Give the Gift of Travel this Valentine’s Day!

You might think I’m crazy posting a travel post about Valentine’s gifts on Valentine’s Day but that’s the beauty of these gifts just buy them & print the voucher to slip into your loved one’s card TODAY! Still haven’t got a Valentine’s card? Better nip to the shop or get out the crayola stat!

Under €60

Source

Escapes.ie has a fantastic deal to the Central Hotel Donegal, 1 night B&B for two people comes in at just €59, for that bargain price you’ll also get a bottle of bubbly on arrival, full use of their leisure centre and late check-out and the best part is you can add an extra night & just pay €89 in total! Grab this deal HERE before it’s gone.

Under €70

I found this gem on Dealrush.ie, €69 for 1 night B&B for 2 people at the Clifton Station House Hotel. This deal includes complimentary access to their leisure centre, a free bottle of wine if dining in the bar; late check-out AND 2 kids go free on a B&B basis. There is a 2 night option for just €119, get this amazing deal HERE.

Under €100

Source

Cobh holds a special place in my heart (see HERE) and we always try to grab at least a one night stay there every year as it’s such a beautiful historic town with so much to see and do. Groupon.ie has a perfect deal for a romantic getaway priced at just €99 for 1 night B&B with a 3 course meal and late check out at the Waters Edge Hotel. There’s also an option for a 2 night stay for €149. If you’d like further information or to book click HERE.

Under €200

Source

I’d love this break that I found on Luxurybreaks.ie, hint hint husband if you’re reading this! One night B&B for two on the exclusive Mount Falcon Estate, a 3 course evening meal, full access to the spa & leisure centre and late check out all for just €198 or €309 if you opt to stay an extra night to languish in luxury! You’ll find further information on this break HERE.

Under €300

Our view from Hotel Tropen last year - Check our Amsterdam post HERE

Click&Go.com have a cracking city break to Amsterdam priced at just €148pp, flights are with Aer Lingus and accommodation is very unique to say the least, it’s on a botel yes you read that right it’s a boat hotel situated in the heart of Amsterdam with complimentary ferry connections to the central train station. Further information can be found HERE, but I’d hurry if I were you this deal won’t stick around for long at that price!

**Disclaimer: There are no 

affiliate links in this piece, 

if there were I’d tell you.**

Spreading Valentine's Love without Breaking the Bank - 5 Deadly Deals!

With Valentine’s Day less than a month away it’s time to start thinking about what you're going to get that special someone in your life. Having spent 18 years with my husband, I can say from experience, it’s not worth spending a fortune to go out for a meal and stay in a hotel on Valentine’s Day. We’ve had mediocre food, time limited tables, harassed waiting staff and highly inflated bills so we decided a long time ago to spend Valentine’s night at home with a candlelit meal after the children have gone to bed. 

Valentine's GlossyBox - Contents Revealed!

It's been long awaited but, in the hopes that everyone has now received their Valentine's Glossybox, it's high time we take a peek inside. In the month of Amour that is February, it's common knowledge that the brand make an extra effort with their box contents and having seen several other happy recipients' posts it would seem that contents are more varied than ever this time 'round. 

A quick squizz inside and you can see that my box varies quite substantially from those already posted with just one or two products in common - truthfully, I'm very grateful for that. I've seen Maybelline Big Eyes, Ciaté Polish, Eldora Lashes, Maybelline Nude lippies and Toni & Guy Stick It Up Gum. That's not what I got - no siree: 

First up, the box itself this month is gorgeous, sturdy black cardboard with a bajillion kisses. Normally I fill my old Glossyboxes with gifts to pass on but this one has pride of place on my dresser with my day to day face stashed inside (make up that is, not some weird John Travolta/Nicolas Cage visage). My seven products break down like this: 

1. Maybelline's Master Kajal Liner (Full Size) I'm a sucker for a good Kajal so was thrilled to see this pop up in this month's box. You can see from the image above the precision you can achieve but the lengthened tip makes these a fool proof water line liner too. 
2.  H2K Aromatic Shampoo & Hydrating Conditioner (Original Size) Because I'm still in the throes of a full on Fibrology love affair, these were gifted to the Eldest Gorgebag to sample. He's pretty impressed, not only that but I stopped him as we passed on the stairs to sniff his grúaig - that's new. 
3. NV Chunky Crayon Lips : Watermelon (Full Size) Though too pink for my tastes this bright and creamy lip crayon has already found a happy home with the youngest's girlfriend. Safe for use on eyes, lips and body, I genuinely don't wanna know how she's choosing to use it. 
4. Sleep in Rollers BackCombing Brush (Full Size) Do we remember how I got on with Sleep Rollers? It wasn't pretty. This backcombing brush on the other hand has found it's nice with me. The stiff bristles and tapered end work brilliantly to separate and backcomb my bouffant with ease. This and Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce are a match made in Dynasty heaven. Love it. 
5. Lindt Chocolate: (Full Size)(Not for Long) I love that Glossybox included a little Lindt treat, so do the three gals in my office as we swayed heads and slurped tea in unison as we ate. This red feller will be a regular 'round my place, mark my words. 
6. Nougat Sparkling Body Shimmer: Cherry Blossom (Half Size) I'm not a huge advocate for bodily sparkle unless there's sunshine, so this inclusion during the Winter months confuddled me a little. Until I opened the bottle and took just one sniff. Beautifully scented and surprisingly subtle on the skin (ie little or no sparkle) Nougat are on to a winner with this one. Mallow, Vitamin E and Wheatgerm Oil with Mica for sparkle mean this candy pink shimmer is as good for your skin as it is for your schnozz. Gorgeous. 

And that's it, my entire Valentine's Glossybox. The Glossy mag that accompanies the box is going from strength to strength with Industry Insider interviews, full on features and treatment reviews, a lovely way to while away 10 mins with a cup of cha and a bar of Lindt funnily enough. 

I mentioned in my Valentine's Gift Guide for Her that a Glossybox subscription would make an ideal pressie and this month's offering has further affirmed that for me, especially with Momma's Day coming up. For as little as £8.33 (€10.11) per month you or a lucky duck you know could be on the receiving end of summat a little bit special. You'll find all the info on this month's box and details for subscriptions here on site. Tootle on over for a gander why don't you? 

I'd love to know if you have received your Valentine's box and what products were inside. I'm nosey like that. If you're not a subscriber would this month's box change your mind? 

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...

Valentines For Her - ft Hourglass, Lush, The BodyShop, L'Occitane, Estée Lauder, GlossyBox, Chanel & ALL the Irish Mags

I'm going to try very hard not to use the word 'Self Gift' in this post but if you happen to be single on VDay or PALentine's Day this year just know that you totally deserve these gifts of gorgeousness too and should most probably buy one or all for yourself. 

With that disclaimer out of the way, MEN OF IRELAND, listen up - if you have a girlfriend and/or SO and consider yourself a pretty cool dude then she probably has great taste. These last minute Valentine's gifts are sure to earn you some brownie points - you can thank me afterwards (I prefer PayPal). 

1. Hourglass Ambient Blush - £28 Here. 

The world and her Aunty want this blush, the world and her Aunty need this blush. You don't need to know why but you do need to know that, upon review, Mood Exposure is the way to go and Space NK is the way to get it. Dogs may cower at the sound she makes when she opens this. GO. 

2. Lush Love Box - €33.50 in Store (Review Here)

We know you think the shop smells weird, we care not for these schmetails. Go to Lush, buy this box. Over 1/2 of the contents are sexy time oriented with baths, massages and whatnot. They're NEVER a bad Valentine's thing. GO. 

3. Body Shop White Musk Smokey Rose Collex - (€32 Here)

Assuming you or your lovah aren't 16, she is going to have fond memories of White Musk from the Body Shop. This Smokey Rose edit is that only sexed up - a lot. A stunning combo and the entire range for just over €30?! GO. 

4. Irish Mags Subscription (from €30 for a YEAR here)(or directly from site)

Nothing says repeat pay off louder than a gift that keeps on giving. What magazine have you spied your loved one fawning over in the past? You know what would rock her cashmere socks? A year's supply of that very glossy right to her doorstep courtesy of you. Google the site of her mag of choice to get the best sub deal and possibly a cracking subscription gift too - remember to think Irish first (as pictured) and again, I take PayPal. GO. 

5. L'Occitane Sensual Red Cherries Gift Set - (€52 here)(€25.50 off!!)

Sensual. Red. Cherries. One. Third. Off. Entire. Set. Go. 

