Sunday 7 December 2014

My Problem with The Victoria's Secret Show


ELLEN

- bloglovin . twitter . instagram -


Every year , without fail, twitter blows up in a burst of glory, to celebrate the Victorias Secret Angels Show. For those of you who don't know, the show displays the brand's most lavish lingerie ensembles, on the industry's top models. With the most famous music acts ( eg. Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber ) performing alongside these starlet models, the show causes a storm every year. 
However, despite the popularity of this show, I have a huge problem with what the show represents. I feel it is a significant catalyst for young women with low self esteem issues. I was scrolling through my twitter news feed on the day of the show, and these were the tweets I came across : 

  • it's that time of year again when it's the Victoria's Secret fashion show aka when my self esteem is at an all time low
  • victoria's secret fashion show aka every teenaged girls' self esteem plummeting through the floor
  • I'm gonna be that girl that watches the victoria secret fashion show crying wishing I looked like them while eating junk food.
  • Victoria Secret fashion show making me regret all of today's food choices
Seeing these tweets really upset me, that the young women of our generation have to regret their lifestyle choice just because they look up to these Victoria Secret Angels. Notice that each model is a size zero, not a curve in sight, what example does this set to women? It tells girls that this is the perfect size, that this is beauty. Particularly teenage girls, will watch the show and see pictures, and believe that size zero is the size they should aim for. This is a large problem with the fashion world, and although The VS Show claims to be a celebration of beauty, it is rather a vehicle in which to boost low self esteem for young women all around the world. Aside from the promotion of the size zero culture, the show displays women as sexual objects, each model prances on stage, grinning ear to ear, in lingerie, encrusted with diamonds, surely this is objectification? 
Through their choice of models and clothing, Victorias Secret have successfully put across the message that this particular look, is what defines a woman as sexy, powerful and beautiful. 
We must take into account that the models reportedly go on an extreme diet, 72 hours before the show, practically starving themselves, in order to walk down that catwalk. They are also heavily caked in makeup, from head to toe, they have been worked on, is this real, fresh beauty? 
Social media has shown, that teenage girls have expressed their regret of eating certain foods due to the VS Show, this is crazy. But this is the world we live in. What happened to the days when curves, and real beauty was celebrated? 
For as long as the Victorias Secret Show goes on, young women all over the world will feel their self esteem go down, and they will continue to aspire to look like these models.
Its time we realise that we ARE good enough, whatever size we are. 
Let me know your thoughts on the show guys, I'd love to hear your opinions. 
xoxoxo 

Saturday 6 December 2014

My Current Playlist


ELLEN

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As a self confessed Spotify addict, I am always on the lookout for upcoming artists to follow and add to my playlists. I love discovering fresh new musicians, so my current playlist that I'm loving at the moment is full of the freshest new artists around. 
I have had the pleasure of getting involved in interviewing many extremely talented musicians through 'Coffee House Sessions', a set of gigs with up and coming talent playing free gigs at universities all over the UK. Check out the website here : http://www.coffeehousesessions.com

Through Coffee House Sessions, I have discovered so much incredible talent, from country to rock music, I have added so many new tracks to my spotify library. Any music fans who attend university, be sure to check out the link for CHS. 

So here is my current playlist, and all the tracks are available to hear on Youtube, Spotify and iTunes, it  features a wide array of artists, so please enjoy! 


EOIN GLACKIN : 
Pretty Girl 
http://www.eoinglackin.com
I had the absolute pleasure of hearing and interviewing this talented chap, Eoin, hailing from Ireland, he has a beautiful voice and some really inspiring lyrics. Check out his EP now! 


SINEAD HARNETT 

No Other Way
http://sineadharnett.com
Sinead's rich, soulful voice has captured me since I heard her first through Youtube. She has a totally contemporary, vibrant style and I am loving this track.

TALLULAH RENDALL

Black Seagull
http://www.tallulahrendall.com
Tallulah is one of the most gripping performers I've seen. Her unique and bold voice is a killer. A creative and inventive independent artist, Tallulah is one of my current favourites.

THE SHIRES

Nashville Grey Skies
http://www.theshiresmusic.com
The Shires are a country duo hailing from the UK. They are so incredibly talented, and that is why they have created such a buzz from music critics this year. The combination of Ben and Chrissie's beautiful voices is a winner. For country music lovers out there, you have to listen to this track, it is amazing.

