Flip, Pancake Tuesday has really creped up on us!

Like what I did there?!

I must say, like many others, Pancake Tuesday is one of my favourite days of the year! You grab your bowl, lots of Nutella and goodies, and get cookin'!

There is nothing better than licking that spoon after either...

It's a time to get all your buddies, family, cat, dog, whoever is there and gather round the table to top your pancakes with all your favourite ingredients! Nutella with a dollop of cream is my personal favourite!

In the flat we are pretty excited about this day! Pancakes for breakfast and dinner is okay, right? 

*update* So which pancake recipe did I use to make the fluffiest, buttery, most scrumptious pancakes ever...

Only Nigella Flippin' Lawson's American Pancake Recipe

You NEED to try it, I promise you will never go back to another recipe after trying these bad boys!

So get your apron on, grab your friends and get going! Don't worry about the mess either - the more batter that gets on the furniture, the tastier they are...promise!! 

So Happy Pancake Day everyone!
 

Ready...Steady...EAT! 

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Happy (nearly) Valentine's Day! 

Whether your celebrating with your loved one, your best friend, or even your cat...we can all celebrate in this tradition of flowers (which I have never been bought) and just good ol' eating!

Andrew is over for a few days, so we decided to celebrate a little early by buying the Dine in for Two for £20 with M&S - can I hear a "Oh Yeah!!!" 

You get a starter, main course, side dish, dessert and bottle of wine/juice of your choice.

If you want to see the full menu on offer, check it out here.

Pretty much everyone in the flat is grabbing this bargain and I think I could have scooped up most of what was on offer. From the salted caramel brownie slices to the tomato and camembert tarts, I was in food heaven for choice! M&S I think we can all agree are the winners for dining with your loved one. Everything is tasty, fresh and takes minutes to prepare. 

Now, I am going to take this moment to apologize for the bad photography skills displayed here. I was just back from work, I was tired, hungry, and had the patience of a bear. Not a good combo. So there couldn't have been less effort for my photos or presentation, but I think you can all agree it still looks like a tasty treat! This also wasn't our valentine's dinner as we are heading out tonight to celebrate, so minimal was key here.

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We started off with the 'Taste of Thailand' range with Chicken Satay. This included 4 delicious skewers which needed just 10 minutes in the oven and a little jar of peanut sauce to dip in to. 

I had some leftover garlic bread in the fridge which I popped on too, since as I said, I was like a grizzle bear for food! I wasn't sure if it was going to work, but it really did. We started dipping the crunchy garlic bread into the peanut sauce -  a treat!

The main was divine. Meat eaters unite for this!

A scrummy rump steak (cooked just rare-medium) smothered, quite literally, in a peppercorn sauce and rosemary potatoes as our side. The potatoes needed a total of 40 minutes in the over to cook, which was perfect timing for devouring our starter and onto cooking the steaks.

Of course that wasn't enough for the two grizzly bears, so I added on some roasted sugar snap peas with sea salt, chilli and garlic. Mm-hmm.

For drinks, we went for the non-alcoholic Mexican Lime and Lemongrass Valencia Juice. But if you know me, you know I only drink water and tea. So my drinks are always free flowing from the tap! 

 

Mmmmmmmm. That is all I can say.

I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and tender the steaks were. A definite recommendation if your going for the deal.

Dessert was a hard decision in the shop. It is the finale of every meal, so it needs to be sweet enough to quench your hunger once and for all but not too heavy to make you feel sickly.

We narrowed it down to the posh profiteroles and the millionaire shortbread.The winner was the shortbread. Nothing can beat those layers of mouse, creamy filling and shortbread. They just even look so darn good!

We cleared our plates and snuggled down with our dessert  to 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' which is a happy-go-lucky movie. I have wanted to watch it for a few weeks and we really did enjoy it. Its different in that it revolves around the elderly at an Indian hotel - interested yet? The second one will be out in cinemas soon, so snuggle up to this happy movie like we did!

There were a few cups of tea on the go as well. As always.

When Andrew comes over, I love nothing more than getting under a fluffy blanket, a cup of tea, lots of treats to eat and a good movie. It is complete bliss.

"Can I eat it yet, pleeeeeeeease?"

To top it all off, we cracked open the box of chocolate hearts and ate them one by one until none were left in sight. 

The perfect night in with my lovely man after a long day. 

I even got a little early valentine treat, which I can't wait to drink out of in 16 months when we are married! 

I feel this mug will sum it up pretty perfectly! Lucky man...

I will be hopefully doing this deal again with my true valentine - Lois! Andrew leaves on Valentine's Day, so the night shall be spent with a Dine in for Two and a romantic movie with the girl who loves me best. Who needs boys anyway!!

But for now, send a text, card, or a hug to that special guy/girl in your life. Whether your the soppy romantic or the die hard hater of anything valentines, your loved one deserves the treat!

Behind every great man, is an even greater woman - remember that all you men our there! 

I wouldn't be anywhere without Andrew standing by my side all these years, I have no idea how he does it - poor guy!

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 It is extremely rare for me to do a beauty post. I'm not sure why because I am always trying new things and looking for new products. But I suppose that is a reason in itself - there are not many products that I feel I would never stray away from except for a couple. 

I am also in no way an expert, I make far too many mistakes when it comes to beauty so I don't really feel like I should give advice, but here is what I do!

When it comes to my skin, there is nothing that is more changeable than my face beauty routine. I have irritating breakouts most of the year which will only show signs of leaving once I have been in the sun for a while, so that solution is out the window in the UK!

My skin is just so sensitive and can be quite sore at times. I have tried everything for my unclear skin - Proactive, Clinique 3 Step Solution, Liz Earle, Simple, Nivea, Boots own brand...anything from the eye watering expensive to just good ol' water.

Some have worked, some haven't. So if any of you have ANY tips, please send them my way in the comments. What works for you?

Anyway, I've slightly changed my routine again in January and here it is. Tah-Dah!

 So outside the bowl we have the following:

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water: girls, you think all your makeup is off - think again! Wipe this cool, gentle water over your skin with a cotton bud and boom, you will find makeup on the wipe that you thought was gone forever! Honestly, try it! 

Camomile Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover: this is a lovely cleansing lotion for your little peepers. It wipes away every bit of mascara when the day is done!
 

Then we have got what is inside the bowl:

Super Facialist by Una Brennan: this is a salicylic acid (which I know is great for unclear skin) anti blemish cleansing wash. I use this twice at the end of the night, so a double cleanse. This is to make sure everything is off my face and I am completely fresh. I sometimes would only use this at night, and then just water to wash my face in the morning so I'm not being too harsh on my skin.

Dr Jart Clear Away Gel: I received this in the post with Birchbox a month ago, which you use on your skin once a week. I pop it on just before I go in for a shower and its been great. It is a lovely, soothing product for your skin which you have to massage in (which I adore).

Simple Facial Scrub: this is oil balancing and a lovely exfoilator which you can use daily. I use it 3-4 times a week so far and I have to say it really works. It says it shows 64% less blackheads in 7 days, which I feel is majorly exaggerated but there has been a small difference in the past 3 weeks.

Simple Clear Skin Moisturizer: another oil balancing product for my skin - I like to keep my products aiming for the same goal! It claims to eliminate shine and keep your skin clear. I've only had it a couple of weeks since I moved away from my No7 moisturizer (far too thick and really irritated my poor skin) and so far it dries quickly, keeps my winter skin from drying up and hasn't caused any more breakouts.

Simple products are something I went back to recently. I have spent quite a while looking for the wacky, chemical infused products to pretty much burn my spots off. Sadly, they haven't done much. I then realized how kind I need to be to my skin, and less is more. I love how simple products aren't harsh, but love your skin. It came to a point when I thought I was doing more harm to my skin through these harsh products than good. So here is 2015 and being kind to your skin! (I will probably change my mind in a few months, but let me have my moment guys!!)

Finally, my Mask of Magnaminty: this is my favourite Lush product so far. It is a peppermind face and body mask...but so far my face has been lathering it up with its goodness. It fights eruptions and breakouts, which I can truly say it does. It leaves my skin feeling so silky smooth and fresh. It is a great mask for a lazy morning since the peppermint is so reviving and awakening. I use it once a week and haven't looked back, I will be buying this again for sure!
 

If there is anything else you want to know about my skincare routine, please ask! I will say again that I am not an expert, but just experimenting all the time!

Also, let me know what your ideas for better skin are. I am dieing to know!!

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So this post is about 6 weeks late, but you will forgive me for that? Okay, here goes...

When dreaming of the Christmas holidays, I look forward to time with family the most. This Christmas was extra special as my cousin was getting married!

There is nothing to celebrate being off than to dance around with your family and enjoy two lovely people getting hitched.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Ahem.

We arrived the night before to stay with my sister, but quickly hit the Belfast Christmas market. Now, I love the Edinburgh Christmas markets as much as the next one, but there is nothing like home.

Especially the burgers, I'm telling you they are GOOD! But I stopped myself from devouring them on the night, knowing I would be back in 2 days time.

So we just walked around the busy stalls and scented candles...which Andrew dragged me away from.

But it wouldn't have been completed without something to munch on now, would it?

Belfast was so beautiful at night with the huge glistening trees.

I know everyone is probably sick and tired of looking at trees and fairy lights. I can hear you screaming "IT'S JANUARY!!", but now now, I know you miss it too!

We didn't stay too long, but headed back to my sisters for Elf and night close to the fire. All tucked in to our blankets.

The next morning, we slowly dragged ourselves out of bed and made our way to the early morning hairdressers appointment.

It was Mathew and Jessica's WEDDING DAY!!!

Jessica looked stunning in her gorgeous veil as she walked down the aisle. I am still in awe of her dress!

Oh just look at it...

Sadly the lovely bride wasn't always in sight thanks to my mums famous ipad. It has a habit of creeping up and blocking most views. Whoops.

We sons and daughters were very supportive as we giggled behind her! What a bad bunch we are!

Afterwards, we couldn't help us sneak a quick faux-to of our matching stoles.

But we didn't stay sensible for long. Oh dear, oh dear.

The decorations were gorgeous. All the lanterns and flowers just brought the whole wedding together as we enjoyed some lovely scones.

Before we went on to the reception, we stopped in with my sisters for a quick cuppa.

I couldn't resist a few more pictures either.

Or well, I dragged Andrew by the ear with a "Come here!!"

Yet again, the pictures didn't stay serious for long. But hey, it was a happy occasion for everyone!

        Dress - Warehouse

Shoes - ASOS

Faux Fur Stole - Miss Selfridge

Coat - Zara

My family are just barrels of fun and every event makes me so glad to have them around me!

Would you believe that this is only a few of them?

The reception room was beautiful. On each table we got 'Wedding Day' Yankee Candles in sample size which I have been blissfully enjoying in a little cup and saucer.

The room glistened with fairy lights as we laughed alongside the speeches. There was even a personalized song - the wedding party surely had talent!

And then my favourite part, the caaaaaaaaake!!

Before we watched their lovely first dance and got to dance floor ourselves! Hello!!

The whole day was fantastic from start to finish. 

They are truly a couple in love, and I have personally seen them go through the journey from the beginning. They have went from strength to strength as a couple. They also have cats, so are a cute little family already!

The next day we woke up to one of the best breakfasts I've had in a long time.

With Eggs Benedict, I am a happy bunny! 

We stuffed our faces with croissants and cereal, before they brought the eggs benedict.

I loved the china in the quaint little room. Everything was presented so well and the staff were lovely.

I can't quite remember the name of the guest house, but I will let you know if I remember because we were treated unbelievably well.

 

We headed into the Christmas market before heading home. It was freezing so we wrapped up well and I practically skipped there.

 

And these were the burgers I had been waiting for. 

The bacon and blue cheese burger with onion, tomato, rocket and a soft bun to hold it all together.

I get one every single year! They are called 'Rocket and Relish', so if you haven't experienced one of their burgers yet, just get yourself down to their restaurant in Belfast!

I was finally satisfied with my Christmas Market obsession. All done for another year!

Feels a bit weird writing this at the end of January, but hey, better late than never!

I can't wait for the weddings of 2015. I just love getting dressed up in your best frock and watching 2 people fall in love all over again.

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