Yes, it's true, heading to Orlando is not the cheapest of holidays, I mean it cost me a ridiculous $2 for ONE banana last time I was there... don't ask... and that's after the flights, hotels, park tickets and 57 plush toys I wanted to buy!
Saturday, 20 January 2018
Easy Ways To Save Money At Walt Disney World
Yes, it's true, heading to Orlando is not the cheapest of holidays, I mean it cost me a ridiculous $2 for ONE banana last time I was there... don't ask... and that's after the flights, hotels, park tickets and 57 plush toys I wanted to buy!
Tuesday, 22 August 2017
The Best Mood-Boosting Breakfast Smoothie
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.
Wednesday, 9 August 2017
Come Grocery Shopping With Me : My Weekly Supermarket Essentials
Friday, 14 July 2017
Focusing On My Health & Wellbeing : My Six Steps
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.
Saturday, 8 July 2017
Six Ways I've Managed To Reduce My Monthly Outgoings
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
Friday, 19 May 2017
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.
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!
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.
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
Friday, 5 May 2017
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
Monday, 23 May 2016
Happy 3rd Birthday A Yellow Brick Blog!!!
WOW!
I did not ever expect to be writing this....3!
My blog is officially 3 years old. (It was on Saturday but I've been sooo busy I've only just managed to sit down and celebrate! aka.... sit and watching Kardashians whilst drinking tea & typing!)
I mean for one.... 3 is my lucky number so that makes me super happy and two... 3 years of blogging! How cool is that!
I'm so super proud too still be at this little hobby which has quite literally changed my life.
3 years ago I was unemployed (which alot of you probably didn't actually know).
I had been a temp at Liz Earle for 6 months doing the Christmas shizzle but temp unfortunately meant that just because Christmas it was time to say goodbye.
Now... I'm not unemployable - I'm smart (ish) and friendly and I have great experience but being stuck on the IOW the market for jobs available was... slim!
So for 6 painful months I was unemployed, living off savings and selling things on eBay - yup real life!
Fast forward to today. 2016.
I've just worked a 10 hour day from the comfort of my own home doing something I love! Since January I have been working in PR and Social Media and I know for a fact without my blog I would have never ever had the knowledge or confidence to get or even do this job!
And although it's taking up alot of my time and my blog has been a little slower than usual, I love it and I'm SO grateful for the journey I've been on over the last 3 years!
Anyway.... I thought it would be fun to take a step back and look over all the posts I've uploaded over the last 3 years and pick out some of my favourites!
Awwww the first post I uploaded! I had actually started A Yellow Brick Blog back in 2010/2011 but ... that content is GONE so I like to think this is my official starting point!
Still to this day one of my most read posts! I like this one mainly because I really got to write from the heart and be totally honest, I think I'll always struggle with my weight and image but looking back at this I can see how many great changes I've made!
SO many memories going through these posts..... although I never actually finished the series... opps! If you wanna see my America travels these are the ones the read!
These posts are some of the ones I am most proud of! They used to take me forever but I LOVED being so creative and making something so individual!
I get asked this question so much so I thought I'd make a step-by-step guide to help everyone, I've had such fab response from it, so I'm really glad it helped :)
Sharing positivity and happiness is something I want to do so much more on here.
I'm still SO proud of the blogging community for this one. £500 raised for Crisis UK last year.
I just love talking about Disney don't I........ roll on March 1st!
I have made these every single week since creating this posts.... and saved SO much money on snacks! (Plus they're healthy!)
Real-life talk.
The response on Bloglovin' for this was insane - was a proud moment!
Are there any posts I've done that really stick out in your memory? Let me know!
And once again.... thank you so much for all your support, love, likes, comments and follows over the last 3 years - BIG HUGS TO YOU ALL!
Wednesday, 30 March 2016
Quick & Easy Healthy 3 Ingredient Dinner
Dinner!
That one meal I'm always thinking of whilst sat at my desk for 8 or 9 hours a day. (well.... along with lunch and breakfast for the next day....)
Now... I'm not one to lie and fabricate things on here - I am lazy when it comes to cooking.
I like to get home, chuck something together and be sat down eating it within like 30 minutes.
Since changing my lifestyle and creating a healthier 'me' I've been trying out lots of different quick and easy dinners to help cure my end-of-day hunger whilst avoiding the crappy additives quick meals swim in alot of the time.
The sweet potato I won't lie - is not cut, boiled, roasted etc by me..... I buy the Tesco frozen sweet potato chunks - and there is nothing wrong with this!
