Become what you Respect | QUOTES

Hello!

"You can become what you respect. That's the least that you can do."

These posts are one of my favourites. Why? Well, they're all about spreading positivity, encouraging thinking about who we are and who we want to become, and I can almost feel myself coming 'back down to earth' as I write this, and maybe you feel the same when you read it. There is a reason quotes are ever-so popular, and here are 4 that you must read today.

A Quote to Live By - Be Open | MOTIVATION

Hello!

"gets you on the right track again"

You know the quotes you find on Pinterest, and occasionally pop up on your Tumblr and Twitter feeds, well I think they're great. It's a way to bring you back down to Earth, reminds you of your morals and gets you on the right track again. Well, this is one that really gets me back down to Earth, reminds me of my morals, and helps to get me back on the right track again. 

Summer 2015 Inspiration Board | LIFE

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 Okay, I'm going to be completely honest with you and say this inspiration board was a bit of a nightmare to create. I think it's to do with the fact that my brain has been so wired for exams in the last few weeks that it's kind of gone "Creativity? What the heck is that?". Although it may not have the same effect as the Spring Inspiration Board that was previously published (pretty summer-y too, if ya ask me! ;) ), it's something, and I hope you like it!

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Summer screams all things pretty. I'm talking pretty flowers, pretty dresses and pretty fruit! There are a million and one DIY's for summer on Pinterest and a range of pastel colours for your nails just waiting to be painted on. It's a time to wind down, enjoy the sun and also at the back of your mind be wondering how the time of 2015 has flown by so fast that we're already past half way point?

Yesterday, being the official first day of summer and the longest day of the year, it may just have finally hit us that 2015 will soon be over. So make the most of it! :)

What are your favourite things about summer?

Be Happy, a Genius & Dream | QUOTES

Hello!

"Everyone is a genius in their own way. You don't need grades to prove it"

Remember me telling you there'll be a lot of these quotes in these few weeks (post here)? Well, here's another one of those, and this one's got a bit more variety. 

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By variety, I feel the post has it's toes dipped in lots of different pools.

It's got the talk about happy.. 
I believe in this whole heartedly. One way to bring this home is the blog itself. I absolutely love writing to you. Sure, sometimes it's harder to think of ideas and get inspiration, but all in all it's a wonderful experience. Not once did I think about what people I know 'in real life' would think of it. In fact, I was kind of shy about that part. But a few months ago, when it came up in a family conversation in front of cousins, they all seemed pretty impressed! I felt proud, but as I'm quite an awkward person, I felt quite shy too! The big picture though, I do it because it makes me happy, not to impress, and I hope that comes through the posts :)

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It's got the talk about geniuses...
It is exam time after all, and I couldn't help but put this quote up for you to see. It's something that is so true, and thought about too little. Everyone is a genius in their own way. You don't need grades to prove it.

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And it's got the talk about dreams... 
This one is pretty simple but also true. It relates to the idea that you should do things for you, not to impress. Things that make you happy, and things that make you feel motivated and inspired. If someone is telling you it is way to difficult for you to achieve something you've been working on, prove them wrong, and do it anyway. You know what they say, you've only failed if you haven't tried! 

Well, that's it, the post about Happiness, Geniuses and Dreams. I hope it get's you a little more motivated and makes you realise what your goals are in life, whether it be a super professional something, or simply to live happy - go for it! 

Tell me, what is your favourite topic for quotes? Is it about being happy, a dreamer or something that makes you laugh?

Smile, Be a Dreamer & Bloom | QUOTES

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"you know what they say, think good things, and good things will happen!"

Quotes are lovely. They make you take a step back and realise what life is about. It's so easy for us to get bogged down into our own little troubles and we forget how irrelevant they might be in the long run. Or we forget our morals and values, so it's always nice to take a moment and refer to them. That's one of my favourite things about these posts, we get a chance to just bring ourselves back down to Earth. Here we go:

"we get a chance to just bring ourselves back down to Earth."

Living in London, there's this 'unwritten rule' that you should never smile to strangers. Or so there seems to be. I, for one, don't follow that rule. Being lucky enough to live in a neighbourhood where people do say good morning to you, where it's acceptable to smile at someone out of courtesy, it's totally normal to say hello to 'strangers'. 

