Let's Start With This One...

Hey Lovelies,

Featuring the return of the voices of Jason Sudeikis, Danny McBride, Josh Gad and Bill Hader, The Angry Birds Movie 2 appeared out of nowhere but easily wins us over. Full of mischief, the feature, which is out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, brings back the war of pranks that we have all come to love and admire from the classic video game.

With the war raging on, lead pig, King Leonard (Hader) is faced with the ultimate test, when he must call a truce to save both islands from the ultimate danger that they have come to face. However, not content with the news, Red (Sudeikis), Bomb (McBride) and Chuck (Gad), plus, Chuck’s sister Silver (newcomer Rachel Bloom), unite to help solve the situation.

The film didn’t get the biggest marketing space when it was first announced, however that hasn’t made it any less effective as the first feature. With a new creative led by Thurop Van Orman and John Rice, fans of the video game will delight in this new adventure, as it recalls the forgotten lands that once caused us all to go mad catapulting pigs and other animals around them.

Unlike them though, there is a sense of family and uniting of people that makes the film a fun watch. The animals are as ever ones that have been made to be a true reflection of what we came to know them for. As a follow-up feature, it shows just how much we have needed them to entertain us in all forms. It is a safe watch. It is one where you don’t have to think, but just take in. And it works a lot compared to the first feature by doing this. Subtle but never too much.

Fun for family members of all ages and out just in time for Christmas, the feature will be a hit no matter when it is watched. Grandparents, who may not even have a clue what the app is, will love it. Kids will. Parents will respond to the demands of both the game and the world of the films in equal measure. There so, if you are a fan or foe of the little birds, no doubt should be had as to whether to snuggle up with this one. You will not be disappointed by doing so.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Ingredients:

• 175g Flour
• 2 Tsp Ground Ginger
• 1 Tsp Mixed Spice
• ½ Tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
• 100g Golden Syrup
• 25g Butter
• 25g Brown Sugar
• 1 Egg, Beaten
• 15ml Black Treacle
• 30ml Fresh Milk (Your Choice)

Tools:

• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon
• 15cm Cake Tin
• Saucepan
• Wire Cool Rack
• Baking Paper
• Teaspoon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180(C) or 350(F). Grease and line the 15cm cake tin with baking paper.
2. Sift out the flour, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Using your spoon, make a well in the centre of the bowl. Put to one side.
3. Place the syrup, butter and brown sugar into the saucepan and stir over a low heat until all the butter has melted.
4. Along with the egg, treacle and milk, pour the liquid mixture into the well and beat quickly until all combined.
5. Place the mixture into the tin, pop into the oven and bake for an hour or until a stick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
6. Leaving the baking paper on, pop out the gingerbread onto a wire rack and leave to cool. Once completely cooled down, pull the paper off.
7. Finally, tuck in and enjoy with whatever you want to!

Hey Lovelies, 

I don’t know whether it is just me or the cold chill that has come this week, but I feel like now is the right time to hibernate. To escape the breeze, the winter leaves and the dreary rain that comes with living in England.

At the moment I am living for warm cups of tea, TV specials and Netflix festive features. Getting up in the morning and leaving my electric blanket is a struggle, but when I face the day head-on, I feel motivated.

There so, I have been thinking about what I want to do in December. I want to be crafty and have some creative fun. Something that I couldn’t wait to do in fact. All leading me into a frenzy of DIY shopping and seeking.

Using websites and social media, I have gathered lots of ideas of things I want to recreate for Christmas. I want my home to resemble a grotto of sorts. To look like something, you may find in a cheesy TV film. Deck The Halls epic levels. Okay, maybe that is taking it too far.

Yet, there are many ways this can be achieved on the cheap or for nothing. After a successful money saving post in Blogtober, I wanted to share some of the places I have found great Christmas items for nothing that may help you during the festive season.

They will definitely help you deck the halls with bows of holly and more...

Freecycle: No matter where you live, I am certain you will have a Freecycle online. Our local one features people giving away decorations, lights and even perfect Christmas trees all year round. Something worth watching it for.

Gumtree: Whilst many know it as being a site to sell stuff on, Gumtree also has a freebies section. Fabulous for finding furniture, toys and household essentials, lots of amazing free items can appear that are great for the festive season and beyond.

Preloved: A bit like Gumtree, this also has a freebies section that is equally perfect for picking up Christmas essentials. There aren’t as many posts, but when they appear, they can be great.

Facebook Market: I do love me some Facebook sale sites. Years ago, when they first appeared, I thought they were a bit strange. Now they are great for finding things in your local area for much cheaper than in the shops.

HotUKDeals: One for those of us in the UK, the website has a breakdown of all the big branded items that are on offer. Plus, it even has a section for voucher codes and freebies. I’ve picked up loads from the freebies section and use it every day to see what I can pick up when I next go out. Sellotape from WHSmith’s, I think so!

By simply googling for freebies, I have found so many helpful places online lovelies. Take a few moments to do so and you can too. Now is a perfect time as well, with so many festive offers. Do you pick up bargain’s lovelies? If so, what websites do you use?

Hey Lovelies, 

Hands up, who has started watching Christmas films? I have to admit that I started a while ago and it has from there! I haven't made it on to the big ones just yet though. The ones listed below lovelies.

For me, these are the ones I have to watch each 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 with one of these lovelies…

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.

Hey Lovelies, 

Being young and in love is something that is always reflected as an innocent act. Yet, in Wes Anderson’s world in Moonrise Kingdom, two 12-year-olds love causes adventures that give every audience member a new appreciation for the world and the wilderness. All of which that has been re-released in a brand-new Blu-Ray format, as of today.

Launching the careers of Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, as Sam and Suzy, the feature has one of the best all-star casts around. Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand and Bruce Willis lead the familiar names appearing in this tale of Sam and Suzy’s secret pact to run away and stay in love forever. Yet, their world is changing when a storm brews that causes them to rethink everything they knew.

When you feature a cast like this, all led by an amazing director, there is nothing that Moonrise Kingdom can’t do. It is a feature that takes you back to your childhood. It is a feature that shows the pressures of first love and growing up. It shows that the world is always changing and the plans we have are forever changing. All in the beautiful way Anderson can only do.

Unlike his previous features, this is the one that seems like the most innocent. It has the darkness that blends with the light throughout, but it works. Anderson’s take on the Scouts teens going about their own adventure and experiencing the world for themselves, instead of listening to what is expected of them from their leader and the police.

Comedy is the beauty in this feature though. There is a manner in the film that shows even in the darkest of times, there is nothing that the world can stop you from dreaming or aiming for. Plus, with a cast like this, they all know what to do, even years on, to make you smile. Wes Anderson just knows what to do as a filmmaker to make us happy, which is all we can ask for.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

In our house, we have a very old cookbook. I don’t know where it comes from and my mum can’t even remember now, but it is used by all. Looking at it, it looks a bit like a relic. However, it has come in so handy when you want to make a classic bake. One that the whole family can remember from childhood well into adulthood.

Flicking through it, you would find one page used the most. The page containing the Rock Cakes recipe. It is bent. A little bit torn. I think it may even be falling out on one side. But I love it. It shows me that everyone has used it at one point to enjoy the sweet delights that have graced our home for years.

This special recipe is perfect for a Sunday baking session, as they take little time at all and can be enjoyed with or without an added sweetness such as custard or cream. Perfect for taking to work during the week or making ahead and sharing with others you have coming around this week. They are also a great little reflection of autumn and wintertime.

You won’t even get messy with the recipe below, because it is literally fuss-free…

Ingredients

• 225g Self Raising Flour
• 100g Butter
• 75g Caster Sugar
• 100g Mixed Dried Fruit
• 1 Egg (Beaten)
• 10-20ml (Two – Four Tsp) Milk (Your choice)
• Optional: You can also add in spices such as cloves, ginger, cinnamon or mixed spice to give it a bit more of a taste lovelies.

Tools

• Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Baking Tray
• Baking Paper
• Teaspoon
• Scales

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C or 400F. Grease your baking tray and line with the baking paper. 
2. Sift the flour into the mixing bowl. 
3. Rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs. 
4. Add the sugar, fruit and spices (if you are including them) to the mixture. Stir to combine. 
5. Add in the egg and the milk. Mix until you have a stiff but combined batter mixture. 
6. Place around ten spoonsful of the mixture onto your tray. Don’t worry about them looking perfect, they are meant to be messy and rock-like. Remember to leave room between each one too, as they do grow and spread. 
7. Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. 
8. One golden and a little hard on the outside, remove and allow to cool on a wire rack. You can also enjoy these warm with custard or on their own. 
9. Finally, tuck in lovelies! 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Ingredients

