EllieTaylorx
Beauty. Fashion. Travel.
Thursday, 2 April 2020
LIFESTYLE - Yoga.
Because of all what's going on in the world, I'm currently on day 15 of being at home because my work shut. It was day 3 and I was on my third packet of Walkers Sensations Chicken and Thyme crisp when I realised that I needed to put the crisps down and get myself up and moving.
I had always danced from being young and I went to college for preforming arts. I left college at 16 and honestly, never really exercised since. Id been on walks and stuff but never consistently. Ive never been to the gym, can't run.. you get it. So for nearly 10 years, no exercise! I cant even touch my toes... that's how bad this has got, coming from a girl who could do the splits, pull my leg up to the side of my head and most definitely touch my toes.
I decided that why I have all the time to myself in my house, by myself.. that it was time to learn something new, and to be able to touch my toes again. Thats the real reason I wanted to start yoga.
On my third day of yoga when I started getting a little bit more confident and knowing some of the names of the poses I posted a time-lapse on my insta story of me doing yoga in my living room. No mat, just me (in socks) doing yoga on my carpet. I don't know what I expected, but I didn't expect to get so many messages off people asking which videos I was watching and that I was inspiring them to start to learn yoga. Since I posted that first video I posted 4 others and again, messages came through asking me about yoga videos. So thats where this blog post comes in. I cant post 'swipe up' on my insta stories so I thought I'd write a little blog post and link at the bottom all the yoga videos I've been watching.
I will say I have been really enjoying doing yoga. I'm so glad I decided to film myself, even if it is in super fast speed, because I've been able to see a difference in certain moves and even noticing a difference in my muscles, even if it has only been a short amount of time doing it. I'm no professional but since I've had a lot of message regarding videos, I thought that this would be helpful. The list below is in no particular order, just the videos I've done.
I'll more than likely update the list down below each time I do a new video, so if you do the videos below make sure to check back to see if any have been added to the list.
VIDEOS.
1. The first video I started on, and I do this video everyday to start off with - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaoV1PrYft4
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYY8KovKO3M&list=PLKxPGpj8WUwhVNw2sabikezn6z8vYAICH&index=3&t=2s
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGJzZx4H2K4&list=PLKxPGpj8WUwhVNw2sabikezn6z8vYAICH&index=6
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf2mvdkrvVo&list=PLKxPGpj8WUwhVNw2sabikezn6z8vYAICH&index=9
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pKly2JojMw&list=PLKxPGpj8WUwhVNw2sabikezn6z8vYAICH&index=3
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTGmDKRhj8E
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyaM87ecKd0 (this is a 30 day yoga challenge and this is the first video which started today)
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwlSjg6ESdc (day 2 in the 30 day yoga challenge)
Monday, 23 March 2020
FASHION - My Five Most Used Luxury Items.
I have always had a love for designer/luxury items from being young. I used to be subscribed to ELLE magazine when I was 11, that's where I first saw a Chanel Bag and fell in love. I feel like I have quite a strong collection of designer items, which I'm very proud of because I bought every one myself. This post is going to be about my most used luxury items. Hopefully, if you're considering purchasing one of these items it will be helpful to you. I will leave prices of the items now and the price I paid, because if you are thinking of buying one of these items, sometimes it better to buy sooner rather than later because of nasty price increases.
My first, and definitely my most used item is my Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM. I have used this bag everyday since I purchased it. Its my everyday bag, its a big bag which obviously fits quite a lot, which leads to it getting full of rubbish! It really is a great bag, which is probably why you see lots of people who have one. Its canvas (I do think the price is a little crazy for a canvas bag) which makes it very durable. My first day using it I was closing a toilet door and it scraped my bag, which was devastating and it did leave a mark, but you can't even see it any more. I sometimes forget about this if I'm naming my designer bags because its not in the cupboard with them all, its always ready to be chucked over my shoulder.
If I'm not using my Neverfull, I would 9 times out of 10 be reaching for my Celine Nano Luggage. Casual, dressy, my travel bag, to me this bag was worth the hefty price tag after how much use I have gotten out of it. I love carrying it by its top handles and I love the crossbody option for when I need to be hands free. I'd love this bag in nude, its honestly such a great bag and I would 100% recommend this bag to everyone!
Gucci Sneakers. These I have definitely got my moneys worth out of! I love these shoes SO much. So much so, I would repurchase them. They are so comfortable and make any outfit look stylish. I can't even tell you how many times I've worn them! They have been with me to Italy, running around Milan and I wore them in Lisbon also for a long day of exploring. They are leather, so they make your feet sweaty (sorry tmi) just make sure your wearing a little pop sock, that would be the only 'con' of the shoe. I do really really love these shoes and I'm so glad I made the purchase.
Gucci Belt. The medium size in black. I purchased this in February last year and I have wore it so much! It really is a great piece to have. In 2017 I bought the skinny belt in nude which was a nightmare to get hold of, I love that belt also but I've already had so much more wear out of the black one! I love wearing it with dresses, jeans (though the belt loops + the leather on your belt can kinda dint, I just roll the belt up and it will go) It really does spice up a basic outfit, that's why so many people have them!
Valentino Rockstud Sandal 60. I knew I wanted these for a long time before I bought them because I had a bag that matched. I have gotten so much wear out of them, which I knew I would. I got them as my bridesmaid shoes for my brothers wedding, because I didn't want to be in a high heel all day and night, but also knowing I would wear them so much after the wedding. Ive taken them on lots of holidays, they were the only evening shoe I took to Italy with me, so I wore them every night, they came with me to Marrakesh and most recently Dubai. Ive worn them loads in England also. Because of the heel hight they are so versatile. In the 60 in have the nude and I also have the 90 heel hight in black and I would 100% swap them for the 60 if I could! I would own these in every colour if I could. I also purchased the 60 in cream last year. Safe to say I am obsessed this this shoe!
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM, Damier Ebene Canvas - Current price £995 (I paid £710 in 2015)
Celine Nano Luggage - Current Price £1750 (I paid £1550 in 2016)
Gucci Sneakers - Current price £445 (I paid £440 in 2018)
Gucci Belt - Current price £285 (I paid £270 in 2019)
Valentino Rockstud 60 - Current price £670 (no price change from when I bought them in 2018 & 2019)
My first, and definitely my most used item is my Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM. I have used this bag everyday since I purchased it. Its my everyday bag, its a big bag which obviously fits quite a lot, which leads to it getting full of rubbish! It really is a great bag, which is probably why you see lots of people who have one. Its canvas (I do think the price is a little crazy for a canvas bag) which makes it very durable. My first day using it I was closing a toilet door and it scraped my bag, which was devastating and it did leave a mark, but you can't even see it any more. I sometimes forget about this if I'm naming my designer bags because its not in the cupboard with them all, its always ready to be chucked over my shoulder.
If I'm not using my Neverfull, I would 9 times out of 10 be reaching for my Celine Nano Luggage. Casual, dressy, my travel bag, to me this bag was worth the hefty price tag after how much use I have gotten out of it. I love carrying it by its top handles and I love the crossbody option for when I need to be hands free. I'd love this bag in nude, its honestly such a great bag and I would 100% recommend this bag to everyone!
Gucci Sneakers. These I have definitely got my moneys worth out of! I love these shoes SO much. So much so, I would repurchase them. They are so comfortable and make any outfit look stylish. I can't even tell you how many times I've worn them! They have been with me to Italy, running around Milan and I wore them in Lisbon also for a long day of exploring. They are leather, so they make your feet sweaty (sorry tmi) just make sure your wearing a little pop sock, that would be the only 'con' of the shoe. I do really really love these shoes and I'm so glad I made the purchase.
Gucci Belt. The medium size in black. I purchased this in February last year and I have wore it so much! It really is a great piece to have. In 2017 I bought the skinny belt in nude which was a nightmare to get hold of, I love that belt also but I've already had so much more wear out of the black one! I love wearing it with dresses, jeans (though the belt loops + the leather on your belt can kinda dint, I just roll the belt up and it will go) It really does spice up a basic outfit, that's why so many people have them!
