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Good Morning Lovelies,

May. Oh May. What a random but sunny month you were! I had a few personal things happen this month, which were very emotional. Yet, they definitely made me reflect on the good things in life.

Including these May 2023 monthly favourites…

My Favourite Book: Chinglish by Sue Cheung - I stumbled across this book in my local library and loved it. Completely different from what I was expecting, it hooked me on and I read it within two days. Honestly I just couldn’t put it down!

My Favourite TV Show/Film: Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dani Do Italy - I saw this advertised in a TV magazine, yet I wasn’t sure what to expect. I loved it! Every evening, I made it my nightly watch and now I need more episodes. Both Dyer’s are hilarious, making it a soothing watch for the soul.

My Favourite Food Find: Two Chicks Egg Whites - I used to have these a lot and make fluffy omelettes with them. However, after I stopped eating them, I got scared to have them. This last month, I brought some and tried them in a new way. Scrambled with potatoes, covered in ketchup. The perfect breakfast for dinner or any time of the day really dish.

My Favourite Beauty Item: Aldi Coconut and Shea Butter Body Wash - Aldi do some amazing beauty products and this new body wash is one of them. It’s a dupe of a well-known brand, but has such a great smell that I personally think it is better. Anything coconut I am a sucker for! It’s like a holiday in a bottle!

My Favourite Podcast: Live Laugh Love by Ladbaby Podcast - My mum is obsessed with Ladbaby and his wife, so when we heard they were starting a podcast, I was very excited! Honest and open in lots of ways, they bring humour and comedy on a Thursday that truly makes me smile. 

My Favourite Experience: Eurovision - Okay, so I didn’t go to the Eurovision Song Contest, but I bloody loved all of the build up, coverage and actual show. It is pure cheese and innocence. It’s a place where freedom flows in all forms. What honestly could be better than that? Plus, I even stayed awake for mostly all of it!

What did you love during the month of May? Let me know! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

As many of you know, I am part Sicilian, thanks to my incredible dad. Over the course of my life, I have visited the beautiful Italian island and celebrated in the culture, lifestyle and wonders of it. I’m so incredibly proud to be half Italian, meaning when it comes to the national Italian Republic Day, I have to celebrate. 

Something Amazon also believe we should all do, as they have created a special Amazon Made In Italy week. Full of fantastic deals and products, I decided to take a look to help recreate the Mediterranean at home. These were a few of my favourite things…

Aperol Aperitivo 70cl, £13: Could there be any better drink to enjoy on a sandy beach under the sun than this? Grab your sunnies and sit back in your garden with a glass of this whilst picturing those beautiful blue seas. 

Parrot Corkscrew, £36.46: However, if you fancy a darker juicy grape red or a bitter white wine from the gorgeous country then make sure to open it in style. I can picture this brightly coloured corkscrew laying on the side, as a big Italian family get together occurs. Standing out on its own, it will become the talking point at any gathering or party. 

Polaroid Sunglasses, £27.36: Now you can’t explore the wonders of Italy without looking stylish. Milan is the forerunner in fashion throughout Italy, but you can be fashionable anywhere with this reflecting beauties. Pop them on and lay back under the sun. 

Muraglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, £26.47: Famed for its incredible tasting olive oil, bring some into your home in a very stylish way. The Italians know that food is life and this bottle is proof that they show it in all manners. Truly stunning! 

Bialetti Moka Express Italia Coffee Maker, £29.66: Growing up, I never saw my dad without a coffee. If he had had this back then, I know he would have been using it all the time. Decorated in the Italian flag colours, it will stand out in any kitchen, showcasing the most beautiful Italian coffee. Because let’s be honest, they do make it the best! 

Have you ever been to Italy lovelies? Where or what is your favourite thing about it? Amazon Made in Italy has so many products to help you celebrate the national holiday and summer season, so take a look now! You will be feeling like you are in the Mediterranean before you know it! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

May was a month to try and bring new things I once loved or enjoyed again. I made a huge change in the morning with my breakfast, as I don’t measure my milk with my cereal anymore. A scary element that I hope to continue. 

There was also a few changes at dinner, which I thought I would share with you all…

Monday: Asda 25p Stuffing, Sweet Potato Slices, Asparagus and Lighter Than Light Aldi Mayonnaise - Nothing new here at the moment lovelies.

Tuesday: Homemade Vegetable Shepherds Pie with White or Red Cabbage and Aldi Reduced Sugar and Salt Ketchup - Not a big change this month, however, I have been changing up what is going into the pie. Right now, I am obsessed with loads of sweetcorn being in it. I have also added steamed cabbage, either crunch white or red, to the top and ketchup as well. It’s a soothing dish. 

Wednesday: New York Bakery Plain Bagel with Rowse Set Honey, Apple and Haribo Sweets - No changes have happened on this night lovelies, apart from the fact that I have returned back to Rowse’s Set Honey, which is the best of the best if I do say so. 

Thursday: Roasted Cauliflower, Raw Carrots Chips and Sugarsnap Peas with Lighter Than Light Aldi Mayonnaise - Last month, I was roasting these in a bag with spices. Yet, I was finding that the spices were too strong on my stomach and upsetting them a lot. So, we decided to roast the cauliflower and peas in plain bags, which I add the chopped carrot chips to once done cooking. I then top and rub in the mayonnaise, getting a rich topping on the cauliflower, which is superb. 

Friday: New York Bakery Cinnamon and Raisin Bagel with Aldi Apricot Conserve, Apple and a Biscuit - Nothing new on this day at the moment. 

Saturday: Microwaved Irish Porridge with Honey - I was finding that I was taking a long time making my porridge on the stove, so I decided to try it in the microwave. Honestly, it has changed everything! Quicker, with less waste and spills, it makes the perfectly textured porridge for me. Irish porridge is great as a breakfast for dinner dish. 

Sunday: Steamed Potato Slices with Two Chicks Egg Whites Scrambled and Aldi Reduced Sugar and Salt Ketchup - Okay, so this is an entirely different meal from last month. My dad always loved eggs with potato slices fried, whilst I was a scrambled eggs person. Steaming the potatoes makes them soft and tasting like a hash brown, whilst the eggs whites scrambled are light and fluffy to eat. I too this with absolutely loads of ketchup. I mean loads! 

As always, this is a plan that I don’t think or feel you should copy. I just like to write it down to see the progress and changes I may have made, which make me happy. What have you all been enjoying this month lovelies? Is the summer sunshine leading to a few BBQ changes? Let me know!

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Again, I thought I would keep to the one book a month post and share with you all my favourite from May. It’s been a whole 31 days of partying galore, but also a time for personal reflection, which led me to reading a lot more. Especially YA based books, which I will always adore. 

Heading into my local library, I quickly decided to just grab a book off the shelf and read that. I love a romance page turner, however, I like them when they aren’t too cheesy. This month’s book was exactly what I didn’t know I wanted. It was…

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Telling the story of two teenagers called Jamie and Maya, it captures them as they begin to work together on a local election. One that could change their lives forever. Along the way they begin to fall for each other. However their faiths and beliefs don’t always lead to an easy time for them both. 

It was a really gripping book and considering I just picked it up off the shelf quickly, I really enjoyed it. Sometimes the unexpected can be just what you need and this book was exactly that. 

Definitely have a read, even if you aren’t a teenager. It is a book that will teach you something, even if you are older than it is aimed at. I really enjoyed it and can’t recommend this one enough. 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

What does the quote, “You look well,” mean to you? It’s an odd one really isn’t it! Recently, a few people have said it to me and whilst the part of my brain that understands and wants to get better doesn’t mind it, my illness hates it. 

Ed the Dickhead, the name we refer to my anorexia as, doesn’t know what people mean by it. Therefore leading to me automatically thinking it means I have gained loads of weight. Often then leading to triggering side effects, which my mum has had to stop me from doing or thinking. 

It’s upsetting on every level. I don’t want to think that way, but it is how my head takes that quote on. And it got me thinking, is it actually a good saying? And what does it even mean? 

Having had a little Google, I found that people often say it to those who look healthy. Glowing. Have a thing of beauty about them. Yes, there are also those who see it like me and others who see it as something you would say to someone who has lost weight. It’s all so confusing. Leading to me believing that actually, maybe, we shouldn’t be saying it at all. 

I know it is only a quote and maybe because of how I am I am thinking too much into it. However, if I get triggered by it and others are too, is there not a better way we could express something? Maybe say how that person looks better. 

