Author Archives: Frostie

The Wonder of Play Brought to Life Through Geomagworld

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Geomag’s popular Magicube Full Color line has added to their range. Magicube building blocks are made from 100% recycled materials and provide hours of endless magnetic fun.

We love Geomag at Frost. They are brilliantly made toys with endless possibilities. They are perfect for children of all ages.  A must buy.
Swiss toy brand Geomagworld has provided educational and fun toys since1998. Their award-winning and STEM-enriched toys help children’s playtime become full of educational elements. Geomag’s range of Magicube toys is the perfect addition to children’s playtime. Magicube is a unique building block systemmade up of magnetic cubes that attach on all six sides and is made entirely from 100% recycled plastics, ensuring the construction toy world is even more respectful of our planet.

100% Compatible, 100% Fun

The Magicube system quickly evolved into a whole new world of magnetic building blocks and Full-Color lines have proved popular with children, parents, teachers, and retailers.  All Magicube lines have been made from 100% recycled plastic since 2021.  Importantly all are fully compatible with all other cubes within the Magicube platform. The newest addition, fresh for 2022 is the Geomag Magicube Full Color Recycled Try 8 Piece Set (062), is a low-cost starter pack and a perfect introduction into the world of Geomag. The set allows children to explore the world of construction made with easy-to-use magnetic cubes. The new 8-piece set is fully compatible with all other Magicube sets. The Geomag Magicube Full Color Try Me 8-piece set joins the current Full. Color range, which includes 16-, 24- & 64-Piece Sets.


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What is the “Don’t Tread On Me” Flag?

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Flags have long existed and everyone loves to own one. The design and symbol give a flag its meaning and history, and its bearers get a sense of pride. 

There are many types of flags designed each year, and each one holds its significance. For instance, the “don’t tread on me flag”, also known as the Gadsden Flag, is a famous American flag. It gives tremendous pride to its bearers because the flag stands for a celebration of rights, privileges, and liberties. The snake especially reflects strength, courge, assertiveness and vigilance.

What is the history of the Gadsden flag?

The Gadsden flag, often known as the Dont Tread On Me flag or the flag with the coiled rattlesnake, has a rich and fascinating history attached to it. The flag is one of the earliest flags in the United States of America. It is based on the timber rattlesnake, which is usually found in the eastern region of the United States. The serpent that became the Gadsden flag’s focal point was initially a motif on the drums of the first five businesses of United States Marines. 

The earliest documented usage of the Gadsden flag was during the American Navy’s first expedition, sometime in December 1775. Just before the navy sailed, South Carolina businessman and veteran Christopher Gadsden made the flag during the American Revolution and presented it to the captain of the fleet, Esek Hopkins. The flag was the motto and a personalized flag of his ship.

Later, Gadsden had gained inspiration from Hopkins’ last post’s banner, the Providence Train of Artillery. On a gold backdrop, their version of the flag contained a curled rattlesnake and the inscription “Do Not Tread on Me,” as well as an anchor, artillery, and the phrase “In God We Hope.”

Gadsden provided Hopkins with a simpler version of the Don’t Tread On Me flag. Despite its usage by the emerging US navy, Congress adopted the rattlesnake sign as the War Office’s authorized signatory in 1778.

The Gadsden flag had existed since the beginning of dissatisfaction. The inscription “Don’t Tread On Me” was co-opted by Tea Party demonstrators in the early 2000s. The flag had flown everything from the midst of Iraq to Riverdale, New Jersey’s town hall.

Where to get the Gadsden flag?

The Gadsden or the don’t tread on me flag can be purchased through any online store where you can see many buying options and variants of the flags. Apart from designs, the online stores can give you the best quality flags with no compromise on the delivery of the product. 

When you get the finest Gadsden flag online, you can proudly display this flag in front of your house or apartment for everyone to see. Because of the robust polyester material, these flags will survive a lot longer, even when exhibited outside. Thanks to the knitted polyester material, adverse weather will not damage or spoil the flag. After first being acclimated to changing conditions, the paint will stay in good condition. High-quality dye-sublimation technology produces vibrant colors that will not peel or tear off the flag easily.

Interestingly, the graphics of the flag are imprinted solely on the single side of the flag. But due to the reverse design that is flowing to the other side because of the material used, the graphic will be seen through both sides without incurring any issue. 

