Keira Knightley’s Top Ten Films

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Frostie

British actress Keira Knightley has accumulated a hugely impressive resume in her 29 years, showing incredible skill and development as an actress, as well as breathtaking movie star looks. With a wonderful aptitude for period pieces, she has a particular talent for portraying brilliant, conflicted and nuanced women- and her depiction of brilliant cryptanalyst Joan Clarke in The Imitation Game, is no exception. To celebrate the home entertainment release of The Imitation Game, we count down some of her most memorable roles.

The Imitation Game (2015)
Based on the true story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, this historical biopic recounts the nail-biting race against time by Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Bletchley Park during World War II. The film spans key periods in Turing’s life, from his unhappy years at boarding school and the triumph of his secret work on the revolutionary electro-mechanical ‘Bombe’, which broke the Enigma code, to the tragedy of his post-war decline following his conviction for a now outdated criminal offence. Knightley provides a superb Oscar-nominated supporting turn as Joan Clarke, a fellow cryptanalyst, and Turing’s close friend and confidante.

Begin Again (2013)
Knightley shows off some impressive singing talents in this enchanting romantic musical drama, based on the hit musical Once. It follows the repercussions after down-and-out music executive Dan (Mark Ruffallo) chances upon young singer-songwriter Gretta (Knightley) at an open-mic night. Gretta, still reeling from the break up with her rock-star ex Dave (Adam Levine), agrees to collaborate with Dan on an album- recording each of the songs in a different location in Manhattan.

Anna Karenina (2012)
The third collaboration between director Joe Wright and Knightley, this adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic novel offered an experimental approach to the source material. Wright chose to set the majority of scenes were shot on a rundown theatre built from scratch in Shepperton. The various locations in the film, such as the train station, and horse stables, were actually built on top of the stage. Knightley takes the lead as the tragic heroine, opposite a stellar cast that includes Jude Law, Domhnall Gleeson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emily Watson.

A Dangerous Method (2011)
Knightley takes on the daring role of Sabina Spielrein in this David Cronenberg- directed historical drama which focuses on the tense professional relationship between Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) and Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), as well as Jung’s relationship with Spielrein. Knightley gives a brilliant, sensitive portrayal of the psychologically disturbed Spielrein, who eventually went on to become a talented and respected psychoanalyst in her own right.

Last Night (2010)
This little-known ensemble piece, directed by Massy Tadjedin and starring Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington, Eva Mendes and Guillaume Canet, offers a slow-burning and understated study on the nature of monogamy. Joanna (Knightley) and Michael Reed (Worthington) are seven years into a happy, stable marriage when he is sent on a business trip with a colleague he is fighting an attraction to (Mendes). That same evening, Joanna runs into an old flame and spends the evening considering how things might have been.

Never Let Me Go (2010)
This haunting, dystopian drama based on Kazuo Ishiguru’s novel of the same name stars Knightley alongside Andrew Garfield and Carey Mulligan, and recounts the lives of Ruth (Knightley), Kathy (Mulligan) and Tommy (Garfield), three friends who grow up together in an idyllic English boarding school. However, after they leave the school the horrific truth of their fate becomes apparent, and they are forced to confront the inevitable, while dealing with the ever-present love triangle hanging over them.

The Duchess (2008)
This biographical drama chronicles the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, played by Knightley. A celebrity of the time, Georgiana’s charm, kindness, activism and fashion bring her high regard everywhere she goes. But the oppressive restraints of her controlling husband (Ralph Fiennes) lead her into a passionate affair with the younger Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper) highlighting the stark, appalling differences in treatment between men and women in the aristocracy of the 18th century.

The Edge of Love (2008)
Written by Knightley’s mother, Sharman Macdonald, this historical drama is loosely based on real events, and focuses on the friendship between two married couples- the poet Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys) and his wife Caitlin Thomas (Sienna Miller) and Thomas’s old flame Vera Phillips (Knightley) and her husband William Cillick (Cillian Murphy). Both Knightley and Miller garnered rave reviews for their nuanced portrayals of two women whose genuine, close friendship was built on a fragile foundation of suppressed feelings and suspicion.

