Author Archives: Frostie

When your child is diagnosed with epilepsy you feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world

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‘When your child is diagnosed with epilepsy you feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world…’ 

Finding a diagnosis for your child, particularly for complex neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, can be a long and arduous process for many families in the UK.  

Highlighting the desperate need for more information and support for those facing a new epilepsy diagnosis, one mother, Sarah, has bravely shared her reaction to finding out her young daughter has the condition in a heart wrenching open letter to the families of other children and young people dealing with the same. 

‘I know that you may feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world and to an extent it has, but there’s a safety net. Don’t lose sight of your child throughout all of this…their diagnosis is a part of them but not all of them.’ Sarah, Lexi’s mum

There are more than 100,000 children and young people living with epilepsy in the UK today, and for many, support at the point of diagnosis is crucially lacking. National charity, Young Epilepsy, aims to change that by providing tailored information and support to children, young people and their families in the UK at the point of diagnosis. 

For Sarah, finding out her daughter had epilepsy was a moment of mixed emotions: ‘When the consultant told me she has epilepsy it was a combination of feelings from ‘Oh my gosh, my child’s got this diagnosis’ to vindication, I was right! 

When you’re saying these things and people are almost persecuting you and saying that you’re parenting poorly to actually have an answer to what is happening with your child it was like all of the things slowed into place.’ 

Around 8,500 children and young people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year in the UK. Receiving an epilepsy diagnosis can be frightening, isolating and overwhelming. Children and young people, along with their families and carers, need help and support understanding their new diagnosis and how it will impact their lives. A key barrier many will face is a lack of information following their epilepsy diagnosis, often leading to fear, worry and anger and adversely affecting coming to terms with the diagnosis. 

The road to an epilepsy diagnosis for Sarah and her daughter Lexi was sadly filled with uncertainty, ‘I knew something was wrong with Lexi for a long while before I was taken seriously by professionals.’  

‘I kept taking Lexi to the doctors because I felt that I had observed some absences. Each time I was told there was nothing wrong and I worried too much. One day I got a panicked telephone call from the school. I was told to pick her up and take her to the doctors immediately and demand that further tests were undertaken. 

Months later, we were told there was a confirmed epilepsy diagnosis. The consultant carried on speaking, but I didn’t hear anything. I felt my world falling away around me.’ 

For many an epilepsy diagnosis can feel frightening. Sarah described being told her young daughter had the condition in the midst of a busy clinic appointment without the right support leaving her feeling scared and confused, ‘my first question, I’ll be very honest, was is she going to die?’

When a child is diagnosed with epilepsy, families can often feel overwhelmed and unsure about the future. Trusted information and guidance are essential for newly diagnosed children, young people, and their families. Young Epilepsy strives to develop easy-to-use, accessible, relevant, and evidence-based information to ensure no child or young person feels alone when they receive their diagnosis.  

Lexi is now 14 and continues to have frequent absence seizures, which affect her schooling and daily life. Sarah explains: ‘It often feels like we’re navigating this journey alone, which is why the support we’ve received from Young Epilepsy has been crucial. They’ve provided us with the resources, community, and understanding that we needed during some of the hardest times.’

For any family who’s just received an epilepsy diagnosis, my advice is to reach out for support. Find organisations like Young Epilepsy, connect with other families, and never stop advocating for your children.’ 

National charity, Young Epilepsy, is there to help support families receiving an epilepsy diagnosis and this Christmas, they are raising money to develop new, vital resources with information and support specifically designed for children and their families dealing with a new diagnosis of epilepsy. 

This vital support will help provide a lifeline of vital, relevant and timely support about epilepsy, diagnosis and living with the condition helping to support self-management and confidence and ultimately reducing the fear a diagnosis can bring. 

