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Good Morning Lovelies,

Now, remember remember it’s nearly the end of November. This means that I’m here to share just a few of my favourite things from the past few weeks. Reuniting with family members under the twinkly festive lights is top of my list, but, there was so much more that made the month so special. Here are just a few things that made the list…

My Favourite Book - The Woman In Me by Britney Spears: With so many stories coming out about what had been written, I wanted to know more about what Britney had said. I wasn’t expecting to binge the entire thing in two days. I found her story fascinating and am looking forward to seeing what she does next! 

My Favourite Film or TV Show - Big Brother: Back in September, I told myself I wouldn’t get hooked in. I was wrong. Right up until the end I was hooked. It is safe to say that I got the Big Brother bug, after so many years of not having it, and I was grateful for it. 

My Favourite Food Find - Tesco’s Multigrain Hoops: I mentioned these last month, but, I have been seriously loving these hoops. Cheerios were always a favourite of mine growing up, yet, my ED made me so scared of them. To be able to have them again is a huge success for me. I get the  Tesco’s version because they are so much cheaper but taste the exact same lovely. I would also definitely recommend having them with apricot jam. It’s a game changer. 

My Favourite Beauty Item - L'Oréal No Haircut Cream: For a long time, I used the OGX Coconut Oil Air Dry Cream. However, where I live, I have been unable to find anywhere. After trying the water based production this range, I decided to give the L'Oréal cream a go and it’s been my hero. The smell is amazing and my hair is super soft. I don’t think I will be going back now!

My Favourite Podcast - Comfort Eating With Grace Dent: I’m going to admit that I don’t listen to all of the episodes. However, when a celebrity pops up that I am interested in, I can’t help but want to know what their snack of choice is. Honestly, the questions that Grace Dent asks makes me really think about my own life and answers. 

My Favourite Experience - Visiting My Brother and Nephew in Blackpool: There is nothing like being reunited with people you haven’t seen in so long. I didn’t realise how much I missed my brother Gio and nephew Leo until I was in their new home having lots of cuddles. This break was just what me and my mum needed after a tough few months. I am fully in a festive mood now and ready to celebrate!

What were some of your favourite things from November lovelies? Let me know!

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Over the last year, I have been trying to love my skin a little bit more. Due to my eating disorder, Raynaud’s Syndrome and anxiety disorder, it goes through a lot of tough moments, causing dryness, peeling and tiny pimples to appear on my chin and nose. 

However, with the introduction of a proper skin care routine, I have been able to tame them as much as I can. Every day, I use an exfoliating cleanser in the shower, before applying an oil free, SPF secured, spot preventing face cream and lip balm. I have a very simple routine, as I like to get up and go. 

I do take more care at night though. With more time to apply to my routine, whilst also winding down, I like to use a wipe pad to remove the grime of the day, before applying a night cream, lip balm and spot gel to help tackle those little bumps. I sometimes also use a face mask or eye mask to help target problems or to just relax. 

With all this in place, I have also grown a new love for looking out for products that can help me. I’ve sampled many face creams, cleaners and other products to find the right ones for me. Never thought have I tried Face Junkie. 

After reaching out for products that may be great presents this Christmas, the wonderful team at Face Junkie asked if I would like to try their brand. Something I was more than happy to do. I will admit that I had never heard of the brand before, yet, after reading up more about them and what they believe in, I was super excited. 

Kindly, the team sent me the big Hero Collection, featuring six of the major products, which help to take care of your skin from morning to night. Upon receiving the parcel, I was faced with a gorgeous wooden box. Inside were my new facial delights. 

The team had also added a few extra products to go alongside the items, including a bamboo headband, facial roller, reusable bamboo pads and a flannel. All essentials when it comes to making sure the products were used correctly. 

At this point, I was fully aware of the amazing eco friendly way the brand was ran on. I always love to find products that help the planet and Face Junkie is definitely on a mission to do that. Whilst also mending my face! 

After doing a little research into the order, usage and amounts to apply, I decided to put the items to the test straight away. Waking up the next morning, I did what I always do, which is head for my shower. Yet, instead of using my normal cleanser, I took the #1 product in the box, the Brightening Cleanser. 

Enriched with ingredients such as neroli oil, glycolic acid and salicylic acid, the cleanser is super gentle to apply, with hardly any needed to make a difference. Lifting away the oils on my morning face easily, I felt like a new person automatically. Knowing I would be able to keep the product for a long time too, also lifted my spirits. With this in mind, I got into my shower and felt refreshed entirely when leaving the bathroom. 

Moving on to stage two of the morning routine, I took product #2, the Vitamin C + Neroli Antioxidant Serum and started to apply. I will confess that until this moment, I was a serum virgin. I haven’t ever used one and definitely not one with antioxidants in it. Helping to preserve skin from environmental damage, premature ageing, discolouration and dullness, whilst building a brighter complexion, the serum went on smoothly. 

