You Can’t Buy Happiness, But You Can Buy BBQ And That’s Pretty Much The Same Thing.

Another day, another foodie hotspot. Yesterday evening, after hearing rave reviews for months, my friends and I took a trip to Pitt Bros on Georges Street. A food blogging sensation, Pitt Bros is one of Dublin’s few BBQ eateries – a haven for carnivores everywhere.   

 
So, does it live up to the hype?  The atmosphere in Pitt Bros is extremely laid back, with one huge bench throughout the middle of the restaurant where customers sit beside eachother to eat their meal (along with smaller tables each side). At first, I found this off-putting – did I really want to pay to eat my dinner beside complete strangers? However, my friend then pointed out that it was as ‘true to life’ an outdoor BBQ as we’ll get in rainy climes. Settling in, I noticed that the place was buzzing with people enjoying themselves – it really is a great atmosphere! The interior is also really cool with a clear BBQ theme.

After studying the menu, we went to the desk where the very friendly and helpful staff advised us on what to choose. I had the pulled pork bun meal with fries while my friend selected the beef brisket with burnt beans and hush puppies. The food was served really quickly which makes Pitt Bros a great destination for busy city workers. Both meals were delicious and we particularly enjoyed the beans which were mixed through with delicious meat pieces. The meats were tender with a ‘melt in mouth’ quality.

 
  

Perhaps best of all, any meal purchased includes unlimited access to whipped ice-cream (self-service). Great value for money and a novelty enjoyed by all ages. We will be back in no time! 

How you been to Pitt Bros? Let me know what you think! 

Rouge x 

I Never Worry About Diets. The Only Carrots That Interest Me Are The Number Of Carats In A Diamond.

Recently, a lot of my followers have been expressing interest in jewellery and how it is often used to create a personal, signature style among fashionistas. I have huge love for personalised jewellery and often purchase a piece to remind me of fond memories.

Last summer, a very close aunt of mine passed away. Shortly afterwards, I moved to London for a few months and quickly became familiar with Hatton Garden, the city’s jewellery quarter. I was searching for something to remind me of my aunt – something that I could keep forever and that would ultimately be passed through generations. That is when I stumbled upon London Rocks, a little boutique specialising in handmade jewellery.

London Rocks is the brain-child of the lovely couple, Karl and Harshini. They created their business to provide customers with the opportunity to get involved in the design and creation of high-quality jewellery. After I discovered the boutique, I e-mailed Harshini explaining my desire to create a piece which I hoped would become a family heirloom. She replied within the day and asked me to come into the boutique to have a chat and to choose the gem I liked best for my piece.

Together, we decided upon the creation of two rings which could be stacked – one of plain gold and the other one set with a small, authentic ruby (my aunt’s birthstone). These rings were designed by Ayako Kanari. The band on each ring has a ‘plaited’ effect, inspired by Victorian “hair jewellery” which was used a symbol of mourning throughout the era. Finally, Harshini suggested that I have the first letter of my aunt’s name engraved into the back of one ring, ensuring that her memory would not be lost as new generations took possession of the pieces.

One year later, I still wear these rings everyday and so, they have become a part of my signature style. I would highly recommend the experience of working with London Rocks because it is both unforgettable and surprisingly affordable (given the quality of the pieces). You can find their website at: http://www.londonrocksjewellery.co.uk/ .

I can’t wait to choose another piece during my next visit to London.

Rouge x

Are You Made of Tough Stuff?

Anyone who follows me on Twitter will know that I’m a huge fan of Cocoa Brown’s ‘1 Hour Tan’ mousse. Tanning Thursday has become a ritual in my house but by Monday my skin can appear a little dull as stubborn tan clings on for dear life. I usually end up looking like I have a rare skin condition which renders me ghostly white with perfectly tanned elbows and ankles!  However, it would seem that the ever clever Marissa Carter can solve all of my problems.

Cocoa Brown have developed their own body scrub which is aptly named ‘Tough Stuff’. This formula promises to prepare skin for self-tanning, removes stubborn tan and operates as a regular body exfoliator. But, does it live up to expectations? Why, of course it does! Another high quality product from a fabulous Irish company.

