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, 

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, 

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, 

Hands up, if you spent all day watching Christmas films? I have to admit that I started a while ago and haven't stopped since! I have been binging on all sorts, but the ones below are just a few of my favourites.

These are the ones I have to watch every year, otherwise I don’t feel like I have celebrated Christmas right! I was going to put them in order, but I honestly couldn’t decide, so the list is a bit random but full of festive love. Snuggle up with some hot chocolate this Christmas and one of these lovelies for the perfect Blogmas celebration...

Elf: Who doesn’t love Buddy? To me, this film is very personal, as we have nicknamed my mum after the best elf of all time. If you don’t watch this with a tear in your eye at the end of the film, then we can’t be friends aha! Plus, this festive season, Buddy is returning to the big screen from the 4th December, in over 400 cinemas across the UK and selected international territories, so don't miss out on a festive night out with the best elf in town lovelies.

Love Actually: I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes! Christmas is all around us and so you must watch this beautiful tale of love in all its glory.

Home Alone: Kevin McCallister is my Christmas hero! He taught me and my siblings how to survive Christmas in a totally new way. Plus, if you love this then you definitely should watch Home Alone 2 as well.

It’s A Wonderful Life: If you hear a bell ring this Christmas just know that an angel has got its wings. Showing the beauty of life in all its forms, this film was one my dad always tried to make me watch but I was never interested in. Until a few years ago, when I snuggled up in bed and watched it. I haven’t looked back since. Plus, this year, the film has just been released in a beautiful Blu-Ray format, which truly shines. Perfect as a gift or to add to your collection this December.

The Holiday: Christmas is all about love and this film is the romantic comedy that I just can’t help snuggling up with as soon as December hits. As well, the end scene is all about New Year's Eve so we can watch it up until then aha!

Nativity: I’m not sure how I stumbled upon the Nativity films, but I am so glad I did. If you need something to make you sparkle and shine this Christmas then pop this on. I assure you that you will be singing along with it.

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oh Jack Skellington! Some say this is a film about Halloween, others say it is about Christmas. I say that this means we can happily watch it from October onwards, which I have been doing a lot.

Arthur Christmas: Probably the most recent addition to the list, this film will warm you up from the inside out. Made for children, this is as much a treat for them as it is for adults. You will have your faith restored in Santa and his amazing elves I promise.

Christmas With The Kranks: My absolute favourite! And I have no regrets about it! Well, it is my favourite along with Home Alone. If you watch any films this year, make it them lovelies.

What are your favourite films to watch at Christmas lovelies?

Joey X