Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies, 

With only a few weeks to go until the big day, Christmas goodies have started to make it onto the shelves. Diving into our local B&M is a ritual during the festive period to find super affordable gift sets for the whole family. From toys to beauty pieces, they have it all, something that is continuing this year. Especially in the world of hair-styling and make-up. 

With brands such as Elle, Cosmo, Toni & Guy, Remington and more displaying exclusive items in store, B&M have got everything covered, with all needs being met from the selection. Choosing what to buy is actually the hardest part. 

With prices starting at £4.29, B&M are also making sure that they are helping everyone this year, with the cost of living crisis causing problems for many of us. Kindly, the company gifted me a few items to try from the selection and I can honestly say that they are worth every penny. Here are my thoughts on five pieces I tried.

Elle Eight Piece Makeup Set, £8: Pretty in pink, this set includes six brushes, a beauty blender and a hairband in a gorgeous pale pink colour. All of the selection is super soft and will light up any stocking or sack. Great for a starter kit or as a travel set, this can go anywhere with all beauty lovers. I adored the selection on offer and the quality of the items. Definitely worth more than £8 lovelies.

Impulse Five Piece Dream Come True Gift Set, £6.99: Featuring four different Impulse fragrances, this is truly a gift set that will make dreams come true. For only £6.99, the set also comes in a beautiful space-shining gift bag, which will make any office, school or home smell delicious. From the classic Tease, True Love and Very Pink scents to newer ones, the set is perfect for any age and can be taken anywhere. The teenagers in my family will be getting these this year.

Remington Salon Smooth Hair Dryer Gift Set, £19.99: With everything you may need to get your hair styled to salon results, this 2100W DC dryer is fast, powerful and smooth in every way. The gift set includes the dryer, a round brush, a fast dry concentrator and diffuser and a velvet storage bag that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. I loved the quality of this product. I am going to admit that I won’t be giving it to anyone else. This is a gift just for me aha!

Toni and Guy Care and Nourish Gift Set, £9.99: Meeting all your professional hair care needs, this gift set includes a selection of Toni & Guy products, within a stylish purple velvet wash bag, which can be taken anywhere. The bag features Damage Repair Shampoo, Damage Repair Conditioner, Leave in Conditioner and a Heat Protect Mist, meaning you can style your hair without any worries. Great to take away or use at home, it is a beautiful gift that anyone special to you will love to get.

Dove Radiantly Refreshing Body Wash Collection, £4.29: Dove is a firm favourite in our home, especially when it comes to my mum. We all fight to be the first to say that we are going to be the ones to get her a gift set by the brand. Luckily, thanks to B&M, I got in first. Featuring two bottles from the Dove Radiantly Refreshing Body Wash Collection and a shower puff, the bottles can be used on any special occasion or even for a simple pamper. However, they will leave skin feeling gorgeous whenever you use it. My mum is going to adore this.

To find out more or to purchase the gift sets lovelies, head into your local B&M shop. You may even discover more for you within them, as they have lots of other gift sets coming out soon. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies,

Over the past few years, Outlander has been one fantasy show in a genre I struggle with that has kept me entertained. From Jamie and Claire’s first moments on screen to the introduction of their daughter Bree and the death of others, six seasons on, it is still going strong.

Out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, the latest 12 episodes bring heartache and love to the front of its tale. As Claire and Jamie come to terms with the fact the brutal fights, hurt and lost family members, the show presents some of its most gripping moments that will leave you even more upset that there is going to be a Droughtlander.

Every scene is filled with vital information that can not be missed. Each character has their moment. There isn’t a page left unturned that doesn’t make you want to watch the series. However, it doesn’t make it the strongest of the bunch.

Often there are moments which go on for too long. You wish for the characters to be given a chance to flow more freely and at a better pace than that presented. Wrapping them to up in the over the top mess that does come throughout had you yearning at times to turn the series off. Especially around episodes five and six. There is a reason to stick with the show though. The finale. Not for anything bad, but because it provides us with the epic Outlander storylines that we love and will bring us back for a beautiful next season.

Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe are the true stars of the show as always. When faced with the tough challenges the storylines can bring, they both make you feel for their characters. Watching them grow and flourish, you know that as a viewer, they will not let you down. Something that brings a true sense of comfort when watching. Something that keeps us all coming back for more.

Whilst it may not be it’s strongest season to date, Outlander doesn’t disappoint. Avid fans will raise a glass to the new series, whilst those who are just dipping their toes will be delving into a serious binge watch now. Even when the episodes drag, keep going with it. The epic finale will have you yearning for more in no time at all.

3 1/2 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies,

Played out like a stage production, the beautiful Good Luck Leo Grande is making its way into our homes today, with its DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally versions becoming available.

Written by Katy Brand, the feature tells a story not often explored. Whilst a number of films touch upon the sexual awakenings of young women, not many delve into that of those over 30. Yet, that has finally changed with Sophie Hyde directing Emma Thompson in a career defining performance. 

Looking into the world of female pleasure, Thompson plays Nancy, a woman who has never experienced an orgasm before. It is completely and utterly obvious from the get go that Thompson wants to make a difference with this feature. 

Sharing everything and giving everything, she holds nothing back. Portraying a character who is both vulnerable and bold, it feels like Thompson is the only person who could play Nancy. Especially when her character meets sex worker Leo. Someone she truly puts to the test. Both emotionally and physically.

The pair open up to each other. They share their wants. Their desires. But also their fears. For the situation and the world around them. Something that is truly allowed to flow well, due to the whole feature being set in one place. The hotel room they agree to meet in. 

With an award worthy script, two fabulous actors and a director who knows what they need to do to get the best out of every scene, the whole film works. Luck isn’t needed for this feature to be a winner. It already is in every way. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Amazon are a brand that saves my life on a daily basis. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have it at the ends of my fingertips, ready to help me find the helpful items or gifts that I need. Therefore, when I heard about the Amazon Launchpad’s annual Innovation Awards winner, I wanted to share the information with you. 

Back for another year, the awards gifts the 2022 European Startup of the Year award, where small businesses are celebrated for their inventive creations. The big winners for 2022 was Petit Pli, a childrens clothes company, who use recycled water bottles to help make clothing that grow up to seven sizes. Gifted €100,000 and a placement on Amazon Launchpad, the company will have the full support of Amazon and a free account management service for a year. A huge advantage for any growing business lovelies. 

Chosen by a panel of expert judges, the winners were amongst 20 other entrepreneurs, with some runners-up also being given a featured placement on the company’s website. Speaking about their prize, Ryan Mario Yasin, Founder of Petit Pli said, “Winning Amazon Launchpad’s ‘European Startup of the Year’ is a big moment for Petit Pli. We want to be an innovation catalyst for the next generation and play a pivotal role in accelerating the move to a more sustainable fashion industry. Leveraging innovation to show that more sustainable products need-not have tradeoffs, and having recognition like this from a retailer like Amazon is great. We’re excited about the exposure and connection with other forward-thinking sellers on Amazon. We're particularly fond of Amazon’s zero emission last mile deliveries which are growing. Petit Pli winning the 2022 Amazon Launchpad prize is a testament to Team Petit Pli’s persistence to not let good ideas die.”

Whilst, Xavier Flamand, VP of Amazon Launchpad stated, “We’re delighted to announce Petit Pli as our Startup of the Year – offering parents an alternative option which is better for the people and planet. We are proud to celebrate pioneers who come up with clever concoctions to make the world a better, brighter place. Blending simple, obvious things in unexpected ways to create something new and exciting is at the heart of Amazon Launchpad. We’re a destination for innovative new products from small businesses. Amazon Launchpad has supported over 2,200 startups in Europe. These awards demonstrate both our commitment to supporting emerging brands and how we love to delight our customers with new and innovative products.”

The winners were faced with competition from other brands including, Spruce, a multipurpose bottle company, refillable deodorant Fussy, Mymanu, a earbuds business and FabLittleBags, who create biodegradable sanitary disposal bags. 

A huge congratulations to the winners and runners up. Amazon Launchpad has been making huge changes to the world since it began in 2015 around the world. With over 30 categories to explore now, it really is a fabulous creation for all involved. Definitely take a little look around it lovelies when you can. You will not be disappointed. 

Joey X

Link To Clothing Featured: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/PETITPLI/page/0B7B4ACF-41BA-4CAF-9A6B-3DA1BB6A569F?ref_=ast_bln

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Who else loves a bagel? I have recently started enjoying them again, tackling a huge fear food for me. I adore having them with sweet fillings, as I am a bit of a sweet flavoured person. 

Especially the cinnamon and raisin New York Bakery kind. However, I have just found a super easy and affordable two-ingredient recipe that anyone can do. Perfection for any time of the day:

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ Cups Self-Rising Flour, Plus More For Dusting
• 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 Egg (Optional)
• Seasonings (Optional)

Tools

• Baking Tray
• Baking Paper
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Spoon
• Knife
• Pastry Brush

Method

1. Start by preheating the oven to 200(C) or 400(F) and lining a baking tray with baking paper. Leave to one side.
2. In a large mixing bowl, place the flour and greek yogurt together, stirring until a ball of dough forms. Once ready, flour a work surface lightly and place the dough onto it. 
3. Using your hands, flatten the dough and shape into a 20cm or 8” disk, before taking a knife and cutting into four equal pieces. 
4. Taking one section at a time, roll the dough into a 20cm/8” long log and shape into a ring. Place each ring onto the baking tray when ready. If using, brush the top of each ring with the egg and sprinkle with your chosen seasonings. 
5. Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Enjoy warm or store them until ready to eat. 

What is your favourite bagel filling lovelies? For me, it has to be a good amount of strawberry jam! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Now, would you use a reusable deodorant? Recently, I have been seeing so many different brands and types that have left me interested. A little overwhelmed though with choice. 

Therefore, when I was approached by Proverb Skin, a refillable deodorant company, I was excited. Kindly sending me a  starter kit, with the coconut and tonka scent, the pack is worth £12 for a subscription service. 

As soon as you unwrap the package, you can smell the fragrance. Especially the coconut scents. A favourite of mine. Unwrapping it, the deodorant then slots easily onto the refillable case, which you can pick the colour of, before being able to move up and down. 

I was impressed with not only the smell, but also the size. Whilst it is quite costly compared to the normal priced deodorants, the size shows why. It definitely is built to last, meaning less waste in the future. Helping the planet every step of the way. 

With all smells being eco-friendly, lasting three months long and sensitive safe to all skin, I loved it. Although I couldn’t afford it all the time, it is a great solution to help make a difference to the planet. There so, I would definitely recommend it. 

To find out more head on over to their website to discover the whole world of Proverb Skin. It will definitely change the way you use products in the future. 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

On Thursday, I headed into London with my mum for an epic adventure. One I hadn’t experienced before. Invited by the CIJ Group, I embarked on a journey into Christmas. Well, Christmas in September. 

Some of the hottest brands around gathered to show the best items that they have coming out for the festive season. From toys to beauty items, the event had them on display and I was lucky enough to experience it all. 

As soon as you walked in, you were greeted with a hit of nostalgia. Tamagotchi’s welcomed us all, taking us back 25 years, right up until now, where they have a new gaming system to play on. However, the classic toy is still around for us to all enjoy. 

Moving around, we went to Freeman’s next, where we saw some of the latest creations from Julian McDonald, Henry Holland and more. Both creators did appear at the show, but I unfortunately missed them. Mum and me then went along to see what was happening on the eBay, JoJo Marmen Bebe, Little Moons and BuyAGift/Red Letter Days displays. All before trying a delightful cake from the Piglets Pantry brand. 

Heading upstairs, I was faced with my new love. Bluey, who was the main woman of the toy world for me on the day. We also got to have a play around on Little Live Pets, Octonauts, CAT, Ravenburger and more in the toy world throughout the day. Of course, this also included the brilliant Barbie too. 

Other displays that we fell for included Pact Coffee, Baylis & Harding, Paperchase, Remington, Laithwaites, Jollyyes and Dobbies. All who had a brilliant selection of gifts on show. However, one of the most rememberable ones for me happened to be the new Air Fryer come Slow Cooker that Russell Hobbs have created. It was boiling up Mulled Wine when we popped around to it. 

There were also a number of new brands on show, some I hadn’t heard of before, including the great Grumpalina books collection, the fab Baked By Steph, a dreamy North Pole Magic Personalised selection and Bird & Blend tea choice. 

Kindly, I was gifted many samples to try and once me and my mum have put them to the real test, I will be sure to share my thoughts with you all. Right now though, I am simply dreaming of Christmas and everything to do with it. I think a Home Alone binge may have to happen tonight. 

Look out for all the festive content hitting the blog soon lovelies and a massive thank you to the CIJ Group for the invite. It was the perfect September day!

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,