"see them being fed, swim under the sea, float near us and waddle about!"
I hope you're enjoying the bank holiday! Of course it has to rain (in London, anyway) on the day we have off! Luckily, there are so many things to do inside, including going to the Aquarium! I popped down to London's Sea Life Aquarium this weekend and had a blast! Oh, and to add to that, you could go for FREE. That's right, free tickets to anything is great, so read on to find out how.
The thing with London is that there is always something to do, I'm talking the Shrek Attraction, London Dungeons AND the London Aquarium being neighbours to each other, so you can only imagine the other things you can see in London besides that street, let alone other things around the world!
We saw so many fishes including spotting tiger sharks swimming right past us, and every time we see a tank of fishies, my nephew would say 'Nemo, Nemo, Nemo!' - although ironically, when we got to the actual clown fishes and 'Nemo', he didn't utter the word! His and my favourite part of the aquarium? The penguins!! We got to see them being fed, swim under the sea, float near us and waddle about! I ended up buying a cute pink pearl bracelet with a penguin on it for memories (which I'm currently wearing as an Anklet FYI ;) )!
In terms of how you can get a free ticket, just do your groceries, go on holidays and adventures as you would normally and you can earn points with Avios, which you can then spend those points on more holidays, days out and even a chance to upgrade your economy ticket to business class! You can join and collect points via Avios Travel Rewards programme or British Airways Executive Club.
What I'd do next? Maybe take a trip to New York, or even go to a nice Afternoon Tea (Read: Afternoon Tea in London). Luckily, you can invite a friend to share the points with you, so you're not left doing it alone! Check out Do More With Avios for more!
"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!
"hear her voice and you think you're listening to an angel"
If you follow me on Twitter (shameless plug ;) ), you'd have seen the ticket to Memphis picture I posted. Memphis is theatre show on at the moment at the west-end Shaftesbury Theatre. It was very hot on the day I went, and boy was I glad that the theatre had air conditioning! Oh, and we came across Gok Wan and past an official Wimbledon car, but more on that later.
source, source, source "The one that makes you go 'Kaaaawapungaaaaaa....' because you don't know the actual lyrics but it gets you singing along anyway"
Living in a city, you have things going on left, right and centre. There's always something to do, and sometimes you just don't know where to start!
With summer just around the corner (for some it's already started - you lucky people!) ideas to add to the 'bucket list' is usually a fun place to start, and what more than a few good theatre shows to get you going.
I've been a fan of theatre shows for, like, ever - but don't tend to go as often as I'd like. I've seen Oliver, the Twists and the Lion King, to name a few, and they were super fun! So, if you're in the London area this summer, or wherever you are, go and watch a theatre show and let me know what you think!
Here are the Top 3 I'd recommend/am eager to see myself:
1. Wicked
The very well known show thats been running for years. It seems great, and as I'm now a fan of 'Once Upon a Time', I can see myself loving the show. Although, a few of my friends who've seen it say it wasn't as good as it's lived up to be. However, it has been a great success and has been running for such a long time - so I guess I'll just have to see for myself!
2. Matilda
Do you remember the movie? I loved that movie. I have been a huge fan of reading books since a very young age, so of course I'd love little Matilda. This one is a bit newer than Wicked, yet it's received the 5* rating and I really want to see how they've transformed the movie into a play!
3. The Lion King
You know that iconic song from The Lion King? The one that makes you want to belt out and sing along? The one that makes you go 'Kaaaawapungaaaaaa....' because you don't know the actual lyrics but it gets you singing along anyway - yep, imagine that in the theatre! Having seen this show, I cannot recommend it enough. It is absolutely amazing! Prepare to have your breath taken away, and fall in love with Simba all over again (secretly wishing you could own a pet lion - who doesn't?!).
I hope you get a few ideas of what to do, or what shows to watch. What are your favourite pass times, may it be watching a movie, going to festivals or baking - leave a comment. :)
*This post is NOT sponsored by Eventbrite, I just thought I'd give them a shoutout.
"a beautiful little area in London that doesn't enough credit."
If you follow me on Instagram, you'd know of the 'mystery' blog post that has 24 pictures. "24 Pictures in ONE blog post?"I hear you say. Yes, you read that right, and this is it!
A new segment that might be somewhat of a thing on here in the future (who knows, hey?) is being introduced today. I don't know what you think of the whole Travel blog thing, and I don't actually follow any travel blogs, but it seems an interesting idea! So, I present you... Little Venice, London.
A little event was being held inside the boat - how cool?! It is also called 'The Floating Classroom', it's a pretty nice view for a student, isn't it?
These were actually the public toilets - the building looks so pretty and the potted plants on the top are just adorable!
The boats are so quirky!
I don't know why but this picture makes me think of minions...
Think they're real people? Think again.
(At first glance I thought they were real... *embarrassed emoji*)
They were such beautiful, white buildings - I couldn't get over how gorgeous it all was!
The building to the right is where our Afternoon Tea was, it's the Colonnade Hotel.See that post here.
Finally, on the way back home we spotted this little shadow figure in the underground station. It's Sherlock Homes... guess the station!
Little Venice is a beautiful little area in London that doesn't enough credit. So, if you are in London, and the weather is nice, then definitely pop by the canal in Little Venice (we went to Warwick Avenue Station and made our way).
So tell me, are there any places you've been to that doesn't get enough credit? Also, what do you think of the travel series?
"the good thing about Afternoon Tea, it's all very relaxed, calm and you're not in a rush to go anywhere - utter bliss"
Afternoon Tea is a great way to spend an afternoon. You may have noticed it becoming a reoccurring topic on BBXO (see here and here). Yet, this time, the weather decided to treat us a little better, and the sun was shining. All the other times I've been, it's been pouring down with rain! Nonetheless, let's take a peak into the beautiful Colonnade Hotel.
