bloomzy, Author at Bloomzy

bloomzy / September 11, 2016

Let’s Test the Honor 8 Camera! | Review

Testing the Honor 8 Camera in ~~real~~ London life situations

Does anyone actually remember a time before smartphones? No, me neither. As much as we all hate to admit it, our phones are a big part of our lives. I for one will admit that I feel lost without mine. That isn’t because I feel the need to constantly be doing something with my fingers. No. It’s because I feel disorientated if I don’t have a camera on me. That may be confusing, so let me explain myself…

The Honor 8 Camera: A Review

When I’m buying a new phone there’s only one thing I care about besides calls/text. The camera. Honestly, truly (anyone who gets that reference is my new BFF). I can’t live without a camera, and luckily nowadays I don’t have to, because every phone has one. However not all camera phones are created equal. So when I heard about the new Honor 8 and all of it’s shiny camera features, I just had to test it out!

Check out my review, and I photos took with the Honor 8 camera below.

The Tech

Following with previous models, the device holds a dual camera with two 12 MP sensors; one RGB sensor to capture colours and one monochrome sensor for detail. Minus an optical filter, the monochrome sensor captures three times more light than normal, improving the dynamic range of the image and reducing noise – even in darkness – delivering unparalleled picture quality.

On top of this, the Honor 8 camera supports an extensive set of functions and filters, from light painting and beauty mode to panorama frames, slow-mo, food mode, HDR, super night and water mark.

The Photos

We could talk tech all day, but does the Honor 8 camera pay off? Well I took the Honor 8 out for the day around East London to test it out. I took colourful photos, food photos, close-ups, even photos of moving water. I really put the camera through it’s paces.

The big screen was really helpful in framing my photos, and tapping on the screen brought up a selection of editing tools to help get the perfect shot. I was a little worried that the screen would show a preview of an image that wouldn’t actually translate to the photos. However the photos came out clear and sharp. The Honor 8 camera captures colour in an amazing way. The colour you see in front of you, is exactly what you see in your photos too. That’s not something a lot of camera phones can do. Probably the most remarkable was the photo I took of moving water. The image was ridiculously sharp; capturing every ripple and bubble. Colour me impressed.

Final thoughts?

The Honor 8 camera is seriously a massive contender for the best camera on a smartphone right now. I was blown over by the sharpness of the photos, and how crisp the colour was. And that’s just the basic camera! I don’t really take selfies, but the beauty feature is definitely a bit of fun. As is the ‘food camera’, which brightens and saturates images slightly – to bring the most out of your food photos. The pro camera is definitely useful for those who already know their way around an SLR. However it might be confusing for those who are new to these kind of tools. The night mode and water mark features are also quite exciting, and I’ll definitely be checking them out.

If you’re after a new phone and a camera is a big part of your decision, you should definitely be considering the Huawei Honor 8.

You can buy the Honor 8 at Three.

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The Huawei Honor 8 was gifted to me by Honor, however all views, photos and words are my own.

bloomzy / September 7, 2016

24 Hours in Paris | A Paris Travel Guide

It’s been a while since I last mentioned anything Parisian on the blog. After living there for 4 months I think I needed a bit of a break. Well it’s been several years since my last visit, but last week I found myself in Paris again. The problem? I only had 24 hours! You know me, whenever I visit somewhere I like to do as much as possible. That’s a given. I also like to share my adventures with everyone on my blog…

So here’s my Paris travel guide to help you through your 24 hours in the City of Love!

24 Hours in Paris: A Paris Travel Guide

Stay at: The Pullman Hotel, Eiffel Tower
- Not only is the location amazing – it’s right next door to the Eiffel Tower! I dare you to find a better view from a hotel window.
Have breakfast at: Cafe Kitsune, Palais Royale
- If you’re anything like me, then you need a coffee to get you going in the morning. What better way to do this then in the gorgeous surroundings of Palais Royale. You’ll find Cafe Kitsune hidden in the 17th century arcade, with seating in the gardens.
Take a photo at Les Deux Plateaux (Colonnes de Buren)
- This controversial art piece is only a minute walk from Cafe Kitsune – I do like to make it easy for you, don’t I. Whether you’re a fan or not, this candy cane-esque installation leaves an impression. It’s pretty popular with locals and tourists alike, thanks to being so damn Instagrammable.
Have lunch at: Aki Boulanger, Rue Saint Anne
- This Japanese-French bakery-cum-cafe boasts some delicious treats, and is only a 10 minute walk from Opera metro station. You’ll find plenty of savoury and sweet food, all with nods towards the French location, and Japanese heritage. Think matcha mille-feuilles.
Walk around Avenue de l’Opéra
- It’s a beautiful part of Paris, which features some amazing architecture, and plenty of cafes and stores. Galeries Lafayette and Sephora are also nearby, and are a must-visit for any beauty or fashion fans.
Have dinner at the local brasserie
- You don’t get much more French than a brasserie, and luckily they’re an affordable way to try some decent, traditional French food. You’ll find them dotted around most streets. Chose the one with the bevy of Parisians sat outside, take a seat, and people watch.
Stay up and watch the light show
- After dark, the Eiffel Tower lights up every hour, on the hour. It’s a spectacular sight, and well worth waiting up for.

