A Goodbye...

Hello!

When this blog first started two years ago, the day I got home after my last GCSE exam, I did not ever think I'd be writing this post. Heck, it wasn't until this summer that I really thought it may be time. Don't get me wrong, I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this incredible blogging community. We have created a place on the internet where a bunch of people with a common interest can come together, from the comfort of their own homes to be in an environment where there is no judgement. Here we can all just be friends, support each other and be happy.

After that little ramble about only some of the many incredible benefits of being part of this lovely community, it does sound kind of stupid to even be thinking of leaving. Yet, the time has come for me to step away from the blog, as I don't believe I will have enough time to truly give it my all (with uni starting in a few weeks). I will, of course, still be present on social media (i.e. Twitter).

BerryBloomXO has been an incredibly fun project to work on, becoming committed to post a few times a week, and having wonderful opportunities like attending events, working with brands, interacting with people and reading such lovely comments are things that I will always remember. I hope you have enjoyed all that BBXO has had to offer.

Thank you for making my time as a blogger incredibly rewarding (we surpassed 100,000 views last month!), fun, and a great experience. Who knows? Maybe I won't be able to stay away for too long - haha! Either way, just remember I am beyond grateful of your support throughout this journey.

Farewell.

Blog Recommendation: LaurenConrad.com

Hello!

"One of my favourite things about LC.com is the comment section"

Okay, so I was in a bit of a blog rut, and me being me, I get a little anxious if things aren't done on time. So, I'm sitting here, Wednesday night, knowing my weekend is jam-packed and I will not get a chance to breathe, let alone write a blog post. Then it hit me: like HEY, I love reading blogs, and I'm sure others will love reading this one. So here it is:

LaurenConrad.com, run by the LC Team, and the founder being the Lauren Conrad herself - like you didn't figure that out already! 

The blog is quite an inspiration, with it talking all things ranging from clothes to beauty to decor, I can't say it didn't influence the start of BBXO.

Great for a go-to girl-time read and it is full of helpful tips. One of my favourite things about LC.com is the comment section. The community on there is just lovely, the people are intelligent, have such great ideas and good things to say.

So, if you're out on the hunt for a blog to follow, check out LaurenConrad.com.
Who are your go-to blogs that you get inspiration from?

BBXO's 1 Year Blog-iversary + milestones

Hello!

Do you know what day it is? Of course you do, because you read the title!
It's BBXO's ONE YEAR Anniversary! Can you believe it. This time last year was the first day of my summer vacation. It was the day I came home from my last exam and started the blog... it was when all of this started.

Some things that have obviously changed is the layout.... the logo, the background and the vibe.

Blog Posts shown: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

ANOTHER milestone is 150 posts. This is the 150st post - is it just me that feels this is quite cool that it happened at the same time - I mean the 1 year and the 150th post?!

Also, the ending has changed, before you were said goodbye to in the form of '...keep blooming berries!' but now, you get given a rose! A picture says a 1000 words, right? ;)

Okay, I don't have much to say to you, because how far this blog has gotten is unbelievable - reaching 24,000 views is incredible and even though for some it may not be a lot, for me it is more than I had ever thought!
Thank you for sticking with BBXO and there's a lot more coming your way (plus a huge surprise which I can't tell you much about just yet) so stay tuned!!!

Get to Know Me Tag!

Hello!

I hope you're having a fabulous Wednesday! I cannot believe it is the last day of April! This year has been going by at crazy fast speed!
Actually, last week Paula from thirteenthoughts.com tagged me to do this tag!
Paula is so gorgeous and her blog is stunning - I love reading about her life, her fashion find and everything else! I'm sure you'll love her blog as much as I do!!

1. Are you named after someone?
Nope. I am the only girl from my first cousins on my Dad's side, and also the youngest - so basically everyone in my family (more specifically my grandparents and aunts) wanted something traditional, and girly - hence, my name is Puja.

2. When was the last time you cried? 
Erm... Friday - basically it was just about stress and my hormones were all over the place... #girlproblems

3. Do you have kids?
No, but I would like to someday!

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?
This is a very different question! I guess I would but I'd be annoyed at myself, too - probably because of my crazy mood swings. But maybe it's because I am myself that I know about my mood swings and I'm not sure if other people realise? So, I think I would... does that make sense?!

5. Do you have a guilty pleasure? 
I like to spend some days doing literally nothing, but simply relaxing and watching episodes of PLL or Revenge! But, nothing else so "guilty" really!

6. Do you like handwriting?
I thought this was an interesting question! I actually do! I love handwriting, I think it shows a lot about a person and adds some uniqueness too. I kind of feel like we shouldn't have computers and stuff because people are handwriting things less - it's kind of sad!

7. What is your favourite cereal?
Raisin Wheats!! I love adding toppings to it too, like peanut butter and strawberries! Yummy!