Valentino Rockstud Sandal 60. I knew I wanted these for a long time before I bought them because I had a bag that matched. I have gotten so much wear out of them, which I knew I would. I got them as my bridesmaid shoes for my brothers wedding, because I didn't want to be in a high heel all day and night, but also knowing I would wear them so much after the wedding. Ive taken them on lots of holidays, they were the only evening shoe I took to Italy with me, so I wore them every night, they came with me to Marrakesh and most recently Dubai. Ive worn them loads in England also. Because of the heel hight they are so versatile. In the 60 in have the nude and I also have the 90 heel hight in black and I would 100% swap them for the 60 if I could! I would own these in every colour if I could. I also purchased the 60 in cream last year. Safe to say I am obsessed this this shoe!
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM, Damier Ebene Canvas - Current price £995 (I paid £710 in 2015)
Celine Nano Luggage - Current Price £1750 (I paid £1550 in 2016)
Gucci Sneakers - Current price £445 (I paid £440 in 2018)
Gucci Belt - Current price £285 (I paid £270 in 2019)
Valentino Rockstud 60 - Current price £670 (no price change from when I bought them in 2018 & 2019)
Thursday, 26 September 2019
TRAVEL - Paris.
Paris never fails to amaze me. I always fall in love with this city more and more each time I go. This time we had places on our list that we hadn't explored before, so I was looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful city. If you don't know, Paris is my favourite place in the world. This time was my third time going, and honestly I could go every year and not get bored. I love Paris that much I could take someone who's never been before and be able to walk you to all the sights of Paris, without a map! Paris is the only place I've ever been where I feel completely calm and at peace, I can just stroll around my favourite city and not get bored of looking at the beautiful buildings.
Ive stayed in two different hotels in Paris, and I'd 100% recommend both of them. Both have been very close to the Eiffel Tower. The first time I visited Paris I stayed in the Citadines Trocadèro. This hotel is down a gorgeous Parisian side street and has more of an apartment vibe. There is a street that has such a gorgeous Eiffel Tower view (which is one of my favourite photographs I've ever taken in Paris). It's around a 5 minuet walk to the tower and not for from the Arc de Triomphe either. The second hotel I've stayed in twice, The Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel. This hotel is in such a great location, you walk outside the hotel and the Eiffel Tower is right in front of you. It's not even a two minuet walk to the tower. All down the streets there are lots of restaurants, so you don't have to wonder far to find somewhere to eat. This time we explored the side of the tower our hotel was on to find restaurants, because Trocadèro is always so busy and there isn't a lot of choice, and after spending your days exploring the city you want to sit down and eat some good food!
What there is to do? There is lots to do and see in Paris, there are still things that I haven't seen/done yet. My first time, we got taxis to a couple of places because we didn't know our way walking, but our second time we grabbed a map and walked our way from the Eiffel Tower, through the gardens to the Louvre and to Notre Dame. Then our third time we knew our way around without use of any maps.
Eiffel Tower.
There's the many places to view the tower, the most popular one being Trocadèro (first & last pic) which gives amazing views and I would still make the visit up there to view the tower as it gives probably the best view. But it is nice to wonder the streets and find new places and views of the tower (middle pic). Watching the tower sparkle is always at the top of my list, I was sad this year because it only got dark late so only caught the tower sparkling once a night.
From the Eiffel Tower, depending on which side you are on, you can walk all the way to Notre-Dame. On your way you can stop off to see some more of Paris' amazing sights, not to mention just admire the perfect streets. If your like me and love designer/luxury I would 100% recommend walking down Avenue Montaigne, a gorgeous street lined with all the luxury boutiques and the gorgeous Plaza Athene hotel. From Avenue Montaigne you can get to the Champs-Élysées and the stunning Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Its the biggest & tallest triumphal arch in the world and the most famous. Construction started in 1806 and was completed in 1836! If you've never been to Paris before and want to go on the island where the arc is don't try and attempt to cross the road! There is an under ground crossing which brings you to the arc. I'd recommend going over and viewing the arc from close up as it is so beautiful. There is an observation deck at the very top and its been no.1 on my list of things to do in Paris for a while! But each time the weather hasn't been right! I will 100% be making the trip to the top next time I'm there!
The Champs-Élysées. Home to many shops and restaurants, possibly one of the most famous streets in the world. It's 1.9 km (1.2 miles) long and runs between the Place de la Concorde and Place Charles de Gaulle where the arc sits. It's lovely to just walk from one end to the other and admire. On my second trip to Paris we ate at Café di Roma on the Champs and i'd really recommend there! The food was lovely!
Notre-Dame.
One of the worlds most iconic cathedrals. When you think of Paris you will always picture the iconic Notre-Dame bell towers. My first trip to Paris I visited inside the cathedral, that's when you see the true beauty of those huge stained glass windows! We also walked the whole way around the outside and saw the beautiful gardens and the back of the cathedral is just as stunning as the front. This time visiting Notre-Dame was bitter sweet as it was under construction from the heartbreaking fire that took the stunning spire. The only way to view the cathedral this time was from a far. The cathedral is one of the most visited site in Paris, it's gothic architecture is just breathtaking. It took 182 years to complete building!
The Louvre.
Even though I have been to Paris 3 times I've never actually been inside the museum. I would like to go inside one day but for me the outside is stunning. The Louvre Palace is so beautiful, we had a cocktail and a cake at Café Marly which is right at the side of the glass pyramid, you could just sit and people watch for hours! The museum itself is the worlds largest art museum!
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
In between the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, it is a triumphal arc that was built between 1806 - 1808 commemorate Napoleon's military victories. Its much smaller than the Arc de Triomphe, but is still equally beautiful. The Tuileries gardens are beautiful, there are a couple of cafe/restaurants and lots of seating areas and fountains, perfect for relaxing.
Pont Alexandre III.
This is probably to most beautiful bridge ever. Crossing the River Seine, it connects the Champs-Élysées quarter to the Eiffel tower & invalids quarter. The bridges was built between 1896-1900. The bridge is honestly so beautiful. The first time I saw it it was moody grey weather and the River Seine had actually flooded to the point of boats not being able to go under the bridges! Even then in the gloomiest of weathers it was beautiful. But this time, the sun was out the sky was blue and the true beauty of the bridge came out!
Palais Royal.
A first of mine in Paris. Id always seen the black and white striped posts all over instagram and this time I wanted to go and explore. The gardens here are beautiful and id have loved to walked around them more but we had been walking all day and our feet had blistered so our trip here was cut short. It finished construction in 1639. The black and white striped posts are called the Colonnes de Buren which were added into the courtyard is 1986 and were 'highly controversial'. The artist Daniel Buren wanted to create a monument that wouldn't dominate. Now if you search Paris on Pinterest and Instagram you see lots of bloggers and instagrammers posing on these columns (as did I) they do create a cute backdrop for your chic Parisian outfit pics.
Sacré-Cœur.
My first time visiting Sacré-Cœur and my first time in Montmartre. I really wished we had spent more time in Montmartre! This time Sacré-Cœur was on the top of my list of things I wanted to see! As it was my third time in the city and I've only ever seen this beauty from a distance, I wanted to go there and see it. I actually really wanted to go up and look at the views but we didn't get chance to go up, something I will be doing next time (entry is free so the ques are very very long). The Basilica was built in 1875 and completed in 1914, and honestly is so beautiful!
The next few things are places I haven't been but I would really like to visit on my next trip and are popular places in Paris. Theres the famous Moulin Rouge. Famous from the movie where you can go watch a show, located in Montmartre. The Catacombs, ancient man-made underground burial chambers which was built in the 18th century. If you like shopping you could visit Galeries Lafayette, a 10 story department store. A place id love to visit is the Palace of Versailles. Its around a 30 minuet trip out of Paris and is one of the few monarch homes you can fully tour, there's a lot to see/do here so would be a great place to spend the day. For 'one of the best observation points in Paris' (I can't comment because I've never been but would love to go) Montparnasse Tower. On the 56th floor the stunning views of Paris and on the 59th floor there is a Champagne bar open from March-October! There are lots of museums to visit in Paris also, too many to list! But there definitely is something for everyone! id also really like to do a River Cruise down the Seine, a great way to see the beautiful city!
