Use Your Noggin

Christmas is well on its way and I have been feeling rather festive. For me, Christmas is all about spending time with family, eating lots of food and indulging in some drinking! So when I was challenged by Waitrose to create an Eggnog recipe, I was excited to get inventing:

I didn't know Eggnog actually originated in East Anglia, where I live, so I was excited to bring Eggnog back to its birthplace and put my own stamp on it. For a drink to be called Eggnog, it needs to include cream, sugar, eggs, an alcoholic spirit and spice. I wanted to put my own twist on traditional Eggnog by changing the spirit from spiced rum or brandy to whisky, and I couldn't resist adding a unique Waitrose twist with my choice of spice.

For two glasses (alcohol is for sharing!)
Two eggs, separated
1oz caster sugar
Splash of whisky
4 fl oz milk
2 fl oz double cream
Waitrose Signature Spice, to garnish

1. Place the egg whites into a large bowl and whisk until stiff peaks form.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, whisky, milk and cream, until pale and slightly thickened.

3. Transfer the mixture to a pan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and creamy.

4. Remove from heat and fold in half the egg whites until well combined. Add the second half of egg whites.

5. Divide between two glasses and dust with Waitrose Signature Spice.

My verdict on Eggnog? It's basically an alcoholic pudding and I love that! I thought the addition of whisky rather than the more traditional brandy or rum gave the drink a smoky taste and I love the addition of the Waitrose Signature Spice. I raved about the Signature Spice when I visited the Waitrose Christmas Press Day in the Summer and it works so well in so many different ways. I've used it in scones for a Christmas twist, shortbread and, of course, this Eggnog recipe.

Check out Waitrose Cellar for their Eggnog recipe - I also want to try the Hot Gin Punch! What is your favourite Christmas drink?

*This post was written in collaboration with Waitrose*

Jess

- Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram -

Fitness Friday: #Fitmas Week Three and Florette

It's Fitness Friday! After a successful first week of #Fitmas, followed by a somewhat less successful second week, I was excited for Week Three of the challenge. Yet again, however, things didn't go quite to plan:

I started the week off with Corinne's legs workout, as detailed in her plan. After skipping my exercise class, I was pleased to still complete a workout to start the week. And then... I failed. My week has been so busy (I know, excuses, excuses) so I simply haven't had the time or energy to complete my other workouts. I feel really guilty about my poor attempt at #Fitmas so far, despite a positive first week. Next week, I've got a less busy week planned so I'm hoping to get back on track - any words of encouragement?

Unhelpfully, I've spent about half my evenings this week eating out, so my healthy eating has also taken a knock. I've tried to balance out my evenings with some healthy salads for lunch, thanks to the brilliant A Salad for All Seasons by Harry Eastwood. Florette sent me this book alongside some of their salad and some recipe ideas. I love the look of this stilton, pear and walnut salad for a healthy salad with a Christmassy feel. I always think that salads are a Summery food so I was pleased to see some Wintry and Christmas-style salads included in the book to inspire me in the colder weather to still eat healthily.

How are you getting on with #Fitmas? I've got a very unhealthy weekend planned so I'd love some motivation - and any great salad recipes you might have!

Jess

- Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram -

Get Fit Skin with Mio Skincare

At the grand old age of 23, I am finally realising that I can't just roll out of bed and look my best. Skincare products are a must in my beauty regime and after revitalising my facial skincare with some amazing acne-fighting products, my attention has turned to the rest of my body:

Mio Skincare offer a range of high-intensity body care to really tackle skin and body issues. It sounds pretty intense and that's because it is, thanks to their motto to provide 'fit skin for life.' The products sent to me were a bit of a mixed bag, which gave me an overview of the brand, so I wanted to run through the products I loved and the products I, well, didn't love.

First, let's get the product I didn't rate out of the way: the Get Waisted Sculpting Body Shaper* which was included in a goody bag at an event and therefore not tailored to me. I hate products which claim to 'sculpt,' 'blast away fat' or generally 'cheat' your way to a slimmer body. These products are always accompanied by the caveat that the product works best when used in combination with diet and exercise - no sh*t, Sherlock! I just don't rate them so I was never going to be impressed with this product as I think any cheat products won't work and will leave you feeling more demotivated than a fitness regime and healthy eating plan.

However, the other products were much more suited to me, as I was specifically sent them by Mio Skincare. I was sent the 'Run Faster' kit*, which includes a miniature Liquid Yoga, Workout Wonder and two Clean Wipes, all perfect for your gym bag. Liquid Yoga is designed to be used in the bath to ease aching muscles but I don’t actually have a bath (hence my lack of obsession with Lush bath bombs!) Instead, I like to use it as a foot soak to ease my aching feet after a run or even just a long day shopping. Workout Wonder is a great little product, which you apply either before or after a workout to sooth and revive tired muscles. I always suffer from horrendous DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) after heavy weight workouts, so this little bottle is perfect to relieve and wake up my exhausted muscles. Finally, the Clean Wipes are perfect to chuck in my gym bag for a quick freshen up if I don't have time for a shower - gross but true!

My absolute favourite product was the Mio Body Brush*. These dry body brushes are supposed to be fantastic for dry skin, cellulite, ingrown hairs and scarring. My skin suffers over winter as I always end up neglecting it, so I've been making a conscious effort to use the body brush before the shower a few times a week to exfoliate my tired body. The massage nodules alongside the boar bristles gives a more intense brush than I was expecting and my body always feels awake and refreshed after each use. I would really recommend it if you feel like your skin needs an extra boost this Winter!

Have you tried anything from Mio Skincare? What were your thoughts?

Jess

- Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram -