Cheap Cheap Chicken Pie

I have always loved to cook, but pastry has never been my strong suit. I learnt to work with the ready to roll frozen stuff and this chicken pie is a firm favourite in our house. It's pretty quick to put together and generally looks like you've made more effort than you actually have. There is also the added bonus of it being ideal for baby led weaning. the sections of pastry and chunks of chicken are perfect for little hands. I always make too much mixture, so the quantities below will make two pies

All you need is:

two pack of ready roll shortcrust pastry (one per pie)
one tin of mixed vegetables
one tin of chicken soup
4 chicken or turkey breasts.

oven tray
parchment paper
a mixing bowl
a frying pan
a sharp knife
a tin opener
olive oil

Start by covering an oven tray in some parchment paper. I tend to use the foil backed stuff from Lakeland. That stuff is amazing and so useful for everything.

Once you've covered your tray, roll out your rectangle of pastry.

Using a sharp knife, draw (not cut) two lines down the length of the pastry to mark it into thirds.

Cut matching notches down each outside edge...you will use these to form your lattice.

Now open your tins of soup and veg and pour into your bowl.

Cut your chicken breasts into wee chunks and brown off in a tiny amount of olive oil

Once browned, pop them into the bowl with the soup etc and stir together. Spoon the mixture down the centre of your pastry rectangle then, working from either end, fold in your pastry strips at an angle to create your lattice top.

 Repeat for your second pie. Bake in the centre of the oven at 200 (180 for fan assisted) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. If you have not used frozen pastry then you can freeze the second pie for another day.

I serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. A big hit wit my lil guy! Not much left at all

 Enjoy!

Cleaning the oven-Pinterest style

Well, I decided this year that I would attempt to actually try out some of the thousands of tutorials I have pinned over the years. Once a month might not whittle down the list that quickly, but I'd say its a fairly sensible timeline given that I have an infant who clings closer than a limpet.

To that end, last Sunday I made a start, and I cleaned my oven using this tutorial. Being me, I did kinda wing parts too, so I'll stick my step by step below, including the before picture. I should also point out that limpet baby is in residence so I did all of this with him strapped to my back in our trusty Rose & Rebellion carrier.

You see just before I left to visit my parents for Christmas we had a nasty overspill in our oven...and I didn't have time to clean it before I left. It was vile...see?

Before Christmas I'd looked through my vast array of pins and found the one that claimed to clean my oven without expensive cleaners or hours of scrubbing...cos I am nothing if not lazy. I needed to prep a little in advance though, so I dutifully collected the peel of 2 oranges and placed them into an old jam jar. I filled the jar with white vinegar and put it aside to 'perculate' as I keep calling it. The pin recommended leaving it 5 days, but we were away for 3 weeks...and have been back for 3 so this has been brewing for 6 weeks.

 

I acquired a spray canister from Poundland and used a small funnel to pour the vinegar mixture into the canister.

next I hauled out my bicarbonate of soda (baking soda for my US readers) liberally (very liberally) sprinkling it all over the bottom of the oven.

With the base covered, I sprayed the vinegar & orange peel mixture all over the it, over the bicarb, causing it to fizz and bubble. My instructions said to leave it for 20 minutes, but I decided to clean the rest of the kitchen while I was waiting so it was probably more like an hour.

After that, all I had to do was wipe it off with a sponge. I was sceptical. I won't lie. Surely something so simple couldn't possibly clean my oh so minging oven? But it actually did an incredible job! I was stunned to see how much of the dirt actually came off, and came off with little to no scrubbing too.OK, I think I'm going to need a second go, but then my oven was particularly dirty. I think a standard oven would have been fine. Chalking this up as a win. Cheap, easy to prep and worked like a charm. Winner!

Maiden Braids tutorial

So as you know, I have a lot of hair. So much so that despite it being past my shoulders, if I had just two plaits on either side of my head, they become these short stubby wee things that are maybe 2" long...utterly useless for pretty over the head maiden braids, hell they wouldn't even meet in the middle! So I have found a way to work around that. For me to have workable plaits, after creating a centre parting I need to split each side into three section and plait each of those having six working plaits to finish.

 

I then pin the back two plaits across the back

 

At this point I have two choices. I can either pin the middle section across the back too, or add it to the front. This time I chose to pin them back. 

 

Finally the two front plaits are pinned across the top. 

 

Use as many pins as you need to feel secure....which for me is about a million. Finish with a blast of your favourite hairspray and a pretty bow or flower. 

Et voila!

Collecting Collectif - the sale haul!