There is only one ingredient - sweet potato, so no added nasties in there, you know exactly what you're making! (Plus it's only like £1.50 a bag and 47cals per serving.... although - who just has one serving?! Not me!)
The chicken is a fab source of protein, the avocado is super yummy and the sweet potato makes it really filling!
I can't get enough of this dinner - I love cold and hot things together so the avocado mushed with the potato chunks = heaven.
That one meal I'm always thinking of whilst sat at my desk for 8 or 9 hours a day. (well.... along with lunch and breakfast for the next day....)
Now... I'm not one to lie and fabricate things on here - I am lazy when it comes to cooking.
I like to get home, chuck something together and be sat down eating it within like 30 minutes.
Since changing my lifestyle and creating a healthier 'me' I've been trying out lots of different quick and easy dinners to help cure my end-of-day hunger whilst avoiding the crappy additives quick meals swim in alot of the time.
Chicken, Avocado & Sweet Potato is the answer.
Yes.... it sounds totally boring and totally obvious but this has become my go-to meal for at least 2 or 3 evenings a week. ( I'm one of those people who becomes so obsessed with something that I have it until I get bored.... but so far, no boredom!)
The sweet potato I won't lie - is not cut, boiled, roasted etc by me..... I buy the Tesco frozen sweet potato chunks - and there is nothing wrong with this!
There is only one ingredient - sweet potato, so no added nasties in there, you know exactly what you're making! (Plus it's only like £1.50 a bag and 47cals per serving.... although - who just has one serving?! Not me!)
The chicken is a fab source of protein, the avocado is super yummy and the sweet potato makes it really filling!
I can't get enough of this dinner - I love cold and hot things together so the avocado mushed with the potato chunks = heaven.
What do you like to make when you don't have alot of time?
Sunday, 20 March 2016
3 Ingredient Gluten Free Chocolate Protein Pancakes
Finally! Back to the writing, it's been a week since my last blog post and it feels like forever - how I used to blog everyday is beyond me?!
As I had mentioned in my previous post, it's time for my blog to have a bit of a content make-over..... so, here we go......
As you may have seen and read over my social media channels (Twitter/Instagram) I'm on a major health and fitness mission.
No more late night biscuit scoffing sessions and squat avoidance, it's time to finally get myself looking and feeling the best I can, inside and out.
I've been eating clean and LOVING it! I feel fab and I'm loving my new routine of eating well and exercising. (Although HIIT class definitely killed me the other night!)
I've been looking at creating EASY and fun recipes for all meals (hello world of food Pinterest), and with my lack of knowledge in the kitchen and busy schedule I like to be able to make meals quickly and without the 'faff' of 57 different ingredients and scattered cooking times.
These pancakes are SO easy, with only 3 ingredients and taking only a matter of minutes these really are a fantastic start to the day (or snack!) and they taste great too!
All I use to create the mixture is :
Firstly I mash up the banana, which takes me straight back to having braces and living off soft foods every time they were tightened! (Mashed bananas and skips were diet staples.)
I then add in the eggs and whisk it all together.
Last but not least I pop in the 2 scoops of Slender Blend powder (I have chocolate but have just ordered vanilla too!) and mix it all up until it's even. I was a little worried at first that I hadn't mashed my banana up enough as it was a little lumpy but once you pop it onto the pan it really isn't a problem!
Just a couple of minutes or so on each side and you're done! Time to plate it up and add your favourite toppings!
Photoed I went for raspberries, blueberries and a light drizzle of clear honey. The pancakes can be a little drier than you're usual everyday pancakes but with the added healthy toppings it's hardly noticeable!
I think next time I going to go for a bit of peanut butter - I'm loving the Meridian's crunchy peanut butter at the moment which is 100% peanuts - no palm oil!
The best thing is that these are SO filling - no mid-morning snacks for me, these keep me full until lunch time!
With this mixture I made 1 large pancake but I think next I'll use it to create 2 or 3 smaller pancakes to stack... that's always more fun right?
As I had mentioned in my previous post, it's time for my blog to have a bit of a content make-over..... so, here we go......
No more late night biscuit scoffing sessions and squat avoidance, it's time to finally get myself looking and feeling the best I can, inside and out.
I've been eating clean and LOVING it! I feel fab and I'm loving my new routine of eating well and exercising. (Although HIIT class definitely killed me the other night!)
