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

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. 

Things I'm Rubbish At #2 ...

Seeing as the list of these things is pretty much endless I thought I'd follow up my original post (here) with a part 2... a few more things I am totally pants at.

1. Saving Money

Urgh - the one thing in life I wish I was good at. It just never ever seems to happen... especially since moving into my own place! There's always something I have to pay out for or invest in - never any spare money.... not cool! The amount I could have saved when working as a teenager is just depressing really...... I just want to go to Disneyworld again!

2. Sticking To A Diet

I'm brilliant at this every Monday morning but by Monday evening I'm so hungry and starved of sugar that I want to eat my own arm as a cheeky little starter. 
I used to be amazing at this... a few years ago I lost 2 stone in 2 months and felt blooming marvelous - nowadays I struggle to not eat my own body weight in biscuits before I go to sleep each night. 
It's just the evenings I struggle with - I eat so well throughout the day but by the time I get home from work I just want to sit on the sofa with my pyjamas on, watching Netflix and eating happy snacks! Shame on me!

3. Packing Lightly

Now... I have NO idea how people pack lightly. How is it even possible?
 What if you need other things? What if it's cold? What if it's hot? What if you need your Gossip Girl DVD collection for an unspeakable reason? I just CANNOT do it. I go away for a night and somehow manage to take with me 5 pairs of pants, 3 jumpers and an array of make-up products I never use... just in case! 
I literally salute anyone that goes backpacking... just one bag? For everything? For months? ..... sorcery I tell you!

4. Painting My Nails

Yes I'm a blogger of the beauty variety most of the time but something I may not have disclosed on here before is that I am just totally horrible at painting my nails. 
It literally looks like a 5 year old has done them if I don't have a nice wide brush (they are the only ones I can get along with!) and 99% of the time I have to go around my nails with a cotton bud and remover to clear off all the stuff that didn't make it onto my nail - aka around 87%.
 AND even if I do them okayish.... within 24 hours they are chipped and I have to take it all off - what is the god damn point!
(Hence the reason why I love getting extensions/shellac so much.)

5. Staying Up Late

I have turned into SUCH a granny over the last few years - I am only 25 (Yes I look like a teenager) but my social schedule looks like one of a 95 year old. I just really struggle to stay up late - my bed is always calling my name and my eyes are always dropping.... it's a bit embarrassing really isn't it? I just love sleep ya know and sometimes TOWIE is just on TOO late okay!!!! 
Although I CANNOT sleep in.... like ever! If I sleep past 7:30am that is a serious lay in and I love it.... it doesn't happen often - I like that I don't waste the morning though. (yup.... now I sound like a Granny!)

What are you rubbish at? Will you happily admit it?!

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25 Random Questions Tag : YouTube

10 Random Facts About Kirstie : YouTube

Oh dear... I finally went and did it! 
I have officially uploaded a proper video onto youtube.... social suicide or fun new hobby?

I thought to start with I'd just do a quick - 10 Random Facts (and they are seriously random!) 
This is totally terrifying to me and I do feel like a bit of a plonker BUT... yolo (yes I did just say yolo!)
 Please let me know what you think (Good or bad... just be honest ... but not mean) and maybe I'll do another. 
This could just all fall flat on it's face and I'm totally prepared for that but if you guys like then I'll make another video very soon! 

If you do like the video it would mean the world to me if you hit subscribe :)

OOTD : The LBSD

Another fashion post today - I'm really loving doing more posts about clothing and fashion, finally getting a bit more confidence with it all!

Today is all about the LBSD (Little Black  Swing Dress... duh!). For me black is classic and if I'm ever stuck with what to wear it normally ends up being something black - although I don't see it as depressing at all like many!

Black is a colour that you can wear all year round - obviously just accessorise it differently if the sun is shining!

This is a dress I received recently from the fabulous Mrs. Blak - this is a new website to me and I have become obsessed with browsing it's pages!

 I'm the sort of person who sometimes goes on a site... looks at the dresses and refines the search options to my size and black. This site literally only sells black clothing - perfect if you're looking for an LBD right?

With pieces from ladies such as Lydia Bright, Amy Childs, Binky and Jessica Wright aswell as their own pieces this site is great and there are prices to suit everyone - to see everything they have to offer sign up to their fun newsletter - here!

Excuse my white face.... I think the powder I used was a tad light - shame on me, I look ill!

Swing Dress : Mrs.Blak*

Necklace : New Look

Shoes : New Look (£5 in the sale - total bargain!)

