Kirstie's Current Favourites

Well .... it's been a while since I've talked you guys through what I have been LOVING lately so I thought it was about time!
I've got everything from teabags to MAC products today, so sit back, relax and come and see what I'm talking about...

Now I'm going to start with the two randoms. Metcalfe's Skinny Dark Chocolate Popcorn Thins and Twinings Gingerbread Green Tea.
Yes, I've talked about the tea before on here in my January favourites but it's still a strong, strong favourite of mine! This stuff is so, so good - tastes just like gingerbread, perfect for a little sweet fix!
The popcorn thins are literally da bomb. I tweeted about them not long ago when I had stumbled across them in co-op and then the lovely people at Metcalfe's Skinny sent me a whole box full (I know, I couldn't believe it either!) - it's taken me all my strength not to sit and eat them all I tell ya!
Popcorn is literally my favourite food ever and I've got such a weakness for dark chocolate at the moment so this combined is just a WINNER.

 Strobing! Strobing, strobing, strobing. 
I mean .... it's basically just shiny highlighters right? Well.... I've been going through these 3 like no bodies business!
The MAC strobe cream (bottom swatch) is a total beaut - for £24 yes it's a bit of a splash out, for me anyway, but this is gorgeous and I'm really looking forward to rocking it with a tan. I miss being tanned so much!
The other two are by Make Up Revolution. Euphoria* and Hypnotic* - at only £5 each these are a bargain! One a silvery pink based cream and the other a golden shimmer cream - I'm obsessed. 
I've been rotating these 3 daily, basically just going with whichever one I feel like, I love them all! Strobing is a YES from me. (Although I'm just using them as I would a highlighter.... I don't look Pinterest worthy just yet!)

 Since getting a new prescription and starting my new job, glasses have become my life. I actually can't go through a day without them so new pairs are always a good thing!
I was recently sent this pair by William Morris London*, snazzy right?
This pair is actually from the 'Silver Collection' - this collection is super special as they have started to reuse the original shapes and designs that William Morris started out his business with 20 years ago!
You may have spotted me in them on social media recently - (here) - I totally look intelligent right? The quality is amazing, everything from the case to the arms, I'm so, so pleased with them.

MAC's eyebrow pencil in Lingering has changed my life. God lord how had I not tried this before?! I LOVE this eyebrow pencil, the shade is perfect for me, it fills in my sparse areas without making them look too bold and OTT and it lasts all day - this will be repurchased over and over again. As you can see I've already rubbed off all the writing on the packaging and I've only had it a month!

Next is a new skincare super hero! Bee Good Necta Perfecta* was recently released and I was lucky enough to get this mini sample size to try out. (Blogger perks eh?!)
 I've only tried it out a couple of times but I've loved the results! Made for a multitude of things you can use this skin perfecter n everything from your scalp to your elbows!
Hydrating, soothing and moisturising a tiny bit of stuff goes a long, long way - with the horrible weather we've been having lately my hands have been suffering, this stuff has been great for popping on at night before I head off to sleep for a deep hydrating treatment! I really want to try it out on my scalp as a treatment next!

Health is something I'm trying to take alot more seriously at the moment, I'm ona a real mission to make myself feel better and change my ways - so far, so good! This book was something I picked up from ASOS  as something to help me with all those health problems I seem to have day in day out. With it's quick and easy segments to read Health Hacks is so helpful and something I actually enjoying reading through! 
There are tons of different sections to read through so weather it's being bloated or something to help with a rash - there is a top tip on how to solve it! 

Instagram. I've been obsessed with Instagram. My username is : KIRSTIELOUISES

What have you been loving lately?

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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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How I Make My Collages

How I Take My Photos

Blogging Behind The Scenes : How I Make My Collages

This is a question I have been asked so many times over the last couple of years - 'how do you make those collages?"
I'm talking about my wishlists, my 'I'm Loving' posts, my 'Dress Like Disney' posts etc etc. It's always kind of hard to explain over Twitter or on Facebook so I thought what better than to do a quick and easy 'How To' blog post for you all!

First up I use picmonkey.com (my ultimate blogging weapon!). 
These posts normally don't take me too long as most of the time I get all my content prepped before I start making the collage itself.

