EmmaTaylorMade

Holiday Style

2013-09-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

Portugal Summer 2013

"flower power"
dress - Primark
necklace - ebay
sandals - M&S
sunglasses - H&M

"gaaaah! sans makeup"
bikini - Beyoncé for H&M
sunglasses - Oakley
body chain - Etsy

"Atlantic Swim"
bikini - Primark
sunglasses - River Island

breakfast, the most important meal of the day (IMHO)
green tea with mint
coconut water
ryebread with philadelphia and turkey
0% greek yogurt, strawberries, agave nectar and crumbled rice cake

loved waking up and looking out at the Atlantic Ocean each morning
started the day with a seven mile run before the sun rose fully

"love at sunset"

"lunch with my lover"
dress - Primark
necklace - H&M
Mr ETM:
tshirt - River Island
sunglasses - Oakley

"go bright or go home"
dress - Topshop
necklace - Topshop

"palm trees"
dress - Beyoncé for H&M

"go green"
kaftan - Primark
purse - Louis Vuitton
sunglasses - H&M

"gym and swim"
bikini - Primark
sunglasses - H&M

"column dress"
dress - Primark

"purple summer haze"
dress - Primark
corsage - Accessorize
sunglasses - River Island

"early morning beach run"
top - Puma
skort - Sweaty Betty
headphones - ASOS

Monday Must Have

2013-09-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

This Alice Temperley blouse is simply to die for

http://www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-feather-print-blouse-multi/p619293

You could style it tucked into black capri pants and loafers.

Then when winter sets in style it with a short skater skirt, black tights and a round neck jumper so you just see the collar popping out.

Or for a more casual look wear with rolled up stone wash boyfriend jeans and black heels.

I am slightly obsessed with blouses and shirts, my favourite way to wear them is buttoned right up and with a statement necklace (aka neckswag)

Believe in Yeezus

2013-08-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

Leopard Love

2013-08-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

If in doubt, throw on some leopard print .... shoes, belt, bag, blouse, skirt - whatever, just embrace your inner Bet Lynch!

ELT xo

atlantic-pacific

the blonde salad

happily grey

atlantic-pacific

nicki hilton

gal meets glam

What I Wore This Week

2013-08-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

top - Topshop
skirt - H&M
belt - Warehouse
headband - Primark

top - Topshop
skirt - H&M
headband worn as necklace - Topshop
earrings - Accessorize

top - Topshop
necklace - Zara

top - Topshop
skirt - Primark
necklace - Anna dello Russo for H&M

dress - Oasis
necklace - ebay
shoes - Marks & Spencer

top - Topshop
skirt - Primark
necklace - H&M

the bigger and heavier the neckswag the better (IMHO)

ELT Beauty Product Of The Week

2013-08-08T00:32:00.002-07:00

L'Oreal Hair EverRiche Perfect Elixir

Since going from blonde to brunette the condition of my hair had improved ten fold - it is stronger, bouncier and glossier. Recently I've had an ombre effect hair colour applied, so I am keen to keep the condition of my hair.

I have tried many deep conditioning treatments over the years with varying degrees of success. I find that many of them are so thick that they take forever to fully wash out. Which is why I was drawn to this L'Oreal elixir - it has a light milky texture that you spray/pump out.

I've been using this every other day for two weeks now and I can feel and see a real difference. My hair feels super soft, light and it definitely looks glossier. I would recommend this product for all hair types and colours. It is £6.99 but it was on offer in Boots for £4.99 last week.

Shampoo and condition your hair as normal, then spray a decent amount of the Elixir into your palms and smooth from root to tip and leave on for 5 minutes (or however long it takes you to shave your legs and exfoliate your face!) and rinse.

Have A Happy Hair Day xo

Sweat It Out

2013-07-30T00:51:00.000-07:00

This month I've ramped up the fitness training from three days to five days a week and I've even managed to persuade Mr ELT to hop aboard the fitness train! Four weeks in and we are both feeling way more energised and healthy.

I've been training for two years now and exercise just feels like part of my life, not a chore, but something I look forward to and get a buzz from. Of course there will always be days when I just feel like I cant be bothered, but nine times out of ten I make myself just crack on and do it. And I can promise you this, you never regret a work out.