Legs : Cocoa Brown Lovely Legs Instant Spray Tan*

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Things I'd Tell My Younger Self

Recently I was asked a question - what's something you would tell your younger self? 

Now this started off a huge list in my head  - Listen to your parents, heartbreak doesn't last, work hard, don't be scared to say what you think - but being me (a beauty blogger and make-up/hair/skincare addict) this list also contained many-a-piece of advice on appearance and made me think back to all those horrible beauty mistakes I have made over the years... mainly as a stroppy teenager!

 So I thought I'd write them all down and share them with you!

 Maybe you made the same mistakes/bad choices as me growing up and would love to go back and tell yourself - no no no!!!

To 13 year old Kirstie..... Do not overpluck your eyebrows

First off, the first time you want to try and tame those brows - go to a salon! Get them waxed into  good shape and then work with that! Do not think you can sort them yourself and decide to pluck.pluck,pluck until your forehead is bald as a baby bum... it's not a good look!

To 14-22 year old Kirstie.... Blonde suits you better.

Over the years you will decide to try out every hair colour possible. Blonde, white, brown, black, red, purple. 

Don't bother. Blonde suits you better so stick with it! Don't think you're saving money by doing it yourself either - always go to a hairdresser and keep those locks healthy. And above all.... do NOT let your friends dye your hair - as much as it sounds fun, it never ends well.

To 15 year old Kirstie.... You do not want big boobs!

As much as you think you'll look and feel 1 million times better/hotter - believe me you don't want them. They'll be a time in your life that they are ruining your life, no clothes fit, bad back.... be happy with what you have Kirstie Louise!

To 16 year old Kirstie... Braces are worth it.

It might seem like the longest 18months of your life but braces will change your life and you will be so grateful that you had them! Only a few months and those nashers will be sorted forever (near enough)! Stick with them... they don't look as horredous as you think!

To 17 year old Kirstie.... Your body is better than you think - look after it.

Even though you think you're a little chubby here and there... girl you are not!
 By the time you are in you're twenties you would do anything to have the body you have now still! Look after it, your metabolism won't be awesome for much longer so keep active and lay off the junk - it will ruin you and you'll only regret it!

To 18 year old Kirstie.... Don't forget the suncream.

As much as you want a gorgeous glowing tan - always wear suncream.

 Not only is getting burnt ridiculously bad for you but dodgy tan lines just look crap, so stay safe in the sun - you can't take sun damage back. (and you don't always want to look like a lobster in your girly holiday snaps!)

The video below is one of my favourite things ever and I thought it was totally perfect to include in this post - these are things to remember whatever age you are so... sit back, relax and listen closely.

Got some things you'd love to say to your younger self?
Pop it in a blog post, click here, e-mail it over to the guys at Legal & General and you could be in with a chance to win an iPad mini!

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24 fun facts about Kirstie

 Yup I've hit the big 2-4. Yesterday it was my birthday so I thought why not celebrate by doing a quick 24 random fun facts about myself!
I love reading these posts by other people so hopefully this will seem readable to some of you! So here we go...

(Seriously how amazing are my friends!)

1. I didn't eat pizza until I was about 15,  until then I hated it. (Now I can't get enough!)

2. I LOVE the smell of new carpet, I seriously love going into carpet shops or the carpet section in B&Q.... Mmmmm!

3. I was once in a lift with Jason Biggs. After a flight from New York I turned round and noticed he was stood next to me - but I felt too tired and ugly to attempt to speak to him.... So I just stared like a weirdo.

4. I was named after Kirstie Alley.... My mum saw her name pop up on TV and fell it love with it - originally I was going to be called Charlotte or Emma.

5. I will always find Summer Heights High hilarious. One of the best shows ever.

6. This one time...... I kissed a seal. It's a long story. 

7. My favourite food has got to be chocolate but if I had to choose a favourite dinner it would either be Christmas dinner or my mum's macaroni cheese!

8. I am obsessed with musicals.

9. I met Kat Von D and Holly Madison on the same day - it was a good day.

10. My dream job would be a dancer on tour with a superstar like Taylor Swift or Katy Perry, it looks like the funnest job ever!

11. I have a serious love for cheesy 90s music. I could listen to it all day.

12. I support Portsmouth FC.

13. I've been dying my hair since I was about 12 - but I think I'm going to stick to blonde.

14. I had a mega drive when I was younger and am an incredible player of Sonic.

15. My dad once told me that conker shells were baby hedgehogs and I took them home and gave them lettuce and milk. It was only when I wanted to talk them in for show and tell that my Dad had to confess he was winding me up ... I was 4!!!

