Let's Start With This One...

Hey Lovelies, 

Christmas is a time for the most festive of food and drinks. I realised this a lot last year when I spent Christmas away from home in the hospital. Missing out on the smell of my mum’s cooking on Christmas morning was something I never want to relive again. The celebrations are a time in which all limits are off and the world goes wild for the sweetest of edible delights. And rightly so! And even though I struggle to eat during it, I appreciate it a lot. This year, I am going to try and challenge myself to a few of the newest festive features on the market, including a few bits from this delicious gift I got from Prestige Hampers. 

Having been a huge fan for a number of years, when I saw they were looking for bloggers, I emailed them and kindly, they sent me an amazing hamper to try out. Called the Luxury Gift Hamper, this chest hamper features a wide selection that the whole family can choose from. Including two different sorts of wines, crisps, chocolates and a fruit cake that the family will be fighting for, it has everything you need to make this December special.

Upon arriving, I picked out all the cardboard worms within the hamper, to see what had arrived. Inside, I uncovered the following:

• Founders Stone Shiraz
• Founders Stone Sauvignon Blanc
• Salty Dog Salted Honey Roasted Peanuts
• Salty Dog Salted Peanuts
• Whitakers Strawberry Creams
• Yorkshire Crisps Sea Salted Crisps
• Yorkshire Popcorn Toffee Popcorn
• Belgian Caramel Chocolate Thins
• New English Teas Afternoon Tea 
• Simply Cornish Clotted Cream, Chocolate & Cranberry Biscuits 
• Mackays Three Fruit Marmalade 
• Mackays Scottish Three Berry Preserve 
• Original Cake Co. Cherry & Almond Cake - Half Slab
• Luxury Handmade Wicker Basket Hamper

For me, the hamper was a perfect gift for those with a sweet tooth. With a piece within it that would cover breakfast, lunch and dinner, there wasn’t a moment that hadn’t been covered when it came to Christmas day. I can imagine my family on Christmas morning delving in and tucking into the preserve and marmalade, with a cracking cup of tea from the festive box. Before enjoying the wines at dinner and the sweeter delights such as the popcorn in the evening. I could also see this hamper working perfectly as an adult Christmas Eve box or a Boxing Day easy to grab feast, along with the leftovers from the day before.

The hamper would also work great as a present or for a party. For £49.99, including the handmade hamper, it is one of the cheapest hampers I have seen on the market. And while it might seem small, it is mighty with all that comes within it. 

Prestige Hampers are very good for making pieces that last throughout the year. This Christmas they have made hampers big and small. Gifts that would suit everyone and their homes. I am so glad the team helped me find a hamper. Discovering a lot of ideas from them, I will be looking closer to the time to see what they have available to give to others. For now, though, I am ready to share with my mum and close family members this amazing hamper, out now to buy. I will also be reusing the hamper as a picnic hamper in the future or to regift items to others.

To find out more about Prestige Hampers or to see what they are bringing out for the festivities this year, head to their Christmas section lovelies. You won’t regret it! 

Joey X

Hey Lovelies, 

I love board games. In fact, I love any kind of games. I believe it is the big kid in me. However, with people always coming and going in our house, we don’t get to play them as much as I would like. Most of the time, they are given a special place at Christmas. Yet, we changed this week.

Over the years, I have been sent some amazing games to play from Gamely Games. From Randomise to Jibbergiggle, they are always new innovative features to take part in with the whole family. First founded as a Kickstarter campaign, the family-based company’s passion project has continued to grow year on year. Especially after appearing on Dragons Den, where they turned down an offer from the team. Deciding instead to use their passion to build their company each year. 

Just in time for the ultimate gaming season, they have brought out their fifth release, that will have the whole family laughing. Frozen Unicorns is the standing as still as a statue game that you didn’t know you needed. Easy to follow, the aim of the game is simple. Everyone except the person guessing must freeze in the shape of the same animal or person, with points awarded for guessing correctly and the best statue.

When I got the game and after reading the instructions it instantly reminded me of the game statues I used to play at birthday parties. Yet, this is suitable for all ages. Coming up with words and having to think fast about how to be the best statue makes it a fabulous brain game and truly fun to play.

Not just great for Christmas, but all year round, this is the perfect way to get the whole family involved in literally no time at all. Imagine your nan trying to be frozen unicorn after a sherry or two? There is really no competition in the wonder of it. In our house, we trialled the game whilst on holiday and loved how we didn’t have to set anything up, meaning we could delve straight into it. You also don’t have to spend hours playing it if you don’t want to. 

