Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Back in 2015, Deutschland 83 hit the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews. Now after six long years, the German Cold War drama is back with Deutschland 89 (out now on DVD and digitally) and it is just as big as the shoulder pads before.

Returning for a third outing, Stasi agent Martin (Jonas Nay) and his spy auntie Lenora (Maria Schrader), tackle the realities of Germany during the late 80s. Taking on politics and war, against the backdrop of an epic 80s soundtrack, the 10-part series captures how Martin is living since being banished for his sinful ways.

To begin with, the show doesn’t have the same sense of fight in which the opening episodes of the first series did. However, it isn’t long before it catches up. Schrader is at the top of her game in this season and it really reflects off onto Nay, who again captures Martin in a thrilling light that makes the show easy to binge on.

Even though the show is full of darkness, the creators have made some epic TV moments through their choice of song in selected scenes. No one could deny that the power of music is what drives each episode and the characters emotions. In many ways, it feels as though the writers have written each episode around the song that will play within it. The key song that is.

German TV is still rising and with this second series again highlighting the power of it, there is no denying that it will soon be taking over. Something we should all embrace and look forward to. 83 is long gone, so is 86, bring on 89 with this epic…

4 Stars

Joey X 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Are you more of a sweet or chocolate person? When I was little, I would have said I was a chocolate person, but now, I can’t help my love of sweets. I love going into vintage style sweets shops. Looking online at old pick n’ mix selections and asking people what they miss the most. With the loss of so many pieces though comes the reinvention of others. Including the launch of, Bar of Crisps, from Chocolate Moments. 

Crisps seem to be taking over the world right now. Subway has added them to sandwiches. This new bar adds them to chocolate. Oh yes! A new combination of creamy Belgian milk chocolate and crunchy ready salted crisps has landed in a bar that you won’t want to miss out on. It is a perfect mixture of sweet and salty. 

Now available in a new full sized bar, the chocolate arrived as a taster sample, which I was quick to hide from my mother's taste tester. I didn’t want her to know what was in it until she ate it. Priced at £6.99, the slab bar was presented to her in fact in a very hidden manner. 

I placed one of the chunks into her hand and allowed her to take the first piece at her own pace. Taking it in, she found that the mixture wasn’t fully formed when she took the original bite. Yet, as time went on, the more she ate, there were a number of moans of joy. My mum is definitely someone who likes savoury foods over sweet, so, this mixture was always going to be uncertain. Yet, she loved it. 

Not like anything she had tried before, she told me that whilst it wouldn’t have been the first bar she chose, she was glad to be given the chance to. She now wants to get even more from the Chocolate Moments collection to try, due to the unique flavours on offer. 

Crisps are a historical snack. Chocolate and crisps are a new feature we are all going to fall for I feel. To find out more, head to the Chocolate Moments website and discover Bar of Crisps. What are your unique snack lovelies? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Anyone else wishing that things would get hot, hot, hot again? In the UK, you can honestly never predict the weather! Last weekend we had beautiful sunshine. Now, we have the warning of snow, lower temperatures and a strong wind. What even is this? 

There so, we are having to turn to other methods to find essential vitamin D. Our food. Having been working with a dietician and having stayed in an ED hospital, I know that vitamin D is key to helping our bones and mood stay strong. As I know that the use of chilli’s in food can make everything a little bit spicier. 

As someone who does get a little cold, due to my condition, when I was offered the chance to trial The Dining Collection from Chilli No 5, I said yes straight away. With 10 different sauces to choose from, they are the perfect addition to spread onto foods or to add to recipes. However, I will admit that I wasn’t brave enough to try them all. 

Grabbing hold of my taste tester mother Jane, we gathered the gorgeous box I was sent and got looking for the perfect recipes for them. At the moment, we are loving risotto and so, we decided to add a few of the jars to our meals. 

Pouring them into the slow cooker, which we use to make our meals quite often, I was worried about how hot the dining experience was going to be. My mum can handle the heat. I can’t. Preparing a tissue just in case, we left the sauce to marinate with the meal. You could smell it throughout the house as it did. 

Placing the meal into my bowl, the aroma pierced the air. I could tell I was in for one scorcher of a ride. As my senses prepared for it, I was happy to say that the one my mum picked out was mild enough for me to deal with. Some of the ones in the collection sounded absolutely terrifying, I won’t lie. 

My mum definitely liked the addition of the kick that it gave the meal and asked me to find out more about the other flavours. Some she mentioned would be perfect to marinate meat in for upcoming summer BBQs, that hopefully we can have. 

Arriving in a super sleek package, the 10 bottles look like test tubes, but are perfectly formed to make a great meal even better. Priced at £35, they are a true treat, but you will not be disappointed in them. I couldn’t add one to every meal, but if you are a lover of spice, then you definitely could. 

