The Beauty Tag!

Hey!

Last day of April and I very nearly forgot to post this! Only I would fail my challenge of blogging every day in April, on the very last day! 

But never fear, 'The Beauty Tag' is here!

1. Do you remember your first make up item?

Yeah, when I was 14 (quite late, I know) Father Christmas gave me some eye shadows and a little lip gloss, as I wasn't allowed to wear make-up I was so shocked, and remember looking at my Mum and saying 'I think he's made a mistake, these can't be for me!' hahahahaa!

Just to clarify, I knew Santa wasn't real, but was pretending for my younger Brother, so was trying to subtly ask her 'Am I really allowed to have and wear these?!!'


2. What kind of coverage do you prefer for your foundation?
Normally I'd say light to medium, but on special occasions and nights out I prefer a fuller coverage.

3. Favourite high end brand?

Definitely Mac! I don't own anything from there myself but have tried their products and I love them! I'm normally more of an eye girl, but their lipsticks are just perfection.

4. Favourite drugstore/highstreet brand?

Hmm tricky! I use a variety of brands for different products...

5. What cosmetics brands have you always wanted to try but still haven't?

I am dying to try the Naked palettes by Urban Decay. I've also heard good things about Nars, and as I said I would love to actually own a Mac lip stick. 

Brands like Chanel and YSL don't really tickle my fancy...

6. Do you wear fake eyelashes?

I buy them, and then never wear them! I've worn them about twice, on nights out. I did get on with them fairly well though, so I might start wearing them again!

7. Is there any kind of make up you can't leave the house without?

No, honestly I leave the house about 60% of the time with no make up on!

8. What is your most cherished beauty product?

Ok, not the usual type of answer here...mine is without a doubt my Urban Decay 24/7 glide on eye pencil in Perversion! It's the only pencil eye liner that actually stays on my eyes! I lost my first one on a night out, and actually cried about it the next day (although that could have been 'cus I was hungover too!)

9. How often do you shop for make up? Do you pick out a lot of products at once?

Erm, well when I need something I'll write it down and buy it next time I go out...but if you mean randomly....I do browse Superdrug and Boots everytime I go shopping, and normally don't come out empty handed...

I also make use of the 3 for 2's at Boots on a regular basis!
 
10. Do you have a 'beauty budget'?

I don't really, but I don't go wild because I haven't got the money..I try to really ask myself if I need it, or more commonly these days, have I read good reviews on it?!

11. What type of product do you buy the most?

Er, well it's not strictly make up, but I buy nail varnish the most, no question about it! I think I've kept Barry M in business for the past 4 years!

12. Do you have a favourite place to shop for make up?

In town I use Superdrug and Boots...depending on any offers or 3 for 2's that are happening! I don't buy make up much online, but I have been using Feel Unique a little, and I'm quite liking it.

13. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

Urban Decay! Because there's no way I could go without my eye liner!

14. Which brand has the best packaging?

I try REALLY hard not to be influenced by the packaging but we're all victims of it, whether we realise or not!  I actually quite like Mac packaging, it's simple yet sophisticated and you know what's what.

15. Which celebrity always has great make up?

I change my mind about this all the time! I've noticed Emma Watson's make up a couple of times.

16. Which do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Concealer then foundation...

17. Do you like multifunctional products like lip and cheek stains?

I've never really tried them purely because I'm very sceptical about whether they'd be any good...I don't mind being proved wrong though, if anyone wants to suggest some?!


18. Do you apply your foundation with a brush, sponge or fingers?

If I'm in a rush I'll use my fingers, If I've got more time, or am spending longer on my make up then I tend to use a brush.

19. Which foundation do you use the most?

I am using the L'Oreal True Match Foundation the most at the moment, and I'm really loving it!

20. Do you use a make up base or primer for the eyes? 

I use the Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer, which works really well, however I'm not too keen on the smell! I don't use primers for my eyes, because I don't often wear eye shadow.



So, now you know a little more about the ins and outs of make up with Ella!

I'd love to know your answers, so I tag everyone who reads this! I will also tag some people on twitter!