I head to PicMonkey and to get started I click edit, choose computer and find a previous collage I have done or a good sized photo.
Once the picture had uploaded I then go straight to 'Canvas Colour' and change it to plain white (colour code ffffff) to give me a fresh base to work on.

Once this is done I click the butterfly symbol tab on the side bar which is for overlays (pictures) and then go to the top option which is 'Your Own'.

Previous to this I normally have found all the pictures that I want to be included in the collage. Depending on what sort of post I am doing depends on where I get the pictures from but I near enough always go for a picture with a plain white background as it is easier to work with and well.... they look better!
I find the picture I want online (e.g. Stitch cushion) and save it to my computer.

Once I've found the image I want when I've clicked on 'Your Own' overlay I just double click and upload it to the picture.

I carry on doing this with all my pictures for the collage and then it's time for the fun part - to re-size, organise and make them into a pretty collage.

This part is normally pretty straight forward, sometimes I just need to eraser bits here and there if photos are laying on top of each other/blocking each other.
For this all I do is click on the photo in question and choose 'Eraser' - I usually whack my eraser size up to fairly large to make things quicker and  I just get rid of that white background from the picture that I don't need or that is in the way!

Another way I get around photos blocking each other is sending them to the front or back, which is when I send the photo chosen to be bought forward and lay on top of another photo or to be send behind.

After all the fiddling around and once I'm happy with the finished result I click combine all making the collage into one solid picture.

It's then time to save! I just hit the save button at the top which then gives you options as to how you would like to save your photo.
 ALWAYS save in PNG form, this ensures that the backdrop to your photo is bright white when uploading it to your blog, normally if you save it in JPG form it is a little grey and doesn't look as good.

And..... TA DA! Here's the finished project! (Everything pictured from the Disney Store UK)

I hope you guys found this helpful, let me know in the comments below and let me know if you'd like anymore 'How To' posts!

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Blogging Behind The Scenes : How I Take My Blog Photos

Photography is a huge part of blogging. No matter what anyone else says - photography can make or break a blog in my opinion.

I've been very conscious of my blog photos since starting A Yellow Brick Blog and I'm sure I'm not the only person who has felt this way.
Looking at other bloggers, their amazing set-ups (crisp white, gorgeous lighting, pretty flower arrangements... you know the drill) and their awesome camera skills I've not felt great about my own work alot of the time! (Silly I know but comparison just comes naturally to me!)

It's only been the last few months or so that I've started to feel 'okay' about my photos and that's all down to my new little set up I've put together.

A few people who I know in 'real life' have said to me "your flat looks so lovely, so white and pretty" - to this I cannot help but laugh. It is incredible how much influence one photo can give.... as you can see above all it is is a cheeky bit of thick white card.

That's right - it cost me £5 and has lasted me for MONTHS! All I do is pop this onto my ottoman in my lounge, push it up against the wall and - Bobs your uncle, the perfect backdrop to pop anything onto!

I use a soft box light alongside this as lighting truly is key when it comes to blog photography - it really does transform a picture. 

Normally the light is facing the wall not to the side as the photo above shows. (I just wanted to show you it all in one photo)

 This light was from Amazon but I actually bought it off of a lovely blogger who had two but really only needed one - so it was a total bargain and has totally changed the way I do my photos! One of the best things now is that I don't have to wait for daylight - I can take photos whenever I want - which is great as I am at work 5 days a week adn evenings most of the time are more practical! 

With this plain backdrop I really can transform it into anything - I've used everything from books to candles to hairbands to help create an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for the products (or whatever it may be) that I am photographing and I really do try to mix it up!

The camera I use is the Canon 700D which is a DSLR and I LOVE it! One of the best investments I've ever made, I'm still learning constantly with it though as I'm no professional ha!

A few of my photos with my new set up....

So there we have it, there's your sneak peek into my blog photos and what goes into making them..... I'm sorry if the illusion has been ruined for some of you!

Let me know what you thought of this post - I'd love to do some more 'behind the scenes' type posts!

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My Favourite Photography Apps

My iPhone is like an extra limb, as sad as that is - it's true. I don't think there's a moment in my daily routine where I dont know where it is.
I've had an iPhone for the past 4 or 5 years and throughout this time I've tried, bought and downloaded my fair share of apps! Some are keepers, some are pants and some I just don't even understand how to use!
After all this time I have definitely found my favourites, so today I thought I would share with you my favourite apps for photos!

