The Verdict: Starbucks Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino

Hello! 

"She would repurchase whereas I, on the other hand, will stick to my Skinny Caramel Macchiatos."

Obviously autumn is here, but just before summer officially dies down, it was time to try out the things that are there for the season. The iconic Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino from Starbucks is known as one of the bestsellers in the spring/summer time - think THE drink for Wimbledon season. September/October being an awkward time to try this drink, you say? Well, better late than never, I say.

Hot cocoas, pumpkin spice lattes and cappuccinos are what crosses everyones lips at the Starbucks counter, it was worth a try of the S&C frappe before it was too late, and here's the verdict.

The strawberry taste is very fake and the overall taste is not to my liking. The cream, of course, tastes pretty plain, which is fine but the infused strawberry is the definition of artificial. Personally, it was not one for me.

Don't be put off, though, my friend, whom bought it at the same time as me, loved it. She would repurchase whereas I, on the other hand, will stick to my Skinny Caramel Macchiatos.

So, if you love them, here's to next summer and asking for them again while they spell your name wrong on the cups - and if like me, you don't like them, give the Refreshas a shot!

Tell me, are you a fan of the S&C Frappuccinos? What's your go-to fall Starbucks order?

5 Simple Strawberry + Chocolate Recipes

Hello!

British Strawberries - the fruit of the season, especially in the UK (I guess that goes without saying!). The thing with strawberries is that they don't last for very long - so simple recipes are perfect for when you want them eaten before they go to waste. Also, what better way to eat strawberries than with chocolate?

Here are 5 easy recipes which can be substituted with Raw Chocolate (1 cup cacao, 1 cup melted coconut oil, 4 tbsp agave syrup)  for a healthier version! Healthier White Chocolate recipe here.

This is a simple recipe which is easy to replicate (the whole idea of this post) and is so versatile as you can add things to it without much worry. You can add almond flakes or make it a coconut chocolate filled strawberries or whatever you wish! 

This is a little different but just as simple. If you use whipped cream, ensure that you eat it soon and not leave for too long!

This idea is another simple one. Sort of like the Reeses Peanut Butter Cups but with strawberries instead of peanut butter - not saying peanut butter cannot be added to it!

This idea I thought was totally different. I would have never thought of it yet it's such a lovely idea! You can add any fruits you want or any other toppings.

A little trickier but just as tasty and yummy as all the others, this recipe consists of an oreo crust and a strawberry and chocolate filling!

What's your favourite simple go-to recipe with strawberries?

image sources: 1//2//3//4//5

BerryWeekly: Picking Strawberries, Google Street Car & Pancakes!

Hello! 

June, July and August - the months of the year the Pick Your Own Farms are busiest. August is the month of Sweetcorn, July the month of Raspberries and Strawberries are the fruits of June.
Last weekend, my family and I went to a 'Pick Your Own' farm. We go every year and this year was just as fun!

Overdramatic photo? It's an edit from the one below - how cool?!

Less Dramatic Photo
PS. Manicure Shade HERE

While going into the grocery store I passed this robotic thing. That's right, there's like a load of cameras on that blue ball attached to the car. Definitely a sight you don't see everyday. So, I had to take a picture and it looked sooooo cool!! I never thought they looked liked that! Well, now we know! 

As we finished exams (which you've probably heard too many times now), a celebration was due! We went to a local pancake spot and ordered food for a late Sunday lunch. More specifically, I ordered Pancake (more like a crepe) with bananas, toasted nuts, ice-cream and the oh-so-heavenly chocolate sauce. It was so yum!

Oh, and for a drink I got a Smoothie with Mango, Passionfruit and something else which I forgot... maybe pineapple?

Finally, I tidied away the years worth of work and this is the completed exam timetable - all exams crossed off. Oh, what a great feeling!

Did you know there was a 'Google Street Maps' CAR?! 

Happy Pancake Day!

Hello!

Tomorrow is no ordinary Tuesday… it's Shrove Tuesday! Yay, pancakes for all! :)

Of course, this post has to be based around the festivities! Well today I bought a packet of Pancake Mix and was thinking what toppings to put on the pancakes tomorrow, and incase you're in the same situation, here are some intriguing ideas that may help:

Go Fruity

Adding Fruits of your choice with a bit of Golden Syrup or Honey on top will be lovely! I love the combination of Strawberries and Banana.

