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 Summer Reads 2016

I'm back on the book train (yay reading!) and loving it, so I thought I'd share with you all the books I've chosen to see me through the Summer! 

Half of them I've bought and half of them I've had sat on my book shelf staring at me for years - yes YEARS! Shocking!

1. Shane Dawson - It Gets Worse (Currently Reading)
Since finishing Shane's first book in just 24 hours last year I have been waiting for this release.
 Shane's second book is another collection of hilarious essays written solely by himself. I have watched Shane on YouTube for YEARS, probably since around 2009 and seriously love him. I love how honest he is, his dark twisted sense of humour and his podcasts are bloody hilarious! I'm over half way through this and no doubt I will have probably finished by tomorrow.

2. The Night Circus (Currently Reading)
After having this sat on my shelf for the best part of 4 years.... I have finally started to read it! I was really getting into it, but then Shane's book as released and I wasn't waiting to read that so this has been paused for now.
Not giving much away in the blurb I wasn't sure what to expect and at first I was a little confused as to where it was going but now the ball seems to be rolling - I'll be sure to update you all when I've finished!

3. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver
I bought this again, years ago, because it was written by the same author as my favourite trilogy - Delirium but it's been sat on my damn shelf all that time - I honestly don't know what I've been playing at!
I picked this up last week and thought YES I must read this and then saw it's being released as a movie soon with Zoey Deutch (who I LOVE) as the main character, so definitey need ot read this before that comes out.
The story is about a girl who re-lives the day she dies over and over again until it is perfect - I've heard such great things so can't wait to get stuck in.

4. The Grown Up - Gillian Flynn
Well.... this was a bit of a fail. I was having a browse on Amazon looking for some new books to pick up and this was only £1.99! Being by the same author as Gone Girl (I loved the movie... should probably read the book) I thought - winner winner chicken dinner.... until it arrived and I found out it's only 67 pages - opps! At least it won't take me long to finish - it seems a bit spooky though... maybe I'll read it in the daytime!

5. Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessica Knoll
This was a - ooo that's a bargain and looks good - purchase from Amazon last month! I've been such a sucker for trilogys over the last 5/6 years that I kind of forgot stand alone books are something I seriously enjoy! 
'Her perfect life, is a perfect lie' - is what is written on the back of the cover! A story about a girl named Ani who gets asked to film a documentary about a violent incident that took place when she was a teenage - she wants to use this as a time to show she has turned her life around but maybe breaking her silence will destroy all that she's worked for?
I'm looking forward to reading another book that isn't a YA .... as much as I love them!

6. Entwined - Heather Dixon
A book I bought purely because Elle Fowler had recommended it in one of her Glitteratures - a totally sane and valid reason for a purchase as every book I've book because of Elle before has been fab.... how do you think I knew about THG before anyone else!
Every night Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in the Keeper's siler forest, but there is a cost.
Elle couldn't speak highly enough of this book so I'm really excited for this fairytale adventure genre!

7. Where Rainbows End - Cecelia Ahern
Love, Rosie is one of my all time favourite movies..... so why haven't I read the book? I have no idea! My friends have told me it's so much better than the film.... and I LOVE the film!!

8. Pure - Julianna Baggot 
A classic dystopian society YA trilogy .... my fav!

"Pressia Belze has lived outside of the Dome ever since the detonations. Struggling for survival she dreams of life inside the safety of the Dome with the 'Pure'.Partridge, himself a Pure, knows that life inside the Dome, under the strict control of the leaders' regime, isn't as perfect as others think. Bound by a history that neither can clearly remember, Pressia and Partridge are destined to forge a new world." - Sounds just like something I would love! Plus it means there's another 2 to read after that if I enjoy it!

I also REALLY want to re-read my favourite trilogy - Delirium - and finish the Vampire Academy, The Testing and the Unwind books.... why can I never stick to something I start? They are all brilliant and I need to crack on with finishing them!

Oh and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is of course on my list.... I don't know how I feel about reading a script though - have any of you started/finished it yet? How has it been? 