Thanks to the Young Epilepsy Big Give campaign, for this week only (3-10 December) every pound donated is worth DOUBLE! To double your donation visit Help for children newly diagnosed with epilepsy 

Young Epilepsy provides a host of information and advice for young people, families, clinicians and more on their website www.youngepilepsy.org.uk 

Seasonal Style: The Best Men’s Fashion Trends for Autumn and Winter

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Navigating the in-between transition from summer heat to the nippy, ice-cold breeze can often leave one’s wardrobe in a bit of disarray. However, the challenge and beauty of dressing during the chilly seasons is to find a balance between utility and style. When the leaves start to fall and the temperature begins to drop, it is time to look for the best men’s fashion trends for autumn and winter. 

These upcoming trends emphasize comfort while marrying it with an unforgettable style. Here are eight of the hottest trends for the cool seasons.

Comfort Meets Trendy

The cozier the clothing, the better. This autumn and winter, comfy attire is getting a major upgrade. We’re not talking about those baggy sweatpants you wore throughout quarantine but the elevated version of them. Picture joggers made with luxurious materials such as wool and cashmere, distinctly designed for both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Knitted pullovers and cardigans with bold, distinctive patterns are also making a strong comeback. Combining these with a crisp shirt or turtleneck just screams polished coziness.

Overcoats Reign Supreme

When it comes to outerwear, overcoats take center stage this season. They come in a plethora of colors and patterns for all tastes. Be it a classic camel coat or a patterned version, an overcoat can be paired with both professional and casual outfits – making it the perfect multipurpose wardrobe essential.

Embrace the Turtleneck

Turtlenecks are no longer solely for academics or boho artists. They’ve been thrust back into the spotlight for autumn-winter fashion, epitomizing understated elegance. Available in a range of fabrics from knitted to cotton, they can be worn under a blazer or paired with denim for a refined casual look. 

Trousers Go Wide

Step aside, skinny jeans. The dominating trend this season is all about wide-legged trousers. Comfortable and effortlessly stylish, these pants pair well with slim-fit tops for a balanced silhouette — offering a refreshing break from the snug fits of past seasons. 

Pattern-mixing Up a Storm

Playing it safe is a thing of the past. This season encourages you to step out of your comfort zone. Mixing and matching disparate patterns like plaids, stripes, and checks are all part of the game. Remember, the key is to select one dominant pattern and use others to accentuate it.

Black and Brown, The Winning Combo

Once upon a time, fashionistas turned their nose up to the combination of black and brown. However upcoming trends are demonstrating that a mix of these colors can deliver a sophisticated and polished look. Try incorporating shades of black and brown through different elements of your outfit.

Boot Up

Boots never go out of style and are absolutely integral to the autumn-winter men’s fashion. From the classic Chelsea to rugged lace-ups, the right boot can enhance any outfit’s charm.

Leather Everything

Leather – whether it’s jackets, bags, or accessories – has a timeless allure. In addition to its undeniable style, leather is also a great material for winter as it provides insulation against the cold.

In conclusion, this year’s autumn-winter fashion trends underscore the beauty of pairing comfort with style. From chic overcoats to versatile turtlenecks and bold pattern mixing, these trends offer an awe-inspiring mix that caters to every man’s style. Remember, the key to nailing seasonal style is blending contemporary trends with timeless classics. Keep warm, and stay stylish.

Interview With Author of Swim And Star Survivor Lisa Brace

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When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve written since I can remember. I wanted to be a journalist from about 6yo and my passion for telling stories has continued since then! It was lockdown that gave me the time to write my first book, it gave me a chance to escape

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Oh everywhere! For my romcoms it’s a mixture of people watching (listening!) and dreaming of exotic places. For the historical ones I have a real passion for telling forgotten women’s stories, particularly from the early 20th century so I’m often on the lookout for the next story. Swim was inspired by something I saw on the Antiques Roadshow, whilst the one I’m working on at the moment was influenced by an advert I saw!

What’s your writing routine?

I don’t know if it’s a routine to be honest. I’d love to say I have a special desk with a view where it’s all peaceful, like the writers of yesterday, but mainly it’s write whenever I’m free. Sometimes I can get a chapter down first thing in the morning, other times it’s much later in the day. If I’m writing a book I do tend to try and get a chapter down a day as a minimum, so I don’t lose the momentum.

