Personal Planner Haul

Hi everyone,

I have recently placed a few orders with one of my favourite planner companies called Personal Planner, and they are based in Sweden. 2020 will be my third year of using Personal Planner.

I really like using Personal Planner, as I can design my planners to suit me and my needs. They also offer notebooks, wall planners and also accessories such as pens, stickers etc. All of their prices also includes shipping, and they ship worldwide.

My 2020 Planner

 







I have decided to use the squared layout for my 2020 planner as I wanted to try something a little different. The weekly still have a space for my work hours, as well as a lined module. I also still have my monthly and yearly spreads. My yearly overview is placed at the back, along with a selection of lined and plain pages. I use the plain pages for my monthly budgets.

Health Planner

This is a new addition to my 2020 planner line up, as I have chosen to have a planner just for my health. I have again decided to have the squared layout, but this time have lined in blue which is something I've done in my previous planners. Another change to this planner is that I have decided to have a weekly graph where I can track my daily mood and/ or stress levels. I also have monthly spreads where I can also track different aspects of my health; and at the back I just have mostly lined paper where I can keep a record of certain things if needed.

Music Journal

I'm currently using a music journal to keep a detailed record of my flute practice routine, and this does seem to be working as I can just quickly reference to my teacher what I need help with as soon as I go into my lesson. I use this to keep track of my scales, arpeggios, harmonics, exam pieces and additional pieces that I'm also learning. I also record any other areas that I'm having working towards improving such as a few notes within my low and high registers.

My Music Journal

Hi everyone,

I would like to talk to you about my music journal, and this what I take with me to my flute lessons.

For the first 30 minutes or so of my flute practice session I usually start off by doing Harmonics on C, as this helps me to warm up, and tune my flute as well as adjusting the head joint if it needs it. Once I have done my Harmonics I will then focus on anything that needs a little extra focus, and this at the moment is working on my low C# to low D as I'm having trouble getting those to flow smoothly and sound nice.

Once I have finished on this little segment of my practice I will then focus on the scales and arpeggios that my flute teacher has set me to do. At the moment I'm currently working on G Major 12th, Bb Major 12th, D Major 2 Octaves, G Harmonic Minor 12th, & E Harmonic Minor 12th, as well as the corresponding arpeggios. Arpeggios are every other note in the scale, and a 12th are four notes above the 8th note of the scale.

The second part of my flute practice focuses on two of three exam pieces that I have to learn. I'm currently working towards the ABRSM Grade 3 flute, and the pieces that I'm learning for this grade are 'The Irish Washerwoman', 'Cinq Sets', and 'Study in D Minor'. I alternate one pieces per week, so then I can just focus in on two pieces for that week. Some days I will work on certain passages, or it could just be a few bars that need some extra work to get it right. Other days I will run the pieces through its entirety, now this doesn't always go according to plan, but it does help me to work out what needs work and what I can improve on.

The third part of my flute practice routine is that I work on a piece or two of my choice. At the moment I'm currently working on the Chopin Nocturne Op 9, No 2; and Saint-Saens 'The Swan' from 'Carnival of the Animals'. All of these pieces have their own challenges, and I tackle these the same way as I tackle my exam pieces.

The notebook that I use for my music journal is from a company called Personal Planner, who are based in Sweden. I've designed this journal myself, as I really like the lined paper that they do as its narrow ruled. But, you can use any notebook for a music journal just as long as you keep a record of everything you do in your practice session.

To record in your music journal:-

- Date

- Warm Ups

- Scales & Arpeggios (including what needs work or if you have just started to learn a new scale or arpeggio)

- Exam Pieces (what you have practice & what needs work to get that piece up to performance standard)

- Additional Pieces (what you have practiced, what needs improvement)

- Anything else you fit into your practice sessions

These are just a few ideas for your music journal, but do what best to suit yourself and the way that you practice and learn. Everyone learns differently, and what my work for me may not suit you're learning needs. Feel free to use my method of a music journal as a starting point if you think it would benefit your music learning; and you can always change it up if it doesn't suit. 

Review: Dr Botanicals 100% Natural Bio-Restoring Overnight Nutrition Moisturiser

Hi everyone,

I have been using the Dr Botanicals 100% Natural Bio-Restoring Overnight Moisturiser for a couple of months as part of my evening skincare routine. I use this moisturiser on alternate evenings.

