fashion

A Night at the Spa with Boohoo X Village Hotels | #WEARESS17*

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HEALTH. STRENGTH. POSITIVITY.

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*This is a gifted/ commissioned based post - read my disclaimer here
*Some of the images in this post were taken by the beautiful Sarah

Basically: I'm a sucker for a spa day. If you follow me on instagram, or have me on facebook, then you will know that me and my boyfriend Anthony often like to treat each other to spa days or spa breaks. Both of us live incredibly busy and hectic lifestyles, and our increasingly different work schedules coupled with my blog requiring me to almost constantly be on social media, means we rarely manage to spend any real down time together, so it makes sense that on the rare occasion that we both have a full day off (and trust me, when I say rare this happens maybe once a month?!), we sometimes like to spend that time treating ourselves to some serious relaxation. When you are into fitness as much as we both are, your body can be in a constant achey and tired state, and spa facilities such as jacuzzis and saunas really do go a long way to relieving tired and aching muscles. So when I was invited down to the Village Hotel in Warrington last Thursday to enjoy some spa facilities in brand new Boohoo swimwear, eat some yummy food and partake in an ESPA skin care workshop, I didn't need much persuading!

It was so lovely to meet some other fantastic Manchester based bloggers, and see some old friendly faces that I've met at previous events... Sometimes, when attending an event like this alone I can feel quite anxious beforehand, but I can honestly say this whole group of girls were so lovely and welcoming... within about 5 minutes of our arrival we were gossiping, laughing and sipping on bucks fizz like old friends, before all 8 of us piled into the jacuzzi  (unintentionally scaring off the poor man who was trying to have a quiet relax) and spent some time enjoying the facilities, comparing our Boohoo swimwear choices and chatting all things 'blog'. Exactly one of the reasons I love events like this... sometimes it is so nice to be surrounded with people who share the same passion as you, people who understand exactly how much hard work goes into blogging day in day out! So be sure to check out all their blogs, I will leave links at the bottom of the post!

Next it was time for food, and as the other girls tucked into mini burgers, smoked salmon blinis and other canapés, the Village were quick to supply me with a gorgeous gluten free bowl of roasted veg, sweet potato and cashews which really was delicious! Shortly after, our ESPA skincare workshop began, the part of the event that I was really looking forward to the most. I like to pride myself on the fact that I have always taken good care of my skin. I don't wear make up everyday, as I think it's so important to let my skin breathe, and I always use cleanser and moisturiser before bed. However, the harsh Manchester wind coupled with my love of swimming has left my skin quite chapped and dry recently, so a little TLC was definitely needed.

The ESPA specialist and spa therapist talked us through the use of 5 skin care products, teaching us how to use each one to give ourselves a facial at home, before gifting us with miniature travel versions to take away. My skin felt absolutely divine afterwards, and I would definitely recommend booking in for an ESPA facial if, like me, your skin is taking a hit in the cold weather.

Finally, a blog event would not be complete without an amazing goodybag! This one was filled with ESPA products, a Jessica nails kit, our Boohoo swimwear, some St. Tropez tan and these amazing unicorn (!!!) make up brushes!

Click below for all links to other bloggers and Boohoo/ Village Hotel facilities, and don't forget you can use code BOOHOO10 for 10% off treatments / food and drink at Village Hotels, and BOOHOOXVILLAGESPA20 for 20% off everything at Boohoo!

BOOHOO SWIMWEAR | VILLAGE SPA | FOOD FROM THE VILLAGE | VILLAGE GYM AND POOL FACILITIES

Claire | Sarah | Sabina | Chelsea | Lily | Anna | Irena

Soap and Glory Giveaway and UK Blog Awards*

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HEALTH. STRENGTH. POSITIVITY.

Wow... what another incredible year it's been for Amy Elizabeth! I had no idea when starting my blog nearly three years ago that it would ever get to the level it has now reached. The fact that I have managed to turn my three biggest passions: fashion, fitness and blogging into a platform which thousands of people are now following and regularly reading is really quite humbling. As a thank you, I want to run a big beauty giveaway with thanks to Soap and Glory*

In just short of three years, Amy Elizabeth has been shortlisted for five national blog awards, including actually being awarded Highly Commended in the UK Blog Awards last year - an achievement that I never expected and something I am still incredibly proud of. I know I have hounded you a few* (*a lot) of times about voting for me for various awards, however I must once again ask for your support! Amy Elizabeth is currently on the long list for two 2017 UK Blog Awards- so please, if you have found comfort in my blog and feel like I am worthy of making it on to the shortlist for these awards then I would once again truly appreciate your votes. You can vote by clicking HERE and selecting the first option on the 'category' drop down menu for 'Food and Drink + Lifestyle' which will allow you to vote for my blog in both the long listed categories!

Thank you once again, and good luck with the giveaway!

The Art of Relaxation ft. Lush Bath Bombs

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HEALTH. STRENGTH. POSITIVITY.

