Author Archives: Frostie

The Father’s Day Wellness Gift Guide

Posted on by

From high tech sleep boosters to natural sleep aids, here’s a guide to some of our favorite Swanick products we know Dad will love this Father’s Day.

For the Dad that Needs a Great Night Sleep: Night Swannies ($69+)

  • Our flagship and best selling product. Night Swannies Orange-tinted lenses block over 99% of blue light between 400-500nm (as tested by a third-party laboratory including Harvard Business Review)

  • Wearing your Night Swannies continuously 2-3 hours before bed will help you slip comfortably and easily into a deep and restorative sleep

  • From Classic to Aviator there is a frame to suit her style. Acetate frames and spring hinges.

  • Sizes: Small, Regular, Large

  • Shop on SwanwickSleep.com or Shop on Amazon.co.uk

For the Dad putting in long hours at the Office: Day Swannies ($69+)

  • Diminish symptoms of digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome.

  • Protection against the most harmful blue light wavelengths between 400-450nm.

  • Allows access to natural levels of blue light needed for optimal productivity during the day.

  • Shop on SwanwickSleep.com or Shop on Amazon.co.uk  

For the Midnight Wanderer: Better Nights Anti-Blue LED Night Light ($24.95)   

  • For the Dad that is sneaking to check on the kids or for a midnight snack… light the way blue light free

  • Better Nights Anti-Blue LED Night Light is a direct plug-in, set-and-forget automatic night light that supports your sleep and reduces your exposure to blue light

  • Shop on SwanwickSleep.com

For the Outdoors Dad: Henley Sunglasses ($75)

  • Our sunglasses feature our blue light blocking technology to keep harmful blue rays at bay, along with stellar UVA/UVB ray protection.  We also added polarization for exceptional glare protection.

  • Our Henley Sunnies are fashioned in a versatile sunglasses style, providing ample coverage that suits any face.

  • Shop on SwanwickSleep.com or or Shop on Amazon.co.uk

 

For Grandpa too: Fitover Night Swannies ($79)

  • Designed with precise standards so you always get a secure, comfortable fit over the top of your existing prescription glasses.

  • For those who already wear glasses, these fitover blue light blockers easily slip over and attach to your existing frames, providing you protection from harmful blue light spectrums before bedtime.

  • Shop on SwanwickSleep.com or or Shop on Amazon.co.uk

 

 

 For the Peace and Quiet Lover: Sound Blocking Ear Plugs ($19.95)

  • Earplugs are the most portable, versatile tool you can have for creating an optimal sleep environment any time, any place.

  • Reusable, moldable silicone ear plugs allow you to achieve total silence for a sound sleep.

  • 100% Silicone, 3 pairs per case

  • Shop on SwanwickSleep.com

For the Papa Bear: Kid’s Swannies ($69)

  • Is bedtime a struggle with your child? Blue light from phones, tablets, and tv may be the culprit

  • Just for kids! Created for young children who are especially sensitive to the effects of blue light

  • Colors: Green, Blue, Yellow, Purple

  • Shop on SwanwickSleep.com or or Shop on Amazon.co.uk

 

         

ABOUT

SwanwickSleep.com

We’re the people who want to help you get the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had.

Australian brothers James and Tristan Swanwick co-founded Swanwick after a lengthy battle with sleepless nights. They tried everything from herbal remedies, sleeping tablets, changed their diets, and overhauled their lifestyles before coming across research on blue light.

They designed prototype orange lens glasses and put them through an extensive testing process. The results exceeded expectations- they went from relentless tossing and turning to having the best night sleep they’d had in months.

They created Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses to help people across the world improve their sleep quality and live more fulfilling  lives.

Mark Ellis My Writing Process

Posted on by

Q1: I took up writing when I sold my computer services business in the early 2000s, having always had an ambition to be an author. I have so far written 5 books in the DCI Frank Merlin World War 2 detective series. The four published books are Princes Gate (set in January 1940), Stalin’s Gold (September 1940), Merlin At War (June 1941) and A Death In Mayfair (December 1941). Merlin At War was nominated for a CWA Dagger in 2018. My aim is to continue to follow Merlin’s adventures through to the end of the Mark Ellis, author

Q2: The book I am promoting now is the 5th in the series, Dead In The Water, which will be published by Hachette (Headline) on May 19th. It is set in August 1942 and revolves around two artistic masterpieces stolen from an Austrian Jewish family before the war and which end up in London with fatal consequences.

 

Q3: As I am writing a historical series set in a specific period, my principal framework is the timeline. As you can see above, all books are separated in time by 6 to 9 months, so when I finish the latest I know roughly when the next one will be set.When I’m starting work on the new book, I focus intently on the exact time slot of the story. I research that heavily and that process often prompts plot ideas. I am already working on Frank Merlin 6, which I have decided to set in Spring 1943, and plot ideas are beginning to occur to me. When I have roughly formulated what ideas to pursue, I just start writingand see where they take me. I usually do not know who did what until I am about two thirds of the way through the book. I write a first draft straight off without stopping to edit. Then I do many edits before sending the manuscript off to the publishers. I did about 15 edits of Dead In The Water which is about the norm.

 

Q4: As is clear from above, I am not really a planner. I rather think of myself as a sculptor, except that I don’t have a piece of stone or marble to work with. My first draft is the working material. Once I’ve created that I start chipping away.

 

Q5: The word count of the new book is approximately 110,000. The word count of my first draft was over 200,000 so you can see a significant editing job was done. My plots tend to be quite complex and I don’t think I could manage anything much shorter but I think 110,000 to 130,000 is a good length for a thriller.

 

Q6: I am conscious as I write my first draft of teeing up various characters and situations but as I say don’t formally plan a structure in advance. After a while, I tend to find everything comes together in its own way. I seldom make major structural changes when I get down to editing.

 

Q7: I find writing the first draft very hard work. Also waiting for comments on the submitted manuscript is tough.

 

Q8: Editing is good fun. Also I love creating a fictional world all of my own and then sharing it with my readers.

Dead In The Water by Mark Ellis is out now in paperback by Headline Accent, £9.99.

 

 

 

10 Interesting Facts about the World to Blow Your Mind

Posted on by

When you think of the world in general, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of the different cultures that exist on our planet. Maybe you think of the vastness of space and all of the galaxies that make up our universe. Or, perhaps you think of all the different animals and plants that call the world home.

When you think about the world, there’s no denying that it’s a fantastic place. There are so many interesting facts about the world that it’s impossible to know them all. Here is a list of some fun facts of the world that will blow your mind!

Why One Should Learn About the World and What It Has To Offer?

There are many reasons to learn about the world and what it offers. First, by understanding the world, one can develop a greater appreciation for their own culture and heritage. Additionally, knowledge of other cultures can help to promote cross-cultural understanding and respect.

Furthermore, learning about the world can also help develop a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. Finally, understanding the world can open up new opportunities for travel and adventure. By doing so, you enrich your life in various ways.

What Is the Best Way To Learn About the World?

There are many ways to learn about the world. One can read books, watch documentaries, or travel to different countries. Additionally, one can also learn about the world by talking to people from different cultures.

No matter what method you choose, the important thing is that if you make an effort to learn about as much of the world as possible, you can truly appreciate all that our planet provides.

10 Amazing Facts About the World

From the tallest mountain to the very depth of the ocean trench, our planet is home to incredible features. Here are ten fun facts about the world that are sure to blow your mind:

1. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth, measuring 29,029 feet above sea level.

2. The Mariana Trench is the deepest point in the ocean, reaching 36,201 feet.

3. The Sahara Desert is the largest globally, covering an area of 3.5 million square miles.

4. Lake Baikal in Russia is the oldest and deepest lake globally, dating back over 20 million years.

5. The Amazon rainforest is the largest globally, covering an area of 2.1 million square miles.

6. Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, with an average temperature of -58 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Africa is the most populous continent on Earth, home to over 1 billion people.

8. Europe is the smallest continent globally, covering an area of only 10 million square kilometers.

9. One of the world’s most active volcanoes is Mount Vesuvius in Italy, which famously erupted in 79 AD and buried the city of Pompeii beneath layers of ash and lava.

