September 2015 Calendar | LIFE

Hello!

"cherish the idea that it's a fresh start, no matter what you're doing this month"

As it is the month that we all remember as 'Back to School' Month. It's the month we began yet another academic year. Soon the leaves will turn brown, and as the air turns crisper it feels like a fresh start all over again (Read: Fresh, Positive Thoughts). Whether you're going about work, going to uni, sending your kids off for the first year of school or just chilling, a pretty calendar is just what you need this month. Heck, you need it every month (Read: August 2015 Calendar) but this month is a good place to start.

Click Here to Download

The theme this month? Obviously it has to do with the trees. The brown leaves on trees are the ultimate sign that we are approaching, or in, the incredible season of Autumn. Autumn, if you didn't pick it up already, is my favourite season (Read: Autumn Inspiration). Sure, I love the Spring showers as much as the next guy (just kidding, probably much more than the next guy as most people don't like the rain, whereas I LOVE it), but there's something about the clean, fresh Autumn air that lifts my spirits. Not only that, can we just take a moment for Autumn fashion? Yep, *sigh*, it's a wonderful time.

So, make the most of your September, enjoy Freshers if you're starting uni, continue to (or start to) enjoy the work that you do and cherish the idea that it's a fresh start, no matter what you're doing this month.

Hope you have a wonderful September. Tell me, what do you think about the transition to Autumn? 

Top 3 Fragrance Picks for Summer 2015 | BEAUTY

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"something about the scent that doesn't quite match with the ultra-girly packaging it is placed in"

With the amount of rain that has fallen in England in the past few days, it may seem like summer is over. Well, here's news for you, summer is officially not over until September 22nd, so let's keep the spirit alive with a summer fragrance post, shall we?!

It's Got to be Perfect | BOOK REVIEW

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"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.

The Awkward Moment, Pitch Perfect 2 and Love, Rosie | MOVIE REVIEWS

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source 1, 2, 3
"It's a rollercoaster of emotions and a movie that's my favourite"

There have been many-a movie reviews on BBXO recently, but you seem to like it (*I hope so, otherwise this is quite annoying!*), but I had a movie day a little while ago so decided to combine the 3 reviews in one. We watched That Awkward Moment (only because Mr Zac Efron was in it, and who would say no to Zac time?), Pitch Perfect 2 (how could you not?) and Love, Rosie (Lily Collins is absolutely stunning!). In case you're either running out of movies to watch, or just want to hear my thoughts, read ahead and then conclude whether you should add the title to your movie list! 

August 2015 Free Printable | CALENDAR

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"you need a calendar to make sure nothing clashes, that you plan your days wisely"

How is the 8th month of the year starting very soon? It's crazy! Nonetheless, it's probably the most looked forward to month, it's the month of SUMMER. Filled with trips to the beach, pool and planning picnics and spending time with family and friends. With all of that going on, you need a calendar to make sure nothing clashes, that you plan your days wisely. Oh, and it is completely okay to plan a DO NOTHING day - not everyday has to be busy just because it's summer, right? :)

The DUFF Movie Review | THE VERDICT

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Every time I see the word 'DUFF' I cannot help but think of Duff Beer. The Simpsons basically owned that word in my head, but apparently there was another use for it. Oh, and needless to mention, the gorgeous Bella Thorne is in the movie, yet not going to lie, she wasn't the reason I'd watch the movie. The main guy, however, called Wes (Robbie Amell), is the reason you should watch the movie. He's the charming, super cute guy that you see in practically every chick flick/teen movie, yet he plays it very, very well. 

5 Outfit Ideas for a BBQ or Picnic | FASHION

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"something about a white dress that is lovely for summer"

Now that the weather has been nice and warm, there are more and more events held outside. Getting some fresh air, socialising with people you love and enjoying a good day out is where some of the best memories of summer are made, and here are some outfit ideas to wear while you create those incredible memories!

4th of July 2015 Outfit Ideas | FASHION

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"if you're not celebrating, you could totally recreate the outfit for whatever you're doing this summer!"

If you didn't know, I'm a Londoner. That means, no 4th of July for me! "Why do the outfit ideas, then?" you ask. Well, I quite like the idea behind the American festival, and think it's quite fun to create some easily recreate-able red, white and blue outfits! Oh, and these outfits are of course inspiration for any day in the summer, so I hope you enjoy.