Atonement (2007)
This heartbreaking wartime drama based on Ian McEwan’s bestselling novel boasts a stellar cast, including Knightley, James McAvoy, Saiorse Ronan, Benedict Cumberbatch and Vanessa Redgrave. When the budding romance between Cecilia Tallis (Knightley) and Robbie Turner (McAvoy) is cut brutally short following a lie told by Bryony Tallis (Ronan), the repercussions span several decades. Knightley provides a masterfully reserved and heartbreaking turn as the stoic Cecilia, and Wright’s tackling of the novel’s twist ending is a particular masterstroke.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous work earned him a BAFTA for most promising newcomer and follows the trials and tribulations of the five Bennett sisters after two eligible bachelors move into town- Mr Darcy (Matthew MacFayden) and Mr Bingley (Simon Woods). Wright was famously reluctant to cast Knightley in the lead role of Elizabeth Bennett, deeming her ‘too attractive’… until he met her, and realised her tomboyish attitude was ideal for the role. Knightley provides a brilliantly fresh portrayal of a beloved literary character, which led to her first Academy Award nomination.

The Imitation Game, arrives on Blu-ray™, DVD and digital platforms on 9th March 2015, courtesy of StudioCanal

Meet You At The Pug And Puffin In Lyme Regis By Wendy Breckon

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Margaret Graham

No, not for your favourite tipple, but for a much better treat: when you have skipped on the sand, dipped a toe in the water and chased the seagull that stole your pasty why not … take a stroll up Broad Street to Pug and Puffin. If you are a dog lover, or a dog lover’s friend like me, this is one place that warms the cockles. It is vibrant and imaginative. We‘re talking funky and fun. The doors opened on March 28th, almost a year ago and the shop remains very popular. I don’t own a canine friend, but here is a unique place where dogs can be spoilt and owners stuck for choice. The thoughtful family have placed a water bowl outside too for thirsty pets.
Martin Luscombe, (Lyme Regis born), Janet his wife, and Jenny their daughter have combined their artistic talents brilliantly. Naturally, all three love dogs and have owned many breeds, shapes and sizes over the years. This became the inspiration for a delightful shop. Noah, their three and a half year old Pug, is of course reflected in the eye catching sign outside.
What can I say about Noah? Cuddly, cute, good natured and with such a handsome face. He looks quite at home relaxing in a dog basket wearing a trendy bandana. Adorable.
Lyme Regis is one of those dog friendly, seaside places. The Luscombe’s intention was to reflect this. Inside, there are so many quirky and unusual gifts. What do you choose for that very special pooch in your life? Martin, a self taught artist and his daughter Jenny are the painters and designers behind the products. Janet is the creative needle woman making doggy bandanas, snazzy bags, purses, and vibrant collars.
Incredible talent. Oh … and how about a colourful dicky bow for the dog and that very special occasion. The perfect, original present for a friend or a neighbour’s pet. Even your own.
Apart from a wide selection of accessories peeping out from shelves, or on papier mache models of dogs, (my most coveted items), there are many other best sellers.
Small wooden signs with ‘Lyme Regis’ emblazoned on them are extremely popular with holiday makers or passersby. There is a superb array of colourful doggy cards, (I love the alphabet ones too), and if you need a clock or a new mug, you won’t be disappointed.
So, if the sun is replaced by a sudden shower, and there is no room for two under the umbrella, why not splash out on a ‘pack-a-mac’ for your four legged friend. Don’t forget to pick up, before leaving, a plaque that says ‘I’D RATHER BE WALKING MY PUG’. (Other breeds available of course).

Enjoy your visit. Stay a while. Pug and Puffin is a charming, friendly shop. A visual delight. You won’t leave empty handed … and your dog will be eternally grateful.

The 50 Books Every Child Should Read By Age 16

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Frostie

For World Book Day we have the Top 50 books every child should read. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has topped the list of 50 books which every child should read by the age of 16.

The study of 2,000 reading enthusiasts was created to determine the ultimate list of the top 50 books that should be on every child’s reading list, encouraging bedtime reading for British families.

The research, commissioned by Sainsbury’s to celebrate World Book Day, found C.S. Lewis’ adventures in Narnia are no less thrilling today – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe finished third in the list of 50 books, while Winnie the Pooh and Black Beauty rounded off the top five.

