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We're here. 2023 is among us and so I want to wish a happy new year to you all! I woke up on the 3rd feeling so excited and ready for 2023. I have such a good feeling about it. I've got so many exciting things happening, that I can't wait to share with you all! But before I dive in with all my 2023 related content, I wanted to put together a yearly roundup of everything that got me through 2022, basically my top picks from the year. From my makeup favourites, to some amazing podcasts, I came across so many recommendations that I just couldn't wait to share with you all. Let's get into it!
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The best restaurants in Paris
The best restaurants in New York
The best things to see and do in New York
The best restaurants in London
The best brunch spots in New York
FITNESS FAVOURTIES
As we all know, I absolutely adore my fitness. It is the best mood booster and gives me so much motivation throughout the rest of my day. Fitness for me, isn't just about health benefits but also, mental health benefits. I'm always testing out new sportswear and new classes but these are the things that really helped my fitness this year and they've stood the test of time.
Ok so this isn't exactly new... If you've been following me for a while you'll know that I am a huge advocate for Blaze and try and do a class 3-5x a week depending on how busy I am. David Lloyd Blaze classes never get easier: you just get stronger and push harder. They are great for every level of fitness though because it's your work out, you choose your speed and your weights. With a cardio section, strength training section and boxing section you can achieve everything you need for a full body workout in 45 minutes. They are such efficient work outs with exceptional instructors {shout out to Andy and Chloe in Kensington}. I go to the David Lloyd Leeds when home {Lois is my favourite instructor} and Kensington in London. With loud, motivating music and great instructors, I find it so fun and although it works me hard I feel absolutely incredible after! You MUST try these classes.
Adanola Leggings - Shop here
This year I discovered Adanola and their leggings have been a game changer! There's a reason why their stuff is also selling out so quickly. I love their range of neutral colours they do and for their price point their quality is amazing. At this point I may own them in so many colours and honestly I have no shame in saying that. They're great, butter soft and perfect for hot girl walks, pilates or yoga. They're great for athleisure.
Shop here
Lululemon Align Range - Shop here
Ok, someone once told me I'd been living under a rock to have never tried the Lululemon Align range but a few years ago I got my first pair and I kick myself knowing that I have been missing out on these for years! The comfiest, most buttery soft, versatile, non restrictive... I could go on. I first tried their 6' align shorts and was completely amazed, they're so great for summer workouts and are so flattering too... so much so that I ran to pick up a pair of leggings and sports bra. They are expensive, but absolutely worth it. You'll never look back! They will last the test of time. For sweaty workouts and forever lasting leggings, you still can't go wrong with Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity.
Food Favourites
Ah, food. My one true love. I was lucky enough to try some incredible restaurants this year it was hard me to pick a top three (I had a list of 8 that I rated 10/10, yes I have a note on my phone with all my restaurant ratings). But I've managed to do it! I've also included two food item favourites that I've found myself purchasing again and again this year. Food is my favourite hobby.
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern are my favourite cuisines right now and Ruya incorporates both. I love a super fragrant meal with some gorgeous spices, lots of dips and alllll the flatbreads. I went here for my birthday and had the most wonderful time. The service was excellent, the food out of this world, interiors amazing. 10/10 on all aspects. The steak and fries are a work of art and don't miss out on the incredible pizza oven serving the most divine fired baked goods.
This place is so so fun! I went with just Matt and I and we had one of the best evenings ever, I can imagine this being even more fun with a big group - it would be the dream luxe birthday party or engagement celebration *totally going here for my 30th*
We ate at The Brasserie and not only was the food utterly delicious, there was also live jazz and a burlesque showing going on, just divine and the most perfect evening. The interiors were simply stunning, with the most decadent chandeliers I've seen. I have to say, as someone who used to live in Canada, finding out the owner is Canadian {and put Montreal poutine on the menu} made me love this place even more. It's like being in a Gatsby movie but the food is genuinely great. Truly such an experience.
Lindahls Protein Pudding Pots - Shop here
Anyone who knows me, knows this is a love affair, when I say I think I ate one of these every single day for the last three months of the year I'm not joking. Because of the nature of my job, it's hard to find the time to actually sit down and have a set lunch meal. So there's always a few things I keep in my fridge to either grab and go or just eat really quickly. I love that these have protein in them so you can make sure you're hitting your protein target and they're also utterly delicious too! Salted Caramel was my favourite.
Joe and the Juice Sandwiches
I know, I know everyone is talking about the Joe & the Juice sandwiches but I've been getting these for years? How have they only now just become popular?! My personal favourite is the chicken club, one of my friends is all about the spicy tuna which I am yet to try.
Pair it with their Power shake and you've got yourself a fabulous lunch on the go. I am hooked.
