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Good Morning Lovelies, 

February is the month of love! It’s also the month of pancakes, new years and a lot of new favourites. This month, I’ve fallen back into a relationship with a classic food friend. I’ve also pampered myself to the max and discovered new shows to binge on. February, you have been a wonder! And it is all because of these good old February favourites of mine….

My Favourite App - Buffer: Instead of doing my favourite read, I’ve decided to change it up a bit and include my favourite apps instead. My favourite book will now feature in the library focused posts lovelies. This month, my favourite app is Buffer! I use it all the time to help manage the blog’s social media pages, meaning I always stay on top of everything lovelies.

My Favourite TV Show/Film - The Apprentice: You will all know by now that I love a cheesy reality show. The Apprentice is high up there as one of my favourites. I love how silly the tasks can be. I love how the competitors fight each other. I just love it! If you haven’t been watching it, you have to catch up ASAP lovelies!

My Favourite Food Find - Rowse Dark Honey: This classic squeezy honey in my life deserved another shout out, because it is a constant in my life. A stable relationship of mine. Perfect on everything, you won’t find me without a bottle of this. Honestly, I’ve even taken it on holiday before, I love it so much. 

My Favourite Beauty Item - L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo: At christmas, I got a stocking full of this stuff, although, I had never tried the shampoo. After seeing it on offer in Tesco’s, I picked it up and it’s a game changer! My hair hasn’t been cut in months and you wouldn’t be able to tell. It smells gorgeous and makes my hair so smooth.

My Favourite Podcast - Who Shat On The Floor At My Wedding?: I know many of you will have read that and done a double take, however, this comedic real life mystery will hook you in. Honestly, you will not expect the emotions that finding out who pooed on the floor will bring out in you.

My Favourite Experience - Galentine’s Day: We don’t do Valentine’s Day the traditional way in our house. No, we do Galentine’s Day instead! Spreading the love with kitchen discos, loud singalongs, talks about our newest TV crushes and surprise hugs. That’s how we celebrate this loving month and I wouldn’t change it for anything! 

What were some of your favourite things from February lovelies? I would love to know! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

February may be a shorter month, however, I did try hard to find some new foods to try and bring into my life during the month! And of course, a Jam had to make the list! 

Many of the foods below were big tests to me, with some working and others not so much. I’ve tried to include all that I had though, as they may be the real winners for you! Here are five new foods I found and tried in February 2024…

Warbutons Cinnamon and Raisin Bagel Thins, £1.75: I tried these early on in February and I have to admit I wasn’t as much of a fan as I thought I would be. They were quite dry compared to the New York Bagel ones I had. However, they did have a good flavour to them. I may give them another go in the future, but not for a while now. 

Aldi Multigrain Dino Shapes, £1.99: These tiny dinosaur shaped cereals are delicious, especially the fruit flavoured ones. I have these more as a biscuit instead of a cereal, as they are perfectly sized and really tasty. 

Ribena Winter Spice Juice, £2: I’m keeping the festive magic alive by having a warm cup of this nightly. With mulled wine style spices, this is great to enjoy snuggled up in bed. It feels my heart with joy before I go to sleep.

Aldi Plain NYC Deli Style Bagel Thins, £1.19: After the Warbutons mishap, I gave these a go. Cheaper and tastier, they have now become a staple for me on a Sunday night. Topped with the jam mentioned below, they make a great meal with a beautiful bouncy, fresh taste to them. They are just like the New York Bagel ones but thinner.

Sainsbury’s Reduced Sugar Strawberry Jam, 81p: Last month, I told you all about the reduced sugar Sainsbury’s marmalade. This month, I tried the reduced sugar jam and it is delicious! Full of flavour, it is perfect over the bagels above and as a dip for apple slices too. Reminds me of the kind I had when I was little in square cut sandwiches! 

