Christmas Gift List For Your Cousin

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Frostie

Cousins can be hard to buy for but we have put together a selection of very cool things indeed. There should be something here no matter what your cousins gender and age.

Wacom Bamboo Duo stylus

Most people have a tablet these days and this is very handy and looks great. Perfect for anyone that uses a tablet, the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Duo is a dual-purpose stylus for Apple and Android devices. With a premium ball-point ink pen at one end and a stylus at the opposite end, this stylus is ideal for writing, drawing or doodling.

Available from Wacom.com and johnlewis.com

BeeWi Bluetooth Helicopter Storm Bee

Just a very cool flying helicopter for kids of any age. Even big ones. High drivability and stability: 3 Channels, dual rotor structure and gyroscope. Your smartphone acts as the remote.

Available from ebuyer.com and here

BeeWi Bluetooth Controlled Mini Cooper Car

Cool and classic. Will give hours of fun. Intuitive motion control using mobile’s orientation sensor or touch-screen button interface

Available from iwantoneofthose.com and here.

Looksi Aquarium

This is cool, relaxing and looks amazing. It is easy to use, just download the app and put your iPad on top. Make sure you have batteries for Christmas day though.

Transforms your iPad into an underwater world. You can even go fishing in the Aquarium. The Aquarium is also a charging station and a clock – every hour the fish tell the time with a display of synchronised swimming. Compatible with all iPads except the iPad Mini.

Available from ebuyer.com and here.

If your cousin is not happy about getting one of these beauties, slap ’em.

Christmas Gift List For The Man In Your Life

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Frostie

Here are a few suggestions for the man in your life. Each is top-end and of the highest quality.

Jockey Underwear

Buying this for your husband/boyfriend/lover has the added bonus of him modelling them for you. So it is a present for both of you. The check long johns, £26, are perfect for the cold weather. The tartan trunks, £16 and Xmas trunks, £16 are comfy, good-quality and festive. The boxer shorts are perfect if your man likes something a bit more roomy. All available from Jockey.co.uk

Diesel Only The Brave Wild

Smells amazing and looks suitable manly. Citronella essence and coconut accord shake up this urban classic. You won’t be able to stop smelling him.

£35.50 from thefragranceshop.co.uk

The Wild Geese Golden Rum

This is a stunningly good rum. If your other half is Irish he also gets to call himself ‘Wild Geese’. From the heart of the Caribbean and aged for up to five years, has tastes of soft butterscotch and tropical fruit with a finish of apricot, light vanilla and cocoa notes. £36.99 from selfridges.com

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular

The hugely popular Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular is coming to the UK at six major city venues in May 2015. Surely no Christmas is complete without tickets to this amazing event for the Doctor Who fan in your life?

The live show, which was a sell-out on its world premiere in Australia, will enjoy a limited run of twelve UK performances in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow.
The show features a host of the Doctor’s famous adversaries including the iconic Daleks and Cybermen, the spine-chilling Silence and many more fan favourites. The live monsters provide a dramatic contrast to the evocative and thrilling music written by Murray Gold.

The live music will be accompanied by a big screen presentation of key moments and specially edited sequences from the past 50 years of Doctor Who. Tickets are on sale with prices starting at £20 per person – www.doctorwhosymphonicspectacular.com

Christmas Gift List For The Fashion Lover

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Frostie

We have a beautiful selection for the fashion lover in your life.

Clockwise from left:

Gorgeous Firetrap Tiger T-shirt is an excellent gift for a girlfriend or sister. It fits very well and the material is gorgeous, very soft and of high quality. http://store.firetrap.com

This gorgeous blue lace shirt from Closet is stunning. The high collar and sleeves make it look conservative but it is lacy and see-through so is also a little bit naughty. Very high quality and sits beautifully. From closetclothing.co.uk

An almost vintage-looking floral dress from Closet. Has pockets, looks beautiful on and is very high quality. The A-Line skirt is also flattering. Is designed and made in London so what more could you want? From closetclothing.co.uk

Perfect for a hint of pure glamour: this fiery red peplum top from Closet is flattering because of its flare but also sexy and has a V shaped back. This will be a much appreciated present. From closetclothing.co.uk

These Women’s Cotton Twill Shorts in Navy Red check From Jockey not only look great, but are also very comfy. They are well made. They have pockets which are very underrated in women’s clothing and if you are a very close couple you can even get a matching mens pair. Awesome. http://www.jockey.co.uk

Marie Meili – the newly stocked brand in houseoffraser.co.uk features prints and playful colours for women in a B – J cup. The sets are available in a variety of designs (balcony to t-shirt and soft cup to plunge), with a corresponding knicker or string. Christmas collections also include basques, so a more glamorous gifting feel. From £8 at houseoffraser.co.uk

Other clothes we loved from Closet

All available from http://www.closetclothing.co.uk

Rocket Dog is the ideal brand for footwear for any woman. With on trend boots for Christmas, the Rocket Dog collection makes luxury looking footwear affordable (from £34.99) All available from rocketdog.co.uk

What will you get?

