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Hey Lovelies,

Sunday Bake’s is back again and this time, I am making flapjacks fancy. With so many of us loving this classic dessert, I am always getting requests from my family to make it. I even made it for my brother’s birthday last week and left it on the doorstep for him to collect.

This week, I wanted to go a little bit more adventurous with it though and so I added in a fifth ingredient that gives it a bit more of a caramel taste. According to my mum, it made it even more delicious, so hopefully, we are all onto a winner with this Lotus Biscoff Flapjack:

Ingredients

• 125g Lotus Biscoff Smooth Spread (You Can Use Crunchy as Well Lovelies)
• 125g Butter
• 125g Golden Syrup
• 50g Soft Brown Sugar
• 250g Porridge Oats

Tools

• 20cm Square Baking Tin
• Baking Paper
• Large Saucepan
• Mixing Spoon

Method

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4 or 180°C/ fan 160°C). Grease and line your baking tin and leave to one side for now.
2. In a large saucepan, place the butter, Biscoff spread, golden syrup and sugar together. Heat on a low setting, stirring throughout until the butter is fully melted, and the sugar have dissolved.
3. Remove from the heat and pour in the oats. Stir until the oats are fully coated in the melted mixture.
4. Grab your baking tin and pour the mixture into it. Using the mixing spoon, press down onto it, ensuring it is all packed in together tightly.  
5. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. When the mixture is golden and slightly firm to the touch, remove. Don’t allow it to go completely solid, as you want the flapjack to be soft and chewy after it cools still.
6. Once ready, cut into squares or rectangles or any shape you fancy really and enjoy lovelies.

Don’t forget to share your bake pictures and ideas with me lovelies, as I really enjoy hearing about you all getting creative!

Joey X

For as long as I have been on this earth, I have been a Disney fan. At nearly 25-years-old, I feel more comfortable admitting that than I ever have before. In my house, I even have a cushion that states that our home runs on Disney. When I hear anything about what the company is doing, I often want to get involved and share it with you all.

This brought me onto finding out more about the new Disney Destination of Imagination. Created to help keep kids playing, active and learning whilst at home, in a fun manner, the new online platform is packed with free activities featuring the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars together.

 

Each week, new pieces are added to the platform, including the following:

Art of Animation: Learn to draw characters from Captain America to Olaf with experienced Disney artists.

Trivia: Fun film quizzes that will test your knowledge on topics ranging from Star Wars to Frozen.

Games: A variety of games from Marvel top trumps to Frozen boardgames the whole family can play.

Arts & Crafts: Join-the-dots and colour in your favourite characters with activity books covering everything from Mickey & Minnie to The Hulk and Spider-Man that will help cover the all-important art lessons.

Keep Active: Coming soon, exercise sheets to keep active with your favourite characters

Storytelling: A range of Disney classic and magical stories the whole family can listen along to.

Every day something new is being added from Frozen activity packs to homemade Darth Vader masks lovelies, so it is worth checking out all the content that the Disney have to offer shopDisney here: https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/events-and-activities

Trying to find things to fill our days has become harder and harder, so this is perfect for all of us to get involved with. Plus, with the content all being free, it is a perfect money-saver too in these odd times. I cannot wait to get stuck into some of the art pieces that the team have made during the evenings. Mickey Mouse colouring, here I come!

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

The sun is shining. The world is awake. I am ready to get baking. Who else is with me? I had someone say to me that I was making their day with the recipes and they were so excited to share images with me of their creations. It really made my day to see and so this week I have decided to go for a sunny creation.

In our house, summer is really in full swing when my brother comes to stay, and he asks for a pineapple upside down! It makes me really smile and I love being able to create the dish for the family to enjoy. Especially with some ice cream, custard, or squirty cream in some cases.

With some food still a little bit hard to get, I have made sure to make this recipe as easy as can be. It only has three ingredients and four easy steps to make it. Enjoy lovelies…

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Self-Raising Flour
• 1 Cup Caster Sugar
• 1 Can of Pineapple Chunks (Undrained)

Tools

• Loaf Tin
• Baking Paper
• Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Skewer (Optional)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a loaf tin with baking paper and set aside.
2. Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together until they are all combined.
3. Pour into the loaf tin and bake in the oven for 55-60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
4. Leave to cool in the tin or enjoy warm with a topping of your choice lovelies.