I've been looking at creating EASY and fun recipes for all meals (hello world of food Pinterest), and with my lack of knowledge in the kitchen and busy schedule I like to be able to make meals quickly and without the 'faff' of 57 different ingredients and scattered cooking times.
These pancakes are SO easy, with only 3 ingredients and taking only a matter of minutes these really are a fantastic start to the day (or snack!) and they taste great too!
1 x medium banana (ripe, not green)
2 x large eggs
2 x scoops of protein world chocolate slender blend (you can obviously do this with any protein powder/slender blend flavour, or maybe even a rice flour!)
Firstly I mash up the banana, which takes me straight back to having braces and living off soft foods every time they were tightened! (Mashed bananas and skips were diet staples.)
I then add in the eggs and whisk it all together.
Last but not least I pop in the 2 scoops of Slender Blend powder (I have chocolate but have just ordered vanilla too!) and mix it all up until it's even. I was a little worried at first that I hadn't mashed my banana up enough as it was a little lumpy but once you pop it onto the pan it really isn't a problem!
Photoed I went for raspberries, blueberries and a light drizzle of clear honey. The pancakes can be a little drier than you're usual everyday pancakes but with the added healthy toppings it's hardly noticeable!
I think next time I going to go for a bit of peanut butter - I'm loving the Meridian's crunchy peanut butter at the moment which is 100% peanuts - no palm oil!
The best thing is that these are SO filling - no mid-morning snacks for me, these keep me full until lunch time!
With this mixture I made 1 large pancake but I think next I'll use it to create 2 or 3 smaller pancakes to stack... that's always more fun right?
What do you think? Are you a fan of quick and easy recipes too?
Monday, 7 March 2016
Kirstie's Current Favourites
Well .... it's been a while since I've talked you guys through what I have been LOVING lately so I thought it was about time!
I've got everything from teabags to MAC products today, so sit back, relax and come and see what I'm talking about...
Now I'm going to start with the two randoms. Metcalfe's Skinny Dark Chocolate Popcorn Thins and Twinings Gingerbread Green Tea.
Yes, I've talked about the tea before on here in my January favourites but it's still a strong, strong favourite of mine! This stuff is so, so good - tastes just like gingerbread, perfect for a little sweet fix!
The popcorn thins are literally da bomb. I tweeted about them not long ago when I had stumbled across them in co-op and then the lovely people at Metcalfe's Skinny sent me a whole box full (I know, I couldn't believe it either!) - it's taken me all my strength not to sit and eat them all I tell ya!
Popcorn is literally my favourite food ever and I've got such a weakness for dark chocolate at the moment so this combined is just a WINNER.
Strobing! Strobing, strobing, strobing.
I mean .... it's basically just shiny highlighters right? Well.... I've been going through these 3 like no bodies business!
The MAC strobe cream (bottom swatch) is a total beaut - for £24 yes it's a bit of a splash out, for me anyway, but this is gorgeous and I'm really looking forward to rocking it with a tan. I miss being tanned so much!
The other two are by Make Up Revolution. Euphoria* and Hypnotic* - at only £5 each these are a bargain! One a silvery pink based cream and the other a golden shimmer cream - I'm obsessed.
I've been rotating these 3 daily, basically just going with whichever one I feel like, I love them all! Strobing is a YES from me. (Although I'm just using them as I would a highlighter.... I don't look Pinterest worthy just yet!)
Since getting a new prescription and starting my new job, glasses have become my life. I actually can't go through a day without them so new pairs are always a good thing!
I was recently sent this pair by William Morris London*, snazzy right?
This pair is actually from the 'Silver Collection' - this collection is super special as they have started to reuse the original shapes and designs that William Morris started out his business with 20 years ago!
You may have spotted me in them on social media recently - (here) - I totally look intelligent right? The quality is amazing, everything from the case to the arms, I'm so, so pleased with them.
MAC's eyebrow pencil in Lingering has changed my life. God lord how had I not tried this before?! I LOVE this eyebrow pencil, the shade is perfect for me, it fills in my sparse areas without making them look too bold and OTT and it lasts all day - this will be repurchased over and over again. As you can see I've already rubbed off all the writing on the packaging and I've only had it a month!
Next is a new skincare super hero! Bee Good Necta Perfecta* was recently released and I was lucky enough to get this mini sample size to try out. (Blogger perks eh?!)
I've only tried it out a couple of times but I've loved the results! Made for a multitude of things you can use this skin perfecter n everything from your scalp to your elbows!