The Stoptober Challenge: The Round Up

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Frostie

So it is over. No more Stoptober. I am pretty pleased with myself. I think it went quite well. I haven’t been smoking and hope this will continue. It is still hard sometimes but I have come a long way. I wobbled many times. I don’t want the hard work to be for nothing

Along the way I have done a lot of challenges. The first one was preparing for success and Boots UK pharmacist Angela Chambers gave some great tips. I wrote about this in my first post.

The second challenge was taste. Smoking dulls your taste buds so when you quit everything tastes better. For this challenge I baked. It was fun. Boots UK sent an exclusive recipe box packed with a bespoke recipe and all the ingredients I needed. I loved the end result and the taste was amazing.

I took part in a Twitter party which was hosted by Beautyandthedirt, Sexinlondoncity and Angela Chalmers who is a Boots Expert. This was between 1-2pm on October 16th. The Twitter Party was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. A lot of people got involved and I think it was a success.

Next up I took some time to stop and smell the roses.

To celebrate reaching my third smoke free week, and the return of my sense of smell, Boots UK sent me these gorgeous flowers. Smoking alters the way you smell things. The reasons to stop smoking keep building up. The flowers are also very beautiful. If you are also trying to stop smoking head to Boots UK Stop Smoking.

Challenge Four was all about how quitting smoking is great for your appearance. Smoking can impact your appearance, affecting your complexion, reducing the nutrients in your hair and leading to staining of the teeth, though luckily giving up smoking can reverse these changes. To celebrate this Boots UK partnered with leading fashion photographer Claire Pepper to develop some top tips on taking the perfect selfie.

Fashion photographer Claire Pepper shares tips on how to take the perfect selfie

It’s all about the lighting!

Get the lighting right, and you are 90% of the way to achieving your perfect selfie. Ideally you want natural daylight, but if it is really sunny then move away from direct sun into a shady area. If you are inside, find a window or the biggest, softest light source around and stand nice and close to it. Always have the light source in front of you – side lighting is unflattering and back lighting doesn’t capture very well on most mobile phones.

Attention to detail

Selfies should be spontaneous but try to take a few moments to check the background is free from clutter or strange reflections. Also check your hair and make-up, and take a moment to consider the composition of your shot, and whether it would work best in landscape or portrait.

Trial and Error

You might want to experiment to see if there is much difference in quality between the front and back cameras on your phone. Some phones have a much better quality camera on the back so take two snaps and compare them to see if one looks grainier. Also try taking the cover off your phone – some covers can cause a bit of softening around the periphery of the image or can affect focus so give it a go and you might be surprised what a difference it makes.

Find your angle

Different angles suit different faces so learn what works for you – take lots of pictures to see what works – you can always delete any you don’t like! Generally keeping your chin down is quite flattering and turning your face to one side works for most people. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the camera lens not the screen as it’s much more engaging.

Post production

Finally, perfect your portrait with an image editing app. A specialist app like Camera+ gives you control over every aspect of the image, as well as giving you the option to add borders and captions. If you are bored of using the same filters all the time try the VSCO Cam app that gives you a really wide selection and the ability to customise your selfie – you can achieve results that would take some time in Photoshop within seconds. If you want to zap a blemish try an app like Facetune, but take it easy editing your face – it’s easy to go too far and it can look quite obvious.

Overall I feel great and stopping smoking was the best thing I have ever done. Try it and you won’t look back. Promise.

Sponsored Post

#bootsukstoptober

Christmas Gift List For Mum

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Frostie

Mums, not many people are as deserving of a good present. They put up with us, gave birth to us and love us no matter what. Where would we be without our mothers? Here is our top picks for this very special lady.

Cornishware Mug

Cornishware do these beautiful mugs which can be personalised and come in bespoke stripy boxes which make marvellous presents or stocking fillers. Last day of personalisation for Cornishware is 13th December for Christmas delivery. All products are exclusively online from Cornishware www.cornishware.co.uk

Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels

These look beautiful and smell divine. Perfect for stressed-out mums. The packaging looks great and these oils really work. 100% natural blends. The trio of bath and shower oils include Deep Relax with vetivert and camomile to help achieve deep relaxation and a peaceful night’s sleep, De-Stress Mind with frankincense and rosemary to clear a hectic mind and focus the thoughts and Revive Morning to invigorate and awaken body and mind.

