Blogger Spring Gift Swap | LIFE

Hello!

"there was some nail polish, which we can never get enough of,"

Being part of the blogging community is amazing! Not only being a blogger, but being a reader has so many benefits too. You get a sneak peak into someone else's life (let's face it: we're all a little nosy) and it's good to check reviews of stuff before you go ahead and purchase.

This post, however, is the evidence of the benefits of meeting people from the community. Adele from adelesmith.co.uk organised this little Spring Gift Swap. I received my end of the swap and sent it off too. I thought I'd show you what my wonderful Swap-pee sent me.

My 'swap-pee' as we have now called it, was Emily from recipesandreviews.co.uk. I've got to hand it to her, the packaging was absolutely gorgeous! I love a bit of pink and you can only guess my excitement when I opened the package.

"maybe made you feel a little more Spring-festive.. "

Inside, Emily has individually packaged each item with a few easter chocolates! It was so cute!

If you follow my instagram, you'd know about the scrapbook. Emily also knew about it and kindly sent over some washi tape! Along with that, there was some nail polish, which we can never get enough of, and stationary! It was so thoughtful of her.

"awesome community we are lucky to have"

Overall, it was a super fun thing to do, and a nice way to connect in the community!
Hopefully this has somewhat reminded you of the awesome community we are lucky to have, and maybe made you feel a little more Spring-festive.. like these posts haven't done enough of that!

Nonetheless, I hope you have a lovely day, and tell me:
What is one thing you'd put in a gift swap inspired by Spring?

Versatile Blogger Award : TAG

Hello!

Another Friday has come and almost gone, and another weekend is upon us. This past week I was tagged by the beautiful Jessica from asocalledbeautyblog.com to do this tag. Being called 'the Versatile Blogger Award', I initially had no idea what it'd be about, but have since seen a few of these floating around the blog-o-sphere. 

The basic rules of the tag, word to word from Jessica's description:

• Thank the person who gave you this award, and leave a link to their blog
• Tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.
• Select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly. Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award

Well, bullet point number one can be ticked off! 

As for point number two:

7 Things About Myself

1. I have been thinking about branching out into the YouTube world.. maybe one day?

2. I watch a lot of TV shows but really miss Suits! 

3. I used to have goldfish, a hamster and a rabbit (at different times) and really want a pet!

4. I like wearing mens shirts/clothing to lounge around in... they're the comfiest! 

5. Furry/Fluffy things are my favourite (furry socks, slippers, coats.. the lot!)

6. I'm a total little girl at heart and love bows, pink stuff and am pretty cheesy!

7. I have a HUGE project being released soon, which you guys will be the first to know about! 

Bullet point number three:

Here are 15 people I tag:

1. Paula from http://www.thirteenthoughts.com

2. Jasmin from http://jasmincharlotte.com

3. Emily from http://emilyattemptslife.blogspot.co.uk 

4. Samara from https://samarabeauty.wordpress.com 

5. Mimmi from http://mutedmornings.blogspot.se

6. Leah and Rachel from http://www.beyondthevelvet.blogspot.co.uk

7. Sophie from http://sophiameola.blogspot.co.uk

8. Jessica from http://www.0ldtricks.com

9. Gemma from http://gemstrends.blogspot.co.uk

10. Rebecca from http://rawrrbeccabeauty.blogspot.co.uk 

11. Antoinette from http://www.letterstoa.com

12. Megan from http://www.cardiganjezebel.com

13. Erin from http://chasingrubieschasingpearl.blogspot.ie 

14. Stephanie from http://stephsinsidevoice.blogspot.co.uk

15. India from http://www.thejewelbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

Blog Recommendation: LaurenConrad.com

Hello!

"One of my favourite things about LC.com is the comment section"

Okay, so I was in a bit of a blog rut, and me being me, I get a little anxious if things aren't done on time. So, I'm sitting here, Wednesday night, knowing my weekend is jam-packed and I will not get a chance to breathe, let alone write a blog post. Then it hit me: like HEY, I love reading blogs, and I'm sure others will love reading this one. So here it is:

LaurenConrad.com, run by the LC Team, and the founder being the Lauren Conrad herself - like you didn't figure that out already! 

The blog is quite an inspiration, with it talking all things ranging from clothes to beauty to decor, I can't say it didn't influence the start of BBXO.

Great for a go-to girl-time read and it is full of helpful tips. One of my favourite things about LC.com is the comment section. The community on there is just lovely, the people are intelligent, have such great ideas and good things to say.