There was no oily residue left on my skin, something I can’t stand, just a simple smoothness. This led to the final stage of the morning process to be done easily. After letting the serum rest for a bit, I took #3, the Neroli Day Cream + Sunscreen, out of the box and used it like I do my normal face cream.

I love when sunscreen and day creams are mixed together, due to them making me feel safer when out and about. Again, my skin felt refreshed, with no oils or stickiness that other creams can cause. Drying fast, I could see a brighter edge to my face, which lasted throughout the day. 

After a successful morning routine, I was excited to see how the evening one would go. I normal head up to bed around 11pm at night, with my nighttime routine taking around 10 minutes to complete. Yet, I went up earlier on this night to relax and use these products to the best of the ability. 

Starting with product #4, a Green Tea Antioxidant Cleansing Oil. I was worried to apply an oil before bed, due to not doing it before and not wanting to be sticky at night. This didn’t do that though. It dried quickly and left my face feeling super refreshed, with all the products and day washed away. I used another one of the bamboo pads with this product, having used some in the morning with the others. I loved how soft they were and felt better using these than facial wipes. 

With the cleanser having worked its magic, I took to product #5, the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum. For years, I have read about hyaluronic acid, but never fully understood what it does. Luckily, Face Junkie had explained it on their website, so I got a better understanding before using this. 

Formulated to try and help boost hydration, whilst plumping skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and replacing lost water in the skin, I knew that this was the product that my skin needed the most. Using another wipe, I smoothly applied the serum and was amazed at how quickly my skin soaked it up. To say it needed this was an understatement. 

Spending more time applying the serum than before, I allowed it to be fully absorbed before heading onto step #6, the Pro Collagen Night Cream. Made to help improve cellular health and to fight off pollution and daily life skin problems, the cream was cool but luxurious to use. It set quickly, leaving me excited to see how much of a different it would make in the morning.

When I woke up, I took a look before repeating the process. My skin was already so much better. There was less oil and I had a healthy glow on my skin. It was a huge boost, especially when the cold months leave such a knock on my health. Priced normally at £123.50, I wouldn’t ever spend this much on skin care monthly, however, I can now see how much good, healthy and fantastic quality higher end products can make.

Whilst I would probably use this more during the winter than the summer, I loved the difference it made. I have encouraged all of my friends to look the brand up, even allowing a few of them to use the product, including my mum, who said it was fantastic in plumping up her skin, whilst she is going through the menopause. 

Face Junkie are a fantastic brand, who have definitely left a mark in my life. I will be buying products this Christmas for my nearest and dearest to try out for sure. To find out more about their range and the products that may just make your Christmas wish list or stocking, head to their website now lovelies. I’m off to start my morning routine! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

The festive season is often a key time for reflection. Gathering families together, the memories of years gone by come out, with laughter, tears and fondness felt for them. In our house, we spend ages talking about those who are no longer here and the cultural moments too. Time honestly goes so quick when you think about it! 

That is why I was so interested to find out more about History Newspapers. Much like the famous This Is Your Life book, the company gathers the headlines that were on the front of the newspapers on your selected date. Themed around birthdays, special occasions and even football teams. Then they place them into a gorgeously bound book, which can be gifted to your loved ones, with special personal touches too. 

Kindly, the team at the company offered me a chance to make my own book. With Christmas coming up, I couldn’t think of a more perfect present for my mum, who looks flicking through vintage finds or nostalgic Facebook pages. 

Selecting the Just For You book, I entered my mum’s name and chose her date of birth to make up the newspaper. The company then find the headline pages from the Daily Mirror from the day she was born up until this year to fill up the pages. All covered up in a gorgeous green leather hardback cover. 

Opening the box containing the book, I couldn’t hold back my joy at it. So much so that I gave it to my mum there and then. I simply couldn’t hold back my love of it. Gifting it to her in the style of the classic show mentioned above, she sat up and took hold of it like it was an important file no one else could see. 

Taking in each headline, mum was fascinated by the memories it reminded of. Born on the 21st June 1962, she was able to take in the old prime ministers. The hottest weather period of the 70s. The stars of now who had made blunders to say the least. 

Her biggest joy though was seeing how much the paper used to cost and the days her birthday fell on. Jumping from just 7p to over a pound made her continuously point it out to me. 

The book contained pages that were blank, with the words, ‘Remember When,’ placed on them. These are pages that can be filled with memories from those years. Old photos can be stuck in. Notes can be written. However, with how beautiful the book is, you may not want to do this. 

Both myself and my mum couldn’t get over how beautiful, well crafted and nostalgic the book was. My mum even showed it off to her friends when they came round, who equally agreed it was stunning. Priced at £49.99, the book is a bit expensive, but when you get it you know why. It is a book that will last the test of time.

