5 Things To Remember When You're Having A Bad Blogging Week

As you may have noticed.... A Yellow Brick Blog has been very quiet recently.

Something that I hate but right now with work and general life plans I'm running out of spare time and brain power to create and write.
This makes me so super sad and I hate looking at my bloglovin' seeing that my last post was 7 days ago - shame on me, I'm just not used to being this slack with it all!

I know I'm not the only one who struggles with not only time but ideas and thoughts for posts! I'll have days where I'm bursting at the seams with fun post ideas but at the same time I have weeks where I just cannot muster up the words or energy to throw myself onto my keyboard and type away.

My '5 Things' posts always seem to have a great reaction and I love writing tips/advice/chatty posts - in fact I prefer doing them to your bog standard beauty review (which have been very thin on the ground here for a while now... I'm sorry!)

So, let's talk blogger's block and what to remember when it hits!

1. We All Have Them
Yes, it's true! From the blogging beginners to the full-time blogging babes - we ALL have those phases now and again where we just.... can't!
 Can't think of anything to write, can't get our photos just right, can't seem to persevere with that ever-growing to-do list.
I'm been suffering alot recently - I think working online full-time may have something to do with it - and I've had an overwhelming sense of panic that I have no content scheduled, written or even planned! The less I do the less I feel I can do ... time to shake it off!

2. It Doesn't Mean You're A Rubbish Blogger
It took me a long time to realise this.
There's been many a time I've thought to myself - how can I call myself a blogger when I'm sat here with an empty brain and 5 posts going up a month, I'm pants! 
But the reality is.... I'm not a rubbish blogger it's just a short mini break while I adjust my thoughts and get back on the blogging wagon - I mean look how many posts I've uploaded in the past - I'm not pants, I'm pretty darn cool.

3. Look Back At How Far You've Already Come
Exactly! Just because you're having a bad week doesn't mean you're heading back to square one.... in fact, I bet at least 75% of your readers and followers won't even notice you haven't uploaded, unless you tell them! 

4. There Is Always Someone To Talk To!
Well....  there's never a shortage of blogging buddies - especially on Twitter. The amount of times I've expressed my stresses and blogging woes and feelings on there and had support thrown my ways within minutes - everyone's felt it and will assure you it will pass and you'll be back to you're usual awesome self in no time!

5. It Will Pass
It will. You'll be back typing away until your fingers ache before you know it and you'll wonder just where that motivation and those ideas were hiding! 
Don't stress, even if it's a month or even two, just give yourself time and don't force yourself into writing content - it will never be as good as the stuff that comes naturally!

Keep with it and don't you worry!

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Raising Money This Christmas : Bloggers Christmas Online Charity Fundraiser

Hello my dear friends,

This isn't your usual beauty, fashion or rambly type post (well I could ramble on a bit...) - today I want to talk to you about something a little different.......

Whilst at work the other I was in a daydream (not the first time I might add) - I was thinking about how this year instead of the usual ritual of writing and posting out Christmas cards to everyone, I would just scrap it. Totally get rid of the idea and instead donate that money to a charity instead.
I mean these days I can contact 90% of my family online and the other 10% I can/will see over the Christmas period - with the amount of money cards and stamps cost for them to just be chucked away come Janaury 1st I feel like a charity would benefit so much more from that extra £10 or £20!

So...... this got me thinking.....

How many bloggers are there in the UK? Thousands? And with all those Starbucks and new lipsticks I spot on Instagram and Twitter - I know you can all spare £1.
If we all just gave £1, imagine how much we could raise for a charity on the lead up to Christmas!

I think sometimes we can all take Christmas for granted, we all sit here and create these gift guides and wishlists on our blogs knowing that we will be receiving and giving gifts, having a lovely dinner and being sat at home or even out in a restaurant enjoying ourselves with loved ones. This isn't the case for everyone.
This is why I have decided to create the Bloggers Christmas Charity Fund - an easy way for all of us to give a little to those in need this winter. 

After a bit of research and speaking to a few people on Twitter I have chosen the charity - Crisis.
'Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. We are dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change.'

Crisis have a program called Crisis At Christmas. This provides are number of things for a small price of just £22.29 per person, this includes :

Welcoming support from people who really care

Three nutritious hot meals including Christmas dinner

The chance to shower and change clothes, have a haircut and get a health check

Expert advice on life-changing issues like housing and employment

An introduction to Crisis year-round services for training and support for the future

ALL I am asking for is each of you to donate £1. Just one British pound - something I know you can all spare (That's literally half the price of a coffee!)
Just think.... just over 100 of us bloggers and we could be changing Christmas for 5 people.

Obviously if you would like to donate more than £1 that is more than okay - anything is welcome for such a great cause!

It only takes a minute and is all done through JustGiving so you can see where your money is and where it is going :)

DONATE HERE

With the amazing community we have I honestly believe we can change a few Christmas' out there, please share on your social medias - lets make this amazing!

Thank you,

Kirstie xxxx

Vivaboxes 2014

Okay, so are you ready to see and hear all about a genius gift idea that I have been lucky enough to have a little lookie at recently? Yes? Then settle down and get comfortable...........

Have you ever wanted to buy that special someone in your life a lovely new fragrance for Christmas but for the life of you have no idea what sort of scent they would like? You don't want to splash out on something that may end up sat in a cupboard for years?

Well.... THIS is the thing for you!

Vivabox is a fabulous idea which is the perfect solution to all those presents worries for both the men and women in your life!

Try it, Choose it, Love it!

Each box is full of a fabulous aray of 7 testers for the recipient to test and try out before picking out their favourite.

Once they've decided which fragrance is for them all they have to do is take their voucher which is found inside the box to their nearest Perfume Shop and they can exchange it for one of the full size products!

All the scents choosen are really different from each other so there is definitely going to be something for everyone for sure!

Here's a little more about what you'll find in both boxes.....

Vivabox For Her* - £37.99

Obviously I was super excited to delve straight into this! I am a big perfume person and I am always on the look out for more. I'm not one of these people that has a signature scent - as much as I wish I was! I'm always chopping and changing to my mood and the occasion, but there's nothing wrong with that!

What samples will I find in the ladies Vivabox?

Hugo Boss - Boss Ma Vie Pour Femme EDP 1.5ml sample (Full Size - 30ml)

Carolina Herrea - 212 VIP EDP 1.5ml sample (Full Size - 30ml)

Nina Ricci - Nina EDT 1.5ml sample (Full Size - 50ml)

Paco Rabanne - Black XS EDT 1.2ml sample (Full Size - 50ml)

Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy EDP 1.5ml sample (Full Size - 30ml)

Kenzo - Flower By Kenzo 1ml sample (Full Size - 50ml)

Vivabox For Him* - £37.99

Well the boyf was impressed with this one! I have bought a few fragrances for him over the years and 9 times out of 10 I think I've got it right and he's liked it but this is a great way for him to be able to choose something for himself without having to drag him to a shop to spray a million different testers!

What samples will I find in the men's Vivabox?

Hugo Boss - Boss Bottled EDT 2ml sample (Full Size - 50ml)

Paco Rabanne - 1 Million EDT 1.5ml sample (Full Size - 50ml)

Paco Rabanne - Invictus EDT 1.5ml sample (Full Size - 50ml)

Montblanc - Montblanc Legend EDT 1.2ml (Full Size - 50ml)

Carolina Herrera - 212 VIP Men EDT 1.5ml sample (Full Size - 50ml)

Paco Rabanne - Black XS EDT 1.2ml (Full Size - 50ml)

Issey Miyake - L'eau D'Issey Pour Homme EDT 1.2ml (Full Size 75ml)

Overall I am so so impressed with this idea from the people at Vivabox and I really can't fault it!
 A gift you buy but they choose - a win-win situation all round! The only problem for me is that the nearest Perfume Shop to me is a boat journey away but I'm sure most of you guys aren't far from one at all!

Have you seen these before? What fragrance would you pick?

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The Perfect Pamper Night In For Under £6!!!

I LOVE a good pamper night in. There's nothing better than a bit of 'me' time after a long hard day/week.

Treating yourself to some of those treatments and goodies can make you feel revived and put that smile back on your face!

BUT these things don't have to be expensive and I am forever buying cheap little pick me ups to help myself, hair and skin to feel it's best even if I am half asleep!

 So....... I thought I would share with you lovely ladies 5 great products to complete the perfect girly night in and guess what - the total only comes to £5.58!! That's surely only a couple of drinks in Starbucks or a Subway right - totally worth it?!

1. Grazia Magazine - £1

Guess what...this weeks Grazia mag is just £1! There's nothing better than chilling at home with your feet up, cup of tea (or wine) in hand, reading through the latest celeb gossip, fashion must-haves and beauty secrets! Plus it's got Jen An on the front aswell - always a winner!

