See you in 2018...

As you have probably noticed (or maybe not) I have been fairly absent from the blogging scene this year. I haven't uploaded a post since Halloween and although I've had lots of ideas and a whole lot of intention the content just hasn't come.

For the last few months I have been running a company, working a second job, trying to keep up with my family and friends and you know... living my life, which means blogging has taken a back seat. (I'm not sure how many times it is now that I've written that sentence.... but it's definitely more than a few.)

Not only do I struggle for time when it comes to blogging but, if I'm being honest, motivation. 

Since starting 'A Yellow Brick Blog' (AlohaKirstie's previous name) in 2013 the blogging world has taken a huge leap in terms of content, quality and overall uploads and over the past 18 months I have really felt like I've been left behind. Girls in which I started this journey with are killing it with insane photography, brand deals and general amazingness and I could not be prouder to have seen them grow and shine - I know firsthand how much they deserve it all. But for me I feel like I've faded into the background of the blogging world, with my content being amateur and weak compared to even brand new bloggers.

I always will be forever grateful for every single person that still clicks on this site, follows me on social media and generally is a babe towards me, but lately I feel like I've been letting those people down with my shoddy attempts at blogging and I need to remember WHY I started this in the first place. An outlet for myself to share things I love, share advice and basically just have a little Kirstie platform to hold dear to my heart. 

So in 2018 I'm hoping to be BACK, maybe with a new look, a new vibe - but I really want to be that blogger I was in 2013/14/15 creating fun content that I love, sharing products, places and things I want to share and just enjoying my work!

So fingers crossed here's to an exciting new blogging venture in the new year....

Please do share in the comments anything you'd love me to include here on AlohaKirstie or maybe posts you've enjoyed in the past. 

Where to find me in the meantime:

Twitter: @AlohaKirstie

Instagram: @AlohaKirstie

Facebook: /AlohaKirstie

10 Things Still On My Walt Disney World Bucket List

No matter how many times I go to WDW, there will always and forever be an ever-growing list of things I want to see, do, eat and experience across the world of Disney. So here are ten things still on my Walt Disney World bucket list...

Disney Wishlist #24

Ladies Christmas Pyjamas | Doormat | Lilo & Stitch Figurine | WDW Sheet Music Prints | Cinderella Pumpkin Coach Pandora Charm | Mickey Sweatshirt | WDW iPhone Case | Merci Handy Hand Gels | Stitch Christmas Tree Ornament | Baymax Blanket

Anxiety.

Anxiety isn't something I've ever gone in depth with here.
 Yes, you may have seen a few tweets from myself expressing how I'm feeling but I've never gone into more than 140 characters about how I'm feeling, mainly because I have always been a little reluctant.
One, because I don't want people to ever think that I'm joining in with a trending topic or 'trend', as that is in no way the case and also knowing people in my actual life and people from my hometown/Island read my blog. For some reason this always makes me feel a lot more vulnerable than just sharing my issues with the internet and my blogger pals online. 

My ASOS Autumn Sale Picks

Does anyone else find the ASOS sale addictive? I swear I could spend half the day browsing and searching the bargains on there!

As the exciting Autumn sale is now LIVE I thought I would share with you all some of my top picks that are waiting patiently in my saved items.... my bank is telling me no... but my wardrobe is telling me GO! #HELP

Disney Wishlist #23

Toy Story Mug | Aurora Cosplay Dress | Fluent Disney Notebook | Tink Tree Topper | 90s Toy Story Tee | Minnie Towel Headband | Pumpkin Carriage Candle | Tink Cath Kidston iPhone Case | Guess The Film Game | Cinderella Writing Set

Neal & Wolf : Natural Curl Styling Routine

I apologise for the lack of posts lately, once again life has taken over and unfortunately blogging had to take a backseat. But I'm back and fingers crossed there are lots of posts coming your way!

My hair has really done everything over the last few years -  colours, lengths, styles... I've literally done it all!
At the beginning of this year I made a conscience effort to try and get my hair back into a good condition. After trying ombre for a few months I thought it was time to dye my hair all over and get it cut into a bob... therefore starting over completely with my hair.
 Since then I have tried to keep it in the best condition I can and have only used heat on it a handful of times and it's already feeling a million times better!

