Monthly Archives: November 2018

Bettys Christmas goodies are the thing of dreams… by Milly Adams

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Bettys Christmases are the Christmases of yesteryear, the magical ones filled with colour and warmth, sparkle and laughter. The plates of freshly baked mince pies to share, the delight as the Christmas cake is brought out, the special treats hidden inside each stocking, and watching the family open a beautifully packaged gift and discovering a truly delicious surprise. It’s all those things, and more, that make Bettys a great Christmas tradition.

Look at the all time standards above, the Christmas pud, the cake, and handmade chocolates. Gorgeous, fabulous.

Believe it or not, I heard a faint, but insistent call one evening, ‘Eat me, eat me.’ So I did. BAD BAD girl, but I had to in order to test it for you – several times, in fact. As I said, Gorgeous, fabulous.

 

 

 

Apart from the standard fare have a thought for the tree: new this year are Bettys Bauble Filled with Chocolates £5.95 | 8cm DIAMETER • 60g |

And the new  Milk Chocolate Christmas Bear 2003958 • £24.95 | 20cm HIGH •With his marzipan hat and scarf and handbrushed coat, this hollow Swiss Grand Cru milk chocolate bear is dressed handsomely for Christmas.

And again, baubles, this time a trio of Baubles Filled with Chocolates 2003959 • £14.95 | 24 X 8 X 8cm | 180g |

But there’s oh, so much more, all created by Betty’s with the experience of 100 years baking behind them.

And the goodies come packed in recyclable sort of paper bubble wrap. And are sublimely delicious or have I said that before???

https://www.bettys.co.uk/christmas

 

Milly Adams latest series The Waterway Girls is published by Arrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EUROPE’S LARGEST PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT ‘THE BEST YOU’ RETURNS FOR 2019

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Join some of the world’s leading personal development experts in a unique event next February 2019.

 

Thought leaders from the world of business, entrepreneurialism, self-improvement, health, fitness, wellbeing, youth, and the environment will headline at next year’s Best You Expo being held between the 15-16th February 2019, at Olympia, London, to help inspire those passionate about living better lives and becoming the best version of themselves.

Now in its fourth year, The Best You Expo is Europe’s largest event dedicated to personal and professional development, which will bring together the world’s leading motivational speakers, authors, publishers, experts and brands in one place to inspire the UK audience, with this year’s line-up to include; global motivational speaker, author, founder of the US Giant Priceline Jeff Hoffman, awarding-winning influential speaker Warren Cass, Master storyteller and entrepreneur Dr Greig Reid, and 13-year old keynote speaker of Veganism Daniel Bissonette, among many others to be announced in the coming weeks.

With an unrivalled programme of seminars and main stage talks, visitors will hear exclusive, inspirational presentations with personal insight from an acclaimed suite of speakers representing every aspect of personal and professional development from; Health and Wellbeing, Mindfulness, Youth and Education, Business, Leadership and Entrepreneurialism, as well as how to turn Passion to Profit, learn all aspects of Business Development, Wealth Management.

Whether visitors are looking to accelerate business performance, improve business acumen, prepare themselves for entering into a new career, improve work-life balance, or simply be inspired by entrepreneur’s and business leaders across the globe, The Best You will share the very latest ideas and concepts in the industry to inspire and educate and empower visitors.

As well as workshops, seminars and the Main Stage presentations , there is also a Networking area for business and individuals looking to make new connections, as well as the opportunity to hear from the organisations and initiatives raising awareness of vital cultural and environmental issues that will educate and empower us to live more mindfully for a Better World in 2019.

There will also be a Yoga and Meditation Room will also provide a space for some reflection and relaxation, and much more.

Whether you’re looking to dip your toe in the water of personal development or are striving to optimize your professional success in 2019, The Best You Expo offers all of the inspiration and practical tools you need to unlock your greatest potential.

Since its launch, The Best You Expo has received international recognition as Europe’s leading personal development community, whilst its founder author, writer and motivational speaker Bernardo Moya, has been commended as a pioneer in the industry.

FULL SCHEULDE OF SPEAKERS AND TOPICS CAN BE FOUND HERE: https://thebestyouexpo.com/uk/schedule/

THE BEST YOU EXPO 2018 TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for the Best You Expo 2017 are available through the website: https://thebestyouexpo.com/uk/

General Admission: Included: Entry to the Expo, Access to over 300 exhibitors, entrance to over 120 free talks and workshops, entrance to all yoga and meditation sessions.

