How I Ended Up Owning My Own Business

This is something I get asked about alot. People I meet or haven't seen in years are sometimes shocked when they ask what I do for work and to be honest ... so am I!

Owning a business, I don't think, was ever on my life agenda. Being self-employed possibly was but I just never saw myself as a 'boss'. An 'owner'. Or even an adult!

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. 

See you in 2018...

As you have probably noticed (or maybe not) I have been fairly absent from the blogging scene this year. I haven't uploaded a post since Halloween and although I've had lots of ideas and a whole lot of intention the content just hasn't come.

For the last few months I have been running a company, working a second job, trying to keep up with my family and friends and you know... living my life, which means blogging has taken a back seat. (I'm not sure how many times it is now that I've written that sentence.... but it's definitely more than a few.)

Not only do I struggle for time when it comes to blogging but, if I'm being honest, motivation. 

Since starting 'A Yellow Brick Blog' (AlohaKirstie's previous name) in 2013 the blogging world has taken a huge leap in terms of content, quality and overall uploads and over the past 18 months I have really felt like I've been left behind. Girls in which I started this journey with are killing it with insane photography, brand deals and general amazingness and I could not be prouder to have seen them grow and shine - I know firsthand how much they deserve it all. But for me I feel like I've faded into the background of the blogging world, with my content being amateur and weak compared to even brand new bloggers.

I always will be forever grateful for every single person that still clicks on this site, follows me on social media and generally is a babe towards me, but lately I feel like I've been letting those people down with my shoddy attempts at blogging and I need to remember WHY I started this in the first place. An outlet for myself to share things I love, share advice and basically just have a little Kirstie platform to hold dear to my heart. 

So in 2018 I'm hoping to be BACK, maybe with a new look, a new vibe - but I really want to be that blogger I was in 2013/14/15 creating fun content that I love, sharing products, places and things I want to share and just enjoying my work!

So fingers crossed here's to an exciting new blogging venture in the new year....

Please do share in the comments anything you'd love me to include here on AlohaKirstie or maybe posts you've enjoyed in the past. 

Where to find me in the meantime:

Twitter: @AlohaKirstie

Instagram: @AlohaKirstie

Facebook: /AlohaKirstie

Anxiety.

Anxiety isn't something I've ever gone in depth with here.
 Yes, you may have seen a few tweets from myself expressing how I'm feeling but I've never gone into more than 140 characters about how I'm feeling, mainly because I have always been a little reluctant.
One, because I don't want people to ever think that I'm joining in with a trending topic or 'trend', as that is in no way the case and also knowing people in my actual life and people from my hometown/Island read my blog. For some reason this always makes me feel a lot more vulnerable than just sharing my issues with the internet and my blogger pals online. 

Why I Got A Second Job | Being Self-Employed and Employed

 

Yasssss #girlboss life! 

T-Shirt : Pretty Little Thing // Jacket : New Look // Lipstick : Stila, Beso

Two jobs? You must be crazy! That's what I've been getting told, but I know making this decision has been the best thing I've done for myself in a long while.

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.

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!

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!

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?

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. 

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. 

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

Summer Body Essentials

Summer 2017 has HIT the UK and for once I (nearly) feel ready! 
As someone who has never been overly body confident, Summer can be a bit of daunting premise for me....... and my thighs! 99% of the time my legs are pale, hairy and severely un-ready to see the light of day, especially in public, so when warm weather approaches I like to prep like a pro to ensure I'm not caught out when it comes to baring all!

As I was just at the Isle Of Wight Festival earlier this month I had already started my summer body ritual before this crazy (yes I'm melting) heatwave began. It's only a few extra products to add into my daily/weekly routines but they really are life savers.

1. NSPA Coconut Daily Refresh Shower Scrub*
First things first, before all that tanning and creaming malarkey I need my skin to be fresh, clean and smooth - so a body scrub is a must.
This creamy daily scrub from NSPA at ASDA smells bloomin' incredible - if you have read my blog for a while you will know that scents are a big thing for me. If a product doesn't smell good, I wouldn't and won't purchase it or use it. Coconut is one of my all-time favourite scents for products too so this is a winner.
I use this a few of times a week all over my body to prep my skin for fake tanning (or to get old fake tan off) and for only £2... yes £2 - it is WELL worth it!

2. St. Moriz Advanced Pro Formula Tanning Mousse*
All hail my all-time favourite tan.
St. Moriz has been in my life for years now and I totally swear by this brand. They were kind enough to send me a bottle of their new advanced pro formula to keep me going this month/Summer. This is the medium shade which I like to layer on for a few nights before I have an event, super easy to use I just use a mitt to apply all over before I go to bed and then wash it off in the morning. It gives a super natural and long-lasting colour (my mum even commented on it last week!) plus right now you can win a trip to Miami with St. Moriz's Baywatch comp right - here. (Totally non-spon... I just really love them)

3. Bondi Sands Everyday Tanning Milk
Gradual everyday tanners have been in our life since the early 00s when Dove & Johnson's bought out their famous moisturisers - which, if you didn't use, were pretty life changing. 
My high school years are a blur of me covered in this stuff thinking I was super sassy... but clearly not sassy enough to use real fake tan. I'm a big Bondi Sands fan and their products are up there with St. Moriz for me, I love the scent and the shade is always really natural looking. This is the perfect product for me to use to keep my skin moisturised plus keep my tan long-lasting and topped up.