Hydrating, soothing and moisturising a tiny bit of stuff goes a long, long way - with the horrible weather we've been having lately my hands have been suffering, this stuff has been great for popping on at night before I head off to sleep for a deep hydrating treatment! I really want to try it out on my scalp as a treatment next!
Health is something I'm trying to take alot more seriously at the moment, I'm ona a real mission to make myself feel better and change my ways - so far, so good! This book was something I picked up from ASOS as something to help me with all those health problems I seem to have day in day out. With it's quick and easy segments to read Health Hacks is so helpful and something I actually enjoying reading through!
There are tons of different sections to read through so weather it's being bloated or something to help with a rash - there is a top tip on how to solve it!
Instagram. I've been obsessed with Instagram. My username is : KIRSTIELOUISES
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I've got everything from teabags to MAC products today, so sit back, relax and come and see what I'm talking about...
Yes, I've talked about the tea before on here in my January favourites but it's still a strong, strong favourite of mine! This stuff is so, so good - tastes just like gingerbread, perfect for a little sweet fix!
The popcorn thins are literally da bomb. I tweeted about them not long ago when I had stumbled across them in co-op and then the lovely people at Metcalfe's Skinny sent me a whole box full (I know, I couldn't believe it either!) - it's taken me all my strength not to sit and eat them all I tell ya!
Popcorn is literally my favourite food ever and I've got such a weakness for dark chocolate at the moment so this combined is just a WINNER.
I mean .... it's basically just shiny highlighters right? Well.... I've been going through these 3 like no bodies business!
The MAC strobe cream (bottom swatch) is a total beaut - for £24 yes it's a bit of a splash out, for me anyway, but this is gorgeous and I'm really looking forward to rocking it with a tan. I miss being tanned so much!
The other two are by Make Up Revolution. Euphoria* and Hypnotic* - at only £5 each these are a bargain! One a silvery pink based cream and the other a golden shimmer cream - I'm obsessed.
I've been rotating these 3 daily, basically just going with whichever one I feel like, I love them all! Strobing is a YES from me. (Although I'm just using them as I would a highlighter.... I don't look Pinterest worthy just yet!)
I was recently sent this pair by William Morris London*, snazzy right?
This pair is actually from the 'Silver Collection' - this collection is super special as they have started to reuse the original shapes and designs that William Morris started out his business with 20 years ago!
You may have spotted me in them on social media recently - (here) - I totally look intelligent right? The quality is amazing, everything from the case to the arms, I'm so, so pleased with them.
Next is a new skincare super hero! Bee Good Necta Perfecta* was recently released and I was lucky enough to get this mini sample size to try out. (Blogger perks eh?!)
I've only tried it out a couple of times but I've loved the results! Made for a multitude of things you can use this skin perfecter n everything from your scalp to your elbows!
Hydrating, soothing and moisturising a tiny bit of stuff goes a long, long way - with the horrible weather we've been having lately my hands have been suffering, this stuff has been great for popping on at night before I head off to sleep for a deep hydrating treatment! I really want to try it out on my scalp as a treatment next!
There are tons of different sections to read through so weather it's being bloated or something to help with a rash - there is a top tip on how to solve it!
Instagram. I've been obsessed with Instagram. My username is : KIRSTIELOUISES
What have you been loving lately?
Sunday, 28 February 2016
5 Things I Cannot Live Without In My Cupboards
I don't know about you guys but when it comes to other people's shopping - I am so nosy.
I LOVE seeing what everyone else is buying and what everyone eats - haha.... the weirdest of the internet right?
So today I'm talking about the 5 items I cannot live without! The 5 things that are always in my shopping trolley and are essential to my week!
1. Green Tea
This has to be #1. I am an avid green tea drinker - I literally think I have a problem ... and now I work in an office full of other green tea drinkers my daily intake seems to have doubled!
I love the stuff AND it's good for you, win-win! (Top tip : if you don't like normal green tea .... try the new gingerbread version from Twinings #amazing)
2. Peanut Butter
What an essential! The greatest of all the spreads I'd say (although Marmite is a beauty.)
I have peanut butter on ...everything. It's such a winner when it comes to my sweet-tooth cravings (which hit daily). My favourite snacks are a granny smith apple with peanut butter and oatcakes with peanut butter.
When it comes to crunchy or smooth.... I'd have to go for crunchy but I do buy smooth aswell - I like to have options okay!
