Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Being part Italian is a huge honour to me. Especially now that my dad has passed away. He was and always will be one of my biggest heroes. Keeping anything to do with his love for Sicily is very important. So, when Amazon asked me if I would like to help them celebrate the Italian lifestyle, I was eager to take part. 

With many celebrating the jubilee this Thursday, some will be doubling up the celebrations, with the Italian Republic Day also taking place on the 2nd June 2022. To help mark it, Amazon has created a fantastic Made In Italy four day celebration, with products from all over the country being sold at a discounted price. From beautiful clothes to classic drinks and appliances, the day will see the beauty of the streets of Italy being represented by some of their best from the 30th May until the 2nd June 2022. 

Pasta, coffee, drinks and more are all available, some of which I just had to share with you all, due to them reminding me of my trips to one of the most beautiful places on earth: 

Bialetti Moka Express Italia Coffee Maker, £32.90:

Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine, £64.40:

Malfy Con Limone Lemon Flavoured Italian Gin, £28:

Hand Decorated Caltagirone Lamp, £174.56:

Baci Original Fine Chocolate Truffles, £4.74:

As the place with the oldest population in Europe, over 1,500 lakes, was the birthplace of the first-ever university in the world, as well as the place where the thermometer, corrective eyeglasses and pizza was invented, Italy is a country that can be proud of its produce. Especially, when they can add that it is one of the biggest wine producers in the world, the place that Christopher Columbus was born and has over 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites too. Italy truly is a place of wonder and beauty, making it all the more important to celebrate it. Head to Amazon now to start the party your own special way. You will be speaking the lingo before you know it. 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

I know that I haven’t done a favourite’s post in a while, but it seems as though April just came and went in the blink of an eye. Yet, it did mean that I got time to think about what I really appreciated from it. Below are a few of my favourite things that made me super happy: 

My Favourite Book: Yinka, Where Is Your Husband? By Lizzie Damilola Blackburn - Picking this one up in Sainsbury’s, I soon fell in love with it from the get-go. At first, I thought it was a romance, but it turned out to be a more personal book. A self-love one in fact. Quick and easy to read, but perfect in every way. 

My Favourite TV Show: Rob and Romesh Vs - I absolutely adore Rob Beckett, so to have him back on my screen, alongside Romesh Ranganathan is brilliant. From the Strongman competition to being in The Lion King on the West End, it has me in stitches each week. I can’t recommend it enough lovelies. 

My Favourite Food Find: Rowse Honey - I adore honey. Having never had it before, until I started my eating disorder recovery, I now adore it. Especially drizzled all over a big bowl of porridge. Rowse makes the best kind. Whether it be the Greek, dark, cinnamon or just their simply runny or organic kind, it is delicious and I can’t get enough of it.

My Favourite Beauty Item: EOS Lip Balms - I recently sorted out all of my skincare items, as I have had some of them for years. Discovering my EOS lip balms have helped me save my lips from drying out in this weird mix of weather. Something I am very grateful for. In gorgeous flavours too, me and my lips can’t get enough. 

My Favourite Podcast: The Twilight Effect - When I was a teenager, I was a Twihard and proud. I had all the merchandise, all the DVDs and special edition books, including ones full of film memorabilia. I even met my favourite cast member at an event. This new podcast looks back at the series with Ashley Greene, who played Alice Cullen, including interviews with the cast and big fans. It is making me fall in love with the series all over again.

My Favourite Experience: No matter how old you are, I think you should always be able to have fun and take part in an Easter egg hunt. Even though I struggle with the holidays, I still made sure to enjoy it, so I did a local village Easter egg hunt and one in my town too. Yes, I am a big kid, but I don’t care aha! 

What were some of your favourite things from the month of April lovelies? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Having lived in a bit of a dark world for the past few years, there is no denying that it has made our cinematic releases darker to. Especially when it comes to the underlining stories of our villains and heroes. From The Batman to Black Widow, the light releases that were there for comical effect as well as fun have slightly disappeared. With darker hits taking the place of them. Including Morbius, out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally. 

With lots of promise and an all-star cast, featuring Jared Leto, Matt Smith and Adria Arjona, to name a few, the film has a line up that many directors would want. However, with a script that lacks the true depth of the Morbius world and accents that are slightly off putting, there isn’t much that makes this film stand out amongst the rest. 

