Moooove over cradle cap.

Like so many babies my little girl was plagued by the nasty that is cradle cap. It didn’t bother her very much but it looked sore and very dry. I tried 2 different brands of shampoo from the chemist designed for cradle cap and I also used to rub coconut oil into her scalp and comb out the worst of the dry skin.
I did this a few days a week for about 4 weeks and it didn’t seem to be getting any better.  Every time I would brush the skin out little chunks of her beautiful hair was coming too and I was devastated. I asked for advice from the wonderful mom’s on a September baby group page on facebook and a few of them reccomended an Australian brand called moogoo. I wish I had never bothered with the chemist and asked the moms first.
I went on to the moogoo website and decided to go with the scalp balm and the milk shampoo to start. The delivery only took a few days and when it arrived I was so excited. It came in the most adorable packaging. (I am a sucker for things that look cute.)
The scalp balm came in a milk carton shaped box, and it smells so lovely. There is lavender, tea tree and rosemary in it and I could sit smelling it all day. The scalp balm is €15.95 and available to buy here: Moogoo Scalp Cream

I also got the milk shampoo to use on her hair in the bath. I have to say of all the shampoo I had used on her or on myself (yes I had a sneaky go) this made my hair feel so clean. There was no residue left in my hair afterwards, it was actually squeeky clean. The shampoo is €14.95 and available to buy here: Moogoo Milk Shampoo

So I used each of these products on my little girls scalp 3 times over 1 week and her cradle cap was 90% gone. I couldn’t believe how amazing it was. I have quite oily skin and my hair doesn’t respond well to me using too many products. My scalp can be prone to breakouts and can get quite itchy and irritated. When I saw how well it worked on baba I gave it a go myself and it cleared my own scalp right up.
With my order I got loads of small sample bottles of other products and have given them to friends and family to help with their own skin issues. Needless to say they all ordered their own once they saw how well they worked.
I also got a full sized lip balm which is made of completely edible ingredients and is super moisturising.  It has kept my lips alive through the nasty cold weather and has SPF 15 so I will continue to use it whenever the sun decides to appear. It is €4.95 and available here: Moogoo Lip Balm

Let me know if anyone else uses their products and how they get on. I’ll be placing another order as soon and switching all my hair care over.

Steph xxx

Lunch Time Fun

So today my little girl is gone with her dad to watch a football match, the poor child won’t know what’s going on but I am all for daddy daughter bonding. While they are out of the house I wanted to try get the place organised. And first on my list is feeding myself. Unfortunately the fridge isn’t exactly abundant at the moment (note item 2 on list “do some friggin’ groceries”). So I decided to make a “whatever was in the fridge” soup.

I always start soup with onions and garlic. Some people don’t like it but I am a garlic fiend so wouldn’t be without it. I like to think it will help me ward of colds and things. This soup is also full of speed for anyone who is doing slimming world. Today’s random recipe is below.

Ingredients.
1 brown onion
1 clove of garlic
2 carrots
1/2 turnip
1 potato
1 sweet potato
1 tbsp soya sauce
1 pint chicken stock (I use knorr stock pots)
Salt and pepper to taste.

Method:
1. Cut the onion into a small dice and crush the garlic. Sweat off in a non stick pan or if using a regular pan then use some frylite. 
2. Peel and chop all the other veg and put it in the pan. Make up 1 pint of stock as per the instructions and add it to the pan.
3. Bring to the boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes or until the veg is tender.
4. Blitz using a stick blender or in a regular blender.

Honestly though you can throw anything into this soup and it has never failed me. It was perfect for lunch today and tomorrow.  And freezes well if you have a ton left over. Now I’m off to make a shopping list and hope tomorrow will be just as productive. The perfect excuse for a Starbucks if ever I heard it. 🙂

Steph xx

Lunch Time Fun

So today my little girl is gone with her dad to watch a football match, the poor child won’t know what’s going on but I am all for daddy daughter bonding. While they are out of the house I wanted to try get the place organised. And first on my list is feeding myself. Unfortunately the fridge isn’t exactly abundant at the moment (note item 2 on list “do some friggin’ groceries”). So I decided to make a “whatever was in the fridge” soup.

I always start soup with onions and garlic. Some people don’t like it but I am a garlic fiend so wouldn’t be without it. I like to think it will help me ward of colds and things. This soup is also full of speed for anyone who is doing slimming world. Today’s random recipe is below.

Ingredients.
1 brown onion
1 clove of garlic
2 carrots
1/2 turnip
1 potato
1 sweet potato
1 tbsp soya sauce
1 pint chicken stock (I use knorr stock pots)
Salt and pepper to taste.

Method:
1. Cut the onion into a small dice and crush the garlic. Sweat off in a non stick pan or if using a regular pan then use some frylite. 
2. Peel and chop all the other veg and put it in the pan. Make up 1 pint of stock as per the instructions and add it to the pan.
3. Bring to the boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes or until the veg is tender.
4. Blitz using a stick blender or in a regular blender.

Honestly though you can throw anything into this soup and it has never failed me. It was perfect for lunch today and tomorrow.  And freezes well if you have a ton left over. Now I’m off to make a shopping list and hope tomorrow will be just as productive. The perfect excuse for a Starbucks if ever I heard it. 🙂

Steph xx

Penny’s Haul

So I went for a quick trip into town today to get things to finish doing up my little girls bedroom. And in my usual style I never once took the list (that I spent a week preparing) out of my bag. I didn’t even get close to picking up what I needed to get.  However I did do a little bit of damage to the bank balance in the wonderful world of penny’s (or primark depending on what part of the world you’re in). I did well for myself. There was a few bits on sale which is always good. So the first thing I picked up is a tailored waistcoat with a lace back. (I think that’s what one would call it, I am open to being corrected though cause I have no idea). It was reduced from €20 to only €9 so I couldn’t leave it behind. I really love it on.

Then I picked up the most beautiful pair of black lace up pointy toe stilettos.  I am in LOVE. They are really comfy which I was surprised by and again were reduced to €9 so they were not being left behind. 

Then I got 2 pairs of teeny tight shorts for running and for around the house. When I am at home especially once the weather gets a bit better I live in shorts. When I was pregnant too they were an essential as I had no tolerance for the heat. These were €4 each. They had a few colours I think but black and navy will do me for the moment. (I know I’m the epitome of excitement :/)

On the topic of running, I can’t do any at the moment due to an injury so my physio has recommended swimming to help keep my fitness level up while I’m being fixed up. Now I don’t know about you but I hate wrapping my wet bikini in a towel and by the time you get home basically everything is soaked. Behold…..The bikini bag. Haha. It’s just a little silicone bag to put the wet one into so everything else doesn’t get soaked. €3 and I am a happy bunny.

Now after a swim you will want to be comfortable so when I saw this jumper I had to have it. It has a cowl neck with drawstrings and a big front pocket for lounging in. It isn’t heavy fabric either so will be perfect for the milder spring and summer evening when it’s not cold enough for a proper wooly jumper. I also love the quote on the front. €10.

Finally on my trip I wanted to get new pyjamas. I am a complete sweaty Betty at night time but have to keep the room at a constant temperature for the baby. I wanted to get a nice light cotton shorts and t shirt set for bed and I think the print on this is stunning. They are sold individually so if you prefer a long pants instead of shorts or if you want 2 different sizes you can do that no problem.  They were €5 each.

I’ve said it before I’m. Not the most fashionable person in the world so this might be to everyone’s taste but these are my few bits. I hope you liked them and if you have any questions just let me know in the comments.
Steph xxx

Make-update.

So this year I have promised myself to finally build the make up collection that I have always wanted. Unfortunately I haven’t won the euro millions just yet so new additions are slow but all the more appreciated.  This week I wanted a nice nude lipstick that I can wear daily during spring.  I use MAC amplified at the moment but it has a very dewy finish so I feel like it’s a bit too much sometimes. Anyway I went and got an old favourite amongst the MAC diehards called velvet teddy. It is a matte nude colour with a kind of pinky undertone. I found it didn’t dry out my lips like alot of mattes do and I really liked the colour on. I paired that with a MAC lip liner in whirl. I think I should get great wear out of this liner as it will match a lot of nude shades not just velvet teddy.

