Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies, 

About a month ago, I stated that I wanted to bring my love of all things nostalgic to the blog, whilst promoting local businesses or creators. For me, there is nothing better than the 90s and early noughties. To me they were a time of pure wonder and joy! 

Today marks the official start of the new series, which I will be bringing to you all at the end of each month. To start the big event off, I asked my wonderful friend Sarah Cook, who wrote and released her first book, Diary of Murders, last summer!

It’s absolutely brilliant and topping the charts all over the world. Honestly, I couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s dark, devilishly raunchy and gripping! You will finish it in one sitting. So, what better guest to start us all off with. It’s time to step into my new time machine and find out all about Sarah’s favourite nostalgic moments and items…

Let’s begin by letting you introduce yourself to us? Tell us your name, age and the year you were born!

Hi I am Sarah Cook, I am 34, and I was born in 1989 

Now, let’s step back in time! What year would you love to go back to and relive all over again?

Oh my gosh, a year in my life? That is tricky! Is it too gauche to say 2023? I published my book and it was just a really special year. 

Okay, now picture this, you have started school and it’s lunchtime! What foods do you always associate with either your packed lunch or canteen?

Dairylea Dunkers, cheese sandwiches, orange juice, and Frubes!

You’ve got to go into your last lesson of the day! What are you hoping it will be and why?

I really liked Maths. I liked solving equations and figuring it out. 

Schools over, you have rushed home to watch TV. What is it you are turning on? Why this show in particular?

Fun House! Omg I loved that show..it was so much fun. It was just a fulfilled game show with the most absolute rocking theme tune.. I remember once I got grounded, and I wasn't allowed to watch it, and I could hear my old sister listening to it and I was DEVASTATED!!!

You’ve reached the weekend and you’re going to the cinema! What film do you remember seeing the most when you were younger or associate with your childhood? Why is this one such a classic to you?

Hook. Apparently it was my first film ever in the cinema but I can't remember BUT it is the film I associate most with my childhood. It is just a great magical story and never growing up with Robin Williams, it is incredible and even now it makes me emotional. Though I think as an adult it hits different.

You are back home and it’s time to play with your toys! What was the toy you most wanted when you were younger and why? Did you get it in the end?

Omg a number of ones. I can remember wanting trolls and barbies because my older sister wanted one. I was definitely heavily invested in tamagotchi craze and i got so many ha ha ha..I was obsessed with them.

Is there anything you still own from your childhood that you simply cannot bear to part with?

Oooomph probably not. I moved around a lot when I was a teenager so I don't remember bringing a lot of stuff around.

What moment in history do you think defined or stayed with you from your childhood? Can you explain why this left such a mark on you?

Princess Diana dying. Even as a child, I remember that being a huge thing. It took over TVs and everything. It was such a tragedy.

Finally, would you go back and do your childhood all over again or would you change it? And how much has it impacted you as an adult and what you do now?

I would change it. Lots of personal reasons why but a huge decision at like 11 impacted my whole life and I'd go back and see what the other route was like. I guess.

To read more about Sarah and to find out about her book and where to buy it from, head to her website now lovelies! See you next month for another time travelling treat! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Waking up this morning, I felt motivated! I was ready to start the day well and refreshed! All because I got a few extra minutes in bed! Since leaving the hospital, I’ve turned into a very very light sleeper. Any noise or sounds can wake me up! I struggle to stay asleep, finding that I only get around five hours sleep a night. Something I know isn’t good for me. 

However, coming into 2024, I told myself that I would like you to get a bit more rest. I’m trying to not wonder upstairs at 11:30pm now. Instead I’m trying to get better at going up to bed and falling asleep earlier. 

I’ve learnt a few things along the way that have helped, which I thought may be handy to some of you too. For me, the following works a treat…

Create A Wind Down Routine: At around 10:30pm, this is when I feel my body start to slow down. I’m normally sat watching TV, so my body is in relaxation mode. I find that this is when I start to prepare for bed. I will have a warm cup of Vimto, take my medication and head on upstairs. Once my mind starts to do all of this it knows my bed is calling me.

Remove Screens From Your Room: When I finish up downstairs in our house, I leave my phone on charge in our living room. Very rarely does it ever go upstairs during the day, so I always leave it downstairs at night. Keeping it out of view means I’m not glued to it. I do take my iPad up with me, however, I leave this on charge away from me, using a cab,e that is too short to stretch to my bed and tempt me. 

Clean Your Teeth, Wash Your Hands & Use The Loo: Before I even think of getting into bed, I like to do what I call the three W’s. Wee, wipe, wash! This involves having a quick wee, washing my hands and then wiping away the dirt from my face. If I don’t do this I can’t settle. It’s like the switchboard from day to night for my brain. 