2. Montagne Jeunesse Hot Chocolate Face Mask - £1

These masks are some of the best value for money beauty products out there! I buy them constantly and if you read A Yellow Brick Blog alot you've probably noticed! This hot chocolate mask is a fabulous self heating detoxing mask which smells amazing and always leaves my skin feeling smooth and refreshed! To read more about it check out my previous review - here. 

3. Milkybar - £1

A night in isn't complete without some chocolate to crush that sugar craving - every girls best friend in a bar.

4. Boots Sleep Well Bath Foam - 89p

Bath's are something that I have rarely, I'm more of a shower girl myself but once in a while I like to have a good old soak! This bubble bath is infused with lavender to help you relax and unwind, perfect for after a long week at work for me! This bottle is huge so it will last me ages and for just 89p it is a must buy!

5. Aussie Travel Size 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor - £1.69

TOP TIP : IF you have short hair you can buy the sachet of this product for only £1.09 (another 60p saving, making it less than £5!), but my hair is too long for just one sachet now so I thought this mini bottle would work better! Hair masks are my favourite thing, I love giving my dry, drab hair a lift with one of these and Aussie smells the best! I like to leave these on for at least 10 minutes and then let me hair air dry for a soft, long locks!

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A Few Disneyworld Top Tips

As most of you know I've just been to the sunshine state and had a fabulous time at Disneyworld once again! 
I last went in 2012 and loved it so much that at the beginning of this year I managed to force talk my boyfriend into going for a fortnight for our first holiday together! (Yes we've been together over 7 years and we live together but this was our first holiday!)

We had the best time ever and I loved sharing our time away with you guys via social media! Whilst I was away I was asked a few questions about certain things so I thought I'd do a little tips post for anyone wanting to know more - things to read maybe if you're a first time Disney go-er and don't really know where to start with it all!
Please bare in mind that when I've been previously it's been with either a friend or my boyfriend, so some of these tips may not be the best for large families booking!

1. Book In Advance
I know all you probably want to do is book and leave tomorrow but I really think, as frustrating as it must seem, that having lots of time to prepare is vital! I had 9 months this time round to sort everything and save and even I thought that was a squeeze! Make sure you work out enough time beforehand to save all the money you want to take with you, if you're going to stay for 2 weeks I'd say you'd need a minimum of $1000 per adult - we took a bit more than this as we wanted to be able to do everything we wanted and not have to worry, which turned out to be the best choice!
Plus when your booking with a fair bit of notice there tends to be lots of deals, offers and savings on, especially when you're booking through Disney themselves.

2. Stay At A Disneyworld Resort
I've only ever stayed on site so it's kind of all I know but I don't think I would want it any other way.
 The deals you can get booking with Disney are a whole lot better and probably cheaper than you would if you were booking through another travel agent. For example for my most recent trip my boyfriend and I got : Return flights to Orlando from Gatwick flying with Virgin Atlantic, a room at Disney's Pop Century Resort (Large room with 2 double beds) for 2 weeks, a 14-day ultimate park ticket for all 6 parks plus Disney Quest and transfers for less than £2500. That's less than £1250 each - which I think it a total bargain!
When staying at a Disney resort too you get alot of extras such as money off vouchers for restaurants and stores AND you get free transport nearly 24 hours a day with dozens of constant buses going to and from your hotel to all the parks! We literally never had to wait longer than 15 minutes for a mode of transport - so so handy. (especially if you haven't hired a car)
And the benefits don't stop there, when you're staying on site you will be entitled to a certain little thing called Magic Hours. Magic Hours are extra opening times for the park for resort guests.
 Each day is a different park and these are the perfect times to get in and on those rides which always have ridiculous queue times (3 hours for a 2 minute ride? Ain't nobody got time for that!)/ 
The best time is when the parks regular hours are 9am open but magic hours are from 8am - get in and out the park before most people have even arrived!

3. Go In Off Peak Times
Each time I've been I have been super lucky when it comes to crowds and queues. I went in March just before Easter and most recently mid-end September. Both times I haven't queued more than 25 minutes for anything (at either Disney or Universal). I've heard what it's like in the summer and at Christmas and for me personally even though the weather is better in summer and the atmosphere sounds amazing in December I would rather go at a quieter time even though there is a risk of rain!
Our holiday last month was amazing, September is when kids have all gone back to school and it is alot less likely that parents are going to take them out of class when they have just started a new year, plus they get fined now!

4. Use Magic Bands & Get A Memory Maker

When staying at a Disney resort your magic band is your room key, park ticket, fast passes and you can also link your bank/credit card to it to use as payment - which is a genius idea especially for the water parks! You can leave your hotel not having to worry that you have your room key, wallet and tickets as it's all in one place - on your wrist!
As far as I know you can get these even if you aren't staying on site and I would high recommended them - so convenient.

The next thing I'm going to mention does cost a little extra but for me it was worth every penny. Memory Makers are a photopass system which means every photo you get taken inside the parks, whether it be on a ride or in front of Cinderella's castle, is put onto a digital account for you.
These accounts can be linked to your magic bands also so all the photographer needs to do is scan your band after they've taken the pictures and if you're on a ride it does it automatically.... don't ask me how - I was amazed also! 
I'm the sort of person who loves getting the photos from rides as I find them hilarious, so to know I was going to get all of them made me super happy and less stressful when it came to deciding whether I wanted to pay out for it or not. Photos can be like $20 each and this beaut is only $149 if you buy it 3 days or more in advance - well worth it, I love the photos we got!

5. Take Comfortable Shoes & A Sensible Bag
Comfortable shoes are a must! The amount of walking you will do is insane - I was totally exhausted everyday! As hot as it may get I really think trainers are a must, a few hours walking constantly in flip-flops can become uncomfortable and you don't want to have to cut the day short because your feet hurt!
Don't get me wrong flip flops are also a must, especially for the water parks and chilling at the pool just make sure you take a range of different footwear!
Bag wise you need to remember that you are going to be taking and posing for photos 24/7, going on rides and walking round lots. This in mind I think across -body bags or bags with a long strap are perfect (although nothing too big!) - hands are free. they are easy to get things in and out of plus easy to get off when hopping on a ride or posing for a photo!

6. Have A Plan Of Action & Fast Pass In Advance

As much as it's fun to go with the flow and relax it is best to have some sort of plan for your days! We set alarms each morning and knew exactly where we were going, what time we wanted to get there for and what we were heading too first!
We also pre-booked our fast passes days in advance, although if you can I'd say choose them as early as possible!
 Rides like Toy Story Midway Mania & The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train were completely out of fast passes by the time we went which actually lead us to never going on the mine train - sad face! You can do all of this on the My Disney Experience App!

7. Early Birds Catch The Worm
I mentioned it earlier but I would 100% recommend getting up early as tackling the parks as soon as they open! This is the quietest you'll see the parks as not everyone can be bothered to get up, have 1 million kids to get ready or are super tired from the day before!
There were some days where we had done all the big rides by 9am and the queues were still that short that we could go and do them again!
This way aswell you can be out of the parks by lunch and the time everyone has arrived for the day and head back to the pool or a water park for a relaxing afternoon before heading back out again in the evening!

8. Order The Kids Food Options Or Share
I don't know about other people but I find the amount of food given in the US far too much most of the time and this is why it's great that Disney serves kids options. I know they are made for 12's and unders or whatever but for me they are normal size servings and they save you money!
Another good way to not waste food/over eat and save money is too share a meal (lunch) - for example you can get 8 chicken nuggets with a portion fries for around $9, but this is the perfect size to share with someone, we did this alot!

9. Want To Eat Out? BOOK!
There a so many amazing restaurants in and around the parks and resorts at Disney but because they are so amazing they are, of course, constantly fully booked!
 So before you go plan some meals, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner you will be so glad that you did! I would have loved to have eaten a the new Be Our Guest resruant in Fantasyland but I didn't book in time and it was impossible once we were there! We did have some lovely meals at Downtown Disney though at Planet Hollywood, T-Rex & The Rainforest Cafe!!

10. Go To Walmart
Walmart isn't far away from the Disneyworld site and there is so so much you can get to make your trip a little easier and a little cheaper! I find Walmart great for getting things like bottled water (saves paying the $2.50/$3 per bottle in the parks), breakfast bars and crisps to take will you each day to keep hunger at bay and avoid paying for lunch in the parks each day!
You can also get some great gifts in here, they sell loads of Disney merchandise and clothing at a fraction of the price of the parks, great US sweets and awesome cheap make-up and toiletries. They basically sell everything so it's a one stop shop for all your holiday needs!

So there's just a few little tips for you guys, I hope they were helpfulish? 

Have you been to Disney before? Counting down the days to your flight? Let me know!!

More Disneyworld post coming soon.......

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