A good ten years ago, my mama took me to a small store in London selling reproduction vintage style clothing. She bought me a dress, which I kept in my wardrobe and only wore for special occasions, and when I was feeling brave. Fast forward to today, and as my regular readers will know, I'm wearing my vintage gear full time and I've rekindled my love of Collectif Clothing. They recently had a fantastic sale, and as a wee birdie in one of my fb groups had warned me it was imminent, I'd been perusing the site for a while, mentally filling my basket. I was a canny shopper and had been hoarding my Christmas monies to spend there and so I filled my boots. I've only worn a few of the things, so I'll be reviewing my pieces here and there.

First up, the wonderful Pippa dungarees and Chrissie Fair Isle sweater.

So  the waist of these is just like a normal pair of jeans, except with the zip at the side, so you can flop the pinafore down and tuck the straps in if you like. I'm a UK 18/20 waist and have always sized up to the 22 for my boobs. As there is no back, and the straps adjust, I probably could have stuck to a 20, but I'm not a fan of tight denim, and this is a good solid weight denim, so these are perfect for me. The button is a bit stiff, but I'm pretty sure it will loosen up with usage. The sweater is divine. Double knit, so super warm, and just the right length for me in the body too. The sleeves have enough give to be comfortable and hit my elbow just right. It's washed like a dream, making me very glad I bought it in both green and blue!

Next up is the red check Caterina dress

I ADORE THIS DRESS. Oh my goodness it's such a delight! The fabric has a similar feel to a brushed cotton, so I think it will work all year round. The sleeves are generous, which is often something companies forget when sizing up for us larger lovelies. I get so frustrated when I buy a dress that fits beautifully everywhere but cuts me off above the elbow. These have a bit of give, but don't look baggy. My only complaint is the belt. There is no prong/notch fastening, it just slides, and every time I bend or sit it loosens and dangles when you stand back up. I'm toying with trying to order this in the green/blue check too. 

I'm not much of a trouser person, but I did buy the Bonnie cigarette pants.

I loved the feel of these, and the size 20 was the right choice. It was pretty big in the waist, but comfortable around my tummy, and I loved how they looked, however within an hour of this photo being taken, the seam in the right leg had ripped open all down the tummy, and the left was starting to rip.

Now the customer service people are usually fantastic, so I have no doubts that they will sort it out for me once business hours start again tomorrow, but I was so disappointed as I really loved these. 

Today's ensemble is the Elsa skirt and Alma cardigan

No issue with this belt, and I like how the waist sits higher and has a wee arch detail to the front. The fabric is a little thin, but feels nice and looks like it will hold its shape well. The pleats are in a nice position, and though the skirt is a little long, I'm happy with it. The cardigan is deliciously thick and toasty and the cabling pops really well. The sleeves are very long, coming all the way to my finger tips, but the cuff is strong and holds up easily enough. It is true to size, and generally gorgeous all round, so again, I'm glad I bought it in green too. 

So far, apart from the hiccup with cigarette trousers, I am loving my haul! Collectif remain one of the few companies who do decent plus size items, particularly in tops/blouses and these guys in particular have a lot of feeding friendly items. 

Keep your eyes peeled for part two and the rest of the haul 😉

Tootsie's Big January Giveaway!

Nothing beats the January blues like a good freebie, and though I haven't had any myself, it's no reason why my lovely readers should dip out, so I've gathered a few lovely items to give away this cold dank January. (Don't forget to hit the Facebook and Instagram pages for their giveaways too!)

Unless you've been under a rock ( or full of the joys of flu like us) you'll have heard someone raving about a dress. Whether they called it a fake Monica, or simply THE dress, most of the body positive forums and groups are talking about a ruched wiggle dress and I have one to give away. Meant to be a Uk20, it is very forgiving and very stretchy so would easily fit up to a 24 and in this teal, with the draped sleeves, it's eye-catching! 

 

The rules are simple. 

1. Comment below telling me where you would wear the dress.
2. Share a link to this blog on your favourite platform.
3. Don't forget to pop back and see if you've won.

The winner will be pulled on Sunday 29th January 2016

**Please note: All items being given away across the blog, Facebook and Instagram have been bought by myself. Nothing has been donated by the suppliers. If you are a brand and you'd like to be involved in a giveaway collaboration then feel free to send me a message. 

Cheap overall bib tip

I'm trialling a new look to th blog for a new year. My "intention", as I don't do resolutions, is to aim for one blog post a week, but rotating topics, so alternating between parenting, clothing/shoe/accessories reviews, top tips, and I'm determined to try out some of the trillions of tutorials and hacks I have pinned.

