I've been playing my viola for the past 10 years and I honestly can't remember what my life was like before music. Music is my favourite relaxation activity and I love nothing more than sitting down at my piano and learning new classical melodies.
I've played in an orchestra since I was 9 years old. My local council runs massive orchestras for any pupil receiving instrumental tuition and I have gone through the ranks to make it to the local Youth Orchestra. Orchestra is where I've made most of my friends as no one else quite understands that music comes before everything else.
My musical friends are the most understanding people I've ever met. Music has kept them grounded and sensible!! I only know very few musicians that fit the stereotypical 'snotty child prodigy' and even then they can be quite nice when it suits them!!
Through playing in the Orchestra I've also been on the annual residential. A week away learning new music to perform at a concert at the end of the week. A whole concert worth of music learnt in a week requires around 5-6 hours of music a day per band. Quite a lot of my friends are in 2 or 3 bands, resulting in 10-12 hours of music a day!!
By going away to a music residential from the age of 9 I am more independent as a result. I know that when I am at university I won't get homesick as I'm used to being away from my parents. I also don't panic when it comes to sharing a little personal space and bathrooms as I'm sure you can imagine 12 girls in a dorm room can be quite a squeeze.
Learning a musical instrument also gives you more self confidence. Although it's hard to get used to constant solos, duos, quartets and orchestra performances I can assure you that every time it gets easier. I love performing with my friends on stage and although I never see myself as Scotland's next Nicola Benedetti I can still go out and perform to enjoy it.
I hope if you are ever given the opportunity to learn music you grab it with both hands. It is the most worthwhile decision I've ever made and has led to some amazing memories.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Monday, 13 April 2015
Sunday, 1 March 2015
Teen Tips: Getting A Job
Don't get me wrong, school and college/university is very important. However to get through it you do need money and that will only come from work (and parents if you're lucky). Here is my guide on how to get a job!
Rule 1: Don't Be Picky!
When I was looking for a job I went through all the retail stores on my local high street searching for jobs. No where else. This led to a year and a half of unemployment and begging my parents for £5 bus money which was meant to last me the week. So my first rule is do not be picky with where you apply.
Rule 2: Get Volunteering Experience.
It sounds so dull, doing paid work but not getting paid. What a waste of time, right? WRONG! Doing volunteering gives you experience in a working environment which is what employers are looking for. Depending where you volunteer depends on what other experience you get. The most common is charity shops and youth groups which give you people skills. Being able to communicate and listen and work in a group AND as an individual are major skills that employers are looking for! Any basic part time job requires these skills - waitressing, retail, bar work - think about it.
You can also get special awards for volunteering. The Duke of Edinburgh Award has a whole section just on volunteering. In Scotland, we have a programme called 'Saltire Award' which give you awards for volunteering 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours. Having one of these shows commitment and motivation to succeed.
Rule 3: Write a CV
What an obvious rule but it can actually be forgotten! There are plenty of CV Builders online and by using one will make your life a lot easier! If you are in Scotland I recommend using My World of Work as it has an amazing and easy CV Builder with a lot of tips as well.
If you are writing one from scratch then I recommend putting in your strengths, achievements, interests as well as all your grades and employment history (which includes volunteering).
Rule 4: Don't be afraid!
When I decided I wanted to get a job I was actually kind of scared to tell my parents what I was doing! It sounds so crazy but I was afraid that they didn't want me to work as well as go to school. If you are in a similar situation then I beg you please talk about it at the dinner table, maybe about 'a friend who just got a job' and see your parents reactions. This usually can go two ways - 1) they start suggesting about looking for a job or 2) they have an hour lecture at you on how it's not worth it. If you end up in scenario 2 I'm very sorry but please don't give up!
Rule 5: Ask friends to put in a good word.
It sounds like cheating but that is exactly how I got my first job! In places like TESCO (a UK supermarket chain) it's common knowledge that you're most likely to get the job if you know someone that already works in TESCO. It's also comforting knowing someone at a workplace if you do get the job.
Rule 6: Talk to people.
If you get an interview remember to be polite and ask questions! If you're in a group interview then chat to the group before you go in and get to know them. If the employer comes out and sees people talking it will show them that you are comfortable in a new environment and puts you at an advantage. If you have a trail shift then make sure you ask questions if you are unsure about anything and you are always polite when talking to other staff.
