Wednesday 30 January 2013

Signature Soaps Review

I first came across Signature Soaps about four years ago at my local food and drink festival. It's all handmade and locally produced using natural ingredients.
     You can place an order with Brian at www.signaturesoaps.co.uk. I highly recommend a good browse around the website, as you'll be spoilt for choice in both products and scents.

Chinese Waterlily Forming Shower/ Bath Wash


The first thing that hits you about the product is the scent, as its so fresh and floral. It also has the added bonus of smelling your bathroom out for a little while afterwards.
     You only need to use a small amount of the product, as a little bit goes a long way; as well as producing a lovely rich, creamy lather.
     I've found the best way to use it too use a dry body puff to get a small amount of product out and then quickly run it under the shower to help to foam a little.



Price: £6.60

Lemongrass Cold Process Handmade Soap



I'm a big fan of citrus scents and I came across this little beauty. The first thing I fell in love with was the scent, and then the product itself.
    I really like to use this as a shaving soap, as it lathers up to a rich, creamy, velvety texture. As well as making my skin feel really soft, smooth and moisturised after using it. Also, because it contains lemongrass it has the added benefit of gentle exfoliation, which I really like.

Price: £3.80

www.signaturesoaps.co.uk






Thursday 24 January 2013

Advice on Taking Up a Musical Instrument

Research Your Instrument
I researched the violin for 18 months before I went out and brought one. Research is important before you make any choice to go out and buy one, as then you know what you are letting yourself in for, as well as gaining some basic knowledge about your chosen instrument. 

Look into Different Student Instruments

When purchasing your first instrument don't spend thousands of pounds, as you don't know whether or not your going to stick with it. Also when buying the instrument, make sure you get the correct size of instrument. If the instrument is for a child, they will need a smaller size to begin with, and as they get older they will need different sizes of instruments to help to progress. But an adult will only need a full size instrument, depending on individual needs. For a child I'd recommend a budget of £200, and for an adult about £500, but this does depend on the instrument you want to take up, so again, do some research. I'd also recommend you trying different student models to find one that us right for you and suits your personality; but to do this go into your local music shop as they will be able to advise you properly. But DO NOT buy off eBay, as you could end up spending more money than necessary to get it repaired.

Music Theory
When buying your first instrument it's a good idea to purchase some books on music theory, as it will help you to familiarise with some basic music theory. The two books I would recommend are :-
- First Steps in Music Theory by Eric Taylor (little red book)
- The AB Guide Book 1 by Eric Taylor (pink book)
Both books work hand in hand with each other

Music Schools/ Private Teachers

You really need to research this area well, as you need to find a teacher that is willing to take you on as a pupil as well as a teacher that you can get on with. Also, look for how much they charge per half hour/ hour lessons. You may also want to be self taught, depending on the instrument.

Exam Boards

It may be worth having a look into different music exam boards to see what they offer, and to see if they right for you. The exam boards are ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall, London College of Music and Rockschool.
Even if exams are not right for you, you will have to take both Grade 5 practical and Grade 5 music theory if you wanted to carry on progressing through your grades or higher

Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellaire Water

500ml bottle of Bioderma

Review

I've been torn with the idea of trying Bioderma for a few months after hearing some really good reviews about it. So, I thought I would try it out to see what all the fuss is about

Bioderma is a clear water toner with micellar molecules, which helps to remove make up and cleanse your face with ease. It also contains no scent.
      The Bioderma Micellaire water comes in three varieties and its been specially formalated for each skin type. They is a Bioderma cleanser/ toner for dry skin, sensitive skin and oily skin.
     The one which I'm using is for sensitive skin, and you can use it as a make up remover or as a toner. But, personally I like using it as a toner.

I use this in the morning either on its own or before I cleanse, tone and moisturise, and I also use it night before I go to bed. All I can say is that I've never known a product to remove so much rubbish from my face, as well as being really gentle and refreshing even though it has no scent too it. I only use a small amount on a cotton wool pad to help to give my face a quick refresh.
    I really do like using the Bioderma Micellaire water, and I think I will be repurchasing it again when it runs out. I've even brought a small 100ml bottle to take away on holiday with me.
   The only downside is that its really hard to get hold of in the UK.

Disclaimer: Everything I show on my blog I personally buy myself, and all opinions are my own