DIY Disney Fashion

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

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

Disney Wishlist #17

Baymax Mug | I Lava You Cushion | 90s Disney Shot Glasses | Princess Mason Jar | Rose Gold Princess Decals | Spireside I Am Moana Candle | Spireside Main Street Bakery Room Spray | Fastpass Princess Cap | Mickey Mouse Ring | Disney Studio Pens

Disney Wishlist : May 2017

I have missed doing these posts so much! I am constantly seeing Disney things that I want/need... I mean, I don't think you can ever have enough Disney in your life - and I always get such great feedback and comments when I share my latest finds so thought it was about time the Disney Wishlists made a come back.

Disney Tangle Teezer
Pretty much the only thing I use on my hair is a Tangle Teezer. I have three and cannot live without them in my life! So... a Disney version is pretty much a dream come true... how bloomin' cute is this!

Mickey Mouse Coaster & Mug
Working from home I LIVE on tea and this little duo would just look perfect on my desk... I'm in desperate need for a coaster so I mean, I NEED this in my life!

Lillian & Co Bangle
I stumbled across this brand on Instagram (there are so many cute Disney brands on there I can't deal!). Their bracelets are to die for, so many lovely quotes in different colours, definitely time to save up for a few.

Beauty & The Beast Pyjamas
Topshop always nails pyjamas, and even though, yes, they are a little more expensive than your classic Primark they do look and feel great (and probably last a little longer). How gorgeous are the shorts on these ones!

Disney Snack Top
Etsy has so many hidden gems when it comes to Disney, I wish I had had a little shopping spree on there before my trip to Disneyworld earlier this year! Mickey shaped treats are pretty much the best thing ever so this top is just perfect! 

Winnie The Pooh Memory Box
I love this idea so much, I thought it would be great to use for all my bits and pieces I've collected from my trips to Disneyworld e.g. tickets, photos, magicbands and everything else I feel like essential to cart back in my suitcase!

Belle iPhone Case
I'm a sucker for a phone case and this one is just so damn pretty, plus it has one of my favourites Disney lines on it - so yeah... this is HIGH up on the current wishlist!

Mickey Evolution Print 
Last but not least I spotted this gorgeous Mickey print on TruffleShuffle. How cool is it seeing all of the Mickey designs from over the years!

Spotted or bought anything Disney and awesome lately? Share it in the comments below!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

Twitter - @alohakirstie

Instagram - @alohakirstie

Facebook - /AlohaKirstie

KSNY x Minnie Mouse Card Case

Sometimes you've just got to treat yourself.... and by sometimes I mean, most of the time!

To be fair I had been looking at this little cutie for a while, it was only when I spotted a 20% off code and I was in a grumpy splurgey mood the other week that I decided it would be a great time to place the order! (Sorry Mum...)

I have always loved the look of Kate Spade stuff - from the bags to the jewellery to the stationary, all so cute right? 
So when I heard about the Minnie Mouse collection I literally thought  - 'shut the front door I need it all.' (like I do when any brand brings out a Disney collection of some kind!)
Now.... I'm not in a position to buy a £300 bag on a whim (as much as I would love too) but treating myself to a little snippet of the collection is allowed!

 I've wanted a simple card holder for a while now - I hate carrying my huge Ted Baker purse to the gym and on nights out so this looked like the perfect little case the carry the essentials in..... and it is!
This is alot more than my usual Primark budget but I thought it was an investment.... right? It's so cute! 

Totally perfect for what I wanted it for and perfect for Orlando next year! Last time I went I had to buy a little card holder because my purses were just rubbish - you have hardly any change because there because you get so many $1 bills so this will be just right!
The Minnie Mouse collection is available at Kate Spade UK - here.

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A/W16 Wardrobe Wishlist

My favourite time of year is here again!
Yes, it's time to reach for the gloves, over-do it with the knitwear and purchase 132 pairs of black boots that are ever so slightly different from one another... because, why not?

I LOVE Autumn and Winter - mainly due to the fashion, I love wrapping up in a million layers and popping on a favourite pair of boots!

Fashion this year is on point so I thought I'd share with you lovely lot the bits I'm ordering, popping into my saved items/wishlist and pretty much just drooling over! #prayformybankaccount 

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick Collection

 Anytime I get new lip product I'm excited.... when it's Charlotte Tilbury... I hit the next level! All hail Queen Charlotte and her extreme make-up perfecetness. 

The new 'Hot Lips' collection is inspired by and in collaboration with some of the world’s most inspiring celebrity women.
These include Miranda Kerr, Salma Hayek, Kate Bosworth, Helena Bonham-Carter, Poppy Delevingne, Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Kim Kardashian-West to name a few! (I know ... amazing right?)