Social = Instagram Free

This is an obvious one so I will put it first as I'm sure you've probably all already got it. I love Instagram, I've had it nearly as long as I've had an iPhone after seeing iJustine talk about it when it had just been released! It's fab for scrolling through when your bored and it's even become a job to some people now, which is awesome! My favourite filters have got to be Hudson and Valencia, although recently I've been more about just editing the photo and not adding filters at all! My username is : KirstieLouiseS and you can see my favourite accounts to follow - here.

Collage/multiple photos = Diptic 79p

There are some times where we need more than photo together - before and afters, a collage for a friends birthday, a group of holiday photos together or maybe you just want to have your selfie mirrored... this is the best for that! I do begrudge paying for apps.... as there are so many free ones.... but this has definitely been worth the pennies I paid years ago, I use it all the time!

Editing = Afterlight 79p

This is the newest in my collection and I bought it after seeing Megan (www.thumbelinalillie.com) talking about it! I always wanted to know how to make my photos brighter, lighter and a little bit prettier.... you know what I mean .... this does the trick and so much more! I love the amount of different filters and edits that are available, my favourite has to be Magnolia, I sometimes actually use this before popping a photo onto Instagram.. sneaky sneaky!

Helpful = Whiteagram Free

Ever wanted to add a photo to Instagram but it's totally ruined by making it into a square? Fear no more - this is the how to get the whole of your photo in! Wahoooo I hear you cry! This is perfect for outfit shots, sharing snazzy blog photos or maybe even your holiday snaps! This is so, so handy.

What are you fav photo apps?

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My Personalised Phone Case From Mr. Nutcase

It is sad to admit but my phone is like an extra limb. I have an iPhone 5s and I am on it for hours a day I reckon - a total blessing but a total curse at the same time.

Not only am I addicted to my phone but I love love love getting new cases for it! Is that a bit sad? 

You've probably noticed in my ebay wishlists that I am forever looking at new phone cases! There are so many and I can never choose one!

So what better for me than a personalised phone case!

 Instead of just picking one photo for the case I decided to go for one of the many collage designs they have to offer - mainly because I couldn't just pick one that I wanted!

It was so fun to make but I did spend FOREVER choosing what photos I wanted where - I'm a right fussy one me!

 Personalised Phone Case - Mr. Nutcase*

For the top half  of the case I chose....

Doll & I in her wedding party photo booth ♥ Me and my girls at the Bestival 2013 all in fancy dress ♥ A sign post from the Wizarding world of Harry Potter at Universal!

For the bottom half of the case I chose :

One of my favourite photos I took at Disneyworld in 2012 ♥ Times Square NY from our trip round the US ♥ Me & the girls in Zante getting a bit hyper ♥ Doll & I in the Magic Kingdom ♥ my little puppy Bauer!

I love that the sides of the case are clear (especially as I have a pretty gold iphone)! It looks a million times better than other cases I have and I was so happy when I saw the case in real life as it looks so much better than I was anticipating!

These case are just £14.95 on Mr. Nutcase and they do a number of different phone device's along with Apple and they even so iPads! There are also a number of different styles of case to choose from so if you aren't keen on just the back clip-on case like mine there are others that may take your fancy!
And guess what?! If you make a case on Mr. Nutcase today you can get get 10% off with discount code "Thanku10"!

I love my case so much, it's so nice to have some of your favourite photos with you at all times and it really does make your phone yours! 

What do you think? What phone case do you have?
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Mother's Day Gift Guide

Not long now boys and girls - Mother's Day is literally round the corner so I thought I would lend a helping hand and give you some great ideas for gifts for those special ladies in your life! 

Weather its your mother, your grandmother, your mother-in-law or just a woman in your life that really deserves to be spoilt, mothers day is a great way to show those ladies how much they mean to us and how much we really do appreciate everything they do/have done for us!

I've choosen a range of gifts from smelly gifts to practical gifts - so hopefully there is something to suit all Mummy's out there and I've made sure everything is under £50!

