Local Businesses

Contents

Top to Toe’s Tips - Simple Guide for Skincare
Recyclabulle
Mémoire ouvrière de la Creuse …
Helen Clarence Designs
John Lyne – Professional Press Photographer
Restaurant Recommendation
Top to Toe’s Tips - Questions & Answers
My Car Hero!
Cornerstone Property Services
Naturallys
Top to Toe’s Tips On Hair Conditioners
New Sales Record for Houses on Internet in 2011
Top to Toe’s Tips On Choosing the Right Shampoo for your hair
Musique Jeunes et Voyages (Music, Youth and Travel)
ANTIQUES FROM MARS and Mrs Robinson
ARFEUILLE ANTIQUES
AUBERGE DE LA TOUR, La Cellette
Nina and Steve – two creative people living their dream in the Creuse
Teach your child, also on the web!
Top to Toe’s Tips On False Eye Lashes

(for older stories see this page)

Top to Toe’s Tips - Simple Guide for Skincare

We all long for perfect skin but with so many products on the market these days and so much more confusion when more advanced products are marketed, the harder it is to try to find something suitable for your skin. In all the confusion, it’s easy to say “forget it, I’ll just use soap!” - not the right answer though as soap is not the best thing for your skin either

Top tips for a guide to healthier, more radiant looking skin

1. A good night’s sleep

I cannot stress enough the importance of getting a regular good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep not only makes you groggy, lethargic and stressed, but can also aggravate and sometimes cause skin conditions.

2. Leave the spots alone

It’s so tempting to squeeze a spot especially when they grow into an enormous “growth” with an unforgiving head. However, squeezing them will make them stay longer and could also cause infection if the hands are not clean. If they are left untouched, they will disappear in a few days. Use a little antiseptic on a cotton wool pad morning and evening after cleansing to keep them clean, but DON’T squeeze!!

3. Introduce new products one by one.

Don’t mix too many products, especially exfoliating products and introduce any new ones one at a time to minimise any risk of irritation.

4. Peel and exfoliate

Keep your skin looking healthier by gently exfoliating to remove dead skin cells from the body. This stimulates the blood supply to the area and can help firm the skin too. Gentle peels are best and only use once a week.

5. Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise

I know it sounds obvious, but poor cleansing is still very common. Going to bed in make up can create blockages and a build up of bacteria which can lead to collagen breakdown. If this is too much of a routine for you to do every day, then there are plenty of facial wash products on the market which will do the same thing, but always
moisturise morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and looking good.

6. Use Sunscreen

Yes, I know, boring, boring!! But too much sun will give your skin a leathery texture and wrinkles will be much more likely to appear quicker. Try to choose a moisturiser or foundation that has a built in sunscreen.

7. Wear sunglasses

The best way to slow down the ageing process and wrinkles around the eyes is to wear sunglasses even if it is not bright sunshine! If you minimise the squinting, you can minimise the “crows’ feet!”

8. Have a facial

Yes, facial treatments do really work and are not just a luxury treatment. It is recommended that having a facial once a month or once every six weeks can have a massive effect on your skin, especially if you follow the basics in between. The benefits are not just on the surface of the skin but a good facial treatment can energise skin and leave it feeling soft, supple and radiant. If you can only afford a facial every once in a while, treat yourself to a skin reviving mask from your local beauty store. There are lots available which are very good. However, there is nothing like the real thing.

I hope these tips are of some help and I look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any questions you would like me to answer, then either contact Creuse News or email me on info@top-to-toe.com

To celebrate the summer coming, why not book a Facial or Hair and Beauty Treatment with your friends? The hostess will receive a fabulous discount on their treatments and I can guarantee you will all feel truly relaxed, pampered and spoilt.

Give me a call on 06 86 34 21 42 for an appointment or to book your Pampering Session.

Recyclabulle

Grade - Exchange - Repair

At the very heart of the Association Recyclabulle is the desire to open up a local opportunity by creating a Ressourcerie.

So, what is a Ressourcerie?

As it's name might suggest, a Ressourcerie is a social structure charged with the collection, storing and repairing/renovation - if need be - of objects which would otherwise be consigned to our ever-growing land-fill sites, thereby giving these objects a useful second life and a new home. It's revitalizing our "cast-offs".

In effect, the idea of "rubbish" is purely subjective; it's like saying that one person’s rubbish is another person’s desirable object. Just imagine how many collectors’ items have already been lost to society because the owner had no further use for them at the time and so they become "rubbish". Ressourcerie gives that second life and, at the same time acts as a tool to prevent the very costly waste disposal processing, so onerous in terms of the environment and ultimately for everybody who lives and breathes on this planet.

Recyclabulle has opened its bright new boutique in Guéret, where you will be able to buy your "long lost dreams" at very affordable prices, well below the price of new; happy in the knowledge that you are helping local economy.

The boutique Recyclabulle will equally be a meeting place and interactive workshop for members of all age groups, as well as being a source of diversity. Each one is free to come along to repair or design objects according to their desires; be it an object that they already own, or those bought in the boutique.

If the whole idea of Recyclabulle appeals to you, why not come along to help with a project, or maybe even become a member of the Association with a Future. Language is no barrier. You can contact us and we'll be very happy to welcome you into the project.