3 Wearable Ways to Braids | BEAUTY

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sources (clockwise from top) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
"it's a nice way to princess-ify your hair,"

Do you remember when I told you about me becoming slightly (okay a lot) obsessed with Once Upon a Time? The show, thankfully on Netflix, has been my go-to and the one thing I couldn't get over while watching it was Elsa's hair. 

"What? Elsa, as in Frozen Elsa?" you may ask - yes, I say, Elsa from Frozen featured in Once Upon a Time and she looked gorgeous! I couldn't not write a post inspired by it, so here we go! 

"easily recreate-able with a simple side braid"

Braids are one of my favourite ways to style hair. Not only does it allow hair to be out of your face, but it also looks super pretty! For the hot, summer months, you may opt for an up-do, and what better way to spice up that up-do than with a braid?

Blake Lively created a beautiful style, which is easily recreate-able with a simple side braid and a bun. She pulls the boho look off nicely.

As well as a bun, throw your hair into a pony tail instead and you're good to go!

"one I'll definitely be resorting to this summer!"

The third style is the one shown above. Although slightly different, both styles consist of the same idea. Either a braid, and the other with a twist, it's a nice way to princess-ify your hair, and one I'll definitely be resorting to this summer!

Tell me, are you a braid fan, or is another style your go-to?

July 2015 Calendar | PRINTABLE

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"what better way to do it than stay organised and plan things you enjoy?"

We're past the mid-month mark of June, and I cannot believe the 6th month of the year is almost coming to an end! Really? It's like 2015 has whizzed by. That doesn't mean we shouldn't cherish the next month, and what better way to do it than stay organised and plan things you enjoy? 

Click HERE to Download

Here's the calendar for July, of course it's free and super quick to download!
Any interesting plans for the coming month?

The BEST Pant Trend this Summer | FASHION

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"I can wear the comfiest form of pants out in public and still look pretty pulled together"

As mentioned a million and one times on this blog, Summer is coming. Summer is not what it is without some floral print, am I right? Basically my summer wardrobe has a lot of florals. Though, it had lots of floral tops and floral dresses, yet no floral... pants.
Before we go on, let's clarify: I mean pants standing for bottoms/trousers not underwear :)

LEFT TO RIGHT: TopShop, Asda by George

I love the way these look. They're almost chinos but not quite in that category. The pants pictured on the right are from TopShop who name them 'cigarette' trousers. Well, I don't really want to call them that but you get the point - they're different. You can choose to dress them up with some heels or dress them down with a casual/plain top and some flats (possibly toms).

LEFT TO RIGHT: Forever21, TopShop

As well as these beauties in the trouser, more structured, form, you can totally opt for the, well, less-structured form: the joggers! Who doesn't like joggers?! If you tell me I can wear the comfiest form of pants out in public and still look pretty pulled together - I'm sold. Let me tell you, I might just have about a million pairs by the end of the summer and I won't judge you if you do too! ;)

So, what do you think of the 'trend'? 

G.B.F, Gay Best Friend | MOVIE

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"a feel-good, humorous film that was super fun to watch!"

If you've seen this post, you'd know I'm a bit of a Netflix fan. Hey, I'm a LOT OF A Netflix fan. Not only because of the incredible quality, but also because of how easy it is to access on the telly.

I have a few shows that I like to keep up with on there, i.e. PLL, but then there are times when I fancy a movie. They don't have the newest of films, and some of which I've never heard of, but it's nice to click on a title I wouldn't have if it didn't exist on Netflix. This was one of them.
G.B.F was the title and I had no idea what it was about. Sure, there was a little description, but who really reads them anyway (okay, I do but this was not one of those times!)? Well, "why click it then?" you ask, because Allison from PLL is in it and I thought I'd give it a shot.

I didn't know G.B.F stood for Gay Best Friend, and the movie was about the first guy in a high school in America to come out. It wasn't a serious documentary or anything, it was a feel-good, humorous film that was super fun to watch!

