Thursday 30 March 2017

Trouble Sleeping? Tips To A Good Night Sleep*

My top tip: Turn off all digital gadgets!
A good night’s sleep is easier said than done. Even with the clocks going forward over the weekend, my body clock is still all over shop. If you want to achieve good quality, continuous sleep then a good bed and mattress is key but it’s essential that you consider your wider bedroom environment too. Here are top ten tips from Warren Evans bed makers and their expert sleep advisor, Dave Gibson, to help you create the perfect bedroom environment that will help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.

Total darkness is vital to falling asleep easily. Try to eliminate all light from your bedroom. To test light pollution, switch all the lights off, allow a few minutes for your eyes to adjust, and then look for areas and items where you can see light. Eliminate all light leakage; blackout blinds are great, especially in summer, a towel under the door can help too if light is coming under. Turn your alarm away from you or swap for a dawn simulator. If all else fails, get a high-quality sleep mask.

Keep it cool because a decrease in temperature as well as a decrease in light is a natural cue that it is time for sleep. The best bedroom temperature for you to get to sleep easily is between 15.5 and 20 degrees centigrade. Too far above or below this range, makes it more difficult to get to sleep. If your partner prefers it warmer, buy a cooling pad for your side or an electric blanket for their side. In the summer keep your room cool by closing your blinds and curtains during the day and have a fan or open window blowing through a damp sheet at night. You could even put your sheets/pyjamas in the fridge before using them if it’s especially hot.

De-clutter your bedroom and keep it clean and tidy to create a calm, organised and relaxed bedroom to sleep in.

Remove all technology, including your TV, mobile phone and tablet. This prevents you from bringing work into your bedroom, reinforcing to your brain that the bedroom is a space reserved for sleep only.

Wrong smells can stop us from getting to sleep easily. Lavender oil helps get you into a deeper sleep. Plants can also help the air quality.

Clean your bedroom regularly this improves your sleep and keeps you healthier, by ridding your room of dust, pet hair, pollen and bacteria. This reduces the risk of asthmatic attacks and allergic responses.

Change your sheets at least every two weeks. Washing your bed linen in hot water, keeping your bed crisp and fresh helps you get to sleep more easily, and reducing dust mite risk at the same time.

Use calming pastel colours in the bedroom and avoid red, which will keep you awake.

Reduce outside noise. Tape over gaps in windows or double-glaze them to reduce street noise. Use earplugs or a white noise generator such as SleepPhones if you can’t reduce outside noise or your partner snores loudly.

Get as big a bed as you can, especially if you sleep with a partner. Super king size gives you twice the size of a single bed, whereas a double bed only gives you the same room as a baby in a cot. More space to sleep in means you get a better, less disturbed night’s sleep as a couple.

Want to know the trick behind a 'tactical nap'? A nap is a good way to top up any lost sleep but be careful to work with your natural sleep patterns. Our bodies are brilliant, when given the chance, at healing a sleep 'debt'. Just make sure it works with your body's natural sleep habits, a 90 minute nap should work, giving you one full circuit of your sleep cycle. However don't try to make up just the full hour with a 60 minute nap as this would mean that you would wake up in the middle of the deep part of your sleep cycle and end up feeling groggy. If you can't manage 90 minutes, set the alarm for a 20 minute power nap instead. Don't take your nap after 3 to 4 pm as it will prevent you from falling asleep easily. Find somewhere quiet, set an alarm, and get snoozing! Warren Evans bed makers are experts on sleep. If you need help getting off to sleep more easily, or need more sleep then visit Sleep Tips for advice.

What are your tips to a good nigh sleep?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*This post contains sponsored content but all opinions are my own

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

A Sophisticated Spring Style Guide

It's Spring cleaning time! And there's nothing better than being able to gut out your old clothes to replace them with something new. This Spring I am thinking florals, lots of lace, metallic leather skirts, and a pair of killer heels that can finish off any outfit. Recently I have been checking out a number of styles on the Bonmarché website and I have found a number of sophisticated items that can spice up your Spring identity. Now my selections below are more classy and sophisticated, but if you are looking for something more edgy, tune into the blog next week (I have a few belters for you). So, how can you dress classy for Spring? Well let's take a look at some of my picks below.

