2018: June Favourites | Hazelnut Coffee, Podcasts & Yoga Pants

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONTH NICOLE 

June is coming to an end and I'm kind of sad about it. But then again, we're getting closer to summer and that I'm excited about. It's weird to think how fast the month has gone by but none the less, here are this months favourites.

Revlon Essential Cuticle Oil
I'm thinking I probably have the worst possible nails ever and cuticle oil has been the one thing that has made them look at least a little bit more normal like. Cuticle oil helps maintain healthy nails and cuticles. A blend of natural oils and Vitamin E helps nourish and hydrate nails so it's especially perfect in the winter.

Hazelnut Coffee
We all love a good coffee, well most of us anyway. This month I thought I'd try something new and it's now become a good ole favourite and staple in my daily routine.

Highwaisted Yoga Pants
I don't think I've quite fell in love with a pair of pants like I have the Highwaisted Tight Yoga Pants from Cotton On Body. They sell several different colours in these pants which I have just in black. They so freaking comfortable. I definitely need to go back and get me another pair.

Shannon Harris - Shaaanxo 
Shannon is one pretty incredible person. I've followed her content for years now and I still love her as much as I did when I first starting following her. Along with her beauty videos, her vlogs are some of my favourite videos. Shannons products are some of the best and I think in the future we're going to see some pretty epic stuff from her.

Don't Blame Me Podcast - Meghan Rienks 
Again, another long time favourite person of mine but her podcast in just incredible. She's one of the best people to give advice and I think the perspectives she brings to her podcasts allow us to learn even if we're not the ones needing the advice. Love it and love her.

What are some of your favourites? Do I need to be trying out any new products?

B x

Four Highlights From The Past Month | June 2018

Where the bloody heck has this month gone?! One moment I was in Auckland singing along with the most gorgeous Irish lad ever and the next I'm sat here writing about it in the end of month highlights post. We're close now to being half way through the year and I cannot believe how fast the first half has gone. 

June has been a relatively normal month with a few special highlights that have stood out to me the most. Next month holds the winter school holidays which means I'll be working longer hours which I'm excited for because we have some super exciting activities planned. Fingers crossed I'll be able to keep up with the uploads but make sure you're following me on Twitter, @bonnieellenxo, for all the updates. 

Niall Horan Concert + Auckland

At the very beginning the of the month I took my little sister and one of her good friends to Auckland  to see Niall preform live for her 17th birthday. Well lets just say, he's freaking gorgeous, he accent made me heart melt and it was better than I could have ever expected. I will say no more. 

Nicole's 17th

My baby sister isn't so little anymore. Well she actually hasn't been little for awhile now but I'm so proud of her and I cannot wait to see what life has in store for her next. 

Getting My Shit Together

June has been the month of really sorting my shit out. I've revamped my whole organisation system for all aspects of my life. It has me super motivated for the second half of the year and what it has in store for me. 

Sunshine

I think I mentioned in my last post that we've seen about 13-14 hours of sunshine for the whole month, but hey, I'll take what I can get. I'm not winter's biggest fan so any sunshine is better than none. 

Hope you have all had a fantastic June, and I cannot wait to see how July plays out!

B x

Seasonal Makeup | Autumn/Winter

@anniespratt

Well we all know how much I love winter and how dry it makes my skin, oh that's right, I don't. The sun just happens to be out, streaming through my window but don't let it fool you. We've seen about 13-14 hours of sun this month so far and I cannot imagine we'll be seeing it any more often next month. 

During the winter I always bitch and moan about how dry my skin is and to counter act that, I try to keep my makeup not only minimal but dewy too. Keeping it light and fresh makes my skin appear a hell of a lot more hydrated than it actually is and that's what this girl loves in the  middle of winter. 

Face

I kept my face products limited in the winter so that simply leaves me with three. The Chichi BB Cream for a medium but dewy coverage, Maybelline Matte Maker Powder in the T zone because apparently that's the one area that likes to stay oily all year round and then of course the Revlon Highlight and Sculpt Kit to highlight the high points of my face as well as to contour/bronze up the skin. 

Brows

Absolute nothing new here, two products. Natio Brow Kit and Chichi Brow Pomade. I rely on these products to keep my brows look fierce all day long. 

Mascara

Again, nothing to unusual for me. Revlon Ultra Volume Mascara and the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara. When I find a combo that works well together I tend to stick with it until I find something new and exciting to try. 

Lips

What a surprise, they're dry, flakey and hurt terribly at this time of the year. At the moment I'm loving using my Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm. I find it hydrates my lips for a decent amount of time and boy, does it smell delicious! If you're having issues with you lips this winter I highly recommend you give Burt's Bees product a whirl. 

B x 

Instagram Roundup

It's been a good few months since I've sat down to do a post like this so instead of going through every single Instagram uploads of mine since February, I thought I'd pick out a couple of my favourite moments. To see all my Instagram uploads and updates make sure you're following me @bonnieellenxo. 

