Wednesday 31 December 2014

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...


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? :)


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 was quite the series this year. It had great responses and starting the morning with some positivity is always a good idea.


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, 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.
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?

Monday 29 December 2014

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?

Friday 26 December 2014

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?

Wednesday 24 December 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:
- 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?

Monday 22 December 2014

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? 

Friday 19 December 2014

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?

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Starbucks Honey & Almond Hot Chocolate: The Verdict


Hello!

"Topping it off with chocolate cream, honey and chocolate sauce, do I need to say that it was darn chocolate-y."

During this time of year there are a million different festive things going around, take Vlogmas, Blogmas and The Christmas Tag as some examples. Well, without really planning it, this year for BerryBloomXO seems to be the season of the Red Cups - that's right, it's the time of year for Starbucks

If you've heard or read about the flavours that Starbucks offers, you would know about the new Honey & Almond Hot Chocolate that is released in UK Starbucks stores. As one of the four festive drinks released, it was a must try - being a chocoholic and all, how could one resist? 

"If you're a fan of the whole 'salted caramel', 'bitter and sweet' kind of thing, this will be right up your street"

Topping it off with chocolate cream, honey and chocolate sauce, do I need to say that it was darn chocolate-y. If you're not a fan of dark chocolate, I'd say stay away. It has that bitter aftertaste you get from dark chocolate and is super rich. I'd say the drink has sort of 3 'notes' to it: first being the mild taste of milky, almond goodness, second being a sting of honey (believe me it's strong) and a final kick of the dark chocolate bitterness.

Overall, I'd say a surprising mix of flavours, one that I wouldn't opt for again, but worth a try, nonetheless. If you're a fan of the whole 'salted caramel', 'bitter and sweet' kind of thing, this will be right up your street, but for me, not my top Starbucks drink.

What's your favourite festive drink of the season (be it from Starbucks, Costa... wherever!)? 

Monday 15 December 2014

The Last Letter from your Lover- Jojo Moyes :BerryReads


Hello!

"It was a hard book to get into, but about 1/2 way in, it grabbed me."

It's that time again, about a month on from writing about one of the best books I've read this year, it's time to review The Last Letter from your Lover. This one, a completely different genre to the one we last talked about here, cannot even compare to Cuckoo's Calling. It's good, but not as great, and considering she's the author of Me Before You, I was disappointed... until I read the ending

"the book has a deeper meaning... (which) seeps in when you grasp what is going on"

There's the woman, Jennifer, who every girl was jealous of - after her accident she lost her memory and had to just believe she was what others tell her. Later did she realise she was leading a double life, although she was married, she was with a 'secret' man who actually made her feel happy. She was part of  society when divorce was frowned upon, when womans' opinions should not be expressed, nor should they have a say in politics. Jennifer had thought she was being 'out of order' by doing what made her happy and in her eyes, most importantly: 'what would people say?'. This really does show how society has changed. How lucky we are, as woman, to have the same rights as men in the world we live in today.

The dilemma: after Jennifer realised she would not never be as happy with her husband as she did with her lover, but will she do whats right for her, or what's right for woman in 60's society?

"I was disappointed... until I read the ending."

As I mentioned before, the ending was great. Don't get me wrong, I did not skip a few pages to read the ending, I read it cover to cover, but the beginning was a bit of a let down. It was unstructured, jumping from one decade to the next, one scenario to another without much of a clue to what's going on. It was a hard book to get into, but about 1/2 way in, it grabbed me. The story line is like a typical romantic book - it's got the protagonist, the problem they face and the love life they're not happy with. The interesting thing about this, which you realise mid-book, is that there's another girl, decades later, who can relate to all of this. I feel the book has a deeper meaning, the idea that 'you are not alone' seeps in when you grasp what is going on.

Overall, a good book - if only the beginning drew me in quicker!
Are you a fan of romantic stories? Or do you feel they always have the same storyline?

Friday 12 December 2014

The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part 1 :The Verdict


Hello!

image source
"As my friend would say: 'The movie was just her whining all the time'."
Mockingjay is one of those movies that has mixed reviews. Many people were absolutely disappointed by how the movie turned out, and then there were others that loved it. Me? Well, I'm on the fence... and here's why:

The overall movie was not so bad. It had certain parts which really grabbed my attention, especially the ending... without any spoilers, let me just say: Peeta Mellark :O
There were, however, certain parts of the movie that were just simply a bore! Those parts were quite slow and had nothing interesting going on. As my friend would say: 'The movie was just her (Katniss) whining all the time'. So, this movie was definitely not as action-y as the other 2, and I'd day Catching Fire was better than this one, in my books anyway.

Gale's appearance was a lot more prominent in this movie, and who doesn't like a little Liam Hemsworth time? Although, Liam's character was kind of all over the place, and the voice you heard 85% of the time was Katniss'. The storyline didn't have much to it, either, but I did like the way they incorporated Peeta. I feel the messages they were also portraying about wars was also very good, and it gave you a hint of the true horrors that the people would have faced in World War 1 & 2 - pretty terrifying. 