My Autumn TV Picks

Autumn is probably the greatest time of year for TV. New pilots are launched, seasons return... and we generally want to stay in and cuddle up more because it's raining once again and a bit bloomin' chilly!

DIY Disney Fashion

Ahhh I have been so excited to share this blog post with you all and now it's finally time!

We ALL know I love Disney and whether it's movies, mugs, holidays or fashion, I'm all for it. So creating my own personalised Disney pieces? YES PLEASE.

Disney Wishlist #22

Mickey Bodysuit | The Little Mermaid Washbag | Girl Power Minnie Crop Top | Kate Spade Minnie Backpack | Castle iPhone Case | Maui Soft Toy | Thomas Kinkade 2018 Wall Calendar | I Speak Fluent Disney Notebook | TGMR Print  | Lilac Mickey Studs

Why I Got A Second Job | Being Self-Employed and Employed

 

Yasssss #girlboss life! 

T-Shirt : Pretty Little Thing // Jacket : New Look // Lipstick : Stila, Beso

Two jobs? You must be crazy! That's what I've been getting told, but I know making this decision has been the best thing I've done for myself in a long while.

New Look Haul | Sale Bargains, Designer Perfume Dupe & 90s Trends

What's that? 
A video?

Yes! I've finally uploaded new content to YouTube... shock horror! After watching alot of YouTube lately... and I mean alot I have slowly gained some confidence (ish) to upload a new video.... and hopefully this is just the start!

The Best Mood-Boosting Breakfast Smoothie

Since swapping my diet up to a paleo-based lifestyle I have had the same thing for breakfast every single morning. Yes, I may be a creature of habit but it's just.so.good. I'm not bore yet!

And as I can't keep GREAT things away from you all, today I am, of course, sharing my favourite everyday breakfast smoothie recipe! If you're a sweet/chocolate lover... this is one for you.

Disney Wishlist #21

BATB Pyjamas | Mickey Hoodie | Things To Do Pad | My Happy Place Tee | Minnie Mouse Satchel Bag | Sleeping Beauty Canvas |  Mickey Diary 2018 | Mickey Pen | Minnie Cake Tin

Come Grocery Shopping With Me : My Weekly Supermarket Essentials

Am I am sucker for any type of foodie vlog/blog post. I love seeing what other people buy at the supermarket and when I popped out a Twitter poll to see if anyone would be interested in my grocery shop (because you know this is what people do with their lives now) over 90% of people said YES!

My Happy Mood Hacks

Sometimes we get into a funk, I do far too often and it pretty pants. You wake up in a mood with a cloud over you that just won't shift, getting annoyed at little things and wishing to be back snuggled up under your duvet.

Over the years I have discovered ways/hacks in which to help me fight to poop mood and put a smile back on my face! They work for me so maybe they can work for you too!

Disney Wishlist #20

The Little Mermaid Pyjamas | I'm Here For The Food Tank | Mary Poppins Journal | Stitch Cropped Shirt | Sleeping Beauty Coin Purse | Countdown Plaque | Darth Vader Grater | Disney Princess Postcards | Laughter Is Timeless Sign

Things I've Learnt From Working At Home

I have worked at home full-time since December last year. This is something I never even imagined would be possible for me 
The girl that never knew what she wanted to do, didn't go to uni, floated along in different jobs had opened her own company out of the blue .... bit scary huh?

Tropic Skincare Face Lift Brightening Tightening Mask : My New Favourite!

If you have read AlohaKirstie for a while now you will KNOW that I am a total sucker for a face mask. Whether it be a 99p sachet or a £50 glamorous concoction of gold flakes and god knows what else.
I love to give my skin a total pamper and detox at least once a week and my favourite way to do this is with a face mask.

Disney Wishlist #19

Chamilia Minnie Cupcake Charm | Minnie Mouse Pyjamas | Minnie Baseball Cap | Best Day Ever T-shirt | Buzzlighter Apron | Beauty & The Beast Watch | Nemo Bath Plug | Themepark Stickers | Mickey Bowl

28 Magical Disney Stores I've Found On Instagram

This year I have stumbled upon more than just a few incredible Disney Instagrammers. 
I am obsessed with having my feed full of beautiful, happy Disney snaps - Magic Kingdom selfies, mickey shaped food and of course... that cheeky purple wall! 
But what else I have discovered within this is the amazing array of Disney shops on Instagram.

Why Disneyworld?

That is a question I hear far too often. 
"Why do you want to go back?" "But don't you want to go somewhere else?" "Surely you're bored of it?" "There's a whole world out there you know"..... I've heard them all and I hear them from about 90% of people I talk to about holidays, and I cannot be the only one.

Since I was about 7 I had dreamed of Walt Disney World and being able to set foot in Orlando, Florida. 

Disney Wishlist #18

Disneyworld iPhone Case | Dreamer Watch | Instagram Pics Badge | Stitch Mug With Lid | Classic Logo Socks | To Infinity & Beyond Bangle | Adventure Scrapbook | Forever 21 Minnie Cap | Cath Kidston Notebook | Ohana Postcard

Sukin Skincare : First Impressions

Do you ever get bored of your skincare routine? 
The same products day in day out? It's not that they are doing anything wrong - they work perfectly fine, but there really is nothing like trying something new and experimenting with new products.

Focusing On My Health & Wellbeing : My Six Steps

As many of you noticed last week I popped out a tweet to share that over the next six months I am going to be making a conscience effort to focus on both my physical and mental health and generally my overall well-being.
I'll be honest with you all, lately my mind has been a little all over the place. From work to weight - I haven't been me. 

UTan and Tone's Coconut Tanning Water : the fastest and easiest way to tan your face!

 I cannot be the only person out there who is a total wimp when it comes to using fake tan on my face. I'm good with tan, I like it, I love it, but there's something about wiping the mitt all over my face that makes me ever so nervous.
So nervous in fact that I'll let you into a secret.... I hardly ever fake tan my face (unless I'm desperate.). I'll tan up to my neck/chin and then pop on darker foundation when doing my make-up! 

Disney Wishlist #17

Baymax Mug | I Lava You Cushion | 90s Disney Shot Glasses | Princess Mason Jar | Rose Gold Princess Decals | Spireside I Am Moana Candle | Spireside Main Street Bakery Room Spray | Fastpass Princess Cap | Mickey Mouse Ring | Disney Studio Pens

Six Ways I've Managed To Reduce My Monthly Outgoings

The last few months have been tough.
It may look glamorous to work from home, own your own business, be your own boss and live on the internet - but it's not easy. (no I'm not a full-time blogger.... if only haha!)

Taking knocks left, right and centre at one point really hit me hard and I kind of thought... what have I done to deserve this? I've worked my ass off since I was 15 and I'm really trying, but there is no use feeling this way - it could always be worse, I know that.

So over these months I've learnt to tightened those purse strings every so slightly and have learnt to live an adult life (aka not living a home with the 'rents) on a serious budget.
I thought maybe this post could help a few of you, maybe are in a similar position, want to pay off some debt or just looking to save some money each month!

Debt Managed - Going Interest Free!
When it comes to 'debt' I'm not in a terrible hole. I had one credit card, an overdraft, a store account, a phone contract - you know the usual. But I wanted a way to be able to save the money I was having to fork out each month to pay them off...... so I applied for a balance transfer interest free credit card. 
Surprisingly to me, I was accepted and I managed to move over the majority of my credit card sum to the new card which has 18 months 0% interest... saving me a lot of money for the next year and a half! Plus I have also paid off my store/online account too which is yet another weight off my shoulders!
If you're paying the minimum payment on your credit card and seeing near enough the same amount go on in interest each month look into the options available to you - I found Money Saving Expert really helpful for this and I use ClearScore to check my credit rating monthly which I highly recommend you do too!

Planning My Food Shops & Meals
Instead of heading to the shops 4 or 5 times a week and picking up bits and bobs I have been striving to go on a main grocery shop just once a week. I like to use my weekly planner (pictured) to breakdown what I'm going to have each day and therefore work out what I need to buy! Being boring old me I do tend to eat a lot of the same things which doesn't make shopping too difficult.... it's just a pain that eating healthy tends to cost slightly more.

Use It Up 
This kind of links to the above point. I try and look through my cupboards, fridge and freezer before planning my meals and writing any shopping lists to ensure I've using up as much as I already have as possible. 
Have you ever come home from a shop gone to put, say, a bag of pasta away only to be greeted by the exact same bag already in the cupboard? THAT is what I'm trying to avoid! 
This isn't just for food either. Beauty products have always been my downfall and I got into the routine of "it's on offer, I'll buy it", even if it was shampoo and even if I already had three open bottles half used in the shower. So it's now - "there's none left, I need to buy more." before I invest!

Bye Bye Unnecessary Direct Debits
When I get paid, before I buy anything for myself, I pay every single bill I have, minus my direct debits which go out throughout the month.
Over the last few months though I have completely cut down the amount of DD's I have flying out of my account including NowTV, Audible and annoyingly... my gym membership - these were payments that, unfortunately, weren't essential to my life and I knew I could live without them. (Netflix you were lucky.... I NEEDED PLL.... now you're on thin ice!)

The Monthly List
At the start of each month I have been writing a list of things I will, without a doubt, have to splash out on. Things like boat fares (yes I live on an island), birthday cards/presents for loved ones, if my shower gel is running low.... you get the picture! I then try get everything bought asap so I can evaluate how much money I have left for the remainder of the month!

The Money Diary
I've tried these before and given up very quickly.... but what I have going on now seems to be working - I actually remember to add to it! Each payment I make I write down, at the end of each month I can then see what purchases weren't necessary and I can avoid it the next month. I do like to try and withdraw cash to use each week though as I feel like it makes spending a lot harder, you think a lot more if you have to work out if you have enough pennies in your purse!

Got any tips? Send them my way!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

Perfect Products For The Tired Girl

Are you a tired girl? 
Everyday do you wonder if you could get away with a cheeky lunchtime nap under your desk or think maybe glitter under eyes is actually a thing you could go for 24/7 and not just at festivals? 
Yes?
Then listen us! I've found some perfect products to help you feel relax, revived and slightly more... awake! As a serious fatigue sufferer myself I know how it feels to have zero energy and therefore zero motivation. From long working days on my feet to hours behind a desk - I've done it all and know all to well that sometimes we just need a miracle cure, or ten! 

I've been using these products over the last few months (some longer than others) and although they aren't 12 hours of beauty sleep they really do aid in destressing and help me feel ever so slightly more awake and alert!

If you work on your feet then this first product is a fabulous alternative to an electric foot massager which would set you back hundreds of pounds. The Footner Cool Active Massager* is a roller ball massager which dispenses a cool soothing foam to provide relief from many foot discomforts.
To use all you have to do is push down on the roller ball for a few seconds after shaking the bottle and the foam is dispensed! Then simply massage the foam into the entire foot in small, firm circles.It says to use for around two minutes per foot, but I could probably do it for alot longer. 
If you're suffering from long days/night at work, exercise or even high heel pain and your partner is too lazy/selfish to give you a nice foot rub then maybe this is the product for you to give a go! The only thing I sometimes wish when using it is that the roller ball was slightly bigger so I could massage a bit harder!
I WISH this had been around back in the day when I was working 13 hours a day in a cafe/restaurant - I remember going home nightly and rubbing in a cooling lotion to my feet because they were literally on fire and swollen from being on them all day and night,  this would have been a god send for me and my co-workers!

As I've gotten older something I've noticed a lot more is the bags under my eyes. I'm 99% sure this down to the stresses and pressures of adulthood (obvs), when I was younger I never bothered with concealer and the bags under my eyes weren't anything I ever gave a second thought.
At 27 I am now trying every technique, lotion and potion possible to deflate the little buggers! Working behind a computer screen day in day out not only makes my eyes themselves sore and strained but the area around my eyes always feels puffy, sore and unattractive So when I got the opportunity to try out Beauty Blvd's Divine Hydra-Gel Gold Radiance Eye Mask*  I thought I's give it a shot!
The Divine Hydra-Gel contains two masks, each made up of two individual gel sheets, one for each under-eye!
It does say to keep the mask in the fridge before using for an extra cooling and soothing effect - which I wish I had done.... but I didn't read that until I was about to try it out! The second mask is now being kept in the fridge though.
I was worried these little gelly things were going to be slippery and fiddly but they are super easy to remove from the packaging and apply. Just pop on the masks under ach eye, reaching as far as the outer corners and relax. Well... you can relax or you can carry on with the thousands jobs you need to do like I need - I like to multi-task! You can wear these for any up to two hours but you only need around twenty minutes to see and feel the benefits.

Did it work for me? Yes. Once I had removed the masks and massaged the excess serum into my skin I could see the difference. My skin looked a lot less puffy, slightly more hydrated and the look of fatigue has slightly lessened. I felt nice and refreshed too, it's crazy how much you reply on your eyes, when I'm tired they are the first thing to start lagging! I'm already looking forward to using this mask again, I think it will be a god send the next time I'm hungover!


Scent has always been a big thing for me, and I swear to God by aromatherapy oils to help my mood and energy levels.
My Mum actually bought me a set of three roller balls for Christmas just gone which I love and keep on my work desk at all times. They are named Confidence, Focus and Energy and are by the company Tisserand. These are three things I need a serious hand with on a day to day basis, my attention span isn't fantastic and my mind has the tendency to fire off in fifty directions at once... which can be very frustrating if you're trying to have a conversation with me.
When I'm feeling a bit sleepy and staring into my laptop like it's a black hole this is the roller ball I reach for - Energy.
This scent is made up from orange leaf, grapefruit and refreshing lime, a great uplifting aroma that helps me to snap out of my tired rut for a little while longer!


Something you may not think of too much is... what is causing me to be so tired? I definitely suffer from a few things that contribute to my everlasting state of sleepy but 
Health Hacks by Esme Flloyd is a fantastic book full of facts and solutions for everything from tiredness and nausea to back pain, cellulite and periods! There is something for everyone in this book and I learn something new every single time I flick through it.

Do you have any go-to products to help your tired-self out?

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

ASOS Summer Sale Picks Under £15

"The ASOS sale is now upto 70% off" .... literally the e-mail I am constantly waiting for and the one my bank account dreads. Music to my ASOS-loving ears! 

As the glorious sale is coming to an end I thought I would give you a quick last minute peek into the total and utter bargains I've spotted throughout the sale... all for £15 or under... because you likes spending lots when you don't have too!
(Don't forget to search #KirstieShops on Twitter for more daily finds from moi!)

Things Love Island has taught me...

I LOVE LOVE ISLAND.
There I said it, and guess what? I'm not in the least bit ashamed!

If you follow me on Twitter you will most likely know (and hate me for the fact) that I tweet about Love Island ALOT.  Every single night to be precise, so many of you may have noticed my little thread I started on Twitter about Love Island recently.
This thread was all about the 'things that Love Island had taught me' and after I had a reply saying 'you should so write a blog post of these' I thought... challenge accepted! So here is a list all about things that Love Island has taught me as a 27 year old non-singleton!

1. I need to do more squats
Holy moly these girls have some fantastic buns... I can only imagine what my pale cottage cheese wobble would look like on a HD 48in screen.... heads up - not fantastic!

2. BLI (which means 'Before Love Island fyi) I knew absolutely zero dating terminology
"My type on paper", "Stick it on her", "Grafting", "That's a bit of me", "get the ick" ..... I know I haven't been single in a long while but do people really use these phrases in real life? Really?

3. Remembering the exciting career of Blazin' Squad means I'm technically reality TV 'old'
The fact that some of the islanders couldn't even remember the lyrics to Crossroads really hit me hard. Am I that ancient? I mean come on.... Flip Reverse was an absolute belter!

4. Single people need ALOT of paper
On paper... on paper.... seriously stop with the 'on paper'. (Amber this is aimed at you)

5. Microphones don't seem to leave tan lines
In all seriousness I can't even wear a razor back top without getting some ridiculous tan line, how have they not all got white belts?!

6. Bonded extensions are sadly not invisible
Girls, girls, girls, have each others backs when they are hanging out in full view, Twitter explodes everytime a bond is noticed!

7. A water bottle with my name on it is the accessory of the summer and I need one
The fact that they are actually available aswell have made all my dreams come true... I need, need, need one!

