Valentines Day Guinness Cup Cakes

Jaysus lads and ladies its getting close to that special day and if your like me, you'll be flapping about like a mad yoke wondering what in the name of god a fella (or indeed a girl) could want for Valentines day. But fear not, because I have the answer and it comes in the shape of a pint of Guinness - when in doubt, reach for the good stuff.

Now I know what your thinking, the womans lost the run of herself, pouring the black stuff into her food! but go with me on this one, its going to taste amazing. Theres a bit of messing about with this recipe that I got from here, but now thats its been tried and tested by yours truly, I can give you the low down on what works and what turns into a fire and is only fit as bin material. Keep in mind you will need a food processor for this and your working with beetroot - that stains hands and clothes, I know all too well.

The cakes:

75g/2 and three fourth oz of cocoa powder
175g/6oz of plain flour
2 tsp of baking powder
225g/8oz of caster sugar
3 eggs
225g/8oz of cooked beetroot (no vinegar)
100lm/3 and a half fl oz of Guinness
100ml/3 and a half fl oz of corn flour (or whatever you have around)

The icing:
200g/7oz of butter (put in the microwave a sec if its too hard)
200g/7oz of full fat (muhaha!) cream cheese
1 small tsp of vanilla essence
142g/5oz of icing sugar

These ingredients make about 16 and a small one.

Don't forget to turn the oven on! 200C/400f/Gas 6

1. Sift (feck it all in) the flour, caster sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder into a bowl. 

2. Cut up the beetroot into smaller pieces and put it all into the blender along with the 3 eggs, oil and the Guinness. Jesus remember to put the lid on people!! 

3. Put the beetroot goo into the bowl with all of 1. and mix together.

4. Get your cup cake trays and cases, fill them half way with the mixture and throw them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Once there done leave them to cool.

5. While there a-cookin' make the icing. Put the cream cheese, icing sugar, butter and vanilla essences into a bowl and mix.I haven't yet perfected this bit, I'll be honest. The measurements on the original recipe was pure madness so I just put in 5oz of icing sugar, but I think 6oz wouldn't hurt next time. Have a play round with it yourself if it looks a bit drippy to you. While were on the topic of being honest, I don't know what possessed me but I forgot the oil in the cakes, they still turned out lovely but I'm such a plonker!

Once you have taken the cakes out and let them completely cool, dip, spread or artistically splash the cakes with the icing and taa-dahhh!! Aren't you only great, you've made yourself, errhh your loved one some gorgeous Guinness cup cakes! I was thinking of what I'd write for this post as I was baking this morning, thinking I'd bang on about how nice it is to bake for your loved one but after taking a bite into one of the cakes I am ashamed to say I genuinely thought 'sod them, I'd keep these all for myself. There just too nice. Good thing the ingredients make so many or we'd be in trouble.' - I kid you not. How mean am I? But then again I normally hate my cooking and feck it out, so you can be safe in the knowledge that they are in fact, much nicer then they sound. They taste like a strong cream cheese and chocolate cake with just a hint of something underneath that makes it nom. Gordon Ramsey eat your heart out.

The Different Types Of Dates

In keeping with the season of love that it is and trying to undertake the task of starting to tick off my bucket list that I posted last month (no 24), I want to talk about the different types of dates I have had and perhaps some of you have had. I was going to title this the different types of men, but as a bisexual woman myself (-hey mom if your reading) I thought thats being a tiny bit narrow minded and cutting off some readers, or indeed possibly half the general population. 

Lets keep in mind that its no secret I'm a bit of a flirt - if you follow me on Twitter you will see my shameless carrying on's. And I'm also a man/women obsessed kind of gal, I love seeing someone(s) at all times. Having a silent phone is not my cup of tea. And believe me, I have quite a few dirty tea cups to show for it.