You can purchase the flag in the usual 3×5 size or add components to your order to assemble the flag. Select a hand-held flagpole, a wall mounting, a pole mount, or a huge in-ground metal pole. Just remember to buy a tear-resistant flag and use it anywhere.

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Tips To Choose a Good Outdoor Bench

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If you have an outdoor space you will probably want to set it in such a way that you can sit and enjoy yourself here with family. Those who spend time in their garden will know the importance of having an outdoor bench. You can sit on this whenever you want to making your backyard seem like a more comfortable area. With a good outdoor bench you can enjoy the sunshine, have a warm cup of coffee, etc. There are many different types of outdoor benches available in the market. You might be finding it tough selecting the right one which will be perfect for you. You definitely do not want to end up with some ugly and uncomfortable bench that squeaks when one sits on it. 

The following are some tips to keep in mind when buying outdoor benches:

Consider your space

It is important to keep your space in mind. You may be looking for a bench for some large outdoor area or maybe a small one. Those with huge gardens can choose bigger benches. Smaller benches will be better for smaller outdoor areas. The design along with the size of the particular benches should match and accentuate the appearance of the garden. 

Make sure that the bench has enough space so that your friends as well as family can sit comfortably on it. The bench must have the ability to seat at least two adults in a comfortable way. It is necessary that the design along with material employed should maintain the benches structural integrity even after it has been used many times.  For expert guidance on durable and aesthetically pleasing bench designs, consulting with a professional in landscape design Cumming can provide valuable insights.

Material used

The material employed in the construction along with the design of a bench will determine whether it will last or not. The following explains some main materials that you can consider.

Those who want to get an all-natural outdoor style can choose wood. Find the ones that are made using center-cut heartwood lumber which has consistent grain. The bench must be screwed with zinc plated or even stainless-steel screws. The screws utilized in timber outdoor benches allow tightening to be easy in case the bench will even become loose due to age. Some good wood for outdoor beeches are natural cedar or pine, teak, Australian Jarrah and natural wood. 

Metal is another material to consider. Similar to wood, you need to keep in mind how well the particular metallic outdoor benches will handle harsh weather. This is just something that needs to be considered when buying any outdoor furniture. The appearance should also match your outdoor space. Some types of metal include extruded aluminum, cast aluminum, ornate iron, and retro metal. 

The following are only some tips to consider when looking for outdoor benches. It is better to choose something stylish which will look good in your outdoor space. It should also be a sturdy bench made with good-quality material which can perfectly handle any pressures being put on it. You do not want it to get spoilt by rain for instance.
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Catherine Yardley My Writing Process.

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As a little girl my nose was always in a book. I would even read a book a day when I was ill. I loved Enid Blyton and Judy Blume. I started writing song lyrics because I was in a band when I was younger and then I changed the song lyrics to poems. I sent them off and one of them ended up in an anthology when I was eleven. It was the start of something for me. I also had a very good English teacher who really encouraged me and told me I could be a writer. All a young person needs is for someone to believe in them.

I have been writing since I was in single figures but I let it slide for a few years to go off and work in the film industry. I started again when I had children and I am so glad I did. I got taken on by one of the first agents I contacted and then I got a traditional publishing deal too. All from the first batch of submissions I sent off. I got offered two different publishing contacts for Ember and I decided to go with Pegasus. They have been amazing. I cannot recommend them enough.

What you have written, past and present.

I have written non-fiction in the past, as well as a lot of articles and such. I have been a travel writer, a restaurant critic and a theatre critic. Ember is my debut novel.

Ember, Catherine Yardley, author.

What you are promoting now. 

Ember is a story about a family who’s father left them on Christmas day when they were kids. Thirty years later the younger sister is getting married and that brings their father back into their lives. The story revolves around Dr Natalie Holmes and her boyfriend Rob in the present day, and her parents Tim and Jacqueline in the past.

Natalie goes off the rails when her younger sister gets married and pregnant before her, and her father comes back into their lives. She dumps her boyfriend on the side of the road and drives off in his car. The book is about love and family. A part of the book is about whether or not we should allow family in our lives if they have been left wanting. Can a family that has been torn apart ever heal their wounds? Will Rob and Natalie get back together? Read it and find out!

Here is the blurb:

A family torn apart by their father’s infidelity are forced to confront the past thirty years later. As Natalie’s younger sister, Amanda, prepares for marriage and impending motherhood, her plea for the family to reunite uncovers pent-up tension and animosity. Can they forget the past and become a family again?

