Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies,

Growing up, we were always looking for the latest lunchbox crazes. From Fruit Winders to Babybels, if you opened your bag to find one of these, you knew it was going to be a good day. 

Sometimes, even with my condition, I still find myself reminiscing about what foods brought me joy. In fact, I’ve turned to many of them to help me in my recovery. Discovering new items along the way. Including products from the classic Peperami brand. 

When I was younger, the classic meaty sticks and the mini versions, would be items that you might find to enjoy. However, the salami icon has had a makeover, turning to roasted chicken for its newest lunchbox takeover. 

Kindly, the brand sent me some of their new product to try. Quickly putting the 50g bags to the test on my mum, I decided to create a number of products to showcase their flexibility. Replacing chicken nuggets on a plate with chips. Cut up and used in wraps with salad. Placed on a plate as they are with a dip. Versatility at its best. 

Starting with the wrap, mum found that the roasted bites were brilliant with the fresh salads. Quick to cut up, these would make great sandwich fillers when time is short, but you need something filling to bind the best sandwiches or wraps together. They would go with a mix of other fillings to, from sweetcorn or even in the lead up to Christmas, leftover stuffing. 

Moving on, mum tried them on their own with a dip. As soon as she saw them on the plate, she said it reminded her of the classic dippers or chicken products she uses at parties or special occasions. Yet, by using the already roasted Peperami versions, we both agreed that it saved on cooking and energy. Mum stated straight away that they tasted exactly the same, with a bit more flavour to them in fact. Making them perfect for the whole family when used for say a child’s birthday or at a buffet. 

Finally, mum tried them with the chips. We couldn’t decide whether to warm them up for this, but chose in the end to keep them cold. Just in case it ruined the taste test. Although, as long as you are careful, we couldn’t see why you wouldn’t be able to enjoy them hot. Especially in a toasted sandwich. 

Whilst many would compare these to other famous brands, Peperami have made these roasted chicken bites their own and different. Bigger than other items on the market, strong in flavour and trustworthy, they are a great source of protein and a perfect lunchbox filler. Plus, affordable too at around £1 for a 50g bag and £2 for a multipack. 

Bringing a sense of nostalgia and great taste, these are definitely going to be going into our shopping bags from now on. Especially when it gets to summer time, as my mum said they would also be perfect to throw on top of a salad. Peperami are definitely winning when it comes to these bites! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Having been brought up in a house full of boys, Top Gun was the epitome of cool. Tom Cruise has never made a film quite like it since. The action hasn’t ever matched it. And the soundtrack is fantastic. All things that I have been heard over the years about it in fact. Therefore, I was intrigued to see the much-anticipated sequel, Top Gun Maverick. 

With many five star reviews and a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the return of Cruise as Test Pilot Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, is one wild ride. Having avoided advancing his career since the sad death of his friend, Pete is brought back into the team, by an old enemy who believes he can teach a strong team to take out the ultimate enemy.

Yet, when faced with the son of his tragic friend Goose, played by Miles Teller, he finds that his emotional side may be affected more than he thought. Creating a storyline that beats the original one in many ways.

With strong ties to the original, including an opening sequence that matches the 1986 classic, director Joseph Kosinski, has used his action based background to breathe life into the feature. Something that Cruise reflects and Teller introduces. The film is courageous, cunning and exciting throughout. 

There isn’t a moment where it doesn’t feel like the audience is up in the air and flying along with the characters. Every little detail, camera sequences and close up edits make the thrills come thick and fast. The character interactions and scripts are strong, presenting a team that simply works. One that feels like it has never been apart. Even with all the new faces. 

However, something that is new and very refreshing is the personal element to the whole feature. Maverick is more approachable, with his personal relationships highlighted for the first time and the open emotions he has for the losses he has faced. His father like figure over Teller’s Rooster is much appreciated and makes the chances of a third feature very much wanted. 

36 years on from the first film, Top Gun Maverick soars above and beyond to avoid the danger zone. It is a sequel that will stand out amongst others. Any classic film that wishes to present its own one will now have to live up to this. It is a thrill and a half! 

5 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Good Morning Lovelies,

Whilst we are all basking in the wonders of the new foods on our shelves. Especially in the lead up to the big festivities. It is easy to forget about our furry friends. Not this year though. Oh no! 

