Let's Start With This One...

During the autumn months, I find it is the perfect time to simply pause. Sometimes, with the rush of the summer holidays and back to school themes that come at this time of year, it seems like everything is going at one hundred miles per hour. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

About a month ago, I found myself getting really anxious. It was causing me to do and feel things I didn’t want to feel, mentally and physically. I decided a change needed to happen. Therefore, when I was on a walk with my mum, I told her I had to pause on all the changes. 

In the past year, we have both been faced with a lot. My brother moved back in, we sadly had a number of deaths in the family, holidays happened and then stress occurred upon coming home, work changed, health matters were raised and it was a lot. Plus, with my anorexia and anxiety disorder, I just felt like I was going to have a breakdown. 

Pausing doesn’t mean failure. In fact, choosing to take a moment and to focus on your health is brilliant. Rest is vital. Physically and mentally. Often, at around 8 or 8:30pm each night, I will go upstairs and just spend time on my own. Listening to podcasts. Reading. Scrolling on websites that calm me down or watching something that brings me joy. Christmas videos are a good choice at the moment. Even sleeping. 

I used to hate the idea of it. My anorexia told me that I was lazy and I would stay up until 10pm, which was when I was allowed to go to bed in hospital, because that was when it allowed me to see it was okay. Yet, I have changed that now. I don’t follow the hospital rules and if I want to go and lay on my bed, then I will. 

Rolling into the middle of November, when the months get colder, I am here to say, STOP. PAUSE. RELAX. Do what you want to do and don’t worry about others. If you want to eat cereal for dinner, do it! If you want to spend all day in bed, do it! If you want to put on your coat and go for a walk listening to a podcast, do it! Do what makes you happy and embrace it. Hibernate if you would like to lovely. I know my mum would probably like to! 

Whatever brings a smile to your face, accept it lovely and be happy. Sometimes it takes just one moment and it can bring a whole host of differences. Life is too short as it is, so don’t go racing ahead if you don’t have to. Like a VHS, simply hit pause and allow it to stop for a bit. You will be so happy that you did. 

Joey X

Fall is upon us now lovelies, with summer officially over, meaning now is the perfect time to start a new nightly routine to help you unwind. At least once a week, I like to make time to spend the evening on my own, in my room, watching something or listening to something new, whilst pampering myself or getting crafty. The autumn vibes make this a whole lot easier, knowing that we are all getting cosy now. 

Therefore, I thought I would share some ideas or tips to help you unwind after a busy day, when all you want to do is get cosy. You don’t have to make a routine or do these all every night, but once a week will definitely make you feel better. Especially if it has been a stressful day.

Grab a blanket, turn that kettle on and enjoy these simple lovely pleasures…

Use Your Favourite Bath/Shower Products: Having a gorgeous warm shower or bath, with all your favourite products is the perfect way to start unwinding after a busy day. I have a gorgeous chocolate scented shower gel that I always use to make myself feel better. 

Wear Your Favourite/New Nightwear: Since the pandemic, I cannot wait to get home each day and put on my PJs. Especially if I have had a cosy shower, shaved my legs and changed my sheets. A new pair of PJs just makes me feel better. I prefer them to normal clothes in fact aha! 

Spritz Your Favourite Smells or Light A Candle: When outside is dark, the ultimate cosy vibe can be made indoors with a candle. Light one with your favourite smell or simply spritz your favourite smells around your home to bring a relaxing vibe into it. Any vanilla, cinnamon or spice scents really reflect the autumn/winter seasons for me.

Enjoy A Warming Drink: Whether it be a hot chocolate, coffee or a cup of tea, the joy a hot drink can bring as the cold comes in is perfect. Make a mug, snuggle on the sofa or under your duvet and let the frothy joy flow through. Hot chocolate for me please.

Read A Book/Listen To A Podcast/Watch TV or a Film: To calm me down, I always turn to one of these to help me relax. Podcasts make me feel like I am listening and part of a new conversation, whilst books take me to a new world and TV shows and films just make me so happy. I can’t not start or end my day without at least doing one of these. Sometimes all three. 

