Valentine's at The Brampton Mill*

It's that day again where we declare our undying love for one another and woo our other half. Cards are purchased, presents too and bottles of bubbly are popped open. This year I decided to go out for dinner with Chris to one of our favourite restaurants- The Brampton Mill.

Tucked away between Huntingdon and Brampton, this beautiful old Mill is set on the River Ouse. The building itself boasts tasteful decor- set out over three levels, with plenty of cosy nooks to dine and drink in and the water wheel being viewed in motion from the bar area and level two of the dining area.

The bar itself was instantly welcoming with the cosy log fire crackling and a vast array of beverages to choose from. Chris' favourite beer St Stefanus was an instant pick for him and I opted for rose bubbly- the perfect treat for a Valentines date night.

Our table was set on the third floor which is probably my favourite of all the dining areas with the high beamed ceilings and rustic decor. The low lighting in the room made for a lovely romantic setting and atmosphere for our date night. Now onto the important stuff- the food! Queue all the foodie pics which will make you drool...

The Valentine's menu consisted of three delicious courses to choose from. I started with the Chicken Liver, Sherry and Balsamic Parfait with Crostini. This was delicious with the crostini being fresh and crisp with the cucumber balls being a refreshing accompaniment to the rich pate.

Chris chose the Fiocco Di Culatello Cured Ham with burrata mozzarella dressed in extra virgin olive oil. Both dishes were presented beautifully as always at the Brampton Mill and were greatly enjoyed, making us excited for what the next course had to offer.

The main course didn't disappoint for either of us. Again it came looking scrumptious and appetising, Chris choosing the pan-roasted lamb rump accompanied by asparagus, chorizo, fondant potato, baby onions and minted red wine jus.

I had chicken on the brain and had chosen the corn-fed chicken supreme which came stuffed with 'nduja sausage, seasonal greens, cashew pesto and heritage potatoes. Choosing chicken for two courses could have been a mistake but definitely not. This dish had a total different taste with the fresh greens and succulent chicken. The potatoes were to die for and melted in the mouth and the mix of the sausage stuffing and cashew pesto made for an interesting and incredibly delicious dish.

We were feeling suitably stuffed at this point but then we saw the desserts and well...what's a three course Valentine's meal without a dessert!? Instantly the Melting Golden Chocolate Bomb stood out to both of us and naturally we both ordered it. My shot doesn't do anywhere near enough justice to it but this Heston Blumenthal style dessert came out as a ball of golden chocolate with caramel ice cream inside. The waiter poured hot Devon cream toffee sauce(!!) over the top which revealed the ice cream and made for a seriously melty dessert heaven. To top if off the dish was generously sprinkled with chocolate popping candy which made the whole thing even more fun and delicious. Both Chris and I were giggling away and thought this would be the perfect dessert to break the ice on a first date.

After the dessert we really were well and truly stuffed and adjourned to the bar for after dinner drinks and discuss how good our date dinner had been. Each time we go to The Brampton Mill we are never disappointed with the food and the service, making for many happy memories.

Now if you're still looking to do something for Valentine's but didn't fancy a manic restaurant tonight, this menu is available until Friday 17th February. The set menu includes three courses and a glass of prosecco for £29.95 pp. I would highly recommend going but if you can't make this week their normal menu is just as delicious and there are plenty of upcoming reasons to go- one being Mother's Day next month!

I hope you're all having a lovely Valentine's Day whatever you're doing.

Date Night make-up with M∙A∙C*

The ultimate date night is almost upon us- Valentine's Day. Whether you love it or loathe it, in a weeks time it'll be here and I personally like to embrace it. Give me any excuse to get my glad rags on and look pretty for dinner and I'm there but this year I decided to seek the professional help of M∙A∙C to get my make-up date night ready.

At the tail end of last year, M∙A∙C opened a store in Queensgate to many Peterborough women's delight, making it easy to swatch new shades and get expert make-up advice including appointments.

 I opted for an appointment with one of the team to have a full makeup look from lips to lashes, applied by a M∙A∙C Artist in 60 minutes. My make-up artist was the fabulous Jordan who instantly made me feel relaxed and excited to get started.

We started off by talking through the look I was going for before moving on to my skin type and colours and shades I liked. I requested a romantic make-up that was big on the eyes with a light flawless base.

Jordan set to work with finding different palettes and shades for me to try and with her array of brushes, tools and knowledge, she started creating my look.

