Help Getting to Sleep: Catching Elusive Zs After the Christmas Break!

So we did it, we managed to survive the first official working week back of 2019. Or did we? Hands up if you looked at the clock every hour on the hour, hands up if you found yourself scrolling Instagram at 4am, while sleep eluded you... Hands up if a bleary eyed google search brought you here.. Luckily, I got you, a good night's rest is just on the horizon with my 5 top tips on how to beat insomnia and have you sleeping again in no time at all. 

The Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide for Every Budget

Mother's Day may be fast approaching and pay day may be long gone but no matter your budget, I got you (and your mammy/baby momma/wife). The temptation to pop in an eye wateringly large bottle of gin was almost too much to resist but know this, when all else fails, gin works. Corrina has already shared the top 5 experiences for under €50 to share with do mháthair HERE so I'm rounding that off with some pretty products should you prefer. 

February Faves ft Elemental Herbology, Estée Lauder, Maybelline, Max Factor,Molton Brown, Philosophy, Skechers & YSL !

February, February, FEB-RU-ARY - that's a very weird word to say innit? Thankfully it wasn't a weird month, beauty wise, with some serious faves coming to the fore. 

1. Fudge Urban Powder Styler: €6.33 Here

A more purse friendly option than my HG Bumble & Bumble Prêt-à-Powder (€30), this Fudge Urban offer has been saving my bacon dry shampoo and volume wise this year. The fine powder is sprinkled into the roots of dry hair and after rubbing in (and getting over the weird sticky sensation) it gives serious OOMPH. I've been applying it to freshly blow dried hair and not only does it give me great body, it doesn't change the colour of my hair or itch my scalp as dry shampoos can tend to do. 

2. Elemental Herbology Macadamia & Papaya Body Scrub: €32.64 Here

A tropical mix of essential actives and bio-oils, Carlsberg don't do body scrubs but if they did, it probably wouldn't be a patch on this stunner. Papaya, sea salt & sugar provide the scrubbiness with macadamia & Buriti oil providing the unrivaled, nourishing softness. A boon for self tanning prep or post care or skin simply in need of a Spring lift. I apply this thick scrub before I step into the shower and continue my ablutions before washing off. You're looking at at least three days of asking yourself 'Is this new skin?!'. Blahhdy love it!

3. Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose: €22 Here



I've waxed lyrical about Molton Brown's new baby, Rhubarb & Rose already here and I'm not ashamed to say we're already half way through the bottle. Easily my favourite release of theirs in quite a while (and there's been stiff competition) this sudsy wash smells exactly like rhubarb & cream sherbets of yesteryear. 

If you're a fan of the tart pink stalks then you need this in your life and on your boddeh. STAT. I also have it on good authority that a Rhubarb & Rose candle is about to launch. THRILLED!

4. Estée Lauder Little Black Primer: €24.50 HERE 



You'll find my gushings for Lauder's Little Black Primer HERE but I guess the fact that since it's now gone on sale and I've bought one for both my Mum & a friend should really be testament too. It's a very simple idea, stunningly executed and should you be in need of a little lash lift, or indeed a waterproofing wonder then you need look no further. 

5. Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes: €11.49 HERE

You'd have to be living under a particularly large rock not to have seen these marbled beauties from Max Factor taking over the blogosphere. Available in 6 flattering shades, Makeup Artist Pat McGrath lauds them as a new era in colour contour. She's not wrong. I've been using 3 shades interchangeably with my large kabuki as I would a bronzer and I can't count the compliments I've had on my skin. 

There have been justifiable comparisons made between the Creme Puff blushes and both Hourglass Ambient Light and cult favourites Milani, they're very, very similar. A fabulous addition to any makeup stash, you need one of these affordable pots toute de suite. 

6. YSL Volupté Tint-In-Oil: €27 HERE



Should you follow me on any social media at all, you'll be well used to my fawning over the YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oils. I've a full review HERE including swatches of the entire line. Everything I hoped a lip oil would be, despite receiving Peach Me Love here as a pre drop Press Sample, once the line launched I dashed out and bought another two too. Again, that's a serious beauty blogger testament, especially considering the €27 price tag. With Mammy's Day coming up, I don't know a Mammy alive that wouldn't love once of these nourishing, flattering, lip plumping oils. 

