Blueberry, Banana and Courgette Muffins

Friday 2 September 2016



I had so many courgettes growing this year, and as always so many have gone to waste! I spent ages looking for yummy new ways to eat them, both sweet and savoury! I came across a recipe and changed it around to suit myself. Yes, it's still delicious. These are my Blueberry, Banana and Courgette Muffins. So simple to make and full of hidden fruit and vegetables, making them great for fussy children!


Treat Yourself Tuesday: Raspberry Bakewell Cake

Tuesday 9 August 2016


It's a well known fact I love food. I love experimenting with healthy foods and also treating myself to more indulgent goodies too. When I made this cake and tasted how wonderful it was I couldn't help but take a few photos for my blog here. I present to you a wonderful Raspberry Bakewell Cake, that is so moist and is delicious with a tea or coffee any time of day...

Stress and Your Body

Wednesday 27 July 2016

No-one avoids stress in life, but stress can affect people in many different ways. Sometimes the smallest things can throw someone overboard, while others are completely unaffected by pressure. This is all generally down to personality and a person's ability to withstand stress and work under pressure. Stress is a horrible thing no matter why or how it is effecting you.

Overall stress has many effects on our bodies, over a short term this is usually harmless, but constant or chronic stress can have huge repercussions on the body and a person's health.

Stress can cause headaches, difficulty sleeping and a feeling of anxiety, worry and depression. This is due to the fluctuating hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline) in the brain during stress. If the stress is short lived the hormones soon balance, while long term stress causes failure for the central nervous system to return to normal. Stress increases blood circulation, raising blood pressure and constricting blood vessels, over long periods of time, stress can increase the risk of hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and raise the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. In the digestive system, stress causes excess glucose production in the liver, the body can find coping with the excess sugar difficult, placing the person under risk of Type 2 Diabetes. It can also disrupt the way in which food moves through the body, so stress is often linked with constipation and diarrhea, since the 'fight or flight' hormone levels are elavated. Over long periods of time, stress can affect the immune system, as excess hormone production compromises it, leaving a person more susceptible to the flu and other viral infections.

Stress can be triggered by many aspects of our lives and no-one is immune to it, however after reading up on the many repercussions of stress I think it is important to notes the link between stress and health, which goes much deeper than affecting only our mental health.

There are many way to reduce stress and it's so important to find what works for yourself.

Some great ideas are:
Having a bath
Going for a walk, cycle or exercise in general
Reading
Meditation
Having a cup of tea
Listening to music
Taking time for yourself

There are so many way to relax and de-stress, and everyone is different. It's important to gain perspective to how your worries weigh into your life, and remember the things you worry about are usually not even worth over thinking.



Almond-Coated Chicken Stir Fry

Wednesday 8 June 2016



Colourful food is my favourite. Anything with lots of vegetables and plenty of colour in my eyes is the epitome of healthy and nutritious. When  I'm in college during the week I generally base my meals around vegetables (because I absolutely LOVE them), and while many people are living off Pot Noodles and Microwavable Rice, I'm just making another one of my made-up on the spot recipes. I do plan on sharing some more of my savoury recipes here once I have perfected them! But for now, here's one which has been inspired by one of the GREATEST Chinese dishes I have ever had while over in Spain on my holidays last year. The chinese restaurant was the best one I have ever been in, it served free watermelon after the meal and made the most delicious jug of Sangria. (Very multicultural haha). It was like no Chinese Restaurant I have seen here at home.  

Here is my recipe for my Almond Coated Chicken Stir Fry.

The Month Of May

Wednesday 1 June 2016


May has been a GREAT month... I've finished exams, we've had pretty good weather & I've been super productive! May marked the start of summer for me. I was determined to get a job, work hard and get lots done. I have even had loads of time for walks (which are way more fun when it's sunny).

Almond Butter

Wednesday 25 May 2016


Almond butter is so often praised on healthy eating blogs and in recipe books, but to buy, a small jar will leave your pocket about four euro lighter. To me that's an insane amount to spend, especially when it's so easy to make! I actually think this one is a lot nicer than the shop bought version, much more flavoursome. A small bag of almonds costs less than two euro in Lidl. Thank goodness for the Belbake range!