Don’t forget to share your sunny pineapple creations with me lovelies! I would love to share them with everyone else on social media and the blog!

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

Sadly, we are coming to the end of Mental Health Awareness Week. With so much good being shared with the world about how they can help their mental health, I never want it to end. Thankfully with so many of us talking out it will not be. However, more needs to be done to celebrate the work people are doing to help themselves and to share how people can find the best help for them.

I have always tried to be honest with you lovelies on what I am going through. It has been a help for me in so many ways because speaking out so openly helps to make me feel lighter. I’ve come to find that by speaking out and honestly is the best thing we can do. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you are suffering from a mental health illness. We do not ask for them. Yet, we get up and fight them daily and for that reason we are all heroes.

Normally on a Friday I try to do a bit of a mixed post. Today, I managed to find an interesting one to end the week on because I am taking you on my mental health journey…

What is your mental health issue?

I suffer from anorexia, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Do you have medication and/or therapy?

Over the years I have taken many different medications and done lots of types of therapy sessions. When I was at university, I went to MIND and did pottery therapy, which was amazing. Last year, I was admitted to an inpatient ward for my eating disorder and had art therapy. Something I have continued since leaving via Zoom in lockdown.

What therapy/medication have you tried and have any worked for you?

Therapy has been a mixed bag for me, and I have tried lots of kinds. Right now, I am finding arts-based therapy the best. However, the one which worked the most was the pottery course I did with MIND, which got me through my final months of university amazingly.

How long have you had problems for?

I have suffered from anxiety since around the age of five, whilst my anorexia began nearly ten years ago. Although, I have always had issues with how my body and exercise before this.

Do your family/friends know?

Yes and many of them have been amazing at helping me! I would not survive day in and day out without the help and support of my mum. She is my biggest hero and always there to help me along the way.

Does this affect your work and daily living?

Yes! Currently, I am not allowed to work and I find that very hard. I am continuing to follow a meal plan and that means that I have to make sure I am eating around the right times and getting the right foods, causing my schedule and normal daily life to seem to be all about food. It can get me down a bit, but then I think about the future and how much I want to live for it. This makes it all worth the fight.

What makes you feel calm?

I love to wake up early and lay in bed reading or relaxing for a bit. It makes me feel so calm. Although, I am trying to stay away from social media and the news, because they make me feel even worse.

What do you do in a crisis?

When things are really bad, I like to be left alone. The only person who can help me in these times is my mum, who knows just what to say and do. I also find a cuddle helps a lot. Even just a little smile can go a long way.

What advice would you give to others suffering?

Tell someone and ask for help if you need to. Never be afraid to speak out, even if it is only to a parent or a friend. You will learn who is there for you or not in your journey and I am certain that they will want to help as much as they can. I was ready to end it all, but one day I got up and just broke it all down to my mum. She helped me so much and together we are fighting this battle.

What makes you smile?

My mum and seeing her happy! I also love to see the little positives in life. Things you don’t see happen every day. Although our world is a little weird right now, it is seeing all the little things people are doing that we wouldn’t have before that make me so happy.

Describe your mental health issue in 5 words

Tiring, scary, draining, fighting and painful.

If you ever want to speak to anyone lovelies, please feel free to reach out to me in any way possible! I will always be here to help you no matter what. Never feel afraid to talk about your condition either. You are all fighters and I love you all so much!

Joey X

When I entered recovery for my anorexia, never did I think that I would be eating some of the foods I am now again. I am nowhere near eating the foods I wish I could with comfort. But, as I have always said, slow and steady wins the race. Thankfully since leaving the hospital, I have managed to keep my journey going. I am trying to discover new meals and foods all the time. Something that has led me to discover some amazing brands, supermarkets, and foods. All important in helping my wellbeing journey.

I am in no way saying that the foods or companies listed below are for everyone. One thing I always say is that you must enjoy life your way. For me, it seems that is currently going back to the foods I enjoyed as a 90s child. Jam sandwiches, classic dinners, and warm milk. Oh yes, lots of warm milk.