• 4 Cups Self-Rising Flour
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 1 Tbsp Butter, Softened
• 1 Cup Milk
• ½ Cup Water

Tools

• Oven
• Baking Paper
• Baking Tray
• Mixing Spoon
• Sharp Kitchen Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 220 (C) or 425 (F). Grab your baking tray and grease it with butter and flour or grease and line with the baking paper.
2. Add together the flour and salt in the mixing bowl. Using the spoon mix until well combined.
3. Taking the butter, use your hands to cut it into the flour mixture. The recipe should look like fine breadcrumbs at this point.
4. Make a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in the milk and water, one at a time. Use the spoon to combine the dough together.
5. Once together, use your hands to turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for a few minutes before forming into an 8inch round loaf with your hands.
6. Carefully place the round loaf onto your prepared baking tray. Then taking the knife, cut a cross or pumpkin-like pattern into the top of the loaf. Make sure to go quite far in, but not too far, so that the design isn’t lost when cooking.
7. Place into the oven to bake for 25 minutes at the above temperature. Once your timer has gone off at 25 minutes, turn the oven down to 175 (C) or 350 (F) for an additional five to ten minutes of cooking. The loaf will be ready when golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when you tap it.
8. After 30 minutes, the loaf should be ready and is best served warm.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Ingredients:

• 225g Butter
• 225g Caster Sugar
• 225g Self Raising Flour
• 4 Medium Eggs
• 200g Strawberry or Raspberry Jam
• 25g Desiccated Coconut
• Custard or Ice Cream (Optional - To Serve)

Equipment:

• Wooden Spoon
• Scales
• Spatula or Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• 15cm Square Tray
• Cooling Rack
• Baking Paper

Method:

1. Set the oven to 180 degrees and line the baking tray with butter and baking paper. The butter will help the paper stick.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the eggs, vanilla essence and flour, mixing to combine all of them together. The mixture should be light and runny but thick enough to pour.
4. Please the sponge into the tray and bake for around 20 to 25 minutes or until it bounces back, and a cocktail stick comes out clean when placed inside.
5. Leave the mixture to cool in the tin, before placing the cake onto a cooling rack, whilst getting the topping ready.
6. Once the cake has cooled down, use a spoon to pour the jam onto the top of the cake. Using a spatula or a knife, spread the mixture across the top of the entire cake.
7. Take the coconut, sprinkle it on top of the jam. Use as much or as little sprinkles as you like, depending on your tastes.
8. Cut up the cake into squares and whip up some custard or grab some vanilla ice cream and serve up.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies,

I’m sad lovelies. Blogtober is over. Halloween is over. The spooky festivities are all gone for another year and my mind isn’t ready to take down the decorations and pumpkins yet. It is a little too early to put up the Christmas decorations and so I feel like my house is empty.

October was a strange month of sorts. We had family members come and visit. My dad ended up in hospital and then wham Halloween arrived and went in a flurry. Throughout all of this though, I managed to have some amazing moments, leading to some great finds and fun.

Below are just a few of my blogger favourites from October 2019:

Halloween: Topping my list is of course Halloween! I adore the spooky season and getting to decorate our house and spend time planning it is always something I look forward to. This year I stayed in and treated the trick or treaters to a handful of sweets.

Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing Show: Last year, my friend Tessa kindly gave me a theatre ticket of my choice for Christmas. Deciding to use it to see JVN was the best decision I ever made. I now want to be him more than anyone else.

Me by Elton John: Many of you will now know that Elton John is one of my heroes in life. Delving into his book has been a pure delight and I feel like I have got to know more about the man behind the music. If you loved Rocketman, you will love this.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: If you haven’t watched this series of the fabulous show, you need to! It is and I’m not afraid to say this, so much better than the American version. There is no holding back when it comes to the challenges and the queens are not afraid to say how they feel!

Christmas Cakes: As a baking fan, I spent a whole day making a Christmas cake in October. Literally. Taking four hours to cook, it is probably the bake that has taken me the longest time ever. Now maturing in our kitchen cupboard in a puddle of sherry, I am now praying it turns out okay for the big day.

Family Visits: In the middle of October, my brother and nephew came to visit us. Whilst it was only a flying stay, it was nice to see the tiniest Tamburello and I can’t wait until Christmas now to see him again. Although he does get cheekier every time I do.

October 2019 may have been an odd month of sorts. Yet, it is one that came with a lot of memories that I will forever treasure. These were just a few. What made your October 2019 special? Let me know!