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

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. 

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!

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

Back To Blogging & Hot Spring Fashion Picks

Oh hello strangers.... yes - it's me! I am back! 

I'm not sure how many times I have said that here, probably a few too many, I seem to have had quite a number of 'blogging breaks' over the past 18 months, this last one being the longest and probably most positive for myself. 

I definitely needed to take a step back and breathe for a bit before getting back into writing, photography and creating again - something was missing and my heart just wasn't in it anymore.

But, now I am here and I am super happy about it! A Yellow Brick Blog will soon have a brand new name and look and I just cannot wait for my 4th year of blogging to be a fresh new journey.

Do make sure you're following me over on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook to keep up to date with everything I do, including being the first to hear about every single new post I put up!

First things first, the clocks have sprung forward so it is time to say hello to lighter evenings, lighter jackets and fingers crossed a life in sunglasses (they hide a multitude of sins).
Check out below for some of the cutest Spring bits I have fallen just a bit in love with..... no where is that money fairy?

Life Update

Why hello my favourite internet people!

It's time for me to finally sit down and type away my feelings.... it's been a while and I've missed blogging regularly SO much and I thought i was about time I did a mini life update for you all..... in case you've been wondering where I am! 

What's new with me? What's gong down? 

Well.....

I've been working... alot! I LOVE my new job so much but working online all day I struggle to then sit down and open my laptop once I'm home enjoying my free time - which makes me sad as I LOVE blogging so much but I do need time to switch off from it all. But I'm determined over the next couple of months to get A Yellow Brick Blog up and running like it used to be! 

I've booked a holiday......... to DISNEYWORLD! Yes I'm so, so, so, sooooo happy - I finally cracked my boyfriend and he agreed to go back next year :)

So, lots of saving and counting down for me until March - I still can't believe I'm going to get to go back, a dream come true once more!

Summer is coming and I have lots of exciting plans! From the Isle Of Wight Festival next week to one of my best friends hen do's (in a totally secret location.... I'd better not say because she could read this, we've kept this a secret for 6 months and I'm just spoiling it now!) later this month to V Festival in August ... I'm looking forward to some amazing weekends with good friends :)

INSTAGRAM - I have a brand new Instagram - @AlohaKirstie - and I would seriously appreciate it if you'd hit follow, I can't believe it's already hit over 400 followers in less than 4 days!

Alot of people have been asking why I have made a new account.... well, my old one, for me, was just messy - which sounds SO stupid but I'd had it since 2009 or 2010 I had over 4000 uploads. I just needed a fresh fun start!

Will my blog change names? Who knows?! Not anytime soon :) 'A Yellow Brick Blog' seems to have a lot of love from what I've seen and been told so maybe it should stay :)

I'm still on that health kick - I'm obsessed with the gym classes I'm going to and I am trying seriously hard with my diet (although I have slipped a few times recently)! I did just complete #ChocolateFreeMay though - wahoooo! I'm excited to keep on challenging myself, setting new goals monthly and seeing improvements!

What have you all been upto? What's new? Let me know in the comments below!

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