I hope that with a bit more time in March I will be able to put some further fear foods to the test! Especially over the Easter weekend! What have you all been enjoying eating this February lovelies? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Every month, I am trying to prepare for the big day, which will be here in just ten months time! Christmas will always be the winner of the festive calendar for me, so being prepared and planning for it is really helping to keep the joy alive.

In February, I have already made a big step in being prepared for the holidays, whilst saving a ton of money. Here are a few things I have done to get ready for Christmas 2024…

Marked in my diary when the train slots should be released first Christmas 2024. Booking earlier allows for the best prices to be found. As well as the best seats! 

I have created a box which has everything we need in it for the big feast on Christmas Day. Hopefully, we will be away for it this year, with plans to go to my brothers. However, this doesn’t mean that we haven’t started getting the dinner table prep sorted still. In our box to take to his, we have brought crackers for 19p a box, packed table cloths, napkins and paper plates we never used in it to use this year and sourced Yankee Candles to place around the dining room for only £1.80. 

The 2024 Christmas dinner has already begun being prepared. For just £4, my mum got a turkey in the sales. She will be having that when we return from my brothers, storing it away safely in the freezer until then. 

Our big toy donations have already begun being prepared. This year, we are going to be making the items instead of buying them to help cutdown on costs. The idea we have come up with is really lovely I feel. I’ll reveal more nearer the time. 

I feel like we have been really productive this year so far in preparing for the big day. I’m actually wishing away the next 10 months to get there aha! Have you already started planning Christmas? What have you done to help get ready? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

And a very happy Valentine’s Day to you all! Normally, I don’t mark this day. I feel like if you love someone, you should tell them each and every day that you do. You shouldn’t need just one day a year to do so. However, this year I am falling under the big days trap! 

As a single person, it can be hard to see love all around. Yet, why not take today to spread a bit of self loving into your life. From pampering sessions to fantastic food dishes, there are so many ways to look after yourself without breaking the bank. And as RuPaul always says, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell you going to love somebody else?” 

There so, I have gathered some of the best ways you can turn Valentine’s Day into a day for you and the love you have for yourself. These include…

Cooking A Fancy Or Favourite Meal For Yourself: Instead of going out and witnessing all the loved up couples, buy a takeaway or head to the shops to get all the ingredients you need to make your favourite meal. I’m going to be enjoying my honey bagel, as it is honestly my favourite, with sliced apple and sweets. I may bake a sweet treat for my mum too. By listening to my body and what I like, I’m giving it the attention it deserves. I know your body and mind will give you the ultimate loving feeling for doing so.

Get Dressed Up (Even To Sit In At Home!): Do you have a wardrobe full of items that are dying to be worn but you keep saying you will save them for best? Guilty as charged personally! However, now is the perfect time to change all that! Whip out that fancy frock. Those silky comfy PJs. An incredible jumpsuit or suit. Whatever it may be, put it on and show yourself who is the ultimate boss. Your best is now lovelies! 

Pamper Yourself With Your Favourite Products: Whether you head your way your local beauty counter to stock up or finally break into those Christmas beauty bits you got, Valentine’s Day is a great time to look after yourself. Relax in a bubble bath filled tub. Wax or shave for silky smooth skin. Massage in all the lotions and lotions you own. Not only will you feel so much appreciation and love for yourself, but the after effects of this will last for days. 

Book A Mini Break For One: Why not go away on your own? Solo travel has started to become a huge thing now and I am all for it! There is nothing like spending time, thinking about the wonders of the world, so why not take Valentine’s Day todo just that in a place you have always wanted to go to. With the big day falling on a Wednesday, you can take just one day or the whole week to embrace the beauty of a new place too.

Do Something With Your Parents: They were probably the first people you saw in love with each other and with you, so why not spend time with them on Valentine’s Day? The event isn’t just to share the love and appreciation you have for a partner, but all of those who share their love for you too. I’m going to be spending the day with my mum, who is my best friend and confidant. I will also pop a special card in the post for my nephew and one to the hospital via the From Me To You letter writing scheme. The day really isn’t just for one kind of love, take it to share the love with everyone. 