Ella.x

Jungle Fever: My Style

Lightweight, fabric trousers are all over the shops recently, but if you don't want to be all over the shop trying to find a pair, then look no further!

I own these giraffe print trousers, I saw them from a mile off and knew I had to buy them. They are literally the most comfortable trousers I've ever worn, it's like wearing your comfiest jogging bottoms, but without the problem of wondering whether you look like JJB's latest model. They are so airy and lightweight, perfect for the warmer weather, and even better to help combat the hot/sticky heat if your lucky enough to be heading abroad this Summer. 

Normally I'd go for a floral design, but recently I've been loving the animal print, and I'm so glad I chose these! They are very flattering, especially if your problem area is your stomach, like me.

Here, I've paired them with a collared shirt (my wardrobe is collar mad!), you could even go for a cropped version if you're confident enough, and a statement tribal necklace. This one is a beautiful ,dark coral colour, which really stands out and brings the whole outfit together.

Some tan sandals complete the look, and I think the contrast between the black trouser and tan colour of the sandal really works. 

By chance this outfit is all from New Look (details below), how much more simple can you get?!

Black Giraffe Print Slim Leg Trousers £17.99 (currently out of stock online, but I've seen them in store in various New Looks during the last week!)

White Sleeveless Tie Front Shirt £12.99

Beige Triangle Beaded Necklace £7.99

Tan Chain Embellished T-Bar Ankle Strap Sandals £17.99

What's your favourite type of trouser? Are you loving the tribal prints and jungle themes at the moment?

Ella.x

In tune! Musical Mondays #1

I always find it really intriguing to find out what other people are listening to. All to often I get so stuck in a rut listening to the same few songs over and over again, and in the end I get so bored I end up hating them!

Also, although if someone asks me 'what type of music do you like?' my stock response is 'anything', really, I would say I'm extremely limited when it comes to Artists and genres, so I also welcome any opportunity to widen my musical horizons!

So, as well as me gaining inspiration off others, it seems only fair I to let you know what I've been listening to over the last few weeks!

The Guilty Pleasure: I would- One Direction

 I LOVE this song, it is an instant pick me up, and if I need a burst of energy or motivation I turn this up loud and dance along! This is from the Boy's 2012 album 'Take Me Home' so is by no means a new song, but I'd never heard it before. It came up as a suggestion on YouTube after another One Direction song, and I've been singing along ever since. I easily listen to this song around 10 times a day at the moment, and when I'm not listening to it, I'm humming the tune aloud!

The Favourite: Flaws- Bastille

Bastille are one of my all time favourite bands, and this might actually be my favourite song they've released so far. However if I could, I'd write about every single song, I love them that much! There's something about the lyrics of all Bastille songs that strike a chord with me, and I find their music really enchanting and slightly haunting, and this song is no exception.  When I get the time I'm going to learn this as my next song on the piano!

The Old School: Bills, Bills, Bills- Destiny's Child

I am in a time-warp somewhere 1995 and 2004. More than half the space in my iTunes is taken up by songs from my childhood and teenage years, I'm a 90's child, through and through! Although I never listened to Destiny's Child when I was growing up, I am now a huge fan. Bills, Bills, Bills is from their 1999 album The Writing's on the Wall. I'm all for girl power and independence, and the sass of this song is off the scale! You just can't go wrong with 90's pop groups,ever.

The Unexpected: The Good and The Right, Ward Thomas

After hearing this on the radio a couple of times I could feel my feet tapping along, however me being me I missed the title every time! I frantically googled and googled until I found the song in question! I fully expected the singer to be a middle aged American lady (stereotyping at it's best) but was surprised to find that Ward Thomas are 19 year old twins Catherine and Lizzy, from England. I've never really listened to country music, but I can't get enough of this song, it's addictive and you can't help but jig along. I feel like Ward Thomas are going to be very big in the months to come!

And there we are. Are these songs music to your ears or did they hit a bum note?

What are you listening to at the moment, I'd love to know!

Ella.x

April Favourites!