The pet friends in your life can join in this year, thanks to the new ready meals range, from Hug Pet Food. Made from completely fresh foods, including whole meats and protein, the human grade ingredients must be frozen until your pet is ready to eat them. 

Then in a complete turn of events, the meals must be microwaved, before given to your furry love. Taking just six minutes, there are three meals to choose from, including pork and apple, beef with sweet potato and chicken with carrots. The perfect roast dinner dishes. Great for breaking out on a Sunday or as mentioned Christmas Day.Hug Pet Food 

Kindly, the team at Hug Pet Food sent my lovely pets six meals to try. Handing a few out to my neighbours for their animals too, I awaited to hear their feedback. A few days and meals later, I got it. 

With two spaniels, the meals went down a treat. After leaving the meals to defrost in the fridge for 24 hours, they simply popped them into their microwaveable bowls and after the set cooking time, allowed the animals to dig in. Something they truly did. 

Priced at £19.86 for six mixed meals, my neighbours stated that they would probably keep or buy the meals as a treat for their animals, instead of having them as a main meal all the time. 

Yet, they were really happy with the way that their dogs reacted to the meals overall. It left their pets full and happy, which is all you can really hope for when it comes to pet food! 

Definitely one to buy when treating your animals, the Hug Pet Food company know exactly how to make the whole family happy. From early puppy stages to adult dogs, there is literally food suitable for all types, which can be found on their website. It’s a barking good deal to be had! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Toys are a must at Christmas. No matter what age you are, you deserve a toy. At 27, I always ask for one. Whether it be LEGO or as my mum has done for me this year, a Bluey surprise. It doesn’t have to be a big one, it can be a little one. It doesn’t have to even cost the earth. It can be a pound shop special. Bringing you or the person you give it to some joy is the most important thing.

So, when I discovered the world of Funrise toys, at The Big Christmas Press Show, I was amazed at the range they had to offer. From perfect stocking fillers to big presents, they had it all. Kindly, they gifted me a few to true, meaning I could give you all an early rundown of some of the best toys on the market. All in a fun gift guide…

Fart Ninjas (Series 5), £5.99: Having seen these before in The Entertainer, they always made our family laugh for lots of reasons. When you walk past them or play with them, they let off a farting noise. Something that we all look around at and point at someone in our family when we have experienced them in store. Gifted the brilliantly named Scentsei Oh Dor and Kung Fumes, the same thing happened. Perfect for my nephew’s stocking, I know he is going to have hours of fun with these. 

CAT Construction Little Machines Mega Set, £24.99: Great for all, this little construction set is super cute. As soon as I opened it, I could imagine it being great in a sand pit or on a car mat. However, they would also work great for creative minds to play with as they build their own LEGO homes or sets. Fit for every job, they will go down a treat this Christmas as a main gift or a stocking filler. Just watch out for a digger in the mash potato. 

Bright Fairy Friends Dolls, £12.99: The Funrise team kindly gifted me two of these and as I was unwrapping them from the box, the lights from their wings were glowing. In a brand new series, the fairies live within a home that can also be used as a night light. However, when out of the glowing house, they can also light up with the simplest of button presses on their necklaces. The fairy on top of the tree has nothing on the 36 dolls now out and ready to be collected. 

Light Show Bubble Wand, £12: Perfect to give this Christmas in preparation for next summer, this light up wand will bring a touch of magic to the garden. The handheld wand can be filled up with bubble solution, before being turned on for the ultimate bubble experience. Lighting up to ten different effects, the wand provides endless amounts of fun, for big and little kids. 

Incredibubble Wand, £10: Another perfect gift for the hotter weather, this bubble wand makes humongous bubbles that little ones could even fit inside. Using a handheld wand, the bubble solution is poured into a tray, which the wand sits in and gathers, before swiping its way through the air. Catching this bubbles is a big task, yet, one the whole family will love when the sun is shining. 

Funrise have endless amounts of gifts and these have already brought a lot of joy into our home. My favourites have to be the fairies, who are super cute and very adaptable. However, I know my little nephew in our house is going to love the Fart Ninjas. Explore their range now lovelies to find great gifts for Christmas 2022. I won’t judge if you pick something for you too! I know I will be! 

Joey X