My trainer Amy Brimelow from Work It Out PT has changed my way of living and my body shape - she is an amazing motivator and I'm proud to now call her one of my best friends. I attend three of her group classes: Monday - Boxing and Tuesday, Thursday - Kettlefit - every session there is at least 20 girls in attendance, week in week out and together we have become a team and I'd say, a force to be reckoned with! Some of the girls have completely transformed their bodies and their self esteem; it is so brilliant to see what were once shy girls keeping themselves to themselves at the back of the class now grunting and lifting 12kg with lean tight abs, arms and thighs to be proud of!

If you live in the North Yorkshire area please check out Amy's website for more details....your body will thank you for it!

http://www.workitoutpt.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WorkItOutPersonalTraining

a couple that trains together stays together :)

I recently purchased a calorie counter watch - I'd highly recommend using one. They act as a great motivator when you can see how many calories you have burnt.

There are loads of different ones available on the internet and in sports shops, I just bought this one from ebay for £5. You input your gender, weight, age and height and it stores these details. Set the timer off when you start exercising then press stop at the end, select the intensity level of training and it will calculate the number of calories you have burnt.

over 1,000 calories burnt in a 60 minute kettlefit session (in 28 degree heat!)

Couples PT Session!

calories burnt after a PT session

beast mode on!!

punching the day in the face in my new Sweaty Betty skort

remember sweat is just fat crying!!

Warm Weather Essentials

2013-07-25T00:45:00.002-07:00

The sun has been a shining this month hasn't it....about blooming time too!

We English roses aren't used to the hot days and balmy nights, and neither is our skin!

These are my top products to use during the English summer (or whilst on your holiday)

NARS eye primer
I literally cannot imagine my life without this magic wand! I have very oily skin and long working days, so I need products that will keep me looking fresh and matt.
Apply this cream to your eyelids before doing your eyes and your eyeshadow and liner will stay in place all day long.
Last week I applied my makeup at 5.30am, then went straight from work to the gym (I didn't have time to take my makeup off...very naughty I know) boxed for an hour in 28 degree heat and my eye makeup did not move an inch. I don't think I could have put the product through its paces anymore than that!

Kleenex shine absorbing sheets
I carry a pack in every handbag. They are little purple sheets that you press onto your skin where ever you look a little shiny and they suck up all the moisture without removing or disturbing your make up and leave you looking fresh and matt. You'll be amazed when you look at the sheet to see just how much oil was on your skin!

Sol De Janeiro coconut cooling spray
This spray smells so good, summer in a bottle. Great for refreshing the skin (face and body) when the temperatures rise. A must have for your beach bag.

Benefit stay flawless primer
There are sooo many primers on the market at the moment, it's almost overwhelming. I've tried quite a few now, but this one works the best for me. It's a chubby stick that you glide over your face (don't rub in) then apply your foundation on top. You can almost feel it drawing into your skin as you put it on. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy, some primers can leave you feeling like you've got a lot of product on your face by the time you've applied them, your foundation, powder and blusher. I'd recommend going to your nearest Benefit counter and having a free makeover, try it out for yourself, see if it suits your skin.

Get Your Tan On

2013-07-25T00:22:00.003-07:00

I have just discovered this false tan, it is sooooo good. And believe me, I've tried many a fake tan in my 12 years of tanning.

This sample tube came free with the June issue of Elle.

It's light weight, absorbs quickly, and is tinted so you can see where you have applied it. Simple to apply for even a false tan novice. Leaves a shimmery effect on the skin. Best applied in an evening and washed off in the morning. So pleased with the overall effect, sunkissed, natural and not a streak to be seen.

I would describe this as an elegant, grown up false tanner.

It comes in Dark and Light....I haven't tried the light, but don't be scared by the word dark, it really doesn't make you "overly brown."

The sample bottle was 58ml and has done 3 full body applications, so the standard bottle of 150ml should do about 10. Available at www.rodial.co.uk for £17.50 with free p and p

Plus if you enter the code ELLE20 at the checkout you will get a 20% discount.