That brings this blog post to and end! I hope if your going to Paris that the post has given you some ideas of places to go and if you have just come on here to have a read I hope it inspires you to go to the stunning city!
Au revoir
x
Ive stayed in two different hotels in Paris, and I'd 100% recommend both of them. Both have been very close to the Eiffel Tower. The first time I visited Paris I stayed in the Citadines Trocadèro. This hotel is down a gorgeous Parisian side street and has more of an apartment vibe. There is a street that has such a gorgeous Eiffel Tower view (which is one of my favourite photographs I've ever taken in Paris). It's around a 5 minuet walk to the tower and not for from the Arc de Triomphe either. The second hotel I've stayed in twice, The Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel. This hotel is in such a great location, you walk outside the hotel and the Eiffel Tower is right in front of you. It's not even a two minuet walk to the tower. All down the streets there are lots of restaurants, so you don't have to wonder far to find somewhere to eat. This time we explored the side of the tower our hotel was on to find restaurants, because Trocadèro is always so busy and there isn't a lot of choice, and after spending your days exploring the city you want to sit down and eat some good food!
What there is to do? There is lots to do and see in Paris, there are still things that I haven't seen/done yet. My first time, we got taxis to a couple of places because we didn't know our way walking, but our second time we grabbed a map and walked our way from the Eiffel Tower, through the gardens to the Louvre and to Notre Dame. Then our third time we knew our way around without use of any maps.
Eiffel Tower.
There's the many places to view the tower, the most popular one being Trocadèro (first & last pic) which gives amazing views and I would still make the visit up there to view the tower as it gives probably the best view. But it is nice to wonder the streets and find new places and views of the tower (middle pic). Watching the tower sparkle is always at the top of my list, I was sad this year because it only got dark late so only caught the tower sparkling once a night.
From the Eiffel Tower, depending on which side you are on, you can walk all the way to Notre-Dame. On your way you can stop off to see some more of Paris' amazing sights, not to mention just admire the perfect streets. If your like me and love designer/luxury I would 100% recommend walking down Avenue Montaigne, a gorgeous street lined with all the luxury boutiques and the gorgeous Plaza Athene hotel. From Avenue Montaigne you can get to the Champs-Élysées and the stunning Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Its the biggest & tallest triumphal arch in the world and the most famous. Construction started in 1806 and was completed in 1836! If you've never been to Paris before and want to go on the island where the arc is don't try and attempt to cross the road! There is an under ground crossing which brings you to the arc. I'd recommend going over and viewing the arc from close up as it is so beautiful. There is an observation deck at the very top and its been no.1 on my list of things to do in Paris for a while! But each time the weather hasn't been right! I will 100% be making the trip to the top next time I'm there!
Notre-Dame.
One of the worlds most iconic cathedrals. When you think of Paris you will always picture the iconic Notre-Dame bell towers. My first trip to Paris I visited inside the cathedral, that's when you see the true beauty of those huge stained glass windows! We also walked the whole way around the outside and saw the beautiful gardens and the back of the cathedral is just as stunning as the front. This time visiting Notre-Dame was bitter sweet as it was under construction from the heartbreaking fire that took the stunning spire. The only way to view the cathedral this time was from a far. The cathedral is one of the most visited site in Paris, it's gothic architecture is just breathtaking. It took 182 years to complete building!
The Louvre.
Even though I have been to Paris 3 times I've never actually been inside the museum. I would like to go inside one day but for me the outside is stunning. The Louvre Palace is so beautiful, we had a cocktail and a cake at Café Marly which is right at the side of the glass pyramid, you could just sit and people watch for hours! The museum itself is the worlds largest art museum!
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
In between the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, it is a triumphal arc that was built between 1806 - 1808 commemorate Napoleon's military victories. Its much smaller than the Arc de Triomphe, but is still equally beautiful. The Tuileries gardens are beautiful, there are a couple of cafe/restaurants and lots of seating areas and fountains, perfect for relaxing.

This is probably to most beautiful bridge ever. Crossing the River Seine, it connects the Champs-Élysées quarter to the Eiffel tower & invalids quarter. The bridges was built between 1896-1900. The bridge is honestly so beautiful. The first time I saw it it was moody grey weather and the River Seine had actually flooded to the point of boats not being able to go under the bridges! Even then in the gloomiest of weathers it was beautiful. But this time, the sun was out the sky was blue and the true beauty of the bridge came out!
Palais Royal.
A first of mine in Paris. Id always seen the black and white striped posts all over instagram and this time I wanted to go and explore. The gardens here are beautiful and id have loved to walked around them more but we had been walking all day and our feet had blistered so our trip here was cut short. It finished construction in 1639. The black and white striped posts are called the Colonnes de Buren which were added into the courtyard is 1986 and were 'highly controversial'. The artist Daniel Buren wanted to create a monument that wouldn't dominate. Now if you search Paris on Pinterest and Instagram you see lots of bloggers and instagrammers posing on these columns (as did I) they do create a cute backdrop for your chic Parisian outfit pics.
Sacré-Cœur.
My first time visiting Sacré-Cœur and my first time in Montmartre. I really wished we had spent more time in Montmartre! This time Sacré-Cœur was on the top of my list of things I wanted to see! As it was my third time in the city and I've only ever seen this beauty from a distance, I wanted to go there and see it. I actually really wanted to go up and look at the views but we didn't get chance to go up, something I will be doing next time (entry is free so the ques are very very long). The Basilica was built in 1875 and completed in 1914, and honestly is so beautiful!
The next few things are places I haven't been but I would really like to visit on my next trip and are popular places in Paris. Theres the famous Moulin Rouge. Famous from the movie where you can go watch a show, located in Montmartre. The Catacombs, ancient man-made underground burial chambers which was built in the 18th century. If you like shopping you could visit Galeries Lafayette, a 10 story department store. A place id love to visit is the Palace of Versailles. Its around a 30 minuet trip out of Paris and is one of the few monarch homes you can fully tour, there's a lot to see/do here so would be a great place to spend the day. For 'one of the best observation points in Paris' (I can't comment because I've never been but would love to go) Montparnasse Tower. On the 56th floor the stunning views of Paris and on the 59th floor there is a Champagne bar open from March-October! There are lots of museums to visit in Paris also, too many to list! But there definitely is something for everyone! id also really like to do a River Cruise down the Seine, a great way to see the beautiful city!
That brings this blog post to and end! I hope if your going to Paris that the post has given you some ideas of places to go and if you have just come on here to have a read I hope it inspires you to go to the stunning city!
Au revoir
x
Wednesday, 31 July 2019
BEAUTY - Summer Skin.
A couple of months back Desi Perkins posted a Youtube video on her new skin routine which didn't include foundation and I loved it! From then on i'd been dying to try it. I am someone who has always wore a full coverage foundation - when Huda Beauty brought out FauxFilter I was ecstatic, and people would always say to me, why do you wear such a full coverage foundation, you don't need it. I didn't wear full coverage because I needed it, I wore it because I liked it, and its what I was used to. Working on a makeup counter I feel like you always had to be full glam because people will judge you off your face. Not to mention the fuller the foundation is, the longer it lasts and I have very oily skin, so for me it was full & matte.
When I saw Desi post the video I wanted to try it. So I went and bought a few bits and then it was actually months later that I actually tried it because my skin was having a lil moment and this makeup look is definitely for when your skin is feeling its best. There is a lot of cream products involved in what I've been putting on my face, which is crazy because like I said I have really oily skin, so I was afraid to wear cream products AND something glowy all over my face.
The product I've been starting with is MAC's P+P Pore Refiner Stick. I use this in all the places my skin gets really oily. The centre of my forehead, around my nose, my cheeks and my chin. Because the products I'm using are all cream and my skin is very oily I want to start off at matte as possible. You could also use a mattifying primer.
