20 Facts about Me

1.) I work in the food & hospitality industry
2.) I'm learning how to play the violin & flute
3.) My mum used own a large white pig
4.) I've been collecting autographs since I was 10
5.) I've been collecting frogs & dolphin ornaments since I was little
6.) I listen to mainly classical music, but I do listen to other genres
7.) I'm a foodie, & I love going to our local food festival
8.) I love to travel & going abroad
9.) I love cool toned colours, & my favourite colour is blue
10.) I'm very creative & I seem to have a natural eye when it comes to colour schemes
11.) My favourite Winnie the Pooh character is Eeyore
12.) I originally wanted to be a Nurse
13.) My favourite scent is Wild Bluebell from Jo Malone
14.) I enjoy making my own lattes
15.) I'm just 5" tall
16.) My favourite coffee shop is Rhode Island Coffee
17.) Another hobby of mine is photography
18.) My favourite stores are Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Space NK & Boots
19.) I used to be a quite person
20.) My naughty but nice favourite treat is the caramel & hazelnut tart from the bakery at
      M&S

The Real Thing Review

Cast

Gerald Kyd - Henry
Sarah Ball - Charlotte
Marianne Oldham - Annie
Simon Scardifield - Max
Adam O'Brian - Billy
Georgina Leonidas - Debbie
Sandy Bachelor - Brodie

I went to see 'The Real Thing' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds on the 24th May 2012, and I went to the 1.30pm performance.

Overview

Henry is a brilliant playwright. With his wife Charlotte in the starring role, his new play examines the complexity of love and infidelity.
      Henry's reality and fiction blur when passions ignite and his own marriage becomes entwined with that of Charlotte's co-star Max and his wife Annie. As Henry struggles to write a new work, the players in this game of deceit and lust are all searching. But can any of them find The Real Thing?

Act One of 'The Real Thing' is very fast paced, very funny with a few dramatic elements thrown in. The dramatic elements take place within the  opening scene between Max and Charlotte; as he accuses Charlotte of having an affair and he is proven right. But the opening scene is in fact a scene from Henry's new play 'House of Cards'.
      The second scene is a mix of both comical and dramatic elements. The comedy elements take place between Annie and Henry; as she asks him for "A quick one on the carpet", even though Henry is married to Charlotte and this takes place in Henry and Charlotte's home. Another comedy element occurs when the discussion takes place about Charlotte's and Henry's daughter, Debbie.
     My favourite scene from Act One was when Henry describes how difficult it is to write about love, as he's more used to writing comedy. So, instead he helps Annie to rehearse her upcoming play, which is in Glasgow. I also really enjoyed how Act One finished; as it ended with the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 BWV 1007.

In Act Two I really enjoyed watching the cricket bat scene; as Annie thought Henry was going a bit mad. But, Henry used the cricket bat to describe the difference between good and bad writing. Another scene that I enjoyed watching was when Henry was helping Annie to rehearse Brodie's play. Also, during this scene I enjoyed listening to Gerald's Scottish accent, as he was impersonating Brodie.
    I found two scenes hard to watch; the first scene was between Henry and his daughter Debbie, as it brought back loads of memories. The second scene was when Henry found out about Billy.
   Later in the second act we find out that both Henry and Billy think the same about Brodie's play, which is that he can't write. Also, when you come to meet Brodie in the final scenes, he isn't the nicest of people to meet.

I really enjoyed my first visit to the West Yorkshire Playhouse, as everyone made me feel very welcome. The whole day was an enjoyable experience and I'm hoping to go back to the Playhouse again in the future.

My New Venture: The Flute

At the beginning of January I decided that I wanted to have another go at learning how to play the flute.

         So I went out to purchase my very first flute, but not without trying out a few first. In the end I settled on the Trevor James x10 concert flute and I'm so happy that I did, as its the ideal student flute. Also, if your interested in doing your music grades on the flute I've been told that it will take you up to grade 5 with ease.

        So, now that I have purchased my flute; the next thing on the list was books. I ended up buying three different flute books and these are 'A New Tune A Day for flute' by Ned Bennett, 'Learn As You Play' by Peter Wastall, and 'Practice Books for the Flute: Books 1-5' by Trevor Wye. At the moment I'm currently using 'A New Tune a Day', as its the most easiest to follow.

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

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