"For the pleasure of working together for the well-being of Our Planet"

Les Ateliers de la Creuse
33 route de Cher du Prat â– 23 000 Guéret
Tel : 05 55 41 49 83
recyclabulle@gmail.com
www.recyclabulle.org
N°SIRET : 530 216 415 000 14
http://www.facebook.com/recyclabulle

Mémoire ouvrière de la Creuse …

Neil Parkyn, water colourist extraordinaire and habitant of the Creuse has been working so hard to produce 80 watercolours for his 144 paged book, commissioned by the Conseil Géneral, and due to be launched in June (full details will be given at a later date of price etc.), featuring abandoned industrial buildings in the department – a real labour of love.

You can see here a preview of the front cover of the soon to be published book ‘Mémoire ouvrière de la Creuse’ – many congratulations to Neil for producing such a unique piece of art.

Neil Parkyn
carol.neil@orange.fr

Helen Clarence Designs

An invitation to learn how to make your own custom made bead jewellery with original designs.

I started making woven bead jewellery about ten years ago whilst pursuing a city and guilds diploma course in creative embroidery. At the time I was taking leave from a fulltime teaching job, but fell in love with the idea of developing my own business. Today I produce custom designed and made jewellery for clients who want that special something for weddings, gifts and that special event, as well as exhibiting my pieces in galleries in Ireland and the UK. However my real passion for teaching has never left me and I particularly enjoy developing workshops to teach beading techniques and skills to people who want to start, or to develop a new hobby. I have over the years taught many adults and children to create their own pieces of jewellery from necklaces, to brooches to ear-rings and bracelets.

Now I am living permanently in the Creuse and want to continue teaching one day workshops and longer courses to people here who are interested in learning embroidery techniques or learn jewellery making. To begin with I am organising a one day workshop, to be taught in the Crêpe Chignon, Grande Rue, Chenerailles on the 22nd May. The cost of the course is 60€ which includes beads and materials for the day, the pattern, instructions and tuition as well as lunch at the Crêperie restaurant. During the day we will make a beaded pendant necklace.

The style of jewellery I make is all done by sewing each small glass bead to the next with a needle and thread and is similar to weaving although I do not use a loom, hence the frequently used term of ‘off-loom bead weaving’. There are many examples of this on the internet if you have never seen this style of jewellery before, including my own website www.helenclarence.com. Many people say to me that they don’t know how I see the beads and they are indeed small, but I have taught beading to women in their seventies who have very successfully made their own jewellery pieces.

So if you want to learn something new then give me a ring or email to book your place on the workshop.

Telephone 0972315609; email helen@helenclarence.com

John Lyne – Professional Press Photographer

I have been a freelance media photographer since 1980. Living in Launceston most of my work was concentrated in Devon and Cornwall covering the news for provincial daily and weekly newspapers and local television. I was also commissioned on a regular basis by the national "heavies" (I avoided the tabloids like the plague!) to cover news and features in the West Country.

Much of my work included photographing people involving human interest stories for many of the women's magazines such as Bella and Woman's Own. I was also very happy to work with The Environment Agency and other government institutions.

There were also the more distressing incidents involving the road traffic accidents, house fires and quite a few murders. More than one would believe when one thinks of such a beautiful part of the British Isles. But all in a day's work as they say and it was good to feel that, despite many people's views on journalists in general, what I was doing was generally good for the community. I believe that it was my job to produce a picture that would attract the attention of the public and make them aware of something that they should know about and understand. And, hopefully, right some wrongs.

There have been one or two notable occasions when a picture of mine has caused a change in the law or made powerful institutions change their attitude and I am very proud of that. I have never been intrusive and am not ashamed of anything I have been involved with.

Of course there were many times when, for instance, I would be at home all day waiting for the phone to ring and it didn't and by perhaps seven in the evening I would realise that I'd had a day off. Until my bum hit the chair and I'd hear the sound that I didn't particularly want to hear so late in of the day - the ring of the telephone. Mostly because it meant there'd been some kind of disaster and the lives of people I would probably never meet were about to change forever.

One of the saddest parts of the job to me was going to a traffic accident in which someone has died and realising that, somewhere, someone was at home preparing to welcome them. Not knowing that, instead of a loved one, the next person through the door would be a police officer bearing tragic news.

Although most of my time was spent in the UK I also worked abroad on many commissions including the conflict in Rwanda, on the periphery of the troubles in former Yugoslavia and in Romania following the revolution.
Since moving to the Limousin I have been back to Africa photographing the aftermath of a civil war and, despite telling myself I'm now retired, I still accept work now and then and have just completed an assignment for the Mail on Sunday's You Magazine - all about Brits who have moved to France.

And I still love doing portraits on location for anyone who asks me.

I know what they say about old golfers. There's probably a similar expression about old photographers, except it's probably ruder!

I do a little photography tuition via the internet and this is a picture I sometimes use when a student, who is also often a member of a camera club, tells me that photographs should be "pin sharp and colour saturated."

Technically perfect or it's a failure.

I was touring the refugee camps on the border between Rwanda and Zaire in the early nineties during the civil war in Rwanda.