This is something my mother suggested and it works like a charm. My lil dude was 4 weeks early and is a dainty little guy. Most overall bibs drown him, and even more annoying for him, he has teeny t-Rex arms. I haven't met a sleeve yet that I haven't needed to roll up. This was from Christmas Day and he was getting pointers from his great Granda 

 

He gets super frustrated when he's trying to eat and the billows of overall get in his way. We've tried plastic and terry and still have the same problem...until today. My mum made the very simple suggestion of using an old onesie that he has outgrown, cutting off the bottom and putting it on back to front. We tried it (without cutting off the bottom yet) this morning and what a difference! Despite being poorly and not his usual chirpy self, he found eating so much easier! Thanks mum!

 

What's your favourite hack?

I've got big hair and I cannot lie

So I've had a lot of people asking me how I manage to get my hair up into a scarf. You see I have a lot of hair. A LOT. I once had a hair dresser tell me I had three heads worth, and it costs twice the usual price to get it dyed as they need to use so much dye. Appointments at the salon can take a whole day, and you can see the "oh shit" look going across a hairdressers face when I take my hair down. Hair elastics and bands take one look at my head and quiver in fear. It can break a bobby pin in two without breaking a sweat, and needs a gazillion pins and clips to hold any style in place. Added to this I have a huge head. I adore hats, and even suit them pretty well, but rarely get any that fit my ginormous head and those elasticated headbands just slid right off my oddly shaped bonce. Because of this I'd always shied away from bandana hair styles, as those measly lil things so rarely ever went around my fat head.

All that changed a few months back. I went to see the fabulous Sarah Dunn, proprietor or Sarah's Doo Wop Dos, and she set my hair in rollers for an event the next day. I'd brought along a huge silk scarf to tie around the curls, but hadn't expected anything other than the most perfunctory of bows, and totally assumed it would look like a dog's dinner. However, Sarah is bloody magic, and managed to whip up the most stylish turban. It got me thinking, and a few weeks later I saw another pal who had a lot of hair wearing a turban and looking bloody amazing so decided to give it a go for myself. After some practice and a bit of finessing, I've found a method that works well for me, and it's now one of my favourite quick and easy hairstyles for a vintage look that doesn't take much time. Below is my method, which you are welcome to use and adapt to suit yourself. I hope it helps some busy mamas to have an easy hair day once in a while, whilst still looking like you've made an effort.

First you will need a few essentials. 

Hairbrush

Tailcomb

Your preferred pins and clips

Hairspray, and pomade if you have any

A large silk scarf (Primark are currently doing some fabulous ones, like the green I've used today, for just £3, and if you are in Northern Ireland, Dunnes Stores have a few gorgeous ones in their sale too)

 

Start by brushing it out, and using the tail comb to section off the centre front segment. I use the end of my eyebrows as a guide to my sectioning. 

That done, I roughly brush the rest back into a ponytail and twist it up into a rough French pleat. 

 

Over the years I've found that the best way for me to ensure it stays up is to secure it with a few extra strong hair pins first, by inserting the pin in the opposite direction first, then bending it back on itself before sliding it into the hair. It's really hard to describe so hopefully the photos below will help.

 

Add as many pins and clips as you need to feel secure, but don't worry about it being neat cos the scarf hides everything anyway. 

Now we go back to our front section. Comb it out neatly, then back comb the Shit out of it. That's a technical term and a vital step. In order to not kill my hair, and to be able to brush it out less painfully later, I find that only combing downwards helps. Insert the comb, pull it downwards, then take out and repeat. Spray copiously with your favourite hairspray.

 

At this point I add some pomade to ends of the hair, as I find it makes it easier to get (and hold onto) a roll.

 

Now wrap the segment around your fingers and wind inwards until you get to the head. 

 

It does take some practice, but now clip the roll into place on both sides then grab your scarf and fold in half, point to point.

 

Find the centre point of the long side of your scarf triangle and place it at the nape of your neck. Secure it by crossing two clips over each other. Gently pull the side of the scarf into place (without tying it! Not yet!) and secure at your temple with more crossed clips. When both sides sre clipped into place, lightly roll the ends of the scarf inwards (see bottom right pic)

 

I tend to tuck the point in my mouth here to hold it in place as I tie the ends on the top of my head, behind the roll. I then pull the point over the top of the tie to the back and tie the ends again, before taking the point forward a final time and tucking it under the knot. 

 

Finally, I take the ends of the scarf down the sides and tuck them under the scarf, securing with yet more pins. Voila! Neat, tidy and it looks like you made more effort than you actually did!