Author Archives: Frostie

Toy State Reveals Fantastic Toddler Toys | Christmas Ideas

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Toy State, a toy industry leader and innovator of highly-stylized licenced “lights and sound” and radio-controlled vehicles has a fantastic selection of Christmas toys suitable for toddlers. Designed to cope with tough toddler play and encourage co-ordination and imaginative play. We reviewed the following:

Hot Wheels Extreme Action Sharkruiser– All the excitement of Hot Wheels™ with lights and sounds for extra action. Get ready for extreme fun with the chomping jaws and glowing eyes on Sharkruiser. Ages 3+ Expected Market Retail price £19.99, available from smythstoys.com, TheRange.co.uk, ASDA.com, Wilkinson.com, ToysRUs.co.uk

A huge hit with toddlers. They can barely wait until it is out of the box. Chomps away as it goes. 

Cat Buildin’ Crew E-Z Machines® R/C- You are never too young to start playing with a Remote-Control vehicle. Designed for toddlers, the single button activation allows the child to drive the Cat machine forward when pressing the button or watch it spin in circles when released. There are 2 fun characters to collect including; Haulin’ Harry™ and Rugged Randy™. Ages 2+ Expected Market Retail price £16.99, available from smythstoys.com, TheRange.co.uk, Toymaster.co,uk and Debenhams.com

A brilliant little toy for toddlers. Easy to use and tons of fun. It also helps their coordination. 

 

The Sleighmaker: A Christmas Story That’s Never Been Told By Ian Shepherd

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A novel that could well become a seasonal classic, this traditional Christmas tale is sure to win the hearts of children and adults alike.

Set just before the turn of the 20th century, The Sleighmaker is an unapologetic homage to the traditional children’s stories of the Victorian era, and is a richly rewarding tale of the importance of companionship and hope overcoming loss.

It is the debut of author Ian Shepherd, but you wouldn’t think it is his first book with the mastery of description, characterisation, plot and pacing that make it such a pleasure to read.

It’s aimed predominantly at children aged seven and up and, while it might be a little challenging for seven-year-olds to read by themselves, grown-ups are sure to enjoy reading along.

The story’s central character is Drummond, a master craftsman and gentle giant once known far and wide as the most talented sleighmaker around.

However, after a personal tragedy he shuns his trade and the company of the others.

Eventually, he is persuaded to work on the estate of Lord and Lady Harrington and is enjoying the solitude of his new work until a cheerful little boy named William appears.

William possesses unusual calming abilities with both people and animals alike and demonstrated his gift by preventing a nasty accident involving Henry, the Harrington’s young son, and his father’s horse, Jonty, after it becomes spooked by a wild boar during a ride.

Taken into the household, William becomes an apprentice to Drummond. At first, the craftsman wonders how he can be of any use, but quickly falls for William’s innocent charm and finds himself opening up emotionally for the first time since the tragedy.

One room in Drummond’s workshop had always been out of bounds, but William finds a way in and discovers a broken sleigh. With the emotional support and encouragement of his apprentice and a young kitchen maid called Marny, he is persuaded to restore the wrecked sleigh back to its original splendour.

Along with William, he calls on his old friend, the French artist Auguste, and together they create a magnificent sleigh for the winter parade.

Towards the close of the book there is a special twist that I don’t want to spoil, but it’s OK to say that the sleigh goes on a festive ride like no other and Drummond is finally able to move on and look to the future once more.

Author Ian Shepherd comes from a large family where Christmas has always been an extra-special occasion. In The Sleighmaker, he has succeeded admirably in crafting a timeless tale celebrating the true spirit of the season.

It might not have the whistles and bells of modern Christmas gifts, but that’s really the point. It’s a perfectly-wrapped present in itself, aimed at taking kids away from electronic screens if only for a little while.

With its snowy setting and rich descriptions, characters you care for and fair share of mysteries to uncover, this novel will appeal to children and parents who yearn for a simple, magical story packed with more yuletide spirit than a Christmas pud.

The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd is out now through Raj Joshi Publishing and priced £11.99 in hardback, £6.99 paperback and £4.60 as a Kindle eBook. It is available on Amazon UK

The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd is available here. 

 

Win a copy of The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd

We have three paperback copies of The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd, usually priced £6.99,to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just email frostmagazine@gmail.com with your name and address.