Above: this Spring I am obsessing over Spring Blouses!
Now you can never go wrong with a lace dress so check out this Signature Lace Shift Dress. Available in Oyster or Navy, this dress makes the perfect Spring occasion dress (after all we are heading into wedding season). Recently I have been obsessing over blouses- you can easily tuck them into jeans or a skirt, so this Embroidered Button Through Sleeveless Blouse paired with some Black Ultimate Shape Enhancing makes the perfect casual (yet sassy) outfit to wear.

Finally, let's touch on the warmer pieces of clothing because after all, it still gets a little nippy here in the UK in Spring. I have fallen in love with this cute Floral Waterproof Mac in the colour Aqua- don't you think it would look just adorable out in the rain? Winter style often means black leather jackets so it's time to move onto a biker jacket that is a little more current. Therefore check out this gorgeous Biker Jacket in the colour Taupe (I'm so in love), you can also get it in a coral colour too but I feel that this colour would suit any outfit. Now everyone needs a trusty jumper and I have to say that Bonmarché stock the best floral ones. Take a look at this pretty Floral Print Jumper... isn't it the cutest? You could pair this jumper with a pair of blue jeans or you could reach out of your comfort zone and opt for a khaki green skirt.

Which style did you like the best?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*This post contains sponsored content but all opinions are my own

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

Share:

Wednesday 29 March 2017

WW Smart Kitchen Classic Box| Learning To Cook New Recipes

WW Smart Kitchen: use the discount code WWSKELTORIA to receive 50% off your box!
One of my goals for this year is to cook more. Admittedly I am no Gordon Ramsay when it come to cooking meals in the evenings but learning new recipes and cooking new foods takes time. Due to the lack of confidence in the UK around nutrition, I believe that most of us end up eating non nutritional meals in the evenings. Perhaps this is also due to a lack of time and convenience, but the new WW Smart Kitchen Box by Weight Watchers (powered by Bearfaced Groceries) is one to consider if you are wanting to whip up delicious and balanced meals from scratch. You have the option of two boxes; WW Smart Kitchen Classic Box or WW Smart Kitchen Vegetarian Box and each are jammed full of fresh ingredients, along with Weight Watchers recipe cards with SmartPoints values included. WW Smart Kitchen boxes are available in a variety of sizes and options, from a two person box, to a four person box, with an option of three days or five days worth of recipes and produce (recipes change weekly). I was overly surprised when I received my first WW Smart Kitchen Classic Box over on my Instagram story, just look how great they look below.

All boxes contain meats and produce from the best British farmers
I cannot stress enough how useful these recipes cards were. Not only do they spell out the ingredients, but they also contain the method, prep time, cook time, and smart points. All of the recipes are low in fat, low in sugar, low in salt, and you do not have to be a Weight Watchers member to cook these dishes. If you have a busy schedule like mine the convenience of the these boxes are a dream; it entails no travel, you don't have to think about your meals in the morning because they are already planned, and they are great value (works out around £3.75 a meal!). So in reality, you are probably saving money in the long run too.

First up is the Macaroni Cheese with Ham and it tasted as good as it looks. Normally Macaroni and Cheese comes without the spinach, tomatoes, and ham but it tasted so much better. Believe it or not it wasn't heavy on the stomach at all, but instead refreshing and filling at the same time. This meal took around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook.

Secondly (my favourite) Pork & Rosemary Stuffed Peppers and boy, didn't they taste incredible. Not only are these stuffed peppers perfect to have for dinner, but keeping some behind for your lunch for the next day is ideal. This meal is incredibly healthy and it took around 20 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.

