Recipe - Weightwatchers Quorn and Aubergine Lasagne

You know when you have a meal and you don't want it to end? This was one of those times! To be honest it was a bit of a make shift dinner as i'd left the mince i'd bought at lunch in the fridge at work. Ultimate schoolboy error. Vegetable Moussaka was out of the window and it was time to improvise with what I already had at home.  I only have an instagram picture so it's a little blurry. Sorry guys but I had a few requests and I don't know when i'll make it again!

I've been trying to be vegetarian during the week in a bid to become healthier and hit my five a day. It also helps you get to eat more on Weightwatchers! If you have any tasty vegetarian recipes, link me in the comments please!

To serve one you will need:
88g of quorn pieces
1/2 an aubergine
1/2 an onion
1 teaspoon of easy garlic
2 tablespoons of half fat creme fraiche
2 dried lasange sheets
1 carton of chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese
Few squirts of fry light

It comes to 10 propoints. To help make it lower you can always use less creme fraiche, less pasta sheets and less cheese

001. Chop all the veg and thrown it into a wok with the quorn pieces and garlic. Make sure you give the wok a few squirts of fry light so it doesn't stick. Fry for around 4-5 minutes and chuck in half of the chopped tomatoes. Cook for a further three minutes until you're happy with the softness of the veg.

002. I only used 1 and a half sheets of lasange sheets as my pot wasn't big enough so you may need to break them up before you start to layer. Start with a dollop of mixture at the bottom, then the lasange sheet, then another dollop and the final sheet.

003. Pour on the rest of the chopped tomatoes. You can use tomato passata if you prefer a smoother texture. Pop on the creme fraiche and try to smooth it around as evenly as possible. Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese.

004. Pop in the oven for around 40 minutes at around 180 degrees. I use a fan assisted oven so your cooking times may be different to mine. Keep checking it throughout to make sure it doesn't burn. I served mine with roasted pepper and tomatoes but to be honest you don't need to add anything to it as it's amazingly filling. I had a food baby once i'd finished!

Let me know if you make it!

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Bloggers take over Cardiff

Last week I travelled down to Cardiff to meet up with Gem and Emma. It was the first time i'd actually met Emma in person but we got on like a house on fire. There was a reason why we started talking in the first place! Some of these pictures were stolen from Emma's instagram.

I really did have the most amazing weekend - Gem was an absolutely brilliant guide. She took us out for a cracking night out where we ended up in Welsh club dancing to indie classics and dirty pop. The night went so well it ended with us laying in bed eating Mcdonalds at 4am. Surely that's the pinnacle of all nights out? You know you've had a good one! The whole weekend was spent eating - the delicious picnic was very kindly supplied by Marks and Spencer - and drinking pitchers in Wetherspoons. It was so fantastic to listen to Gem reel off the history of the city as we wandered around. It's always nice to get a local's take. The above breakfast of Chorizo Eggs Benedict in Cozy Club went down a treat on Sunday - I may have ordered some extra toast to combat the hangover too....

It was a bit of a bummer to go home but i'll no doubt be back in Wales soon. I may have even texted my best friend at silly o'clock in the morning informing her we need to plan a girls weekend there NOW!

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This week i'm loving - Red Lipsticks

There's just something about a red lip that draws me in. Maybe it's the throwback to yesteryear when hollywood scarletts would finish off their outfits with a slick of red. Or the fact it packs a punch to what otherwise could be a dull outfit. There's no denying red lipstick certainly makes a statement.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Chanel Rouge Allure 99 Pirate - Ah I could stare at this forever and it has pride of place on show in my bedroom. I cannot tell you how long I wanted a classic Chanel red. The price always had me bulking as I was never really a frequent lipstick wearing until last year. I agonisingly saved all my boots points until I had enough. It's a beautiful deep red but a lipliner is a must as it tends to bleed. It doesn't have the most amazing staying power but I don't mind whipping it out to reapply every now and again. Who doesn't like getting something Chanel out of their handbag?

F+F Lips Mistress - I got this lipstick in a goody bag when I attended the Florence and Fred press event last Christmas. I wasn't expecting too much to be fair but I was extremely pleasantly surprised! It is a gorgeous deep red - sense a theme?! - and it has amazing staying power with a slight glossy finish. I wore it out to an event last week and it survived lots of nibbles and a very large g+t. It still looked almost perfect on the lips by the time I got on the tube to go home. I keep meaning to pick up a few more from the lipstick range. Just make sure you apply lots of lip balm as every crack shows through.

Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer Big Bang - When all the hype about these came out I rushed off to Boots like a good blogger and picked one up. This is VERY bright and it certainly doesn't make you blend into the crowd. It doesn't feel sticky like other lipglosses which is a plus. Nothing worse than a windy day combined with sticky lips. It will need to be applied a few times throughout the night though especially if you're drinking lots. Not that I know from experience...

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick 01 - This one was a find in the beauty cupboard at work and i'm very glad I picked it up. It lasts fairly well - not as long as the 8 hours it claims though. Although it might if you don't take part in any eating or drinking! This is such a reasonable price for the quality and once this runs out i'll be restocking as it's a great choice for any red lip collection.

What's your go to lipstick for a red lip?

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Red and White

Outfit:
White sheer sleeveless blouse - c/o New look
White and red gingham full midi skirt - Asos via a bootsale
Cut out nude patent brogues - Dorothy Perkins
Rose gold watch - Birthday gift from Next
Statement cream gem ring - Accessorize

This skirt first caught my eye while I was trawling through the archives of Atlantic Pacific  - can I be Blair please? Her shoe collection makes me die. I didn't have the money at the time to buy it from Asos directly but kept my eyes peeled on eBay. They kept going for too much money so I gave up but at a bootsale last week I saw it fluttering in the wind. I couldn't get over there quick enough. The seller originally wanted £5 but being the hard bargainer I am I managed to nab it for £3. Seriously £5 for a skirt at a bootsale?! You ain't never gonna get that love!

I'm off out tonight for a celebratory dinner to say a big well done to my brainy boyfriend who managed to gain a 2.1 degree. It's been a tough roller-coaster for him over the last 5 years as he worked towards it and I'm so, so, so proud of him. He worked full time doing an apprenticeship while studying for a degree part time - something that I could never have done! Past the sick bucket? That Mulberry bag I mentioned buying me to celebrate still stands you know Connor... A black Lily will do nicely.

Have you got anything planned for the weekend? Picked up any bargains from the bootsales?

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Ann Summers Press Day

A good few weeks ago now I was invited down to see what Ann Summers had to offer in terms of underwear. The company seems to have quite a smutty reputation and this is something they're keen to move away from and become more appealing to women. After all there's nothing smutty about the underwear they have to offer! They had amazing quality and pretty underwear on show. It's not just for the bedroom.  I adore the Kickerbox range in the first picture. It's pretty and practical for everyday wear at a very reasonable price. The girly colours and patterns were lovely. After all having nice matching underwear really does add a spring in your step. Just me?

The company is actually launching a new underwear fitting service. Believe it or not, so many women are still not wearing the right size bra and it's unbelievably important to make sure your bra fits you properly. The staff are expertly trained and rather than whip out the tape measure, they do it by eye. My consultant was spot on! You're then given a selection of bra styles to try on in privacy in the fitting room to see which one you like the best. It feels so much more comfortable than having to get half naked in front of a sales assistant. The 14-year-old in me still cringes at that thought.

Have you ever splashed out on Ann Summers underwear?

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Sunny side up

Outfit:
Light wash denim jacket - Primark
Pink retro sunglasses - c/o Sunglasses shop
Floral silky tee - Primark
Black flowing maxi skirt - c/o New Look
Black and gold suedette pointed pumps -  Asos via Leather Lane market

I was contacted by the Sunglasses Shop to see if I wanted to road test a new pair of sunnies. Despite the fact we haven't been seeing very much sun I said yes please! As with my glasses in the last post I went for a retro feel. I love the light tint of the glasses but it was just a shame that they didn't come in a case - only a plastic bag. But I do have plenty of cases knocking around I can always use. The Sunglasses Shop not only sells designer sunglasses but also have plenty of cheap sunglasses to choose from. My pair were a bargain £20. Next on my list is a pair of Ray-Ban Sunglasses so I better start saving my pennies!

I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad think that an Asos seconds stall have appeared at Leather Lane Market selling shoes. At £5 each it's very hard to resist! I treated myself to this pair and a beautiful pair of pinky red high heels. I feel it's the start of a downward spiral.

As you probably know Google Reader is going on 1st July but you can follow me other ways too. I'm on Bloglovin' and Facebook!

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You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine

Outfit:
Cat-eye tortoise shell glasses - c/o Glasses Direct 
Black bauble necklace - New Look
Black leopard print collared coat - Topshop
Black and white abstract print shirt - River island via Leather Lane Market
Black skinnies - Primark
Black and white Dalmatian print pony haired loafers - Next

As some of you know I wear prescription glasses full time. I'm far too lazy to wear contact lenses all the time as I much prefer to have that extra time to indulge in some shut-eye. Therefore when I look for glasses I like pairs that make a bit of a statement so when Glasses Direct got in touch I was immediately drawn to Scout Glasses on their website. I like anything vintage inspired so knew I had to get these cat-eye specs when I saw them. With plenty of women's glasses on offer, it was a hard choice! I was a bit self conscious at first with these frames. I don't very often go so big and was worried they drowned my face. But now I've been wearing them for a week or so I love them! Nearly everyone I've seen has passed a comment about how lovely they are. If that isn't reassurance I've made the right choice then I don't know what is!

This is a typical work outfit for me. A pair of super soft Primark skinnies with a some sort of shirt thrown on. It's comfortable yet makes me look presentable. I hope. My colleagues must start to think I only have one type of trousers and I don't wash them!  I did have this bright idea of wearing heels when I started working in London along with just wearing Topshop and Zara clothes exclusively. That never did happen. Instead I'm a flats fiend and still spending all my dollar in Primark. Maybe one day...

What style of glasses do you like best?

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Body beautiful for summer

It's that time of year again where the legs come out and you start panicking about all the neglect you've shown them during the winter months. In the ideal world it would be brilliant to think about laser hair remover costs as it will take the hassle out of making your legs look spit-span. But if this isn't an option, I find these steps help the most when shaving every other day becomes a necessity.

 

Legs
I like to use two sets of moisturiser during the summer months. I find Palmers Cocoa Butter works wonders on dry legs. The thick luxurious butter may take a few moments to sink in but it makes your legs feel silky smooth - yep I did just use that phrase! I used a body brush straight after around to top of my thighs to help keep the circulation moving. I find this works well with the odd bit of cellulite! Finally Garnier Gradual Tanner will help give you a nice glow - I find it tales around three consecutive days for a good tan to appear. Keep in mind once you stop it will start to go streaky. I tend to have it on daily and then scrub it all off during a pamper session by Sunday and start all over again.

Feet
When it comes to sandal weather there's nothing worst than crusty feet and unpainted toenails. I find Soap and Glory Heels Genius works a treat if you leave it on overnight in a pair of cosy socks. I love a bright statement nail polish for toes. My favourites at the minute include Rimmel Hot Shot, Essie Fear or Desire and OPI The Spy Who Loved Me.

What are your tricks to get summer ready legs?

This post contains a sponsored link.

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This week i'm loving: Blistex

Blistex Moisture Max and Blistex Lip Brilliance both PR samples.

I'm a lipbalm 'collector' to put it lightly. They're everywhere. I keep a few in my bag, a few at my desk and a few in my make up drawer so at any given time I can whip them out and get fabulous moisturised lips. Some admittedly work well than others. Blistex is a brand I keep coming back to time and time again. It has always done a top notch job.

I find the Moisture Max is the perfect prep for lipstick. I wear it throughout the day to ensure my lips are lipstick ready in the evening as let's be honest, there's nothing worse than dry cracked lips poking through. It kinda ruins the knock out effect of a red lip don't you think? It can get a bit sticky but this soon sinks in. I'm also a sucker for a lip balm in a tube. I really don't like the idea of sticking a dirty finger in and out of a pot - god knows what it will be like by the end of the day! This tube helps it to glide on easily.

I'm not really a lipstick wearing during the day - not quite brave enough yet - so I like a tinted balm to help enhance my natural colour. When I read it had a bit of shimmer I had to admit I was bit put off as I don't really like a disco ball effect happening on my lips. But once applied it had just the right amount. It's a pretty rosy pink and looks great as an extra to everyday make up. It makes you look like you've made a little effort for your daily commute. It also doesn't hurt that it helps to increase the fullness of your lips. Eat your heart out Jolie!

Have you tried any Blistex products?

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Hot pink

Outfit:
Mesh black midi dress - Asos
Pink Lipstick - Topshop All About Me
Pearl bracelet - Thomas Sabo
Genuine fake gun mental Michael Kors watch - Turkey
Pink two tone heeled sandals - c/o She likes

When I was asked to pick something from the She Likes website I didn't have to think twice before choosing these beauties. This style of shoe is fast becoming a firm favourite and the colour combination is gorgeous - perfect for the summer months which we will hopefully be getting! They're just the right heel for work too. My feet can't cope spending all day in mega high heels. I thought I'd embrace the pink theme with my toes, fingernails and lipstick. I do love matching!

