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LIFESTYLE

MY POOL PARTY & COLLECTING SPECIAL MEMORIES

January 11, 2016

Hosting a pool party- Bonbon Girls

Pool Party food

GH. MUMM & Deep fried Mac & Cheese Balls

 

Pool Party Swan

Pool Party Flamingo

Pool Party with friends Birthday cake with macarons

Swan-Flamingo-Pool party

Pool Party

Pool party!!

Pool party with friendspool party with moetPool Party NZ SUMMERTHE PERFECT RECIPE FOR A POOL PARTY WITH FRIENDS.

I have to admit, just a few months ago, the thought of turning 26 scared me a little. I have always had a fear of getting older and the thought of heading into my late 20’s meant that my life was pretty much done. I have since learnt to come to terms with embracing getting older, I mean, there’s no way around it, is there! Once you become comfortable in your own skin, life truly does become so much better. And, I have to say, this had to be one of my best birthdays yet!

I didn’t want to do anything too crazy this year, I have been in summer mode so planning and organising an event just sounded like too big of a task. I didn’t want to make a huge fuss- just a dew drinks, some giant blow up pool toys and some of my favourite people to celebrate with. This was the perfect recipe for a fun night. I am pretty lucky to have the friends that I do. Celebrating at home is only fun when you have great people surrounding you- and I definitely have that! The older you get- the more you begin to realise how important the people are that are always there for you. Surround yourself with kind hearted and fun people always, and do things for each other without expecting something in return.

Antoinette x

P.s My cake was made by my mum and it was made up from three different layers, and yes she also made the Macarons herself! I was so impressed by her efforts! She only started making these cakes a few months ago and she is doing so well with it!

Dress- Forever New

Blow Up Swan and Flamingo;

Mums Cakes can also be found

LIFESTYLE

CHRISTMAS EVE DRINKS & FEELING THANKFUL

December 24, 2015

Merry-christmas-eve-drinks christmas-eve-drinks! christmas eve drinksMerry Christmas Eve lovelies!

Just a very quick appreciation post to say Merry Christmas to all my amazing readers. You guys are the ones that keep me going and just realizing that what I love is appreciated by all of you makes me want to continue even more and it always gets me even more excited to create. A special thanks to my family, Richard and all my friends, you are the ones who support me and always prove to me what true love means and for that I’m always grateful.

Merry Christmas to all of you!!

(Photo’s taken tonight with my sister, Samara)

 

LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

December 7, 2015

summer bucket list

It’s your favourite time of year again! Full of good vibes, good music, lots of festivals and sandy toes. What’s not to love about summer?

For the first time ever I have decided to create a Summer Bucket List, because this is my favourite time of the year and I’m not going to be wasting it. I have decided to embrace every moment, make new memories and try new things! It sounds cliché but life really is way too short too take it for granted. So I’m starting with embracing the little things.

Who’s with me?

My Summer Bucket List

-Host a Cocktail Party

I’ve always loved making my own cocktails and of course- enjoying them with friends! Invite your best girls over and ask everyone to0 bring a bottle of spirits, get a little creative in the kitchen and enjoy!

-Embrace Your Natural Hair

Ditch the straighteners and enjoy letting your hair get a little salty. Embrace what you have naturally and the health of your hair will thank you for it!

-Get Out of Cell Phone Range

Take a break from your cell phone and enjoy moments without having the internet at your fingertips! Try going camping for a few days if your that way inclined. Taking a few days off could be just what you need.

-Make a Summer Playlist

For road trips, barbeques or to play at the beach- this is a necessity! No one want’s to listen to bad music 😉

-Take a Road trip with your girls

Even if it’s just for a day trip, this one has to be done. Nothing is more important than making time for your friends and a roadie brings you closer together!

-Enjoy the lead up to Christmas over Dreading it

Because too many people stress over one day! It’s supposed to be day filled with loved ones and enjoying food and having the day off from everything else. Embrace the build up!

