Let's Start With This One...

 

Hey Lovelies,

New Year’s Eve is finally upon us! The day that marks the end of the year and the time to start anew. I must admit that I am really, truly ready to say goodbye to 2021. I want to make 2022 more fun. I want to be free and open again. I want to embrace life. That is my goal.

However, before that, we must say goodbye to the last decade in the right way. The quiet way. I know this may sound boring, but I love to spend NYE reflecting and embracing a less party-based evening. Many times, I spend it with my mum watching films. This year, I will probably be doing the same thing!

Spending the night in doesn’t make you boring. In fact, it can be a lot of fun and means you can relax a bit more. Here are a few reasons why staying in on New Year’s Eve is the best:

You Don’t Have to Get Dressed Up: Spending NYE in means that you can wear whatever you want. I have worn workout leggings, PJs, my everyday clothes and even put on my fancy frocks as well. My favourite thing is to wear my comfy nightwear because I feel cosiest in it. I couldn’t suggest slippers over heels more.

You Save Money: Most firework displays now charge people to attend them, which I think is quite sad, considering that so many of them used to be free. However, with the option to stay in, you can create your own display or simply watch the ones on the TV free of charge. You don’t have to pay to travel or for tickets into places either.

You Don’t Have To Deal With The Crowds: When it comes to going out, it often comes with the worry of beating the crowds or being amongst some people that you may not like or want to start the new year with. Beating the crowds and staying in with those you love will stop any worries in their tracks. I love a quiet night with my mum and a few other family members best. I can’t deal with the pushing and shoving in crowds aha!

Netflix and Chill: Instead of listening to songs you may not like or watching something that isn’t what you would normally, starting the new year with your choice of shows or films is epic. Pop on Netflix pick what you want and chill out. Starting 2022 in a peaceful and happy way will hopefully continue for the rest of it.

Pick and Mix Your Own Snacks and Drinks: Going to a party means that you don’t often get to choose the food or drinks on offer. This can lead to a big disappointment when you get to the buffet. With a quiet night in, you can order a takeaway, get in what you want from the shops or simply have a meal of your choice. No worries needed. The same can happen with the drink’s options. In our house, we often have a cup of tea and cheer the new year with our big mugs.

Sleep Is Always an Option: Once midnight has hit, you can stay up or go to bed as soon or as late as you want. No waiting around for a taxi or transport. Just a simple walk up the stairs and into the warmth and cosiness of your forever friend. Bed. The best person and place to start the new year with.

Going out or staying in, there is so much that can be done to mark the end of the year and the start of a new. However, I must admit that with all the choices above, I think I may forever be a stay at home new year’s lover.

 

It’s Christmassssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Lovelies!

After months of planning, getting ready and looking forward to the big day, it is finally here. I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas time, with those that you are spending it with. I hope that you get to do all the traditional things you normally do, have tons of fun and enjoy the classic films that are always shown on TV.

I’m spending Christmas with my mum, brother and nephew this  year. If 2021 has taught me anything it is that all you need is love. My family is the most amazing and supportive people and I want to make sure that they have an amazing day today. So, if you are around Hertford and see a bunch of crazy Christmas people, give them some love.

Have a simply fabulous Christmas time today lovelies and have a very merry, magical, special occasion!

Love,

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

For years, I have been the weirdo who finds great pleasure in seeing everyone running around on Christmas Eve. I love heading into the shops and seeing what people are trying to find and buy last minute. It makes me laugh at how mad we go at the time of year.

Christmas Eve is also the time in which I normally spend the whole afternoon in the kitchen with my mum baking sweet treats. However, this year we are going to have to face the brave outdoors for some last minute bits. Something that I hope doesn’t take up too much time. It is weird but no matter what you are the following things always seem to happen on Christmas Eve:

Time Runs Out: A plan will be put into place, but time will not be on your side to get everything done. Trying to find last-minute presents. Picking up and cooking the great big turkey that doesn’t fit in the oven. What on earth produced such a thing? Christmas Eve seems to have a time schedule of nothing.