The product I use all over my face is the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. I dot the product all over my face then to blend it in I use the Morphe x Jaclyn Hill 'Ride or die' foundation Brush (JH03). This product really does make the skin look amazing, it gives the tiniest amount of coverage and depending on the shade you choose it does give a hint of colour.
For the areas I want a lil coverage (my under eyes blemishes, around my nose etc..) I use the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye. The tiniest bit goes such a long way! For concealer I find the best way to apply it is with a BeautyBlender. I would usually use a beauty blender for my face makeup, ie foundation, but with the Flawless Filter I prefer using a brush. I do use powder to set where I've put the concealer other wise id be a greasy mess in minuets. I use the powder once I've done my skin makeup because I don't want any of the creams clinging to the powder.
From here I bronze. I'd tried using powder bronzer with this look and it does not work.. The base is too sticky and will go patchy. I repurchased the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel - Bronze Universal after having it several years ago and not being the biggest fan of it, I thought it would be the perfect product for this look. This time around I love this product. Ive been using this with the Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Perfect Contour Brush (JH05). If I wasn't going to use the brush for cream bronzer (I only have one, I am thinking of purchasing another) id use it for foundation. I love brushes like this for foundation, they give the most flawless and full coverage look.
Next is blush. I LOVE BLUSH. I have so many its actually ridiculous. But because this whole look is using cream products, I swapped my trusty powder blushes out for a cream. There's two that I'm really loving at the moment. Im usually a bronzy blush kinda gal, but recently I've been enjoying having a more pink/flushed cheek. The first one is one that when I first tried I didn't really like the product, but after trying it a few times I love it! Its the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer in Sinamon. It gives you skin a sun kissed look. Like you've been sat in the sun all day. For when im wanting more of a pinky cheek, im enjoying the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in 14 Soft Pink. Again, such a gorgeous colour. Not too bright, just a hint of pink on the cheeks giving a really healthy flushed look. For blush I use same Morphe x Jaclyn Hill JH05 brush. For the Fenty one I just rub the brush over the product and press/pat it into my skin. For the Max Factor one I tap my brush into the product and again press/tap the product into my skin. Try not to rub any of the products on the skin as this can move the makeup. (I also really love to use what's left on my brush of bronzer/blush and put it on my eyelids so it ties the look together).
Next is highlight. Everyone loves to have glowing, highlighted skin. My OG cream highlighter is the Mac Cream Colour Base in Pearl. For years I would use this under any of my powder highlights for a 'POW' kinda highlight. By themselves they are really beautiful and natural and give a stunning glow. Then I have one that is quite new to me which I've just started to use which is the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand - Spotlight. I always use my fingers for cream highlight, I find it the easiest way for it to be blended into the makeup/skin.
To finish the makeup off I just fill in my brows, put a lil somethin' on my eyes, lashes (optional) and a glossy lip (I'm loving the Fenty Universal gloss) and wala, glowing summer skin! I'm actually shocked at how much I love this makeup look and how much I've worn it, I really enjoy all the products and how they make the skin look.
Next is highlight. Everyone loves to have glowing, highlighted skin. My OG cream highlighter is the Mac Cream Colour Base in Pearl. For years I would use this under any of my powder highlights for a 'POW' kinda highlight. By themselves they are really beautiful and natural and give a stunning glow. Then I have one that is quite new to me which I've just started to use which is the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand - Spotlight. I always use my fingers for cream highlight, I find it the easiest way for it to be blended into the makeup/skin.
To finish the makeup off I just fill in my brows, put a lil somethin' on my eyes, lashes (optional) and a glossy lip (I'm loving the Fenty Universal gloss) and wala, glowing summer skin! I'm actually shocked at how much I love this makeup look and how much I've worn it, I really enjoy all the products and how they make the skin look.
MAC P+P Pore Refiner Stick - https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13825/57813/products/skincare/primers/prep-prime-pore-refiner-stick
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter - https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/hollywood-flawless-filter-shade-2-light
Morphe x Jaclyn Hill JH03 Brush - https://uk.morphe.com/products/jh03-ride-or-die-foundation-brush
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/it-cosmetics-bye-bye-under-eye-concealer-12ml_1046-3005409-S3200300/?previewAttribute=21.0+medium+tan&previewSize=12ml&cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-BEAUTY-_-ITCOSMETICS&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjw-ITqBRB7EiwAZ1c5U4qfGIarfpH_4OwTROFU4J6_eDGJigEbatWRatO0pqvv7Ms_s8dCmxoCuEIQAvD_BwE
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel - https://www.boots.com/chanel-soleil-tan-de-chanel-bronze-universel-bronzing-makeup-base-30ml-10086793
Fenty Match stix - https://www.boots.com/beauty/makeup/face/bronzer/fenty-beauty-match-stix-shimmer-skinstick-10263144
Max Factor Cream Blush - https://www.boots.com/max-factor-miracle-touch-creamy-blusher-10085821
Morphe x Jaclyn Hill JH05 Brush - https://uk.morphe.com/products/jh05-perfect-contour-brush
Mac Cream Colour Base - https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13848/316/products/makeup/face/multi-use/cream-colour-base#!/shade/Pearl
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand - https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/hollywood-beauty-light-wand-highlighter
Mac Cream Colour Base - https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13848/316/products/makeup/face/multi-use/cream-colour-base#!/shade/Pearl
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand - https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/hollywood-beauty-light-wand-highlighter
Monday, 10 June 2019
FASHION - Wardrobe Essentials.
My first is a leather jacket. For years I bought 'pleather' jackets and there's nothing wrong with them, I regret getting rid of my PU one, you never know when you need one. But the amount of time I would wear one, then the amount of money I would spend on them replacing them once they started to crack and peel, it was time to put money into a real leather jacket. For me I can spend lots of money on bags & shoes but when it comes to clothes I don't like spending too much. My mum would always say, you're out wearing a £1000 handbag and you jacket is plastic.. fair point, but I do think you don't need to spend lots of money on your clothes to look stylish and just invest in your accessories. For my first leather jacket, I didn't want to pay the All Saints prices of over £300, so I went to Zara. They had a TRF real leather jacket for under £100, which to me was still a lot but it was the best price i'd found. I ended up getting a size Medium which was still quite tight (for reference I'm a size 8-10) everyone said you need to get your jacket quite tight because the leather will stretch. Well, mine didn't. And not even an exaggeration I HATED that jacket. Which then lead me straight into the arms of All Saints, where I should have gone all along, and I found my lovely leather jacket (ill find it and link it below if your in the market for a new leather jacket). The leather is so soft and you definitely get what you pay for.
My next must have is jeans. One in every wash (maybe that's a little excessive, I have 21 pairs of jeans..). I was very much a black skinny jean wearer, and recently I was experimenting with different colours & washes when it came to denim and even different shapes. I was a die hard Joni gal, and I don't know what made me do it but I found a mid wash ripped boyfriend jean in the sale in Topshop and I was converted. That lead me to getting 3 different colour of boyfriend jeans in H&M and discovering probably my favourite jeans from Stradivarius which turned out to be a straight leg with the most perfect length (5ft 3 me was very excited because I cant usually get jeans from Zara or Stradivarius) and the most perfect wash. I then went on to buy the same style in white and then I loved them that much I decided to get them in the darker wash, but when they came they were completely different to my old ones, the length was far too long for me and they just didn't look right (heartbroken). So I now have jeans in Skinny, Straight Leg & Boyfriend fits in a whole array of washes & colours, Black, Coated Black, Grey, Off White (Ecru), White, Light, Medium, Dark & everything in between wash. I've never really spent more than £40 on a pair of jeans but I do think I could invest in a more expensive black jean as I wear black the most then maybe expand into a light/medium wash. Where would you recommend getting jeans from?
