Let's Start With This One...

Hey Lovelies,

A new week is here and a new month too! Tomorrow, I will be starting my Blogtober celebrations, but for now, we have another reason to celebrate!

Early this morning, the team at Twentieth Century Fox released a brand new trailer for the upcoming, The King’s Man. After having received a few teasers, the film will be out in February 2020 and tells the story of how the most elite British spies started The King’s Man organisation.

Check out the new trailer below:

Hey Lovelies, 

Getting my parents to go out anywhere and enjoy something just the two of them is a hard task. Often, they will try to drag all of us kids with them or they simply won’t go. However, after a lovely holiday last week, in which they did everything to look after me and my condition, I wanted to treat them. Yet, I didn’t know how to do it best.

Then came a team of angels. Not Charlie’s but another kind. A while ago, I emailed a brilliant team about the chance to review Mamma Mia! The Party. A new live and immersive experience that was coming to The O2 in London, all the way from Stockholm. For years, it has been one of the shows to see when visiting the city, so when it opened this summer in the UK, lots of people were trying to get tickets.


Since I was little, the music of ABBA has played a big part in my life. My parents, especially my dad, adore them. If Mamma Mia is on the TV, they must watch it. We have the CDs in the car. When I was super small, they even took me to see an ABBA tribute act at our local theatre.

It is fair to say that they know and follow them quite strongly. There so, when the team asked me if I would like to go and review the experience I instantly said yes. Not for me, but for them. After telling them all about it, they were super excited to go. Instantly looking up everything about it, from the trailer to the food, they were ready and eager by 4pm yesterday when they set off.

Mamma Mia! The Party is an event-based around a four-course meal. Actors, singers, dancers and even the waiters all take part though to make it an occasion with a difference. Set in Nikos Taverna, an exotic restaurant serving the finest Mediterranean food and drink, the night plays out with an ABBA filled disco created by Björn Ulvaeus, Ingrid Sutej and Sandi Toksvig.


With the taverna, guests are treated to an island paradise vibe, as tables are set out around the courtyard filled with a fountain, olive trees and a bougainvillea. A piece of Greece right in the heart of London. As you enjoy your meal, singers and musicians surround you to tell the story of love and heartache, all to ABBA's greatest hits, over the course of four hours. With an ouzo or two thrown in as well.

Setting off two hours in advance, you would think my parents would have got there for the 6:30pm entrance time. However, they got lost, had an incident with my dad’s wheelchair and the O2 staff and then having to find their seats, meaning they missed the first two courses. Yet, this didn’t stop them from having what my mum described as a, “brilliant night with delicious food.”

Seated right next to the fountain, upon arrival they were greeted at the door by the lovely team, who lead them right into the experience. From there they were thrown into the action, even with the Island Life programme they were given as a souvenir. The actors took in my dad and made everyone laugh by joking about having to wait for him. Something my dad loved, due to him being the most excited of the pair about the show. From then on, the story started and they were sat on their seats singing away according to them.


With the song list including hits such as Money Money, SOS, Waterloo and Dancing Queen, there was also the option to get up and dance throughout. In fact, my mum said it was often encouraged by the actors in the show to do so and they even pulled the pair of them up to get involved. The music was also filled with performances from circus acts, with one coming out of the fountain in the middle according to my mum.

Speaking to the pair of them the day after, my mum stated that the whole thing never stops for the whole four hours you are in the event. Every bit of your money is worth it, as your eyes and ears don’t get a chance to have a break. Even when they were eating, my mum stated that there was something happening. One moment she recalls is a group of men in flippers sliding up and down staircases.

We were both a little worried before my parents went to the event though, about how my dad would handle the food. He is someone who likes his home comforts and will often pick fish and chips off a menu if it is on there. Mamma Mia! The Party changed him though. Tucking into the main and dessert courses, my dad loved how tender the beef flanks and lamb kleftiko were. He even tried the courgette Briam, potatoes Yiachni and cracked wheat with pomegranate and herbs, something he wouldn’t normally do.


