Aloha Kirstie: list

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!)

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.

Balloons - Urban Outfitters

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!

Where it all began...

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!

The Weightloss Story

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!

The Travel Dairies

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!

Dress Like Disney

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!

How I Make My Collages

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 :)

Easy Ways To Put A Smile On Your Face

Sharing positivity and happiness is something I want to do so much more on here.

The Christmas Fund

I'm still SO proud of the blogging community for this one. £500 raised for Crisis UK last year.

A Few DisneyWorld Top Tips

I just love talking about Disney don't I........ roll on March 1st!

Easy Oatlicious Sugar & Dairy Free Banana, Fruit & Nut Bars

I have made these every single week since creating this posts.... and saved SO much money on snacks! (Plus they're healthy!)

The Stresses Of Being A Blogger

Real-life talk.

4 Books To Help You Create A Positive & Healthy Lifestyle

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!

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!

May Payday Wishlist

How To Stay Focused On Your Goals

Goals.

A word we have all seem to have adapted in our day-to-day life this past couple of years .... 'hair goals' 'relationship goals' 'lunch goals' ..... but today I've talking about actual goals. Plans and dreams we all have and our small but mighty mission to get there.

I, for one, am someone who seems to constantly be making new goals - I want to do this or be like that, strive for this, pray for that! But actually getting those goals.... that's another story.

Over the last few years I've realised that if you want something, you can get it.
As much as I believe in timings, gut feelings and thing that are meant to be - there's also the aspect of attracting your dreams, believing in yourself and doing everything you think you can to get there!

I've put myself on a right health and fitness mission this year, and although now and again I seem to fall off the wagon (damn hormones) I'm always straight back on it with that end goal in sight. (Alot different than that giver-upper Kirstie from a few years ago... booo we don't like her).

So I've decided to create a short list of ways to help you stay focused on your goals - no matter what they are!
These will work for everything.... whether you want to loose 5lbs, saving £1000 or become an astronaut (which you can totally do if you want to you know..... I think I'd puke though).

1. Small steps = big distance
The easiest way to start your journey is to make those small steps. Even if it's just one step a week to start with.
For example - want to loose weight but feel like you have a long way to go? Week one, switch all your drinks to water. Week two, make sure you're eating at least 3 portions of fruit and veg a day. Week three, start walking at least 20 minutes a day. Slowly but surely you would have added in everything you wanted to change into your routine and you'll be surprised by how much you've changed by just changing one thing a week... they all add up and make a difference, no mater how small!
In the same way you can save money, instead of buying that Costa or Starbucks daily ("there are also other coffee suppliers available...."), put that £3 in a pot and watch it grow and grow.... all from having one less hot drink a day - bring on Barbados!

2. Reminders
Another simple but easy thing you can do it give yourself little reminders. Why are you doing this? Why is it going to benefit you? Change your phone wallpaper, make a vision board, write in a diary - just remind yourself often of that end goal and how amazing it's going to feel (even if it feels a million miles away, it be get here as long as you stay focused and determined!)

3. Record accomplishments
This is SUCH a motivator! Everytime you feel like you've overcome something, improved or got a little bit closer to that end goal.... write it down! Whether it's on your phone, in a book.... in a blog post?!
You'll see this list grow and grow and you can try and beat it each month - progression is the key, you're not going to get to your goal in, like, a week are you? Not if it's a big life change!
So each month that passes by look back at what you did in that month to help you achieve your end goal.
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to TRY.

4. Vision Board
They'll be a new post up very soon about these! As a child I was obsessed with making collages, cutting things out of magazines and creating.
Vision Boards are an amazing way to keep yourself on track and striving! I'm excited to start a new one for myself this week - and yes... you will be seeing it soon :)

5. Don't be hard on yourself
We all need to press pause sometimes. There is no point in burning the candle at both ends and over-doing everything. I mean that does sort gear towards diet and exercise a little more but it can also be adapted for other things!
Everyone needs some 'me' time, time to forget about stresses and pressures (especially ones you're putting on yourself)
Saving money? You can go out for dinner with your friends or buy that top.
Eating well? One Krispy Kreme in a month isn't going to hurt is it?
Changing careers/studying? A day off to watch the Kardashians and rest your brain is okay.
Keep yourself motivated by having those pauses, you'll treasure them and feel so much better afterwards. Depriving yourself of anything is the easiest way to head straight back to the start line.