Turkey Troubles: Speaking about the turkey not fitting in the oven, you will spend the day wondering how it is best to cook it? Will it feed everyone? Should you have spent so much on it? Will it cook on time? The beast of the table will become your worst enemy and when you place it in the oven, you will make it promise you to cook right, not raw, with all the juices in it. Wishbone better work.

Last-Minute Gift Shopping: Looking at the arrangement of presents you have brought so far; you will find that you have missed an all-important one. This will lead you to having to brave the high street to find it. When it is in your hands, you will make sure that no one even sets their sights on it until you have paid and bagged it. You will walk out of the shop in a triumph upon finding it or cursing those that found it before you.

Presents to Pack and Wrap: After heading out into the high street in bravery, you will find that you now have more presents than you thought. You will then worry about having enough wrapping paper, tape and labels to cover them all. Even more, stress ensured.

You’ll Worry About How Much Food and Drink You Have Brought: Christmas is a time for sharing. Yet, there will always be that worry about whether you have brought enough food and drinks. Does Tesco deliver on Christmas Eve? Is there ever such a thing as too much? How do you cook a turkey if you've never done it before? This will lead to a call to your mum on a Bridget Jones level. Just stir it Una!

TV Binging Begins: After a hectic day, you will finally sit down and start the traditional TV binging with a mince pie and mulled wine. All whilst telling yourself that you will start the wrapping as soon as possible. You will find that time has flown, as it does on Christmas Eve, the turkey hasn’t been cooked yet and you are ready to give up. But don’t! Like always it will all work out.

Christmas Eve doesn’t need to be stressful, but let’s be honest, it is kind of the fun of it. Especially when you promise not to do it again next year. You know you will aha!

Joey X

 

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

There is nothing like an afternoon spent baking a festive fancy to help you get into the Christmas spirit. With this in mind, I thought I would share a creative but super easy recipe that will brighten your Thursday. It will also bring that early Friday feeling into your home in no time at all. 

Fun for the whole family to tuck into or to recreate on your own, these snowmen are about to become your new seasonal best friends. You will just melt into this one lovelies. I just know it...

Ingredients

• 12 Oreos
• 24 Jammy Dodgers
• 1kg Broken/Squared White Chocolate
• Pretzel Sticks
• 300g Icing Sugar
• Orange Icing Pen
• Black Icing Pen

Tools

• Six Wooden Skewers
• Freezer
• Heatproof Bowl
• A Jug or Jam Jar
• A Flat Tray or Plate

Method

1. Carefully lay out the six skewers on a flat surface. Then, carefully take one and push a Jammy Dodger onto it through the cream centre. Once in place, repeat with another Jammy Dodger, before adding an Oreo on top of that. Continue to do this until you have 12 completed skewers. 
2. When ready, place the completed skewers into the freezer for 30 minutes to harden.
3. Whilst waiting for the skewers to set, begin to create your decorations. Break up the white chocolate into the heatproof bowl, before placing in the microwave for around 30 seconds. Continue to use small bursts of heat to melt the chocolate. 
4. Once complete, pour the melted chocolate into a jug or jar and leave to one side for a few minutes to cool. 
5. Remove the skewers from the freezer and take one, dunk it into the melted chocolate. Make sure that both sides are well coated, before placing on a flat surface to cool. 
6. As the chocolate hardens, gently take the pretzel sticks and push small amounts into the middle biscuit. You may wish to use a little more chocolate to help these set. Repeat until all six skewers are coated and the arms have been placed.
7. Take the two icing pens and use to draw on two eyes, buttons down the middle and an orange carrot nose. Again, repeat on all six skewers.
8. Place the snowmen into the fridge to completely cool and set. This should take around 15 minutes, but you may wish to leave for longer lovelies. 
9. Once ready, take them out of the fridge and enjoy any way you wish lovelies! Just maybe keep them away from the sun aha! 

