7 Days of Champagne at Gaucho

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Frostie

With a week of bespoke master classes, dinners and even a special film club, Gaucho will be celebrating the finest of all sparkling wines: Champagne.

Gaucho’s Champagne masterclasses will be hosted by brand ambassadors from some of the most acclaimed Champagne’s, including Mumm and Ruinart as well as having their very own Director of Wine and Head Sommeilier lead guests through the history and making of brands such as Veuve Clicquot and Moet & Chandon.

Those attending can expect to sample Champagne at its best, both as a stand-alone glass of bubbles or in specially developed Champagne cocktails. The masterclasses will leave you with the kind of knowledge that is guaranteed to impress at any celebration or gathering. In true Gaucho style, guests will be given a selection of signature Argentine appetizers during the masterclass.

As well as master classes, Gaucho are also hosting dinners that are set to be an evening of pure opulence with Gaucho’s unrivalled wet-aged steak to accompany these exquisite Champagnes.

EVENTS

Master Class with Ruinart – Gaucho Piccadilly – Monday 7^th September, 6.30pm (£25)

Madame Clicquot Master Class – Gaucho Leeds – Tuesday 8^th September, 6.30pm (£25)

Argentine Sparkling Vs Champagne – Gaucho Smithfield – Wednesday 9^th September, 6.30pm (£25)

Master Class with G.H. Mumm – Gaucho Manchester – Thursday 10^th September, 6.30pm (£25)

Moet Hennessy Dinner – Gaucho Chancery – Friday 11^th September, 7.00pm (£75)

Pernod Ricard Dinner – Gaucho Broadgate – Saturday 12^th September, 7.00pm (£75)

Gaucho’s Film Club Special: Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Gaucho Charlotte Street – Sunday 13^th September, 12.00pm – 2.30pm (£45)

For more information or to book please visit: http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/

It Takes Two… to Make a Baby. All You Need to Know About Men’s Fertility

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Frostie

Although a woman is the one, who will carry and deliver the baby, a man has a crucial role in pregnancy. In fact, almost 40 % of problems with fertility are caused by men’s conditions. *

We have put together some useful tips and fact from our experts for making healthy sperm and giving you the best chance of becoming a dad.

Don’t cook your balls

Heat is among the top causes of reduced fertility in men. ‘Everyone thinks of not having hot baths or wearing tight underpants for men as it may affect sperm health. It’s production takes place at 32°C, which is lower than the body temperature at 37°C. The testes are on the outside of a man’s body to keep them cooler. As they get closer to the body (e.g. by sitting for long periods when driving or cycling) the sperm heats up which may reduce the count.

However, a more surprising piece of research found that men using laptops on their laps was causing a problem with sperm health. In order to balance the laptop, men will often close their legs. This on its own (even without the laptop) raises the temperature of their genitals by up 2.1°C. In conjunction with heat generated by laptop itself it causes a rise in temperature of up to 2.8°C. It might seem like not a lot, but a rise of just 1°C can decrease fertility by 40%!’ explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and author of Getting Pregnant Faster.

Oysters for dinner

‘Stress, pollution, smoking and alcohol – unfortunately, our modern lifestyles tend to decrease our zinc levels. In addition, heating and cooking can also reduce the zinc in foods by 50%. However, this is a mineral not to be forgotten. It not only boosts sperm levels but it also improves it quality (it creates the outer membrane and tail of a sperm.) A low level of Zinc can even lead to impaired fertility.’ explains Shona Wilkinson, Head Nutritionist at www.nutricentre.com.

‘Make sure you include in your diet zinc-rich ingredients such as seafood, lamb, spinach, nuts, beans and mushrooms. Studies conducted by experts from https://www.numan.com/erectile-dysfunction, also show that ‘eating a rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants will not only fuel your grey matter and muscles but can also boost your fertility. Antioxidants cause surges in testosterone, improve sperm quality and increases sex drive.

You can also try AgeLoss Men’s Multi by Nature’s Plus (www.nutricentre.com, £47.00) which is not only high in Zinc but also in libido-optimizing herbal staples rhodiola rosea and ginseng.’ adds Michela Vagnini, Nutritionist at www.naturesplus.co.uk.

There is one, very important amino acid…

L-Arginine is an amino acid, which is crucial for most of metabolic processes. It contributes to the health of vascular system by boosting blood circulation and regulating the relaxation of blood vessels. ‘As it supports blood flow, it is a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction, a common problem associated with infertility. Stress, fatigue and lack of stamina can make men weak and not able to complete the sexual act. In addition, L-Arginine is essential for sperm production (it can be found in large amounts in the head of the sperm). You can find it seafood, eggs, lentils, chocolate and whole wheat grains. You can also go for NHP’s Men’s Fertility Support (www.naturalhealthpractice.com, £32.77), which includes 1000mg of L-Arginine.’ says Dr Glenville.

If you are worried about your stamina, you can also try organic medicinal mushroom supplement by Hifas da Terra, Mico-Cord (Harrods, £55), which enhances cardiovascular circulation and strengthen the body.

Lose extra pounds

We all know that being overweight has a huge impact on our health. Unfortunately, it is also an excellent contraceptive. ‘Extra pounds affect sperm quality, decrease their ability to swim, reduce sperm count and increase damage to DNA. Men, who are overweight, suffer from hormonal imbalance, which causes lower sex drive. So losing those extra pounds should be the first thing on your list!’ says Wilkinson.

No smoking area

Apart from being dangerous for your overall health, smoking can affect men’s fertility on many levels. ‘Toxins found in cigarettes take their tool on not only our lungs but they can also increase the risk of DNA damage in sperm cell. Smoking can also contribute towards erectile dysfunction as it damages the blood vessels. And finally, this awful habit depletes Vitamin C from your body, which contributes to sperm ‘clumping’ together. This can affect its mobility, as sperm are not supposed to stick together – they cannot swim that way.’ says Glenville.

Make those boys swim faster
Have you heard of CoQ10? Apart from being a powerful antioxidant, which helps to protect cells from free radical damage it is also necessary for energy production. ‘Studies have shown that it can not only increase sperm health but also its motility in semen, making your little swimmers more energetic. Unfortunately, CoQ10 decline with age and is extremely difficult to obtain through the diet. Go for Ubiquinol Qu10 by Quest Vitamins (www.revital.co.uk, £23.15).’ advises Sharon Morey, Nutritionist at Quest Vitamins.

* http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/male-infertility-facts

Sun Damage – Short-Term and Long-Term Effects By Dr Kathleen Thompson

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Frostie

Last time we discussed sunburn and sunscreens. But what if, despite all efforts, you get sunburned?

First reduce inflammation. Take anti-inflammatories (eg ibuprofen) and apply bland moisturisers. Cool the affected skin with wet cloths, and keep hydrated. (Pure) aloe vera may help.

Vitamin E may reduce on-going skin-cell damage, which can continue even after sun-exposure. Burnt skin should be protected from further sun. If the burn is severe and covers a large area, or you feel unwell, you may need medical advice.

After several days, your skin will appear recovered, albeit somewhat browner. But this isn’t the end of the story. You will have some permanent damage, which will make your skin look older, and put you at more risk of skin cancer.

Sun UV is responsible for 80% of skin-aging – reduced elasticity (causing sagginess), skin texture changes, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and yellowish discolouration. A recent study has shown that regular sunscreens significantly reduce these effects.

More worrying, it is estimated that, in the UK, sun is responsible for 70-90% of the main skin cancers – malignant melanoma (MM), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Intermittent severe (blistering) sunburn, particularly when young, is probably the major cause of MM. In fact, five severe sunburns between ages 15 to 20 years increase risk by 80%. Conversely, SCC and BCC are related to chronic long-term sun. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk as they have less protective melanin. Some people are also genetically susceptible.

Our immune system always attempts to remove damaged skin-cells, in order to prevent cancer, so any immunodeficiency increases risk. To help your immune system, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

MM arises from melanocytes (melanin-producing cells). MM may look like a new mole, or a change in a pre-existing mole – such as increased size, irregular edge, colour changes, asymmetrical shape, itching, pain, bleeding or crustiness. Melanoma is aggressive, but can be cured if caught early, so do see your doctor if you notice any skin changes. It can develop from melanocytes anywhere – any skin and, rarely, even the eye.

MM is the most dangerous skin cancer, but BCC is the commonest (75%) and SCC is next commonest. Unlike MM, which can appear on skin anywhere, BCC and SCC generally develop on sun-exposed skin. Either may resemble a sore, which won’t heal, a reddish patch, sometimes with crusting or bleeding. BCC sometimes forms a shiny bump of various colours, or an irregular scar. SCC can look like a wart, or a raised growth with a central dip.

Most BCC and SCC can be removed successfully, but if ignored, they can invade deeply, causing serious disfigurement and sometimes can spread elsewhere in the body, particularly SCC.

The best solution is to avoid sunburn and prolonged sun exposure. However once the damage is done, do maintain a healthy immune system and watch your skin carefully for any changes, or odd lumps or bumps which won’t going away – early treatment can cure.

Further Information:

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/facts-about-sunburn-and-skin-cancer

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/sun-facts-and-evidence

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

The How Not to be a Dick Guide

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Frostie

Know someone who loves being a jerk? Is there someone making your life difficult? Don’t worry, help is at hand with this great How Not to be a Dick Book. Bulk buy and hand out liberally.

Do you know someone who just loves to be a jerk? Then we’ve got something that will work – the How Not to be a Dick Book.

We all know a queue skipper, a food hogger, a boy racer and general two-facers. These individuals do the duty not all of us can do – Be a Dick.

Love them or hate them, there here for good, but if you give them a gift this year – make it one that might tone them down just a little.

A humorous hard back to pack with them wherever they go, its helpful tips and funny illustrations will have them in stitches but will also advise on everyday etiquette.

Fight the impossible and diminish dickish behaviour everywhere.

Dicks expect a gift – so give them one that they royally deserve. The How Not to be a Dick Guide, only £11.95 from www.prezzybox.com.

Meat Porter Online Artisan Butcher Review

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Frostie

Online shopping has really taken off in recent years. Now, finally, food has caught up with the trend. Our busy lives demand convenience and our good taste demands quality. Enter Meat Porter. An online artisan butcher who source their meat from the same place as the high end restaurants in London. High end meat delivered straight to your door, sounds good to us.

I can’t pretend I wasn’t excited when our box of meat came. I was even more excited when I opened the box. The meat comes in an insulated box and in the box is a good range of well-packaged meat. There is also a sheet of paper with lots of meat tips on.

Now for the meat: it is delicious. It keeps us going for weeks and is very high quality. The burgers are sublime, the sausages tasty. There is chicken in a delicious sauce that makes everything easy; some glorious rump steaks and some diced pork and pork belly to round it off. There are a number of different boxes to choose from on the Meat Porter site, or you can make up your own. They even do gluten free options.

The box that we reviewed was their BBQ box which costs £50 and has 30 serving. It contains

I cannot recommend Meat Porter enough. The idea is brilliant, the website is easy to navigate and the food is delicious. It may seem expensive but the meat is free range and the price is very reasonable if you consider it on a per meal basis. Get shopping, now.

There is a lot of great recipes on their website.

Meat Porter. www.meatporter.com

Heyland & Whittle Green Tea & Grapefruit Candle Review

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Frostie

British bath, body and home fragrance brand Heyland & Whittle have had a website refresh. The new and improved site offers customers a more enhanced navigation and overall shopping experience.To celebrate we reviewed their Green Tea & Grapefruit candle.

First of all, presentation. The candle comes in a beautiful box and slides out. The candle itself is in a glass container. So far so sophisticated. The scent of the candle hits you as you open the box, and it is glorious. It is a fresh smell with just the right amount of citrus.It is an uplifting, feel-good fragrance that will brighten any room. Even the notoriously fussy people at Frost love it.

Established in 2003, award winning Heyland & Whittle create outstanding natural products with style and authenticity in a variety of exquisite fragrances. The quintessentially British brand make all their products by hand and are expertly cut, filled and decorated for the most beautiful and superb products.

Famous for their soaps, Heyland & Whittle are the largest manufacturers of cold-processed soap in England. Using only the very best natural ingredients, essential oils, herbs and spices, they are combined to create their sulphate and paraben-free range.

Favourite summer scents include Cherry Blossom, Citrus & Lavender, Neroli & Rose, Green Tea & Grapefruit, Sandlewood & Oud and Coconut Vanilla & Black pepper.

Heyland & Whittle products are available at JohnLewis.co.uk nationwide, Fortnum & Mason and online: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk

Candles in Glass £24

Are You Ready for Jurassic World?

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Frostie

Jurassic World is set to take the planet by storm this summer, as the highly anticipated third sequel to the beloved cult classic was released on June 12, 2015.

Originally famous for its then- revolutionary dinosaur DNA plot (gleaned from the Michael Crichton book of the same name) and its state of the art visual effects, the first three Jurassic Park films captured the imagination of a generation of movie goers. It has since become a culture juggernaut, inspiring breakfast cereals, amusement park thrill rides, countless online memes and compelling many a little one to dream of a career in paleontology.

Those adoring fans who were small children when the original two films were released are now in their 20s and 30s, with many now having their own offspring that they cannot wait to introduce to these realistic dinosaur giants. Audiences and film critics alike are excited for the next chapter in the Jurassic World saga, with stars such as Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio and Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt at the helm of this installment of the mega blockbuster.

Featuring a plot that sees the Isla Nublar island amusement park struggling to attract the visitors it so easily enticed to Jurassic Park 22 years earlier, the Indominus Rex is a new hybrid dinosaur introduced to the park – and whose presence quickly goes wrong.

As an ominous voice over in the recent trailer narrates, “She’s a highly intelligent animal. She’ll kill anything that moves.” This foreboding narration is enough to make any audience member shudder with anticipation, and gives a clear clue as to what is about to happen in this film – this dinosaur is hunting for sport, not just for the food.

The director, Colin Trevorrow, had this to say about the somewhat controversial (at least in the blogosphere) decision to use the idea of a genetically modified dinosaur: “There is no shortage of awesome dinosaurs. We could have populated the entire story with new species that haven’t been in any of these movies. But this new creation is what gave me a reason to tell another Jurassic Park story.”

And another Jurassic Park story it shall be, with eager viewers lining up with glee in order to have a peek at the latest in what is one of the world’s most enduring and beloved movie franchises. Many questions are lingering in the minds of the super fans: does Chris Pratt’s character, the so-called “Raptor handler,” have a bond with the seemingly untamable velociraptors, vicious dinosaurs who appear to cooperate with him in an early trailer? Does the Indominus Rex have a backstory, or appear covered in feathers (as many 21^st-century scientists now assert that dinosaurs would have been)? And how will potential sequel subject matter be introduced in this film?

Audiences all over the world are excited to see how this new Jurassic World plot plays out – not to mention excited to see the latest in special effects and digital visual technologies come across on the big screen. For more on the film and to find viewings near you, visit the Cineworld website.

Image credit.

This post was written in partnership with *Cineworld*

Win Tickets To The UK’s Biggest Wedding Show This Autumn

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Frostie

25 – 27 September London Olympia | 2 – 4 October 2015 Birmingham NEC

24 – 25 October Manchester Central

Immerse yourself in inspiration heaven and shop ‘til you drop at the UK’s biggest wedding show this autumn. From exquisite wedding gowns to fabulous flowers, striking stationery to mouth-watering cakes and honeymoon hideaways to show-stopping entertainment, you can try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your big day, under one roof.

Take a seat at the spectacular Catwalk Show, where the latest bridal trends are brought to life by the nation’s finest designers, boutiques and retailers including Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridals, Ian Stuart, Jenny Packham, Maggie Sottero, Eliza Jane Howell, Enzoani, Berketex Bride, Debenhams and many more.

With beautiful bridesmaid dresses, elegant mother of the bride attire and suave groomswear, as well as bridal beauty and hair trends from bareMinerals and Fudge Professional, the Catwalk Show provides style inspiration for the entire bridal party.

Browse an unrivalled selection of wedding dresses under one roof in the Bridal Boutique and Designer Area.

The Bridal Boutique brings together the nation’s leading bridal boutiques and retailers, while the Designer Area showcases couture creations and offers bespoke opportunities from the finest designers including Katya Katya Shehurina, Qiana Bridal, Ivory & Co, Hazaar of London, Zaeem Jamal and many more. From short and sweet tea-length dresses and vintage designs to glamourous ballgowns fit for a princess, there is something to suit every style, shape and budget.

Head to the Wedding Theatre* to discover all you need to know about big day beauty, hair and style.

The National Wedding Show’s glam squad will share their Top 10 Tips for achieving your perfect wedding day look, with demonstrations, tips and tricks for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom. During each session, one lucky bride will be selected for a makeover live on stage and presented to the audience in a breath-taking ‘big reveal’.

Discover breathtaking blooms in the Designer Flower Market, where you can find fabulous floral displays in a plethora of colours together with expert advice from a host of top florists. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional fairytale wedding or planning your very own winter wonderland, there are stylish solutions for all themes and colour schemes.

If you need help transforming your venue in to a spectacular backdrop for your big day, seek inspiration from The National Wedding Show’s host of wedding planners and stylists. Discover everything from dazzling lighting to stylish tableware and signage to create your perfect setting. And if you’re ready to register for a gift list or book the honeymoon of your dreams, your high-street favourites will be on hand to help, including John Lewis, Debenhams, Sandals, Thomas Cook, House of Fraser, Sandals and Turquoise Holidays.

Round off an exciting day of shopping in the Afternoon Tea Room, where you can treat your bridal party to tea and cake, or head to the Champagne Bar – with a glass of bubbly in hand, you can kick back, relax and raise a toast to your future happiness!

Get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the show in style with VIP tickets. The exclusive package includes fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, a complimentary glass of Freixenet, a mini make-under from bareMinerals, the latest issues of You & Your Wedding and Perfect Wedding magazines and a goody box full of beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day.

Frost Magazine has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer 5 lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free! Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.Then comment below saying what you did. Competition finishes at the end August.

Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save up to £5 off the door price**. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486.

*London and Birmingham only

**Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £20 (London and Birmingham) and £18 (Manchester) at midnight the day before opening

For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow

Twitter – @nationalwedding / #TNWS | Instagram – thenationalweddingshow

Terms and Conditions –

• Only available on standard advance adult tickets

• Offer valid on any one day

• Offer valid on tickets purchased via telephone or internet

• Offer subject to availability

• Offer only valid on Autumn 2015 National Wedding Shows at Olympia, the NEC and Manchester

Central

• Ocean Media reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

• Transaction fees apply

• Ticket price includes a free show guide

VENUE & DATES
25 – 27 September London Olympia | 2 – 4 October 2015 Birmingham NEC | 24 – 25 October Manchester Central

If you are getting married then get your hands on a copy of The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity. It has great advice on planning your perfect wedding and is written by our editor, Catherine Balavage. It is also available in Ebook format and is a great guide for wedding planning.

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