-Perfect the art of Self Tanning your Back

This one needs no explanation.. But while were on the subject- I’ve decided I am now a fake tanner. I was always against fake tan because I dreaded looking like I had rolled around in Doritos, but the technology in the products has drastically improved and I’ve decided that a natural tan is not worth the long term effects. A day of sunbaking has so much damage to not only your skin but your health.

-Make memories without your phone camera

The best memories are the ones that aren’t documented. Sure the ones documented are great too- but were you really embracing the moment or were you too focussed on getting the perfect snap?

-Stop comparing your body to others

Because you are foxy AF and you know it! If you are struggling with loving yourself then I strongly recommend you read up (and stalk) one of my favourite bloggers Gala Darling. This chick is bad ass and teaches woman everywhere to learn how to truly love themselves and embrace your flaws as well as your strengths.

The start of my Summer Playlist;

What’s on your Summer Bucket List for this year?

#GIRLBOSS LIFESTYLE

32 Things I learned from my apprenticeship

December 3, 2015

apprenticeshipStarting an apprenticeship is a huge step, your signing up to a minimum of three years of coffee making, shampoo scrubbing, studying, cleaning and training. All with a smile on your face and for minimum wage.

Choosing an apprenticeship over studying full time can save you loads of time and money however.  Your getting hands on work and your are building relationships with clients and people in your industry. Basically, your getting a head start and getting paid to do so.. While your friends are studying at uni and paying to be there.

This post is directed at a hairdressing apprenticeship, because obviously that’s what I have experience in, but I’m sure the guidelines would be very similar in other roles.

So here’s what I learned from my  hairdressing apprenticeship;

