Scrub Love - Mint Temptation Coffee Scrub

Hey Guys!

Today I’m back with a review of Scrub Love’s coffee body scrub. 

I was super excited to receive the coffee scrub after hearing so much hype on social media about them - I love exfoliators but always forget to use them!! 

I received the Mint Temptation scented scrub which smells absolutely incredible – I love mint and coffee and this smells almost like mint choc chip ice cream, yummy. Other scents available Original Lovin’ and Coconut Affair, mmm!

Scrub Love products are 100% natural, organic and fairtrade and they use coffee that is ethically sourced and Rainforest-Alliance Approved so you can scrub with a clear conscience.

Mint Temptation features the following ingredients; roast organic coffee, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, dead sea salt, argan oil and aloe vera – all fantastic ingredients on their own with wonderful healing properties.

The coffee scrub promises to banish blemishes, target acne, stretch marks and cellulite – what a wonder product!

Benefits of coffee scrubs are that the ground coffee buffs away dead skin cells while protecting the new skin underneath. The high caffeine content stimulates circulation and this in turn can promote healing in problem areas.

I absolutely love this scrub – I left the scrub on my face for several minutes and felt a nice warm tingling underneath. My skin felt silky and smooth afterwards and well moisturised! I will definitely be adding this to my usual shower routine and using the coffee scrub several times a week :)

I would advise scrubbing up a storm in the tub or shower as the coffee grounds get everywhere, but the results are worth it.

Scrub Loves Mint Temptation comes in a 200ml sized resealable pouch and retails at £12.95 which is fantastic value for the amount you receive!

Check out the hashtag on Instagram #babesthatscrub for some fantastic images of the scrub in use!

To pick up your own flock to: www.uk.scrublove.com

* I was gifted this product in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own

Luxury Family Breaks

Run out of ideas for the rest of the Half Term break? Or just run out of steam full stop!?

There's still time to treat the family to a luxury, relaxing weekend away! 

Kingsmills Hotel is offering luxury family breaks at their stunning location in Inverness just a mere 1 mile from Inverness Castle!

From £95 per person you can enjoy 1 night accommodation in one of Kingsmills Hotel new luxury family rooms which includes a full Scottish breakfast, 3 course dinner for two in their Inglis Restaurant  and 2 children (under 11) will stay free of charge and eat from their own children's menu at dinner! 

What a fantastic offer!!

To book visit:http://kingsmillshotel.com/hotel/special-offers/luxury-family-break

Half Term Break Ideas

Well the Half Term break has certainly snuck up on us! 

We're hoping to go to London for a day out next weekend and visit the Science Museum or the Aquarium, maybe take in a show and have a nice dinner somewhere but we did consider traveling further afield...

We have been toying with the idea of visiting Scotland for several months now. Taking a long weekend, hiring a car and touring some of the landmarks. Hike around the Highlands, search out the Loch Ness Monster or gaze at the amazing architecture of Inverness Cathedral.

I feel tired just thinking about those activities!! And of course we'll need somewhere to rest our heads for a couple of nights and what better place than the Kingsmill Hotel!

A beautiful luxury 4* hotel and spa set in 4 acres of grounds, just under 10 miles from Inverness Airport with Half Term Breaks starting at just £80per person! 

Why not take this perfect opportunity to relax and recharge with the family: http://kingsmillshotel.com/hotel/special-offers/february-half-term/

Eat Clean 2016! #3

Here's the 3rd installment of my Eat Clean 2016! journey and I am in full swing and starting to notice the changes :)

Below are a few of my meals from January. I have learnt over the past couple of weeks that seasoning is the key to a tasty meal and I usually add more than required which I think is absolutely making these dishes! Before I tended to air on the side of caution but I am becoming brave in my cooking and it's paying off.

 . Healthy fry up - scrambled egg, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes . Roasted veggie & feta bake with salmon and lemon, bacon, mushroom sitr-fry . Chicken tikka salad . Tuna & Avocado salad .

. Broccoli and Stilton soup . Sausages & veggies in a tomato sauce . Homemade bunless burgers with brown rice & veggie stir-fry . Salted caramel granola .

Delicious!! 

