Trick or treat, give me something good to eat!
A 400g bag of vegan sweets for a fiver from Zad’s takeaway, made by Cruelty Free Candy
Vegan Pick n’ Mix Sweets
free from food
Visit to Bundobust – Indian Vegetarian Street Food and Bar – Manchester
Spot my bloke on the right
I’ve always loved that Bundobust is a no frills, eco friendly canteen and bar (even the cutlery is biodegradable), serving Indian street food.
It’s really spacious but still manages to be cozy and friendly. We reserved a booth because I’m not able to climb into and sit on the bench seating, plus we wanted to be isolated because of Covid.
They have gluten free beer, mango lassi, cocktails, chai tea, the most delicious peshwari paratha (sweet bread) and kulfi (pistachio ice cream).
Saag Aloo (spinach and potato); Paneer, mushroom and pepper kebabs; Peshwari Paratha (sweet bread); Sev Puri (Dry noodle, layers of samosa, yoghurt and tamarind sauce); Okra fries.
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
Monthly Round Up – September
Now the weather has cooled my chronic fatigue and brain- fog has calmed a bit. Unfortunately this makes my ADHD (self diagnosed as a teen but wildly obvious) a lot worse. It’s like I’ve drunk three espressos all of the time. Nice to have some energy and my quirky personality back though! 😄 It took me five six attempts to be able to write this properly. 😆
Style
My ‘sensible dress’ which I hardly ever wear. However, I got so many compliments on it (over on my Instagram) that I’m going to wear it a lot more.
Food
We went to Allotment Vegan Eatery in town, which had beautiful food and cozy decor but would have been too dear if we hadn’t taken advantage of the government ‘eat out to help out’ scheme.
Had a lovely meal at Sai Spice in Chorlton. Here are leftovers of Mutter Panner (peas and cheese which tastes nicer than it sounds), Young coconut and green beans and vegetable Kolpahuri which was really piquant!
Vegan and gluten free cheese-on-toast using Genius bread and Follow Your Heart, Pepper Jack flavour. Wow!
Beauty
After three months of loosely following The Curly Girl Method (but with other products) my hair is shiny and soft, with less frizz AND holding it’s curl shape.
Lifestyle
The most geeky and awesome book I have ever read! This is like the crazy dreams I’d have regularly as a kid in the 80’s.
Still writing down happy things that have happened, as and when they occur, so I can read them back when I’ve been having a succession of shitty mental/physical health days, to give me some perspective.
Watching
Dark – Complex, family oriented sci-fi
Boardwalk Empire – Sprawling 1920’s Gangsta series set in Atlantic City
Hero’s – Series featuring time travel and a big cast of characters discovering they have unique powers.
The Months Most Used Emojis
_______________________
Really looking forward to a chilly but beautiful Autumn and Halloween of course. 🦇
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
The Allotment Vegan Eatery – First Impressions
The Allotment Vegan Eatery, located on Lloyd Street, makes fine dinning simple and relatable (and gluten free too). As soon as you walk in it feels welcoming and cozy, even though it’s quite spacious.
We visited early on a rainy Monday to take advantage of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, which they are continuing through September. I really liked the simple and natural feel to decor and layout. There is an extensive drinks menu offering juices, bottled soft drinks, beer, teas, cocktails and wine.
Small Plates
My bloke’s tiny dish was too tiny to eat out of properly but he found the Edamame Salad, with kale, chilli, spring onions, soy and tamarind dressing was really refreshing.
I found the little boats made from Chicory leaves to be the perfect way to eat tenderstem broccoli with black olive tapenade, toasted hazelnuts and pumpkin and pomegranate seeds. A unique combination which worked really well.
Large Plates
My bloke likes a good risotto but he’d never tried a beetroot risotto with ricotta before. This dish had a lovely flavour but both the maple glazed beetroot and the ricotta were similarly sweet, so it needed another salty or sharp flavour to break them up and help define them both.
I ordered the ‘fish’ and chips. Wow, we’re those chips big and crispy! The minted peas had a subtle flavour which was just right and the homemade tarter sauce was a perfect accompaniment. The ‘fish’ was made from banana blossom which had a texture similar to shredded duck and tasted strongly of lemon. The batter had a nice crunch but the fish was crying out for some kind of salt but there was no salt and pepper on the table, a trend which is becoming more common I’ve noticed.
Dessert
There were only two desserts so we ordered one each to share. Blueberry Cheesecake and a Hazelnut Slice.
The hazelnut slice base was made of crushed hazelnuts, with a thick layer of salted caramel praline, topped with solid Belgian chocolate ganache. The portion of this delicious desert was so big I was glad I was sharing it.