  1. Meal prep! Just because your working hard does not give you a free pass to eat junk food all day long. Fast food is quick and easy, and so many hairdressers end up eating it almost daily because there are days where you won’t get a proper break.  Instead, meal prep on the weekends and take loads of healthy snacks so you can eat on the go. (My favourite was chopped up celery with peanut butter)
  2. Keep organised. Take your kit to work and leave what you need, there. The amount of times I took my scissors home for a haircut and left them there!! If your going to your tools home, make sure you put them back in your bag straight after you use them.
  3. Utilize your friends. Your going to need about a million models so have a good group of friends you can rotate around for cuts and colours. Also, post status’ on Facebook, someone should make a group page for this by the way!
  4. Work towards small goals. Your apprenticeship will normally take a minimum of three years. So enjoy it while it lasts. Get really good at small goals like perfecting a big bouncy blow wave, too many apprentices want to be the best NOW. But to be the best, you need to focus on all the small goals in between. So set yourself some small goals every month and work at them continuously.
  5. Speaking of goals- Create yourself a bucket list. Having goals outside of your apprenticeship and setting some longer term goals will help you to focus on what you are working towards.
  6. Get pretty dam good at that shampoo! Clients love a good scalp scrubbing, so if your wanting future requests put everything into that shampoo!
  7. Just because your pay is pretty shitty now doesn’t mean it will always be. But also be grateful you are being paid to learn. This is a pretty rare thing today and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
  8. Use your brain like your time. Don’t waste it. Absorb every bit of information from the people you are working under. If you are working under some pretty amazing stylists then become their “shadow” offer to shampoo for them, clean up after them and assist with anything they need. You have an awesome opportunity to learn from some amazing people and be paid to do so!
  9. But also, don’t be a doormat. This one took a while to sink in for me. Just because your an apprentice doesn’t give people the right to treat you like crap. Learn to stick up for yourself and do it in a polite manner. If someone is consistently picking on you- talk to your boss. If it is your boss doing this, try to arrange a meeting with them and if it’s still not being resolved then think about applying else where. You are a catch and once you get started in the industry, it’s pretty easy to find a salon that will treat you how you should be treated. No one deserves to be bullied.
  10. Sign up for weekend classes. I had a pretty great boss who signed me up (and paid) for any classes I wanted on the weekends. Through this I got to learn extra skills, meet new people and network with others in the industry. If your in New Zealand, I would suggest the Redken Cut it Classes, I learnt so much from these classes.
  11. Confidence is key. Another thing I seriously struggled with. Building confidence is how you win over new clients. They won’t trust you if you don’t trust yourself. In saying that, make sure you practice day and night, 24-7 before you start working on clients. Being pushed onto the floor too soon can really knock your confidence back so make sure you know exactly what your doing before you get to work on clients.
  12. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! It’s hair- it’s going to grow back and sometimes we need to make mistakes in order to learn and grow.
  13. Go to class. Something that used to bother me was the amount of students that would skip tech. It’s once a week and it’s only for about 10 weeks a year! Unless you enjoy resitting your assessments, go to class.
  14. Learn skills outside of your apprenticeship. The truth is, you may end up changing your mind about hairdressing. In fact a good portion of apprentices do. So learn all you can from it AND some. The great thing about being an apprentice is you’re learning exceptional customer service skills, keeping up with trends, creativity and your using your brain to think outside the square all the time. So if you decide hairdressing isn’t for you- there is so much more available to you!
  15. Mastering that perfect coffee and making it fast! You’ll get pretty good at this. Not only for your clients but for yourself, and yes you are going to need it in the morning, sometimes throughout the whole day.
  16. The salon is your new home, get comfy. When you start your apprenticeship your basically signing your life away. Get ready for 10+ hour days and say good bye to weekends.
  17. Make sure you have a good relationship with your colleagues. Your going to be spending a lot of time with them after all. Having good relationships makes for a better work environment and you can then ask each other for favours. Like covering each others asses when you turn up to work hung over.
  18. Yes, every Saturday- someone will turn up hung over.. It is a salon after all and drinking is how we unwind. It’s just a matter of time until it’s your turn. (Just turn up showered with fresh make up on please)
  19. Don’t turn up to work still drunk. I may or may not be speaking from experience. Just don’t.
  20. Hair shows are THE place to score yourself some free products. Go to those, the goodie bags are worth it.
  21. If you do get the chance to have a lunch break, try to get away from the salon. Even if it’s just for a half hour. This way no one can pull you off lunch to shampoo and you come back to work feeling refreshed.
  22. Ask for help! If your running late with a client or your having a really difficult time finishing one of your tasks- it can’t hurt to ask someone for a hand. Everyone knows that a salon only runs smoothly if everyone is working together as a team.
  23. Come to work well groomed. Every day. From Day One! This is the hair industry and it’s all about how you look! People will ALWAYS treat you better when you look like you take care of yourself. Especially in this industry. When you walk into a salon, do you want your stylist to look well groomed and professional or sloppy with messy hair and a bad colour stain over the front of their shirt?
  24. Leggings are not pants.
  25. Wash your hands before you eat lunch. Working in a salon is pretty dirty. Chances are you’ve just finished washing your clients scalp, or sweeping the floor or emptying the trash and now your about to use your hands to hold that sandwich…. and you are putting in your mouth,,,,? Stahhp. Go wash your hands please. No one wants a sandwich with a side of your clients scalp. Or do you…..
  26. You are going to work late, yeah on Friday nights too. Something I learnt pretty fast is that you never have a “set in stone” finish time. If your needed to work later, you are going to be working later. No questions asked (unless you have something really important on)
  27. Work quickly and visibly. You want that reputation of a hard working apprentice, it’ll pay off if your colleagues are impressed by you so think outside the square and do things that aren’t asked of you, Show your initiative and everyone will love you for it.
  28. Be hungry. If your passionate and want to grow, you will.
  29. Have a great attitude and leave your issues at the door. Because that is what is going to make your day better.
  30. Keep out of the drama. People will talk shit, let them. You don’t want to be known as a gossip.
  31. Your going to become incredibly high maintenance. Seriously, your going to be colouring your hair like every four weeks at least. Because, who wants the same hair colour for more then four weeks? Experiment away, this is the only role where it’s perfectly acceptable to rock up with 5 different shades of pink in your hair.
  32. Quit stressin’ Enjoy the ride, have fun and don’t take your free education for granted!
Some of my favourite apprenticeship moments

Some of my favourite apprenticeship moments

Do you know someone starting an apprenticeship? Share this post with them and leave me any tips below if you think I may have missed something!

