Monday 28 November 2011

Kitty's Mince Pie's

Well, since I'm at home here with a broken leg (tripped over a drain last week and broke my foot) I decided it might be a good idea to make some yummy mince pies for the lads in my house when I get back on Wednesday.


Kitty's Mince Pies Recipe.











I made 24 lovely pies and still had a little pastry over, so this recipe is handy enough if you are doing a big amount.

Pastry:
1lb of  plain flour.
 8oz cool unsalted butter, diced.
 4oz icing sugar,
3 egg yokes,
3 tblsp cold water
1 tspn lemon/ orange juice
1/2 the rind of a lemon or orange.

Filling:
1 jar of shop bought mince pie filling.
1 apple stewed
3 tblesps Jameson whiskey
1 tblesp soft brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinemon. 


Method:

1.Sift the flour into a mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Sift in the sugar.
2.Lightly beat the egg yolk with 1 tbsp cold water, juice and rind in a seperate bowl . Add to the flour mixture bit by bit. Gather together to make a soft dough. 
3. Roll into a ball, cover in cling and leave in the fridge for at least an hour.
4. Mix all the filling ingredients together in a bowl (add a little lemon or orange rind to this if you like) and allow it to stand for a few minutes.
5. Line 24 greased bun tins with round cookie cut peices of the pastry, fill with one teaspoon of the filling, cut a star shape and place on top. 
6. Place in the oven for 30 minutes at 200°C (400°F) , until the pies are golden brown on top. Remove and shake a little fine sugar over them while they are still warm.
 
 
enjoy!



John Lewis Christmas Ads

I always know its Christmas time when I see the John Lewis Advert on TV.
 I don't know what it is about them, they just always seem to get the feeling perfectly. Last year I actually shed a tear to the one with Ellie Goolding sing "You Song". I don't know why, I don't even really like that song (mainly down to the fact I associate it with Moulin Rouge). The ad was just really sweet though.
See for yourselves:



 I also found a bit on the making of last years video.


So you can imagine how I felt when I saw  the new ad for Christmas 2011, with a Smiths song playing in the background. Grant it, Morrissey letting a large company like John Lewis use a cover of a song of his is a bit hypocritical, but in fairness, its quite tastefully done. There is something quite 1980's about the ad, the clothes, housing, the mum in the kitchen. Its actually kind of similar to the context of Morrissy and Marr. I love the way its not in your face Christmasy, like Coka Cola or Marks and Spencers. It seems to be more about giving a gift then the product itself. I like that.



 Lovely. I feel lovely and Christmasy now!

It would help if we actually had John Lewis in Ireland though!













Thursday 24 November 2011

Owed to Benefit Cosmetics

  The prettiest packs, the dinkiest displays, original names and long lasting, comfortable make up. I'm in love with Benefit Cosmetics

My Top 5 Products.
1. Erase Paste

erase paste


I think this stuff is genius. I've a birthmark on my face and I find it hard to cover or tone down with something that will last ages. I got this in a pack last year for my birthday and its been bril! It stays put, its not heavy or cakey and it doesn't separate. Great gift!
some kind-a gorgeous




2. Some Kind-a Gorgeous Foundation.

It goes on paste and drys to light powder. Like Erase Paste its excellent for covering blotchy skin and uneven tone and its not heavy or greasy. It also matches to your skin tone, so there's no orangeness to worry about!



posietint
3. Poise Tint Cheek & Lip Stain.
It's shimmery, it smells nice, it works for your lips and cheeks. Thats all good in my book. The only little thing I would hold against it is its a bit runny and can separate as a lip stain. I'd like to try the darker one as I think it would suit me better as I have pale skin.



BADgal lash mascara
  



4. BADGal Lash Mascara


Maybe its just me, I don't seem to do well with mascara. Its thick and dark and it covers very well, but getting a mascara again it would not be my first choice. Its nice for a night out, as you don't come home with smudges under your eyes (unless some fella's just been a bastard to ya!). But id say all day it wouldn't work.





smokin' eyes

 5. Smokin Eyes.


Again, a present. I love presents from benefit, but I have only used this twice. Unfortuatly I looked like a Panda after I tried to do the smokiness, so now I only really use the brow kit.  I think with a little more practice I might get better.

I haven't posted in ages!

So what have I been up to?

  • Started studying Graphic Design in Marino College. Its a lot of work, but its very interesting. I'll stick up some of my work soon.
  • i've broken my foot. its not fun. so there will be a lot more stuck up here.
  • I;ve made friends with the nice lady at the Benifit Counter in Clearys. I love Benifit Cosmetics. Their displays always give me lots of cool ideas.
  • Im starting work experience tomorrow in the Graphic Design department of the place my sister works. It should be interesting.