A Cheater's Coq Au Vin

You know those days, where you're searching through your cupboards trying to gather ingredients to make an acceptable dinner? Then behind all your jars and spices you spy a cheeky Colman's sachet of Coq Au Vin and you remember those chicken drumsticks that you've got in the refrigerator. The prospect of a hassle free meal is just too darn tempting so you retrieve the sachet and get to work!

All you need to do to make this delicious meal is to mix the sachet with 425ml of cold water ( or if you're feeling like a little tipple then substitute 300ml of the water for some red wine). As I was making the Coq Au Vin for both Oliver and myself I opted to use all water. You can also add onions to the sauce if you should desire.

You need to lay out your chicken portions in which ever dish you are using. It is completely up to you whether you use drumsticks, thighs, breasts etc. The Colman's recipe recommends removing the skin from the chicken but I left mine on. When you're chicken is laid out then pour over your Coq Au vin sauce, making sure to cover all of your chicken.

Cover the dish and cook at a temperature of 180c or gas mark 4 for 90 minutes.

And bon appétit!

As you can probably see, I cooked some green beans and then added them to the dish once it had came out of the oven. This turned out rather well as the green beans were delicious covered in the sauce and went well with the meal.

I served my Coq Au Vin with mashed potatoes but it would also be very tasty with new potatoes, baked potato or whatever you fancy really!

All in all this was a very delicious stress free dinner and while I will definitely be attempting a homemade Coq Au Vin sauce sometime soon, I have to say Colman's have nailed it.

Being bad has never tasted so good...

Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

Once again, I have been neglecting this blog. I know that I make excuses all the time but all that I can say is there have been quite a few distressing things going on other the past couple of months. I'm not going to tell you the long long story about everything that has been happening but things are definitely starting to look up.

I will DEFINITELY DEFINITELY be updating more regularly. I have vowed to become more organised and I am going to be making time to update this blog as it really is something that I enjoy doing. I'll be including more regular posts like 'meal planning monday', recipes etc as I am now choosing to focus this blog on being a full-time mummy. So expect lots more of Oliver, and lots more of mummy trying to be a domestic goddess.

It's good to be back :)

A Couple Of Recent Pictures

Literally, two recent pictures of my little prince. Very gorgeous, as always.

Once again I'm a full-time Mummy!!!

As the title suggests, I've recently made the difficult decision to leave my 40 hours a week job to once again become a full-time Mummy to my beautiful 2 year old. 

I'm still trying to get everything in order at home but I can't wait to start spending more time with my little angel and become a Mummy again. I know there are lots of Mums out there who work full-time and are absolutely smashing Mamas but it really wasn't working for me. I was dropping Oliver off at nursery every morning and coming home every evening to put him to bed, it wasn't fair on him.

But, lots of good times to come I hope. Also looking forward to getting this blog active again!

Hope to see you again soon!

Ask Mummy

Describe Motherhood in three words 
Exhausting, exciting, challenging

Does your experience differ from your Mother’s – how?
My mum gave birth with just gas and air and had a natural birth, I had gas and air, diamorphine and an epidural and an emergency c-section. My mum was married to my dad as well, I went into motherhood as a single parent.
What’s the hardest thing about being a mum?
Finding the time! Finding time for the smallest tasks can be really difficult and you will wonder if you'll ever be able to get something done. Also, as a young mum I worry whether I'm doing things right and always hope that I'm giving Oliver everything that he needs. I feel guilty about working full-time, but hopefully that won't be the case for too much longer.

What’s the best thing?
The absolute miracle of birth and then this little baby growing up into a young man! Plus the amazement at falling more in love with this little person every day <3

How has it changed you?
I am more mature, I had Oliver young and before I became pregnant I was probably quite a selfish person. I feel i'm a better person after having Oliver and much more caring.
What do you hope for your children?
I want him to be as happy as he can be.

What do you fear for them?
Everything, I just want to wrap him in cotton wool but I know that I have to let him be his own person.

What makes it all worthwhile?
The smiles, the kisses and the cuddles. Seeing that beautiful face every single day <3

Oliver's 16 Month Update

I promised to update soon didn't I? I thought no better comeback post than my baby boys 16 month update. I've never done one of these but I love reading others so I thought, why not?

Oliver James Fearon-Young

You started walking on the day you turned 16 months.

You are very independant when it comes to eating and get annoyed if Mummy tries to help you.

You love to play 'Mummy's coming to get you' and giggle manically when we play it.

When Mummy sings 'round and round the garden' you will do it on your own hand.

You absolutely love home made scotch pancakes, they are your favourite food in all the world. 

You love baths and hate when it's time to get out.

You hate having your nappy changed and always try to scurry away.

When you are sleepy and ready for your bed, Mummy picks you up and you wave to everybody in the room.

You love to pretend to chat on the phone.

If you find a pen, you must track down some paper to have a doodle.

Your smiles melt Mummy's heart.

When Mummy goes to work she misses you dearly. 

Every single day Mummy cannot believe how lucky she is to have you.

Oliver James Fearon-Young, when you were delivered, you gave me the happiest day of my life. Now, 16 months later; you make me even happier <3

Lots of love, 

The proudest Mummy in the world

xxx

Guess Who's Back... Back Again

Did you guess?


Yes that's right, mummylovesollie is back and here to stay. Promise! This is just a quick message but will be back posting as of now. I need an excuse to talk about my little prince more so expect regular posts!


Love xxx