LIFESTYLE

5 Reasons why I’m in love with Rarotonga

November 30, 2015

Rarotonga

After spending just one week in Rarotonga, I was completely settled into the relaxed lifestyle and loving the fact that if you wanted to do nothing for the whole day, you could and there would be no reason to feel guilty.

It’s somewhere where you don’t have to be productive and you don’t have to get up and check a million tourist sights off your list, because…. there aren’t any. And that is what is so lovely about the place.

The wifi is expensive and runs really slow so I decided to go without for the week. I thought going wifi free was going to be a real challenge but it was strangely easy. In fact I quite liked it in a lot of ways. The only time I craved it was the first night in bed when I wanted to scroll through my Instagram feed before going to sleep. Which is a really unhealthy habit, I know.. (I’m working on it)

There are so many things I miss and love about Raro and I think you should know about them too, because Raro is a place I believe everyone should get to visit, at least once. So here are my top 5 reasons why I have fallen completely head over heels in love with the island.

Raro view- edgewater

1, The people are some of the loveliest I have had the privilege of meeting. All over Rarotonga, the people have such a lovely attitude towards life. Everyone we met was so easy going and their positivity was infectious. They make you feel really welcome and are more than happy to get to know you.

2, Yes the water really is that blue! The lagoon is just insane to look at and until you see it with your own eyes you don’t realize just how truly beautiful it is. We also didn’t need to go far to do our snorkeling. Literally a few steps into the lagoon and you are swimming with thousands of cute little fishy friends.

3, Time goes slowly in Rarotonga and no one is a rush to get anywhere. It’s so peaceful and lively at the same time. It’s the perfect place to head to for a break away from the screen because when your there- the last thing you want to be doing is sitting on your phone or laptop.

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4, They have the tastiest fresh Coconuts. Yes we managed to score ourselves some fresh coconuts straight from the tree (thanks to my sisters ability and drive to get it open) I’m not usually a fan of coconut water, but straight from the tree seems to make all the difference. Such a sweet refreshing drink and I have been craving more ever since.

5, Every day is a party! I went with a group of girls and obviously this changes the whole atmosphere of the trip. But we had such a ball and everyday was a real party in itself. Weather we were snorkeling, heading out for dinner or taking the bus singing at the top of lungs to Justin Bieber, we made fun out of every single situation. And that’s what truly makes a holiday great.

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LIFESTYLE

Our week in Raro

November 23, 2015

DSCN0372 (2)A little mash up of our holiday pics and a (terribly filmed) video summing up our week in Raro.

Last Sunday, we flew out to Rarotonga for 5 nights away. Mom really spoilt us by putting us up in business class, where I was snapped taking badly lit selfies and the Champagne was already flowing before we had even arrived, it made for a really interesting plane ride…. :)

The plan was for me to vlog our daily happenings, but I was on holiday mode and gave up after day two, so instead I put together the footage I did manage to get. Basically me following my sister around the Island. Literally, we biked around the ENTIRE Island…Which was long but fun- obviously we also stopped at like 5 different resorts for a swim and a drink because fitness is boring sober 😛

Rarotonga is one of my favourite places to visit. We stayed at the Moana Sands Villas which was amazing, I loved that we had our own kitchen so we could easily cook our own food instead of having to eat out for every meal. The atmosphere is so chill and basically any night you decide to go out you can find a party….or maybe that was just our group 😉

Girls trips away are so much fun but I’m definitely paying for it now (currently typing from bed)

Until next time Raro!

 

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DSCN0161 (2) DSCN0186 (2)DSCN0357 (2)Lunch with a viewDSCN0078 (2)DSCN0124 (2) DSCN0374 (2)DSCN0063 (2) DSCN0207 (2)DSCN0262 (2)

LIFESTYLE

How to Travel More and Spend Less

November 18, 2015

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Traveling is an adventurous experience that no one can take away from you. So how can we get the most out of our travels and spend less while were doing it? Here are some the tips that I have personally tried, tested and loved. These tips help you do more of what you love without completely breaking the bank.