Beauty Favourites
Where do I even begin? I've been able to try so many incredible products this year, it was really tough to whittle down this list. But when I say the following products our ones I have constantly been coming back to this year I mean it.
Elemis Cleansing Balm - Shop here
I'm going to say it. This is THE holy grail cleansing balm. It is SO luxurious, smells incredible, feels amazing and takes off my makeup so well. It is an absolute all rounder and my favourite cleansing balm. If I could tell you one thing out of this whole list that you have got to purchase it's this. There's a reason it's a best seller. It's the perfect lazy girls make up removal best friend, but, efficient & top quality too. Thank me later.
Beauty Pie Body Butter - Shop here
I love a good body butter and one of my 2023 resolutions is to incorporate it into my shower routine so I can be moisturised every day! That should be easy to do now I've tried out Beauty Pies body butter. This stuff smells incredible, absorbs so quickly and makes my skin feel so lovely and soft.
I'm a huge fan of all of Beauty Pie's products and so I'm pleased to say that if you're wanting to try them out (which you definitely should!) use the promo code - EMSENTME - for £10 off membership, meaning you can get the products with better prices.
Clinique Moisture Surge Mask - Shop here
I am such a loyal Clinique customer and have been for years. Their products consistently make it onto my favourites list year after year and 2022 was no exception. My Nanna introduced me to the brand years ago and I just never looked back. Their Moisture Sure Mask is amazing on flights, gosh does it make a difference! My skin was looking so glowy and pristine, I loved it. I know so many people swear by the Moisture Surge range.
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath - Shop here
Gloss really is making a comeback and so this year. I remember from when I was younger gloss always being sticky, my hair would get stuck, it was annoying to eat... Not anymore. This lip gloss is gorgeous and gives the most perfect shine to your lips with no stickiness whatsoever! I have the shade Pillow Talk (a classic) but they come in so many other shades, they can suit everyone! I have been using and loving this lip gloss for over a year and goodness, there's no going back. It gives me such full, juicy lips - so much so that someone commented on my recent YouTube video saying I've had too much filler *sorry to disappoint but I haven't had anything put in my lips in months and months and when I did have it, it was the most minimal amount!* This product makes your lips POP but it isn't sticky and annoying plus the colour is perfect for day to night.
If the time ever comes where you want to see an aesthetician, the person I rate the absolute highest is Dr Sarah Tonks. Dr Sarah is so highly qualified; a dentist and doctor. She knows so much about the face / neck / mouth from her dentist training so she's incredibly trusted - also this is probably a little outdated now but Sarah began practicing cosmetic medicine in 2007 and to date has personally performed over 15,000 procedures which is just amazing. It shows how many people trust her. I first visited her to discuss my nose, it has been two years and I haven't had to have a single top up. I then most recently visited her about masseter injections for toothache and honestly, it's the best decision I made. Touch wood, things are going great since seeing her and her knowledge is just exceptional. Dr Sarah is so switched on and intelligent, I aspire to have the knowledge she has. If you are looking for the best aesthetic doctor in London, it's Dr Sarah. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my face. It's so important we go to see the right people when doing things like this and honestly, she's set the bar so high.
L'Occitane Almond Range - Shop here
Now, I've been hearing people talk about L'Occitanes Almond range - specifically their shower oil for years! I have been using and loving this for YEARS. Number one, it smells like heaven. Number two it's been so good for my skin. I now always have one of the hand creams in my handbags and the shower oil - absolute shower staple. They also offer refills too which is a sustainable bonus. This leaves your skin feeling hydrated and soft plus smelling great, after every shower. A little spa treatment in your shower.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - Shop here
A cult classic for a reason, this is something I buy in bulk! Whether it's the hand cream or the lip balm its so so amazing and especially during this cold winter months! A favourite of mine for years and I know it will be for years to come. Eight Hour Cream is the best multi-tasker, I use the balm for my lips, cuticles, dry skin - you name it. You need this in your life.
Dior Coral Blush - Shop here
LOVE LOVE LOVE. I rarely used to wear blush but tried this out this year and I use it more than highlighter these days. I was told I look radiant the first time I wore it - what a compliment. I love that warmth make up look and it gives my cheeks the most gorgeous tint and looks so natural. I use this when I'm doing full glam but also on my 'no make-up' look days. The most gorgeous product, I highly recommend. I am super impressed. A new staple in my make up bag.
Now, I love my hair salon up in Leeds and always will but this year I was so busy it was difficult for me to make the time drive up there as much as I used too, when I was going home it was to see family not to get my hair done so I made the tough decision to find a permanent salon in London too. I had the best blow dry of my life {no joke - bouncy and sensational} at Aveda High Holborn 8 years ago and finally, I went back this December. I'm a huge fan of Aveda products so booked myself in here and they did the most amazing job! My hair is... difficult. It has a mind of it's own, is frizzy and damaged but I left feeling like a new woman. The team dealt with my anxieties, looked after me and I finally feel like I've found 'the one'. There's just something about a good hair day! If anyone out there is looking for a new salon - this ticked all the boxes for me.
I was one of the first people in the world to own a pair of ghds, yes really... growing up in Yorkshire, the owner would come round the salons and sell them to people, my Mum of course jumped at the chance and we have been hooked ever since. I grew up stealing her straighteners when I was getting ready for school. My favourite range from ghd ever launched in 2022, the ghd Luxe champagne range, I have never seen a more beautiful colour way! Same ghd science, with even more beauty.
Everyone raves about L'Oreal Paris True Match foundation but what about the concealer? This is my new secret weapon, such great coverage on tired days and it feels so creamy. It's a pleasure to rub into my skin, sits so beautifully all day {serious staying power!}
London Grace Nail Salon
My holy grail nail salon at home home is Ragdoll Nail, Leeds but I needed to find somewhere in London. I've spent 90% of my year going to London Grace for my mani and pedis and couldn't be happier. They have absolutely gorgeous shades and the technicans are so speedy but incredibly neat. My nails always last over two weeks, often three and I love that I can do a mani - pedi back to back whilst sitting on my laptop or taking my bestie with me and catching up together. It's a calm environment, you can enjoy a tea or glass of wine and they do great deals too. They also have them all around London which is super handy.
TV & Film Favourites
Ok, it's no secret that I love Netflix and Sky. In all honesty I find it pretty hard to watch something though without going on my phone though so it has to be good, my mind is on on on. It takes a lot so the shows and movies I'm going to recommend have to be good because they actually gripped my attention!
Ted Lasso
Matt forced me to watch this. Like most other girls, I did not want to watch to sit and watch a show about football but again like most others I was very very wrong. It's so funny, so good. Jason Sudeikis is a genius! We binged this over the Christmas period and it actually was a huge highlight of my whole year. Being able to just switch off and immerse myself into the world that is Ted Lasso - never thought I'd hear myself say those words.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
I got sick during Summer and had to spend a few days in bed so I switched this on having no clue what it was but just needed easy watching. Easy watching it was, but so joyful! It was really really cheesy, but once I finished it I had a warmth in my stomach. Just a really lovely watch! I think they're bringing out Season 2 this year so I'll be making sure to put some time aside so I can watch with a little smile on my face!
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
I wanted to steer clear of reality TV this year (aside from Love Island, obvs) but when I say all of my girlfriends were talking about this I almost had to get stuck in so I could actually be a part of the conversation. Guys, it's just brilliant. It makes me laugh, it makes me shocked. I love the fashion. I love LA. When you've had a long stressful day and just want to sit and watch something easy - Beverly Hills is where its at.
All things Nancy Meyers (It's Complicated, The Holiday etc)
Coastal Grandma was a thing on TikTok this year and specifically people were mentioning Nancy Meyers and specifically her interiors in her movies. Now as someones who's house is an ongoing project, I am always up for some interiors inspiration. I popped on It's Complicated in the background one day and then a couple of hours later found myself still glued to the screen not having accomplished any tasks.
Feel good, fun loving movies I watched them all.
And yes, everyone is right. The interiors are UNREAL.
Podcasts Favourites
I'm really really late to podcasts. So with that in mind, I need to be honest I say I only really listened to two this year religiously and that is why I only have two to recommend you. But! I stuck to them so they must be good.
Diary of a CEO
Steven Barlett is such an inspiration in himself. I met him years ago in Manchester and not going to lie, I champion a Northern powerhouse so instantly got behind him. His whole entire story is fascinating and I'm in awe of his perseverance and determination, even through set backs and adversity. It's inspiring for someone like me, who grew up with set backs as it inspires me to use that fire in my belly and make something of myself. He asks his guests such interesting questions and really digs into what makes them who they are and why they're successful. It's been such an eye opener for me and I always come away from an episode feeling inspired. It's important to me that I learn something and I always learn from his podcasts.
The Skinny Confidential
I love Lauryn and Michael! This podcast is so refreshing as the hosts can have such deep conversations with their guests, but never take themselves too seriously, it's serious without being serious if that makes sense. They don't limit what they say but every point they make is fair game. In a world where people are sometimes afraid to speak, I think they both hit the nail on the head with their opinions. They manage to have such a wide range of guests on the show too so every episode it's always something different to discuss. I learn SO much about skincare and general life from them.
With that comes the end of my 2022 favourites. It's been such a joy testing out new products, watching new shows and getting inspired from podcasts. I hope that all of you managed to find something that blew you away in 2022. If so, let me know over on Instagram @emshelx
With that being said, I want to bid farewell to 2022. You taught me so much, more than ever. Let's all embrace 2023 with positiveness, openness and determination.
Lots of love, Em x
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