Let's Start With This One...

November is the month to start getting excited for Christmas and this month, I have fallen for lots of comforting things. From new dishes to shows, there has been a lot of relaxing and embracing. The calm before the big storm shall we say. Below is what has been making my November super special…

My Favourite Book: Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry - Matthew Perry has always been a comedy hero to me. Chandler Bing is probably my favourite character in Friends and I will not let there be a bad word said about him. Yet, having read this book, I think a bigger, braver person is the man who played him. Not hiding anything about his life, Perry is open, honest and heartbreaking in this new memoir. It has changed my life completely!

My Favourite TV Show/Film: The Bear - I fell hard for this show. Even before I began watching it. There wasn’t a moment that didn’t grip me in and I hope that a new series is released soon. Honestly, once you start watching, you won’t be able to stop. It is super easy binge watching material.

My Favourite Food Find: Asda Fibre Flakes with Red Berries - Recently, when on holiday at my brothers, I tired a new cereal by Asda. Much like bran flakes, but with the added edition of berries, I found myself loving these finds. I had never had them before and I was really in love with the taste. I was also super proud of myself for giving these a go as soon as I found them, which is not easy for me at all.

My Favourite Beauty Item: The Body Shop Pumpkin Hand Cream - Okay, so Halloween is over but this cream is a beautiful reminder of it. Smelling super delicious, it is so good I stockpile it. Honestly, I have had to tell my mum not to get any for my stocking this Christmas, because I have too much of it. 

My Favourite Podcast: Alan Carr's Life's A Beach - This podcast may be a bit more summer themed, but I have fallen head over heels in love with it. From learning that you need a passport to go to space from Tim Peakes to hearing drunken antics from Rob Beckett, I am currently binging this podcast hard.

My Favourite Experience - Just before Christmas, we always like to take a trip to visit my brother. In the middle of November, we did just that and it was lovely to catch up with my family and friends who live in Blackpool. I felt super festive and ready to come home and put up the tree in celebration. I can’t wait to catch up with them soon. 

What made your November special lovelies? 

Joey X

November is a great time to spend the dark evenings enjoying a great book. It is time to whip out those cheesy Christmas based reads and fully embrace the festive season. I simply love a good love story and seeing people reading similar books makes me super happy. Especially when travelling on the bus. 

So, this month I have been delving into a mix bag of books, including…

• A Christmas Celebration by Heidi Swain
• No One Cancels Christmas by Zara Stoneley
• The Journey: A Big Panda and Tiny Dragon Adventure by James Norbury
• Mr Right Across The Street by Kathryn Freeman
• Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
• My Mess Is a Bit of a Life: Adventures in Anxiety by Georgia Pritchett

What have you been reading this month? 

Joey X

Last year, I wrote a post about what I wanted to achieve in December 2021. With only a few days to go until we reach the most festive month of the year, I thought I would do it again. I find it so helpful, as it allows me to put plans into place about what I want to do and how I can work on achieving them. 

This year, I want a very calm, fun and easy December, filled with family, friends and festive activities. Therefore, I plan on doing the following: 

• Watching Something Festive Everyday
• Experiencing A Christmas Market
• Enjoying A Full Christmas Dinner With My Family
• Giving Out Christmas Cards To My Village Again
• Gifting A Child With An Unexpected Present
• Seeing Friends and Family
• Organising A Christmas Show or Trip
• Wearing Something Festive Everyday (Even Socks!)
• Planning A Village Secret Santa Again

There is so much more I want to do in December. For now though, this is what I want to do for now and I can’t wait to get stuck in. In fact, I may just go and watch a Christmas film right now to celebrate! Who else is with me? 

Joey X

Recently, I have been feeling a lot better within myself. More motivated to reach out and speak to people. I know the reason for this! CHRISTMAS! For me, there is no better time of year. I love everything about it! Especially seeing the shops, homes and festive gatherings taking place around me. 

However, I know this time can also be a stressful one. Mostly due to the expectations that come with it. Luckily, I was brought up to be prepared for it. My mum starts in January! Yet, I enjoy seeing the unexpected gifts that I would never have seen before come to life. Something that led to me reaching out to the amazing Vicky Yorke Designs. 

Beautifully designed and with so much care and love being presented in each item, there is nothing quite like it. With selected items making perfect presents from the 1st December, you will be spoilt for choice. As was I when I was kindly offered the opportunity to try out some of the items on the blog. 

These included a gorgeous jumper, which I have to admit was hard to select, when I was shown the collection I could pick from. The team also offered me the opportunity to try out two of the mugs too. Keeping my mum in mind, I chose us two that we can have whilst getting all the presents and decorations sorted or when we relax with a brew or two. 

The first item I picked was the jumper. From mistletoe themed red ones to gorgeous simple designs, I decided to go with a little green number. Made for both sexes, the design features the classic quote, “Merry Christmas To All and To All A Good Night!” I loved this idea, as I couldn’t think of any other brand who had presented it on a jumper, even though it is so iconic. 