This is a post I've had written since I started, only because throughout this month I have had definite love affairs with various different products! You know some months it's all a bit wishy washy and nothing has your heart...well this month is definitely not one of them! With quite a lot to get through (and my tendency to over ramble being quite apparent) let's get started!

Just a quick note...my camera's have a funny five minutes and isn't working, so have had to resort to the camera on my phone, hopefully you can see past the poor quality when you see how amazing the products are!

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean 3 in 1 Cleanser - £8.00

I actually got this in a lovely gift set from Boots for Christmas 2013, and it was nice to try new products without having to hum and har about whether to buy them. I have forever been a fan of the soap and glory moisturisers,  but hadn't branched out much further. I was a little reluctant to try this due to it being peach smelling (by no means my favourite scent) but I was pleasantly surprised. I use this every evening (as directed on the bottle) and it has been fabulous! The peach smell is noticeable, but by no means over powering, and it's accompanied by a fresh and zingy mint scent.

 A lot skin care products focus on being refreshed in the morning, but after using this I've found how lovely it is to have a real refreshed feeling at night! Being very lucky I've had relatively good skin throughout my teens and early twenties, but recently it's gone a little mental. I use this cleanser, followed by a moisturiser at night, and my skin is baby soft and energised in the mornings, as opposed to the dryness I've been faced with recently. The formula apparently 'melts away make-up', but I still like to take my make-up off first with a wipe, and then use this as more of a wash afterwards. Soap and Glory have redesigned their skin care products recently, and the one available to purchase now has a different design and a slightly improved formula, but I've no reason to believe it won't be just as good as the older version I'm currently using. I can see this being a firm favourite well into the summer months! 

Moroccan Oil Treatment 25ml - £13.45

You know that feeling when you turn up to a lecture late and the lecturer stops mid sentence, and everyone turns their heads as one, and stares at you? Well, that's how I feel discussing this with you guys now! I know, I'm EXTREMELY late on the bandwagon with this, but I have to say, it's worth every single one of those head turns if it means I get to tell you about this! It has been my saviour!

 For someone who is trying to be the next rapunzel and have floor length hair, so avoids having it cut (YES, i know this is bad, no need to tell me) along with having dip dyed ends this oil has been amazing. I put it on the ends of my hair (just to the top of the dipdye) when my hair is wet after washing (about 4 times a week) and it has made such a difference. My ends are less dry and straw like, and much shinier and have more life in them.

I've heard of others putting this throughout their hair, but in all honesty, I'm very lucky in that I don't think my hair needs it all over. It is a little pricey if on a budget, but it will last forever and I would pay a million times over for the amazing things this oil does to my hair! For someone who one once doused their whole head in frying oil (chip, anyone?) I'm just glad I've had a much more positive experience with oils second time round! Come payday, I'm eager to try more products in the range! 

Ghost Deep Night Eau De Toilette 30ml - £24.50

My love affair began with this perfume last year, when one of my house mates (and bestfriend) was always spraying it for nights out. I bugged her (or pecked her head, as she would say) enough about it, that she very kindly bought me one for my birthday, and I have been loving it ever since. 

Despite the name (deep night) and the bottle colour and shape ( a dark, mysterious, blue moon) I'd say this perfume is 100% more of a Spring/Summer fragrance, and I have been loving wearing it more and more as the layers come off and the sunglasses go on! It's a really inviting, deep, exotic scent that draws you in!

I normally don't get on well with eau de toilettes, as in my opinion they never last as long as actual perfume. There is nothing more irritating than the scent disappearing after a couple of hours. Ghost deep night is the exception to this rule, and even after a long, busy day, the aroma is still clearly all over your body and clothing! . I have had much more expensive perfumes (at triple the price) that have no where near as good lasting power as this little beauty.

Sanctuary Spa Hand Lotion 250ml - £4.25

This little gem has been amazing! Being a bit of a clean freak (think constant hand washing, and being a little germ phobic) my poor hands really do suffer, especially in the winter. I first smelt this product in 2012, when I kept getting wafts of it around my house. I couldn't for the life of me understand what it was, until one day I saw my mum putting some hand cream on! After that, I'd always sneak some of hers when she wasn't looking, so much so that this Christmas (2013) she bought me a huge bottle of my own!