You can apply the formula wet or dry (I prefer dry for a deep exfoliation) and skin becomes squeaky clean. It is a heavy-duty scrub but it’s not harsh on soft skin. Orange patches be banished! This scrub is lightly fragranced with the nice floral scent which has become the signature of Cocoa Brown products. Best of all, ‘Tough Stuff’ is available in pharmacies nationwide, Penneys, FeelUnique.com and Cloud10beauty.com for the bargain price of €4.99.

I hope you love it as much as I do! Have you tried any of the other products from the Cocoa Brown range? Next on my wishlist is ‘Gentle Bronze’, their gradual tanning moisturiser.

Rouge x

On A Bad Day, There’s Always Lipstick.

So the good Irish weather didn’t last very long and once again, braving the outdoors has become a challenge that we would rather not endure. But, on dull days there is always bright lipstick. Here’s one that should lift your mood and it’s a nifty little bargain too!

Miss Sporty’s  ‘Instant Lip Colour and Shine’ retails at just €3.99 and is available here : http://m.boots.ie/h5/cat_hub?path=%2Fen%2FMiss-Sporty-Instant-Lip-Colour-Shine_1471396%2F&colId=candy_plum&unCountry=roi.

I have purchased the shade ‘candied plum’ and it is a fabulous light purple colour. This formula is highly-pigmented, long lasting and moisturising. It comes in crayon form and therefore, is easy to apply on the go (no need for liner). It also stains the lips for hours without drying them.

Tell me about your must have bargain purchases in the comment section!

Rouge x

If My Hair Were Any Shinier, You’d Need Sunglasses!

I’m gonna be the MANE event, like no King was before. I’m brushing up on looking down, I’m working on my ROAR!

So, I was a little skeptical about trying Mane ‘n’ Tail’s horse to human crossover shampoo. I mean, have you ever met a ginger horse? However, I’m a sucker for haircare hype and so, I picked up a shampoo and conditioner duo in the original formula this week (€6.20 each in Cara Pharmacy).

Available here: https://www.carapharmacy.com/search/mane%20n%20tail/page-1

BEST DECISION OF THE WEEK! I absolutely love these products. First of all, the packaging is delightful – simple but fun. I love the fact that it provides instructions on how to wash a horse, should I ever need to. And, best of all, my hair is glossier than normal after just one wash.

The shampoo is a protein formula which provides a lovely lather. It’s slightly fragranced and leaves hair feeling squeaky clean. While, the conditioner is a lovely moisturising formula with natural oils to nourish the scalp.

Upon drying, my hair is soft, shiny and full of volume. I can see why Jennifer Aniston recommends the brand.

Next on my Mane ‘N’ Tail wishlist is the entire range. I’ve found a new brand addiction. Do any of you have a recommendation?

Rouge x

Life Isn’t Perfect But Your Hair Can Be.

If you’ve read any of my latest posts, you have probably realised that I’m obsessed with haircare. My red hair is my crowning glory so I would never dare to colour it. Luckily, my friends are around to try new colours and salons – providing me with feedback to share with you all.

So, yesterday when my lovely friend Tanya set out for her new hairdressers with a balayage look in mind; I couldn’t wait to see how she got on! After weeks of deliberation (and a few too many episodes of Gossip Girl), she decided on a look something similar to this:

Now, it’s unusual to walk into a hairdressers with a picture and walk out looking exactly like said picture but I have to say that in this case, Archie’s Girls Hair and Nail Salon, had it covered. The salon is a new establishment, located on Ushers Quay. They offer great hair care at even better prices. Tanya paid just €65 for a cut and balayage treatment.

Before and after:

She tells me that the girls in the salon were really welcoming and accommodating. They offered her some great advice and took the time to listen to what she wanted. She was also in and out in record time, which is great for busy city girls! Delighted with the results, she’ll be sticking with Archie’s Girls for the foreseeable future.

And in fairness, she does look fabulous!

Let me know if you have any salon recommendations for us!

Rouge x

People Who Love To Eat Are Always The Best People.

Yesterday, I threw calorie counting out the window and ventured out for lunch with my fabulous grandmother. We decided to visit Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse & Grill on Dawson Street, Dublin. MPW offer a great value menu (all day Sun, Mon, Tues / until 6.45pm Wed, Thurs, Fri / until 4.45pm Sat) at €21.95 for two courses or €26.95 for three.