I have three gorgeous shades from this new collection and thought it was about time I shared the excitement with you all.... (Seriously someone else please tell me new lip products also get them giddy like a kid at Christmas?)

First up - Secret Salma is a natural deep rose plum which I have to say, is my personal favourite out of the three I own! 
This shade is perfect for Autumn and has recently become my most reached for lip product!
The formula to these is incredible - the lipstick glides on like butter, so smooth and soft and leaves your lips feeling so moisturised but still with a fantastic opaque colour. 
Application is perfect because of the shape, size and angle of the bullet end and can we just appreciate the detailing on the bullet - I hardly want to use it because it will get ruined!

Next we have Kate Bosworth's piece in the collection... Bosworth's Beauty. A gorgeous classic statement pink, perfect for day or night! I love this Elle Woods style pop of pink, a go-to for those days where I want to feel super girly and fun!

Last but not least... it's the queen of the world/social media/TV/life ... Kim Kardashian, with her addition Kim K.W.
This gorgeous 'vintage styled' pink nude is totally fabulous - set to make the lips appear fuller this shade is perfect for a subtle but simple bit of glam.
I love pairing this with one of my MAC lip liners to create that irresistible nude Miss. Jenner has made famous! 

See below for ... my arm... oh wait I mean the swatches...

The Hot Lips lipsticks are priced at £23 each. Yes, these are expensive - nearly £8 more than MAC's high quality range - but I honestly LOVE them.
I mean, they are worth the price for the packaging, detailing and formula alone, not to mention the amazing colour range!
Obviously these aren't something I can afford to splash out on weekly but a monthly treat - why not! I've been trying out alot of CT products recently and have completely and utterly fallen had over heels for the brand!
Do you have any CT favourites? Let me know!

Thanks so much for reading you beauties - I know A Yellow Brick Blog hasn't really been the same this year with it's reduced content but I am really trying hard to get back into the rhythm of things and making time to sit down and blog until my fingers hurt!

Shop the range :  

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Disney Wishlist : July

Team Princess T-shirt | Be Our Guest Plate | Lost Princess iPhone Case | Castle Notebook | Up Backpack | Princess Castle Dress | Cinderella Cookie Jar | Incredibles Sweater

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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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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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How I Work Out At Home : Part 1 - HIIT

Working out has slowly become a regular occurrence in my life again - *thank goodness* yells my un-toned, podgey stomach and bingo wings!
 Growing up I never thought I'd become a lazy and 'un-sporty' girl but after leaving school and becoming 'adult' the thought of exercising slowly went to the bottom of my life priorities and I lost total interest in breaking a sweat and being active.
For a girl who used to be in every school sports team, head to dance classes for hours on end each week and chose P.E. as both a GCSE and A Level - I had rocketed to the other end of the spectrum!

I've had fitness phases over the last few years but nothing that's ever seemed to last more thana  few months - except for walking.... although that's probably just due to the fact that I'm a 26 year old who cannot drive. (yes, I'm saying that in a Clueless quote kind of way!)

I now have a gym membership... yes me! haha..... which means I can take advantage of all the fitness classes they provide, which I have fallen in love with - Dance Atomic is SO much fun!

I'm feeling so happy now I'm back doing regular workouts, runs and classes and slowly but surely I'm seeing a difference. (If I'm not annoying you on social media yet with my updates.... then you're clearly not following me on enough platforms!)

 I can't always get over to the gym and some days early mornings workouts are my only option.

I've been to a few HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes recently - I love the variety of moves and working out my whole body and the timed music that's used (so motivating for me knowing there's only 10/20 seconds left haha!).

It was while I was listening to this music that it suddenly HIIT me (haha get it?)  .... they must have downloaded this 'soundtrack' from somewhere, I could soooo do this at home! So I headed onto Apple Music and searched for HIIT albums and there they were - so many different versions and difficulties, perfect!

I went for a playlist that lasted around 20/25 minutes. Each set being 4x 60 second efforts with 20 seconds rest inbetween.

This is amazing for a quick morning workout or even after work before dinner! 

I try to break a sweat 6 days a week now, so 20 minutes in my own home is perfect - who can't spare 20 minutes?

You don't need alot of room and you can choose whatever moves you want! Whether you want to focus on an area e.g. legs/abs OR work the whole body with a variety of moves (that's my favourite way and it gives parts of me a rest!)

I have a kettlebell that I use to add a bit of weight work into my routines which I love - it was only £10 from Littlewoods #bargain and I have a yoga mat that I use for floor work (no-one likes a carpet burn) but apart from that all I need is my phone with the music on loud to keep me motivated! 

