5 Holiday Destination Ideas in EUROPE | LIFE

Hello!

"thought of the whitewashed buildings clinging on to the cliffs and the scenic views of the clear blue sea gets me drifting away"

As summer time rolls around, we're left on our toes thinking, 'Oooh, where in the world shall we go this year?'. Well, it might seem like an easy task to decide where to go, but let's be honest, it takes up way more time than it should just to pinpoint where to land.

I had that same dilemma when booking my holiday a few weeks ago. "Oooh I've always wanted to go to Thailand, but then there's New York, what about that? Hmm.. or maybe I'll just stick to Spain?" It had me going back and forth and I just couldn't decide! 

Hopefully this post will give you a few ideas and possibly help choose that destination, and if you're on the other side of the boat, having a mind blank as to what countries even exist now-a-days, then maybe this will get the ball rolling. 

source: 1,2,3,4

The beautiful country of Italy is quite the tourist destination. However, I feel Italy is known for Rome or Venice, and Sorrento doesn't get as much attention. It looks like it'd be such a beautiful place to visit, and the houses on the cliff look pretty cool! A coastal town in southeastern Italy where you can spend the day wondering around the centre 'Piazza Tasso' and spend your nights sitting by the 'Amalfi Coast'. Oh, and feel like climbing a mountain slash volcano? You can do that too. 

source: 1,2,3,4

Not going to lie, I had no idea this place existed until Snapchat had it in one of the 'stories'. The place where some event about racing cars is being held this year, but also the place that has incredible views. On the Snapchat story you got to see some of the beautiful homes and buildings in Monaco. Located just below France on the map, it is a place that deserves more attention. There's something about these small, yet utterly beautiful, countries that have not yet hit 'mainstream' that feels pretty special.

Go and visit the 'Jardin Exotique', which, believe-it-or-not, stands for Botanical Gardens! The cool thing about it? It's located on a cliffside and looks absolutely stunning (see here). You can also take a look at the Prince of Monaco's Palace or take a trip to the Monaco Opera House.

source: 1,2,3,4

France. Okay, I couldn't choose one area of France to visit because, well, just look at those pictures! Every part of it is stunning, and each part completely different. You can see the coastal rocks, the beautiful architecture and of course, the Eiffel Tower. 

If all else fails, and you find yourself getting bored of seeing all the 'Pyramide du Louvre's'  and the 'Mona Lisa's' - just take a trip to Disneyland! 

source: 1,2,3,4

Every time I mention that I wouldn't mind visiting Amsterdam people get a little wide-eyed and start shaking their head. No, I do not mean the red light district, people, but the beauty of the country. Having seen The Fault in Our Stars, it made me want to see the beautiful canal, Anne Franks house, the peaceful roads and everything else Amsterdam has to offer. 

source: 1,2,3,4

Remember me telling you about my dilemma with picking a holiday destination this year? Well, I was very, very close to picking Greece. The thought of the whitewashed buildings clinging on to the cliffs and the scenic views of the clear blue sea gets me drifting away even as I'm still at home.
Want to take a visit to Italy at the same time? Well, they say Ancient Akrotiri is the 'Pompeii of Aegean Islands' (Santorini is one of the islands of Aegean Islands).
Or take a ride on a donkey like the do in 'The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants'.

So, although I went for Egypt to go and take a visit to this year, these 5 places are definitely on my 'to visit-list'.
What do you look for in a holiday? Is it the landmarks, the beaches or the weather?

Are You YOUR Best Average | QUOTE

Hello!

"be around people that make you happy, that have good morals and bring out the best in you!"

I can't remember exactly where I picked this quote up, but I did end up writing it down on the notes section of my phone with intentions of one day sharing it. That day has now come. It's a quote that makes you think: 

a) who are the 5 people you hang around most with?

b) are they a good influence?

"are they a good influence?"

Although there may be pressure (especially in high school) to be with the 'popular' crowd, but really, there is no need. Just be around people that make you happy, that have good morals and bring out the best in you! You want to be the best 'average' you can be, so be around people who inspire you and you're on the way to greatness!

It may be easier said than done, but there are friends for everyone in this world, and you have the control to choose the ones right for you. So, don't bother spending time with those you don't enjoy being around, and have fun being happy!

To round that off: Happy Monday!

What is a quality you admire about your friends? Is it their kindness, humour or simply just because they're great people?!

Gift Idea: Personalised Magnets

Hello!

"Just pop in some photos, import them from Facebook if you want to, and just click order"

It's that time of year where we search to the deepest corner of our minds, trying to think about the slightest clue given as to what to buy someone for Christmas. Although I may not know the person you're thinking about the slightest bit, I can tell you I've found the perfect gift.

"a lovely present that stands there and looks pretty."

 PicStick. There's the answer to your problems. Simple yet effective, their service can be exactly the thing you're looking for. You can choose up to 9 pictures which are printed as magnets. You can then tear off each magnet and give one each to 9 separate people, or just give the whole thing to one person (or keep it for yourself!).

"great if you have that one photo that just describes your relation with a person perfectly"

I must say, the magnet is not extremely strong, but it stays strong on a fridge door. Each picture has a white boarder which make's it look like it's a polaroid (or just come off of instagram!).

"it's silly, fun and cute at the same time!"

 The personalisation factor is lovely, and the website is pretty simple to use. Just pop in some photos, import them from Facebook if you want to, and just click order.

"search the deepest corner of our minds, trying to think about the slightest clue given as to what to buy someone"

 Delivery wise, it's super quick and comes in a card envelope. No bending here!

"white boarder which make's it look like it's a polaroid"

This is so great if you have that one (or 9) photo that just describes your relation with a person perfectly. I.e. I have a photo with 3 of my friends with these funky hats on and caught mid-switching them around to each other's head - it's silly, fun and cute at the same time!

"Simple yet effective"

Overall, a lovely present that stands there and looks pretty. See what I did there? :)

Is there a specific photo that describes your relationship with a person? 

London City Lights - Holiday Festivities in full blast!

Hello!

Being it less than ONE WEEK before christmas, it is officially Christmas Week! Hence proving why I have let out two other Christmas Posts this week! One being some festive spirit and another being outfit ideas! Who isn't hurrying around searching for the perfect presents, admiring the beautiful scenes in town - so find the perfect outfit for the parties can be made easier with those ideas!

Anyway, so like I had just mentioned, part of the Christmas Spirit is admiring the festive spirit in town.. so with that I thought I'd share my town with you!

So, if you follow my twitter then you may have seen me mention that I went to the city one Friday night and had so much fun… so obviously I took some pictures:

This was Oxford Street! The bobbles looked so lovely and I like the way the bus is in this image! Really brings out the idea of our beautiful city of London! 

Piccadilly Circus: There's a SNOWGLOBE around the statue! What a cool idea, hey? You may have read this post where I met Nick Clegg, well, I went there then and it looks totally different! The christmas atmosphere changes a lot! 

Look at the Christmas Tree!!

 We stumbled across a Christmas Market and obviously had to have some Roasted Chestnuts! They burnt some, but it was fun none-the-less!

 Also, I had a chocolate covered apple!

As for my bedroom, I have christmas lights behind my bedstead and tinsel wrapped around it! Not shown in the picture is a snowman teddy (called Mr. Chilly, FYI) and 3 christmas candles!

 Finally, the CHRISTMAS TREE!

So tell me, how has your city decorated for Christmas, or how have you? 

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.