First and foremost, the service in this restaurant is flawless. The associates are really welcoming and helpful, taking their time to answer any questions customers may have. Five star service is the highlight of any hospitality establishment and these guys seem to know that!

Next up – the food. I chose the two course option on the value menu (mains and dessert). To begin, I had the fried haddock which was served with mushy peas, chunky chips and tartar sauce. I’m happy to report that the dish was cooked to perfection. The batter was perfectly crispy while the fish was full of flavour and juices. I’m also a huge fan of chunky chips and these were the nicest I’ve had in ages!

My main course was followed by a toffee apple crumble which was served with vanilla ice-cream. The crumble itself was the perfect texture – crunchy but chewable and, the apple base was juicy and delicious. Served warm, the crumble is complimented by the vanilla ice-cream which is smooth and creamy. I’m a dessert girl through and through and this is probably the nicest crumble I’ve had in Dublin since I moved here 4 years ago.

All in all, my trip to MPW was a big treat. I can’t wait to return.

Rouge x

Follow The Hollow.

Contouring is a tricky skill to master. It’s all about applying the products at the right angles to highlight your best natural features. Killer cheekbones, anyone? Contouring with cream formulas like concealer can look obvious and unnatural so I like to stick with powder formulas.

 
This is Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘Filmstar Bronze and Glow’ sculpting powder (€65). Here, we are provided with a beautiful champagne coloured highlighter and a nice matte bronzer. The formula is buildable and blends well so it’s suitable for even the most pale of us.
While contouring, a good brush is essential – I recommend a Real Technique’s contouring brush. For a daytime look – I start by applying the bronzer to the hollow underneath my cheekbone. Drag the brush directly from your ear and follow the hollow. It’s that simple. Blend upwards.

Then dust some bronzer very lightly across your temples and jawline. Next, use the highlighter above cheekbones, on the cupids bow of your lips and straight down your nose.

I like to finish with a dusting of translucent powder and a pop of blush.

Before:

After:

Have you got any of your own contouring tips?

Rouge x

Eye Want Those Lashes.

Unfortunately, those of us with fair hair know well what it’s like to have invisible eyelashes. When I leave the house without multiple layers of mascara I’m generally met with a chorus of “oh my god, are you feeling sick?”. Yes that’s how I look without my make-up – malnourished.

So, here is my favourite ‘daytime’ mascara of the moment – L’Oreal’s ‘Mega Volume Collagene Mascara’ (€13.49). Available at pharmacies nationwide.

I’m a big fan of L’Oreal mascaras because they’ve always held their own when compared to high-end, expensive alternatives. This particular one is my favourite because it’s all about the volume. I can easily double coat my lashes without clumping and the formula is a ‘blacker-than-black’ shade.

Use this mascara by placing the wand at the root of your lashes and moving upwards and outwards with a wriggling movement.

Before:

After:

A really noticeable difference with no flaking throughout the day. I think I’ll be re-purchasing this one!

Rouge x

You’ve Got It Glowing On.

It’s true what they say; beauty is only skin deep. So, you better take care of that skin!

As summer approaches, we all need to make changes to our skincare routine. And, Irish weather permitting, turning off the central heating means easing up on heavy moisturiser. Nobody wants a face that resembles an oil slick.

Last Summer, while I was living in London, the heat was too much for my dehydrated skin so I popped to my local Benefit counter. There, a fabulous Benebabe recommended I try their ‘Triple Performing Facial Emulsion’ (€31.50). This product is a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser with SPF 15.

Available here at: https://www.carapharmacy.com/p/benefit_triple_performing_facial_emulsion.

I love this product because it rehydrates skin without leaving an oily residue. It soaks in quickly making it perfect for a quick morning make-up routine. Massage into skin and neck using a circular motion – I find two or three pumps is an adequate amount meaning the bottle will last ages. The lotion should leave your skin glowing and flake feel. The formula is slightly scented so those who have sensitive skin should sample before purchase.

Have you tried any of the other products in the Benefit skincare range?

Rouge x