Any book recommendations? PLEASE send them my way ... I'm kind of obsessed with buying books.... although I should probably read what I have before I buy anything else... and buy a bigger bookcase while I'm at it.

Lastly.... I know a lot of you have been asking me about my book writing on Twitter - my idea is getting there and when I properly start writing I will be sure to let you all know! #Exciting #NeedBernadsWatch 

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January Non-Beauty Favourites 2016

Time for part two of last months favourites now! All those non-beauty bits I've been addicted too since the start of the new year.

I know I like to read about things other than mascaras and shampoos so I'm hoping you guys do too!

First up. Harry Potter. Now, obviously I've been a Harry Potter fan since I was about 11 years old but as I've started to read the books again this month my love for it has grown even more immense! I mean.... what isn't there to love? Fingers crossed I'm going to be going back to the studio tour over the next couple of months too - I cannot wait to see the addition of the train and platform.

Apple Music has taken over my phone this month. I finally bit the bullet and made the change over and I am obsessed! Now I'm working at a desk all day having my own music to listen too is a must and having the total back catalog of everything at the touch of a button is incredible! 

The albums I've had on repeat this month are : 

Carrie Underwood - Storyteller

Sia - This Is Acting

Cam - Untamed

The Shires - Brave

Yes..... I'm a big country music fan!

Trainers are pretty cool again aren't they?

I mean, as a child it's all I ever wore but during my teenage years (2003-2008) wearing trainers just wasn't that cool. It was all about dolly shoes and slouch boots! I'm SO happy trainers are back though as I love the casual look and this month I decided to treat myself to a brand new pair (mainly because they were a bloomin' bargain!).

 These Nike Air Max Thea's - full picture here - were better than half price when I bought them from Littlewoods and I'm so pleased with them! They look super cool and I'm looking forward to the Spring/Summer when I can wear them even more!

TV shows I've been watching religiously this month :

Pretty Little Liars (obviously)

Shadowhunters

Ex On The Beach

Dance Moms

Britian's Next Top Model 

Last but not least.... this tea. This isn't any old tea. This is Twinings Gingerbread Green Tea - oh my good god I'm obsessed. We bought some random new teas for the office a couple of weeks ago, this being one of them - and we all fell in love.

In you love gingerbread or ginger nuts you will LOVE this - plus it's only like 1cal, WIN-WIN! I've just bought the Cherry Bakewell version aswell which is so yummy too.

What have you been loving this month?

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Putting Down My Phone...

Over the past week something has really hit me. I look at my phone far too much. I mean.... it's like an extra limb.

Yes this sounds so stupid, as it is probably really obvious with the amount of time I spend on social media and browsing ASOS, but really.... it's unnecessary. 

My evenings for years have had me sat glued to my phone 99% of the time, only breaking when I'm eating or watching TV and even then I'm bloomin' commentating about it aren't I!

Now my job is a day constantly on a laptop and online I actually enjoy having a break from the internet world once I'm home .....

So I've made a deal with myself. 

I'm going to get back into reading.

I have always loved reading but with the internet being such a distraction especially around bedtime, by the time I've finished browsing and scrolling my eyes are dropping, I'm half asleep and there's noway I could delve into that book that's been sat on my bedside table for months.

There's nothing more relaxing than getting cosy and totally loosing yourself in a story... with a cup of tea near by obviously.
 I used to go through so many books and LOVED it! I'd get so excited about finishing an amazing story or finding a new series to start and I'd always love sharing my thoughts and recommendations with friends and on goodreads (the best site ever for readers!).

Nowadays I feel like a total failure because I'll read 50 pages of something then forgot to carry on until another 3 weeks later or so - it's terrible!

Last year I told myself I'd read more and what happened? I got distracted and didn't. I don't even know if I did finish a book last year and I find that embarrassing to admit! (Oh yeah I did... 'The Girl On The Train' - awesome book!)

So - I'm going to start with the Harry Potter series - total classics. I then have a whole book shelf and kindle to get through - all the books and downloads I've accumulated over the last 2 or 3 years that I've never ended up reading, I'm determined to get through them all this year.