More recipes coming soon - don't forget to follow me on Instagram :)

Salted Caramel Granola

Last weekend I wanted to cook up a batch of tasty granola to top some Greek yogurt I was saving as a sweet treat. Trying to find something different from the norm but still "clean" was a challenge - I searched Pinterest for ages and then decided to amend some of the recipes I found.

This recipe too around 2 and a half hours but it was cooked in the slow cooker and my gosh it is delicious!!

Firstly I gathered my ingredients and slow cooker and set to work...

I added a bag of mixed unsalted nuts to my blended and gave them a quick whiz so they were still a bit chunky.

I then added 4 cups of oats and blended mixed nuts to my slow cooker (set on high) and mixed thoroughly.

In a microwave proof bowl I mixed cashew butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla and salted caramel extract and sea salt and blitzed for 30 seconds  then whisked with a fork.

Next I poured over the wet mixture and added a packet of Nakd's Salted Caramel fruit & nut nibbles and gave it a good stir.

I then checked the granola at half hour increments until it was lovely and toasted golden brown.

Once cooked I spread the granola out on a lined baking tray to cool completely and just before transferring to my storage container I added a handful of dark chocolate chips.

I love this recipe so much - it tastes like Crunchy Nut Granola! I have used it on so many meals and snacks -  topped on porridge, Greek yogurt, added to a banana sandwich, in smoothies! The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients:

4 cups of rolled oats

1 bag of mixed unsalted nuts (blended to a chunky consistency) 

1/2 cup of melted coconut oil

1/2 cup of cashew butter

1/2 cup of maple syrup

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of salted caramel flavouring

1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 bag of Nakd Salted Caramel fruit and nut nibbles

1 handful of dark chocolate chips (optional)

Method:

Blend nuts and add to slow cooker (high setting) with 4 cups of oats - mix well.

Add coconut oil, cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla and salted caramel, sea salt to a microwave bowl and heat for 30 seconds - whisk with a fork.

Pour over oat and nut mixture, add Salted Caramel fruit and nut nibbles and combine.

Cook for 2-3 hours, stirring every half hour until golden brown.

Transfer to baking tray lined with parchment paper to cool.

Add dark chocolate chips and store in a sealed container.

 

Eat Clean 2016! #2

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the meals I had cooked so far during 2016 beginning my Eat Clean journey (well for this year at least).

I'm pleased to say that I am still going strong and have flourished with the aid of some new cookbooks and inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram.

I'm thoroughly enjoy cooking and testing out new recipes that are both healthy and nutritious is spurring me on (plus the extra energy from eating well!)

Below are pictures taken from my Instagram account where I try to post all my meals daily - I'm going to try and tie the pictures up with a blog post recipe soon so watch this space!!

. Meal Prep - egg muffins . Chicken and cashew stir fry . Turkey meatballs with tagliatelle . Chicken and Quinoa salad .

. Overnight Oats Smoothie . Cheesy Chicken and Chorizo with Spinach . Wrapless burrito . Scrambled egg, avocado, plum tomatoes .

I struggle with breakfast ideas and ideally would like things I can pack and take to work with me so any suggestions would be fab! I tend to be having Overnight Oat smoothies 3 times a week and forcing myself up early 2 days during the working week to make some eggs to mix things up a bit!

Recipes coming soon but if there is anything you've seen that you want me to prioritize just let me know in the comments below and I'll get them up asap!

Eat Clean 2016!

After a brief Christmas break I am back with an overview of my 2016 meals so far (yes it has only been 2 days!) 

. Welcome 2016 .  Sale buys - Jamie Oliver Mortar & Pestle, Breville Blend Active . Poached eggs for the 1st time . Cheesy cauliflower bites with jalapeno and bacon .

Me and my husband are making a conscious effort to eat "clean" this year and I have spent the 2-week break over the festive season reading some awesome cookbooks and getting some yummy recipes together ready to try in the New Year.

. Homemade tortilla chips . Fresh prawn salad with a curried yogurt dressing . Snack-time! Apple, banana and Whole Earth peanut butter. Eat Clean .

I read the Deliciously Ella book cover to cover in one day! It was so good and a really interesting read. It opened my eyes to a plant-based diet and although it wont work for me and my household personally it has motivated me to incorporate more meat-free meals into my week, so much so I have proposed #meatlessmonday

Stay tuned for some awesome recipes coming soon and don't forget to follow me on Instagram to see my day-to-day meals and snacks!

Recipe: Seared Curried Scallops and Creamy Leeks

Did you know that Leeks are one of my favourite vegetables?! #lovemyleeks

Leeks are best during the colder months and are in season - I picked up these beauts from my local farm shop #shoplocal 

I love how simple, nutritious and delicious they are. I tend to use them in stews, casseroles or bolognaise but today I thought I'd try out a new recipe idea!

Creamy leeks with seared curried scallops.

This dish is quick, simple and would be ideal as a starter or a main dish - win win!

Let's get on with the show....

Firstly I heated the butter on a medium/high heat and then added leeks, water and salt and pepper to the saucepan and cooked until soft and tender.

Meanwhile I patted dry the scallops and sprinkled with curry powder.

Then I added cream and a pinch of nutmeg (perfect for Christmas!) t the leeks and cooked until the sauce thickened.

Using my griddle pan I heated the oil and seared the scallops for 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.

To serve - add the scallops on top of the leek mixture and voila! Simple dinner or starter.

Ingredients:

2tbsp butter
1/3 cup water
2 leeks chopped (I like to keep them in circles and fairly chunky)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup of cream (I used double)
A pinch of nutmeg
Scallops
1/2 tbsp curry powder
1tbsp olive oil

Method:

1. Melt butter on a medium to high heat in a saucepan, add 1/3 cup of water, leeks, salt and pepper to taste and stir occasionally until soft and tender.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream and nutmeg. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Meanwhile pat scallops dry and sprinkle with the curry powder (both sides) and a pinch of salt.
4. Heat oil on a medium to high heat (I used my griddle pan here). Cook scallops until golden brown brown on the outside, turn once. The centres should be opaque. No more than 5 minutes.
5. Serve on top of the leeks.

Best bolognaise/ragu recipe

   

I may have mentioned in a previous post that I like to spend my Sunday's batch cooking for the week ahead. My mantra is "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!" 

I need to have a fully stocked fridge and freezer full of quick and easy dishes and snacks to keep my on track with my clean eating regime.

Pretty much every other Sunday I tend to cook a kilo of mince and make bolognaise, taco mince, cottage pies and chilli con carnes for the freezer. 

This week I decided to mix it up a bit - I chose to use beef AND pork mince and the gamble paid off!! (Yes, I do realize this isn't a game changer for most people but for us it revolutionized our spag bol's.)

Firstly, I browned off the mince with a glug of olive oil. I used 500g of beef and 500g of pork, both at 5% fat so nice and lean.

While the mince browned I gathered together the rest of the ingredients and chopped mushrooms and a red onion. I was extra lazy this week and picked up a Veg Base Mix (carrots, onions and celery pre-chopped super finely) so my chopping time was minimized drastically.

I added the red onion and pre-chopped veggies and let them cook down for 5 minutes and then added the other ingredients (again being lazy!) a Knorr garlic flavour pot and extra rich beef stock, a stock cube, Herbs & More rosemary and thyme melt, half a jug of veg stock, leftover passata and a tin of plum tomatoes, Worcester sauce and red wine (phew!!)

Then begins the simmering process. I try to let it simmer for 2-3 hours before letting it cool fully and transferring to freezer containers or zip-lock baggies. 

 

During the simmering time I taste tested often (treat for the cook!) and added a few sneaky extra's to enhance the flavour. A lidful of mixed herbs (official chef terms coming out now, ha) and a whole tray of mushrooms cut on the chunky side - my fave!

And voila! THE best bolognaise/ragu recipe I have ever made. The meat was soft and crumbly and the sauce almost authentic, even if I do say so myself!

Ingredients:

500g lean beef mince

500g lean pork mince

1 tbsp of olive oil

Finely chopped veggies (2x onions, 2x carrots, 2x celery)

Mushrooms (optional)

500ml of stock (i used 300ml of Bouillon veg stock and added a Knorr extra rich beef stock pot and a stock cube)

1 Knorr garlic flavour pots/4 cloves of garlic (minced)

250ml of passata

1 tin of plum tomatoes

1 tbsp Worcester sauce

1 cup of red wine

2 tbsp mixed herbs

Method:

1. Heat oil in large pan and fry mince until brown

2. Add veggies and fry for a further 5 minutes

3. Add rest of ingredients and give it a good stir, bring to boil

4. Simmer for 2-3 hours

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

Stuck for last minute Christmas gift ideas?