Happy Tanning! xo

ETM on Instagram

2013-03-27T02:25:00.002-07:00

A selection of ensembles from the month of March

Love ETM xo

party time
dress - H&M
necklace - H&M

neck swag
necklace - H&M
shirt - Primark

snowy....again
blouse - Primark
necklace - H&M
skirt - Topshop
bag - Zara

pop your collar
shirt - Zara
bowtie - Topshop

baby it's cold outside
coat - M&S
scarf - Miss Selfridge
bag - River Island
glasses - Urban Outfitters

Sunday Lunch
blouse - Next
necklace - Topshop
trousers - ASOS
shoes - Primark

dinner date
dress - Topshop
jacket - River Island
bag - River Island
necklace - Topshop
watch - Michael Kors
bracelet - Topshop

up close and personal
lipstick - YSL shade 27
necklace - Topshop
blouse - Next

peace
blouse - Topshop
necklace - Topshop

Spicy Chicken Quinoa Bites

2013-03-04T00:10:00.000-08:00

These chicken bites are ideal for lunches, they are both healthy and filling. You can make them on a Sunday and store them in the fridge and they'll keep for upto 4 days (or you could freeze them).

Ingredients
1 cup of cooked quinoa
1 egg
1 onion (finely diced)
1 large chicken breast (cooked and finely chopped / shredded)
1/2 a packet of mozarella cheese (shredded)
1 garlic clove (crushed)
tabasco sauce (as many drops as you like, depending on how spicy you like your food)
pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions
preheat oven to 180 degrees
mix all the ingredients in a bowl together
distribute mixture into greased mini muffin tins (I used silicone bun cases), fill each cup to the top and press down gently to compact
bake in the oven for 25 - 30 minutes

Serve cold as part of your desk lunch or warm with salad for dinner.

Best Dressed at the Oscars 2013

2013-02-25T00:28:00.002-08:00

In my humble opinion these were the best dressed ladies at this year's Oscars.

In Need Of Neon

2013-02-19T00:28:00.001-08:00

Topshop is full to the brim with neon fabulousness at the moment. Buy now to bridge the gap between winter and spring - a bright jumper with black trousers is the perfect transitional look. Neon looks set to stick around for all of 2013, so go bright or go home!

Mini Satchel £18

Knitted Cropped Jumper £30

Lipstick in "Straight Lace" £9

Crop Top £8

Beanie £10

Embellished Top £38

Skater Skirt £16

Tunic Top £25

Obsessed with Zara Home

2013-01-29T04:43:00.000-08:00

I love Zara Home beyond words. They have so many fun, fabulous and kitsch pieces and the prices are really reasonable. It is just full of things that you just would never find in other high street stores.

All you need are a few new accessories to spruce and change up a room - change doesn't have to mean spending a fortune. A couple of well placed bright cushions and a new lamp can make all the difference to the look and feel of a room.

Make your living space unique and stylish and stock up at Zara,;your home will thank you for it.

I adore this gold cutlery set and the intricate detailing
from £5.99

looks like an ashtray - is an ashtray but why not use as a pretty display for your rings. Would look lovely on a dressing table or by your bedside
ashtray £9.99

so 1980's - so fabulous

pineapple lamp £99.99

Mr ETM would love a pair of these
antlers £39.99

I realise that a piece like this is probably an aquired taste. But I think this would look fabulous in the Taylor household, juxtaposed amongst all our shabby chic wooden hearts

crocodile head £29.99

stool £29.99

fish candle £17.99

likely to live/burn longer than an actual goldfish!

you could use this to store your makeup brushes or hair bobbles

wine tumbler £2.99

wine tumbler £3.99

because everyone needs a leopard print tray don't they?!

£17.99

As you have probably gathered, I am obsessed with all things gold. I have been for quite some time now; my wardrobe and jewellery collection is filled with gold pieces. I now want to extend this into our living space. I think white walls and gold accessories can look so chic and luxe.

Monday Motivation

2013-01-28T00:34:00.000-08:00

January is nearly over, your New Year's Resolutions may have already been broken but do not lose sight of the goals you want to achieve this year.

Hold your head up high and keep on going. You can set yourself resolutions / goals throughout the year.

I'm a big believer in baby steps.....aim for one small goal at a time and you are far more likely to reach your destination - be it stoping smoking, getting fit, spending less, cooking more etc. I believe in you - now you just have to be believe in yourself.

Here are some positive and motivational posters and quotes for you.

ETM xo

(all images from pinterest)

That Friday Feeling

2013-01-25T08:18:00.001-08:00

aaah it's good to see you again Friday...have a lovely weekend folks

ETM xo

Storage & Display

2013-01-23T21:58:00.001-08:00

I've done it, I've finally done it! Streamlined my makeup that is.