30 March 2018

At the very end of March, myself and a few family members went down to Dunedin to see Ed Sheeran live. It was an incredible experience and 100% someone I'd see again live. Six 60 was Ed's opening act and they were just as incredible themselves. I feel in love with them both all over again. 

07 April 2018 

As some of you may remember at the end of March I moved back to Christchurch and yes, the same week as going to see Ed, it was hectic. I love being back with my family and I'm excited for the future. This has to be two of my favourite pictures I have with my sister. Love her to bits. 

13 May 2018

Mother's Day! We had the best day as a family. My cousin came back from uni in Wellington for the weekend and we all got to spend some quality time together. I have so many favourite photos of my Mum and me together but this one is one of the best ones from years ago. 

28 May 2018

You all know how obsessed I am with animals, let alone cats alone. These little kitties are up for adoption at my local pet shop. They're the most adorable wee things I've ever seen so what do I do? Not adopt them, but go play with them and have a wee photoshoot with them because duh, why not?

01 June 2018

Well I like to think I'm a great big sister, especially after deciding to take my little sister and one of her best friends to Auckland to see Niall Horan live. To be fair, the concert was way better than I had ever expected and his opening acting Maren Morris was incredible. I haven't stopped listening to her music since the concert.

11 June 2018

Last but definitely not least, my little sisters 17th birthday. I cannot believe that she's 17 and not really that little anymore. We had a fantastic time celebrating her birthday and she was spoilt rotten, which is exactly what she deserves. 

Much love, B x 

Steps Women Take Everyday To Keep Themselves Safe

@clar_san

This was never the post I intended to have up today but I'm angry, upset and full of complete and utter despair.

22 year old, Eurydice Dixon, up-and-coming Comedian of Melbourne, Australia was walking home from a gig while only a few hundred metres from her home, never made it. We now know that she was raped and murdered and a 19 years old man has been taken into custody.

There is currently a conversation happening and even police said she should of had 'situational awareness', shouldn't of had her head phones in or maybe shouldn't have been out on her own so late at night but to me, the fact  of the matter is women shouldn't have to leave their homes worried they're going to bump into a violent man.

Women should not have to have there keys at the ready to use as a weapon, worry about the length of their skirt or which side of the street they're walking on. This is what's happening, victim blaming and it's bullshit. Every women, including myself should be able to walk where ever the hell we want but it seems at the moment we can't. We're in an epidemic of violence towards women. Australia, last year had one women every week died due to women violence, so far this year stats are sitting at 30.

In a situation like this, it's wrong to bash men because I believe that we need men. We need men to call out their mates, we need to educate young men and men in general that we as women are not objects, we are not object to be owned or to feel entitled to. We are equals and we deserve to be loved, cherished and respected.

We need to work together because ignoring it isn't an option and what we're doing right now just isn't cutting it, it's not working.

I'm going to leave a couple of articles linked below that I think are worth the read along with the comments.

2Day FM Breakfast - Em's Message For Every Australian
NZ Herald - Everyday Steps Women Take That Would Shock Men

Much love, B x

Ultimate Bath Routine | Bubbles, Candles & Face Masks

@ataheri

Bathes are the perfect way to unwind from the day, relax and to take some time for yourself. My bath routine isn't too long and consists of mainly self care rituals but that's what leaving me feeling rejuvenated, ready for a good nights sleep. 

Bubbles / Bath Bomb

I'll always use bubbles or a bath bomb, sometimes both, when I'm having a bath. It's just something fun yet relaxing. I'll generally use bath bombs or bubbles from Lush as there products are all natural and consist of a bunch of great ingredients for your skin. 

Face Mask, Cleanser and Scrub

If I'm having a bath it usually means I'm doing a face mask at the same time. The face mask always depends on what I feel like my skin needs on the day. While I'm in the bath I'll always give my skin a quick cleanse and scrub at the same time, just as if I was showering. 

Body Scrub & Shave

I always give my body a good scrub and shave while I'm in the bath. I don't know about you, but having to shave my legs in the shower is such a pain in the butt so I always take full advantage of doing it while I'm in the bath. Giving my body a good exfoliate is important, especially in the Winter when I'm skin is so dehydrated. 

Candles

I feel like this one explains itself but what is a hot, relaxing bubble bath without candles? 

Book / Magazines / Phone

I'm one to normally take my phone to the bath with me, risky I know. But if you're not as stupid as me then you could alternatively take a book or magazine. I'd love to make my bath time screen free but I actually use the time to catch up on social media, maybe one day I'll get there!

Beverage

Again, something I do on the regular when it comes to have baths. While of course it could be a glass of wine, I usually go for a cold glass of water but hey, wine sounds good too! 

What are some of your must have products when it comes time for you to pamper yourself?

Much love, B x

Winter Essentials | To Keep Your Mind Healthy, Skin Fresh & Body Warm

@spencerbackman

Today’s post is something quick and simple since so I hope you don’t mind. I apologise for missing a post last week. I had issues with scheduling it to upload on the correct day, but regardless I’m finally getting it up for you today. 