Feel free to leave your own Paris recommendations in the comments.
And don’t forget to check out my other travel posts.

bloomzy / September 5, 2016

Review: Guess Connect Smartwatch | Style & Tech

Guess Connect Smartwatch *

I love technology. Whenever something new and innovative comes out I’m the first one to jump on the bandwagon. As geeky as it may sound, wearable tech has found it’s way into our everyday lives. The smart watch is no longer something you’d only see in a James Bond movie. It’s a reality. In fact it’s so common now that it’s become a part of people’s personal style. The future is here!

The Guess Connect Smartwatch: Review

As much as I love smart watches I have never actually invested in one. Why? Well I already carry a ton of tech products on me, and I like to switch my watches depending on my outfit. There wasn’t much choice either, and I like to have my pick of the best tech out there. So when I was recently sent the Guess Connect smartwatch I was eager to try it out, and see what the fuss was all about.

The Look

This smart watch is the perfect combination of old and new, with a 41mm analog face. You can find it in 4 colours, one of which is a striking blue and rose gold. Personally the black and gold combo was right up my style alley. It’s definitely something I’d look for in a regular watch. That said, the watch itself is quite chunky for my taste. But this is a general problem for me with my oddly tiny hands and wrists. However my friends told me that as chunky as it was, it didn’t look out of place, which was a relief to hear.

The Tech

Tech-wise, this has all the basics you’d expect from a smart watch: connected via bluetooth, call and voice command, the ability to receive notifications, camera and music control, as well as other features. I tested the watch out and it synced up with my phone easily; I was receiving notifications in no time. I personally like the scrolling text and email feature. It allows me to preview my messages before checking them on my phone later. Not to mention the weather, music and camera functions, which are great. You can’t download apps onto the watch, but then this smartwatch isn’t about that.

Final thoughts?

As an introduction to the world of smart watches, this is perfect for any style driven person. At £250 it may seem expensive, but if you’re after a smart watch then this one certainly won’t break the bank. Plus it does pretty much everything you’d expect a fashion forward smart watch to do. It’s interesting that Guess have been one of the first designers to jump on the smart watch bandwagon. And I don’t think they’ve done too bad a job. Think along the lines of style-meets-tech, that’s when you’ll start to understand what the Guess Connect smartwatch is all about.

You can buy the Guess Connect smart watch at Debenhams.

bloomzy / September 3, 2016

Tokyo Coffee: Where to Go | Japan Travel Guide

One thing I love to do when I’m abroad is discover new cafes and coffee shops. It’s one of my favourite little luxuries at home, so to do it whilst travelling is a welcomed pleasure. So when I headed back to Tokyo this year I knew I had to find the best places in town. Luckily for me, my good friend Alanna and her husband are coffee fans too. Being the wonderful people they are, they curated us our own Tokyo coffee tour.

Below you’ll find my suggestions from the coffee tour we did together, and a couple I’ve thrown in myself.