In my eyes you can't go wrong with chocolates. And to make sure your loved ones enjoy this gift over and over why not sign them up to the Hotel Chocolat Tasting Club!

The Hotel Chocolat Tasting Club is unlike any other subscription boxes I've seen before - The Cocoa box is the perfect balance of milk, dark and white chocolate with a different box of recipes delivered every 4 weeks.

It's the gift that keeps on giving. Imagine the delight every month at having a gorgeous box of sumptuous chocolates being delivered to your door, mmm!

I have an exclusive 1st Box Offer where you can get your first box for just £9.95! Sign up today and you will receive a FREE bag of salted caramel puddles! Wouldn't that be an ideal Secret Santa present.

Or for that chocolate loving family member there are also 3, 6, and 12 month offers and you can unsubscribe at anytime! Check out my exclusive discount codes below:

Save £15 - Get £5 off your first 3 club boxes – Enter code: TCX15X3B

Save £33 - Get £5.50 off your first 6 club boxes - Enter code: TCX33X6B

Save £72 - Get £6 off your first 12 club boxes - Enter code: TCX72X12B

I know what I'm adding to my Christmas list!!

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My Christmas Wishlist

. Deliciously Ella cookbook . Jamie Oliver Tefal Pan set . Dyson V6 Animal . The Pioneer Woman serving dishes . Measuring Cups .

 This Christmas my wishlist being sent to Santa Claus is all home wares and cookbooks! 

Since getting our fur baby last year (a snowy white and tabby patched cat called Drizzle) everything has become covered in fluff and i have pined over the Dyson cordless hoovers. 

In my quest to get the Hubby's approval to purchase such an extravagance investment I have boasted about the benefits of having such a versatile tool in our home! From the powerful suction (begone Drizzle hair!) to being able to quickly whizz it into the corners of the rooms with the handheld function, to me being able to hoover the stairs and 1st floor of our home with ease due to its lightweight nature. Please Santa bring me one of these!!

I have added the Deliciously Ella cookbook to my list - I try to make healthy treats where possible as I try to follow a "clean eating" program coupled with personal training 3x a week. I have also added a couple of comfort-food cookbooks to my list by Barefoot Contessa and The Pioneer Woman; i love their shows on Food Network!

Stainless Steel Measuring Cups! Well, because I will need assistance with all the new recipes I will be making in the New Year!

When me and my partner first moved in together we struggled to find a pot & pan set that we liked so we just settled for a cheapy one with the hope of upgrading when we found a set we liked ... 4 years have past and we still haven't changed them! We have some wedding vouchers to use and i think we shall start the search soon for a lovely pan set that will see us through many years. I really like the Jamie Oliver Tefal ones or the Tefal Ingenio set where you have one handle for the whole set and chop and change as you use them - genius!

And finally The Pioneer Woman serving dishes! As I mentioned earlier I really enjoy watching Ree Drummond's show on Food Network on a Sunday morning before starting my batch cooking. I have a bit of an obsession at the moment for finding some lovely patterned serving dishes for my kitchen and these are ideal - only problem is they are available in America and shipping would be astronomical for the set *sad face* 

Annnd that is it for my 2015 Christmas Wishlist - hopefully a few of these will be crossed off and the others picked up in the January sales!

Tuesday Treats #1

 

Who will buy my beautiful thiiiiiingssss!

 

Today we have my New Baby greeting cards – there seems to be a baby boom at the moment! I know several Mums-to-be and New Mums and these cards will be ideal for sharing your congratulations! Or why not put them by for Baby’s 1^st Christmas!!

 

Beautifully crafted handmade greeting card.

Blue or Pink 3D chest of drawers with a baby grow to one side, a giraffe to the other and a teddy bear perched on top.

Left blank so suitable for any occasion and you can add your own special message.

Would be ideal for a Baby Shower, New Baby, Baby's 1st Birthday!

100% recycled.

Size 5" x 5".