8. What is the first thing you notice about people? 
Hmm... I don't know - I guess their hair maybe? I actually don't know! I feel like I notice their personality first.. :)

9. What colour are your eyes?
Brown!

10. Scary Movies or Happy Endings?
Happy Endings!

11. Favourite TV Show?
PLL or Revenge

12. Summer or Winter?
Autumn! ha - sorry but that's my choice! :D

13. Hugs or Kisses?
umm.... hugs! (especially bear hugs for comfort!)

14. What's the furthest you've been from home?
Well, I live in London (UK), so the furthest would be Florida - I went when I was quite young on a family trip to Disney Land and Sea World! It was pretty fun and I remember the weather there being so amazing and the roads so big! I would love to go to the US again!

15. Do you have special talents? 
Well, I dance. The last show I had was in November last year at a Theatre in South London. It was super cool as we had a dressing room with a mirror surrounded by those round light bulbs - like the ones in the movies!

16. Where were you born?
London

17. What are your hobbies?
I love blogging (duh!). I also have been into reading again - oh, and I love decorating. I re-did my room and it was super fun working around the things I already had and put together something that I love.

18. Do you have any pets?
Not at the moment. I had goldfishes when I was younger, then a Hamster and then a Rabbit. My Rabbit died 2 years ago and since then I haven't bought a pet!

R.I.P. <3

19. Favourite Movie?
Lets go with a classic Disney Movie: The Jungle Book. This is because my cousin was 'Baloo' the Bear in a school play and I distinctively remember going to see it when I was about 5 years old. It's probably one of my earliest memories but I still remember it and love the songs from the movie (Bear Necessities, anyone?)

20. What colour is your Car?
Black

21. What did you want to be when you grew up? 
I had thoughts on becoming an actress, a singer (thinking I could totally sing, but really if I did, the windows would break!), an author, a lawyer, a doctor, a... everything! haha! I was one of those kids who changed their minds every second!

Whey, that's it! I hope you enjoyed reading it and thanks to Paula for tagging me!
So tell me:  Do you have special talents?!

BerryReads: The Fault In Our Stars

Hello!

Well, you're probably quite annoyed at how much TFIOS has been hyped about (mentioned it about 4 times on BBXO alone!) - but one more post won't hurt you, right?! On the other hand, you may love TFIOS and don't mind reading another post! Either way, lets read on! :D

I actually finished reading the book and have got to say: It was quite moving! I love the story behind it but the ending I didn't love!! Throughout the whole story, Hazel, the protagonist, has a favourite book which ends abruptly without all the questions answered and I feel TFIOS kind of ends like that - though not as badly! Wait, does that mean there's going to be a sequel?! :O

Anyway, I liked how the book really made me realise how lucky I am - it shows the way a person with cancer feels, yet I love the idea behind it that they can still live a fantastic life, which I have always believed. Everyone deserves an amazing life and I love that the book portrays it.

If I am honest, considering how hyped up the book is, I don't feel it completely met my expectations and high hopes for it. Although it wasn't the best book I have ever read, it was a lovely one, with a great moral behind the story to live life the best you can everyday - which reminds me of a motivation monday post! I do recommend the book, yet just a warning to you that it has been overhyped! The movie is coming out this summer and I am excited to see how they have transformed it into a motion picture!

Have you read TFIOS? What do you think?

image source

SS14 Wearable Fashion Trends - From the Catwalk to your Wardrobe.

Hello!

The sun is ACTUALLY popping out from behind the clouds, and you know what that means? The SS14 Trends can go into action. Well, if you have been looking at the trends seen on the catwalk, not many are actually wearable for day-to-day, think Kendall Jenner and her nip-through top - not gonna happen.

Well, we still want to be wearing the trends seen on the runways and girls, when there's a will there's a way!

1. The trend that pops by every year! 

Links to Items: 1, 2, 3, 4

I love pastels, from nails to jumpers to handbags! I love the mix and match of pastel colours too, in this case the mint jumper with the pastel pink pants. To not bring the look to overload, I toned down the outfit with nude pumps - but to bring up the bling, the coral (pastel) and gold necklace felt like the perfect touch. This outfit is getting me excited for the summer!!

2. THE colour of the Season

Links to Items: 1, 2, 3, 4

 Yellow. The colour of sunshine, the colour of happiness. This bright colour is such a lovely one to put on during the warmer months. Being spotted as one of the hottest colours from OPI's new Summer Collection, this one is going to be huge. The black/yellow floral dress has a gorgeous neckline. I feel yellow works really well with gold jewellery and as this dress is almost sleeveless, I felt the arms would feel bare without a bracelet. The shoes kept simply but effective the black heels and obviously another HUGE pop of colour with the bag - which I love!

