Let's Start With This One...

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

A few weeks ago, I was kindly invited to experience the new look, TCB (The Chinese Buffet) experience in Blackpool. Whilst I live in London, I was quick to accept the opportunity, as my brother lives in the area and was all to willing to help me with this. 

Together, we were gifted a meal for two, with soft drinks, that featured their all you can eat buffet. However, it came with a bit of a difference. Unlike when you go up to the counters, the food would be delivered to your table. By BellaBot. 

The BellaBot, what is that I hear you ask, is a cat/robot hybrid that politely and quickly holds the trays of food, so you don’t have to, bringing them straight to your table. 

How? Well, by picking the food you would like to try for each course through the restaurants dedicated app, the dishes are then made in the kitchen and brought out. 

Each dish being perfectly portioned, with lots of options for meat, vegetarian and vegan diners according to my brother. In fact, he was happy to give me a quick verbal review for you all…

The images apparently don’t do it enough justice. My brother couldn’t encourage you to go and visit it enough. After seeing the images, my mum is now plotting a trip for the family when we go up there next to try it herself. I think she wants to meet the BellaBot too. 

If you are in the Blackpool area and want a safe, filling and fun experience, with plenty of food and drink to enjoy too, then this seems perfect for you. Currently, the restaurants are mostly based in the north of the UK, but hopefully they will be all over soon. In fact, I can already see them being all around in no time. 

To find out more or to book a meal, head to the TCB Dining website. From everything I have seen and heard, you won’t be disappointed. 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

A few weeks ago, I was watching the brilliant Jessica Jones, AKA The Fat Funny One, on YouTube and in one of her latest videos she mentioned that she would be doing the 22 books for 2022 challenge.

Over the course of the year, she will be trying to read 22 books to mark the year. An idea I absolutely adored and decided that I wanted to join. Ironically the first book we both were reading was the same and we bonded over it. 

Setting myself the challenge has meant I have really got stuck into it. It’s so lovely to close the last page of a fabulous book. I honestly think it is one of the best feelings in the world. A true sense of achievement. Especially, when for so long I couldn’t even read the page of a book, due to my illness. 

Since the start of the year, I have read four books. These include…

1. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
2. A Poem For Every Day Of The Year by Allie Esiri
3. A Class Act by Rob Beckett
4. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

And I have loved every single one of them! Each has kept me entertained from morning to night. Something the two I am now reading are doing to. I am actually fearing going on holiday now, as I know I will want to bring lots of books with me. 

When thinking about this challenge though, it’s made me think about how I want to review or discuss books on the blog. I’ve come to the decision that I want the reviews or mentions to go on the main page. This means I have closed the reading page for now. 

Each book I read or my monthly round ups, like the one on here, will be on the main page for easier discussions to be had. This means that each review will stay on the blog forever, instead of having to be taken down with each new one. Something I am very happy about. 

I am going to be looking for lots of book suggestions, so please let me know what you are reading. Your finds and suggestions are always welcome! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

When battling anorexia, foods often become scary if you don’t have them for a long time. After trying and having falafels and nut roasts, I hoped I could continue to have them for a long time. Yet, after taking a break from them I have become fearful of them again. 

However, this year I want to tackle those fears more. Thankfully Simply Green are going to help me do just that. After reaching out to me, the team behind them and Ma Baker, sent me an incredible boxful of goodies to try. Looking at the packaging, they instantly felt like a brand I could trust. Plus, after a bit of research, they were also a brand that is very good for the price of them. Quality and quantity being excellent. 

With a number of falafel, loaf and burger mixes available, there is a vegan/vegetarian product for everyone. And easy to make ones at that. All you have to do is add water to the packets and pop in the oven or fryer to produce the items. 

For me, the oven felt safer, as I am terrified of oils. Creating the products with my mum, we started off with the loaves, which we decided could be made, sliced and frozen for different meals or when I felt like I could have them again. The lentil loaf was the first one we went for and it came out perfect. Simply placed into a bread tin, we produced it in little to no time and did just like we said with the freezer. The loaves are able to serve two to three people, but as I was scared to have it, we made smaller slices. 

After this, we decided to save the falafels to use at family events. Especially those in the summer, as we thought they would be great at a BBQ, where the different flavours and veg eatables would go down a treat with a salad. 

I didn’t feel ready to have the flapjacks just yet, but my mum was happy to step in and try them for me. As a huge flapjack fan, she was super impressed with the size of the giant bars. Taking one to work with her, she enjoyed the rolled oats and cherry bar for breakfast. 

Fitting perfectly in her bag, she was able to enjoy it with a cup of coffee and happily stated that she would have another one for breakfast again. She then had the carrot cake one with a coffee when we were out. Again, she really liked it and said that whilst it was perfect as a sweet with her drink, it would also be really good as a dessert with some custard on top too. 

For now, she has saved the smaller bars to take around with her in her bag. Leaving them as something to enjoy when she gets a bit peckish on the go. 

Overall, I was really impressed with the whole collection. It looked amazing, the taste impressed my family and there is something for everyone in the range. The packs and bars are huge and go far, with options to store them too. Simply Green and Ma Baker are now two new firm favourite brands in our home. 

Available in loads of supermarkets and shops, I cannot recommend that you look out for these on your next in store or online shop lovelies. You will not be disappointed. I promise you! 

Have you had these before? What did you think? Let me know on social or in the comments below! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Every few months, Netflix releases a series that just simply blows everyone away. Cobra Kai was one of them back in 2018 and continues to succeed in every way. With its fourth season due to be released on the platform soon, the third has made its way to DVD, Blu-Ray and digital release as of today and is making another big impact. 

Made up of 10 episodes, the third series sees Johnny taking on even more fighting, seeking redemption in an unusual manner. 

When a show, based on one of the biggest 80s feature films, is released, it must work hard to ensure that it is a success in every way. Luckily, the script writers, actors and creative team behind the show have done just that. Taking modern audiences on a new Karate Kid journey and older, original, audiences on one back to the past, the show is a fantastic celebration of everything that was and now is. 

The action is jammed packed, with the fighting scenes leaving a huge impact on all watching. The acting is just as great as it was when the film came out nearly forty years ago and the script is full of smart comedic and serious elements all in one. Something not many shows are able to carry through to three series. 

With such an impact on audiences, the need now for a fourth series is high. Especially when this one is able to give such joy in a time of uncertainty. Binging each half-hour episode is easy, meaning it is finished in no time. Perfect for those who want to watch it all in one and go back to watching the films. Or the whole three series in one. Something that can easily and would be easily done with such a fantastic set of seasons.

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Now it may be a little too early to be discussing alcohol, but it is the weekend at last! The perfect time to have a party or celebration this evening to mark the break in the week and everything you have achieved in it. 

To celebrate the spirit of New Orleans, the place it was created, Southern Comfort, has had a makeover. Designed by East London artist, Jade Pearl and New Orleans-based artist BMIKE, the new limited-edition bottle,  has a fantastic new look that is super bright, beautiful and a stand out feature on any shelf. The bottle is honestly a thing of beauty. 

Keeping the classic and iconic taste, but mixing in a new outfit, makes the beauty even more comforting to drink. Something my mum found when giving the new bottle a try a few nights ago. 

However, something that is a little different is the addition of a QR code. When scanned, the code offers Southern Comfort cocktail recipes and exclusive chances to win prizes on offer from the brand. Competitions that have epic prizes in fact. 

I really loved the new look and hope it stays. Whilst the classic maroon colour and plain bottle is a thing of beauty too, I liked the way the colours stood out in our drinks cupboard. I have already decided that when the bottle is empty I am going to put bottle lights in it and use it as a light on my nightstand. I may even stick a candle in it and use it that way on our dinner table. Anything to keep it in my eyesight. 

The bottle is available in supermarkets all over the UK, so keep an eye out for them. You honestly won’t be able to miss them. They are so beautiful!

 

Will you be starting the party early and celebrating with one of these new bottles lovelies?

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Last week, I shared how I had made the purchase of my dreams. It seemed that all of you enjoyed reading about it, so I thought I would share some more tips to help you all save some money this year. 

Since the start of January, I have been thinking about how I can cut back on my spending and I’ve realised that there are lots of easy ways I can do so. Many of which I wanted to share with you, in case they can help you too. 

Unsubscribe To Any Magazines and Use Your Library Instead: A few years ago, I was addicted to subscribing to magazines. If I read the publication, I had to subscribe to it. Yet, they were very expensive. This year, I have decided to only buy magazines at special occasions, such as my birthday month or Christmas. In place of them, I will be using the app that my library offers, to read them instead. Completely free and more convenient to take around with me, it means I can still support my favourite magazines, but without the cost.

Regift or Recycle Presents: My mum has a whole cupboard full of gifts or items she has collected throughout the years to give away to people. However, I am someone who would always end up buying something new. This year, I am going to use the gifts or items that we have gathered. Doing this not only saves money but helps to prevent waste. Just make sure that you don’t give back the item someone gave you to them.

Take A Drink With Me: Often when me and my mum go out, we grab a drink somewhere. These can cost up to £3 or £4 each at times. I have recently stopped doing this though and started taking a drink with me. The other things I have done is downloaded apps, which give you free drinks, such as O2 Priority and got little squash squirt bottles. These squirt bottles are fabulous because I can then just ask for free hot water in a takeaway cup and flavour it to suit me. I do the same with cold water in summer. 

Wear What I Already Own: I am a sucker for a piece of bargain clothing. Yet, having heard so much about how many clothes we waste, I am going to spend the next year wearing more of what I already own. I have cleared my wardrobe of items I no longer need, giving them to charity, bringing all that I own and will wear forward to easily put items together. I’ve found lots of pieces with labels still on too, which I can now enjoy. I’m not saying that I won’t buy clothes, but I will only do so if essential. 

Save On Bills With A Simple Call: With rising costs of electricity, gas, broadband and even food, I am going to be looking at comparison websites a lot this year. I’m also going to be phoning and making sure I am on the best money deals for me and my mum. Cutting the costs down will help us to save a lot more, which is always good. 

2022 is the year that I hope we can change our money ways in our house. I hope to be able to come up with some more ways to do so, but these are just a few I wanted to share with you. I would love to know what you are all doing to cut back and save this year lovelies, so do let me know in the comments below or on social. 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Growing up, 80s classics were a vital viewing, especially for any film fan. Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Top Gun and of course, Ghostbusters are often on must-watch lists. Yet, with a new generation to entertain, the last one has decided to give us all a modern take on a fabulous feature, which is out now on DVD, digitally and Blu-Ray. 

Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a feature that helped us all return to cinema seats after a long lockdown. Seeking comfort and reliability, the feature provided us with everything we know about the franchise, but also so much more. 

Following Callie, played by Carrie Coon, as she moves into the old home of her father, who has sadly passed away, the feature shows her discovering, along with her children that the man who brought her up was Ghostbuster Egon Spengler. A man who left a few ghosts unbusted.

As with any Ghostbusters feature, the plot has to be fun. It has to give us both drama but comedy in equal aspects. Luckily, Afterlife does just that. It slots into the features history perfectly. Characters, plot lines and the acting are all greatly displayed. 

Whilst not everything is familiar, it doesn’t make the film lack anything. In fact, it does the opposite. It gives it its own flair. It’s own ghosts to bust. With some key actors giving it their all to provide this, especially the ever brilliant Paul Rudd, who is comedy gold. Brilliant for a film filled with nostalgia. 

Everything within it just screams the 80s. The use of videos still in the school, the music and the love for old features will have you talking with all that watch it about the feel-good feeling it gives you. Ultimately making you end the film with a smile on your face that is as wide as the Marshmallow Man’s.

Overall, the film is a lot of fun that slots into the franchise perfectly. Whilst not everything flows like the first one, this modern take on the feature works. It will make fans of new and old love the films even more. A success that surely doesn’t need to be busted and isn’t ghoulish at all. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Have you ever just wondered what life would be like if you finally just went ahead and made the purchase of your dreams? For me, this happens often. Growing up, we weren’t the richest of families. Don’t get me wrong, we got what we wanted. But mostly at birthdays, Christmas’ or from car boots. 

Something I am very thankful for is this. I now appreciate everything I have and get a lot more because of it. My parents made sure we were happy and that is what was important. 

However, when it comes to buying big expensive things I often also worry. I worry that if making that purchase is necessary? Is losing the money going to make us struggle? What if I need the money for something more important in the future? Is it selfish? All those things often worry me when I make a splurge spend. 

Yet, after saving all of last year, £100 a month, I finally bit the bullet and made one of the most expensive buys I have ever made. Something though that I hope to use to change my life. Since I was young, I’ve always wanted an Apple Mac. I just couldn’t justify how much they are though. 

Nearly £1,000, it is a lot of money to spend on an item. Though I made a vow last year that whatever I had saved would go on buying something I have always wanted. I did it lovelies. I brought the computer. 

