Skinfix Hand Repair Cream & Hydrating Lotion | Stocking Filler Idea

skinfixreviewWe are all for good skincare at Frost and Skinfix have the stamp of approval from Kate Middleton.

Experts in specialised skincare, Skinfix are great for anyone with eczema, dermatitis or dry skin conditions. Their hand cream is perfect for winter, and so is the hydrating lotion. Their hydrating lotion for normal skin increases the fatty acids in skin by 196%. Giving glowing, plump and healthy skin. It is lightweight so it does’t suffocate the skin. Good stuff indeed.

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream is a game-changing natural hand cream that is steroid, fragrance, soy, paraben and phthalates free. Soothing botanicals, rich natural butters and emollient protectives oils make up this ultra-rich formula that offers lasting protection on hands, even though hand washing.

The last time Kate Middleton was in Canada she was personally gifted Skinfix’s award-winning Hand Repair cream by the Canadian Ambassador and took it home with her.

Available nationwide from Boots and boots.com at £15.99, it’s the perfect stocking filler.

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream 2 Ounces by Skinfix

Stocking Filler Ideas: Stance Star Wars Droid Crew Socks

stance-star-wars-droid-crew-socks christmasstarwars starwarssockschristmasFrost loves these funky golf socks from function18.com Perfect for Star Wars fans and golf lovers.

Stance Star Wars Droid Crew Golf Socks. Part of the Star Wars range from Stance, more than once, R2-D2 and C-3PO have helped save the galaxy. Although they form an unlikely pair, they’re at their best when together. After all, the sum is often greater than its parts. Stance’s Droid celebrates the legendary duo from Star Wars. Crafted from premium combed cotton, this classic crew sock surrounds feet in luxury. Its tight, 200 needle count stitching provides a crisp appearance while an elastic arch and self-adjusting cuff hug the contours of your feet. For additional durability, the Droid sports a reinforced heel and toe. These are the droids you’re looking for.

https://www.function18.com/brands/stance.html

Green & Black’s is giving a personal gift this Christmas

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green-blacks-is-giving-a-personal-gift-this-christmas

green-blacks-is-giving-a-personal-gift-this-christmas12016 has been an amazing year for Green & Black’s: the brand has celebrated its 25th anniversary, visited another 7 local towns reviving historic recipes with a chocolate twist, and even released the delicious Dark Sea Salt THIN bar.
This year for Christmas, Green & Black’s are giving a personal gift: a delicious bar of Green & Black’s tailored to the recipient. The Green & Black’s Personalised Bar allows you to avoid the chaos of Christmas shopping, but also give a loved one a bespoke version of their favourite chocolate bar.

Here at Green & Black’s we are excited to be gearing up for the festive season, at the end of what has been a truly special year for the brand. In our 25th year, we have released a new THIN bar, visited foodie hotspots all over the country and now want to celebrate Christmas with something truly bespoke for our customers.

This Christmas, Green & Black’s have made the gift of chocolate more personal with Green & Black’s Personalised Bars. The online personalisation service allows you to make a unique gift with the name of your loved one written across the top of the bar. So that you can really express your special Christmas message, there is also space to write on the back of the bar, meaning the bar can also double up as a Christmas card! With this unique service available for eight of the most popular Green & Black’s flavours, such as Sea Salt, Butterscotch or Ginger, this personalised touch is the perfect small gift for friends and family alike.

For those who want to give a slightly larger present to a true connoisseur of chocolate, the Green and Black’s Connoisseur Collection is another fantastic gift. Perfect for chocolate lovers of all tastes, The Connoisseur Collection is the ultimate chocolate gift to share with friends and family as it contains not only a refined selection of our favourite Green & Black’s chocolate bars, but also its own ‘Tasting Wheel’ and ‘cheat sheet’ for pairing different flavours with complementing Christmas tipples.

Brandt Maybury, Green & Black’s Taste Specialist commented: “After a wonderful year here at Green & Black’s, we are excited for Christmas to finally arrive! A time perfect for spending with family and friends, our Connoisseur Collection is a lovely shared experience whilst the Personalised Bar lets you show that little extra care for your loved ones. Enjoy pushing your taste boundaries, and giving a truly intimate gift to your nearest and dearest with Green and Black’s this Christmas!”

The Green & Black’s gifting range is available from stores nationwide, however for the personalised option, please visit our online store at www.greenandblacksdirect.com and have it delivered direct to your door.

Green & Black’s Personalised Bars: RRP £5.00 + delivery

Personalised covers can be bought to wrap Almond, Burnt Toffee, Butterscotch, Dark 70%, Ginger, Milk, Sea Salt and White. They are able to order online at: www.greenandblacksdirect.com

The Connoisseur Collection: RRP £17.99
The Connoisseur Collection is the perfect gift for any food and wine connoisseur. It contains a selection of our favourite chocolate bars presented alongside tasting notes outlining which dessert wine, port, sherry or spirit compliments each bar.

 

Frost is a fan.

Where To Travel On A Budget In 2017

We’re almost ready to turn the calendar over to a new year, and that means all kinds of suggestions and predictions for 2017 are floating around the internet. People are talking about resolutions, major upcoming events, changes in the world, exciting films on the way, and all kinds of other things. But one of the most enjoyable things to talk about this time of year tends to be travel. The turn of a new year is a great time to plan ahead for a vacation or two, and around this time there are always new (or rather, updated) suggestions regarding where to go.

Here, we want to look at a few destinations in particular that might be ideal for travellers on a budget in 2017.

where-to-travel-on-a-budget-in-2017nambia

Namibia

Even among those who are fascinated by the idea of vacationing in Africa, Namibia doesn’t seem to come up often. Most people tend to focus on places like South Africa, Morocco, or Tanzania. Lonely Planet—one of the better online sources for destination browsing—wrote up a list of 2017 budget destinations and pointed to Namibia’s appeal in a pretty irresistible fashion. Noting the long-term depreciation of the Namibia dollar as a reason that now is a great time to go, the article pointed out desert wildlife spotting, river canyon hiking, and even sand surfing as activities to enjoy. And on top of it all, this is a country filled with rare natural beauty—which of course is the cheapest feature to enjoy on any vacation!

venice

Venice, Italy

If you’re interested in travel, you probably don’t need to be told about the beauty and intrigue of Venice. Viewed by many as one of the most stunning destinations in the world, it’s a bucket list item for a lot of us. However, it also has a reputation as an expensive place to stay. But the aforementioned Lonely Planet post points out that thanks to services like Airbnb it has become far easier to find affordable accommodations in Venice.

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Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi led the way in a write-up about budget travel destinations compiled by the Irish lottery site Lottoland. While primarily geared toward gaming, the site makes a point of posting about fun things for lucky winners to do with their winnings. As a result, this was a nice little travel article. Regarding Hanoi, the point was that despite immense growth and popular recognition as one of the world’s most fascinating cities, has remained incredibly affordable. A hotel room can cost as little as £20/night, and food costs are practically negligible compared to most popular destinations. For those prices, travellers can enjoy an amazing city steeped in history and cultural intrigue.

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Bolivia

Bolivia, and specifically the capital city of La Paz, is also mentioned in the Lottoland write-up, on the grounds that it offers the beauty and charm of Latin America at a far more affordable rate than most other destinations in the region. It’s estimated that a whole day of activity in Bolivia can cost as little as £20, which means that outside of actually getting there, this can be an extraordinarily cheap trip. Best of all, visitors can check off one of the truly magical places in the world from their travel lists: the legendary salt flats, or Salar de Uyuni.

portoportugal

Portugal

Forbes compiled its own list of 30 cheap places to travel in 2017, and was remarkably thorough about it. Portugal was included because it tends to be more affordable than the rest of Western Europe. It’s also worth noting that Portugal is sometimes overlooked alongside France and Spain as a stunning destination. Described in the Forbes article as “California Highway 1-meets-Tuscany,” it’s a beautiful place to explore, and one where you’ll find plenty of comfort in food and wine as well!

The Best Non-Fiction Books For Christmas

theilluminatiThe Illuminati by Robert Howells

An interesting and well-researched book. Worth a read.

The Illuminati: The Counter Culture Revolution-From Secret Societies to Wilkileaks and Anonymous

howtodevelopabrilliantmemorytoolkit

How To Develop a Brilliant Memory Toolkit By Dominic O’Brien

This excellent toolkit has a book, a poster and cards.  Dominic O’Brien is an eight-time world memory champion and knows what he is talking about.

From amazon.co.uk and waterstones.com

greatbritainincolourbook

Great Britain in Colour: Images that define Great Britain by Paul Farrell

A bright, beautiful and unique book. Truly wonderful.

Great Britain in Colour is available here.

howtohygge

How To Hygge. The Secrets of Nordic Living By Signe Johansen

Hygge has been huge in 2016. No wonder as it has been a tough year. This great book is all about Nordic living. From recipes to outdoor activities. Hygge roughly translates to ‘cosiness’ and Signe Johansen shares the secrets of Nordic living and shows you how to adapt it to your life. The Nordic countries are constantly rated as the best for quality of life, this book helps to add to yours.

How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living is available here.

theartistswayjuliacameron

The Artist’s Way By Julia Cameron

A classic book for writers and artists. Essential reading and worth the hype.

The Artist’s Way is available here.

kenclarkekindogblue

Kind of Blue. A Political Memoir by Ken Clarke

A great insight into politics and government.

Kind of Blue: A Political Memoir is available here.

insidehteclintonwhitehouse

Inside The Clinton White House. An Oral History by Russell L. Riley

A riveting and exciting book. It gives a wonderful snapshot into history.

Inside the Clinton White House: An Oral Histories available here.

 

Our editor has three great non-fiction books:

howtobeasuccessfulactor

For actors and aspiring actors

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur

Has had great reviews on both sides of the pond. It has all of the information that any actor needs to make the best career possible.

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur is available here.

theultimateguidetobecomingasuccessfulblogger78654

For bloggers

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger

Has everything you could possibly want to know about blogging, and being successful at it.

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger is available here.

weddingbook

For those planning a wedding.

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity

Gives couples all of the knowledge they need to plan a wedding while removing the stress. An essential book.

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity is available here.

leanin15

Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks The Body Coach

#leanin15 has become huge and rightly so. Joe Wicks helps people get into the best shape of their lives without depriving themselves, All while exercising less. What’s not to like? Great book.

Lean in 15: 15 Minute Meals and Workouts to Keep You Lean and Healthy is available here.

sadanimalfacts

Sad Animal Facts by Brooke Barker

We really loved this book. It is just so original and funny and perfect. It has brilliant illustrations, sad animal facts, and the animals reaction to the fact. One of the best books ever. Endless fun.

Sad Animal Facts is available here.

tonyrobinsonnocunningplan

No Cunning Plan: My Story by Tony Robinson

A wonderful and engaging autobiography from one of Britain’s best, and most prolific, actors. A must read for fans, but also actors and Blackadder fans.

No Cunning Plan: My Story is available here.

The Best Fiction Books For Christmas

sisters at war book review Milly adamsSisters at War by Milly Adams

Brilliant historical fiction. Engrossing and riveting. Read our review of Sisters at War here.

Sisters at War is available here.

Ruby Slippers – by Tracy Baines Reviewed by Margaret Graham short stories reading, writing, books

Ruby Slippers: A Collection of Short Stories by Tracy Baines

A wonderful collection of short stories from one of the best short story writers working today. As fulfilling as it is entertaining.

Ruby Slippers: A Collection of Short Stories is available here.

For the poetry lover

100prizedpoems theforwardbookofpoetry2017

100 Prized Poems: Twenty-five years of the Forward Books. 

A brilliant collection of 100 prized poems from the prestigious Forward Books.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2017

The Forward books are the best way to find the best poets, and poems.

100 Prized Poems: Twenty-five years of the Forward Books is available here.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2017 is available here.

poetry, poetry book, poems, women authors, Scottish writers, poetry book, female writers,

What do you think? A Collection of poems by Catherine Balavage

A great collection of poems from our editor, Catherine. Well worth a read.

What Do You Think?: A collection of poems by Catherine Balavage is available here.

thedressbook

The Dress by Jane L. Rosen

Fun, clever and entertaining. A great book. We really loved it.

The Dress: Nine Women, One Dress… is available here.

maybeafox

Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee

Touching and powerful. A unique and spellbinding novel.

Maybe a Fox is available here.

rubyredfortblinkandyoudie

Blink And You Die. Ruby Redford Series Finale By Lauren Child

The series finale. Just brilliant.

Blink and You Die is available here.

thefoxandtheghostking

The Fox and The Ghost King by Michael Morpurgo

A delightful book with gorgeous illustration from Michael Foreman. Children will love it.

The Fox and the Ghost King is available here.

clovermoon

Clover Moon by Jacqueline Wilson

This is a brilliant book from prolific author Jacqueline Wilson. A great story for children, well written and entertaining as ever.

Clover Moon is available here.

imagineryfred

Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers

Gorgeous and charming. We really loved this.

Imaginary Fred is available here.

theresasnakeinmyschool

There’s a Snake in my School by David Walliams

Colourful and fun. Children love this delightful book. The fantastic illustrations are done by genius illustrator Tony Ross.

There’s a Snake in My School!

 

 

Christmas Gift List For Her

justfabbrownbag justfabbagJust Fab Cullen Bag

This bag is so gorgeous and well made. Smart, stylish and functional. It is the perfect present.

From justfab.co.uk

pinkparcelpink-parcel-review-the-parcel-that-everyone-need-on-her-period2

Pink Parcel

A subscription service that sends the woman in your life sanitary protection, tea, chocolate and beauty products every month. Makes that time of the month so much easier. Read our review of Pink Parcel here.

https://www.pinkparcel.co.uk

jockeyplaidshorts jockaypyjamastop jockeypyjamas4 jokcypyjamas3 jockeypyjamas2 jockeypyjamas

Jockey Pyjamas and shorts.

We love Jockey. You probably already know that because we sing their praises a lot. We particularly love the pyjama set (the bottoms are so soft, they look great, have great detail AND have pockets. There is no bigger win). The shorts are gorgeous while also being feminine.

http://www.jockey.com

caspersheetskingsize caspersheets

Casper Sheets.

Good sheets are one of the most important things. The ultimate in luxury, nothing beats good bedding. You spend so much time sleeping it makes sense to splurge. There are few better presents than luxury sheets. These ones from Casper are high-quality and bang on trend. Win-win.

As the night’s get longer and the day’s get colder, Casper invites you to spend more time in bed with their cosy and comfortable sleep products – available at www.casper.com/uk

Engineered to perfection, the universally comfortable mattress, unique pillow-in-a-pillow, and perfect set of sheets ensure you have the best possible nights sleep every night
Head to bed in Covent Garden: Casper introduces Casper House – a brand new pop-up allowing sleep-deprived individuals to swing by for a well deserved power nap and an opportunity to test out products and re-energise (Open 10am-8pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-6pm on Sundays, from 6th October until end of December, in Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House Arcade)

These pillowcases from Happy + Co also caught our eye. 

happyco

 

 

Christmas Gift List For Him

jockeyboxerbriefs

jockeymenspyjamasJockey Underwear and Pyjamas.

The quality is as amazing as the style. We love Jockey.

From jockey.com
gilletterogueonestarwarssetwhite gilletterogueonestarwarslimitededitonGillette Star Wars Gift Sets.

These Rogue One Star Wars sets were a huge hit with the guys. They love the Star Wars theme, but they also said the razors were the best they had ever tried. High Praise indeed. The Black one has a razor plus three replacement cartridges and is available from superdrug.com. The white one comes with a razor, two replacement cartridges and extra comfort shave oil. Which is really nice of the dark side. Available from boots.com
lyonscoffeebags

Lyons Coffee Bags

Coffee. In a bag. So genius. How has it taken so long for this to happen? Great as a stocking filler.

From waitrose.com, tesco.com, sainsburys.com, ocado.com and morrisons.com

personalised-print-word-art-square-casino

Personalised word art prints and canvases from www.chatterboxwalls.co.uk

christmas cards great christmas cards original christmas cards

Christmas Cards from small independent card retailer https://postmarkonline.co.uk