10. The world’s longest river is the Nile, which flows for over 6,700 kilometers through Africa.

So, mentioned above were some of the most interesting facts about the world that will blow your mind. The world is a fascinating place, with so much to offer in its beauty and diversity.

 Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Leaping into Summer with LeapFrog and VTech

Posted on by

We love VTech toys at Frost. They are so imaginative and great for learning.


LeapFrog Ironing Time Learning Set (18+ months)

£18.99 | Smyths Toys Superstores

Children can press into learning about shapes, colours and counting with the motion-activated Ironing Time Learning Set™! This interactive iron plays songs, silly phrases and sound effects when kids move the iron back and forth. Join the iron in 10+ learning activities! Count to five or sing along to the alphabet song as you iron the included play clothes. Turn the temperature dial to hear about colours, fabrics, and low, medium and high heat.

2-in-1 Touch and Learn Tablet (2+ years)

£23|Argos

Children can flip and twist their way through learning this summer with this two-sided, screen-free, pretend tablet. Cleverly switching from portrait story mode, to landscape activity mode, children can read along to their favourite stories and enjoy 14+ touch-sensitive interactive learning areas covering shapes, animals, numbers, emotions and early science concepts.

VTech Toot-Toot Drivers Airport (1-5 Years)

£34.99 | Argos

Fly in to Summer with the Toot-Toot Drivers Aiport. Let’s get ready to fly to your destination! Spinning cloud lets you fly the jet around the control tower! Launcher will send the jet speeding down the runway! Also includes Toot-Toot Jet, 4 SmartPoint™ locations, spinning radar, wind meter, runway lights & more.

VTech Marble Spiral City (4+ years)

£24.99| Smyths Toys Superstores

This exciting colour coded play set features all the pieces you need create a wild Marble Rush™ city. With 5 marbles included and 62 building pieces to assemble, there is plenty of fun to be had for both beginners and pros! Watch as the marbles rush around the swirling funnel, corkscrew and out of the launcher! This play set is compatible with other VTech® Marble Rush™ items! Includes easy to follow assembly instructions!

 

4 Essential Equipment to Have in Your Home Gym

Posted on by

4 Essential Equipment to Have in Your Home Gym

 

Setting up a home gym is a dream for many. Whether it’s just a small corner in your garage with a few dumbbells or a full-fledged home gym with power racks and other equipment, your home gym can help you achieve your fitness goals. Depending on the available space in your home, you might have to carefully choose the right equipment that will fit the space without cluttering it. You need to have free space to move around freely without obstacles leading to accidents and injuries.

 

It would often make sense to purchase home gym packages instead of buying individual equipment. It will not only save you a lot of money but using the equipment from one brand gives you compatibility and consistency in your workout. As different brands have different measuring standards, it’s best to purchase the complete packages that come with all the essential workout equipment such as power rack, dumbbell rack, Olympic bar, weight plates, cable setup, and different attachments. Before you plan to set up your home gym, you need to know what equipment is necessary. Here are four essential pieces of gym equipment that you must have in your home gym.

 

1. Training bench

 

A training bench is one of the crucial additions to your home gym. They allow you to lay on it for lifting weights and use them for support for numerous exercises like bench presses, shoulder presses, step-ups, decline pushups, dips, and many more. Many home gym packages include training benches as their standard addition.

 

The training bench should be adjustable to different angles so you can perform inclined, fat, and declined exercises with ease. The bench should be made from high-quality, durable material to withstand your weight and provide stability while lifting weights. The foam material should also be high quality to avoid slipping and offer a better grip.

 

2. Power rack

 

The power rack or weight rack is the centerpiece of your home gym. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced lifter, adding a power rack to your home gym will offer a lot of functionality in your workout. You can perform many workouts on the power rack, such as deadlifts, squats, bench presses, pullups, lat pulldowns, dips, etc.

 

Lifting heavy free weights can be dangerous, especially when you don’t have a spotter to spot you. In such cases, power racks offer a safe workout environment to perform your workout with safety and ease. Power racks can lift more than 1000 pounds and have different attachments for various exercises.