I was ruthless! Goodbye dried out mascara wand and dubious looking foundation sponge.

Each item was cleaned carefully with baby wipes, it's like I have a bag of new makeup now.

Everything is in reach - either on my dressing table or in the drawers next to it.

I decided to make a feature of some of the items as I felt they were too pretty to be hidden in a drawer.

I used a wooden bottle holder for my brushes and primers. Then I bought a brilliant perspex stand from Amazon for less than £10. It has compartments especially for lipsticks - my YSL collection are very happy in their new home.

This is not only aesthetically pleasing but it also means I know what colours and brushes I have without delving around or buying duplicates because I forgot I already had that eye liner. It saves time as well...every minute extra in a morning is precious!

A place for everything and everything in its place :-)

ETM xo

a plethora of polishes!

2013-01-23T06:13:00.001-08:00

I love nail polish - the brighter and sparklier the better as far as I am concerned.

I enjoy the process of prepping and painting as well as picking out which shade (or shades) to wear - I'm a big fan of coordinating my nails to my outfits.

Here's a selection of ETM nails over the last few months. I hope they will inspire you to and paint talons this eve - remember go bold or go home!!!

A Walk In The Snow

2013-01-22T21:46:00.001-08:00

I donned my wellies and went for a peaceful lunchtime walk in the snow round Valley Gardens.

I've been coming to this park since I was a little girl. My mum used to take me to the swings and we'd play tennis there in the summer.

My boarding school was a two minute walk away, so in my teenage years I often used to escape here for a moments peace and quiet (or to meet a boy!!).

The gardens looked particularly picturesque today in the snow. I really enjoyed wandering around listening to music (on shuffle..always interesting!) and taking photographs.

I even ventured into the deep dark woods in search of the Gruffalo...but he was nowhere to be found today :)

pretty prickles

Peace, Love & Snow

I see blue skies....it's been a while!

snow love :-)

Is that the Gruffalo I hear??

Banana & Vanilla Protein Cake

2013-01-22T00:41:00.001-08:00

Banana & Vanilla Protein Cake

1 ½ cup oats

½ cup vanilla whey protein powder

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

½ cup stevia

¼ cup almond milk (remember to use Blue Diamond)

¼ cup agave nectar

1 large banana

2 egg whites

Topping – 2 tbsp dark chocolate drops

Preheat oven to 180, line cake tray or loaf tin with parchment paper.

Mix oats, protein powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon & stevia

In a separate bowl mix together the almond milk, agave nectar, banana and egg whites.

Mix the two together until all combined. Pour mixture into tray and sprinkle the chocolate drops on top. Bake for 30 minutes.

Remember – Eat Responsibly!!

My Daily Makeup Must Haves

2013-01-21T01:28:00.002-08:00

These are the products that I swear by for my daytime makeup look,

for those of you that are interested :-)

Chanel Soleil Tan - bronzing makeup base.

This is a fantastic bronzing cream, suitable for all skin tones. I apply this with a foundation brush or if I'm wanting to contour, I use my fingers. It gives your skin a lovely sheen without any shimmer, which is ideal for day to day use. The texture is very light and you can build the product up depending on how bronzed you want to look. My lovely, glamorous friend Caroline bought me this for my birthday in May, and I still have plenty left - so I would say a pot will last you a year which works out at very good value for money.

Topshop cream blush - "Head Over Heels"

Since discovering this blusher last year I have stocked up on three more just in case they discontinue it (Topshop makeup shades are always changing and I didn't want to risk not having this in my life!!)

I prefer a cream blush to a powder, I like to blend and I feel that it gives a softer, warmer feel to the skin. For me, I like peachy / orange blushers rather than pinks, they give a more natural "pinched cheeks" look.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - "Pebble"

I have majorly oily skin (my beautician keeps telling me that I'll be thankful for it as I get older; as oily skin stays smoother and younger looking...only time will tell!) so finding a good foundation that suits my skin is really important. This "stay in place" liquid foundation works really well on my skin, it goes on smoothly and feels light.

Nars eyeshadow - "Bali"

To me, eyebrows are so important, they frame your whole face and a good brow can make your face look structured and youthful. I use this eyeshadow to fill in my eyebrows and keep the shape that my beautician creates for me with my monthly HD brow treatment.