The we should meet

You have talked for hours every night for 2 weeks. You get on like a house on fire and man some of the stuff you've discussed makes you want to meet them even more, meow! You arrange to meet, they cancel. You try again only shit, something came up and your the one saying sorry this time. Theres family commitments, babies, exes, the car wont start. Every god damn thing that could go wrong with you does. Creeping doubt begins to sneak in, they were never going to meet me were they? And that exculates into one giant snowball. A month later your not even sure you still have their number. Oh well, all that time and effort.

The commitment 

Its been a few weeks, things are going good and then bam! Parents and meeting all the friends - at once? What are they going to suggest next, moving in together? Oh great, they bring up casually how many kids you'd be willing to have and where you see yourself settling down.. Get me out of here.

The total crazy

You meet in a bar, swap numbers and brief texting turns into a date. But wait, hes brought a teddy bear bigger then you and counts the minutes your gone to the bathroom for. How did you not see the crazy raidating from this person? 3am calls and coming by your house to recite sonnets is only the beginning of the documentation for the restraining order you'll have to place.

The I'm gay

That person who clings to their sexuality like their Rose in bloody Titanic, with the same amount of drama to go with it. What you like and do under the sheets is no business of mine, but ehh I happen to be under those sheets with you right now so.. I'll just show myself out, congrats on the Oscar.

The I'm in love with my ex

Its cool, I've been there, seeing anyone and everyone to get over an ex while still doing your daily Facebook stalk of their relationship status. But do they have to keep talking about them? The last straw is calling out their name in bed. Nope sorry, I wont cut my hair and pick up knitting like they do, I'm an individual person with a door. Use it.

The sex sex sex

Its always sex, which isn't a bad thing let me just say. But when you never do anything else, or see daylight for that matter, its no good. You can't walk round like a cowboy all the time, that is when your not in your other position - face down. This person keeps durex in business.

The I think I love you

You got talking online one night, by the end of it you think they could be perfect and you meet. By the end of the night they are confessing their undying love for you and you eh, suddenly have food poisoning. But totally promise to call, not that you'll need to though judging by the 7 missed calls and 12 texts you got last night. Little creepy? I think so.

The older person

Infatuated with younger people and can't believe their luck when a 20 something falls into their lap. Normally you mistake perving for them finding you attractive, but what the hell. But then the parading you around starts and all they can talk about is back pains and false teeth ( - now that last part is a slight gross exaggeration, but you get my point) its time to take off their borrowed slippers, don some heels and clickity clack your way out of their nursing home to your next date.

I could go on for days. The mammies boy/daddies girl, The wild child, The substance abuser, The cheater... Wow you ask, are there any good people out there!? Yes, yes there are indeed. You just need to go find them. If your in a relationship right now, go you! Happy season of love. And if your single? Well go you too! You can see who you want or maybe not at all and avoid the list of madness that is dating.

I have a feeling this could cook up a storm but just to let you all know, this isn't a serious jab at any gender/sexual oratation/age group and so on. Theses have just been my own experiences that are fun to share - who doesn't like to make others blush or get a raised eyebrow or two? This is so not my normal type of posting but I want to talk more about the taboo stuff, the stuff that you delete from your internet history or only read on your kindle. Why not on a beauty blog? I wont tell if you wont!

Lush Valentines Love Locket Bath Bomb

I'm having a bit of bother writing my last juice detox post so bare with me pretty please! Today instead I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite place, Lush! Before anyone goes and points fingers, I got this before I decided to start my Lush ban and anyway, I don't think limited edition items should be counted as you can't get them any time you want. I was really excited to hear that Lush had their Valentines day range out and went in the next day to have a goo of everything. I was expecting to be forking out a fair bit as normally their Valentines things are really to die for, but I was wrong.

Thinking I would want some of their prince charming shower gel I had a sniff and came away disappointed, it was nothing to write home about, the same with their neon love soap. Even one of the staff admitted that he thought the soap was awful. I did like close to you (a sweet scent) and tender is the night (a faint floral scent) massage bars but they were a little more pricey then the normal massage bars so I resisted. They have three limited edition boxes out too which seem to be nice enough if you like the products in them - they don't actually have a lot of the Valentines products in them!