Don’t forget to share your festive creations with me lovelies, as I would love to share them on the blog! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Less than a week until Christmas and it seems like time is flying by. It honestly won’t be long lovelies until we are all in the midst of wrapping paper and turkey. However, this did get me thinking about leftovers. I never like to see food go to waste. Especially when it can be used to whip up a delicious recipe like this. 

If mince pies are one of your festive favourites, then this recipe will be sure to inspire you to try them in a new way. One that you can enjoy any time of the day and at any occasion. For now though, let's stick with making these delightful scones to add a new look to a classic Christmas dessert…

Ingredients

• 500g Self-raising Flour
• 1tsp Baking Powder
• 1tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 100g Butter, Diced
• 200g Mincemeat
• 1 X 284ml Buttermilk
• Milk, For Brushing
• Flaked Almonds or Topping of Your Choice, For Sprinkling

Tools

• Greaseproof Paper
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Knife
• Large Scone Cutter
• Baking Tray
• Small Bowl 
• Wet Brush

Method

1. Heat the oven to 220(C) or, Gas Mark 7, before greasing and lining a large baking sheet with greaseproof paper. 
2. Next, take your mixing bowl and pour in your flour, before adding in the baking powder and cinnamon. Stir them together. 
3. Once combined, rub in the butter with your fingers until small crumb-like pieces remain. Then add in the mincemeat, continuously stirring. 
4. When all mixed together, add in the buttermilk and stir using the blade of a knife to form a soft dough. 
5. Leave the dough on one side for a second and place flour onto your work surface. Tip the dough onto it and pat with your hands until a 4cm thick base is formed. 
6. Take a large cutter and stamp the scones out, placing onto the baking tray as you go lovelies, making sure that they are well spaced out. 
7. Brush the tops of each scone with a small amount of milk, scatter with the flaked almonds or a topping of your choice, before gently pressing them down to ensure they have stuck onto the scones.
8. Place into the oven for 12 minutes or until they are golden in colour. Once ready, take out and enjoy fresh with cream and jam or keep to devour over the next few days on their own or with your favourite filling. 

Do you love mince pies lovelies? If so, will you be trying this recipe? Don’t forget to share with me your thoughts if you do! Oh, and your lovely pictures too! 

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies,

Tools:

• 12 Mini Candy Canes (Out of their packets)
• Glue Gun
• Glue
• String

Method

1. Plug in your glue gun and place one glue stick into the gun.
2. Whilst leaving the glue to warm up and melt, unwrap all the mini candy canes and place to one side.
3. Take two candy canes and place them into the shape of a heart. Where the two canes meet, place a dot of glue onto them and leave to dry.
4. Keep doing this until you have six hearts glued together and dried.
5. Place five of the hearts next to each other. They should make the shape of a wreath.
6. Once you have placed them together, place a line of glue along each part where they meet. Leave to dry.
7. After they have set, turn over and place the last heart in the middle of the wreath. Leave this to dry.
8. Once all set, carefully pick the wreath up and tie the string (your chosen length) to the top of the wreath. Then add a dot of glue where the string and the canes meet.
9. After the whole wreath has dried, pick it up and remove any stringy bits of glue you have left on it.
10. The heart is now ready for you to hang wherever you desire.

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Happy 17th December! Let the holiday and competition season continue! If you know me, then you know that Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I can’t wait to continue to get fully into the swing of things this year. 

Continuing with Blogmas, which I am doing pretty well at so far aha! I have still have so many ideas and want to bring lots of them to life before the end of it, so keep an eye out for them.

Today though, I will be launching an exciting competition, featuring a big TV series on Twitter. 

Head over there later today to see what you can get your hands on. It will honestly be the best thing to binge this Christmas with those classic chocolate tins. 

Happy Blogmas 2021 lovelies! Let’s do this! 