The research also surveyed parents of children aged under 16 and found a good story really is timeless, results showed – six in ten parents still like to read stories to their children that their own parents once read to them as a little one.

Perhaps it’s no surprise then that 72 per cent of parents said bedtime reading is one of the most key bonding experiences with their child.

Tony Robinson, actor, comedian and author, who worked with Sainsbury’s on the campaign, added: “The response from parents and the lengths they go to in bringing these stories to their children as vividly as possible is amazing.

“It shows that the power of make believe is so important in the development of a child and a key role in parents bonding with their young ones.”

To celebrate the nation’s week of reading, Sainsbury’s is encouraging children to read more by exploring the world of books and dress up as their favourite fictional characters. Sainsburys.co.uk will be hosting in-store ‘Make Believe’ events nationwide, to support the nation’s reading week complete with reading corners and activities to encourage children to read more and inspire parents to get involved.

The 50 Books Every Child Should Read By Age 16

1. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory- Roald Dahl
2. Alice in Wonderland- Lewis Carroll
3.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe- C.S. Lewis
4.Winnie-the-Pooh – A. A. Milne
5. Black Beauty- Anna Sewell
6.James and The Giant Peach- Roald Dahl
7.The BFG-Roald Dahl
8. A Bear Called Paddington- Michael Bond
9. Treasure Island- Robert Louis Stevenson
10. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn- Mark Twain
11. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling
12. Matilda- Roald Dahl
13. The Railway – E. Nesbit
14. Oliver Twist- Charles Dickens
15.Five on a Treasure Island- Enid Blyton
16.The Wind in the Willows- Kenneth Grahame
17. The Very Hungry Caterpillar- Eric Carle
18. The Jungle Book – Rudyard Kipling
19. Charlotte’s Web- EB White
20. The Tale of Peter Rabbit- Beatrix Potter
21. Watership Down- Richard Adams
22.The Hobbit -J.R.Tolken
23.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- J.K. Rowling
24.Lord of the Flies- William Golding
25.The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13 ¾ Sue Townsend
26. Great Expectations- Charles Dickens
27.The Cat in the Hat- Dr Seuss
28. The Secret Garden- Frances Hodgson-Burnett
29.The Diary of a Young Girl- Anne Frank
30. The Twits – Roald Dahl
31. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz- L. Frank Baum
32. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne
33. Anne of Green Gables- L.M.Montgomery
34.The Tiger Who Came to Tea- Judith Kerr
35.Green Eggs and Ham: Green Back Book – Dr Seuss
36.The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
37. Bambi- Felix Selten
38.Tom’s Midnight Garden- Phillipa Pearce
39.Little House on the Prairie- Laura Ingalls Wilder
40.Funny Bones- Janet and Allan Ahlberg
41. Where The Wild Things Are- Maurice Sendak
42.Carrie’s War- Nina Bawden
43.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon
44.The Magician’s Nephew- C.S. Lewis
45. The Golden Compass – Philip Pullman
46. The Story of Doctor Dolittle- Hugh Lofting
47.The Story of Tracy Beaker – Jacqueline Wilson
48.The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
49.Curious George- H.A.Ray
50.Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Top 20 Best-Loved Children Book Characters

1. Paddington Bear

2. Winnie the Pooh

3. The Hungry Caterpillar

4. Postman Pat

5. Thomas the Tank Engine

6. The Gruffalo

7. Harry Potter

8. Cinderella

9. Mr Men

10. Peter Rabbit

11. Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

12. Peter Pan

13. The BFG

14. Alice in Wonderland

15. Noddy

16. Willy Wonka

17. Matilda

18. Mog the Cat

19. Toad from Wind in the Willows

20. Pinocchio

Taittinger Brut Réserve NV & Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV Champagne Review

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Frostie

Champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve NV is one of the best bottles of champagne on the market. Made with fruit from only the prime vineyards throughout Champagne, this is the signature cuvée of Champagne Taittinger. A blend of Chardonnay wines (40%) and Pinot wines (60%) from 30 to 50 different vineyards and matured to perfection. Elegant and delicately golden with sweet biscuit and brioche notes, this Champagne has peach and acacia notes on the nose. It is beautiful and well-balanced. It is aged for three to four years in the cellars. Crisp and perfectly matured.
This champagne can be drunk as an aperitif or with food. Enjoy with white meat, canapés, oysters or smoked salmon.