The base of the blueberry cheesecake was made of crushed pea cans and almonds, topped with a vanilla and blended cashew filling, topped with blueberry and chai seed compot. Such skill must have gone into making this as it was wonderful!
The inclusion of fresh fruit and ice cream with both deserts was a nice touch and lifted their flavour, rather than just being sweet deserts.
One thing I have to mention is how uncomfortable the wooden chairs are if you don’t have any back fat. The next day a part of my spine actually felt bruised! There is a settee (which was taken) and I noticed other metal chairs when we were leaving.
Service was timely and friendly although we did arrive early and it got a lot busier later. We wouldn’t eat there again unless it was for a treat like a birthday as we found it to be too pricey for our budget but I can understand why, as it’s evident a lot of thought, skill and care goes into the food.
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
Monthly Roundup – August
I’ve taken screen shots from my Instagram to remind me, and show you what I’ve been up to this month.
Skincare and Haircare
I changed my contraception so got quite a few hormonal spots and this Body Shop Tea Tree, Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner was invaluable; as was The Ordinary, Lactic Acid which very gently and naturally exfoliates.
Now it’s the end of August and my skin has settled so I’m using Neal’s Yard Remedies Orange Flower Toner and Orange Flower Moisturiser everyday to keep my skin all glowy and nourished (along with the The Ordinary Lactic Acid twice a week).
Food, glorious food!
Me and my bloke spent our Tesco vouchers on Pizza Express (who will be going into liquidation next month apparently) and order two ‘new’ veggie pizzas and all of the salad.
To take advantage of the governments ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme we went to Ruyi Vegetarian Restaurant. Amazing!
I’ve gotten back into the fake meat brand Vivera and have been making simple stir-fries. Like these Vivera Shwarma Kebab strips with rice and pea and sweet corn and Jamaican Jerk BBQ sauce.
The hot weather made really reduced my appetite so these mezze/tapas style bowls were great to nibble on.
Style
I’ve had purchasing a Nirvana tee at the back of my mind for decades and this month I found an official pale pink one. Cute and grungy!
I got sick of buying summer shoes that were either too flat and bad for my shitty joints or too heavy or that flew off my feet going down stairs. I bit the bullet and bought Crocs. I actually think these look pretty bad-ass as they remind me of late 80’s/early 90’s street style. Here’s my full review of Crocs.
I still think the simplest thing to wear is a maxi dress. Hides a ton of sins and all you have to choose are shoes and then a jacket/cardigan for evening.
Lifestyle
In the crazy hot weather I’ve been wearing these sandals from Newlook, drinking Rockstar blueberry energy drink, using this light and fruity perfume from Eden and ( even with my limited concentration span) flew through My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
The households charity shop donations for the second quarter of the year: A crazy wide pair of linen trousers, a face scrub you have to mix from powder (I managed to spill the first pot everywhere), vest I’m now too big for, too small jeans, a teeny-tiny dress from Japan, shoes which I’ve had over a decade and worn out.
Tips on How Not To Be Constantly Late and a fun checklist to see How Basic Are You?
Listened to
80’s pop and bluesy rock.
Watched
Snowfall about the start of the crack epidemic in early 80’s LA, like a mixture of Breaking Bad, The Getdown and The Wire.
Canada’s Drag Race, love Priyanka!
Galdem (on BBC iPlayer) about women making it in the UK grime scene.
Read
My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Don’t forget to like, comment or subscribe! Xxx
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
Monthly Round Up – July
Style
I’ve mostly been wearing this combo or these pants with the-dye tops. I’m all about clashing prints this summer.
I bought these adorable and very unique Freda Kahlo earrings by Wilderness from Sour Cherry, who are located in Afflecks and they also have an online shop.
I’ve been wearing this outfit (shrug, maxi dress, black gladiator sandals) the few times we’ve been out and about.
I posted about Items of Clothing That Seem Ideal in Theory but…
Hated my heavy, long fringe in the heat so gave myself a short choppy one instead.
Food
After reading that Pizza Express will be slowly closing branches permanently from September my Bloke used up his Tesco points and treated us to a meal. We thought it crap that the rocket didn’t come with the mozzarella and tomato so we ordered that as well. We also ordered three 14″ pizzas which were amazing. A spicy, smokey one with aubergine, peppers and humus (added after cooking); a slightly sweet one with sultanas, black olives and red onion and a cheesy one with garlic.
I tried Aldi’s No Steak Bake which had the loveliest flakey pastry and a mince sauce that was so rich it would have suited a Spag Bol better!
Did a comprehensive Cupboard and Fridge Shop at Ocado (didn’t realise they have Follow Your Heart Cheese unfortunately). It’s all gluten and dairy free apart from the pepperoni which has milk in the flavouring.
