Instagram Inspiration

From barefoot brides to ethereal elopements, west Cork-based photographer Kate Bean @katebeanphoto captures love and connection with her lens.

Whether it’s a sunset engagement shoot on a cliff edge or the intimate exchange of vows in a light dappled woodland, her style is romantic and yet real, with the landscape of rural Ireland playing a big part of the love stories themselves.

One to follow for those who wear their heart on their sleeve.

Chef Janine’s Tip

Chocolate mug cake for two

Low on time, but still want to make something sweet and special for your Valentine? Try these decadent chocolate mug cakes – they are ready in under five minutes and will definitely satisfy your chocolate craving.

Combine 8 tbsp plain flour, 6 tbsp caster sugar, 4 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 6 tbsp milk, 2 tbsp light-tasting oil, a dash of vanilla or coffee extract.

Mix in a bowl and divide evenly into two microwavable mugs. Top each with a dollop of nut butter or a handful of chocolate chips.

Microwave for 90 seconds to two minutes (watch carefully to make sure it doesn’t overflow), then top with more chocolate peanut butter, crushed chocolate biscuits, ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!

Tweet of the Week

Number of the Week

4 – The number of steps dating expert Paul Numan recommends to take when approaching someone to ask them out.

Read more in Living Life.

Picture of the Week

Twenty-two month-old Billy McConalogue from Co Donegal helping to feed silage to 22-month-old in-calf heifers.

Quote of the Week

From the Irish Farmers Journal's Pat O'Toole on Valentine's Day:

Everyone has their own version of what is romantic. For example, there’s the teenage doomed romanticism of Romeo and Juliet. Or there’s the 1980s (my decade) version which is probably The Smiths song There is A Light – ‘If a double-decker bus kills the both of us, to die by your side would be a heavenly way to die.’