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Tuesday, 31 October 2017

10 Things Still On My Walt Disney World Bucket List

No matter how many times I go to WDW, there will always and forever be an ever-growing list of things I want to see, do, eat and experience across the world of Disney. So here are ten things still on my Walt Disney World bucket list...


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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!
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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!)

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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!)
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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!
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Friday, 22 April 2016

Easy Ways To Put A Smile On Your Face

1. Don't Waste Your Free Time
Have a passion? Hobby that you adore? Whether it's singing, painting, writing, running, whatever ... spend as much of your free time doing things that you love as you can. It's good for the sole and will improve your state of happiness no end. Even sitting here right now writing this, watching a Disney movie and drinking tea I feel a state of calm and happiness.

2. Write Down Your Achievements - No Matter How Small
Made someone smile? Beat your 5km personal best? Went for a whole week without chocolate? Write them all down in a notebook, as you fill up the days you can see what you've been doing and look back and your accomplishments and remember what you are capable of!

3. Spend More Time With The People You Love
I'm the first person to rejoice when someone cancels plans on me ... 'Yes, book and bed!' are my first thoughts but really spending time with the people you love is always bound to put you in a better mood. 
As much as you might want to get into your pyjamas and put cucumber on your eyes there's nothing better than a girly night in, catching up and talking about what's going on in Gerodie Shore  or spending the night playing monnopoly with your family - you'll be grateful afterwards.

4. Make That Happy Playlist
I've talked about this before on here. Everyone should have a 'Happy' playlist. A playlist full of songs that put a smile on your face, make you sing along and bring back amazing memories! Having a down day or a stressful afternoon at work? Put this on and go for a walk, fresh air and happy music will sort you right out and get you out of that funk.

5. Book Something
I don't know about you but having something to look forward too and aim towards always makes me smile. I booked V Festival last month which is so super exciting and I know having a holiday to countdown to is enough to make anyone smile..... fingers crossed it won't be too long until I've booked my own. (#prayingforDisneyworld)

6. Head To Your Favourite Spot
Mine's the beach near my house - so many happy memories and so relaxing. Just head to your happy place...... even if it's Primark and enjoy.

7. Look Through Old Photos
This is the best. Whether it be physical photos of your childhood or those hilarious teenage shots on Facebook from 2007 - looking back on old memories and fantastic hairstyle regrets will make you smile.

8. Have A Clearout
The best way to lift weight from your life - de-clutter and organise. You'll feel 100 times better afterwards, espically if you give your unwanted things to others.

9. Pamper Yourself
'Me' time is the best - have a few hours marathon watching your favourite movies/TV shows, eat your favourite foods, paintyour nails, pop on a face mask or glam yourself up..... all those things you always want to do but never make time for. 

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Thursday, 24 March 2016

Easy Oatilicious Sugar & Dairy-Free Banana, Fruit and Nut Bars

Why hello there lovely ladies and gents!

I've been baking - can you Adam and Eve it?!

 I literally don't know when the last time I baked was. I'm so pants in the kitchen I tend to avoid the mess and immense disappointment usually linked with my attempts.

With my current lifestyle-change mission in full swing  I have been loving creating healthy and EASY meals/snacks and these are something I randomly whipped up earlier this week - and to my surprise... were edible!


After creating my new fav pancakes, I realised.... 1.I can actually use my kitchen and 2. maybe I can make more yummy things from just eggs and bananas?! Avoiding all that nasty sugar and dairy I decided that these two ingredients would be perfect to create some form of easy peasy snack to help me curb those sugar cravings and I was right! 

For my Oatilicious Sugar & Dairy-Free Banana Fruit and Nut Bars I used just 3 main ingredients.

3 x medium bananas
2 x large eggs
Porridge oats

I mashed the bananas together with a fork (that's hard work you know!) then popped the eggs into the mixture and whisked together until it resembled some form of even, runny mess.
I then tipped in the oats. Right, I know all you baking gods out there are going to hate me but yes, I just guess-timated the amount! I popped in what I thought was enough to create a 'flapjack' type consistency! (and it was fine - who needs scales?!)

So for the main mixture.... that's it! Literally that easy.