Lastly we have Blue Cheese Gnocchi Gratin which is something that I have never cooked before. This meal is perfect if you are looking for something quick to prepare after a long day at work. The prep time on this meal is 10 minutes with a cook time of 20-30 minutes.


Use #WWSmartKitchen on social media to share your thoughts
If you too want to try out a few recipes from WW Smart Kitchen, you can use the discount code WWSKELTORIA to receive 50% off! Bargain. Click here to order your box today.

Which meal takes your fancy?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*This post contains sponsored content but all opinions are my own

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

Share:

Monday 27 March 2017

Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Watch| Get The Kendall Jenner Style*

When you have Kendall Jenner fronting a campaign for Daniel Wellington you know it's going to be about something good! Over the last few years I have witnessed the evolution of Daniel Wellington and I am so proud in the way they have managed to triumph the watch market. I have supported Daniel Wellington since 2014 (first ever post can be found here) and from that day I have since been wearing a DW watch. Whilst I have been supporting a leather strap, it's now time to 'spring clean' my style into something a bit more contemporary. So let's take a sneak peek at the new Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Watch.

The new Classic Petite collection launched on March 15th so this is a brand spanking new style. DW vouch that this design truly reflects the design approach of the brand and it's sophisticated yet contemporary look makes the perfect modern style icon. The watch is 32mm and the mesh is available in rose gold and silver whilst the dial comes in either black or white. Of course I went for the rose gold strap and white dial and I am totally in love. Since receiving it I have not been able to take it off because it goes with absolutely anything. It's also incredibly light and has the ability to brighten up any outfit- perfect for Spring don't you think?

If you too want to get yourself a brand new watch ready for Spring, you can use the discount code ELTORIA15 to get 15% off! (valid until 30th April). So instead of £139.00 it will cost you £118.16! Bargain.

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

*This post contains sponsored content but all opinions are my own

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

Wednesday 22 March 2017

Should Women Use Protein? Skinny Shake Episode 1*

Above: Skinny Shake 'Go Pack Tote Mix'
The answer is simple... yes! Over the last few months I have often been asked 'what's your secret to abs', sure, a lot of hard work in the gym but there are also other important factors to consider. After a a few weeks of hardcore workouts and Tupperware of chicken, broccoli, and sweet potato, most of us feel the uncontrollable urge to binge on our favourite foods. Whilst I am a huge believer in eating your favourite foods in moderation, research tells us that most women still lack in protein even after having a 'cheat day'. Why? Well that's easy. Women are more inclined to eat sweets and chocolate over men who prefer a man date at the local Grillstock. Many women fear that if they take protein shakes they will end up 'bulky' like a man, but such myth is a load of rubbish. In fact taking protein is key when it comes to getting that desirable toned summer body.

If you are knocking out tough sets using heavy weights protein is essential for tissue growth and repair. A lack of protein can in fact hinder your body's ability to recover and grow, so you can kiss goodbye to the six pack that you want by summer. My way of thinking is this; gym workouts are for breaking down the muscle fibres whilst outside the gym is for building the muscle back up. And the key ingredient? Protein! Out of the 20 amino acids that make up protein, 9 are essential, which means your body cannot manufacture these aminos on its own. The only way they can be consumed is through food, so dietary protein supplies the building blocks of muscle tissues. But that's not the gripping thing about it, check out the next paragraph (it will blow your mind away).

Did you know that protein actually helps to suppress hunger? Well you do now. Protein takes much longer to digest over carbohydrates so it actually keeps you fuller for longer. If you are continuing to feel extremely hungry throughout the day whilst dieting, it is often an indication that you are not getting enough protein into your diet. So don't feel afraid to add a little bit more into your meals (I often do this myself). Protein also helps to burn calories more effectively because it has the highest thermic effect of food (TEF), which is the amount of calories it takes for your body to process and utilise a nutrient. For instance every 100 calories you get from protein 20-35 are burned in the digestion process. Therefore, since it takes up more energy for your body to process protein over carbohydrates and fats, people who consume more protein throughout the day may see quicker fat loss results over someone who is taking less. Nifty little fact hey?.

So what protein shakes do I take? Currently I am using Skinny Shake 'Go Pack Tote Mix' which contains five Belgian Chocolate and five Vanilla flavours. Not only do these sachets contain the perfect blend of protein, but with 25 vitamins and minerals, fiber, and superfoods, a Skinny Shake will also help to keep your energised and healthy throughout your fitness journey. Personally I found the tote bag the perfect way to start. After taking a partial mini break away from exercise throughout February due to an injury, sometimes getting back into the routine of shakes can be hard. I love the fact that I was able to try out two different flavours in this pack (and I have to say that Belgian Chocolate is definitely my favourite). As I travel a lot, popping a few sachets into my bag has made taking protein shakes away from home so much more easier. I mean, have you seen the size of a regular protein tub? There's no way I'd carry that around London!

The best time to take a protein shake is within half an hour after doing a workout. I do know that some people take a shake before a workout but I just stick to the one (some have two a day). I have been using these sachets for the last 3 weeks and I have to say that they really do inject a whole load of goodness. Not only do they help with DOMS and energy levels, but I'm beginning to see my abs again! Hooray. If you are too looking to increase the intake of protein into your diet but are unsure what flavour/brand of protein that you like, use the 'GETSKINNY-158' discount code to get 20% off! You also have the option to have Skinny Shakes get sent to you monthly.

If you liked this post, be sure to follow all of my social media channels because Episode 2 is coming your way!

Will you be including more protein into your diet now?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*This post contains sponsored content but all opinions are my own
Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

Share:

Monday 20 March 2017

Where Have You Been Eltoria?| Life Update

Not going to lie but the last few weeks have been mental! Firstly, I cannot believe that we are almost in April and soon Summer will be upon us (which I am seriously looking forward to). If I am totally honest with you the last three months have been an utter blur. So much has/is going on so I thought that I would rewind, pause, and just reflect on it for a second. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to recognising my own achievements because I always think that I could be doing better. Sometimes we just get caught up with life so it is always healthy to take a break and catch up on our own thoughts.

Above: Schwarzkopf Filming Day
January: So in January I started to work with Schwarzkopf on their Blondme Professional range where I was invited to Spring Studios to film a new hair episode. This meant transforming my own hair from brunette locks to rose gold ombre, and boy, did I fall in love with it. You can check out my Schwarzkopf posts by clicking here. I was also given the opportunity to write for The Huffington Post where my topic of choice centred around 'taking risks'. You can read 'Was Swerving My Career Into The Digital World A Risk'  post on the Huffington Post website, or, you can read the full version of that article in my'A Positive Response To Taking Risks' post. Also in January, my fiancé and I put down a holding deposit for our very own new home *insert heart emojis*. I'm not going to mention too much about it now because it's all still early stages but watch this space for new home updates! I also went up to the Sally UK offices to take part in their SS17 day where I had the best time meeting new and fabulous people in the industry (Kate Hughes, Bethany Churcher and Beth from Sweetheart Hair Designs). Just check out the amazing braid that Beth did in my hair below!

February: In February I signed with a new Management company which meant new and exciting opportunities. Firstly I kicked off the month by attending the Fifty Shades Darker movie premiere where I managed to see Rita Ora, Jamie Dornan (Mr Christian Grey), and Dakota Johnson (Anastasia Steele). I also went to Twitter HQ in London for the first time where I met some amazing creators; Lucy and Lydia, Niki and Sam, Sam King, Joe Charman, The Wall of Comedy and many more fabulous people. Now this next thing I've been keeping a secret, but... I'm going to be on 6-8 front covers of That's Life Magazine! So the smiley girl on the front cover, yup that's going to be me. Pretty cool ey?


