Beanie Hats By Chidora

Since buying my black New York beanie hat from Primark a few months ago, I have since been obsessed with beanies. I love the fact that they aren't too warm, nor too cold, it is something that you can wear from Autumn to Spring without a problem. Despite woollen bobble hats looking the 'bees knees' when it comes to fashion, sometimes wearing one inside can look a little odd (especially in public). So investing in a good beanie hat is something that you ought to look into if you are a hat lover like me.

My Coral Slouchy Beanie from Chidora is just everything. Not only does it have that perfect beanie shape, but it is also made out of 100% lambswool and 100% silk- talk about luxury. Whilst the lambswool helps to keep my head and ears lovely and toasty, I also find that the silk lining helps to keep my head sweat free (and there's nothing worse than sweaty hair). I went for this gorgeous coral colour because I thought it would go well with my newly ombre hair, but they also stock some other fabulous colours. Chidora also stock chunky knit hats and classic berets so go and check them out (click here).

What do you make of this cute beanie hat?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber

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I USED TO THINK I WAS FAT!

Oh where do I start with this post. Ok, let's rewind a few years and start from the beginning. When I was 10 years old I used to think I was fat; yes 10 years old do I hear you gasp. Now here's the strange thing, when I was 10 social media wasn't around, I didn't read fashion magazines, and I didn't understand the whole photoshop thing. It goes to show that blaming social media for weight issues isn't always the case, sometimes influence is just around us and I completely reckon that it is down to our own mental health. For me the reason why I lost a considerable amount of weight was due to my grade 5 teacher. She never called me fat, not once, but she did make a point on how 'skinny' I was... 'you need to put on more meat' she used to heckle. Sure some people may see this as a compliment, but for me, it stressed me the hell out. She used to humiliate me in front of the whole class and it just drew my whole attention to my size. I started to look at myself in the mirror and I used to think 'how can this women think I'm too skinny, I am actually fat'. Her victimisation did the complete opposite, I started to scrutinise the tiniest creases and I began to lose self confidence. I was heading towards self destruction, and looking back on the 10 year old me is just frightful.

When I was younger I was a keen ballet dancer, you would always catch me practicing my bar work on a kitchen chair. Ballet was my life. During one class, I remember a new teaching coming over to me to fix up my pink ribbon that used be tied around our leotards. I was that self conscious of anyone coming near my stomach that I would suck it in so hard that it would make me look like a skeleton. 'Do you even eat' the teacher sarcastically asked. Looking back I cannot believe that not even one adult paid attention to my behaviour, when someone feels the need to suck in their stomach so hard, you know that there must be some sort of problem. It got that bad that I used to give away my lunch, throw away food, and even hit my stomach in hope that it would shrink. The scary thing is that I would do most of these things in private, away in my own space where no one would even notice.

 You may be wondering, did I have Anorexia? Bulimia? The answer to this is fortunately no (but I fully believe I was heading towards an adolescence of anorexia). I only really had an issue eating at school and not at home, so I guess if I had a problem at eating home as well, I would've of probably fallen very ill. So with the stress from school and amongst other things, I started to get severe panic attacks. Not only was I skinny, weak, and started to develop dark bags around my eyes, I literally thought that I was going to die (and you will know what I mean if you have ever experienced a panic attack for the first time). Originally people thought I was going diabetic; the lack of energy and a constant thirsty mouth. But the real truth was that I was fighting a lonely mental health battle. Fortunately my mum took me to the doctors where I had no choice but just to spill the beans, everything came out amongst a sea of tears. I was pretty much bed bound for 2 weeks and the road to recovery began.

The teacher did get into a lot of trouble but did she stop, no. Instead I remember being pulled into her classroom one lunch time where she pretty much told me off for 'snitching'. I remember sitting there in tears, I just didn't understand why this woman had it in for me. Fortunately at the time I was just about to move into grade 6 which meant a new teacher. It was here when I started to get a lot better and soon I had no issue with eating food in school. Of course I was monitored carefully by other teachers and my parents, but I am so glad that it didn't get worse. I learnt a valuable lesson at a young age, the day you label yourself as fat is the day you start to lose self confidence. Sure people may be overweight, but addressing it in healthy measures will also facilitate a healthy mind.

