Let's Start With This One...

With so much happening in July, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to pick up a book and read as much. Thankfully, I managed to find some time to turn the pages of a few classics, which I adored. Getting out in the sun with these page turners was a summer win all round for me. 

Here is what I read throughout July: 

• The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
• The Other Half of Happiness by Ayisha Malik
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
• Until I Met You by Amber Rose Gill
• Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

What did you all read in July? I am in need of some help finding what to pick up next, so your suggestions will definitely help. 

Joey X

July is a special month for me. I started it vowing that I would try and make it a good one. Every single day of it. I know you can’t always promise that and bad days happen, oddly either on a Wednesday or a Sunday for me, but I tried. Something that was made a lot easier with these brilliant finds that I discovered during the month. As well as the fact that it was my birthday month aha! 

My Favourite Book: The Other Half of Happiness by Ayisha Malik - After reading the first novel in this series, I couldn't wait to delve into the second part to this modern Bridget Jones story. This is perfect reading material for summer and easy to read in any situation. It will make you smile, cry and laugh all in one sitting. Definitely pick it up if you haven't before and re-read it if you have.

My Favourite TV Show: The Summer I Turned Pretty - When I was younger I was obsessed with these books. To the point that I made my best friend read them too, just so I could have someone to speak to about them. This new Prime Video UK series captures the books perfectly. I need the second and third books to be made into a series now as soon as possible. 

My Favourite Food Find: Aldi Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce - On my birthday, I wanted to try and have a meal that I could really enjoy. For a long time, I wanted to have gnocchi, but it has terrified me. Whilst away though, with the support of my brother and mum, I managed to do it. I loved the Aldi gnocchi and meatball tomato sauce and have tried to have it again since. It is a big achievement for me.

My Favourite Beauty Item: Marc Jacobs Daisy Skies Perfume - Okay, so this perfume has been sitting in my mum’s room for a long time. She got it for my birthday a while ago, but I have had to wait until my birthday to be allowed it. This gift was like summer in a bottle. 

My Favourite Podcast: Shagged, Married, Annoyed - Chris and Rosie Ramsey are a couple that I inspire my future husband and me to be like. With lots of episodes to catch up on, I have been binging this podcast hard. I love the beef section and the Ick one too. 

My Favourite Experience: Celebrating my birthday in Blackpool with my family and friends was perfect. Simply getting away for a few days made it extra special. 26 may have been a hard year, but I am now ready to rock being 27 and I am taking you all along with me as I do it. 

What made your July special lovelies? 

Joey X

Coming in a bit late, but better than never, I thought I would share with you all some of my favourite things from the month of June. It was a big month for our family, with my mum celebrating turning 60 and my brother coming to stay with us again. I won't say it was all good, but there were some true stars that made up the month. Find out what they are below:

My Favourite Book: The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary - After reading The Flat Share, I was interested in reading more of O’Leary’s books. This story started a little slow, but once the action picked up, flickering between the past and present, it was brilliant. I am hoping to pick up The No Show, her latest release in July. 

My Favourite TV Show: Love Island - It may not be the best show, but I can’t help but love it. I adore the action and cheese of the whole thing. It is an easy viewing that doesn’t take up a lot of attention. Perfection!

My Favourite Food Find: New York Bakery Cinnamon and Raisin Bagel - Since I broke my jaw, I have been terrified of bread. It was hard for me to chew, it still is in lots of ways, but I wanted to take on my fear. In June I did just that. Without weighing out the jam on top, I had the bagel and loved it. I am now having them weekly again and am so proud of myself.

My Favourite Beauty Item: EOS Lip Balm Stick -  When we went away at the end of May, I found a version of the EOS lip balm, which was actually in a stick form. My lips have really needed it in this heat and I couldn’t be more thankful for it. My lips are now super soft, which doesn’t normally happen at this time of year.

My Favourite Podcast: The Parenting Hell Podcast - You are probably bored of hearing me going on about this podcast now, but in June I finished listening to every episode that has ever been made of the show. I do need a new one now though, as I wait for the weekly episodes, so do let me know what you are listening to lovelies.

My Favourite Experience: Celebrating my mum’s 60th birthday was a huge experience for all of us. We hosted a big party, spent the actual day having a shopping spree and I organised a number of special events around the day too. It was really lovely to see her being spoiled and I hope she enjoyed it as much as we all did. 

What were some of your favourite things from the month of June lovelies? 

Joey X

Many of you know that I love to spend a Sunday pampering myself. I stay at home, only going for a small walk around where I live, before coming home and soaking in the shower, shaving, plucking and relaxing in some comfy PJs, whilst writing in my journal.

