New TV Shows, GBBO is Back, Candles + Meeting Olympians | BERRYWEEKLY

Hello!

"their show stopper bakes are very much 'on point'! ;)"

What a week it is been! I feel like after results day I have said the word 'uni' a billion times. Not only has results day come and gone, but The Great British Bake Off has also begun! Having also recently gone to an event to meet some pretty famous Olympians and those that help behind the scenes, I can say it's been a good time!

"the scent is not very strong but is surprisingly quite fresh"

As for a brand new TV Show, Scandal has been my go-to. There's something about the drama and the gorgeous Olivia Pope fixing everything that makes the show quite interesting. Although every episode they always end up fixing the problem, it's a show that is great to have running in the background.

As for The Great British Bake Off, if anything it's a tradition (Read: Last Years GBBO post). They have some pretty interesting contestants this year, and their show stopper bakes are very much 'on point'! ;)

"the melted wax look like it's, almost, glowing!"

Hydrangeas are my new favourite flower to decorate my room with. We have about 4 huge hydrangea plants so they're readily available! I also picked up a 3-wick candle in the scent Champagne Cassis. I like that the scent is not very strong but is surprisingly quite fresh.

As for the quote, I saw it somewhere and ended up saving it on my phone (Read: Phone Wallpapers). I think it's a lovely quote to remind you to keep on going, and make everyday something special (Read: Cherish the Moment).

"if we see things as an opportunity and have a positive outlook, we are more likely to just do it"

This is actually a photo I stuck up on my Instagram (Link Here) a little while ago. Doesn't it look really cool?! I put the candle on my desk which has glass on top. This made the melted wax look like it's, almost, glowing!

This week, I've also been loving this shirt. I have a thing for lace and flowy/chevron blouses and think this is such a lovely one for summer! The bright colour is super fun, and you know what's better? The super good price tag! You can get it at 10dollarmall.com - yes everything is $10 or less!

"The showers and lockers and all were super nice and high quality"

On August the 5th this year, it marked one year before the 2016 olympics! Fitness First had a few bloggers over and we were given three 15 minute sessions on various parts of olympic training. By that, I mean we had a session on working out, a session on nutrition and a session on psychology. Surprisingly, there's a lot to how the brain works, and the fact that if we see things as a threat we are more likely to make excuses, whereas if we see things as an opportunity and have a positive outlook (Read: Positive Thoughts), we are more likely to just do it. 

"it marked one year before the 2016 olympics"

Not only did we hear great tips and learn so many things, but we (obviously) got to see the beautiful place that Fitness First have. We went to the one in Bishopsgate, and as it's in central London, I thought it'd be pretty small and that it'd be super cramped. Well, let me tell you, it was super spacious and they used the space quite well. You had 2 flights of stairs, and in between the first and second flight you had the spin room and the ladies changing room. The showers and lockers and all were super nice and high quality, as well as the cleanliness being a high standard!

All in all, a lovely week! 
What did you get up to this week? Oh, and are you looking forward to the Olympics? 

***I was able to attend the event for free, but was not told I had to write about Fitness First or the Olympics. 

Summer 2015 Inspiration Board | LIFE

Hello!

 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!

source (clockwise from top left) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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?

Little Venice, London | TRAVEL

Hello!

"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? 

Afternoon Tea at The Colonnade Hotel, London | FOOD

Hello!

"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, the area 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? 

Red Everywhere, a Fresh Room & a Special Snowman: BerryWeekly

Hello!

"feel like such a grinch saying that... but it's the truth"

Another Friday, another week over! It's been a pretty relaxing week, recovering from the first week back to college and just taking it a step back. You may have seen these images on my Instagram... well not ALL of them, there must be some special ones reserved specifically for the blog, right?

"great for this time of year where it feels like everything is just piling up"

More than a fortnight past 2014 meant it was about time the Christmas decor had to come down. To be honest, there came a point when I was sick of Christmas decor in the room... I feel like such a grinch saying that... but it's the truth, and that's that!

Instantly, my room felt more 'fresh'. Not 'fresh' in the context Will.I.Am uses it in (btw, anyone keep up with The Voice?), but the more airy, spring-is-coming, kind of fresh! So, from that day, there was a little less red to be seen in my life.

How cute is this notebook? Little birdies hold connotations of freedom, relief and nature... okay, I really bought it because it's the most gorgeous colour! Debriefing yourself is a good way to wind down - great for this time of year where it feels like everything is just piling up!

"this nail paint makes life so much easier...See more in Wednesday's post HERE"

Did I say there was a little less red in my life? Well, I take that back. Shortly after taking down the christmas decor, I decided to paint my nails. The colour I went for? Red! I haven't really painted my nails in a while but this nail paint makes life so much easier. It has a wide brush so a coat is done in a matter of seconds! See more in Wednesday's post HERE. Oh, and so far, no chips! Yay!

"It's the little things in life! :)"

A special photo not shown to the instagrammers: I present you: Snowy.. the snowman! He is the little pattern on my PJ bottoms (which I'm wearing right now, actually), and guess what? The nails matched his scarf! It was meant to be! It's the little things in life! :)

I hope you have a super fun weekend, full with the little things that make you smile!
Tell me, how do you wind down from a stressful day?

Rimmel by Kate - MARS: POTW

Hello!

"Here's to another Red!"

Although the ultimate red nail season is gone, bye-bye autumn, in all honestly, Red is a colour that will last all year round. It's a classic, a staple in every girls nail collection and one that will never go old.

The good thing about the Rimmel Salon Pro range is the brush. The width is large and makes it a lot quicker, and easier to apply the colour. It's the same brush as the one I've talked about in this post, and seriously, the overall effect is great. Who wouldn't want a fabulous manicure in a matter of minutes?

"Who wouldn't want a fabulous manicure in a matter of minutes?"

So, is it just another red added to the collection or something special? Well, I haven't yet tried it out but when I do, you might just see it on Instagram!

Here's to another Red!

Do you have a favourite red polish?

New Year, New... Instagram Account?

Hello!

You know what they say: New Year, New Life, New Clothes, New Makeup, New Mindset... New You.
Well, I finally jumped on the Instagram bandwagon and therefore have a New Instagram. With a mere few photos on there, it's enough to say I have a lot to learn. The filters are going to take a while to get the hang of, and lets hope posting regularly won't be too much of a challenge!

To keep things simple, the username is: berrybloomxo

So, what's one New thing you've done in 2015, & are you an Instagram person?

Christmas Inspiration Board

Hello!

"They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, well here's 12, 000 for you! "

Sometimes it's nice to get a little push in the right direction - this is exactly what inspiration boards are for! Now that it's Christmas in 27 days, the push is needed now more than ever! 

"it's Christmas in 27 days"

From decor, nail colours, socks, chestnuts and snow... it's all in here. They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, well here's 12, 000 for you! 

What makes you most excited for Christmas? 

source: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12