Listen To White Noise: Once I am in bed, I ask my Alexa to use an app called Sleep Jar to help me fall asleep. The ultimate comforting sound for me is that of rain or thunder. At the moment, I’ve taken to listening to rain on a tin roof or hitting a window. Both can have me falling asleep in no time at all.

Wear Cosy PJs: I don’t care if you give me a Burberry coat or the greatest, fanciest outfit ever, PJs are the best pieces of clothing ever invented. The cosier the better. In winter, I want warm fluffy numbers. In summer, I want short, loose items. Whatever is comfortable in regard to temperature and rolling around in bed when I first get in. Because I’m being honest now, as soon as I set foot in my front door in the afternoons, the PJs are going on!

Some of these things may work for you lovelies, whilst others may not, however, please don’t feel burdened by them. They are just simple things I do to help rand everyone is different. I’m not afraid to say either that I don’t do these all the time. However, cosy PJs are always a must for me aha! Sweet dreams lovelies! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Anyone else wondering when the spring sunshine will be making an appearance? Don’t get me wrong, I love the rain when snuggled up inside, but when faced with going out, I miss the warmth. 

With two health conditions that affect my body a lot when it comes to the cold, I have learnt many ways though to keep warm however. Ways that I wanted to share with you all, in case you were on the look out for some new bits and bobs to help you. 

Everyday, you can find me wearing or using the following to help my mind, body and health stay as best as it can be…

Fluffy Socks: Head to Primark lovelies and get yourself a whole host of these socks! I always wear two pairs of socks. Even when I have my slippers on! One pair of ankle socks and then some long fluffy ones on top. My feet, which suffer badly from Raynaud’s, stay toasty warm throughout the cold weather by doing so. 

Touch Screen Gloves: I almost always walk around with my hands in my pockets. God I love a pocket! However, in the winter, I protect my hands further with touch screen gloves. These allow me to check my phone without having to suffer from the frosty temperatures. Perfection! 

Vitamin D, C and B Capsules: Mostly every day, I take a number of vitamins to help keep my immune system built up. My ED has meant that I am more fragile when it comes to cold and flu season. Taking these vitamins allow me to stay protected. I truly believe that they have stopped me from getting seriously ill since I started them. 

A Beanie or Head Scarf: During the warmer months, I like to protect my head from the sun with light head scarfs. In the winter, I protect it further from the cold with a classic beanie. Forget ear muffs or over the top fancy hats. The beanie does it all and doesn’t cost very much at all! Currently, as I write this, I’m wearing a Typo x Friends one. My head has never felt better! 

Cosy Sweaters/Cardigans: Winter is all about layering up! Grab a fluffy jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan and wrap up in it. I love a sweatshirt or cardigan best, as they make me feel a little bit fancy. Odd I know, but when something makes you feel good lovelies, go for it! 

These probably all seem like quite normal winter essentials lovelies, but I wanted to share them in case someone needed a bit of help finding a new way to stay toasty and cosy this season! Oh, and another little thing lovelies, fluffy PJs for the win! 

How do you like to stay cosy during the colder months lovelies? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and this year I have decided to celebrate it! Whilst I don’t have a partner, I do have lots of people on my life who I love a lot. People who deserve all the loveliest things all year round. Not just on one day! But this February, I am going to give them an extra special day. With some lovely miniature gifts! 

Stealing my heart upon first glance, I am in amour with a new brand I’ve discovered called, In A Matchbox, created by the Marvling Bros LTD. Specialising in tiny gifts that have a big heart. The team have made sweet presents in matchboxes. These fabulous creations can feature felt animals to mini baking kits. All of which hitting all the right spots. A Cupid’s arrow to the heart kind of love in fact. 

Kindly, the team sent me some of their range to try and now there is no going back. I’ve fallen in love with each and every design. The following five were the ones I was lucky to try, which I want to share with you because they are truly amazing…

I'm Donuts About You Mini Donut Kit, £11.95: If you are like me then you will be fascinated by the idea of mini baking. I love watching Tiny Kitchen on YouTube and dream of having a beautiful dollhouse to do up. These mini donuts are so sweet and fun to make with whoever you are with. Featuring a super cute box with a little doughnut themed message inside, your doughnut partner in crime will have lots of fun making these. 

'Love You S'more' Mini Marshmallow Toasting Kit, £11.95: Who doesn’t love a cosy night in toasting marshmallows together? Now, you can do so even easier and without the fuss or mess. This box comes with three tiny candles, a bag of mini marshmallows and a candle holder to help you have some miniature fun in a big way with your loved ones. 