I'm really enjoying this moisturiser as part of my evening skincare routine, as it has a lovely thick consistency that sinks into the skin straight away. I've also found that it makes my skin feeling a lot more hydrated than the other moisturiser that I'm also currently using.

Claims

Intense overnight moisturiser with bio-nutrients that aim to smooth and firm the skin and minimise the look of pores. Wake up refreshed and restored ready for a new day.

Active Ingredients

Crambe Oil

Reinforces and smoothens the skin's surface making the skin look youthful & refreshed. The oil is high in omega 9 essential fatty acids that deeply nourish & hydrate the skin.

Almond Oil

Is high in fatty acids that work to hydrate & nourish the skin

Grape Seed Oil

Is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, & vitamins C, E & D that work to hydrate & nourish the skin

I'm really enjoying using this as part of my evening skincare routine, as this works like an overnight mask; but it isn't. This is a lovely, but intensively hydrating moisturiser that works wonder for skin that is slightly dehydrated. After I have used this moisturiser I wake up the following morning and my skin feels plumped and hydrated; and this one moisturiser that I can that has worked overnight.

Review: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energising Face Wash

Hi everyone,

I have been using the Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energising face wash as part of my evening skincare routine for a good few months, and I'm really enjoying it.

I actually chose to purchase this cleanser I had a few reviews that said it was brilliant for people who have oily/ combination skin. So, I thought I would give it a try.

It has a lovely mild mint fragrance that is very refreshing on the skin, and also a little bit goes a very long way. I use a slightly bigger size than a 5p, and it seems to get the job. It also foams up on the size, but only ever slightly.

Claims

- Formulated with caffeine, vitamins & invigorating citrus extracts to refresh and waken the skin

- Prepares the skin for a less irritating, more comfortable shave

- Helps skin to resist the effects of environmental stress, & gives even dull, tired-looking skin a fresher, healthier appearance

Overall I have really impressed with the Kiehl's Facial Fuel face wash, as it does an excellent job at keeping the oils at bay while also making my skin feel cleaner and fresher. I also love the mint fragrance, as its only mild and it doesn't irritate the skin while I'm cleansing.

Products I've Used Up - June 2019

Hi everyone,

It's empties time again, and this time I seemed to have gone through quite a lot of products. 

L'Oreal Sensi Balance Shampoo

This is a professional product from L'Oreal that is aimed at people who have a sensitive scalp. This is a lovely lightweight shampoo that also has a fresh scent. I only had to use a small amount every time I used this shampoo, and it made my hair feel clean as well as super soft. This took me ages to get through, as I only used it around once a week.

Body Shop Pinita Colada Shower Gel

This was a lovely shower gel from the Body Shop, but sadly this scent was a limited edition summer fragrance that came out a couple of years ago.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

This is an awesome product from First Aid Beauty, and it works wonders if your experiencing chapped hands; which is what I used this product for. Its also very hydrating for the skin.

Body Shop Seaweed Gel Cleanser

This is a brilliant cleanser from the Body Shop, especially if you have oily/ combination skin. This is lightweight cleansing gel, and it doesn't strip the skin of any of its natural oils. It also has a lovely fresh scent, which makes it a pleasant experience to use. I have gone through three of these one after the other. I would recommend this cleanser if your looking for something effective, while being on a budget.

Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser

I really wasn't keen on this cleanser, and I also wasn't really a fan of the scent. I only used this cleanser once a week, as part of my Sunday skincare routine. But I found this cleanser to be a little bit too harsh for my skin.

Body Shop Seaweed Toner

I think I'm currently using up my third bottle of this toner, and this is another fabulous product from the Body Shop if you have oily/ combination skin. I've found this to be a very effective toner, as it does the job without stripping the skin of any of its natural oils.

Lancome Energie de Vie Overnight Moisturiser

This has got to be one of my favourite products from the Lancome Energie de Vie range. I actually tried a sample of this mask when this range first released a few years ago, and I found it to be extremely effective as an overnight mask. I used this on alternate evenings as part of my evening skincare routine, and I loved using it that way. It has a very lightweight consistency, and it sinks into the skin straight away. It also has a lovely, fresh scent to it; which is a really nice touch. 