TAITTINGER Brut Reserve Champagne 75cl Bottle is available here or from Majestics.com, Sainsburys.co.uk, tesco.com or waitrose.com

Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV was always going to get a good review as we love rosé at Frost. Throw in the fact that this is champagne and win-win. This is a gorgeous, delicate wine that has aromas of wild strawberries and spice. Flavours of crushed raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant. This is a delicious, vibrant wine. Highly recommended, just amazing. Enjoy with fruit based desserts, red fruit, delicate sorbet, summer pudding and selected cheeses.

Taittinger Prestige Rose NV Champagne is available here and harrods.com, Majestics.com, Sainsburys.co.uk, tesco.com or waitrose.com

Searcys Launch Own Brand of Champagne.

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Kesh

Renowned Champagne house Searcys known for their longest Champagne bar in Europe, have gained sparkling reputation in all of their 120 years of operation. Starting out as a catering service, the brand has grown from strength to strength so it makes sense that after such an extensive time serving up the luxury drink to thirsty patrons, that they have just launched their own unique blend of Champagne.

Don’t let the fact that this Champagne not having been on the market for as long as some of the big boys put you off, they have cleverly selected a blend which is perfectly drinkable alone or with food. The blend itself an instant hit with only 2% Chardonnay grape which certainly for myself removes the headache, overbearingly dry factor.

To make the launch of their very first own brand Champagne even more unique, Searcys have ensured that a taste of their delicious Champagne will be a truly fascinating experience. The drink is served in an innovative tower of six glasses, The ‘Coupe Stack’. The ‘Coupe Stack’ is designed to let the Searcys Selected Cuvée perfectly flow like a waterfall and fill each glass perfectly. This was demonstrated a couple of times at the launch to much ooo’s and aaahhh’s each time the brave pourer took to the challenge.

To encourage customers, Searcys are giving lucky punters the chance to win a meal for two at SixtyOne Restaurant and all you have to do is share your ’stackselfie’ before the 15th of March. To share, you must post a picture of yourself with the Coupe Stack onto social media, using #searcysstack. You can find them on Twitter (@SearcysBars), Instagram (@SearcysChampagneBars) and Facebook (Searcys Champagne Bar).

Planning The Perfect Event

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Aidan

Whether it is a birthday, engagement, wedding, or corporate event, there are certain factors that need to be considered when planning the perfect event. As well as the obvious things such as food and venue, there are some not-so-obvious considerations to make sure your event goes with a swing.

Planning and research

First of all, brainstorm! Create an event wish-list to record your first ideas. Then you can establish your budget – this depends on the size of the event and its purpose. When you have an idea of the size of the event, get a team on board to help you; choose people with different skills, contacts, and areas of knowledge. Make a list of guests or attendees. Decide on a date for your event, or narrow it down to several dates – you should have a contingency plan in case the venue you want is unavailable on a certain date. Consider whether any special permits will be required from governing bodies. Send “Save the Date” notices if you want to invite guests more than eight weeks in advance; make a note of those that RSVP.

Choosing a dynamic theme

Consider involving an event design team for an event with a difference. You could style your event on a fashion show, sophisticated wine bar, hip nightclub, Hard Rock Café, theatre, award ceremony, circus or show with acrobatics. If you have ambitious plans, you may need some advice from experts.

Lighting and technical effects can make all the difference. Consider custom theme décor, sound, music, a DJ, and special effects to create mood and atmosphere. You could have strobe lighting, projected images, spotlights, neon lights, or lasers; or maybe your event calls for intimate lighting or candlelight.

Decorating the venue

Room and table decorations will really set the scene – consider wall hangings, furnishings and drapes, and chandeliers. Decide on the dress code and make a plan for food and drinks. Think about entertainment or professional speakers, and don’t forget to plan how you will photograph or film the event.