To sum it up, a nice movie but not one I'd remember as the best of 2014.
What do you think of the series? 

Wednesday 10 December 2014

The Cutest Wellies Ever: POTW


Hello! 

"they lack the cheesy quality that wellies often have"

With the rain pouring down, it's not fun wearing suede shoes (reference to this post, these shoes are ruined now :( ). So to keep it appropriate for the weather, it was time to go out and buy new shoes. A reason to shop? Yes, please!

" Perfect for this time of year, a colour that will go with everything and at £10, you can't go wrong! "

Already being a fan of wellies meant these were something I'd buy - but the ultimate reason why I went for them is because they lack the cheesy quality that wellies often have. At the same time, the bow adds a girly touch without making the shoe look tacky. Another positive about them, is that the short, ankle-bootie height means these are so easy to put on and take off - who really wants to spend 10 minutes putting shoes on?!

"keep it appropriate for the weather"

Overall, a great find from none other than Primark. I swear, I rarely go there but when I do, there is always something that catches my eye! Perfect for this time of year, a colour that will go with everything and at £10, you can't go wrong!

Are you a fan of wellies?

Monday 8 December 2014

Starbucks Gingerbread Latte - Christmas Blend: The Verdict


Hello!

"'Christmas Blend' version of the Gingerbread Latte, would I say it was worth it?"

It's that time of year when the red cups come to town. No, I do not mean the red cups you see used at every party in American TV shows, but the oh-so-famous festive Starbucks Coffee cups. With the new festive season comes 4 new flavours and here's where I tell you about one of them...

"I'll give you my top pick of the 4... and I'm telling you now, it's not going to be number 1"

Not really been one that needs a daily Starbucks fix, but scoring myself a new job in London meant there's a Starbucks every 10 steps (literally). Just outside work, there's a Starbucks, the first thing that caught my eye when I went out for a breath of fresh air during lunch break. How could I not, hey? Spent an extra 20p to get the 'Christmas Blend' A.K.A. medium roast version of the Gingerbread Latte, would I say it was worth it? Oh yeah. The coffee was lovely, not too strong but just strong enough to keep you fighting the cold air around you. The gingerbread taste itself? Very ginger-bready. I liked it but would rather go for the toffee nut latte again - which was another one I tried the previous day (didn't I say I don't need a daily Starbucks fix?). Although I didn't get a nice enough photo of that one, I'll write a blog post the next time I get it.

"coffee was lovely, not too strong but just strong enough to keep you fighting the cold air around you."

The gingerbread latte, full on with the whipped cream and all, did do itself justice and is not a bad drink at all. However, by the end of the festive season, I'll give you my top pick of the 4 they've released and I'm telling you now, it's not going to be number 1.

Overall, a lovely drink to have in hand if you're a huge fan of gingerbread (duh!) , but of all the festive flavours to choose from, I'd say don't get this one. However contradictory this may sound, just trust me on this!

Have you tried the festive flavours yet? What's your festive drink of choice?

Friday 5 December 2014

Afternoon Tea in London: The Knightsbridge Garden Hotel


Hello!

"I was a little disappointed as all they really needed was to stock up on the Twinings"

Living in London my whole life and never gone out for 'Afternoon Tea' - a disgrace? Quite possibly. Well, this is no longer a valid statement as last weekend, I did go out for Afternoon Tea and I can honestly say, I'd do it again.

"a pleasant mix of sweet and savoury to mix and match, and not get too sick of the same flavour"

Take the train to Knightsbridge and a mere 5 minutes walk later, pass the beautiful buildings and a huge poster of Cara Delevingne on the wall of Burberry, you see a white shop which looks calm around the hustle and bustle of the christmas shoppers on the high street. You enter into a room of utter silence. The wooden floors give a natural vibe and the monochrome outfits of the waiters suggest an ordered environment. After being taken to the room, you choose your table and are given an option: Champagne or Juice. From the picture above you can tell, I chose the latter.

"a cake stand with food and a cup of tea - alongside chatting with good company, it was a great day"

The juice tasted something poured out of a Tesco Value carton - not exactly the best thing in the world, but that's okay. The main beverage of the day was the tea, of course. Given a tea menu and asked to make a selection - I didn't know what to choose. Going with a friend meant you could choose and share more than one type of tea, as each order meant an entire teapot of the flavour. She went with English Breakfast and I felt something a little different: How about the Pomegranate White Tea, I asked. A little while later the waitress returned and said they're out. I was a little disappointed as all they really needed was to stock up on the Twinings tea bags, as that is what they used. Earl Grey it is, then, I responded. 

"jam and butter on the side of the scones was a nice touch"

Out came the cake stand with one layer of sandwiches, one of cakes and bakes, and of course a layer of the traditional scones. It was nice to share as it meant getting a bit of everything without having to finish it all and be extremely full! There was a pleasant mix of sweet and savoury to mix and match, and not get too sick of the same flavour. My favourite of them all was the brownie - dense and full of flavour. 