You don’t have to do these all in order or all at once. Yet, picking one or more and doing them will hopefully bring a huge amount of joy and a big amount of calm into your life.You can even count this blog post as reading aha! 

Joey X

With the festive season in full swing, the world of presents and gift giving has taken off. Bringing with it a whole host of new finds, which have been making their way into my life. Including the amazing Lyre’s alcohol free spirits. 

Lyre’s Spirit Co is a brilliant franchise, who work hard to make low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks that mean you can celebrate without the dreaded morning after effects. Full of flavour and ideas, the company got in touch with me back in August, hoping to mark the Christmas season together. And I am so thankful that they did! 

As someone who doesn’t drink, there is always a nice element to finding a brand who are dedicated in working so hard to include all of those in the party. Plus, with my condition, it is brilliant to find a company that I can trust and include in my recovery. 

Lyre’s very kindly sent me their Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini Cocktail Set, which included their Coffee Originale and White Cane Spirits. The perfect pairing when mixed together. With notes of vanilla, coffee, orange and more, there is a taste sensation in every glass. One that the whole family can enjoy and embrace under the twinkling tree lights. 

Straight away, I was impressed by the look of the bottles. They looked too good to open. It was as if they had put on their best party pieces, to show off how much they should be the centre of attention. Opening the screw top lids, you could smell the notes mentioned above instantly. 

This was made even stronger when the two spirits were placed together, making a coffee aroma that my mum, who is a huge coffee fan, loved. Pouring the drink into a fancy glass for her, I wanted her to have the first taste, as she loves coffee. I mean about four or five mugs a day kind of love. Taking her first sip, she was amazed at what she found. Quickly stating it was going to be her new festive drink in fact. 

Forgetting all about the bucks fizz, she stated that you could easily enjoy this in the morning, as an alternative on Christmas day. Pouring one of these cocktails and presenting it to someone with their breakfast in bed would be very impressive I have to say. 

With even more drinks on offer, there are so many non- or low-alcohol options to choose from that will make your Christmas party pop. I love the way the bottles look and would be proud to have them on the table on the big day. Plus, with such a great taste, I am looking forward to trying more and putting them on fancy trays for others to enjoy in the future. 

To find out more about the brand or the espresso set, head to their website. You will not be disappointed. I promise you! Bottoms up lovelies! 

Joey X

With autumn now in fall swing, there is nothing better than snuggling up in your coat, gloves and scarf and heading out to see the festive lights and fall findings that are out there. For me, I love seeing the trees turning brown and the leaves on the floor. Is there anything better than the crunch of them under your feet? 

Getting out and about with those you love is also great for your mental health. The fresh air may be a bit chillier than normal, but it kind of makes everything else a bit crystal clear. Especially if you visit or do the following things I am about to suggest. Autumn is made perfect by doing them. 

Walking In The Woods Foraging: Finding winter berries, sprigs of holly and other perfect autumn plants and treats are lovely items to use to decorate your home. You can collect loads and make homemade autumn based wreaths to brighten your doors. Neighbours will love seeing them as much as you. 

A Walk With A Warm Drink: Grab a flask or get your favourite coffee shop drink and take a little walk with a loved one in the winter. Whether it be in the morning or the evening, there is nothing better than holding and having a warming cuppa with a loved one. 

Visit A Famous Building: It could be one in your town or in a nearby area that everyone says you should see, but getting the chance to experience a building tour is the perfect way to capture it in a new light. With the fallen leaves around it, it is going to look super magical. 

Go On A Christmas Tree Walk: As soon as Fireworks Night is over, you start to see all the Christmas lights and trees go up. Take a tour of the ones in your local area and witness their beauty in the natural sunlight and night time. Both are perfect. 

Kick Up The Leaves: Jump, crunch and enjoy the feel of the fallen leaves under your feet. There is no better sound than the crinkling of the brown leaves under your feet. Plus, with the conkers on the ground or the brilliant pine cones, you can head out and collect some real finds. Just be careful if you decide to play conkers, as fingers can get damaged!

What are some of your favourite things to do during autumn lovelies? 

Joey X