On to the next, a black leather skirt. I am more of a mini skirt wearer, so I'm talking about mini but midi skirts look so chic! I'm using the word 'leather' lightly because I have only recently invested in a real leather skirt and it would be the most expensive item of clothing I own if I didn't get it in the black Friday sales. All of my other mini skirts are not real leather and I love them and I actually wear them more often then I do my real leather one. My real leather one isn't just a plain black a-line mini, its got white stitching and is more fashion forward (I will link it below) so I am on the look out for a fairly priced real leather plain mini skirt that I know I will wear endlessly. Even though I have always owned skirts for years I didn't wear them, I would wear my jeans everyday and I would hate when it would get to hot and I couldn't wear my jeans for work. I have a black skirt from Topshop (not leather) and I only took the label off it last Christmas and I love it! And now I can't find a skirt like that anywhere, my favourite faux leather mini skirt in my collection is again from Stradivarius (linked below). I have been LOVING leather shorts, I have ones from Stradivarius which are more of a baggy fit (I sized up as I didn't want booty shorts) and my others are a paperbag waist from New Look. Because I've been wearing my leather shorts so much, even throughout winter I decided to purchase some real leather shorts from River Island (there was two style I was deciding between I shall like them both below. The are really well priced for real leather) these are becoming a must have in my wardrobe.
A lace cami.. black, white, nude. I love a lace cami. They can be silky, cotton or jersey, a cami with a lace trim can instantly make your outfit look more put together. In the colder months you can wear it under a v neck jumper for that little added detail or alone with jeans and a leather jacket, I personally love a lace cami.
Roll neck/high neck jumpers (thin knit). For the longest time I didn't like anything high neck, roll neck, polo neck, it just wasn't for me. Then I was looking for some basic black items for work and I came across one in Primark and I thought, well ill give it ago, and I loved it! It looks so chic and classy. The Primark one is such good quality and was such an amazing price but I've never been able to find it since. I am now on the hunt for another and in more colours!
Plain & Patterned Blouses. I'm not being very specific because this would just depend on your style. Me personally I love a ruffle blouse and floral print, something that can change your jeans to something more. There's so many different variations and I'm always on the look out for more. I also love a lace/Crochet blouse that you can layer over a strappy basic cami (a must have). I'm going to link down below ones I'm loving as the ones I have in my wardrobe I don't think are available anymore. And if your into something more plain, a cold shoulder blouse is perfect for adding abit more effort to a plain outfit. We all need plenty of options for when we need 'jeans and a nice top'.
A T-Shirt, plain or with a slogan on. I'm a huge sucker for anything 'French' related, a French word, the Eiffel tower, I'm there for it. A basic tee with jeans and a leather jacket is one of the most classic outfits. I love a V neck with layers of necklaces, its a very chic and easy way to look stylish.
There's the obvious Black Dress. Mini, Midi or Maxi whichever suits your style more. I do like a midi dress with some ankle boots. I find because I'm short if I do a midi dress it would have to be a shirt dress or have to have some slits up the sides so the dress didn't take over my body. For a mini dress I can do any. I love a basic jersey swing dress with some over the knee boots, something so plain and simple can look really expensive. A ruffle wrap dress and a lacy dress are other wardrobe staples.
Down below I have linked most things I've mentioned plus some other items. I've only mentioned a few key items because I didn't want it to be too long a read, plus I would have probably ended up listing every item of clothing that I love!
The items would sometimes change depending on seasons, but these items I think would work in a wardrobe all year round. Just adding in different pieces for the different seasons. For example, I love my denim jacket in summer, but I wouldn't be bale to wear it all year round!
Instagram - @ellietaylorrxx
SHOP
All Saints Leather Jacket - https://www.allsaints.com/women/leather/allsaints-balfern-biker/?colour=5&category=25
Jeans - Topshop Jeans https://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jeans-446/black-jamie-jeans-8112464
H&M Jeans - mid wash https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0534357002.html
light wash https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0534357008.html
Stradivarius Faux Leather Mini Skirt - https://www.stradivarius.com/gb/new-collection/clothing/shop-by-product/skirts-%26-pinafore-dresses/view-all/faux-leather-skirt-with-zip-c1020047067p301027939.html?colorId=001
River Island Real Leather Shorts - https://www.riverisland.com/p/black-smart-leather-shorts-730961 (The ones I purchased)
River Island Real Leather Shorts - https://www.riverisland.com/p/black-leather-runner-shorts-730962
Stradivarius Lace Cami - https://www.stradivarius.com/gb/new-collection/clothing/shop-by-product/tops-%26-bodysuits/camisole-top-with-lace-trim-c1020206052p301054491.html?colorId=001
Topshop lace Cami - https://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/camis-vests-6864668/lace-cami-8645558
River Island Lace Blouse - https://www.riverisland.com/p/black-lace-peplum-hem-lace-top-723539
In The Style Blouse - https://www.inthestyle.com/myrol-cream-floral-frill-cold-shoulder-wrap-blouse
H&M Shirt Midi Dress - https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0738202001.html
Boohoo Dress Asos - https://www.asos.com/boohoo/boohoo-basic-scoop-neck-long-sleeve-swing-dress-in-black/prd/8801745?clr=black&SearchQuery=&cid=12936&gridcolumn=4&gridrow=5&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=61
Topshop Tee - https://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jtaime-t-shirt-8718640
Missy Empire Tee - https://www.missyempire.com/lydia-white-spice-girls-graphic-t-shirt
& Other Stories Eiffel Tee - https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/tops/tops-t-shirts/product.cotton-tee-white.0601330007.html
V neck Tee - https://www.zara.com/uk/en/v-neck-t-shirt-p04873270.html
Tuesday, 21 May 2019
TRAVEL - Lisbon, Portugal.
I went to Lisbon in October (2018). I did a poll on Instagram if it was too late to post about my long lost trips of 2018 or if to still post about them, and 100% of the poll said to still post about them. I'm going to post my Lisbon one first even though it was my last trip of 2018 because there's a lot to do in this pretty city.
City breaks that I usually go on in October are cold ones, so going on one where it was 20 degrees really threw a spanner in the works. I was so confused on what to pack because surly it wouldn't be hot like a summer holiday, but being from Manchester 20 degrees is like summer, especially in October.
I begin any city break by getting on my Visit A City app and writing a list of what sights there are to see. There is a lot to do/see in Lisbon, we were there for 3 days, which was plenty. I'd have loved to have done the day trip to Sintra, but it would have been on the day our flight was going home and I'm already and stressful traveller so adding in not being in the same place our flight was, would have sent me over the edge. I really would have loved to seen Sintra, but what makes me feel better is that people say that one day isn't enough there so maybe one day I'll get to go. I would recommend you doing the day trip there if you are in Lisbon for around 3 days but doing it in the middle of your trip.
Pack your walking shoes (comfy trainers) because Lisbon is very hilly. Everyday is leg day when walking around Lisbon. I really enjoyed walking around the city, seeing all the cute little streets and pretty houses/apartments where the locals live.
A little bit of history, on November 1st 1755 there was a huge earthquake, followed by a tsunami. Lisbon was decimated, it almost totally destroyed the city which is seen in lots of the sights around Lisbon, it was one of the deadliest earthquakes in history. Over 90% of the buildings were destroyed from the events.
We stayed in Lisbon Destination Hostel. Now I know, Hostel.. I freaked out because I'm not into hostels but, we had our own room and our OWN bathroom. Honestly, if you are going to Lisbon I really recommend staying here. It was so cheap but its actually a really nice place, it includes breakfast (I had pancakes and Nutella everyday!) and its very central, located in the train station.
What is there to see..
Belém Tower. A defence tower which is a UNESCO site, which was built in 1520. Inside the lower level was used as a prison. A very pretty building.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos. A monument dedicated to the 15th-16th century age of discovery when Portuguese explorers set out to seek New World. It was built in 1939 then it was dismantled and reconstructed in 1960. It's 52 meters high!
Jerónimos Monastery. Such a gorgeous place. Not just on the outside but on the inside also. A UNESCO site. I loved wondering around this building. It really is stunning, inside & out.
Castelo De São Jorge. Saint George's Castle looks down over Lisbon and is a major landmark that can be seen from anywhere in the city. The oldest parts of the castle dates back to the ancient Romans. I remember walking around for quite a while following google maps trying to find the way into the castle!
Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta/Praço do Comercio. The arc was constructed in 1755 following an earthquake in the same year as a celebration of the reconstruction of the city. There is an observation terrace but we couldn't go up it, i'd have loved to though. The Square is gorgeous and when the sun is out the yellow against the blue sky looks amazing!
Panteão Nacional (church of Santa Engrácia). A 17th century church which for years has been used as the burial place for Portugals royals and cultural figures. Its possible to go onto an observation level to get views of the city!
Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral). This is Lisbon's oldest church, construction started in 1147. It has been modified several times and survived many earthquakes.
Santa Justa Lift. Built in 1902, the elevator connects the lower and upper parts of the city. 45 meters high, you can use the elevator just to go up to the rest of the city or go to the top where there is a view point.
Carmo Convent. A place that wasn't on our list of places to see until we got there. A former catholic convent, ruined during the 1755 earthquake and founded in 1389. I was really glad we went here, it's a gorgeous building and at the back is a museum where you can read about the history of the building!
Rossio Square. Our hotel was located just across from the square. It's been one of Lisbon's main squares since the middle ages, it was even the setting of bull fights and executions back in its day of course. There are lots of restaurants around the square, and a street off the square will lead you to the Praço do Comercio.
The Pink Street. This is a tourist attraction, but it is just a street which is actually where all the clubs are. We went in the morning and the floor was still sticky, but it really is a pretty place. We picked up a map and it's pointed out as the pink street! Its just a nice place to get a picture!
Portugal, In particular Belém (a district in Lisbon where the first 3 sights on my list are) is known for Pastel de nana, also known as a Portuguese tart. There is a bakery in Belém (Pastéis de Belém) that always has a line out of the door with tourists waiting to buy these famous pastries! Lisbon is also extremely popular for seafood, which for me is no good as its the one food category that I really do not like, but if your like me don't worry, there are lots more food options! Regarding food, we didn't look up restaurants before we went which would have been a good idea, because spending time walking around when your hungry isn't fun. One meal I had was in Lvso Central (I'm hoping that's what its called. I just had to go on google maps and zoom in to see what restaurants are around the square) I had Tagliatelle Bolognese, and it was amazing!
![]() |
Top L-R. Praço do Comercio, Belém Tower, Carmo Convent. Middle L-R. Rossio Square, View from St. George Castle, Panteão Nacional. Bottom L-R. Pink Street, Lisbon Cathedral, Lisbon Tram. |
I begin any city break by getting on my Visit A City app and writing a list of what sights there are to see. There is a lot to do/see in Lisbon, we were there for 3 days, which was plenty. I'd have loved to have done the day trip to Sintra, but it would have been on the day our flight was going home and I'm already and stressful traveller so adding in not being in the same place our flight was, would have sent me over the edge. I really would have loved to seen Sintra, but what makes me feel better is that people say that one day isn't enough there so maybe one day I'll get to go. I would recommend you doing the day trip there if you are in Lisbon for around 3 days but doing it in the middle of your trip.
Pack your walking shoes (comfy trainers) because Lisbon is very hilly. Everyday is leg day when walking around Lisbon. I really enjoyed walking around the city, seeing all the cute little streets and pretty houses/apartments where the locals live.
A little bit of history, on November 1st 1755 there was a huge earthquake, followed by a tsunami. Lisbon was decimated, it almost totally destroyed the city which is seen in lots of the sights around Lisbon, it was one of the deadliest earthquakes in history. Over 90% of the buildings were destroyed from the events.
We stayed in Lisbon Destination Hostel. Now I know, Hostel.. I freaked out because I'm not into hostels but, we had our own room and our OWN bathroom. Honestly, if you are going to Lisbon I really recommend staying here. It was so cheap but its actually a really nice place, it includes breakfast (I had pancakes and Nutella everyday!) and its very central, located in the train station.
What is there to see..
Belém Tower. A defence tower which is a UNESCO site, which was built in 1520. Inside the lower level was used as a prison. A very pretty building.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos. A monument dedicated to the 15th-16th century age of discovery when Portuguese explorers set out to seek New World. It was built in 1939 then it was dismantled and reconstructed in 1960. It's 52 meters high!
Jerónimos Monastery. Such a gorgeous place. Not just on the outside but on the inside also. A UNESCO site. I loved wondering around this building. It really is stunning, inside & out.
Castelo De São Jorge. Saint George's Castle looks down over Lisbon and is a major landmark that can be seen from anywhere in the city. The oldest parts of the castle dates back to the ancient Romans. I remember walking around for quite a while following google maps trying to find the way into the castle!
Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta/Praço do Comercio. The arc was constructed in 1755 following an earthquake in the same year as a celebration of the reconstruction of the city. There is an observation terrace but we couldn't go up it, i'd have loved to though. The Square is gorgeous and when the sun is out the yellow against the blue sky looks amazing!
Panteão Nacional (church of Santa Engrácia). A 17th century church which for years has been used as the burial place for Portugals royals and cultural figures. Its possible to go onto an observation level to get views of the city!
Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral). This is Lisbon's oldest church, construction started in 1147. It has been modified several times and survived many earthquakes.
Santa Justa Lift. Built in 1902, the elevator connects the lower and upper parts of the city. 45 meters high, you can use the elevator just to go up to the rest of the city or go to the top where there is a view point.
Carmo Convent. A place that wasn't on our list of places to see until we got there. A former catholic convent, ruined during the 1755 earthquake and founded in 1389. I was really glad we went here, it's a gorgeous building and at the back is a museum where you can read about the history of the building!
Rossio Square. Our hotel was located just across from the square. It's been one of Lisbon's main squares since the middle ages, it was even the setting of bull fights and executions back in its day of course. There are lots of restaurants around the square, and a street off the square will lead you to the Praço do Comercio.
The Pink Street. This is a tourist attraction, but it is just a street which is actually where all the clubs are. We went in the morning and the floor was still sticky, but it really is a pretty place. We picked up a map and it's pointed out as the pink street! Its just a nice place to get a picture!
Portugal, In particular Belém (a district in Lisbon where the first 3 sights on my list are) is known for Pastel de nana, also known as a Portuguese tart. There is a bakery in Belém (Pastéis de Belém) that always has a line out of the door with tourists waiting to buy these famous pastries! Lisbon is also extremely popular for seafood, which for me is no good as its the one food category that I really do not like, but if your like me don't worry, there are lots more food options! Regarding food, we didn't look up restaurants before we went which would have been a good idea, because spending time walking around when your hungry isn't fun. One meal I had was in Lvso Central (I'm hoping that's what its called. I just had to go on google maps and zoom in to see what restaurants are around the square) I had Tagliatelle Bolognese, and it was amazing!
Monday, 15 April 2019
TRAVEL - Dubai.
My second trip of this year was to Dubai. A huge contrast to my previous trip which was absolutely freezing. Dubai has always been a place on my list to visit. We didn't go to do the typical Dubai, beach clubs & brunches, we went to see the city. Different to our usual sight seeing trips, Dubai doesn't have a lot of history because as a country it's still quite young, but it has a lot to see with lots of amazing skyscrapers and huge malls. I'm here to tell you what we did, where we stayed and where we ate if you are thinking of going to this gorgeous city.
We flew with Emirates and I was actually looking forward to the flight because I had heard lots of good things. Everyone had told me that you're holiday starts when you get on the plane. I was looking forward to spending the flight watching films and all you can drink Diet Coke. The flight was 6h 30mins going and 7h 30mins coming home.
We stayed at the Atana Hotel, I saw pictures of the hotel when we booked the trip months ago but I has forgotten it's name and what it looked like. I was pleasantly surprised when we got to the hotel. We were staying for 6 nights, the hotel only cost us £250 each including breakfast, so I wasn't expecting anything fancy but like I said I was pleasantly surprised. The room was clean, spacious with a huge bed and from our hotel window you could see the Burj Al Arab. The staff there were so friendly and helpful. Luckily there was a taxi stop (if that's what you call it where all the taxis line up) just at the corner of the road so taxis were super easy to get because you will need to get taxis everywhere. I was told that everything was quite spread out but I wasn't expecting that we would have to get a taxi everywhere.