This weekend will be spent making money. I've got my fingers and toes crossed. With a bootsale lined up on Sunday and a plan of ebaying my life away, I'm hoping that a Zara spree will be on the horizon. I'm dying to get my grubby mitts on this leather jacket as my Primark one is ready to be thrown away. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?! I'm trying to curb my spending and save some of my wages so I'm going to only allowing myself a blow out with Paypal money. I've got a few holidays coming up and my wages never seem to go very far at all! Working in London completely ruins my bank account.

What do you have planned for the weekend?


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Nothing left to make me feel small luck has left me standing so tall

Outfit:
Off the shoulder black crop top - c/o Boohoo
Tulle black midi skirt - Next
Gold heeled black sandals - c/o Boohoo
Giant drop diamond earring - Primark
Gold cuffs - c/o George At Asda
Red Lipstick - Chanel Rouge Allure 99 Pirate

I attended the Boohoo press day a good few weeks ago and was very kindly given a voucher in the goody bag. As soon as I spotted these shoes on the website they went straight in my basket. I love the snazzy gold heel which helps make them look a little bit different. I was a bit worried about them giving me sausage legs - ankle straps can be a bit unforgiving - but I think they look ok. This strappy sandal seems to be my shoe of choice at the minute and I'm snapping up far too many different variations than is necessary. Primark have some cracking choices!

I wore this outfit out over the weekend for a girls night out with my mum and nan in the local noodle bar followed by numerous jugs of cocktails in Wetherspoons. Who says we're not  classy birds eh? I think we're going to try and make it a monthly date as what's better than having the chance to get dressed up and stuff your face. Maybe next time I'll give the crop top a miss as the food baby did not look attractive!

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Bygone Eras

There's a saying that fashion always come full circle and if you keep something long enough it won't be too long before it's the height of fashion again. Dungarees are a prime example and it's slightly worrying that I remember wearing them the first time around - am I really getting that old?

Simply Be is featuring a special article about five decades of fashion and it got me thinking about my favourite eras. My personal favourite fashion throwbacks take influence from the 1950s and 1960s. I am much more comfortable in full midi length skirts paired with structured Kelly bags. You can pick up Kelly bags from charity shops and bootsales fairly easily. But with the high street constantly going back in time to find influences you'll find plenty to tickle your fancy if rummaging isn't really your thing.

I feel wiggle dresses compliment my body shape the most. I feel confident and ready to shake what my mumma gave me when I'm dressed up to the nines. This style of dress is something that I can't seem to stop buying. One of my new years resolutions was actually to start shopping more vintage and I haven't yet put that into place. Thankfully there's still six more months of the year left and I feel a visit to Brick Lane is on the cards.

What is your favourite era for clothes?

Infographic by Simply Be

This post was written in collaboration with Simply Be

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It's the freakin' weekend baby, I'm about to have me some fun

Outfit:
Tweed oversized navy blazer - Primark
Floral silky tee - Primark
Acid wash ripped boyfriend jeans - C/O New Look
White plimsols - Vans

For someone who's not too keen on jeans and tees, I'm getting an awful lot more casual recently. Maybe it's laziness but outfits like this are all I seem to want to wear at the weekend. Now I'm looking back on it I'm not too keen on it but it served it's purpose well. I needed something comfortable to wander around Borough market last weekend. I'm not sure effortless boyfriend jeans really work on me - I feel much more at home in a midi skirt. Hurry up sunshine!

My blog has been redesigned by the absolutely brilliant Gillian - check out her blog! I think she's done an amazing job and I'm so pleased with it. It looks exactly like I imagined in my head and I finally feel proud of it! It just looks so much more professional looking.

I have a pair of spare tickets going spare for a wine tasting event next Tuesday in London. All you have to do is tell me in the comments below what type of wine you'll be and why! Simples! Unfortunately transport can't be provided but you'll have the chance to make the first 'social' wine and it'll be on sale in Tesco. Cool huh?!

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Holiday essentials

If you're anything like me, it can be a nightmare trying to condense your beauty products down to try and fit them in a suitcase when you go on holiday. They always seem to weigh an awful lot! These are just a few essentials that I believe are perfect for a trip away!

001. Toni and Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray
Hot weather can play havoc with your hair. I give up straightening my hair in the humidity as it just goes frizzy again anyway! I really can't be bothered to do anything fancy because let's face it, stuffing your face at dinner is much more important! This is where salt spray works wonders! I found this mini bottle worked a treat.