 

3. Resistance bands

 

Resistance bands are the most versatile yet often overlooked fitness equipment. A resistance band helps tone your muscles by targeting particular muscle groups through resistance training. When you use the resistance bands, it creates substantial pressure on your muscles and contracts them. The thickness of the band also plays a key role. The thicker band needs more resistance to stretch, which means your muscles get activated with higher resistance. Resistance bands come in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and resistance capacities. Resistance bands are a must-have in your home gym, whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete.

 

4. Foam floorings or mats

 

Weight plates are heavy, and they are made of metal. If you accidentally drop them on the floor, they can easily break the files and cause severe damage to your flooring. Therefore every home gym must have foam or rubber flooring to protect the floor. These floorings offer better grip as well. You don’t want to slip while squatting 200 pounds of weight on your shoulders.

 

Your home gym must have all the essentials to make your workout easier and more intense. You can also add other non-mandatory additions to your home gyms, such as motivational posters, downlights, and a music system to create that energizing ambiance of commercial gyms.

 

WANDSWORTH JOINS THE BIG PLATINUM JUBILEE LUNCH

Posted on by

Partnering with the World Heartbeat Music Academy to provide free live music for the occasion across Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common, Tooting Common,Furzedown Recreation Ground and Coronation Gardens.

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Enable and Wandsworth Council will be participating in the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday the 5th of June. Not only will they be helping you find your perfect picnic spot, but will also provide free lunchtime entertainment in Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common, Tooting Common, Furzedown Recreation Ground and Coronation Gardens, to make for the perfect summer picnic.

Not for profit Enable is also delighted to announce it has successfully been awarded a grant from Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s Create’ Jubilee Fund, administered by The London Community Foundation, to deliver a special programme of musical entertainment for the occasion. The Foundation provides critical funding to community-based organisations around the city, in its mission to support grassroots organisations.

The focus of this fund, as Arts Council England note, is to ‘empower community organisations to work collaboratively with artists and cultural organisations in a way they might not have before, producing creative events that are driven by them and highlight their ideas and creativity.’ In this spirit, Enable is excited to partner with the World Heart Beat Music Academy to provide free live music and entertainment for the Wandsworth community as they celebrate the collective history of the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

Thanks to the grant given by Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s Create’ Jubilee Fund, Enable will work with the World Heart Beat Music Academy to provide a series of music education workshops to local primary schools within Wandsworth, culminating on the event day with performances from the participants.

Featuring young local musicians aged 5-25, the Wandsworth based World Heart Beat Music Academy promotes music as a universal form of communication – that transforms the lives of young people through its unique and richly diverse teaching environment, where young talent is nurtured through a broad programme of music lessons, workshops and events, matching the Big Jubilee Lunch theme of community cohesion perfectly.

Started in 2009 by the Eden Project, The Big Jubilee Lunch is a national opportunity for all communities to celebrate their connections, bringing neighbours together and getting to know each other a little bit better. And what better setting than our beautiful Wandsworth green spaces for five incredible performances from young musicians and artists. So, pack your picnic blankets and Coronation chicken sandwiches and head to your local greenspace for a special Wandsworth royal knees up.

The Big Jubilee Line-up

Battersea Park –  World Heart Beat Music AcademyContemporary Gig Bands – 12.30PM
Tooting Common – New Orleans Second Line Marching Band – 13.00PM
Wandsworth Common – Otto and the Matapa Calling – 13.00PM
Furzedown Recreation Ground – Rebecca Wing’s Jazz Band – 14.00PM

Coronation Gardens – World Heart Beat Music Academy Piano Party – 13.00PM

 

Follow Enable’s social media for more information over the coming weeks

Instagram: @enableparks Twitter: @enableparks

Dantoy Create Toys From Recycled Maritime Materials

Posted on by

In 2018 dantoy launched its BIO-line which was made from sugarcane. In 2020 dantoy launched their GREEN BEAN line, which is products made from internal waste. Last year in 2021 dantoy launched their Take Back Strategy, in which they collect damaged dantoy toys to turn them into brand new toys.

Dantoy, toys, toy
Now in 2022, dantoy has presented its newest line – Blue Marine Toys, a unique solution in which toys are made from recycled maritime materials.