** Note to the world now, I HATE my eyebrows ** I suck at filing them in they are so dark though that if I don’t they look silly. I can never get it right. Anyway I also picked up an eyebrow crayon in MAC. It is fab. I love the texture, it is a kind of waxy finish so it means you don’t have to powder and wax. Because it’s in a twisty pencil style it means no separate brush so less faffing about. The only thing I don’t like and it’s something small (and because I am a div at the best of times) is that it isn’t retractable.  So once you twist it out you can’t twist it back in, which can make it more prone to break off. Now I have been making a conscious effort to only twist out the tiniest amount and so far so good. I’m sure one day I will forget and screw half of it out of the tube, but hopefully not.

Finally as part of my Valentine’s Day present I got the new SoSueMe contour palette. It is amazing. I will do a separate post on that once I have cleaned my make up brushes and will swatch it properly. I also got a box of milk tray (my favourites) which are only 2.5 syns per sweet incase anyone was wondering. 🙂 I may have eaten the entire box though.

S xx

Undefined Being Key.

When I started this blog I didn’t think anyone would read it. And let’s be honest not many people are. But some people are and that has given me the confidence to keep going. I have always been the type that didn’t really fit into a tick the box catagory. I have an interest in so many things and I will give lots of things a go just to see if I can do it. I love making things myself. And that doesn’t just mean my cakes. I love crafting, sewing (which I am terrible at), cooking and photography.
I also am finally getting serious about exercising regularly and enjoying my running. It has taken a bit of a hammering this week due to a pulled back but I am recovering slowly. In addition to that we have my slimming world journey ongoing too. I will hopefully share some recipes and things that have helped keep me on track.

I also love all things girlie, make – up, perfume, jewellery, shoes, clothes (I won’t say fashion because although I love fashion I am TERRIBLE at dressing myself). Initially I think this blog could be very messy. I am hoping that with time and with plenty of posting I will be able to catagorise everything into more common sense groups. So please stick with me while I find my niche or several of them, and I will reward you with my daft but honest ramblings.
This week I am hoping to do a small beauty/fashion haul, some slimming world inspo and I am rescuing my sewing machine from the dusty abys that is the craft cupboard to start some gifts for a friend’s puppy that I promised agessss ago.

Anyway this was just a quick update/explanation/muddle in itself, to prepare anyone who is still here for what is yet to come. Thanks for baring with me.

S xxx

Lemon Stacked Cake

So last night I had the honour of making an engagement cake for a dear friend of the family. It was two tiers, one chocolate fudge and one lemon.  By the time I had decided to do a tutorial the chocolate cake was already done but I did manage to photograph most parts of the lemon cake so I will share. The recipe is broken down into 3 parts first is the basic cake mix, next is the lemon curd and finally the lemon buttercream frosting.  The best thing about this cake is you don’t have to be fancy with your decorating.  You can pipe the buttercream, or cover it with a spatula to smooth it out but honestly having it a bit thrown on adds to the effect. For my cake obviously it had to be super smooth as it was then covered in fondant but you can decide yourself.

This one is not for the faint hearted when it comes to the lemon flavour. It is full on but in a sweet and palatable way. The buttercream and the slightly sweet curd counter balance the lemon in the cake perfectly and it all mellows together. This would be perfect for a any type of celebration cake for those who don’t like chocolate (if any such people exist). Enjoy it and let me now how it goes for anyone who tries. Also keep in mind this is quite a tall cake.  If you want somethig smaller just take one third off the recipe.

Lemon Stack Cake
For the cake:
3×7″ Sandwich tins greased and lined
12oz (340g) Butter Softened
12oz (340g) Caster Sugar
12 oz (340g) Self Raising Flour
6 Eggs
The Fine Zest of 3 lemons
3 tbsp Milk

For the syrup:
6 Level Tbsp Caster Sugar
6 Tbsp Water
Juice 3 Lemons

Method:
1. Pre heat the oven to 180°C/ 350°F/ Gas Mark 4. Cream the butter and sugar together in a stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until it light and fluffy.

