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Good Morning Lovelies,

Since it first appeared on the BBC, Detectorists has been a show built to make people laugh. Not always intentionally, but in a very successful way.

After what feels like a very long break for many of us, the show returns with a new feature film. A Christmas TV delight last year. Following Mackenzie Crook’s Andy and Toby Jones’ Lance, the show and film presents them facing many of lives problems, whilst they calmly search for earths treasures.

Using wit, sarcasm and clever moments of comedy entwined with the story of the show, Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones have both managed to build a show that is enjoyable for all. It is a show that has been made to make people smile. A good old-fashioned British comedy in fact.

Both characters are very lovable and remind you of the dynamic that has been shown in Peep Show and Men Behaving Badly. Two men who have their issues but manage to make you love them no matter what. 

While the two may spend a lot of time digging for gold, they really don’t have to because they have it with this show and feature film. Fingers crossed for more in the future!

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Having seen Dirty Dancing before, the West End has a touch of magic in the air when it comes to bringing it alive. One of my all time favourite films, has reignited its spark at the Dominion Theatre again and you will not be disappointed by it.

With old cast members reuniting to tell the famous Kellerman’s love story, the stage show was alive and electric. Tension, dances and more, made the air sizzle in a way that not many West End shows can. 

From the iconic songs to the beautiful love story, Johnny and Baby, are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to being played out on stage. Each actor knows just what to do to bring back the characterisation that the original film stars did. 

Dirty Dancing is a classic feature and the stage show is going down the same route. Anybody who sees it is lifted up. Not just at the end, but throughout. Although, there is nothing quite like watching that final moment take shape. 

Grab whoever you can lovelies and take a trip back to the 60s! You will not be disappointed! 

5 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Heading into London on Wednesday, I was ready to become a big kid again. Embarking on an epic journey into the world of the London Toy Fair 2023, it was time to meet and see the newest toys that would be making it onto our shelves in the next few weeks, months and even years in some cases. 

From LEGO to Barbie, the biggest brands were showing it all. For me, it was a perfect time to embrace meeting new people and finding out what my favourite play items would be creating. LEGO coming out top. 

Working our way around the Olympia centre, I was greeted by brands I knew and didn’t know. In fact, it was the brands I didn’t really know that came out on top for me. One being a puzzle and game company, who worked hard to make 3D creations for the event. Including a Friends puzzle, which I won’t lie, I will be buying. 

Bluey was also a main feature for me and I was amazed at some of the new products on offer. Scooters, tents and even in the case of Barbie, a teepee! If I could get down on the floor, I would be housing that now. 

The Toy Project was however the brand that caught my heart the most. After donating a large number of toys, in honour of my dad, to our local hospital last year, I loved the idea that this charity shares. Taking old used toys and redistributing or selling them for charity, they have helped change the lives of so many children. 

It was also the showcased brand that made my mum reminisce about when my brothers were little, as they had toys from when they were small. 

After a busy and hectic day, where I met lots of amazing people, products and companies, I made me way home with a lot more knowledge on toys. Including a list of ones that even at 27 I want. Barbie, Bluey and LEGO have won me over even more. 

Hopefully over the next few months, I will be able to share with you all even more from the brands at the event. For now though, I am going to be circling the press packs I picked up, like an old Argos catalogue. Let the Christmas list begin now! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

As many of you know, trying to be as healthy as possible is very important to me! Living with some very dangerous conditions have made me think about my body a lot more and how I can help stay immune to the common colds and illnesses out there. This is why I wanted to share with you all this incredible article from Well Actually’s external expert, Katrina Cepinova. It is a vital one to read…

Our immunity is like our personal army of body guards. It continuously protects us and our body from any internal as well as external invaders. The immune system’s job is not always visible for the most part; it functions quietly in the background by activating the so-called immune response, fighting infections, toxins and inflammations caused by pathogens like bacteria, parasites and viruses. To avoid illnesses such as colds and flu, it is therefore very important to ensure that our immune system is strengthened and can respond efficiently. Poor nutrition, environmental influences and lifestyle choices can weaken or compromise immunity. In a world where new infections such as the COVID 19 Virus are continually cropping up, having a robust immune system is vital.