It felt like a huge achievement. I was proud. I had followed the ideas that my parents had told me about. I had saved. I deserved it. Now I am the proud owner of it. And so, with this I thought I would share some of the money saving tips and tricks I followed to be able to do so…

Make A Monthly Budget: Every month I saved £100 and made sure to put it aside. I took it out of my bank account and gave it to my mum to put somewhere safe. Any extra bits of money, such as from things I sold, I also put with it, meaning I had more than I thought by the end of the year. 

Think About What You Want To Buy: When it comes to what you would really like to buy, know what you need and how much to buy it. Use this to then budget each month. You may not need to save £100, it could be less or maybe a little more. And don’t feel like you have to have a product to buy at the end. You could use your savings to start a new savings account or annual savings set up in fact. 

Use Money Saving Websites and Social Media Platforms: Over the past year, me and my mum managed to save a lot of money using websites that help you to cut back. Latest Deals was a huge find for us and has made us so much more money wise. We also use Extreme Couponing, Martin Lewis and some Instagram accounts. All of these platforms have meant that we have cut back but not lost out. 

Shop Around: Take the time to find out what different shops and websites are offering. The best deals will make your money go further. You could end up making your dream purchase and having leftover savings too. Winner winner!

Try Not To Worry: What I have just wrote is actually something that I hate to say, but please do try not to worry. If you can’t save your chosen amount each month, don’t fret. You are doing an amazing job anyway and sometimes you can’t save. Also, don’t worry when making the purchase. Again I feel like an idiot for saying this, because I did. Now though, I am really happy with my new computer and feel like I did when I used to get the items or presents from my parents. 

These tips and tricks are just a few things that I did to help me save. The MacBook Air is the first major purchase I have made in years and I managed to find a great deal at John Lewis for it that helped me have savings left too. I don’t know what I am going to do with them yet. Right now, I am trying to get to grips with the new tech. Something I advise you don’t do at 10:30pm at night in bed aha! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

With the new year upon us, there is a sense that we need to start preparing for the upcoming seasons. Yet, there is also the worries of saving money, making sure presents are put away safely and that the essentials are stored and ready for the next few months.

However, with the help of Amazon and Amazon Handmade, there is a great selection that can make these tasks easier. From games to gardening, the company have everything to make it easier to prepare for what is to come. Here are a few of my favourite items to help make your home more complete…

Harry Potter Pictionary Air: After a hugely successful reunion show, the 20th anniversary has brought with it an exciting version of Pictionary Air. Instead of the normal pen, a wand has been brought in, all to help your designs and artwork come to life. This is perfect to keep the little ones entertained on a rainy weekend or for a game night in. 

Glart 3 Super Absorbent Microfibre Thick Cloths: Getting up in the cold is hard enough, let alone having to go out and defrost the car. These cloths make it easier to help keep the windows not only clean but mist and frost free. Super affordable, reliable and dare I say cosy, they are definitely a must have for those icy mornings. 

Glart Microfiber Glove for Car Wash: Another key item when it comes to getting the car ready for winter, this glove will keep your hand super warm, whilst removing the frost in no time. As the car warms up, you will be able to make a move in no time. Perfect! 

Chicreat High-Back Folding Camping Chair: As the weather warms up and holiday plans start to be made, this camping chair should be one of the first things to invest in. Easily able to be stored away in the car or garden, this chair can be brought out at any occasion for comfy seating. Whether you want to sit and embrace the fresh frosty winter air, the first signs of sun in spring or to sunbathe on it in summer, you will be using it continuously. You could even use it as an extra seat at the table next Christmas. 

Amazon Homemade Dippy Eggs and Toast Personalised Plate: I don’t know why, but when I received this gorgeous wooden plate, all I could think about was Easter. Yes, it may be super early, but it just gives off those vibes. From the sweet rabbit design, beautiful font and personal touch of my name, I am now convinced we all need an eggs and toast board. Perfect for the big and little ones in your life. 

Amazon is one of the first places I always turn to when I need a quick fix or product. It is great for gifts, home essentials and now even groceries. What do you use Amazon for lovelies? And will you be investing in any of these products? Let me know! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

I hope you all have a lovely New Year’s Day wherever you are! I wish you all the best 2022 ever!

For many of us, 2021 was a hard year, but I already have a feeling that 2022 is going to be an epic one for us all! From great films and TV shows to whatever you have chosen to do as your New Year’s resolution, I hope that you all spend the year laughing, loving and smiling!