004. Caudalie Lip Conditioner
I've got to admit i'm a bit of a lip balm sell out, I carry so many around with me at once time and am constantly changing but this Caudalie product has a special place in my heart. I love the lipstick shape as it makes it so easy to apply and it doesn't go sticky nor does it melt in the heat. It works wonders on my lips, keeping them perfectly moisturised throughout the day ready for some lipstick in the evenings.

003. Etat Pur Biomimetique Micellar Cleansing Water c/o AX Paris goodie bag
I don't like to use cleansing water to take my make up off everyday - it's purely reserved for drunk and lazy nights. But a bottle of it is perfect for a holiday. It does everything so you don't need to carry around eye make up remover and a cleanser. I got this bottle in a goody bag from the Ax Paris event and it's doing it's job very nicely indeed.

004.Batiste original dry shampoo
Well i've spouted off enough rave reviews for this product so I really don't need to say anything other than make sure you pack it. It's a lifesaver to give your hair a bit of spring clean before you march down to the pool in the evening.

005. Ted Baker Rose, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Raspberry Body Spray
Sometimes perfume can feel to heavy in the daytime on holiday so I like to use a few spritzs of a body spray to keep me smelling fresh. They come in handy sized bottles and as they're made of plastic it helps to save a few kilos on your luggage allowance. Glass bottles can weigh a ton! This one was part of a Christmas gift set.

006. No 7 Protect and Prefect Night Cream
I have to use a cream at night otherwise my skin has a tantrum. This works great with the moisturiser below and helps to regenerate your sin overnight as it recovers from a day in the sun. I find the sun can be very drying!

007. No 7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream  Dry/Very Dry
I have to use a moisturising cream during the day and this one is perfect for taking on holiday. It had added spf so it doesn't matter too much if you forget to put suncream on your face first thing. Anyone else completely bypass their face too by accident?

008. Perfume samples
Like I mentioned earlier lugging a full size bottle of perfume on holiday can take up unnecessary weight. I tend to take a couple of perfume samples with me. That way you can have a different scent every night!

What are your holiday essentials?

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I can see clearly now

Although I don't tend to wear glasses on my blog - I have such a hard time taking photograph without having something reflecting off in all sorts of directions - I am quite simply as blind as a bat. This old school picture may help brighten up a dull evening!

I remember bawling my eyes out when I was told at the age of seven I'd have to wear glasses and by the tender age of 11 I was informed i'd have to wear them full time because i'd grown too lazy at taking them off between classes. Now I don't mind wearing glasses at all and quite enjoying picking out which ones to wear everyday - you tend to build up quite a collection over the years! But I often wonder what it would be like to wake up in the morning and actually be able to see without scrambling around for some specs. This is where eye surgery comes into play. It's something I've often thought about but truth be told I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to procedures. It's so important to find a reputable company as your eyes play such an important role in everyday life. 

In my opinion it's best to pick the experts so make sure you do plenty of research before you take the plunge. Optical Express could be your first port of call - there's even a test you can take online to see if you're suitable!

Have you ever considered laser eye surgery? Or have any of you even had it? 

P.S thankfully I grew out of big hoop earrings, a Croydon face lift and metal frames. No fringe has never been a good look for me. Who knew this 14 year old girl might one day be a fashion blogger  eh?!

This contains a sponsored link. 

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New Look A/W 2013 picks

If it's one thing New Look needs a gold star for, it's for the shoes. They always have such a cracking selection at really reasonable prices and it looks like next season will be no different. The black and gold sandals are calling my name - going to have to try and hunt them down when the time comes! I'm loving all the boot cut outs. They're perfect to jazz up a simple casual outfit.

Next season seems to be a never-ending stream of luxe fabrics, warm rich tones and ankle straps. By the looks of the weather lately it seems like we won't have too long to wait until we can wear these beauties! I wish they'd hurry up and pop up in the store!

What do you like best?

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When I was a child, running in the night, I was afraid of what might be

Outfit:
Light cropped denim jacket: Primark
Grey boyfriend fit t-shirt: Asos
Floral elasticated bottomed trousers: c/o George at Asda
Silver bow flat sandals: Random local boutique
White gem statement necklace: c/o New Look

I mentioned a little while ago that these trousers from the George at Asda press event were by far my favourite item of the day and they very kindly offered to send a pair for me to style up. Lucky girl eh? I've gone for a casual vibe first but they can easily be dressed up for a night at the pub with a blazer and heels with a top picked out from a colour in the flowers. Reason number 46893642 why I love patterned trousers so much! These are literally the comfiest things I own - they're so soft on your skin. We all know scratchy materials are a no go especially if you're a wimp like me.

Are unable to jump off the patterned trousers train like me?

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