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!

The Two Sides of Taylor Swift - Bad Blood Mashup | MUSIC

Hello!

source, source
"Heck, even the thought of it seems impossible"

We know that Taylor Swift can do no wrong. So when you're given two versions of Taylor Swift in one video, it's a bit overwhelming at first, but then you begin to love it! Bad Blood is an awesome song, with a pretty cool video (Karlie Kloss would like it made into a movie, and I agree!), so you'd never think of mashing it up with Never Getting Back Together. Heck, even the thought of it seems impossible.

Well, expect the unexpected because this mashup is done incredibly well! Credits to the 'editor' because it's actually pretty cool!



So tell me, what do you think? Is it too much T-Swift or can you agree it's a great mashup? 

Playlist TOP 3: The Script, Pitch Perfect 2, Imagine Dragons | MUSIC

Hello!

source, source, source
 "Every time I hear 'Daemons', it takes me somewhere else. Every. Single. Time."

Music is a way to escape, and it totally has the power to lift your mood (dance party in your room, anyone?). Although I have to admit that One Direction have the power, there are also other artist that have released some pretty good songs recently that you need to hear. Actually, one of them is not-so recent, but it's still a good one!

Do you remember the song 'Man Who Can't be Moved'? I was obsessed with it, and after hearing this song on The Voice, I was sold. Bought to you by The Script, it's 'Man on a Wire'. Okay, the title sounds similar to the previous hit single they had, but it's a great song! 

You may have heard the news that Pitch Perfect 2 is coming out very soon. I remember watching Pitch Perfect 1 - it was snowing outside and we got sent home early from school, so I came home, put on some snuggly clothes and fluffy socks (you got to have the fluffy socks) and played the movie. Totally a feel-good movie, an aspect I'm hoping will also be in the sequel! 

Jessie J's song is from the movie, and it's made me even more excited to see it.

This is the 'old but good' song I mentioned earlier. Every time I hear 'Daemons', it takes me somewhere else. Every. Single. Time.

That's my top 3 - any recommendations? I have been looking for something like Daemons for a while, so if you know any good songs like that, it'd be great if you let me know!

Starbucks Soy Chai Latte | THE VERDICT

Hello!

"I am a huge fan of masala in my chai, and this drink definitely had it."

It has been a while since a Starbucks Verdict has been made on BBXO. In fact, the last was in the festive season during the Red Cup phase! Oh, the good ol' days!

The weather in England has been quite confusing, I'm talking very sunny but freezing, and Spring showers occasionally popping into the equation. What more than a Chai Latte to get us through the day?

I am Indian, so if anyone knows what a Chai Latte should taste like, it's us! Let's put it this way: Starbucks did not disappoint. The kick of ginger was incredible, and the warmth of the drink made me feel 10x better! I am a huge fan of masala in my chai, and this drink definitely had it.

So, you may ask: Why the soy milk? Well, I love watching a bit of MissGlamorazzi, a.k.a. Ingrid, on YouTube and remember her raving about the Iced Soy Chai Latte, however, the other day when I ordered, it was pouring down with rain and I couldn't bare to have an iced tea, so went with the warm version. It was incredible. The frothiness of the soy made the drink taste very yummy!

The verdict: Starbucks, you've got it down to the T (T, tea, geddit? Oh the puns!) with your Soy Chai Latte. Nicely done!

If you're a fan of ginger and spice in your tea, get a soy chai latte next time you're in Starbucks - you can thank me later ;)

Have you tried teas in Starbucks? If so, what's your favourite?

Top 5 British YouTube Vloggers | LIFE

Hello!

"Be it beauty videos, or a weekly vlog, there's something about her that it so calming"

YouTube has become quite the sensation. Actually, sometimes I totally prefer watching a few videos to watching TV - and I'm sure I'm not the only one!

Watching vlogs is basically reality TV, but on a more down-to-earth, personal level. It's quite amazing how much a vlog can brighten a day, and it also is something many look forward to on an everyday basis! I can absolutely see how it's a positive environment to be a part of, and we all need a little wind-down time in our day.