That is my guide for getting a job. I hope you learnt something from my experience and the only other thing I can say to you is good luck and I'll see you next time!
Rule 1: Don't Be Picky!
When I was looking for a job I went through all the retail stores on my local high street searching for jobs. No where else. This led to a year and a half of unemployment and begging my parents for £5 bus money which was meant to last me the week. So my first rule is do not be picky with where you apply.
Rule 2: Get Volunteering Experience.
It sounds so dull, doing paid work but not getting paid. What a waste of time, right? WRONG! Doing volunteering gives you experience in a working environment which is what employers are looking for. Depending where you volunteer depends on what other experience you get. The most common is charity shops and youth groups which give you people skills. Being able to communicate and listen and work in a group AND as an individual are major skills that employers are looking for! Any basic part time job requires these skills - waitressing, retail, bar work - think about it.
You can also get special awards for volunteering. The Duke of Edinburgh Award has a whole section just on volunteering. In Scotland, we have a programme called 'Saltire Award' which give you awards for volunteering 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours. Having one of these shows commitment and motivation to succeed.
Rule 3: Write a CV
What an obvious rule but it can actually be forgotten! There are plenty of CV Builders online and by using one will make your life a lot easier! If you are in Scotland I recommend using My World of Work as it has an amazing and easy CV Builder with a lot of tips as well.
If you are writing one from scratch then I recommend putting in your strengths, achievements, interests as well as all your grades and employment history (which includes volunteering).
Rule 4: Don't be afraid!
When I decided I wanted to get a job I was actually kind of scared to tell my parents what I was doing! It sounds so crazy but I was afraid that they didn't want me to work as well as go to school. If you are in a similar situation then I beg you please talk about it at the dinner table, maybe about 'a friend who just got a job' and see your parents reactions. This usually can go two ways - 1) they start suggesting about looking for a job or 2) they have an hour lecture at you on how it's not worth it. If you end up in scenario 2 I'm very sorry but please don't give up!
Rule 5: Ask friends to put in a good word.
It sounds like cheating but that is exactly how I got my first job! In places like TESCO (a UK supermarket chain) it's common knowledge that you're most likely to get the job if you know someone that already works in TESCO. It's also comforting knowing someone at a workplace if you do get the job.
Rule 6: Talk to people.
If you get an interview remember to be polite and ask questions! If you're in a group interview then chat to the group before you go in and get to know them. If the employer comes out and sees people talking it will show them that you are comfortable in a new environment and puts you at an advantage. If you have a trail shift then make sure you ask questions if you are unsure about anything and you are always polite when talking to other staff.
That is my guide for getting a job. I hope you learnt something from my experience and the only other thing I can say to you is good luck and I'll see you next time!
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
My Make-Up Cheats Part 2
Welcome back to Part 2 of my Make-Up Cheats. In Part 1 we covered Toner, Foundation, Concealer, Powder and Eyebrows. If you missed it here is the link to check it out - Make-Up Cheats Part 1 . Today I'm talking about Blusher, Contouring, Eye shadow, Eyeliner, Mascara, Lipstick and Brushes.
6) Blusher
I love everything about blusher. It can make or break a look so knowing which brand and hue is right for you is really important. Although I can't help you with picking a hue I can help you with brands. My first recommendation is L'Oreal Le Blush True Match. When applied it goes on smoothly. Having spoken to many people who have used this product they have agreed that all the hues are amazing!
6) Blusher
I love everything about blusher. It can make or break a look so knowing which brand and hue is right for you is really important. Although I can't help you with picking a hue I can help you with brands. My first recommendation is L'Oreal Le Blush True Match. When applied it goes on smoothly. Having spoken to many people who have used this product they have agreed that all the hues are amazing!
Boots: £7.69 Superdrug: £7.65
Another product which I adore is MaxFactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush. It is so soft and light to apply. Some of the hues are a little too bold for me personally but it is one to look at if you have more tanned skin.
Boots: £6.99 Superdrug: £6.99
7) Contouring
I only usually contour my face on nights out but I always have a small contour kit in my daily makeup bag. I use Seventeen Define and Contour Kit. It comes in two shades - light and medium - which is okay but I don't see much difference between them. It comes with a little contour guide which is really helpful for first-time contours. Nevertheless it does it's job well and that is why I'm recommending it to you.
