Tuesday 30 May 2017

Are Cherries The New Superfood?*

With well-being on the rise, it is no wonder why journalists and nutritionists have gone wild over new food trends. Whilst nowadays it seems impossible to find a well stocked avocado shelf due to popular demand, could cherries be the next big thing? Cherries are a funny one, not a lot of people enjoy eating them due to the pip inside, but they absolutely love the taste of them. So with a claim that cherries are the powerhouses of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fibres, and phytonutrients, could the pros of cherries outweigh the 'pip' negative? Well I'll let you be the judge of that. Here are 8 reasons why cherries will spring clean your diet back into shape:

1. They are a good source of Vitamin C. A 150g portion provides 14mg Vitamin C, which is 35% of your daily requirement. Vitamin C is essential for your cells, tissues, and bones.

2. Eliminates oxidative stress and prevents premature ageing: Cherries contain two antioxidants (isoqueritrin and queritrin) which work to eliminate byproducts of stress. As a consequence, this slows down the ageing process.

3. Help to cure migraines: Cherries are a fantastic anti-inflammatory on the body, where the anthocyanin and bioflavonoids helps to eliminate migraine headaches. This is because the compounds inside the cherries have a similiar activity to ibuprofen and aspirin.

4. Reduce blood pressure: According to research, people who drank cherry juice concentrate experienced a 7% drop in blood pressure within 3 hours! This is due to the high concentration in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds which help to relax the blood vessels.

5. Helps to fight cancer and diseases: Cherries, along with other berries, are rich in antioxidants which help to prevent, or repair, the damage that is done to the body's cells. Queritrin in cherries has been found to be one of the most potent anticancer agents, which helps to fight off all body's cancerous cells. Cherries also contain ellagic acid, which some researchers say that may be the most effective way to prevent cancer. Another compound found in cherries is perillyl (POH), which is extremely powerful in reducing the occurrence of all types of cancers. Researchers also found that POH stops the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of the proteins that they need to grow. It has worked on every kind of cancer that POH has been tested against- amazing.

6. Eases arthritis and gout: As stated above, cherries are a great anti-inflammatories which help to block out actions of certain enzymes. According to studies, eating cherries may offer potential benefits for conditions such as gout, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries.

So how can you start introducing cherries into your diet? Alongside other seasonal berries, why not add cherries into your morning smoothie? You can find a great recipe in my latest Quick & Easy Berry Smoothie post. 

What are your thoughts on cherries? Have I missed out a vital fact? Tweet me: @eltoria_
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)
*this post may contain sponsored content 
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Monday 29 May 2017

Is Blogging As Glamorous As It Seems? 10 Downsides Of Being A Blogger

A few weeks ago I came across one of Kayleigh's posts from Couture Girl which grabbed my attention. The title of this blog post was the very same as this one, 'Is Blogging As Glamorous As It Seems'. Whilst reading this post I felt my head nod in agreement. Like Kayleigh, I also often get people saying things like 'I want to be a blogger', 'bloggers have it so easy', 'you have the dream job'. But is this actually true? Don't get me wrong I absolutely adore my job, but like with any job, there are some disadvantages. Whilst on the surface it may all seem like free makeup, perfect Instagram pictures, and fancy events, but the work that goes on behind behind the scenes... is a lot! So with nearly four years under my belt, here are the downsides to being a blogger.

1. Finding the time to manage everything: Whilst some think that bloggers have all the time in the world, this is not the case. Each blog post takes a lot of time to plan, prepare, and write- so picking up a laptop and writing on a Sunday afternoon isn't all that goes into it. As my photos are shot by a professional photographer, a lot of time is spent organising shoot dates, styling the shots, and even studying new poses. I also manage a YouTube channel (posting at least 2-3 times a week) which takes a considerable amount of time when it comes to filming and editing. I also dedicate quite a large amount of time to my offline work; modelling, presenting, *and other jobs that I cannot yet speak about. All of the latter activities involve many trips to London and masses of emails. Bloggers also don't work 5 days a week, 9-5, you are more looking at 7 days a week, 12+ hours a day! Some days can get exhausting.