Like I said before, during the workouts you are actually given updates like "half way there" and "10 seconds left" - which really help me to focus and give my all for that 1 minute of intense exercise. (Plus you get 20 seconds in between... perfect for a sip of water or hair adjustment.)

So.... I'm sure you are all wondering what I get upto so here's a list of 10 of my favourite moves to do whilst doing HIIT at home..... (not sure what they are... google is your best friend.)

1. The Plank - great for working and strengthening the core.

2. Mountain Climbers - for someone who hates burpees these are a great way of getting the heart rate up.

3. American Swings - this is a kettlebell move that I probably find more fun that I should!

4. Squats - Booty goals.

5. Bicycle Crunches - a great way to target the abs and obliques in one easy exercise - I really like to push myself on these.

6. Triceps Dips - again with the kettlebell, I have NO upper body strength so as much as these pain me I know I need to do them to improve!

7. Squat Pulses & Squat Kicks - Again .... I need a good butt so these should work wonders.... I hope!

8. Alternating Sit-Ups & Press-Ups - these kill me.... but that means they are working! I normally do 4 sit-ups then 4 press-ups!

9. Scissor Abs - My belly is one of the areas I am most conscious of - I love these as I can really feel like working my muscles.

10. High Knees or Sprint - Another great one for getting my heart rate up - I literally power through this as hard as I can - it's only for a minute..... but it always feels longer (I'm not sure my downstairs neighbour appreciates it though....)

Like this post? Keep your eyes peeled for Part 2 of my 'At Home Workout' series coming soon..... featuring a certain lady's DVDs.....

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4 Books To Help You Create A Positive & Healthy Lifestyle

Books books books! 
I bloomin' love books and reading in general for that matter so whilst delving into my mission of health, fitness and mindfulness recently I've come across a few books that have resonated with me so much that I feel a blog post is in order to share them all with you. From quotes to tips - these 4 books have become permanent fixtures on my bedside table.

First up - Start Your Day With Katie by Katie Piper. I have actually had this book for years but never, ever get bored of it. 
Each day there is a lovely quote or uplifting and positive message to start your day with. I have shared snaps of this book so many times across social media and I'm always getting asked what it is - is it a book? is it a diary? So here it is! 
Buy here

Next we have Health Hacks by Esme Floyd - a book I actually found on ASOS!
This handbag sized book is full of 500 simple solutions to help with everything from migraines and nausea to sleep and weight-loss.
Quick and easy snippets to guide you with more or less any symptom - dip in whenever you want more information on a health concern or problem! Definitley one to take on holiday with you too!
I literally can not recommend this enough - now to invest in the rest of the collection.... beauty hacks and fashion hacks!
Buy here 

Calm is a book that came into my life whilst taking part in #calmday earlier this month and wow - this book is amazing. 
You may have heard of the Calm app  (which I've just started using and it is brilliant) but you can now create a peaceful, calm environment and mentality with your very own book by Michael Acton Smith.  
This book is FULL to the brim with different tips, techniques, things to do, facts and ideas to help you along the way.
The book is divided into eight sections including Nature, Travel, Relationships & Food, this is the perfect thing to pick up as and when you need it to help you in any aspect of your life.

There's gorgeous imagery and fantastic bits for you to fill out yourself - just head to Twitter and search #calmday to check out some of the gorgeous pages inside! If you're an anxiety sufferer/worrier like myself I highly believe this book and the matching app are  fantastic ways to help ease any negative feelings you may have.
Buy here

Last but not least is 'The Feelgood Plan: Happier, Healthier and Slimmer in 15 Minutes a Day'. This book is by Dalton Wong, Jennifer Lawrence's very own personal trainer - and I mean.... if it's good enough for J-Law, then - gimme gimme!

'Dalton taught me how to eat, move and live a delicious but healthy life' - Jennifer Lawrence

First of all I just want to say the layout of this book is incredible! It's so easy to follow, keeps my attention and Dalton along with fellow author Kate Faithfull-Williams have literally thought of everything!
Not matter what stage of fitness or health you are in this is a winner, the attitude behind it is everything I need to help me stay motivated and on the right path for me and my life.
Buy here

Do you have any books recommendations? Leave them in the comments below! 

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The April Lust List

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Illustrated Edition

Calling all Harry Potter fans - today we are talking books! (Although you may have guessed that from the title and photo above!)

In particular - the new illustrated version of The Philosopher's Stone which I have had my eyes on since the day of it's release.
If you didn't know, the Harry Potter books are all being turned into hardback illustrated versions over the next few years. (I got told it's one a year for 7 years but I'm not sure if that's entirely correct!)

