Ellie Russell

Welcome to my silly life.

Monday, 5 March 2018

Surviving Wedding Planning: My tips so far...


Hello my beauties! Oh how long its been since I've done anything on my blog..I am ever so sorry! I have just been mighty busy!
As you all know, or have seen from my previous blogs, I am getting married! And on this day it is exactly 102 days until the big day! How the bloody hell has that happened?! It literally only seems like yesterday I got engaged and wrote about it!!!
We have pretty much got all the big things sorted (important) its now just the last few bits and bobs here and there that we need to finish off. I'm not going to say that it has all been a walk in the park. I know everyone says it, and until now I didn't really believe it, but planning a wedding is one of the hardest things I've ever done! Don't get me wrong it has been a team effort, however, again, as you all know Darren works away a lot of the time, so now and again I have been doing this blind without him which has been ever harder.
Look at me, I'm speaking like the wedding is tomorrow, I've still got 102 days, 2 hours and 43 minutes, and still a bit to do.
So this is when I thought it would be a perfect time to get writing again! I want to give you all future brides and grooms some of my tips on how to survive the wedding planning without going completely insane! So lets get started:

Buy yourself a planning book
This is the first thing I did, I went into Sainsburys and bought myself a lovely notebook with 'Dream Big' written on it..of course. I wrote loads of notes about the ideas I liked, doing budgets around things. Every time we have booked something or paid for something for the wedding I write it in the book, this is just so then I can always look back on what progress we have got so far.

Pinterest
Download this app. This is almost like a planning book but on your phone. It's brilliant! Although everything always looks so perfect on there..so please don't put all your hopes that your wedding will look exactly like that..unless your willing to splash the cash then go wild!!

Take your time
Me and Darren got engaged May 2016 and set the date for June 2018. The main reason we were doing it in 2 years because my big brother was getting married in November 2017 and he lives in Australia..so we had to pay for that. But that was amazing!
So if I'm honest having 2 years to plan was the best thing if I'm honest..we had plenty of time. We booked a lot of things really early on and then had time to save for all the things we wanted, planning it early on really kept to keep stress levels down. You only get to plan your wedding once, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to really enjoy it and not rushing round stressing!

Take it one step at a time
You know you'll have a to-do list longer than yourself. Just always make sure you do one task at a time. But once you've booked the date and the venue, things will start to fall into place. Think about the most important things to you- whether its the photographer, dress, florist, cake etc, work on those next, but do it one at a time rather than all at once, because thats when it will feel like its falling on top of you.

Work together
Sometimes it seems like your partner in crime isn't really interested in wedding planning, or doesn't take it seriously. Don't get me wrong me and Darren have had this discussion maaaaaaannnnyyy times. Trying to talk to them about the different flowers and flower arrangements..its like an alien language to them. But don't get frustrated, just keep trying. After all its their wedding as much as it is yours, work together as a team. Always remember why your doing this in the first place.

Make Wedding appointments fun!
Cake tasting, food tasting, venue tours, trying on wedding dresses. Need I say more? I noticed most of those were food related..but lets face it..those are the best bits!

Accept it..you can't please everyone
This is something I am still finding hard to do. All my life I have been and always will be a people pleaser, sometimes its a weakness of mine and this has shown during our wedding planning and made me quite stressed. But honestly, you can't please everyone. It's just not possible. You can't make everyone happy, and trying to accommodate others will just make the whole process more daunting. This day is about YOU and YOUR PARTNER. It really is the only day you will get that chance.

Don't be afraid to ask
Your wedding vendors should be your go-to, most trusted experts during this planning process. When planning with them, its your time to really explore what it is you want. Again, I have been having trouble processing this..I've always been someone who helps others and please others. So for someone to do it for me..I haven't got use to it yet, and have been quite shy through some of it. But with pretty much all of them, they have been soooo unbelievably helpful. Especially our photographer, he has given us some times and some recommendations because he has done so many weddings!