Tokyo Coffee Tour: Where to go

Onibus Coffee, Nakameguro
- Visit here if… you like your coffee with minimal fuss, and a chilled vibe.
- With 4 locations in Tokyo, Onibus is no new name to the Japanese coffee scene. In fact they’re doing so well that they’re making waves in Europe too; they just got back from Berlin, and a collaboration with Bonanza Coffee.
Toranomon Koffee, Toranomon
- Visit here if… you love chemistry, and minimalist surroundings.
- Toranomon coffee is all about the chemistry behind coffee. They love experimenting (the lab coats are worn for a reason) and are well known for it. You can find them across Japan, and even in Hong Kong.
Coffee Valley, Ikebukuro
- Visit here if… if you care about fresh, simple ingredients.
- Coffee Valley isn’t that well known, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t popular. The cafe boasts queues for it’s fresh coffee, and delicious food. Don’t worry though, it’s worth the wait!
BiRd & rUbY, Sendagaya
- Visit here if… you want to hang out somewhere unique and cool.
- Bird & Ruby is tightly nestled in the middle of Sendagaya, on a cross walk, opposite a traditional shrine. Yep you couldn’t get much more Tokyo than that (the perfect mix of old and new). Offering up coffee and paninis, you’ll look effortlessly cool as you sip on your espresso, and flick through the latest issue of Popeye.
Sarutahiko, Shibuya
- Visit here if… you’re out shopping and need a coffee fix.
- Sarutahiko has a few locations in Tokyo, but the Shibuya branch is a great location if you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle. They have a great selection of coffee, and are super enthusiastic.

Feel free to share your favourite cafes in Tokyo in the comments!

Check out the rest of my Japan Travel Diaries (including Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo) here.

bloomzy / August 26, 2016

Where to Eat in London: 155 Bar and Kitchen

155 Bar and Kitchen | European | Website
155 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, EC1 3AD

Weekend brunch is almost a ritual for the typical Londoner. Whether it’s with your significant other, your friend group, or even a quiet one by yourself, it’s the perfect way to spend a morning…or afternoon. I’ll admit, I’m a serial bruncher. I do it at least once a week, so you know I’m seriously knowledgable. I just love it.

Where to Eat in London: 155 Bar and Kitchen

I like brunch even more though when I can pair it with window shopping. That’s why 155 Bar and Kitchen was the perfect location for me. Attached to trendy lifestyle store Clerkenwell London, 155 Bar and Kitchen offers up European food from breakfast to dinner. The stylish interior blends perfectly with the vibe of the restaurant. I’m such a sucker for a good looking restaurant.

Of course I was there to brunch, and what better way to do it than with a bottle of prosecco? Ok so we didn’t just dine on bubbly. In fact we tried a couple of dishes and shared them:

155 Waffles
At 155 your Belgian (the best in my opinion) waffles come with a choice; bacon & scrambled egg, or berries and cream. Savoury and sweet is my jam, so I went for bacon and egg. The waffles here are homemade, and are the perfect mixture of crunchy outer, and soft inner. Whilst the bacon and egg help even out the sweetness of the waffle. It’s truly a match made in heaven.
Classic English Breakfast
This has to be the prettiest English breakfast I’ve ever seen. And that’s definitely the weirdest sentence I’ve written for a while. There wasn’t too much food, nor was it greasy – two of the main sins of a full English. In summary, not only did it look good, but it tasted pretty damn good too.
The coffee
As always, a brunch spot is nothing without good coffee. If you fancy a bit of caffeine alongside your prosecco – coz you should totally get prosecco too – then don’t fear, 155 does not disappoint on this either.

Final thoughts? 155 Bar and Kitchen is a ridiculously cool and sleek restaurant, perfect for any foodie. Because guess what? It’s all style, and a hell of a lot of substance. If you’re in Clerkenwell, this seriously needs to be on your list of go-to places. And if you don’t? Then get off your sofa and head there straight away!

Check out more: Where to Eat in London

bloomzy / August 22, 2016

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House | Tokyo Travel Diary

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House | Cafe | Map
5-1-2 Minamiaoyama, Shibuya, Tokyo

Have you ever walked into a place and just been taken aback by its sheer beauty? That’s exactly what happened to me when I first walked into Aoyama Flower Market’s Omotesando branch, during my recent visit with Nicole. The flower shop is well known, with outlets across Japan. However this particular location is nestled in amongst the high-rises of Aoyama, and only a minute walk away from Omotesando tube station. Perfect for my inner mori gal.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House: Concept

The concept behind Aoyama Flower Market’s tea house is quite simple; a greenhouse. Yes, it may sound boring, yet it’s anything but. Think blooming flowers, ivy crawling along the walls, and a botanical inspired menu. That’s exactly what you’ll find here. The idea of “living with flowers everyday” was on the mind of AFM’s interior design team when they opened this plant haven. And boy did they deliver!

The Menu…

The menu here is pretty simple in terms of ingredients. You’ll also find alternating seasonal specials, which are based on particular flowers or holidays. As you can imagine most dishes are vegetarian and vegan friendly, however there is the odd meat dish on the menu; for those who just can’t go without. You won’t find any coffee on the menu either, only tea. So how did I get on as a coffee-loving, meat-eater?