I remember going out and about with a friend who lives nearby, and I said hello and smiled to a 'stranger' as they did so back, and the friend said 'How do you know them?!'. I don't know what it was, but that completely shocked me. Is it not normal to do this? Do most people just walk past others as though they did not cross paths?

"so easy for us to get bogged down into our own little troubles and we forget how irrelevant they might be"

If you read my last blog post, you may have picked up that I'm a bit of a dreamer. I saw this quote on Pinterest and thought I had to include it. It's okay to dream a little - you know what they say, think good things, and good things will happen! 

"take a step back and realise what life is about."

This one is just speaks for itself. Just be you! <3

Hope you have a fantastic day, and tell me, if there's one quote that's stuck to you right now, what is it?

Fight the Fear: Motivation Monday

Hello!

I was watching Esteé from EssieButton the other day and her words drew me in. More specifically, the quotes she was reciting, and her description of the overall vibe she got from the growingly-famous book Yes Please by Amy Poehler. 

I'm going to be honest, I wasn't expecting that particular video from EssieButton to be my favourite, yet it really drew me in. Not being one to watch SNL, I don't really know who Amy Poehler is (don't shoot me), yet don't think I didn't go straight ahead and follow her on YouTube! I love the way Esteé described her as being such a positive person, up for laughs and is all for the idea of living in the moment. Some of the quotes she recited really got to me, so I rewinded and wrote 3 down. Out of those three, this is the one that fits me most in this moment in time, so naturally, I wrote it out on the whiteboard, and how could I not share it with you?

The quote is meant to portray "everyone has fear". The fear that we think only ourselves feel is probably felt by everyone, yet those doing the things you want to do have overcome that fear and fought. Although it's hard to admit it, we can do anything, and the fear is not what should stop us. We're all scared, just go out there and face it.

I know it's much easier said that done, but, it might be easier done if we believe we're not the only ones faced with the problem, and we can overcome it.

I wish you all the best is whatever plans you have for yourself, and I know you can overcome that fear and do what's best for you. You're never going to be 'ready', you just have to do it.

Tell me, what's one time you were scared, but did something anyway? & How do you feel about it now?

*Well, in some scenarios this isn't the case, because you may not be scared... but you get the gist ;)

Be Bright, Truthful, Positive: Motivation Monday

Hello!

"this quote is exactly what you need to remind you to stay calm but remember your goals. "

A little inspiration in the morning, to remind you of the person you are, the person you want to be, is good to get you going. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of scrolling through quotes, and here are a few that may just make you feel a little better:

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"make you feel better to think about the good stuff"

Ah, the good ol' Gandhi! An image for peace and determination, this quote is exactly what you need to remind you to stay calm but remember your goals. 

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"so simple, straightforward and couldn't be truer!"

If you follow me on Twitter (link), you'd know I generally post a link to a motivational post with the description 'Start your day on a positive note' or something like that, so you see that I agree with this a lot. Starting your day with a positive thought is great, and just sets you in the right mindset.

The other quote is great, whether it be towards the end of the day and you're reminiscing thinking about how rubbish the day might have been. Well, in all honestly, I'm sure there is something good that happened today. Even if it was the tiniest thing that was good, it was still something positive and it'll make you feel better to think about the good stuff!

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"to remind you of the person you are, the person you want to be"

My favourite of the quotes. It's so simple, straightforward and couldn't be truer! Be Happy. Be Bright. Be You.

I hope you have a super nice day.
Tell me, what gets you going in the morning?

Best of 2014: BBXO

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"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?

When you Just Can't Do the Day: Motivation Monday

Hello!

"There are a million good things that may happen today"

You know that dreaded feeling every Sunday night. When you know you're going to have to suck it up tomorrow and commute to work in that crowded train surrounded by people snoring? Or going to school solving sums you'll never ever have to use in your lifetime, wishing you could be home or out having fun? Well, this post is for one of those days you really don't want to go.

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"Pretend you have 100% battery"

Accept the thoughts. I don't want to go because I want to lie in my bed - the go-to excuse in my book. But think about it. The positives of going to work/school and the aftermath of being productive. Let's be honest, the so-called 'productive high' is pretty awesome. As they say, even it's undesirable in the short term it's worth it in the long run. If we didn't have Mon-Fri working days, would we be as excited for Sat/Sun?