It may seem like a silly day when you really think about it, however, it can be a wonderful one to help you fall in love with yourself again. When you truly love and appreciate who you are, you can give the other relationships in your life what they really deserve. The best version of you! 

Have a wonderful love filled day lovelies! However you may be spending it! Oh, and remember, I love you all too! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Love is all you need! The Beatles sang it and many people have wrote about it. In this month’s selection for my display at Hertford Library, I’ve delved deep into the theme. Not just to mark Valentine’s Day, but to remind us all about the love, bonds and people who makes us happy and whole. 

So, head to your closest library or bookshop, grab one of these and snuggle up this February with these page turners…

Normal People by Sally Rooney: Made into one of the most successful BBC TV series, this book will make you think about young love and the impact it has on you. From stolen kisses to erotic but real moments, you won’t want to put it down. 

The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum by Serena Terry: With hints of romance within this very funny book, the relationship in this book centres around one mother’s journey to discover herself again. All whilst building memorable moments with her husband and children. It will make you appreciate your mum a whole lot more. 

Between Us by Mhairi McFarlene: This Scottish author knows how to write a modern love story. Her novels will forever go down as contemporary classics. When a young couple split, they decide to remain friends. Until the female protagonist starts to see their relationship play out on TV through scripts her ex has written. Funny but also real too. 

The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary: Another modern classic, which has also been adapted for TV, this beautiful love story plays out through notes and messages left between the two protagonists. Upon deciding to live together, the two discover that whilst one is there during the day, the other is there at night. Hence the letters and notes. Yet, when they start to form feelings, they soon discover the people behind each one. 

One Good Thing by Alexandra Potter: When you think about love, do you think about all the relationships you have made around you? The ones with your neighbours,strangers or even work colleagues? Potter’s leading lady is faced with this, as she moves away to the Yorkshire Dales, after a heartbreaking divorce. After years of focusing on just one person, she soon finds herself making new relationships with the young and the old around her. One of the funniest but sweetest books you will read this year. 

Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed. by Chris and Rosie Ramsey: Two of the funniest people and couples around, these two will have you laughing with every single page of this book. No topic is refused, call in on listeners of their hit podcast of the same name, to give them topics to discuss. From how they first met to parenthood, they keep everything very real but ultimately fantastic. Listen to the podcast than binge this book too.  

We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman: Our best friends make up some of the most important bonds we have in life. Often sharing the highs and the lows with us. So, how would you feel if you knew that your best friend may not be around for much longer? In a tragic but funny tale, Newman shares the love story between two friends who must come to terms with not being around for each other anymore. Get the tissues for this one lovelies!

The Last Train Home by Elle Cook: Ever wanted to know what happened to that stranger you saw on the way. Played out over each day, this book captures the bonds beginning to form between two commuters after they witness an event that changes their lives forever. Can they help each other? You’ll have to read the book to find out. 

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding: Is it even Valentine’s month if this book isn’t on the list? Whilst many of us will know the character from her time on screen, the book is a certified classic. Go back to its origins and find out why we all just love Bridget so much. 

The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes: A family relationship is showcased in this book, yet, there is the strongest of romantic ties too. When a single mother decides to go away with her children, she finds herself falling for the man who stumbles into their lives. Moyes always knows how to make us feel all the feels. 

Book of the Month: Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons: We all know the story of Romeo and his Juliet. However, what about the story of his first love Rosaline? Going back to a time before the famous play, this modern version of events is gripping from the get go. You will be left feeling like all the romance from one of the most historical texts of all time is completely wrong. Honestly, you will be rooting for Rosaline by the end of. Controversial I know! 

What romantic books are your favourites lovelies? Let me know and I could pick one for a future display! For now though, I hope you all enjoy reading my suggestions, which are now up on display at Hertford Library. You can also ask your library to help you find a copy to lovelies. It’s time to fall in love again! 

Joey X