I walked into an orphanage and was immediately surrounded by a hoard of curious children and whilst trying to extricate myself I felt something clutching at my wrist. When I looked down there was this young boy, whose family I subsequently discovered had all been killed, pressing the back of my hand to his cheek.

Without time to make adjustments (these were the days of manual cameras) I raised the camera above my head and pointed it downwards pressing the shutter button as I did.

The result is what you see. Out of focus, not very well exposed and showing distinct movement all around due to the slow shutter speed but capturing a moment easily lost had I tried to be technically perfect.

And his eyes say it all.

The real victims of war. The children.

John Lyne
john@johnlyne.com

Restaurant Recommendation

Le Puy du Coucou, Les Bordes, Royère de Vassivière 05 55 64 93 17
www.lepuyducoucou.fr
contact@lepuyducoucou.fr

I am often being asked to recommend a restaurant and as a French friend rang to tell me about this one, I thought I should pass on the good news. The restaurant is in the small hamlet of Les Bordes in the commune of Royère de Vassivière and offers traditional, tasty cooking in a warm and authentic atmosphere, even the bread is home-made along with many home-made dishes.

Lunch is served Monday to Friday with a set menu at 12 euros, 4 courses including a starter, main course, cheese, dessert and a half carafe of wine. Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch they serve a Gourmet menu at 20 euros or a Gastronomic menu at 28 euros.

You will receive a warm, friendly, welcome from this family-run restaurant.

Top to Toe’s Tips - Questions & Answers

Hi again to all you Creuse News readers!

It’s officially Springtime now and the sun is starting to shine a little more, so hopefully most of us will be feeling much more upbeat and looking forward to a long, lovely summer!.

Quite regularly, whilst I am out and about on my travels, I get asked lots of different questions on hair and beauty and I chat to my customers regularly about the good points and bad points on hair, skin, nails etc.

I have decided this month to put down a few of those questions and responses which I feel will put to bed some of those unanswered questions …

Q: Do I need to trim my hair regularly to avoid split ends?
A: Unfortunately, you do have to trim your hair to grow it healthily and depending on how quickly your hair grows, it should ideally be trimmed from five to eight weeks. If you get bigger split ends, you will only end up having to have more hair cut off in the long run. If you have a quarter of an inch cut off each time, your hair will remain healthy and strong.
Q: How do I keep nail polish looking good on my toenails?
A: Firstly, ensure your nails are cut and shaped neatly and tidily and with no rough edges. Always use a base coat before applying nail polish and normally, one to two coats of nail polish is enough to make your toenails look pretty. It is also imperative that each coat you apply is completely dry before applying the next one, otherwise it will not dry properly and can then smudge and chip.
Q: Do expensive face creams get rid of wrinkles?
A: Unfortunately, pretty much all face creams cannot get rid of wrinkles, although some of them can plump up the skin to give an effect that the wrinkles have been reduced! As we get older, the elasticity in our skin reduces which is when wrinkles start to appear. Unless, you have permanent cosmetic surgery, your wrinkles will not magically disappear with just face cream. However, it is very important to use moisturisers every day to keep the skin soft and supple and help the skin to stay hydrated. The skin will look more wrinkled if it is dry and tight than if it is moisturised and supple.
Q: What are the white spots caused by on my fingernails?
A: White spots on your nails could mean that your nails are dehydrated, have a lack of keratin or possibly an iron or calcium deficiency. They could have also experienced a trauma like getting banged or stuck in a door. Sometimes, they can appear if you are taking certain medications so you would probably need to speak to your GP so see if this is the cause. Most of the time, they are due to lack of vitamin deficiency and can be rectified by this. However, they can only be grown out once they appear, but keeping your nails neat and tidy and using a coloured polish can help them to appear looking nice while you grow them out. If they keep re-appearing, you may need to consult your GP.
Q: How often should I use deep conditioning treatments on my hair?
A: Deep conditioning treatments should not be used daily on your hair but you should always follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Ideally, once a week is usually enough to keep your hair in tip top condition if you are using a normal conditioner in between, although some deep treatments allow you to use it twice weekly or more.
Q: What is the best sun cream protection factor to use?
A: The best sunscreen protection factor is the highest! Simply because, it takes longer for the UV rays to penetrate through the sun cream and you will be less likely to burn. It also depends on your skin tone, whether you are fair or dark skinned and whether you tan easily or not. I would recommend to use anything from an SPF 15 upwards at all times to avoid burning your skin, especially if you are in and out of the sun between 11.30am and 3pm.

Enjoy the sunshine, be safe and if you have any questions you would like me to answer, then either contact Creuse News or email me on info@top-to-toe.com

To celebrate the summer coming, why not book a Pampering day with your friends? The hostess will receive a fabulous discount on their treatments and I can guarantee you will all feel truly relaxed, pampered and spoilt!
Give me a call on 06 86 34 21 42 for an appointment or to book your Pampering Session!

My Car Hero!

You probably know what it is like to have problems with your car. Specially if you need it to go to work with. It is hard to do without a car here in rural France anyway. But if we have a problem we don't worry too much because we can always bring it to our regular mechanic Bill.

