Day out at Sea Life London - DoMoreWithAvios | LIFE

Hello!

"see them being fed, swim under the sea, float near us and waddle about!"

I hope you're enjoying the bank holiday! Of course it has to rain (in London, anyway) on the day we have off! Luckily, there are so many things to do inside, including going to the Aquarium! I popped down to London's Sea Life Aquarium this weekend and had a blast! Oh, and to add to that, you could go for FREE. That's right, free tickets to anything is great, so read on to find out how. 

The thing with London is that there is always something to do, I'm talking the Shrek Attraction, London Dungeons AND the London Aquarium being neighbours to each other, so you can only imagine the other things you can see in London besides that street, let alone other things around the world!

We saw so many fishes including spotting tiger sharks swimming right past us, and every time we see a tank of fishies, my nephew would say 'Nemo, Nemo, Nemo!' - although ironically, when we got to the actual clown fishes and 'Nemo', he didn't utter the word! His and my favourite part of the aquarium? The penguins!! We got to see them being fed, swim under the sea, float near us and waddle about! I ended up buying a cute pink pearl bracelet with a penguin on it for memories (which I'm currently wearing as an Anklet FYI ;) )!

In terms of how you can get a free ticket, just do your groceries, go on holidays and adventures as you would normally and you can earn points with Avios, which you can then spend those points on more holidays, days out and even a chance to upgrade your economy ticket to business class! You can join and collect points via Avios Travel Rewards programme or British Airways Executive Club.

What I'd do next? Maybe take a trip to New York, or even go to a nice Afternoon Tea (Read: Afternoon Tea in London). Luckily, you can invite a friend to share the points with you, so you're not left doing it alone! Check out Do More With Avios for more!

Tell me, do you have a favourite Sea Life Animal? 

5 Emojis I Loathe | LIFE

Hello!

"[if you] have used them in the last week... don't talk to me - just kidding :)."

We all know there's that one emoji that makes you a little annoyed. Well, is it completely out of the ordinary to have 5 of those? That's right. 5 stinking emoji's I don't like when they're used. Don't get me wrong, use them sarcastically and I'm lol-ling with you, but actually mean it and I get a little irritated. 

"that one emoji that makes you a little annoyed"

There's always that one person that uses every single one of these, and I'm just gritting my teeth trying not to swear at them for being such Negative Nellies! Maybe it's because I try to not use them, as I don't want to feel as though the world is terrible, and everything bad is happening and think all these negative thoughts putting me in a negative place (Read: Stay Positive).

So, stick to :) and :D and ;) , stay positive and if you're using the above 5 for a laugh, go for it, but if you actually mean it and have used them more than 3 times in the last week... don't talk to me - just kidding :).

I'll sort of create this as a tag, so if you're a blogger/youtuber that wants to do this tag, I TAG YOU.

What is your most hated emoji? 

Cool for the Summer, Tattoo, Poison + Wings | MUSIC MONDAY

Hello!

source, 1, 2, 3, 4
Well, Birdy has gone and done it again.

Every so often I feel there's like a sudden burst of great music released into the world. Obviously, this isn't the case and music is released in no particular order, but right now it definitely feels like there's been that burst! Additionally, you haven't seen a Music Monday for a while on BBXO (Read: Summer Playlist), so this post comes at a good time for us!

New TV Shows, GBBO is Back, Candles + Meeting Olympians | BERRYWEEKLY

Hello!

"their show stopper bakes are very much 'on point'! ;)"

What a week it is been! I feel like after results day I have said the word 'uni' a billion times. Not only has results day come and gone, but The Great British Bake Off has also begun! Having also recently gone to an event to meet some pretty famous Olympians and those that help behind the scenes, I can say it's been a good time!

"the scent is not very strong but is surprisingly quite fresh"

As for a brand new TV Show, Scandal has been my go-to. There's something about the drama and the gorgeous Olivia Pope fixing everything that makes the show quite interesting. Although every episode they always end up fixing the problem, it's a show that is great to have running in the background.

As for The Great British Bake Off, if anything it's a tradition (Read: Last Years GBBO post). They have some pretty interesting contestants this year, and their show stopper bakes are very much 'on point'! ;)

"the melted wax look like it's, almost, glowing!"

Hydrangeas are my new favourite flower to decorate my room with. We have about 4 huge hydrangea plants so they're readily available! I also picked up a 3-wick candle in the scent Champagne Cassis. I like that the scent is not very strong but is surprisingly quite fresh.

As for the quote, I saw it somewhere and ended up saving it on my phone (Read: Phone Wallpapers). I think it's a lovely quote to remind you to keep on going, and make everyday something special (Read: Cherish the Moment).

"if we see things as an opportunity and have a positive outlook, we are more likely to just do it"

This is actually a photo I stuck up on my Instagram (Link Here) a little while ago. Doesn't it look really cool?! I put the candle on my desk which has glass on top. This made the melted wax look like it's, almost, glowing!