We visited V Revolution. I had this cheese burger with bacon, slaw and onion rings. My bloke had the burger between two doughnuts which he said was very tasty and not as weird as you’d think. Okay…!?
I’ve started putting chilli (fresh, or oil, or sauce), spring onion and crushed roasted peanuts on everything. So refreshing for summer!
Skincare and Makeup
If I Could Only Use One Skincare Product this is what I chose and explained why.
I blogged about my Lifestyle Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin.
Unpopular Opinions – Makeup Tag was surprisingly fun to join in with. Spotted on Just Geeking By.
Lifestyle
I posted 20 Tips for Living a Greener, More Sustainable Lifestyle
Another tag which I find by the lovely Heather over at Just Geeking By was The 90’s Tag I was a teen in the 90’s so this was so much fun!
The last tag I joined in with was The Daily Gratitude Tag – Home Sweet Home
TV
Limitless – a spin off from the film staring Bradley Cooper. A guy who’s on pills which expand his mind consults for the FBI. Light and entertaining.
Preacher – About a preacher, a con-woman and a vampire ft. God and a murderous Saint. Totally nuts!
Films
The Avengers films – Never get bored of these.
Captain America – Kinda boring.
Mortal Engines – Film Set in the future most cities will have morphed into huge machines which move around and swallow smaller cities to survive but not all cities are as ruthless as this. Two young people fight to find justice and fairness. Based on the Mortal Engines Quartet books by Philip Reeve.
Super 8 – A film incredibly similar to Stranger Things before that series was created.
Youtube
Brad Mondo – Very honest, funny, sweet hairdresser who reacts to people doing their own hair and also does tutorials.
Music
Kate Bush album Hounds of Love; Fun Loving Criminals album Scooby Snacks; Lady Ice (fellow Mancunian) single No Silence; Nadia Rose single Skwod.
If there’s anything you want to ask me or to tell me, please leave a comment, I love reading them and replying to you!
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
I Try Plant Menu, No Steak Bakes from Aldi
PLANT MENU, NO STEAK BAKES – ALDI
The pastry was the nicest flakey pastry I’ve ever had. Maybe vegan pastry is the way to go for everyone. Generous filing and nice texture. The flavour of the filing was so rich, with red wine and tomato, I felt it would have been better as Bolagnese sauce! This Northern lass prefers her pasties/steak bakes to taste of plain ole’ gravy. My bloke was well impressed however. Shame it wasn’t gluten free but you can rarely have everything.
Rating 4/5
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
Life Lately – June
June has flown by, which is weird considering I’ve been out of the house a whole…one time! I’ve been very grateful for the, frankly shite, weather Manchester has had this month, as it’s been a well needed break from the crazy heatwave of May.
Pride Month
My love and respect goes out to the LGBTQ community as always, whatever your sexuality and however you identify. I’ve always been proud that I live in a city with year-round acceptance (in a general sense) and awareness. I think this is thanks to the The Gay Village, plus a great Pride Parade and festival.
Food
Been switching all month between having cups of tea with sausage and mash to having a cold beers and mezze.
Independent Artist or Business
GDBEE Art is by Geneva who makes the most gorgeous graphic art of women of colour. She’s also created the webtoon Hovergirls, about two alien fighting cousins who work in a coffee shop by day. The entire Hovergirls series is available to read on phone/device or PC.
Lifestyle
I’ve changed my bedroom from being the place where stuff gets dumped, into a place where I actually want to spend time. a) I’ve had a big clean and tidy b) I’ve brought in more storage c) Updated a dark toned LOTR poster to a lighter toned and very neat dragon canvas d) I’ve reduced the amount of Funko Pops and books/papers piled everywhere.
Reading
The Getaway Girls by Dee McDonald is roadtrip comedy about three rather different friends, all past middle age, who decide they are unhappy with their lot and want to start a new adventure through France and Italy. I’ll review it once I’ve finished reading. I’m a third of the way in and enjoying it!
New Fringe
I was sick of my giant wavy fringe which needed cutting constantly and was way too hot and wide. I watched Birds of Prey (which I loved, but thought the bad guy was just plain annoying) and cut myself a new punky, shorter fringe. Freshly cut it looks a little too perfect but it does naturally have a lot of movement and looks spikey if I apply styling putty.
Here is me as a kid in the 80’s with a very different kind of fringe lol
I hope you’ve all been finding things to make you happy, in these turbulent times!
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
Sneak a Peak Into My Kitchen to See What Vegetarians Who Are Gluten and Dairy Free Really Eat!
I’ll be showing you what’s in my cupboards and freezer in a moment but first, a little context…
I think because the majority of food that the UK produces is milk and wheat based, it’s easy to think there isn’t anything else. All you have to do is look at other cultures and continents, Asia being a specifically apt example, to realise there is so much choice! Coconut milk instead of cows milk; gram (chickpea) flour instead of wheat flour and pea protein or tofu (bean curd) instead of meat are three of my most used swaps.