“Sustainability is not just a trend – it’s our DNA. By being open and welcoming the use of new materials, we can crack the need for new materials. It is a long and hard battle but here at dantoy it is a natural part of how we work and think” – Marck Matthiasen, CEO dantoy.

Blue Marine toys is the new and fascinating line produced from waste maritime materials, including fishing nets, ropes and trawls. At their factory in Hobro, Denmark, it then turned into sand and water play toys, all in bright and appealing shades. The colours and the surface of the products will be different from what we are used to, but this is international, to symbolize to retailers, parents, and children that the toys are 100% unique and fully sustainable.

“It is exciting and challenging to make colour mixes from fishing nets that have a dark green color as their base material. You have to think differently to achieve the different shades” – Inge S. Knakkergaard Quality and Environmental Coordinator, dantoy.

The toys are directly inspired by the ocean and are made from Blue Marine Toys is a line of sand- and water play toys. The colours and the shapes are inspired by sand, water, corals, etc. The development department at dantoy believes these all add an extra dimension to their newest line.

It is estimated that more than 12 million tonnes of plastic will end up in the sea every year. 10% of this is maritime waste, such as nets, lines, and ropes. dantoy believes it is a natural choice to develop a line where sustainability can improve our oceans.

The dantoy Blue Marine Dumper costs £19 from Coolshop.co.uk

For more information visit dantoy.dk

 

5 Critical Things You Must Know About Kratom Capsules

Posted on by

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia used for centuries as a natural remedy for pain and depression. Today, it is gaining popularity in the USA as an herbal supplement, typically sold in the form of capsules. While kratom capsules may offer some potential benefits, some risks are also associated.

Research has shown that kratom contains compounds with essential analgesic properties, which can effectively treat chronic pain. Additionally, several studies have confirmed its effectiveness as an antidepressant, providing relief from symptoms like persistent sadness and low moods.

It is essential to buy kratom capsules from a reputable source like Kratom USA. This will ensure you get a quality product and avoid potential health risks.

1. What are the Ingredients Used in Kratom Capsules?

These capsules contain an extract from the leaves of the kratom tree. The leaves of this tree have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, which are thought to come from the alkaloids they contain. These alkaloids interact with the body’s opioid receptors, resulting in pain relief and improved mood.

US citizens must be cautious while buying kratom as it is legal in some states, whereas it is banned in others. It is advisable to check the legal status in your state before buying it.

2. How Do Kratom Capsules Work, and What are Their Benefits?

At a basic level, these capsules consist of powdered extract that has been placed inside of a pill casing. Although there are different methods for taking this supplement, tablets are one of the most popular because they are convenient and easy to use.

They work so well because they effectively deliver the compounds in kratom directly to the bloodstream. This means that you get the maximum benefits from your dose with no wasted product. Additionally, some people find it difficult or unpleasant to take liquids or powders, so capsules provide an alternative method for ingestion.

3. How Should They Be Taken for Optimal Results?

For the best results, it is recommended that you take capsules on an empty stomach. This will help ensure that the body absorbs the tablets more quickly and efficiently.

It is also vital to stay hydrated while taking medicine, as this will help prevent any adverse effects from occurring.

4. What are Their Side Effects?

These tablets are generally considered to be safe when taken as directed. However, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include upset stomach, constipation, and headaches.

Studies show that US citizens use kratom for pain, anxiety, and depression. There are more than 30 vendors in the USA from whom you can buy these herbal supplements. Out of these, some vendors provide free shipping on specific orders.

5. What is the Cost of the Capsules in the USA?

The expense of kratom capsules in the United States varies depending on the source, but it is usually cheap.

● $15 for a bottle of 50 capsules
● $28 for a bottle of 100 capsules
● $52 for a bottle of 200 capsules
● $99 for a bottle of 400 capsules

Before taking any supplement or medication, it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to provide you with guidance on using them safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Overall, kratom capsules are very convenient and easy to take, which makes them a great choice for those who want to experience its benefits without any hassle.

Just ensure that you buy them from a reputable seller like Kratom USA so that you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try kratom capsules today!

Collaborative post with our brand partner.