Again we had a problem with a car, but this time it was a bit different. The problem was that the car started really bad, mainly when it was cold outside. It got worse and worse. When it finally started (after two minutes) there was so much smoke coming out that the whole village was covered in a big black cloud. Before I could drive away, I had to wait till the cloud was gone, because I couldn’t see where to go to anymore. It was terrible and it didn’t seem very good for the car, let alone for the relationship with our neighbors.

Something really needed to be done about it. And I thought it was going to be almost impossible and very expensive. I only knew it wasn't a problem with the glow plugs. I already started looking for another car on the internet, but to find the car that I need isn’t simple here in France. I also wasn’t ready yet to give up on my “green monster”. So I decided to ask Bill if he could do something about it.

The car is a Nissan Patrol and so stuffed with technical things that it isn’t easy to find where the problem is. That was already proven in Holland. There I had the car in three different garages for the same problem (one was even a Nissan garage), without any improvement and a lot of invoices. So I don’t think I am exaggerating if I say I asked him for an almost impossible task. The only thing he said was that he was going to dive into it and he would find and fix the problem. I just thought, yeah, sure,....(not).

With the help of Bill's friend Nigel, who has a computer to do the diagnostics they found the problem. Not only did they find it, Bill is such a good mechanic that he solved the problem. It did take quite some time, but that is because he had to wait for the right parts. He never gave up on finding the problem. And he kept his promise that he would dive into it. Now I could bore you with telling what the problem was, but I won't, because it is all to technical for me anyway! I only know that the problem was big and that a miracle has happened because of Bill and Nigel.

My car drives like a new car again and the costs to get it fixed were the same as the invoices I had from the Dutch garages, for them to say to me that I just had to learn to live with that problem.

To go short: Bill is a wonder mechanic and if you ever have a car problem, don't hesitate and bring your car to him. Just ring him to make an appointment. Bill's phone number is 0555 813185. Keep this number close to your phone!!

Regards from a very happy client,
Arjan Bakker

Cornerstone Property Services

Cornerstone Property Services is a small local business offering a professional, reliable and cost effective Home and Garden Maintenance Service to clients throughout the Limousin region. With over 20 years experience in Building Services and Facilities Management, (working for the likes of Siemens Plessey, BAE Systems and Southern Electric Contracting) and a combined 13 years maintaining holiday accommodation at 6 leisure parks on the south coast of England, we are able to undertake most tasks necessary to maintain your property and garden to the highest possible standard.

Our ethos is to provide our customers with a service they can trust, built on an ethic of hard work, attention to detail and honesty, so whether your job is big or small, a one-off or required on a regular basis, give us a call and we will be happy to provide a quote…(please see advert on Classifieds page of the website and also advert in print edition)

Naturallys

Janick Dougnac works alongside her father using tradition and family know-how to produce homemade soaps and also other natural products here in France.

Naturallys is a company that brings us back to basics both within the products, the manufacturing of them and the packaging.

The range includes sixteen beautiful hand made soaps, room sprays in beautiful bottles containing natural oils, herbal teas, shea butter, oils and cider vinegar, natural food and domestic cleaning products.

Janick’s focus is on using regional and local raw materials and working with small scale farms.

The products are manufactured to the highest quality the soap being made in the old tradional way of cold saponification which keeps all the best ingredients within the soap ensuring that the soap is kind to the skin. There is even a baby soap and a soap for your animals, soaps for those gardeners and even one for builders’ hands!

Janick’s products work within the body and outside of the body and in and around the home. Cider vinegar has many health benefits to both humans and animals and the tissanes themselves have many other uses besides drinking them. Beauty inside and out whilst using natural organic ingredients.

Home sales network:
Janick has successfully opened up her business to At Home sales Network for both French and English and her site is in both languages. Distributed this way Naturallys is closer to their clients and consultants can explain how products are made and sourced and clients are able to try before they buy.
Why not host a party yourself and earn some FREE products or:
Become a consultant for Naturallys, earn & have fun along the way with a business that is fully supported and operational in this country.
If you'd like further information call Suzanne manager for Naturallys on 05 49 26 27 74 or email suetho@hotmail.com.
Visit www.naturallys.fr to view the range. Janick will be developing further products to add to the range.

Top to Toe’s Tips On Hair Conditioners

Hello again everyone and welcome to the March Top to Toe’s Tips! Spring is well and truly coming thank goodness and I think most of us will be breathing a sigh of relief that the snow has finally disappeared!

This month I will be talking about conditioning your hair and keeping it looking healthy and shiny. First of all, what does conditioner actually do? Well, it’s primary role is to improve and maintain the condition of the hair and keeping the cuticle surface of the hair smooth. If it is smooth, it will look shinier and healthier and will be easier to brush and manage. Conditioners can also repair and fill damaged or missing areas of the cuticle, provide shine, create flexibility and movement by locking in essential moisture.

How do they work?

Conditioners use a combination of electrical and chemical properties to achieve their effects and there are two ways in which they bond with the hair. Absorption, which relies on the natural state of the hair, and attraction, which leaves the hair in a “charged” state after the shampoo has stripped the hair of dirt and dust. This “charged” (ionic) state leaves the hair ready for the conditioning treatment.

There are three general types of conditioning treatments for the hair. Surface conditioners, scalp treatments and penetrating conditioners.