Bulgarian Yogurt Skin Yogurt & Amaranth Body Lotion & Shower Gel

My friend got a gift set from Bulgarian Yogurt Skin for Christmas last year, and these are just two of the products that I have used up from that gift set. The body lotion had a thick consistency, while still be able to absorb into the skin fairly quickly. The body lotion left my skin feeling hydrated while also smelling really nice. The shower gel was also really nice to use, and it also had the same scent as the body lotion. Also, this range is aimed people who have sensitive skin. 

Dr Botanicals Tropical Invigorating Cream

This is a lovely product from Dr Botanicals, and I used this as a moisturiser as part of my morning skincare routine. It has a lovely tropical scent, and it sinks into straight away.

Dr Botanicals Cocoa Noir Time Reverse Facial Serum

I really enjoyed this serum from Dr Botanicals, as it has a lovely lightweight consistency that sinks into the skin straight away. It also smells like coconuts. I used this as the part of my serum/ oil segment in my evening skincare routine.

Dr Botanicals Advanced Eye Nutrition Serum

I had never used an eye serum before, but the best way I found to use this was to use as the first layer before applying my eye cream as it wasn't hydrating enough for my under eye area. It's a good eye serum, but I would recommend that you layer with another eye cream to get it to be more effective.

Valmont Hydra3 Regenetic Moisturiser (Sample)

Valmont skincare is a brand that I hadn't even heard of until I got given a couple of samples from them a few months ago. My skin felt slightly more hydrated after using this moisturiser, but I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it.

B&BW Tahitian Paradise Pocketbac

I really like the Pocketbacs from B&BW, and I really enjoyed using the Tahitian Paradise scent. Sadly, the Tahitian Paradise was a limited edition fragrance a few years ago.

Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo (Deluxe Sample)

I've always been interested in the haircare side of Kiehl's. The Amino Acid range is aimed at giving the hair and scalp a deep cleanse, while also being hydrating. I also found that I only needed to use a small amount every time I shampooed my hair. It also has a really nice fragrance.

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream (Deluxe Sample)

I completely forgot that I had this moisturiser sample within my box of samples, as this was a product from Kiehl's that I was interested in trying. I found this moisturiser to be very hydrating because when I woke up the following day my skin felt more supple and hydrated.

Caudalie Vinosouce S.O.S Serum (Deluxe Sample)

I've used this product from Caudalie for years as part of morning skincare routine, so its always nice to receive this as a sample.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Moisturiser (Sample)

As much as love Caudalie as a brand, this was one product from them that really wasn't for me. The consistency is just a little too thick, so it took a while for it to sink into the skin; and I also found that I had to use quite a bit to get to to spread evenly over my face.

Champagne Shower Gel

I received a gift set of shower gels a couple of years ago for Christmas, and it a few quirky fragrances. This is a the last shower gel from that gift set, and it was champagne inspired.

Superdrug Shower Gels in Orange & Satsuma, Pineapple & Papaya, & Coconut

I received a selection of Superdrug shower gels for Christmas, and I have impressed with the shower gels from Superdrug, as they have a lovely thick consistency and foam up really well. The scents that I have used have also been lovely, and I think my favourite from what I have used up so far has got to be the Orange & Satsuma shower gel. These are great if your looking for a shower gel and your on a budget.

M&S Ragdale Hall Pamper Body Spray (Deluxe Sample)

The pamper body spray from the M&S Ragdale Hall has a lovely refreshing scent, and this is also infused with grapefruit oil. The size of this sample was handy for me to throw into my handbag.

Thats the end of this empties post, and there's quite a bit of new stuff that I have managed to try and sample. 

Concert Review: Spectacular Classics

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of watching the Manchester Concert Orchestra performing 'Spectacular Classics' at the Bridgewater Hall on the 27th April 2019 at 7.30pm.