Let's get into what we did.
The first place we visited and a place that was top on my list was the Miracle Garden. Now if you haven't seen this place on instagram I suggest you go and look at it. It's stunning. The garden is over 72,000 square meters which makes it the worlds largest natural flower garden, featuring over 150 million flowers! The garden is only open from mid November to mid May, so if you're going to Dubai within those months I would highly recommend paying the Miracle Garden a visit. An aeroplane, huge Disney characters, love heart and butterfly archways completely covered in flowers. This was probably my favourite place we visited on the trip! So pretty!
From the miracle garden we got a taxi to Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa.
If you didn't know, the Burj Khalifa is the worlds tallest building, the top floor is 1,918 ft and the tip is 2,722 ft! We were going to pre book our tickets to go up to the Burj Khalifa, but we did end up deciding that we would wait until we get there so we could do it whenever we felt like it. There are three different ticket options which have different prices if your going up during peak time or not. Theres Level 125 & 124 (this is what we chose), Levels 148, 125 & 124, then the lounge which is levels 154, 153 & 152. As I mentioned we did the Levels 125 & 124 because we weren't to fussed about going right to the very top (plus going to the lounge would cost over 600 AED). We had a bit of a fuss trying to get our tickets, we went to the ticket desk to purchase our tickets and they only had the tickets that cost 525 AED (which is the second option I mentioned above), but we looked on the Burj Khalifa website and it said they had availability for the first ticket option, so we went back and she told us that she didn't have any tickets for that one, go to the aquarium they may have some. So we had to go all the way to the aquarium where they finally had some tickets (the story is actually a lot more long winded than that but keeping it to the point). If you go and they tell you they don't have the tickets for floors 124 & 125 go to the aquarium and see if they have any because we only paid around 250 AED for them, you still get the same views just not as high. I would have loved to have gone as high as we could go but its a lot of money just to go up a building, and an extra 200 EAD to go up 10 more floors!
Dubai Mall has over 1,200 shops and in 2011 it was the most visited building in the world. The entrance to the Burj Khalifa is through the mall, there's a Fashion Avenue for all of you designer lovers and there's lots of places to eat. Outside is the Dubai Fountains, we ended up watching these 4 times in one night! The show happens twice an hour, and I really recommend watching this. There are lots of restaurants in the mall the have outdoor seating where you can view the fountains, we watched them in a restaurant and then later we went down to the front and watched them there. You can also watch the fountains from a boat that goes around the pool while the fountain show is going on.
The day after we set out to see the Burj Al Arab, we got a taxi and then walked to Jumeirah Public Beach. Most of the beach fronts are private areas that you would need to go to a beach club or a hotel to get onto. The Burj Al Arab is the 5th tallest hotel in the world. Construction started in 1994 and it opened in December 1999. I would have loved to have gotten a closer view of the Burj Al Arab by going into the Madinat Jumeirah, which is actually a resort with several hotels and lots of restaurants. It was a place on my list to go and see and take a little boat ride around the resort, but we didn't get a chance to do this. You could also get a better view from Shimmers beach club. From the public beach we got a taxi to the Marina. The marina was one of my favourite areas. We were there around lunch time so it was nice and chilled. It was quite quiet when we were there, I can imagine at night its quite lively as there are a lot of bars and restaurants.
The next day we had an early start as we had booked a day trip to Abu Dhabi, if your in Dubai I would definitely recommend going to Abu Dhabi for the day. We had pre booked our trip before we went but you can do it why your there also. We booked through the website
getyourguide, We had an amazing guide, she was very informative and friendly. The main reason we wanted to go to Abu Dhabi was to see the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is one of the most stunning places I have seen. Women are required to wear an abaya, which our tour guide provided for us, and men need to wear long pants and a long sleeve top. The building was completed in 2007. Inside the mosque there is the worlds largest carpet (60,570 sq.ft.). The mosque wasn't the only thing we saw in Abu Dhabi, we went to a museum (Emirates Heritage Village) which showed the history of Abu Dhabi, a view point to see the Presidential Palace and the observation deck on the 74th level of Etihad Towers.
The following day we had booked to go to Aquaventure Waterpark Atlantis. This was our first 'look' at the palm. You obviously can't see the Palm properly unless your looking down from above (we would have loved to do a helicopter but it was fully booked). We spent the day in the waterpark and before we left we had a walk on the beach which looked back to the mainland Dubai with its stunning skyscrapers. I would have loved to have done a boat ride to see Atlantis properly.
Our last day we did the desert safari, which included a camel ride, quad bikes and sand duning. Now, if your get even I tiny bit car sick I do NOT recommend this! It was a cool experience but the sand duning is ok for 10 mins but being thrown around up down and sideways will catch up on you (I was the only person in our car who wasn't sick, which I was so surprised at this because I do get a little travel sick, but I think that may have been down to the fact that I was sat in the front). There are still things that I would have liked to have seen and done but nothing that will keep me up at night.
Moving on to where we ate...
We had a total of 6 nights in Dubai, the first evening when we landed we didn't go out for food as it was late by the time we got to our hotel. The first place we ate was the famous Cheesecake Factory. This was 100% on the list of places to eat! The menu is huge and the portions are HUGE! If you can finish one of their pasta dishes hats off to you because they are double the size of a normal dish! We could have probably shared, but we didn't know how big they were going to be! Even though we didn't finish our meals we had to get a cheesecake! It would be rude not too! We ate at the The Cheesecake Factory in the Mall of the Emirates, which inside has a ski slope which the Cheesecake Factory windows look out to!
The next evening we ate at TGI's. We wanted to eat somewhere with a fountain view so we could see the fountain show and my friend told me that TGI's outdoor area looked out. I am a huge fan of TGI's and pretty much everywhere we go in the world we usually make a stop off there. A head up if your like me and obsessed with TGI's Jack Daniels Sauce/Chicken they don't have it there because there's no alcohol on the menu, which I didn't know until we got there, so I had a pasta but that was really nice!
Next up was another place I had on my list before we went was Barasti. Barasti is actually a beach club/bar so you can go in the day, chill on the beach, drink, swim in the pool. But I always intended on going there for our evening meal. Id heard about it from people I know and then on instagram, seeing the pictures of the marina buildings lit up in the background. We actually went here to eat twice. The first time we went was on a Tuesday evening, it was so chilled and had a relaxed vibe which is what made me want to go back. The second time we ate there was our last night which was a Thursday and it was a lot busier! Most of the tables outside were taken, the music was louder, more people were downstairs and in the pool/pool area, but the food was just as nice. I had actually looked at the menu online before we went. The staff were also so lovely, I think everyone we came across was really friendly.
The last place that was on my list of places to eat was a place called Switch. I was looking on the instagram Dubai story and I saw a video of a dessert with chocolate being poured over it and I decided we were going there! It was such a find in my opinion, if you didn't already know about this place you wouldn't be able to find it. It's in Dubai Mall and it's in the middle of the Timberland shop and the Birkenstock shop, so it's not with all the other food places. We were the only tourists in the restaurant! I think the place is best know for its desserts, but the food was also really yummy! If your looking for places to eat I would really recommend visiting here. We had lunches at normal fast food restaurants, KFC, Burger King and in the Marina we had lunch at Nando's!
That is all for what I did, saw & ate in Dubai! I hope you have found this post helpful if you are going to Dubai and were thinking of places to go and places to eat! I'm someone who likes knowing what I'm doing and of possible places to eat before I go somewhere, it makes it less stressful!
To see more pictures follow my instagram @ellietaylorrxx and I also have a full instagram story highlight of the trip!
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We flew with Emirates and I was actually looking forward to the flight because I had heard lots of good things. Everyone had told me that you're holiday starts when you get on the plane. I was looking forward to spending the flight watching films and all you can drink Diet Coke. The flight was 6h 30mins going and 7h 30mins coming home.
We stayed at the Atana Hotel, I saw pictures of the hotel when we booked the trip months ago but I has forgotten it's name and what it looked like. I was pleasantly surprised when we got to the hotel. We were staying for 6 nights, the hotel only cost us £250 each including breakfast, so I wasn't expecting anything fancy but like I said I was pleasantly surprised. The room was clean, spacious with a huge bed and from our hotel window you could see the Burj Al Arab. The staff there were so friendly and helpful. Luckily there was a taxi stop (if that's what you call it where all the taxis line up) just at the corner of the road so taxis were super easy to get because you will need to get taxis everywhere. I was told that everything was quite spread out but I wasn't expecting that we would have to get a taxi everywhere.
Let's get into what we did.
The first place we visited and a place that was top on my list was the Miracle Garden. Now if you haven't seen this place on instagram I suggest you go and look at it. It's stunning. The garden is over 72,000 square meters which makes it the worlds largest natural flower garden, featuring over 150 million flowers! The garden is only open from mid November to mid May, so if you're going to Dubai within those months I would highly recommend paying the Miracle Garden a visit. An aeroplane, huge Disney characters, love heart and butterfly archways completely covered in flowers. This was probably my favourite place we visited on the trip! So pretty!

If you didn't know, the Burj Khalifa is the worlds tallest building, the top floor is 1,918 ft and the tip is 2,722 ft! We were going to pre book our tickets to go up to the Burj Khalifa, but we did end up deciding that we would wait until we get there so we could do it whenever we felt like it. There are three different ticket options which have different prices if your going up during peak time or not. Theres Level 125 & 124 (this is what we chose), Levels 148, 125 & 124, then the lounge which is levels 154, 153 & 152. As I mentioned we did the Levels 125 & 124 because we weren't to fussed about going right to the very top (plus going to the lounge would cost over 600 AED). We had a bit of a fuss trying to get our tickets, we went to the ticket desk to purchase our tickets and they only had the tickets that cost 525 AED (which is the second option I mentioned above), but we looked on the Burj Khalifa website and it said they had availability for the first ticket option, so we went back and she told us that she didn't have any tickets for that one, go to the aquarium they may have some. So we had to go all the way to the aquarium where they finally had some tickets (the story is actually a lot more long winded than that but keeping it to the point). If you go and they tell you they don't have the tickets for floors 124 & 125 go to the aquarium and see if they have any because we only paid around 250 AED for them, you still get the same views just not as high. I would have loved to have gone as high as we could go but its a lot of money just to go up a building, and an extra 200 EAD to go up 10 more floors!
Dubai Mall has over 1,200 shops and in 2011 it was the most visited building in the world. The entrance to the Burj Khalifa is through the mall, there's a Fashion Avenue for all of you designer lovers and there's lots of places to eat. Outside is the Dubai Fountains, we ended up watching these 4 times in one night! The show happens twice an hour, and I really recommend watching this. There are lots of restaurants in the mall the have outdoor seating where you can view the fountains, we watched them in a restaurant and then later we went down to the front and watched them there. You can also watch the fountains from a boat that goes around the pool while the fountain show is going on.
The day after we set out to see the Burj Al Arab, we got a taxi and then walked to Jumeirah Public Beach. Most of the beach fronts are private areas that you would need to go to a beach club or a hotel to get onto. The Burj Al Arab is the 5th tallest hotel in the world. Construction started in 1994 and it opened in December 1999. I would have loved to have gotten a closer view of the Burj Al Arab by going into the Madinat Jumeirah, which is actually a resort with several hotels and lots of restaurants. It was a place on my list to go and see and take a little boat ride around the resort, but we didn't get a chance to do this. You could also get a better view from Shimmers beach club. From the public beach we got a taxi to the Marina. The marina was one of my favourite areas. We were there around lunch time so it was nice and chilled. It was quite quiet when we were there, I can imagine at night its quite lively as there are a lot of bars and restaurants.
The next day we had an early start as we had booked a day trip to Abu Dhabi, if your in Dubai I would definitely recommend going to Abu Dhabi for the day. We had pre booked our trip before we went but you can do it why your there also. We booked through the website
getyourguide, We had an amazing guide, she was very informative and friendly. The main reason we wanted to go to Abu Dhabi was to see the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is one of the most stunning places I have seen. Women are required to wear an abaya, which our tour guide provided for us, and men need to wear long pants and a long sleeve top. The building was completed in 2007. Inside the mosque there is the worlds largest carpet (60,570 sq.ft.). The mosque wasn't the only thing we saw in Abu Dhabi, we went to a museum (Emirates Heritage Village) which showed the history of Abu Dhabi, a view point to see the Presidential Palace and the observation deck on the 74th level of Etihad Towers.
The following day we had booked to go to Aquaventure Waterpark Atlantis. This was our first 'look' at the palm. You obviously can't see the Palm properly unless your looking down from above (we would have loved to do a helicopter but it was fully booked). We spent the day in the waterpark and before we left we had a walk on the beach which looked back to the mainland Dubai with its stunning skyscrapers. I would have loved to have done a boat ride to see Atlantis properly.
Our last day we did the desert safari, which included a camel ride, quad bikes and sand duning. Now, if your get even I tiny bit car sick I do NOT recommend this! It was a cool experience but the sand duning is ok for 10 mins but being thrown around up down and sideways will catch up on you (I was the only person in our car who wasn't sick, which I was so surprised at this because I do get a little travel sick, but I think that may have been down to the fact that I was sat in the front). There are still things that I would have liked to have seen and done but nothing that will keep me up at night.
Moving on to where we ate...
We had a total of 6 nights in Dubai, the first evening when we landed we didn't go out for food as it was late by the time we got to our hotel. The first place we ate was the famous Cheesecake Factory. This was 100% on the list of places to eat! The menu is huge and the portions are HUGE! If you can finish one of their pasta dishes hats off to you because they are double the size of a normal dish! We could have probably shared, but we didn't know how big they were going to be! Even though we didn't finish our meals we had to get a cheesecake! It would be rude not too! We ate at the The Cheesecake Factory in the Mall of the Emirates, which inside has a ski slope which the Cheesecake Factory windows look out to!
The next evening we ate at TGI's. We wanted to eat somewhere with a fountain view so we could see the fountain show and my friend told me that TGI's outdoor area looked out. I am a huge fan of TGI's and pretty much everywhere we go in the world we usually make a stop off there. A head up if your like me and obsessed with TGI's Jack Daniels Sauce/Chicken they don't have it there because there's no alcohol on the menu, which I didn't know until we got there, so I had a pasta but that was really nice!
Next up was another place I had on my list before we went was Barasti. Barasti is actually a beach club/bar so you can go in the day, chill on the beach, drink, swim in the pool. But I always intended on going there for our evening meal. Id heard about it from people I know and then on instagram, seeing the pictures of the marina buildings lit up in the background. We actually went here to eat twice. The first time we went was on a Tuesday evening, it was so chilled and had a relaxed vibe which is what made me want to go back. The second time we ate there was our last night which was a Thursday and it was a lot busier! Most of the tables outside were taken, the music was louder, more people were downstairs and in the pool/pool area, but the food was just as nice. I had actually looked at the menu online before we went. The staff were also so lovely, I think everyone we came across was really friendly.
The last place that was on my list of places to eat was a place called Switch. I was looking on the instagram Dubai story and I saw a video of a dessert with chocolate being poured over it and I decided we were going there! It was such a find in my opinion, if you didn't already know about this place you wouldn't be able to find it. It's in Dubai Mall and it's in the middle of the Timberland shop and the Birkenstock shop, so it's not with all the other food places. We were the only tourists in the restaurant! I think the place is best know for its desserts, but the food was also really yummy! If your looking for places to eat I would really recommend visiting here. We had lunches at normal fast food restaurants, KFC, Burger King and in the Marina we had lunch at Nando's!
That is all for what I did, saw & ate in Dubai! I hope you have found this post helpful if you are going to Dubai and were thinking of places to go and places to eat! I'm someone who likes knowing what I'm doing and of possible places to eat before I go somewhere, it makes it less stressful!
To see more pictures follow my instagram @ellietaylorrxx and I also have a full instagram story highlight of the trip!
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