The protagonist is gay and accidentally came out. He wasn't ready for the entire school to know, as he was one of those people that like to stay on the DL, but it all happened so fast and before he knew it, he was one of 'the populars'.

It's a typical high school drama, American chick flick kinda film and I really enjoyed it. In the world we live in where homosexuals are able to finally feel comfortable, which they should, it's nice to see it from a different perspective. Don't get me wrong, I don't really have much to say in this whole debate, and I wasn't planning to watch an entire film about it, but I do agree that every one deserves to be whoever they want to be, and it shouldn't be much more complicated than that. I don't even know why it is - just let people be.

Anyway, it's a movie that's super light-hearted, feel good and will make you laugh - what more could one ask for? Sure it may not be the best movie of all time, but if you're looking for a simple movie that's readily available on Netflix (and you're a PLL fan), give this a shot!

Tell me, what do you look for in a movie? 

A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks | BOOKS

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"They're right when they say he has a special flair with writing - he really does"

A little while ago I told you about my experiences with The Lucky One (see post here). It was a no-brainer to pick up another Nicholas Sparks book, and this was the one that I chose. Quite frankly, it's another movie I have not yet seen, so I wanted to flick through the book before watched the film. Was it as good as The Lucky One?

"It was cute, romantic and heartwarming"

Well, it was another easy read - one that I found I did not get bored of, and I get bored of a lot of books quite easily. If it keeps me on my toes, and I'm not thinking about stopping reading mid-book, it's a good one!

"this one leaves a little more to your imagination"

It had the Nicholas Sparks flair you'd know and love if you've read a book by him before. It felt personal, as it was written in the form of Landon retelling his 17th year, which made it more relatable. It was cute, romantic and heartwarming to see the character grow as the storyline developed. It really does make you realise that there is more to a person than what meets the eye - and it's completely true.

"an overall lift in my mood after every reading session"

Slightly different to The Lucky One, this one leaves a little more to your imagination. I do like the shocks you're given throughout the book, which just leaves you wide-eyed wanting to read on to the next chapter. It was another one of those that you just cannot put down. Yet, when you do put it down (because your eyelids give up on you right before bed), you're left with a smile on your face.

"just leaves you wide-eyed wanting to read on to the next chapter."

I tend to connect a lot which characters in a book that I'm reading, and as weird as it sounds, if they're having a bad day, I feel a little low too, and if they're super happy, I'm super happy.
Put it this way, this book caused an overall lift in my mood after every reading session - and I loved it.

Great book, but if you're to choose one Nicholas Sparks book to read, I'd say go with The Lucky One. Maybe it's because of my slight obsession with Zac Efron, or maybe it's due to my admiration for the character Logan (the protagonist of The Lucky One) - either way, my love for The Lucky One was not taken over by this one. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading both, and am now officially a fan of Nicholas Sparks. They're right when they say he has a special flair with writing - he really does.

Have you read any Nicholas Sparks books? What do you look for in a book? 

June 2015 Calendar | FREE PRINTABLE

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"Keep those important dates highlighted and have an amazing month of June!"

May is nearing an end, and as always, we have the next month to look forward to. June, for me, will be packed of exams, but it's also a month of freedom. Contradictory? Oh yes, but let me explain. My last exam is in June, so after that date, I am a free woman. Okay, that's obviously an exaggeration but you get my gist ;)

Click HERE to Download

Feel free to download away and print to stick up in your room, your study, at your desk, in your diary, in a planner, in a folder or even on your fridge. Keep those important dates highlighted and have an amazing month of June! 

If you want some ideas, here are some easy DIY's to do this coming month, or here's a list of movies to watch. Either way, enjoy it!

Tell me, any colour combinations you'd like to see in the monthly calendars? Leave them in the comments.

Playlist TOP 3: The Script, Pitch Perfect 2, Imagine Dragons | MUSIC

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source, source, source
 "Every time I hear 'Daemons', it takes me somewhere else. Every. Single. Time."

Music is a way to escape, and it totally has the power to lift your mood (dance party in your room, anyone?). Although I have to admit that One Direction have the power, there are also other artist that have released some pretty good songs recently that you need to hear. Actually, one of them is not-so recent, but it's still a good one!

