caption 'OMG' slapped across for everyone to see. But I knew that there was more to this photo-something really didn't ring true. So I searched for the other side of the story before I came to any sort of opinion.

This was when I came across the above post and as you can see, it is a completely different story to the one above. Now I too live over an hour away and I personally know that Courtney would never usually accept a consultation via a photo (or go off from what a previous extensionist had done). Now Courtney worked closely to another talented hair extensionist Lily May and below is the client's previous before and after pics. Now if Courtney were sent these pictures like this it tells you two things: 1, the lady has blonde hair and matches the hair that was inserted and 2, she doesn't have a  blunt bob. So technically the client sent misleading photos. I know that a lot of extensionists who regularly go off current photos and if anything, I think the colour is a perfect match from what was sent. So this leads me to query one other thing, why is her hair darker from the photo she sent? It doesn't make sense.

Above Left: Lily May before and after photos Above Right: hair pictures sent
When the client came to the appointment Courtney asked if she recently had her hair cut to which she replied yes. Now I am of the opinion that the client's hair had also been dyed darker since sending the 'current photos'- just look at the photo below. Courtney then explained she would need more than 100g of hair as the base line was too blunt, so an additional price was agreed and the client was going to ask her parents to pay for the remaining balance. As it was a Saturday Courtney was unable to order in the additional hair in until the Tuesday- which meant the hair couldn't be applied. 

On the right: hair picture client sent
Now let me just pause here for a second, this could of happened to any hair dresser even if they the client had attended a physical consultation. It comes down to the point that the client's hair had dramatically changed since the picture consultation to the application- the photos clearly evidence this. So for people to jump on the bandwagon and call her out to be a 'terrible hairdresser' is just ridiculous, just think if this was you? Just take a second to think about that...

Ok so the application itself- because the client was going on holiday and given she didn't finish work until 5pm on a week day, she insisted on having the hair fitted there and then as she already had made the journey (the root of the problem to all of this don't you think?). Despite Courtney's reluctance, the hair was fitted and it was mutually agreed that the remaining hair would be fitted on the Tuesday (2 days later) and the client left happy. The additional hair would of been darker and blended throughout the hair to create a perfect match. What you see in the first picture is not the complete look- it is half done.

CLICK HERE to check out my YouTube video
For me, it is purely the client's own ignorance for not attending a consultation (or dramatically changing her hair if I am right). It's like ordering a wedding dress online- if you send the incorrect measurements you will not get a dress that fits... simple logic. Sure it may be your opinion that as a professional you shouldn't accept the business without a physical consultation or even apply a set of extensions half done, but this example is purely a one off- done as a favour you could call it. Courtney most probably has learnt a huge lesson from all of this, but is it acceptable for a young girl's business to be tarnished to pieces? I think not. I am personally of the opinion that the client turned to tarnish Courtney's reputation on social media after realising she could not pay the remaining balance- I mean I would be pretty upset with half finished hair. But I don't think that is justified or even remotely fair. Look at it this way:

- The client had previous extensions fitted by a salon that Courtney worked for- 100g, blonde, just like in the photo above
- The client refused to travel for a consultation 
- The client sent untrue photos of her hair
- The client demanded for only 100g of hair ('just like she had last time')
- The client's hair dramatically changed from the consultation to the application
- The client insisted for the hair to be fitted despite the advise given (because of her journey)
- It was mutually agreed for the remaining hair to be applied two days later

For me the matter was being dealt with professionally and I am sure many hair dressers come across issues like this in their careers- we are all human for god sake. The fact that her derogatory post has over 14,000 just makes me so sad, Courtney truly is a talented hair dresser and extensionist (just take a look at my before and after photos above). If you don't want to travel to get hair extensions, then don't book someone an hour and a half away! I also think that if you are going to get hair extensions never shop on a budget- hair is hair, different lengths and thickness differentiate in £££ I am afraid.

So my message to you is this; every time you share a potential damaging post on social media be sure to read both sides to the story. I am all for 'freedom of speech', but in this case I really think that it wasn't exercised fairly. Sure, the client is probably extremely upset that she didn't get her desired hair but when you weigh up the facts, I really do not think Courtney's is just to blame. Not only can being slated on social media be damaging to a business, but it can ruin someone's self confidence. People have even gone to the effort to fabricate more lies by copying and pasting terrible hair cuts from Google and claiming them to be Courtney's work. Just reading a few of the comments has sickened me- it's like I am witnessing cyberbullying between adults. The quality of Courtney's work are displayed in the images below, so be sure to form your own opinions and let this be a lesson not to share things on social media misinformed.

What do you reckon? Do you agree/disagree with me?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)
Share:

Monday 12 September 2016

Behind The Scenes Of The Mermaid Video!

Ok since I uploaded my 'How To Be A Mermaid' video onto my YouTube channel a lot of you have been asking me many questions, so I thought that I would write out your answers in a blog post. Firstly I must say that it was the funnest video that I have ever filmed; the whole being in a different country, living out my childhood fantasy and being watched by a million and one people (you could say that it was one of those moments where I just didn't care what I looked like). This was a video that I had planned for for months and in all honestly it was partly one of the reasons that made me book a holiday to Fuerteventura. So here is a quick behind the scenes of the mermaid video!

Where can you buy the finn from?
You can buy them from a few online stores: Fin Fun Mermaid, Planet Mermaid, Amazon. But I actually got mine from eBay (it was way cheaper!). I bought the fin flipper and the fish tail separately and you can get them in a variety of sizes (I bought mine in an adult size which also fit Joe too).

Was it difficult to swim in?
Yes! I wouldn't say that I was the strongest swimmer in the world but I stuck to shallow waters in the swimming pool to start off with. Once I got the hang of it, I moved onto the deeper end. I would highly recommend supervision whilst wearing one (even if you are an adult too).

Can you swim in the sea with it?
Absolutely not! These finns are really hard to swim in and it would be ever so dangerous to swim in the sea with one on. 

Did many people watch you whist filming the video?
Yes they did, even a little girl thought I was a real life mermaid! It was one of those moments where I just did not care.

What sea creature would you do next?
100% a dolphin or Spongebob! 

Above: click here to check out my How To Be A Mermaid video
Have you watched my video yet? What would you like to see next?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)


Share:

Saturday 10 September 2016

What's On Eltoria TV?

Well what a few months it has been for Eltoria (as in the YouTube channel!). Not am I almost on 26k (thank you to everyone who has subscribed) but my children's 'Does It Work' series has gone down so well. I cannot believe that one videos has almost 1 million views and the others closing behind with half a million and a quarter of a million views! Just mental. I seriously am so grateful and I cannot wait to carry on growing my little channel. So just to remind you all I am now uploading videos on my YouTube channel every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. However throughout October I only will be posting twice a week on a Sunday and Friday. So be sure to click here to subscribe to my channel. I will also be hosting a huge YouTube Giveaway soon too so stay tuned for that. Anywho, what's been on the Eltoria TV recently? Just click on the thumbnails to watch.


What's your favourite video? What do you want to see next?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent Bikini Look Book Video (click here)

Share:
© Eltoria | All rights reserved.
Designed by Eltoria | Built by pipdig.co