7. Philosophy's Time in a Bottle Serum: €70 HERE

I won't often recommend a product with as spendy a price tag as Time in a Bottle unless it's life changing. Time in a Bottle is life changing. The high potency vitamin C activator is added to the serum before use, ensuring the freshest, most potent possible active ingredient. Let's be honest, even the sciency feeling of that alone would've sold me at first. 

The difference it's made to my skin over the past 8 weeks though is visible and that's why I'll be buying this again, regardless of price. For any age and any skin type, my newly plumped, softened and brighter visage and I legitimately recommend this with all our might. 

8. Maybelline Sensational Mascara: €11.99 HERE

You may have missed my comparison between Maybelline Sensational and current mascara must have Roller Lash from Benefit. You can read all about that HERE but suffice to say Sensational is every lash as good, if not better than its much, much more expensive counterpart - so much so that I happily gifted Roller Lash to my Mam, safe in the knowledge that I had Maybelline. Offering curl and lift with zero smudging or flaking, this inky black mascara is a definite fave and will be for quite some time. 

9. Skechers Serengeti Trainers: €73 HERE

These light weight, memory foam insoled trainers have literally changed the way I walk. Like literally. I had been managing 4-6k every other day at lunch day in work but, hand to god, these have gotten me out the doras more days than not. They genuinely feel like I'm wearing nothing at all ( a la Sexy Flanders) and the breathable mesh means not only are they comfortable, regardless of the distance traveled but also that I've no fear of storing 'em in my desk drawer between walks. My colleagues and I thank you, Skechers. We thank you very kindly indeed. 


Tell us, are you a lover of any of the above? What took top spots in your February Faves this year then? Do feel free to pop in a link should you have posted about them and I'll be sure to check it out. 

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Review!

When it comes to listening to their customers, Molton Brown are all about that noise. Following overwhelming requests from fans of their best selling Rhubarb & Rose handcream to extend the scent to their Bath & Shower range they did exactly that. Just one sniff is enough to tell you they've done the right thing. 

The perfect indulgence for a late night bath or the ideal zesty shower to begin your day, I. Am. Loving. This! Think of the zingy, sweet scent of Rhubarb & Cream sherbets of yesteryear and you're almost there. It lathers more than most of my Molton Brown stash and leaves a beautiful subtle scent & softened skin once dried off. It's an absolute beaut. 

There are those that argue MB products might be a little spendy when a supermarket shower gel can do exactly the same job. The rub is thus, with Molton Brown, you're buying an experience. A moment or two of indulgence. A well earned treat. (I tell myself that every time I see the total on my virtual basket anyway). 

So if you're listening, Molton Brown, as it's quite clear you do - we need this scent in candle form - as soon as ye can possibly do it!. 

You'll find Rhubarb & Rose online here starting at €22 but I'd urge you to give it a quick sniff in store (there's a new one on Grafton St). I can't imagine if you're a rhubarb fan that you won't fall head over heels for it. 

Tell us, are you a Molton Brown fan? What's your favourite scent? 

*Pssst*

I spied (and picked up) new 
Rhubarb Flower room diffusers
in M&S this week. They smell
EXACTLY like this & only cost
€20 for 3 - BARG!

Brace Yourselves - Father's Day is Coming. A Gift Guide for All Budgets.

Daddy's Day is almost upon us, next Sunday to be precise, how about a couple of notions as to what you can pick up for your Pops if you haven't already? I've chosen something from all price points so hopefully you'll find something to suit if you're still searching for Father's Day. 

1. LUKE, IS MISE D'ATHAIR Tee from Hairy Baby: €15 Here

From Small to XXL and available in 8 colours, there isn't an Irish Sci-Fi geek Daddio alive that wouldn't get a kick out of this Hairy Baby special. Entering every room and pointing at his own chest with a Peter Kay grin, why would you deny your father that pleasure, why? 

2. L'Occitane Mer & Mistral. Collection €77 here 

or Buy Seperately from €8

As L'Occitane scents go, the limited edition Mer & Mistral is a strapping one. Blended with pine, cypress and rosemary, I thought of my own dear Dad as soon as I sampled it. Masculine yet fresh with lemon and tangerine top notes, I wouldn't blame you should you hand this one over like Homer giving Marge a bowling ball , it's a unisex winner. 