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

The smell of gingerbread airing through my house is one of pure perfection. There is nothing better than the scent breezing by, with the decorations all lit up. For me, it is a Christmas dream. There so, today is the perfect day to get baking, because I have the best classic gingerbread cake for you to make. 

Super easy, really quick and a dream to enjoy throughout December and beyond, your winter will be made with this recipe. Let’s get started…

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup or Honey
• 2/3 Cup Hot Water
• 2 1/4 Cups Plain Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• A Pinch of Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ginger 
• 2 Eggs Beaten

Tools

• Greaseproof Paper
• Nine-Inch Cake Tin - Round or Loaf Shaped
• Two Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Toothpick/Fork

Method

1. To start, pre-heat your oven to 350(F)/180(C), before greasing and lining a nine-inch square or round cake tin.
2. Add your butter to the mixing bowl and use your wooden spoon to cream, before adding the maple syrup and brown sugar. When combined, add in the hot water and continue to stir. 
3. Using the second mixing bowl, add together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger, before whisking them all together. 
4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture in three parts. Mixing inbetween each addition. Then slowly add in the eggs and combine. 
5. Once ready, pour the mixture into the cake tin and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until your toothpick/fork comes out clean. 
6. When it is ready, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool or enjoy warm with some extra sticky syrup, classic ice cream or your pudding topping of choice. Most importantly enjoy!

What is your favourite thing to make during the holiday period lovelies? Let me know in the comments below! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Today marks one year on from when we buried my dad. It’s a sad affair and one that even if you prepare for, you will never be ready to experience. 

I can’t get over the fact that we said our final goodbye to him on this day. I remember getting up earlier on it, walking to town, buying a bottle of whiskey (his favourite drink) and vowing that every year I would mark the day by getting the bottle out and leaving him to let a little bit evaporate. I don’t drink, so I will be toasting him with some juice. 

If you are like me, then I feel for you and will always be here for you to talk to. In the weird world we now live in, we have to be there for each other and so today, I wanted to make this post to highlight this. 

All day, every day, my email, DMs, comments and phone details are available. Never be afraid to reach out to me. I will always get back to you. 

We must look after each other, not just at Christmas time, but throughout the year too.  I am always so thankful for you all and I am here for you at all times. I’m off right now to find that bottle, but if you need me, just reach out. I’ll be there! 

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Hands up, if you spent all day watching Christmas films? I have to admit that I started a while ago and haven't stopped since! I have been binging on all sorts, but the ones below are just a few of my favourites.

These are the ones I have to watch every year, otherwise I don’t feel like I have celebrated Christmas right! I was going to put them in order, but I honestly couldn’t decide, so the list is a bit random but full of festive love. Snuggle up with some hot chocolate this Christmas and one of these lovelies for the perfect Blogmas celebration...

Elf: Who doesn’t love Buddy? To me, this film is very personal, as we have nicknamed my mum after the best elf of all time. If you don’t watch this with a tear in your eye at the end of the film, then we can’t be friends aha! Plus, this festive season, Buddy is returning to the big screen from the 4th December, in over 400 cinemas across the UK and selected international territories, so don't miss out on a festive night out with the best elf in town lovelies.

Love Actually: I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes! Christmas is all around us and so you must watch this beautiful tale of love in all its glory.

Home Alone: Kevin McCallister is my Christmas hero! He taught me and my siblings how to survive Christmas in a totally new way. Plus, if you love this then you definitely should watch Home Alone 2 as well.

It’s A Wonderful Life: If you hear a bell ring this Christmas just know that an angel has got its wings. Showing the beauty of life in all its forms, this film was one my dad always tried to make me watch but I was never interested in. Until a few years ago, when I snuggled up in bed and watched it. I haven’t looked back since. Plus, this year, the film has just been released in a beautiful Blu-Ray format, which truly shines. Perfect as a gift or to add to your collection this December.