So, if you're out on the hunt for a blog to follow, check out LaurenConrad.com.
Who are your go-to blogs that you get inspiration from?

Best of 2014: BBXO

Hello!

"wishing you a fabulous year ahead - welcoming 2015!"

So, in less than 24 hours we shall be in the mist of 2015. This is about the time the words that pass everyones lips is: 'The year went by so quickly'. Well, what better way to end the year than take a step back, hey? Time to reflect on the year: The best of BBXO in 2014...

Relaxing or Sick Day Must-Haves

Something to go to when you feel down or just want to stay in bed all day. If you're feeing a little poorly, these tips may just help you feel better - plus, who doesn't like lots of pillows on their bed? :)

Fresh Juice over Cartons... Why?

The juice detox was quite popular this year, and you'll understand why this post got a lot of attention. Although I'm not one for that 3-day juice thing, we do have fresh juice most mornings. Want to see why that trend was (is) so huge? Well, head on over!

Motivation Monday: Live Life Now

Motivation Monday was quite the series this year. It had great responses and starting the morning with some positivity is always a good idea.

London City Lights - Holiday Festivities in full blast!

Although the holiday season is now over, (somewhat, as my christmas decorations are still up...) the London decor never disappoints. From the last festive season, these photographs from a trip to London seemed to be quite interesting! Oh, good old England :) 

BerryWeekly: Hot Chocolate, Candles & Baking

BerryWeekly, the series we thought would come to an end only just changed the name and began to flourish. The personal touch and reflection of the week is almost a version of this Best of 2014 post in a smaller time scale. It's been lovely taking photos and being able to share ideas, visits and food with you.

August 2014 Calendar - Free Printable

Making calendars was a new thing to this year and you seem to love them! Every month a new calendar is released. 2 different designs to choose from but the practicality of the idea still there. Free to download and print, these are likely to continue if you still love them! Ideas are welcome, by the way. Just to throw it in here: The January 2015 Calendar is available HERE. 

It has been an amazing year and sharing experiences and ideas with you has been incredible. I hope to continue to provide content for you and hope you enjoy what is coming your way!

Thank You so much for reading, and wishing you a fabulous year ahead - welcoming 2015!

Tell me, do you have a favourite memory of this year?

Thank You

Hello!

I am not sure you're aware about how it feels to be a blogger - whether you are one yourself or not - and let me tell you: it can be a little scary! See at first I didn't know that anybody would read my blog. I have been a huge makeup, fashion and health blog reader as well as writing personal journal and diaries, so when someone (a very special friend - you know who you are ;) ) suggested that I write a blog at first I thought "Why not? That seems perfect!" and then right after that thought "But who would want to read my rubbish blog?" - but then that special friend gave me that little extra push and gave me confidence to start BerryBloomXO.

The idea of wanting a blog had crossed my mind multiple times since the beginning of 2013, yet I didn't have the push I needed to have the confidence to start, yet on the 16th of June at an engagement party, the topic of blogs had come up and I told my friends the idea - they said I should go for it! For the next week the thought of the blog was on my mind a LOT. Constantly I'd be thinking about what it would contain and I would have started it on the day after the engagement party but it was my exams that were coming in my way.

My last exam was on the 24th of June. I came home, went straight on the internet and made this blog (as well as eating my feelings with a huge packet of biscuits... but shhh...). I didn't think I'd get many pageviews or any readers or anything... and here I am today with over 1,000 views.

You might be thinking that 1,000 views is nothing. Yet to me that's so many. I didn't think I'd get more than 100 views and here I am with 10 times as many. These numbers don't mean much to me but what does mean a lot to me is you. When I read a comment that somebody has left, it warms my heart to know somebody read the post. I LOVE writing these posts. It puts me in my 'happy place'! I know, very cheesy - but true!

Anyway, this post was a bit of a ramble but the reason I wanted to write it is not to brag or anything - I know to most people 1000 views is close to nothing - but I wanted to tell you that I appreciate you for reading this. Without you reading the previous posts, this one wouldn't have been created.

Thank you for providing me with confidence. Even if you're not a follower or you don't read regularly, thank you for reading this anyway. If you are a regular Thank You sooo much for your support, it's so much appreciated. If you are going to become a regular: Welcome to the family.

That was filmed the day the day of the party - with 2 friends supporting me! Thank you girls.

Lots of Love, and Thanks again.