Let's Start With This One...

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

Firstly, I want to say that I did not write this article, as I believe that the writer deserves the credit. However, I really loved it when I read it and so I wanted to share it with you all. Please enjoy and let me know what you think of it! 

At times (no matter how positive we are), we can all feel deflated, unsure of our direction in life, bored and maybe, well, a little bit stuck. The winter months don’t help either! 

I came across something recently that was designed to help people find their inner spark and their passion in life. It’s called emberly and it’s a new online platform which helps people to develop professionally, personally and socially. 

The courses are split into four categories ‘Energise’, ‘Create’, ‘Grow’ and ‘Relax’ and they include everything from ballet and hip-hop dance classes to wild art journaling, yoga and even pasta and focaccia making. It’s online, so the courses are flexible and they can be done solo, or, if you want to create some special (or perhaps hilarious) memories, grab a course buddy. 

It got me thinking about my own top tips for bringing a spark into your life… 

• Spend time with friends and family – Enjoy spending quality time with people you love and never underestimate the importance of that
• Meet with people who inspire you – You never know where life can lead, if you are inspired, anything can happen 
• Learn more about a topic that’s of interest to someone else – To be interesting you have to be interested and one of the best ways to invest in yourself is to never stop learning and growing 
• Try something you’ve never done before – Try to avoid thinking ‘I can’t’ or ‘I don’t’, it can be easy to create your own boundaries as you get older but aim to see things with fresh eyes and a fresh approach  
• Start a new hobby or do something you used to love doing as a child – Children growing up go to all sorts of extra-curricular activities; ballet, music lessons, horse-riding, Brownies, why shouldn’t 40-year-olds?! Is there a skill, a game or a hobby you used to love but have long forgotten about? Why not give it a try again just for fun? Skip down the road, read a children’s book, wear a sparkly necklace…
• Create a ‘you’ fund setting aside money to spend purely on your growth – We spend money every day on all sorts of things, but have you considered spending a certain amount on investing in yourself? 
• Travel to new places even if it's just a part of your city you've never seen before - You don’t have to go on a long-haul flight, you’ll be amazed at how many incredible things there are right on our doorstep
• Express your creativity - Even if you don't think of yourself as 'creative'. This can be anything from singing along to some of your favourite songs, dancing in your living room, writing in a journal or cooking something with extra flair
• Unsubscribe and declutter everything! - Get rid of what you don’t need, keep only what you love or things that are useful  
• Prioritise your energy into the right places – To help you, you could list anything that brings negativity into your life and feelings of anger or guilt and then list things that bring you happiness. See what practical changes you can make to reduce your list of negativity!

If you give any of these tips a go or have some of your own wisdom to share do let us know in the comments below! Explore your passions with emberly’s variety of inspiring online courses. Energise, create, grow and relax with a monthly membership and unlimited access, or purchase a single course on-demand and find what makes you glow. Visit emberly.co.uk

Follow emberly on Instagram @emberlylearn, Twitter @emberlylearn and Facebook @emberlylearn

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

There isn’t long to go before we thank those amazing ladies in our lives. Whether they be our mums, nans, friends, sisters or aunts, they all deserve the best. I know my mum definitely does. Thankfully Anker has all the last-minute technology gifts you may need. 

Discover my top three presents, which will definitely help that special woman in your life day to day: 

Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Dancing around to the song that always makes them happy is what makes giving this speaker as a gift all the more special. Perfect for holidays, the home and even work, the speakers can be moved around easily, providing the opportunity to blast out your song at any point and time of day. Memories can be made with this sleek number that I will be gifting my mum this Mother’s Day, so that she can take it with us on our upcoming holiday. 

Anker 511 Charger Nano Pro: If your mum is like mine than she is always on the go. This is what makes this charger perfect. Made to make charging all appliances quickly, this little plug makes all the difference. Plus, it comes in a number of colours, meaning you can get it in their favourite. Smart, small and great to go in any bag or pocket, this charger will make all the difference to their tech lives. 

eufy HomeVac H30 Mate Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: In our house, my mum zooms around with her Henry hoover. Yet, sometimes it is just to big to do the job that she needs to do. This smart handheld number can be fixed to the wall and used in no time of all. Great for big or small jobs, hardly any room at all gets used up. Plus, it’s different suction levels get jobs done quicker. All of which, meaning she can spend more time pampering and looking after herself. 

