Big This Week

Recent Posts

Monday, 8 January 2018

2018. The Positive Year.

Oh hello all. It's been a while hasn't it? 
I mentioned at the end of last year I'd be taking a break from blogging until 2018, well... that flew by and now we're here, a week into January and I'm feeling ready to throw myself back into the blogosphere. 
Share:

Friday, 1 September 2017

DIY Disney Fashion

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

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

Share:

Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Disney Wishlist #22


Share:

Tuesday, 22 August 2017

The Best Mood-Boosting Breakfast Smoothie

Since swapping my diet up to a paleo-based lifestyle I have had the same thing for breakfast every single morning. Yes, I may be a creature of habit but it's just.so.good. I'm not bore yet!
And as I can't keep GREAT things away from you all, today I am, of course, sharing my favourite everyday breakfast smoothie recipe! If you're a sweet/chocolate lover... this is one for you.

Share:

Thursday, 17 August 2017

Disney Wishlist #21



Share:

Wednesday, 9 August 2017

Come Grocery Shopping With Me : My Weekly Supermarket Essentials

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

Share:

Wednesday, 2 August 2017

My Happy Mood Hacks

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

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

Friday, 28 July 2017

Things I've Learnt From Working At Home

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

Share:

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

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. 

Share:

Sunday, 16 July 2017

Sukin Skincare : First Impressions

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

Share:

Friday, 14 July 2017

Focusing On My Health & Wellbeing : My Six Steps


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

Share:

Saturday, 8 July 2017

Six Ways I've Managed To Reduce My Monthly Outgoings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Got any tips? Send them my way!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie
Instagram - @alohakirstie
Facebook - /AlohaKirstie
Share:

Friday, 7 July 2017

Perfect Products For The Tired Girl



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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie
Instagram - @alohakirstie
Facebook - /AlohaKirstie
Share:

Wednesday, 14 June 2017

My Favourite Movies To Lift My Mood


If you're a natural human being you're going to have down days. It's a fact of life, especially with the devils that are hormones.

When it comes to cheering myself other than food, yes chocolate DOES work, I love to chill out on my awesome corner sofa and put on a 'feel good' film! So here's a little list of my favourites.... and if you haven't seen them I highly recommend you do!

Love, Rosie
This has got to be up there with my top 5 favourite movies ever. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, it makes me happy! Lily Collins is just awesome as Rosie - if you haven't seen this you are seriously missing out on the perfect rom-com.

Look Who's Talking
This movie reminds me so much of my childhood, my parents named me Kirstie after seeing Kirstie Alley's name and I always loved her as an actress growing up.
This film is still a total classic.... and the more I grow up the more I fancy the pants off of John Travolta! 

The Bridget Jones Trilogy
What female would not want to sit down and watch Renee in her big pants! Bridget Jones is so iconic and Bridget Jones' baby, for me, was even funnier than The Edge Of Reason! I'll never get bored of these.

Just Go With It
This has got to be my favourite Happy Madison movie! Full of lols AND most of it is set in Hawaii.... which we all know is my number one on the bucket list of life!

The Wolf Of Wall Street
My favourite Leo movie. And Leo always knows how to make us feel better! This is a three hour movie so make sure you sit down and clear your afternoon for this one. This is honestly probably my favourite movie ever made in the history of time! so.bloody.good.

90s Disney
The classics from my childhood. Aladdin, Beauty & The Beast, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid (okay I know that's 80s!), Pocahontas, Toy Story, Hercules, Mulan .... these of course always make me feel better. Ain't no movie like a Disney movie.

What are your favourite movies to watch to put a smile on your face? Let me know if the comments below or tweet me at @alohakirstie!


Share:

Wednesday, 3 May 2017

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

Share:

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

The Wishlist 10 #1

What's that? A new series of posts? Why yes it is!
My number one hobby seems to be online window shopping - constantly popping bits into my basket that I've fallen in love with but will probably never part with my dear cash for.
I share so many of these things on social media so I thought I'd start rounding them up in weekly blog posts - The Wishlist 10.
Ten items I'm lusting after that week..... such a fun way to share with you what is catching my eye at the time and maybe even an easy shopping guide for you all!