2. Misconception of you: Unless you watch my YouTube videos, you wouldn't fully understand my personality. Whilst words are powerful, technically they are silent, and often people have thought that I was a 'stuck up b*tch' before even meeting me! Luckily when they do meet me, they soon quickly learn that I am ever so bubbly and friendly (thankfully). However, a lot of people often portray bloggers as 'stuck up' because they think that they are better than everyone else, which is not the case. In the past I have found ex friends to be the worst. I've been elbowed in a bar, mimicked, overheared bitchy remarks in the toilets, and now and again, I get told that I am ugly. But in reality, I don't let things like this get to me. Blogging has made me the most happiest person alive and I truly enjoy what I do, so in the words of my grandmother, 'if they don't like it, they can lump it' (ha!).

3. The pressure: Creating content, easy right? Sure when you have a creative flare sometimes it is pretty easy to 'bosh' out a post, but when writer's block strikes, oh boy. Writer's block is the most frustrating thing ever and often it takes a few days to kick out of it. Bloggers also need to possess extremely good time management skills. Deadlines are often very close to one another (usually only a 14 day turnaround period), whilst you still have to manage your personal life and other business endeavours. It may not seem a lot, but your to-do list can certainly mount up pretty quickly!

4. Justifying your worth: Now I have a manager things are a lot more easier, but when I didn't have a manager, I was always questioning my worth. Some PR companies and brands still believe that bloggers will offer full coverage in exchange for a free product, but this definitely isn't the case anymore. Drawing upon my earlier point, creating content takes a lot of work and the standards are now extremely high. Like me, many bloggers hire photographers, website designers, and SEO experts in order to really optimise their content, and as you can probably imagine, this isn't cheap. So I often find it extremely insulting when someone is only willing to to pay you in product!

5. Annoying those around you: A lot of people find blogging and vlogging extremely irritable, especially when you randomly whack out a camera to take an Instagram picture. I know a lot of people that absolutely hate what I do, so I am often respectful around these individuals. I have actually found that a few of my friends never like to ask me about my blogging, business, or what I'm up to. I'm never entirely sure if its because they can see what I'm up to, or, if they just totally hate what I do. Either way, sometimes it is nice for someone to take an interest in what you are doing.

6. You can never fully relax, even on holiday: Every holiday that Joe and I go on, we always end up creating some sort of content. So you could say that I never truly get a holiday. The idea of turning my phone off for a week does scare me; what if everyone has forgets about me? I know that it sounds ridiculous but it's true. Even if you do take a day or two off, you never truly stop looking at your emails or social media accounts *dough*. 

7. Each month is different: Whilst I love the fact that my schedule is completely different every week, sometimes it can weigh on your mind a little. When I first started out as a full time blogger, I often stressed about 'not getting any work' or 'what if I can't pay my bills', but when you work for yourself, I find that you work twice as hard which consequently results to a good work load. But don't get me wrong, after working 12 hours a day, 5 days on the trot, a 9-5 working day sounds ever so dreamy.

8. Standing out: I'm not going to lie here, but it is pretty hard not to compare yourself with other bloggers. I think it is human nature to compare yourself to someone now and again, but where blogging is concerned, not only do you compare yourself to the person, but also to their blog, social media platforms etc. When it comes to winning campaigns and brand deals, often the person with the best blog and social following gets the gig, so there is no wonder why there is a lot of 'comparing'. Whilst I have known a few bloggers to turn sour over others successes, I always say that you ought to feel inspired by success. The best way to do this is to ask questions, research, and find ways to stand out in the community. If I am totally honest with you, I have only just found out what my niche is so watch this space *rebrand coming soon*.

Above: How To Make Life Work For You (click here)
9. Dealing with hard people: Here, I'm actually quite fortunate as I have never had a 'bad' client, but I often see a lot of stories float around on social media. Kayleigh has had a few bad run ins, so I suggest you give her blog post a read here.