Two locations, one trip.

This is easier in some countries over others obviously. Most people will never go to just one place in Europe, we fit in as much as we can. All the nearby countries are cheap to get too and extremely accessible with various trains, flights and bus routes. This can also be done other countries, taking a road trip to Vegas from LA was a personal favourite of mine. Pack in as much as you can while your there, it makes the adventure that much more exciting.

Use Airbnb. www.airbnb.co.nz/c/agoodfellow?s=8

Airbnb was how I spent most of my European trip. I’ll admit, some places can be a hit and miss but if you do your research, read reviews and the place still looks like the right fit for you- go for it! Airbnb saved me loads of money and allowed me to stay in central locations. It was actually a fun way to do it too because you can live like a local as opposed to staying in a stale hotel room. I have converted so many people onto Airbnb and they have all had great experiences!

Go during the off-season.

Not only is this way more affordable flight and accommodation wise- it’s also so much quieter in the touristy areas. Jump the queue and pay half the price- win win!

Pre-book.

Paying for everything well in advance helps. Look for deals online and keep your eyes open for passes and tickets etc. Buying online before you get to your destination can really help cut costs.

So bottom line is, do your research online. Their are so many deals waiting for you and if you land on the right website on the right day- you can grab yourself some great bargains! Now go live your adventure!

 

Beauty LIFESTYLE

What’s in my Beach Bag??

November 13, 2015

My summer essentials

Hey everyone! Hope your week has treated you well :)

On Sunday, I’ll be jetting off for a week! Finally making my return to Rarotonga, the perfect kick start back into Summer! So I thought I would create a quick post showing you all what I’ll be taking in my beach bag!

P.s, What do you guys think of my “100% Boy’s Tears” phone case? I love it! It’s so cuuute!

waterproof phone case

A waterproof Phone Case

The first thing I’m packing is this waterproof phone case. This one was sent to me from  the other day, and I’m pretty stoked. It’s going to be super useful at the beach, I obviously wouldn’t go jumping in the water with it but I am going to use it as a precaution at the beach and pools :)

Girl boss, sophia amorouso

A good read is essential when your going on a relaxing holiday. I think I’m going to go ahead and read Girlboss again. I read it a year ago and was so inspired by her so it might be time for a refresher.. Any other good reads you guys can recommend? I have heard some mixed reviews about Lena Dunham’s book, Not that kind of Girl. Has anyone read it? I’d love to know your thoughts!

Summer essential, whats in my beach bag

My bikini is by Victoria’s Secret. I actually picked it up in Hawaii last year so it’s an older style but I love it!

The Products! 

I am taking the Day and Night Lip Care products from Chapstick. I love these! I picked them up at the supermarket for like $7. They are soo gooey and rich and keep my lips really hydrated. The only thing I don’t like is they only last an hour or two, but I guess that’s pretty normal with lip balms, at least there easy enough to carry around for a top up.

Moroccan Tan Glow, which is a gradual tanner/tan extender. I really like gradual tanners, a lot more than a self tanner anyway. I just think their a little more natural looking and you can control the depth a little more than a full on Fake tan. I have been using this already the past two weeks and it still looks really natural. No Dorito coloured skin here!

The Aqua Boost Leave in Conditioner, so my hair doesn’t completely dry out. Most bottle blondes will know, bleached hair is already dry enough without the help of sun damage. In summer, it quickly starts looking brittle and yellow. Using a leave in conditioner or any product rich in moisture is essential in Summer! (Not just for blondes!)

Rosehip Oil to leave on my skin overnight. Rosehip oil is extremely repairing and can fight the damage done throughout the day. Always, always keep your skin hydrated. Even if your skin is naturally oily, it’s important to look after it. I remember I never used to moisturise my face because I thought the natural oils were doing it already but I didn’t realise that the cleansers I was using, were actually stripping my natural oils and causing more damage.

The only thing I  think I am missing is some waterproof speakers for my phone! Some music at the beach would be great- but I broke my last set and I don’t want to fork out for new ones just yet..

