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. 

Summer Body Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

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Instagram - @alohakirstie

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My Favourite Movies To Lift My Mood

If you're a natural human being you're going to have down days. It's a fact of life, especially with the devils that are hormones.

When it comes to cheering myself other than food, yes chocolate DOES work, I love to chill out on my awesome corner sofa and put on a 'feel good' film! So here's a little list of my favourites.... and if you haven't seen them I highly recommend you do!

Love, Rosie

This has got to be up there with my top 5 favourite movies ever. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, it makes me happy! Lily Collins is just awesome as Rosie - if you haven't seen this you are seriously missing out on the perfect rom-com.

Look Who's Talking

This movie reminds me so much of my childhood, my parents named me Kirstie after seeing Kirstie Alley's name and I always loved her as an actress growing up.

This film is still a total classic.... and the more I grow up the more I fancy the pants off of John Travolta! 

The Bridget Jones Trilogy

What female would not want to sit down and watch Renee in her big pants! Bridget Jones is so iconic and Bridget Jones' baby, for me, was even funnier than The Edge Of Reason! I'll never get bored of these.

Just Go With It
This has got to be my favourite Happy Madison movie! Full of lols AND most of it is set in Hawaii.... which we all know is my number one on the bucket list of life!

The Wolf Of Wall Street
My favourite Leo movie. And Leo always knows how to make us feel better! This is a three hour movie so make sure you sit down and clear your afternoon for this one. This is honestly probably my favourite movie ever made in the history of time! so.bloody.good.

90s Disney

The classics from my childhood. Aladdin, Beauty & The Beast, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid (okay I know that's 80s!), Pocahontas, Toy Story, Hercules, Mulan .... these of course always make me feel better. Ain't no movie like a Disney movie.

What are your favourite movies to watch to put a smile on your face? Let me know if the comments below or tweet me at @alohakirstie!

My Morning Routine : Working From Home

For me starting having a positive start to each morning really is the best way to keep me on track for the whole day. That may sounds stupid but one lazy morning and unhealthy breakfast and I'm thrown. I work best by getting up and ticking things off a to-do list, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Since I started working from home morning motivation has definitely been something I have struggled back and forth with. With no immediate rush to get up, showered and ready I sometimes find myself lost and distracted - which is NOT good.
So I've taken it upon myself to set up a little routine for each morning to get me up, out, active and in the best mood possible to sit behind my desk for hours on end.

The thought of running the second I get up always has me with the same thoughts and response... 'nah'. So instead of pressuring myself to get up and run I've started to get up and head out on a walk. A power walk. Up hills, along the beach, round the park, you'd be surprised how much exercise walking actually is. Of course if I'm in the mood to run, I do - that's an extra bonus.
To accompany me on these walks/runs I thought it would be a great idea to download an audio book. I'm obsessed with reading but I find time runs away with me each day and I never really have a good amount of time to delve into a good story, so listening to one seemed to kill two birds with one stone. I still get to hear the stories, plus I'm out getting exercise and giving my body the best start to the day - win, win.

I'm currently on a 30 day free trial with Audible. I'm really enjoying the book I am listening too (After You, Jojo Moyes) and I think I may just become addicted to audiobooks at this rate. Do let me know of any of good apps or services for audiobooks though - I'm worried with Audible you only get one choice a month... that doesn't feel like enough!

Once I'm back from my walk/run/fresh air (I usually aim to go for around one hour but it does depend on what time I head out the door) I head for a shower and get dressed into some work clothes. 
By work clothes I mean leggings and a sweater. I work at home and there is noway I'm sitting around in jeans and a cami if it's not needed.... that's just insane!

It's then time for my hot water with lemon. There are so many benefits to drinking this each morning I've ensured that it has become a staple for me daily, followed by my regular 100 cups of green tea!

For breakfast most days I then fix myself a Protein World Slender Blend shake. I am trying to loose some weight that I seem to have gained over the last few months and I really love the products from Protein World, plus it really can keep me full until my lunchbreak!
I am currently obsessed with the Cinnamon Roll flavour! I usually have 4 scoops with either 400ml of cold water or unsweetened almond milk with a handful of ice cubes. (Protein shakes with ice are just a no-go for me!)