1. Surface conditioners sit on the cuticle surface and coat the hair to improve the overall look and feel by adding shine and moisture. These conditioners would normally contain vegetable and mineral oils, lanolin, fats and waxes and mild acidics (usually citric based).

2. Penetrating conditioners have deeper actions and benefits and enter the hair through the cuticle layer. These conditioners are designed to repair the physical structure of the hair and can make the hair structure stronger. They also smooth the hair and add shine. These conditioners usually contain amino acids, proteins and emollients which soften, smooth and moisturise the hair.

3. Scalp treatments are usually designed for problematic hair or skin problems like dandruff, dry scalps or excessively oily scalp conditions.

Choosing the Right Conditioner

Limp and lifeless? Use a volumising conditioner that is lightweight and not too heavy so you can create bounce and body into your hair. Look for conditioners that contain amino acids, panthenol, caffeine and biotin.

Normal?
Use a balanced conditioner with ingredients such as eucalyptus, Vitamins A,C and E and wheat proteins.

Thick and Unmanageable?
Use a softening conditioner which contain ingredients such as soya milk, avocado oils which will help to keep your hair soft and shiny and cut out any extra volume.

Curly Hair?
Use a moisturising conditioner that can replenish your hair’s natural shine. Look for ingredients like shea butter, glycerine and olive oil which can hydrate your hair and improve the overall health.

Dry or Oily?
For dry hair, use an intensive, creamy conditioner with argan oil and humectants. For oily hair use a hydrating conditioner but only on the mid length to ends and avoid the scalp where possible.

I hope this information is helpful to you but don’t forget, you can always email me if you have any questions or need any advice at info@top-to-toe.com. Any questions that come through, will be printed with the answers in the coming months.

In the meantime, look after yourselves and see you next time.

Why not spoil yourself or a loved one with a FREE Deep Conditioning treatment with every cut and blow dry or hair colour treatment during the month of March? Bespoke Gift Vouchers are always available!

Take care and see you soon.

Andrea Aston
06 86 34 21 42
www.top-to-toe.com

New Sales Record for Houses on Internet in 2011

In spite of the struggling economies, Houses on Internet managed to increase the number of sold properties with 25% in the past year. Their turnover even rose with 27%.

Richard Kroon, founder and director of Houses on Internet, an internet-marketing company that helps private owners of French property to sell their house without using an agent, is obviously very pleased with this on-going success.

Based in the Creuse, Limousin, the company covers all of France with a fulltime staff of four and 69 local freelancers throughout the country. They now have properties for sale in 19 of the 22 regions.

The differences in sales between the regions are huge though, Richard says. In 2011 the Limousin was the best performing region, followed by Normandy and then Languedoc-Roussillon.

Reaching new markets
The traditional buyers of French property were always the French, the British, the Dutch and the Belgians. Although all of them are still buying, the number of nationalities is rapidly increasing.

The key is how to reach those people. The answer is simple: continuous global advertising. And that is exactly what Houses on Internet does. Richard: “An excellent Google ranking is crucial and so we keep optimizing our website and advertise all over the internet, literally worldwide.”

Over the past six months, this has resulted in over 110,000 visitors to their website per month from, on average, 26 different countries from around the globe. Last year over 1.2 million people visited housesoninternet.com.
Richard Kroon continues: “And that is where it starts: first you advertise and keep advertising, then the number of people that visit the site increase, and as most of these people are potential buyers of French property, the number of sales will increase too, even in a shrinking market.”

In 2011, all of this resulted in sales to people from countries like Finland, Sweden, Russia, United Arab Emirates, South-Africa, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

“And this is why we managed to keep growing”, Richard says. The ‘traditional’ buyers are more careful now and in many cases have to sell their own house first to be able to buy another. So we have to look for ‘new’ buyers, a little bit further away. And that is why global advertising, something we did from the day we started, is crucial.”

Another strong and unique quality of Houses on Internet is the way they present each property. The number of photos, depending on the type of house, is usually between 50 and 70, everything is described in three languages, translated by professionals, and the information given is not just about the house, but also about shopping facilities, schools, airports, etcetera.

To see these presentations, visit their website and click on “properties for sale”. If you have a house for sale, then click on “selling a property.”

HOUSES ON INTERNET
05 55 65 12 19
www.housesoninternet.com

Top to Toe’s Tips On Choosing the Right Shampoo for your hair

Hello again and a very Happy New Year to all readers and customers, I hope you had a lovely time with your family and friends.

This month I am going to discuss different shampoos for different hair types and how you can help keep your hair in great condition by choosing the right one for your hair type.

First of all, why do we need to use shampoo? Well, that’s simple! The action of shampoo cleans the hair removing dirt and grease, skin scale and sweat. It also removes hair products like hairspray, mousse, gel, wax etc. Water alone cannot dissolve all these substances or leave the hair feeling soft ready for blow drying.

You do not need to use a large amount of shampoo as it is unnecessary and wasteful. A small amount thoroughly massaged into the scalp will do the job just as well. You also do not normally need to shampoo the hair twice as this can have an adverse effect on the hair and make it greasier. Washing your hair twice weekly should be enough to keep your hair in tip top condition. However, if you do need to wash it more regularly, choose a shampoo that is specifically designed for frequent use.

Choosing your shampoo

Shampoos can come in a variety of forms, creams, gels and liquids. Some shampoos are kinder and gentler on the skin than others. The balance of shampoo ingredients are very important and can affect how your hair looks and feels. For example, a shampoo which is designed for greasy hair can contain a higher detergent content than a shampoo for normal to dry hair.

Shampoos are normally named after the ingredients they carry ie; henna, camomile, jojoba, aloe vera, mint etc., and choosing the right one for your hair condition is very important. If you make the wrong choice, the hair could become difficult to manage afterwards and may be static, flyaway, greasier or even dry.

Shampoo Types

Tea Tree Oil – This is a natural essential oil which acts as an antiseptic and can help fight infections on the scalp.

Aloe Vera - A mild, natural base ideal for healthy hair and scalps and can be used on a frequent basis.

Jojoba - This type of shampoo is usually better for normal to dryer hair types.

Coconut – This usually contains an emollient that can help dry hair to regain some smoothness and elasticity.

Lemon - Contains citric acid, ideal for hair that is greasy or for removing build up of product on the hair.

Oil – Can contain a range of natural bases including almond, pine and palm. These can smooth and soften dryer hair and scalps.

Medicated – Helps to maintain the normal state of the hair and scalp and can contain antiseptics such as tea tree or juniper.

Mint – Usually suited to normal or slightly greasy hair and is often used as a frequent shampoo.

The right choice of shampoo can also depend on the type and texture of your hair. Fine hair requires a shampoo that will not degrease or make it too fluffy so try to choose a shampoo that will add body and volume.

Coarser hair usually requires a shampoo that will soften the hair and make it more pliable.

If your hair is dry, try to use a separate shampoo that is not a 2 in 1 with conditioners as you will probably find it is not enough to make the hair feel softer and pliable and can feel tangled after washing. Regular brushing will also help to remove product, dirt and dust from the hair.

Next month I will follow with advice on choosing the right conditioner for your hair type and hope the information is helpful to you. If you want any advice or have any questions, do not hesitate to email me on: info@top-to-toe.com

Andrea Aston
06 86 34 21 42
www.top-to-toe.com

Musique Jeunes et Voyages (Music, Youth and Travel)

is a tour operation specialising in tailor made tours between France and Britain. The company, is registered as a non profit making organisation and have tourism state agreement and is listed at Atout-France. Musique Jeunes et Voyages was started over 20 years ago by Roger-Paul Cardot, who had previously worked in tourism in France and the United Kingdom. Today, Roger-Paul still directs all of the business of the company
and accompanies every tour, whether it is a group of French visitors travelling within Europe, or British tourists visiting France.

The company name arose, as initially the tours devised by Roger-Paul were for groups of young musicians travelling to the U.K. (specifically South Wales) where as well as arranging all the travel and accommodation for the groups, he would also arrange for the French visitors to perform concerts in many venues in South Wales. Roger-Paul’s love of Wales, its history, strong musical culture and heritage has inspired him to develop a series of visits over the last 20 years for groups of students, offering them an insight into Welsh life and culture from the early Celts, through to the Industrial Revolution in South Wales and to its more recent history of the demise of heavy industry and the development of Tourism as a major economic factor and employer .

It was through these tours that he met Suzanne Allen (now the UK representative for Musique Jeunes et Voyages) whilst she was managing a major tourist attraction in South Wales. Suzanne has now moved on to manage the Cultural Venues owned and operated by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. With this connection Musique Jeunes et Voyages has arranged numerous visits of young French students to the South Wales Valleys and the Capital City of the Principality, Cardiff. Many of the visits of the students (especially those studying or with an interest and love of music) has resulted in concerts being performed in the venues of Blaenau Gwent. This connection was taken a step further 2 years ago, when Royat, a suburb of Clermont Ferrand (now the home of Roger-Paul) was twinned with Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent. Since then, the Orchestre d’Harmonie de Royat have performed twice at The Metropole Cultural and Conference Centre, Abertillery in joint concerts with local choirs and bands.

Over the last 2 years the company has developed and expanded its business by offering luxury coach tours to British holiday makers visiting France. The “Discover France” tours, are quickly establishing themselves as bespoke holidays, where Roger-Paul arranges itineraries from local departure points in the UK to travel through France, usually culminating in the Auvergne region, where travellers really get to see the hidden France. Over the previous 2 years participants of these holidays have discovered the delights such places as Aubusson, Vichy, Le Puy en Velay, the Sancy volcanic range…… whilst being guided through some of the most
beautiful areas of France, and delighting in the inspirational commentary from Roger-Paul, who escorts every tour.

Musique Jeunes et Voyages has already secured dates for next years tour of “La France Profonde”, from the 16th to 23rd of September 2012 with ideas to visit Normandy, Limoges, Oradour … If you would like any further information on the company or bespoke tours, or if you fancy arranging for a group of your patriots to experience the hidden France, please
contact :
Roger-Paul Cardot, in France Mobile 00 33 (0)6 11 64 39 20 Email : rpcardot@wanadoo.fr
Suzanne Allen, in UK Mobile 00 44 (0)7528 60 93 31 Email : hollypearhouse@sky.com

CREUSE NEWS trip to Paris in the Spring ………..