Smashbox photo finish oil free primer

I'm all about the primer! This is such an important first step in your makeup routine. A good primer should make your makeup appear smooth and even and hold it all in place throughout the day. My days are so long (I apply my makeup at 6am and take it off at 8pm) that I don't want to be worrying about everything sliding down my face by 3 o'clock! I have tried soooo many primers, for me the Smashbox ones are the best. They have loads to choose from, covering all skin types. Simply smooth (don't rub) the cream over your face before applying your foundation.

Soap & Glory Super Cat liquid liner - black

I bloody love this! The pen has a firm nib; this is what you want to look for in a liquid eyeliner. Soft, brush like liquid liners are no good in my book. A firm pen allows you to confidently draw a straight, even line. Mornings are a rush at the best of times, you don't want to be stressing about un even eyes or wobbly lines. This pen goes on quick and easy and lasts all day.

Lancome Doll Eyes Mascara - black

I like this mascara, but I feel that the name is a tad misleading. Don't buy this thinking that it's going to give you amazing doll like lashes. The wand is a good curved shape, narrower at the end enabling you to get right into the corners of your eyes and you can layer it up and it never seems to clump. This mascara won't be for everyone, it's not going to give you the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes. But for me, this is a good week day mascara.

Nars eyeshadow base

I cannot praise this product enough! As I mentioned I'm an oily gal and as a result I find that after just a couple of hours my eyeshadow wears off and sits in the creases of my lids and my eyeliner slides around - not a good look. This eyeshadow base has put an end to that and I can now go confidently into the day without worrying about my eye makeup moving around my face. It's a cream wand applicator, I dap a splodge on each eyelid and then smooth across the area with my finger.

No 17 hideaway concealer - medium

This is a great, cheap concealer. It has a light liquid consistency that doesn't leave your face feeling caked in makeup. It's good for buliding up layers under your eyes for those really dark circle mornings.

Vaseline - pink bubbly

Surely a must have in every girl's makeup bag. I love to wear lipstick, so it's important that I keep my lips smooth and soft in order for the lipstick to apply evenly.

There we have it; my working week makeup essentials. I'll try to do another post this week with my "night out" makeup essentials.

ETM xo

This Weekend

2013-01-18T07:43:00.004-08:00

This weekend I intend to go for a long walk in the snow (if it actually arrives that is!!) and clean and sort my vast makeup collection. I have so many eyeshadows, lipglosses etc it's quite ridiculous...and there are definitely some clagged up mascara wands in there that need to go!

I know it sounds clichéd but since turning 30 I feel like I've really found my groove ; I know what suits me (and what doesn't!). I've learnt to streamline my makeup and my wardrobe, and as a result I've had a major clothing shake up selling heaps on ebay. Now it's time to turn to my makeup boxes and be ruthless!

I'm going to use these Pinterest pics as inspiration.......

making use of empty candles

attached with magnets

I particularly like the hair bobbles in the glass jar...I have bobble and clips all over the house!

Keyhole Kristen

2013-01-17T00:23:00.003-08:00

I have been hearting Kristen Wiig for a couple of years now. This red carpet moment on Sunday officially sealed my love for the funny girl.

The Michael Kors dress is on just the right side of minx. Then teamed with tousled hair, smokey eyes, delicate clutch box bag, Cartier love bracelet and a banging body (look at those shoulders and arms) she looks red carpet ready indeed. Very Jennifer Aniston-esque don't ya think?

Kristen Wiig - 2013 Golden Globes

Marvellous Marant

2013-01-17T00:15:00.004-08:00

Think Isabel Marant footwear, think wedge trainers - well think again, look at these beauties!

Wear now with thick tights, black shorts and a cream chunky cable knit polo neck.

Then come April, hit Coachella in these bad boys with bare legs, denim cut offs and a baggy vest.

I'm experiencing a serious footwear fetish moment here!

(image from Vogue.com)

A Month Without

2013-01-17T00:07:00.004-08:00

Summer and baring our white bits may feel like an awfully long time away but preparation is key. Slow and steady wins the race...don't leave it til three weeks before your holiday to start a fad diet.

Why not try Lauren Conrad's "a month without" suggestion to help you on your way to being bikini ready.