You also write novellas as Holly Green which is very cool. Can you tell us more about that?

The novellas were a way for me to dip my toe into writing romcoms, but I thought it best to write under a pen name whilst also bringing out the other books (it’s been a busy ten months), to prevent confusion. I like the novellas as they’re all around 40k, they’re all marketed as fun, light reads, and I love the response I’ve had to them! They’re called the Secret Series, but can be read in any order.

You have written for twenty years, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write the thing. I know it’s tempting to go on loads of courses and read lots of advice, but honestly, the two things are write the thing you want to say, and make sure you read loads too, whether that’s in your genre or the magazine you want to write for. You’re not a writer if you’re thinking about writing a book…but you are if you’re actually putting words down on paper!

You write both historical and contemporary fiction. Do you have a favourite?

That’s like trying to choose a favourite child… I love them both equally because they do different things for me. I love writing commercial and romantic fiction because I love telling a fun story, I love bringing the way I view the world to paper, whereas with historical fiction it needs so much research and can be a slog to get it to work, but once I’ve got under the skin of the character and can say what I want to say, something clicks and the words flow.

Star Survivor is based on reality television. Did the drama those shows have make it easier or harder to write the book?

To be honest, reality TV isn’t just about the drama on screen, it’s as much about whatever is happening off screen too. Take Love Island, we see what’s on screen, then we discuss it all on social media and make judgements, and then afterwards we dissect relationships and people as though they’re characters. It’s too easy for us to forget they’re real, that’s part of the reason I wanted to write SS.

You write about a real life Olympian, Lucy Morton, in Swim. How did you weave fact and fiction together so well?

I wanted to celebrate Lucy’s story, I was surprised noone had before. But I realised that it couldn’t be a book ‘just’ about swimming, there needed to be things other people could be interested in. That’s where the fiction came into it. I wanted to talk about what was happening in those times in the context of a woman’s place. I love Swim, and am thrilled at the reception it’s getting.

I love your social media posts. Especially TikTok. Do you have any advice for writers who want to put themselves out there?

To be honest, all authors need to be on social media, unless you’re Margaret Attwood! I’d recommend choosing one or two channels and sticking with them. The most important thing is to be real. Don’t try and be someone you’re not, or follow trends. It’s all well and good trying to go viral, but most of the times there’s no real rhyme or reason to a successful sm post. Be yourself and have fun. If you don’t want your face on there, don’t do it. Post about the themes of your books, or your research but mainly try and engage with people.

What’s next for you?

Lots! The third in the Secret series is out September, Secret Crush. I’m working on a second historical fiction novel set in the same era as Swim, and have a couple of other projects in the pipeline too. Though three novellas and two books in 11 months is enough for this year…

Simba Ludlow Bed Review | The Best In Beds

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This post is a review of a gifted product.

The older I get the more obsessed I get with my sleep. This is understandable as I have spent my 30s having babies and they don’t care about your sleep. Now they’re slowly getting a bit older I might actually get my nights back. So when Simba offered the Ludlow Bed for review I jumped at the chance.

Nothing beats a good bed and the Ludlow Bed are a literal dream to sleep on. The bed is stylish and minimalist and their mattresses are fantastic. I am a huge fan of Simba. Their technology is fantastic. As is their design. You can spread the cost and the bed comes with a ten year guarantee.

Back to the bed. It’s crafted in Yorkshire and comes with four storage options. It’s also super easy to assemble; coming in three parts which are easy to put together. It’s a gorgeous bed with sophisticated detail. I couldn’t be happier. It’s a dream, and isn’t that what Simba is all about?

The Ludlow has four base designs to choose from; just pick the one that best serves you, your needs and your sleep space. 

Two Drawer storage base*. Featuring two 51cm wide drawers; Double or King size bases have one drawer on either side, whereas Single or Super King bases have the drawers side by side (you can decide which side you’d prefer during assembly). 

Four Drawer storage base* Featuring four 51cm wide drawers, two on each side of the bed. 

*Not available in a Single size

Ottoman storage base. Featuring a capacious storage space (up to 768 litres) under the mattress; it’s easily accessed with a simple, gas-lift mechanism. 