Apart from the kiss lip balm which I didn't try, only the love locket was left to tempt me. And I'm sorry to say I fell for it, it was massive and smelt like a refresher sweet. Remember them!? The guy in Lush told me there was three layers to this, but I'm not sure if I missed one or if he was having a bad day because when it broke open there was only two, an outer shell and a heart inside.

At almost €9 (see why I needed the ban?) this is the most expensive bath bomb I have ever gotten and I had to have a little sit down after I bought it to consider just how crazy I am. But off I went home happy as anything, that is, until I went to take a bath and all hell broke loose. 

Above you have seen my lovely big bath bomb in bits all over the kitchen table. Its true, when I picked it up to take it into the water it shattered all over my book, clothes and granny's fancy table cloth. It left me almost in tears! Needless to say its not the most sturdy bath bomb I have ever come across and at the price I paid I expected more. The disappointment continued into the bath..

Now its true to say not all Lush bath bombs will have bubbles in them, but my little heart always drops to my stomach a bit when I see that this is the case. I'm so sad but bubbles make my world! And yes, I know I should just stick to bubble bars if its that big a deal but variety is the spice of life I'll have you know. The water turned a pinkish red colour and when I got into it I got the fright of my life. Intelligence here didn't notice all the little heart confetti that was floating about. For a second I didn't know what it was and was half out of the bath before I copped. Let us all pause momentarily to shake our heads over the blonde moment. Its a nice added touch but warn a girl will you Lush!

Overall I was really disappointed with this bath bomb and with Lushes Valentines range this year. Could just be me being all fussy or not liking some of the scents that others could love, but I'm glad I only forked out a near €10 and not more. Sorry Lush but back to the drawing board. Two years ago was probably the best year for Valentines things as it was the year of the sweet smelling red topped mushroom bubble bar. Proves the saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. 

Hope everyone is having a fab day and keeping happy! :)

Friday Favourites #7

Its the day after Valentines day, did everyone love it or hate it? Either way its over for another year so we can all breathe a bit easier. And whats better is that theres half price chocolate and candles in shops today! I'll be getting myself a nice candle holder or two that I've had my eye on! This week I have been really loving these things:

YouTube: Grav3yardgirl

Bunny is one of a few youtubers that I have followed from the very beginning. She vlogs about fashion, beauty, ghostly happenings and her daily life. I like to save a few of her vidoes up and then sit in bed at night with some tea and watch them all! She is funny, slightly mad and a lovely down to earth girl. Go fall in love with her here.

Magazine: Cosmopolitan

I'm not one to fork out anything up to a fiver for a few glossy pages of ads but March's Cosmopolitan (British edition) was one that would make me consider taking a second look at the magazine racks. Its packed with S/S fashion styles, a mind blowing 3 page article on International Women's Day thats extremely interesting and some beauty must-haves that I never knew about. I love the overall spread and its not something you'll finish in 20 minutes on your way home from work. Its still in shops for €3 if you want to grab your copy.

Site: PostSecret

I have been a lover and devote follower of PostSecret for a very long time. Every Sunday the site gets updated with new postcards that people from all over the world make and send to Frank, the creator of the site. Then they are posted for the week, displaying the deep hidden thoughts and secrets of everyone who chooses to share them. Its a wonderful community to be a part of, take a look over here.

Perfume: Eau De Soap And Glory 

I have tried this out lots in Boots every time I pass by and yesterday Stephen gave it to me for Valentines Day. Mmm I love it, it smells strong and girly with notes of magnolia, freesia and vanilla to name a few. Its in a cute bottle that is something I'm going to love having on display. I'm a fan of Soap and Glory so this is a perfect edition to my growing collection and my perfumes. Give it a go, it really grows on you. You can find it over here. 