With a new school year about to begin, I always find this time of year the perfect moment to restart. Sort of like taking the new term and using it to learn something new about yourself and your body. 

Thankfully, Amazon and Amazon Handmade are on hand to help with this process this year, as they have gathered some of the best handmade items to help refresh and renew. From bath soaks to salts, there is literally something for everyone to enjoy…

• Neroli + Rose Geranium Bath Soak, £18
• 'Pause' Luxury Natural Reed Diffuser by Eloise Hall, £30
• Personalised Notebook in Yellow Peony Print, £14.99
• Handmade Hygge Candle, £20
• Handcrafted Soothing Herbal Bath Salts, £7

What are some of the must-have products or things that you use or do to help you relax on a soothing Sunday? Let me know! 

Joey X

To mark my 27th birthday today, I thought I would share with you all 27 facts about myself. Some you may have picked up on over the years, others I am sharing for the first time. I hope I just don’t bore you all too much with them lovelies. Discover more about me with a donut to celebrate:

1. I Am Half Italian and English: My dad was from Sicily, whilst my mum is from England. They raised me to appreciate both countries and I have a great love of them. 

2. I Currently Have 10 Piercings: I am obsessed with ear piercings and am constantly planning to get my next one. I’m tempted to get my nose pierced too, but I am not sure if it will look good or not. 

3. I Volunteer In A Mind Charity Shop: Once a week, I volunteer in a local Mind charity shop. Due to my condition, I can’t lift much, so I work on the computer and help with their technical matters. 

4. I Love Honey and Jam: A bit of an odd fact, but a jam sandwich is pure heaven to me and I have recently started to have them again. Honey is also one of my favourite things in the world and I have it once a day at least, either on my honey or on a dinner dish. 

5. Journaling Has Changed My Life: Every single day, I spend at least 10 to 15 minutes writing in a journal. I put down my feelings, what I am eating or intend to eat that day and the next and my plans for the week. It all helps me deal with my emotions and illness better. 

6. Disney Plus UK Is My Favourite Thing: If I am not watching YouTube, you can find me binging on Disney Plus. You probably can guess this with the amount I suggest you watch stuff on it aha! 

7. I Gatecrashed My Brother's School Nativity: When I was around three or four, I decided to walk onto the stage of my brother's primary school play and sit on it until the end. I sang along with the songs and did not move. I have always loved Christmas and am proud to show it. 

8. I Don’t Want Children: For a long time, I haven’t wanted to have children. Because of my anorexia, it is highly likely that I won’t be able to, but I haven’t wanted them ever really and I am happy to speak about it. I am still maternal, just in different ways and no I don’t hate kids either. 

9. My Favourite Present Was A Trip To Dublin: My mum paid for us to both go to Dublin for my 21st birthday, which was also my big present. This was the greatest gift I have ever been given. 

10. An ABBA Tribute Act Was My First Concert: When I was around four, my parents took me to our local theatre to see an ABBA tribute act. I remember loving every minute of it and crying at the end when it was over. I have been an ABBA fan ever since. 

11. Christmas Is Celebrated All Year Round: As a huge Christmas fan, I will happily play songs all the time, preparing gifts in January and buying decorations when I can. Christmas is when I can truly feel and be myself. 

12. Lee From Blue Was My First Crush: Lee Ryan from Blue was my first love. I went to see the band in concert and after that he was my one true love. This has since changed to Ryan Gosling. Must be a Ryan thing aha! 

13. I Once Saw Katy Perry For Free: After a bit of a mishap, I managed to see Katy Perry for free and was in the front row throughout. She was amazing and I paid to see her again a few years later. 

14. I Have Seen Friends Over 100 Times: Growing up, my dad brought me the Friends videos from car boots. My mum then got me the DVD box set for Christmas one year. I have watched both over and over again, making it my favourite show ever. 

15. I Once Cut My Own Hair (It Ended Badly): When I was younger, I was desperate to have shorter hair, so I decided to cut it. On one side. Therefore, my mum noticed and I had to have a small bob cut in the end by our hairdresser. Put me off hairdressing for life. 

16. Senna Died On A Corner Named After My Family: Okay, so this may be a sad one, but the racing driver Senna died on Tamburello Corner, which is named after a member of my family. 

17. My Dad’s Family Were Part Of The Mafia: And that is all I will say on the matter aha! We aren’t associated with them now, but his ancestors were quite high up in it. 

18. My Mum Is Related To Emily Davison: And that is why she is a true superwoman. She is related to one of the most important Suffragettes of all time. 