March: March was a pretty CRAZY month. So the biggest news is that I have become the face of Sally Beauty UK! Some of you may have noticed on social media that I had been presenting/taking over Salon Services and Sally UK's social media pages (and this is why!). Last weekend I had the most amazing time presenting live at the Guy Tang event in Manchester and I cannot wait to see the official footage which is due to go live soon! I have also been working on a massive re-design on my YouTube channel and social media pages which should be going live in the next couple of months. I have also had a few secret meetings which all contain some very exciting things... so it's all go, go, go, for Eltoria!


What's going on in your life at the moment?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

Share:

Thursday 16 March 2017

PUMA By Boxers & Briefs| Get The Kylie Jenna Style!*

Ok so we've had Calvin KleinDiesel, Emporio Armani and Tommy Hilfiger on the Eltoria Blog so who's up next? With Kylie Jenner absolutely smashing the Puma style, I was extremely excited to finally embrace the Jenner style with a few of my very own items. Puma as a brand has lived under radar over the last few years so it is refreshing to see this fantastic brand back on the scene. Boxers and Briefs is the go to place if you are wanting to look for quality underwear at a competitive price. What I love about Boxer and Brief is that they have size guides and 'ask a question' service which makes picking the perfect pair of undies so simple. If that's not enough for you, use the discount code 'ELTORIA' in order to receive 20% off your purchase! So let's check out what I got from this fabulous site.


First up is this fabulous black and gold set that totally screams 'Kylie Jenna'. I absolutely love this combination; the Puma Cross-Back Bra and Puma High Waist Short looks ever so 'hot' paired together. Both items are made out of soft cotton stretch and have a gold Puma waistband which makes them trendy to wear. I would have to say that this duo is perfect to wear if you are wanting a relaxed yet fashionable look (fyi... these undies are extremely comfortable). 


Personally I believe that Puma undies also make the perfect every day items to wear. Not only are they made out of soft cotton which makes them very comfortable to wear, but they are also practical. This White Racer Back Bra with a pair of Bikini Bottoms (which are available in a set from Boxers and Briefs) are a dream to wear under any piece clothing. Sometimes it is good to know that you have a trusty pair of undies in your drawers!


Which one set is your favourite?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*This post contains sponsored content but all opinions are my own

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)

Share:

Tuesday 7 March 2017

A Positive Response To Taking Risks

*This article was written for the Huffington Post (click here) but this is the full version
Risk. What is even a risk? In the current world we live in it is no surprise that the word 'risk' is associated with something negative. With the population growing faster in a millennial generation, too many have thrusted themselves into a life where they just expect too much; a high paid salary in their twenties, have a 'Directorship' or 'Management' title, even growing an additional endeavour is expected to become successful overnight. Some say that this is down failed parental strategies, but I say that is down to egotism as a result from failed parental strategies.

A great example can be seen when a parent tells their child 'that they can have anything they want in life'. Whilst this is true to some degree, it has nevertheless given the millennials a high expectation without truly understanding the failures and risks you must take in order to reach that end goal of 'having anything you want in life'. It is no surprise that many people in current time suffer from depression as a result from high expectation and a smashed self-image- I mean we can even pop filters over photos on Instagram to manipulate something that isn't even real. So, looking from my own experiences, was swerving my career away from this false sense of high expectation into the digital world a risk? Well let's start from the very beginning.

When it comes to careers, money and life in general many people play it safe, 'don't take risks' they say. But this very attitude is like saying 'I cannot afford it, so that's it'. Instantly we are shutting down our brains to the possibilities and crushing the excitement and dreams that come from 'I cannot afford it, so how can I afford it.' They say that the rich invent their own money and a 'can do' attitude is all that you need to swerve your career into something more promising for you. So here's what I did, I came up with my own interpretation of 'RISK' and then implemented this definition back into my own life. Don't take risks? I say understand what risk is and learn how to manage it with patience.