10. Other little things: You never know, one day my little world may come crumbling down on me, so ensuring that I have back up plan is always on my mind. Whilst I could probably get a job in digital marketing, but if you are someone like me who now thrives for the self-employed world, then making sure that you wisely invest your time and money couldn't be more important. Other things like doing your own accounts is a job in itself too!

What are your thoughts? Is there anything else that I am missing? Drop me a tweet @eltoria_
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)

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Wednesday 24 May 2017

5 Ways To Take Protein On The Go

Coming up with ideas on how to take protein on the go can be a tricky one, however, there are many ways. Whist I found the sachets inside the The Skinny Shake® Go Pack Tote Mix the easiest way to transport protein on the go, however, findings ways to utilise them in meals and snacks can be a challenge. Anyway not to worry, because I am here to help with my 5 top tips to sort you out.

1. Add to your morning porridge: When you were younger did your mum or dad ever add chocolate powder into your porridge to make you eat it? Yep, thought I triggered a memory. So why not add a sachet/scoop of protein powder into your morning porridge to jazz things up a bit. Not only will it make your breakfast taste ten times better, but it will also make it much more nutritional. Now that's what I call a good breakfast.

2. Add to a Yoghurt: To avoid the powder curdling with the yoghurt, simply place the protein powder into a bowl and add a small amount of water until a smooth paste forms. Then add the paste into the yoghurt, stir well, add some oats, and bon appetite!

3. Make a protein shake: Making a protein shake is dead easy! Simply add 8 fl oz of liquid (I reccomend water, skimmed milk, almond milk), add one sachet/scoop of protein powder, shake it up, and wallah, you have got yourself one tasty protein drink.

4. Add to your morning coffee: Prepare your morning coffee like you usually do and allow it to cool. Add a sachet/scoop of protein powder, mix well, and then enjoy a flavoured coffee of your choice. Want to know a quick and easy recipe which tastes divine? Why don't you check out this fabulous Skinny Mocha Expresso Shake.

5. Add it it into your food: there are so many dishes where you can add protein, personally my favourites are brownies, flapjacks, and smoothies.

Which tip are you most likely to try out?
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)

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Tuesday 23 May 2017

My Vacation Wishlist 2017

I'm currently working away at my desk whilst it is hammering down with rain outside. Don't get me wrong, I do love living in the UK but boy, do I sometimes crave the sun. Not only is the local tanning salon across the road my only current source of 'sun' to facilitate any sort of tan right now, but the actual idea of sunning myself somewhere quite exotic is extremely tempting. So whilst thinking about the sun, sea, and sand, I have come up with an up to date vacation wish list for 2017.

LA: Oh LA... how I am desperate to visit you. Who wouldn't want to go to Hollywood? Apparently the place is absolutely insane. With many influencers jetting off to LA every year, I'm hoping that soon it's my time. In the meantime, watching a few YouTube vlogs will have to do for now.

Dubai, The Palm Hotel: Whist I have always wanted to go to the Atlantis Resort Hotel in the Bahamas (first picture above), I however think that The Palm Hotel in Dubai beats the Bahamas. Now if we were to go away at the end of this year, I think Dubai wins. I've visited Dubai once before... ok the local airport, so I think it's about time that I head on out there to explore.

Bali & Vietnam: Whilst these countries are fairly close to one another, it has always been a dream of mine to visit Vietnam and then head off to Bali. I was actually planning this trip for last year but we instead went to the Caribbean with the family, so this amazing trip was sadly postponed.

Maldives: This is definitely somewhere where I would love to jet off on honeymoon to! Who couldn't resist one of those cute huts on the clear blue waters? This is 100% on the wish list.

Amsterdam: I was actually going to take Joe here for his birthday a couple of years ago, but because we both have extremely busy schedules, the trip is yet to materialise. Believe it or not Amsterdam is only a 45 minute flight away from us, so, a weekend away may be on the cards.

Costa Rica: Not going to lie, since watching the latest episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Costa Rica is now on list. Watching the Kardashians explore the jungle and go tubing through the Costa Rican waterfalls, this is something that I'd love to do.

Where do you want to go? Tweet me you recommendations (@eltoria_)!