The scent is heavenly. It claims to have extracts of shea butter, lotus oil, aloe vera and white tea, but to me it smells lightly of cinnamon and Christmas spices (which I actually normally hate) but I cannot get enough of the stuff! I love that you can really feel it working and sinking into your skin. If you pop it on before bed, you can tell in the morning as you wake up with soft, hydrated hands. It's non greasy and a fairly lightweight formula, leaving no residue after massaging it in.

One bottle easily lasts over 6 months, and I definitely do not use it sparingly! Although it does reminds me of Christmas, I've used it throughout April, and plan on using it all year round!  I used to buy any old cheap hand cream to see me through, but now wouldn't even think of buying another brand! 

Bramblewood Owls Ceramic Travel Mug -(find similar here)

This is a non beauty favourite, but I had to mention it! It seems these cups were everywhere in the shops before Christmas, so I wasn't overly surprised when Father Christmas very generously bought me one in my stocking! I have just a tiny bit of a thing for owls, so the design is just perfect for me! I think the dark grey complements the brighter colours very well, and it's just such a cute design! It is actually meant to keep hot drinks warm (perfect to take to the office) but I haven't actually taken it out the house!

After sitting in the kitchen cupboard for a couple of months, I got it out a few weeks ago, and have been using it ever since! I love using it in the evenings and overnight, I'll fill it with squash and sip it whilst watching a film in bed,then refill with water and have it on my desk just in case I wake up thirsty in the night! I know, I know, a normal cup would do just fine, but it's just too cute! I actually really look forward to my evenings just knowing it's nearly time to use this cup! I am also looking forward to testing it's thermal power when the occasion arises, will let you know how well it holds up! 

As I received this as a gift I'm unsure where it's from, but just a quick google and I've found loads and loads of designs to choose from (and not just owl related), the link above is for just one of the many designs I found! 





So, there we have it, April done and dusted, job's a gooden! Going into May we can look forward to warmer weather, lots of bank holidays and end of the football season creeping ever nearer (praise the lord), but one things for sure, April's beauty favourites definitely won't be sent to the subs bench any time soon!

What's been your favourites for April? Let me know in the comments!

Ella.x

At your finger tips #1 : Zig Zag Nail Art

Hey!

When I started this blog, I had no intention to do branch out onto youtube. I wanted to concentrate on my writing, making constant alterations until I'd got it just so. However, whilst planning some nail art posts last night, I thought it might be more exciting to do a series of tutorials as youtube videos, rather than writing them in a potentially boring step by step list!

So, here is my first nail tutorial, for zig zag nails! I actually popped this on the internet last Summer (when my last attempt at starting a youtube channel failed) however I can't for the life of me remember my login details, and so I can't take it down, or prove it's mine...but I promise, it is! I'll even show you a picture of my sausage fingers if you want...to prove they match the ones in the video!

Zig Zag Nail Art Tutorial

I feel on cloud nine after finally uploading it to youtube...although this blog is beauty, baking and lifestyle based...my first passion is nail art...so it's nice to be able to give it it's own little creative outlet on youtube...a channel exclusively reserved for polished, glittered and glam nails!

I'll still be doing nail related items on my blog, product reviews etc, but would love suggestions for any nail tutorials you'd like to see on youtube! I have a couple already filmed, but welcome more suggestions!

Hope you're just as positive about this little change as I am! Back tomorrow with my April favourites!

Ella.x

Friday Feelings

Hey!

So, today I come to the end of my first week of blogging, and thought it would only be fitting to give a little run down on what I've learnt so far!

1. Writing everyday and making sure it makes sense is HARD...it's a bit like the dreaded last term of University (still catching up on sleep til this day!)...but, the big difference is, I'm writing what I want, when I want, and don't have to write essays on things I'll never need or understand!

2. Write for YOU, and only you! Don't worry whether people like what your writing, or people are reading what your writing. Just write because you enjoy it! It is so nice to be able to write about candles, clothing and cups of tea...just because I can...it's like talking to a friend, knowing they're not even listening, but you don't care...you can just go on, and on, and on!