Granola Oat Bites

Wednesday 18 May 2016


When I go swimming and feel a bit peckish on the way home I'll call into the shop and get some fruit like Strawberries, Blueberries or Raspberries to nibble on on the way home, just as a pick me up until my next meal. Bananas however are great for satisfying hunger pangs and cravings because they have fibre, protein and fat. A large banana has approximately 120 calories.
After exercising your body needs carbohydrates and protein to relieve tired muscles and get your energy back up. I've put together a little recipe for Granola Oat Bites that would make for a great post workout snack, mid afternoon snack or even a great breakfast on the go! 

Nutty-la Homemade Chocolate Spread

Wednesday 11 May 2016




I came across this lovely recipe recently in Deliciously Ella's first book (which also happened to be called Deliciously Ella). I loved the look of it and decided to try it, making a slightly smaller jar, and using golden syrup instead of maple syrup as I'm a student and its a lot cheaper and more affordable on my budget. So here it is, the slightly adapted student version, as I've officially just decided to call it, Nutty-la Homemade Chocolate Spread. YUM.

Sweet and Zesty Side Salsa

Wednesday 4 May 2016


Hi! I just wanted to share this little recipe for a Salsa that I love! It really spices up a plain meal and I cannot stop eating it til it's all gone! Here goes..


Serves 2 :
1 red chili
1 avocado
1/2 juice of a lemon
400g cherry tomatoes
4 spring onions
salt
pepper
parsley

Method:
Chop the avocado into chunks & the cherry tomatoes into halves.
Add about half the red chili, although if you like the heat add the whole thing (or even extra).
Dice the spring onions, add to the bowl and mix well.
Add the juice of half a lemon, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
Finely chop your parsley and sprinkle over the top.

I love serving salsa with fish cakes as it adds more interest and goes so well!


The Sligo Adventure Edition

Friday 8 April 2016



A weekend away is always well spent and needed as far as I'm concerned. I love travelling, even if it is travelling within Ireland. I'm a student and touring Ireland is a great way to travel without huge expenses and it offers many great experiences and adventures! My latest venture was to Yeats Country itself... County Sligo! Even when the weather is being typically Irish (wet and windy with a touch of freezing cold) Sligo is a real beauty!

Chocolate & Raspberry Nibbles

Wednesday 2 March 2016




These little shards of deliciousness are hands down my favourite go-to recipe when I'm wanting to satisfy a sweet craving without the guilt. They are super easy to make and actually very adaptable. The raspberries are a burst of fresh sweetness to a more deep tasting, almost bitter chocolate.

Places to Visit in Ireland #1 ~ The North East Coast

Wednesday 3 February 2016



1. The Giants Causeway
Often called the 8th Wonder of the World, The Giant's Causeway is one of Northern Ireland's most famous Natural Attraction! The gorgeous, unique landscape was formed millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption. I visited on a cold and stormy December day, so the sea was wild and foamy, but the brisk walk from the car park down the sea was absolutely gorgeous and kept me from freezing!


Carrot Cake Mini Muffins

Wednesday 27 January 2016





There is actually nothing better than homegrown carrots straight from the garden! Not only are they so photogenic and vibrantly coloured (once they are washed of course), they are also so fresh and nutritious! These beauties are straight from the garden, and a little wonky from stony soil, but still way tastier than shop bought! I thought I'd whip up a batch of Carrot Cake Muffins, but with a slight healthy twist. The are really filling so would be great for a snack and would satisfy a sweet craving! 

They are even more indulgent and delicious with the cream frosting.

Deliciously Simple Smoothie

Wednesday 20 January 2016



I know lots of us are feeling a bit run down recently, and a boost of vitamins and minerals is just what we need!! After getting some frozen raspberries and cherries in Aldi, along with some kale, I thought I would throw together this simple little recipe for a super nutritious smoothie! It is such a vibrant colour, so sweet and should fill you full of energy. It's a great snack for anyone trying to get on the right track after an indulgent December.

New Year!

Wednesday 13 January 2016




It's now 13 days into the new year, and unlike other years I have taken a little longer to decide on my goals for this year. I didn't want to just pick a few ideas off the top of my head and almost immediately fall off the bandwagon. My unwritten goal of the year is to become more organised, hence why I bought myself a brand spanking new diary, for only 4 euro in Tesco. I just thought it was the sweetest little diary, and the perfect size for a handbag, so it can come everywhere with me!

Eating Better for Less

Wednesday 6 January 2016


Everyone knows that eating well and eating healthy can be difficult on a small budget, and this has been increasingly noticeable for me since becoming a student. Here are my tips for spending less and still eating good, nutritious meals at the same time.

 
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