Mother’s Day 2022 just got technical, but in a very good way! I have tried all of these products, along with my mum and we both loved them all. They have changed our home and I can’t wait to see what Anker bring out next. Which of these tech finds has caught your eye? Let me know! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Growing up, there was always a big red dog showing up in our house. Clifford was his name and his owner was called Lucy. Yet, we all claimed we owned him a little bit. 2021 saw him be brought back to life, as Jack Whitehall and John Cleese joined forces to bring us an updated version of the brilliant BBC children’s classic. 

Out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, the film follows Emily, a lonely little girl, who ends up staying with her clumsy uncle whilst her mum goes away. When offered a puppy by a magical Cleese, she finds herself faced with the unexpected, with him growing into a giant red dog. Causing mayhem where ever he goes. 

Young and old will enjoy this cheesy feature, with Whitehall providing entertainment and an interesting American accent throughout. Seeing Clifford back on the big screen will bring a sense of nostalgia to parents or older viewers who watched him the first time around, whilst new fans will find themselves falling in love for the first time. 

With bullies making Emily’s life hell, it is sweet to see how much an animal can make an impact on a persons life. Something many will be familiar with. Of course, there is the element of action as well, facing off evil figures who threaten their relationship, but nothing will bring this feature down in the eyes of young viewers. In some ways, it is as if the creators have tried to achieve a Stuart Little or Scooby-Doo kind of feature, though it isn’t quite as good as they are. 

Oddly though, the film works. With so much being available to judge, the feature flows well. In a time when we are seeking comfort and familiarity, this film brings it. Even if viewers have never seen an episode of Clifford before. There is a sense of the 90s/early 00s that gives off positive watching throughout. And we all want that. 

Clifford has been missed from the big screen for a long time now and thankfully he is back. Bigger and bolder than ever. Perfect to snuggle up to on a cold day, this will bring a smile to even the coldest of hearts. 

4 Stars

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Recently, the BBC have been presenting us with a load of new dramas that have kept us all glued to our seats. One that really stood out was the Maxine Peake led piece, Rules of the Game, which is out now on DVD and digitally! 

Yet, is it worth a watch? Based loosely on the Me Too movement, the series follows a series of female cases, where they are being mistreated in the office, at home and in public. With hard hitting stories, the series is an inspiring piece of drama that will encourage many to speak up and put about the prejudices they have faced. Something I am sure the creators hoped would happen. 

Peake is on top form again and the storylines are strong. With few shows focusing completely on this topic, it is a clever creation that leaves audiences wanting more. When viewing it for the first time, there is a strong sense of a building need for justice and if the women don’t get it, then as a viewer a need for revolutionary change is built. 

With only four episodes to watch, the show is a hard but easy creation to binge watch in one sitting. Something that is easily done. Especially with a brilliant cast, gripping script and interesting, edge of your seat, storylines. Definitely making it one to watch. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

How are you all on this sunny Sunday? Today, I have decided to present you all with a savoury Sunday Bake instead of a sweet one. Perfect as a snack, for packed lunches or to go alongside dinners this week, I give to you this two ingredient Parmesan stars recipe. 

Super easy, fast to create and fun, you will be making these again and again…

Ingredients:

• One Pack of Puff Pastry
• 1/4 of Grated Parmesan

Tools:

• Baking Tray
• Baking Paper
• Rolling Pin
• Knife
• Pastry Brush
• Large Star Cutter

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350(F) or 175(C), before lining a baking tray with baking paper. Place to one side.

Lightly dust a flat surface with plain flour, before placing the puff pastry onto it. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry into a rectangle shape. Carefully cut the pastry into two sheets using a knife. 

Use a pastry brush and brush one sheet with a little water. Take half of the parmesan cheese and sprinkle on top. 

Carefully place the second sheet on top, before brushing with water and sprinkling the remaining cheese on top. 

Taking a large star cutter, cut out about twelve 2 1/2 to 3 1/2-inch stars. Placing each one on the baking tray

Put the baking tray into the fridge for 15 minutes to chill or if short on time, place into the freezer for five.

Once chilled, bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. Take out and enjoy warm or cool! 