16. When I was younger my favourite animal was a mole.... which I find hilarious... what a strange child!

17. This month will be my Twitter's 5th birthday. The most exciting people to tweet me so far have been Paris Hilton & Khloe Kardashian.

18. I never take off the diamond ring I got for my 21st birthday.

19. I have 1 brother, he is 19 months younger than me.

20. I've never ever squeezed a spot - which most people find weird. Is that a bit of a gross fact?

21. I went to Katy Perry's California Dreams tour 3 times.

22. I've never had chicken pox.

23. I have a huge love for all things Dr. Seuss.

24. I own over 65 lipsticks. #freak

And if you wanted to know anymore useless information about yours truly then check out my 20 Facts post! (Although some of them aren't exactly correct any more!)

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OOTN : My BFF's Hen Night

This weekend it was my best friend's hen-do! It was a total surprise for her, all she knew was that she was going away! We whisked her down to Bournemouth and along with shopping and some good food we of course had a big night out!
I want to try and do my fashion based posts so I thought I'd share with you my outfit from Saturday night, this will be a very short post but hopefully you guys will like something a little different to my usual posts!

Dress : ASOS

I bought this dress back in the summer and had completely forgotten about it until I was hunting through my new wardrobe on Friday night trying to think of things to pack! It is so comfortable and has the prettiest embossed pattern all over it, I love how different it is. They also do it in white and it is in the sale for £12 which is a total bargain (original price £35) - in fact it is the cheapest thing I'm wearing! 

Lime Clutch Bag : Cheap Monday

Most of my outfits I had planned were super plain, being mainly black, so I thought getting a bright clutch bag would break it up a bit and brighten me up! I bought this from ASOS it was again in the sale for only £13.50 down from £35 - and by the looks of it, it is now sold out!

Shoes : Boohoo

I've mentioned these before on my blog in my May Favourites - they are the Rosalie Black Leather Look Buckle Demi Wedge from Boohoo! I got these months and months ago but because they go with so much I wear them all the time! They are so versatile and so comfortable (for the first few hours) - I love them.

I'm also wearing my hair piece from Wonderland Wigs! I recently did a post on this (here) - I am obsessed with this thing and cannot wait to invest in some more! 

They look so natural and are so so easy to attach and wear.... slowly being converted from extensions here! Saves me so much time when getting ready - my real hair now just looks so short, thin and drab, I need one of these permanently attached to my head!

I am also wearing Mac Studio Sculpt foundation, Rimmel's Apocalips in Big Bang and for my eyes I have used the Naked palette from Urban Decay and I have finished the look with Eylure 107 false eyelashes (as always!).

Let me know what you think of this short post and if you like my blog please follow via GFC and Bloglovin - I am so close to hitting 500 followers on Bloglovin and I am starting a giveaway as soon as I hit it as a massive thank you to everyone - how exciting!

Growing My Hair & My Haircare Routine

Over the years I've been good with my hair but I've also been VERY bad with my hair! I'm the sort of girl who gets bored with it easily and loves having a change, whether it being a colour or a cut I love having a revamp at least once a year!

Throughout the last 10 years I have tried ALOT of different colours, cuts and styles which hasn't always been the best thing for the condition of my locks! (Especially the time I was dying my hair red weekly so it wouldn't fade.... oh dear!)
2009-2011 was probably my most drastic changes ( and not just my hair.... ) here's me as a blonde, a redhead and a brunette with a variety of fringes, yes this all probably happened within a 18 month period! (2010 and 2011 are with extensions)

BUT over the last 18 months I have realised that, for me, doing my hair myself was just NOT the thing to be doing and have been religiously heading to my hairdresser to get my hair done! 
Back in Spring 2012 I thought I'd get rid of my extensions (RIP) and have my hair cut alot shorter but after a while it had grown a bit and was still feeling a bit pants so in November 2012 I decided that the only way for me to get my long thick hair from when I was 17 back I was going to have to go for the chop and get a  proper bob - it was time to start a fresh and look after it well!

I have to say this was the best decision I have ever had for my hair and I actually loved having my hair in a bob, it was so easy and fun but.... I did start to get bored of the one straightened look I went for 24/7 after a few months!

In February for my birthday I received the whole Lee Stafford hair growth set and the Lee Stafford Argan oil and from this moment I have been on a mission to grow my hair out!
Since using the Lee Stafford products ( and a few others ) I have noticed such a difference in the condition of my hair and it HAS been growing alot faster in my opinion.

