Weightwatcher recipe: Spanish Cod with Paprika Rice

Another weightwatchers recipe - this time I found it in the magazine. The magazine's a great buy if you're getting a little bored of your meals, they have some amazing recipes. It's well worth the money! I've never eaten so much fish in my life. It's less points than meat on weightwatchers so i've been stocking up.


Ingredients:
1 fish stock cube
Pinch of Paprika - I used about half a teaspoon as I like flavouring!
I diced onion
110g pack of chorizo, cubed
200g of paella rice - I used normal rice as it was what we had in the house
4x 125g pieces of cod fillets
20 cherry tomatoes
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
125g of frozen peas
Teapsoon of dried parsley - it says to use fresh but use didn't have any!

11 propoints per serving
Serves 4
465 calories per serving

The orginial recipe used Saffron but we already had paprika in the house.

001. Crumble the fish stock into a  jug and add 600ml of boiling hot water. Add the paprika and leave it to steep.

002. Cook the diced onion and cubed chorizo together in a non stick pan on a medium high heat. Cook for around 8-10 minutes or until the onion is golden.

003. When the onion is ready, stir in the rice for a minute and slighty turn the heat down. Add the stock to the mixture and leave to cook, uncovered for around 15-10 minutes or until the rice is tender. Make sure the mixture is bubbling slightly. If it drys out, add a splash of hot water from the kettle.

004. Preheat the oven to gass mark 6/200 degrees/ fan 180 degrees. Pop the cod fillets in an overproof dish and add the tomatoes. I wedged as many of the tomatoes inbetween the cod fillets so they'd soak up the juice. Drizzle the fillets with oil. They need to be cook for around 10-15 or until the fish flakes.

005. Add the frozen peas and parsley to the rice and stir in. I left it all in for a few minutes before serving onto four places.

 006. The finished product! It was amazing and one i'll certainly cook again!

Let me know if you try out the recipe!

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This isn't goodbye, it's a see you later

Outfit:
Gingerbread print mint dress: Asos
Black thick tights: Primark
Gold buckle smoking slippers: New Look
Black cardigan: Primark
Black Marc Jacobs solid perfume Daisy ring: Gift from grandparents

My nan sadly passed away on Thursday, exactly two weeks to the day she was diagnosed with cancer. Thank you all so much for your well-wishes, it really does mean a lot. I feel surpisingly ok to be honest, i'm just so glad her suffering's finally ended and she died at home surrounded by the people who loved her. She would never have wanted to live like that and she was in so much pain. I won't remember her like that, it wasn't my nan. My nan used to make the nicest mince pies in the world, used to sit on the floor so her beloved dogs could sit on the sofa, always sit in the garden as soon as the sun came out and who always had a house full. Not many people can say they made a difference in someone life but my nan could numerous amounts of times. As a foster parent she gave so many children a stable home often when they had no one else in the world. Glad you're finally at peace Nanny Dogs. 

I first came across this dress thanks to Sarah - that girl does find some right gems! I immediately had to have it and went a bit mad selling on ebay until I had the cash. Gingerbread Men are my favourite cake to eat - as a child my mum always used to bring me back from shopping. In fact she sometimes does now! It's a lot shorter than I would usually wear but that's nothing a pair of tights doesn't solve. Asos is really starting to suck me in, every spare penny I make on Ebay is currently going on dresses from that site - why did I never really discover it before?!?

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A snapshot #14

001. I was treated to dinner tonight by the boyfriend. We were orginally going to the Toby Cavery but the queue was massive so we opted for a local pub. What a good choice it, these mini burgers were amazing! We popped to see the new American Pie film after dinner which is absolutely amazing! Go see it!

002. Pretty new shirt i've aquired recently as work uniform. I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this!

003. I tried by hand at baking for the first time and attempted a Victoria Sandwich. It came out a little burnt on top but this didn't put anyone off. As you can see it soon got eaten! I think I much prefer cooking actual dinner than baking. Baking makes my arm ache!

004. New shoes! I seem to have gone a bit mad recently and ordered 6 pairs of shoes in the last couple of weeks. I am one of these people that will wear shoes until they literally fall off my feet so I should be stocked up for a good few months - it was well overdue.

