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?

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:

- Paula (Thirteen Thoughts)

- 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?

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?

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!)? 

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?

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?

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? 

Christmas Inspiration Board

Hello!

"They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, well here's 12, 000 for you! "

Sometimes it's nice to get a little push in the right direction - this is exactly what inspiration boards are for! Now that it's Christmas in 27 days, the push is needed now more than ever! 

"it's Christmas in 27 days"

From decor, nail colours, socks, chestnuts and snow... it's all in here. They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, well here's 12, 000 for you! 

What makes you most excited for Christmas? 

source: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

December 2014 Calendar - FREE PRINTABLE

Hello! 

"due to the utter fact it has snowflakes... that means christmas time!"

We have arrived to that time of the month, where we can't quite believe how it's the LAST MONTH OF THE YEAR next week. That's right, you can read that again: the LAST MONTH OF THE YEAR. That means a lot of things, i.e. christmas is really soon, it's okay to finally put the tree up now, presents buying time and it may just snow right about now, but most importantly: time to get the new calendar! 

Click HERE to Download

It would be daft not to include christmas decorations in a calendar for December. I hope this colourful mix of ball balls (is that the official name of them? Don't think so...) can satisfy that feeling of festivity inside you!

Click HERE to Download

You know I mentioned that 'snow' earlier on in this post? Well, here we are again. It may just be cold enough for you to see the 'smoke' coming from your mouth every time you talk, but that doesn't mean we can't think about the beautiful white christmas that can just happen! Although the previous calendar is meant to be more festive, with it's ball balls and such, I feel like this one is more so - just due to the utter fact it has snowflakes, and to me, that means christmas time! However, if you live in Australia  I guess sun's would have been more appropriate! 

None-the-less, a pretty calendar is all you really need - wherever you are in the world!
What makes you feel festive?

Personalised Henna Candles & Gifts: Henna by Ashi

Hello!

"pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique gift ideas"

Recently you have had more of an insight to my culture, including the festivals and the events to do with it. Then I came across this beauty and thought it'd be horrible to not share it with you guys! Being candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street! 

"a flower floating on the melted wax!"

Henna by Ashi is a brand which hand-decorates candles with henna designs. These can be made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from. 

Due to the water based henna and the wax of the candles, the henna will almost float on top of the candle when you're burning it - so it can be like a flower floating on the melted wax! 

"candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street"

"made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from"

These would be lovely stocking gift ideas, or even Secret Santa presents! 

"personalise your 2015 diary"

You could even ask HennaByAshi to try and personalise your 2015 diary, it'll be perfect and in case you do lose it in your office/school/college, you're more likely for it to be returned! 

I hope this has given you some (pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique) gift ideas, and inspired you to be creative! 

TO ORDER:

EMAIL: hennabyashi@hotmail.com

FOLLOW ON INTAGRAM: hennabyashi

BBM: 7F00A421

Tell me, have you ever done henna on your hands? 

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? 

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?