The three lucky winners will be notified by 1st of December and will receive their prizes shortly
thereafter.

 

Dulwich Literary Festival 2017 programme announced

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Ali Smith, Alan Hollinghurst, Sam Leith, Henry Blofeld, Mihaela Noroc and many others to appear on the main weekend, 10-12 November. Additional events to take place throughout November, including a spooky All Saints Day special with Andrew Michael Hurley, a pop-up at West Norwood Feast and an evening in conversation with Robert Peston.

 

Dulwich Literary Festival returns this November with a striking line-up of speakers, including celebrated writer Alan Hollinghurst, Man Booker shortlisted Ali Smith, ITV Political Editor Robert Peston, renowned sports journalist Henry Blofeld, The Spectator’s Literary Editor Sam Leith and photographer and social media sensationMihaela Noroc. Presented by award-winning independent bookshop Dulwich Books, events will be hosted at various local venues including Dulwich College, Dulwich Picture Gallery and the bookshop itself. The 2017 programme includes something for everyone, with talks for children, walks for adults, ‘how-to’ workshops and thought-provoking discussions covering everything from sport and literature, to faith and global affairs.

 

Commenting on the festival programme, Susie Nicklin, owner of Dulwich Books said: “We are delighted once again to bring together some of today’s most celebrated authors, leading thinkers and local writers in Dulwich, to celebrate the best that words have to offer. In times of uncertainty we need to join together in celebrating the things that matter in our communities, whether feasting, worship, education or culture, and books and writers are the perfect way to link them. From Man Booker Prize-winning writers to a creative writing competition for all the young writers of Southwark, there are opportunities for all to participate and engage.”

 

Stand out events taking place across the main weekend include a unique evening with Ali Smith, who will celebrate the work of author and illustrator Tove Jansson at Dulwich Picture Gallery, a free exhibition of photos by Mihaela Noroc, who became a social media sensation with her images of women taken around the world, and a talk with Alan Hollinghurst, who will discuss his much anticipated new novel, The Sparsholt Affair, with the BBC’s Razia Iqbal.

 

Inspiring debate at the festival will be Political Editor Robert Peston, who will draw insights from his career in journalism to address the problems of our time and how we might put them right. Catherine Nixey will discuss the controversial findings of her new book The Darkening Age, which suggests early Christianity might be more violent, ruthless and intolerant than first thought. And, as new protest movements rock the political mainstream, Alexei Sayle, Courttia Newland and Francesca Rhydderch willlook back at dissidents who made history, discussing their contributions to a new anthology of stories re-imagining key moments of British protest.

 

As well as engaging ideas and debate, the festival will offer a number of sessions and workshops for visitors to celebrate pleasurable pastimes and new skills.  Veteran broadcaster Henry Blofeld will discuss a career in cricket with Nicholas Lezard, former National Trust chairman Simon Jenkins will lead a session on Britain’s best railway stations, Peter Fiennes will offer a guided tour of the remnants of the Great North Wood, and Anjula Devi will hold a tasting and book signing at the festival’s West Norwood Feast pop-up to explore the secrets of Indian cuisine.

 

Helping people to write clearly, correctly and persuasively, The Spectator’s Literary Editor Sam Leith will offer top tips from his latest book Write to the Point, award-winning illustration agency Scriberia will hold an interactive drawing session to encourage people to use images to think and communicate more effectively, and designerSusan Wightman will discuss the art and science of typography.

 

The festival will also cater for families, with two exciting children’s events and a short story competition for schools across Southwark. Picture book author and illustratorKate Pankhurst, a descendant of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, will lead an interactive session on fantastic women who changed the world, including fun role-play and craft activities. Local mums Lucy Reynolds and Jenna Herman will also run a free story-time session at the festival’s West Norwood Feast pop-up, reading from their book Parrots Don’t Live in the City. Expect plenty of squawking.

 

Tickets will go on sale on the festival’s website from this weekend. For tickets and more information, visit: http://dulwichliteraryfestival.co.uk/

 

Corkcicle Canteen Review

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The Corkcicle Canteen has impressed me, and it takes a lot to impress me. It keeps drinks cold for over 25 hours or hot for over 12. All while looking very stylish indeed. It is stainless steel and easy to clean. This stylish travel mug is amazing. Seriously, travel mugs just got cool, and hot at the same time. See what we did there? Frost loves.