005. What online shopping addiction eh? I've had to curb down my spending for this month but on the plus side I have lots of lovely new things to blog about ha!

006.  Just a few things i've picked up in a charity shop recently. I don't quite know why I needed to own some sherry glasses but I figured they'd look lovely on display in my future home. Plus they were only a pound for six so it'd be rude to leave them behind.

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In the leopard's den

Outfit:
Black woolly roll-neck:
Primark Leopard print midi dress: Topshop
Black tights: Primark
Heeled leather ankle boots: Topshop
Gold coloured necklace: H&M
Black sparkly cocktail ring: Primark

Sorry for the large gap in between posts. I've had some bad news recently so blogging's not really been top of my agenda. My nan's suddenly been taken seriously ill so i'd much rather spent my time visiting her then taking pictures of myself. Posting will be a bit sparce over the next few months but please do stick with me guys! Enough of that depressing news and onto the outfit.

I usually wear this dress with a cardigan but had been looking for different ways to wear it. Anyone else wear the same outfit combinations over and over again? I never seem to mix and match. Given that we've suddenly experienced dreadful weather - i'm thinking of building an ark - i've been needing to 'winter' my clothes up. Complete rubbish beens I have so many summer dresses taunting me everytime I open my wardrobe up. I'm quite happy how this has worked out and it's the perfect outfit to keep warm at work. I've been running scared of polo necks recently in fear that they make me look like frump. Kinda ironic given my love of granny clothes.

Are you running scared of polo necks too?

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Neon

Outfit:
Neon coral cropped jumper: Topshop
Navy pleated midi skirt: Closet via market
Navy tights: Primark
Navy suede stacked heeled loafers: Next
Red plastic watch: Toywatch
Pastel floral necklace: Random shop in Brick Lane
Cream flower earings: Primark

Sorry about the dark photograph but I really liked what I wore to work yesterday and wanted to get a snap of it. Cropped jumpers are so far out of my comfort zone it's unreal but I managed to snag this in the Topshop sale for a tenner and thought I could try and make it work. I love the way it sits with my midi skirt although it does make me feel quite bulky as it's a box shape - the reason why my arms are down like a soldier! I love the colour of it so much and have an idea to pair it with my white chiffon dress when it gets a bit warmer. For something that's such a bright colour i've got a feeling it's going to go with a lot of outfits! I picked up the skirt from a market, think it's a second as the zips a bit funny but that's fine with me as the rest of it is really good quality plus it's a brand i've heard off!

Not much to report on this week, it's beeen a quiet one and will continue through to the weekend. I'm skint to the max so shall be hiding out in my house until payday.

Quick question, do you like outfit posts like this? Or would you perfer them outside? I do try to take them outside but don't always have time to fit them in. I post indoor ones so I can post more often. Quality over quanity? I'd love to be able to do full on photoshoot in exotic locations! Shall I go for an adventure and take some photos?

Have you all had a good week?

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Top five charity shop buys

I thought i'd put together a mini series of my top five starting with charity shop buys. Much to my boyfriends disgust I love to have a rummage in a charity shop. I don't go that often - maybe every couple of weeks? But i've found some goodies, I should think i'd find more if I made it a more regular thing.

I have no idea if any of these things are actually from another era, if any of you know please let me know! I'd love it if i've brought some genuine vintage!

001: This necklace is a little grubby but I think it just adds to it's charm. Plus it was only £1.99 so it was a winner all round. I've found it's quite unusual to find silver cameos so was quite lucky to pick this up. It's fairly big so it makes quite the statement when it's around my neck. I don't know what it is about cameos but I just think they're so beautiful and elegant.
002. I brought this jar just because it was pretty and I had no idea what to do with it! I've ended up storing all my bangles in it on my chest of drawers so it came in handy after all! I think this was £2. I'm pretty sure it originally came with a lid but it was nowhere to be found in the shop!
003: I love this and am trying to find the perfect coat to pair it with! It's just plastic - i'm still waiting to find a real cameo in a charity shop - but it's still so lovely. At £1.99 it would have been rude to leave it behind! Brooches and jewellery are my first port of call in a charity shop.
004: I brought this for about £3 I think. Not actually used it yet as I brought it around October last year and it's much more of a summer bag. I'm planning to get it out quite a lot as the weather warms up.

