Jo Malone Birthday Treat

Hi everyone,

On the 17th July I booked myself, my sister Amy and my best friend Abbie on to the Jo Malone Birthday Treat. I receive a birthday treat every year due to being a regular customer.

The Birthday Treat includes a hand & arm message for every person using a fragrance combination of their choice, champagne & chocolates, and also a complimentary gift.

For my fragrance combination was Peony & Blush Suede & Tuberose & Angelica. The Peony & Blush Suede was first applied using the shower gel, and it then followed by the matching body creme. Then to finish off I was sprayed with the new fragrance of Tuberose Angelica.
My sister had chosen the combination of Peony & Blush Suede and Amber & Patchulli. The Peony & Blush Suede was applied in exactly the same way as mine, and then was finished off with a spray of Amber & Patchulli.
Abbie went with the combination of Tuberose Angelica and Amber & Patchulli. When they were doing Abbie's hand and arm message they used the Peony & Blush Suede shower gel as a base, which was followed by the Vitamin E body balm, and then finish everything off they sprayed her with the fragrances of Amber & Patchulli and Peony & Blush Suede.

After we had our hand and arm messages, and finished off our champagne; we then decided to have a look at what fragrances was on offer. As part of my birthday treat every year I always buy a new fragrance, so this year I went with the fragrance Peony & Blush Suede. My sister also made her very first Jo Malone purchase, and she chose the fragrance Nectarine Blossom & Honey :D

For our complimentary gift we were each given a small Lime, Basil & Mandarin cologne, and a small Pomegrante Noir body creme.

Birthday Haul

Hi everyone,

I have recently celebrated my birthday, so I thought I would share with you what I got. 

From my brother, sister, niece and sister-in-law I received a Pip Studio Cappuccino cup & saucer, as well as a few sleeves of the Nespresso Grand Cruz in Vulluto and Appeggio; and from my best mate I received a bath and shower set from the White Collection at Boots. As I'm writing this I have only just realised that I forgot to include them in the photo; oops.

I then went shopping shortly after my birthday to pick up a couple of things, and one of the things I picked up was the Never a Dull Moment face scrub from Origins; as I'm currently going through a sample of this and I really like it; so I'd thought I'd best invest in a full size face scrub. I also went into Jo Malone to have my annual birthday treat, and while I was there I decided to purchase the brand new fragrance which has recently been released; and its the scent Peony & Blush Suede. As part of my birthday treat from Jo Malone I received a complimentary gift which was a small Lime, Basil & Mandarin cologne and a small Pomegrante Noir body cream.

I also received birthday treats from Space NK and The Body Shop, due to being a loyalty card holder. From Space NK a received a Smokey Rose candle, and from The Body Shop I'm entitled to choose what I want upto the value of £5, so I chose the Vineyard Peach shower gel; but I had to pay a small difference in price but it wasn't much.

Blog Update #2

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, but I've been super busy with work and I haven't had any spare time to blog. Its also been the week of my birthday. But, I will be back next week with the start of my Birthday Blogs on Tuesday at 9am. 

Take Care

Loz xx

Online Sephora Haul

Hi everyone,

I've finally placed my first order with Sephora USA, and I was extremely pleased with the service and shipping. When I found out that Sephora had started shipping to the UK a few of months ago I was like "A kid in sweet shop", and I got really excited. So, I'm going to share with you what I brought, and also any advice for anyone who wishes to place an online order with Sephora. I placed my order on a Tuesday and it arrived on the following Monday.

When ordering from Sephora its recommended that you spend £75 or over, this is so you can flat fee shipping rate of £6. Also, its worth noting that you also have to pay tax/ duty charges on top; but this is added on before you check out. While also at the checkout you will notice a conversion rate from US Dollars to UK pounds, which is good thing; as some items can actually work out cheaper than if you where to buy them in the UK. 
   Some items/ brands are actually restricted to buy and this is due to the packages being sent by airmail. The restricted items include nail varnish and fragrances, and some of the brands which are restricted are NARS, Dior, Buxom, Fresh and Urban Decay.

I would also recommend that you sign up for Sephora's Loyalty programme known as 'Beauty Insider' if you are going to be buying from them on a regular basis. This works in a similar way to the Boots Advantage Card, as its a points-based card; and with your points you then exchange them for different perks depending on how many points that you have collected. They are four different levels of point perks, and these are 100 points, 250 points, 500 points and 1000 points, and within these different point balances they have a number of different perks in which to exchange your points for. But you don't have to spend your points straight away, if you don't want to if they isn't anything you fancy. You can just save them up, and use them when your ready.