6. Estée Lauder - Polish (€17.30 Here)

Is your gal of choice a nail polish fiend? Well then you have great taste, my friend. The nicest thing you can do for a nail polish nut is pick her up a polish she would never dare splash out on herself. Take a quick squizz at what she usually likes and find a similar colour to completely and luxuriously blow her mindhole. GO. 

7. GlossyBox Subscription - (From £30 for 3 months Here)

Much akin to the mag subscription suggestion, a sub to have a box of surprise beauty delivered to your Chica's doras every month will equally float her boat and rocket you into her good books, repeatedly. A lovely idea for beauty lovers and surprise addicts alike, you really can't go wrong with a Glossybox sub. GO. 

8. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - (€28 Here)

There's just something so luxurious about a brand like Chanel. Again, it's something your beloved might have trouble splashing out on herself but a little black box from the man she loves this Friday is guaranteed to raise a smile if it has Chanel emblazoned across it. The Rouge Coco Shines are the easiest colours not to get wrong and most flattering on most skin tones so pick a colour you'd like to kiss passionately from her lips and enjoy. GO. 


Of course all of these suggestions are for beauty loving babes and truthfully your lady would be very happy with a fresh cup of tay and perhaps a little brekkie in bed, at a stretch a tank of petrol so she doesn't have to worry about it for the week perhaps? - Hell she might settle for you whipping the hoover about the place. But should you be stuck and wanting to impress - I can't recommend this little lot enough. 

Have a lovely evening, whatever you get up to. 

(Ladies, I'll have 
a fellas post up later, yesh?)

Lush Valentines 2014 - Get in the Mooood for Luuuurve

I'll be the first to admit that I can be a little overwhelmed when passing a Lush store, to me it's not about the overpowering scents, it's more about the choice - I see a vast array of loveliness and I panic. That's why I'm probably the only person glad of the apocalyptic weather this week as it meant we had one on one attention at the Lush Valentine 2014 event and boy was it a good 'un. 

First up in this year's vegetarian offering is the Love Locket Bath Bomb. The heftiest bomb I've seen in quite a while, the Love Locket can be used 3 times for luxury each go or all in one for a dip with decadence that I recommend on the double. The perfect Valentine's night date escape from overpriced restaurants and wilting roses. Had we smelloscreens you'd order this NOW. 

Easily my favourite of the entire launch, Neon Love Soap is knuckle bitingly gorgeous. Blended fresh figs, passion fruit and soya yoghurt means I was never not going to love this. That header up there is the GINORMOUS version in the Grafton St window and I'd happily shower up and flop against it like a fish forever and ever amen. 

The Close to You Massage Bar takes it's inspiration from the Jammy Dodger, srsly. Cupachu butter, shea butter and olive oil mean we're talking slip sliding away with this sweetly scented massage bar. Smelling exactly like Rock Star soap & Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, it's a good 'un.

€6.25 - €20.95

Prince Charming takes it's inspo from Adam and the Ants!! I named my youngest chil' with the same thing in mind so I was always going to have an affinity with this marshmallow root, pomegranate and almond oil elixir. The additions of sandalwood, geranium and grapefruit mean although there's sweetness here, Prince Charming is a morning time shower treat to wake up the senses. 

I'm giving you a straight up warning, one sniff of Tender is the night gave me these feels  - that's the intended objective of a sexy time massage bar, is it not? With Shea & murumuru butter, jasmine, ylang ylang (that's the sexiness right there) & vanilla essential oils and absolute, you're gonna plough your way to the counter with this vegan delight. 

The Kiss Tinted Lip Balm blends mandarin & almond essential oils to give a light pink but nourishing sparkle to lips. This one will be going directly into my inside póca, very wearable and lip salving too? Sold. 

Of course, should you be unable to choose and/or a lad in a panic at lunchtime on Feb 14th, you really can't go wrong with one of the pre packaged Lush gift boxes. Taking inspiration from 80's classic (or as I say, film) (I feel old) Tom Cruise's movie Cocktail the neon packaged boxes are a little bit Gorge. 