I would be lying if I didn't say that I currently have body issues. I do not think I am fat but I definitely suffer with a small case of body dysmorphia. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a 'mental disorder which is an obsessive preoccupation that some aspect of one's own appearance is severely flawed'. Now I wouldn't say that I was an extreme case but I definitely suffer with a sub type called 'Muscle Dysmorphia'. Now when I look at the below picture I see tone, but if you were to stick a mirror in front of me, I wouldn't be able to see a thing. But I understand that this is the case and it is something that I am working on. I am going to go into more detail about Body Dysmorphia in a future post, but I am currently so happy with my figure. I mean I don't leave food, I don't calorie count, and I seriously enjoy a GBK now and again. I am pleased to say that I am happy in the body that I am in.

See, even fitness enthusiasts like us can have a shady past, but hey that's ok, at least I know never to go back to that terrifying place. Just remember that telling someone that 'they are too skinny' can still have the same effects as telling someone 'that they are too fat'. Not long ago I wrote a post titled 'Strong Not Skinny' and in that post I addressed all of my motivations for working out. In a nutshell, I don't workout now to lose weight, but instead to get strong and generally just to feel good about myself. It is definitely a good read so go and check it out by clicking here.

Have you ever thought that you were fat before?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber

Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

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Lord Timepieces| Is The Victoria White Watch The Best For Value On The Market?

I have honestly found the best for value watch on the market at the moment... the Victoria White Watch from Lord Timepieces. We have seen the likes of Daniel Wellington take the watch market by storm with their leather and custom straps, but I am yet to come across a watch as sexy as this one. For £60.00 you can get this Victoria Womens Watch- I know crazy, but it just gets better. Using the discount code ELTORIA you can get 10% off any watch, so this watch would be a grand total of £54.00 (with free worldwide shipping in all!). Someone stop me, because I might just end up with a whole basket full.

Firstly I am love with the whole brown leather strap and rose gold face combo- it is totally my thing. But what I find most unique about this watch is its face. The face of this watch displays its inner workings along with Roman numeral and diamonte numbers. Not only does this watch look good out of the case, but it also looks and feels incredible on the wrist (not too heavy at all). It is also very practical; a water resistant feature up to 3ATM and it also comes with a 24 month warranty just in case anything does go a little wrong.

I think this watch sits perfectly against my beige fur coat and ombre hair. Although this watch has a brown leather strap (which FYI smells incredible when you sniff it), it will go with absolutely anything so don't worry, you will not end up in a fashion dilemma. Just so you can really appreciate the beauty of this watch, take a look at a few of my close up shots below:

What do you make of this watch?
Much Love
Eltoria x

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Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber

Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

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Schwarzkopf Blondme Filming Day

Ever since I saw Kayleigh Johnson (from Couture Girl) and Leanne Lim Walker take part in the Schwarzkopf #LIVELookbook last year (you may recognise them both from the Schwarzkopf TV advert), it has been a goal of mine to work with this brand. Not only did the filming day look ever so fun, but they made Kayleigh's and Leanne's hair look incredible. So this year I was ever so excited to get the email to take part in Schwarzkopf's Professional #Blondme campaign! Ever since I went back to fully brunette I kind of regretted it, I really missed my ombre (especially when I went to the Caribbean over Christmas). So I was excited to get my ombre back... but with a slight twist.

So Josie from the Fashion Mumblr and I went to Spring Studios in London where we were excited to get our new hair dos. The studios were incredible; huge empty spaces, creaky wooden floors, with a buzzing atmosphere (I felt like I was just about to go live on This Morning). First of all we filmed our consultations and I was fortunate enough to get Scotland's Best Hairdressing Duo working on me- I don't think my hair has ever been so pampered. Instead of going for a traditional ombre colour, we decided to go for Rose Gold with beautiful caramel tones. Now this is a colour that I would never think to have myself, but I was totally up for a change (after all, rose gold is my favourite colour)

Ok so it was time for the transformation. First of all they parted my hair into little buns in order to section off the hair. Now most of you will know that I wear hair extensions and dying them can be problem. However as mine are Great Lengths (which is considered to be the best hair on the market) they were totally fine to dye, we had no problem. If you ever get your hair dyed lighter or if you are wearing extensions, always be honest with what's in your hair (you don't want your blonde locks going a completely different colour).

Now admittedly the whole process wasn't a quick one one- which I was glad about because good ombre takes time. Two tones of bleach went into my hair (cool ice and rose gold I believe) and I have never seen two professionals colour the way they did, it was just so thorough! After washing the colour out and applying a peach toner, it was time to style my locks.

So the style we went for was quite a dramatic one. Firstly my hair was curled, backcombed, and brushed in order to create this 'va va voom' look. As my newly rose gold hair made my blue eyes pop, we went for a brown smokey eye with a nude lip in order to compliment the overall look. The hair, makeup, and outfit combined for some reason made me look ultra brown- bronze goddess I think I called it.

