BerryWeekly: Fireworks, London, Flowers and Piercings

Hello! 

"our family got together ...we ordered pizzas, played charades and blasted some fireworks!"

As you know, it was Diwali last week, and this week was also my week off! You know when you want a relaxing, chilled out week but it turns out to be super eventful - well this was one of them! So, here's what happened.

" There is now a hole in the top of my right ear"

I got my cartilage pierced. There is now a hole in the top of my right ear with a shiny gold and diamond stud. Did it hurt? It was bearable! But so far, I love it 

Also, I got this awesome bottle in the post and have been loving it. The image is a sneak peak of what's coming your way next week! ;)

"When in London, there's always good food!"

Going back to Diwali, our family got together at our house on Friday night, we ordered pizzas (a whopping 12 extra, extra large ones - you can imagine how big our family is!), played charades and blasted some fireworks! It was a beautiful display and my dad was sad to see one of the trees get a little burnt as the firework blasted in the wrong direction... whoops!

I also popped down to Covent Garden on Monday to see a huge crowd of people surrounding an entertainment man, but what I admired the most was the stunning Christmas decorations up in the square! 

When in London, there's always good food! A post coming to you next week on the dinner we had, but for dessert, it was Snog we went to. I ordered the Coconut Frozen Yogurt, with granola and raspberries and some chocolate sauce! It was super yummy!

 As for the flower part of this BerryWeekly, this arrangement was a put together of two bunches of flowers. I took the pleasure in snipping and trimming the stems, presenting them in a large, red vase and taking a million photos! Oh, and you can't forget tweeting about it! 

"took the pleasure in snipping and trimming the stems, presenting them ...and taking a million photos!"

Well, that's it for this weeks BerryWeekly! I hope you have a super fun Halloween, if you celebrate, and an exciting, fun week ahead of you!

What would/do you order at a Frozen Yogurt Place?

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Verdict.

Hello!

"On a cold, chilly evening out last Tuesday, this was the drink of choice"

We're a little Fall Obsessed with this post as it's all about Autumn. Well, this is said to be THE drink for Autumn. This American Fall Classic was first bought to the UK Starbucks stores in 2012. Ever since, the thought of Pumpkin in my coffee did not sound appetising - but you never know unless you try, right?

"Ever since, the thought of Pumpkin in my coffee did not sound appetising"

On a cold, chilly evening out last Tuesday, this was the drink of choice to warm me up - and I am happy this was the one I went for. The PSL was advertised in big posters as soon as you walk into Starbucks and so I went with it. Topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, the initial taste is amazing - then the coffee kicks in! Overall, though, the Pumpkin Spice Latte did not disappoint, and yes, I'd order it again (hoping they spell my name right on the cup again, which, surprisingly, they did this time!).

That's The Verdict: Pumpkin in Coffee is a good idea!
Have you tried the PSL?

It's Back.. and it's Better than Ever.

Hello! 

*image source
"full of unexpected actions and almost leaves you on your toes"

Guess the title reveals it all... and the image above just explains all my thoughts - but to confirm it anyway: Revenge is back in the all new Season 4. Oh, and sneak peak, there's a VERY HOT police officer introduced in the first episode (google Brian Hallisay - you're welcome).

This season has been very good so far, it is full of unexpected actions and almost leaves you on your toes throughout the whole episode.

So, as I'm worried about giving too much away, I'm just going to leave you with that. Basically, season 4 has begun, and you need to check it out!

Have you been watching it?

Diwali on the Square 2014

Hello!

"they had people dressed up in monkey costumes and jumping about all over the place"

It's the festival of lights. The time of year we fill our homes with Divas (in my case, yummy smelling candles), make super tasty food and snacks and deep clean every nook and cranny in our homes.  

Diwali on the Square is an annual event celebrating the festival of lights. Filled with stalls, freebies, performances and concerts, it's an event that is super popular. This year, I was lucky enough to be one of the dance performers on stage, which is why I attended Diwali on the Square for the first time, and cannot believe how much I've been missing out!

"Trafalgar Square is such a beautiful location to hold the event, until it rains!"

The event is held on Trafalgar Square. This year they had people dressed up in monkey costumes and jumping about all over the place - it was beautiful to watch and amusing to see how well they pulled it off! They even began climbing statues and fences - yes, they were very believable, even though the thought of it is weird! 

As a special guest performer, there was Juggy D! If you like Bhangra, you'll know who Juggy D is. His songs were a flashback from the past, it was the day of his 10 year anniversary since the release of his first album - and he is still just as good live as he was all those years ago.

"amazing to see the diversity in not only London..."

Trafalgar Square is such a beautiful location to hold the event, until it rains! When it rains, you wish there was a roof over your heard - or you remembered to bring your umbrella! Unfortunately we didn't stay for the fireworks as the rain had gotten us soaking (you guessed it, we had forgotten our umbrellas), so we had some crispy bhajiyas, and took the tube back to our warm, dry homes!

"we had some crispy bhajiyas, and took the tube back to our warm, dry homes!"