Advertising your event

Promote and advertise your event; create an event website to include details of agenda, location and ticket purchase. Post links on social media sites, advertise and contact the press. Keep attendees engaged by posting updates on social media.

The run-up to the event

Send out invitations eight weeks before the event and keep a list of replies. Set a schedule and delegate; establish deadlines. What equipment will you need, and can you hire it? Get quotes, ask for recommendations, and obtain samples. You need to finalize catering arrangements, music or entertainment for your guests, event staff such as bartenders and waiting staff, volunteers to guide guests, florists, gifts and favors, tables and chairs, officiants (priests, rabbis, etc.). Consider name badges or passes, and how to manage the attendee list.

Finally, don’t forget to plan how you will clean up afterwards, get the venue back to how it was before, and return the hired equipment. You will also need to send out thank you messages. You can then post photos and videos of your event on your website. With so much to think about, detailed checklists and being able to rely on your team of helpers will really help you keep on top of things.

Understanding The Mortgage Minefield

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Aidan

A mortgage is a loan that is taken out to buy a property or piece of land. The loan is then paid back to the lender in monthly instalments over a set term. If the borrower defaults on payments, the lender can ultimately repossess the property and resell it to recover the money.

Borrowing a large amount of money to buy a property is a big commitment, and a mortgage can last for as long as 30 years. This means it can a huge impact on your daily life, as it will form a large part of the household’s monthly outgoings. If taking on a mortgage is in your mind here are some important steps you can take to get off to a good start.

Save for a deposit

The larger the down payment you make toward purchasing a property, the lower your monthly repayment rate will be. In addition, putting down a larger deposit gives you more mortgage types to choose from, allowing you the possibility of finding a lower interest rate.

Improve your credit history

Lenders will look at your credit report before they agree to lend you money, so a good credit score is essential. You can check a credit record online free of charge through various companies. The report shows any bankruptcies, other applications that have been made for credit, and missed payments on other loans. Before applying for a mortgage, be sure to correct any errors in your report. To improve your score, register to vote at your current address (lenders use the electoral roll to protect themselves against fraud).

Understand your options

The two most common types of mortgage loans are interest-only and repayment mortgages. With an interest-only mortgage the capital debt is not repaid and at the end of the term the full amount will still be outstanding. These used to run alongside endowment insurance policies where the sum assured was set to accrue enough funds to pay off the capital sum when the mortgage term ended. With reducing income on investments and low interest rates endowment mortgages have fallen out of favour.

With a repayment mortgage, payments are made to pay off the capital and the interest so that at the end of the term, the borrower owns the property outright. Interest charges take precedence in the early years so it is some time before inroads are made into the sum owed. Mortgage life insurance is essential with such a big financial commitment. If the borrower dies during the mortgage term the sum assured will pay off the outstanding debt. Some borrowers also take out insurance to cover mortgage repayments in the event of redundancy or an inability to work due to long-term illness.

Research different mortgage packages

Mortgage packages have either a fixed rate (for a set term) or a variable rate. With a variable rate, the rate can increase or decrease with the Bank of England’s base rate. Make sure to perform adequate research to find the best deal.

Start by using comparison websites to determine the different mortgage packages available for first-time buyers. You can also use an online affordability calculator to determine how much you can afford to borrow. Finally, talk to a specialist mortgage broker and consult at least one financial adviser for advice before taking out a mortgage.

Taking out a mortgage can be a daunting task; it can also be very exciting. As long as you carefully consider your options and seek sound professional advice, you can finally own your own home and have a good investment for your future.

William Hardy Chardonnay 2013 Wine Review

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Frostie

Five generations of Hardys have made wine their business, making them one of Australia’s iconic winemaking families. Impressive indeed.

Their William Hardy Chardonnay 2013 is an understated medium dry chardonnay. It is a pale straw colour and is restrained. Crisp and refreshing with notes of lemon zest and pear. It is flowery with overtones of vanilla. This Chardonnay is made from Padthaway and Riverland region grapes and is ripe and zesty, with peach and lemon flavours. There is a touch of oak but it is delicate. A very good chardonnay. Recommended.

Pair it with fish pie or chicken dishes.

This wine can be drunk now but will further improve if carefully stored for up to 1 year

Available from tesco.com

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