2. Add the flour, eggs, zest and milk and beat until fully encorporated.  It is a thick mixture but if it is too thick to spoon evenly then add a little more milk.

3. Separate evenly between the three tins and bake in the middle shelf for 30-35 minutes until a cake tester/skewer comes out clean.

4. While the cake is baking take the caster sugar, water and place them in a pot on medium until the sugar has dissolved. Add the lemon juice and boil for 1 minute. Remove and allow to cool slightly.

5. When the cakes are done remove them from the oven and poke a few holes with a skewer or a fork and pour in the syrup. Allow the cakes to cool for about ten minutes or until cool to the touch and then remove from the tin placing on a wire tray to cool completely.

For the lemon curd:
3oz (85g) Salted Butter Softened
8oz (225g) Caster Sugar
2 Eggs
2 Egg Yolks
160-200ml Lemon Juice (Depending on how sweet or sour you want it)
Fine Zest of 1 Lemon.

Method:
1. Put all the ingredients into a stand mixture and whisk for about 3 minutes. 2. It will look like sour milk at this point that is perfectly normal.

3. Transfer this mixture to a pot and place over a medium heat stirring constantly. The little lumps of butter will melt and the mixture will begin to thicken. You need it to be at a texture where it will coat the back of a spoon. This means if you run your finger through the middle it will leave a definite line. My picture of this isn’t very good ad I used a slotted spoon.  Silly me.

4. Transfer this to a jar or a bowl to cool. Cover it with cling film touching the surface of the curd as this will prevent a skin forming. The mixture will thicken further as it cools.

On a side note this is amazing on toast, or scones or ice cream too. 🙂

For The Buttercream:
8oz (225g) Salted Butter Softened
16oz (450g) Sieved Icing Sugar
8 Level Tbsp Lemon Curd

Method:
1. Beat the butter until it is soft. Add all the icing sugar and lemon curd.
2. Start the mixer on very slow or you will end up with an icing sugar cloud that goes everywhere.
3. Mix until everything comes together and the the buttercream is light and fluffy.

I sandwiched the cakes together with the remaining lemon curd and some of the buttercream. Like I said before I then covered the entire cake using an offset spatula as I was covering it with fondant.

These are both tiers chilling in the fridge to firm up the frosting.

The cake went down really well at the party and the happy couple were, well….. a happy couple. I was delighted with the final product. This is it in all its glory.

If anyone does ever try the recipe I would love to know how it goes so please feel free to leave a comment. Or maybe a picture or your own creations.

Thanks for checking in.

S Xxx

Run Mommy Run…..

As I mentioned in a previous post my sister had found a learning to run group on Facebook a few weeks back and asked me if I would join with her. It was exactly the thing I needed as I really did want to go back running but the bum groove in the couch was keeping me hostage. It promised to be buggy friendly so I no longer had the baby as an excuse to hide behind. So 4 weeks ago we started running. Well…. shuffling. And panting and coughing and gasping and spluttering and trying to figure out how the hell we could back ourselves out of this stupid move.
But we finished that class and later that evening we got emailed some ‘homework’ to do during the week. And that weekend we met up and ran again. In that 4 weeks we have managed to knock almost 3 minutes off our pace and are covering a longer distance. I am delighted to be up and moving again and have found that I now have more energy to get up and go during the week. For once it is me asking friends if they want to join me for a walk instead of me saying “nah let’s no go walking let’s make cake instead.” The plan is that we will actually run the women’s mini marathon in September of this year. It is a long way yet but it will be a proud moment when we finish it. This is the link to the lady that we run with. She also does a bring your baby boot camp.  I have no experience of that class but can say she is brilliant to run with. She is always very motivational and focuses on the positives of every run. Thanks Ros. https://m.facebook.com/RunwithRos/

On the cake front I have an engagement cake to do for a lifelong family friend this weekend. I am thinking about maybe doing my first proper cake tutorial. I will take pictures as I go and put something together for my next post. I also want to make something to give as a gift to the happy couple but will keep that a secret until Saturday.

***Sorry for the delay in this post I had a sad baby after her 4 month injections last week. But we are all back to normal again. So onwards and upwards again.***