ALEXI MURDOCH

Song for You
http://www.aleximurdoch.com
I found Alexi through another blog. His chilled out, alternative sound is perfect for these winter months. I have been so captured by his style of music and would recommend this particular track to everyone.

Thursday 4 December 2014

RECIPE OF THE WEEK : Pearl Couscous, Tomato and Avocado Salad Recipe


ELLEN

- bloglovin . twitter . instagram -

Hi everyone , 
Todays post is a brand new recipe that I found and tried out and I'm really pleased with the outcome. Being at uni I've been trying to look for some easy and healthy recipes to cook in my flat while I'm on the go. This recipe is fast and delicious and its for anyone looking for a light lunch or a simple side dish with dinner, it works for everything. 

Ingredients you'll need : 
Pearl couscous 
Avocado 
Tomatoes on the vine 
1 tbsp olive oil
Sprinkle of rock salt
Ground pepper


Directions : 

  1. Begin by chopping up the avocado and tomatoes into small chunks, chop finely 
  2. Take 1 mug of pearl couscous for a big portion, place into pot of boiled water
  3. Put on low heat for 10-11 minutes until water is fully absorbed. 
  4. Put vegetables on top on pearl couscous, mix together. 
  5. Drizzle some olive oil on top, stir together, with a dash of rock salt and ground pepper. 
  6. Extra tip - for an extra sweet taste, add some sweetcorn. 
Here are some pics of my dish. Hope you all enjoy and send me in your pics if you've tried it out! 















Wednesday 3 December 2014

Exploring Dubrovnik, Croatia


ELLEN

- bloglovin . twitter . instagram -

Hi everyone, if you follow me on social media you will know that in the summer I took a trip to the beautiful Dubrovnik, Croatia. It was magical. I went with my mum for a relaxing girls trip, and we were blown away with the timeless, authentic beauty of the town. 
We stayed at a beautiful hotel, it is very a reasonably priced hotel, called 'Hotel Croatia', based in Cavtat, which is a 30min drive and 45min boat ride from the Old town of Dubrovnik. We were so impressed with the hotel, incredible food, and the views from the pool and restaurants were breathtaking. I would recommend anyone to stay in this hotel , it is ideal for couples and group trips. Staying in Cavtat was the best idea, as Dubrovnik is an extremely busy town, it was great to be relaxed in our hotel and get some peace and quiet. Cavtat boasts incredible views and excellent fish and meat restaurants. If you don't want your accommodation to be in the hustle and bustle of the city, stay in Cavtat. 
The staff at the hotel were so helpful and they guided us with where to go. As for the Old Town of Dubrovnik, I was totally blown away with its stunning views, from the winding streets to rooftop glimpses, the place is a gem.  Must have's in the old town would be to walk the city walls and to do the cable car, you are guaranteed some of the best views you will ever see, and it is priceless. Take walks through the narrow street, exploring the antique shops and tasting the lovely food, and for sure to do a guided walk and learn all about how Dubrovnik suffered through the war. Exploring the city was so much fun, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced, worthwhile trip in the summer. 

Links : 
Hotel Croatia - http://www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com/en/hotel-croatia-dubrovnik-cavtat/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google-places
Guide info http://www.dubrovnik-guide.net/info.htm
The beautiful view from the Hotel restaurant of the Cavtat Port. 

Poolside

Breathtaking view from my sunbed. 

Straight off the boat, and into the Old City



Gelato heaven...




One of Dubrovnik's traditional restaurants

Cavtat port


The Hotel restaurant 


The gorgeous indoor pool

The port again





View from the old city walls











It's been a while ....


ELLEN

- bloglovin . twitter . instagram - 




Hi guys... I'm back! I haven't blogged in forever and it feels so good to get back into the swing of things again! I stopped blogging because I just felt disconnected to the process. I was really unhappy with my blog design, and chose to focus on other things, like writing for other publications and I started to place my focus more on my presenting. Also, I started university and moved to a brand new city so that took up loads of time. But now that I have settled in, I am ready to get back to it and I can't wait! The problem with blogging is that it's so hard to stay committed to it, and it is so easy to let it slip, but not this time. Here's to a new year full of brilliant new posts! Have you taken a huge blog hiatus? I'd love to know? Leave your comments below xo

Friday 28 March 2014

Throwback -1960's

This is my first of a throwback series I'm doing. As you may know from some of my recent posts, I absolutely love the fashion from the sixties. Here are some of my favourite pictures that completely depict the sophisticated and classic styles. 











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