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?

Best of 2014: BBXO

Hello!

"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?

January 2015 Calendar: Free Printable

Hello!

"Cute, festive and somewhat cosy - it'll also look great on your wall!"

Is it snowing yet? Well, it's not in England and considering its January, a little snow would be just right! Putting that aside, can you believe it's 2015 already? Whether you're planning on getting on that health bandwagon, want to be a more organised person and do well in your studies or just want to continue being the awesome person that you are, a calendar will help you schedule for an amazing year ahead. So, here you are, on behalf of me (BerryBloomXO), a free downloadable calendar! 

Click HERE to Download

Well, what's January without a little snow? (Come on weather, get it right!) if you want to relate your monthly calendars to the season, this is one for you. Cute, festive and somewhat cosy - it'll also look great on your wall! 

Click HERE to Download

This one is great for something less festive and that doesn't remind us how weird the weather can be!

I hope you have a fabulous new year, wishing you all the best for it!
Tell me: What's your favourite thing about January?

The end of Christmas 2014, Quotes & iPhones: BerryWeekly

Hello! 

"Who would've thought such a small gesture would transform a room into something a lot more festive?"

That's it. This marks the end of Christmas. The 25th is gone by a day, the presents have been open and families are cherishing the moments they've had together. Not to mention, we're probably knackered from all that shopping we did today, right? Or were we tactic enough to do it online? Either way, we can pack up the decorations soon (okay, we'll allow it for another fortnight, shall we?) and reflect on this beautiful holiday we just had!

"Time to pack these beauties away"

My bedroom looked super festive this year. It wasn't because of the tinsel handing on my window, the wreath hanging or the festive printed candle holders. It was the draught excluder turned long pillow that was the centre of attention. Who would've thought such a small gesture would transform a room into something a lot more festive?

Oh, what is winter without candles? Also, what's a BerryWeekly without some candles, right? Time to pack these beauties away too... until next year, my friends ;)

"Don't be affected by the 'end-of-Christmas Blues' - we can get over that. "

As of this past week, I am a new owner of an iPhone 6. Not as big as people make it out to be, let me tell you! Now looking back at the 4S, it seems tiny! I can't believe how quickly you get used to the bigger screen! Nonetheless, the phone takes great photos and I love the Touch ID feature - seriously makes it so much easier to unlock your phone! Oh and the background is, of course, non other than winter inspired scenery at the moment! ;)

" the presents have been open and families are cherishing the moments they've had together."

Finally, a little quote to get you going. Don't be affected by the 'end-of-Christmas Blues' - we can get over that. All you need is a little enthusiasm (and the leftover Christmas dinner) to keep you going! 

Hope you had a fab holiday, grabbed awesome stuff from the sales, spend quality time with family and look forward to the new year!

What's the thing you're going to miss/cherish about Christmas 2014?

The Christmas Tag: 2014

Hello!

"I have always wanted a puppy but was never allowed one, so one christmas I asked Santa for a robotic one"

With this week being jam packed with festive cheer, how could we not do the 2014 Christmas tag? Although not tagged by anyone in particular, I first read it from milkbubbletea.com and wanted to do it too! (see if you're tagged at the end). Let's get into it.. or should I say 'Let the sleigh bells ring' (okay, dead joke, I'm sorry!).

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?

How could one surpass Christmas without watching the iconic 'Home Alone'. My mummy loves that movie and we watch it every year. My fav bit is seeing the beautiful New York Christmas tree being lit up (Home Alone 2, I think it's in!) - oh, and that awesome toy store!

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Well, we have a tradition of opening the presents with my mum's sisters children (ie. my cousins), so it's either on Christmas Day or the 26th, depending on when we're all free. However, this year one of my cousins is going on holiday on the 25th , so we'll probably do it on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day... no set day, really - just a tradition to do it together. 

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

Every year our family get together at various houses on different nights and have 'cards night'. This is where we get together at around 7pm and play cards, watch movies and just chill until 3-4am in the morning. One year (think it was 2012), we were at my aunt's house for cards night on Christmas Day, and my two cousins and I stayed up until 6am and went straight to the boxing day sales. It was manic, with queuing for 3hours in the freezing cold, getting inside the stores and shopping like crazy and finally getting home at around 11am in the morning. We all slept like babies that day and didn't get up until about 5pm, and had another cards night at another uncles house at 7pm - it was super tiring yet fun at the same time. Definitely a crazy experience, but one of my favourites.

"spending time with the family, making my bedroom super festive and, of course, the annual cards nights!"

4. Favourite festive food?

Biscuits! My mummy and I bake during the holidays and make our traditional biscuits. Everyone loves them and it's fun spending quality time with my mum!

5. Favourite Christmas gift ?

Generally, Santa never surprised me. I either got money or something I asked for. One year, when I wasn't really expecting anything for christmas, there was a present for me under the tree. It was a pair of pink and white Heely's. These are basically shoes with wheels. We went out the very next day to Asda, just so I could hold on to the trolley and wheel around. Trust me, all the kids were jealous and I had the biggest smile on my face!

6. Favourite Christmas scent?

Spiced Apple or Vanilla... or the smell of freshly baked biscuits!

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

Not really, other than watching Home Alone with the family! 

"One year, when I wasn't really expecting anything for christmas, there was a present for me under the tree"

8. What tops your tree?

 This year it's a sparkly red star!  

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?

I have always wanted a puppy but was never allowed one, so one christmas I asked Santa for a robotic one. Although I never got my puppy, Santa did buy me a robotic one which responds to your voice and walks around. There was also a sensor which means it doesn't walk into walls, and turns when it comes close to one! It was pretty awesome!

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?

Well, not to be typical or anything, but spending time with the family, making my bedroom super festive and, of course, the annual cards nights! 

I TAG:

- Paula (Thirteen Thoughts)

- Rebecca (Rawrrbeccabeauty)

- Leah & Rachel (Beyond The Velvet)
- Monique (Writing Monique)
-Becky (Under The Sea Beauty)
- Ana (Meet Me @ 2AM)

-& YOU!

Wishing you a very happy holiday and tell me: what's the best part about Christmas for you?

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: The Verdict

Hello!

"Luckily I ordered a tall, as I wouldn't have been able to have more than that."

Another edition of the red-cup Starbucks series, yet this time, it's not specifically a 'festive favourite', yet everyone orders it during this time of year. Though it was my first time ordering it, it'll most likely my last, and here's why:

The coffee not being as creamy as I'd like. Thanks to the Waitress member complimentary coffee, I have found a special place in my heart for cappuccinos - the frothy, milky beverage with a kick from the coffee is my go-to choice. This, being a mocha, I'd expect to have that kick, which it did, yet lacks the frothy milky-ness I am fond of. Unlike the toffee nut latte (my fav) and the gingerbread latte, this is a different kind of drink.

Where does the peppermint come in? Well, there's a hint of the mint after every sip and it makes me flinch. Luckily I ordered a tall, as I wouldn't have been able to have more than that. If you're a fan of the peppermint aftertaste, you may have a different reaction to this, but in my books, this is not one I'm a huge fan of. 

Are you a fan of the peppermint mocha? 

Advent Calendars, Candles & Furry Things: BerryWeekly

Hello!

"housed in fur comfort with the outer material being velvet - luxurious? Not one bit ;)"

I refuse to believe it's almost 2015. Saying this in every post hasn't made it seem any more real. Nonetheless, my advent calendar was an exciting addition to this lovely month of December. Although my mother bought it for me on the 5th of December, I was over the moon - getting 5 chocolates on the first day is just bliss! Fast forward 5 days and I find that all the little doors are now opened and empty, and we haven't even reached the 13th just yet... my brother was to blame! Well, it's okay, because soon after I was gifted another Chocolate Treat...

"making me even more excited for snow to fall (come on London, let it snow!)"

Alongside the advent calendar, another thing that has been making every day special is the lighting of a candle. Special, really? You may ask. Well, yes, festive candles are the best and who doesn't like an occasional whiff of spiced scent and the relaxing feeling you get from flickering candle light? However, this beauty of a candle is almost waxed-out. But fear not, I've stocked up ;)

"you can only guess my excitement when I saw these"

Speaking of cosy-ing it up, these new additions to my slipper collection have been lovely! My feet couldn't be happier being housed in fur comfort with the outer material being velvet - luxurious? Not one bit ;)

"I refuse to believe it's almost 2015. Saying this in every post hasn't made it seem any more real. "

These coconut filled lindt chocolates do make up for the loss of advent calendar chocolates. I must say, Lindt have gone all out with the snowflake, festive packaging making me even more excited for snow to fall (come on London, let it snow!). These truffles are super yummy, you can only guess my excitement when I saw these if you know how much I love things coconut (refer to this, this and this!).

Do you have an advent Calendar, and have you stuck to it?