Let's Start With This One...

Hey Lovelies, 

The world of school was always an odd space to be in. One minute you could be learning everything, the next you would be hanging around with your friends discussing everything going on in your year. 

However, the real magic with school lied in what happened before and after it. I don’t mean the stuff that would circulate for years as gossip and tattle. No, I mean the beautiful TV shows that we would rush home to watch. 

CBBC, Nickelodeon, the Disney Channel, as soon as I was out of class, I was in front of my TV. I even put up with Richard & Judy when I was little. I know they say we shouldn’t be glued to screens, but when TV was this good, you couldn’t help it. 

There were endless programmes and choices for kids when I was younger. Even on the weekend you could kick back with a bowl of Cookie Crisp and watch Smile, SMTV or Dick N’ Dom in the Bungalow. My TV time was made up of so much fun that I often wish I could go back and watch them all again. 

Whether it be Rugrats, Arthur or even Thunderbirds, I simply loved all of the shows available. However, I have decided to share my top few that made me want to never grow up. They were…

Tweenies: When I was really small, I absolutely loved the Tweenies. I wanted to be Fizz, with her cool braids and beaded hair. Plus, I always wanted to press the clock. Who else is with me? 

Big Cook, Little Cook: Who sung the theme song as they read that? Even as I got older I would watch this show. In fact, I recently found out that they remade it and watched that as well. It’s not as good as this classic though. Both Bens were legends in every way.

Out Of The Box: It angers me to this day that Disney Plus has not added this show to its service yet. Running home from nursery, I can remember my mum making me strawberry jam shaped sandwiches and grabbing me a packet of Quavers to watch this beauty with. Add to your channel please Disney Plus! 

Jungle Run: As I got older, I found myself seeking more intense shows. These included this gem, which I used to want to take part in. Yeah, you had your 50/50 and Get Your Own Back, but the idea of running around collecting monkey statues appealed to me a whole lot more. 

The Mysti Show: Not many people remember this, however, I could spend all day watching this when it was on CBBC. Following a fairy, who was sent to look after her earth based godchild, it was cheesy but fantastic. 

The Story of Tracey Beaker: The first book I ever took out from the library was also the show I devoted my childhood to. Looking into it, I can’t believe there was only four series, because I spent a lot and I mean a LOT of time watching it. Even the film was a true gem in my eyes!

Miami, LA and Hollywood 7: You should all know by now that I am a big S Club 7 fan. I’ve seen them live. I had all the magazines. I will not let my mum throw away my videos of this show. They are a collectors item in my eyes and they are going nowhere! 

Zooey 101: As I got a bit older, I would watch a lot more Nickelodeon. Kenan and Kel. UnFabulous. Drake and Josh. The more time I devoted to these the better. Especially if it was Zooey 101! I know that a new film has come out, so I need to hear what you all think of it! Should I watch it? 

Looking at the list of classic shows that used to be on TV I could have listed tons more. I honestly didn’t realise how many hours I probably wasted in front of it. But they were a good bunch to hang out with after the drama of school. I still talk about some of them and watch a few now. 

When I asked others what they used to watch they stated, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Baker Grove, Grange Hill, Blue Peter, Batman, Airwolf and many more! It seems TV will always be our first school crush! 

What did you used to watch lovelies?

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

The world is about to go wild, with the start of back to school preparations beginning. With so many shops already stocking up, even hosting sales, there are lots of things that you all need to help you start the term the right way. Or so it is suggested. Honestly though, there are just a few basics that you need to help you or those close to you to begin the schooling journey right. 

Hey Lovelies,

Lunchtime at school was always a firm favourite of mine! I loved that 40 minutes of time where you could sit and talk to your friends. Muck about in the school hall, play ground or field and make plans for the weekend. Yet, it was also the greatest time, especially when I was in primary school for food! 

Yes, I know it may seem a little strange to say that with my ED, but honestly, when I was at primary school I loved the meals we got. Classic square pizza and chips on a Friday. Arctic Roll and jelly at Christmas. The beautiful rice pudding with a dollop of jam or chocolate spread in the middle. Oh, they were all so good! 

There so, I couldn’t host a back to school week without mentioning some of the biggest winners from you. A few weeks ago, I asked for your answers and you truly brought back a lot of memories! Here are the delicious dishes that made your school dinner memories special…

Gio Tamburello (My Brother): “Bakewell cake or chocolate cake with strawberry custard!”

Casey Lennard: “A roast dinner with jam sponge!”

My Mum Jane: “Swiss eggs with potatoes and vegetables!”

Alexa Kennedy Taylor: “Chocolate cake with pink custard”

Margaret Church: “Shepherds Pie!”

Florence Grosse: “Semolina and brown sugar!”

Sarah Jane Banks: “Semolina and grated chocolate!”

Mandy Garner: “Corned beef, crinkle cut chips and baked beans!”

Adrian Pereira: “Sausage, chips and beans, followed with chocolate cake covered in chocolate custard/sauce!”

Laura Hadley-Stayte: “Chocolate sponge and mint custard!”

Amanda Monk Livings: “Cornflake pie and custard!”

Nicola O’Mara: “Chips and gravy!”

There is a huge mixture here and I’m not sure about all of them! Yet, it was fun to hear what you all had to say. I will be sure to add in anymore I get, as they have brought up some huge memories! 

What do you remember enjoying at lunchtime at school lovelies?

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

Going back to school is currently at the top of many people’s minds. Whether you are a student or a parent of one, it is a scary time. However, on a recent walk, I decided to go past both of my old ones. An act that made me feel really nostalgic!

Whilst I suffered from a terrible amount of bullying at secondary school, I can honestly say that I actually loved school. I was interested in a lot of lessons. Even the ones where the teachers didn’t think I would get very far. I adored my friendship groups. I was so happy! Maybe not all the time, but I simply loved getting up, going to school and knowing that I was going to see all of my mates, before spending the weekends with them. 

However, for me, school wasn’t just about friends. It was about the memories that it made. The weird and wonderful things that we used to do whilst there. Got PE that day? Don’t forget to bring your Jane Norman bag filled kit! Sitting at a desk? Well never swing back on your chair because there was someone else who did it once and fell back and cracked their head open! 

The stories and objects from school are a key part of life and growing up. There so, I felt it was only right to spend the week before most people go back celebrating the memories. Including these five beauties…

Updating Your MySpace, Bebo or Facebook Profiles: Before you could even start the new year at school, you had to make sure that all of your profiles were up to date. Everyone had to know who your top friends and group for each year would be!

Need A New Ringtone? Let Me Bluetooth You One: Whether you had a Blackberry or the Nokia Pebble, everyone had to have the latest ringtones. Instead of getting trapped into the pay monthly ringtone services, it was always best to Bluetooth them off your friends instead. If you had enough memory of course. 

Do Your Top Button Up and Make Your Skirt Longer: Boys always had to have their ties a certain length, whilst us girls had to make sure our skirts were knee length. God forbid if you didn’t do this! 

Pizza and Chips Friday: Forget fish and chip Friday! School dinners were always about the square pizza and chips on a Friday. If you were lucky enough, you could also grab a side of beans to go with it! Oh and a classic Appletiser to wash it down with. 

Get Home For MSN Time: Need to make big weekend plans? Want to see if your crush is online? Forget your phones, the 00s were all about rushing home from school and chatting to the people you were just with on MSN Messenger. If they arrived late, you could nudge until your heart was content. Ahhh the good old days! 

What do you remember doing during your time at school? I miss MSN Messenger I have to admit aha! 

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

August was a bit of a washout month in lots of ways. Things were funny with my family. The weather didn’t know what to do. Plus, it was a bit of an emotional one, as I found my inner autumn mode getting ready to burst out a lot of the time! 

As we prepare to head into September, the month I considered to have the actually new year date within it, I’m excited. I am ready to decorate for Halloween and Christmas. I’m ready to embrace the new diary I’ve brought. I’m looking forward to making plans for the festive occasions. I’m about to be reborn people! 

However, before all of that, I wanted to share my favourite things from the month of August. These all helped me a lot to get through what was a wet and wild time…

My Favourite Book - Talking at Night by Claire Daverley: I got this book for my birthday, after being intrigued by the cover. Inside the pages was a beautiful love story that will give you all the feels. Definitely enjoy it with a bowl of cereal like on the cover. 

My Favourite TV Show - The Bear: After Love Island finished, I found myself with more time in the evenings to settle down and catch up on all the TV I had missed. The Bear is hands down one of my favourite shows. The second series was equally and better than the first with beautiful shots, scripts and casting throughout. 

My Favourite Movie - Barbie: Okay, so it came out in July, but it is still the best film I have seen in ages. The Kenergy is strong within me. Honestly, I didn’t think I could love Ryan Gosling anymore than I do right now. 

My Favourite Food Find - Twister Ice Lollies: I have tried to keep the magic of summer alive in my life. Whilst I often run 100% cold most of the time, I will not let bad circulation and cold weather stop me from having these. I adore the red ones best! Are you a green or a red Twister fan? 

My Favourite Beauty Item - Sanctuary Spa Signature Collection Wet Skin Miracle Moisturiser: Ages ago I used to use the Nivea in shower moisturiser. Yet, oddly I can’t find it anywhere now. Thankfully, the gods at Sanctuary have answered my prayers with this creation. Simply placed onto skin, before you dry, it soaks in beautifully to leave super smooth skin. 

My Favourite Podcast - The Katie Price Show: Growing up in the 00s everyone was obsessed with Katie Price and Peter Andre. I will admit that the love did go away as I grew up, but Katie’s new podcast with her sister Sophie is fantastic. I love how down to earth and normal both of them appear. From chats about roast dinners to their mum’s health, I binged the first six episodes in two days! I am hooked! 

My Favourite August Experience - Meeting New People: Most of the time I really struggle to make connections with people. I worry that they or I may say something that will upset my conditions. However, from the start of August, I have begun working on meeting new people. From a fellow book lover at the library to online connections within my therapy group, I have been branching out more. Making new friends and connections has warmed my soul this month. 