To get something you've never had you must do something you've never done. #truth

Remember the only reason why you don't fulfill your goals is because - you choose to give up half way through that journey. Imagine how you would feel if you got there .... remember that feeling... bottle it up and when you feel like giving up, remember it.

(And now I've written this I have an excuse not to give up on my goals.... take your own damn advice girl!)

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.

My January Lust List

All the things I have been aimlessly window shopping over this month..... it's about time someone invented a money tree!

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15 Things To Remind Yourself In 2016

1. It's never too late to start on something you've always wanted.

2. We are all different, stop comparing yourself. (as hard as it is...)

3. No-one ever gained weight from one slice of cake.

4. If you really want something, you'll make the time for it.

5. Taking on one task at a time is the best way to stay organised.

6. It is always better to be poor in purse and rich in life.

7. To-do lists are THE best.

8. Leaving the house at least once everyday WILL make you feel better.

9. There's always someone worse off - think about it when deciding to moan.

10. Worrying won't change the outcome.

11. Nine times out of ten you should take the risk.

12. People who make you feel bad about yourself aren't worth keeping around. (Unless they are your personal trainer....)

13. You'll never regret a run.

14. It's okay to show emotion. Cry, laugh, scream - let it out.

15. Eyebrows are pretty important.

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A Very Disney Christmas

It wouldn't be a 'holiday' without Disney.

Every season, every event - there's always some fun Disney bits and bobs to go alongside and make it that little bit more fun - Christmas obviously being the BEST time.

I love Christmas and I love Disney so what better than Christmas themed Disney stuff - I've found the best of the best and popped it all into a post right here for you guys..... I know you guys love these!

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10 Holy Grail Beauty Products

I'm often asked what my 'favourite' this or 'favourite' that is and alot of the time I don't have a definitive answer.

But there are a handful of products out there that I can easily class as my holy grail's. Products that, since finding, I haven't turned my back on, replaced with anything else or haven't yet found better.

I always love seeing everyones ultimate beauty favourites (as beauty blogger's I mean... it takes alot to become number 1 in someones eyes) so I thought I would share 10 of my beauty products that I just cannot be without!

SKINCARE

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

My number one, my favourite, my desert island choice. I love this stuff.

I am yet to find a product better than this when it comes to make-up removal and I really do struggle to live without it. I mean, I'm sure most of you have tried this by now but if not I'll give you a quick low-down. Cleanse and Polish is a lovely creamy hot cloth cleanser which you pop straight onto your skin. You then remove it (along with all your make-up) with a wam muslin cloth. I usually use 2-3 pumps depending on how much make-up I'm wearing and I also feel fresh as a daisy afterwards! THE best.

Nivea Hydration Primer

My everyday base. Yes I use other make-up primers such as Porefessional and Baby Skin but this is always my first step when it comes to my make-up routine.

I'm not a fan of day creams or thick moisturises as they tendd to clog up my skin alot and I hate that feeling. This however is a lovely light moisturiser which really does waken my skin each morning, leaving it feel hydrated and smooth - I couldn't even tell you how many of these I've been through in the last 18 months or so.

MAKE-UP

MAC Lipsticks

Duh! What beauty bloggers DOESN'T love MAC lippys! My collection is ever-growing and I don't think I'll eve get bored of the colours I own already. The amount of choice is insane and the quality is just fabulous! Want to know my most worn shades? Then check out my post - here.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

This is my everyday foundation. The foundation I wear to work, for days out, even when I pop to the shops - I love the coverage and haven't switched back to another foundation in nearly 2 years now! I'm always recommending this stuff and even mix it with my MAC stusio sculpt for girls nights out.I wear the shade Vanilla most of the year.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

The ultimate holy grail. This is my favourite eyeshadow palette of all time and the one which I always go to as my fail safe. I've had this palette for nearly 3 years now and it has been one of the best Christmas presents I ever got (Thanks Mum & Dad!). and as you can see from the photo - it really does last and last so it is so worth the price.