8. Islanders would rather fake tan than play in the pool?
I know that ITV don't play pool antics much because the islanders can't wear their mics in there but seriously I would be bombing, diving, lying on a unicorn float 24/7 if I was there, who cares about fake tanning when you're in Mallorca! (Also this probably answers the microphone mark mystery)

9. Whoever is in charge of the soundtrack to each episode seriously needs to be nominated for a Bafta/Oscar/Golden Globe
Nailed it. Every single episode is teamed with a bloody golden soundtrack, honestly I laugh out loud at some of the chosen tunes to accompany the on-going drama.

10. Infinity bracelets mean NOTHING 
RIP Kember.  *UPDATE* - Kember is back on!

11. ITV have WAY too many ad breaks
Can I suggest that Love Island just has ten times more product placements in the villa and gets rid of ads throughout the show all together? #winwin

12. Caroline Flack has THE best job
Flying back and forth in the sunshine AND getting to know all the juicy gossip first? Caroline girl you have the job of dreams! Although I don't know if I would be able to keep my cool as well as Caroline...

13. I am a tactical voter
Were Dom and Montana the most compatible? Hell no. Did we all want to vote for them to ensure Montana's safety? Hell yes.

14. I look very young for my age
I'm 27 and I feel like I look about 12 compared to this glamazons. I mean I know my collection of Mickey Mouse t-shirt's doesn't help but still... I wish I could glam myself up like that!

15. The Vampire Diaries was right, Nina Dobrev does have a doppelgänger..... Tyla!
Seriously though? Aren't I right!

16. I am very quick as tweeting
I've come to the conclusion that I may need to do finger exercises before and after the show... my phone is on fire from 9pm every night with me expressing my every thought and emotion!

17. Maybe I actually DO love a bit of drama
Jesus, I am LIVING for the shit-stirring, back stabbing and re-coupling! Who am I? Am I a bad person? It's not just me right?

18. "A Type"
Do you really have a type though islanders? Because you seem to just say blonde or brunette.... that isn't a 'type' of person, that's actually a hair colour!

19. Shouting TEXT when receiving a text makes it at last 74% more exciting
I did it the other day when sat with my friends and it went down a storm haha!

20. One week in Love Island time is like three years in the outside world
No really, that villa seems to be like Narnia! You're coupled up for 24 hours and then devastated if they talk to another person of the opposite sex or pissed off they won't go to the hideaway with you?! It's baffling!

21. What did I use to do at 9pm every single night?
And what are we all going to do when it's over?

22. Islanders seem to have missed the legal bit about disclosing ads....
When is someone going to tell them? If it's not okay for bloggers and influencers to get away with then why not them. p.s. I'm not buying your poo your pants tea or toothpaste, just saying.

23. I shouldn't ever go by first impressions
I disliked Kem... wtf was I thinking and thought Chris was an arrogant knob... he is hilarious. Seriously someone please get those two to Christmas #1! #rapgods

24. If you don't speak, we won't remember your name
I give you 10 seconds to remember the 6 new girls and boys that just got dumped from the island.... go!

25. Dom is actually a VERY loyal person
As much as we all thought he was a drip... you have to hand it to the boy - he did stick to his word! (Although why he didn't just leave if he had no intention of being in a new couple is beyond me!)

26. Gifs and memes make everything 50384375% funnier
Literally, using gifs to explain my Love Island feels daily makes me laugh out loud, plus the LI memes are comedy gold.

27. Everyone needs a friend like Montana
Amen.

28. A courgette?
A COURGETTE... yeah, I'm still not over it.

29. Some of the challenges created by the producers are bloody gross
Yes, I felt like a prude old grandma watching that juicing/smoothie challenge. So gross.

30. So many people still smoke!
I'm always shocked as too how many people are smokers on these shows! Half of me thinks some of them only do it on there because they are so bored.

31. Friendships > Romance
How bloody awesome are the friendships this year! I love Chris & Kem's bromance and Montana and Camilla's friendship!

32. Tyne-Lexy is a legitimate name.

I was as shocked as you.

33. I get way too into TV shows.
I mean if writing a whole blog post isn't enough to prove it... just follow me on Twitter.

Right I want to know in the comments.... who are your favourite and least favourite islanders and if you could pick any boy and any girl to win who would you choose? I'd pick Montana and Kem hands down!