The products that I ordered from Sephora are: -
- A mini Josie Maran Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise (limited edition) £8.11/ $13
- A tube of First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream £7.49/ $12
- A mini pot of Glamgow original face mask £11.85/ $19
- Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in Fig £14.97/ $24
- Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy Lip Balm in Mint £4.68/ $7.50
- Sephora Pro Brow Brush #20 £9.36/ $15
- Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens £6.24/ $10
- Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown £14.35/ $23

These are the conversion rates which I was quoted when I was placing my order.

Advice on Taking Up a Musical Instrument

Hi everyone,

I'd thought that it would be nice if it gave you a little bit of advice when your considering taking up a musical instrument. I've been learning how to play the violin for a number of years, but I'm still only a beginner. So here's a few hints and tips which I have picked up along the way.

Look into the Musical Instrument that your Interested in Taking Up & See if it suits you
To do this, first start researching the instrument which you want to take up. I did this for around 18 months, before I purchased my first instrument. To research the instrument I used Wikipedia and a few YouTube videos. Once you have decided which musical instrument is right for you to take up; I would then recommend you taking up a trip to your local music store and try out a few different brands/ models of that instrument, and by doing this you will find out what instrument suits you and find out whether or not its in your budget.

Look Into Different Brands & Models of Instruments
By doing this you will find out if that particular instrument is first of all suitable for your needs and also with your budget. Ask the music instrument specialists if the instrument may require a better 'set up', as well as any accessories which may be needed to go along with it, or if the instrument comes with any as standard. Also, very important TRY BEFORE YOU BUY, and most music stores offer this service, as purchasing an instrument can be a big investment. Think about the instruments which you have tried, and keep trying different brands of instruments until you find the one which you want to learn on. But DO NOT let the music instrument specialists talk you into an into an instrument that may not be for you.

Budget For Your Instrument
How much is your instrument going to cost you all together, and this includes the instrument itself, plus all the accessories which you may need, music theory and tutor books, sheet music and how much will it cost you for each lesson, if your having private lessons.
Here is my personal breakdown to give you an idea: -
- Violin outfit £320
- Sheet music £50 per year
- Music Theory Books £50
- Accessories £60
- Lessons £30 per lesson
- Graded Exams anything up to £80 per exam, depending on exam board and type of exam

Research Strings & Accessories
You may want to do a bit of research into different brands/ types of strings, as may want just a basic upgrade of strings or a completely different sound/ tone all together. By doing this you may think a brand of string is best suited to your music taste or you may want to mix the strings; depending on what your looking for. Mixing different brands/ types of strings is more commonly done by cellists. Also, by looking into accessories you will also find something which you may like, as they are various brands of rosin, shoulder rests, chromatic tuners, amps and also sheet music stands. By researching different brands, you will then be able to work out a rough budget for your accessories.

Private Music Lessons
These can either be held on a one-to-one basic or in small groups. If its one-to-one tuition your looking for then the lessons should work around your life; and by that I mean you should be able to book a lesson that suits your needs, and at time that is ideal for you. Find a local music tutor who has a good reputation, high exam pass rate, friendly, relaxed and approachable.

Look into Local Music Schools
Find one that is suited to you, and don't just go for the first one you see. Also, look into if they take both children and adult learners, as well as having a good reputation and excellent teaching staff.

Recommended Music Theory Books
First Steps into Music Theory by Eric Taylor
The AB Guide to Music Part One by Eric Taylor (Grades 1 - 5)
The AB Guide to Music Part Two by Eric Taylor (Grades 6 - 8)
Take Five & Pass First Time by Christopher Dunn

Advice on Starting Up a Blog

Hi everyone,

I'd thought I give you some advice on starting up your own blog. A blog is your own personal space for you to create and write about subjects and hobbies which interest you; and a place were you can call home in the big wide world of the online community.

Decide on What You Would Like Your Blog to be About
This could be on absolutely anything from food, music, clothes, beauty, books, artists, movie genres, hobbies and interests, festivals, latest films, horse riding, sports, video games, and interior design; just to name a few. But make sure whatever subjects and areas you choose to write about interest you.

Decide What Platform You Would Like to Host Your Blog
They are two options which are either Blogger or Wordpress.
Blogger - Gives you 5GB of free space before you start paying for your blog, but don't panic as they are different price plans for you to choose from. You don't have to pay for your blog straight away, as this depends on how often you post, how much storage you have got to use, and also how successful your blog has become. Also, Blogger is really user friendly, once you have got used to it. Don't panic if you don't get your blog right the first (I didn't), as you can always start it again
Wordpress - This I've heard is harder to use and not as user friendly. But, you can do more with it if you have IT geek as a friend who is willing to help you. Also, I think you have to start paying for it straight away.

