Autumn '14 Reading Wish List

Hello! 

'colder weather meaning we're less likely to go out.. so more time for reading? '

Although it may not be Autumn according to the calendar yet we all know September is basically Autumn! This means it's a new season with colder weather meaning we're less likely to go out.. so more time for reading? 

The last reading wish list was released and it's true to say I didn't read all the books, yet if I read at least one book of the wish list, I'm happy! Also, this way you can get ideas, too! 

"I hope you find some ideas for reading this Autumn"

So, to give you a bit of an idea of the books chosen, here's a summary of each:

The Husband's Secret
A lady whom is very successful and married found a letter that her husband wrote which was meant to be read after his death. The lady found it while he was alive - it contained his deepest, darkest secret and would change their lives forever...  see Good Reads version here.

#GIRLBOSS
This aspirational book doesn’t patronize young women the way many business experts do. Amoruso shows readers how to channel their passion and hard work, while keeping their insecurities from getting in the way. She offers straight talk about making your voice heard and doing meaningful work. see more here.

Freakonomics
Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, Levitt and Dubner show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing. In Freakonomics, they explore the hidden side of . . . well, everything. Link to Good Reads for more.

Thinking, Fast and Slow
(from Good Reads: ) In the highly anticipated Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. more here.


I hope you find some ideas for reading this Autumn, and tell me: your favourite book at the moment?

September 2014 Calendar - FREE Printable Download

Hello!

Actually, this was a calendar that was requested, and what you want, you get! You may have noticed the JULY 2014 Calendar and the AUGUST 2014 Calendar that was posted for FREE Printable Download here on BBXO, well, here's the September one:

Click HERE to Download

Click HERE to Download

I went with two colours this time, a burgundy more autumn-y one and a pretty pink and girly one - choose whichever you fancy! How excited are you for autumn/fall?! It's my favourite season!

Music Monday: Happy Little Pill

Hello!

Knowing that this hasn't been a consistent series on BBXO, it is making a comeback today: Music Monday. Why, you may ask? Because I was craving to hear this song today, and I would be a horrible blogger if I didn't share it with you!

"However cliché this may sound: it has grown on me."

Troye Sivan, the man behind TRXYE, is a YouTube hit sensation! Having seen him at Summer in the City last year, it's weird to think he now has an album. This song is the first song of 5, it's the first one I heard and at the time, was not in love with it.

However cliché this may sound: it has grown on me.

What do you think of Happy Little Pill?

Young & Hungry - ANOTHER New Series

Hello!

"7 episodes in a row is enough excuse to prove to you how feel-good the show is -"

 You may have read about another new series last week on this post - yet I've got another recommendation for you! YOUNG & HUNGRY.

Do you recognise the main character? Emily Osment, featured in Hannah Montana, Cyberbully and Spy Kids, is the star of the show! Her witty, funny and totally loveable character captures your heart and humour right from episode 1.

Watching 7 episodes in a row is enough excuse to prove to you how feel-good the show is - believe me!

So, if you're looking for a comedy, light-hearted show to fall in love with, this one is for you! Oh, and notice that each episode is called Young & ______ - for example, the 1st episode is Young & Ringless, another is Young & Secret, another is Young & Car-Less... you get the picture!

Have you seen an episode yet - and do you think you're 'Young & LOVING THE SHOW'?!?! see what I did there? haha!

POTW: Marc Jacobs Daisy Delight - Limited Edition Fragrance

Hello! 

"Marc Jacobs is known for their packaging, and this one did not disappoint!"

Out of all the POTW series so far, there's been lipgloss, shoes and even deodorant, but there hasn't really been an appearance of perfumes... Well, today's the day! 

"'A luminous bouquet of fresh picked florals', the scent did not disappoint either"

Lucky me received this beauty as a present and I couldn't be happier! Not only is it limited edition, so won't be forever available to buy, but it's also incredibly pretty. Marc Jacobs is known for their packaging, and this one did not disappoint! 

"can see it becoming a favourite scent"

Described as 'A luminous bouquet of fresh picked florals', the scent did not disappoint either. If you know me, you'd know that DKNY Be Delicious is my go-to fragrance, and knowing that a top not of Daisy Delight is Apple makes me really happy - it's literally right up my alley and can see it becoming a favourite scent of mine.

"bottle can never fail to make one feel happy!"

Oh, and the bottle can never fail to make one feel happy!

Have you heard of the limited edition Marc Jacobs fragrances - possibly have a favourite?? Share! 

Manicure Monday: Mint Sparkles

Hello!

"you've basically seen everything before - yet this time, it's completely different."

If you were ANYWHERE in the last few weeks, you would have read this. If you read that, you would recognise something on here today. You may recognise another something if you saw this post and hence meaning you've basically seen everything before - yet this time, it's completely different.