The Holiday: Christmas is all about love and this film is the romantic comedy that I just can’t help snuggling up with as soon as December hits. As well, the end scene is all about New Year's Eve so we can watch it up until then aha!

Nativity: I’m not sure how I stumbled upon the Nativity films, but I am so glad I did. If you need something to make you sparkle and shine this Christmas then pop this on. I assure you that you will be singing along with it.

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oh Jack Skellington! Some say this is a film about Halloween, others say it is about Christmas. I say that this means we can happily watch it from October onwards, which I have been doing a lot.

Arthur Christmas: Probably the most recent addition to the list, this film will warm you up from the inside out. Made for children, this is as much a treat for them as it is for adults. You will have your faith restored in Santa and his amazing elves I promise.

Christmas With The Kranks: My absolute favourite! And I have no regrets about it! Well, it is my favourite along with Home Alone. If you watch any films this year, make it them lovelies.

What are your favourite films to watch at Christmas lovelies?

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies,

Christmas is a time for giving and that includes the gifts that we leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. We all love to leave cookies and milk, but this year it is time to try something a little bit different. It is time to make an epic chocolate bark. One covered in snowmen.

We all dream of a white Christmas and this in many ways promises to give one. Especially to the jolly man who brings all our presents to us. He is coming to town very soon lovelies after all. View the recipe below and get Christmas cracking:

Ingredients

• 400g (14oz) of White Chocolate
• One Packet of White chocolate buttons
• One Packet of Pretzel sticks
• One Packet of Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Halved
• Sprinkles or Red and Green M&Ms/Smarties

Tools

• Baking Tray
• Baking Paper
• Mixing Spoon
• Microwavable Bowl
• Spatula
• Knife

Method

1. Line one 20.5cm (8-inch) baking tray with baking paper and leave to one side.
2. In a microwavable bowl, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl for 30 seconds intervals. Watch to make sure that the chocolate doesn’t burn.
3. While the chocolate is melting, prepare the decorations. Use white chocolate buttons to mark out the snowman’s body. Split pretzel sticks in half for the arms. Cut the Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in hearts to make their hats and use black and orange sprinkles for the eyes and nose.
4. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, pour it onto the prepared tin. Use a spatula to flatten the chocolate on the tray and leave to stand for a few minutes until it begins to set.
5. Quickly add the decorations in the ways in which you want to make the snowmen.  
6. Around the snowman, scatter more sprinkles or the M&Ms/Smarties around them and leave to chill in the fridge for around two hours until set.
7. Once hardened, cut with a knife or break shards off with your hands. Then sit back and enjoy lovelies.

Perfect for a party, as a gift or to leave out for Santa for a different delight, make and enjoy this as soon as possible!

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

In a world where carnage has reached fever pitch, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, was a feature that slipped past many of us. Sadly, this may not have been a bad thing, as many of us are just finding out due to its release on DVD, Blu- Ray and digitally. 

With Tom Hardy back playing the evil figure,  Eddie Brock, his character is using his venomous ways to try and deal with the breakup he is going through. And it is safe to say that Anne leaving him has made a huge impact on the film. One which even though it is part of the Spider-Man franchise, lacks the main man himself. 

Hardy is a man who commands any film in which he is in. Yet, even his talents can’t save this one. Whilst the feature thrives in trying to get to grips with the story, it never connects with what the comics do so well. Making a villain out of him in the way cult fans would want. 

The script lacks any real depth. Something that Hardy tries to achieve, but due to him being let down by the story, he just can’t do. There is to much comedy, or trying to be funny, which just doesn’t click at all with viewers. Again, probably because it doesn’t fit with the dark nature of the character. 

As a whole idea, the film does strive to work and could potentially do so, if it had a stronger script, story and ability to thrive more in the Spider-Man franchise. Maybe it is this that lets viewers down. With so many great moments in the Marvel/Disney creations, there is a never ending comparison between this and that. Something that highlights the downside of this one. 