With so many other designs to choose from, there is literally something for everyone to fall for. To find out more about them lovelies, head to History Newspapers website. I’m honestly so pleased with what we received that I now want to make one with my birthday! It might just have to be done! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

As I write this post, a few weeks from when it is published, my heart is soaring! My Christmas mojo is in full swing and I am present shopping at the same time as writing. 

However, it isn’t just overjoyed by the idea of gifts. No, it is happy due to the wonderful world of Hansel wrapping paper that I have been introduced to this year. Completely eco-friendly and recyclable, the team behind the designs reached out to me to tell me about their range and kindly offered to send me a few samples. Now, I don’t mean to be over dramatic, but my gift wrapping ways will never be the same again! 

With so many designs to pick from, I asked the team to choose a festive selection for me. That selection was utterly perfect. They were so gorgeous that I could feel my writing juices flowing, meaning I had to tell you all about my favourite looks. These included the following: 

Holly Geo Trees, £4.49 for 3M: The first design I found was this gorgeous tree pattern on brown paper. Made of strong stuff, this thick product looks gorgeous when placed under any Christmas display, as the pattern stands out in an incredible way. It’s like a decoration of its own. 

Snowman Sketches, £4.49 for 3M: Christmas isn’t Christmas without a snowman around. This design would be perfect to wrap the little ones in your family’s presents with. 

Terracotta Winter Trees, £4.49 for 3M: My utmost favourite of the bunch was this design. I want to buy loads of it and hang it on my walls. I’ve actually hidden this from our wrapping paper pile, as I simply don’t want it to get ruined. It’s utterly stunning in every way. 

Vintage Christmas, £4.49 for 3M: This pattern again reminds me of something I would want to hang on my walls during the festive season. Truly beautiful, it would be the best of the bunch to wrap everyone in your family or friendship groups gifts with. Little ones may even like to colour it in once they have finished unwrapping what’s under it. 

Christmas Nutcracker, £3.79 for 3M: I love a nutcracker at Christmas, so this paper was an instant winner to me. For a great price too, it is great to wrap those special loved ones items. Especially the nutcracker lover in your homes. I will be using this very delicately when it comes to wrapping and unwrapping presents. 

Hansel also provided me with everything I would need to complete the wrapping process. This included red ribbon, golden twine and some plain gold recyclable paper that could be used as an extra layer or on its own. 

Having never heard of the brand before I was truly blown away by the beauty of it all. Knowing about them now, I will definitely be stocking up, even when it isn’t the festive season. Honestly, their website, which you should all take a look at lovelies, is filled with real gems! 

Just stick on that classic Christmas film, pour a good old Baileys and get stuck into the wrapping with these festive winners! You and those you give it to will not be disappointed.

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Lube probably isn’t the thing that you think would pop up on the blog, however, I have a good reason for it doing so! 

For many, lubricants are brilliant when it comes to easing any uncomfortable situations when having sex. However, it also has many other uses that not many of us know about. Even when writing this post, I learnt a lot of new things about it. Many of which that can help in day to day life. 

There so, when LUVISS kindly offered me the chance to try some of their luxury water/based lubricant (£22) out, I quickly said a very big yes and thank you! Especially when I found out that I can use it for the following alternatives…

Tame Fly-Away Hairs: If you are like me then you will suffer with little hairs all over the place on your head. Give it five minutes after I have styled it and they will be out. Especially as my hair grows stronger again, after thinning out for so long. Lubricants can be used to tame fly-aways as it reduces frizz, whilst increasing your hairs shine at the same time. 

Stop Chaffing: Much like Vaseline, lubricants can be used to stop chaffing. Place into those areas that tend to rub and feel instant relief. When using the LUVISS product, you will also find that it has a lovely cooling effect, making it perfect for summer.

Remove Make Up: Instead of using wipes and other nasty chemicals, this water-based lubricants can be used to swipe away all those lotions and potions placed onto your face lovelies. All in a very gentle and moisturising manner. It’s also great in replacement of lip gloss! 

Smooth and Shave: Due to the moisturising makeup of lube they can be used in replacement of shaving cream and gels. Simply place it on, shave and wipe away to have smooth as a baby’s bum skin. 

Master A Massage: Whether it is with someone else or on your own, water-based lubricants like this are perfect when massaging someone or yourself. LUVISS doesn’t leave any sticky feelings behind, leading to super smooth skin without all the mess. 

LUVISS is a fantastic lubricant lovelies, which has mastered the art of pure pleasure. Sexual or not. Available at Sephora in the UK, it is a little bit more in price compared to others, but from the moment the glass bottle is in your hand, you know you have a fantastic product to enjoy in endless ways! I promise!

Joey X