Drink: Papaya Milk

It looks like I have a favourite drink every week of the year, but honestly I don't! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I went to the Asia Food Market on Drury Street in Dublin to pick up some of Stephens favourite chocolate biscuits (things we do for Valentines day!) I had to pick up a lovely can of papaya milk. Its creamy and fruity and just nom nom nom. Its 99 cent and worth every penny. I wish Tesco did it so I could have it more often!

Shorter then my normal Friday Favourites, but these are what I have been loving and occupying my week. I will have a lot of product reviews next week for you all, seems I have been stocking up on new products that I haven't tried before over the past month or so to tell everyone about. So until tomorrow, hope you all have a fab Friday and enjoy the weekend!

The Valentines Look

If your going to be out and about this Valentines day or have a lovely date night all planned with your favourite person, you'll want something to wow them. So here are three outfits I think would go down a treat for such a day. I had so much fun making these and drooling over them too!

Now despite this Asos label being called Little Mistress (ahem) I think this is such a beautiful shift dress to have in your wardrobe. Its a fab colour and cut, not to mention the design and bead detailing around the neck line which means you don't need loads of jewellery to set this dress off. The cuffs also add the less is more feel with three buttons down each side, so theres no need to worry about a bracelet and only a thought for a ring. Its something you can throw on and walk out the door in 10 minutes flat. Sounds good to me. With it being such a bold colour, I thought I would pair it with a cute kissing birds bag in black thats also from Asos, along with black heels and spike chandelier earrings that are both  from Forever21.

Next is another dress that I want to run out and buy the second I post this - but will try to resist. Its a very 'valentines dress' being red and  pretty. Topshops Lace Sweetheart Dress is part of their concession collection, so just bare that in mind if your thinking of ordering it. It has a sweetheart neckline with lace mid-length sleeves and lace to the waist, giving way to a chiffon skirt. It also comes with a thin brown belt to draw eyes to your waist. But if I was to have my way I would ditch the brown belt and go for a silver instead to add an edge to the oh-so-sweet look. A killer pair of these amazing Platform Pumps from Forever21, a black metallic clutch  from New Look and bam, off you go sexy!

Lastly, a more casual laid back feel if your not going for the whole dress up look. River Islands lip print tank top is just enough bling to set the tone. Its really fab covered in diamante embellishment with a longline shape, perfect loose or tucked into jeans or pants. Speaking of which, Topshops navy blue disco treggings are to die for. No really, take a moment to enjoy how gorgeous they are! Paired with some well loved converse and that amazing black heart shaped bag from A|wear thats covered in studs and you are ready to face the world.  

Have you decided what your going to wear February 14th?

 Keep an eye out, I'll have another post up later for all you lovely folks!

Valentines Day Gifts For Him

Marilyn Monroe, such a beautiful woman.

There isn't a girl (or guy) I know that finds any day that requires present buying an easy task! I always pull my hair out panicing over what I can get Stephen. He likes play station games and crisps. The first I know nothing about unless its Skyrim) and the second is not really an amazing gift to receive! So here are a few ideas for you all. Fingers crossed your guy has loads of interests and hobbies!

Find his favourite scent: Guys like to smell just as good as the next person, so why not have a snoop through his bathroom or ask family what he likes to wear. There is a huge selection in in the perfume shop and also in Boots. Calvin Klein CK One is currently £22.60 (about €26) for a 100ml bottle in the Boots sale- a real steal considering its the same price for only a 50ml bottle from the Perfume Shop. Or if thats not easy to decide on, there is always the Lacoste's Eau de Lacoste collection thats about €50 each. My favourite at the moment is Diesel - Only The Brave thats about €60 in Boots and you get a free gift with it too. I got Stephen the gift set for Christmas and he loves it.

Do it his way: You know he is expecting you to suggest some really bad rom-com that you are dying to see and rented/bought it especially for the night. Why not surprise him by watching something he'll love instead. An action or maybe just a good Star Wars marathon? (just not football, oh god anything but that!) I have recently signed up to NextFlix and its something I would recommend as you get a one month free trial and then its only €6.99 per month after.