005: This is one of my more recent purchases. I just love the colour of the stone in the middle, it's so pretty. Complete bargain too at only £2.50. I can imagine it would look lovely under a collar - just need to buy some clothes with collars! I don't think it's real gold which is fine by me!
What's been your favourite charity shop buy?

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A snapshot #13

001. I sold quite a bit on ebay and treated myself to a few things on asos. I've became quite addicted to Asos recently, I think it's because you know that when you go out ,hardly anyone will look the same. Everyone seems to shop in Topshop in my town so everyone looks like clones! The dress was only £19 in the sale. Result!

002. The said dress modelled by moi! I don't know if you can see but it has a cut out waist. Midi dresses can sometimes look a little frumpy if not paired with the right thing but this quirky detail gives it a little extra. I can't wait for the sun to reappear to I can wear it out.

003. I met up with Hannah and Lily for dinner one night after work to go to The Diner, just of Caraby Street. I was so impressed! My first time and I love it! I went for the Californian burger with chilli cheese fries. Delish! Well and truely enjoyed stuffing my face with great company!

004. This is what I had for dinner when I met up with a few old school friends. The pub really does do the nicest food. They have this rock grill where you get to cook your own steak (or cheese in my case) how you want it. Paired with roasted veg, chunky chips and sweet chilli sauce, it makes an amazing meal!

005. This is hail stones! Crazy right?! They came hammering down one day like a beast, it was so so loud! Come back beautiful sunshine!

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Black and white

Outfit:
Black and white striped jersey dress: Primark
Black tights: Primark
Black 3/4 length cardigan: Primark
White plimsols: Vans

Chunky pearl necklace: Passed over by the best friend

Why do I look like a duck in the first picture...

This dress is hands down one of the best things I have ever brought. It was £8 and I want to wear it everyday! It's so comfy and makes me look like i've made some sort of effort even when i've just rolled out of bed! Primark needs to make it in every colour! My best friend donated this necklace to me, she said it seemed like my sort of thing. Knows me so well!

Off out for dinner tonight with one of my oldest friends, she's back for a week from Uni in Leeds so it will be a well deserved catch up. I don't see her nearly enough! Mad to think that after 19 years of friendship - we met at school aged four - we still have things to chat about. It's one of those friendships that although we may not see each other for months at a time it's like we've never been away. She's a keeper eh?

Nearly the weekend yet again, do you have any plans? I'm being a fatty and going out for dinner twice. Standard.

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Katch PR press day

A few weeks ago I was very kindly invited along to the Katch PR press day to lust over lots off beautiful clothes. I, of course, accepted the invite as it also gave me the chance to have a good old natter with Hannah and Lily. It's always nice to catch up with my blogging favourites!
The press day was tucked away down Ganton Street at one of the most amazing venues I have ever been too - It felt like I was stepping into a circus and I can only imagine what it will be like once it's in full swing - I bet it'd be a fantastic night out!
As I walked in there were rails upon rails of amazing clothes but it was the gorgeous Cleo B shoes that caught my eye! I'm a sucker for brightly coloured shoes and these were gorgeous! I was also very impressed with the Maisha bags, I love a clutch for a night out on the tiles. They really make an outfit!
As well as pretty clothes and accessories there was pampering sessions to be had with spray tans, eyelash extensions, threading and manicures all to be had held by The Portobello Studios. Unfortunately I arrived quite late - the perils of a full-time working girl eh?- so I couldn't take advantage. But Hannah mananged to squeeze some threading which I watched in awe ha! They looked great once they were finished. I think I might book myself in to have the treatment, I am the worlds worse at plucking my eyebrows. Can never be bothered and hide behind my fringe!
Thank so much for inviting me Katch and it was lovely to meet Amy aka Wolfwhistle!