Is there anything you would add to my list?

LIFESTYLE Real Talk

What we can all learn from Essena O’Neill

November 3, 2015

SHOP_DIXI_ESSENA_ONEIL_BOHEMIAN_JEWELLER_01Essena O’Neill seems to be hot on everyone’s lips right now, the girl living the Instagram dream, known for her perfect body, having the perfect boyfriend and the ability to take a few thousand decent pictures for her social media account.

Which of course what we learnt is all a lie. Behind the selfies, the photo shoots and the push up bras was a young girl crying out for attention and love.

When it comes down to it, I think Essena just grew up. She was 15 when she started posting pictures of herself in a objectifying manner and thought it was a great way to get noticed. She is now 18, she is a smart girl and she doesn’t want that life anymore. Quite simply, she grew up, she changed, and she realized that she was doing something that she didn’t like and she didn’t value it in other people.

Just think about this for a second. Are you still doing the same things that you were doing at 15? Or 18? Or did you grow up and change your lifestyle to what it is today?

Does that mean that, the life of a promo girl is wrong?

Does that mean that earning money off social media is a bad thing?

Just remember this is not just happening on social media. Celebrities have been paid to advertise big brands for years and years. Everyone knows Justin Bieber isn’t actually using Pro-active, or that Eva Longoria isn’t actually coloring her hair at home with a L’oreal Box color (can we all just try and imagine Eva applying her own color at home for a second!?) They take the jobs simply because they are getting paid.

Essena, what I have learnt from you is that you were very young when you got into the social media game. You didn’t know what you were getting yourself into and you made decisions you now regret. Much like a young celebrity getting thrown a wod of cash to promote a skincare company they weren’t that into…

Girls that are making money through their social media accounts aren’t evil or doing wrong. They are simply making a living. Much like you do, when your at work..

I still believe social media is a great way to connect and share, but just be honest about what your doing. If your getting paid to promote something- be a little more transparent about it.

This goes for any job you happen to find yourself in- Don’t do it just for cash- Do it because you love it and it gives you some sort of satisfaction

If you have any thoughts, I would love to hear them below. This post is not intended to encourage promoting products you don’t believe in, and that is something I never do here on Bonbon Girls. It is quite simply, sharing my opinion on the matter.

LIFESTYLE

All about Matcha! My Smoothie Bowl and Bliss Balls Recipes

October 26, 2015

IMG_0147 (2)I Love you very matcha.. <3

Matcha is a high quality tea that Buddhist monks have been drinking for almost 900 years.

The benefits of drinking Matcha are huge. The tea contains 137 times the antioxidants as a traditional green tea, because you are actually drinking the grounded up tea leaves themselves as opposed to infusing your hot water.

Matcha slows down the aging process and it is also rich in caffeine- enough to keep you energised for 6 hours. I personally love Matcha tea for the benefits it has on my skin.

The great thing about Matcha is you don’t have to drink it as a traditional tea to get the benefits, I’ve tried a couple of different recipes using my  it’s a more creative way of enjoying Matcha, especially if your not normally a fan of green tea.

This is a slightly different post to my normal- but I hope you enjoy it!

Let me know if you try out the recipes and if your looking for a creamier Matcha treat check out this Roasted Blueberry and Cream Matcha Popsicle!

 

Matcha Chocolate Bliss Balls:

1 mashed banana, 1 cup LSA, 1 cup of oats, 1/4 cup of desiccated coconut, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 1/2 cup cocoa, 3 tbs peanut  butter, 2 tbs honey, dash of vanilla.

Matcha Topping:

1 cup of desiccated coconut, 1 tsp matcha

Mix Bliss ball mixture well in a bowl, and roll into balls using your hands, then coat evenly in the matcha topping. Leave to set in the fridge for one hour.

IMG_0143 (2)domorehappystuff

Matcha Berry Smoothie Bowl:

1/4 cup blueberries, raspberries or blackberries (Frozen are OK), 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tsp Matcha.

Blend together in a electric blender and decorate however you like! Mixture thickens up quite quickly so drink immediately.

smoothie bowl