Natalie’s life begins to unravel as their father starts to creep back into their lives and family tensions resurface, affecting her relationship with her boyfriend, Rob. Will the couple find their way back to each other, and can a family that has been torn apart ever heal their wounds?

Can you ever walk away from someone you love, or do some fires never die out?

A bit about your process of writing. 

This was my first novel which I wrote simultaneously with another novel. I would wheel my son around in his pram until he fell asleep and then I would write 2000 words on my iPhone. I always try to write the first draft as quick as possible. I like to keep up the momentum and the same energy. I do 2000-3000 words a day. Editing is always tough but I am as relentless as the editing. Ha.

I have three kids so I have to write whenever I can and focus on it. Having kids has trained me to be ruthlessly efficient when I need to.

Do you plan or just write?

I just write. Total panster. You need an idea and a handle on the character. Then just let yourself fly.

What about word count?

I do 2000-3000 words a day.

How do you do your structure?

My agent, Susan, says I have a great sense of structure and it is one of the nicest things anyone has said about me. I think it is because I read so much. I am with Stephen King. To be a good writer you need to both write and read a lot. Reading teaches you to be an excellent writer.

What do you find hard about writing?

Finding the time.

What do you love about writing? 

Everything.

Advice for other writers. 

Get on with it. Don’t give up. Write and then rewrite. Submit endlessly. Don’t let the rejection get you down. You have to be able to take rejection if you want to be a professional writer. Just take the feedback on board, edit and then send away somewhere else. You can do it!

Ember is out on the 31st March and is available from WH Smith, Waterstones, Amazon and The Book Depository.

The 5 second breakfast solution from FOGA, giving busy people their daily RDA

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British wellbeing brand FOGA, have just launched their new range of freeze-dried ‘just add water’ food-state multivitamin plant-based smoothies that contain the full RDA of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients – making them one of the easiest and most cost effective ‘fast-food’ breakfast or snack solutions for busy people.

FOGA’s new range of all-in-one food-state multivitamin smoothie blends are the ultimate, healthy breakfast or snack solution for busy people

Just add water and in 5 seconds you can enjoy a delicious, and nutritious organic fruit, veg and superfood smoothie that provides all your essential daily requirements of vitamins and minerals
Simply add water and whizz your FOGA in the FOGAMATIC USB charge portable blender, and enjoy anywhere at any time. It’s the ultimate on-the-go health solution.

smoothies, busy, quick.
Forget shop-bought, sugar-laden smoothies – FOGA has a healthier solution.
Many people have little time to make healthy food, so FOGA have created a new wellness solution that suits everyone, from busy mums on the school run, to time poor office workers.

Made in seconds by whizzing with water (in a FOGAMATIC personal blender, or any other blender), the shakes combine over 150g of freeze-dried organic fruits, vegetables, and superfoods with FOGA’s new food state multi-nutrient complex – an innovative technique of infusing vitamins into organic buckwheat sprouts to create food state nutrients for easy absorption and maximum bioavailability.

FOGA smoothie blends are free from sweeteners, flavourings, and preservatives of any kind, and are fully plant based (and including B12 and D3) and contain no gluten ingredients.

No fruit? No problem!
Available in 20 delicious flavours, including Peach & Cayenne, Banana & Turmeric and Passionfruit & Papaya, a FOGA smoothie in the morning is a super easy way to boost your daily fruit and veg intake. Just enjoying one daily FOGA plantshake can increase your fruit and veg to up to 30 portions a week – as well as now ticking off all your vitamin and mineral needs. No matter how busy your day gets or how tempted you get by other deliciousness, you’ll know that you have your daily nutrients covered. Just add a pouch to water and whizz for an enjoyable food solution that supports your health across the board.

No blender? No problem with the new FOGAMATIC portable blender!
You can worry even less about how to get your goodness on-the-go, no blender at the office? No problem. FOGA have launched the new FOGAMATIC a portable blender. This handy handbag sized USB charge portable powerful blender whips up FOGA shakes to silken perfection while retaining maximum nutrition and flavour. No plug-in cable or batteries needed, the FOGAMATIC is ready whenever you are – take it to work, pop it in your gym back, pack it for your commute – be that train, plane, or car journeys – it’s so quiet that you could even use it in the library! Available in Matcha, Coconut and Strawberry colour – take it with you wherever you are and keep your health goals on track.

Frost Loves LAIBA and Maxim Schulte

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LAIBA Special Edition #01, a cocktail set created by world-renowned Maxim Schulte, formerly of The American Bar at The Savoy and currently the head bartender at KOL Mezcaleria, London.