After skincare was applied, we started with the brows and eyes- something I would never normally do but as Jordan explained, any fall out from the eye shadow etc can be easily cleaned away before putting on your base, making it less messy. It also gives your skincare time to sink in and really work it's magic.

So that I could learn the tips and tricks Jordan was doing, she had me do the opposite side of what she had done, giving pointers where I needed them, I must admit I felt pretty nervous having a professional watch me stab at my face with brushes but Jordan was brilliant, encouraging me and praising me for the areas I did well.

To finish the look, I couldn't resist some lashes as lets be honest, they're kind of perfect to flutter at your date am I right!? I went for the 36 lash to add length and fullness but still look a little more natural.

Before I knew it my 60 minute makeup was over but luckily it included a face chart to help you recreate it at home and listed the products used so I can purchase them at a later date. I also got some samples to take away and try before I buy (which is tempting fate as I've already begun to ear mark what to get from my next pay cheque!)

And this is the finished look! Queue posing photos in 3, 2, 1...

Teamed with heart print dress, I'm ready to be wined and dined by my loved one this Valentine's Day feeling super pretty and feminine with my new found look.

P.S A big thank you to Jordan for making me feel pretty and to hubby Chris for being my photographer!

Give your Valentine's beverage some Boomf!

For my final Valentine's post, I bring you Boomf, the hub of personalised marshmallows that make perfect Valentine's sweet treats!

Chris and I were actually gifted these from my sister but thought they'd make a thoughtful and personalised treat for any loved one with a sweet tooth this Valentines

The marshmallows themselves not only look awesome, they taste great too and are a generous size. We think they accompany a hot chocolate perfectly but would also look great as cake toppers, on cupcakes or tucked into a bouquet for V day.

So if you're loving the magical mallows as a Valentines gift, HURRY! Today is the last day to order for Valentine's Day.

Will you boomf your better half's beverage this year?

Get Him GANT

Still struggling with what to get your guy for Valentine's Day? Get him GANT fragrance and you'll be onto a winner!

I surprised Chris today with an early Valentine's gift and the look on his face says it all, (that and he felt a bit awkward posing as my perfume bitch for this post!)

Now I know aftershave is a bit predictable gift but it's also a fail safe; being a treat and something that men don't tend to buy themselves. This scent is certainly a treat for the nostrils too with its woody notes and freshness inspired by the sea.

The man behind the fragrance is Pierre Wulff who he really knows his stuff, being the go-to perfumer for brands such as Victoria's Secret to & Other stories. This nautical inspired scent not only gives the woodsy aroma of boats, it looks the part with its deep blue sea bottle and wicker design. 

This sophisticated and masculine scent makes the perfect Valentines gift for your significant other that'll leave him smelling lush.

I hope this last minute Valentines gift idea has helped anyone still in a flap to get something and stay tuned for Thursday's post which will be my final and super last-minute gift idea so keep your eyes peeled. It involves food - I'll tell you that much!

Valentines Gift Guide for Guys

With Valentines just over a week away, you may still be pondering over what to get your guy. They can be so difficult to buy for! Chocolates and flowers won't really make them go weak at the knees but the following things I think they would be pleased to receive...

The Blue Beards Revenge have a great range of grooming products that will work for any guy. From the bearded beasts to the clean shaven male, there's a product to suit all and best bit? They stock beer!

Winners of the FHM grooming awards 2014, The Bluebeards Revenge really know their stuff. When Chris was a clean cut fella he really enjoyed their cut throat razors to get that super silky baby face, but now with a beard, he's rather partial to beard oils.

The "Cuban blend" beard oil will banish any unruly hairs and leave a manageable and manly beard that's soft to the touch. The smell is so nice too and makes a beard smell bootiful!

Now if your bloke isn't the bearded type, he must be into his hair right? Another brilliant product is the Matt Clay. Light but affective, it'll keep locks in place all day long whilst smelling splendid and manly.

Onto the best product of all that I guarantee your guy will love you for and that's the beer...

Back in September Bluebeard's Revenge brought out their very own pale ale which has been dubbed "the Ultimate Pale Ale for Real Men" and has an uncompromising and proud flavour. Brewed in Devon, this beer is one to watch. I think this makes the perfect accompaniment to their grooming gifts. I mean what man won't thank you for buying him beer?

All of these products are something I'm sure your man will thank you for, being practical and thoughtful all the same. Check out their gift sets for more ideas and perfect Valentines presents.

I hope this helps any of you stuck in a present rut for men on Valentines or any other occasion. I know what it can be like!

Thinking of doing a gift guide for girls next so send your men this way for some advice.

See you soon,