I only usually contour my face on nights out but I always have a small contour kit in my daily makeup bag. I use Seventeen Define and Contour Kit. It comes in two shades - light and medium - which is okay but I don't see much difference between them. It comes with a little contour guide which is really helpful for first-time contours. Nevertheless it does it's job well and that is why I'm recommending it to you.
Boots: £5.99 Superdrug: n/a
8) Eye shadow
We've all gone through the terrible bold colour eye shadows which we'd like to forget. For me this meant leaving eye shadow out of my daily routine. However eye shadow is very important for the tone of your face. Rimmel Glam Eyes Quad Eye shadow does a beautiful combination of colours in one palette. You can use three tones to create a 'smoky' eye effect or stick to one hue. Whatever you decide suits you best it's a great quad to have.
We've all gone through the terrible bold colour eye shadows which we'd like to forget. For me this meant leaving eye shadow out of my daily routine. However eye shadow is very important for the tone of your face. Rimmel Glam Eyes Quad Eye shadow does a beautiful combination of colours in one palette. You can use three tones to create a 'smoky' eye effect or stick to one hue. Whatever you decide suits you best it's a great quad to have.
Boots: £6.99 Superdrug: £6.99
Another really good palette to own is Maybelline Big Eyes Eye shadow. I think it is equally as good as Rimmel however the colours in each palette aren't always the ones I'm looking for. As I keep my make-up more neutral I find some hues are a bit too bold for me but if you do like the stronger look I'd definitely recommend this.
Boots: £6.99 Superdrug: £6.99
9) Eyeliner
Who doesn't love a good winged eyeliner!? Whether its a thin sweep of the brush or a thicker curve it defines a persons look. I like using Bourjois Liner Princeau Eyeliner as it gives a medium 'lick' of eyeliner and looks good during the day and at night. As a eyeliner rookie I liked how easy to hold it was and I felt comfortable moving it to create a straight pattern.
Who doesn't love a good winged eyeliner!? Whether its a thin sweep of the brush or a thicker curve it defines a persons look. I like using Bourjois Liner Princeau Eyeliner as it gives a medium 'lick' of eyeliner and looks good during the day and at night. As a eyeliner rookie I liked how easy to hold it was and I felt comfortable moving it to create a straight pattern.
Boots: £6.99 Superdrug: £6.99
10) Mascara
Unfortunately most decent mascara comes at a heavier price. Rimmel London Wonder'full Mascara is one of the cheapest that still do a good job of lengthening and volumising lashes. It does get a bit clumpy nearer the end of it's lifespan but if you can live with that then I thoroughly recommend it to you.
Unfortunately most decent mascara comes at a heavier price. Rimmel London Wonder'full Mascara is one of the cheapest that still do a good job of lengthening and volumising lashes. It does get a bit clumpy nearer the end of it's lifespan but if you can live with that then I thoroughly recommend it to you.
Boots: £7.99 Superdrug: £7.99
Coming in a bit more pricey is MaxFactor Clump Defy Volumising Mascara. However it lasts me daily around 4-6 months! It does what it says and defies ALL CLUMPS and lengthens your lashes as well. It is well worth the buy.
Boots: £10.99 Superdrug: £10.99
11) Lipstick
I'm not a fan of lipstick myself so I've had to rely on the knowledge of my friends for this. They recommended Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick. It lasted most of the day and stayed true to it's word and was matte. Kate Moss has a Comic Relief lipstick out currently raising money for children in Africa and UK - a worthy cause from a worthy lipstick.
I'm not a fan of lipstick myself so I've had to rely on the knowledge of my friends for this. They recommended Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick. It lasted most of the day and stayed true to it's word and was matte. Kate Moss has a Comic Relief lipstick out currently raising money for children in Africa and UK - a worthy cause from a worthy lipstick.
Boots: £5.49 Superdrug: £5.49
Another lipstick mentioned was Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick (my friends are obviously in love with the matte look currently). It was very similar to Rimmel the only difference was they preferred the click of the lid to the tube on this one! (Trust them!) However they did also say it lasts longer and it's more of a weekend lipstick than a daily one. Why don't you try it and tell me what it's like?
Boots: £7.49 Superdrug: £7.49
12) Brushes
I don't think I can describe how much I love brushes! Oh my days! I only have one recommendation for brushes as I think they are the best of the best. Real Techniques Core Collection is absolutely amazing! It has a buffing brush, detailing brush, contouring brush and a pointed foundation brush - the essentials. It's a great save to buy them in a pack and I stress to everyone to use brushes instead of your hands as it's more hygienic. This set really helps, kick-starting those of us still unsure about brushes. Save up and buy them, they are really worth it!!