Two Day Pass £146.00

One Day Pass £99.00

 

VIP Tickets: Included Entry to the Expo, Access to over 300 exhibitors, entrance to over 120 free talks and workshops, entrance to all yoga and meditation sessions, Access to VIP lounge, Goodie bag worth £150.00, Complimentary refreshments including juices, front queuing pass at all book signings, Free phone charging, Free Cloakroom, Best You Merchandise, Access to the Best You Virtual Experience UK ad USA.

Two Day Pass £15.00

One Day Pass £10.00

 

The Hape Propeller Engine – A Fun and Well-made Classic Toy by Dr K Thompson

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Another fabulous gift  from Hape. Attractive and well-made, this Propeller Engine is the perfect size for a toddler – big enough to be fun whilst easy to be held by a small hand.

My experienced young reviewer loved the bright-red colouring and he immediately worked out the neat little control buttons on the top of the engine. He laughed with pleasure as it moved forward with one button, backward with another, and just made funny engine noises with the middle button.  The engine certainly does move – requiring retrieval from under the sofa several times – one of the privileges of being a Grandma.

He was particularly pleased with the magnetic connector on the back of the engine – allowing it to pull numerous carriages from different train-sets in his collection.

I can really recommend this strong little engine – very well-made and the propeller on the front adds a touch of novelty.

If you are looking for a great gift for a youngster, it is available from several stockists, including Amazon, currently on offer at £17.79.

 

Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co,uk

BUSINESS OF BOOKS: FIRST, LAST, EVERYTHING – LIBRARIAN AND BOOK BLOGGER LARA MARSHALL

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What was the first piece of book business related advice you were given?

When I first started in libraries I was told to “shout about what I was passionate about” (maybe not literally, but close enough!). I took this advice to heart and made sure that I told anyone who would listen about books that I enjoyed, books that connected with me and books that changed my view of the world. Whether this was through displays, reviews, blogs, or good old word of mouth.

Book blogging has become a natural extension of that, as I try to reach people from all over the world, to talk to them about the books that meant a lot to me. I feel strongly about talking about what resonates with you, and if something doesn’t that’s fine.

What was the most recent piece of bookish advice you gave or received?

Be careful what you say on Twitter! The book industry is a very, very small world, including publishing, libraries, authors and bloggers, and everyone is on Twitter. News has a terrifying way of travelling fast! Of course, if this is positive all the better, but if you are difficult or accidentally slight one person be prepared for everyone to know about it!

What piece of advice would you most like to pass on?

If you’re not enjoying a book, don’t struggle through it and make the whole process horrible. There are so many amazing books out their for a variety of tastes, passions and interests – find something that sparks a light in you and devour it! There will be a book out there for you, I can guarantee it!

Then once you’re on a roll, no one will be able to stop you.

 

Lara is a library manager and book blogger from North-West London. She has worked in libraries for twelve years and blogging for 2. She began to suspect she was slightly different to other children when, at seven years old, her most prized possession was the ‘A’ volume of the children’s Encyclopaedia Britannica (her family couldn’t afford the rest).

When she isn’t working, blogging or reading, chances are she’s doing something “vaguely bookish”.

You can find Lara’s blog here: https://bookishlara.com/

 

The Hape Crane Lift – Fun Toy For Three-Year Olds, Up To The Biggest Kids by Dr K thompson

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The great thing with Hape toys is great quality and this lovely Crane Lift is no exception.  Around 55cm tall (22 inches in old money) and painted bright yellow, it is striking, and I have personal proof from my own young road-tester that children will run across the room to play with it.

It has an accessible operator’s cabin and a crane arm which swings around. Children can load the platform with the (provided) blocks of wood and raise them, lower them or move them along the length of the crane arm, using a pulley and turning knob system.  The road barriers and cones are attractive and allow the child to create an imaginary construction scene.

My grandson absolutely loved it and was soon lifting and lowering all sorts of toys on the wide wooden platform.

If you are wondering what to get your youngster for Christmas, he will adore this toy, However, watch out, he may have to fight off his Dad and uncles too – definitely one for the ‘Big Kids’.

