Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies, 

My dad was one of my heroes. Him and my mum. In the month of love, I’ve been thinking a lot about them and their relationship. Sure, it wasn’t perfect. However, I always like to say that an imperfect person is a perfect person! And that’s how I feel about the pair of them. 

So, in honour of us marking the ultimate love stories, I thought I would share theirs. My mum, Jane, met my dad John, through friends, after he moved to Hertford, where my mum is from. The pair began dating and soon they were inseparable. 

After only a few days, my dad met my mum’s two children from a previous relationship, whilst my dad told my mum about the two sons he had in Burnley. Getting closer, they moved in together, first into a maisonette, before buying a house together, the only home I’ve ever known. Soon the four became five, with my dad bringing my brother Gio to come and live with them. 

With three boys under one roof, it could be tough, with both of my parents working long hours. My mum would look after the boys before school and during the day, whilst working, whilst my dad went off to work as a security guard, Channel Five tuner and mechanic. 

The years passed with many happy moments. They visited Sicily, where my dad is from, for long summer holidays. They went to theme parks and on coach trips. However, there was something missing. As the 90s hit, they decided to try for another baby. 

In 1995, after a long bout of morning sickness, blood shot eyes and debates about my mum’s health, I was born, providing a child that was the two of theirs. Much to the annoyance of my brother Gio, who became my instant best friend to wind up aha! Although, each and every one of the boys has always been seen as being both of theirs. They made sure that no one was treated differently. 

From then on things got a little wild. Family dinners were had around a big table in my dad’s room, with The Weakest Link, The Simpsons and Fresh Prince playing in the background. Large Christmas gatherings and mass present openings. Dancing at family parties. Caravan holidays in Clacton, Butlins and UK retreats.

Bickering and silence when they had a row. Cuddles and kisses when they got over them. Recalling a Valentine’s Day memory in fact, I can vividly remember when my mum filled my dad’s car with Love Heart sweets, cuddly toys and balloons before going to work. He was so embarrassed. 

The love that the pair shared is something that filled my heart so much. When my dad passed away, I saw a spark in my mum’s eyes go out. However, I still feel their love every single day. My mum takes it with her in the little touches she applies to the house in honour of him. The advice she gives that he would have too. The way she makes sure he is always present and never forgotten. 

Love can be displayed in many ways. Like the quote in Love Actually states, “Love is all around.” Something I couldn’t agree with more. My parents love story isn’t perfect but it’s what made us as a family know what love is. Their imperfect relationship was perfect in every single way. It’s undying. It’s all around us. It’s them. It’s love. 

Joey X

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, 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Tomorrow is officially my brother’s favourite day of the year! Pancake Day! Honestly, he could eat endless amounts of them. Recently, he had to have some teeth removed and the only food he said he could eat was pancakes. However, he very rarely makes them, as he often says they need a lot of ingredients. 

This got me thinking, do you really? As someone who loves the science behind baking, more than the eating, which isn’t an ED thing, but more the chemistry in it, I have been putting recipes to the test to find a super easy one. The one which won was this two ingredient discovery…

Ingredients

One Cup of All-Purpose Flour

Milk (Any Kind!)

*Optional Flavourings or Add Ins (Vanilla Extract, Chocolate Chips or Blueberries etc)

Equipment

A Mixing Bowl

A Whisk

A Non-Stick Frying Pan, Skillet or Griddle

A Spatula

A Warm Plate

Method

Start by adding the cup of flour to your mixing bowl. Carefully add in the milk straight from its container, whisking until it forms a smooth batter, which should be thick but pourable. You can add in flavourings here, such as vanilla extract, if you wish to do so. 

Take your non-stick frying pan, skillet or griddle and heat over a medium setting. 

Once it has reached the correct temperature, you can start to pour your batter in or on. Place a small amount on to them to form a pancake to your chosen size. Add chocolate chips or blueberries here if you wish to use them. 

Allow the pancakes to cook until bubbles begin to form on one side. Then flip to cook the other. They should be golden brown on both when done. 

Keep repeating this process until all the batter has been used. Then take your warm plate and enjoy by yourself or with your family! 

Pancake day can be a very over the top day, however, it doesn’t have to leave you flipping out over what ingredients you need! Simply using these two super affordable foods can make a lot of fun and tasty flavours. The only argument that needs to be has is what to top them with! So, what will it be? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Starting today, I am going to be sharing a few Pancake Day recipes with you. One will be very traditional, the other is a little different, however, it is still super tasty! Today’s is that one in fact, as I felt like Sunday is a day where we all have a bit more time to make foods for the week. 

Instead of making a mess with a frying pan, I’ve got an easy recipe to help you create a traybake pancake. Using all the same ingredients as normal, the only change is the cooking method really. It’s time to put on your favourite apron and get those pancakes ready for the week ahead. These are honestly really flipping good…

Ingredients 

Two Cups of Plain Flour

Two Tablespoons of Granulated Sugar

One Tablespoon of Baking Powder

Two Cups of Milk

Two Large Eggs

1/2 Teaspoon of Salt

1/4 of Melted Butter

Toppings (Optional)

Equipment 

Baking Dish or Tray

Greaseproof Paper

One Large Mixing Bowl

A Mixing Spoon

A Whisk

One Medium Sized Mixing Bowl

Method

1. Start by preheating your oven to 220°C/425°F, before greasing and lining your baking dish with greaseproof paper. Place to one side when done. 
2. Take your large mixing bowl and add in the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir together until combined. Leave to one side. 
3. Using the medium sized mixing bowl, add the milk, eggs and butter together. Use your whisk to combine together. 
4. Pour your wet ingredients into your dry ones and whisk together until just combined. A few lumpy bits are okay, as you don’t want to over-mix. 
5. Once ready, pour the batter mixture into your baking dish/tray and spread out evenly using the back of your mixing spoon. If you are using an optional topping, you can sprinkle this on now. 
6. Place into the oven and cook for around 15 to 20 minutes or until it is golden brown. 
7. When the pancake is ready, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Cut into slices, squares or rectangles. 
8. Serve these pancakes warm with all your favourite pancake toppings lovelies! Or keep them for a few days to use in pancake lunches or easy to grab breakfasts! 

What are some unconventional ways that you make pancakes lovelies? Let me know! I hope you all enjoy this super easy method! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day to share the love with others. It can be the perfect day to spread the love with yourself too! I will be taking this approach to the big day, by pampering myself, something I encourage you all to do to, as it is so easy to do but personally so rewarding! Especially if you have great brands like Beauty Favours to help you! 

After asking for some help with gift ideas for the big day, the brand reached out to me to tell me about their shampoo bars. Handmade in a cruelty free way, the bars use organic materials to create a PH balanced product that is suitable for all hair types. 

With different scents to suit all, I was kindly gifted the champagne and roses argan oil scent to trial. Putting the product into my wet hair, I was amazed at how so little could make a big difference. The suds occurred quickly. The smell hit my senses fast. 

The whole experience made me feel empowered and ready to face the day. For hours afterwards, I could still smell the product on my hair. I couldn’t help but keep lifting one of my plaits to smell it. 

For me, this was the ultimate beauty treat! One I could gift my best friends on Valentine’s Day with or use myself to feel extra special. It truly is a brand that has thought of the needs of everyone and when looking for the ultimate pamper gift this Valentine’s Day I couldn’t recommend it more! Head to their website to find your perfect present that will have you falling in love in no time! 

Joey X