Ones I've had a little sit down and drank my shake it's time to make a green tea and head to my desk! Then work, work, work until lunchtime!

So there you have it - my weekday morning routine.... weekends usually start with a gym session, nail appointment or hangover, but that's another story!

Want to chat or see more? Find me below :

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Creating A Vision/Happiness Board

I've been meaning to make this post for months and months now, I just have struggled to find the time to get on with it!

I love creating and even though I'm not naturally artistic (I struggle with a stick man) ever since I was a child I have always loved making collages, cutting bits out of magazines and I used to sit there make new things to put up in my bedroom weekly - I just loved it. (Oh... remember those days before the internet!)

I had been thinking about making one of these for my flat for months now - whether it be a vision board or a happiness board I wanted to have something that I could put together myself, that I could change every month or so to make me smile, keep 

You can do this with anything! If you have a goal you want to reach, saving for a holiday, counting down to your wedding, need a bit of motivation for work or maybe just want to fill the board with happy memories that make you smile - everyone needs one of these!

 As you can see I filled mine with all sorts of things - fun photos of holidays, friends and family (how cute is the one of me and my little Brother when he has chicken pox haha!), quotes from magazines that I love (especially that Cameron Diaz one!) - tickets from fun events, a card of my favorite movie The Wizard Of Oz and lots of little hints at ORLANDO to remind me that it won't be long until I'm back there #MotivationToSave!

What do you think? Is this something you would make yourself? Let me know!

(I bought my board from Amazon - it was only around £10 and looks a million times nicer than your usual cork board!)

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Grateful.

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

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

I am SO lucky to have the life I do. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you have to be grateful for? 

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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!

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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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IT'S OKAY TO...

It's okay to..... treat yourself.
Month in, month out I see my well-earned cash go on so many bills and general living costs (adulting really sucks sometimes).
 It's sad, that's life - but with the money I earn I also know that it's okay to treat myself now and again... I mean, shopping sprees, cupcakes.... that's what life is about right? 
It's okay to buy that pair of trainers you've been dreaming of or sneak in a cupcake after a workout. Balance is key but treating yourself is a necessity.  

It's okay to..... be confident!
This is something I get green with envy with. Confidence can sometimes be seen as arrogance but it's SO okay to be confident in yourself, in fact it's pretty bloody brilliant!
Knowing who you are and being okay with it, that is amazing. Nowadays there is SO much pressure on being perfect, we compare ourselves to others far too much and as much as I preach about positivity and owning it..... I'm STILL one of those girls scanning through Instagram wishing I had 'this' or looked like 'that'.
I can't wait for the day where I except who I am, what I have and what I look like, be content and not fuss about every single little thing.

It's okay to..... love your own company.
I wish more people understood this. It is totally okay to love your own company. You're not boring or a loner. I, for one, LOVE my own company, I love having evenings to myself, my own thoughts and all the things I love to do. I think being happy with your own company is actually really healthy so please don't feel weird if you're in constant need of some alone time and just want to do your own thing.

It's okay to..... CRY.
Good god YES!
 It is okay to cry. There's times in fact that it's just bloomin' necessary... even if you don't even know why you're crying - let it out, you'll feel much better!

It's okay to..... have your own passions and interests.
For a long time alot of things I love I wouldn't share or talk about with others as I thought they wouldn't care/ would laugh/ would think I was weird. But now I've realised having your own loves and interests is what makes us different - whether it's our choice of music or TV shows or even the hobbies in which we decided to spend our spare time doing (*cough*blogging*cough*). Share youre passions, be proud of your personal activities - I mean all those different things about us is what makes us more interesting as people. Whether you're bird watching, listening to classical music or line dancing, be you, enjoy your passions. 

It's okay to..... say no.
That is all.

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Life Thoughts

Don't Give Into Peer Pressure
This is something I have followed and believed in since I was a child. 
I've never been one to give into peer pressure from people, from breaking the rules as a 10 year old to being forced to take shots at 25 - I've always been okay with saying no, I don't want too.
Sounds silly I know but it doesn't bother me in the slightest if people think I'm 'boring' or 'no fun', if I don't want to do something I won't do it - no matter how many times or how many people say 'go ooooooon' in my ear.
Don't ever feel like you have to do something you don't want to do.