No storage. Loving the Ludlow but don’t need more storage? It’s available with a standard base too.

From £799.

The Human Touch: Why Live Casinos Still Reign Supreme

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Isn’t it amazing how we can dive into the digital world and play games with just a few clicks? But let’s be honest, nothing beats the buzz of playing alongside real people. That’s where live casinos come into play—bringing the vibrant casino vibe right to our screens through a live video connection. In this brief guide, I’m going to share why live casinos are still the life of the party and what sets them apart from your standard online gaming session.

Why Live Casinos Are Just More Interesting

Sure, tapping away on our devices is super convenient, but live casinos have that extra sprinkle of magic. Here’s the scoop:

• Real Human Dealers: Nothing says authentic like interacting with actual dealers. It adds a layer of trust and makes you feel like you’re in good hands.

• Chit-Chat and Chuckles: Banter with the dealer and fellow players turns a regular game into a social shindig!

• A Feast for the Eyes and Ears: The visuals and audio in live casinos are a notch above, making every game a treat.

• Safety First: With strict regulations in place, you can bet with peace of mind knowing everything’s on the up-and-up.

So, live casinos are your go-to spot if you’re after a mix of camaraderie, quality entertainment, and security.

The Tech Behind the Magic

Live casinos are also available online and have come a long way since their pixelated beginnings. Nowadays, it’s like stepping into a high-definition movie:

• Crystal Clear Streams: Thanks to zippy internet and tech advancements, you won’t miss a beat with the sharp visuals and smooth gameplay.

• Lights, Camera, Action: Multiple camera angles and professional lighting mean you’re always in the centreof the action.

• Community Vibes: Engage in lively chats that make every dice roll or card turn more interesting.

• Virtual Reality Adventures: Some venues are dabbling in VR to up the ante, making you feel like you’ve teleported straight to Vegas.

And as tech continues to evolve, who knows? We might soon chat with AI dealers or explore even more immersive virtual worlds.

The Human Touch in Live Casinos

What really makes live casinos stand out is the human element. Playing with real folks adds an irreplaceable warmth and sociability to the experience.

Dealers in live casinos aren’t just experts at the game; they’re the party hosts, welcoming you with open arms and guiding newbies through the ropes. A little chit-chat here, a pro tip there, and voila—you’re part of the casino family.

Thanks to the chat feature, players can mingle, too. It’s like having a virtual casino floor where friendships bloom, strategies are swapped, and friendly rivalries ignite.

Above all, live casinos craft a great atmosphere, mimicking the pulse-pounding ambiance of a brick-and-mortar establishment.

Feeling Like You’re There Without Leaving Home

Live casinos are wizards at conjuring the illusion of a real-life casino within your four walls.

The stellar video and audio quality transport you straight to the heart of the action. The set designs are so authentic that you might just reach out to touch the velvet of the tables.

Engaging with dealers and players isn’t just about the game—it’s about creating memorable moments and sharing the thrill of each win or the commiseration of a close call.

With an array of games to choose from, everyone can find their niche, adding to the authenticity of the whole experience.

Picking Your Virtual Casino Playground: 6 Tips for Gamers

Choosing the perfect live casino platform can be a bit daunting, but fear not—I’ve got some pointers to help you land the best seat in the house:

1. Game Galore: Look for a venue that offers a variety of games to keep things spicy.

2. Dealer Charm: Friendly and knowledgeable dealers can make all the difference.

3. HD Quality: Crisp video and sound quality are non-negotiable for a realistic experience.

4. Sweet Deals: Bonuses and promotions can add value to your gaming adventures.

5. Play On the Go: A mobile-friendly platform lets you play wherever you roam.

6. Trust and Fair Play: A licensed venue ensures fair play and secures your hard-earned cash.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find a live casino that’s both entertaining and reliable.

Wrapping It Up

Live casinos are the ultimate blend of technology and tradition, offering a slice of the casino pie complete with live dealers and players, all from the comfort of your couch. As we look forward to even more technological wonders, remember to consider the variety of games, the charisma of the dealers, streaming quality, mobile compatibility, and the platform’s credibility when choosing your live casino. It’s all about getting that full-fledged casino experience without stepping outside—how cool is that?