For example, if you mean their colour is good, say they have a lovely glow or tan or rosy red cheeks. A twinkle in their eye. Compliment their clothes or their hair. NEVER mention weight, there is no need to. Speak about their smile. How gorgeous everyone’s is. Something like this makes a lot more sense.

It is a well thought out process instead of a quick quote that could linger for days. I have started to say or ask people not to say that to me. It’s important for my health that my appearance doesn’t really get mentioned, otherwise Ed doesn’t shut up. I can speak about my eyes though. I can speak about my clothes and my hair. Just don’t tell me I look well. Odd yes, but very helpful in doing so. 

What do you think lovelies? Is it me letting Ed over think things? Or do you feel the same? We are all in our rights to think or say what we do, but next time, just be a little careful! Oh and by the way, I love the colour of your eyes! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Recently, I found out that on the 20th May it is World Bee Day! Who would have thought it? Well, as a lover of honey, I couldn’t let it slip me by without celebrating. 

Bees are amazing creatures, who help us in lots of different ways. Especially when it comes to flavouring our foods. From pure honey to sticky sweet delights, honey is fantastic. Yet, it can be costly. However, it doesn’t need to be!

As someone who has honey every day, in some shape or form, I have a cupboard stocked full of different types. Some have cost a bit more than others, but all have a winning place in my heart. So to prepare for the big event, I thought I would give you my top five honey pots and drizzles to enjoy…

Rowse Dark and Rich Honey, £3, All Supermarkets: Probably my favourite honey ever, I absolute adore this and can’t not have it stocked up in my cupboard. There is always two in my main cupboard, with another stored away in my room in case there is ever a shortage. I know this seems a little wild, but I just love it that much. Perfect with porridge in every way. 

Specially Selected Orange Blossom Honey, £2.99, Aldi: One of the first blossom based honey’s I tried, this is super tasty with lots of flavour. Another great topping for cereals and porridge. 

Rowse Spreadable Honey, £3, All Supermarkets: Okay, so trust me on this! Get a jar of this, heat it up a little bit in the microwave, grab a packet of New York Bakery Plain Bagels and cut one in half. Then on each slice, pour and spread the set honey on top! When you eat it, it is like a glazed donut! Simply amazing! There is no other set honey like it! 

Squeezy Organic Mexican Wildflower Honey, £3.49, The Groovy Food Company: Another true gem for me, this is a special honey now. I used to be able to buy it in Tesco’s, however, they seem to not stock it anymore, so it has become a special buy. Full of flavour and perfect with everything it is added to, you will not be disappointed with it. Another one that I have a spare bottle of in my room.

Rowse Runny Honey, £3, All Supermarkets: Simple but brilliant, this is a subtle but great honey that can often be found on offer. If you prefer a plain honey then this is the one for you. Although, I will say that Aldi’s Squeezy Honey (£1.29), tastes very much like it too.

A few others that I have tried and loved include the Fortnum and Mason’s Squeezy Honey Bear, the Asda Set Honey, Tesco’s Set Honey and the brilliant Aldi Set Honey, which I really hope that they bring back soon. 

In my cupboard, I have tons and am always on the look out for a new flavour to try, so do let me know which honey is your favourite and I will look out for it! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Summer brings with it some of the best TV to binge watch. Yes, I know many of us will be on holiday or enjoying the sunshine, but when it becomes too hot to be outside, you just need something to enjoy. 

Honestly, I love snuggling up with a good series in the heat of the day. Whether it be a reality show or a serious subject based viewing, I can’t help myself. And luckily, many good ones are coming back this year! 

Over the next few months, I will be eagerly awaiting for the following five to make their way into my home again. Here is what they are…

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Series Two), Prime Video UK: I can’t tell you how many times I have watched and rewatched this series. The books were my childhood faves and hearing the news that the first three episodes will be out on my birthday (July 14th) has made the day! You can all guess what I will be doing on it!

Big Brother (Refreshed Series), ITV Two: Okay, so this is due to be back at the end of summer, but I can’t wait. I loved this so much and to see it get completely rebooted with new hosts and a new look is very exciting to me. 

The Bear (Series Two), Disney Plus UK: Last year, this was probably my favourite show. I was obsessed with every episode and couldn’t stop myself from telling everyone to watch it. If you haven’t seen the first series yet, stop reading and go binge it before the second series lands in June. 

Love Island (Series Ten), ITV Two: Summer isn’t summer without the villa. Honestly, it may be cringe worthy, yet I can’t help but get sucked in. 9pm every night, you will find me watching this, messaging my brother and talking to everyone who watches it about it. 