Finding your perfect dress
This is a moment you have been dreaming about since you were little. I know I did. I even use to own this plastic 'The little mermaid' veil that I wore probably everyday for a few years when I was about 6 years old...and I know my mum will be reading this laughing..remembering it! So the moment your trying wedding dresses is the moment you've been waiting for a long time. So..enjoy..every..minute. I know your stressing of finding 'the one' but please just enjoy it..your playing dress up in the most beautiful dresses that you will only ever do once.
When you find it..trust me you'll know. I know everyone says that but its true, you will get that feeling. A feeling that no bride can explain because every bride is different. Some brides will cry, some will just be super happy and excited, but when you know you know. I sure did..I cried like a baby when I found mine!

Set yourself a budget
This is very important, if you know you have a budget that you want to stick to, there are so many ways to save on money. Even little things like, doing things yourselves. You don't always have to rely on your vendor to provide every little thing..because that will come to a price sometimes. So pop down to places like Hobbycraft, The Range where you can buy/make things yourself..especially if you want to make some things for the wedding, it will be a lot more fun and meaningful.


So there! They are jus some tips from me that I wanted to share with you all. I still have a few months left and I might even write another one closer to the date. I can't tell you how excited I am!!
If you enjoyed this, and would like to read more about the wedding or wedding planner then please let me know!

S'laters!
Ellie
xx






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Tuesday, 4 July 2017

The Mummy- Movie review! No spoilers!


Can I just start off by apologising for being so neglectful! Life has just been super busy at the moment, but I'm back (literally just from the cinema) so here is my review on this movie.


The Mummy! And is also like the 8th version of this? I'm not sure, theres a lot though. And yet again an evil dead creature about 5,000 years old thats roaming the earth..and another sandstorm with a face in it..which was pretty cool.
However this is the first chapter of Universal realising their 'Dark Universe' which is their cinematic universe of monsters. That's The Mummy, Dracula, The Invisible Man, Jekll & Hyde etc. I'm super excited..love my monsters!
So Tom Cruise plays Nick Morton, this sort of solider but is really a looter. You also have Annabelle Wallis playing Jenny Halsey, and they team up to solve this old mystery surrounding a mummy played by Sofia Boutella. YES! A female, badass mummy for once. I mean I know you had Anck Su Namum in the 1999 movie, but it was aaaaaaaall about Imhotep. Ah Imhotep..my guilty pleasure.
So when I walked into the cinema tonight, I had no idea what to expect, the trailer didn't really impress me. When I left I though 'ermm, yeah it was fine.'
The beginning, it had some really cool things, it started off quite well I thought, the production design was excellent. However I think the thing that let it down, was the screenplay.
I walked out of the cinema and thought, even though Tom Cruise was good and you could see how dedicate to the role he was, as he is with every role he plays, I left feeling that I didn't think Tom was right for that role. I had no idea why I thought that because, even though he is best known for his action, and doing his own stunts in things like 'Mission Impossible', 'Edge of Tomorrow', 'Minority report' etc, he still is also known for being amazing at other roles. 'Interview with the vampire' for example which is one of my favourite movies, so it isn't anything Tom did wrong in this movie, its the screenplays fault. This film has no real emotional direction. Some scenes can be really entertaining, but as a whole its really crumbly, and it is defiantly down to that screenplay.
There were action sequences in this movie that were really good, then all of a sudden they would let in a joke from time to time in this, which I thought didn't really work. It was almost like they were trying to be a bit like the 1999 'The Mummy' and how Brendan Fraser was in that, and also with John Hannah, and it didn't quite fit in I thought. It's super serious until it's super not.
This movie also had this thing where it had to explain what was going on..ALOT. The setup was fine because it explains what happened thousands of years ago, this is why this mummy lady is evil. However someone else would stop and be like 'this, this this this, happened..I think this is why this, this, this, this happened' It's a lot of explanation. When characters do that, they are telling the other character..but really they are telling you..the audience.
Russell Crowe is also in it. I won't tell you who he plays, because I actually didn't know. He, for myself, was one of the brighter spots of this movie. He played this character really well I thought, and in when he has scenes with Tom Cruise, these two heavyweight actors together..it was a lot of fun to watch.
Annabelle Wallis playing Jenny..ah. Honestly? She was just the damsel in distress, all the time. She was a useless character is such a big budget movie..and I haven't seen that in a while. She doesn't really bring anything, she doesn't really solve anything. She may known some locations to go to from time to time..but thats about it. This was another disappointment.
The ending aswell...it was meant to be a build up for the upcoming movies they have in store for us in the future..and even that didn't do it for me.