What were your favourite things about the month of August? Let me know! 

Joey X 

Hey Lovelies, 

Where has the hot weather gone? It seems like summer came and went in a flash. I have struggled therefore to make a lot of changes to my meals, as I really don’t know what temperature to be eating for. Yet, I did discover some new brands and foods, which I wanted to share with you all. 

Hopefully next month there will be more, but for now, these are my top five from August…

Twister Mini Ice Lollies: Okay, so the British weather may not be perfect, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy an ice lolly! After trying Rocket ones at my brother’s in July, I have branched out and found an old faithful. I’ve always loved a Twister and I’m so pleased with myself that I haven’t let me ED win and had these again. They are the perfect afternoon snack.

Tesco 0% Fat Greek Yogurt: Usually I like to buy the pots of Activia type yogurts from Aldi. In fact, I do still get them. Yet, I was speaking to my mum about how much I loved natural and Greek yogurts before my ED. Therefore, we had a look around and found this one. I’ve had it a few times now with some fruit, as a snack, and it is really creamy without being too sweet. I think it would also be great on cereals, however, I haven’t been brave enough to try that yet. 

Golden Nuggets Cereal: I have been a fan of Golden Nuggets since I was little. My mum used to have to buy our family loads of boxes, as me and my brother Gio could eat them all day. I had gotten scared of them again though, meaning I stopped eating them. A few weeks ago, I poured them in a bowl though and enjoyed them for the first time in ages. You simply can’t beat a classic! Also, it was a huge fuck you to my ED!

Purple Sprouting Broccoli: For a long time I was having asparagus. However, I found myself struggling with it, due to me getting bored of it but not knowing what to change it up with. Seeing this in Aldi, I decided to try and bring it into one of my meals and really enjoyed it when I did. Perfect with sweet potato, it really does brighten up a meal. 

Red Cabbage: Steamed or raw, I simply adore red cabbage. After becoming scared of the vegetable again, I have been having it with some sauce and courgetti on a Sunday night and I really love it. Although, I have to admit, I don’t love how much it dyes your hands aha! 

New Food Brand I’ve Found: Dawtona Reduced Sugar and Salt Ketchup: I don’t really like the taste of ketchups that are super sweet. Yet, this one in Aldi is perfect! It has a gorgeous fresh tomato taste and is perfect on top of all sorts, especially the shepherds pie my mum makes me. Plus, it doesn’t come out to runny like over reduced ketchups do. I pick this one up in Aldi lovelies. 

What new foods or brands have you discovered this month lovelies?

Joey X

Hello Lovelies,

When it comes to food shopping it can be a total money nightmare. With the cost of living going up and food prices soaring, it is hard to think of ways to make those costs go down. However, it is possible!

I follow a number of things that keep some of my money in my pocket and I wanted to share them with you all…

Avoid Aisles: Don’t need anything down a certain aisle? Then avoid it lovelies. Having become someone who now makes lists, I avoid the aisles I know I don’t need. Therefore preventing me from putting stuff in my basket that I don’t need. It helps save a lot of time and money overall.

Make A List: Speaking of lists, I now make sure to have one. On a Sunday, me and my mum, come together to make a meal plan for the week, which helps to put together a list of what we are going to need to make them. I also like to list out the foods that I might be able to try that week, such as new options I want to try and tackle with my ED. This helps me to prepare for the changes and provides my mum with the knowledge of when she may have to help calm me before meals a bit extra. 

Shop Alone (If You Can!): This can be a tricky one, especially if you have little ones. However, if you can shop alone, DO! Often we don’t see what might be being placed in the basket, yet, if you can shop alone and know exactly what and how much of each item you need than you can save big time. 

Teach The Little Ones Early: If you can’t shop alone, teach your little ones the importance of a list early and get them to outline a few pieces, such as one toy and one treat. This helps them learn about the importance of budgeting and will hopefully avoid any upsets. 

Know Your Reduce/Yellow Sticker Time: Some shops put out their reduced items in the morning. Others begin putting theirs out at around 1pm. By knowing when these yellow sticker discounts go out or progressively drop further, you can save loads. Aldi and Lidl normally put theirs out first thing, whilst Sainsburys starts at around 25% from 1pm, before dropping to 50% at 5pm and 75% at 7pm. The same is often followed by Tesco’s and Asda, so it is simply all about keeping an eye on the time. 

Look Down Not Up: When shopping, don’t go for the brands that our right in front of your eyes. These are often the ones that cost the most money. By looking down, you can often find cheaper deals that are just as good. 

These are only a few ways to save on your supermarket shop. However, with the summer holidays still in full swing and the prospects of having to think about packed lunches again on the horizon, it is a great time to start following some of them. I couldn’t live without a list now. Each week we save so much. Plus, we are never afraid to look out for discounts or yellow stickers. 

What are some of your money saving tips and tricks when it comes to supermarket shopping? 

Joey X