Summer Holiday Haul | FASHION

Hello!

"Definitely something I'll be making the most of this summer!"

As mentioned in the last post, I'll be taking a trip to Egypt this summer. With a holiday just around the corner, it is more than the excuse needed to buy a few extra things! 

I took it upon myself to order from DressLink. I wrote a post about their dresses, which were all under $10, so while taking a look around their site, I came across these things that I wanted to try. Oh, and one of those things was $0.01. That's right, less than a dollar! 

"Believe you me, it did arrive and it was only $0.01!"

The striped top shown on the left is a chiffon material. It is light weight and super versatile for the hot, summer days. It's simple and can be worn in many different ways. This was the item that was $0.01. I kind of didn't believe the price and just put in it the basket, almost thinking it wouldn't arrive as it's too good to be true. Believe you me, it did arrive and it was only $0.01! That's, like, 1 penny for us UK lot! 

LINK here.

I also ordered a bag and some sunnies. The bag is a cream/off-white shade which I think is perfect for the summer. I have a thing for gold hardware, and the hardware detail on this was exactly what caught my eye. However, I did notice there were a few scratches on the hardware, even though the product came in a dust-bag. I have no idea how that came about, but for the price, I'm not complaining! 

LINK here.

"there is also little slots for your phone and possibly some keys or something on the inside."

The good thing about the bag is the optional shoulder straps. I, for one, am pretty sure I'd forget the bag somewhere if it didn't have the shoulder straps, only to realise, 2 hours later, that I left it in the middle of nowhere and will have no way of getting it back. So, to avoid that kind of situation, a shoulder strap is vital for me! 

It's great that it's got a zip too, so you feel safer about putting some valuables in there, and there is also little slots for your phone and possibly some keys or something on the inside. 

It's a pretty simple, but stylish bag that would go with almost anything. Definitely something I'll be making the most of this summer! It was $4.83 (about £3.20). I still can't get over how affordable the prices are! 

"With a holiday just around the corner, it is more than the excuse needed to buy a few extra things!"

Finally, a holiday would not be complete without a pair of sunglasses. Aviators are hands down my go-to style of sunnies, and when I saw they had these gold-rimmed (see a trend?) orange/red tinted ones, I just couldn't say no. 

LINK here.

What are your essentials to get/pack for a holiday? Oh, and tell me, are you planning on going trips this year? 

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? 

Spring Inspiration Board

Hello!

"it's about time we appreciate everything Spring brings us!"

Now that March is past the half-way point, we can agree it's beginning to feel a lot more like Spring. Although Spring screams EXAM TIME, it doesn't mean we can't enjoy the beautiful weather, the gorgeous flowers and of course, the festival of Easter (hello, Easter Eggs!).

Putting together a seasonal inspiration board is so much fun, and as you seemed to enjoy the last one, why not gather a few things to really get you in the mood for this season... Season's Greetings! 

(PS. Feel free to Pin on Pinterest)

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
"beautiful weather, the gorgeous flowers and of course, the festival of Easter" 

It's all about the pastel shades, and brighter colours as we lean towards the warmer season. Having really beginning to notice the ravishing sunsets, it's about time we appreciate everything Spring brings us!
My favourite thing about Spring? The chance to wear Spring nail colours.
HINT: New post all about nails coming to a blog near you! 

What's your favourite thing about Spring? Is it possibly your favourite season?

March 2015 : PRINTABLE CALENDAR

Hello!

"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? 

February 2015 Calendar: FREE Printable

Hello!

This monthly routine of ours has become a bit of a statement of BBXO hasn't it? The thing with February's Calendar is that everything is PINK. Am I complaining? Nuh Uh. Actually, I kind of like it ;)

Click HERE to get

As always, it's completely free. All you have to do is click on the link to get the calendar of your choice and print away. Simples!

Click HERE to get

Remember those special dates, or the not-so-special dates such as appointments and stuff, and keep it in a place you can remember!

I hope you have a fabulous February (like the use of alliteration?) full with happiness and good memories.
Any special plans?

Apologies, Coconut & Desktop Roses!

Hello!

First of all, I do apologise that I haven't been able to reply to your comments recently! I love reading them and have read them all as I get an email on my phone too. I reply to them in my head but don't get a chance to type that out haha!! That sounds silly but to put it into perspective: This is the first time I've turned my laptop on for the last 2 days (that's a lot for me!)! Less than a month to go until exam season is over, though!!! :D

Well, you know that I haven't been able to reply to comments, but I can't leave you hanging on not doing a Friday post, therefore, this needed to be written!

So, the sun is finally out full blast since Wednesday and everyone in England seems to be loving it!
The grass was cut, hedges trimmed in the garden and a fresh coconut split into pieces to enjoy! I love coconut.. everything! I've made coconut cookies and a post on coconut water! So, you can imagine how happy I was to consume raw coconut!

Also, I changed my desktop picture! I blurred out the files and folders but it looks so lovely! Changing things up is super fun and with it being Spring and the sun popping out, I loved how the roses looked: Fresh, Pure and Girly. Link to image HERE. 

Okay, obviously I don't have much going on in my life right now but exams, hence the post was a bit boring! But mainly I wanted to apologise for not being able to reply to you! Expect posts and soon I'll begin replying again too! Thanks for sticking with me!

Well, I hope you enjoyed it, now the Laptop is turning off again! But tell me: what's your desktop background at the moment?