Patience, Breathe, Think Happy & Believe | QUOTES

Hello!

"I know it's all about being calm and collected, but also not giving up."

During this time of year, quotes are a great reminder to keep one on the 'Be Calm and Positive' bandwagon. As it is exam season, you'll probably be seeing a few of these on here - and who knows, maybe it'll benefit you to clear your head and remind you of the good things, even if you're not taking exams.

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Patience is an aspect many often forget about. I know I do. It's all about letting go, having less control and just understanding that things will happen the way they're supposed to - so just let it be. The quote above really does bring the idea of patience home, and sometimes, we just have to accept it. 

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"it'll benefit you to clear your head and remind you of the good things"

Roald Dahl, ah the famous Roald Dahl! What wonderful things he said, and things I totally agree with. Happy thoughts WILL shine.

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This one's a little different - it almost changes the entire mood of the post. I know it's all about being calm and collected, but also not giving up. 

Best of luck to those taking exams, and those not, I hope you have a great week anyway. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more quote posts on here sometime soon - but if you feel like you would like to read some more now, and you want to be on the positive boat, here are some links:

Smile, Be a Dreamer & Bloom
Be Bright, Truthful, Positive
Fight the Fear
Cherish the Days

Tell me, any exam tips you have rolled up your sleeves? Share them below :)

Spring Festive Décor | featuring EASY DIY

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" grab a glue gun, some flowers and possibly some fabric to create an array of beautiful Spring decor"

"April Showers bring May's Flowers" is what they say, and as we're in the middle of May, I thought it'd be a nice idea to bring those flowers into our homes. Pinterest is a great source for fun and simple DIY ideas that look super cute - so doing a roundup of a few favourites seemed like such a festive post to write in May.

Ca we just take a moment to look at this. How stunning? Of course, you can use fake flowers if you want it to last longer, but either way, it's so pretty! A hot glue gun can produce masterpieces (though you don't necessarily need a hot glue gun, it looks pretty cool to work with ;) ).

Mason Jar's have made their debut this past year, and I must admit, they're super cute and oh-so versatile! This ombré affect looks wonderful, and the hydrangeas are beautiful. Luckily we have a few hydrangea plants in our garden (see picture here), so as soon as they grow, this will be a lovely way to display them!

"you could totally gift it to someone, and I'm sure they'd love it!"

I have a thing for wooden furniture, and I love the way this looks. In fact, although I'm a bit of a glass fanatic too, the contrast of the modern glass with the wooden piece would look gorgeous (ideas for my future home..).

Have you seen the little hanging succulents around instagram? This reminds me a little of that. Oh, and what cute little way to up-cycle old light bulbs?!

"what better way to make the perfect quote pillow than make it yourself?"

As well as having a thing for wooden stuff, I have a thing for cushions. If you've seen my bed, I have about 7 pillows, which might be a bit excessive for some, but I love it! For those on the same wavelength as me, you can never have too many pillows, right?

Pillows with quotes are lovely and inspiring, and what better way to make the perfect quote pillow than make it yourself? You can choose your own fabric, particular shades of colour and your favourite quote! Using Spring prints and pastel shades will look beautiful during this season!

So why not grab a glue gun, some flowers and possibly some fabric to create an array of beautiful Spring decor to spruce up your home. Even better, you could totally gift it to someone, and I'm sure they'd love it!

Tell me, what are your favourite DIY's to do with flowers? Oh, and your favourite type of flower?

Top 6 Spring/Summer Dresses - Under $10 | FASHION

Hello! 

"great for the various events throughout the season"

Dresses were made for Spring and Summer (well, I guess you could pull it off during the autumn and winter too, but ideally, it's Spring and Summer) and who would believe you could get some super pretty ones for less than $10! Whether you're a student watching your budget, or just don't want to splurge on the dress where the trend may not last until next summer - heck, if you just simply like the dresses, regardless of the price tag, read on.

Isn't it stunning?! I love stripes and the yellow border just makes this dress that extra special. You know they say yellow is the happiest colour? Well, doesn't this dress make you happy! 
Buy here.

I saw this dress and instantly thought of laying by the pool or beach, chilling under the sun. Having said that, the piece could also be dressed up with some heels and a cute clutch. Either way, a versatile piece that could be a gem in any collection.
Buy here.

So it looks like two different pieces, but really it's just one. The thing that caught my eye with this one, is that it's unique. Oh, and it's super cute! 
Buy here.

Totally a casual dress - my favourites! This one that's probably harder to dress up - but perfect for a picnic-in-the-park kind of day.
Buy here.

Did I mention I have a thing for stripes?
Buy here.

Denim is practically always a trend for Spring/Summer, and a denim dress is totally a nice way to incorporate it. Another one for the picnic-in-the-park kind of day!
Buy here.