The biggest shock though was that he had Greek yogurt on his dessert, as he can’t normally stand many diary products. My mum, well she was a fan of it all, even commenting on the brilliant sized mugs that came with the coffee and tea at the end. She did admit that she wanted to take one home but didn’t. They didn’t buy any drinks whilst there, deciding to stick to water instead, but the menu prices and range are big and both said from the people they were sat with, the size of them were very good.

Overall though what they enjoyed the most was the whole way in which the experience was created. Both stated that it was something they would never think of doing, but having now had the chance, they would do it again. Getting my dad up and dancing, even singing, is a bit of a task nowadays, as he struggles a lot with his back and breathing. Yet, the team managed to get him to do it. He has even been playing the CD ever since.

Being given this opportunity to send them to an experience like this is something I have never been able to do. I am so thankful to the team for allowing me the opportunity to do so. It is a moment that will go down forever with the pair of them. Island life has well and truly been injected into our home and I will forever love it. I may not be able to put up with their singing for much longer, but it is fair to say that the pair of them couldn’t advise you go to Mamma Mia! The Party anymore. Even the woman in Tesco’s was told to see it this morning during our weekly shop!

Hey Lovelies, 

Halloween. The seasonal event filled with spooks and sweets! Most importantly Swizzels sweets this year in our house. After working with the team on the retro post, I got to thinking about what they do year-round to make our lives so much more fun and this included the spookiest time of the year.

Going trick or treating is what many of us look forward to doing. If we aren’t out on the night celebrating, then we are indoors preparing for those little ones who are going to be dressing up and knocking on our doors in search of treats. For years, we have always brought the Swizzels lollypop selection or mixtures, the super-easy way to make sure that everyone has something they like.
Filled with classics such as Drumsticks, which were always the ones I would go for, Fizzers, Parma Violets, Refreshers, Squashies, plus even more, the bags have this year been given a bit of a thrilling makeover. To work alongside their amazing Halloween website, the bags are coated in black and orange, with terrifying delights found inside.

Just for the season, Refreshers have been turned sour. Fruity Pops have been given a creepy new look. Double Lollies have a new set of bewitching figures on their packaging. The normally bright Drumsticks have gone to the dark side with orange and black designs. All of which mixing with the classic looks of the much-loved bags and tubs that the Swizzels team is known for.


Kindly the team at the company sent me a few to try. As someone who has a whole box dedicated to Halloween sweets and decorations, ready for the big night, the additions from Swizzels made my day. In a huge package, I was gifted the new Trick or Sweet bag, the Trick or Treat Lolly Mix, a Sweet Shop Favourites Tub and a selection of a Lots of Lollies, Chew Crew and Bumper Bags.

As a permanent fixture in our house, I was going to get for our trick or treaters, the Lots of Lollies and Bumper bags. However, upon seeing the Trick or Sweet and Trick or Treat mix, I have completely changed my mind. I adore the little details on the sweets and how much they make the selection pop. They still have the great taste, as my family found when trying them, but they look so much fun. Something I want those knocking on my door to have. I am already dreaming about putting them in my Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie tray for them to pick them out on and how they are going to be enjoyed by all in my house as well.


Swizzels have made sure as well that for those of us who were/are thinking of getting the Sweet Shop tub that there is a lot of choice in them too. Filled right up until the top, which is something that not many tubs do nowadays, there were a few Squashies, normal and sour and Double Dips, with the rest of the tub filled to the top with Love Hearts, Fizzers, lollies, Parma Violets and more.

What I think is really great about the tub is that it not only caters for the trick or treaters but the items in which there are fewer, such as the Squashies and Double Dips, are great to pick out for your own kids or the little ones in your family or that you know to have in their bags first. I mean you always start off the trick or treating at home lovelies, it is a rule aha!