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Flower power

Outfit:
Black sleeveless shirt: H&M
Floral cropped trousers: H&M
Black round toed court shoes: Primark
Gold coloured necklace: H&M
Gold and turquoise statement ring: Topshop

I do feel like a bit of a blogger cliche in these trousers as EVERYONE seems to have them. But they're pretty lush eh? Plus they were only £12.99 which was a complete bargain. The shirt was only £7.99, who knew H&M had Primark prices? I'll have to pop in there more often. I'm completely in love with this trousers much to the disgust of my boyfriend who turned his nose up at them when I got home. He's an old fashioned boy at heart!

I'm braving this outfit on the streets of Essex tonight and as always I suppose I'll look overdressed for a night out on the town. I.E I don't have my bum or boobs hanging out. But that's just how I like it. I've decided to take advantage of the bank holiday so have rebelled and am going out on a Thursday night, it will be so nice to see everyone for a catch up and have a bit of a boogie. I don't think my liver will thank me in the morning.

Have you got any plans for the Bank Holiday weekend? I'm popping down my nans today with a homemade lasagne for her and my grandad plus having a bootsale on Sunday. Rock and Roll lifestyle.

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Review: Lush Fluffy Egg

I am a sucker for Lush but unfortunately I don't have one near me so whenever I spot one on my travels I always make sure I pop in. I brought the Fluffy Egg, retailing at £2.95, while I was in Aberdeen. This bath bomb is part of Lush's special Easter Range, I was umming and ahhing over The Immaculate Eggception but it was just that little bit too expensive.
In my opinion a sigh of a good bath bomb is one that immediately fizzes aggressively as soon as it hit the water. This was just the ticket, it had gone completely within a matter of seconds and the water turned an amazing shade of bright pink. Even with a stinking cold I was hit by the smell of bubblegum and it filled the whole bathroom. It left my skin feeling lovely and soft. It was the perfect way to pamper myself since i'm feeling a bit sorry for myself with this cold!

I'd definitely recommend this one but hurry as they're limited edition so won't be around for long! Plus they're a lot less calories than a chocolate egg ;)

Have you tried this bath bomb? If so, what did you think?

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A (late) snapshot #12

001. I won tickets to the Glossybox Caudalie VIP event which was a lovely surprise! My friend and I did get a bit lost but we got there in the end and as a result spent a small fortune. I am so easily swayed and as soon as the skincare expert told me I had dehydration due to working in london I ending on splashing the cash. This is the exact reason why I never get made up at make up counters - i'd buy everything!

002. I was very lucky to win an Ever Ours twitter competition last week in the form of a cute bicycle necklace. I'm ever so happy with it and am already mooching around on the website to see what else I can own!

003. Nomnomnom! Pie, mash and liquor = perfect comfort food. It was well worth using 24 weightwatcher points on this! Try vinegar on it, the liquor taste so much nicer. Our local one is David Beckham's favourite, they actually ship it over to LA for him and he's always in there when he's back home.

004. A little gem I managed to pick up in a charity shop. I have such a thing for cameos and they're the first thing I look out for in charity shops. This one isn't of any worth but it's still a nice addition. Complete bargain too at only £1.99.

005. Summer weather called for summer nails! I am extremely impressed with this nail varnish, it lasted a whole week before it started to chip and it's only one nail that's chipped. That's almost unheard of for me, i'm the type that chips their nail varnish within an hour!

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Lady of the manor

Outfit:
Grey tweed blazer: Next
White v-neck t-shirt: Primark
Demin skinny jeans: Primark
Blue and brown bow pumps: Primark
Vintage navy kelly bag: Charity Shop

I bet you've all forgotten what I looked like due to my lack of outfit posts. Hopefully i'm back on track and have lots to blog about. I've just been so busy! Things will slow down a bit next week.

I nabbed this tweed blazer in the next sale, i've had my eye on it ever since it came in but even with 25% discount it was still a little steep so i'm over the moon I managed to get it for half price. I adore the elbow patches and feel so grown up in it! You can see a peek of the elbow patches in the first image if you really strain your eyes, they're pretty lush. The bag was a charity shop find and was only a £1 so it would have been rude not to add it to my ever growing Kelly bag collection. Think i'm on about six or seven now! I am craving a bit of charity shop binge, might try and fit a few in over the bank holiday weekend.

Hope you're all having a great weekend. I've just got back from some amazing pie, mash and liquor. It was the lunch of champions.

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