Bath time is my favourite time; if I can, I will have a bath every single day, and if you team that bath with a good book, a lovely bath bomb, some candles or a new magazine, there's a good chance I will not surface again for well over an hour... There are usually only two situations that will fully relax me: the gym, or a bath. And when university work piles up, or I'm feeling overwhelmed by everything on my to do list, I love nothing more than taking some time out to really enjoy some 'me time' and practice the art of relaxation. My boyfriend knows how much I cherish my bath times, and equally knows how easily I get stressed out, so look me into Lush in Liverpool the other week and bought me an amazing set of new bath bombs, soaps and powders. My only issue now though is that I adore lush bath bombs so much that I am trying to save them for 'special occasions' or particularly stressful days... a feat that so far is going well but I can't guarantee this willpower will last much longer.

So far I have restrained myself to the use of one bath bomb, the amazing blue intergalactic bath bomb, and it was definitely the most captivating bath bomb I have ever used... (I barely even got any of Harry Potter read because I was so enthralled watching the massive bath bomb fizzle away around me). The only way I can really describe it was by saying I felt like I was sat in the middle of a highly saturated version of Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' painting... the only downside being it took a good few hours to scrub the glitter off my body, but that is a small price to pay.

In a world where we are feeling more and more like we are always on the go, taking time to enjoy some moments in a warm and comforting bath and indulging your body with the luxury of a bath bomb can really go a long way to helping you relax, both physically and mentally...

001. Muscle Ease and Relaxation -
Bathing in warm water, particularly after strenuous exercise or a long day, can really help your muscles to relax, reducing the risk of DOMs (delayed onset of muscle soreness) or aching muscles the next day. Along with this, the removal of excess tension in your muscles will also help to relieve headaches and help you to get a better nights sleep.

 

002. Set the Scene -
I have two main rules when enjoying a long and relaxing bath: 1. no mobile phones in the room, and 2. the bathroom must be tidy. There is no use trying to relax in a warm bath if you are staring at shampoo bottles or dirty towels thrown on the floor... instead, aim to create a peaceful environment as this will really help your mind to destress.

003. Post Bath Relaxation -
After allowing your mind and body to relax in a lovely warm and soapy bath, the last thing you want is to allow your stress or tension to build back up over the course of the evening before you go to sleep. Instead, try and maintain the calm environment you have created for yourself. For me, this involves putting on some fresh pyjamas with a warm dressing gown and settling into bed with a book or catching up on some TV programmes on my laptop. I will try to avoid really brightly lit rooms, and instead turn on fairy lights or bed side lamps so that my eyes remain as relaxed as possible before bedtime.

Leave me a comment below and let me know how you best relax! Happy bathing! 

Long Haul Beauty Saviours with Caudalie*

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HEALTH. STRENGTH. POSITIVITY.

Flying can play absolute havoc with your skin as the limited oxygen means your skin cannot breathe and cleanse itself as efficiently as it normally would, coupled with aeroplane air conditioning which can suck all of the moisture out in an instant, or leave it completely bone dry after hours of exposure. These elements coupled together cause dry and tired looking skin, and no body wants to start their holiday looking dull and dehydrated! Thanks to the lovely team at Caudalie, and their best selling range of Grape Water products, I was able to leave my recent long haul flight 'feeling grape', and was able to kick start my holiday feeling fresh and revived.

One of the greatest things about Caudalie products is their affordability. On a daily basis I use and swear by my Elemis products, however, the hefty price tags certainly add up when using a full skin care range on a daily basis, and the last thing you want to worry about is your expensive products being lost with your case at the airport! Therefore, using a more affordable brand such as Caudalie is perfect for me when travelling, as I feel I am still using great, high quality products without the price tag (the grape water products are priced as cheap as £6)!

One of the products I took away with me was the Vino Perfect Serum Eclat - their anti dark spot radiance serum. The gorgeous glass bottle is the perfect size for popping in your handbag (and at 30ml you are able to take it on the plane in hand luggage too!), and the pipette applicator makes the product super easy to apply when you're in the air, and can even be done from the comfort of your seat. As well as reducing the appearance of dark spots, scars and damage, the serum also helps to even your skin tone and boost radiance, helping to defy that dull looking aeroplane skin.

The benefits of this serum aren't just limited to the flight, however, as you can apply the serum underneath your sun tan cream to help achieve a smooth and even suntan!

Made with 100% organic Grape Water, this mist both tones and moisturised skin simultaneously, leaving the skin refreshed and feeling healthy all day long. Caudalie state that it is enriched with "moisturising polysaccharides and mineral salts", which provide hydration instantly, making this product the perfect flying companion for when you need a quick freshen up. For me, the best thing about this spray is it's soothing properties and ability to really freshen up the skin providing an extra boost of freshness.

Let me know in the comments below what your favourite beauty travel essentials are and whether you've tried any of these products before, and remember you can click any of the banners above to purchase their products for yourself!

Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Day Cream

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I am an incredibly active person: I have an intensive fitness regime and as much as possible try to stick to a healthy and natural diet; I limit refined sugar and try my best to eat foods that are solely made from natural ingredients. Why? Because I want to nourish my body and maintain an active lifestyle that will energise my body and help me to feel as healthy as possible. That's why the Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Day Cream is the perfect product to match all these feelings externally; consisting of two phases to firstly intensively hydrate and nourish the skin and secondly kick start the skin's natural bio-electricity. In simple terms the day cream energises your skin cells leaving your skin healthy and revitalised in the same way all that lovely fresh food helps your body to feel the same.

For years Elemis has been my go to skin care brand, I must own near enough twenty different products from the brand and use them religiously day and night. However, if I'm heading to the gym in the morning I don't have the time to use a number of different products, and therefore wanted to try a more lightweight formula to help my skin feel energised and glowing whilst I was working out. 

The Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Day Cream uses three key ingredients to help maintain optimum skin functionality:
001. Trio of Acids - 'Encourages essential enzymatic functions and boosts the flow of electrons.'
002. Encapsulated Zinc and Copper - 'Both minerals facilitate enzymatic processes relating to cell energy including stimulation of cell growth and DNA replication'
003. Electrolytes - 'To encourage optimum cell health and vitality'

The day cream itself couldn't be easier to apply: use two fingers to push down both sides of the pump releasing both products. Blend these together on the back of your hand before applying to your face and neck area. 

The product slides like silk and leaves my skin feeling nourished and smoother than any other skincare product I have ever tried. The intense hydration properties of the day cream leave your skin practically glowing, meaning I can confidently enter the gym with a completely make up free face and feel fresh and clean and the product really does 'switch your skin back on' as Elemis claim.

I would rate this product a 9.5/10, and TBH it would have been a solid 10 if it wasn't for the slightly hefty price tag of £75. However, price aside the product lives up to every expectation and I will definitely continue to invest and may even break the bank to buy the Night Cream to match.

Let me know your thoughts below!

WIN! A pair of tickets to the #OMYogaShow in Manchester!*

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The OM Yoga Show is coming to Manchester next month, and I have teamed up with them to give away two pairs of tickets to the show! 

'The OM Yoga Show is the perfect introduction to the ancient Indian practice of yoga, renowned for relaxing the body and de-stressing the mind: the perfect counter to today’s modern world. Visitors come to the OM Yoga Show to immerse themselves in a truly yogic atmosphere for the whole weekend. Free open classes provide the opportunity to be inspired by leading teachers; the chance to try something new, or revisit an old favourite. For those looking for a slightly more intense experience, workshops will take place throughout the three days, during which teachers will lead longer sessions. There will be over 100 exhibitors attending, who will be on hand to provide a fantastic range of yoga accessories, clothing, jewellery, super food, retreats and much more.'

To win? All you need to do is complete the entry form below! Good luck!

UK Blog Awards and BIG Beauty Giveaway


What a year last year was! I had no idea when starting my blog that it would ever get to the level it has now reached. The fact that I have managed to turn my three biggest passions: fashion, fitness and blogging into a platform which thousands of people are now following and regularly reading is really quite humbling. As a thank you, I want to run a big beauty giveaway worth over £40!*


In just short of two years, Amy Elizabeth has been shortlisted for four national blog awards - an achievement that I never expected and something I am still incredibly proud of. I know I have hounded you a few* (*a lot) of times about voting for me for various awards, however I must once again ask for your support! Amy Elizabeth is currently on the long list for two 2016 UK Blog Awards- 'Best Lifestyle Blog' and 'Best Health and Social Care Blog' - so please, if you have found comfort in my blog and feel like I am worthy of making it on to the shortlist for these awards then I would once again truly appreciate your votes. You can vote by clicking HERE and selecting the first option on the 'category' drop down menu for 'Lifestyle + Health and Social Care', which will allow you to vote for my blog in both the long listed categories.

Thank you once again, and good luck with the giveaway!

*Giveaway includes: Benefit B.right! Radiant Skincare 6 Piece Set and Rihanna Rogue Perfum gift set.

GIVEAWAY- Win Two Tickets to the Clothes Show Live*


'Welcome to a new era of The Clothes Show, where the line up of brands, boutiques, celebrities and inspirational stage features are more glittering than ever before.'


Amy Elizabeth has teamed up with the clothes show to give you a chance to win two tickets to attend the clothes show on Friday 4th December 2015. The tickets include a dedicated seat in the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre in association with Capital FM, along with the opportunity to shop at over 350 fashion and beauty pop ups, watch non-stop runway shows, attend seminars with fashion experts and receive exclusive style advice. Treat yourself at one of the many bars and cafes and enjoy a luxury beauty treatment in the Pamper Lounge.

To win all you need to do is fill in the rafflecopter form below and vote for Amy Elizabeth to win Best for Fitness in the 2015 Cosmo Blog Awards.