When looking at the packaging and the sweets, what really struck me though was the amount of thought Swizzels have taken to give even more to their buyers. Not only do you get the sweets to enjoy or hand out, but you can take the Swizzels experience further. The team has made a whole website dedicated to helping you make the night the best it can be. From decoration ideas to make up tips and events around the UK, they have sorted it all.

Not many brands do this and that is why it really stood out to me. They had taken the time to show their dedication to the customer and to make their products so well themed. I have no doubt that they will probably be doing the same thing when it comes to Christmas as well. Swizzels have enabled all those that will be experiencing them during October to be given the opportunity to get more from their items and that is something I really enjoy.

Whether you are buying them for yourselves, your little ones, the trick or treaters or for a party, Swizzels are the sweets that are making Halloween special this year. I can’t wait to terrify and delight the little people in my home and those that visit it with the best sweets around.

Hey Lovelies, 

For a number of years now, Disney has been remaking a number of their classic features. From the world of Beauty and the Beast to Cinderella, the world of live-action films is alive. However, sadly Disney’s new Aladdin, out today on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally, doesn’t hook me in the same way that The Lion King and others have managed to do other the years.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, someone who many were not expecting to take on the project, the feature captures the classic story of Aladdin (Mena Massoud). The young boy who discovers a magical lamp befriends a beautiful blue Genie (Will Smith), who helps grant him three wishes, including that of becoming a prince to impress Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott). All whilst trying to make sure that he doesn’t stop helping the poor and protecting them from the evil people around them.

The feature has everything within it that you would expect. The beauty of the scenes makes it shine. All the classic songs and new ones too, thanks to Alan Menkin. Yet, it isn’t the story that hooks you in or is the reason to watch this feature. It is the acting and the talent within it. Without them, the story may not flow as well or as much as it needs to.

Of course, there was a worry about how Smith would take over the Genie from the legendary Robin Williams. Giving it a fresh look, whilst also making sure not to lose what Williams gave us, Smith puts a new spin on the character, with vibrant singing and character interactions. Something that is heightened with the freshness provided by Massoud and Scott. Two leads who are perfect within their roles.
Ritchie has made a change in his career with the film. He has provided a glittery world that shows a beauty in the Disney remakes worlds. However, apart from a few songs, there isn’t much about the feature that you couldn’t find in the animated version and in some ways that makes it lack. However, any Disney fan will find the feature a joy to watch and there is lots to be found in the incredible acting within it.

Hey Lovelies,

Hey Lovelies, 

Today marks the 25th anniversary of what I believe to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time. I don’t know how I stumbled across Friends for the first time, but as soon as I saw it I loved it. I used to go to car boot sales and try to find all the videos when DVDs weren’t available. The one Christmas, I begged for the final season, after refusing to watch it until I could binge the lot. The year it ended, we managed to get the complete boxset on DVD for £20 and it still remains to be one of the best gifts I have ever received.

I remember though the way in which the finale was streamed across Times Square in New York and how the news captured the last few moments of a show that has touched us all. People lined the streets to watch it. Tears fell when Rachel got off the plane. Those lasting moments of them handing over the keys will forever stay with many of us.


The show continues to inspire us all though. With Netflix airing the complete boxset, Comedy Central featuring episodes and binge-watching opportunities daily and yearly events, a new generation is falling for it. All whilst we continue to share our endless displays of affection for Rachel, Ross, Monica, Joey, Chandler and Phoebe.

To me, the show is a safe one. I don’t ever worry when watching it. A lot of TV at the moment can be quite triggering for me, as I work to get through my eating disorder. Friends, however, is a warm hug when I need it. I could start a new show and soon find my way back to it. Mostly because of the impact it has had on my life over the years. Here are five ways Friends has left its mark on my life…

The One with My Nickname: Joey Tribbiani sounds very much like my name. When I was at school some people realised this and soon, I was called Joey. I loved it and it has now stuck with me. I prefer it to my full name and if anyone asks, it is the one I give to them. I may not be as cool as Joey, but this JT is proud to be named after him. Even if I do have to tell people that I am a girl and not a boy a lot of the time.