Worrying Won't Change The Outcome

I've said this before on here I know - but it is something that I really should listen too and follow more often.
 I'm such a worrier and even the most stupid thing can set me off into a pool of anxiety and nerves. But really.... it's never going to change what's going to happen. Yes there are times when worrying is inevitable and there's no way around it but alot of the time I just need to remind myself that there isn't really anything to get worked up about - relax and take each day as it comes!

Life Is About Experiences

I'm 25 and when I say I'm not saving for a mortgage but I'll happily spend thousands on heading to the US for an incredible holiday.... some people look at me like I am insane - but.... I'm really not.

Life is about experiences, making memories and spending time making each day different. You could have however much money sat in the bank but at the end of the day what's the use in that when you're dead?! Life, for me anyways, is about making memories, seeing new things, heading out and doing - well, anything! 

You don't get a long time so make sure it's a good time! (Don't get me wrong one day I'll get a house, but for now, I'm young, I have no children - so why not have adventures while I can?!)

Always Make Time For The People You Love

This is an obvious one, but one I overlook on a regular basis. Sometimes we (I) take for granted the ones we love, cancelling plans, re-arranging dates, bailing - I am so super guilty of it as I'm sure you are too!

The last few months I've really been trying to see my friends and family more, even if it's just a quick cup of tea after work - I always love seeing them and feel better after I have done. 

Make time.

Water Really Is The Greatest Thing

It helps with weight loss, keeps you hydrated, aids digestion, improves your skin, eliminates toxins, improves your mood, boosts your metabolism ......... the list is bloody endless - google it and get drinking!


Embrace Your Passions (Even if no-one around you is interested!)
I saw a certain someone's tweet the other day, they were super sad that no-one in their family understood their passion, this is something I know all too well.

I bloomin' LOVE Disney and everything about it - but 99% of my friends and family probably couldn't give two poop's about it and think I'm a little crazy! (I know you roll your eyes at me!)

But.... who cares?! I LOVE it and I don't care it people might look at me like I'm silly, it makes me happy and that's all that matters!

Have a random hobby? Collect spoons? Fascinated by sharks? Maybe you are a secret black belt? Embrace that passion, as long as you love it that's all that matters, be proud to have different interests.

Be A First Rate Version Of Yourself Not A Second Rate Version Of Someone Else

Nowadays this is become more and more of an issue in society, especially with us ladies. We are all on the internet constantly - don't lie... I see you right here!
I am so guilty for continuous looking at other people, green eyes out in full force! But really I should be trying to make myself the best ME I can be, not a similar version of someone else! Be you, rock it.

You'll Never Be Able To Please Or Get Along With Everyone
People always joke to me that I 'get on with everyone' and that I 'like everyone' and I mean it's mostly true - I couldn't tell you anyone that I HATE (That is such a strong word.) and I do like to make an effort with everyone I meet.
I've always hated the thought of people not liking me or being annoyed at me but as I've grown I've realised that this isn't always possible and I need to stop being such a sensitive Sally. That's life.

Positivity Creates & Attracts Positivity
PMA. Positive Mental Attitude.
Hearing other people constantly moaning has made me realise how I sound when I'm moaning day in day out - boring, annoying and depressing! (I'm sorry to everyone that knows me!)
I'm trying to hardest to see everything in a positive light - it's crazy how much it can change your day and I really do believe that being positive will lead to and attract positive things!
Career in writing/blogging come at me bro, I'm coming for you.

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5 Things I Want You To Remember

A bit of a different post today. I've had a weird couple of weeks and have kind of been feeling like a quarter life crisis has slowly taken over my life and happiness.

 With career, money and confidence issues being at the front of these worries and woes I have decided to give myself a kick up the bottom and take some of my own advice that I seem to dish out to others so easily!

So.... here are 5 things I want you ALL to remember aswell!

 Love you guys xoxo

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Positivity Attracts Positivity 

Over the last few years I feel like I've turned into a right negative Nelly (booooo), something I had never ever dreamed of whilst growing up.