"can we agree that the overall finish is pretty?"

Well, after all that, can we agree that the overall finish is pretty? At first, the mint shade, called Kiwi, was thought to be uber lovely by itself as a perfect summer shade but when choosing a colour to go with my outfit I wore to a wedding last week (can you tell with the henna tattoo?!?!), this one was a perfect match and to make it more wedding-y, I added some sparkle! 

Overall, that's my mani Monday - what's yours? 

New Series: The Great British Bake Off - It's Back!

Hello!

"love this show and look forward to it every year!"

If you're a baking fan, you'd be glad to hear that TGBBO is back! At season 5, I've been watching since season 2, and it's just as good! I love this show and look forward to it every year!

So far, the first episode was all cakes! It was lovely to see the different decorations the individuals came up with. To think they all have the same amount of time and what different creations are made.

Have you been watching TGBBO, or any other baking shows?

Yes/No: Harem Pants Trend

Hello! 

"I guess they're just a version of jogging bottoms"

Harem Pants - slightly reminiscent of the pants worn in the MC Hammer, Can't Touch This music video - link here - yet seeming to be the trend of Summer 2014. The question is: Yes or No?

1 // 2 // 3

 "reminiscent of the pants worn in the MC Hammer, Can't Touch This music video"

Harem pants can be dressed up or down, but are mostly for the relaxing days, weekends and days when you chill. They are loose and baggy with no real structure to them, I guess they're just a version of jogging bottoms made from a softer, lighter material. They're available in a range of different colours and patterns yet the tribal theme seems to be quite common.

1 // 2 // 3

"recreate many different styles, whether it be 'gangster', 'hipster' or even 'girly'"

Overall, the harem pant's can be paired with a range of different outfits to recreate many different styles, whether it be 'gangster', 'hipster' or even 'girly'. 

I am not a HUGE fan of the style, but wouldn't mind wearing it at home as they're super comfy - don't expect to see me in the streets wearing them anytime soon, I'd rather go with the cropped pants! 

Back to the Question: Yes or No for the MC Hammer style Harem Pants? 

Motivation Monday: You are Enough

Hello! 

"To not just choose that happiness, but to feel it"

Happy Monday! There hasn't been a Motivation Monday in a very long time yet having read a post on The Tig, a site mentioned in this post, I felt the need to share. 

The Tig is run by Meghan Markle, also known as Rachel from the TV Series Suits! The idea behind her blog post was just so relatable and I couldn't agree with her more.. so here are some snippets from her post: 

"I am happy. And I say that so plainly because, well…it takes time. To be happy. To figure out how to be kind to yourself. To not just choose that happiness, but to feel it"

"iconic saying from Jerry Maguire -"You complete me” – frankly, isn’t true"

"I must have been about 24 when a casting director looked at me during an audition and said “You need to know that you’re enough. Less makeup, more Meghan.”"

" That five pounds lost won’t make you happier, that more makeup won’t make you prettier, that the now iconic saying from Jerry Maguire -"You complete me” – frankly, isn’t true. You are complete with or without a partner. You are enough just as you are."

Okay, I'm going to stop now before I basically copy the whole thing - but you have to read the full post here. 

It is such a post that would make you step back a little and think that life is much more than comparing yourself to others, it is about loving who you are right now and forever.. to remember that YOU are ENOUGH. 

So tell me: Do you believe that YOU are ENOUGH? 

Find YOUR Perfect Dress... for Prom, Weddings or Parties!

Hello! 

"dresses can be a bit of a hassle..."

This is the season for parties - with two MORE weddings coming up on my calendar this month, dresses can be a bit of a hassle to find. If you've read this post and this post, you'd know I have already had two weddings, so I'm a bit experienced this year!

Also, Prom dresses are quite important too and this site has it all!

"reminds me a bit of Princess Kate's wedding"

The lace detail on the blue and black dress is gorgeous and I have fallen for the design! I love the colour too. This would be perfect for a wedding and reminds me a bit of Princess Kate's wedding where she had lace sleeves on her dress. 

The blush colour is one of my favourites, and I recently bought a jacket in the shade (keep your eyes peeled for a post on that). I think it is so girly and elegant yet not an in-your-face shade at all. Also, I love the jewellery the model has paired with it, definitely simple but beautiful.

"One-shoulder dresses have a more fun vibe"

One-shoulder dresses have a more fun vibe, and slightly more relaxed. The blue and cream dress can be lovely for prom or parties. It can also be worn at weddings too - a very versatile piece.

I actually wore a dress similar to the black and white dress a couple of years ago at a annual celebration evening - it is quite formal yet laid-back at the same time. Plus, the floral detail is a lovely touch and adds a nice dimension to the dress.

"I actually wanted a dress very similar...but didn't find one like it during the time!"