Pantry
(Clockwise)
Coop Free From noodles – I add chopped up veggie sausages and tomato pasta sauce with added tomato paste to make Spaghetti Bolognase.
Nairn’s Wholegrain Crackers – Much crunchier than original oat cakes
Grano Vita Mock Duck – Apparently it can be eaten cold on a sarnie or hot with your Sunday lunch but not tried it yet so take take my word for it!
Asda Free From Fiery Chilli Rice Noodle Pot – These are perfect for when you need something really quick.
Alpro Hazelnut – OMG this has to be the best milk substitute ever.
Pine nuts – Adds crunch and flavour to pasta with red or green.
Amy’s Kitchen Chunky Tomato Soup – I cannot believe this is dairy free and it is even richer with nutritional yeast flakes added for a cheesy/creamy flavour.
Free and Easy Chickpea and Lentil Curry – I’m glad they haven’t called this Daal because it doesn’t taste like the authentic Indian curry, more like a Mexican dish but it is lovely and very filling.
Tesco Free From Red Pesto – (I often get Saccla brand as well) for spaghetti bolagnaise or pizza.
(Out of shot)
Huge bag of rice, Genius Seeded Loaf.
Snack Cupboard
(Clockwise)
Kettle Chips, Sheese and Red Onion – I could eat these ALL day!
Eat Real, Lentil Chips, Chilli & Lemon – I love how chunky these are and that you get a robust flavour from the lentils along with the added zingy flavour.
Kind bars (just seen) – These are made of different kinds of nuts held together with dark chocolate, peanut butter or (contains dairy) caramel. Gives me lots of energy quickly.
Roasted Salted Peanuts – Great to put into Satay Sauce or Nasi Goreng Indonesian Chilli Salad or a Waldorf salad but also great to snack on while drinking beer. Cheers!
Pom-bear – Does anyone else buy a huge bag of these when on self-catering holidays abroad?
Tesco, Free From Onion Rings – So much better than those little 20p bags you used to get as a kid. I’m quite gobsmacked by them being free-from actually.
Ten Acre, The Story Of When The Cheese Met The Onion – Apart From the highly pretentious and, let’s face, weird tittle, these are delicious! You won’t believe they are dairy free. Their Pastrami flavour is fantastical well.
Freezer
(Clockwise)
Linda McCartney’s Rosemary and Red Onion Sausages – Not the best veggie sausages but certainly not the worst I’ve had, these are lovely with gravy; not so much for a sausage butty with brown sauce though.
Applewood Vegan Smokey Cheese – Wow! How on earn does a vegan cheese taste this good!? It even grates and melts perfectly.
Oomph! Kebab Strips – The best meat alternative I’ve ever found.
Deliciously Ella, Cauliflower and Lentil Dahl – Nope! Lovely flavour but tastes more like a mild Thai curry made with coconut milk. Tiny for the price but I like them breakfast/lunch on colder days.
Quorn, Comforting Cottage Pie – I add a bit of tomato or HP sauce and have this with steamed veggies.
Amy’s Kitchen, Veggie Lasagne – I add a tiny bit of Sriracha sauce and nutritional yeast to this. Really nice with the spinach inside.
McCains, Potato Smiles – Crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. 😊
What do use as substitutions and/or what tinned or packet ingredients do you mix together to make a meal? Have you tried any of these and do you have any recommendations?
🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤
Share this:
Your Fave FOOD Photo’s From The Last 6 Months
(Clockwise)
Veggie black pudding with beetroot sauce and salad from Vertigo, Mcr.
Gf Seeded Nairn’s crackers with vegan Flora, Violife original ‘cheese’ and green olives and capers.
Veggie stew of everything from the back of the cupboard, the fridge and the freezer.
Mashed spud made with vegan Flora, Linda McCarneys gf Red onion and Rosemary sausages, green beans and peas with Bisto (happens to be gf) caramelised onion gravy.
Salad with Original Tofoo and tamari (gf soy sauce).
Salad with Smoked Tofoo, Gosh! falafel and Siriacha sauce.
Oomph! Kebab Strips, rice, pea and sweetcorn with chilli oil.
Smoked Tofoo covered in toasted sesame oil and grilled, with Helmans mayo and 1/3 tin of Co-op mixed bean spicy salad.
(Centre)
Gosh! Falafel and Violife White Block (taste and consistency of goats cheese not feta) salad with home made hummus (lots of tahini and olive oil).
I hope this has given you some ideas for simple and tasty veggie and gluten/dairy free food. 😋