'R' stands for reaching beyond your comfort zone. It is so easy to get comfortable in your day to day life and I often hear many people complain about many things; I hate my job, I can't do that, I have no money this month. But the real dilemma occurs when it comes to making decisions and actioning them based on deciding how to improve your life. I once possessed the millennial mind of the 'high expectant'- 'when I graduate from my law degree I want to have a high paid job and to be treated like a superior'. I was 18 years old and the real truth was that I would know nothing at all. I was setting myself up for a big fall and a smashed self-image was inevitable.

At university I was surrounded by 'high expectants' and it was only until I started Eltoria in an entrepreneurship module in my third year did I realise that life just didn't work like that. I built Eltoria from scratch and at the start my digital journey my blog had hardly any readers, my YouTube channel had no subscribers, I had no brand deals and my content arguably wasn't very good. I wasn't earning a penny from it and it is here where I saw many high expectants fail, because they just quit. Two years down the line my blog started to monetise, my content got a lot better and brand deals started to come in. By my third year I had the biggest decision to make, do I quit my job and pursue Eltoria? Or do I play it safe and keep my job?

Here was the problem; if I quit my job I had lost my guaranteed income, but if I kept my job, I could miss many opportunities when it came to building up my business. Instead of pondering on the 'what ifs' I decided to play smart. Instead of quitting I asked my boss for a three month career break (otherwise known as a sabbatical). Despite having saved up some money I felt extremely uncomfortable postponing my monthly wage for three months. I didn't know what my guaranteed income would be and I had to keep in mind bills and other expenses. Looking back it was one of the best decisions that I had ever made. I saw tremendous growth in Eltoria which meant more brand deals, sponsored content and increased monetisation. After the three months was up I decided to quit my full time job and work on Eltoria full time, today I do not regret that decision.

Above: check out my 2016 Achievements Post (click here)
'I' stands for improving and investing in your current state. If you only work for money, you are giving money to your employer and the tax man. However if money works for you, you can possess the power and you are fully in control of it. During the time I had a full time job I would use my salary to make small investments back into Eltoria, I started small; new blog designs, advertisements, products for content creation. I made smaller investments and built them up over a period of three years and without them, I wouldn't have been able to quit my job and work on Eltoria full time. It is important to understand that you are not gambling your money away if you know what you are doing with it. If you do make a slight bum investment always remember that failure inspires winners and failure defeats losers, take it as a learning curve.

'S' stands for social networking. My understanding is that you want to know a little about a lot and the best way to do this is through social interaction (and this doesn't just mean through Email, Facebook, Twitter etc). In todays market it's not about what you know, it's who you know. I often attend many events and participate in campaigns for free, why? Because it is the opportunity to get networking. It is surprising how taking someone out to coffee can lead into other exciting opportunities- I'd have to say that my most memorable coffee date was ending up working with Tinie Tempah on the McDonalds #HelloGoodTimesCampaign. Too many people end up not doing something because they are not getting paid for it, but sometimes the unpaid things can lead into bigger wealth later (again remember, it's who you know).

'K' stands for knowledge. A lot of us fail to remember that our minds are our most powerful asset and when trained well, we can start to see opportunities. I can count on both hands the amount of people who thought I was crazy when I quit my well paid job for the digital world. Many people heckled that 'they just did not get it', but they were missing the very thing that I possessed, a well-trained mind. For years I read books, looked at case studies and even watched the audience behaviour of Bloggers and YouTubers who were much bigger than me. The best way to start is to teach yourself financial literacy and all about the industry you want to break. Soon you will possess the confidence and see taking risks as a positive thing rather than a negative.

So to conclude, swerving my career into the digital world was not risk. It instead taught me the most invaluable lesson on them all- how not to live my life as a high expectant. I often find that many onlookers are also high expectant- they judge you, they cannot wait to see you fail and they don't see the potential of something when it starts off small. So this year I urge you to stop complaining about your life, stop looking at others, and instead start to train your mind so that you can build up something promising. My top tip for 2017 is this- to make 2017 work for you and not for life. 

Above: check out my own interpretation of success click here
What are your goals for 2017?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

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