3. Gentlemen's Tonic Mayfair Set- Horn. €189 Here

10% Off with Code LFNEW

How about adding a little old school dappery to your Dad's shaving routine. This Gentlemen's Tonic (from the eponymous Mayfair male grooming parlour and spa) shaving set is an everyday luxury for men to keep them spruced up in style. The soft badger hair brush applies shaving foam with ease and the Mach III gives a superior shave every time. This isn't one I'd be pilfering back but you can bet your bottom dollar your Dad will love using this every day. Daily brownie points over your siblings? YAY!

4. Wrestler Bottle Opener: €4.83 Here

One of the funniest bottle openers I've seen in quite a while, who among us doesn't want to open their beers Nacho Libre style? I had never really gotten the whole masked wrestler hysteria but I do have an elder brother that bought a Mexican wrestling mask on our trip to Amsterdam a couple of years back, dubbed himself El Mexicano and photobombed everyone we encountered in the city. I am now wise to the hilarity and can't stop laughing looking at this stupid thing. I guarantee you know a Daddio that'll feel the same. 

5. Molton Brown Limited Edition Caju & Lime: From €22 Here

Molton Brown is one of my own Dad's HG brands. Birthdays, Christmas and Father's Day, it's Molton Brown he asks for. Did you think I licked it from the ground? This limited edition Caju & Lime collection is MB's offering for the World Cup Brazilian hysteria but it's the first of them that I genuinely like. Caju fruit, spearmint and lime make this fresh and zesty scent one to try. If your Dad likes his fragrances lively then this is the one for him. (Again, pilfer at will once you've bought it, this stuff is gorgeous)

You can't forget a card for the man himself and one of my favourite Irish artists and all 'round hilarious people, Twisted Doodles has an entire selection here for €2.30 each. Truth be told if sheckles are tight, a thoughtful card and a cup of cha with you is all your Dad really needs. He'd like one of the awesome gifts above but I'm sure he'd appreciate a little company regardless. 

Happy Father's Day to the Padres that have done and are still doing a cracking job. 

We salute you. 

Valentines for Him ft L'Occitane, Molton Brown, Sennheiser, Odeon, Netflix, Body Shop, Blue Beards Revenge & IRFU

Hands up, Ladies, I know the majority of you, that celebrate the Hallmark Holiday, have sorted your Valentine's weeks ago. For those of you, however, much like me have nowt done and could do with some suggestions. (Of course Poppa's Day & Birthdays are always cropping up too). 

1. The Bluebeards Revenge Starter Kit - (€25.95 Here)

One of the Gorgebags' favourite manly brands, this starter kit is exactly the kind of grooming your man can cut his teeth on. A taster of most of what the brand has to offer and a beard rash free fizzog for you. Score. 

2. Sennheiser In-Ear Buds - (€42 Here) (OR in store in Arnott's Dublin)

There's not many men I know that don't always need earphones, my own Pops included. Sennheiser are one of the most sought after brands in the business and that's not for nowt. With powerful sound, deep base and noise isolation, the CX300 II are about as much bang for your buck as you can get. 

3. Netflix Subscription - (from €7.99 Here)

Look, I'm not saying 'Buy the man a bowling ball' but the fact that Season 2 of House of Cards launches on Netflix on February 14th is a very happy coninkadink, OK? 

4. Molton Brown Silverbirch EDT - (€49 Here)

Again, purely conincidental but Silverbirch just happens to be one of my favourite scents in the Molton Brown range. Rich and spicy with cedarwood, silverbirch & jasmine, you're going to want to get up close and personal just for a sniff. Win/Win. 

5. Odeon Vouchers - (€10 upward Here)

Ooh a night or two at the flicks, that'd be nice wouldn't it? AND, he's probably going to want to bring you along too. Yep, it's another bowling ball. DO IT. 

6. BodyShop Maca Root Skincare Trio - (€30 Here)

If you, like me have ever walked in on your SO liberally applying your Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser by the lashing load then you're gonna want to get that man some visage wash of his own. STAT. With Maca Root and Fairtrade Brazil Nut Oil, both lads loved these washes & creams. 