This is the first time I've ever really shared my culture with you, other than some Indian wedding insights, so I feel you get to know more about me and my background. It is amazing to see the diversity in not only London, but also in the blogging community.

I hope you enjoyed reading about Diwali on the Square, and possibly think about attending next year!

Wishing all those who celebrate, a Happy Diwali and prosperous New Year!
What are your rituals during a festival/holiday you celebrate?

November 2014 Calendar - FREE Printable

Hello!

"good for productivity and... remembering those important birthdays!"

It's that time of the month, soon monthly favourites are to be released and now it seems a monthly ritual to release the calendar. Planning and keeping on top of things is good for productivity and... well, remembering those important birthdays! So, use it wisely ;)

Click HERE to Download

Movember, anyone? Yes, either love them or hate them, it's when many men get hairy for the month! In honour of that, there's a 'stache calendar. Plus, who doesn't like cute moustache images?!

Click HERE to Download

Next, to emphasise Autumn and falling leaves, a leaves calendar! Way to state the obvious? 

What's your favourite thing about November?

Introducing.. BBXO The Edit.

Hello!

"full of exciting stuff, including exclusive codes and a SUPER EASY sign up form"

This is exciting. You may have already noticed it via the Poll set up last Friday and the signup form there since last week. It's finally time to launch something I've been working on for a while... Introducing, BBXO The Edit. 

"finally time to launch something I've been working on for a while... "

The newsletter is full of exciting stuff, including exclusive codes and a SUPER EASY sign up form! Isn't it really annoying when the sign up form is really long, with a billion irrelevant questions before you can finally subscribe? Well, all you need is your e-mail address!

"all you need is your e-mail address!"

You can sign up from this link. Also, the easy sign up form is on the sidebar - so please sign up to show your support.

Tell me, what would you like to see on The Edit.? 

The Labels 2014 Fashion Show - from the FRONT ROW

Hello! 

"reserved seats in the front row for BerryBloomXO (with) HUGO BOSS"

Weekends are always times to look forward to, but last weekend was one packed full of fun events. On Saturday I got to spend the night in a fancy building London, on the highest floor, attending a fashion show. You can assume how happy I was surrounded by models left, right and centre (male ones in particular = eye candy!).

"definitely a night to remember"

Having never attended an event like this before, I had no idea what to expect - but in no way did I expect it to be as fancy as it was. When entering there were these BIG gold rimmed glass revolving doors, you can imagine what it's like for a short person like me (a mere 5'2)... pretty intimidating. 

After ticking our names off the guest list, we went on an elevator that goes to only floors 20-32, which was surprisingly quick - don't ask me what happened to the other 20 floors.

When entering we were given VIP wristbands, little did I know there'd be reserved seats in the front row for BerryBloomXO - did I mention HUGO BOSS were in the SAME ROW as us?! 

"I did question the practicality of the dress where hands stay in a pouch"

About an hour after entering and being served refreshments and champagne, the show had started. The first collection made by a fashion student whom had used the same print for every dress but had different cuttings and styles. All looks had white heels on and the cuts and styles were lovely - though I did question the practicality of the dress where hands stay in a pouch (look at image 3 in the collage above) - all in the name of fashion?

"featured in Vogue, Hello! and other magazines"

Ingrid Bratt, featured in Vogue, Hello! and other magazines, presented this collection. It was beautiful with various designs and plaits that kept things interesting. You could definitely spot the influence by her spanish heritage (see image 4 above).

Harry Potter music played in the background as the models strut their stuff in Preline Martha. Although gorgeous, some pieces were not finished, which was a bit of a let down. Fav = the red/gold dress pictured 6th in the collage.

"think-Oliver-Twist style"

The only Menswear collection of the show was one by Katrina Wagster. It was very 'old-militay', think-Oliver-Twist style. Sort of a metal, cold and hard look about the clothing.

"if you're looking for a wedding reception gown - this lady has a great collection"

My favourite of them all, icon Sylvia Fumudoh created the most glamorous looks on the runway. With grey tones to metallics to stunning gowns with precious stones, the looks were both elegant and classy. My favourite was a navy blue dress with black stone detailing - unfortunately couldn't grab a picture of  it. All the items were complete and the entire collection worked well together. So, if you're looking for a wedding reception gown - this lady has a great collection.

After seeing wonderful collections, trying macarons for the first time and sitting on the same row as Hugo Boss, it was definitely a night to remember. Thank you to The Labels team for giving me the opportunity to come. 

So, tell me, if you were to create a collection, what would it be inspired by?

Christmas Beauty Releases: Too Faced

Hello!

"these three that may just change your mind on the classic A/W makeup."

You know it's nearly christmas when the local shops have Halloween decor hanging outside. Does that mean this post really should be about Halloween stuff? Well, probably, but let's talk Christmas. More specifically, let's talk christmas Beauty Releases. This time, it's Too Faced.

"the perfect pop-in-your-bag-and-run kind of thing!"

This one is the known as the favourites. It's got one of everything - seems like the perfect pop-in-your-bag-and-run kind of thing! We're always looking for one of those.