Fun for everyone and easy to take away with you or to do in the comfort of your own home, Gamely have done it again with their innovative games. They have proven that fun is a must for all and simple is the way to do it. Being the most effective way to get everyone smiling in fact. I am so thankful that the company sent me the game to try and I know that they will be working hard to make even more fun features in the future for us to enjoy. Right now though, if you are looking for something to do over the Christmas period with those around you or to give as a gift, this is the one for you. Find out more on Gamely’s website lovelies or if you already know this will be a winner in your home too, you can order it there too. 

Who will you be playing with lovelies? Or what games do you like to play during the festive season?

Joey X

Hey Lovelies, 

Since lockdown began, we have had a whole host of films that we have missed out on. Not always because of the lack of support to our local cinemas, but because they just haven’t had the noise made about them in which they normally would. One of these features is Finding The Way Back, starring Ben Affleck, which is out today on DVD, digitally and Blu-Ray. 

When construction worker Jack (Affleck), is given a second chance to live again - after falling into a downward spiral of booze to ease the pain of a past event - by coaching the student basketball team, he decides to give it his all. However, what he finds isn’t what he expected at all and soon he can’t help but wonder if he made the right choice. 

Many films have followed the same storyline or pattern. The need to save the struggling team from falling into complete despair, all whilst finding it hard to hold his own life together, is something that has been shown in Coach Carter and more. Yet, Affleck’s own personal struggles with alcohol add a sense of commitment and personality that others have lacked. 

Yet, it doesn’t save the film from the familiar tropes that viewers will come to expect. The sports story has been repeated to death. The characters are figures we have connected with many times before. The Mean Girls-style grouping of them easily able to be spotted without having to have them pointed out. 

Sadly, the feature just doesn’t make a new story out of anything. Affleck is the reason to watch in fact. With such a personal element involved, he is able to convey a powerful performance that will remind you of his talents. It is sad that the film just can’t win us over in the same way. 

2 Stars

Joey X

Hey Lovelies,

It isn’t every day that you get to experience Christmas. However, at the start of the month, I was invited to delve into the world of Amazon at Christmas. With everything going on, the event was moved online. Bringing the magic of the biggest event of the year to life in a virtual manner was different, but still fabulous to explore. 

A few days before the event, the team behind Amazon asked us to select a few special events that would be hosted via Zoom. From there, a box of Christmas themed goodies was sent to help us take part in each session. I adore decorating my home in handmade items, making the craft-based one a key event for me to explore. I also decided to take part in a Christmas cocktail class and a Jack Daniels Whiskey session, to help me explore a new side to the festivities. I may not drink, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do a Tom Cruise in Cocktail impersonation during December for family members. 

With everything set up and ready, the big day arrived with much excitement. When 9am came, the website with everything on it opened up. Taking us on a virtual journey, the event was themed around the deliveries in which Amazon’s delivery driver Alison is making. Starting at Chapter One, the character explored the festive foods, from the likes of Booths, Amazon Fresh and Ottolenghi, which are going to be big this year, before moving on to share the best tools to have in the kitchen to beat the holiday stress. I have now got my eye on the Tefal Cake Factory Precision Baking Machine, to help me come up with some brand new recipes for when I restart the baking features on the blog. 

Clicking on the arrow to move to the next chapter, the Amazon Delivered With A Smile story moved us on to look at the latest pieces of fashion. My sense of style at Christmas is normally all about the over the top cheesy Bridget Jones’ pieces. Jumpers, earrings, socks, you name it, I have a festive feature of them. However, the styles we should be focusing on this year are a lot fancier according to Amazon. Levi's 501 Crop Jeans, Iris & Lilly Women's Satin Kimono Dressing Gowns and Calvin Klein Women's Jogger Thermal Trousers were a few pieces that I wanted to instantly add to my basket. I have held back though and added them to my Christmas list to Santa instead. Especially the thermal joggers, which I simply love. 

These new looks paired well with the upcoming new beauty and hair pieces that were later shown on the website, as Lady Gaga, Elizabeth Arden, Neal’s Yard and Amazon Beauty have created some fantastic new tools and products to help give us that festive glow. One thing I would lookout for the most lovelies is the Haus Laboratories By Lady Gaga: Glam Room Palette No. 1: Fame, which is going to blow your minds. As will the amazing, Amazon Beauty Advent Calendar 2020, filled with must-have make-up essentials at an incredible price. It will save you a lot of money and treat you every day to something new lovelies. 