 

Our bright summer Caribbean green Canteen is the perfect little tag along no matter the time or place. This brilliantly built travel mug is perfect for those beach days keeping your drinks cool for over 25 hours, not only is it made for burning hot days, but can also keep your hot beverages warm for more than 12 hours. Great isn’t it?

The Canteen comes not only in Caribbean Green but in multiple sizes and colours to match each individual’s unique style. It also comes in an array of vibrant finishes such as Copper, Lilac and Peach. So grab your Canteen and have a blast.

It’s super key features include:

  • keeps your beverages cool for over 25 hours and hot for over 12.
  • Available in 3 different sizes – Small (265ml), Medium (475ml) and Large (750ml)
  • A shatter-proof stainless steel interior lining that will not affect the taste of your favourite beverage – Plus it makes your Canteen terribly easy to clean.
  • Three industry-leading layers of insulation eliminating condensation and burning hands
  • The Canteen features a leakproof threaded screw top, easy grip sides and a non-slip bottom for all you clumsy ones.
  • Includes a wide mouth for ice cubes and easy filling!

Simply, the most stylish way to keep drinks cool on the go without the hassle of lugging around a heavy cooler. It’s time to start drinking differently.

From £20.

 

The Corkcicle Canteen is available here. 

Box Appetit Lunch Box From Black + Blum

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Frost loves this stylish and well designed lunch box. It is high-quality and BPA-free. It has an inner dish for food separation, a sauce pot and a fife which is a fork and knife- it has a sharp edge down one side. It is Japanese in design and just very clever. It looks great and is also microwave and dishwasher safe. A very impressive lunch box indeed. 

A practical water tight design for your homemade food. Made from high-quality BPA-free materials and ideal for all ages.Its clever functionality and design accents include an inner dish for food separation, sauce pot for dressings or condiments, and a fife (fork + knife) with a cutting edge for easy one handed eating.Inspired by Japanese bento, it’s most suited for Western dishes yet caters for all your culinary creations. It’s the perfect reusable alternative to boring, fragile and harmful takeaway containers

 

Awesome for adults & cool for kids of all ages

  • Perfect for taking to work, school or trekking
  • Ideal for portion control or special diets
  • Save money, by avoiding expensive take outs
  • Help the planet by reducing food packaging
  • Includes inner compartment, sauce pot & ‘fife’
  • Secure lock down clips
  • Easy to use, easy to clean
  • BPA free, FDA food safe materials
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe

If you want a lunch box that will present your food beautifully and is a joy to use, then look no further. The glass like lid locks to the body for a leak resistant seal. The lid also has a neat sauce dipping area (great for soya sauce for you sushi lovers). It also has a cool sauce pot which is perfect for salad dressing, ketchup or any other sauce you can think of. There is a really useful inner container and this allows you to organise and separate your foods with ease. The fork (or ‘fife’ as they call it, because it ingeniously includes a sharp edge down one side), is perfect for one handed eating. Set your culinary imagination free with the endless ways you can fill this lunch box.

Box Appetit Lunch Box From Black + Blum is available here.

 

 

Bringing Back That Old Looks After Giving Birth

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After giving birth, no matter how difficult was your labor; it’s only natural to take it slow with everything. This especially goes for bringing back your old-self before the birth of your child. For the past nine months, your looks have drastically changed, as it should according to the laws of Mother Nature. Getting back in shape will require your patience and some time as to get the best results. There is no need to rush with fitness routines and diets, on the contrary, the best results are achieved in a long run.

Therefore, here are some tips on how to get back in shape after giving birth:

Start with baby steps

Little by little, some easy-to-do activities can help you begin with the workout. Before six weeks have passed, it is not recommended for women who gave birth by a C-section to engage in any sports activities. Generally, they can start with workout only after bleeding has ceased. Don’t urge yourself to start right away with the intensive workout, but rather start with baby steps. Some simple activities like walking or yoga only a couple of months after giving birth are a good idea.

Listen to your body

Always listen to your body because it knows just what type of pressure it can handle. With crunches, you might put the pelvic floor under a lot of pressure which can lead to health issues later one. Pilates is not the best choice either. Do an exercise that will make the muscles of the pelvic floor stronger e.g. Kegel exercise. You can do this on a daily basis. If the abdominal separation occurred, consult a health care specialist on how to proceed with the physical therapy.