Available from feelunique.com, aromatherapyassociates.com and lookfantastic.com

Silver Orchid Silver Elephant Ring Holder

One of our editors favourite things EVER. This silver plated baby elephant is a great place to keep your rings as an elephant never forgets. Has strikingly beautiful blue diamante eyes. From orchid-designs.co.uk

Mitoq Power Antioxidant Rejuvenation

MitoQ Power Antioxidant Rejuvenation contains only 8 ingredients and is purportedly 1,000 times stronger than coenzyme Q10, MitoQ’s signature molecule is said to revive skin cells and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. We have been trying it and it really works. We love it.

From http://www.mitoq.com

Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Channel 4 TV presenter and food producer Jimmy Doherty, has teamed up with South Africa’s award winning wine, Nederburg, for their new campaign, sharing his passion for quality produce. He has tips for cooking with wine below so you can also cook for mum. Nederburg also share their wine tips.

Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, £8.99
Aromas of blackcurrants and cherries with violets and nuances of vanilla oak spice in the background.

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its depth of flavour and aroma. It’s excellent served with heart-warming roast lamb, coq au vin, red meat steak, venison, mature cheese and pizza and pasta dishes.

Nederburg’s top wine tips

Only chill white wine, like Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Chardonnay, before you plan to drink it as extended storage in the fridge will affect its taste and aroma.

The quickest way to chill a white wine is in iced water, which only takes 30 minutes versus 2 hours in the fridge.

Always give a bottle of quality red wine, like Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Shiraz, time to breathe. If you can’t wait, decant it into a glass jug first to give it chance to mix with the oxygen in the air to release the flavours.

The correct measure to pour for all wines is a third of the glass; this gives the wine room to swirl in the glass, allowing the flavours to develop.

When pairing wine with cheese, think balance – strong wine, strong cheese. The Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is great with cheeses like Cheddar or Gouda.

Jimmy’s tips on how to use wine in cooking

Cooking with wine can add depth and flavour so try these simple recipes for your dinner.

Red wine gravy

Ingredients:
6 onions, peeled and chopped
700ml red wine (Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon works well)
560ml hot water
2 beef stock cubes
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Place the chopped onions and red wine in a large saucepan
Bring to the boil and cook uncovered until reduced by two-thirds, around 20 minutes
Cooking it down in this way reduces the acidity and intensifies the flavour
Add the hot water to the reduced wine, add the stock cubes and stir well until thoroughly dissolved
Simmer, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until the gravy thickens
Season to taste

Salad dressing
Ingredients
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Dash of white wine (Winemaster’s Reserve
Sauvignon Blanc)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Method:
In a small bowl or jam jar, whisk the balsamic vinegar with the olive oil and white wine
Season with salt and pepper.

What will you get your mum?

Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Child

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Frostie

Ah, your precious one. The apple of your eye. What isn’t too good for them? These picks all really caught our eye: perfect for your little one.

Blade & Rose Christmas Pudding Leggings and Cute Socks

These are adorable. I mean so unbelievably adorable. One of the best things about babies is that you can dress them however you want, and who wouldn’t melt at the sight of your baby in its festive clothes.

Carib Glass Wall Clock from Room To Grow

Not only beautiful and stylish, it also has big numbers so your little one will be able to see clearly. Is fun and vibrant and will look stylish in any bedroom or playroom. Coloured glass with contrasting coloured numbers and chrome hands.

Peppa Pig 4-in-1 Shaped Bath Time Puzzle

This is a great bath game, the pieces also stick to the bath. Fun and educational at the same time. From Jumbo Games. Available from Boots.com and argos.co.uk

Peppa Pig Snakes & Ladders

You can also buy this amazing giant Peppa Pig Snakes & Ladders game. A brilliant 80x80cm floor game for children over three.

Available from argos.co.uk and Amazon.

Gus & Me Book By Keith Richards

Yes, THAT Keith Richards. Let’s be honest, it is never too early to get your kid hooked on the Rolling Stones. This is a wonderful children’s book which comes with a CD and has artwork from daughter Theodora Richards, so it is a family affair. Especially cool if your child is musical, or you want them to be. Available here and from foyles.co.uk, thebookpeople.co.uk, waterstones.com

Penguin Junior Wellies

These are super cool and super cute at the same time. We love them and so do little ones. The Penguin Junior Wellies are a fully waterproof, durable and fun product for keeping children’s feet clean and dry. From mountainwarehouse.com

Horrid Henry’s Christmas Lunch

Perfect and fun for early readers. Horrid Henry would much rather have pizza and chips for his Christmas lunch, and this year, he might just get his way…This is the 100th book in the phenomenally popular Early Reader format, published during Henry’s 20th anniversary year. Available here and foyles.co.uk, thebookpeople.co.uk, waterstones.com

What will you get your little one?