Don't be fooled: They act all 'manly' and are just short of climbing a building to beat on their chests at times, but guys like to have surprises and treats just as much as girls do. Maybe buy him a nice box of chocolates and get him a rose this year.

He has hobbies: Now I know not every guy is going to love the same things, but if you take a wonder through Eason's or online you will find a book that he could enjoy. And who doesn't love getting books with a nice little message written on the inside? The Top Gear Years is all about Top Gear and cars, a great read if you ask me. Then theres the classic football book, but what if you can't remember his favourite team? Why not be a bit cheeky and get him a football colouring book ? (If I wasn't currently cutting up my credit card into pieces like in 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' I would have bought this for Stephen.)  Maybe games are his thing? Thinkgeek.com have loads of really cool stuff to choose from, even safe bets like interactive t-shirts(!)

Always remember: Like I said in my last Valentines gifts post, This is only one day, don't have hang ups about not getting him the perfect film or burning the dinner. Be grateful if you get to spend the day together. Send him a nice text, or buy him a fancy card to write something sweet inside. Its always the thought that counts the most.

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.  

Friday Favourites #4

Would you look at that, I'm now nearly blogging a whole month! My oh my, doesn't time fly when you are having fun? I have now Facebook and Instagram to go with it too and hoping to one day enter the world of twitter - but not brave enough yet!

In the next week I will be doing a few blog posts for Valentines day. Yes I know its still January but you have to be prepared! And if you are buying something online it is best to get it ordered as early as you can. Now, let us get on to my favourite things this week!

Mmm, looks good. One please!

Drink: Tesco's Peach Sparkling Water

For just 83 cent you get the best drink on earth that has, would you believe only 9 calories! Nom, I have only just found the Tesco own brand drink but I want to go buy a box full! It is really refreshing and I love how the peach isn't an overpowering taste like some fruit drinks can be. It also has the added benefit of being better for you then coke or other fizzy drinks, yay!

Product: Carmex Soothing Lip Balm

This week my lips have been needing a little TLC because I have a cold. This lip balm is my go to at the moment as they are sore, dry and chapped. I love the original  which has menthol and camphor that has cooling pain relief. Word of warning, avoid the little tubs as its hard to get the product out! 

Film: Django Unchained

Stephen and myself went to see this during the week. It was so good and parts had the whole cinema laughing but it was very sad too as it depicted black slavery and the journey for Django to find his slave wife. I do not take well to anything even slightly upsetting or violent and this was both, ha! Stephen actually wrote up a really good review on it over here which will explain it a lot better then I can! 'It was sad' was all I could say after! Also, a cheeky Instagram photo to the side there showing our tickets. Not too bad considering I couldn't use the app for ages! Sigh, me and new things never work. I break them, this is why I can't have nice things!

Book: The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year
I have just finished this book and I was delighted by how good it was. I had it on my wish list on amazon (I have a kindle) for ages hoping the price would come down but then Stephens mum lent it to me, Yay! Sue Townsend has written a thought provoking book in a strange way and had me laughing out loud on long rides home. Not something to read if your not a fan of people staring at you mind! If you come across it do read the back and see if its one you can love too. I'll have a review up soon!

Site: TwistedSifter.com
This site has some fun things on it but this one post had me taking down notes and committing it to memory! Its 50 Life Hacks to Simplify your World. I did not know paper clips had so many uses! And the how to light a candle without burning yourself is something I am now very glad to know about. I will totally be trying the brownie in a mug too, it looks too good not to!

Game: Plants vs. Zombies

This is an app for phones and you can also play it online. I am loving it right now and it can get addictive! The game is set in your back yard with the zombies starting to arrive over your back fence and slowly making their way to your house. If they enter your house your well, dead. So the aim of the game is to kill them by using different plants which you can get once the sunflowers you plant produce enough sunlight. This game has won over 30 game of the year awards and I can see why. You can check it out on a cool site over here. 

Have a happy Friday everyone and a fab weekend! I'd love to know if you try any of these things or already know and love them.