 

Available at Argos for £34.99 or various other stockists.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co,uk

FROST’S FAVOURITE… KITCHEN GADGETS

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We’re all about making life that little bit easier and have done some digging to find the kitchen gadgets that will help do just that when you’re cooking up a storm…

Magimix Vision toaster – £52.99

Toast is to Brits like, well, a cup of tea is to Brits For centuries have we devastated what makes the perfect shade of tea and the perfect shade of toast. We’ve all experienced the frustration of multiple toast , just to get it right. Thanks to the Magimix vision, you can watch your toast browning away to your perfection. Not only is this gadget a brilliant invention but it’s also got a great retro look too.

Where can I buy? Wayfair

 

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener – £19.99

There’s no better feeling than taking to the kitchen with a new set of knives. On the contrary, there’s no worse feeling than when that knife has gone so blunt it struggles to cut through an onion. Introducing the AnySharp Pro. This unique invention can sharpen hardened steel knives, chef’s knives and even serrated blades, making it unlike anything else on the market. After just a few strokes, your tired old knives will as good as new and as sharp as ever.

Where can I buy? Amazon

 

The LazyPan All-in-One Frying Pan – £39.99

What better way to start a winter weekend morning than with a flavoursome fry up? Sadly, with said fry up tends to be a plethora of pots and pans to wash afterwards, making the whole concept a lot less appetising. Enter, Lazypan. This pan is split into five sections meaning there’s less hob hopping and you’re able to keep the kitchen organised and tidy as you prep the most important meal of the day – yummy!

Where can I buy? The Fowndry

 

Zerowater 12 cup water filter – £39.99

This is one of those gadgets that you’ll not be able to live without once you’ve tried it. The Zerowater removes virtually all dissolved solids and containments from tap water with a five stage filtration system and to be honest, there’s a lot more contamination than you’d expect. The Zerowater machine comes with a digital water meter which measures the total dissolvable solids – fancy!

Where can I buy? Zerowater

 

 

 

Personalised Toblerone: The Perfect Stocking Filler

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Toblerone is a Christmas classic and what a great idea to give your loved one a personalised one in their Christmas stocking.  Frost has theirs. 

The perfect pyramid of pure heaven, this choccy legend has your name on it – our all new Personalised Toblerone Bar goes that little bit extra to satisfying your taste buds!

Toblerone’s dreamy milk chocolate and nougat triangles have never looked better, the large chocolate triangles are made even better when personalised to the choco-holic eating it.

Suitably swiss, the outer sleeve features the traditional chocolate design of gold mountains and your name of choice will be written in the same font as the Toblerone logo itself.

This sugary sensation is a perfect stocking filler for a friend or family member with a hankering for cocoa goodness.

Break off and bite into this brilliant bar for just £12.99 now from Prezzybox.com – and remember sharing is caring!

Frost Magazine loves the genius of David Hockney’s work

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The Frost Magazine team loves the genius of David Hockney’s work; the light, the precision, the empathy so we were not  surprised to hear of the record-breaking David Hockney auction.

 

‘Pool with Two Figures – ‘It  proves that “real masterpieces do not need gimmicks,” affirms renowned art dealer, Stephen Howes.

 

The comments from the founder of Thomas Crown Art, the world’s leading art-tech agency, come as the British artist’s Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) sold Thursday for $90.3m in Christie’s Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale in New York City.

 

This beats the $58.4 million record previously set by Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog in 2013.

 

Mr Howes observes: “This is truly one of the most iconic paintings of the 20th century and has justifiably smashed the world record for the most expensive work by a living artist sold at auction.

 

“This momentous sale further galvanizes the piece’s rightful place as a true masterpiece and further cements Hockney’s place in the highest echelons of art history.”

 

He goes on to add: “This record-breaking David Hockney auction proves that real masterpieces do not need gimmicks – they stand and deliver on their own merit.

 

“It flies in the face of that hideous recent pantomime when Banksy’s famous Girl With Balloon ‘self-shredded’ as the hammer came down at auction.

 

“Bizarrely, that prank has apparently made that piece’s value soar – which, it can be reasonably assumed, Banksy knew would happen.

 

“That stunt was not about the art at all, it was all about the art of publicity. The whole trick was plainly embarrassing and those involved must be called out for it.”

 

He goes on to add: “Should David Hockney’s masterpiece have been shredded today, it would have rendered it pretty much worthless  – unlike Girl With Balloon which apparently increased in value.  Why? Because one piece is a work of fine art and the other is a stencilled publicity stunt.”

 

Mr Howes concludes: “David Hockney’s artistic genius has been signed, sealed and delivered. It is likely that it will be many more years until another living artist beats this record-breaking auction.”

And so say all of us.