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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Wednesday 17 May 2017

Easy Belgian Chocolate Protein Brownie Recipe

Dieting can be very difficult and ignoring sweet craving can be extremely challenging. Dieting doesn't have to mean that you need to stick to bland tolerable foods all of the time, but a high in protein sweet treat is something that you most certainly can sneak into your meal plan. Making these Belgian Chocolate Protein Brownies are incredibly easy and all you need is a brownie baking tin, grease proof paper, wooden spoon, table spoon, tea spoon, a mixing bowl, and 30 minutes of your time. So next time you are at the supermarket, grab yourself the following ingredients:

Ingredients

- 6 sachets or 4 scoops of Belgian Chocolate Skinny Shake®
- 300g of cooked beetroot
- 1 Tbsp of cocoa powder
- 2 tsp of sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia
- 60g of 85% Cocoa Chocolate (melted)
- 2 eggs

Method

1. Set your oven to 150 degrees and line a small brownie baking tray with greaseproof paper.
2. Place 300g of cooked beetroot into a blender and blend until it is a paste consistency.
3. Melt 60g of 85% of Cocoa Chocolate in the microwave or, use a bain-marie by placing a mixing bowl over hot water in a saucepan.
4. Add your protein powder, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar (or other substitute), and eggs into the beetroot mixture.
5. Pour mixture into baking tin and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
6. Once the brownie are firm to touch, take out of the oven and leave until cool.
7. Once cool, remove the mixture from the tin, slice and enjoy!

These brownies are super delicious and overall are much more nutritional than the 'normal' brownie. I'm not the best baker in the world but these were so easy to make, so why not make a few for your friends and family?

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)

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Tuesday 16 May 2017

Rose Gold Sequin Dress

Despite this glitzy number probably being one of the best dress buys in my whole existence, but there's a new online fashion brand that everyone needs to know about. I had been searching for a rose gold sequin dress for months, and if I came across one, it didn't look half as good as this one. It is common knowledge that sequin dresses are also very expensive- we're talking a good few hundred pounds for one like this. But this Sequin Backless Bodycon Gown in rose gold by Skeek One only cost me £70.00! Well, £63.00 with the 10% discount code that I found on their site. Unbelievable right?

So I wore this dress over the weekend to my friend's parent's party and when I went away to the Caribbean over the Christmas period (yes, I actually wore a dress more than once!). This dress comes with inbuilt boob support and it also has adjustable straps so you can have them as tight/loose as you want. This is the perfect dress for any formal occasion- parties, balls, proms, bridesmaid dresses... you name it!

What do you make of this dress? 
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)
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Friday 12 May 2017

The Perfect Italian Leather Bag For Summer 2017

Summer is coming which means the mighty handbag swap is almost due. Each season I like to change my bag for a number of reasons; the colour, practicality, and the style. Throughout the Autumnal and Wintry months I tend to go for a larger bag so I can dump the odd jumper or scarf in there. However for Spring and Summer I like like to opt for something a little smaller, preferring a strap so that I can pop it across my body. So which bag have I recently been eyeing up to be my perfect companion this season?

This new Cozy Crossbody Tote Bag by Manofatto is the perfect Spring and Summer bag. This new design tote bag features a stylish single handle to carry in the crook of the arm and to grab with your hand. A magnetic clip closure keeps everything secure and a leather shoulder strap to pop across your body so you can go on those summery strolls hands free. Finishing details include beautiful stitching on the middle of the bag to enhance the appearance of it, microfiber suede lining, and a high quality Italian leather with Nappa texture. This tote bag in dark navy blue is going to turn some heads as you strut on by.

Personally I think that this bag is super practical yet extremely stylish. It looks great against any outfit and the navy blue is particularly seasonal. I like the fact that the bag isn't heavy at all, which makes it ideal if you are carrying a purse full of pennies and other bits and bobs. The website is marked in HKD dollars so the price of this bag is roughly £120.00 which is a bargain for a leather bag. This bag also comes in other colours so check them out here.

What do you make of this Manofatto Crossbody Tote Bag?
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)
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