3. Write the word 'definately' over and over and OVER again, and you'll STILL spell it wrong. By the way, it's definitely...it's just one of those words!

4. Write what you feel! Reviews and feelings don't have to be all positive...no-one is like that in real life! If you don't like something, say. If you prefer other products, say. If you don't agree with other bloggers opinions, say! (But in a respectful and diplomatic way, of course.)

5. Write genuinely! Be who you are! Let your personality shine through. I know this is hard, and I'm still getting to grips with it, but nobody likes a carbon copy of someone else! People will love you for you, your quirks, the love you give and the life you have walked!

6. Who cares if nobody follows you on twitter, bloglovin or instagram? People will either read your blog posts or they won't! Don't beat yourself up about it, don't get obsessed with followers and figures and numbers...be you, write passionately and from the heart, and the rest will follow! Do it for you!

So, there we have it, my first week of blogging done. I'm really glad I decided to give it a go, and am so excited for the weeks to come!

What's the one tip you'd give someone just starting out? I'd love to know, I'm still a novice and need all the help I can get! Let's share the love and help each other :)

Ella.x 

Bloglovin

Hey!

Just a quick one, I now have a bloglovin so follow me on there for updates of my latest goings on! :)

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12168895/?claim=duynn6y6fmv">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Ella.x

Spring Satchels? It's in the bag!

If you see me out and about, 90% of the time I will have a satchel over my shoulder, I just can't get enough of them!! I purchased a lot of mine in 2012/13, and am SO happy to see they are back in the shops for spring and summer 2014 too!

I tend to buy all my satchels from Accessorize, I believe when buying bags you need something that you can rely on for a long time, and Accessorize are yet to disappoint!

So, in honour of my LOVE of a good satchel, I thought I'd share a few favourites from my 2013 collection, along with their new 2014 pieces, which I can't wait to get my hands on!! 

The floral:

I was kindly given this satchel for a birthday present last summer, and fell head over heels for it! I'm a sucker for anything floral, especially accessories, and this ticks all the boxes for me! I love wearing my floral satchel with bold, statement summer dresses and a blazer, or more casually with my favourite jeans, a detailed white top and some ballet flats. I've even been more daring on a few occasions and paired it with some non-floral patterned or printed trousers!

Here is Accessorize's spring/summer 2014 Botanical Richmond Satchel Bagl! With similarities in style to the above satchel, it has a lovely leafy, flowery print in a mix of soft pastel and slightly brighter colours, with gold finishes, and is very fitted and and well built. I also am a massive fan of the buckles, which are actually fastened by poppers, there's something very satisfying about popping the buckles into place, try it, you'll see! I can't I wait to buy this!

Botanical Richmond Satchel Bag

The Striped:

This nautical themed satchel was one I'd seen time and time again and I finally caved in towards the end of Summer 2013! The satchel itelf is slightly bigger than my floral rose one, and a perfect mixture of the softer stripes and brown leather look. To me this satchel screams, sandals, ice cream and lazy days at the beach, perfect for all those summer trips! My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner! I've paired this satchel with  cream and white dresses for those Summer weddings, however for beach trips or popping into town you'll usually find me wearing it with some black leggings, chunky knit cardigans and converse.

Here is a very similar one available now, which I will no doubt be ordering (it's a web exclusive) and adding to my collection some day soon (shush, don't tell anyone!). Almost identical my satchel above, it has a lovely gold clasp and stud detailing, perfectly on trend for 2014!

Stripe Satchel

The leather:

Out of all my satchels this is the one I've been loving the most, it is perfect! Unfortunately, I purchased my first brown, leather satchel in 2012, and after continual use for two years, it's now gone to satchel heaven, so I don't have a picture to show you, but below is the new 2014 Leather Studded Satchel, available now. Slightly pricer than the other two satchel's I've shown, but for real leather it is such a steal! Like the floral satchel there's a front compartment/pocket, perfect for storing your phone, lipstick or other essentials!