Overall I was so happy with my hair, I honestly claim that my hair has never looked so good in my life. After lightening hair you would expect the hair to feel a little dry, but due to the new Bonding Technology which transforms damaged and broken hair, my hair hasn't felt thirsty once. I am going to talk more about the new Schwarzkopf Blondme range and the new Bonding Technology in a future blog post so stay tuned for that!

Above: Josie from The Fashion Mumblr and I

Before

After

What do you make of my new hair transformation?
Much Love
Eltoria x

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Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber

Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

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I DON'T BELIEVE IN FITNESS NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!| New Look

I get it, 'New Year, new you', who else cringes at that saying? I do and here's why. So many people make New Years resolutions and then break them in a matter of days ('dry January' is a personal favourite of mine), but doesn't the whole stigma around the whole 'resolutions thing' make it all that easier to break? I mean so many people find it comical don't they. I see resolutions as a 'fad' and not a lifestyle choice. When it comes to fitness you need to be dedicated and be willing to set yourself achievable goals, not quit the gym after January is over. You can easily turn your fitness resolution into a fitness lifestyle and you can do so very easily.

Firstly, purchase yourself an affordable gym outfit (everyone loves to test drive their new gear!). Too many people love their labels and it is no wonder why people get put off exercise purely because the gear is too expensive. There are so many amazing fitness brands out there that stock affordable clothing and the quality of them are just amazing- some better than the high end stuff! So I raided the Womens Gym Wear at New Look to see if I could find any gems. Firstly check out these Black Marble Print Sports Leggings- aren't they cool? They remind me of my white Physique Apparel fitness leggings and these New Look ones are in fact half the price at only £17.99! What a bargain.

You need a good top to match a snazzy pair of leggings so I went for the Red Mesh Run Cropped Sports Tank Top and Black Reflective Trim Sports Jacket. I personally always go for a bralette but decided to go rogue and went for this loose cropped top which I find much more casual for the gym. As it is now freezing here in the UK, a good jacket is a must and this black jacket is just perfect. Not only is it good to just pop on, it also makes the idyllic running jacket as it keeps you nice and toasted for them morning runs.

So you are all kitted out in your brand new New Look gear, what next? It may be worth sitting down and thinking about a few goals- losing weight, toning up, get stronger? I personally don't like to compare myself to anyone else so I never keep photos of celebrities to or anyone else, but if it helps to motivate you, definitely do it (but aways remember that everyone is unique). You can do a few simple things to get yourself motivated:

- Set yourself a set time to go to the gym everyday (even set an alarm)

- Get a gym buddy, trust me they seriously motivate you to go

- Educate yourself on a number of exercises before going- you can always check out my Ab Workout Routine and Leg Routine on YouTube

- Don't be afraid to ask a PT for help, they are there to help you

- Set yourself up with a banging playlist on your phone or iPod

- Talk to other fitness enthusiasts (I find other bloggers so inspirational)

- When you get your exercises mastered, plan your work outs each day. Some gyms actually keep training plans in a file so you can always follow one of them.

What would you pick from the New Look range?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber

Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

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2017 Fitness Outfit Trends | La Redoute

Ok when I say '2017 Fitness Outfit Trends' I actually mean 'The Eltoria Fitness Trend of 2017'. I could reel off every single new trend that is going on in 2017 but when it comes to fitness fashion, I don't like to be a fashion victim. So I'm doing things the Eltoria way *wink emoji*. Ok, so, what am I bringing to 2017? Well fab colours, wicked patterns and massive tigers... well by the looks of this post I am. With my fitness wardrobe I like to keep things fresh and colourful. I always find that just wearing black to the gym is like going to a funeral for your fat, it doesn't give me that 'kick ass' energy that I want. So my 2017 trend is this, keep it colourful and fresh people.

So kicking off my first fitness fashion post of 2017 I bring to you these fabulous Reebok Os Comp Tight Fitness Leggings and I think that I am in love. I just love the clashes of colour and random patterns- I get a compliment every time I wear them. I decided to team these leggings with a bold PUMA Bralette (which I must say supports the bust wonderfully) and a pair of Nike TANJUN SE Low Top Trainers which supports the foot beautifully during running and gym training.

Be sure to check out the La Redoute Fitness Range, they stock Adidas, Puma, Nike, Reebok, Arena, New Balance, Speedo and Ellasweet. So get updating them January wardrobes!

What will you be bringing to your fitness wardrobe in 2017?

Much Love 

Eltoria x

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN' |YOUTUBE

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber

Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

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