Breastfeed and burn calories

No need to give your baby its bottle just yet. Actually while continuing to breastfeed, your body will burn a staggering number of calories. Some studies suggest loosing up to 500 calories only by breastfeeding. In addition to this as being a fast weight loss method, breastfeeding will help to tighten the uterine muscles as well. Therefore, while breastfeeding, along with caring for your baby; you will be taking care of the weigh. When you think about it, it’s a win-win situation, for you and for your baby, too.

Even at home, make yourself at the gym

Needless to say, since the baby has come, your free time has never been so limited. After you find a balance between sleep time and baby time, try to find some free time and use it to work out in the comfort of your home. Motivate yourself with the right sports equipment like the yoga tights & pants by Lasculpte . With the right outfit, you will be able to move easily and keep track on your progress. Nowadays, exercising at home has never been easier with online workouts tutorials. Not to mention that you can even find various healthy diets and recipes.

The power of protein

Protein is considered as an energy booster because it helps to obtain muscles mass. It is often recommended to mothers who are breastfeeding as well as to pregnant women. Using it can help you   not only build mass but lose calories, too. Therefore, protein powder for weight loss is a quite effective weapon in this battle. When buying a protein powder, make sure it doesn’t contain sugar substitute. Always consult your doctor about which protein powder you should use and do not neglect to get your regular protein intake from food e.g. fish, eggs and meat.

Getting back in shape

Getting back in shape is indeed a hard work, physically and emotionally. One thing that you have to remember is that it’s all about patience and taking it slow in the beginning as to get the optimal results later on. So, take your time. Listen to your body and act according to it. Start with your workout at home. Get your energy up with enough protein intake. Many women tend to put themselves under pressure in order to look like a red carpet celebrity just a couple of months after giving birth. Never fall for that. Indeed, it’s a hard task to get back in shape, but being a full-time mom is even harder.

 

By Ian Pearson

 

Hape Swimmer Teddy Wind-up Toy Review

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bath toy

Frost loves this adorable wind up bath toy. It is cute and makes children giggle and squeal in delight. A great little bath toy. It is easy to use, just wind it up and watch it go. It has fast become a favourite of the Frost toddler. 

With Swimmer Teddy Wind Up Toy watch the adorable little teddy do his thing as you wind him up and watch him go round and round for entertaining delight. Children can enjoy the magic as Mr Teddy performs his swimming tricks.

With Hape Little Splashers bath time will never be the same again!

All Hape products are created using non-toxic finishes, water based paints and only the highest quality child safe materials. So, while your child enjoys hours of fun, you have peace of mind knowing they are gaining essential skills for the years ahead.

Suitable for 12 months +, £12.89 from Amazon

 

Unique Book for Mature Women Wanting to Date Out Now

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 From Dinner Date to Soulmate – Cynthia Spillman’s Guide to Mature Dating – a practical and witty one-stop resource for older women looking to enter or re-enter the world of dating is out now. 

Author Cynthia Spillman, founder of The International Dating Academy and formerly the Chief Executive of Dinner Dates, is on a mission to help mature women re-entering the dating market to find love. For many, following either divorce or widowhood, it is a period of anxiety, uncertainty, and trepidation – all of which can be overcome with appropriate preparation and organisation. As Cynthia states in the book: “Make a Plan. Work the Plan.”

Distilling all the knowledge she has formed from her many years of helping people find love, Cynthia shows how searching for a fulfilling new relationship must be undertaken mindfully and strategically, and that in order to attract the partner she deserves, a woman must first feel good about herself.

From Dinner Date to Soulmate guides readers through a series of proven steps, encouraging them to examine their previous relationship patterns, and provides a whole host of mature dating skills, strategies, and techniques to be put into practice. The book covers both offline and online dating.

 

Cynthia Spillman is Chief Executive of The International Dating Academy, a one stop dating shop for people who wish to improve their dating skills. She was formerly Chief Executive of Dinner Dates, the UK’s top social networking club for elite professional singletons. Her area of expertise is in mindful dating. Her articles have been published in a number of magazines including Vogue, Woman’s Own and online magazine Single Living. She is also an award-winning inspirational trainer and motivational speaker. She has kissed a lot of frogs in her time, but is now happily married to her third husband, Peter. She divides her time between London and Nice.