The thing I love most about this satchel is it's versatility, I've used mine for job interviews, trips to the supermarket, running errands, coffee with friends, family parties, lectures and in my last job I was using this bag for the office on a daily basis! You can also buy this in a coral, which just happens to be my favourite colour, and perfect for summer I'm really missing my leather satchel and will be popping into Accessorize next time I'm in town to grab this one! The question is, coral or tan?!! 

Leather Studded Satchel

I hope this has given you an insight into some gorgeous, must have satchels for Spring/Summer 2014!

What's your favourite satchel?  Patterned? Leather? Neon? Block Colour? Let me know below! 

Ella.x

Who to watch Wednesday!

Hey everyone!

As I am beginning to settle into this blogging thing, the one thing I keep asking myself is why was I so scared to start?! I've been wanting to start a blog for the longest time, and even have blog post ideas and paragraphs scattered in various notebooks and word documents. 

The love of blogging didn't come from thin air, it came from reading other peoples blogs and watching their youtube videos, and loving the way you can share your passions with others. Before I found blogs/youtube, I had no idea this was even possible.

To give my own little thanks to those blogs and youtubers that helped me see a way to realise my dreams, each week I will give a little shout out and mention to one of my favourites!

This week, as it's my first week of blogging, it seems right to talk about the first ever blogger I found! Anna Saccone! 

Anna Saccone is an Italian-Irish youtuber and blogger, who does lifestyle, fashion, beauty and baby blogs and vlogs. Together with her husband Jonathon Joly they form the Saccone-Jolys, who daily vlog their lives with their little girl Emilia, 6 doggies and their brand new baby boy Eduardo (who I just want to squish and squeeze and love!!!).

Anna's style of blogging is something I adore. It is very simple with lots of pictures, which I think makes it very appealing. Everything she blogs about looks so inviting...each week her 'What I ate Wednesdays' make me so hungry and I LOVE her 'My week in pictures' feature, it is such a lovely snapshot into her life!

Anna comes across as so chatty and down to earth, like a good friend, rather than somebody you've not actually met, and she is also never afraid to speak the truth, a quality I really admire in her.

Two of Anna's main loves are cupcakes (she often does posts on how to bake cupcakes for different occasions), and nail polish. Baking and nail art are two of my favourite passions, and I am constantly re-reading these types of blog post for inspiration! She also does a big mummy section, for any of you out there with little ones, this is definitely worth a read!

Anna has also written a book called 'The Style Diet', which addresses positive body image...is there anything this amazing talented lady can't do?! I haven't read it yet, but have been meaning to for ages...don't worry, it's definitely on my list!

Recently Anna's beautiful sister Erika has also started making youtube videos, she is slightly younger but definitely one to watch!

Here are the links to Anna's blog, her youtube channel and the SacconeJolys daily vlogging channel, I thoroughly recommend you go and check them out!

Anna Saccone:

• www.annasaccone.com/
• www.youtube.com/user/TheStyleDiet

The Saccone-Jolys:

• www.youtube.com/user/LeFloofTV

Hope you all enjoyed this first 'Who to watch Wednesday', I have so many more brilliantly talented bloggers I want to talk about, and can't wait to do this again next week!

Until next time,

Ella.x

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

No calming scene is complete without a candle...whether it's a relaxing bath, a pamper evening, or your snuggled up reading a book. I first started using candles when I was writing my dissertation for University, it was such a tranquil influence when being so stressed about work, and there is something mesmerising about seeing the flame flicker out of the corner of your eye.

I was very familiar with Yankee Candles, but had thought they were only sold in America and were far too expensive to order to England. One day I was buying a birthday gift for a friend when I literally walked into the display of Yankee Candles in Clinton Cards and I was so surprised! I've never been so happy to walk into something in my life! 

I have since found out that Yankee Candles are sold in Clinton Cards, House of Fraser and many independent shops also stock them. I now am constantly buying more, and adding to my collection on a weekly basis! I just can't resist!

The thing I love most about Yankee Candles is the variety of scents you can buy. Whether you like a strong, powerful scent, something lighter, or even a scent inspired by your favourite sweet treat, there will be something you love!

My two favourite candles are Fluffy Towels and Pink Dragon Fruit, albeit they are quite different from each other, they both smell absolutely amazing.