Eylure False Eyelashes

The greatest and easiest to use eyelashes out there. I'm pretty useless when it comes to eyelashes but slowly but surely I've learnt the nack of how to pop these on with ease ..... even after a couple of vodkas! 101 and 107's are my ultimate favourties.

BODY

Mitchum Deodorant

The greatest deodrant ever made? I think so. I've used this since I was a teenager and have dared to try anything else since! I've got so many of my friends using this too - no sweating, no smelling.... it's amazeballs.

St. Moriz Fake Tanning Mousse

I've tried a good few fake tanners in my time but I always seem to go back to St, Moriz, for the price the quality is insane - just as good as the more expensive brands, This is the tan I always send people too, plus they have so many different products and shades to choose from aswell so there is something for everyone. (I've only just started to brave using the 'dark' shade!)

ESSENTIALS

Bath & Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gels

Well.... I couldn't live without these could I?! The amount I have gone through in the last 3 years is kind of embarrassing! Obviously I can't get them here in the UK so each time I have been in the US I have tried to fully stock up! (especially as they are so cheap, I think they are like 5 for $5 - bargain!) The scents to choose from are incredible, I akways have one lurking around in my handbag!

Tangle Teezer

Last but not least, my Tangle Teezer. Well.... one of the three that I own... yes 3! I hardly ever use a proper hairbrush anymore, only these. I feel like my hair is so much stronger from swapping over to these plus I don't loose as much hair whilst tugging and pulling like before! A total must.

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Blogging Behind The Scenes : How I Stay Organised

Starting a blog has turned me into a crazy organised lady.
Well.... only when it comes to blog stuff - the rest of my life is still a mess.... but my blogging game is sorted (most of the time).

Since starting A Yellow Brick Blog back in 2013 I have slowly worked out a system of how I can get all my bits and bobs in order each week and how to not get too overwhelmed or stressed out about it all.
Don't get me wrong I have weeks where I am tearing my hair out and have no idea where to start or what to do but for the most part I'm fairly organised and prepared for what I have to do that day/week.

So I thought why not add another post to my 'Blogging Behind The Scenes' series and let you guys know how I keep organised when it comes to writing, posting, photo-taking etcetcetc.

1. Lists, lists, lists
I could not tell you how many lists I have lying around. I have lists of post ideas, things to-do, photos I need to take, e-mails I need to reply too - I could not keep organised without my handfuls and handfuls of lists. (I do not joke when I say I can notebook after notebook scattered around my home)

2. Bulk Photo Taking
This is a must for me. Working full-time I don't have alot of time throughout the week to sit down and focus on my blog - it's mainly only on my days off. So when I get time to get on with things I try and cram as much as I can in.
When I take photos I try and take as many as possible for as many posts as possible so that when I'm ready to sit down and start writing all the pictures for the post are ready for me to add - it saves SO much time.

3. Scheduling Posts
Well.... this is number one for me. When people say to me 'How do you schedule posts?' I'm like ...whhhhhat?! How do you not?!
Near enough all my posts are scheduled - and what this means is that once I am done writing a post and I'm ready to upload it I choose the day and time I want it to go live.
This means I can sit on a Sunday and write and upload all my posts for the upcoming and not have to worry about them as they will automatically just go up when they are set too! Easy peasy!

4. Setting Aside Time
I work a full time job - that's 9 hours a day 5 days out of the week.
So when I know I'm going to have some spare time with nothing going on I near enough always fill it with blogging (Yup... it's a pretty demanding hobby).
It's normally on one of my days off and I try and cram in as much as I possibly can.
I have my little set-up which I like to sit at and with all my photos already taken and ready to add to a post I normally just sit down and write, write, write.

How do you keep yourself organised?

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You also might like :

How I Make My Collages

How I Take My Photos

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