4. Tropic Mineral Sun Protection*
Sun cream. The number one product everyone should be using in this weather. 
My skin, unfortunately, does have a slight problem with some sun creams. As I am a sufferer of the dreaded heat rash I can only use sun creams that are non-pore blocking which believe me... aren't that common!
I usually use Boots Soltan Sensitive cream which is a god send for me but when Tropic asked if I'd like to give their Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection and I read it wouldn't block pores I jumped at the chance!
I chose the 30SPF as 15 didn't feel enough for me and my sensitive skin and 50 felt unnecessary for me on the IOW! I've been loving this suncream and so far... no heat rash wahooo!

What are your favourite products to keep you increase your body confidence leading up to the Summer months?

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

The Perfect Friday Night In

As I've gotten older night's in have definitely become more desirable in my eyes. After a long week at work the thought of chilling out before a weekend of jam-packed plans really does float my boat.
(Don't get me wrong though I'm all for a mojito or two with the girls now and again aswell, but on a rare occasion!)

I always love getting all my bits and bobs ready for my night in - the thought of a pamper session, snacks, pyjamas and a good book to delve into really does help me get through the Friday slogg of work.

So I thought I'd give you a little look into what I, 27 year old Kirstie who works Mon-Fri, loves to do on a quiet Friday Night In! #GrandmaStyle

1. Pamper

A bit of girly 'me time' is always top of the list when I have an evening with no plans (and even better... no boyfriend lurking around!). I tend to treat my skin to a fancy face mask and my hair to either a hair mask or a good, thick layer of coconut oil. 
If I know I'm going to have time to wash my hair the next morning (aka non-gym mornings) I'll always pick the coconut oil, slap it on root to tip and sleep with it on there. I've been using the Protein World Coconut Oil which I always grab when it's on offer at Superdrug which always makes my hair feel fabulous, soft, shiny and definitley a bit healthier!

Face masks, as you will know if you've been reading this blog for a while, are my FAVOURITE skincare treat! Forget oils, serums and creams - I'm a sucker for a quick fix face mask, I couldn't even tell you how many I've tried over the years!
So when I was offered a fabulous bubble face mask from Skin Republic to try I couldn't say no, a bubble mask?! Well that's new to me!

This purifying face sheet mask is made from activated charcoal powder, which 'when applied reacts with the air to create a deep cleansing, exfoliating foam, for a more radiant, clean and clear complexion'! Something I seriously NEEDED to try after a few months of not being overly great to myself or my skin.
Sheet masks are always terrifying - you could be a Victoria Secret model and you'd still make someone jump and this one is no exception! In fact this was the weirdest face mask I've ever used BUT my skin is feeling great after 15 minutes of having a bubble face!
Check out my Instagram/Twitter for a few hilarious snaps of it in action - thanks Skin Republic!

2. Comfort
Pyjamas, pyjamas, pyjamas - one of the world's greatest gifts! I pretty much live for taking off my bra and putting on pyjamas at the end of each day. I get a wave of relaxation over me once I've popped on those (most likely Primark) comfy bottoms and oversized top for the evening - and once I've put on my pyjamas that me written off for the day - I won't be leaving the house or doing anything strenuous from then on! 
(Pictured : Harry Potter PJs, Primark)


3. Treat
Pretty much a given for me.
Nights in for me do consist of a lot of green tea though - my absolute favourite drink. Yes, as well as being a total water freak I love green tea, I suppose that is the one perfect thing about my diet, those two things are pretty much the only things I drink unless I'm 'out-out'!
As well as tea I, of course, have to have a treaat or two! My favourite thing ever is sweet popcorn with chocolate m&m's poured in (don't judge me and my sugar addiction please) but seeing as I'm trying to be a little healthier I can settle for a Nakd bar. I love these little things.... I still can't quite grasp how they get the flavours so damn on point with each bar, rhubarb and custard, gingerbread, bakewell tart ... they are all so yummy!

4. Scent 
Candles, one of my greatest loves in life. There's nothing better than filling a room/home with a lovely scent, creating a peaceful and calm atmosphere is essential for a good night in.
Recently I have been loving the new Tobacco Flower* candle from Yankee Candles.
This is from the new Viva Havana summer collection and is a powerful blend of ginger, cedarwood, bamboo leaf and jasmine! The scent is fresh and actually really reminds me of Summer - I will a little worried with the word Tobacco being in the name but it's nice and sweet and, like all Yankee candles, gives off a strong scent, filling the room with ease!

5. Escape
Finally, reading, watching, listening - anything that can take my mind off the washing up in the sink or the shopping list on the fridge screaming at me.
Like I said in my previous post I struggle to find time to read even though it's one of my favourite things to do. Time seem to run away from me in the evenings post-gym and dinner I'm half asleep and my eyes can't focus on a TV show let alone text on a page!
So I really like to try and delve into a new story when I can, sometimes that's the most exciting time of a book, opening up the crisp first page and starting a new adventure!