Strong immunity is like building a strong defense wall. We need a good base to build the wall and maintain it, ensuring it stays as strong as possible. So, what can we do to protect ourselves during the coming winter months? Here are my 5 simple tips on supporting your immune system:

1. A Well Balanced Diet: Eat a well balanced diet by keeping your plate full of colour! Aim to include at least 3 different coloured fruit or vegetables in every meal. Red, green, orange, yellow, purple – as many colours as you can find!  Many colourful fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which is a key vitamin in boosting immunity and reducing the severity of infections. Foods with high vitamin C include kiwi, broccoli, lemons and oranges, just to name a few.

2. Self Care: Take some time out for a little self care. Our bodies need time off to recuperate and regenerate. Stress is something everyone feels at times and in fact, it is proven that low-level stress can even be helpful or motivational. However, too much stress can negatively impact our immune system. When one is under severe pressure, the body produces cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, cortisol reduces the number of lymphocytes or white blood cells that fight infection in the body.  Take time every day to switch off for at least 20 minutes - whether it’s a stroll around your local park, a relaxing bath, or curling up on the couch with a good book, or listening to your favourite podcast.

3. Boost Your Vitamin D: Boosting your vitamin D levels is crucial. Recent studies suggest that increasing your Vitamin D levels can in turn reduce the risk of developing influenza. With winter months approaching, we are less likely to get exposed to adequate levels of sunshine for our body to make some much needed vitamin D. Unless you are planning a winter holiday in the sunshine for a few weeks, you may have to rely on adding this vitamin in a form of foods or supplements. Sadly, we can only get approximately 10 % of vitamin D from food sources so opt for naturally higher sources like oily fish, mushrooms and eggs. Otherwise, I would highly recommend taking a daily supplement, such as Well Actually’s Liposomal Vitamin D3 and K2 spray (https://well-actually.co.uk/products/liposomal-immune-defence-duo-vitamin-c-vitamin-d-k2) , which offers a highly absorbable, bioavailable format of vitamin D in a very palatable, easy to use spray format, convenient for all the family.

4. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake: Limit your alcohol consumption. Aside from alcohol being directly linked to affecting our sleep quality, too much consumption of alcohol can damage immune cells in various body parts, making it hard to fight disease-causing pathogens. Did you also know about the link between Vitamin D and how it helps with the absorption of minerals such as magnesium? This makes Vitamin D intake an excellent option for hangover prevention as we quickly head into the festive season. Alcohol destroys cells in the intestines, inhibiting the absorption of nutrients. It also disrupts the balance of gut microbiomes, the healthy bacteria that support the immune system in fighting off infections in the digestive tract. With party season soon upon us, avoiding alcohol altogether may not always be possible, so try to at least moderate your alcohol intake to maybe a couple of times a week and always offset with plenty of water, or again, try taking a daily Vitamin D supplement.

5. Hit That Snooze Button: Consistent sleep and getting in enough hours of shut eye every night, can be a massive factor towards ensuring your immune system is fighting fit. Skimping on sleep can significantly affect the immune system and studies show that a lack of sleep affects recovery from illness, including cold & flu. A good sleep regime is based on habit, where one needs to try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, even on the weekends. Whilst we all know that getting a good night sleep can be easier said than done, try making a few simple changes such as going to bed at regular times and avoiding the disruptions of blue light from electronic devices.

A robust immune system plays a fundamental role in maintaining good health. Implementing these simple steps can go a long way in boosting immunity. With every day stress and other demands, there is more pressure on our bodies to keep going and function. The more support we can provide to our own body, the more protection it will provide to us in return. Look after your own immunity and it will look after you back.

What do you do to boost your immune system lovelies? I do love me a vitamin and some Yakult to help boost mine! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Last night, the world of The O2 Arena lit up, with schools around the country joining forces to take part in the fantastic Young Voices choir event.

Kindly gifted tickets to the event, due to my niece taking part, I was allowed to travel back in time in many ways. When I was younger, being part of our school choir allowed me to take part in the first event. A lot smaller than it is now, the show still stands out as one of the best experiences of my life.

Me and my closest friends stood at the sides, singing our hearts out with the likes of Blue and Beverley Knight. As well as a whole host of schools. Then the next year, we stood at the top, with those magical light shining on us. It made me feel like a queen singing at The O2. All whilst knowing that those in the audience had come to see us.