So, to add to the ever growing list of vloggers you may have in your subscription list, or even to possibly get you to start a subscription list, here are my top 5 YouTube vloggers that I like to watch. 

Actually, seeing as British YouTubers are totally a thing, I thought I'd keep this list as featuring British vloggers only - otherwise there's no way I'd be able to round it down to just 5!

image source: 1/2/3/4/5/6
" I'm all for someone who's light hearted and not too serious - and if you're up for that too, you'll like his vlogs!"

In order clockwise starting from top left, is:

Jim Chapman: youtube.com/EveryDayJim

The thing with Jim, is that he's so down to earth! I like his main channel video's too and the vlogs are just like an extension to that! He's super fashionable too and it's just a good time when you watch his vlogs.

Joe Sugg: youtube.com/ThatcherJoeVlogs

The reason I think Joe's videos are fun are simply because of the witty things he comes up with. I remember in his L.A. vlogs there was a squirrel in their front garden area which he named Cedric the Squirrel, long story short, the squirrel in our garden is now officially called Susan the Squirrel (I'll show you her one day!). 

Okay, that anecdote didn't tell you much, but all in all, his randomness makes him funny. I'm all for someone who's light hearted and not too serious - and if you're up for that too, you'll like his vlogs!

Gabriella Lindley: youtube.com/PlanetGabb

She's a newbie in my books. That doesn't mean I don't like her as much as the others. In fact, I really enjoy watching her vlogs. She's living in Brighton and now has a cute little kitty! She also has the 'I don't really care what the world thinks, I'll do what I want' attitude, and I couldn't agree with her more! 

Anna Gardner: youtube.com/ViviannaDoesMakeup

I love watching Anna. Be it beauty videos, or a weekly vlog, there's something about her that it so calming. She's a great influence and seems like an amazing person to have as a bestie! Either way, she's one I couldn't not include in a British YouTuber roundup.

Lily Pebbles: youtube.com/LilyPebbles

I feel like Anna and Lily go hand-in-hand. They're often seen in each other's vlogs and if you're subscribed to one, you're likely to be subscribed to the other. It's fun to see the adventures she goes on and it's lovely to get some places-to-go-in-London recommendations! From one Londoner to another! 

You may just love these new finds, or you may have already be subscribed to them all. 

Either way, if you're a YouTube fan I'd love to know which YouTubers you'd choose as your Top 5?

Playlist Update: ft. The Script & Meghan Trainor

Hello!

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

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

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

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

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

What's your recent playlist update song been? 

Shout-Out Wednesday: SORTED food

Hello!

You may have noticed the never-before-heard title 'Shout-Out Wednesday' - it is a new segment here on BBXO and let's see if you like it!

For the first post in this series I'd like to introduce the Sorted Food boys! They're known as the UK's largest social media cookery channel and I can say that they're my favourite YouTube cooking channel!

I was lucky enough to meet them in Summer and The City last summer (which there's a post about here) - they were super lovely and I had the most embarrassing way of saying hello to them - basically I stared at them for like a minute and then screamed 'OH MY GOD, can I get a picture???' and they just laughed... yes, it was as embarrassing as it sounds (I got the pic btw)!

With a couple of books released and many items in their webstore, I'd definitely say they're doing a great job! Another thing I love about them is their quality of videos - with a sense of humour infused with yummy food and easy ways to make them, I think they're definitely worth checking out.

So, if you're a foodie, love efficiency and don't mind laughing at your computer screen - you'll love Sorted Food!

Do you watch cooking shows too, or prefer to whip things up by mixing and matching whatever you feel like?

Ins & Outs

Hello!

Happy Friday! If you didn't know, today marks the last day of my exams. At 3pm today, they said 'Stop writing and put your pens down.' That was the last of it... For this year, anyway! 

If you have noticed, BBXO doesn't do the 'monthly favourites' and although there is the 'BerryWeekly' series, there is nothing quite like the favourites of the month. Considering we are a couple of days into June and it's an a Friday, let's give the 'ins and outs' posts a try.

Okay, sorry for the long winded intro, BUT here are the Ins and Outs of this week :)

Ins:

Suits

You have heard way too much about this series from me, but you got to hear it again. I have been absolutely in LOVE with it. Finishing the first season in a couple of days - a record for me - and already almost half way through the second shows you just how much I love it.

Source

Lily Pebbles

Finding Lily Pebbles on YouTube has been so great. She has beauty videos and posts vlogs too. If you haven't seen her channel yet, I suggest you give it a watch! Her bedding is gorgeous too - so pretty! 

The Tig

AGAIN with Suits! Oh my gosh, you probably hate me now, but one of the actresses, Meghan Markle, has her own lifestyle blog which I literally found today and am already in LOVE with it. She's based it all around her love for Fashion & Beauty, travel and she's a real Foodie (like me! 😉).

Outs:

Exams

Boy, am I glad to have that on out! It's been a stressful couple of weeks, but honestly, I think revising wasn't too bad. The exams themselves were generally quite horrible. Though, the fact that we had study leave was bliss - taking breaks whenever I felt like and all was a good feeling. 

Crack-less Phone

To clarify, this means the beloved iPhone has a crack! If you're anything like me then you drop your phone a million times a day. Fortunately for me, it had never cracked - until this time. It was one drop too many, however, It's only a tiny crack so I guess you could call it luck...

A load of TV series... 

Due to the fact that I'm scared of running out of Suits episodes for me to watch, I'm trying to find another series which I could fall in love with... Suits is great because of its sophistication yet drama at the same time. I love the idea of working hard to get what you want and this show is exactly that - for the most part. All of this logical thinking behind the series is great and I have yet to find another series's like it. I've tried the trailers of many shows such as 'The White Collar', 'Hart of Dixie', 'Game of Thrones', 'Orange is the new Black', 'Drop Dead Diva', 'Intelligence' and a load more! But nothing come to standards with suits.... Your recommendations would be so helpful! 

Source: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

So, tell me: What do you recommend as a must-watch TV series? 

Motivation Monday: Be You

Hello!

Well, it's another Monday so time for another post. Actually, this post is based around something I saw on YouTube. Okay, we all hate those annoying adverts that appear before a video, yet sometimes don't they just reach out to you so you can't bring yourself to press the 'skip' button?! Well, this was one of those times…

The song is really good and the message even greater. You see people labelling other people all the time. It's like because they look or dress a certain way, they have to act that way. This is not the case and shouldn't be regarded as the case either. You can be whoever you want to be, no matter what other people think of you: Just Be You and don't let anyone else bring you down.

I thought this quote was appropriate, too:

So, let's end on a lighter note: Just be happy! :)

So, what do you think of the video? Wasn't it great?!

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?

My Current Playlist Favs!

Hello!

I was just YouTube-ing some music - like if you go to the music section of YouTube there's a list of current top songs that you can listen to... so I was searching what to buy next! As always, the blog - A.K.A. you - are always on my mind, so I thought I'd blog about my current favourite songs that I LOVE listening to!


1. Jessie J - Wild (ft. Big Sean)

The video starts at like 50 seconds - the beginning is just walking for some reason? haha! This song is quite upbeat and makes me want to dance. Right now I am sitting in my living room writing this post (duh) with headphones in my ears and as soon as this song came on my feet started to move! Want your head bopping up and down? Listen to this song!

2. John Newman - Love Me Again

This song is AMAZING! You will want to sing this song at the top of your voice - trust me! Such a good road trip song! Especially if you're going to the beach or somewhere, you'll want this blasting in your car! Oh, and don't forget your air guitar ;)

3. Lorde - Royals

This girls voice is different yet so good! This is the song you'll be singing with your girlfriends at the next sleepover, you know, with your hairbrush microphones and everything! haha! Can you believe this girl is only 16?! Amazing.

Well, that's my roundup for my summer playlist! Listen to the beach or chilling at the park - your choice! ;)

What's your fav song at the moment? Leave a comment!