Blog revamp

As they say out with the old and in with the new. I have decided to give my blog a make over so please keep a eye out for the upcoming changes.

xx

Di

Pamper and primp

Rise and shine ladies! I am one that suffers from quite sensitive skin when it comes to using facial products. I took a chance on Diry Works Wake up Call face wash, one the packaging I have admired because of its retro theme which would look good on a shelf next to your back scrubber and shower cap. The other reason was it promised gentle cleaning and something that could be used daily. Now I know what you are saying "Most brand promise a type of daily use." However the likes of Clean and Clear, No 7 Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Clearasil Ultra all in one wash and Johnsons Daily Essentials Gel wash (Normal). I have tried many other products and serums to keep my skin fresh and clean which I will list my experience below

Clean and Clear (various) Products would leave my skin extremely dry even with the help of moisturizor and subsquently caused deep painful blemish.

No7 Gentle Foaming left my skin dry in my t zone and with a mix of Simple Brand face lotion it left my skin sticky and again cause blemishes on the cheeks and forehead. I had to throw the cleanser away as I would break out within a couple hours of using it.

Clearasil Ultra all in one was harsh and cause my skin to peel and flake around the nose area.

Johnsons Daily I thought I had found a winner. I mean their products are used on new borns and children. I was content it didn't leave my face dry, my face felt clean and soft. After about a month of use I would wash and break out. I thought it may have been my moisturizor because at the time I was using Nivea which alway protraits its self as a gentle product. I switched to the Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser and again it caused the deep painful blemishes.

L'Oreal Dermo Expertise Vitalift Toner has by fair been the worst product I have ever tried. It left my face sticky and I can only describe as a nasty feeling.

Simple Spotless Skin Spot Zapper I found did not reduce redness nor even raise the exisiting blemish. It would also cause blemishes on points of skin that had none.

I thought this was hopeless and I was actually getting disheartened that everything I was trying was giving my skin so much trouble.

I am very fond of some old methods because at times they are the best. So with that being said I did some research and many people raved about cold cream. There are many out there but I thought I would keep it simple and go for the Boots own brand. This product was lovely and thick, it moisturized my skin beautifully just the one down side is my skin didn't feel clean. Tired of the oily feeling I just gave up and just used a mild soap and warm water with not much trouble but I bit the bullet and bought Dirty Work Wake up Call face wash.

After three weeks of use partnered with Dove everyday lotion my skin feels fresh, soft, and clean. All the above is one personal experience everyone's skin type is different and what may work for one doesn't for another.

;)

xoxo

Nothing but crumbs...

Well ladies it is the end of the day, you have soaked your troubles away in a hot bubbly bath, your fluffy bathrobe and slippers await you warmed on the radiator. Everyone needs a little indulgence and tonight is no different. A hot steamy drink and moist chocolate chip cookie, freshly baked by you of course! But before you cozy and snuggle down lets rewind shall we.

Now what shall we need...

2 1/4 Cups of All Purpose Flour

(aka 568ml of Plain Flour)

1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

(aka 5ml Bicarbonate Soda **NOT Baking Powder**)

1 Teaspoon of Salt

(aka 5ml of Salt)

1 Cup of Unsalted Butter (Softened)

(aka 225g of Butter)

3/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar

(aka 177ml of Gran. Sugar)

3/4 Cup of Packed Dark Brown Sugar

(aka 177ml of Packed brown Sugar)

1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract

(aka 15g of Vanilla Extract)

2 Large Eggs

2 Cups Chocolate chips

(aka 225ml Choc. Chips)

Non-stick paper

Baking trays

I will be baking a double batch as I like to share my treats at work and with the in laws :) Which is why there is so much dough for myself.

Now best way I find is to scoop out your butter and sugar and let it get to room temp. This is for easy mixing when doing it by hand (See my trusty wooden spoon)

While you are waiting it is always good to prep. I prefer sifted flour as it seems to blend much easier. Once all your dry ingredients are ready set aside and focus on your butter and sugar.

Mix until the sugar and butter are smooth and creamy. You want to add your vanilla and eggs next and mix until creamy.

Yeah, I got the mixer out... I knew what was coming.

Now the best tip to all you domestic goddess' out there...add the flour mixture a bit at a time until all is blended. You want to fold in your chocolate chips. I improvised and just chopped up some bars of chocolate as I can understand paying nearly £2 for a tiny little back of chips. Mix slowly and you dough should look roughly like this...

Now here comes the time consuming part... I do not like self proclaimed non stick kitchen goods. To save what I consider a lot of hassle is to cut some non stick paper to the size of your tray, it makes life so much easier even if you have metal utensils. My had 3 trays to spare, each tray could take 6 drops of dough...about a heaped teaspoon and bake until light golden brown for soft or a darker tint for a bit more crisp. All and all it was a busy night... but all worth it...

Now...enjoy your evening of bliss... you have earned it.

xoxo

Di

Dinner Time

Tonight I am making a lovely and creamy potato & smoked ham soup... this was something discovered about a week ago when I was off sick. I had such a sore throat that eating was not

fun....drinking I could tolerate. This was basically done on constant tasting because I didn't follow a recipe plus it was fairly cheap to buy and making a big pot it lasted for the week. You are probably only looking at a £6 because I had every thing else in the cupboard

First here are all the ingredients:

600ml of single cream

Butter (I used Flora about 3 table spoons)

Potatos ( 5 or 6 large)

Onions (2 large or 4 or 5 small)

Milk (2 pints)

Ham/Gammon (Smoked, 1kg)

Salt, pepper, garlic & mixed herbs for taste.

I washed and cubed the potatos. I perfer the skins so I didnt peel, just cut out the eyes or any bad spots I saw.

Boiled till soft, not crumbling. I find it they are just soft the texture of the soup is creamier. I browned some onions...mmmm they are so good when they are slightly burnt. hehe

Drain the potatos, leave a bit of the potato water in. Give them a rough mash, adding your butter to your own taste and your onions.

Now..I blend as I pour in my milk until the mix gets to the thickness I want.

After my ham is baked or boiled I trim the fat and cube to make blending easier. I do this about a handful at a time. I make sure I don't put it all in at once because it can be to much, I usually do a quarter at a time. From 1kg of gammon I usually have one quarter left.

Next at your salt, pepper, garlic and mix herbs to your taste preference. Make sure you keep on a low heat because you do not want the cream to ruin. Continually taste as you stir until hot and volia yummy soup, enough for dinner and to freeze.

As you see I have a lot but it will last as lunch and dinner for most of the week for a family of two.

Bon apatite