Boots: £21.99 Superdrug: £20.99
And that is it! The end of my make-up cheats. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my experience with products and you will try some of them in the near future! I've really enjoyed sharing this and I hope you read some of my other posts! I'll see you next time!
Friday, 6 February 2015
Glasgow Shopping Mini-Haul
Whilst I was in Glasgow at the weekend I took to the shops, and I couldn't resist sharing what I bought with you!
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water! I have dry skin as supposed to sensitive but this cleansing water is the only one I've tried which hasn't dried up my skin. It takes all my makeup off in one pad and I have had less blemishes and outbreaks since I started using it once a day.
Simple Eye Make-Up Remover Pads are great! I tend to use Vaseline and cotton wool at home but I always have a packet of these in my wash bag for travelling. They make me eyes feel refreshed and clean and take ALL my mascara off!
Simple Oil balancing Moisturiser is one of the best products for oily skin. However it is also great for preventing forehead and nose shine when I can't be bothered doing my make-up. Its quite a small tube but apart from that I love it so much!
This is a bit of an odd one to put in and I'd like to point out I AM NOT PREGNANT but this cream does wonders for my stretch marked skin from all the growing I've done. (I've been 6 foot 3 for quite some time now) I apply it 3 times a day and it's working wonders! It also smells of chocolate, mmmmmm!
I go away a lot and I am currently using a see-through wash bag which I don't really like that much. When I saw this I just had to buy it, I love anything floral!
I thought I'd buy this as a change to my usual powder, Revlon's 'Nearly Naked'. Recently I've found that my powder isn't lasting as long and is going on heavier than I like it so new powder it is! I've tried L'Oreal Paris' 'True Match' before and I think it suits springtime wear, light and breathable but still giving off a colour. I think it is really important to change around make-up products every so often and get to know what suits your skin, it makes buying new makeup easier if your favourite brand is discontinued.
A trip to a Yankee Candle shop is always a trip worth taking! I have a little jar to put samplers into when I want to burn them and I find it so much cheaper to do that than buy the jars. Previously my favourite candles were 'Christmas Garland' and 'Fireside Treats' but I think 'Vanilla Cupcake' has become joint 2nd place with 'Fireside Treats' as I want to eat it whenever I burn it! I also bought 'Clean Cotton' for my mum because lets face it, who doesn't love the smell of freshly washed clothes in summer? 'Vanilla Chai' was on sale and as I love anything Vanilla it went in my basket! My little sister wanted to get 'Salted Caramel' and I'm so glad she persuaded me as it smells so much nicer burning than it did in the shop!! It's a very strong, sweet smell, which I thought was overpowering but I've fallen in love with it!
And that's it!! I really hope you enjoyed reading this post and I've inspired you to splash your cash or maybe try one of the many things I've spoken about. Thank you for reading and I'll see you next time!
Simple Eye Make-Up Remover Pads are great! I tend to use Vaseline and cotton wool at home but I always have a packet of these in my wash bag for travelling. They make me eyes feel refreshed and clean and take ALL my mascara off!
Simple Oil balancing Moisturiser is one of the best products for oily skin. However it is also great for preventing forehead and nose shine when I can't be bothered doing my make-up. Its quite a small tube but apart from that I love it so much!A trip to a Yankee Candle shop is always a trip worth taking! I have a little jar to put samplers into when I want to burn them and I find it so much cheaper to do that than buy the jars. Previously my favourite candles were 'Christmas Garland' and 'Fireside Treats' but I think 'Vanilla Cupcake' has become joint 2nd place with 'Fireside Treats' as I want to eat it whenever I burn it! I also bought 'Clean Cotton' for my mum because lets face it, who doesn't love the smell of freshly washed clothes in summer? 'Vanilla Chai' was on sale and as I love anything Vanilla it went in my basket! My little sister wanted to get 'Salted Caramel' and I'm so glad she persuaded me as it smells so much nicer burning than it did in the shop!! It's a very strong, sweet smell, which I thought was overpowering but I've fallen in love with it!
And that's it!! I really hope you enjoyed reading this post and I've inspired you to splash your cash or maybe try one of the many things I've spoken about. Thank you for reading and I'll see you next time!