Crossing our fingers that things warm up again soon, the Dining Collection will help us all get by as we await for it. Sunshine or not. The Chilli No.5 website has lots of ways to use them, more bottles in their collection and all of the pricings to help you find out more. 

Are you a lover or hater of spice? Let me know! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

I love a card game. In fact, I love any kind of games. I believe it is the big kid in me. However, with lockdown having stopped people visiting, we don’t get to play them as much as I would like. Most of the time, they are now given a special place at Christmas. Yet, we changed this week.

Newly released by the After Dark Murder team, a new card game has been presented that will have you turning detective. Called Foul Play, the aim is to find the murderer without people thinking that it is you.

When I got the game and after reading the instructions it instantly reminded me of Cluedo, the ultimate murder mystery game that has been ruling the world for years. Yet, this is a lot harder. Simply by picking up the games within the pack to try and solve the clues, the game changes every time you play it.

To celebrate the game, I spoke to ADD NAME about why we should all be playing it…

Firstly, congratulations on the game! What inspired you to make a game like this?

Thanks so much! We're very proud of the game, and really pleased with how it's been received! Who would have thought that twelve months ago we'd be fully-fledged tabletop game producers! The game itself was created out of survival instinct! We run an events company and when the pandemic hit and the ensuing lockdowns meant that we could no longer go out and perform we realised we'd have to come up with an alternative source of income in order to get through to the other side. Most of the other event companies seemed to be focusing on online events, so there was the worry we'd get lost in the massive amount on offer, so we decided to come up with something different, and as we all loved games, Foul Play was created!

To find out more about the game, head to the team’s website. You will not be disappointed, I promise you lovelies! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Since the day I saw it, Bridesmaids has been one of my favourite films of all time. Hearing that the creative team behind it, including its stars Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, were back with a new release made my day. After a limited streaming cinematic release, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is now out on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally for all to enjoy. And luckily it is just as good. 

Having starred in SNL for so long, the film runs off the screen in a way similar to a sketch from the show. Yet, Wiig and Mumolo, along with Jamie Dornan, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, manage to make it a fabulous feature, you simply won’t forget. Starring as Barb and Star, the film follows the pair, as they come to terms with the threat they face. An evil villain’s murderous plot that leads to the pair falling for the henchman involved. 

With so much stress in the world at the moment, the film is a fun and laidback treat for all to watch. Okay, don’t let your kids watch it, but do delve into it with friends, your partner or family members, for a hilarious trip. Wiig and Mumolo don’t hold back when it comes to making this crazy creation. They know how to attract and bring audiences into the story. From lip-syncing sequences to culottes, comedy springs up in the weirdest but most wondrous ways throughout.

Whilst some comedians or comedic features make you cringe by trying too hard, this one never does. In fact, the clever acting and writing is thrilling throughout. You don’t worry about Wiig or Mumolo failing. You don’t worry that you won’t have a good time. You actually watch the whole thing and just feel calm and comedically connected. Even if you do end up saying, “What?” in a very funny way afterwards. 

As the feature-debut from director Josh Greenbaum, the film shouldn’t really work. It does border on being a little too silly. But actually this is what makes it work so well. We need the madness of the film to make us as viewers accept it in our mad world. More comedies like this are definitely needed in the future. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

For a long time now, candles have been my biggest love. I’ve begged for them in fact. I have picked up plenty in my local shops. I have even stocked up and filed my bedroom cupboard with my favourite winter ones. 

So, when Boostology+ messaged to ask if I would like to try one of their exciting new candle holders and hand-poured tealights, I couldn’t wait. Decedent in black marble, the soy candles smell incredible from the first opening of the box and perfect for the next few summer months. 

Coming in a black box, the candle was slotted into it surrounded by six of the candles. Each one smelling of bergamot, pink grapefruit and lemon. A scent built to help you recharge. Something that I think we all need still with the clocks having changed recently. 

I won't lie to you lovelies, I was a little worried about the candles, due to an allergy to soy. Yet, these are not too overpowering and I have found them safe to burn. With a really fresh smell, it is like breathing in summer air. That feeling of going out for a nice sunny walk in a daisy filled field. Or sipping a cooling drink in the sunshine. 

Alright, I will stop now, before it becomes a bit too much like the Sound of Music opening scene. However, I do really love this candle set. Fitting in perfectly with the new look I am building in my room, it gives off a futuristic and stylish vibe. It slots in well with my new tapestry and I can’t wait to find out what more of the collection is like. Especially the different candles and their scents. 

As a new product, I really like the black marble effect and the way that the smells affect my senses. It is the perfect candle and holder to give as a gift or to keep for yourself. It may seem small, but it is mighty. 

To find out more about Boostology+ lovelies, head to their website. You will not be disappointed I promise!