Manchester Concert Orchestra
John Andrews - Conductor
David Butt Philip - Tenor
Morgan Pearse - Baritone

Act One

The Force of Destiny Overture - Verdi
Liberty Bell March - Sousa
Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana - Mascagni
The Blue Danube Waltz - Strauss II
"Che gelida manina" from La Boheme - Puccini
"Largo al factotum" from The Barber of Saville - Rossini
Bolero - Ravel
Pomp & Circumstance March No 1 - Elgar

Act Two

Finlandia - Sibelius
"Au fond du temple saint" from The Pearl Fishers - Bizet
Farandole from L'Arlesienne Suite No 2 - Bizet
Nimrod from Enigma Variations - Elgar
Jerusalem - Perry
Rule, Britannia - Arne
"Nessun Dorma" from Turandot - Puccini
1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky

The 'Spectacular Classics' concert had a Last Night of the Proms feeling too it, and this was a really enjoyable evening out as I hadn't seen the Manchester Concert Orchestra perform in about ten years. The set contained some really well known and loved classical pieces, as well as a few pieces that I hadn't come across before.

My favourite pieces from the first act was the 'Liberty Bell March', which is mostly well known as the theme to the Monty Python's Flying Circus; and this piece had a lovely element of fun. I also really listening to 'The Blue Danube' as its such a well known waltz. "Largo al factotum" is also a well known fun classical piece of music, and you may have heard of it being referred to as "Figaro"; and Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance March No 1' is known for forming part of the finale of the Last Night of the Proms.

My favourite pieces from the second act was Nimrod from the Enigma Variations; as this is one piece that I don't think I've ever heard in its entirety before; and it was lovely to listen to being performed live. 'Rule, Britannia' was awesome to watch being performed live with Morgan and the Manchester Concert Orchestra as it is so well known, plus this piece also got an unexpected encore. "Nessun dorma" was also another fantastic piece that I enjoyed watching being performed. Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture was a brilliant finale with the canon effects.

We also got treated to an unexpected encore that featured the 'Can-Can' and also 'Land of Hope and Glory'.

'Spectacular Classics' was a fabulous evening out, which I thoroughly enjoyed as I really love listening to classical music; and it featured quite a lot of well loved classical pieces that everyone knows. Also we had laser effects running throughout the entire concert, as well as the canon and firework finale which took place during the 1812 Overture.

Blast from the Past - Jo Malone Make Up

Hi everyone,

Before I even get into this post I would first like to thank Michael James from www.jomalonefan.co.uk for helping to source the information which I needed for this post. If your really interested in the Jo Malone brand, then go and check out Michael's blog.

I was 16 when I made my first purchase from Jo Malone, and sadly everything that I purchased from my first visit has now sadly been discontinued. I still have two out of the three products that I purchased in my collection; and one of these just happens to be one of my favourite ever Jo Malone fragrances.

 

My first ever Jo Malone purchase consisted of :-

- Verbenas of Provence Cologne 30ml

- Finishing Powder

- Black Mascara

I purchased my Jo Malone products from the Jo Malone concession inside Harvey Nichols, Manchester as at the time it was the only place that was local to me that stocked Jo Malone. I actually can't fault their service, as I was made to feel extra special as they offered to do me a complimentary facial and makeover on the spot; which I happily accepted. It's one of the best facials I've ever had, and I walked out feeling extremely relaxed.

Jo Malone Make Up Descriptions

Finishing Fluid

This light solution is designed to calm & protect the skin, yet reveal a flawless complexion. With eucalyptus, known for its soothing, helping to balance the skin. It's suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Finishing Powder

This sheer, translucent powder handles shine & creates a natural matte finish with the subtlest sheen. With particles that reflect the light away from the skin, the tiniest amount swept over the face will help to lift & brighten the complexion.

Black Mascara

In just the right brilliant black, this conditioning mascara defines, separates & lengthens for a precisely groomed appearance.

Finishing Blush

This versatile blush adds the subtlest dash of crimson rose to creamy white & sun kissed cheeks.

Lip Gloss

This full-bodied gloss moisturises & conditions. The classic, clear gloss is perfect for office wear & the cream gloss is just right for the evening.

Verbenas of Provence Scent Description

Inspired by the citrus-scented ambiance of a restaurant in Hong Kong. This fresh, clean fragrance is blended from the leaves of vervain citronelle with hints of flowers and spice. Mix with Nectarine Blossom & Honey for a fresh, day scent or Black Vetyver Cafe for a warm, evening scent

(Source: Jo Malone Product Catalogue 2007)