Microwave Muffins

The past week for me has been a school holiday so I've had lots of spare time- guess how I've decided to spend it? Not doing something productive like revising for exams, finishing some work or getting on with chores, but experimenting in the kitchen! I am so good at procrastinating. 

Some time ago I found some very quick and easy recipes of Microwave muffins that used only a couple of ingredients, and was intrigued. There was no need to use flour or any baking powder as they used oats instead, and everyone saying how lovely they tasted. 

Here's what happened when I tried:

First try (Chocolate and Blueberries): The original recipe I found was 4tbsp oats, 1 egg, handful of berries, 2tsp sugar, 2tsp cocoa powder. The egg and cocoa powder in this one tasted weird, so decided one had to be removed.

 Second try (Blueberries): Even if I removed the cocoa powder I realised the egg was what it was making it taste odd, so had to find something to replaced it with.

Third try (Apple and Cinnamon):  At this point I didn't just run out of berries :( but it also BURNT. I used oil instead and cooked it for the normal 2-3 minutes- it just didn't work.

Fourth try (Banana and Rolos): This was LOVELY. I used 4 tbsp oats, half a banana, 2 tbsp milk and a handful of rolos, mixing well in the mug. I put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until it was firm. The banana and oats make a nice shell on the outside and when cut into all of the nice chocolate and caramel sauce came out.......divine.

One thing I have learnt this week is NEVER add egg to a microwave muffin. On the other hand, I have found a great quick dessert to make from scratch which I am very happy about.

Have you ever tried making a microwave muffin?

D.I.Y. | My favourite body scrubs

One of the things I must love the most are body scrubs. There are so many different types to choose from with countless numbers of scents that leave you feeling awake, refreshed and glowing. After my post on my favourite face masks I figured I could also make one on my best body scrubs. Olive oil is what I mostly use as it is the most moisturising oils, and many people even use it as body oil.

Basic scrub: Ingredients- 3 tbsp of sugar or sea salt and 1 tsbp of olive oil and 5 drops of flavouring of choice. My favourite would be to add vanilla or an essential oil for relaxing benefits.

Mixed scrub: Ingredients- 4 tbsp Sea salt, 2 tbsp salt, 5 tbsp sunflower oil, 3 tbsp olive oil, 25 drops flavouring. This has mixed oils and salt as it can be easier to use and wash off.

Vanilla sugar scrub: Ingredients- 200g sugar, 60ml olive oil, 1tbsp vanilla extract. Sugar is nicer on skin than salt, so I suggest you use this if you have sensitive skin.

Toning Cocoa scrub:  Ingredients- 3 tsp cocoa powder, 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp of bicarbonate and 4 tsp of any vegetable oil. Mix well and then add some water. When you use it leave it on for a few minutes and then wash off. This not only smells lovely but also leaves you totally moisturised, also giving your skin a nice glow for the rest of the day.

Pre-epilation Strong Scrub:  Ingredients-¼ of lemon and orange, 2 tbp sea salt, 1 tbp bicarbonate, 1 tbsp honey and a bit of vegetable oil. Get the lemon and orange juice, pulp and skin. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. The acid in the lemons and oranges also add to the exfoliating effect, perfect for removing ingrowing hairs. 

Remember to use them in circular motions to prompt blood circulation and to renew the grey, dull skin at best.

What is your favourite scrub? Comment below!

xx

Peanut Butter and Rolo Oat Cookies

Being a massive How I Met Your Mother fan, ever since the beginning of this last season of the show I have had an obsession for finding the perfect peanut butter cookies. They were named the 'sumbitches' and had a combination of peanut butter, caramel and chocolate, managing to calm Lily down as she made her way through them.

Partly inspired by Lorraine Pascale's recipe in 'A lighter way to bake' I think I have found the one. Soft and chewy with delicious melt-in-the-mouth caramel bits, they are not to be consumed everyday. However this recipe does try to make them lighter and healthier with oats, and and a minimal amount of added sugar. These might not posses the seemingly magical properties the 'sumbitches' had, but nonetheless are a delight to munch through.

What you need:
175g crunchy peanut butter
50g caster sugar
1 large egg
50g self-rasing flour
50g oats
50g rolos
Splash of milk

Makes 12 cookies

1)Preheat oven to 170 C.
2) Grab a bowl and mix the peanut butter, sugar and egg with a fork or spoon, until a mixture is formed.
3) Gradually fold in the flour, oats and rolos, adding a splash of milk to make the mixing easier.
4) With a spoon or using your hands, divide the mixture into 12 equal parts, placing these on a baking tray lined with paper parchment. Bake for 10 minutes.

 xxx

January Sales

With January gone I can officially say that my sales shopping is over. I have bought a couple of things this month, and so here are my favourite picks:

This lovely knit jumper from Matalan only cost me £11.50 instead of the original price of £22. The jewelled collar was what caught my eye and made it stand out from the rest.

Next I bought this pair of earrings from New Look. This must be the fourth pair of pink flower earrings I own but I just couldn't resist. They look soo pretty. The original price was £5.99 and I paid £2.