Britain's Best Mum Travel Mug  : Who's Mum doesn't love a good cup of tea? or coffee? or even hot chocolate! I love these travel mugs, they are great for taking away and for in the work place - this is a great present and the writing says it all! 

Hotel Chocolat Chocolate H-Box : Stuff diamonds, chocolate is a girls best friend! I was lucky enough to try these chocolate's a few months ago and was overwhelmed by how amazing they are! These are such a luxury, amazing unique flavours and outstanding tastes - an amazing treat for that woman in your life!

Philosophy Thank You Raspberry Sorbet Gift Set : This is such a gorgeous looking present, two lovely products in a cute presentation box! The fact it is the "thank you" gift set really drew me too it - thank you is something we should all say to our mumma's! (although my Mum won't be getting this as she hates raspberries hahaha!)

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate : Liz Earle is a favourite with woman of all ages across the UK and the world and this is a popular product from the fabulous Superskin range! Maybe something not all Mum's would want to fork out on on a regular basis so treating them to this gorgeous facial oil could definitely put a smile on their face!

No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick : A fairly new product from No7 , give your Mum a new pop of colour for the upcoming spring and summer months - there are 3 colours available so hopefully something for everyone!

Thierry Mugler Alien Eau Extraordinaire Eau de Toilette 60ml : Angel and Alien have been best sellers for years and now Thierry Mugler have released a new scent! This is the new Alien scent called Alien Eau Extraordinaire and personally I love it! The most expensive gift I've included but a fabulous way to say Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Jackson Mumtastic Card : How cute is this card! I couldn't do a mother's dy gift guide without including at least one card! I am someone who spends age and ages in card shops looking through every single card they have until I find the perfect one! But looking online it took me only seconds to find a few cards I loved!

La Roche Posay Lipikar Hand Cream 50ml : A brand that is taking the beauty world by storm! If your Mum's are anything like mine then they love a good hand cream! This is a lovely indulgent hand cream which works like a dream and is under £5! A great little present!

With Love - Limited Edition Gift by Sanctuary Spa  : Total bargain alert! This is half price at the moment at Boots - so act fast if you want to get one for your Mum (or yourself) as this is bound to sell out! Sanctuary are lovely indulgent brand and this box contains so many products she won't know what to try first!

Yankee Candles : Candles, I find, are amazing gifts! Yankee have got to be one of the best candle makes in the world and with the crazy amount of different scents there is a candle (or twenty) for everyone!

Juliana Home Living Multi Aperture Photo Frame : Family photos are so precious - so why not find your favourite photos of you, your mum and your family and pop them in a gorgeous frame like this or even in an album!

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2013 In Photos

Happy New Year you beautiful lot! 
2014 is here and I'm so excited for another year of life, laughs and adventures! 
I hope you all had a fab New Year's Eve whatever you may have done!
I thought I would do a quick post and share some of my favourite photos and memories of 2013! I've seen a few other people do this sort of post and I love looking through them so I thought why not do my own!

I've done so many fun things this year and looking back on these photos makes me so happy, Harry Potter Studios, an adventure to London, my best friend getting married,  getting my new puppy, Festivals - I had so much fun in 2013!

Bye Bye 2013 & Hello 2014

Keep your eyes peeled for lots coming up here at A Yellow Brick Blog in 2014!

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21 Hours In London

This is probably going to be one of the quickest posts I've ever done......
If you follow me on twitter you know that Thursday night and Friday daytime I spent in the good old city of London.
I love going to London and always find it so much fun whatever I'm doing! I had a couple of friends over from the states so they came to visit me on the island and I then traveled back up to London with them for a little adventure!
My trip was such a short one, I was only in London for 21 hours.... which is funny as it was my friend from Florida's 21st birthday but I had work Saturday so had to head back early on Friday evening!
I thought I would share some of my (very touristy) photos with you guys and a couple from the island, so... if you are from London I'm very sorry this is probably going to be extremely boring for you! But living somewhere so small like I do staying in London is so exciting, a totally different way of life!

TOP TO BOTTOM - Big Ben Baby | Front Door At Buckingham Palace | Liz's Crib | Taking The Girls To Sandown Beach, Isle Of Wight | The Girls Having Their First Ever Fish & Chips On The Isle Of Wight | The Birthday Girl & I Outside Buckingham Palace.