Comes with matching envelope. Will also be sent in a hardbacked envelope to ensure it reaches you in pristine condition.

 

To purchase your own or view what else i have please visit: and pictures on my wall store

 

As I’m unashamedly advertising my crafts to you why not get involved and feature your own items on Tuesday Treats - anything from creative crafts, jewellery, cakes and more. We could even set up a Swap Shop! For more info or to feature just contact me in the comment box below or email me: kirsti_r@hotmail.com.

 

Caslon & Co Kitchen Linen: Victorian Flourish Oven Mitt

Caslon & Co Victorian Flourish Oven Mitt Sky Blue - £24.00

I was recently invited to try out some of the gorgeous kitchen linen by Caslon & Co and opted for this lovely sky blue oven mitt. As you may have noticed from my blog layout I love white, turquoises and greys and am slowly sneaking the colour scheme into the kitchen so when I spotted this design I knew I had to have it!

The oven mitt is heavy duty and well made - when I first tried it out I noticed how much thicker it is compared to my usual oven gloves and that it is lined with a plasticy fabric. I feel this will be a great benefit as sometimes my oven gloves get wet while i'm cooking as I constantly wash my hands and I cant hold baking trays and roasting tins for long but with the lining I think this will prevent it from happening in future. Another plus to the Victorian Flourish Oven Mitt is that it is completely machine washable - win!

I just love the vintage, shabby chic pattern and am so happy there is a matching apron and tea towel to complete the set which I've added to my Christmas List ;)

I have a fabulous 15% discount code for all my readers if you'd like to grab some of the beautiful kitchen linens by Caslon & Co and jazz up your kitchen in time for Christmas - just enter xmas25 at checkout!

What's your favourite patterns for kitchen linens?

Sunday Lunch #1

 

 

What's this?! A brand new series for you to enjoy! ... Sunday Lunch is where I will post my fave recipe of the week whether it be a dinner I’ve made, a tasty snack or a yummy dessert.

 

Recently we’ve gone on a bit of a health kick and tried to kerb the takeaways and meals out and switch to healthy homemade delights. Since doing this I’ve ignited a passion for cooking, finding recipes and trying new things.

 

Today I’m showing you a tasty fish dish inspired by this Slimming World recipe.

 

I wrapped the salmon in tin foil parcels with 2 tsp of soy sauce, 1 tsp of honey, 2 teaspoons of lazy chilli and a spoonful of lazy garlic.

 

I then stir-fried a selection of veggies. Mange tout, spinach, button mushrooms, red and white onion and half a chilli chopped up finely. I chose these vegetables for no other reason other than they needed to be used up! Ha.

 

As a yummy accompaniment I made Sweet Potato Jackets – I’m not a massive potato fan but these were a delicious alternative to an old classic. To make simply prick the sweet potato several times and cook in the oven for 40 minutes.

 

And voila! A healthy homemade dish oozing with flavour!

 

 

Panasonic TZ40 Vine video

What do you think of the Panasonic TZ40 Vine video?

Inspiring summer holiday destinations? I think so :)

 

* This is a sponsored post brought to you by http://www.spreaditfast.com/ *

 

Disney Wonder Linen Spray

Wonder by Disney is a fruity sweet subtle scent designed for a baby's nursery and bedroom linens.

I am absolutely in love with this spray and spray it several times a day all over my house - I have even sprayed it on myself as a body spray, it is that delicious!

The scent is a wonderfully sweet scent - like marshmallows or candyfloss with a hint of apples and adds a lovely comforting smell to your room and linens.

The bottle is nothing less than a masterpiece! Its chunky, simple and well made . The bottle is clear with only the logo and Disney picture (Bambi and Thumper!!!!) on the front with a shiny gold cap.

Wonder Linen Spray also comes in a gorgeous cream and gold sturdy gift box which is unbelievably cute and I cant bear to throw out!

You get 125ml of spray per bottle for £8 which I think is very reasonable especially as it seems to last forever! I've had mine for 2 months now and still have over two thirds left.

The only downside I have found is that the smell isn't long lasting but I have just seen that they have added a candle with the same scent to the collection and this may be better to use along side the linen spray as a room fragrance. Cant wait to try it!! :)

Have you tried the Disney Linen Sprays?