After receiving some money for my birthday this was top of my list. Something I had really wanted and something I could keep - I wanted to spend my money wisely and not on stupid things like food and cotton wool pads. (This unfortunately seems to happen alot when you're a boring adult and receive money)

I'm such a Harry Potter fan and I know so many of you are too so I thought if you hadn't seen what the book looks like already then maybe you would like too!
It's pretty big (NOT handbag size) but perfect for displaying and definitely ideal for reading with children! (I'm definitely thinking ahead with that bit but my children WILL be huge Potter fans - I mean I'm already planning on calling my first dog Ron!)

The pictures are fantastic and really throw you into the story - I cannot wait to get the whole collection and have them all looking special on my bookshelf!
The book is priced at £30 - which seems alot but the quality is amazing - but at the moment on Amazon it's half price! 

Here's a sneak peek.....

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MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - Lightscapade

Do you have a list of products that have been on your wishlist for years but you've never seemed to end up buying them?
Mine is as long as my arm but this year I'm determined to try out some of those classics I've been putting off trying for so long for no apparent reason - this being the first.

Lightscapade is a product I have seen and heard so much about for years but for some reason I have just never decided to taken the plunge and buy it ..... I'm sure this has mainly been down to the fact it's £24 - a little expensive for just a little treat.

But I was feeling a little excitable at the end of last month and seeing as my old job randomly paid me some money they owed me I thought 'Why not blow half of it in MAC?' - so that is exactly what I did.

This powder is gorgeous.
Lightscapade is a 'soft candlelight beige with multidimensional shimmer' - I have been using this everyday as a quick finishing touch to my ever-growing daily routine and I cannot believe I've lived without it for so long!
The range of colours help make sure your skin tone stays even and just a light dusting all over creates an envious radiant glow.
 It can also be used as a highlighter, perfect for the high-points of the face - the forehead, nose, cheekbones and brow bone.

If you are looking for a luxurious but natural looking product then look no further - I am SO pleased with this purchase.... onto the next product on that list!

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Rosie For Autograph Eyeshadow Palette - I Feel Like A Million Dollars

The internet chit-chatter has sold me once more. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a total babe - there is no denying it and unlike some other 'celeb' ranges and fragrances I feel like Rosie's stuff has always had that a bit of glam behind it that others are certainly lacking.
 I own a dressing gown from her Autograph collection and it is by far the softest and most luxury dressing gown everrrrr.

So as soon as I saw she had a make-up collection out I was all over it, I wanted it all and didn't care how much it cost.
 I was at a Marks & Spencer's this past weekend so of course I made it my mission to hunt it down and have a look at it all in it's natural glory.

As expected this eyeshadow quad firmly stuck out to me and there was no question about it - I was buying it.

First up let's talk about the packaging. Simple, gorgeous, chic - I LOVE the coppery/gold compact *heart eyes all around*.
The shades are all shimmer based neutrals which is what I wear more or less every single time I want to wear eyeshadow - it's like it was made for me. Plus the name 'I Feel Like A Million Dollars' just really says it all.

 Ranging from a creamy ivory to a deep chocolate brown I feel like this quad is literally all I need now for creating my go-to smokey eye look when I'm out and about!

The pigmentation is amazing and the quality really is of a high standard, they are velvety soft and a dream to work with, easy to blend and build and really long-lasting!
Plus it is all hypoallergenic and in no way tested on animals! (which I know will please alot of you :)

These palettes are priced £18 and there are currently 4 to choose from! Find them online - here - or in your local M&S store!
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MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick

When I heard the next Viva Glam celebrity was going to be Ariana Grande I knew I was going to invest. It didn't matter what shade it was - I was interested. (any excuse to buy another MAC product really....)
I'll admit it - I'm a fan girl! I love Ari, she's a babe!

Anyway.... the collection was released and at first I was actually a little unsure whether to take the plunge and buy it, but because it looked so awesome on Ari (Yup, we are so close I can call her that...) so I decided that it was a must and my life wouldn't be complete without it.

This Viva Glam isn't like any of the others I've had before, I'm used to the fun girly pinks of Nicki and Miley but this lippy is super dark - a gorgeous matte plum in fact! 
Don't be alarmed buy the shade in the tube - it isn't as scary once applied!

The shade is gorgeous, I'm in love and so,so pleased I decided to buy it.
The forumla is surprisingly moisturising for a matte shade - a little like the feel of Velvet Teddy (my number one lippy).

I highly recommend you pair this with a liner though - it's too easy to make a mess of it .... as I may have found out!
 I have a liner slightly lighter which isn't overly great with it so I think I'll be investing in one a bit darker to perfect the look!

I cannot wait to wear this on a night out - is it sad I kind of want to base my outfit around it?!

Have any of you tried it out yet?! You can check it out - here.

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