Toucan Love, a 'one in yer eye' to Putin in the run up to Sochi, contains  best selling Tisty Toasty bath bomb with real rose buds & a Close to You Massage Bar. (€13.95)

Neon love (just like the Cocktail logo, geddit?) houses Red Fun, Neon Love Soap, Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie and From Dusk till Dawn Massage Bar. (€23.50)

Lots of Love (in a collectable box) gifts you Neon Love, Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, Prince Charming Shower Gel, Ro's Argan Body Conditioner & Tender is the Night Massage Bar. (€33.95)(Get this one, lads). 

All products are available now but limited edition so if you see summat you fancy, LEGGIT. 

What do we make of the Valentine's offerings? Are we Lush fans? 

Valentines (Self) Gift Sets from Lush, The BodyShop & Pixy

There's no denying it, VDay is hurtling toward us at astonishing speed. I've held off so far posting any schmaltz (you're welcome) but over the past couple of weeks there's been a couple of press releases dropped into my inbox that have suddenly become my shopping list for self gifts this Valentines. Not very surprisingly they're all the kind that can be enjoyed by candlelight behind a locked door with a large glass of vino... steady now, we're talking bath time. 

Lush never fail to impress when it comes to soapy goodness and bath time treats. Their Heart of Gold offering is not only chock full of soaps, bars and bombs but comes packaged beautifully in a heat shaped box. IMAGINE the 'stuff' I can put in that for storage afterward! 

I wrote about my serious grá for The BodyShop's Chocomania range before, well the entire family's grá to be honest. That's why both of our sets disappeared as fast as they were bought. This lusciously scented range is the ideal sweet treat for a loved one, specially if that loved one is yourself. Again LOOK at that box! (I may have an issue with pretty boxes)(It hasn't been confirmed yet). 

Finally, from my favourite Irish Natural Skincare brand, bar none, comes the Valentine's gift set. Lovingly prepared (I know, I've seen the photos) by the diligent Pixy team in Co Cork, this bath time bonanza will stock the bathroom in Casa Cherry beautifully. Fantastic value for money and pretty much guaranteed bath time bliss, Pixy are definitely onto a winner with this one. 

And that's them, the three gift sets that will mysteriously appear in my possession this Feb 14th, once I've melted my Laser just a little bit. As my mother would say 'Good to yourself, aren't you?' Yes, Momma, yes I am. 

Tell me, are you a believer in the power of the self gift? Will you be splashing out on yours truly this VDay or are you against the 'holiday' altogether? 

LoveBot, Baby, LoveBot

Happy Valentines Day you sexy mo' fo's! I know my last VDay nails weren't your typical colours but I thought I should make a special effort for the day itself.

I picked up this cute little dood in River Island last week (only a tenner, yo) and have been thinking about recreating him ever since.

Colours used: TopShop Starlight & OPI Sparrow Me the Drama

The hearts are made using the paper clip method as with the last ones

LoveBot himself is made using a tiny art brush (you can pick one up for about €2 in Eason's)

Finish up with black dots for his eyes, using a toothpick, and you're done!

Any rosemantic plans for the day, ladies? 

Valentines Nails - Paperclips Never Fail to Impress Me!

Here we have my first of 3 Valentines nail art tutorials on the run up to the big day. Knowing how many manicures with red, white, pink and combinations of all of three, I wanted to try something different. 

Tools for the job: 

• Base colour: Nails Inc, Paddington
• First accent: Nails Inc, OMP!
• Second accent: Essence, Lime Up
• Paperclip
• Toothpick
• Foil to work from (quickest & easiest clean up)

After your basecoat, apply two coats of your base colour and allow to dry. 

Place your accent colour(s) on the foil for use, if you are trying this for the first time, one colour at a time will be easier. This prevents the second colour from drying too fast as you work. 

Dip the end of the paperclip in your first colour...

& place it on the nail bed

A Second touch at the base of the first and angled away makes your heart!

Place three or four hearts, depending on your nail bed size (Different directions works best for a quirky effect)

Move onto your second accent colour and repeat!

Using either end of a toothpick (or small dotting tool) place tiny dots in alternating colours to fill the gaps and tie the design together. 

The hearts can be tidied using the toothpick too. If you have smudged or been a little over zealous with the paperclip a touch of your base colour on the toothpick should clean it up nicely. 

Finish with a swish of your favourite shiny top coat and that's them. Valentines nails in minutes!

What do we reckon? Will you give them a go?