From New Look I also bought this berry coloured ribbed beanie for £1 instead of £4.99. I was looking for something to keep me warm during these cold days we are now having in the UK and thought this was a perfect match.

One of the places I also visited was Accessorize, and as they had a 70% off sale I was eager to look for something. This beautiful gold chunky chain bracelet was different form anything I already owned and I paid it only £3.60 instead of £12 :) A bargain.

So,what have you enjoyed buying this month?

Review | MUA Power Pout

I really love lip products, and one that delivers shine, colour and moisture all-in-one must be praised. These lip crayons have a permanent space in my make-up collection! Other brands have expensive versions, but these are an amazing cheaper alternative.

Here I have 'Broken Hearted' a light raspberry pink, and 'Crazy In Love' a darker berry colour, the only two I own, but they come in 6 different shades which can be found here.

The crayon shape makes it easy to apply, filling in and lining your lips perfectly. The product glides on with no tugging, giving immediate moisture and providing a very glossy lip colour. Even after a couple of hours, the moisture lasts. However I found they sometimes, but only sometimes, they can settle in lip lines.

one coat applied

one coat applied

Once applied they have a minty smell- a bit like carmex- and you can feel a pleasant tingly feeling on your lips for a little while. Go for one coat for a sheer colour and two for a more intense one. Some time after you've applied them, I find that they develop into a darker, more intense colour. They lasted on my lips for a good 6 hours-ish even after eating and drinking.

Be careful though- they do melt in hot temperatures- like I discovered last summer in 40°C heat...... but this is due to the oils, butters and waxes it contains.

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, Beeswax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isononyl Isononanoate, Octyldodecanol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance CI 77019, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI15850:1, CI 45410, CI77492, CI 77499 

The shades are very wearable- yet I do wish they'd get a wider range of colours, maybe darker ones.
Prise-wise they are a steal at just £3 from Superdrug, even though often they have offers so you can get them for even cheaper! As they compare very well to their higher-end alternatives this is a must for any lip crayons fans, so what are you waiting for?

D.I.Y. | My favourite face masks

I find that the best way to recharge a parched winter complexion is by using face masks. Sometimes I buy them, but other times when I can't be bothered to leave the house to buy them, probably because of the weather, (ugh, I hate the rain) I make them myself. The great thing about this is that you can tailor them to your own needs and use the things you find lying around in the kitchen.

Chocolate face mask: Ingredients- 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp spoon honey, 1 tbsp natural yoghurt.
I love this as it smells lovely-its like desert, but for the face! Chocolate facials can be hard to find ready made so this is is a hidden gem for many. Mix everything together and apply avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 20 minutes. This can help fight free radicals and tightens skin, while also giving it colour.

Fruit face masks: Ingredients- ½ fruit, 1 tsp natural yoghurt, 1 tsp honey  
All fruits contain vitamins and are good at tightening the skin. Some are even tailored to benefit different skin types.              
Peach-Softens skin and for all types and ages.                                         
Melon- Soften and refreshes. For all skin types and to calm the skin.
Apple- For oily skin and to illuminate the skin and to fade scars.
Strawberry- For oily or mixed skin and also to give colour to it.     
Pear-For mixed skin.                    
Plums- Purifies the skin and tightens pores.
Kiwi- The seeds gently exfoliate and is used for oily skin.  
Pineapple- For mixed and oily skin.                                                          

Lemon and honey mask: Ingredients-1tsp honey, lemon juice 

Mix together so it becomes a paste and massage onto skin. Let it dry a bit so it becomes less sticky (about 5 minutes) and then wash off. The lemon improves skin tone while the honey hydrates. My favourite quick fix.

Oatmeal facial: Ingredients- 1 tbsp natural yoghurt, 1tbsp oatmeal.
Oatmeal is well known for being able to fade acne scars, and the yoghurt hydrates the skin. Mix and apply a thick layer to the skin, then wait for 25 minutes to remove it. Excellent for treating irritated skin, pimples and more.

One of my favourite things to do is apply them while in the bath- the heat will steam open pores, allowing it to sink more deeply into your skin. After removing them also splash your face with cold water to close your pores.

What do you swear by to treat your skin?

Christmas in Naples

How does it manage to be so sunny in full winter?

Have you all had a nice Christmas? I can tell you I have, as I went to spent it and New Year's with my family in Naples. If there is something I love about that place, it has to be the chaotic markets, the food and the beautiful landscapes which are framed by the persistent sunshine.

this seagull was just demanding to be photographed

Especially in the festive period the narrow streets are bursting of tourists exploring the market and shops, hunting for something special to take back with them. Pasta, Neapolitan playing cards, or different ornaments, they really have anything to suit everyone taste. The markets are also bursting with stalls that sell different books for a total steal.

Different musicians entertain in the piazza while you can sit and enjoy some nice food in the restaurants close-by. The cakes are sooo heavenly and you have to eat the pizza there too, as Naples is the home of it. 

mmmmmmm.........pizza

However I also love all the art they sell there as its full of rich colours, and many street artists are fantastic. Too bad I couldn't fit a print in my luggage, or I would have bought a couple!