I then added in raisins, chopped almonds and dried cranberries to give it a bit of fun! (I think next time I might try a bit of peanut butter and maybe even some dark chocolate chips if I'm feeling a bit naughty..... although then they wouldn't really be sugar free would they?)
You can literally add in anything you bloomin' well please! Go crazy - I'm looking froward to trying all different kinds!
I popped the mixture into my baking tin, whacked the oven to about 180 degrees and left it for about 15-20 mins! (I started with 12 mins but they just weren't done so it was more like 20.)
Once the top had started to golden and the mixture was no longer a gooey mess, I took it out the oven and left to cool. (I'll warn you though are still moist  - ew I literally HATE that word - but they are still pretty squidgy once they are done... all that banana I think, don't panic!)

A short while later I was chopping them into bar sizes and displaying them on a plate to obviously Instagram away..... don't judge me.

Now... don't get me wrong, this isn't no rocky road or millionaires shortbread - but that's kind of the point! You can still get your sweet fix without actually having anything bad in it - totally GUILT-FREE (even when you eat 4!)!
 It's literally only bananas, eggs and oats after all - where's the harm in that?

Let me know what you think of these short but sweet recipes I've been popping up. I'm really loving this new mission I'm on and I find it so fun creating blog content from it too!

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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.
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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Sunday, 19 July 2015

The Disneyworld Tag

Disney makes me happy... hence - new video time!!!
1. First time you went to Disney World?
2. Favourite park?
3. Favourite land in Magic Kingdom?
4. Favourite Disney resort hotel?
5. Favourite snack?
6. Favourite table service and counter service?
7. Favourite ride?
8. Favourite show?
9. Favourite parade or fireworks?
10. Favourite pavilion in Epcot?
11. What colour is your magic band?
12. Favourite character to meet?
13. A character you haven't met but really want to?
14. Your best Disney memory?

Check out my answers in the video below and don't forget to subscribe!
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Thursday, 21 May 2015

Happy 2nd Birthday A Yellow Brick Blog!

I can't believe it! A Yellow Brick Blog officially turns 2 years old today!
 It's been around 104 weeks since I decided to properly start up this blog (after many failed attempts) and to be quite honest - I can't really remember life before it. (what on earth did I do with my spare time?)
This little site has well and truly taken over my life but in a totally fabulous and positive way! Even with the hours wasted taking photos in crap lighting, the pressure I put on myself to constantly upload and a few technical blunders here and there I have loved every second. I am so grateful for the journey it has put me on and I'm nowhere near ready to get off this ride anytime soon.

2nd Year Stats (as of 19/05/2015) :

Bloglovin' Followers : 3,512
Twitter Followers : 9,835
Facebook Likes : 1,555
Instagram : 1,903
Pageviews : 502,900

Just reading those has me overwhelmed! I want to say a massive thank you for every like, tweet, retweet, follow, click you may have done over the last couple of years! 
I'm so proud of where my little spot on the internet has got to, it's more than I had ever thought of, and I will always keep striving to keep it going for as long as I can.
Goals for year 3 :

Hit 5,000 Followers.
Carrying on uploading to youtube as well as writing blog posts.
Finally meet the bloggers who have been so lovely to me.
Become more confident with my content.

As a proper 'thank you' I wanted to hold a giveaway - it's been a while since I had one on here and I thought it would be a great way to celebrate another year of blogging fun, for both myself and you lovely lot :)
 So keep your eyes peeled, hit follow and check back tomorrow when I will be starting it up!

#HappyBirthdayAYBB

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Thursday, 16 April 2015

National Perfume Day : The Power Of Fragrance

It's National Perfume Day!!! 
Yes guys, today marks the first ever national day dedicated to celebrating our love for scents!
 I had no idea this even existed until the lovely people at The Perfume Shop informed me earlier this week, which got me thinking....

Perfume is something which we all (most probably) use on a daily basis. We all have our everyday scents, our signature scent, our "going out" scents, the favourites that we save for those special occassions and of course the bottles that bring back the best memories with just one spritz.
That's what I'm going to be talking about today.

It's crazy how just the smell of something can flood our brain with memories and images of a previous time, place or feeling. 
There are so many perfumes out there that remind me of a particular time or experience in my life and just a whiff of them has me reminiscing about the good (or bad) times. 
Calvin Klein Escape makes me think of travelling with my best friend, Hugo Boss Deep Red reminds me of being a teenager, D&G Light Blue takes me back to 2007 and meeting my boyfriend and Britney Spears' Midnight Fantasy just gets me thinking of Christmas time!
It's crazy how all those memories in my mind can be accessed by just a scent.
But the perfume with the happiest memory for me is Vera Wang Princess
I bought this last year at Gatwick airport whilst on my way to Florida, for my first holiday with my boyfriend. (even though we've been together 8 long years!)

 Scents have always held memories so strong for me so I knew buying a new perfume for a holiday was a great way to keep those particular special memories of the trip even closer to me.
Of course it worked and now everytime I smell or wear Princess visions of Disneyworld, Universal Studios and amazing memories with my boyfriend pop up in my mind creating a huge smile on my face.
This is the power of fragrance - it really can hold the key to so many memories! I love spraying this scent as I know it will take me straight back to my Disney hotel and our adventures throughout Orlando!

Do you have any perfumes that bring back amazing memories? If you're heading on a holiday or maybe getting married or doing something life changing - why not invest in a new perfume to help remember all those memories, it really does work! 


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Monday, 13 April 2015

100 Things That Make Me Happy

1. Musicals 
2. Naps
3. New Nails
4. Harry Potter - any shape or form of it.
5. Booking Adventures Away
6. Tea & Biscuits
7. Good Hair Days
8. Netflix - all. day. long.
9. Looking Through Old Photos
10. Whatsapp Group Conversations
11. Having a Clean & Tidy Home
12. The Smell Of New Carpet
13. Watching Youtube
14. Writing
15. My Parents House
16. Girly Days With My Mum
17. Appley Beach
18. Clean Bedding
19. Having a Wardrobe Clearout
20. Days Off Work
21. Concerts
22. Having a Tan
23. BESTIVAL
24. Online Shopping
25. Taylor Swift
26. Payday
27. Emojis
28. Cinema Trips
29. Popcorn & M&m's
30. DISNEY (duh!)
31. DISNEYWORLD
32. Walks In The Sunshine
33. New Make-up - especially MAC lipstick
34. Gifs, meme's & Vines
35. Rollercoasters & Rides
36. Girls Nights Out
37. Putting On My Pyjamas When I Get Home From Work
38. A Good Book
39. Joey C
40. Clicking/cracking my bones (don't judge)
41. Freshly Washed Hair
42. French Bulldogs
43. Reality TV Shows
44. 90s/00s pop music (Britney can do no wrong!)
45. Dancing & Singing At Home Alone
46. Fake Eyelashes
47. HD Brows
48. Buffy The Vampire Slayer
49. Face Masks
50. ASOS Free Next Day Delivery
51. Reminiscing About High School
52. Yellow Dog
53. Spending Sunday's On The Sofa
54. My Girls & Gay
55. Summer Heights High
56. Twitter
57. My Doggies
58. Margherita Pizza
59. Quoting Movies & TV Shows With Others
60. Water (I'm a big water drinker!)
61. Hugs
62. Loosing Weight
63. Primark Trips
64. Oversized Jumpers 
65. Pretty Little Liars (Although it also makes me stressed!)
66. People Thanking Me For My Help At Work
67. Christmas 
68. Award Shows
69. Holidays
70. Getting Glammed Up
71. Stephen Mulhern Saying "Unbelievable" (makes me laugh everytime)
72. The Wizard Of Oz
73. Universal Studios
74. Receiving Blog Comments
75. Fancy Dress Partys
76. Vodka & Lemonade
77. Massages
78. The Cold Side Of The Pillow
79. The New Cinderella Movie (It's perfect)
80. My Blog Followers (How on earth is there nearly 3,500 of you!?)
81. Magazines
82. The Feeling I Get Post-Run
83. Broken Sword (Yes I am a geek)
84. Dr. Seuss' Work
85. Sales
86. Going To America (I miss it everyday)
87. Watching Jennifer Lawrence Interviews
88. Getting Post
89. Chocolate (Any shape or form.... I'm addicted)
90. Candles
91. Ross Gellar
92. Ariana Grande & Her Perfect Voice
93. Marmite
94. Photobooths
95. Drag Queens
96. Taking My Bra Off After a Long Day
97. Channing Tatum Dancing
98. Well.... Channing Tatum In General
99. This meme that me and the girls send each other as peer pressure...
100. The Isle Of Wight - Home Sweet Home

Now.... time for you to share your 100 things that make you happy!
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