"never gone out for 'Afternoon Tea' - a disgrace? Quite possibly."

A nice little table on the side, with a view of the high street, a cake stand with food and a cup of tea - alongside chatting with good company, it was a great day. Overall, it was pretty simple, with regular service to see if there was anything else we wanted, and the atmosphere being calm, relaxing and just lovely.

"I did go out for Afternoon Tea and I can honestly say, I'd do it again"

Unfortunately my earl grey tasted extremely lemony, possibly because the previous tea in the teapot must have been lemon flavoured and not washed off properly. That tea was undrinkable, but due to an entire teapot being given with each order, we shared the English Breakfast, with still some to spare.
The jam and butter on the side of the scones was a nice touch, meaning we didn't have to ask for anything more.

On the whole, a lovely experience, a relaxing atmosphere and a nice area in London. Although I wouldn't go to the same place again, simply to visit new places. Would I go out for Afternoon Tea again? Most definitely!

Tell me, is Afternoon Tea something you formally have everyday, or do you grab a quick snack if you feel a bit peckish?

Wednesday 3 December 2014

The Body Shop HAUL: POTW


Hello!

"What a bargain."

With Christmas time comes good sales and with good sales comes LOTS of shopping! It's that time of year where you usually spend your time wandering around the stores in hope for finding something for your loved ones, however, I was a bit cheeky and spent time at my computer frantically searching the body shop website to treat myself! Well, with the prices I got the items for, you'll understand why! 

"I've up-ped my shower cream game for the winter"

First off, it's this scary looking thing. The bristles look like the ones that come at the end of a gardening broom, but trust me, they're not that hard! Dry brushing is amazing for your skin, see post here, and I had done a bit of running around from Boots to Superdrug to The Body Shop and settled on this one. All places had the same type of brush, but this one was my fav.

" high hopes for this one, and don't want it to disappoint."

RRP is £8, but I got it for £4.80. What a bargain. 


The next thing is the Brazil Nut Shower Cream. As you know from this post, I've up-ped my shower cream game for the winter, and this was the next on my 'to try' list. We turned that 'to try' into 'to buy' and here we are! The product smells amazing and I think the latter will be better than the Nivea. I have high hopes for this one, and don't want it to disappoint.

"shall use it more and see how well it serves its purpose."

Thirdly, I bought this. How adorable is the packaging? The heart is just so cute! Actually, this is a gift for a friend, she loves the original white musk scent so this slight variation will hopefully be a winner too! These would be great as stocking fillers.

"bristles look like the ones that come at the end of a gardening broom, but trust me, they're not that hard!"

Finally, I picked up a muslin cloth. RRP £2.50 and I picked it up for £1.50. Having used it yesterday, it is lovely to exfoliate the skin. I didn't expect it to be the material to be as it is. I had thought it'd be much more smooth. However, I shall use it more and see how well it serves its purpose.

"I was a bit cheeky and spent time at my computer frantically searching the body shop website"

Overall, I'm super happy with the purchase - the delivery was great from The Body Shop, and at 40% off, you can't go wrong!

What are your favourite things from The Body Shop?

Monday 1 December 2014

Gift Idea: Personalised Magnets


Hello!

"Just pop in some photos, import them from Facebook if you want to, and just click order"

It's that time of year where we search to the deepest corner of our minds, trying to think about the slightest clue given as to what to buy someone for Christmas. Although I may not know the person you're thinking about the slightest bit, I can tell you I've found the perfect gift.

"a lovely present that stands there and looks pretty."

 PicStick. There's the answer to your problems. Simple yet effective, their service can be exactly the thing you're looking for. You can choose up to 9 pictures which are printed as magnets. You can then tear off each magnet and give one each to 9 separate people, or just give the whole thing to one person (or keep it for yourself!).

"great if you have that one photo that just describes your relation with a person perfectly"

I must say, the magnet is not extremely strong, but it stays strong on a fridge door. Each picture has a white boarder which make's it look like it's a polaroid (or just come off of instagram!).

"it's silly, fun and cute at the same time!"

 The personalisation factor is lovely, and the website is pretty simple to use. Just pop in some photos, import them from Facebook if you want to, and just click order.

"search the deepest corner of our minds, trying to think about the slightest clue given as to what to buy someone"

 Delivery wise, it's super quick and comes in a card envelope. No bending here!

"white boarder which make's it look like it's a polaroid"

This is so great if you have that one (or 9) photo that just describes your relation with a person perfectly. I.e. I have a photo with 3 of my friends with these funky hats on and caught mid-switching them around to each other's head - it's silly, fun and cute at the same time!

"Simple yet effective"

Overall, a lovely present that stands there and looks pretty. See what I did there? :)

Is there a specific photo that describes your relationship with a person? 
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