First things first, we went around in circles and passed the place about twice before found it! It was quite discrete and the only sign was a little menu (pictured in the title). I've got to admit, thearea was beautiful, but more on that later.
The atmosphere was light, and the glass roof ensured the sun was shining through and making everything look 10x prettier! You had to walk down stairs to the seating area and enter a pastel coloured room, with pastel paintings and very clean, white plates and cups, which instantly makes you feel calm. That's the good thing about Afternoon Tea, it's all very relaxed, calm and you're not in a rush to go anywhere - utter bliss.
"What's an English Afternoon Tea without Scones?"
As for the tea, there was a range to choose from. Although the range was not that big, it was enough to get something you liked. We went for the Darjeeling, and although it was my first time trying it, I fell in love! Such a beautiful, mellow and slightly sweet tea.
The food was lovely, and to my surprise, there were macarons! In all the places I've had tea, I've never had macarons included! Oh, and they did taste amazing! Mine was pink, but didn't have a particular flavour, it was a plain macaron sporting all of the glorious texture it's known for.
What's an English Afternoon Tea without Scones? They gave us jam in a cute little jar that was just adorable! It tasted amazing too.
"You can bet your bottom dollar that I instagrammed that!"
Of all the other Afternoon Tea places I've been to, this is definitely been one of the best. I loved the light, airy atmosphere, the polite staff and the lovely treats. If you're looking for a place to go to on a lovely sunny day, definitely check out The Colonnade Hotel near Little Venice.
Speaking of the area, it is absolutely stunning. The buildings are white with huge doors and pillars. It was like a dream! You can bet your bottom dollar that I instagrammed that! But more on the area will be coming to a blog near you very soon, so keep your eyes peeled! ;)
All in all, a wonderful place to visit, I would definitely recommend you go. Plus, there's a beautiful canal a mere 5 minute walk away - a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Tell me, have you tried Darjeeling, and what's your favourite tea?
"Be it beauty videos, or a weekly vlog, there's something about her that it so calming"
YouTube has become quite the sensation. Actually, sometimes I totally prefer watching a few videos to watching TV - and I'm sure I'm not the only one!
Watching vlogs is basically reality TV, but on a more down-to-earth, personal level. It's quite amazing how much a vlog can brighten a day, and it also is something many look forward to on an everyday basis! I can absolutely see how it's a positive environment to be a part of, and we all need a little wind-down time in our day.
So, to add to the ever growing list of vloggers you may have in your subscription list, or even to possibly get you to start a subscription list, here are my top 5 YouTube vloggers that I like to watch.
Actually, seeing as British YouTubers are totally a thing, I thought I'd keep this list as featuring British vloggers only - otherwise there's no way I'd be able to round it down to just 5!
image source: 1/2/3/4/5/6 " I'm all for someone who's light hearted and not too serious - and if you're up for that too, you'll like his vlogs!"
The thing with Jim, is that he's so down to earth! I like his main channel video's too and the vlogs are just like an extension to that! He's super fashionable too and it's just a good time when you watch his vlogs.
The reason I think Joe's videos are fun are simply because of the witty things he comes up with. I remember in his L.A. vlogs there was a squirrel in their front garden area which he named Cedric the Squirrel, long story short, the squirrel in our garden is now officially called Susan the Squirrel (I'll show you her one day!).
Okay, that anecdote didn't tell you much, but all in all, his randomness makes him funny. I'm all for someone who's light hearted and not too serious - and if you're up for that too, you'll like his vlogs!
She's a newbie in my books. That doesn't mean I don't like her as much as the others. In fact, I really enjoy watching her vlogs. She's living in Brighton and now has a cute little kitty! She also has the 'I don't really care what the world thinks, I'll do what I want' attitude, and I couldn't agree with her more!
I love watching Anna. Be it beauty videos, or a weekly vlog, there's something about her that it so calming. She's a great influence and seems like an amazing person to have as a bestie! Either way, she's one I couldn't not include in a British YouTuber roundup.
I feel like Anna and Lily go hand-in-hand. They're often seen in each other's vlogs and if you're subscribed to one, you're likely to be subscribed to the other. It's fun to see the adventures she goes on and it's lovely to get some places-to-go-in-London recommendations! From one Londoner to another!
You may just love these new finds, or you may have already be subscribed to them all.
Either way, if you're a YouTube fan I'd love to know which YouTubers you'd choose as your Top 5?
"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?
Having never been much of a jewellery person, other than the occasional stud here and there, and a trusty bracelet that never comes off my wrist, you won't see me go crazy with the bling. Having said that, dainty necklaces are something I can deal with.
Spotting the brand 'NUDE', a contemporary jeweller in London (also available online), I lost interest as soon as I saw the words "statement". Having said that, not all the jewellery has gone all-out, and there's a huge choice of pieces to pick from!
"It's simple yet beautiful"
The cool thing about NUDE is that they hand-make a lot of their pieces. In fact, the one pictured above is handmade, and I believe they do it right there in-store too! This one is slightly hammered to create the effect of un-even edges. Link to it here.
"a collection is not complete without a silver piece!"
It reflects the light wonderfully, and the best thing about it? It's simple yet beautiful. Like I said, there's something for everyone in that store!
If you know me, you'd know I tend to lean towards gold over silver. Nevertheless, a collection is not complete without a silver piece!
" dainty necklaces are something I can deal with."
All in all, a lovely - different in a good way - necklace which can compliment an outfit nicely!
Tell me, are you one for a statement necklace, or are you more of a fan of dainty ones?