The One with The Love Stories: I didn’t really take in friends being able to date until I watched Friends. I was very young when I started watching it and seeing Monica and Chandler fall in love was inspiring to me. I want to be Monica and Chandler is my favourite, so seeing the pair come together was pure perfection. Any future suitors, this is the level we need to be on!


The One with The Wardrobe: 90s fashion was always a bit hit and miss. However, now Friends has inspired my wardrobe a lot. I have PJs, t-shirts, jumpers and even bedding featuring the famous six on it. I have mugs and candles the line my house. If Friends is on it, I will make damn sure that I somehow or someway get my hands on it. I’m still in pursuit of getting a yellow door frame at the moment.

The One with The Quotes: It is easy to remember quotes from TV shows or films that you love, however, Friends ones have stuck with me the most. Often, I find myself quoting it in my head or when watching. I love each episode for lots of different reasons, yet the ones in London create the best feeling for me. Especially with the way Joey shouts, “London Baby.” I can’t go or say London in my head or out loud without thinking about shouting it. I don’t though, as I think I may end up getting hurt if I did it all the time aha!

The One with The Help: TV is hard for me to sit and watch now. I struggle to find shows that feel okay or that are not going to lead me to feel anxious or worried when watching. Whilst I know Friends has moments that are not okay, it is also a series that I think because I have watched for so long, I feel safe in the hands of. I know what to expect. I know what the characters are like and I am okay with all of it. Every day I find myself watching at least one episode and it has helped me in more ways than one since my battle started.


However, you are celebrating the show today, now is the perfect time to stick it on and party. Don’t worry, it won’t turn out like the birthdays in the show (Rachel’s 30th being one that comes to mind). It will be a fun affair with Chandler in a pink bunny outfit. Phoebe on guitar. Ross helping to pivot the furniture. Monica cooking up a storm. Joey providing acting tips and Rachel helping to style us all!

Hey Lovelies, 

Christmas normally starts in July for many bloggers and journalists. In fact, 28% of people have already begun to plan the big day. A number set to rise in October to 58%, as a third of people in the UK buy their first gift. It seems that all the rules about when to start the festive season have gone out the window and soon you will find yourself hunting for Michael Buble to unfreeze him for the best time of year. A vital thing, when the average Brit will be turning their festive playlist on from 7th December. From them then on it is all things Christmas, as it has been uncovered that we listen and spend an impressive 4 hours curating the perfect festive soundtrack.

For me, anything to do with Christmas makes me happy. If I could put a tree up now, I would. Even though it has been found that the 4th December is the day most people do it, especially in the North East of the UK. Don’t worry though, I haven’t, I am holding myself back with Halloween goodness, but if I could I would.

However, I did surround myself with some on Monday, when I headed to the Christmas Delivered by Amazon UK event. Based in The Yard in London, the world of festive delight came to life in the building, as the hottest presents for 2019 from Amazon were laid out for all to see. A vital event in many ways, as the average person in the UK will buy 17 gifts during the festive season, spending 558 minutes planning their shopping list, which 8% of them can spend all the way up until Christmas Eve getting. From food to handmade items, Amazon had gathered the best of the best highlighting the treats that everyone will want in their stockings and sacks this year. Believe me when I say lovelies that I wanted most of it.


Upon arrival, I was greeted by the lovely team from Nescafé Dolce Gusto, who was on hand to deliver some of their great coffee and hot chocolate options. Choosing the mocha-like option, I was introduced to their newest machine, the Mini Me by Krups, which made a powerful cuppa. I have always loved the idea of having a Dolce Gusto machine and I am seriously considering getting my mum one for Christmas, as I was really impressed with the size of the coffee it gave and the time that it took, as it was literally done in seconds. After chatting with the team for a little while longer, I decided to head on in and moved onto the present displayed entrance, which had Christmas trees galore outside it.