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

I am going to admit something now. I am a bit of an introvert. Don’t get me wrong I like going out and being with people, but I also love my own space and staying in. Probably a lot more than a party to be honest. I find it so soothing for my mind and so if I can plan the ultimate night in, instead of going out then I will. 

Luckily, one of the best things to have come out of lockdown is that lots of people are also feeling like this now. Including my amazing bunch of friends. We may want to meet up and go out at some point, but right now the plans for the ultimate night in and sleepover are getting planned. And I can’t wait! 

Especially when there are some amazing staying in kits now on offer to help make the night extra special. One of them being the brilliant pack from Your Big Night In. Created to include everything you may need for the ultimate film night in, the team behind it have thought about and gathered all the essentials you will need. 

Kindly they got in touch with me and offered me the chance to review one of their boxes, which I couldn’t help but jump at the chance at. Planned over the Easter weekend, to keep me and my mum entertained, as there was nowhere to go due to the holidays, I was amazed with what I received when the box arrived last week. 

Filled with food and drink goodies, plus a film of your choosing from Rakuten TV, I decided to review the Ultimate Movie Night In x Bubbles box. Arriving super quick, the box that greeted me made me excited straight away. Designed like a cassette tape, the look is retro, but the contents are super modern. 

Placed within a reusable tote bag, made from 100% recycled cotton, there was the options of Popcorn by The Kernel, a kilogram of Rainbow Sweetie Pie Sweets juicy pick ‘n’ mix, plus a bottle of The Rebel Bubbles, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and a whole host of other treats, including cheese puffs, crunchy corn snacks, sugar free gum and even more, the box had something for both me and my mum to enjoy. Although we did have a bit of an argument over the sweets aha! 

After spending a few moments choosing what film to watch, we decided to have a true girls night in and went with Wonder Woman 1984. A film that felt fitting with the cassette case design. We loved it and the ease of how the evening flowed, not having to worry about what to choose in a shop. Having it delivered had made it that simple and stress-free. 

Your Big Night In didn’t just beat our expectations, but gave us a chance to try new foods, drinks and films. Brands have been discovered and we will be looking into them more. As well as getting another one of the kits in the future. Especially around birthdays or celebrations. They would be great for Christmas (yes I said it aha!). I can just imagine cosying up with one on Christmas Eve. 

There are a number of kits available lovelies, all of which can be found on their website. Delve into it and make up the perfect cosy night in before lockdown lifts. I am sure you will not be disappointed by what you uncover. 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Murder mysteries come in waves when autumn and winter hits! Visual proof as to why it is better to stay in when the evenings get darker, the likes of Luther, The Fall and Sherlock have been creating scares and thrills for years. Now joining them, as it comes out on DVD and digitally, is the new series of Midsomer Murders, the longest running detective drama of the bunch.

With over 20 years of screen time now and over 395 murders having taken place, the show knows exactly what to do to continue to hook audiences in with its 21st series. Full of powerful performances, the show has a way of making you want to watch on. Starting off in a very odd manner, with plenty of details needed to hook the audience in, the show moves along in a way that simply clicks into place like all the previous series have done.

The world within the series has been adapted in a professional manner that feels right for this time of year. It feels like it should be on our screens and the cast reflects that. All put on in a fabulous manner throughout and know what to do to make sure audiences are not put off by the strange opening.

In fact, once you get over the opening, it is a series that makes you want to lock all your doors and never open them again. It is full of tragedy, depth and clever use of landscape and history. One of the best dramas ever, this will make you pleased that you tuned in because everyone will be talking about it for years to come. Especially once the later episodes are played and the finale is revealed.

With a fantastic cast, strong script and clever storylines, the 21st series of Midsomer Murders flows onto our screens well. It will leave you locking all your doors and windows well before you get to the end of the series due to the shocks and horrors witnessed. Something you know marks a good series.

4 Stars

Joey X

 

Good Afternoon Lovelies, 

Easter has arrived lovelies and to mark the occasion I thought I would help you all out before the big Sunday event. For many of us, the day will be marked enjoying sweet delights. Eggs, fancy brunches and lovely lunches. Yet, it might also be a bit stressful, if you haven’t got your Easter home or eggs. 

But you don’t have to worry this year. Oh no! I have found some of the best Easter themed items and eggs on Amazon, which you will not want to miss out on. Some are even handmade in time for the celebrations…

Pink Personalised Easter Bunny Mug (In A Basket), £8.95:

Moo Free Milk Chocolate Mint Easter Egg, £8,98:

Happy Easter Cake Topper, £7.90:

Divine Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Easter Egg, £13.99:

Bunny Straws, £4,99:

Perfect for any Easter celebrations, these are a great addition and will make the best gifts for all who receive them. Having received the two eggs featured, my regular taste testers can confirm that they are delicious and I simply love the decorations. Especially the very cute straws. Which of the above has taken your eye lovelies? 

Joey X