The fun came next though, with the toys and games section arriving in the story. Barbie, LEGO and Star Wars continue to be the big themes this year, with The Child taking over the fun. I can only wish for more LEGO this year, as it is my big pleasure in life. Give me a load of it and I will spend all day happily making the stuff. It soothes my soul. Seeing it in the must-have gifts list made my day and my list just that little bit bigger. Plus, I also secretly added the Barbie items, because other than my mum, I find her to be one of the coolest women (dolls) on the planet. 

It was the next section though that caught my eye the most. Entertainment presents are always a safe option in our home when it comes to me. Books, films and technology simply make me happy. From the looks of the event, 2021 is going to be all about looking after ourselves and our homes more than ever. Something that has probably come from spending so much time in them recently. Books included the latest cooking, everyday wellness and fun educational features the whole family can enjoy. When the last page had been turned, the event then showed us what was new to Prime Movies and the selection included something for everyone. Crazy Rich Asians, 1917 and Nativity Rocks! Being just a few to pick from. Whilst the streaming service is also adding more options for TV fans too, with This Is Us season five, The Boys and Little Fires Everywhere to keep us entertained during the winter months. 

Moving on, the website led us into the world of Amazon Launchpad. A platform dedicated to showcasing the newest releases from the world of inventors and innovators who we may not have heard of before. Reusable notebooks, mood focused wearables and a self-cleaning water bottle were a few of the items that made the list this year. All of which being the perfect presents for the person who has everything. The person you struggle to buy for. I love the Launchpad section of the site because it is the place that I actually find inspiration for other gifts and items for myself. I like to find one of a kind items and these are definitely part of that category. 

Having touched on it slightly before, the website returned to the world of technology for the next few chapters. OnePlus 8 smartphones, vlogging cameras and Microsoft Surface tablets were the most expensive but stand out features on the website. Yet, it seems the best bit of technology that you can add to your kit this year is the wireless headphones from Jabra. I am not just saying this either because I have a pair. 

The Zoom Crafting Session

Made to fit comfortably in any sized ear, their headphones make moving around whilst focusing on the tasks you have to do easy. Great for when wrapping presents, cooking the turkey or rushing around getting those last-minute gifts. Although it seems nothing could beat the biggest technology gift that people will be asking for this year. The Xbox Series X console, which stood out throughout this chapter of the site. And of course, all of the brilliant Amazon Echo items, including the new devices, Echo Auto, Echo Buds, an Echo clock and a new tablet. Making Alexa and the use of helpful devices for every room in the house or on the go easier to access. 

The website then guided us through the worlds of pets, wine, beers and the world of home. Amazon Handmade is much a part of this collection and again the perfect place to find that one of a kind piece for the family. I love the little individual designs here and always discover a new brand to follow from it. This year’s one being Owl & Otter, who showcased a gorgeous Owl & Otter Personalised Christmas Family Wreath Decoration Cushion, which I think I may just have to invest in. 

Having looked at all the sections and taken part in all three of my chosen sessions, I was sad to come to the end of the event for 2020. Whilst it may not have been like the Amazon Christmas events before, it was an exciting and fun day to be had. I loved the ease of seeing the products from home. In many ways, it made adding them to an Amazon Wishlist easier aha! 

Especially the toys they had on offer, with 12 having been chosen, as part of their most wanted range, which you can still order lovelies. Simply make sure that you do so by around 11pm on the 23rd December. Included in the list was...

• Barbie Fresh 'n' Fun Food Truck, Currently priced at £49.99
• L.O.L Surprise! O.M.G. Remix 4-in-1 Plane Playset, Currently priced at £89.99
• L.O.L Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Honeylicious Fashion Doll, Currently priced at £40
• LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship Toy, Currently priced at £119.99
• LEGO Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Toy Interactive Figure & Buildable Game, Currently priced at £44.99
• Mattel Games Uno Showdown, Currently priced at £14.99
• PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller Motorised Team Vehicle with Exclusive Chase and T-Rex Figures, Currently priced at £64.99
• Playmobil Back to the Future DeLorean Toy, Currently priced at £39.99
• Present Pets, Currently priced at £58.33
• Squeakee Interactive Balloon Dog, Currently priced at £44.99
• Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition “AKA Baby Yoda”, Currently priced at £59.99
• VTech KidiZoom Studio (Red), Amazon Exclusive, Currently priced at £59.99

There is so much that the site has to offer this year that I know you will be able to find many presents easily on it. Amazon always manages to make sure that Christmas is delivered on time and I have no doubts from this event that it will do it again this year. Bring on Prime Day and Black Friday now, so I can delve into the deals and get shopping. Who else is with me? 