7. Ruggers FTW: Misc

This is more than a suggestion to yell COYBIG. A nice little gesture for the one you love could be to buy some ticéadaí to his favourite team/sport/ball throwing peeps and accompany him to a match. This is an especially nice gesture if you can't stand the shower but short shorts and tree trunk thighs? I'll say no more. 

8. L'Occitane Collection for Men - (€49 - SAVING €28.50 Here)

Here's a little known fact about the brand I've been bigging up lately - L'Occitane do some Kick Ass Men's collections! This bountiful set of 4 luxury products is blended with lavender, black pepper, nutmeg and smoked woods and smells like MAN. As with the Molton Brown justification, you get to mooooove closer and enjoy the process very much indeed. 


Again, as with the For Her post yesterday, I'll suggest that the simplest things can be the way to go this Friday. Allow him the remote for an hour or so (don't go too mad now), bring him his brekkie in the leaba or even just turn off your mobile for the evening to give your beloved some undivided attention (I get cold sweats just thinking about that one). 

Tell us - have you bought your gift yet, will you be buying one? You know I'm nosey - you also know he's not reading...

Molton Brown's Celestial Maracuja Body Soufflé Review

I've been a Molton Brown Überfan since long before I could afford their luxurious products. It's been my one splurge, even before I was bitten by the blogging bug and I blame that entirely on my eldest Brosef sending me a Travel Pack many moons ago and me guarding it with my life. I now buy this brand as a gift,  especially for my Poppa as a treat and that's in no small way because the store is always ridiculously generous with samples. 

My most recent purchase was three fold, stocking up on my July Favourite, Bracing Silverbirch, the Cool Buchu gift set for my Pops to celebrate his finishing up treatment and this, the Celestial Maracuja body soufflé because it was on sale from €48.99 to €23 - who doesn't love a half price sale? 

Whipped with organic maracuja passionflower seed oil, olive oil and caramel within its oils and emollients, this silicone free, rich body soufflé absorbs quickly and leaves no residue on the skin. Truth be told I was expecting more of an exotic scent straight from the tub but Celestial Maracuja is a grower, not a shower. 

Within 1 hour of using this unctuous, subtlety scented soufflé it joined what I affectionately call the League of Little Thigh Rubbing Creams (Kiehl's Creme de Corps is another) only because every single time I use the loo I have to have a little rub of my thighs to appreciate how silky soft my skin is. 

Though Molton Brown recommend you use Celestial Maracuja morning and evening, I've found just one application is enough to give me supple skin for up to two days, once used straight after hopping from the shower. 

Unfortunately this body soufflé is not available right now on the Molton Brown site, my guess is that's why I got my feelers on it for half price but I have found it here on LookFantastic for €44.99 with free worldwide delivery (but limited stock). 

My advice is if you can get your mitts or your thighs on this rich, luxurious body soufflé, do it, do it immediately. 

Do you have a body cream that could join the League of Little Thigh Rubbers?   Lemme know!

July Favourites ft BodyShop, Zaija, L'Oreal, Molton Brown, Origins & Extra (Seriously)

July was a mixed bag, beauty wise and some of my faves took me quite by surprise:

1. Chock full of Community Fair Trade camomile, the BodyShop Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (€14.95) melts from it's semi solid state to a soft, oily balm and melts the layers of make up straight off with just a little warm water. My skin feels fresh, clean and comforted every time I use this. You'll want a seperate cleanser for waterproof mascara but for every day? This is beaut. 

2. Advertised as a men's body wash, Molton Brown's Bracing Silverbirch (300ml €22) has been staple in my shower this month. Spicy, wooden, incense laden and (admittedly) masculine, it's an ideal wake me up shower treat and I've gone through 3 minis already - the question is, will I shell out for the full size? The answer is Hell Yesh!

3. Ziaja Cocoa Body Butter (€4.99) was always going to be a winner 'round here with his luscious chocolatey scent but the effects of the Vitamin E and Omega 6 on our skin as been pretty brilliant. I'm loving it for a quick moisture fix post shower and can feel the softening effects for up to two days afterward. For a fiver? That's a win. 