19. I Didn’t Go On A Plane Until I Was 12: My brother Gio is terrified of planes, so I think I picked up on this when I was younger. So, I wouldn’t go on them. It took until I was 12 to go on one and that was only to Scotland. Now I absolutely love them. 

20. I Loved School: Looking back on my younger years, I adored school. I went through the typical bad stages, such as mood swings and bullying, but I continued to still love school. In fact, I would happily go back, especially to primary school, to do it all over again. 

21. Lasagne Is My Favourite Food: Although I find it terrifying, lasagne is my favourite food. Hopefully one day I will be able to enjoy it again, because it has so many memories for me. Lots of good ones. 

22. Silver Linings Playbook Is My Favourite Book: When I was ill at 17, I read this book and it changed my life. I adore the film, but the book is something else. If you haven’t read it before then you must. 

23. Walk The Line Is My Favourite Film: I don’t know how many times I have seen this film, but every time I watch it I fall in love with it again. It is a long one, yet it is worth it and I can’t recommend it enough.

24. Bing Bong Is The Best Disney Character (To Me!): Inside Out is the Disney film that changed my life as an adult and Bing Bong is my favourite character ever. There, I said it aha!

25. I’ve Been Best Friends With My Bestie Dee For Over 20 Years: We met at a caravan park in Clacton, where our holiday home was next to hers, and we haven’t stopped being best friends since. After asking to play a game of Swingball with me, we decided to ditch it and go inside to play Bratz. When we meet up now, it is like we have never been away. 

26. I Was A Twihard: If you have read my favourite podcasts review posts, you may have noticed that I was and in fact still am a Twihard. It was my teenage dream and I still have a high appreciation for the cheese fest that it is. Team Edward all the way. 

27. I Believe In Manifestation: In the past year, I really believe that if you ask for something you will get it. Writing it down, saying it out loud or making plans, if you ask and work for it, then I think you will get it. Therefore, I am writing now that I believe that as I turn 27, I am going to do more radio shows and return to Disneyland Paris before I am 28. 

How was that donut lovelies? If you made it to the end of this post, well done! Go and have another one to mark my birthday right now! You deserve it! 

Joey X

Recently, I have been watching a lot of TV and films. I find myself watching them just before bed or first thing in the morning, all to help me unwind and relax, before and after a busy day. Below are a few of my favourite new features that have been hooking me in and drawing my attention to no end. 

Rob and Romesh Vs: After discovering this series at the start of the year, I have been binging on all of them since. Completing them at the end of May, I am now lost and desperate for more. If you haven’t watched these two comedians try to tackle the Olympics, opening a restaurant and drag shows, then you have to watch it. 

Pistol: Although I am still not sure about this show, I can’t stop watching it. It isn’t the best thing I have ever seen, yet, I am drawn into the music and story. Especially, as someone who doesn’t know a lot about the birth of the Sex Pistols. 

Chip N’ Dale Rescue Rangers: When I heard about this show, I knew that I would have to watch it. Chip N’ Dale are my Disney heroes and I will happily watch anything with them in. This new feature film is pure Disney perfection, filled with cameos galore. Any age will love this, whether they know of the two icons or not.

Celebrity Gogglebox: Don’t get me wrong, I adore Gogglebox, but I really love the celebrity edition. I think it is the aspect of being nosy and looking at celebrity homes that make this so much more entertaining. Although, I will always love the original Gogglebox stars as well.

Love Island: I know! I shouldn’t love it as much as I do, but I just can’t help catching up on all the gossip from the island in the morning. If I miss out on any of the gossip I actually feel sad. Thankfully, the good British weather is holding back the holiday envy for now, but it won’t be long until this show makes me want to book a trip abroad.  

What have you all been watching recently? 

Joey X

As the sunshine returns, after a few wet days, the world is celebrating, with National BBQ Week kicking off today until the 10th July. With everyone already preparing their Wimbledon desserts, by Amazon is helping to make sure the BBQ is fully stocked, with fresh burgers, buns and more on offer to customers. 

Fresh meats, vegetables, snacks and meals can all lovingly be prepared with their BBQ deals of the week, as by Amazon marks the celebrations, with discounts galore. British Premium Beef Burgers, plant-based alternatives and buns galore can be enjoyed from as little as 49p. A proper BBQ bargain if I do say so. 

Plus, with the added celebration of it being the 4th of July, these deals are also great for quick party preparations. Especially when the sun is so unpredictable. In fact, I am even thinking about redoing a Eurovision celebration night and cracking ours out, hosting an around the world themed evening and re-watching the big celebrations. I mean who else doesn’t think of BBQs and Eurovision going together aha! 

To see the full selection, head to the by Amazon page to see just what goodies they have on offer that will make your day. 

Joey X