Cheesy Message Wool Felt Mice In A Matchbox, £9.95: In a cheesy themed box, these sweet mice pair up to spread some love. This box to me is the cutest thing to give to your closet friends or the mini loves in your life. I’ve shared one of the mice with my mum, each having one sat next to our beds, to help remind us of our perfect friendship.

A Dozen Red Roses Miniature Bouquet Special Delivery, £9.95: Roses are a classic staple on Valentine’s Day. The shops are lined with rows upon rows of bouquets. But why spend a fortune on a gift that will end up in the bin, when you can delivery this miniature dozen for less money and an eternal life span. If some gave me this on the big day, I would certainly love it more than the real thing. 

Pricking Perfect Hoop Cross Stitch Kit, £11.95: Cross stitching is something I would love to learn. With everything you need to do so, the little box helps create a beautiful design without the fuss. Plus, it could end up as two gifts in one! The first person can gift it as a kit, whilst the recipient could return it as a present when complete. Love is all around! 

Little unexpected finds like this mean more to me than anything else when it comes to presents! I’m the kind of person who seeks out the unexpected. I don’t like the normal items, I’m all about the different ones! These matchboxes are perfect! They have one for every figure in your life and every occasion. 

I know that I will be sending some out to people I love in the future. Especially to my nephew, who lives in Blackpool, as I know he will love them too. Head to their website now to see the full collection lovely. You will be sure to be spreading the love with them soon! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Recently, I was watching a YouTube video, which featured a family discussing the best memory they have of their time in the house they were selling. Apart from the time spent in hospital, I’ve never not lived in my family home, so I’ve never thought about my favourite memories. There are honestly so many! 

However, this video got me really thinking about it. From birthdays to little moments of pure joy, there have been many a times that I pray my Inside Out core memories never let me forget them. Yet, I think I’ve found the one for me. Of course, it features Christmas. 

Christmas is my favourite time of year and I think it comes from how magical my parents made it. Every year, they would go above and beyond, getting bigger and bigger with plans and decorations. Something that still lives on, even when my mum now says no more. Case in point, her buying a giant inflatable gingerbread man after saying she was cutting down. 

Though the best one for me was when I was small. I can remember on Christmas Eve, I went upstairs and snuggled up in my bunk bed watching all the Christmas specials. The sound of presents being wrapped coming from my mum’s room. The lights trickling all over the house. A giant turkey defrosting in the kitchen, whilst fresh mince pies cooled on the other side. 

Getting into cosy Christmas PJs later that night, my dad helped me put out a carrot, a glass of whiskey and a mince pie for Santa before helping me into bed. I can remember trying to stay up for as long as I could. Hoping to hear the sounds of Santa’s sleigh. Yet, sleep won. 

Waking up the next day, I can remember the strong smell of the turkey roasting away. Rushing down the stairs with my brother, the presents were stacked high, in our sacks and the floor. Santa had been! Before we could unwrap them, we were made to get dressed up. I still remember the utter joy I felt when my mum got out some white, Holly and berry Barbie themed tights for me to wear under a red festive dress. You can bet I got upset when I caught them later on that day whilst out with my brother Gio.

Every single Christmas morning, me and Gio would get up early to watch the new Wallace and Gromit special. The year I’m remembering was the year The Wrong Trousers came out. We laughed a lot! After it had ended it was present time. Barbies were my thing and I can remember getting the dream house, a kitchen set and a few dolls. Life made!  

Hours were spent playing before we were made to go to the table to eat dinner. The table was always full to the brim, with my mum cooking up a meal for seven, sometimes eight of us. Sprouts, carrots, potatoes, pigs in blankets, stuffing, you name it, we had it! Dessert followed with mountains of profiteroles, the classic Vienetta, trifles and gateau’s galore. All of this was followed by a buffet later on that day. 

I remember this Christmas Day for lots of reasons. Every one of my brothers got on. My parents were so in love. My dad even wearing his cracker hat to please my mum. The endless hours spent playing with toys and games consoles. The pure joy of Christmas. 

Christmas in our house is always a dream! Year after year, we make new memories. But this one from when I was around five or six is a truly magical one! And now just because of the Barbie tights! Although, does anyone know where I can get a new pair? 

Joey X

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

It’s a busy old afternoon on the blog today! It could honestly make you want to escape to a little cabin, amongst the hills, in a far away country. One where you can snuggle up all cosy inside or head out onto the snow to ski, snowboard or embrace some fresh air! However, it may not be entirely possible right now! So, it’s time to do the next best thing! 