Playing a man dying from a rare blood disorder, Lego’s Morbius fights to save himself by mixing human DNA with that of a vampire bat. Turning himself into a villain of epic proportions. A vampire to be exact, who needs the blood of humans to survive. 

Unlike his turn as the Joker, Leto doesn’t really let his character develop. He becomes what the team behind the feature expect. Not giving much of his own heart and soul to the performance. Something so many of us rely on him for. Sadly an element that is also reflected in the performances of Smith and Arjona, who are given strong roles, but then left to the sideline in many ways. 

Yet, there is a big element that does work for the film. It’s saving grace if you will. The visuals are stunning at points. Walking away from a viewing this is what you remember. From slow motion features to up close facial shots, the camera work is the powerful plot point. If they focused on this element instead of others, it would be a four star winner. Unfortunately though, they don’t. 

The whole point of Morbius should work. It’s a story built for cinema. However, the flow, script and character development failures make this a feature you don’t want to take a bite out of. It is a sad factor in what has been a strong time for all the actors within it. The creative team have failed them in many ways. Watch for the visuals, but otherwise, you aren’t missing much by not seeing it. 

2 Stars

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Remember a few years ago, the incredible feature Sing? Well, it is back for a second outing. One that is still all singing and all dancing. Just with animals instead of humans. Making it even more of a winner in my eyes. 

With many familiar voices returning, including Matthew McConaughey, Taron Egerton, Bobby Cannavale and more, the film also introduces Letitia Wight and Bono into the mix too. McConaughey’s Buster Moon is looking for a new challenge for his stars, seeking the biggest stage he can find for them. Yet, when he is threatened by Mr Crystal (Cannavale), he has to work hard with them to save everything they have built. 

Taking on covers of some of the biggest songs of the moment, such as Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars and more, there is something magical about seeing a gorilla giving the performance of its life. Especially, when there is so much talent within the film to spend it guessing who is who. 

Proving that they can sing, no matter what the song maybe, this film isn’t as strong as the first, where they proved they could do what they had come to do. Yet, for a family feature, it is fine. For older viewers though, there is a sense of why has it been made, however. Even with the new additions to the cast, such as Bono, who plays musician Clay Calloway, the idea of a new production being troubled is something we have all seen before. Really the real winner of the film is the songs, which everyone can sing along with. Especially with singer Halsey stealing the show with her new character, Porsha Crystal. 

The film may have and aspire to have the energy of the first, yet it fails to make it flow in the same way that it once did. Enjoyable for the young ones, older viewers may find it hard to watch what they have seen before. Just get the karaoke mic ready to help you get through it if so. 

3 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Who doesn’t love a rom-com? Especially when it features one of the queens of the genre, Jennifer Lopez. Out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, the star plays pop icon Kat Valdez, a woman about to marry her long-term boyfriend. Yet, upon the big day arriving, she finds out that he has been unfaithful, leading to her pulling a random man from the crowd and marrying him. Something teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson) is definitely not expecting. Together, the pair must work to find out if they want to be together or not in the end. 

With all the cheese that you would expect, this light-hearted feature film, see drama be pushed to the side, with catchy songs, glitter and sparkles taking over instead. Oh, and of course love. From early on, you can guess where the story will go, but it doesn’t make it anymore less special. Especially, when the world has been filled with many dark features recently. 

Lopez and Wilson play a likeable couple, who upon meeting and marrying under unusual expectations, bring happiness to the audience. Lopez’s character is funny and sweet, with Wilson’s bringing the reality but charm to the feature that it needs to give it those old-school early 00s romance film vibes. Both are irresistible to the viewer.

Director Kat Coiro appears to have another message she wants to give audiences though. She obviously wants to show audiences the dark side of fame. As well as the loneliness and comical elements of it too. Yet, she doesn’t really get a chance to, with a story based like this. However, it doesn’t make the film any less enjoyable. Especially when it feels like it might touch on the personal life of Lopez and her public relationships. All of which build on her character and the way she appears on the screen.