3. Eat Natural Bars
Over the last 6 months I have become completely and utterly obsessed with these and have one daily without fail! With trying to cut down on sugar and eat cleaner these have been the perfect replacement for any chocolate/cakes I seemed to have been downing before. With everything in the ingredients list clean and readable (none of those crazy additives that you can't pronounce) I never feel bad treating myself to one of these and they keep me going!
4. Porridge Sachets
Yes this is lazy. I know I could just buy a bag of oats and what-not but I love these easy sachets from Oats So Simple, I always grab the family size boxes (22 sachets) when they are on offer in Tesco for £1.99. I have one every morning with almonds and honey and at the weekends I like to treat myself to some raspberries and blueberries... crazy aren't I!
5. Wholemeal Wraps
My lunch. Every single day. I love my chicken salad wrap I do, and these wholemeal ones are the best!
What are your top 5 things in your cupboard that you ALWAYS have stocked up?
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I LOVE seeing what everyone else is buying and what everyone eats - haha.... the weirdest of the internet right?
So today I'm talking about the 5 items I cannot live without! The 5 things that are always in my shopping trolley and are essential to my week!
This has to be #1. I am an avid green tea drinker - I literally think I have a problem ... and now I work in an office full of other green tea drinkers my daily intake seems to have doubled!
I love the stuff AND it's good for you, win-win! (Top tip : if you don't like normal green tea .... try the new gingerbread version from Twinings #amazing)
2. Peanut Butter
What an essential! The greatest of all the spreads I'd say (although Marmite is a beauty.)
I have peanut butter on ...everything. It's such a winner when it comes to my sweet-tooth cravings (which hit daily). My favourite snacks are a granny smith apple with peanut butter and oatcakes with peanut butter.
When it comes to crunchy or smooth.... I'd have to go for crunchy but I do buy smooth aswell - I like to have options okay!
3. Eat Natural Bars
Over the last 6 months I have become completely and utterly obsessed with these and have one daily without fail! With trying to cut down on sugar and eat cleaner these have been the perfect replacement for any chocolate/cakes I seemed to have been downing before. With everything in the ingredients list clean and readable (none of those crazy additives that you can't pronounce) I never feel bad treating myself to one of these and they keep me going!
4. Porridge Sachets
Yes this is lazy. I know I could just buy a bag of oats and what-not but I love these easy sachets from Oats So Simple, I always grab the family size boxes (22 sachets) when they are on offer in Tesco for £1.99. I have one every morning with almonds and honey and at the weekends I like to treat myself to some raspberries and blueberries... crazy aren't I!
5. Wholemeal Wraps
My lunch. Every single day. I love my chicken salad wrap I do, and these wholemeal ones are the best!
What are your top 5 things in your cupboard that you ALWAYS have stocked up?
Monday, 9 November 2015
A New Me : 2 Week Update
You may have noticed on Twitter I've been tweeting away about this new 'me', this new changed 'diet' I am on etc etc and I've been getting a few questions about it so I thought it was about time I did a good old blog post to explain myself!
First off I just want to say - I am not on a diet.
Nope, I refuse to say that word now - I have just decided to permanently change my eating to hopefully change the way I feel inside and the way I approach/look at food.
I was given a huge kick up the backside recently when I read Scarlett's 6 Month Food Transformation post - reading her thoughts, feelings and experiences was like reading a diary of my own.
I read so many similarities and realised that 'Hey, maybe I'm not the only person that feels like this' and I don't actually have to feel like it at all, it CAN be avoided.
For years I've known the foods I have to avoid. Alot of people in my life call me fussy which I can find really embarrassing. I can't eat certain foods... kind of not my fault - it's not my choice, I don't want to be fussy, but that's just how it is. I'd rather be that way than be ill.
My tummy troubles have ruled alot of my life since I was a teen, thinking through everything I ate, panicking about going out to eat somewhere new or going to people's homes for dinner - sometimes I would do anything to avoid these situations, in fact, I still do.
The diet I had was poor. Alot of sugar, way too many snacks and not enough fruit and veg... nowhere near enough.
I was lazy, I would just eat the most convenient easy dinners and fill myself up on unhealthy snacks like biscuits, chocolate and sometimes crisps which I would then totally regret and in all honestly would just want to throw up as I felt so full and disgusting.
I would decide to diet every other month and maybe loose a few pounds but it would be a stupid diet. One where probably wouldn't eat enough and get so bored that eventually I snapped - it just didn't work.
So that Sunday evening 2 weeks ago after reading Scarlett's post I kind of had a food epiphany.