These are perfect for prom. I actually wanted a dress very similar to the middle one for my prom but didn't find one like it during the time! If only I had known of victoriasdress.co.uk earlier! I love the pastel colours. Also, the high-low effect on the first and last dress is so pretty! Moreover, the bejewelled designs on all 3 dresses make the dress youthful and fun!

Overall, my favourite is the black and blue elegant lace dress! I love it! What's your favourite? 

POTW: Bourjois Velvet Rouge Edition Lip Gloss - Nude-ist

Hello!

"knew it was a must-try"

Where have you been if you haven't heard of this product or the Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain, currently only available in the US, which are coincidently both very similar in packaging?! I must say I was VERY excited when they were sitting there in the store and knew it was a must-try, especially with all the hype in the online beauty world! 

"Anything that is hair-sticking free, count me in!"

The shade Nude-ist was the one that found its way in my basket - the matte finish lip stain/gloss was another aspect of the product that caught my eye. Anything that is hair-sticking free, count me in! 

"looks as though it will last all day"

Having tried it on today, the colour is really pigmented - much more than I had thought, it also seemed to dry matte very quickly and looks as though it will last all day. The overall effect of the stain looks lovely, although I would recommend you to exfoliate your lips to avoid the flake thing that can be nasty.

"you'll understand the hype about them in the beauty world!"

The colour is gorgeous - even the swatch shows the pigment of the product when a tiny bit was used. 

Overall, definitely check these products out, they are totally worth their RRP of £8.99 and I'm sure you'll understand the hype about them in the beauty world! 

But tell me, are you more of a glossy or matte lip kind of person? 

Mani Monday... purchase - Barry M Gelly Kiwi

Hello! 

"Many brands are releasing the gel manicure"

A slightly different type of Mani Monday for you... This time a haul/purchase! Nevertheless, I'm sure it'll soon be featured as a proper Mani Monday sometime soon! 

"a mint colour was needed in my collection"

Many brands are releasing the gel manicure type of polished and I reel that Barry M were one of the first. The 'Gelly' line has been out for at least a year now as I had owned the 'Watermelon' and 'Blood. Orange' last summer and they are lovely, but not very bright, hence a mint colour was needed in my collection! 

"kiwis are meant to be green whereas this is more of a mint shade"

The one thing that can be confusing is the names to the colours, for example, the shade 'watermelon' does not look like the colour of a watermelon! And kiwis are meant to be green whereas this is more of a mint shade! It's a bit confusing but I guess it's all fun anyway! Let's be honest, the name doesn't REALLY matter yet the OPI names are very funny and make me want to buy them even more - but it doesn't really matter!

Have you tried Gel finish nail polishes yet?

BerryWeekly: Chocolate Fondue, Food and MORE Flowers?!

Hello!

"looking like a complete weirdo trying to get the perfect shot"

BerryWeekly is such a fun segment on BBXO! You know you're a blogger when you take photos of everything, looking like a complete weirdo trying to get the perfect shot of the things in front of you in a public place - that's what it was like while getting photos for this post, too. I was at the restaurant standing up and kneeling down and whipping out the camera at every opportunity! 

However, due to the likes of Instagram, this is much more usual now than it has ever been... And I'm okay with it! 

"if you had seen the menu you'd understand why we went for the Fondue"

One of the more exciting food-related places I visited was a dessert place in London. Actually, I was taken there as a treat and it was super fun! There were four of us that went and if you had seen the menu you'd understand why we went for the Fondue for Four - there were so many amazing options that it was difficult to decide one each, so choosing this option meant there was a bit of everything! 

"Is your mouth watering already?"

The platter came with a wide array of choices: brownies, cookies, 16 mini scoops of ice cream and a bowl of fruit, all to dip in the melted chocolate! Yummy! And on the side, there's chocolate fudge cake with ice cream and whipped cream. Is your mouth watering already? 

If you have read the previous BerryWeekly earlier this month, you would realise my love for flowers. Having a garden whose blooms are looking beautiful this season, who can resist picking some? I did some more arrangements for the study and the bedroom!

"makes me feel so good inside!"

Seeing fresh flowers as soon as I wake up makes me feel so good inside! I also read somewhere that seeing green, fresh leaves and plants in the morning is great for eyes and I'm a firm believer in this as it also makes me feel more peaceful!

 "lasagne was made from Spinach pasta sheets"

Another restaurant we went to was Pizza Express. Funnily enough, I've never actually been to Pizza Express and when we got a chance to go, we all ordered the Vegetarian Lasagna! It was nice, though and the lasagne was made from Spinach pasta sheets!

Well, that was a few pictures from the week and you can imagine some of the awkward positioned shots taken!

I hope you liked the pictures and do you prefer chocolate fondue or cake?