What are you all baking today? If you try the recipe, don’t forget to share your creations with me on social at @StartWithThis! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Last year, I made a decision. An important one. One that would impact my life a lot. It had to be made by me. It had to be done. For so long, my life was defined by a number on a scale. A deep cause of my anorexia. A fear I built in my head. It is the downfall to me getting better. 

Thinking back to the start of my recovery journey, nearly four years ago, I remember the specialist doctor weighing me. She took my BMI and told me that, “I wasn’t skinny enough!” A harmful statement to anyone battling an eating disorder. I complained to my GP, who wrote a letter of complaint to the ED clinic demanding change. Since then, I was weighed every week, as if that is the only way an ED affects you. 

It isn’t. The mental side of an eating disorder has to be worked out. You have to learn to beat it. Every step a challenge. Yet, that number. The one that appeared every time I stepped on it became an obsession. The smaller it got, the bigger the win. Or so my anorexia led me to believe. 

Yet, it isn’t a win anymore. It is a death sentence. One that I have got away from. I no longer get on a scale once a week. Or once a month. I live my life and enjoy how much better my mental health is without worrying about what that small object shows. I want to enjoy foods again fully and not worry about what impact they make. Because they don’t. Other than adding fuel to it. Fuel I need to survive.

There so, I am so thankful that I said goodbye to the scales. Actually, for saying a massive fuck you to them! Goodbye you horrific creations that have made my life hell. I knew I was going to find it hard to do and will worry about not knowing forever, but I don’t miss them and my life is so much better since they have been gone. 

Don’t let a small machine control you lovelies! It truly isn’t worth it! You are amazing no matter what. I ditched the scales and am free of them. Life is worth so much more than what they show and it is finally time to accept and embrace that! Goodbye you evil little fuckers, no longer do you rule me!

Joey X

Good Afternoon Lovelies,

Today marks International Women’s Day and I wanted to take this moment to thank the amazing women in my life. Both on and off screen. Over the past year (and years I have been on this earth), there have been so many women who have changed my life and I can’t thank them enough. But I hope this blog post will help me do so!

These amazing women are the reason I get up in the morning, face the day and bring the sass! So without further ado, thank you to these amazing women...

My Mum: There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t look at my mum and feel proud of her. From looking after my grandad to supporting our family in every situation, she makes me keep on fighting for everything I want. She has always told me I can do anything I want in this world, although she did advise I don’t do anything silly, and now I am working hard to make sure that she can have everything she deserves in life to enjoy. She gave me power and I can’t thank her enough for it.

My Girls: After a serious case of bullying, losing friends and some very tough times, my girls, Issy, Tessa, Amy and Dee are the most amazing bunch I could ask for. They are all different, but that is what makes them so special to me. I need their advice, help, friendship and humour on a daily basis and they are always on hand to provide me with it. Also, a huge thank you to the women who have helped me grow into the person I have become in the past two years. Nicky, Nicki and Sarah, you have all helped me endlessly.

My Blogger Beauties: Over the past few years I have met some of the most amazing women through blogging. All helping me so much with their kind words of wisdom. If you haven’t seen them at work, then you definitely need to. Never have I met a group of women so determined and ready to change the film world with their short films, writing and in my amazing friend Sarah’s case, books. Get ready for them lovelies, because they are going to be amazing!

My On-Screen Heroes: Every time I see one of these women on my screen I feel empowered. I feel like I can do anything and these women and the characters they portray are just some of the many reasons why I love the entertainment industry. Without Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone, Chrissy Teigen, Chrissy Metz, Amy Adams, Kate Winslet, Amy Poehler, Julie Walters, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren and many more amazing women, the world would be a very boring place.

My Gorgeous Readers: My biggest inspiration our the women, you lovelies, who come to the blog, speak to others about it, including me, and share the things I say. I hope to make the blog a place for everyone and you lovelies have all been absolutely amazing along the way. I look up to so many of you and you will all hold a special place in my life until the day I die (sorry to be morbid!). Let’s keep supporting and celebrating each other’s amazing work, love and help.

Happy International Women’s Day 2022 Lovelies! Go out there and rock it!

Joey X 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Sunday baking is back with a bang! Last Sunday, I made two recipes. The ice cream bread I featured on the blog and an apple crumble. A creation that actually got shared amongst the neighbours on our street. 