Put on the ski wear. Don the snow boots. Head to your local Côte Brasserie and be rewarded because from now until the 29th February, as you and eight friends will be given a free round of drinks if you turn up in your slope appropriate outfits. 

To mark the re-launch of their much-loved Alpine menu, the restaurant chain, is allowing everyone in their skiwear to embrace the après-ski lifestyle, celebrating everything about the slopes without having to pay to get to them. All the diners have to do is order off the à la crate menu and say ‘après anything’ to receive the offer. They can then enjoy either the new Spiced Apple Spritz or non-alcoholic Spiced Apple Highball from the new Alpine menu. You can even choose to change it to a 175ml red, white or rose house wine, Meteor beer or any soft drink. 

And if that isn’t enough, diners can also enjoy one of the Alpine dishes, with traditional French cuisine like Diots, which features smoked Toulouse sausage and cherry tomatoes sautéed in white wine with thyme, butter and caramelised onion or Tartiflette – a gratin of sliced potatoes, caramelised onion and smoked bacon lardons topped with melted Reblochon & Comté cheese being available to enjoy. You could also order the Tartiflette Luxe, to share, before ending the meal the Pear & Frangipane Tart or the Alpine Chocolat Chaud as desert! 

This weekend is the perfect time to mark the end of the bleakest month of the year with a free drink, good laughs and lots of yummy foods! The slopes, I mean your local Côte Brasserie restaurant, are waiting for you to slide right in! Now, where did those goggles go?

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,   

Piercings are my little vice in life! Overall, I’ve got 12 and I love each and every one of them. Many have special meaning to me, others are ones are just loved the look of. I honestly wouldn’t change them for the world and as I try to grow my body confidence these have helped a lot.   

I have a fantastic place and piercer I go to in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Electric Punch Tattoo and Piercings is honestly the best in the business. I’ve been to F. Hinds and Claire’s Accessories too, however, nothing beats Gemma and the team here, who are so kind and friendly. They know exactly what they are doing and give the best advice.   

Their work has kept me going back for years now. I’m currently in the middle of planning a new piercing in fact. Something that got me thinking about a blog post. I’ve never spoken about what I’ve had done before, so I thought it would be a nice idea to explore my piercings with you all. At the moment, this is the selection box my ears are working with…  

Helix: I got gifted a bit of money to have a piercing done, so I went with a helix one. This is the one that had given me a bit of pain and trouble, yet I think that is subconsciously kore because of who gifted me it aha! After nearly two years, it is still healing, but with regular treatments it is a lot better and pretty again.   

Mid Helix: This is a very special piercing for me! After years of talking about getting one each, me and my mum have matching helix piercings. We had them done at Claire’s one afternoon. Now when we stand side by side or put are arms around each other, the two piercings bump together. A ear piercing friendship bracelet if you will. Helix piercings do tend to take longer to heal, but the middle helix piercing took no time at all.  

Rook: Based on the middle part of your ear, this is one of those piercings that look scarier than they are. Mine has a hoop in it right now and other than keeping it clean, I often forget I have it. I got this as they say it helps anxiety and headaches. Whilst I’m not so sure on the anxiety part, it definitely helped with my migraines.  Flat: I was a piercing newbie when I had this one done. My piercer, Gemma, told me about it and I decided I loved the look and sound of it. Now, I completely forget I have it unless changing the earring. It never bothers me, healing super quick. I love the different earrings I can put in this one.

Tragus: Is it odd to have a piercing you love the most? My brother Gio brought me this for my birthday and it’s my favourite one of the bunch. I had heard horror stories about getting it done, with people stating how painful it was. Luckily, this wasn’t the case for me. Two days later, I was able to put my headphones back in and have had no pain from it ever. It’s a very clean, neat and fantastic piercing to have. 

Conch: I loved the look of this and was so happy with the piercing. However, it takes a long time to heal. At around the 12 week mark, I was told I could change it to a hoop. Yet, I think I did it a little bit too early. It’s still healing now over a year later. I really do love it though.

Three Lobes (Both Ears): I had my first lobes done when I was just five. I begged my mum to take me to Claire’s Accessories, which she did for my birthday. Since then I’ve added two more lower lobes piercings. For me, lobes take no time at all to heal and are entirely painless. I’m even thinking of getting my fourth lobes holes or a lower helix on both sides. 

I’m not sure which piercing I will go with next! I’ve got an image up as I write this post to remind me of the names. Yet, I’m finding that I’m getting more drawn in to all the different holes to pick from. I do really love the look of an industrial piercing, but I don’t know I can have it due to my others. I have also always loved a forward helix! I guess you will have to just wait to find out aha!   

Joey X