Wanna join me? Do it!
 Let me know on Twitter and in the comments below! #PuttingDownMyPhone
 I'd also love your book recommendations - leave them all below so we can all have an amazing reading list to explore and save :)
A couple of personal favourites you guys need to check out - the 'Delirium' trilogy and the 'Eve' trilogy!

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July Favourites 2014

August is here - we are 8 months into the year.... where has time gone?! Cray cray! I'm off on holiday next month, I can't believe how fast it has come around!

With a new month beginning, the blogging world knows what this means - monthly favourites time! Here's the stuff I have been loving in July!

First up - the Focus & Fix Original Eye Primer from Make-Up Revolution. After apparently loosing all of my other eyeshadow primers recently (seriously I have no idea where they've all gone?!), this has majorly come to my rescue. You may remember me talking about it in my MUR haul a few weeks back! This is great and I have used it everytime I've rocked eyeshadow in July and it has worked a charm! A total bargain too!

The Miss. Sporty Just Clear Mascara is one of those products I picked up randomly when browsing through Superdrug - I'd been looking for a cheap clear mascara for ages ... and not for my eyelashes! I use this on my eyebrows to keep them neat and in place throughout the day (hence the dodgey colour!)! Works like a charm and under £2! 

Next a couple of products from Nivea. I seriously love Nivea and the Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water and the Refreshing Toner have made their way into my daily skincare routine over the last 4 weeks. I've been using this after I've removed my make-up at night  (not too remove my make-up... I need something slightly stronger for that mission)  and after my shower in the morning! It leaves my skin feeling cleanse and fresh and ready for the day - or bedtime!! I also got these while they were on offer so total bargains too!

Onto a hair product now - I have been obsessed with this whole range since it entered my life (read all about it here) and this product has made it's way too firm favourite... I think - it's a tough call! This is the Lee Stafford Moisturising Heat Protection Spray from the new Ubuntu Oils range. This stuff smells amazing - I love that you can keep the smell of the shampoo and conditioner fresh by layering it with this stuff! Works great before drying and styling - love love love.

This month I have been plagued by a horrendous outbreak and one in particular huge giant unfriendly spot. Like literally needed it's own postcode. Not cool, seriously not cool. This stuff though seemed to help me a tiny bit it's Clearasil's Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream. This is the stuff I always reach for when I have an unwanted pal arrive on my face - in fact I've probably mentioned it before on here! It reduces redness and size in just 4 hours and really has helped - total lifesaver.

Last up is a non-beauty related product! I recently watched Vampire Academy after rented it from the Playstation store. I had seen this advertised and in my opinion it looked awesome! I love Zoey Deutch, after watching her in Ringer & Beautiful Creatures I decided she is awesome and I must watch everything she's in haha! Because I loved the movie (I don't know how it got such bad reviews!) I decided to start reading the books - as far as I know there's 6 in he series and I got the first 3 on my kindle for just £6.99 - woopwoop! Totally loving them so far!

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The 90s Tag

This is my 100th blog post - woooohooo yippee yay!
Ever since watching  Zoella & Tanya Burr do this tag in a video a few weeks ago I've wanted to join in and do it in post form on here!
I am the same age as Zoe as was born a month before her on 8th February 1990 - making me a hardcore 90s child, 1990 all the way baby!
So here we go .... The 90s Tag, with some hilarious photos for you all the enjoy....

1. Favourite Disney Film?
If we are talking about when I was younger I think I'm going to have to say The Lion King or Toy Story. I still remember standing in the huge line at my local cinema to go and see Toy Story for the first time when it came out in 1995 - it was so exciting because it was Pixar's first big movie! I remember always wanting the Buzz & Woody toys, I sound like a right tomboy! I'm still such a huge Disney fan, I always will be obsessed! (and yes that is my Disney DVD collection)


2. Favourite Music Artist?
Well clearly top of the list has to be the Spice Girls, I remember being 6 and going up to one of my friends in the playground and saying "Have you heard that song Wannabe?" - they were amazing and I even owned the Spice Girl trainers (yes they were a thing!)
I also LOVED Steps, my first ever concert was going to see Steps for my 9th birthday, my Mum even took me out of school early so we could go, haha like anyone could get away with doing that now! And yes I went to the reunion tour last year - it was awesome! I was a HUGE fan of pop music (and I still am) and loved all girls and boy bands going... S club 7, 5ive, A1 (the best boyband in my opinion), Aqua oh and I can't forget Britney Spears - check out my incredible CD selection!

3. Favourite Candy/Sweeties?
This list is endless! When I was younger I loved "Opal fruits" and I remember when they changed to Starburst! Do any of you remember that?
 Obviously all the 1p sweets you could get were just amazing, going to the corner shop and filling up a bag, when did this stop?!! I LOVED Wispa Gold's and am still extremely excited that they have bought them back! (ooo and I loved having Echo's in my lunchbox too :)

4. Favourite Game (Board Game, School Game etc)
Board Games... I loved Frustration and Kerplunk! Monopoly was fun but it always takes so long! My brother and I also had a Mega Drive which we were obsessed with - Sonic The Hedgehog and The Lion King were our favourites, we spent days and days on that machine!

5. Favourite McDonalds Happy Meal Toy?
Anything Disney!


6. Favourite Book?
Like all young girls in the 90s I was obsessed with Jacqueline Wilson books, I think I nearly read them all and I even met her at a book signing once (check out that photo!) When I was a little bit older aswell I LOVED Louise Renninson's books (The Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal snogging series.) - the movie was nowhere near as good as the books, I'd still read them now!


7. Favourite Clothing Store?
It has got to be Tammy Girl - I bloomin' well loved that store! My favourite items being a top which had a massive smiley face on it and was covered in badges and some super (and I mean huge) flare black jeans with a pink chain... oh I was such a skater girl!

8. Favourite NickJnr Show?
Well I didn't have NickJnr channel but there was alot of it on CBBC & CITV, I liked Rugrats and Alvin & the chipmunks! 
But when I was younger  my FAVOURITE show was without a doubt - Maid Marion and Her Merry Men - if you didn't watch this.. you missed out, it was amazing!

9. What would you watch when you got home from school?
What wouldn't I watch? Here's just a short list of shows I loved as a kid.... Playdays, Short Change, Byker Grove, Aquila, Madhouse, Jeopardy, Round The Twist, Rugrats, The Fresh Prince, The Simpsons, Buffy (which you all know if my fav show of all time), Clarissa Explain It All, Sabrina, Dinosaurs, Recess, Saved By The Bell, Hangtime, Stingray, Captain Scarlet, The Racoons, Kenan & Kel, The Secret World Of Alex Mac, Eerie Indiana, Arthur, Animorphs, Albert the fifth musketeer, Oscar's Orchestra  Dawson's Creek, Sister Sister, The Animals Of Farthing Wood, Alvin & The Chipmunks, Brum, Come Outside, Through The Dragons Eye, Live & Kicking, SMTV Live..... crickey the list is endless!

I wish there was more questions in this tag it's been so fun thinking back to my childhood!
Were you a 90s child?

30 Day Snap #25 - Reading & Relaxing

Before I start I just wanted to share something ... it is 6 months until Christmas.... how is this possible already!!?! (also I'm sorry this photo has the same background.. aka my bedsheets as yesterday's 30 Day Snap, forgive me?)

Anyway now  have that off my mind... this is just a really quick 30 Day Snap post today! I feel exhausted and after chatting books and such on twitter with some lovely ladies I have decided it is time for me to get cosy in my bed, get my kindle and a cup of tea and have a good read before I enter the land of nod!
 I am currently reading Unwholly which is the second book in the Unwind series - which is so so brilliant I recommend! 
Books I have read/finished recently include, Unwind, The Delirium trilogy, The Eve Trilogy, Divergent, Insurgent and The Great Gatsby - all great reads (Especially the Delirium books!) 
I have so so many books on my wishlist on amazon but I have told myself I am not allowed to buy/download anymore until I have finished all the ones I have currently on my kindle and my shelf! 

Catch up here, Days - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.