So 6 dresses under $10, and all great for the various events throughout the season.
Tell me, what do you think of stripes? Fan or not-so-much? 

PS. I believe they ship worldwide ;)

New TV Show, Summer Inspiration and a Quote | FRIDAY FAVES

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"The story line totally hits home in terms of my 'dreamer' self,"

Usually on a Friday you may see a BerryWeekly, and rarely a 'Friday Faves'. Why the change? Well, a BerryWeekly is usually written when the week has been somewhat interesting. With exams just around the corner, my week has been mostly sitting around, so not much to see there, really! However, LaurenConrad.com does the most beautiful Friday Faves posts, so I thought I'd share mine!

Favourite Summer Inspiration:

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Looking at this makes me realise that summer is coming! As soon as exams are over, it'll be all about beautiful summer nights and fun-filled days!

Favourite TV Show:

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A new show on my list - Once Upon a Time is one I've thought again and again about beginning to watch, but only now have I started - and I'm loving it! The story line totally hits home in terms of my 'dreamer' self, and better yet, it's available on Netflix! 

Favourite Quote:

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A total blogger thing to say, hey? ^

So, that's my favourites for the week! What has been your favourite? Oh, and do you watch Once upon a time? :)

Little Venice, London | TRAVEL

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"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? 

Everyday - David Leviathan | BOOKS

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"my mind does somersaults and flips and thinks "what the heck, that it so weird... ""

You know when you're in that stage where reading is becoming much more regular? Then you think to yourself 'Why don't I do this more often - reading is amazing!'. Well, right now, I'm in one of those periods. In fact, you might have already been able to tell considering the many book reviews that you might have read recently on BBXO! But this one? This one is a little bit different, and here's why.

The story line is out there. It's about something I would have never thought of, let alone write an entire book about. David Leviathan does have a wacky way with things, as I noticed when I read Will Grayson, Will Grayson - which was a book written by both John Green and David Leviathan. Yet this time, it was way wackier. I'm talking somebody walking up as a different person every single day.

Ironically, I read in bed before I go to sleep, and when reading about this guy (or girl) walking up in a different bed every morning, my mind does somersaults and flips and thinks
"what the heck, that it so weird... imagine walking up in a different room everyday, different person, different family... woah that's crazy!".
Yep, that's what goes on in my head at nighttime.

"if you're also on the 'Good Vibes Only' bandwagon, then you know that this approves. "

Although it was an interesting storyline, I did find myself getting bored during some parts of the book, yet there was always a mystery about who A (a.k.a. the guy or girl whom wakes up in a different body everyday) is going to be the next day. That part was interesting. But that's kind of what the whole thing was about, and there wasn't that much of a bigger picture to the whole thing.

Adding to that, it was quite difficult to relate to, yet it had a unique concept on life. When I read the first few pages of the book, I remember thinking "This is one positive book". If you know me, or follow the Motivation Monday posts here on BBXO, you'd know I live for positive vibes. This book was very positive. So, if you're also on the 'Good Vibes Only' bandwagon, then you know that this approves. 

"It's about something I would have never thought of, let alone write an entire book about."

If you want a spin off from the usual Nicholas Sparks romantic or Hunger Games adventure book, give this one a go, experience life in a different perspective and let me know what you think.

Tell me, are you a fan of John Green/David Leviathan type of books, or do you reach for something less 'out there'? 

Starbucks Soy Chai Latte | THE VERDICT

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"I am a huge fan of masala in my chai, and this drink definitely had it."

It has been a while since a Starbucks Verdict has been made on BBXO. In fact, the last was in the festive season during the Red Cup phase! Oh, the good ol' days!

The weather in England has been quite confusing, I'm talking very sunny but freezing, and Spring showers occasionally popping into the equation. What more than a Chai Latte to get us through the day?

I am Indian, so if anyone knows what a Chai Latte should taste like, it's us! Let's put it this way: Starbucks did not disappoint. The kick of ginger was incredible, and the warmth of the drink made me feel 10x better! I am a huge fan of masala in my chai, and this drink definitely had it.

So, you may ask: Why the soy milk? Well, I love watching a bit of MissGlamorazzi, a.k.a. Ingrid, on YouTube and remember her raving about the Iced Soy Chai Latte, however, the other day when I ordered, it was pouring down with rain and I couldn't bare to have an iced tea, so went with the warm version. It was incredible. The frothiness of the soy made the drink taste very yummy!

The verdict: Starbucks, you've got it down to the T (T, tea, geddit? Oh the puns!) with your Soy Chai Latte. Nicely done!

If you're a fan of ginger and spice in your tea, get a soy chai latte next time you're in Starbucks - you can thank me later ;)

Have you tried teas in Starbucks? If so, what's your favourite?