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

NEO WTR: Sip Sustainably, Transform Communities, and Protect Our Oceans

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NEO WTR is a brand-new bottled water drink that helps thirsty people drink sustainably on the go while transforming coastal communities worldwide.

NEO WTR, sourced from a pristine British spring in the Mendip Hills, marks a European milestone: it is the first drink to be found in 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic™ drinks packaging meaning that each bottle is made entirely from discarded plastic that has been collected along coastlines at risk of ocean plastic pollution.

With projections indicating that by 2050, that there could be more plastic by weight in the ocean than fish (source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation), urgent action is essential.  We must all contribute to preventing plastic waste from reaching our waters. 

We are incredibly proud that each 500ml bottle of NEO WTR prevents the equivalent of 1.7 plastic bottles from entering the ocean and helps create waves that transform at-risk coastal communities around the world.  We support a programme that invests in building recycling infrastructure, providing locals with fair employment opportunities, fair wages and safeguarded working conditions.  

NEO WTR, with its fully recyclable cap and label, is bottled at source and has an RRP of £1.25 for 500ml.  Our fully recyclable bottles will be stocked in Tesco Superstores nationwide.

www.neowtr.co.uk

@neo_wtr

Our Holiday by Louise Candlish Book Review

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I am lucky enough to get invited to the HQ Digital Showcase. The last one I went to had the amazing Louise Candlish talking about her new book. Louise is incredibly talented and there was such a buzz in the air when she was talking. A true superstar author with a fantastic career. We hung on her every word.
There wasn’t much information about the book but it was about holiday homes and the housing crisis. I knew immediately that I wanted to read it. I couldn’t wait.
Luckily, time goes fast and the book was in my hands soon enough and, damn, what a corker.
My invitation to Pine Ridge did not disappoint. Charlotte and Perry have owned their clifftop holiday home for years and now their city friends, Amy and Linus, have bought a home nearby. The two couples and their families look forward to a fun summer socialising and sipping rosè. Problem is, the locals are sick of being priced out of their home and now they’re protesting, headed up by the charismatic Robbie.
What follows is an intriguing novel that entertains with every single page. I read Our Holiday months ago and it has stayed with me. From the well-rounded characters you can’t help but feel you really know, to the clever plot that weaves every trail together beautifully. Our Holiday is one of the books of the year. Written by a writer at the top of her game. This is the perfect summer thriller. Grab a copy now. You won’t regret it.

Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer Book Review

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Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer

By Michael V. McConnell, MD, MSEE

Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer by Michael McConnell is a must read for everyone. It is a fantastic book that lays down the facts of heart disease and then tells you how to avoid it. This book is a gift to humanity. I know that may seem like overkill, but if everyone read it, and impacted the changes, then it would save millions of lives.

Micheal McConnell, a cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University School, is clearly a man with a passion. People do not take heart diseases seriously enough and there are many myths about bit. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women. It also presents differently in women and women are more likely to die from it. He has even given all author royalties from sales of this book to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. An impressive man indeed.

Unbeknown to many, the main cause of heart disease—the world’s number one killer of women and men—is a cancer-like “tumour” inside the coronary arteries that keep our hearts beating. Although this similarity to cancer is well-established in medical journals, most people (and their health care providers) don’t approach heart disease as seriously as cancer, even though it’s just as deadly. In Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer, cardiologist Michael McConnell shares the stories of his family, patients, and research to lay out a modern and effective approach to preventing, screening for, and treating heart disease like cancer to avoid its dire consequences.

Highlighting the latest research on the substantial overlap between heart disease and cancer—from shared risk factors to screening for early detection to new and powerful therapies—Dr. McConnell also highlights the many ways our society can reduce heart disease for all. Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer will guide you step-by-step on how to prevent, screen for, and treat heart disease to live a healthier and longer life.

Out now | Hardback 232 pages | ISBN 9781421448466 |