Bluey (Series Four), Disney Plus UK: I have no regrets including this in the list. Bluey has got me through a lot, making the incoming new episodes very exciting. For real life! 

What are you most looking forward to watching this summer lovelies?

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Right now, I’m in the early stages of relapsing. There, I said it. Since the death of my dad, I haven’t been able to fully get back the motivation I had before. A part of me felt lost and when questioned I would say I was fine or come up with excuses. All while my ED was killing my mind. 

Every thought was telling me not to eat. It was telling me to workout and exercise again. It was stopping me from being happy. Whilst people have said I look better, they haven’t seen the frustrations and things going on behind closed doors. 

On Sunday 7th May 2023, I could see my mum wasn’t happy. A factor that adds to my worries and anxiety disorder. She is the rock that holds the family together. Seeing her unhappy affects me in so many ways. She cracked right there on the sofa. She told me how she hates how the house and garden looks. She hates things about her work. She hates my condition and the way it isn’t allowing me to progress forward anymore. 

Hearing this, led to our biggest heart to heart ever. Lying together in bed crying it all out. My mum begging me not to die. And me telling her that I get so frustrated but don’t know what to do. I’m still trying so hard. But it is so hard. 

After major life changes last June, I couldn’t handle what had happened. So, I let ED the dickhead allow me to start pacing around the house. And now I am finding it really hard to stop. But I will do! With the help of my mum and the changes I made instantly after our chat. 

Right away, I reached out to the charity BEAT, the eating disorder charity who spoke to me at 11pm at night and automatically placed me with a support group and therapist at Mind in Hertford to talk to about it all. 

Speaking to them I told them what was happening. My fears of doctors and hospitals. My worries that I couldn’t do what I needed to but didn’t want to go back. My worries and woes for my family. That there are days where I feel so unloved and like I have to keep up appearances though. They listened and answered with no judgements. They told me I should be proud that I spoke out. 

When I stated I felt ashamed, they told me I shouldn’t. Stating I was in the early stages of a relapse into exercise addiction, which was where this all started, they asked me what had I been through recently. I told them it all. A pandemic. My dad’s death. Facing life without him. Money worries. Worries for my mum. Our house changing. Breaking my jaw and being unable to eat proper foods, which made me scared of them again. Hospitals and doctors. Being separated from my family. Body changes. Food. Life. I worry about it all. 

The therapist stated that by being open and honest I had been brave. I asked them if they thought I needed to go back to an inpatient ward and they stated no. They told me that whilst the relapse was occurring, it wasn’t as strong as before. They stated that by seeing what I was doing was a huge step and proved that I’m not as gripped as I was the first time. This fact allow was a huge thing to be proud of they told me. 

Now, with the help of a group, they have stated that slowly, each week, we will work on a new goal. It will be a slow process. One that could take years to achieve. But will get me to where I want to be. They told me to be kind to myself. To allow a slower process. To not think I am failing because I haven’t stopped doing something yet. By taking more time, it will happen. 

The team told me that I had been told so many times that I should already be somewhere or at some point. By other therapists and doctors. Something I actually can recall a lot. This has left to PTSD in many strong forms. An element that makes recovery harder, yet still achievable. 

Did I ever think I would be back this way? No! But do I feel lighter, happier and refreshed in some ways, by letting my true emotions out? Yes! Yes I do! 

I know that it is no quick fix and I am not going to be rushing for it now. I am going to take the time. I am going to grow like a tree instead of a flower. I’m going to make my mum proud and make her happy again! 

The morning after our chat I did something I haven’t done in years after speaking to her. I poured milk from the bottle on to my cereal. Did I cry and worry about it afterwards? Yes! But it was me listening to her. It is the goal I have decided to work on this week with the team. Each goal leading to more self-love and care. We also spoke to others about what was happening and even had a family hug with my brother Bob. Little bits of every day life that will help me rebuild. Regrow. Return. 

It’s not going to be easy, but I’ve always been honest regarding my recovery, because I don’t think it should be hidden. In fact, it could be a help to others. That’s why I talk about it all. I’m sorry if it is affecting to you or boring to hear, but if someone could get help from it all then I will always raise my voice. Because no matter how long the process is, we all deserve to be happy. 

Joey X