Today, with travelling in mind, I’ve got a simple three-ingredient creation from Australia. Oh yes, we are going down under with this Lamington balls recipe. Enjoy…

Ingredients: 

300g Milk Chocolate Digestive Biscuits 

395g Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 Cups of Desiccated Coconut

Tools:

Baking Tray

Baking Paper

Food Processor

Mixing Bowl

Small Bowl

Tablespoon

Method:

Grease and line a baking tray with baking paper. Then make sure you have a spare shelve or space in your fridge. 

Place the biscuits into a food processor or crush the biscuits until they are in a fine crumbs form. Move the crumbs into a large mixing bowl. 

Pour in the condensed milk and add 1 1/2 cups of the coconut, putting the remaining coconut in a separate bowl. Mix until well combined. 

Once ready, use a tablespoon to roll the mixture into balls. Roll each ball into the remaining coconut to coat.

After coating, place each ball onto the baking tray. Once all the mixture has been used and is ready on the tray, put it into the fridge and leave for at least 3 hours or until firm. When ready enjoy! 

What are you all baking today? Will you be giving this recipe a go? Let me know and share your creations with me! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Does anyone else feel like February went in the blink of an eye? I know it is a short one, but I can’t believe that we are already into the third month of the year. 2022 seems to be racing on. 

It has been a tough one for many of us, but also a month filled with love and lots of favourites. Below are a few things that made my February special:

My Favourite Read Has Been: After a bit of an uninspired start to the month, I finally got into reading again by the middle of it. Josh Widdicombe’s autobiography, Watching Neighbours Twice A Day…, kept me gripped and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Especially if you are a 90s child. 

My Favourite Watch Has Been: Coming in late, but everything I have been waiting for, the return of Peaky Blinders made my February. The face of Thomas Shelby lighting up the last Sunday of February made sure it cemented itself as a good one.

My Favourite Beauty Item Has Been: I have been debating since before Christmas whether to buy the new Marc Jacobs perfume. Finally, I made a decision. I commuted myself and brought Perfect Intense for myself. There was a brilliant deal at Superdrug for it and it made the investment all the more worthwhile.

My Favourite Food Find Had Been: With February being a shorter month, I didn’t get the chance to challenge myself too much. But I gave it a good go. My favourite find was the Aldi Irish porridge, which is absolutely lovely. Definitely pick up a bag to try for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

My Favourite Podcast Has Been: February saw the return of one of my favourite podcasts. Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware came back with a bang and I am already learning so much from them. Funny, emotional and full of facts, it is the most perfect podcast for any time of the day.

My Favourite Experience Has Been: It has been ages since we got to see my brother and nephew, who live in Blackpool. February saw us reunited with them and whilst it went super quick, it was lovely to see and spend time with them. I miss them so much and can’t wait to be reunited with them again soon. 

What made your February special lovelies? Let me know! 

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies,

As many of us prepare to tuck into some delicious pancakes, I was thinking that it might be nice to change things up this year! I mean why go for several little ones, when you could make giant ones like those in the film Uncle Buck?


Equipment Needed:

• 50" Non-Stick Pan
• Spatula
• Mixing Bowl
• Ladle
• Whisk
• Plate
• Measuring Cups
• Teaspoon
• Tablespoon

Ingredients to Use:

• 6 Eggs
• 6 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Stick Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 2 1/2 Cups Milk
• 4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
• 6 Teaspoons Baking Powder
• Oil or Cooking Spray for Frying Pan
• Butter, Syrup or Toppings of Your Choice

How to Make Them:

1. Start by whisking the eggs in a large bowl. Then add in the sugar, salt, butter, and milk and whisk until well-combined.
2. Next add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the mixture. Whisk to create a batter with a medium thickness that has a creamy consistency.
3. When ready, heat a 15" non-stick frying pan on a low heat across two burners. Once warm enough spray the pan with cooking spray or pour in the oil coating the base of the pan. 
4. Pour two cups of batter into the pan, and distribute evenly with a spatula. Cook the pancake for seven minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
5. Loosen all sides of the pancake with a spatula, and slide onto a larger pizza pan. Flip pancake back onto the pan on low, and cook for an additional seven minutes.
6. Transfer pancake to a plate and repeat for one more pancake. Stack pancakes, and top with butter and syrup.