Sparkly Jelly...

Fed up of boring old jelly… but it's ZERO pro points… better than a cupcake (not really 'better' but 'better FOR you' than a cupcake… sigh…) but it's a bit like butternut squash soup… you can overdose on it… I'm actually craving salad weather… so c'mere, add a bit of fizz to the world… sparkly jelly! Soooo easy its not even funny! 

Two ingredients… sugar free jelly & 7up Free 

or whatever sugar free soft drink you like… 

Tangent… I've tried raspberry jelly with diet coke and 

if you're a fan of cherry coke, you'll love it! Play around with it… 

I have a friend who makes the orange jelly with diet orange soda every weekend its her treat and it satisfies that sweet tooth craving without massive calories! 

Put your jelly into a bowl and boil the kettle… 

Pour in enough boiling water to dissolve the granules … 

it should have the consistency of a gel…

Fill up to required level with your sugar free 7UP … 

Do it very slowly or you'll have a head on it like a pint of Guinness … 

Once you're sure it's totally dissolved then pour into your mould… 

fancy cocktail glasses, bowls, ice cube trays whatever takes your fancy … 

and experiment with the flavours and colours … 

I'm trying lime, lemon and orange for St. Patricks day!

Then into the fridge … 

Take it out a few minutes before you turn it out… 

et voila … sparkly jelly… simples … 

Pamper Products - #BOBBLOGCHALLENGE week 4!

Week 4 and yet we haven't aged a day! Best Of Beauty Challenge is here again!  

This week… *drum roll*  'Pamper Products'!!!  

Soap & Glory… one of my favorite brands… everything smells delicious… and doesn't cost a kidney… This 'Glow Lotion' is one of my favs for going out… remember when you were a teenager and it was ALL about the glitter?! Well this is the grown up version.. it give your skin a lovely sheen that just makes you glow without looking like a Las Vegas showgirl on those nights you wanna sparkle a little! Use it anywhere or as the box says 'apply tactically to emphasize your best assets!' Cleavage laydeeezzzz cleavage! Great on the pins too if you're going bare legged! Retails in Boots for a mere €7.75!

Clarins Eau Ressourcante … This is the product I use from time to time to wind down… I know… I know… who needs a product to wind down… BUT… after your bath before you get into bed to read for an hour… even a small spritz on your pillow will make you breathe a little deeper and just chill out… this is my 'yankee candle' and it lasts a lot longer… it's not a perfume and doesn't sell itself as one… it's a 'rebalancing fragrance' … don't roll your eyes… it is amazing but a bit pricey! (I got mine in a pharmacy hamper as a pressie!) … If you ever have a facial with Clarins … that soothing relaxing smell they spritz all around you… is this! After a long stressful day… this will help you chill… as the kids say! 

Whats in it that makes it SO good then… 

Essential Oils:
Basil - refreshing
Florentine Iris - refined fragrance
Virginia Cedar wood - promotes serenity
Siamese Benzoin - provides comfort

Non-fragrant plants:
Sarsaparilla - energizes
Robinia - softens, soothes
Longan - relieves stress

If you're a Clarins fan then Christmas and birthdays are the time to get this in a goodie bag! Otherwise it's €41.50 in Brown Thomas.. eek!

Next time you're passing the Clarins counter have a spritz and let it settle… 

Silk Oil of Morroco… Now I know there's a bandwagon about argan oil but personally I love the stuff and this is one of the better products out there… SILK is an Aussie product and this pump version is not greasy nor will it weigh your hair down… again a little goes a long way and you wouldn't be using this product every day, its a treat for your skin and hair… and the smell… is… FANTSTIC… its very summery and as it soaks straight into your skin and hair, there's no greasy fingers or worse limp locks! I swear…  as soon as scratch & sniff blogs are out this will be the first thing up here! 

You can purchase these online >>> HERE <<< My 125ml bottle above cost €45 but you can get a 12ml, which doesn't sound like a lot but it is, for €12 worth every cent!

You know the way summer is on the horizon… and our little piggies will be out for all the see… My aussie upbringing means my feet are like leather… I'm barefoot ALL the time, winter and summer, and hard skin is a constant battle… nothing like going for a pedicure and they're looking for grinder to get that skin off! Scarleh! Last year I spotted these, Footer exfoliating socks on @VonFluffy blog 'Not Just Inside'  >>> HERE <<< and honestly its like having new feet! 

The process isn't a pleasant one for anyone who loves you and that's why you should be doing it now whilst your feet are all wrapped up in tights and boots!

First you slip your feet into the socks which to be honest are like two freezer bags full of gel… I'm not really selling it here am i? Then piggies up for an hour and rinse them off in the shower and stare at your feet and wonder why they're not brand spanking new… then tweet me I'm a fibber… but gals… give it time… cause the magic happens over the next 5 - 10 days… wear old tights and socks and don't be tempted to 'help' by buffing off, pumicing or picking at your heels! (pretty huh?!) but trust me by the time you get to day 8 you will have shed that skin like a snake and you'll have perfect tootsies! Sandals at the ready! Pedicures ahoy!

Note they've gone up to €24.99 in Boots but for a once a year treat its money well spent! 

And finally… Face masks… now don't get me wrong I have a couple of expensive face masks that are fab but these are in my weekly pamper session! The Montagne Jeunesse face packs are €1.60 in my local SuperValu and pharmacy… the selection is HUGE selection from rehydration masks to nose strips for black heads to anti puffy patches for under your peepers when you've been on the tiles… 

AND for those of us counting points etc… there are TWO choccie versions… as Charles Schulz said…

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

and if we can't eat it… we can wear it for 10 minutes! The Chocolate Mask for normal, dry and t-zone skin is a deep cleansing one which smells DIVINE but then I haven't had chocolate since 2002, allegedly… ahem… the White Chocolate - Ultra Deep Cleansing Mask smells a bit synthetic but I'm not a white chocolate fan so that might just be me… the Very Berry Exfoliating Mask however is fab! SuperDrug have a great range of these to choose from also… 

In this weather its a nice little 15 min treat to your skin… and at under €2 these are a little pick me up that won't hurt your skin or your wallet!

Feet up and watch the Muskateers on a Sunday evening! 

What you should look like… 

What you will look like… 

Remember when your mother said what would happen if the wind changed! EEK! 

Dolls don't forget to check out the lovely Samantha from All The Buzz blog who's running this challenge… and she's only gone and won BLOG OF THE YEAR 2014! >>> HERE <<< and you can follow all the posts on twitter under #BOBBlogChallenge!

Oddities..

One for the savory teeth out there … you may have spotted these… They're currently on sale in Dunnes at the moment too… They're from McVities and are more mini cracker than crisp but they will sort out the savory craving with just one bag! 

They come in a multi pack of 5 in three flavors Salt & Vinegar, Sour cream & chive and Cheese … all are 3 PP per 25g bag! Each bag is 25g for 3 PP and the flavor is strong enough and salty enough to enjoy it with out wanting to open another... 

Success… Monday Motivation…

Its great when you start getting compliments and people notice your weight loss… the best feeling is when someone says 'you're looking great!' … 'wow you're doing so well' … and yes, the journey is a success but what people can assume sometimes is its easy… for those who don't have a struggle with their weight… its very hard… really hard… and those weeks when you feel like giving up are the weeks you really need the support and motivation!

This graph is EXACTLY what my weight loss journey has been so far… and anyone I know who is on that journey are 'high-fiving' me right now.. AMEN SISTA … (I know what is she on about... but I'm off to NYC next week so I'm getting into the lingo dude!)

Yes, there are more good weeks than bad… and just when you think you've got it sussed.. out of the blue you're up and you feel like giving up… my advice … don't! Even if you've only lost a pound this year.. you're still on the right path… the worst thing you can do is give up! I have started ALL the slimming clubs and failed at them because I didn't stick with it… so no matter if you count points, do Simple Start, count 'Syns' or calories or whatever healthy eating plan is working for you… the trick is to keep going even when it feels like its not because YOU are worth hanging in there for the extra few weeks… 

Here's to a good week… 

C'mon Ireland!!!

It's a big day in Chateau Doll…. anyone who knows me, knows I'm a MASSIVE rugby fan.. those poor twitter folk know ONLY too well… but today it's Ireland V England… *silent pause* and from my sick bed I managed to get my bling on!!! 

Wet 'n' Wild - Caribbean Frost

Signature Nail, Wet 'n' Wild - French White Creme

Bling were a freebie from a nail stand at the Beauty show…  first time I've used them! 

So here's to a great day for Irish sport … and anyone watching it, the Irish Laydeeez team are on straight after so don't be going anywhere except the loo and the kettle! 

Apologies for the dodgy angle but I was watching the Olympics and I truly thought they were going on straight! Damn slalom! 

C'MON IRELAND!!!!!

Cauliflower & Broccoli Soup

Blimey… right you demanding lot! Here's the recipe for my version of cauliflower and broccoli soup as requested! Sorry I don't have the step by step pics but I wasn't expecting to do a post on it but it's VERY easy.. so here you go… 

What do I need?

onion
garlic
broccoli
cauliflower
Stock cube - I use chicken but there's some really nice ones out there now so experiment
500 mls of water
couple of table spoons of yoghurt
seasoning - salt, pepper & a dash of worcestershire sauce


For this I used left over veggies that had been steamed the night before so I added them last.. but if you're making it all from scratch here's how… 


How do I make it?

Fry your onion and garlic until soft with your spray oil… 

Add the broccoli and cauliflower (any extra veg too, celery is lovely in this!) and your stock.. your veggies should be covered so bring it to the boil, then simmer with the lid on until cooked… 

If you're using leftovers, then just add them at the end to heat them up or you'll just have mushy soup! I don't like my soup like baby food…. I'm a 'stew' kinda gal… 

Season as you go along as you fancy… the worcestershire sauce beefs it up a little.. try it … 

Once its done, I stir in a couple of tablespoons of fat free yoghurt.. currently using this one >>> HERE <<< it'll make it nice and creamy… I've also made this with creme fraiche and its lovely!

Total for the pot is 2PP, you could pro point it at 1PP per serving but even that is too high! Add some fancy wholegrain bread and you're stuffed for lunch! 

Enjoy! 

Gimme your heart!

There's a heart… a little tiny heart… I'm not sure if its made of stone or glass or whatever… but its there… I didn't get close enough to see it but we were all told about it… it's in my leaders little treasure chest of 'silver sevens' and 'stones' and '10% stickers'.. for the month of February my leader dishes out 'heart shaped' stones to people who hit a stone in weight loss… I will do a post on her one of these days… she is truly amazing! However I am now 2lbs away from that next stone… I want that heart… I WANT IT! 

TWO pounds… I'm so close its not funny! Before Christmas I was within half a pound of it and over the last few weeks I've been losing the same half pound over and over again until yesterday when I had a mini breakthrough! Having bronchitis hasn't helped but I'm a step closer… it's within my grasp… and totally doable if I just cop on!

That's TWO of these bad boys! 

I'm away with my mum the following week to NYC and to have that stone in my pocket would just be the best birthday present EVER to myself! Plus I'm 3 clothes sizes smaller heading over this year! *squeals*

Every week as she hands out the rewards in class she says to us … 

'would anyone else like a 'stone' or a 'silver seven'? 

well you all know what you have to do for next week!'  

Wanna see the angelic tracker of St. Doll - The patron saint of the yo yo scales?! 
Stay tuned… You're all gonna hate me… remember that girl in school who got everything right? Teachers Pet?! well this week that's me! So keep your eye on me… slap me on the wrist if you see me wandering off to the biscuit tin… Permission granted to kick me in the pants too! 

There's a challenge on the horizon … 

PS: If you hear of a car-jacking in the south side of Dublin next Thursday you can rest assured I'll only take the little heart… promise! 

Make Up Must Haves! #BOBBlogChallenge

Hello Dolls! Week 3 of the Best Of Beauty Challenge, WHERE does the time go??!  Hosted by the lovely Samantha from All The Buzz blog >>> HERE <<< Remember to check out #BOBBlogChallenge on twitter, all the beauty bloggers are posting their fav products and top tips… they know what they're talking about I tell ya… 

So… Week 3 is…  *drum roll*  'Makeup Must haves' the essentials that you need to get your face on! Here's mine… 

First up a decent mirror! Mine is from TK Maxx and it was €10… is got 3 'zooms' on it… with the 'extreme close up' magnify bit so you can really scare yourself with the wrinkles… but its ace for when you want to do a perfect wing tip with liquid eyeliner and your hands are a bit shaky! A must… 

Tip… my other cheapy mirror is on my bedroom window.. cause THAT's the light you need to check before you exit the building! THAT's the light people are going to see you in…  Many times I've been all set to go and peeped into this and had to 'fix' things! 

New cult product Garnier Perfect Blur .. this stuff rocks… no matter how rough you feel this will give you a 'glow' and makes the reflection in the mirror about a little easier to deal with.. pop it on over your moisturiser and 10 years younger… well maybe 5 but take what you can eh!? €16 in Boots… 

I know the 'blending brush' police will be out to get me but I love … LOVE… blending sponges… They just work fro me… I've tried brushes and I look like I've had a dodgy streaky tan! Unblended foundation is my pet peeve … I've been know to tut loudly at those jawlines that are tango orange beside a porcelain white neck… this won't happen if you use these properly… plus you've got the mirror remember! blend blend blend… then you can leave the house! The ones on the left I'm currently using are from 'Ur' make up… so far so good… find them >>> HERE <<< easy to use.. fast to clean… and blend like a dream… The others were a find in TK Maxx for €4! 

Know what else you need… a good concealer… there's loads to choose from out there but my fav at the moment is 'Soap 'n' glory Kick Ass Concealer'… it's compact so will fit into the handbag easily… there's two tones of concealer in so you can match your skin perfectly AND its got a translucent 'sealing' powder to set it… the little mirror inside it ace too… no need for a compact mirror if you have this with you… two birds etc…  Get it in Boots for €13 comes in Light and Medium… 

The right color foundation… go get yourself matched!!! KNOW if you're warm or cool skinned… it can make all the difference to how you look… make up is suppose to make you look good.. not plastered or of different ethic origin! nothing worse than seeing a very pretty girl with make up caked on with a different color neck! I'm a bit ranty today aren't I! I'm cool skinned and L'Oreal True Match in C5 is the nearest colour to my skin tone… Like everyone I need to go a little lighter in winter and I mostly a tinted moisturizer in Summer cause I've got quite sallow skin but for those days when I need full make up… having the right color is a must… and this one is the business! Estee Lauder counters do a great skin matching test for those wanting to experiment with tones… their 'Double wear' foundation is excellent benchmark…  

I thought my 'spotty skin' was done once i hit my 20s… my 30s?!? sheesh… how wrong was I!?!?  For those sneaky little zits… here's a concealer with healing properties…  'Neutrogena Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer' comes in 4 shades… it contains Salicylic acid to dry 'em out and states it's a 'management for acne' … Instead of covering a blemish with concealer and making it worse, we've all been there… this will heal as it goes… you only need to put a small amount on the reddest part, one click is the perfect amount… those clever Neutrogena people… then do your foundation… its a great little concealer with healing goodness! Available here for €19… I got mine in New York for $11 so be nice to the American cousins! 

For when it's ALL over… Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover… this stuff will get rid of EVERYTHING on your peepers… it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy nor does it sting your eyes… great if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts… PLUS it's great value, my local pharmacy sells it for €4.30 … I wear black eyeliner A LOT… and nothing has come close to this for removing all the 'debris' from the bags under me eyes! 

Every girl should have a pair of these… Shu Uemura eye lash curlers… I've also invested in the sneaky little ones for the eye lashes at the outer edge of your eyes… you can get them in silver or gold and if you never wear any make up they will open up your baby blues in 10 seconds! I got mine In Brown Thomas, they have a full Shu Uemura stand there, for €25 and the mini ones for those strays at the edge of your eyes were €15 but they're for life! 

So… these are my 'must haves' … laydeez who blogged about Aussie hair masks last week? They're on sale this week in Dunnes for €4! Someones been eavesdropping eh!