However, if you are seeking some new ideas or just wondering what kind of things I am now trying and enjoying again, I thought I would share them with you. Soreen Loaf and all…

Fox's Biscuits Party Rings: After my lunch, which is my main meal of the day, I have now added in biscuits. Currently, I am loving Party Rings. They are so good! Having the two after my meal reminds me of when I used to go to school discos or birthday parties and enjoy them. It makes me so happy to think I will be able to enjoy them again with my family at events in the future.

Sunny-D Tangy Florida Juice: When I was younger, I loved the California flavour of these drinks, however sadly I can’t find it anywhere. For years, the orange bottle in the supermarket would catch my eye and I would so badly want it. Yet, I just could not do it. Until recently when I finally brought a bottle of it. Since then, I have been enjoying it every day with my breakfast. There is no stopping me now.

Soreen Malt Loaf: Whether it is the sliced or mini-pack lunchbox loaves, I am obsessed with this malty goodness. After my sandwich in the evening, I have one every day and I can’t get enough of them. On Tuesdays, we have hot pudding night and recently I have been breaking out the sliced version and having it with Sainsbury’s Fresh Custard. It is superb if I do say so and my mind has not stopped thanking me since we started having them.

New York Bakery Tomato & Herb Bagel Thins: One thing in my recovery that I have found is that I love plain things. Not to cut calories or anything, but I just crave plain items sometimes. Luckily, these bagels are so flavoursome that you do not really need a topping with them. Plus, they come with thick sundried tomato pieces in them too. I often have one with a side salad, especially when the sun is shining.

W.K Kellogg by Kids No Added Sugar Strawberry, Apple and Carrot Cereal: When I first spotted this in the cereal aisle, my anorexia told me no. I brought it, kept it in the cupboard for months and then finally had it. I adored it. So, I brought the other flavour, which I am still working on having. But I am proud of myself for enjoying this. It is going nowhere fast.

There are lots of other foods I am trying to challenge myself to lovelies and have succeeded in doing so. Never in my life did I think I would have chips again, but I have. Never did I think I would be thinking of ways to enjoy pasta again, but I do. I just have to keep going and I will get there. As I know many of you will too. We have got this lockdown weirdness and battle-winning lovelies. Just remember to keep swimming and that slow and steady wins the race.

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. As many of you know, I struggle a lot with my mental health. I am currently battling anorexia, body dysmorphia and was diagnosed a long time ago with panic and anxiety disorder. It is never easy living with these conditions. In fact, it is a daily battle.

Yet, I have an amazing family, bunch of friends and medical team who are on hand to help me. For that, I am so thankful to them. I am also thankful that my brain also allows me to listen to what it needs.

After being in hospital, the following things have become just some of the little bits and pieces I do to help support my wellbeing. They are a random bunch, but they might just help you as well lovelies. Here are a few of the things I have done to help my mental health recently…

Listening To A New Radio Show or Podcast: Since coming home from the hospital, I have fallen back in love with podcasts and the radio. I love listening to my local station, BBC Three Counties in the morning and afternoon, before falling into a podcast whilst having my dinner. Some of my current favourites are The Archers, Chrisley Confessions, Scarlett Moffatt Wants To Believe and Grounded With Louis Theroux.

Wearing Something You Saved For Best: When everyday becomes like any other, it is easy to stop looking after yourself. Believe me, I have days where I really cannot be bothered. But then I have days where I think about why am I saving something for best? I have since been wearing fancy perfumes. Clothes that I only keep for special occasions. Treating myself to the odd spot of online shopping. Little things can really make a difference.

Self-Care Is The Best Care: To add to the little things, I have also been making sure to look after my face and body more. I have set out little routines, including face masks, eye masks, sleep schedules and shower products that put a little added joy into my days. I am honestly coming out of lockdown with a whole new face it would seem.

Avoiding The News: I did not realise how much news and social media I was taking in until the pandemic hit. I do read it and listen to it now still, but not as much. This has been helpful in lowering my anxiety. Instead, I now look after myself by trying to find the good news or stories online or unfollowing what causes an upset to my wellbeing. Happiness can be found in the oddest places.