Make sure your blog is very user friendly, and also easy on the eye.

Blog Photography
When starting a blog just start off by using a compact digital camera, and basic photo editing software. As you can, if you so choose to upgrade your camera and editing equipment later on. 
When I started doing my blog I just used a compact digital camera, and basic editing software. But I decided to upgrade to a DSLR camera, which I actually prefer. You don't have to spend a huge sum of money to get great blog photos. You have to do what is best for you and blog at the time. Also, if your new photography just practice, practice, and even more practice. Or even, if you can try and talk to a professional photographer about trying to get around photography issues; or book onto private photography lessons, just so then you can master the basics and get the best use of the camera you currently own whether that'll be a compact camera or a entry level DSLR camera.

Planning Your Blog Posts
When I start planning my posts one of the first things I do is to research that particular area/ brand/ product, and then from that research I will then make notes. From these notes I will then write a rough draft of the post before I write it into my chosen blogging platform. Also when I writing it into my blogging platform I also do a few other things before I publish it; and these are: -
Labels - I just label it whatever the title of the blog post is going to be called
Schedule - Would you like to send your post out automatically, or would you like to set your date and time. I personally like to set my own date and time
Search Description - Key words, Blog Title

Skincare Tips & Advice

Hi everyone,

In this weeks post I'd thought I would share the skincare advice; which I've been given over the past few years, and also a few things that I have picked up myself along the way.

Get Into a Skincare Routine as Early as Possible

The earliest I'd recommend somebody to get into a routine is around mid/ late teens. Also, the earlier you start to get into a routine; the better it will be for the skins overall health.

Have a Skincare Consultation 

By having a skincare consultation you will be able to find out what is current skin type, as well as being able to address any concerns that may be bothering you. Also, by having a skincare consultation you can also find out which types would be suitable for your current skincare needs.

Do Brand Research

I know it sounds a bit daft to look into individual brands, but it will give you an overview of what that particular brand stands for and then from there you will then be able to decide if that brand will fit in with you lifestyle, morals and ethics. A few brands I would recommend you looking into are:- Simple, Origins, Philosophy, Elemis, Clinque, Nivea, Garnier, Kiehl's, L'Oreal, Clarins & Estee Lauder.

Look at Product Reviews

This is also an important step to do, especially if your planning on spending a small sum of money on a skincare product. By researching and looking at product reviews it will then help you to decide whether or not you would like to purchase a certain product. Personally, I do this in a few different ways depending on what it is I'm looking into buying. The tools I like to use are Youtube, reading other blogs, using review sites such as Make Up Ally and also knowledge from the sales assistants.

Try Samples

When you are looking into buying high end skincare, ask the assistant if they have any samples which you can take home and try for a week or two. As this way you will then be able to try the product without spending a penny; and if it doesn't suit your skin type, then you wouldn't have wasted any money buying the full size product.

Have a Professional Facial

By having a facial done professionally every three months you will be helping your skin even more. As by having a facial done by someone who is professionally trained then they will be able to address any of your skin concerns, use products that are suitable for your skin's present condition, and also help to eliminate any toxins when carrying out the facial message. 

Removing Make Up

When removing make up I would advise to only use either micellaire water or a cleansing oil, as it is a more gentle and more effective option than using face wipes. 

After Removing Your Make Up

When you have taken your make up off it'll time to carry out your skincare routine. These steps are cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise.

When cleansing your skin make sure you do this for a good two minutes, as this will make sure that your pores have been cleaned out thoroughly. To remove the cleanser I personally like to a hot flannel, as it has the added benefit of a gentle exfoliation. Also, it might be good idea to invest in a separate cleanser from the one use to remove your make up, as they'll be used to two completely different reasons. For the start of your facial routine I'd look into getting a creamy cleanser, as they are more hydrating to the skin.

Exfoliation

Make sure you exfoliate your skin once a week to remove any dead skin cells. Both manual and chemical exfoliators are recommended. Manual exfoliator = Origins Modern Friction; Chemical Exfoliator = Alpha H Liquid Gold or the Pixie Glow Tonic, these are just some examples of which you can get on the market. If you like to do the idea of using both types of exfoliation, then you can alternate them on a weekly basis; as both types are recommended.