3. Keep it Pure 

Links to Items: 1, 2, 3, 4

White on White worked for winter and is set for the summer months too. I love the slight gold accent in this outfit on the belt. It would work well with the shorts, blazer and pure white top! The white shoes would make the outfit look like an overall dream.

4. TWO trends in One

Links to Items: 1, 2, 3, 4

The Wide-Leg Pants trends is a total new one. One which I am reluctant to try. However, it would work well with the geometric print top. Being it a navy colour with white detailing, I feel it works well with the white pants. To add a little more dimension to the outfit, the boxed black shoulder/hand bag seems like a perfect fit. To not draw attention away from the pants and geometric pattern, I paired the outfit with black flats.


I hope you enjoyed the 'from the catwalk to your wardrobe' edition of the Spring/Summer Fashions Trends and let me know what you think of the layout!

What's your favourite summer trend?

Sunshine Blogger Award

Hello!

Even though it's almost December now, with temperatures really cold and not much sun in sight, I got nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Yay! I got nominated by Lindsey and in her own words "The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers who bring sunshine to the blogging world." so, thank you for thinking that I bring sunshine to the blogging world!

The Rules:
1. Post 11 random facts about yourself
2. Answer 11 questions from the nominating blogger.
3. Nominate 11 wonderful bloggers, that you feel bring sunshine to the blogging world. Be sure to notify them.
4. Write 11 questions for your nominated bloggers.

*Don’t forget to acknowledge the nominating blogger.

11 Random Facts about me:

     1. I need fragrance things in every room (ie. Candles)

     2. I'm in my silky soft robe 90% of the time I'm at home

     3. I love the colour Pink 

     4. I am the only girl in my first cousins

     5. I dance and performed at a theatre 2 weeks ago

     6. I used to be a tom boy when I was younger and can now probably not be any more of a girly girl!

     7. I am finding this quite hard! I can't think of 11 random facts! haha!

     8. I prefer chocolate over sweets

     9. I love baking but don't get to do it a lot

    10. I love reading

    11. I've always loved writing and had never dreamed that I'd start a blog: it was totally random but I love it so much!

Her Questions:

    1. What is your favorite book?

I loved Me Before You and find I am constantly trying to look for books like it - however, that was a recent read and I don't really remember all the books I have read and remember. Although, when I was about 10 years old I read 'Dragon Rider' which I was so proud of reading because it's so big! It wasn't a bad book, either! (she spelt favourite wrong - it's not spelt like that in the UK! haha!)

   2. What's the one beauty item you cannot do without?

Mascara. I wear mascara almost everyday. If nothing else, I just put of a few coats of mascara and run out the door - it makes the world of a difference!

   3. Coffee or Tea?

Tea! I rarely have coffee at home and only when I'm out and feel like getting a Starbucks. If I have coffee in the morning I get headaches so I have chai tea lattes on most days! 

   4. What is your favorite season?

FALL. I love fall, the weather is perfect as it's sunny yet not too hot and I find I can cosy up and I find that it always feels like Golden Hour. The leaves also turn golden and ahhh it's just wonderful! 

   5. If you could tell your 18 year old self anything, what would it be?

Well, I'm 17, turning 18 next year but I'd probably tell myself to keep moving forwards, keep your head held high and stay positive, be kind and be happy.

   6. What is your dream vacation destination?

I LOVE the idea of New York and LA. I sometimes feel I've been born in the wrong country and am an American at heart! Although, I love the city of London that I live in and then feel that I am also British at heart, so I don't really know! haha! But I would love to go to New York - even though I've been there for an hour as I had a stop over on the way to Florida - but that doesn't count!

   7. What is your favourite online shop?

Boots. I love the way it is set out and so easy to use. It's also great for checking the prices without having to go to store and search for the item! However, I rarely actually buy anything from there but go to the actual store to. I do buy a lot from Amazon as it has everything and anything and BeautyBay has great deals!

   8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I find I kind of mentioned this in Q6, but I would either live in New York or Central London - as I prefer slightly colder climates to extremely hot ones, these would be my choices!

   9. It's Christmas time, do you prefer eggnog or hot cocoa?

Well, I've never had eggnog before but I have Hot Cocoa all the time and LOVE IT! So, technically I prefer it but would love to try eggnog.

  10. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Getting good grades was a great accomplishment yet it doesn't feel real. I was featured in a local newspaper for it and many people congratulated me however, it still hasn't hit me yet that it happened!

  11. What is your guilty pleasure?

Sitting at home being completely unproductive, watching YouTube videos/movies/tv shows with a cup of Hot Chocolate and biscuits - what more could a girl need?! haha! 