Going into the building, I was welcomed by the lovely team at Ideas Network, who I have worked with for several years and always been inspired by. After a quick catch up, the girls introduced me to the route, and I was underway. Heading into the first part of their Christmas adventure, I was introduced to the Amazon Lockers team, who explained to me how the system worked, before letting me have a go at winning a prize. Having never used a Locker before, although I knew of them, I was asked to pick a code, enter it on the machine and the Locker with my item in would open. Super easy, fun and leaving me with a very fancy golden teapot later, I really liked the idea and system of Amazon Lockers. I don’t think I will need to use them, but if I ever did I now have the confidence and ease of seeing how effective they are and how great they can be if you need to have a parcel delivered to you but can’t.


Moving on from the Lockers, I headed into a bit of a dangerous area for me. The toy section. Greeted by the team, a kind helper, showed me around toy that the young or big kids in your life will want. This year's hottest selection featured a new Monopoly board, which instead of having money will feature a voice system instead, a Fortnite Nerf gun that looks just like the video game and a Fisher-Price Linkimals Smooth Moves Sloth, which worked alongside the rest of the toys in the collection to make music and lights. Yet, the real stand out pieces featured included an Amazon Exclusive L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Bigger Surprise, an item so special it wasn’t even allowed to be shown. A Paw Patrol Super PAWs 2-in-1 Transforming Mighty Pups Jet Command Centre that had an exclusive figure and additional plane that shot out as a second machine. The LEGO Hidden Side Newbury Haunted High School, which works alongside an app on your phone to bring the creation to life and finally an Owleez Flying Baby Owl that would fly around the room after a little wait. The hardest thing I found when in this section was trying not to steal them all to bring home and play with. Honestly, the LEGO has my name all over it.


Turning a small corner, I walked into the small section of pet and baby items. Unlike last year, there wasn’t as much on display for the pair, but this is where I found the stocking filler boxes. Inside them were samples of pieces that would be big this year and so I took a few home to try. In the first two I encountered, I found some Lily's Kitchen cat food crackers and some gorgeous Mama Bear bath bits for mums and babies to use. Turning the corner, I found even more in the beauty and fashion section.


Placed in a staged area, the beauty area was dominated by the Rimmel, Max Factor and Olay teams. Upon walking up the sloped area, which featured a wall of great new items coming out including the Amazon exclusive HAUS Laboratories by Lady Gaga pieces, the team at Olay introduced me to their latest products. For a while I had been interested in finding out more about the Olay Whips pieces, but never got around to it. In a demonstration, the Olay team helped me find the one to match my skin tone, gave me a hand massage with it and then introduced me to their new face wipes. This was the beauty item that stayed with me the most.

Simply run underwater or used in the shower, the face clothes fizz up and then can be used to wipe all over to remove makeup and dirt. Really effective, soft and not to heavy on product, these are now on my stocking wish list. I can’t recommend them enough and with a sustainable element to them, they are even good for the planet. I decided not to have the makeover by the Max Factor team, as I was going on a long trip afterwards, but they introduced me to their new mascara and eyeshadow palettes. All of which exclusive to Amazon during the festive season. Something that continued with the addition of the Amazon Beauty Advent Calendar, which will be £50, yet have items worth up to £220 within it and the GQ Grooming Set that will only be available on Amazon.


Just a little bit further away was the fashion section, which featured sleepwear, shoes and jewellery on display. Whilst I knew a lot about Amazon Fashion, as I often buy clothes from there, I did learn from the team that if you see a piece you like, you can simply scan the shoe, top or whatever piece it is and it will search Amazon to see if it is available for a better price on their. I have not stopped doing this since I found out, as it is a whole host easier and I have saved a lot of money too.

Next up was the sounds section, were the best of Amazon Music was put on display. However, it wasn’t the music that caught my eye but one of the gadgets in which the team were playing with. Attached to a tablet, a light-up keyboard played along to the music and a member of the team allowed me to have a go. A bit like Guitar Hero but with a piano, you could control the speed, song and tempo of the keyboard, as it attempted to teach you how to play. I was awful at it. Honestly, I think a newborn baby would have been better, but I did really enjoy it. Especially when I long to learn how to play the piano.