Crochet Dress - Forever 21
One Year Wiser - ASOS
Half & Half T-shirt - ASOS
Rose Gold Reebook Classics - Schuh
Faux Leather Jacket - Forever 21
Mermaid Highlighters - ASOS
Pink Borg Coat - River Island
Grey Short Uggs - Daniel Footwear
Embroided Grey T-shirt - New Look
Camo Coat - Forever 21



AF's included
Share:

Monday, 22 August 2016

4 Reasons Internet Friends Are God Damn Great!

A good few years ago if you said you had a friend online people may have looked at you like 1. you were crazy, 2. naive and 3. ... kind of sad. (Or 4. your parents would have banned you from using the family computer)


Nowadays more or less all of us who venture into the world of social media have people we talk to on a regular basis without, most of the time, ever even meeting - and it's not weird!

This is a huge thing in the blogging world and I, myself, have many lovely girls I've met online who I class as friends that I can contact and talk to at any time of the day!
So..... why are internet friends oh so fabulous? ....

1. You have ALOT in common
Yes - you are always guaranteed to find someone else online who has the passion and love for the same thing/s as you! 
You may bond over your obsession with Buffy The Vampire Slayer or Disney - or talk in depths about that awesome TV show that's on right now *cough*PLL*cough*(yes I'm totally referring to myself here) ... or maybe you collect spoons and you've found someone else that does too - you never thought you'd see the day right?
Sometimes you may even feel that you have more in common with those internet pals you tap away on your phone talking to than your best friends of 20 years. (Nothing wrong with that obviously, we all have different passions and hobbies!)  

2. They are ALWAYS there (any time of day or night!)
I mean us bloggers are online alot. We are slaves to social media and spend a good few hours on the internet a day..... don't deny it.
So if we need some help with some online shizz, want to ask a question.... or maybe need to vent about things that your friends, family and partner might not quite understand? Queue those incredible internet friends that totally get your html woes and Instagram struggles!

3. They are amazing supporters
The amazing girls I've been luckily enough to chat to are literally the supportive babes ever! Always helping me when I feel down and helping me with my blogging woes and confidence issues. (April Todd you are the best!)

4. Even though you've never met .... you can still pour your heart out to them.
They say sometime it's best to talk to people on the outside! Hello internet friends.
Yes, you can crack on and pour your heart out to them, rant, tell them your deepest darkest secrets and know they won't judge you or think you're strange.... in fact they probably did the same thing to you last week.

 Thank you to all my internet pals out there - you know who you are - not everyone understands the weird 21st century relationship we have .... but you rock! (and we WILL meet asap, I promise!)

Follow
Share:

Sunday, 17 July 2016

Creating A Vision/Happiness Board

I've been meaning to make this post for months and months now, I just have struggled to find the time to get on with it!

I love creating and even though I'm not naturally artistic (I struggle with a stick man) ever since I was a child I have always loved making collages, cutting bits out of magazines and I used to sit there make new things to put up in my bedroom weekly - I just loved it. (Oh... remember those days before the internet!)

I had been thinking about making one of these for my flat for months now - whether it be a vision board or a happiness board I wanted to have something that I could put together myself, that I could change every month or so to make me smile, keep 

You can do this with anything! If you have a goal you want to reach, saving for a holiday, counting down to your wedding, need a bit of motivation for work or maybe just want to fill the board with happy memories that make you smile - everyone needs one of these!
 As you can see I filled mine with all sorts of things - fun photos of holidays, friends and family (how cute is the one of me and my little Brother when he has chicken pox haha!), quotes from magazines that I love (especially that Cameron Diaz one!) - tickets from fun events, a card of my favorite movie The Wizard Of Oz and lots of little hints at ORLANDO to remind me that it won't be long until I'm back there #MotivationToSave!

What do you think? Is this something you would make yourself? Let me know!

