Meet Our Goddesses - Elisha
This week, we spent some time with lifestyle blogger, Elisha Ainsley from Elisha Blogs to find out more about her blog and her favourite spots in the beautiful Yorkshire town of Harrogate. So pour a drink in your favourite A Gift From The Gods mug and sit back as we talk blogging, travel, and her favourite #AGiftFromTheGods accessories.
Hi Elisha. Thanks for sitting down with A Gift From The Gods! What inspired you to get into blogging?
I started my blog back in 2013 when I was at drama school, as I missed writing. I realised that I hadn’t done any writing for years, despite it being my big passion all the way through my life. So, I started a blog to use as my little outlet for that passion. It began as a personal online diary of-sort. Then I began writing theatre reviews for West End productions as I was living in London. Once I moved back up North, I started to write about local businesses around me and was a big advocate for how you can live the London lifestyle up north.
What do you enjoy most about being a lifestyle blogger?
I am passionate about promoting businesses, especially small independents. All businesses started as one person’s dream and I think that it is wonderful to support that and help them achieve the dream they once had and the bravery to get up and go for!
If you dream of starting your own blog, why not write down your first big ideas in one of our stylish A Gift From The Gods notebooks? For Elisha, it has to be the gorgeous Get Your Goddess On A5 Notebook in head-turning navy and gold.
I have big plans for my Get Your Goddess On A5 Notebook. I’m going to take it on my solo travelling trip this August and use it as a journal, business planner, and maybe even use it to jot down blog ideas. I might even finally start writing that novel I’ve been meaning to write for 6 months…
Elisha is based closed to the iconic Yorkshire town of Harrogate. We asked her to share her favourite places to visit as well as the most Instagram-worthy places to grab a picture or two.
Harrogate seems like an amazing place to live. How long have you lived there and where are your favourite hidden gems?
I was born at Harrogate Hospital and grew up in nearby Knaresborough. I moved away for drama school in Guildford, Surrey, and lived in London for a brief while before working on a Disney cruise ship as a performer. After that, I returned home between cruise ship contracts and I’ve never returned to London. I love my home. Now I’m back living in Knaresborough and working between Harrogate and Leeds.
For hidden gems, All Bar One (17-23 Parliament St, Harrogate HG1 2QU) in Harrogate has a surprisingly nice beer garden out back! Also, you need a brownie from Little Breads (160 King's Rd, Harrogate HG1 5JG). There are a few restaurants that look amazing but I am still yet to go to as I forget they’re there, because they’re slightly out of the main roads in town - they are called Saranda (7 Station Bridge, Harrogate HG1 1SS), The Tannin Level (5 Raglan St, Harrogate HG1 1LE), and Three’s A Crowd (11 W Park, Harrogate HG1 1BL).
Where are some of your favourite restaurants and bars?
I love the little strip of bars where Banyan and Pitcher & Piano (5-6 John St, Harrogate HG1 1JZ) are for after-work drinks. Lucia’s (3 Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SX) has a lovely balcony to sit and eat at, but my ultimate spot for cocktails in the sun is on the terrace at The Ivy. Mama Doreen’s Cake Emporium has the cutest afternoon tea around (31-33 Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate HG2 0NL)!
Where are the top landmarks to visit if you’re visiting Harrogate for the weekend?
Of course, you should visit Betty’s, the iconic Yorkshire tearooms serving traditional afternoon tea. It’s also Betty’s centenary year, and they are doing lots of special celebratory events and limited edition treats – it’s a great time to visit! Take a picnic to The Stray, head out for a walk in Valley Gardens, and if you fancy a spa day, there’s the gorgeous Royal Baths.
Can you share the best or secret Instagrammable spots in Harrogate?
Definitely the terrace at The Ivy - the walls are coated with hundreds of flowers by Helen James Flowers (63 Station Parade, Harrogate HG1 1ST), so it is perfect for instagrammable shots. Gino’s has amazing cocktails on their prosecco bar terrace and All Bar One has a surisingly cute beer garden out back. It feels like you are on holiday and is great for photos!
If you’re planning a weekend away in beautiful Harrogate, you are going to need beautiful sleepwear. Why not be silky-in-pink like Elisha in our #AGiftFromtheGods Pink Satin PJ Shorts Set?
I love the Pink Satin PJ Shorts Set. I’ve never worn pyjamas so luxurious before and I feel so fancy in them!
It sounds like life is pretty hectic for Elisha, between working, blogging, and travelling! We asked her for her tips on making the most of her downtime and what inspires her to write her fabulous blog posts.
How do you like to wind down?
I’m actually really bad at ‘winding down’. When I have spare time, I love going out for dinner and drinks with my friends and loved ones. I often take myself out for lunch and read a book while I wait or go for a long walk with my dogs. I truly believe that walking in the outdoors is good for the soul!
What inspires your blog post topics?
All sorts of things inspire me. Usually, I write about what my friends and I have been discussing within our lives. We are influenced by the things we see and experience every day, so my life in North Yorkshire, growing up in my twenties and the whole ‘figuring out who you are’ thing are big influences on my blog right now. Not to mention my love for travelling!
If your hectic lifestyle means you struggle to slow down, it’s probably time to sit back and sip something refreshing. Elisha loves to relax with a drink in one of our statement mugs.
The A Gift From The Gods Calligraphy Slogan Print Mug is such a cute addition to my ever-growing mug collection. It is the perfect size for a morning cup of tea, and it gives you positive, affirming vibes for your day.
What A Gift From The Gods Accessories do you use?
The Calligraphy Slogan Pink Clear Pouch is another great addition to my travelling luggage. I can put all of my makeup in the pouch and easily pass it through airport security without having to put it in one of their plastic bags and be on my way quickly and easily. I also love the White Leather Rope Bracelet. The white bracelet is simple yet trendy and goes with everything I wear.
It has been lovely getting to know you Elisha. We can’t wait to see where your blogging adventures take you next!
Has Elisha has inspired you to #GetYourGoddessOn? Why not visit the AGFG online store today? There you’ll find all the accessories, stationery, and sleepwear you need.