£32 at Debenhams

"a new palette from Too Faced leaves me with high hopes"

If you know me, the Too Faced Natural Eye Palette is my go-to palette - so a new palette from Too Faced leaves me with high hopes. Promoted as all-in-one, I guess you'll need only this for all your beauty looks this holiday season? ;)

£48 at Debenhams

"little disappointed there's not a strong red in this kit!"

Autumn/Winter is all about the lips - especially the vampy colours and Marilyn-reds, but Too Faced have released these three that may just change your mind on the classic A/W makeup. These 3 are said to be shimmery versions of classic Too Faced Lip Crémes. Just a little disappointed there's not a strong red in this kit! 
£44 at Debenhams

Are you a fan of Too Faced? 

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?

Playlist Update: ft. The Script & Meghan Trainor

Hello!

"currently number 1 on the charts - listen and see why everyone loves it"

With a new season, a new month and quite possibly new food, it'd be disastrous to not include new music into our lives! Checking out the charts and listening to the songs to my hearts content, these are two pieces you might want to youtube search! 

"these are two pieces you might want to youtube search!"
1 | 2

The Script: Superheroes
The Man Who Can't Be Moved was the song for me a while back, from the oh-so-famous 'The Script'. I must say, I was longing for them to release another epic track and it finally has arrived. Take a peak yourself:

Meghan Trainor: All About That Bass
Not going to lie, I thought this would be another 'Nicki Minaj' thing going on here, but she's definitely not another Nicki and definitely a Meghan. It's like there's Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift and I guess a bit of Nicki thrown in to make one Meghan Trainor. The lyrics behind the song are great and it's currently number 1 on the charts - listen and see why everyone loves it:

What's your recent playlist update song been? 

Decor Haul: Hanging Ball Lights

Hello!

"bringing that warm fall glow into the room... the kind that warms your heart"

With this cooler weather, it reminds us Christmas is coming - 78 days, people! Christmas is all about beautiful lights, tree decorations, christmas wreaths and snow - although all of this can't be achieved yet, we can bring some lights early. Trust me, they really give a warm vibe (yes, pun intended!). 

"The lights in these last for about 10 years,"

There are so many different shapes, hearts, stars, even flowers that you can choose from on Blaze-On.com (which is where these are from) but these round ones are perfect. They work year round, are neither more feminine or masculine, and suit in any room... they're currently surrounding the noticeboard in the study. 

"many different shapes, hearts, stars, even flowers that you can choose from"

The colour is a off-white, almost yellow - bringing that warm fall/winter glow into the room, you know the kind that warms your heart? Yes, it's that kind!

"They work year round...and suit in any room"

Although the packaging is gorgeous, there was a dent in one of the balls :(. I'm sure they would exchange the box for another, but you can't really see the dent when they're up and running. The lights in these last for about 10 years, so no need to worry about changing them.

The most important part about Blaze On is their ethics, which is great about buying from them - click here for more.

As well as lighting up your life (there's another pun!) through the balls, you can also choose a candle. This is the pretty one that came with the box! How gorgeous?!

Let me know how you have decorated for this season?

Motivation Monday: Morning Thoughts

Hello!

"stay focused and look at the things around you."

Another Monday is upon us, and it's the first thing that pops into our heads on Monday Morning can determine the rest of the day... or rest of the morning, at least! It could either be: "Oh YAY, start of another fresh week" or "Let's just stay under the duvet for the next 50 hours?" Choose the latter and you're more likely to dread mornings!

"Be grateful and feel forever content."

This quote is simple yet always overlooked. Be grateful and feel forever content. It is so easy to miss the things right under our nose, like the quote 'You'll Only Miss it When it's Gone' - so just take a moment to think of the things you're lucky to have.

Is Roald Dahl EVER wrong? 

It seems as though the images did all the talking in this post and that's how morning should be: productive yet quiet... :)

What's your favourite morning ritual?

RECIPE: Healthier Blueberry Muffins

 Hello!

"get a couple of ingredients... and throw them all together - simples :)"

The same question pops up time and time again, during this point in the week: What's happening in the weekend?! Well, here's an idea that is super fun and super yummy! If you're a total sweet tooth like me, you could never resist a chance at cake, and when you're offered a slightly healthier version - well, why not?

Click HERE to Download

There ya go! Just save a copy, get a couple of ingredients (most of which you may have at home) and throw them all together - simples :)

I hope you enjoy-  and what fruit/toppings would you put in?

Autumn Inspiration Board

Hello! 

"it is OFFICIALLY Fall.. even though we've been on about it for a while now on BBXO!"

As of last Monday, it is OFFICIALLY Fall.. even though we've been on about it for a while now on BBXO! We can finally feel the air being crisper when we woke up in the morning, with the sun rising at a later time everyday and the days getting shorter - yep, it's autumn!

Having never been one for Pinterest boards, believe me I've tried but never kept it up for long, this is a different way of doing the same thing. So, here's for fall inspiration:

"finally feel the air being crisper when we woke up in the morning"

Things that spring to mind: Fuzzy Socks, Hot Drinks, Roasted Chestnuts, Grey/Darker Nail Shades, Candles, Acorns, PUMPKINS! :D

What springs to your mind when you think of Fall?