Here is a picture of the first time I bought them both...when trying new scents I always buy the sampler candle first (extremely reasonable at between £1-£2 dependent on where you purchase them from). This way I find you can test the fragrance to see if you like it before you buy a bigger version.

Fluffy Towels to me is a real childhood fragrance. Think of getting out the bath and being wrapped in a fresh warm towel, it's that scent that you could never put your finger on but you could never breathe it in enough. The smell is lovely and takes you right back, it's also fairly light and not too over powering (I find a lot of candles 'too much', sometimes resulting in a headache). It is perfect for the going into Spring, as we are now, and the perfect accompaniment for the change in season, Spring cleaning and fresh starts. I often light fluffy towels when I'm giving my room a really good clean, it motivates me to get everything looking lovely again!

Pink Dragon Fruit packs a real fruity punch. It gives off hints of tropical, exotic lands with a hint of sweetness, without being too perfumed and overpowering. To me this is a summer fragrance, one to use when the sun is shining through the windows, there's a BBQ lit, or on those long summer evenings that you don't want to end. The scent is really long lasting and disperses round the house leaving a lovely fruity smell for hours and hours! I was actually so upset when my sampler ran out that I went out straight away and bought a large jar which has all gone already!!


It was last week, on the hunt for a replacement, that I came across a range I had never seen before called Simply Home by Yankee Candle. I found the range in ASDA and it comprises of fragrances inspired for the home. I'd been looking for a candle that could be used in various rooms of my house so was extremely pleased to find this range. I opted for the Simply Home Sweet Pea scented one, which is a lovely light, flowery scent. I love sweet peas and although I'd say it doesn't really smell like the flowers themselves, it is a gorgeous scent that is perfect for any room. 

The scent is not overly sweet but fresh and airy, and the soft, sky blue colour means the candle lends itself to most colour schemes. The jars of the simply home range are slightly different than the normal Yankee Candle Jars, I think they're more elegant and personally prefer them, and they are slightly less expensive too! Yankee Candles last and last and last, this is the medium jar and it will last me for months, hurray!

I've had so many compliments about this fragrance, I'm in love with it. I wish it could last forever, but I'm also excited to try more of the range too! 

I hope this has inspired you to go candle shopping for some new fragrances this Spring, with Yankee Candle's extensive range, you will definitely find something to suit even the most delicate of noses!

Ella.x

Tea and cucumber sandwiches with the Queen!

Hello my Easter chicks, 

Hands up who's ever popped onto their laptop to google something, message a friend or check their emails...and then 5 hours later realised they've watched 8 episodes of Modern Family, discovered who really let the dogs out and spent hours scrolling through a facebook argument (face it we all do it)...well yesterday was one of those days...but I did find a tag that I've not seen a lot on blogs/youtube..I was going to save it for a rainy day...but reading through the questions I got SO excited to do it (not to mention the fact it IS actually raining)...so here we go...The British Tag!!!

What is your favourite season?

Ok, this is tricky for me...when I was younger I loved Autumn, it was handsdown my favourite season...but, with age grew fickleness and now in Winter I count down the days until Summer, but in Summer I sometimes crave the crisp, frosty mornings and cosy nights...then again, the first sight of blossom on the trees, lambs frolicking in the fields and that first trip out the house without a coat also make my heart bounce... Does that answer your question?!

What is/was your school uniform like?

In primary school, if snot green was your favourite colour then you were in luck...turns out it's not mine and I lived for the Summer term where this was replaced with much nicer pastel green summer dresses and frilly ankle socks! As for high school...it was bright red...think postbox...at least I could be spotted easily in a crowd...

'Scone' or 'Scon'?

I really had to think about this...I think I say scone...the real question is, jam then cream? or cream then jam?

Doctor Who or Sherlock?

Neither...not my cup of tea...I did have a friend with the Surname Holmes, and during high school when somebody said something obvious we'd say "good one Sherlock!"...I only realised a few years ago why she was never best pleased when I said it to her...

What is your favourite British band?