Still to this day, I have my t-shirt, programme and DVD in safe keeping. Memorabilia that I will take with me wherever I go. Therefore, entering the venue to return to the magical world of Young Voices meant a lot to me.

Finding my place in the audience, I could see the school choirs and happy children all around me. Knowing how they must be feeling, the entire room was a buzz with excitement. No one seemed stressed. Teachers run around looking happy. The kids were amazed by it all and the audience were ready to join in at any moment.

As the lights went up on the choir, I felt that excitement deep inside of me. I was taken back to year eight. When the world was simple and all that mattered was getting the words right. Although, this didn’t really matter. What did and still does, was finding an endless amount of happiness by taking part.

Young Voices remains a magical event for all. If I could get every school child to take part I would. Returning reminded me of so much fun. I know that with the helpful guidance of all who work to make the event possible this will always remain. Whatever age you may be.

The O2 Arena is an iconic venue. Rockstars galore have taken to that famous stage. Yet, Young Voices shows that no matter who you are, you are worthy of your moment in the spotlight. Nothing can prepare you for the magic of it. The beauty of hours spent in pure glory.

Last night has become a memory for not only my niece, but also for me. Seeing her recall the event this morning to all of us, showed me that Young Voices will be a memory in our family forever. I will continue to encourage her to take part as much as she wants to. Those special hours of singing can make all the difference. Including the amount that you find yourself continuously singing the event, even when it is long over.

I am so grateful that Ben Lewis, the CEO of Young Voices, allowed me to be back in the arena where some of my greatest memories took place. It is a memory that I will never forget, remaining in my heart and my head forever more.

Honestly, Young Voices is a timeless event and choir. If you or the young members in your family can take part or see it, definitely do! You will singing about it forever!

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Good Morning Lovelies, 

With the new year upon us, it is time to spring clean our homes, ready to welcome the warmer months. Yet, with a bit of a way to go, those cold nights and darker days can make it harder to do. 

Thankfully, I have found the perfect company to help change this. Fresh from the Cook, Serve, Enjoy website, the company have joined forces with London Pottery to make a beautiful Viscri Meadow range that will stand out in any kitchen or dining area. 

Reflecting a beautiful blue and floral pattern, the design seems like one you could imagine having been on the Queen’s table. It simply reflects sunshine upon unboxing. 

Kindly, I was gifted the tea cup and saucer, cake stand and teapot to try by the team. Instantly, I pictured afternoon teas or cosy Sunday dinner cakes being displayed on the stand. Whilst the tea cup, saucer and teapot would make any afternoon or special occasion even better. 

Priced from £21.49, the products may not be completely affordable. Yet, the materials, make and overall feel is worth the investment, as all of the items have been built to last. From the paint work to the overall ceramics, each piece really shows that care has been taken. 

Plus, they can all go into the dishwasher safely and have features that other creators don’t include. For example, the saucer has higher sides to catch all drips. As does the cake stand, which means that all the bakes featured on it won’t fall off. 

With so much detail, care and attention put into making these products, something I know will have been done with the other items in the range too, you can know that your tables and occasions will look so fancy with them. I can’t wait until Easter, as these will look brilliant on our festive table. 

However, for now, I love having them out in the kitchen, adding a splash of sunshine, since all the Christmas lights have come down. To find out more about the brand, head to their website to discover what other pieces could catch you eye. These beautiful blue finds are a true gem to the eye! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Last year, 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. 

2023 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,

When I was younger, I took part in the incredible Young Voices choir shows. After catching the singing bug at primary school, I carried on in our secondary school choir. During this time, I was given the opportunity twice to take part in the events, held at The O2 in London.

Growing up, we didn’t have much money to go to events at places like this, so it was beyond special to me. The first time I ever saw the venue was when I would be singing in it. My heart still lights up when I think about it.

Wearing my Young Voices t-shirt, as we blasted out our favourite songs, which we had spent weeks learning is now a core memory. In fact, I still have that t-shirt in my drawer. Along with the DVD and programme I also brought.

Returning for a new season, with loads more venues and dates added, the choir has grown over the last few years. Allowing even more schools and children to build memories like mine.

Therefore, I wanted to speak to the man behind the largest singing event in the world, to find out what it was that inspired him to make Young Voices. CEO Ben Lewis was kind enough to talk to me and his answers are fantastic. See what he said below…

1. Firstly, congratulations on another amazing year for Young Voices! How does it feel to be back out on the road getting young people singing?

It feels incredible! Young Voices is 27 years old in 2023 and we’ve only missed one year due to COVID, which makes all of us even more grateful to be able to do what we love and see the joy on the children’s faces.

2. I took part in Young Voices twice, but am only now really learning about the history of the event. What memory remains your favourite, since the choir began?

I couldn’t give you a favourite memory, there have been so many, but the ones that really stand out are all regarding the impact of Young Voices on those who take part. We get lots of letters from parents, teachers and the children themselves and the thing that strikes me is just how many different ways YV impacts people. 

3. What is it about singing that makes people so happy? And do you have a favourite song to sing?

There’s a huge amount of research around this. From the scientific side there’s lots of evidence in terms of increased hormones that are released when you sing such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. For me though, it’s the communal element that matters so much and why choirs are so popular. Think about the different places where you see a lot of people singing together, it might be a sporting occasion, where everyone sings the national anthem or a festival where everyone is singing along with the headliner. Ultimately it’s that feeling of togetherness and being part of something bigger than yourself. With Young Voices every child knows they are part of the world’s largest children’s choir, they are with their friends so they feel safe and they are performing at a huge arena. All of this culminates in those feelings of pride, confidence and a sense of achievement, there’s nothing that compares to that.

4. You won the amazing Key to The O2 award. How does it feel to be honoured with such an achievement?

Yes it was very special since the key was awarded to those who surpassed Prince’s 21 nights at The O2, so it’s a pretty select club to be in, alongside Michael Buble, One Direction, Drake and Take That. But honestly, unlike those artists, the reason I got awarded the key was because of our schools and teachers that sign up every year, which is why I dedicated it to them.

5. How can those taking part in Young Voices this year prepare for the big day?

By this time of year the work is done and the rehearsals are finished, so it’s really about getting yourself concert ready. By that I mean simply focusing on enjoying the moment as it’s not everyday you will get to perform in a sold out arena and the day can fly by.

6. Young Voices also runs amazing workshops for teachers to take part in. What happens during these sessions? And why are they so valuable to the educational system?

Our teacher workshops are fundamental to the preparation for Young Voices. The teacher is the one who is engaging with their pupils week in week out so it’s vital we have given them all of the support that we can. Our creative team go through the entire music pack giving helpful tips and most importantly giving them confidence going back into school.

7. From Lee Ryan of Blue to Tom Jones, there have been some amazing stars who have helped the Young Voices choirs along the way. Who has been your favourite? What made them so special to you?

Although she’s not the most famous artist we’ve had on tour, I loved having Ruti with us. She won The Voice in 2018 but more importantly she was in our choir when she was 8 years old. Seeing her perform each night and hearing her talk about how YV was the first place she realised how important singing was to her…… that for me is everything.

8. Young Voices performs all over the UK. Which venue holds a special place in your heart? Why this one?

The best way to answer this is that every city has its own personality so each one has its own special vibe. The UK is so lucky to have so many cities with the kind of musical history that makes them unique.

9. As I mentioned before, I took part in the show and loved it. Have you had any Young Voices alumni come back as adults? Maybe teachers? And what experiences or memories have they shared with you that you hold dear?

Yes, without doubt the music teachers that have told me that they did YV as a child and how much it played a part in their journey to becoming a music teacher. Our teachers are the lifeblood of YV without whom it simply couldn’t exist.

10. Finally, what do you hope to see happen with Young Voices in the future? Have you got any secret plans you can tell us about?

Quite simple really, more concerts in more cities. It’s all about trying to get Young Voices to as many children as possible. We do shows across the pond on the East Coast of the US and I’d love to see more through Europe and further afield. The concept of Young Voices is a global one, so the more languages and cultures that we can embrace the better.

Young Voices is heading to The O2 again very soon, after some amazing nights in venues around the UK so far. Look out for more news soon!

Joey X