Ultimately though, the film is a likeable feature, with beautiful shots of Lopez on stage, singing her heart out. The feature begins where many would end, giving it a fresh revamp, which works for all watching. It is a fun, charismatic film that wins due to the connection made between Wilson, Lopez and the audience. All looking for comfort in all the right places. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Who doesn’t love seeing the sunshine upon opening their curtains every day? I adore seeing the sun, as I always think that it is my dad’s little message to us that he is around and okay. He is shining down upon us. It also reminds me of being little and running around on holiday, with an ice lolly or ice cream in hand, shells in my pockets and suncream scents following me everywhere. Something I relived over the past week in memories, having just come back from a little break to Clacton with my mum. 

Therefore, it felt like the perfect time to share this beautiful two-ingredient Nutella/chocolate spread-based ice lolly recipe, which is super easy and quick to do. Honestly, you don’t need much to make it, so you can simply do it before you have even finished reading this post. Although you may want to aha! Get ready to dive into this one lovelies…

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Whole Milk
• 1/3 Cup Nutella

Tools

• Blender
• Ice Lolly Moulds
• Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon

Methods

1. Gather your mixing bowl and place all of the ingredients within it. Using the blender, combine the ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.
2. Make sure the moulds are ready and pour the prepared mixture into them. 
3. Place into the freezer until solid and serve. 

What will you be making this Sunday lovelies? Don’t forget to share your recipes and creations with me! 

Joey X 

Good Morning Lovelies,

Guess who only went and smashed the 22 books in 2022 challenge lovelies! I am really proud of myself, as I couldn’t read very well at all a few years ago and to already complete something like this, five months into the year, is a huge achievement. Thank you, The Fat Funny One, for mentioning it in her vlogs. 

In April, I didn’t read as much, but the books were a little more deep. A bit more grown up. This meant I took my time with them and enjoyed them a lot. These books included: 

• The End We Start From by Megan Hunter
• Yinka, Where Is Your Husband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
• Chasing The Italian Dream by Jo Thomas
• Dave Pigeon by Swapna Haddow
• The Break-Up Expert by Sonya Singh 

Out of all of these, I absolutely adored Yinka, Where Is Your Husband? Which was super fun and sweet to read. Definitely pick it up and have a go at it if you can lovely. 

What are you reading this month? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Jackass has a special place in my heart. Often watched by my brothers late at night when it was on MTV, the series created some of the most dangerous and out of this world pranks that anyone had ever seen. Something that those within it are still managing to do, shown in the newest feature film, Jackass Forever, out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digitally. 

With over a decade passing since the last film, the crew are back to share all kinds of misadventures that should never be done at home. Knowing how many bones will be broken, hospital visits had and possible deaths, the Jackass team don’t seem to be phased by any of it, with all stunts being done. Leaving viewers shocked and excited. 

Bringing nostalgia back to life, at a time when we all really need it after a saddening pandemic, the gang make us laugh from the get go. Of course, there are moments that leave you nervous or feeling sick, but ultimately you find that you still love it just as much as before. 

Watching, you can tell that Johnny Knoxville and co are getting on a bit, but age is just a number to them and they don’t let it hold them back. Especially with the game show stunt antics you see. Through scars, lost teeth and bones still out of place, this is the kind of team that you are thankful can still make these features, because god knows what they would be up to if they were in a care home. 

At the very end of the film, reflections are made in a way that makes it feel like this is the real end. A saddening fact. However, if this is the case than they have gone out with a Big Bang - quite literally at times - that all Jackass fans will be left happy with. Jackass truly will live on forever.

4 Stars

Joey X

 

Good Morning Lovelies,

With Easter over and summer on the horizon, the chocolate hunt seems to be over. Yet, in our house, we still have lots of it remaining. There so, I thought I would bring to you all a tropical recipe that reflects the beautiful sun, but also uses up any leftover chocolate you may have. 

It’s time to get nutty with these homemade coconut Bounty inspired bars…

Ingredients

3 Cups of Desiccated Coconut 

395g Can of Condensed Milk

425g of Chocolate of Your Choice

Tools

Baking Tray

Baking Paper

Medium Mixing Bowl

Mixing Spoon

Microwave Safe Bowl

Fork

Method

First, line a baking tray with baking paper. Then, take a mixing bowl and add the coconut and condensed milk into it. Mix until well combined with a spoon.

Next, using wet hands, shape the mixture into 12 bar shaped logs, placing each on to the lined baking tray. Freeze for about 20 minutes.

Whilst waiting, take a microwave-safe bowl, and melt about 283g of your chocolate in 30 second intervals until completely melted. If you microwave is high voltage, move down to 15 second intervals about halfway through. Stirring well between each pause.

Once melted, add in the remaining a chocolate and stir until melted. 

Remove the coconut bars from the freezer and using a fork dip each one into the chocolate. Placing each one back onto the baking tray afterwards. Place to one side to allow to set. This should happen quickly due to the coconut having been in the freezer. Enjoy! 

What will you be making this Sunday lovelies? Let me know by sharing your creations! 

Joey X

Do you ever worry about going away? I do for lots of reasons. Have I packed everything I need? Will I be able to get what I need when I get there? Is everything sorted travel wise? It’s mad how much stress a time that is meant to be relaxing can be. 

Once there, I often kick back and stay calm. Yet, the getting there can be madness. Luckily, I have managed to gather a few things early and am now desperate to just get on the train and get away. 

Since we went to Butlins, everything has been mad. It feels like so much pressure has been put on us, me and my mum, making me just want to jump on the train now. We have had family break ups, a saddening death and home life changes that have made the past month hard. 

However, with news of a heatwave and a caravan in Clacton waiting for us, I am ready to reunite with my best friend Dee and embrace my inner child again. 

Next week, I may be a little quieter than normal, but I will be around. Maybe just with a bucket and spade in my hand. Who wants to join me? Come along for the ride and a stick of rock too! The more of us together the merrier!

Are you going away soon? Let me know where you are going! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

In recent years, the topic surrounding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has been discussed a lot. Something I couldn’t be happier to see happen. With many women suffering from the condition, it is important that it gets talked about to remove any stigmas about it. 

There so, when I heard about the new book, Living PCOS Free, I was interesting in discovering what could be done to help symptoms and to improve hormonal health. With over 35 years' of clinical experience, Dr Nitu Bajekal, takes readers through a 21-day plan to try and help beat the condition as much as possible.

For me, I am very lucky to say that I haven’t ever suffered from the condition. Yet, reading about it made me realise that I am completely unaware of what could happen to my body and hormones if I did. From weight to medicines, there is so much surrounding the illness that people may not know could be causing them so much I’ll health or pain. 

Not everything in the book would be a fix for every one and I’m sure people who suffer from the condition will know a lot about it. But, as a newcomer to the condition and what it really involves, you can or could make some huge improvements. A winner in every sense. 

The recipes featured in the book are perfect for all as well. My mum has used a number of them to have on there own and with other dishes. Super easy, fit for every occasion and healthy too. Plus, they have been made with medical guidance too. 

As mentioned before, this book is perfect for those with or without the condition. Learning about how the female body and its hormones are run, there are a number of steps that can be followed to help improve it. There so, I am giving this a solid 4 stars. 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

I am experimenting at the moment. Instead of baking, well along with baking actually, I have been making my own ice creams. These have been created for birthdays, to go with crumbles and as a bit of a learning tool for me. And I can’t stop now! 

This week, I wanted to share a recipe with you for my latest creation. A Jammie Dodger ice cream recipe that I’ve made for an upcoming special birthday. Take a peek at the recipe below: 

Ingredients

One Tin of Condensed Milk

1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract

300ml of Whipped Cream

Six Jammie Dodger Biscuits, Plus More For Topping

Optional - Jam and White Chocolate Chips 

Tools

Mixing Bowl X2

Mixing Spoon

Ice Cream Tub or Storage (2.5 Litres)

Whisk - Hand or Electric 

Method

Start by taking the tin of condensed milk and pouring it into a mixing bowl with the vanilla extract. Mix together.

In the other bowl, take the whipped cream and use a whisk to create soft peaks. Once ready, pour and fold in the condensed milk mixture using a spoon. Place to one side.

Take your Jammie Dodgers and break up into smaller pieces, like a chopped consistency. Fold into the mixing bowl mixture. 

Place into your 2.5 litre tub, before topping with more Jammie Dodgers and white chocolate chips and jam if you are adding them. Put the tub into the freezer for four hours or overnight. 

Once ready enjoy lovelies.The ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

What ice cream flavour is your favourite lovelies?

Joey X