Kirstie's April Favourites 2017

Well, well, well looks who's back with a favourites post.
It's been a fair while since I shared my favourite things from the month but seeing as I had a fair few stand-out things in April I thought what better way to talk about them than in a blog post!

First up something which could actually now go into an empties post as I've finished them - Hairburst's Chewable Hair Vitamins!
I had spotted these heart shaped gummies on Instagram in late March and thought 'I like the sound of those', so when I was browsing Holland & Barrett after payday and spotted them at half price (£9.99) I couldn't resist popping them in my basket.
I have to say I definitely feel like I noticed a difference, as most of you know I have gone back to my natural hair colour after year of bleaching and have been letting my hair grow out from a bob over the past few months. I think all of these things combined has helped transform my hair into what seems to be the healthiest and thickest state it's been in since about 2006!
Over the course of a month I think my hair has grown about an inch - which if I'm correct is double the average. I would love to keep giving these a go but my current budget won't allow for a £20 hair splurge... maybe once they are back on offer I can start re-using them.

Now onto something slightly more random, the My Dad Wrote A Porno Podcast. Oh my good god this is so hilarious I have literally lost count as to how many times I've told friends to listen to it! The first two seasons had me bursting out into full on lols in public whilst alone... never a good look! I HIGHLY recommend this - season 3 comes out at the end of this month so you have a week or so to catch up and be totally scarred by the world of Belinda!

It wouldn't be a Kirstie favourites without some form of food stuck in there and the past few weeks I have been loving Deliciously Ella's Energy Balls and Protein World's Cinnamon Roll Slender Blend!

I actually, again, picked up the energy balls because they were on offer in Holland & Barrett (yes, I can spend ALOT of money in that store!) - they were only £1 instead of the eye-watering usual price of £2. I have to say these are such a fantastic snack whilst on the go, all natural ingredients and totally gluten, dairy and refined sugar free - I have nothing but positive things to say about these tasty balls! (okay regretting that wording...)
Like I've mentioned alot, I really love Protein World products and the Cinnamon Roll shake was a firm favourite throughout April - hands down my fav flavour from them.

Make-up time! I don't think I'm only blogger who's been a tiny bit mesmerised by the Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter + Glow Liquid Eyeshadows! Kitten Karma is SO fabulous - I can't wait to rock this this festival season - I'm pretty pants when it comes to make-up but this are pretty much idiot free, so so easy to use!

Neal & Wolf's Elevate has 100% been in a favourites post before! I bought a replacement bottle of this back at the beginning of the year and I honestly had forgotten how much I love this stuff. I pop a 20p blob sized throughout my hair when it's damp after being washed and let my hair dry naturally (I'm trying to grow it people!) - not only does it smell fabulous but it makes my hair feel so soft and smooth, a total hair hero!

As soon as I heard that the Embryolisse Radiant Eye Cream was a favourite with stars such as Elle McPherson, Ariana Grande and Scarlett Johansson I knew I had to try it out and jumped at the offer of a sample!
Working at home behind a laptop Mon-Fri my eyes and the surrounding area gets so tired, puffy and generally drained so this product has been a god send. As I don't wear any make-up when working at home (I mean come on that would be a total waste!) popping this on once or twice a day to refresh and relax my eyes has been incredible. It immediately wakes me up and feels so soothing - plus I can always see a slight change in my skin, it definitely does what it says with brightening any looks of fatigue!

Thanks so much for reading you lovely lot :) I'm so glad I'm back blogging around, there's definitely been in a big whole in my life without it!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

New Beginnings

Well it's officially here - AlohaKirstie is up and running (welcome!) and it is time to say goodbye to A Yellow Brick Blog.

A Yellow Brick Blog was started back in 2013 in a time of jobless wonderment after many failed attempts to starting a blog. I have always been obsessed with being creative but having zero talent in the art department the internet has been the perfect place for me to pop things together and express what I'm loving.
Blogging has been such an incredible experience for me and as I am now approaching my fifth year of creating, writing and general chatting I thought it was about time my blog evolved with me.

I outgrew A Yellow Brick Blog a while ago and felt like the name just didn't reflect myself, my personality and/or the content I wanted to create. The name for me was a rushed idea and although I loved that it was different and stood out from the crowd, I always knew it wouldn't be forever.

AlohaKirstie is the new and improved version of me! I know over the past year my blogging has been well... a little MIA! From getting a new job, to opening my own business (which wasn't planned!) and everything in between unfortunately it had to take a short backseat, which made me so sad.
 But I now feel refreshed and ready to get back into the swing of things and continue to upload new and exciting content for you all!

You can expect to see lots of the same and lots of new ideas and thoughts :)

If you have any requests or ideas for posts let me know in the comments below or tweet me @AlohaKirstie! 

Don't forget you can also find my new page on Facebook at /AlohaKirstie (go click 'like' now so I know you've read this post!) and of course Instagram @AlohaKirstie!