I've had this book sat on my shelf for months now and I'm determined to finish it this month - it's not the usual genre I read so I'm looking forward to exploring something a little different.
I have also made a silent promise to myself that I won't buy any more books until I have read everything I on my book shelf that's yet to be touched.... which is embarrassingly is a fair amount!

What sorts of things do you like to do when you have a cosy night in to yourself?

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

My 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

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

My Summer Reads 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow

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

Grateful.

As a 26 year old woman (yes, apparently I am classed as one of those now... even though I still spend my spare time singing to Disney soundtracks and googling things like 'how to cut a pineapple') - I spend ALOT, and I mean alot, of my time moaning, critiquing myself, stressing over minor mishaps and generally wishing for other or better things.

Earlier this week as I was getting ready for work it kind of hit me that doing this was kind of... well, ridiculous. 

I am SO lucky to have the life I do. 

Why am I moaning about gaining 1lb and not looking like Jessica Alba or being stressed because I'm a bit strapped for cash for the last week of the month? 

Living in a world full of social media, gorgeous celebrities with enviable lives and general glitz and glam it is really hard not to get caught up in the longing for more - that green eyed monster.

I have all 4 limbs, am on the whole - healthy, I can see, I can hear, I can smell - I have an amazing family, boyfriend and best friends that have been with me since I was a child, I live on a beautiful island.... there is no reason I should be moaning - I should be bloomin' well grateful.

I wake up in the morning, in my own flat surrounded by hundreds of things that I don't really need but have anyway - head to my kitchen where there is food, running water and head off to a job that I love! (What is there to moan about really? That I ran out of £2 raspberries...?) 

I don't know why looking in the mirror that morning bought all this on but it's something that's made me think constantly this week and started to change how I look at things.

Before the photo above I would think ... oh god look at those hips, my arms look chubby, I wish my bum was better (and I'm not going to lie and say that I still don't think those things on some level) but I've got to look at the positives of the photo - I'm in Mallorca on a gorgeous beach, so lucky, my bikini was a bloody bargain from ASOS (£10!) and compared to 5 years ago I look great! 

Be proud of who are you, embrace the flaws you think you may have and smile! 

It's alot nicer seeing, talking and interacting with positive people - negativity is draining, so unbelievably draining, it's time we cleansed ourselves of it! 

It's time to start looking at everything as a glass half full, not half empty. Out-way the negatives with the positives and LIVE life. 

I should be totally and utterly grateful and at peace with what I have - as there are so many people in the world with nothing. No family, bad health, nowhere to sleep - most of us take what we have for granted and it is about time we stopped. 

I'm not sure whether this is a sign of maybe finally growing up a bit but it's a start. I mean it's all pretty obvious but we need to appreciate what we have a little more than we do.

Focus on what you DO have, not on what you do not.

What do you have to be grateful for? 

Follow

Life Update

Why hello my favourite internet people!

It's time for me to finally sit down and type away my feelings.... it's been a while and I've missed blogging regularly SO much and I thought i was about time I did a mini life update for you all..... in case you've been wondering where I am! 

What's new with me? What's gong down? 

Well.....

I've been working... alot! I LOVE my new job so much but working online all day I struggle to then sit down and open my laptop once I'm home enjoying my free time - which makes me sad as I LOVE blogging so much but I do need time to switch off from it all. But I'm determined over the next couple of months to get A Yellow Brick Blog up and running like it used to be! 

I've booked a holiday......... to DISNEYWORLD! Yes I'm so, so, so, sooooo happy - I finally cracked my boyfriend and he agreed to go back next year :)

So, lots of saving and counting down for me until March - I still can't believe I'm going to get to go back, a dream come true once more!

Summer is coming and I have lots of exciting plans! From the Isle Of Wight Festival next week to one of my best friends hen do's (in a totally secret location.... I'd better not say because she could read this, we've kept this a secret for 6 months and I'm just spoiling it now!) later this month to V Festival in August ... I'm looking forward to some amazing weekends with good friends :)

INSTAGRAM - I have a brand new Instagram - @AlohaKirstie - and I would seriously appreciate it if you'd hit follow, I can't believe it's already hit over 400 followers in less than 4 days!

Alot of people have been asking why I have made a new account.... well, my old one, for me, was just messy - which sounds SO stupid but I'd had it since 2009 or 2010 I had over 4000 uploads. I just needed a fresh fun start!

Will my blog change names? Who knows?! Not anytime soon :) 'A Yellow Brick Blog' seems to have a lot of love from what I've seen and been told so maybe it should stay :)

I'm still on that health kick - I'm obsessed with the gym classes I'm going to and I am trying seriously hard with my diet (although I have slipped a few times recently)! I did just complete #ChocolateFreeMay though - wahoooo! I'm excited to keep on challenging myself, setting new goals monthly and seeing improvements!

What have you all been upto? What's new? Let me know in the comments below!

Follow