 I had forgotten how much this is true and seriously WORKS! If you see someone and that person is really smiley and very friendly it immediately radiates and makes you feel the same.

I truly believe being positive will only ever work in your favour - there is no point living with a negative way of thinking - it's like a magnet , negativity will bounce things away whereas positivity pulls positivity towards it :) 

Wake up, SMILE and see what comes your way!

It's Okay To Be YOU!

When you were younger did you ever agree with someone just to be liked? Pretended you didn't like something even though you LOVED it? Thought about every word coming out of your mouth before you said it 'just in case' people looked at you differently?

Did you ever feel like it wasn't okay to be you?

 Well.... Stop. 

We're never all going to have the same opinions on things, see things the same way or have the same interests  - that's what's makes us different and that is life. 

Like listening to classical music? Do it! Want to get 100 tattoos? Go for it! Don't agree with eating meat? That's fine! Want to quit your job and become a professional watcher of Disney movies? .... Just me then?

What I'm saying is, embrace who you are, your differences and live the life that makes you happy because those who matter don't mind and those that mind don't matter!

Worrying Won't Change The Outcome

This is something I have to remind myself alot. I am a huge worrier and although my aniexty isn't as bad as it used to be I still have my moments and have times where living home is the terrifying thought! I read this little quote a while ago online somewhere it is really resonated with me. 

Even if I spend all morning worrying about travelling upto London or meeting someone new at work - it's not going to change anything. Working myself up about an interview won't make it any better or any worse and panicking about things that could go wrong won't make the likelihood of them happening any more or any less

Try to relax and take life as it comes.

A Good Book Is The Best Place To Escape

I wish I spent more time reading. As a child I always tried to read as many books as I could (I lived before the internet was cool and the best thing I had was a CD Rom Encyclopedia and Solitaire) and getting the new Jacquline Wilson book was like a new shiny iPhone! 

Getting into comfortable clothes cosying up on the sofa and delving in to a story of adventure, heartbreak or even a mysterious murder..... this is one of the best ways to leave your troubles behind and just, for a while, forget everything and be somewhere else! 

Buy a new book and see. Even if you just read for 10 minutes in the morning or evening - give yourself that escaping time.

It's Never Worth Crying Over Someone Who Wouldn't Cry Over You

I learnt this a long time ago and although sometimes it's not the easiest rule to follow, it's one we must all remember.

 Alot of the time our emotions rule us and that well-known overwhelming feeling can be hard to avoid or dismiss but this really is true - it is NEVER ever worth wasting your tears over someone who wouldn't do the same for you. End of. 

Save your passion for the ones who feel for you back.

Got some great advice? Share it in the comments below :) 

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Happy 2nd Birthday A Yellow Brick Blog!

I can't believe it! A Yellow Brick Blog officially turns 2 years old today!
 It's been around 104 weeks since I decided to properly start up this blog (after many failed attempts) and to be quite honest - I can't really remember life before it. (what on earth did I do with my spare time?)

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This little site has well and truly taken over my life but in a totally fabulous and positive way! Even with the hours wasted taking photos in crap lighting, the pressure I put on myself to constantly upload and a few technical blunders here and there I have loved every second. I am so grateful for the journey it has put me on and I'm nowhere near ready to get off this ride anytime soon.

2nd Year Stats (as of 19/05/2015) :

Bloglovin' Followers : 3,512

Twitter Followers : 9,835

Facebook Likes : 1,555

Instagram : 1,903

Pageviews : 502,900

Just reading those has me overwhelmed! I want to say a massive thank you for every like, tweet, retweet, follow, click you may have done over the last couple of years! 

I'm so proud of where my little spot on the internet has got to, it's more than I had ever thought of, and I will always keep striving to keep it going for as long as I can.

Goals for year 3 :

Hit 5,000 Followers.

Carrying on uploading to youtube as well as writing blog posts.

Finally meet the bloggers who have been so lovely to me.

Become more confident with my content.

As a proper 'thank you' I wanted to hold a giveaway - it's been a while since I had one on here and I thought it would be a great way to celebrate another year of blogging fun, for both myself and you lovely lot :)

 So keep your eyes peeled, hit follow and check back tomorrow when I will be starting it up!

#HappyBirthdayAYBB

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