Don't judge me for this one...McFly...I was OBSESSED during my teens...I've queued for 12 hours in the freezing cold to meet them, been to countless shows and went through phases of being sure I was going to marry each of them when I was older... The fact they've now formed with Busted (another one of my childhood favourites) and I haven't got tickets is really quite distressing...

What is your favourite British city?

I love Bristol for shopping and there is something about Cardiff which is just so beautiful...from what little I've seen I also love London but I have a lot more exploring to do there...my University city is also extremely close to my heart aswell.

How's the weather?

Right now? As I mentioned above it's typical British rain...saying that, we have just had a week of wall to wall glorious sunshine...can't complain really, everyone has off days...

How often do you drink tea?

Oooo, I am a newly converted tea drinker and I am obsessed...the day hasn't begun until I've had a cup of tea and made a plan of action...I probably drink around 5/6 cups a day...I honestly don't think I've ever seen my family and friends more shocked than when I started drinking tea, but that's a story for another day..

How do you like your tea?

Strong, very strong...apparently it's called builders tea?!

North or south?

The South benefits from hotter weather (sorry Northerners) BUT people seem to be more friendly up North (sorry Southerners) and I'm actually from smack bang in the middle where we seem to be stuck in a funny sort of inbetween state...but gotta stick up for your roots so I'm going to say middle!

Favourite British actor?

I absolutely LOVE Simon Pegg and Nick Frost...I think they're just hilarious together...I also love Jeremy Irvine...for more superficial reasons...

Bob the builder...

Can he fix it, Bob the builder, yes he can! Scoop, Muck and Dizzy and Roly too, Lofty and Wendy join the crew, Bob and the gang have so much fun, working together to get the job done... enough?! Ok I'll stop. Whatever happened to Bob? Probably enjoying early retirement in a villa in Spain by now...

What do washing machines live longer with?

Calgon!

Marmite- love or hate?

Love, love, love...I eat marmite with EVERYTHING...marmite and cheese toasties being a favourite of mine!

English muffins or crumpets?

Crumpets...eat them with marmite and all...

Sofa or settee? 

Setee...what a funny word...

Dinner or tea?

OK! Here me now! This seems to be a mystery to some people! If the meal in the middle of the day is your main cooked meal then it's dinner, if it's not then it's lunch. If your evening meal is your main cooked meal of the day then that's dinner, if it's not then it's tea. Phew, glad I got that off my chest!

What is your opinion on the royal family?

Harry...yes, Harry...that is all...

Do you own anything with the union jack on it?

A key ring, a cushion...nothing that every other household in Britain doesn't own...

What is your opinion on the BNP?

Trying to think of a mild way to put this.. I don't vote for them, let's put it that way...

Who is your favourite British you tuber?

I have so many!!! Zoe, Louise, Joe, Jack Howard...the list is endless

Have you ever been on the London Eye?

I have...it was ok...but I've not got any desire to go on it again...once you've done it, you've done it...no?

Have you ever been up the Blackpool Tower?

Nope, that's one to add to the list!

Do you think Scotland should have independence?

No...

Who is your favourite Beatle?

Ringo Starr...purely because I like his name...that's enough reason, right?!

Harry Potter or LOTR?

"Your a Wizard Harry", "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live", "Just because you've got the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn't mean we all have" Get the picture!?

What was (or is) your favourite Cbeebies or CBBC programme?

Oh the days where you came in from school and watched Blue Peter followed by Newsround...such an easy life! I watched SO many programmes but two of my faves were definitely Blue Peter and Tracey Beaker!

Have you ever spoken to someone on public transport?

Yeah my friends/family...if you mean strangers...I once struck up a conversation with a stranger across the table about our shared frustration due to lack of phone signal...it died down almost as quickly as it started which lead to an extremely awkward hour and ten minutes...we were packed on the train like sardines so he couldn't even move to escape me...I really don't know what came over me that day...safe to say I haven't done it again since...

Do you know who Barry Scott is?

Cillit Bang and the dirt is gone...and so will you be soon because heareth ends the blog post!

Hope this gave you a little insight into my British ways, what's the most typically British thing you do?! Let me know below!

Lots of love,

Ella.x