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 "think about the potential benefits that could come your way"

 You'd think we'd be refreshed after our relaxing weekend, right? Then comes morning and we're like 'I need to be recharged' or 'I need another weekend'. Well, for me, this works: Pretend you have 100% battery (okay, 78%?!) and you'll feel better! :D

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"the so-called 'productive high' is pretty awesome"

Finally, even though you're dreading the day, think about the potential benefits that could come your way. There are a million good things that may happen today and you're not going to find out if you don't get up and get going... so move on and turn that 'I really don't want to go' to 'It could be a good day!' 

So tell me, what get's you up and going?

Motivation Monday: Morning Thoughts

Hello!

"stay focused and look at the things around you."

Another Monday is upon us, and it's the first thing that pops into our heads on Monday Morning can determine the rest of the day... or rest of the morning, at least! It could either be: "Oh YAY, start of another fresh week" or "Let's just stay under the duvet for the next 50 hours?" Choose the latter and you're more likely to dread mornings!

"Be grateful and feel forever content."

This quote is simple yet always overlooked. Be grateful and feel forever content. It is so easy to miss the things right under our nose, like the quote 'You'll Only Miss it When it's Gone' - so just take a moment to think of the things you're lucky to have.

Is Roald Dahl EVER wrong? 

It seems as though the images did all the talking in this post and that's how morning should be: productive yet quiet... :)

What's your favourite morning ritual?

Motivation Monday: Just Keep Going

Hello!

"be positive and get in this frame of mind:"

Happy Monday! It's another start to the week and you may be chilling in bed thinking... 'gosh, I could do with another day off'... a little like this cute little doggy:

"keep looking up and moving forward, it'll be alright"

But think of it this way, it's going to be a good day. You have a lot to look forward to, who knows what the day has to bring for you.. you may be pleasantly surprised. Now, you won't know about it until you get up and out of bed, will you? So, be positive and get in this frame of mind:

" who knows what the day has to bring for you.. "

If you watched the GBBO last week, you may have noticed Nancy's little quote, along the lines of: keep looking up and moving forward, it'll be alright. It's true. Think positive thoughts and good things will happen.

"Be the best version of yourself"

Finally, think of the kind of person you want to be. Be the best version of yourself and remember, just keep going. 

What gets you out of bed in the mornings?

Motivation Monday: You are Enough

Hello! 

"To not just choose that happiness, but to feel it"

Happy Monday! There hasn't been a Motivation Monday in a very long time yet having read a post on The Tig, a site mentioned in this post, I felt the need to share. 

The Tig is run by Meghan Markle, also known as Rachel from the TV Series Suits! The idea behind her blog post was just so relatable and I couldn't agree with her more.. so here are some snippets from her post: 

"I am happy. And I say that so plainly because, well…it takes time. To be happy. To figure out how to be kind to yourself. To not just choose that happiness, but to feel it"

"iconic saying from Jerry Maguire -"You complete me” – frankly, isn’t true"

"I must have been about 24 when a casting director looked at me during an audition and said “You need to know that you’re enough. Less makeup, more Meghan.”"

" That five pounds lost won’t make you happier, that more makeup won’t make you prettier, that the now iconic saying from Jerry Maguire -"You complete me” – frankly, isn’t true. You are complete with or without a partner. You are enough just as you are."

Okay, I'm going to stop now before I basically copy the whole thing - but you have to read the full post here. 

It is such a post that would make you step back a little and think that life is much more than comparing yourself to others, it is about loving who you are right now and forever.. to remember that YOU are ENOUGH. 

So tell me: Do you believe that YOU are ENOUGH? 

Motivation Monday: Maya Angelou Edition

Hello!

You probably have heard about the death of Maya Angelou, may she rest in peace. I actually received an email from BBC when the news was out but didn't think much of it. You probably think I am rude and horrible to ignore a message like that - well, in all honesty, I didn't know who Maya Angelou was and the name did not ring a bell...

To be completely honest, I don't really know who she is until this day but seeing her quotes on twitter and other social media she seems like such an inspiration. What better time to be inspired by them then now? :)

Oh, and WARNING: things might be a little cheesy on my behalf... sorry!

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I like this one, it shows that we should do our best now - we shall improve and make the most of what we have now. I feel in our generation we are always looking for more - we never have enough with what we have. This reminds me to be grateful of what we have. 