Hugging My Mum: Never have I felt more thankful for my mum being around me. She is my best friend, sister and superhero all rolled into one. Simply being able to give her a hug everyday is something I will never take for granted again. I know that so many people are not able to do this right now. Please know I am sending you a virtual hug as I write this and that you can always reach out to me if you need someone. I am always here for you.

Looking after yourself is all about you lovelies. You must listen to your mind, body and soul to see what truly will make you happy. I am at a place right now where I struggle everyday with my illness and anxiety. Yet, these little things can lead to big positives and happiness. Even if for a short moment. Take time to listen to you. I am sure your mental health will thank you.

Please do not forget that you can always reach out to me on here, on social or if you ever see me in Hertfordshire in person too! I am always here for you lovelies!

Joey X

Happy Sunday Lovelies,

You all know what time it is! After months of preparing you all, I love sharing this little space on a Sunday for baking. Recipes have come and gone. Some similar to others. Today though, I have gone completely different.

We may not be allowed to travel now, but I am going to take you to France. I am going to make your Sunday shine like you are in Paris in fact. Okay maybe not, but we can all imagine we are there right?

Especially with the following recipe for four ingredients chocolate croissants. Oh yes, just four simple ingredients. You can change the filling to suit your needs or tastes lovely, but overall, I wanted to share this with you all, because it is so easy. Enjoy…

Ingredients (For 16 Mini Croissants)

• 1 Large Egg
• 1 Tablespoon Water
• 1 Sheet of Ready Rolled Puff Pastry
• 113g Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Small Chocolate Chunks or Any Filling You Like

Tools

• Two Baking Tins
• Baking Paper
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Whisk/Fork
• Rolling Pin
• Knife
• Teaspoon
• Pastry Brush

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350(F)/177(C) and line two baking tins with baking paper.
2. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg and water together, before leaving to one side.
3. Roll out the pastry from the packaging and using a rolling pin, roll it into a 16-inch square.
4. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pastry square in half then cut each half into four rectangles. Then, cut each rectangle diagonally into two triangles (making 16).
5. In the centre of each triangle, place two teaspoons of your chosen filling/the chocolate chips. Then starting at the wider end, roll each triangle up. Place each croissant seam-side down, so that the tip of the triangle is tucked under. Then, bend in the edges, creating a crescent shape.
6. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops of each croissants with the egg wash created at the start.
7. Place into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once ready enjoy warm with butter or allow to cool and enjoy later with a topping of your choice or plain.

The perfect delight for a Sunday brunch lovely or to enjoy throughout the rest of the week, I hope you all like this recipe! Let me know if you make it and don’t forget to share your creations with me lovelies!

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

With the world all over the place at the moment and many of us not knowing what to do, it can become quite overwhelming. I never know what to do, but I am finding it so lovely to see the incredible things that people are doing for each other.

This week, we were lucky enough to receive our next range of government food parcels, which included toiletries. I am always so amazed by what we get in them and how much the government is helping us. Our local council and food banks have really made sure that we are being looked after in our home and I will be forever grateful.

 

With each package, we are finding that we are getting a few different things, so I will continue to share with you what we receive. I’m honestly not doing this to brag or make out like it is a big freebie, but to help those expecting the packages to know what you might get. That way if you need further items or help you can reach out to the team to find out more.

Please find below a list of what we got this week:

• Three White Cabbages
• Three Bags of White Potatoes
• Four Parsnips
• Thirteen White Onions
• Eight Carrots
• Five Leeks
• Three Lettuces
• Three Cucumbers
• Eleven Tomatoes
• Three Tubs of Cherry Tomatoes
• Eleven Pears
• Seven Apples
• Nine Oranges
• Eighteen Free Range Eggs - Three Boxes of Six
• Six Pints of Semi-Skimmed Milk
• Three Cartons of Orchard Grove’s Orange Juice
• Six Peach and Pear Fruity Pots
• Six Hartley’s No Added Sugar Jelly Pots
• Six Mug Shot Roast Chicken Soup Cups
• Three Large Tins of Everyday Favourites Baked Beans
• Three Tins of Five Bean Salad
• Three Tins of Everyday Favourites Tuna Chunks in Brine
• Six Tins of Fray Bentos Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
• Two Bags of 1KG Bonita d’Italia Gluten Free Pasta
• One Bag of 3KG Everyday Favourites Penne Pasta
• 12 Sachets of Schar Gluten Free Cornflakes
• Three Packets of Hill Ginger Nut Biscuits
• Three Cobbs Cakes Rocky Road Bars
• Six Original Biscuit Bakers Gingerbread Men
• Eighteen Packets of Two Cream Crackers
• Three Bags of Typhoo Tea, Maxwell Hill Coffee, Fun Time Fruit Raisins, Strawberry Jam, The Sun Valley Nut Co. Peanuts and White Sugar
• Two Yardley’s English Lavender Bath Bars
• One Oral B Anti-Plaque Toothbrush
• Four Colgate Medium Bristle Toothbrushes
• Two Thermamed Original Fresh Gel Toothpaste
• Two Tresemme Botanique Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera Shampoo

We are always so thankful to HertsHelp, Hertford County Council, Bidfood and Herts FullStop for helping us during this time. My dad is finding the lockdown hard and getting this help is amazing. I’ve also challenged myself to certain foods because of the boxes, which is always a huge win!

To find out more about the service lovelies or to sign up for it, please go to HertsHelp’s website or the Gov website to find out if you are eligible. If you are not sure, it is still a good idea to speak to the team, who will be able to help you any way that they can.

Thank you so much again for everything and to everyone who has helped us so far! You are some of the real heroes in this world!

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

Finding it a bit hard to find something to watch at the moment? With classic shows fighting alongside so many new ones, it feels a bit like there is just too many things to catch up on. I am someone who is seeking something comforting. I want a light-hearted series to binge on that will take me away from all the scary stuff we are facing right now.

Luckily, our TV and streaming services have provided us with lots to enjoy. It has been tough, but I have managed to gather five new series to fall for during this dark period. All of which will bring you a lot of laughter and joy. Perfect for any time of the day…

Normal People: If you have not watched this series on BBC iPlayer yet, then you need to now. It is one of the best shows I have watched in a long time and if like me you have read the book by Sally Rooney, you will not be disappointed. Following a young friendship that turns into more, it is raw, honest, and probably the most heart-breaking show you will fall in love with.

Brassic: After a hugely successful first series, the entire second series of the show is now out on NOWTV. Focusing on a hugely hilarious group of friends, you will fall head over heels for the comedy and laughs it will bring you in this scary time. Plus, if you find yourself getting peckish whilst watching, the show has also joined forces with MOB Kitchen to make Vinnie, Cardi, and the whole gang’s favourite meal of kebabs, but with a bit of a difference. They include CBD. To find out how to make your own, head to their Instagram or watch the clip below:

View this post on Instagram

Inspired by @nowtv’s epic series Brassic and its champion kebab eater Cardi (Tom Hanson), we’ve brought you this bad boy babby. It’s the perfect munch. Get on it MOB. Tune by @bitethebuffalo. Full recipe on the website. #MobKitchen #Brassic #AD

A post shared by MOB Kitchen (@mobkitchen) on May 4, 2020 at 5:00am PDT

Friday Night Dinner: Another fantastic comedy, this show follows a Jewish family who gathers every Friday night for a meal that always has mishaps. From a hard to handle neighbour to a classic crimble crumble, you will be thanking your family for being so normal. It is also a great show to watch whilst stuck inside.

After Life: Back for a second series, this series highlights the light and dark moments in life, in a kind of sweet way. Each episode leaves you feeling all the feels. You never know how Ricky Gervais is going to turn what could be a really sad moment into something refreshing and life-changing, but he does. It has just been announced that the show is coming back for a third series, so now is the time to binge on it.

High School Musical: The Series: More one for the big and little kids in our lives, this will have you going back to your teenage years when you would run home from school to watch HSM on repeat. I have so much time for this show, as I was a huge, HUGE, HSM fangirl and still am in many ways. Thank goodness for all the cheese in this series, which is making me so happy right now.

What have you all been watching during lockdown lovelies? Let me know in the comments below!

Joey X