4. L'Oreal's Skin Perfection Radiance Revealing Exoliator (€6.09) is a favourite on Adam's behalf. Claimed from the communal shower collection, this is the first scrub that's actually made a notable difference to his teenage visage. The soap free formulation means no more tight kisser for him and less worry for me. Thank you, L'Oreal. (Psst, it's €4.06 in Boots right now!)

5. Origins Drink Up Hydrating Lip Balm (€15.30) is every bit as juicy as a Juicy Tube with none of the gloop. With Aloe Vera, Apricot Kernel and Avocado Oils this tinted balm is nourishing on the lips and tastes ever so slightly of Murray Mints. Such was my love for the Pink Guava press sample that I've already sprung for the brighter Cherry Pop. It's lush. 

6. Lastly and by no means least(ly) one of my biggest July obseshes HAS to be Extra's new Bubblemint flavour gum (60c!). Tasting just like Hubba Bubba this whitening gum has not only kept sugar cravings at bay but has also kept me from saying things in the heat of the moment when there's been serious Jimmie Rustling going on. It's about as close to a life saviour as a pack of gum can be...

So tell Moi, are you a fan of any of the above? What's been floating your goat this past month? Hmm?

Pressies for El Papito: Father's Day Gift Ideas ft Gillette, Armani, Bulldog, Fitflop, Molton Brown & Netflix!

Heads up, lovelies, Daddy's Day is a coming this Sunday and you've got to be prepared. 

Whether your pops is a manly man, preferring to rough it, skincare wise, rather than take a little extra time - I know from experience that if you give that man some daycent product, 

I mean physically place it in his hand and fold his fingers around it, 

not only will he use it but he'll blahhdy love it too. 

I've put together some tried and tested gift ideas that the popster in your life is sure to love. Check it, yo!

1. Bulldog Natural Skincare (starts at €6.79)

We've reviewed the Bulldog Natural Skincare Range here at Casa Cherry extensively. With the Gorgebags now on their second and third bottles of this line. 

Each product is all natural and based on the Bulldog unique blend of 8 essential oils but each also cram in extra ingredients to tackle the job at hand, naturally and effectively. 

2. Acqua Di Gio from Armani (from €51.75)

Designer smellies are always a winner with Dads. If you completely love the scent, it's more than likely that Daddio will too. 

Acqua Di Gio is one of the cleanest, manliest smells I've come across to date, buying the third bottle for my Dad the sales assistant in Boots said 'God, that's GORGEOUS, you won't be able to stay off him with that' - 'Eh I hope I will, it's for my father' - the look on her face will make me chuckle until the day I die. Truly stunning scent. 

3. Molton Brown Sport (from €19: full range €59)

One of Dad's stand out products has to be Molton Brown and he doesn't get many complaints from me as every time I buy him a piece or two the Dundrum store spoil me with deluxe samples. It's totally win/win. 

Their new Sport range starts at €19 and consists of a trio of energising, high-performance products ideally suited to athletes, sportsmen and gym goers and work hard for older Dads on the go too (the madra doesn't walk herself a bajillion times round the park y'know). With deodorising cassia bark, invigorating nutmeg and refreshing lime they're a sure fire manly hit. 

4. Gillette Fusion Pro Glide (€13.99)

The eldest Gorgebag has been trialling the Gillette Fusion Pro Glide for the past several weeks and is in the absolute love with it. 

His face is soft and clean with none of the usual nicks or tears from bating the blade around his face before school. Relatively cheap for a top class and flawless shave every time, 

there's not a Daddio that wouldn't love this. 

5. NetFlix Subscription (€6.99 per month or €83.88 for the year)

Does your Pop love the all things televisual? How about a gift that keeps on giving with a Netflix subscription?

With a wealth of shows including the most recent Arrested Development, imagine the chats ye could have over tea? (Spoiler free of course) 

6. Fitflop for the Mens (€90)

For the health conscious father a pair of men's Fitflops could be just what the Doc ordered. 

Advertised as 'caffeine for the feet', your only concern with these bad boys would be the ladies in the park checking out your Papito's perfectly toned legs & buns as he walks the madra. (BOKE)  

Tell me, have you picked your Pop's gift yet? Anything here to inspire you?