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2015
For anyone who doesn't know 'Strictly Come Dancing' is a British TV Series where celebrities learn to dance Ballroom and Latin dances. They have an annual tour up and down the UK in January-February and this year I was lucky enough to go along for the eighth time!!
The celebrities involved were Simon Webbe from Blue, Rachel Stevens from S Club 7, Rugby player and model Thom Evans (who looks even better in real life than in pictures) , TV Personality Alison Hammond, Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, TOWIE Star Mark Wright and last and certainly not least my favourite TV Presenter Caroline Flack.
Before I even begin to describe the amazing atmosphere of Glasgow's SSE Hydro I think I should show you all what the set looked like before the show begun - how magical! Seating thirteen THOUSAND people sounds like an impossible feat for a one-off show let alone one stage of a tour but Strictly Come Dancing did it three nights and one matinee in a row and that was just in Scotland!!
And the band! I'm passionate about music to say the very least but the big band and the singers!! Their talent is to die for!! With the singers standing on the dance floor feet away from the dancers they dressed up in fezzes for Caroline Flack's Charleston (from the themed week 'Around The World') or pretended to swim around the floor for Scott Mills 'crabby' Samba.
My favourite part about the live shows are the mass group dances and they were (in the words of Craig Revel Horwood) FAB - U - LOUS! With our three judges Craig, Camilla Dallerup and Tom Chambers who were more than capable of dancing and host Zoe Ball who competed nearly ten years ago they were all dancing and I definitely felt like they were all a family! This photo was from their Waltz (which was to Frozen's 'Let It Go') and had the stunning professional dancer Karen Hauer on silks at the back - it was amazing!
I have to mention our Scot, Thom Evans. He came out in a kilt and waistcoat for his Latin dance and the turns he was doing aswell! I think the front row confirmed he was a true Scot!! Once he'd finished he grabbed Zoe Ball's mic and gave us a rendition of 'O Flower Of Scotland' which we all joined in with - of course. He also took his waistcoat off without hesitation and I can assure you he is one fine specimen of our human race!
Having been so many times I would've thought the atmosphere, the costumes and the tan would all have gotten pretty old but eight years on I'm still loving my 'Strictly' experience and by the reaction of the crowd last night I am not the only one.
The celebrities involved were Simon Webbe from Blue, Rachel Stevens from S Club 7, Rugby player and model Thom Evans (who looks even better in real life than in pictures) , TV Personality Alison Hammond, Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, TOWIE Star Mark Wright and last and certainly not least my favourite TV Presenter Caroline Flack.
Before I even begin to describe the amazing atmosphere of Glasgow's SSE Hydro I think I should show you all what the set looked like before the show begun - how magical! Seating thirteen THOUSAND people sounds like an impossible feat for a one-off show let alone one stage of a tour but Strictly Come Dancing did it three nights and one matinee in a row and that was just in Scotland!!
And the band! I'm passionate about music to say the very least but the big band and the singers!! Their talent is to die for!! With the singers standing on the dance floor feet away from the dancers they dressed up in fezzes for Caroline Flack's Charleston (from the themed week 'Around The World') or pretended to swim around the floor for Scott Mills 'crabby' Samba.
 |
| The Group Waltz |
My favourite part about the live shows are the mass group dances and they were (in the words of Craig Revel Horwood) FAB - U - LOUS! With our three judges Craig, Camilla Dallerup and Tom Chambers who were more than capable of dancing and host Zoe Ball who competed nearly ten years ago they were all dancing and I definitely felt like they were all a family! This photo was from their Waltz (which was to Frozen's 'Let It Go') and had the stunning professional dancer Karen Hauer on silks at the back - it was amazing!
I have to mention our Scot, Thom Evans. He came out in a kilt and waistcoat for his Latin dance and the turns he was doing aswell! I think the front row confirmed he was a true Scot!! Once he'd finished he grabbed Zoe Ball's mic and gave us a rendition of 'O Flower Of Scotland' which we all joined in with - of course. He also took his waistcoat off without hesitation and I can assure you he is one fine specimen of our human race!
Having been so many times I would've thought the atmosphere, the costumes and the tan would all have gotten pretty old but eight years on I'm still loving my 'Strictly' experience and by the reaction of the crowd last night I am not the only one.
Tuesday, 27 January 2015
Hello Everyone!
Hello World, Caroline here and sharing my stories. Nothing serious, nothing sad, just a tall Scottish girl blogging her life.
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