Super stylish and extra soft, meaning it was a cosy delight, I was so impressed with the overall look, feel and design. It was made to a very high quality and the drop shoulder style meant that it could be paired with lots of different outfit choices. Meaning it can be taken from day to night. I will be wearing this every chance I can get. Whilst £32 may seem like a lot, I know that this jumper is not only for one year. It will be coming back out again and again for years to come. 

Next came the two mugs. Picking out of the many designs available, I continued the Christmas/Winter theme and chose the Midwinter Forest Animals and Midwinter prints. Showcasing blue and red themes, with cute animals such as foxes, rabbits, birds and nature adorning them all over, I couldn’t get over how beautiful they were. Plus, at £5 each, they are super affordable too. I would have honestly paid more for them for how gorgeous they are. 

We are fully into the pumpkin spiced latte season now, however it can be a costly time. Therefore, I have found the perfect recipe to help you all save a little bit, as you can make these lattes at home and take them with you. 

You won’t be able to get enough of them, I am sure of it…

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of Milk (Your Chosen Kind)
• ⅓ Cup of Strong Coffee
• 1 Teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 2 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Puree
• 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tablespoon of Sugar

Tools

• Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Mug
• Whisk
• Teaspoon
• Tablespoon

Method

1. In a saucepan, place the milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract and sugar and warm it up on a hob or stove top and whisk to dissolve everything. However, do not let it boil. 
2. Once it is ready, add in the pumpkin spice and coffee, plus any sweetener you may want to use, however this is optional. 
3. When it is ready, pour the latte into your favourite mug and top with whipped cream and added spice if desired.

Super easy and money-saving lovely, you won’t be able to stop whipping these up when you start making them! 

Joey X

Black Friday is nearly upon us and that means two things. One: Christmas is nearly here. Two: The world of deals is about to be launched. Amazon is already ahead of the game this year, as the team have launched a whole week worth of exciting offers. Especially on their brilliant featured brands including Ultrasport, Amazon Basics, Eono and Umi, who make items for all. 

After having a little bit of an exploration, I have found six of the best deals from the foursome that I had to share with you all. I am obsessed with the following and will definitely be keeping an eye out for them on the big day. These include…

Amazon Basics Stand Mixer, £50.59: Been inspired by The Great British Bake Off? Well, it is time to get busy in the kitchen with this fantastic offer. Reduced by nearly 50%, this mixer will have you whipping up mince pies in no time at all. Who says shop brought is best? 

Amazon Basics Car Bucket Seat, £53.89: I had never seen one of these animal car seats before this one, but I think it is a fantastic idea. There is nothing more off putting than an animal running around or jumping about when in the car. This will keep them cosy and calm, as well as being safe, when on those long driving journeys home during the festive period. 

Umi Portable DAB/FM Radio, £22.09: Want to enjoy the world cup in peace this year? Find a quiet spot and use this radio to tune in. Or simply pop on the Christmas stations and dance around the home as you decorate, wrap and party hard. 

Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller, £16.89: Christmas can be a very stressful time on the body. It is so important to rest and relax during the whole period. This roller will have you stretching out those tired and achy muscles, having you ready for round two of gatherings and discos before you know it. 

Umi Double Goose Feather and Down 10.5 Tog Duvet, £87.99: Who doesn’t want to snuggle up, away from the cold weather, with a Christmas film and snacks during the festive period? The Umi duvet will keep you warm, snug and cosy, becoming an item of pure jealousy overall. Wrap yourself up like an actual present in it. 

Amazon Basics Hardside Suitcase, £74.79: Going away for the big day? Make sure to keep all your items and presents safe with this hardside suitcase, which has four swivel wheels, safe storage and a handy long handle that will make the journey a breeze. 

Amazon has loads more fabulous ideas at the moment on their Black Friday deals, so make sure to take a look. You will not want to miss out on them! What have you got your eye on this year lovelies? 

Joey X

During the autumn months, I find it is the perfect time to simply pause. Sometimes, with the rush of the summer holidays and back to school themes that come at this time of year, it seems like everything is going at one hundred miles per hour. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

About a month ago, I found myself getting really anxious. It was causing me to do and feel things I didn’t want to feel, mentally and physically. I decided a change needed to happen. Therefore, when I was on a walk with my mum, I told her I had to pause on all the changes. 

In the past year, we have both been faced with a lot. My brother moved back in, we sadly had a number of deaths in the family, holidays happened and then stress occurred upon coming home, work changed, health matters were raised and it was a lot. Plus, with my anorexia and anxiety disorder, I just felt like I was going to have a breakdown. 

Pausing doesn’t mean failure. In fact, choosing to take a moment and to focus on your health is brilliant. Rest is vital. Physically and mentally. Often, at around 8 or 8:30pm each night, I will go upstairs and just spend time on my own. Listening to podcasts. Reading. Scrolling on websites that calm me down or watching something that brings me joy. Christmas videos are a good choice at the moment. Even sleeping. 

I used to hate the idea of it. My anorexia told me that I was lazy and I would stay up until 10pm, which was when I was allowed to go to bed in hospital, because that was when it allowed me to see it was okay. Yet, I have changed that now. I don’t follow the hospital rules and if I want to go and lay on my bed, then I will. 