Nuts & Custard

The idea of warm custard drizzled on the pancake sounds amazing, with a bit of cinnamon and some nuts on top would be perfect for a comforting pancake

Jam it Up

Jam is so sweet with a fruity flavour too, top that on your pancake for a nice spread - if you want a PB&J version, add some Peanut Butter!

Nutella, Duh! 

What's a crepe or pancake without some Nutella? The world's favourite chocolate hazelnut spread…. on a pancake… on Shrove Tuesday… yumm 

Granola Pancake

Crunch form the granola and a soft pancake sounds so well-fitting! 

Ice-Cream and Fruit

Ice-Cream with Fruit and honey/golden syrup is the perfect pancake. Add a drizzle of Nutella and that's heaven for ya.

What's your favourite Pancake Topping? 

image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Easy Valentines Day Recipes!

Hello!

Being it February Valentines Day is one of the big events (if not the biggest) - whether you have plans or not, it doesn't mean you can't make valentines inspired food!

Well, I'm not that great of a baker, yet I do like to bake! So, for V. Day I wanted to make something simple and easy, which doesn't take very long so it can practically be eaten straight away - being impatient and all! So here are some VERY simple recipes you (and your friends) can make in a matter of minutes!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

A typical Valentines Day Snack that is super easy and extremely tasty! The first picture looks so lovely and pink - perfect for Valentines Day, but still quite hard, so a simple chocolate covered strawberry will do too! All you do is melt some chocolate (milk, white or dark -up to you) and dip strawberries in. You can either have a fondue style or simply leave the chocolate to cool and have later. I prefer it like a fondue! Yum! 

Cocoa Cornflakes/Rice Krispies Treats

Do you remember doing this as a kid? I remember in Primary School one Friday afternoon we got to make these - that was because a teaching assistant was leaving so she decided to treat us! 

Anyway, there are multiple ways of making this - you can either simply melt chocolate and mix in cornflakes/rice krispies or with cocoa. Melting Chocolate is probably the easiest option. To break it down, just get some chocolate, melt on a double boiler or microwave (be careful not to burn it, trust me it's not nice in terms of smell, or taste of course!) and mix in cornflakes/rice krispies.

I'm not sure if that was completely necessary to explain yet there we go! :)

Pink Popcorn

This was a new one for me! I thought it was very nice! Basically you add food colouring to popcorn! I haven't done this before yet loved the idea! Perfect if you're watching a movie for V. Day! 

Pretty Pink Trail Mix

This is so super easy too, it's just throwing together things you have such as cereals (cheerios, raisin wheats, shredded wheat… etc.) chocolate chips, M&M's, popcorn, raisins, dried cranberries, nuts… whatever you have! I love how you don't need anything specific for this and you can make this completely to your taste! Again, perfect for a movie or night in or something you may have planned for valentines day!

So, that's a couple of snacks you can make which are super, super easy to make and so simple!
Also, for Valentines Outfit Inspiration click here! I hope you have an amazing, fun day on Friday with your valentines, or even watch a movie by yourself with yummy snacks (it seems like a fun night too)!

What's your favourite simple recipe to make?

 Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Free Smoothies?? Yummy!

Hello!

How are you enjoying the sun? Ever have those moments when you think to yourself, "Ahh, a nice COLD drink would be amazing right now!" or you just saw the new McDonalds smoothie advert and think: "Might have to try that one out" - Well, you can satisfy yourself... on the house!

                                           Strawberry & Banana Smoothie (Half-Finished!)

All you have to do is download the McDonalds app from the App Store, which is free, sign up, play a little mini game to receive a free smoothie next time you go to McDonalds! It's great!

                                                                          Photo From HERE

My friend and I went to go and see 'The Internship', which is a great comedy movie, really inspirational and got us laughing - after the movie (skipped the popcorn and drink) we headed down to McDonalds to receive our complementary smoothie with no trouble or questioning at all. We were quite shy at first as we had never before used an online coupon in McDonalds, but it was a great service - and did I mention we got free smoothies?!

I ordered the Strawberry & Banana one and my friend ordered the Mango & Pineapple one, it was quite nice. Out of the two I probably preferred the Mango & Pineapple flavoured smoothie, however if I'm honest, I'd probably not (re)purchase these smoothies again - just because I'm not a HUGE fan of store bought smoothies anyway and I think I'll just stick to the McFlurry's from McDonalds!
Actually, I would like to learn to create nice smoothies at home...

Well, anyway it was a nice day out and sipping the free smoothie in the park on a hot day was bliss!
Hope you enjoy the smoothie if you get one!

xoxo,
BerryBloomXO