Overall, Hardy tries his hardest to get the film to full levels of carnage. However, it fails to click with its complete story and makes for a feature that just lacks the main heart of the villain. More venom needs to be pumped into this one to get it off the ground. 

2 Stars

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Today, I wanted the Blogmas post to be a bit of a festive throwback, looking back and remembering some of the best Christmas TV episodes there has ever been. Great for snuggling up with, these classic festive treats are always on my must watch this when it comes to the big day. I honestly can’t go a year without watching them…

Gavin and Stacey Christmas Specials: Probably the best Christmas special around (if I do say so aha!), this is filled with everything that happens at Christmas. From singing songs, family arguments and the grand discussions on how much food we really do eat at Christmas, both seasonal episodes have everything you could ask for in them.

Miranda Christmas Special: Never one to spend a Christmas at home quietly, Miranda kept us laughing for years with her comedic holiday adventures, with many mishaps occurring alongside her. Especially with her festive fancies that included family parties and wedding planning. 

The Royle Family Special: Jim and Barbara have always shown us the magic of Christmas in their home. In this Christmas episode though, they go on a caravan trip. A holiday that reflects what many of us end up doing - arguing and wishing we could go home after a few days. The perfect antidote and show for lockdown viewing that will have you feeling thankful for getting the chance to spend the holidays in your own comfy happy place.

Wallace and Gromit: If you never spent a morning over your Christmas holiday from school watching these two, then you didn’t live lovelies! Wallace and Gromit are a staple TV pairing during the holidays and if they aren’t on, it wouldn’t be Christmas. We even have an advert with them this year.

Friends: The Holiday Armadillo episode showed us all that there are many ways to celebrate the festive season. With an armadillo, Superman and Father Christmas all turning up to make sure Ben knew about every possible way to celebrate the brightest season of them all. 

These are just a handful of what I enjoy each year. Plus, with the added bonus of new shows being added to the schedules, it just keeps growing. What are your favourite TV Christmas special lovelies? Let me know! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Happy 10th December! Let the holiday and competition season activate! If you know me, then you know that Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I can’t wait to continue to get fully into the swing of things this year. 

Continuing with Blogmas, which I am doing pretty well at so far aha! I have still have so many ideas and want to bring lots of them to life before the end of it, so keep an eye out for them.

Today though, I will be launching an exciting competition, featuring a big TV series on Twitter. 

Head over there later today to see what you can get your hands on. It will honestly be the best thing to binge this Christmas with those classic chocolate tins. 

Happy Blogmas 2021 lovelies! Let’s do this! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Back in the 00s, Pixar and Dreamworks were the animation creators that no one could beat. That has since all changed, as new production homes open and graphics change. Something that The Mitchells Vs The Machines highlights! 

Out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, the new feature from The Lego Movie creators, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller introduce a new world. One filled with humans fighting machines threatening to take over. 

When Katie prepares to go to film school, her dad can’t seem to let go. Organising one final trip for the whole family, before they are split up, they end up faced with something none of them were expecting. A machine/robot invasion, leaving them as the last family on earth and the ones who must defeat them.

Visually stunning, the film highlights the pairs talent in a way that creators will be inspired by for years. Using colours, creations and characters to build on emotions and the story, there is no denying that the whole feature feels like something you could only dream about at times.

Whilst it is a feature for children, it is more fitting for adults. However, the whole family will appreciate the beauty of it. Charming to the eye of all. Miller and Lord always know what to do to give audiences something fresh and with this story it is incredibly topical but understandable. 

Children will learn about the dangers and the impact machines are having on the way, in a friendly manner. Whilst adults will be able to appreciate the way this has been done. They may even learn something new as well. 

The film is one that will go down as a classic for many. It will be an educational viewing that the whole family will enjoy, appreciate and fall for. A definite must-watch. 

5 Stars

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies,