Deliciously Ella - Skin Care Range*

Anyone a massive fan of Deliciously Ella and her amazing recipes and healthy goodies!? 

I love her blog and her recipes are brilliant! So healthy and yummy and easy to make - not to mention her incredible energy balls (Hazelnut and raisin is my fave!!). 

So imagine my delight when I saw that she has been collaborating with Neals Yard Remedies to create some fresh, all natural facial goodies!!

Facial Wash:

This beauty is a lovely texture and feels so smooth and cleansing on my skin, and the smell. Oh wow! To be honest, I can only really smell the cucumber (as oppose to the rose and lime) but that doesn't bother me, as the strong cucumber scent gives it a lovely fresh and cool smell and feel, and it really helps to freshen up my face in the morning! I did find that it could be quite drying on my skin though, probably half due to this icy weather to be honest, so I did find that using a good moisturiser to accompany it is essential!

Moisturiser: 

Moisturisers are often difficult for me to buy, I seem to need to stick to one that works, as whenever I try to use a new one my face seems to take a while to adjust. However, this one is really comforting on my skin and leaves it feeling really soft and healthy ... and actually oily free all day! 

The first time I used it, (firstly I used way too much since you literally need a pea size to easily cover your whole face, which wasn't the case for my other moisturiser) I thought it wouldn't work for me, but once it had all sunk in, my skin immediately felt brighter and refreshed for the day. And I've been using it constantly for the past few weeks and been absolutely loving it, the smell, the texture, the everything!

I also really loved the cute little extra touch of Ella in her Top Skincare Tips that came on a little card folded up inside the box! Such a nice little addition, love the design and also really love the tips!

Now I've only been using these products for the past few weeks as they were gifted to me to try out so I will be sure to come back and add to this post on how they feel in the future. All opinions written are my own and I can honestly say these are a great choice if you're looking for some natural, refreshing additions to your facial care routine!

If you're looking to buy these products head to the Neals Yard Remedies website here!

Anyone tried these products before? What do you think of them?

Best Fall Trends: Shoes!

So Autumn is finally upon us and I've been reading a lot of amazing Autumn fashion posts recently and got so much inspiration! So when the lovely Suzy asked if she could guest post for my blog on fashion I was all for it!

Best Fall 2016 Trends In Shoes At A Glance

Even women, who aren’t remotely interested in fashion rules, have a fetish for shoes and handbags. Unlike clothes and outfits, shoes and handbags have a repeat value, and hence, it is always wise to have some of the trending pieces in the closet. You never know when you get a chance to flaunt your collection. Here are the handpicked shoes for fall 2016 worth trying.

Passionate velvet: For 2016, the favourite fabric of fall is velvet. It has emerged in outfits, shoes and handbags, and there are endless styles and ideas that one can steal from the runways. However, velvet is also one of the tricky ideas to play with. Apart from all the luxurious elements, it is very easy to go wrong with the fabric that one has to be extra quotient. If a velvet dress seems too much for you, a pair of shoes can be safer bet. All you have to do is tone down rest of the things in the look, and you can create and amazing appeal. Make sure that you try velvet shoes with a pair of tights.

Blocked you: Block heels are back on the runway for fall 2016, and it makes perfect sense to get a paid. While block heels are amazingly stylish and trending, these are also very forgiving on the feet and don’t really hurt or offer discomfort as high heels. If you are someone who likes to be on the comfort zone, this is a great trend that would continue for years to come. The good thing is block heels can work with almost anything, right from simple trousers to skirts and dresses. Just make sure that you pick the right heel size.

Over the moon: Boots are classics for the fall, and it seems designers just cannot have enough of over-the-knee designs. One of the best ideas for the fall and beyond, over-the-knee boots is great on both comfort and functionality. If you want to wear those small short dresses and skirts in the winter, this is a must have by all means. You can either play it safe with all the darker shades of black and brown, or else, accenting pairs in red, green or blue is like a smart way of getting attention.

Bonus trend: One of the other trends of fall 2016 that surely deserves a mention is the amazing hardware use. Big buckles and other kinds of hardware were amazingly in style, and you can find something that is both aesthetic and appealing at the same time. Keep an eye on the overall elements to bring the right balance, and you are ready for the kill.

Hope you liked the list of fall 2016 trends. Until we meet again, stay stylish!  

[Images Credit: www.popsugar.com/fashion]

Author: Suzy Walsh is a fashion blogger and style expert, who works as the chief editor and curator for The House Of Elegance Fashion. Known for her amazing sense of style, she is followed by readers around the globe.

I'm not particularly a shoe-person myself but those blue velvet boots are stunning and I'm most definitely going to be saving my pennies for these gems! I also love the knee-high boot trend but not sure I can pull them off - maybe this is the year to give them a go!

I've also had a cheeky browse and found some links to where you guys can buy these/similar here;

Passion Velvet: New Look

Blocked You: New Look

Over the moon: ASOS (suede) or Office (more pricey)

 Bonus trend: River Island or Missguided

If you like these picks do check out Suzy's writing and tips over on The House of Elegance Fashion.