Quickly glancing at the options available in the sports department, including an at-home golfing set up, protein shake samples and the latest gym equipment, I found myself in the tech area. Filled with options on how to make your home the smartest and most innovative, I was greeted first by the Amazon Prime Video team. I work a lot with these and it was so nice to put a face to those I spend emailing. All of which who were lovely!


After spending a little while chatting to them, I moved onto the entertainment and launchpad areas. In our home, we currently have a lot of Amazon products. Tablets, Fire Sticks and Echo’s, yet I wasn’t aware of the Fire TV Cube. A new remote free option, the box can pick up on your voice and help you to choose what to watch via Fire TV. Something I think would be great for people like my dad, who are always losing the remote or walking out of a room and forgetting to pause what they are watching. New for 2019, it is still pretty fresh, but it will be a great addition to the home when binging on all the shows and films you can during the cold festive months. However, if you are more into reading, the team also had a selection of the hottest books to choose from, including Elton John’s upcoming autobiography and Margaret Attwood’s The Testaments.

Just a little bit further on, the team at Amazon Launchpad were on hand to show what new inventors had been creating. A table, which was actually a speaker. A feeding device for pets that released the food automatically instead of you having to do it. A coding worm to help teach kids how to do it. The best one though, was the Merge Cube VR and AR. A small block that could teach you everything you need to know about the world and more. Through connecting to an app on your phone, it reflected the solar system and all the information you may need about it. Plus, so much more. I would have loved this for homework reasons when I was little, and I was so caught up in it that I have been tempted to buy it for myself now.


Finally, I moved onto the last few sections that the team had gathered. To me, these are the two areas though that mean the most to Christmas. Food and gifts. Handmade gifts at that. Greeted by a lovely team member, I was asked if I would like to take part in the opportunity to make my own bauble. Using a simply plastic outline, I used what was very much like a temporary tattoo to add the first letter of my name and some trees to it, making it come to life in a matter of seconds. The team also had a gin making kit, handmade storage bags and more on show that would add a real personal touch to gifts this year. Memory makers in moments.

Getting up from the table, I walked into the market like setup that featured the Amazon Fresh food items. Coming across the Booths team first, I was greeted by a lovely member, who introduced me to their Christmas cookbook that I am now longing for. The table was filled with Booths items, including Christmas puddings, biscuits, wines and cakes that could be placed into hampers or on tables in elegant fashion this Christmas.

Moving on just a few stalls along and my eye was caught by a huge and I mean HUGE loaf of bread. Fresh from the Karaway Bakery, the team had made Christmas delights that would make any food lovers dreams come to life. With glistering icing, snowy white decorations and cute packets filled of the most gorgeously scented sweets, this was the area that Christmas cooking came to life. Something that made it perfectly fitted with the butchers and meat section next door.


I never knew that Amazon had the option to do meat hampers, yet the team at Lidgate’s do just that. Including your turkey, gravy and stuffing, as well as a cookbook to help you prepare and make it, the box is only £12 and can be delivered fresh up until Christmas Eve. How amazing is that? When I told my mum, she instantly started looking them up and I now feel that we may end up having a few delivered before the big day.

After taking a few samples for my mum to try for me, ultimately leading to me smashing a bottle of lemonade by accident and taking a swing on the Instagram swing that donated money to charity by just taking part, I ended the day with the Amazon Treasure Truck team. Spinning the wheel, I won a very exciting Christmas hat and goodie bag. I was very tempted to wear it on the way home, but I controlled myself. Ending the day with an even bigger treasure treat from the Amazon team, filled with items from the show, I headed off to catch my train home to start my little break away with the family.


I was amazed by everything on offer and display and I can’t wait to share more with you all in the upcoming weeks from the brands and items featured. For now, though lovelies, I would suggest checking out Amazon for their early deals. All whilst I Google when is it socially acceptable to wear a Christmas hat out!