Overall, this movie does have some fun sequences and a lot of great action moments, however the screenplay by far is what has let this movie down. I also honestly feel they made a slight mistake is Universal went big budget when films like these should be gothic horror.
So I will give this movie 4/10, please let me know what you thought of the film, and if your looking forward to what they will be bringing in the future!

S'laters!
Ellie
xx
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Monday, 27 February 2017

Hacksaw Ridge - Movie Review! No spoilers!



Guess whose back!! No not me with another movie review..I'm on about Mel Gibson. He's back, and oh boy he came back with a bang! Well..several explosions.

WOW! What an incredibly inspiring film this is. I'm writing this review after the second time of seeing this, because the first time just wasn't enough..that and because I went to see a late showing the first time and was too tired to write a review about it and I don't like to do the next day it if its not fresh in my mind.
This film is amazing, I can't express my love enough for this film. The story about it, the TRUE STORY about it, that a young man, Desmond Doss, did what he did, is so inspirational.
I love that 'movie makers' find stories such as this, where the majority of the population have never heard about the story until now, and thats me included! And they make films so they can share these brave, incredible stories about their lives and what incredible things that they accomplished.
The film starts off before the big battles scenes, the majority of it, is getting to know Desmond and his life just before he goes to war, this is including learning about his religious belief as a Seventh- day Adventist.
As the story carries on, you see him go through some terrible things, even before he goes to battle. To know that this man stuck to what he believed in, no matter how hard things got, no matter what people and life were throwing at him, he never stopped staying true to himself and his beliefs which I watched in awe.
I don't have anything negative to say about any of the actors in this film, they all did such an amazing job.
Andrew Garfield played Desmond Doss, he was nominated for an oscar for this role. Enough said. He played this man so amazingly well, and you really truly believed he is Desmond. He has these looks in his eyes that just draw you in. He is sooooo good at being optimistic, that you really cheer him on and hope that he does well.
Hugo Weaving plays his dad, he's known for his previous roles such as Agent Smith or Elrond, so to see him in this role has totally changed my prospective on him forever. This may sound awful but I think he moved me, more than any other character in this film. There are times where you really don't like him and then other times where you just want to hug him, because he is just this broken man who just deep down wants the best for his sons, but not to go through and see the things he did when he fought it World War 1. I was pretty gutted he wasn't nominated for an oscar as a supporting role, but that may be because he's not in it for long enough, but any way..Academy Awards..Im a little disappointed.
I also want to mention Vince Vaughn, he really surprised me in this, because in his previous films I feel like he is just Vince Vaughn in every comedic role he played. Not in this, he plays the drill sergeant..he still has funny moments but in such a different way. I looooove that Vince took on this role, it was a totally different side to him. It reminded me of David Schwimmer in 'Band of brothers' you think 'oh hey your Ross...oh holy shit your not always Ross'
So I encourage Vince to do more roles like this, and not always the comedic roles because he is really good!
Then the battle scenes! For a while you forget that it was Mel Gibson who directed this film, and then the first battle scene happens and your just sat there like 'oh yeah! This is a Mel Gibson war movie..holy moly where did that come from?! It is going doooooown!' It just hits you like a train, which has a fantastic affect. They are so brutal and so terrifying realistic. Oh Mel..how I've missed you!
I haven't watched a war battle scene this amazing, since watching for the first time the beginning to 'Saving Private Ryan'
I read a review the other day which mentioned that they thought this movie was pushing Christianity onto people, which I disagree completely! This movie is about a man who had such strong beliefs and it depicts his struggle to maintain them, the film doesn't tell YOU that you should have the same beliefs, it just shows the story about this one man and his beliefs.

Overall I am going to give this film a 10/10! It left me with a few tears, and affected me deeply. I haven't had a film make me feel anything like this for a looooooong time.
Let me know what you thought of this film!

S'laters!

Ellie
xx
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Wednesday, 1 February 2017

Valentines Day makeup



So Valentines Day is just around the corner! So whether your going out for a romantic meal with your partner or spending it with your friends celebrating that your all single pringles, this look is perfect for both.










I don't know about you, but when I think of Valentines Day, the colours that come to my mind are red and pink. So my blush that I normally use, I did add more than usual (obviously not too much that you look like a clown!)
I also used a couple of different eye shadow palettes. I started by using one of my Estee Lauder palette.














 I start by applying this shade, which is called 'Nude Fresco' on the crease of my eye lids, and blend it with my blending brush.



 I then I apply this colour, 'Tranquil Moon' on top of the previous colour, and..you got it..blend.



 I then move onto this beautiful Maybelline 'The blush nudes' eye shadow palette. This palette have some beautiful light eyeshadows, mostly pinks, if you want to go for a more natural look.



 I apply this colour, which sadly has no name, on the outer corner of my eye, its a bit darker than the last colours I used but if you blend it out enough it does make a much subtle, softer look.



I then also apply this colour, also, on the outer corner of my eyes, a blend it more higher, just above the crease of my eye.


I then go back to my Estee Lauder palette and add this, more purple, colour 'Berry burst' also on the outer corner of my eye, just to make the look that tad bit more darker to really make your eyes pop. Then, again, blend it, again, higher past the crease.


I then, finally, add this colour 'Ivory Slipper' on my eye lids. This will make your eyes that extra shimmery. I also use this colour as a highlighter on the bridge of my eyebrow and also in the inner corner of my eye. I finish off my applying the fist colour I used on my eyes, on the bottom of my eyes, so its quite a subtle touch. Then I use my liquid eyeliner to make a very pretty cat flick. Its hilarious when boys can't understand how we do this! I then add mascara to the top and bottom lashes.





For my lips I use this beautiful Estee Lauder lipstick. Of course I went for red! You want to leave evidence when your kissing..
If you really want to make your lips pop you can first add a lip pencil to outline your lips before applying the lipstick. I chose not to, just to show you what its like without.

And then your done!
I hope you enjoyed this look and that you try it out. 
And whatever you choose to do this Valentines Day, I hope you have a wonderful time, and spread lots of love!

S'laters!

Ellie

xx

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Monday, 30 January 2017

My 'smouldering' smokey eye makeup look


Hey peeps! I'm so sorry it's been sooooo long since my last blog post..life has literally taken over...well...my life! But I'm so excited to be writing again and I promise it won't be so long for the next one!
So a little update, I have found my wedding dress! That's right! I found it a week today, I was quite surprised I found it on the first appointment I was actually only going to have a browse and see what suits me and what doesn't, but when I was wearing it, I just knew. I cried. Yep. Like a baby. And so did a few of my family members.
So I thought, now that I have my dress I can play around with things like my hair, makeup to give me an idea on what I want on the day, and this look is one of those "playing around"
I know, I know, I know! My wedding is still over a year away, but hey..what else am I going to do on my day off?! Errands? Nah.











So of course I do the same foundation routine as I have before.
The eye shadow palette I use for this look is Sleek Makeup, and its called 'Au Naturel 601'




So I start by applying this shade which is called 'Honeycomb' on the crease of my eye lids and sort of wing it out and end of my eye.


I then apply this to the outer corner of my eye with my flat eye makeup brush, this shade is called 'Regal' and blend it with my blending brush, I blend it upwards to where I applied the honeycomb shade. Then I just do what I normally do and keep adding that colour and blend it in until I'm happy. If you want to add quite a lot to make it that bit smokey, go for it!


I put this shade 'Nubuck' on my eye lids. Whenever I think of smokey, the colours that come to my mind are, brown, grey, white and black, so this colour is perfect for the eye lids.


I also apply this colour 'Nougat' on top of the other colour just to add a bit of shimmer to it.


I then add this black shade in 'Noir' in the outer corner of my eyes where I put the brown shade, and blend, blend. Because I wanted it quite smokey I did add more than I normally would.


I finally add this shade 'Taupe' in the inner of my eyes, almost using it as a highlighter just to really make my eyes pop and sparkle.

After I apply all the different shades of eyeshadow, I then use my black pencil eyeliner under my eye, to make it really dark and also on my waterline..I also then rub the eyeliner on my waterline with my finger, just so it smudges slightly. Then just to make it that extra smokey I add the brown shade with an eyeliner brush just under the waterline.
Then to finish off my eyes I add my liquid eyeliner, and I really get it as close to my tear duct and finished it with a cat flick. I then add mascara to the top and bottom lashes.






I then apply this Avon lipstick, I think this colour is beautiful and its quite subtle, so it won't take the focus off your beautiful smokey eyes.







I love this look, it isn't very often I wear quite heavy makeup on my eyes, but when I do..I really make an effort. But it didn't even take take that long to do, its just all about the blending!
To make this look even more, you can add fake eyelashes.
I hope you enjoyed this look, and I promise..there is a lot more to come!


S'laters!
Ellie

xx
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Tuesday, 15 November 2016

My relationship with war



As it was Remembrance Day at the weekend, I wanted to share with you my story.


I was looking back on my previous posts, and 'about myself' when I noticed I haven't mentioned anything about a massive part of my life.
As you already know I'm newly engaged to the love of my life Darren. We have been together nearly six years, and I just could not be happier, however in every relationship there are ups and downs. Our down is war. Darren works in the military, he's in the RAF, and oh boy does he look good in uniform! When we first got together he was already in the military, so the routine we have with being with each other has been the same from the very beginning, so its not anything new or surprising. He works on his base camp Monday-Friday, so I only see him at the weekends, which can be difficult on my behalf because the majority of the time, I'm at my own job. It can be very hard at times, we have had arguments about this, but we both always realise how much we love each other and how understanding we both are. Each moment we have together is precious so we try not to take that for granted.
 I couldn't be more proud of him, I wouldn't change anything about our relationship for the world. I always get asked by people 'isn't is difficult?' and I always respond with saying 'yes and no, no because its been the same from the very beginning so we are both so use to the routine we have together, and yes because lets face it..it never gets easier saying goodbye, but overall we love each other and no amount of miles will ever change that' 
Then it comes to what I'm going through this very moment. Darren has been sent away for 3 months. He left last week, this never ever, ever, ever gets easier, I'm finding it quite hard to write this without getting upset. He left on the Monday morning, just before I went to work, which was a bundle of laughs..not. It was a very difficult morning, a very emotional one too, as soon as we woke up we were crying, Darren doesn't cry at all really, there are only certain things that will set him off, so when he does cry its always surprising. He went to get petrol for his car, and came back with a huge bouquet of flowers, I cried some more. I think I reapplied my makeup about 4 times! 
Everyone has probably seen the movies, where the lovers are saying goodbye, and its terribly romantic with beautiful music in the background, and even when the famous actress is crying her makeup is still flawless. Unfortunately it isn't like that, we was stood outside in the freezing cold, crying, probably looking a right mess and there was no music, just the cold reality. I've been quite lucky to be honest, throughout our relationship he has only been away twice, where I see other military wives/families/stories having to go through it at least every month. So to you all, I salute you!!
I'm finding it very difficult this time around just due to the fact he won't be here for Christmas and New Years Eve. We haven't not had a Christmas together for the last six years, so it will be very difficult. My family and friends have been incredible, I got so many sweet messages so I just want to say a huge thank you! However I'm surrounded by my family and my friends, but there are days where I still just feel so alone, and lost. I just want to shake myself and get a grip because it is ONLY three months, but each day is a marathon, and sometimes I feel like time isn't my friend and it just decides to stop, to make each day longer. 
I know this is a very soppy post but I really wanted to write my side of the story and be honest, that the world can be cruel. Ever since I was a little girl I have always been so interested in war, learning about the World Wars, Civil War etc. Even though times have changed war is still happening every day still, people are loosing their lives, and it breaks my heart, and I feel like the past six years I've learnt more about war than any history book could tell me.
 Me and Darren both know that next year he will be going away a lot more, we are prepared for that and we are going to get through it together, even if we are not in the same room. 
I am soon-to-be military wife and I will take that title and own it!

How to survive a long distance relationship

1. Skype, Facebook, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp. Download them. It's the best thing ever. Stay up all night talking to your loved one until your eyes start burning and you absolutely have to go to sleep.

2. When your feel down or sad, DON'T stay up in your bedroom listening to sad love songs, that will make you feel so much worse.

3. Let it all out. By all means don't keep it bottled up, but instead of being alone pouring your heart out, text or ring a loved one. Trust me they will be more than happy to be a shoulder to cry on.

4. Always remind them how much you love them. If you don't get the chance to speak much, when you do, tell them you love them. It will always make your day brighter, whether your saying it or hearing it. 

5. Buy a calendar. That way you can mark down the number of days until you see each other again.


So for anyone else who are going through a similiar situation, whether its military or just working away for Christmas. Just remember the reasons why you love each other and you'll get through anything. Trust me when I say...everything is going to be okay.

S'laters!
Ellie
xx
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Thursday, 13 October 2016

My smokey eye makeup look



Hello my darlings! So today is a dull day, its cold and raining outside, so that can only mean 1 thing! Hull Fair is here! For those who don't know what that is..its a huge fair that comes once a year in Hull, they have loads of rides and countless stalls where they sell all the traditional fair foods like brandy snap, toffee apples and delicious (but very fattening) burgers! So I decided to do this look for it and I thought it would also be great for my blog!












I do the same foundation routine that I did in my last blog.
This is the Estee Lauder eye shadow palette I used, I'm not too sure the exact name..but on the back it says 'Deluxe Eyeshadow Copact' 'Pure Color Eyeshadow' I couldn't find it on their website but they may have it in store if your interested in buying it yourself.



This is the colour I start off with, is called '38. Chocolate Bliss. Matte' I apply this on the outer corner of my eye with a standard flat eye makeup brush and blend it with a blending eye shadow brush, no brand name..just a standard one I bought in a shop. I blend it upwards just on the crease of my eye, and then I just keep adding the shadow and blend until I feel like its enough.


I then add this very dark brown (almost black) colour. It's called '45. Lavish Mink. Matte' By the way..I have only just today turned my palette around to find all the names of the eye shadows..I absolutely love the names they have given them..theres one called 'Sugar biscuit' it made me giggle slightly. I have no idea why.
I apply this colour just across where I put the colour before it, and just blend blend blend blend until I'm happy.


I apply this colour, '01. Sepia Sand. Satin', on the lid of my eye with my flat brush, I applied this a couple of times and then added the second one to the left of it, just to give it a bit more of a shine. That one is called '30. Sugar Cube. Satin'
I go back to the first eye shadow and apply it with an eyeliner brush just under my waterline, right up to my outer corner so it looks a little bit more smokey.
I then add my liquid eyeliner that I used in my last blog, on top of my eyelid. I do sometimes also do the cat flick with my liner with this look but today..I won't lie...I couldn't be bothered. But I think it looks great without it anyways but its just up to you if you fancy it. I then add some mascara on top and bottom, I also put a white eyeliner pencil on my waterline..I just feel like this can really make your eyes pop! I then put a highlighter on the inner corner of my eye, and added a nude lipgloss by Estee Lauder...I feel like I'm giving the impression I like Estee Lauder..yes..yes I do.

If you want to give it that extra smokey look, you can use a black pencil eyeliner on your waterline and under your eye..this really looks great for a night out!


 I love this look, so I decided to show it with how I looked just before I went to the fair.





And then my dog came and stole the show....



I really love this eye look. I use it quite frequently if I'm in the mood to make a bit of effort. I love it that much that I'm considering using it for my wedding day!
I hope you enjoyed this look, I would love to see some of you with this look!

S'laters!
Ellie
xx
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