Top Gingham Picks Under £20

I have a confession.

I am obsessed with gingham.

I feel like this obsession probably all started as a child with my love for the Wizard Of Oz - which I know you all know about as my blog used to be called A Yellow Brick Blog! #duh

I'm literally THRILLED that gingham seems so on trend at the moment, finding it just about everywhere and I can't stop looking at bits online... my 'saved items' and 'baskets' keep getting bigger and bigger.... damn my bank balance!

I cannot be the only person with this current trend favourite so I thought I'd pop a post together of the cutest bits I've found recently for under £20! #gimmeitall! 

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

*al used

Disney Wishlist : May 2017

I have missed doing these posts so much! I am constantly seeing Disney things that I want/need... I mean, I don't think you can ever have enough Disney in your life - and I always get such great feedback and comments when I share my latest finds so thought it was about time the Disney Wishlists made a come back.

Disney Tangle Teezer
Pretty much the only thing I use on my hair is a Tangle Teezer. I have three and cannot live without them in my life! So... a Disney version is pretty much a dream come true... how bloomin' cute is this!

Mickey Mouse Coaster & Mug
Working from home I LIVE on tea and this little duo would just look perfect on my desk... I'm in desperate need for a coaster so I mean, I NEED this in my life!

Lillian & Co Bangle
I stumbled across this brand on Instagram (there are so many cute Disney brands on there I can't deal!). Their bracelets are to die for, so many lovely quotes in different colours, definitely time to save up for a few.

Beauty & The Beast Pyjamas
Topshop always nails pyjamas, and even though, yes, they are a little more expensive than your classic Primark they do look and feel great (and probably last a little longer). How gorgeous are the shorts on these ones!

Disney Snack Top
Etsy has so many hidden gems when it comes to Disney, I wish I had had a little shopping spree on there before my trip to Disneyworld earlier this year! Mickey shaped treats are pretty much the best thing ever so this top is just perfect! 

Winnie The Pooh Memory Box
I love this idea so much, I thought it would be great to use for all my bits and pieces I've collected from my trips to Disneyworld e.g. tickets, photos, magicbands and everything else I feel like essential to cart back in my suitcase!

Belle iPhone Case
I'm a sucker for a phone case and this one is just so damn pretty, plus it has one of my favourites Disney lines on it - so yeah... this is HIGH up on the current wishlist!

Mickey Evolution Print 
Last but not least I spotted this gorgeous Mickey print on TruffleShuffle. How cool is it seeing all of the Mickey designs from over the years!

Spotted or bought anything Disney and awesome lately? Share it in the comments below!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

The Perfect Friday Night In

As I've gotten older night's in have definitely become more desirable in my eyes. After a long week at work the thought of chilling out before a weekend of jam-packed plans really does float my boat.
(Don't get me wrong though I'm all for a mojito or two with the girls now and again aswell, but on a rare occasion!)

I always love getting all my bits and bobs ready for my night in - the thought of a pamper session, snacks, pyjamas and a good book to delve into really does help me get through the Friday slogg of work.

So I thought I'd give you a little look into what I, 27 year old Kirstie who works Mon-Fri, loves to do on a quiet Friday Night In! #GrandmaStyle

1. Pamper

A bit of girly 'me time' is always top of the list when I have an evening with no plans (and even better... no boyfriend lurking around!). I tend to treat my skin to a fancy face mask and my hair to either a hair mask or a good, thick layer of coconut oil. 
If I know I'm going to have time to wash my hair the next morning (aka non-gym mornings) I'll always pick the coconut oil, slap it on root to tip and sleep with it on there. I've been using the Protein World Coconut Oil which I always grab when it's on offer at Superdrug which always makes my hair feel fabulous, soft, shiny and definitley a bit healthier!

Face masks, as you will know if you've been reading this blog for a while, are my FAVOURITE skincare treat! Forget oils, serums and creams - I'm a sucker for a quick fix face mask, I couldn't even tell you how many I've tried over the years!
So when I was offered a fabulous bubble face mask from Skin Republic to try I couldn't say no, a bubble mask?! Well that's new to me!

This purifying face sheet mask is made from activated charcoal powder, which 'when applied reacts with the air to create a deep cleansing, exfoliating foam, for a more radiant, clean and clear complexion'! Something I seriously NEEDED to try after a few months of not being overly great to myself or my skin.
Sheet masks are always terrifying - you could be a Victoria Secret model and you'd still make someone jump and this one is no exception! In fact this was the weirdest face mask I've ever used BUT my skin is feeling great after 15 minutes of having a bubble face!
Check out my Instagram/Twitter for a few hilarious snaps of it in action - thanks Skin Republic!

2. Comfort
Pyjamas, pyjamas, pyjamas - one of the world's greatest gifts! I pretty much live for taking off my bra and putting on pyjamas at the end of each day. I get a wave of relaxation over me once I've popped on those (most likely Primark) comfy bottoms and oversized top for the evening - and once I've put on my pyjamas that me written off for the day - I won't be leaving the house or doing anything strenuous from then on! 
(Pictured : Harry Potter PJs, Primark)


3. Treat
Pretty much a given for me.
Nights in for me do consist of a lot of green tea though - my absolute favourite drink. Yes, as well as being a total water freak I love green tea, I suppose that is the one perfect thing about my diet, those two things are pretty much the only things I drink unless I'm 'out-out'!
As well as tea I, of course, have to have a treaat or two! My favourite thing ever is sweet popcorn with chocolate m&m's poured in (don't judge me and my sugar addiction please) but seeing as I'm trying to be a little healthier I can settle for a Nakd bar. I love these little things.... I still can't quite grasp how they get the flavours so damn on point with each bar, rhubarb and custard, gingerbread, bakewell tart ... they are all so yummy!

4. Scent 
Candles, one of my greatest loves in life. There's nothing better than filling a room/home with a lovely scent, creating a peaceful and calm atmosphere is essential for a good night in.
Recently I have been loving the new Tobacco Flower* candle from Yankee Candles.
This is from the new Viva Havana summer collection and is a powerful blend of ginger, cedarwood, bamboo leaf and jasmine! The scent is fresh and actually really reminds me of Summer - I will a little worried with the word Tobacco being in the name but it's nice and sweet and, like all Yankee candles, gives off a strong scent, filling the room with ease!

5. Escape
Finally, reading, watching, listening - anything that can take my mind off the washing up in the sink or the shopping list on the fridge screaming at me.
Like I said in my previous post I struggle to find time to read even though it's one of my favourite things to do. Time seem to run away from me in the evenings post-gym and dinner I'm half asleep and my eyes can't focus on a TV show let alone text on a page!
So I really like to try and delve into a new story when I can, sometimes that's the most exciting time of a book, opening up the crisp first page and starting a new adventure!

I've had this book sat on my shelf for months now and I'm determined to finish it this month - it's not the usual genre I read so I'm looking forward to exploring something a little different.
I have also made a silent promise to myself that I won't buy any more books until I have read everything I on my book shelf that's yet to be touched.... which is embarrassingly is a fair amount!

What sorts of things do you like to do when you have a cosy night in to yourself?

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

My Morning Routine : Working From Home

For me starting having a positive start to each morning really is the best way to keep me on track for the whole day. That may sounds stupid but one lazy morning and unhealthy breakfast and I'm thrown. I work best by getting up and ticking things off a to-do list, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Since I started working from home morning motivation has definitely been something I have struggled back and forth with. With no immediate rush to get up, showered and ready I sometimes find myself lost and distracted - which is NOT good.
So I've taken it upon myself to set up a little routine for each morning to get me up, out, active and in the best mood possible to sit behind my desk for hours on end.

The thought of running the second I get up always has me with the same thoughts and response... 'nah'. So instead of pressuring myself to get up and run I've started to get up and head out on a walk. A power walk. Up hills, along the beach, round the park, you'd be surprised how much exercise walking actually is. Of course if I'm in the mood to run, I do - that's an extra bonus.
To accompany me on these walks/runs I thought it would be a great idea to download an audio book. I'm obsessed with reading but I find time runs away with me each day and I never really have a good amount of time to delve into a good story, so listening to one seemed to kill two birds with one stone. I still get to hear the stories, plus I'm out getting exercise and giving my body the best start to the day - win, win.

I'm currently on a 30 day free trial with Audible. I'm really enjoying the book I am listening too (After You, Jojo Moyes) and I think I may just become addicted to audiobooks at this rate. Do let me know of any of good apps or services for audiobooks though - I'm worried with Audible you only get one choice a month... that doesn't feel like enough!

Once I'm back from my walk/run/fresh air (I usually aim to go for around one hour but it does depend on what time I head out the door) I head for a shower and get dressed into some work clothes. 
By work clothes I mean leggings and a sweater. I work at home and there is noway I'm sitting around in jeans and a cami if it's not needed.... that's just insane!

It's then time for my hot water with lemon. There are so many benefits to drinking this each morning I've ensured that it has become a staple for me daily, followed by my regular 100 cups of green tea!

For breakfast most days I then fix myself a Protein World Slender Blend shake. I am trying to loose some weight that I seem to have gained over the last few months and I really love the products from Protein World, plus it really can keep me full until my lunchbreak!
I am currently obsessed with the Cinnamon Roll flavour! I usually have 4 scoops with either 400ml of cold water or unsweetened almond milk with a handful of ice cubes. (Protein shakes with ice are just a no-go for me!)

Ones I've had a little sit down and drank my shake it's time to make a green tea and head to my desk! Then work, work, work until lunchtime!

So there you have it - my weekday morning routine.... weekends usually start with a gym session, nail appointment or hangover, but that's another story!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie