Summer Special Phone Wallpapers | TECH

Hello!

"The sea was calm, the sun rising and it was just stunning"

If you're anything like me, you love changing up your background. I'm talking your laptop background, your computer background (Read: Desktop Backgrounds) and, specifically where this post will come in handy, your phone background. Well, while I was in Egypt (Read: 5 places to go on Holiday) I took a bunch of photos, so thought it'd be a great idea to make them downloadable for you. They're absolutely free, of course! :)

Summer Special Desktop Wallpapers | TECH

Hello!

"What did my brain tell me to do at that time in the morning? Go out and take photos"

I went on holiday a few weeks ago, to the beautiful land of Egypt! It was gorgeous, totally scenic, to say the least. Now, I could have done a travel post (Read: Little Venice Travel Post), but decided against it. Yet, I couldn't let all of these beautiful photos go to waste - and then it hit me. I was using one of the photos (the 6th one down, to be precise), to set as my desktop background and thought "HEY, why don't I use the photos to make a blog post for the use of desktop backgrounds?!". So, here we are. Take a look:

It's Got to be Perfect | BOOK REVIEW

Hello!

"If that doesn't justify it being a good book, I don't know what does!"

Many people are huge fans of holiday reading. They'd chill be the pool or on the beach with their heads buried in the book. Me? Yeah, I like it, but if it's boring I'd easily stop and jump in the water.
You may, or may not, know that I was in Egypt last week. It was the week I began, and finished, reading 'It's Got to be Perfect' and let me tell you - it was good.

Patience, Breathe, Think Happy & Believe | QUOTES

Hello!

"I know it's all about being calm and collected, but also not giving up."

During this time of year, quotes are a great reminder to keep one on the 'Be Calm and Positive' bandwagon. As it is exam season, you'll probably be seeing a few of these on here - and who knows, maybe it'll benefit you to clear your head and remind you of the good things, even if you're not taking exams.

source, source

Patience is an aspect many often forget about. I know I do. It's all about letting go, having less control and just understanding that things will happen the way they're supposed to - so just let it be. The quote above really does bring the idea of patience home, and sometimes, we just have to accept it. 

source, source
"it'll benefit you to clear your head and remind you of the good things"

Roald Dahl, ah the famous Roald Dahl! What wonderful things he said, and things I totally agree with. Happy thoughts WILL shine.

source

This one's a little different - it almost changes the entire mood of the post. I know it's all about being calm and collected, but also not giving up. 

Best of luck to those taking exams, and those not, I hope you have a great week anyway. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more quote posts on here sometime soon - but if you feel like you would like to read some more now, and you want to be on the positive boat, here are some links:

Smile, Be a Dreamer & Bloom
Be Bright, Truthful, Positive
Fight the Fear
Cherish the Days

Tell me, any exam tips you have rolled up your sleeves? Share them below :)

Anybody Out There | BOOKS

Hello!

"you'd find yourself getting very emotional over, laughing with, crying with and definitely enjoying every second of it."

Since the last book I read (review here) I had sort of lost hope in reading. Dramatic? Yes, I guess it is a little bit. Well, when one of your favourite authors of all time end up disappointing you so much, you're bound to feel a little disheartened (J.K. Rowling, how could you?). Everything happens for a reason, and I believe it was fate that this beauty entered my life.

The best thing about the novel? The storyline kept on going. There was not one point at which I thought 'I could do with skipping a few pages'. I wanted to read and read until the cows came home - or until my eyelids gave up on me.

"It'd be one of those movies you could watch again and again."

Another thing I've got to give Mariyan credit for, the lack of confusion when she writes.
Throughout the book, especially the first half of it, there is a lot of back and forth on what's happening 'right now' and what happened in the past. The thing is: you can tell the difference. It's put very clearly and it's incredible to see how a persons life can change so dramatically.
One more thing: the protagonist is very 3 dimensional, making the whole thing even more realistic.

On the note of characters, she has done a fantastic job! There are characters of which you will end up crying of laughter over, characters who you admire and characters that you wish were your best friend.

"Everything happens for a reason, and I believe it was fate that this beauty entered my life."

If you've read a few of the previous book reviews on BBXO, you'd know the ultimate thing I judge a book over: how it visualises as being a movie.
Let me tell you, this story was definitely a movie in my head. It would be a movie you'd find yourself getting very emotional over, laughing with, crying with and definitely enjoying every second of it. It'd  be one of those movies you could watch again and again.

Have you got any books you can read again and again?

Make the Right Choice of Swimwear for Your Holiday: GUEST POST

Hello! 

I present to you, a guest post. Mind you, the writer is from Australia which explains all the beach talk while we (in England) are in the mist of Winter! None-the-less, here's to bit of summer inspiration:

It’s high time we get some rest from our everyday hard work and weary routine. What keeps most of us going sometimes is the thought about the well-deserved relaxing chill on the beach in the tropics. Most of us is probably looking forward to the seaside holiday to finally unwind, enjoy the swimming and flaunt that killer they have kept hidden so far. The recurring struggle for many women (if not all) is what swimsuit to wear to enhance their look. Everything you need to know and more is packed right below.

Sporty Apple

You can hardly circumvent the matter of dressing according to your body type if you truly want to shine at the coast. We have singled out the four most frequent female body types and we’ll kick off with the athletic. The main traits of this type are wide shoulders and hips that are narrower. The ladies often have muscular lower half so - celebrate it! Choose lower half embellishments and tapering bottoms. Opt for cheerful, girly colors to soften the stronger features.

Petite Frame

If your frame is straight, you have two options to wing it. You can go for the curve buildup or show what you got with no remorse since you’re super fit and fat free. Exploit ruffles, paddings and gatherings to shape up the missing lady arc, but don’t go tassel crazy and overdo it. Another choice is the tiny bikini to liberate your skin enjoy the sun.

Pear Shaped

Some women are not happy with this shape, but there’s no reason. Don’t be hard on yourself as this is really quite feminine and seductive type. No harm in a bit of junk in the trunk, I’ve never heard a man complain. The strategy is to bring the balance by either hiding the hips or magnifying the chest visually.

Curvaceous Body

No wonder celebrity Kim Kardashian has so much success in the business – she’s an hourglass beauty! This irresistible body type is blessed with lovely shoulder-hip equilibrium, still, it requires a bit control. Select the swimsuit non-distorting print, proper structure with the top and mid coverage bottoms.

Prep for Shopping

Imagine arriving at the mall, spotting the perfect piece and realizing you forgot to shave. Take care of your body hairs thoroughly, especially the armpits and bikini line. Mind what you’ll be showing, you definitely don’t want to embarrass yourself and lose the will to shop on. Don’t take off your underwear when trying on models, it’s a major sanitary no-no!

Where to Go?

If you’re not that particular about you’re bathing suits, you can visit the department stores that have summer lines. For the really picky ones, the best options are to visit the specialized stores, physical or internet based. If you’re aiming to avoid the potentially traumatic experience and the trouble in the changing boots, shop for swimwear online. Most of them have detailed and quite informative fitting instructions.

Pack like a Pro

Women are notorious for bringing the whole house with them whenever they travel, just to be safe. The truth is they are not all that wrong. With all the awesome accessories come the swimsuits to match with the beach footwear and bags. Another major thing related is the hygiene. Alternating bathing suits is recommended. You’d need to have some in stock while others are washed and drying.

Color and Structure Super Guide

Become a true fashion goddess by selecting the trendy and cutting edge colors to wisely intensify your natural characteristics. Lighter skin is best paired with deep tones such as naval and maroon. On the other hand, darker skin tones make the vivid colors pop. Solids conceal efficiently, and patterns highlight desired spots. Ruffles are great to add volume on key places, while shirred fabrics minimize it.

Strictly Practical

There are times when functional aspect should be taken seriously. Skimpy bikini won’t do you much good if you lose it in plain sight while swimming practice or surfing. Sport swimsuits are an excellent selection that provide you with necessary comfort and support. One-pieces are both useful and flattering if you find the one that works for you. Pamela who? You can top it!

Pro Tips Extra

Sizes are crazy today, just mind that it fits. Consult a friend to receive the most objective picture about your look. Swimsuits get wet and hang, so don’t pick the too large. Wear it only if you feel legitimately relaxed and at home in it.

Beach Queen

The perfect outcome is a happy marriage between a piece that offers suitable coverage, structure and durability, along with the cool design that speaks to your inner preferences. Take your bag or keyboard and get to business to find the true beachwear gem for you.

*Pictures and content provided by external source.

New OPI Brazil Collection - SS14

Hello! 

The sun is finally peaking out from behind the clouds now meaning it's a good time to talk about Brazil. Well, OPI's new Brazil SS14 Collection, that is! 

I am a huge fan of OPI for many a reasons, one being the very creative names on probably every nail colour they have and the second being how on point they are with the trends of the season. Now, don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean I buy every new OPI Nail Polish released, in fact most of my polish are not OPI, yet I do find myself painting my nails in similar shades to their recent collections!

So, these are the colours for Spring Summer 2014:

The Brazil Collection consists of mostly creme finishes with both neutrals and brights. I have seen the bright yellow colour in many SS14 collections, so that will be a bit hit this season.

Out of this collection my favourites would be 'I Såo Paulo Over There' and 'Toucan Do It If You Try' - see what I mean by the names?! I love taupes and coral, so these shades are 'right up my alley'.

What do you think of the collection and your favourite shades?

Polish Images Source

Beach Bag Essentials!

Hello!

Being it August, the weather is usually hottest this time of year, but this month also means that Summer is officially coming to end so this is the season to make the most of it!
Also, in England, there is a Bank Holiday weekend which is soon approaching on the 26th August, I have planned on taking a road trip to the beach on the Sunday (hopefully the weather is good) and wanted to share with you my beach essentials (plus I bought a new beach bag that I wanted to picture in a post! haha!)....

Okay so first of all there's the actual beach bag. I personally prefer tote bags to take to the beach as they are cute, big and hold a lot of stuff - and they're cute.

This is the beach bag I got and I love it! The gorgeous yellow colour caught my eye in the store and the bow made the little voice in my brain scream 'You HAVE to get it, you HAVE to!'

You could also bring a backpack - a striped one would be cute as it follows the nautical theme - and nautical is sailors, and sailors at the sea, so sailors at the beach - make sense? So getting a striped backpack totally fits the scene!
The first thing I would say is an essential is something to read. This could be a magazine or a book. I'm currently reading 'About a girl' by Lindsey Kelk, she's the author who also wrote the famous 'I heart' series. The book is a little adult but it is a very light read and I will take it with me to the beach! I recommend a light read to take to the beach anyway, I mean you don't want the person next to you wondering wy you're bawling your eyes out while reading a book - they might think you're slightly crazy...
Just kidding - you can take whatever book you want, though I do suggest a light read!

Also, to pass your time you should take something to listen to. I would take my phone as all my music is on that, but you can take your iPod or Mp3 player or whatever you may use...
Also, don't forget your headphones! Oh, and try to download new tunes so you don't get bored listening to the same old music over and over. Maybe download some audio books if you don't feel like literally reading but reading at the same time? ;)
Two birds in one stone, that is! Talk about Productivity!

Next take protection from the sun! You want to be shielded from those harmful rays that are terrible for our skin - we do not premature wrinkles! Take some sunscreen with at least SPF 20, sunglasses, sunhat (I love my sparkly purple trimmed fedora) and chapstick (with SPF) to keep your lips moisturised and protected!

As for more accessories, you can take flip flops (a must incase you want to switch your wet toes into something you don't mind getting wet), a beach towel or fold chair and hair tie incase we want to move those locks from our face.

Other essentials are a body mist, to smell nice for that dinner out we may attend afterwards and to also cool us down. I love the Victoria's Secret PINK line for body mists, they're so nice and the fragrance line is very big so you're bound to find one scent that you really like. I have currently been using the purple one which is 'Sweet & Flirty'. I get so many compliments on this fragrance and it lasts a long time. It is also very cooling when you spritz it on - a total must have for the beach.
Finally, don't forget your hand sanitizer as you don't want your hand all germy when you hold onto your ice-cream cone which you then eat!

That's it! My Beach Bag Essentials! Hope you make the most of the final days of summer and enjoy your time at the beach!

Keep blooming, berries!
xoxo,
BerryBloomXO