Bobo's Restaurant Review

L to R - 

Part of the restaurant, My Vogue face with friends, Energizer Juice ,

Friends and cow wall, Half and half, Banana split, Seriously big Conn Burger,

Me attached to my friends cool coloured chinos, Fancy champagne, Van our lovely curly haired friend, myself and Stephen.

As I said in my last post, I went out for a lovely 21st birthday dinner on Saturday night with some of my closest buddies and I picked the best place in town, even if I do says so myself! I decided on Bobos (Dame St) because myself and Stephen pass it a lot and always mean to go in, so what better excuse then a big birthday dinner. Bobos specializes in gourmet Irish burgers and sources as much of their menu from Irish suppliers as possible. I called a week in advance to book and they said not only was a party of 12 fine but there was no service charge. If you don't eat out in big groups a lot you wont have to deal with the dreaded service charge of anything from 15%+ of the bill that most restaurants enforce, oh its just not cool. 

When we got there we were all met with a great buzz and friendly waitresses that brought us to our table. The layout is lovely, the music was at really nice quiet level and art on the walls creative and fun. But don't let all that bother you, its down to the business of food, right? The menu has a wide range of beef, chicken, pork, lamb, veggie and even fish burgers, all with quirky names like the The Humpty Dumpty or even The Sex on the Farm. A quick warning? Theses burgers are huge! And you can't have a burger without a nice helping of chubby or skinny chips in a bucket to make a meal complete. You can also get a wide range of soft drinks, smoothies, coffees, teas, beers and wines to suit yourself. If your not totally stuffed after all that - and believe me you will be - you can chew down on one of their  death by chocolate sundaes or a coke float. I got the Conn Burger (€9.95) that is piled high with salad, Dubliner cheese, bacon, bbq sauce and more.. Need I go on? A side of Half and Half (€5.25) half onion rings, half chubby chips - truly the best of both worlds. If you go in and have nothing else, please try their onion rings, its like a party in your mouth. The thoughts of all this food is making me hungry now!

You can check out their menu here and they are also located on Wexford St if your down that way. Now I have to add something really awful, you can give out to me later... They do take aways too guys. I know, I'm sorry. Bobos have a Twitter offer here at the moment, any burger and chips for €7 before 6pm. Every. Single. Day. Have I made my point? Go check them out and see for yourself how yummy and fab the place is!

Dame St Bobo's, image source bobos.ie

What Happens When I Dress Up

Picture this; its Friday night, the night before my birthday dinner with friends who I see all the time. They have seen me sick, with no make up on and in pajamas, yet I am throwing every item of clothing I own around my room like its an Olympic sport. I am genuinely awful at dressing myself and my confidence level goes to zero during the slow excruciating experience. So as you can imagine when my poor boyfriend Stephen trys to give advice and a few encouraging words he is left ducking for cover as a high heel narrowly misses his head while I'm on the verge of tears. 

I have perfected the art of having two pairs of tights on at once so there is no time wasting when it comes to matching each with the right dress and shoe together. One is skin colour while the other is normally a black, unless of course I'm having a moment of inspirational 'lets throw in some colour'. Because after all, what did everyone learn from the mistakes of the 80's? From looking at my ensemble, apparently nothing. But even I will admit to looking a little crazy mumbling away to myself while my entire upper body has disappeared under the bed in search of those perfect heels. - Might I just add that the perfect shoes are never there, but you live in hope that someone has stolen all your old things and replaced them with shiny, new, perfectly fitting Christian Dior shoes that haven't even been seen on the runway yet.

Its like those scenes in chick flicks. The crazy haired 20 something running around her bedroom, dancing, trying on silly outfits and then transforming into a vision and been just on time for her date. But with me it stops at the silly outfits. I have yet to master the vision part. Well, I have a vision, but what I see in my mind and what I actually turn out like are two very different things. My latest text to my best friend was ''Swaying in crazy heels and can't breathe in tiny spray on shorts. Will be at home under covers eating ice cream, covered in a face mask crying to big girls are beautiful if you need to find me''. Yes, thats right. I am truly a real-life Bridget Jones, hello people of the earth. 

I have since calmed down, restored my room, apologized to Stephen and even found something that might be acceptable to wear for dinner tomorrow night. I haven't fixed my smudged nail varnish yet, but there is always the bus ride to town. I thought a life post would be a nice change from the recent product heavy stuff and also to tell you all I haven't gone anywhere and will be back posting lots again next week! I will have a review of the restaurant no doubt and also a birthday haul for those of you who are nosy as me when it comes to hauls. Til then keep being fab and maybe be a little happier that the crazy panic of getting ready for a night out isn't just something you do.

Valentines Day Gifts For Her

It doesn't matter if its a first date or the 20th year you have been together, all girls love to be pampered and given something special. This could be a dinner out for the two of you or a romantic night in. So here are a few things and ideas for your lovely girl with a price range to suit everyone!

Find her favourite sent: I think it is safe to say all women love perfume and have at least 5 favourites! To help you out, why not ask a friend or family member which she likes the most? There a loads of gift sets you can get from perfume shops or in Boots.  YSL Parisienne Gift Set is about €32. Kylie Minogue's Darling Gift Set is a steal of just €12 according to there site and DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is about €42.

Be cheeky and have fun: Has she read the famous Fifty Shades of Grey book? Why not get her some joke toilet roll? I would laugh! Or if she is a reader then a little funny Don'ts For Wives Book will be sure to get you a bit of a sore head! And to go with a good book I always love a cuppa, this is too cheesy not to add in! The No Sugar Needed Cup! Ugh, I want one ha!

Its all about romance: How about a stay at home dinner cooked by you for the lovely lady? Find a few helpful things on the bbc food/recipes site as it has a great big A to Z and has measurements that I understand! You can make her favourite dishes, pick up some fancy deserts (or make them too!) and light some candles. That is sure to impress her! Dotcom gift shop do some beautiful little candles like these rose ones to set the mood or some lovely glass jars here and here. 

Careful how you go: A helpful hint for all out there, unless you know your girls tastes and sizes do not go and get her jewellery or clothes. You could end up spending money on something she wont wear or worse yet - you could get her dress size wrong. And depending on if its too big or too small, it might be your last valentines together! So ask one of her friends for help if you are set on getting her a special necklace or those earrings you think she would love. 

Do the cliche: Girls and guys make your lady happy with some chocolates, a teddy or even the classic rose. Its so overdone and bad its good. Go that extra mile and embarrass her (in a nice way!) with a heart or 'be my valentine' balloon.

Always remember: This a one day thing, don't have hang ups if its not perfect or your not buying your girl things that are overly priced anyway! If your spending the day together, lucky you. Watch a film online and make some popcorn. Write her a cheesy but personal love letter or poem. Send her a sweet text and tell her your thinking of her. Its always the thought that counts the most.