Aswell as using these products I have drastically cut down on using heat on my hair. Since February I have probably used heat on my hair less than 25 times - that is SIX months people, I think I'm doing well!
Unless I am going on a night out I will just let my hair air dry and either put it up in bun or in a french plait style! It may not look as good but my hair feels soooo much better from it all and it's actually a treat now when I decide to straighten or curl my hair.... I can also always notice a massive growth difference each time where I only straighten it every couple of weeks or so!

Here's my hair from the big chop until now  ....

 I go to hairdressers for a trim and a whole head of highlights every 12-16 weeks or so, leaving it this long does give me some major roots but it is so much better for my hair then going every 8 weeks, I love getting a bit blonder each time I go!

So..... I thought I'd share with you my hair routine and the products that I use! 

Number one is that I use a Tangle Teezer. (eww SO sorry about the strands of hair in the photo!)
I literally do not remember life before using these. I got my first one back in 2010 for Christmas and immediately fell in love!
If you haven't used these before I seriously urge that you do, they are so much better for your hair than a normal hairbrush, they don't pull, they keep your hair strong and they also help keep it shiny, I honestly haven't used an ordinary hairbrush to brush my hair in nearly 3 years!
I wash my hair probably 3 times a week and I near enough always use these, the Lee Stafford Hair Growth shampoo and conditioner. Like I said before I have been using them since February and I jut love the results they have. I know they are a little expensive for the size of the bottle you get (£6.99) but if you are sensible with the amount you are using you can make these last for weeks and weeks. (it is great if Boots have offers, it really helps save the pennies) I love love love the smell aswell!

Everytime I wash my hair and it is towel dry/damp I always use either the Lee Stafford Argan oil or my NEW favourite hair product the Moroccanoil Treatment from the mid lengths of my hair to the roots , both these products work so so well and I don't know how I lived before using oils on my hair! They are so amazing for keeping my hair thick, strong and healthy and they last for so so long, the Lee Stafford one is the same one since February!
Also if I am going to be using any form of heat on my hair I always spray in the Lee Stafford Heat Protection Spray for Straightening (even if I'm curling it... I'm crazy like that!)

Each Sunday (yes I have a set day!) I like to use the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment along with my shampoo and conditioner. I put this on after my shampoo and leave for around 5 minutes and then wash out and use my conditioner as normal.
This stuff makes my hair feel so so amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who it trying to repair or grow their hair or anyone has really dry hair.  (obviously it has the lovely Lee Stafford smell aswell!)
It is £7.99 and this normally lasts me about 8 weeks or so as I only use a egg sized amount once a week. As you can see I've stocked up (3 for £12 at the moment in Boots!) so this is likely to see me through until the end of the year!

If you have been following my blog then you know a good few weeks ago now I bought the Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes shampoo and conditioner to try. 
These products are toning products to help you loose any brassy or yellowy tones in your blonde hair (like the "touch of silver" shampoo that alot of people seem to be using). Originally I started using this once a week but I did find that it made my hair a little drier than usual so I have cut down to just using it once every 10 days or so! So far I think they have worked great and have definitely had a positive effect on the colour of my hair!

Now down to something that I only do once a month/ every 6 weeks!
 If I have a day off when I know that I'm just going to be at home for the day (and not be seen by any members of the public!)  I love to cover my whole hair in coconut oil..... in fact I am doing it right now!
Coconut oil is great for so so many things and it mainly used for dry skin (that's even what it says on the label) but I'd heard by quite a few different sources say it is also great for hair aswell, so i tried it! I've been doing this for the past few months and each time it has left me with lovely soft, thick hair!
Coconut oil is a hard substance (a bit like the Palmers coco butter original formula) but when a little heat is added it immediately turns to an oil, so all you have to do is rub it between your hands and you have pure coconut oil to slap on your hair! 
This stuff is super cheap aswell, I got this from Superdrug and it was 2 for £3 -  what a bargain for a product which has multiple uses!


I hope you have enjoyed this post - let me know what you think and what products you use and love!

30 Day Snap #29 - Selfie Saturday & New Eyebrows

So we've made it to the penultimate day of the 30 Day Snap - only one more to go and then we are into July my friends! (how quick has that gone!!?)
Everyone takes a cheeky selfie - so heres one I just took when I got home from my day at work - check out my new HD brows! (this was my 3rd session)
So so excited to just chill out tonight and have a nice relaxed day off tomorrow! I love relaxing Sundays - No make-up, hair on top of my head, comfy clothes (pjs/joggers/onesie), no bra, perfect!
What are your guys' plans for this weekend? 

Catch up here, Days - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.