Like any of these? Which are your faves for this season?

Life's full of Uncertainty

I've got a lot of unpublished blog posts where I've tried to get into words my feelings from the past month without sounding incredibly depressed or just genuinely not making sense.

Nothing has really happened in particular, but I've been feeling extremely anxious. A lot of nights I've found myself crying myself to sleep or having to run to the loos because I suddenly burst out crying (to be fair I think 'that time of the month' may also be looming so that could have an impact).

I think moving back to university for my final year has forced me to face a lot of familiar feelings; of being alone, home sickness, a lot of work to juggle (that I've now realised Biology really isn't my thing), pressure of recovery but the critical voice in my head etc etc.


With this new sudden surge of anxiety that I've never really felt to this extent before I have experienced sudden huge panics that leave me feeling completely hopeless and to be honest that hasn't really gone away, I just choose to think about something else but I can still feel it lingering and I feel like I'm not really dealing with it.

One of the things that leads me to panic, is thinking of the future. As a third and final year student, (on the one hand thank god, but the other hand... oh shit) everyone I meet asks me what I want to do afterwards. I do mean everyone!! And every single time (sometimes I beat them to it before they actually finish the question just to get through the horrible awkward silence that comes after) I reply with 'to be honest, I've got no idea'.

And at first I would laugh and then leave it, but now it's playing in my mind. Especially with lecturers telling me to apply to graduate schemes now, it's leading me to panic. The sense of running out of time always sends me into a huge panic. (Hell I'm the one that starts getting ready to go out for the evening at around 4 - and it really doesn't take me long to get ready, I'll most probably have mentally picked out my outfit the night before and it's not like I'm skilled with makeup and hair or anything)


I guess what I'm trying to tell myself is that it's OK not to know right now. And I'm not running out of time. In fact the way I should look at it is that I've only got a year (well less than that) until I'll finally be let loose on the world (Australia I'm coming for you... and then the rest of the planet) and finally be free to really do whatever I want. And although I don't really know what I enjoy doing and what career path I want to go into, I need to have faith that it will all work out.

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Please tell me I'm not the only one that feels like this sometimes?

Travel Wishlist*

Now I don't know about you, but after seeing a lot of amazing of fabulous bloggers and friends out in fancy places like New York (everyone seems to be going to NY at the moment??) and Bali - Amy Bell why you tease me so much?? - I'm getting some real travel envy and so this got me thinking about some places I plan on visiting when I get the chance, so thought I'd share...

London

I know I live in the UK, but I really don't go to London as often as I would like and I keep seeing beautiful sites or gorgeous cafes and food places there on social media and what not and I feel I should really make the most of my beautiful country! I also need to branch out and visit the rest of it but that can be on the next wishlist!!

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Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a new edition to my wishlist to be honest, but since some friends have been and had a wonderful time and shown some incredible views, I've now got to experience it for myself! I would love to rent a bike and cycle round the gorgeous streets and along the river Amstel. I'm so excited that some friends and I are looking into booking a trip there either in the Christmas break or next year after we finish!!

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New York

I know, okay, I have been before - but OMG how incredible is this place, I can't get enough of it and everyone going back recently has made me miss it so much - and there's still loads I need to go and do! In fact I would recommend 

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Bali

Isn't it just beautiful? I think Bali is on a lot of people's wishlists but I'm just dying to go and jump into the sea, surf, relax on the beach and bask in it's beauty! I'm also dying to experience the Nalu Acai bowls, swing on 'The Swing' and watch the sunset out in the ocean and swim in a waterfall!

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Australia

The ultimate wishlist location for me this is! I will visit Australia (preferably next year and for a couple of months at least!), I WILL! Of course, I wish to do all the touristy bits and bobs, but I also want to just explore. I want to get out and really experience the stunning beaches, have adventures, meet other travellers, make friends, lie out and watch the sunset, ('ave a barby!) and just have fun!

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I have stated on many a social media that I am a born and bred Marriott fan, but I'm afraid that luxury can only really come when I go away with my family (who like to use their timeshare). So, since I'm on the look out for new cool places to stay, I was pleasantly surprised to be contacted by the wonderful Alexa and alerted to the brand CitizenM hotels (which actually have hotels in three of my above ideal locations!). 

After checking them out online, the rooms and hotels themselves look pretty awesome and the beds look INCREDIBLE! - I mean they're like 2 by 2 metres!! They're quite a cool, trendy hotel it seems, and include free wifi, free movies, (free bar snacks!) and 24hr food service - for those midnight feasts/the time difference is really bad kind of nights!

These are just the points that caught my eye and bits that I like the sound and look of, but head to their FAQ's page here and check them out if you're interested. Personally the ones in London and New York are probably a bit out of my price range, but Amsterdam rooms are around £70, which - albeit still a little much for me, while still a student, - I think is brilliant value for money since the look and service here sounds pretty awesome!

What are your bucket list places to visit? Anything planned for the near future? Any hotels you'd recommend?

*This post was in collaboration with CitizenM and as of yet I haven't visited a CitizenM hotel, but all thoughts and views are my own.

Listening to your body...

So I've just began my final year at uni and that's screaming alarm bells in my head. Third year = work load bigger than a mountain, not to mention the fact that I'm doing a dissertation project I have very little clue about and will have to plan and carry out my own lab project!! (This coming from a Biology student who pretty much hates labs!) 

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I came to uni - I've met some brilliant friends, had loads of laughs and experiences and I do genuinely love my course (even if it's just the theory I find interesting not as much the practice) - and I've definitely learnt a lot about myself over the past 2 years. The thing is, I think having been home for the 3 month summer, I've gotten used to the old ways and it's made me a bit nostalgic having to leave again. Not only that but I'm terrified of being put back into the working environment where I'm not capable and I'm scared of getting things wrong. I guess I'm remembering all the less fun, lonely, cold and scary times that I've had at uni (and now associate with it) over the past 2 years and I'm wondering whether I'm strong enough to cope another year. 

As well as this big, scary 'final year' I'm starting a new part time job that is completely out of my comfort zone and to be honest I'm not sure if I'm capable. It'll be great experience (as is anything) but I'll be working closely with people and I don't want to let them down. This is also going to be alongside a very busy and stressful academic year so I'm getting a bit anxious.

So, sorry about the ramble for a bit of context, the point I wanted to write about is, that over the past two weeks I've been feeling very run down and ill. I'm constantly tired, painful throat, sneezing every 5 sec - achuuu - onds and it often takes everything I can muster to not cry. At first I thought, oh it's just a cold. But since it's lasted for a while now (usually it'll last a week tops) and I'm still feeling really rough, I'm thinking it might be linked to my mental health.

I'm getting the feeling that even though this started out as a simple cold, I'm probably making it much worse and making myself ill by continuing to feed my unhealthy thoughts and worries. And it's probably working in a huge circle so that my health is making me feel bad, therefore feeding these anxious thoughts which are making me feel worse, making my health worse etc etc.

So I guess what I'm trying to put into words is that when we feel ill or get these anxious thoughts, there may be an underlying reason and when this comes out in forms of physical illness, it's your body talking to you. I think then, it's time to take a moment to reflect and try and sort it out. 

Here's a few suggestions that I'm giving a go at the moment;

Talking about it to someone. Obvious I know, but often with anxiety/depression, talking to someone - anyone - can give you some perspective and help ease the anxious thoughts.

Meditating/Mindfulness - This is something I've always wanted to do and since I'm about to form a somewhat busy and stressful routine I'm going to include a period of destressing every day and hopefully if I implement this routine addition early I might stick to it.

Yoga - One good thing about coming back to uni is that I can start going to the yoga classes again regularly and I have found in the past that this really helps me feel both relaxed, productive, and healthy.

How are you all feeling at the moment? Do you agree with this? Let me know in the comments;

Kauai, Hawaii

At the end of summer this year me and my family took a trip to Kauai, one of the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands (so I've been told), and due to being very busy with third year and having other posts scheduled I've finally been able to download and edit and get this post up for you guys!

Due to flights we were travelling for a full few days, but managed to stop off in Honolulu, Oahu for a day and in this day we took a trek up Diamond Crater and had a cheeky walk down Waikiki Beach.

This walk was really nice actually - very enjoyable for myself, a little more strenuous for my less active family - and the view was incredible!

Waikiki ^:

We also went on a visit to Pearl Harbor which is the site and memorial for the Battle of Pear Harbor, 1941, which marked the entrance of America into the World War II.

In Kauai, we stayed at Marriott, Kauai Lagoons - gorgeous hotel, grounds and the loveliest people (as all Marriotts are to be honest).

The Amazing food at Duke's Kauai restaurant, with a beautiful view of Kalapaki Beach!

In Kauai we obviously had to go to a Luau! We chose The Smith's family Luau, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The food buffet was HUGE and had the most amazing pulled pork you'll ever taste, together with loads of delicious salads, vegetables and other meat dishes like spicy beef and chicken! The hula show was brilliant and very entertaining and we even got a chance to learn a few moves!

We were also incredibly lucky enough to have a helicopter ride round the island! How amazing! The views were nothing short of spectacular and due the somewhat wet-ness during the week, we got to see a lot of waterfalls! The people at Safari helicopters were also really lovely and chatty and the pilot told us a lot about the island as we went round, like how the Robinson family got to own most of the island, and why there are so many chickens running around on it?

The beautiful Napali coast was stunning to witness as well as the beautiful canyons and cliffs all over the island.

Of course we went for a cheeky little surf lesson too, would be rude not to really! I'm proud to announce that I did actually get up onto the board several times, and even made it all the way to the beach (really wasn't that far) - with a little more practice I'll be able to give those 8 year olds (who seemed to be much more talented than us) a run for their money!

If anyone's lucky enough to visit it incredible island, did you enjoy it as much as we did? What kind of things did you get up to there?