My Nominees:

 carlottasbeautyspot

 britishbeautyaddict

 chaneletco

 365shades

 rosehorseshoe

 perlasancheza

 lestylorouge 

 tweet 

 thefashionpandacrew

 glamdevils

 justaddcakeuk

My Questions:

 1. A staple in your wardrobe?

 2. A beauty product do you keep repurchasing?

 3. What's on your christmas list?

 4. Your favourite winter scent/smell

 5. A TV show are you obsessed with?

 6. Your favourite movie?

 7. Your go-to food item?

 8. What MUST you do everyday before you sleep everyday?

 9. First thing you check in the morning? (ie. Twitter, FaceBook etc.)

 10. One word to describe you

 11. Your favourite quote

That's it! If you want to do this tag, consider yourself tagged by me and I'd love to hear your responses to the Questions! When you've done it, let me know!

So, tell me: One word to describe you

Day in the Life: Meeting Nick Clegg

Hello!

I haven't done this sort of post in a long time whereby I show you pictures I took in one day! Yes, I do Weekly Roundups but not really one of a single day! Last time I remember doing that was in the summer time.

Anyway, so I thought I'd tell you about how I spent the other day, it was quite fun and I took a few good pictures!

Okay, so I was going to the city due to an event I was attending where I met the DPM - aka. the Deputy Prime Minister: Nick Clegg.

When I first saw Nick Clegg, he was right next to me, smiled too, and I had no idea who he was. Then all of a sudden all the cameras turned to him and I was like what? Is that Nick Clegg?! And it was! I was too late to get a picture of him from the front but I got one from behind!

The place we were at was so grand - the Grand Old Duke of York had build it! There were chandeliers everywhere and the whole place was accented with gold paint - I'm pretty sure there was ACTUAL GOLD in the paint! Stunning!

Oh, and can you believe there was even chandeliers in the Bathroom! How fancy?!

I decided it was a must to take a selfie in the bathroom here, and I did!

After that, my friend and I went to roam the city - it was about 2pm and we'd left our homes at 8am, so we were a little hungry! We roamed to Leicester Square and decided to have lunch at Hagen Daz. - well it wasn't the healthiest lunch but lunch none-the-less!
I ordered an Apple Crumble Pie with Chocolate, Praline and Caramel Ice Cream - Yummers!

It was a great day out and was so much fun!

What did you do on your recent 'fun-day-out' and where did you go?

Vloggers to Watch

Hello!

I was talking to my friends the other day and didn't realise exactly how many people actually watch Vloggers on YouTube. It's something you do in your own time at home and don't realise that many other people are doing exactly the same thing!

I love "looking into" peoples lives and seeing what they're up to - it might be a bit because I'm a nosey person and also because it's easy to get on that side of YouTube and time passes by very quickly! Many people tend to spend less time watching telly and more on their laptops and computers watching YouTube videos and reading blogs - you may find you're doing the same?!

Luckily I got to see some amazing YouTubers at the Summer in the City 2013 event this year as I mentioned here! It was amazing to meet them!

Anyway, so there are a couple of favourite people that I watch on YouTube that you may have heard of before or watch yourself and I thought it'd be fun to share:

1. Joey Graceffa

image from here

Joey does daily vlogs and I watch them quite often! I love how there's something to come back to at the end of the day to spend some time watching them. He also has a gaming channel which I do not watch, just his vlogs. Lots of my friends know who he is and he is doing very well for himself! He's funny, lovely and I just enjoy watching him.

2. Akaydollx2

image from here

Kayla is a beauty guru with the channel "Akaydoll" whom I watch but more recently I have been loving her vlogs. She is not a daily vlogger but does vlog quite often. Her life is really interesting to me as she moved to LA a couple of months ago by herself, leaving her parents and her cute dog Roko (sp.) in another state in the USA. Her story inspires me as I would love to live in the US but all my family live in England.

3. FleurDeVlog

image from here

Fleur is also a beauty guru by "FleurDeForce" and also runs a blog. She is gorgeous and her personality is lovely. She has a great sense of humour too and vlogs from time to time about her day and her life. I watch both her channels and love them. She lives in the UK so a lot of the products she mentions relate to me and where I live! You probably have heard of her and if not, need to check out her blog! This month she is doing daily vlogs for a month which are very entertaining!

4. TheGridMonster

image from here

Ingrid is yet ANOTHER beauty guru as "MissGlamorazzi" and has a vlog channel too. She has not recently been doing vlogs as she is probably very busy doing various other things such as Make Me Over and Polished and many other projects. She is genuinely a great character and her personality is great. She is absolutely stunning and I wish she did more vlogs, though I understand why she may not as letting us into their personal lives is quite a big deal!

That's my top 4 Vloggers for you. I watch others too and was just thinking about it the other day about how awesome it would be to have a Vlogging channel, what do you think? The vlogs would be able my life in general and this blog would be what it is now! Hmmm, that's something to dwell on!

All these people inspire me and help me get on with my day-to-day life and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Do you watch beauty gurus or vloggers on YouTube? Who's your favourite?