In just 30 seconds, start to finish, you can make a delicious cocktail; just shake, add ice, serve and enjoy – the easiest way to be your own bartender.

The LAIBA Special Edition #01 is the complete cocktail experience, delivered to your door. This is the ultimate six-bottle cocktail set including three bottles of both of Maxim’s bespoke cocktails, the Oriental Reviver and the Piña Colada Old-Fashioned.

Maxim Schulte says: “My LAIBA Special Edition reflects my experience previously in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Macau, really showcasing Asian flavours and what they can do in a cocktail.”


ORIENTAL REVIVER
“A twist on possibly my all-time favourite classic, The Corpse Reviver No. 2, invented in the American Bar at The Savoy. We have gin, a little bit of Triple Sec and then we have mandarin. The mandarin replacing the citrus is connected to my past of working for a long time in Asia and really loving the continent, the people, the culture and the flavours.”
– MAXIM SCHULTE

PIÑA COLADA OLD-FASHIONED
“The Piña Colada Old-Fashioned is a riff on my absolute favourite tropical summer drink. I say, if you don’t like a Piña Colada, you have to be either allergic to coconut or pineapple. I love to have an amazing, refreshing Piña Colada on a hot day, but with this version you can have it literally any day. Rum, pineapple, coconut; a little bit of sweet and sour.”
– MAXIM SCHULTE

Priced at £59 for six 90ml bottles from LAIBA Beverages with free next day delivery.

When Dolce & Gabbana does Easter Cakes…

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Try the Easter egg alternative from Italy’s legendary luxury fashion brand. Available from www.souschef.co.uk

The colomba cake (colomba di pasqua) is Easter’s answer to a Christmas panettone! This light, buttery cake is made using natural sourdough fermentation methods, slowly proving over 72 hours to produce a fragrant enriched dough.

Sicilian makers Fiasconaro are renowned for their Christmas panettone collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana, and for the first time last year, the Dolce & Gabbana Easter colomba cake was unveiled on the catwalk of designer confections. Now, this unique and highly sought after version of a classic is back for 2022.

The stunning blue and white tins (oh so giftable!) are designed by Sicilian artists, and inspired by the traditional majolica pottery of the island.

Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Mandorle Di Sicilia Colomba 750g, £34.99
Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Mandorle Di Sicilia Colomba

The first colomba is flavoured with candied orange peel, orange purée and an aromatic, aged Marsala wine. The dough is studded with Sicilian almonds and crunchy sugar crystals. Each cake is shaped like a dove, to symbolise peace at Easter time (columba di pasqua translates literally as ‘Easter dove’).

Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Strawberry & Chocolate Colomba with Sicilian Chocolate Spread

Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Strawberry & Chocolate Colomba with Sicilian Chocolate Spread 1kg, £44.99

This slow-proved sourdough colomba cake is studded with chocolate and swirled with wild strawberry jam. Once you’ve cut a slice of colomba, simply spread with rich, silky Sicilian chocolate spread. A real Easter indulgence.

Byron New Burger, The Easy Cheesy

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bryon easy cheesy burger

Cheesus, what’s this?! A cheeseburger without the beef? Sometimes change can be great! This March, indulge in the tastiest, tangiest, taste bud tantalising burger you’ve ever tried 

The Easy Cheesy is a homage to cheese lovers, vegetarians and everyone in between. Byron burger launches their first vegetarian burger, The Easy Cheesy is a homage to cheese lovers, vegetarians and everyone in between.

This delicious deep fried halloumi burger, will set your taste buds alight, with the crunch of a deep fried Halloumi patty, the tang of pickled red onions and a crispy fried onion ring, with the spice of jalapenos and the delicious combination of smoky BBQ sauce and Byron sauce, all encased in a glazed brioche bun!

Indulge in the tastiest, tangiest, taste bud tantalising burger you’ve ever tried

Launching today, the 8th March, the Easy Cheesy will be available in all Byron restaurants and on Deliveroo, joining the already esteemed beef, chicken and vegan burger options.

For those looking for a complete cheese blowout, why not add a gooey mac & cheese on the side, perhaps some cheesy chips, or additional halloumi fries! Or simply a shake, some slaw, deep fried onion rings, or some good old regular fries!

Easy Cheesy Burger £11.99
Sides start from £3.50
Shakes start from £5.50

www.byron.co.uk