This week, I've also been loving this shirt. I have a thing for lace and flowy/chevron blouses and think this is such a lovely one for summer! The bright colour is super fun, and you know what's better? The super good price tag! You can get it at 10dollarmall.com - yes everything is $10 or less!

"The showers and lockers and all were super nice and high quality"

On August the 5th this year, it marked one year before the 2016 olympics! Fitness First had a few bloggers over and we were given three 15 minute sessions on various parts of olympic training. By that, I mean we had a session on working out, a session on nutrition and a session on psychology. Surprisingly, there's a lot to how the brain works, and the fact that if we see things as a threat we are more likely to make excuses, whereas if we see things as an opportunity and have a positive outlook (Read: Positive Thoughts), we are more likely to just do it. 

"it marked one year before the 2016 olympics"

Not only did we hear great tips and learn so many things, but we (obviously) got to see the beautiful place that Fitness First have. We went to the one in Bishopsgate, and as it's in central London, I thought it'd be pretty small and that it'd be super cramped. Well, let me tell you, it was super spacious and they used the space quite well. You had 2 flights of stairs, and in between the first and second flight you had the spin room and the ladies changing room. The showers and lockers and all were super nice and high quality, as well as the cleanliness being a high standard!

All in all, a lovely week! 
What did you get up to this week? Oh, and are you looking forward to the Olympics? 

***I was able to attend the event for free, but was not told I had to write about Fitness First or the Olympics. 

BPerfect Mineral Power + Primer (Banana Powder DUPE) ft. Ben Nye | BEAUTY

Hello!

"allow you to create a finish that looks less cakey"

If you've been in the beauty loop for a while (Read: New Maybelline Lip Colors) , you'd know of the oh-so-famous Ben Nye Banana Powder that has taken our world by storm (link here). By that, I mean it has been given good review after good review, yet the only thing that may stop one from buying that thing? It's not the easiest thing to get a hold of, especially if you do not live in the states! There are many knock off's out there, and being Kim K's staple, it obviously has high demand! Yet, when I was told BPerfect have released a dupe of said Banana Powder, I was more than excited to give it a shot and compare.

"BPerfect is a much more available product"

The first thing I noticed was the difference in the powder itself. Not only is the Ben Nye powder a slightly warmer tone, which of course you can choose from a variety on the BPerfect site, but the texture of the powers are different. The Ben Nye Banana Powder is a lot thinner, and has been milled to a finer finish whereas the BPerfect is a lot thicker.

As shown in the picture above, it would take more to fully blend in the BPerfect powder than the Ben Nye. Having said that, both do blend in quite well, though the Ben Nye would be more likely to fit a variety of skin tones. I do think that if you were to use the powder as a setting powder, the Ben Nye would allow you to create a finish that looks less cakey. Though I'm sure you can achieve a similar look with the BPerfect, you would have to be more careful, due to the thicker mill of the powder.

"well let's say they've really nailed it"

Either way, I do think they're quite similar, but for me, the Ben Nye wins the fight, but just by a slight amount. The BPerfect is a much more available product (link here), if you are looking for a dupe. Though, if you are going to buy one and are willing to invest, I'd go with the Ben Nye.

BPerfect also have a primer. This primer that I speak off, well let's say they've really nailed it. 

"makes the colour a lot more vibrant, and it looks smoother"

Not only is the packaging beautiful, which I'm a sucker for, but the product itself is great! It's a clear colour so will suit everyone. The primer also blends very well, creating a smooth/velvety layer for you to apply your makeup onto. You only need a tiny bit, which will go a long way.

Just in case you're not entirely sold by my brief description above, look at the images. It's the same eyeshadow colour on top of a part of my hand with the primer, and again on a part without the primer. The primer area makes the colour a lot more vibrant, and it looks smoother. Not only that, it is easier to apply without any unwanted creases forming. If nothing else, I will be using this for my eye makeup/concealer area! 

Overall, an upcoming brand that has a few great products that you need to check out. If you're only going to buy one thing from their range, I'd go with the primer!
Check out their other range here.

Tell me, do you use a 'Banana Powder', and is primer a staple for you? 

***

September 2015 Calendar | LIFE

Hello!

"cherish the idea that it's a fresh start, no matter what you're doing this month"

As it is the month that we all remember as 'Back to School' Month. It's the month we began yet another academic year. Soon the leaves will turn brown, and as the air turns crisper it feels like a fresh start all over again (Read: Fresh, Positive Thoughts). Whether you're going about work, going to uni, sending your kids off for the first year of school or just chilling, a pretty calendar is just what you need this month. Heck, you need it every month (Read: August 2015 Calendar) but this month is a good place to start.

Click Here to Download

The theme this month? Obviously it has to do with the trees. The brown leaves on trees are the ultimate sign that we are approaching, or in, the incredible season of Autumn. Autumn, if you didn't pick it up already, is my favourite season (Read: Autumn Inspiration). Sure, I love the Spring showers as much as the next guy (just kidding, probably much more than the next guy as most people don't like the rain, whereas I LOVE it), but there's something about the clean, fresh Autumn air that lifts my spirits. Not only that, can we just take a moment for Autumn fashion? Yep, *sigh*, it's a wonderful time.