Let me know what has caught your eye from the above lovelies! Or tell me about the latest find you have found on Amazon that can make everyone's Christmas that little bit more special. 

Joey X

Hey Lovelies, 

Beauty products are becoming something that I am getting more and more interested in. Especially skincare items, such as moisturisers. With autumn and winter bringing with it the dryness that central heating, weather issues and lack of vitamin D bring, I am trying to make my skin survive better.

After discovering Jolie Beauty bronzer and blusher products online, I got in contact with them, after they reached out for bloggers to see if they could help me. I normally use a high street brand, but when looking up the reviews of the Jolie Beauty company, I wanted to discover more about their glowing new range. I am so glad I did.

With raving reviews all over their website and Google, the Jolie Beauty Second Skin Bronzer collection is an affordable skin range that adds a subtle glow and smoothness to your skin. Coming in a small compact with a built in mirror, the product can be applied easily to help build upon your final look. 

Opening the white and gold packet, the bronzers, which come in a range of colours, including the light Latte colour I tried, was presented with a whole load of information on how to use it on the box. Something I loved. As a person who doesn’t know a lot about the best ways to use makeup or beauty items, it made the whole process a lot easier to do with this information on hand. I don’t wear makeup, so I had to have a little play with it before I faced the public.

My skin instantly sparkled, but not in a way that made it stand out or seem odd. The bronzers blended right in and my skin had a fresh and vibrant look to it, after a few days of being dull from the cold. I will admit that I was a little scared to try it, because I hadn’t used a Jolie Beauty product before, but the good news is, it worked!

Staying on all day, my skin felt smooth and I had a lovely subtle glow all day. Upon taking the product off at the end of the day, the flecks went away, but I still had super smooth skin, which if I wore makeup, I would be happy to find when removing the item.

I am going to give the bronzers a few more goes before I give it a full rating (check it out on social), but for now, I would definitely suggest giving the products a try. Jolie Beauty has a great selection on their website to go. I would suggest having a look at lovelies. Right now, it is safe to say I have an amazing autumn glow thanks to the brilliant Jolie Beauty, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to try it.

Let me know if you try the item lovelies. I love to find out about new products, and it would be amazing to discover what else is on offer!

Joey X

Hey Lovelies, 

Recently many students headed off to university to start the new term. Over 2.3 million in fact. Yet, this year their new start was tinged with a huge amount of worry and sadness. Not the usual kind either. As a second wave of coronavirus threatened to lock us all down again, students were faced with the fear of not being able to enjoy university life in the way many of us did. 

When I went to university, the only fears I had in the first few weeks was how to get university life started. Freshers is all about meeting people, bonding over your course and other matters in fact. Whilst I wasn’t a big party person, I did love that I got to meet so many new people. Now students are faced with not getting the opportunity to make new friends in the way we all did. I find this so sad. Especially when it all comes to making sure that we all stay safe and healthy during this difficult time. 

However, I have discovered a way that some of those fears can be eased a little. Living specialists, Scape, have teamed up with Love Island’s Dr Alex George, to help make the Fresher and Healthy service for university students. Helping to make us all more aware of the actions we need to take to stop the spread of coronavirus, the team have come up with some special guides to help with hand washing, wearing face masks and social distancing, as well as keeping to the new Rule of Six.

Starting today, the new service will be a huge help when it comes to university life. Having spoken to the team at the official launch of the service, Scape can help you on a weekly basis with bookable one-on-one health consultations with private GP service, Gogodoc. Students that have a consultation will receive a free physical examination and be provided with mental health advice from their on hand GP. All in a trusted and safe manner. 

The launch also unveiled that students will be given the option of a flu jab to remain extra safe, whilst receiving a free Fresher & Healthy kit packed with all the essentials needed to keep a healthy wellbeing in and around their university. Having received one myself to see what would be in them, I discovered an Ally face mask, Hande hand sanitiser, a discount on Vitl nutrition supplements and healthy refreshments such as a Equinox Organic Kombucha and Properchips’ Sea Salt Lentil Chips. The perfect get well or stay safe medicine. 

I really feel for students right now and I know that it is tough right now. With these services though, you will be able to remain safe and well for free with extra help. All vital matters right now. I know that it seems like everyone is blaming students for the rise in cases, but I don’t believe that it is their fault at all. With the right help and guidance, everyone can stay safe. I wanted to share these kits and services mostly to provide you with a new manner of staying healthy, because I care about you all so much. 

To discover more or to book an appointment and get a Fresher and Healthy kit, head to Scape’s website. You will not regret it lovelies! 

Stay safe, 

Joey X