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This makes me feel a little sentimental and to appreciate the people around me. Again with taking things for granted - who knows what other people are feeling and what their day was like, so a small positive gesture can make a big difference.

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This is my favourite one. She looks so happy and the quote is genius. 

How are you inspired by Maya Angelou?

Bullying: Can it Really be Cured?

Hello!

Happy Monday! This post is going to be something a little different. Normally you would see a 'Motivation Monday' or something positive on here yet today I wanted it to be an eye opener. It's nothing negative (that's not the way we roll), but a video to show life outside closed doors.

You may have seen this before and if you follow Lizzie V. (Who I've mentioned in this post) then you may have heard of this story. I'll also link Lizzies video here:

Lizzie mentioned such a good point: 'There'll never be a cure for Bullying' and I believe it completely. Being a realist, I don't think there will be a complete stop in bullying. Yet we don't realise how much of an impact it is to our world. To the little innocent people who get affected by it and the other people just watching it happen.

No matter how much we want it to stop, there'll always be someone being bullied somewhere and we shouldn't just let it slide, and we definitely not be the bully! A childhoods saying that I love is: 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all' we're not going to be fond of everyone we come across in life, so we can just keep our distance.

This young girl who was verbally and physically bullied, told to commit suicide and came home with bruises, is just one of many people who has been through bullying. I hope that she realises it does get better and I hope anyone else in the same position realises that too.

Have you seen the video before, and what are your thoughts?

Motivation Monday: Cherish the Days

Hello!

Happy Monday! I hope you're well and as happy as you can be no matter what stress you may have, or what burden may lay on your shoulders. As I mentioned in my last post, it's the stressful Exam Period for me and many others in the UK (do you have exams on too?), and I felt this post was much needed - to keep us grounded!

So with the title of the post, you would've released the theme of this post: Cherish The Days.
Well, with life I think we all come to a point where we realise how short our life is. Who knows what's going to happen tomorrow? Who knows how long we have?  (okay that sounds really serious and a bit sad, but lets be real!!)

Life will have good things in store, but I always tend to live in the future. It's nice to be seeing things more clearly the way it is now than wishing it was something else, or, like the quote: Waiting for something else. Lets cherish now!

As well as living in the future, you may find that you may live in the past too. We can't change what happened yesterday, let's cherish those moments and create new ones today! Its like the quote from Kung Fu Panda:

My driving instructor used to say this all the time and whenever I think about it, I remember how lucky we are for today - oh gosh, that does sound cheesy but it's so true!! 

Well, although it may seem like life will start after the exams, after something happens but no, life is always going, so cherish the days! 

Hope you have a lovely day and tell me: are you living in the past, future or the present? 

Motivation Monday - Excitement is Good!

Hello!

Yet another Monday has arrived at our doorstep, but this Monday is different... It's Easter Bank Holiday Monday! Wooo! Okay, you may be thinking I am over exaggerating with how excited I am about this day, but that's kind of the point of this post...

As we grow older, somehow our brains seem to think that getting excited over the small stuff is very weird - or unacceptable. It makes us feel as though we're childish and immature. Honestly, though, the youth are said to be the best years of our life - so why purposely (or unconsciously) try to rid that happiness sooner than necessary? 

Is it wrong to be excited about the smallest things? No. Would people think it's weird? Maybe. Well, you know that you can never make every single person in the world happy - so do it for the person that matters most in the world to you: YOU.

For the last couple of days, I have been happy for no particular reason, yet for almost every reason. Making the most of the situation. Admiring the beautiful things in life and just smiling.
The quote about is very true - there are so many beautiful reasons to be happy.

Okay, I understand that it is almost (I said ALMOST) impossible to Always be happy - yet the time we spend unhappy is time not well spent. Try and be happy, even when it feels impossible. Look at the things you love most. Make the most out of the things you have to do and hopefully you'll find something beautiful..

So, this Motivation Monday may seem a bit cliché, but I feel it's important to tell you to be happy. Even though you've read it in more than one other motivation monday - I still believe the overall goal in life is to be happy.

I hope you have a fabulous Bank Holiday Monday if you're in the UK, or just a Beautiful day anyway!

Tell me a beautiful thing you've seen today, maybe the look of your tea this morning, or the flowers in  the garden, or the look on your dogs face when you gave it some breakfast - what has been a beautiful thing you've seen today?