Allusondrugs New Single ‘I Should Have Gone To Uni’

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Frostie

Following airplay from Radio 1, Xfm, Kerrang and play listings across the UK, Europe and America, an appearance at Reading & Leeds Festival this summer and a September UK headline run that was immediately followed by an October tour with Marmozets & Lonely The Brave, West Yorkshire’s Allusondrugs hammer home the release of their self-titled EP with a brand new track and video.

‘I Should Have Gone To Uni’ is a stomping, retro-fuelled grunge single inspired by the anxiety of growing up and moving on that will be airing on Kerrang! Radio, Kerrang! Television and with the Kerrang! website as part of their new Fresh Blood feature. The track is available as a free download from SoundCloud.

Never ones to shy away from a spot of hard work, the band recorded and mixed the single themselves – as well as producing, filming and editing the video too – entirely under their own steam in just two days on a break between their hectic touring schedule… a touring schedule that sees the band hit the road again in December, continuing an unwavering march on the UK live circuit, this time with another headline tour taking along Lyger, Forever Cult and Prom for the journey too.

“This song was written about 3 years ago while i was at a particularly low point” explains guitarist and songwriter Damo Hughes “I was watching all the people I used to know starting up families, moving towards higher education and going on to do great things while I wasn’t really doing anything with my life. It’s basically about being depressed and feeling like you’ve done all the wrong things and don’t really have a place in the world. Musically I think the song is fairly upbeat though, I’ve always really liked the juxtaposition of dark, depressing lyrics over optimistic sounding music.”

The five self-confessed fuzz-junkies from Castleford, West Yorkshire formed in the autumn of 2012 and their unique sound and DIY approach to releasing music (online as-and-when they like, sometimes before it’s even finished… streaming practices live on the web… hosting debauched release parties), coupled with growing praise for their explosive live shows, has seen them building a rabidly loyal following locally and beyond.

Allusondrug’s remaining live shows for 2014:

OCTOBER 2014 (w/ Lonely The Brave & Marmozets)
THURSDAY 9 SOUTHAMPTON TALKING HEADS
FRIDAY 10 LONDON SCALA *SOLD OUT*
SATURDAY 11 NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY BASEMENT *SOLD OUT*
MONDAY 13 SHEFFIELD CORPORATION
TUESDAY 14 NEWCASTLE O2 ACADEMY 2
WEDNESDAY 15 BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY 3 *SOLD OUT*
THURSDAY 16 NORWICH OPEN

NOVEMBER 2014 (headline tour w/ Lyger + Forever Cult + Prom)
TUESDAY 25 MANCHESTER SOUND CONTROL
WEDNESDAY 26 GLASGOW 13th NOTE
SATURDAY 29 LEEDS THE WARDBROBE
SUNDAY 30 STOKE THE UNDERGROUND

DECEMBER 2014 (headline tour cont.)
MONDAY 01 NORWISH EPIC STUDIOS
WEDNESDAY 03 LONDON BLACK HEART
THURSDAY 04 TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM
FRIDAY 05 CARDIFF CLWB IFOR BACH

Allusondrugs are:
Jason Moules (Vocals)
Drey Pavlovic (Guitar)
Damo Hughes (Guitar/Vocals/Effects)
Jemal Malki (Bass)
Connor Fisher-Atack (Drums)

My Daddy is a Soldier Calendar

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Frostie

Our hearts nearly melted at Frost when this landed in our inbox. My Daddy is a Soldier Adventures supports the children (Little Troopers) of British Soldiers, both full time and those serving with the Reserves. They aim to build a community where the children and parent at home can support each other, share their experiences and coping mechanisms for long tours. The charity has also developed unique resources such as the Separation pack; which includes monthly charts that the children use to count down until Mummy or Daddy is home again.

We love all of the photos but some of the highlights are:

March features little Joshua Hannon, aged 3 celebrating his Dad’s return home from Afghanistan
April shows Declan Jones 7 years old, and his Dad Sergeant Mike Jones on parade.
June features Reilly James Crowston with his Dad Craftman Michael Crowston. Reilly was just nine days old and luckily Dad was at home for the birth because he was in special care for five days.
The back cover which has 27 shortlisted pictures showing army families from across the globe.

This year the Little Troopers calendar will be A4 and include a useful family planner. The calendars are just £9.99 and can be ordered from the Charity’s website www.mydaddyisasoldieradventures.org. All profits from the calendar will go towards the charity’s work and will help even more Little Troopers next year.

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