Julia adds - ‘after meeting Roger-Paul and Suzanne we decided that it could be a good idea to organise a trip to Paris, for Creuse News readers, Jean-Paul knows all those really interesting out of the way places and the lovely little restaurants to eat it, in fact the hidden Paris that not many tourists get to see. Spring time would certainly be a good moment to go, so if you are at all interested in joining us, then please contact me, Julia Dunbar, at Creuse News, look forward to hearing from you.

ANTIQUES FROM MARS and Mrs Robinson

It was a lovely sunny day as I made my way to Mars to see Mrs Robinson. Is this some kind of surreal story? No I was going to see Antiques/Brocante dealers, David and Bernadette Robinson who live in Les Mars, just outside of Auzances. As they have been established here for 16 years it is surprising that this is my first visit to their light, spacious display area and workshop and their lovely home.
Many quality objects at reasonable prices are on display and they also do house clearances, buying and selling furniture, lights, beds, linen, bric a brac, paintings, garden furniture, in fact pretty much everything.

David and Bernadette add, ‘this is more than a shop, we like it to be a meeting place, where we can have an exchange of ideas, a chat, get to know our clients’ needs, spend some time with people as the Creuse can sometimes be quite isolating, particularly in the winter.’ They are open every day from 2 to 7pm or by appointment, as they are both professional people if you turn up late on a summer’s evening then there is no problem, the house may be impressive on the outside but the inside is relaxed and welcoming, pay them a visit and see.

ARFEUILLE ANTIQUES

As I was in the area I decided to pop down the road and visit Debbie and Steve at Arfeuille Antiques, between Auzances and Mainsat. They have been running their antiques business for 5 years now, are open all year round on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons or phone for an appointment. On display in their large barn they have all things for all budgets from porcelain, architectural salvage, collectibles, English and French furniture to 1950’s retro stuff which is very fashionable at the moment. You can see their stock on Facebook, Arfeuille Antiquités, or pay them a visit, you will be warmly welcomed by them and their animals!

AUBERGE DE LA TOUR, La Cellette

This rustic bar/restaurant is situated in the beautifully renovated outbuildings of the château in La Cellette. The restaurant can seat up to 60 people and is open every lunch time with an 11 euros menu and Saturday evenings when the menu is more extensive. Sandrine, Marc and Eva welcome you to try their home-made food, using local produce where possible, and the in-house cocktails! There is a very nice terrace in front of the restaurant for those warm, sunny days.

Starting last month, every Friday evening is Special Fondu Creusois Night, please reserve before if you want to sample this typical local dish. They often have free Musical Evenings with live music and a meal, in December they are planning a Soirée Blues, details will be on their website.

La Cellette is in the north of the Creuse, not too far from Nouziers and just 5kms away from the Indre, they have Guinness on draught so it may well be worth the drive to sample a glass of the ‘dark stuff’ and have a meal at the same time.

(see their ad in Creuse News)

Nina and Steve – two creative people living their dream in the Creuse
www.nudes4nina.biz
www.walfordcreations.biz

Nearly 7 years ago, my husband and I embarked on a life- changing experience, which was to start a new life in France. After many years of travelling to and from England to renovate our home in the Creuse, in the summer of 2010, we decided to move here and become permanent residents.

Finding our way into the French system (as anyone here can understand) was (and still is) really difficult, mainly due to the language barrier, but with persistence, things are finally coming together. By registering with the Chambre de Metiers and becoming an Auto Entrepreneur, I am now able to concentrate on what I have loved doing all my life - drawing and making my crafts. With my husband Steve, who also registered as a welder for his metal work creations, we can together sell our craft work at any market in France.

The change of pace compared to England means we now don’t have to work 9-6 in the fast lane of life – here the relaxed lunchtimes, country walks, healthy eating and socialising with amazing friends means I wake every morning with a satisfaction that we are ‘living the dream'.

Still, we have to work and create new ideas of how to earn money to pay the bills, but now it seems mainly for pleasure.

I have my work exhibited in the Domaine Restaurant, Fontvielle by Reda and Matty, who have given me excellent feedback and at Bellac, where Ronnie Cottrell has recently opened a beautiful, little gallery/shop called 'Ronnies', I feel quite privileged for the owners to show my work and that they have faith in what I draw and produce.

Erotic nudes can be quite hard to sell sometimes and I love the feedback that I have been receiving. Everyone here seems so positive, and it makes me feel I can accomplish anything.

My husband, who has been a constant support for what I do, has now started making wooden and metal frames for my pictures (which are so beautiful) and designing decorative, bespoke metal work such as log holders, fire guards, etc, for in and around the home and garden. Every day he comes to me with ideas turned into beautiful but practical objects/furniture, and now he is concentrating on producing home security such as window grills for holiday homes, which have been surprisingly popular.

So, the future is bright, with another exhibition next year at Chez Toi, Lac de Mondon, my good friend Paul Rose will kindly exhibit my work, a slot coming up with the online magazine Nijimagazine.com on their Art page, my story here in the Creuse News (thank you Julia and Olivia Dunbar!) and lots of up and coming Christmas markets, I am hoping we can excel in producing our work for others to enjoy. I want to make people smile and if that comes in the form of a greeting card, dream catcher or a drawing of nude, I do hope I succeed, and just to say thanks to the friends and people who have helped me on this journey.

If you are interested in my art and craft work, and Steve's bespoke metal work, please feel free to contact either of us at nudes4nina.biz and walfordcreations.biz. All enquiries, ideas and questions are most welcome, thank you,

Nina Walford

Teach your child, also on the web!

We teach them to cross the street safely, not to curse and not to talk to strangers. We show them the world, sing songs, read stories. We soothe fights, watch their football games and attend their school theatre. We know what they are doing and are very aware of the life they lead. Are we? Yes we know their real life but do we know enough of their virtual life? It is known that parents nowadays are not as wise as their children on the world wide web.

Of course, we skype with Aunt Betty back home, we order wonderful Christmas gifts and handle our bank account. But internet is not as normal to us as it is to our children. Using the computer and all its fantastic possibilities is still relatively new in our lives. Whereas our children grow up with screens, being connected all the time and the awareness of access to everything ,everywhere. And of course internet is fun, educational, and useful. We can't do without it and it will not go away. There are however some things we we should be aware of.

During lectures I often ask parents if they know what their children do on the web. “ They chat a little, play games, make personal profiles, and now and then they are on social community sites'. If I keep asking whether they know which websites, whether there are limits in age or what profile the children make a lot of noise comes from the audience but nearly no one can reply. Open or closed chat? Online games wich ask your child to stay connected otherwise they will be kicked out of a group they are a member of? Social community sites with a lot of hidden advertising? What about the period of time the children spend on the internet. A little more commitment of what your child does in front of that screen is needed. You know who he is playing with in the street, why would you not know who he is chatting to in an online game? You will forbid your teenage girl to go naked on the schoolyard why is it okay for her to expose herself nearly nude on her profile? You won't give your credit card to someone at school, why not make an agreement of how to handle private details of your home life?

If you google 'parents and internet 'you can find a lot of websites with advice and tips. Even complete ready to print 'rules' forms. Get ready and inform yourself. And be aware of the following things:
Children from 10 years old use chatting and being connected to friends as a virtual schoolyard. It is true they giggle, gossip, make plans and make funny noises. As in real life! The same as you did when you came home from school years ago and acted 'stupid' on the phone.

Because you can be anonymous, children can live a double life. That might encourage them to be more tough and rude for example. On the other hand it can help children to make them feel better about themselves. Make yourself comfortable with what children do on the web and talk lightly about it with your children. So they know there is some control and attention.

A child of a certain age is ready to cope with sexual or agressive pictures and movies. He might even go on a hunt for that. That comes with puberty. Much younger children are not ready, or do not need to see shocking or sexual pictures and videos. They can be scared of what they might see. Of course you need a filter but also keep in contact with your child so he feels he can always talk to you.

Needless fear? No, internet is wonderful. It opens the world to everyone if you treat this domain as any other. But parents need to be one step ahead of their children and show commitment and give limits as they do in real life.

Need more advice, interested in a lecture? Www.liefdevolleleiding.nl

Top to Toe’s Tips On False Eye Lashes

It’s coming up to Christmas and lots of us will be digging out our party frocks and putting the wellies away for the Festive Celebrations. People have been asking me recently about false eyelashes, so I thought I would give you a few tips on the do’s and don’ts of choosing, buying and wearing them.

False eyelashes are becoming increasingly more popular due to more and more celebs wearing them these days and are generally fun to wear, especially for parties and special occasion celebrations. They are also relatively cheap to buy so will not break the bank account.

There are two basic types of false eyelashes, temporary and semi-permanent.

Temporary – usually pre-shaped with a latex based adhesive which is applied to the edge of the eyelid.

Semi-Permanent – usually individual or small clusters of lashes which are attached to the base of the natural lashes with a special strong adhesive.

Golden Rule: NEVER USE ANY OTHER TYPE OF GLUE ON OR NEAR YOUR EYES THAT IS NOT PROVIDED WITH THE FALSE EYELASHES

1. Always make sure you do an allergy test before applying false lashes. The instructions with the eyelashes will advise on how to do this.
2. Always try to match the colour of the eyelashes to the colour or your own natural ones.
3. If you wear glasses, make sure you choose lashes which will not touch the lenses and cause any irritation when moving the eyes.
4. Try to choose lashes that are not too long and fit the shape of the eye.
5. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to remove the lashes and never pull them as you could pull your natural eyelashes out as well.

Do NOT use false eyelashes if:

a) You have very sensitive eyes that are prone to watering when applying any kind of make up.
b) You have any kind of allergy to latex based products.
c) The skin around the eyes is dry and flaking.
d) The eye or surrounding skin is infected in any way.
e) The eyelid is swollen or inflamed.

You can find some great lashes on the internet, both fashionable and party style but always buy them from a reputable company that you are comfortable with.

Have a great Christmas and remember, Gift vouchers are available if you want to give a friend or loved one a special treat this Christmas. Vouchers can be personalised for any hair or beauty treatment and start at 25.00 Euros.

Happy Christmas to all Creuse News readers, customers and friends from,

Andrea Aston 06 86 34 21 42
www.top-to-toe.com

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