Sakura Plate – Special
We visited during sakura season, so naturally the menu reflected this. Not surprisingly you can often find cherry blossom flavoured (slightly reminiscent of rose) products and dishes at this time of year. This dish in particular included sakura jelly, chiffon cake, sakura ice cream and cream with meringue “mushrooms”. I personally loved the taste; subtle and sweet, with a nice mix of textures. This dish was perfect for me!
Fresh Mint Soda
Gimme mint any day! Normally I drink a lot of mint tea, but I decided to cool down with something slightly more refreshing – and fizzy – this time. I was brought some optional syrup for my drink, which I didn’t add. However it’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. I didn’t get a photo of my soda, but I did snap one of my friend’s mint tea, which was just as pretty!

Final thoughts?

This is a popular place, so be prepared to wait. As a Londoner I don’t mind doing this, in fact it’s second nature when it comes to finding a decent restaurant. To be fair we only waited around 20-30 minutes, but you may need to stand if the few waiting chairs in the cafe are taken.

If you fancy some time away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is an incredibly relaxing, comforting spot to visit. From browsing the store for plants and flowers, to enjoying some sweet treats in the restaurant, I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere here. I’d definitely recommend it, and it’s certainly somewhere I would go back to on my next visit to Japan.

Check out the rest of my Japan Travel Diaries (including Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo) here.

bloomzy / August 17, 2016

The Beauty Expert Collection – Rose Edition

The Beauty Expert Collection – Rose Edition*

Beauty boxes have almost become a staple in the beauty game. However over time people (including myself) have become tired of the novelty of not knowing what you’re going to receive. Sometimes you just need a bit of stability in your life. You know what I mean?

So when I was gifted The Beauty Expert Collection – Rose Edition, I was excited to know just exactly what I would be receiving.

The Beauty Expert Collection – Rose Edition

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil (30ml) – Restore, regenerate and intensively condition lacklustre skin with this rose-scented fruit and seed oil blend. Super potent in concentrated fruit hip oil, with twice the regenerative sterols and five times the carotenoids of seed oil, feed your skin with the most essential nutrients.
Monu Gentle Cleanser (180ml) – Perfect for those with dry, irritated or sensitive skin types. The fresh infusion of rose and geranium essential oils deliver a relaxing aroma, while the wheat germ, peach kernel and coconut oil provide the skin with the TLC it deserves.
Ark Body Beautiful Conditioning Oil (250ml) – This gorgeous multi-purpose beauty elixir can be used as a massage, bath, body and hair oil. Containing sweet almond oil, abyssian oil and sacha inchi-seed oil, this unique blend rejuvenates your senses and ensures your skin receives maximum results.
Balance Me Rose Otto Body Cream (200ml) – Hydrate, firm and protect skin with this luxurious body cream. Rich in skin-quenching ingredients, including arctic cloudberry and organic aloe vera, this exquisite mix is then blended with softening rose otto, palma rosa and rose geranium.
Korres Japanese Rose Shower Gel (250ml) – Refresh and awaken your skin with the irresistible scent of delicate rose petals. Energising wheat proteins help form a protective layer on the skin to maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels, while antioxidant enzymes enhance the overall immune system of the skin.
REN Keep Young and Beautiful Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift (15ml) – This ultra-lifting, firming and replenishing eye cream instantly lifts and brightens the entire eye area. The powerful cocktail of ingredients helps target signs of ageing, crow’s feet and expression lines – resulting in a smoother, tighter and revitalised appearance.

Is The Beauty Expert Collection worth it?

This is always a difficult question, but it’s one that’s on anybody’s mind when it comes to buying a new product. Especially when that product is a beauty box – sorry, beauty bag. One of the main differences – and draws – of TBEC is that you know what you’re getting; 6 full size rose themed beauty products.

Personally I’m a fan of Ren, Balance Me, Korres and Monu. So seeing these brands in the bag automatically told me that I was getting something I knew I’d love. It also showed me that Beauty Expert know what they’re talking about – these are some awesome brands! The addition of a couple of companies I didn’t know of was also nice, as it means I get to try out some new products, and hopefully fall in love with some new brands.

So let’s look at this logically. The Beauty Expert Collection – Rose Edition, comes with 6 full sized products, suitable for all skin-types… oh and it offers up £134 worth of full size products for only £50! Yeah I do reckon you’re getting your moneys worth.

You can purchase The Beauty Expert Collection – Rose Edition at Beauty Expert.
Read more beauty reviews and recommendations here.