As I discussed in my last post, I’m not the biggest fan of the cold weather so I thought I’d put together some of my absolute must needed essentials to keep my mind healthy, skin fresh and body warm. 

Scarf, Gloves & Coat

Oh, the perfect combination to keep your body warm this winter. I'd be lost without any of these clothing items around this time of year. Thermals are also anyones best friend at this time of year. 

Mediation/Yoga

I'm not going to lie, I'm never motivated to work out in the Winter but a little mediation and stretching never hurt anyone, right? I rely on meditation and yoga to keep me mentally keep sane in the Winter. 

Cuticle Oil & Hand Cream

In the Winter, my hands become the most dehydrated parts of my body. It's gross. So I rely on a huge amount of cuticle oil and a decent hand cream to save me from my dehydrated scaly hands. 

Hydrating Lip Balm

Again with being dehydrated, my lips cop it big time in the Winter. I always carry lip balm around with me everywhere but you'll at least find double the amount hanging around during Winter. Hydrated plump lips are the best lips. 

Hydrating Facial Moisturiser & Body Lotion

Got to keep the body hydrated as well. I swear, if I wasn't to moisturise my body by the end of Winter I'd be a shrivelled up raisin just hanging by myself.  

Good Face, Lip and Body Exfoliator 

Before moisturising your body, you want to make sure you're exfoliating which will help removed any dead skin cells and send your skin on it's way to looking healthy and hydrated again. 

If you're interested in any specific products that I might be using this Winter to keep my mind healthy and skin fresh and hydrated, keep a look out for my favourites post at the end of the month where I'm bound to mention all the products, with direct links, that I've been using and loving. 

Much love, B x 

How To Kick The Winter Blues In The Butt

@unsplash

No one enjoys that feeling of not being able to get themselves out of bed in mornings. When it’s dark, cold and we’ve got a to do list the length of our arm getting up is the last thing we all want to do. Everything feels so much more difficult in the winter, I’m gave some days it even feels impossible. For some, they love winter but I’m 100% a summer gal. There are a few fail safe ways that I rely on to get through the Winter and to help things a little easier. 

The Dark

Many of us can deal with the icy cold weather but it’s the dark that really gets us. I really struggle waking up to darkness outside, which is inevitable in the early hours of Winter morning. If we’re lucky, some days we’ll actually get a few hours of sunshine otherwise it’s mostly cloudy, rainy and gloomy. I mean we’re pretty much to get any day light at all because for example, Alaska they only get a total of 4 hours of light. I don’t know about you, but that really doesn’t sound any fun at all. There really no way to get around the darkness and I have to admit I do feel sorry for all those that leave home in the dark and then get home in the dark. That means if you didn’t have the chance to get outside during breaks, you’d never have a chance to see day light which can be hard on the mind and body. As humans, we need Vitamin D and it’s easy to begin to lack in over autumn and winter when we don’t have the chance to get outside as often. The darkness definitely isn’t something that is greatly serious but it definitely can be difficult at times. 

Like mentioned above, there’s no way way to deal with the darkness that Winter brings but here are a few ideas. 

• Get outside when possible. Get some fresh air, it’ll do you the world of good.
• Find something about autumn & winter you enjoy. For me it’s the colours, styles, bubble baths & hot drinks.
• Talk to people about how you’re feeling. Chances are the feel the same way do you do.

The Cold

Oh, I hate the cold and hate having to where so many layers just to keep warm. But in reality unless you for afford to stay at home all day in bed, there is no real other option. You’ve just got to find a way to deal with icy cold temperatures. It’s just not the drop in temperature I cannot deal with it’s also the brisk wind and icy cold rain. Together, that’s just a rough combination. 

Really, we’ve just go to to suck it up, stay as warm as possible and wait it out until summer. Regardless of all that, here’s how I try to keep warm anyway. 

• Dress accordingly. Winter really ain’t the time to have your legs out and wearing sleeveless tops. Remember you can still be stylish while keeping warm. 
• Invest in a good pair of gloves, a scarf and coat. 
• Thermals are your new best pal!

The Stress

Okay, so as lovely as winter can be sometimes, it can also be incredibly stressful. I mean life can be stressful all year round but the yucky weather can make it hard to be motivated to do anything. There’s so much pressure to be happy all the time but realistically that’s just not achievable. Stress is just one of the inevitable things in life but what it comes down to is how to choose to deal with it all and how to choose to look after yourself in a time of need. 

Looking after myself and self care is really important to me. As someone to can become stressed very easily I’ve put into practice a few things to help reduce stress levels. 

• Take time out when possible. 5 minutes or half an hour, anything is better than nothing. 
• Plan and allow wiggle time. Events and appointments are always subject to change. 
• Be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up for not being able to do everything. 
• Sleep and rest as much as possible. 
• Don’t be afraid to say no. 
• Never apologise for not being ‘happy enough’. 

Do you struggle with winter? How do you cope? 

Much love, B x