Do you remember the song 'Man Who Can't be Moved'? I was obsessed with it, and after hearing this song on The Voice, I was sold. Bought to you by The Script, it's 'Man on a Wire'. Okay, the title sounds similar to the previous hit single they had, but it's a great song! 

You may have heard the news that Pitch Perfect 2 is coming out very soon. I remember watching Pitch Perfect 1 - it was snowing outside and we got sent home early from school, so I came home, put on some snuggly clothes and fluffy socks (you got to have the fluffy socks) and played the movie. Totally a feel-good movie, an aspect I'm hoping will also be in the sequel! 

Jessie J's song is from the movie, and it's made me even more excited to see it.

This is the 'old but good' song I mentioned earlier. Every time I hear 'Daemons', it takes me somewhere else. Every. Single. Time.

That's my top 3 - any recommendations? I have been looking for something like Daemons for a while, so if you know any good songs like that, it'd be great if you let me know!

May 2015 Calendar | FREE PRINTABLE

Hello!

"As always, it's free to download, available in a PDF version and print as many times as you wish!"

Is it already nearly the 5th month of the year? How is that even possible?! Do you feel like the first few months of the year always go by super quick? I don't know what it is, but 2015 has literally ran past us!

Well, anyway, us believing time is just super fast right now doesn't make it any slower, so we've got to keep up with the times and get the latest calendar! So, here it is, in the 'flesh'!

Click HERE to Download

As always, it's free to download, available in a PDF version and print as many times as you wish!
I hope you have a fabulous May, even if it does mean spending most of your time at a desk if you're a student - exam time is upon us!

Anyone else feel like time is going particularly fast? :)

Anybody Out There | BOOKS

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"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?

April 2015 Calendar | FREE PRINTABLE

Hello!

It's come that time again, and the April calendar is now out for you to grab and enjoy. It is, as always, completely free. The thing about the calendars is, they're cute enough to be Pinterest worthy yet absolutely practical too. What's to loose, hey?!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Keep organised, be productive and remember those all important birthdays!

Hope you have a lovely April, it's not too far away ;)

March 2015 : PRINTABLE CALENDAR

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"Is there ever such thing as being too organised? I think not. ;)"

For a while now, this monthly feature has been a highlight. Every time it's spotted in the top 5 posts at least once. Due to this, I simply cannot let you down without offering another one for the month of March. It is free, as always, so you can pop in the Mothering Sunday (it's the 15th, btw ;) ), any birthday parties and brunch dates you have so you don't miss them.

What's more, it'll brighten up a dull wall!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

I don't know what I'd do without a diary, so in case if you don't have one, or you want a clear view of that dentist appointment (or season premiere) you simply cannot miss, just click the link and you're sorted! Is there ever such thing as being too organised? I think not. ;)

How excited are you for March? 

Pretty Little Liars: Catchup

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image source
Andrew (I think his name was)...is pretty pleasing to the eye *insert emoji with heart eyes here*.

If you've read this post and this post, you'd know there's a PLL fan in the house... well, on the screen... well, me! So if you've been up-to-date with it, you'll know there was a sharp turn ever since Alli returned (SPOILER ALERT!... there'll be a lot of spoilers, so if you're not up to date and don't want to know, this isn't the post for you.. sorry!).

So, Mona died which was a complete shocker! I was actually beginning to like her and thought they were getting somewhat close to finding out who A is.. well, not anymore. Oh, and that whole laptop thing with Hanna and Caleb is super creepy. Mona's body in that bin is just awful and the blood drop near it could have been anyones!

Speaking of blood drops, how could Mike do that to his sister and her friends? In case you missed it, he took the blood samples of the girls and gave it to one of A's people! They could be in so much trouble now! Speaking of that episode, Andrew (I think his name was), who is Arias new tutor is pretty pleasing to the eye *insert emoji with heart eyes here*.

Toby and Spencer and no longer, or are they? Is it going to be Jonny and Spencer now? I think Jonny is cute but not exactly the best influence on Spencer. Mummy Hastings would definitely not be happy!

Oh, and they say PLL has been secured for 2 more seasons, does that mean we won't find out who A is in a very long time? Gosh, I want to know! 

Tell me, what are your thoughts on the show so far? Agree/disagree with me?
Any theories on who A is?