Rolling into the middle of November, when the months get colder, I am here to say, STOP. PAUSE. RELAX. Do what you want to do and don’t worry about others. If you want to eat cereal for dinner, do it! If you want to spend all day in bed, do it! If you want to put on your coat and go for a walk listening to a podcast, do it! Do what makes you happy and embrace it. Hibernate if you would like to lovely. I know my mum would probably like to! 

Whatever brings a smile to your face, accept it lovely and be happy. Sometimes it takes just one moment and it can bring a whole host of differences. Life is too short as it is, so don’t go racing ahead if you don’t have to. Like a VHS, simply hit pause and allow it to stop for a bit. You will be so happy that you did. 

Joey X

Fall is upon us now lovelies, with summer officially over, meaning now is the perfect time to start a new nightly routine to help you unwind. At least once a week, I like to make time to spend the evening on my own, in my room, watching something or listening to something new, whilst pampering myself or getting crafty. The autumn vibes make this a whole lot easier, knowing that we are all getting cosy now. 

Therefore, I thought I would share some ideas or tips to help you unwind after a busy day, when all you want to do is get cosy. You don’t have to make a routine or do these all every night, but once a week will definitely make you feel better. Especially if it has been a stressful day.

Grab a blanket, turn that kettle on and enjoy these simple lovely pleasures…

Use Your Favourite Bath/Shower Products: Having a gorgeous warm shower or bath, with all your favourite products is the perfect way to start unwinding after a busy day. I have a gorgeous chocolate scented shower gel that I always use to make myself feel better. 

Wear Your Favourite/New Nightwear: Since the pandemic, I cannot wait to get home each day and put on my PJs. Especially if I have had a cosy shower, shaved my legs and changed my sheets. A new pair of PJs just makes me feel better. I prefer them to normal clothes in fact aha! 

Spritz Your Favourite Smells or Light A Candle: When outside is dark, the ultimate cosy vibe can be made indoors with a candle. Light one with your favourite smell or simply spritz your favourite smells around your home to bring a relaxing vibe into it. Any vanilla, cinnamon or spice scents really reflect the autumn/winter seasons for me.

Enjoy A Warming Drink: Whether it be a hot chocolate, coffee or a cup of tea, the joy a hot drink can bring as the cold comes in is perfect. Make a mug, snuggle on the sofa or under your duvet and let the frothy joy flow through. Hot chocolate for me please.

Read A Book/Listen To A Podcast/Watch TV or a Film: To calm me down, I always turn to one of these to help me relax. Podcasts make me feel like I am listening and part of a new conversation, whilst books take me to a new world and TV shows and films just make me so happy. I can’t not start or end my day without at least doing one of these. Sometimes all three. 

You don’t have to do these all in order or all at once. Yet, picking one or more and doing them will hopefully bring a huge amount of joy and a big amount of calm into your life.You can even count this blog post as reading aha! 

Joey X

With the festive season in full swing, the world of presents and gift giving has taken off. Bringing with it a whole host of new finds, which have been making their way into my life. Including the amazing Lyre’s alcohol free spirits. 

Lyre’s Spirit Co is a brilliant franchise, who work hard to make low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks that mean you can celebrate without the dreaded morning after effects. Full of flavour and ideas, the company got in touch with me back in August, hoping to mark the Christmas season together. And I am so thankful that they did! 

As someone who doesn’t drink, there is always a nice element to finding a brand who are dedicated in working so hard to include all of those in the party. Plus, with my condition, it is brilliant to find a company that I can trust and include in my recovery. 

Lyre’s very kindly sent me their Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini Cocktail Set, which included their Coffee Originale and White Cane Spirits. The perfect pairing when mixed together. With notes of vanilla, coffee, orange and more, there is a taste sensation in every glass. One that the whole family can enjoy and embrace under the twinkling tree lights. 

Straight away, I was impressed by the look of the bottles. They looked too good to open. It was as if they had put on their best party pieces, to show off how much they should be the centre of attention. Opening the screw top lids, you could smell the notes mentioned above instantly. 

This was made even stronger when the two spirits were placed together, making a coffee aroma that my mum, who is a huge coffee fan, loved. Pouring the drink into a fancy glass for her, I wanted her to have the first taste, as she loves coffee. I mean about four or five mugs a day kind of love. Taking her first sip, she was amazed at what she found. Quickly stating it was going to be her new festive drink in fact. 

Forgetting all about the bucks fizz, she stated that you could easily enjoy this in the morning, as an alternative on Christmas day. Pouring one of these cocktails and presenting it to someone with their breakfast in bed would be very impressive I have to say. 

With even more drinks on offer, there are so many non- or low-alcohol options to choose from that will make your Christmas party pop. I love the way the bottles look and would be proud to have them on the table on the big day. Plus, with such a great taste, I am looking forward to trying more and putting them on fancy trays for others to enjoy in the future. 

To find out more about the brand or the espresso set, head to their website. You will not be disappointed. I promise you! Bottoms up lovelies! 

Joey X