I needed to actually start looking at what I was putting into my body, cut the crap and unnecessary over-eating and maybe just maybe I could actually feel normal for the first time in years.
This isn't about loosing weight, it's about becoming healthier and happier and after only 2 weeks I already feel a total difference, I'm eating enough and of the right stuff, I can't believe I've been letting my body go without this for so long.
So.... I've cut out main dairy products like milk, cheese, mayo and eggs, avoided unhealthy processed snacks full of sugar and salt (which I was kind of addicted too) and tried to increase my protein, fruit, vegetable intake as much as possible.
I won't lie... when I was hungover I had a bounty .... but we can let that go right? haha! Could have been alot worse.
I've avoided the biscuits that are still in the cupboard, which is kind of a miracle and I'm bought 2 birthday cakes for people in the last fortnight and not had a single slice!
I've found what I'm eating really does keep me fuller for longer, I'm not thinking of snacking half as much as I used to.
I've already lost 4lbs which is a total bonus and I can't wait to add exercise into this new life routine of mine! I just struggle to find the time when I'm at work 9 hours a day and trying to blog on my days off.
I'll be keeping you all updated on my journey and this 'new me' - so far I'm SO happy with how I feel, I can't imagine ever wanting to pop into a shop and buy a family size bar of dairy milk to stuff my face with again - which can only be a good thing.
Don't get me wrong though, of course treats will still happen. I'm not going to let myself go without popcorn at the cinema - that would just be rude!
First off I just want to say - I am not on a diet.
Nope, I refuse to say that word now - I have just decided to permanently change my eating to hopefully change the way I feel inside and the way I approach/look at food.
I was given a huge kick up the backside recently when I read Scarlett's 6 Month Food Transformation post - reading her thoughts, feelings and experiences was like reading a diary of my own.
I read so many similarities and realised that 'Hey, maybe I'm not the only person that feels like this' and I don't actually have to feel like it at all, it CAN be avoided.
My tummy troubles have ruled alot of my life since I was a teen, thinking through everything I ate, panicking about going out to eat somewhere new or going to people's homes for dinner - sometimes I would do anything to avoid these situations, in fact, I still do.
The diet I had was poor. Alot of sugar, way too many snacks and not enough fruit and veg... nowhere near enough.
I was lazy, I would just eat the most convenient easy dinners and fill myself up on unhealthy snacks like biscuits, chocolate and sometimes crisps which I would then totally regret and in all honestly would just want to throw up as I felt so full and disgusting.
I would decide to diet every other month and maybe loose a few pounds but it would be a stupid diet. One where probably wouldn't eat enough and get so bored that eventually I snapped - it just didn't work.
So that Sunday evening 2 weeks ago after reading Scarlett's post I kind of had a food epiphany.
I needed to actually start looking at what I was putting into my body, cut the crap and unnecessary over-eating and maybe just maybe I could actually feel normal for the first time in years.
This isn't about loosing weight, it's about becoming healthier and happier and after only 2 weeks I already feel a total difference, I'm eating enough and of the right stuff, I can't believe I've been letting my body go without this for so long.
So.... I've cut out main dairy products like milk, cheese, mayo and eggs, avoided unhealthy processed snacks full of sugar and salt (which I was kind of addicted too) and tried to increase my protein, fruit, vegetable intake as much as possible.
So far I feel brilliant, no tummy aches, no sluggish feelings and I'm feeling alot more positive! It's amazing what just a few changes can do.
I won't lie... when I was hungover I had a bounty .... but we can let that go right? haha! Could have been alot worse.
I've avoided the biscuits that are still in the cupboard, which is kind of a miracle and I'm bought 2 birthday cakes for people in the last fortnight and not had a single slice!
I've found what I'm eating really does keep me fuller for longer, I'm not thinking of snacking half as much as I used to.
I've already lost 4lbs which is a total bonus and I can't wait to add exercise into this new life routine of mine! I just struggle to find the time when I'm at work 9 hours a day and trying to blog on my days off.
I'll be keeping you all updated on my journey and this 'new me' - so far I'm SO happy with how I feel, I can't imagine ever wanting to pop into a shop and buy a family size bar of dairy milk to stuff my face with again - which can only be a good thing.
Don't get me wrong though, of course treats will still happen. I'm not going to let myself go without popcorn at the cinema - that would just be rude!
Got any fab recipes or things to share? Link them below or tweet me @KirstieLouiseS
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