(I bought my board from Amazon - it was only around £10 and looks a million times nicer than your usual cork board!)
Follow
Share:

Saturday, 25 June 2016

What I've Been Wearing This Month : Isle Of Wight Festival, Mallorca & Using Octer

Well... it's been a while but I am still here - I promise! A Yellow Brick Blog is still well and truly alive.... it's jsut had a little nap!
I've missed blogging so much and this Summer I am determined to get this back on track with regular posts and activity!

So... what are we talking about today?

We're talking clothing.... and in particular what I've been wearing this past month! With the Isle Of Wight Festival and a quick trip to Mallorca I've seriously jumped into the swing of Summer and embraced showing a bit of skin!
Although the weather right now has been reaching for my cosy sweaters and waterproofs for the short time I had in the sun ... it was very enjoyable!


The Festival Co-Ord



I am obsessed with this co-ord from boohoo! I get a little worried about showing my mid-rift but this is the perfect shape and size for me to feel comfortable but still rock the trend! The high waisted shorts are a great fit and the long sleeves mean I don't even have to take a jacket!
Boohoo have recently been my number one place to shop - their range is so vast there;s literally something for everything plus the prices are brilliant, I've been so impressed with what you can get for your money there!


The Glam Night Out


Okay... I had wanted this playsuit for MONTHS! I loved the look of it but the original price of about £60 has seriously put me off.... along with the fact you can't wear a bra!
Flash forward to June and it's in the sale with only one left in a size 10.... kind of meant to be right? I headed more or less everywhere then to find something to keep my boobies under control!
Boohoo had a fab looking stick on backless thing which went upto a D cup so I thought it would be worth a try! For my boobs it's wan't the most supportive or sassiest looking thing but I was in Magaluf and it would do!
The sandals were a total bargain though - £10 not even in the sale... I can't wait to pick them up in black aswell!

Jackets
Camo Jacket : Boohoo*
Denim Jacket : Tesco - F & F




Well... it's England so I couldn't go far without a jacket now could I! These two have been my go-to's this whole month, from chilly festival evenings to travelling outfits to the airport! These jackets are fab staples to see me right through until Winter ... and both of them were such great value!

I'd wanted a camo jacket for.... well months and months .... but ones I kept coming across just weren't doing it for me! This is where Octer came in handy!
Octer contacted me recently to invite me to try out their awesome app/wesbite service! Nowadays with the countless e-mails I receive daily it takes a lot for me to get excited about something and get on board but with this it was easy, I was hooked!

Looking for something in particular? I always am! Whether it's a black dress, a midi skirt or a simple T-shirt, I've been known to spend hours flicking from site to site checking everything they have to offer in each option.... Octer is here to save you!

With Octer you can search whatever you may be after e.g. 'Camo Jacket' across all the sites you want to look through - for me this is ASOS, Boohoo, Missguided, New Look, Topshop and River Island mostly! 
This literally makes life SO much easier - you can see everything on one page with the prices and you can even put a special feature on it where you just search the sales!
I'm obsessed and highly recommend both the sire and the app!


Dinner Date With My Girls



Another amazing find via Octer! I was after a plain black playsuit for our last night in Mallorca and I thought instead of sitting on the internet for hours and hours browsing through all my favourite sites I'd head there and simply search them all at the same time! 

I LOVE this playsuit - such a fab fit and as body conscious as I am this had me feeling confident and girly!



The shoes are my Matalan babies - I saw them on Abby Clancy earlier this year and HAD to have them, only £20 and SO comfortable! I even wore them to travel in on my way to Mallorca - the perfect summer heel! (Now can I just get them in 5 different colours please?)
Fingers crossed this is the start to man posts coming this Summer :)


Did you know my Instagram AND Twitter have changed? You can now find me at ...

Instagram : AlohaKirstie
Twitter : AlohaKirstie

.... Think my blog should match? Let me know ... I just can't decide whether to say goodbye to A Yellow Brick Blog or not!
Share:
© Aloha Kirstie | All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Developed by pipdig