So, make the most of your September, enjoy Freshers if you're starting uni, continue to (or start to) enjoy the work that you do and cherish the idea that it's a fresh start, no matter what you're doing this month.

Hope you have a wonderful September. Tell me, what do you think about the transition to Autumn? 

Maybelline Color Drama Velvet Lip Pencils POTW | BEAUTY

Hello!

"I had my eyes on this beauty for the longest of time. I'm talking months."

Purchase of the Week (or POTW) had become quite a series on BBXO (Read: POTW Chanel No 5). Until, one day, I kind of forgot about it. Okay, there were hauls featured (Read: Summer Holiday Haul) but the tag POTW was forgotten. Well, now we're bringing it back. Full force and in action! What better product to kickstart this series again than the oh-so-famous NARS velvet lip pencil drugstore dupe (wow, that's a mouthful): the Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Pencil.

"I did also like the colour range, there's a nude, an orange, a coral, a few reds and a few pinks"

I had my eyes on this beauty for the longest of time. I'm talking months. But with exam season upon us when my obsession first began, I wasn't able to satisfy that need for this pencil... until now. Well, the wait was worth it, because I am LOVING this lip pencil.

If you're a fan of the velvet/matte finish (Read: Bourjois Velvet Rouge), this product is right up your street. The Bourjois Velvet Rouge had become my go-to lip product that I'd dab on for a soft, everyday look and apply a thicker layer for a bold, going out look. After reading the reviews of more Bourjois Velvet Rouge colours, I had found out the best formulation was with the shade 'Nude-ist', which was the shade I had. Therefore, I was looking for something with the same finish without lacking in the quality front. This seemed like the product for me.

Before I make this entire post about Bourjois Velvet Rouge (goodness, can I say that any more times?!), let's refer back to Color Drama. Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet is also quite versatile as it can be dabbed on for a softer, everyday look, or applied as a thicker layer for a bolder look.

"What better product to kickstart this series again than the oh-so-famous NARS velvet lip pencil drugstore dupe"

Be sure to have your lips moisturised before applying the product, though (something I should've done). In the bottom photo you can see the little transfer it has, and that was only a very short while after applying. So you don't need to worry about that mug lip stain!

All in all, a great product that won't break the bank (£4.99 each at Boots.com) and good for various occasions. I did also like the colour range: there's a nude, an orange, a coral, a few reds and a few pinks. You're bound to find something you like!

Tell me, what's your favourite finish of a lip product? Do you prefer a sheen, matte or something in between?

Summer Nail Picks by Kirsty from KIMAMELY BEAUTY | GUEST POST

Forward: 

Hello! Today we have a guest post from the lovely Kirstie from KimamelyBeauty.com and we're talking all things Summer nails! She has picked out very pretty colours, and I'm sure you'll love hearing all about it! Love, Puja x

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Summer Special Phone Wallpapers | TECH

Hello!

"The sea was calm, the sun rising and it was just stunning"

If you're anything like me, you love changing up your background. I'm talking your laptop background, your computer background (Read: Desktop Backgrounds) and, specifically where this post will come in handy, your phone background. Well, while I was in Egypt (Read: 5 places to go on Holiday) I took a bunch of photos, so thought it'd be a great idea to make them downloadable for you. They're absolutely free, of course! :)

Become what you Respect | QUOTES

Hello!

"You can become what you respect. That's the least that you can do."

These posts are one of my favourites. Why? Well, they're all about spreading positivity, encouraging thinking about who we are and who we want to become, and I can almost feel myself coming 'back down to earth' as I write this, and maybe you feel the same when you read it. There is a reason quotes are ever-so popular, and here are 4 that you must read today.

Summer Special Desktop Wallpapers | TECH

Hello!

"What did my brain tell me to do at that time in the morning? Go out and take photos"

I went on holiday a few weeks ago, to the beautiful land of Egypt! It was gorgeous, totally scenic, to say the least. Now, I could have done a travel post (Read: Little Venice Travel Post), but decided against it. Yet, I couldn't let all of these beautiful photos go to waste - and then it hit me. I was using one of the photos (the 6th one down, to be precise), to set as my desktop background and thought "HEY, why don't I use the photos to make a blog post for the use of desktop backgrounds?!". So, here we are. Take a look:

My Favourite Face Suncreen | BEAUTY

Hello!

"it's incorporated into my everyday routine, because prevention is key, right?"

We've heard it a million times: wear SPF. It's anti-aging, prevents wrinkles and decreases the development of skin cancer. Yet, there are so many things about sunscreens that don't seem so pleasant. i.e. the weird smell, the break outs, greasy-ness and the blocked pores. That was pretty much the reason I avoided the product, and didn't feel it was "worth it" to have it in my routine - until now.