Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Get Rich Blogging | Book Review

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get-rich-bloggingI met Zoe Griffin at a fundraising event for cervical cancer which was hosted by Jo’s Trust. Zoe is very vivacious and it is hard not to notice her as she is a social butterfly. I chatted to her on the night and said I would review her book, “Get Rich Blogging”. Zoe was the Sunday Mirror’s showbiz gossip columnist. She bravely left her job to start her blog, Livelikeavip. She did this three years ago and now earns a six-figure income and gets 80,000 hits a month. An impressive achievement. But what about the book? Here is my opinion….

Part one lets you know all about blogs and what Zoe wished she knew when she started hers. The book also has great exercises to get your business brain into gear. You may think you know all about blogging and what a blog is but Zoe leaves no stone unturned.

The section on making money will be popular – obviously, otherwise why would you have bought the book- and it does have a lot of great information on Skimlinks, google adsense, link-based advertising and other ad networks. This information is valuable and took me a lot of research to find when I started Frost. I do have to say that earning money from some of these is not as easy as you think, in the three years I had Skimlinks on my blog I made £32, and only $50 per year from infolinks. It is hardly setting the world on fire, and barely covered the cost of running the site. Zoe’s book has given me lots of ideas for other revenue streams though, and I was lucky enough to become a member of Handpicked Media.

The income section is separated between direct and indirect revenue. The above is direct while the indirect is things such as speaking arrangements, public appearances, collaboration and freelance contracts.

The other great thing about the book is that it helps you find the marketplace, and therefore the readers, of your blog. It is full of exercises, tips and quotes. The end of each chapter also has a checklist. The book then talks you through design, preparing for business, getting images and building your brand.

It also has a great chapter on social media: very important in these times. Building a loyal readership and boosting your income are also covered.

Part II is a great chapter of interviews with other bloggers, sectioned into their niche area. Along with tips of each niche area.

This book is an essential resource for those who are not only starting a blog, but also those who already have one. A great book. Five stars.

You can buy Get Rich Blogging here

I will be interviewing Zoe soon so check back for that,

 

Radisson Blu Edwardian Book Club | Things To Do

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81419E1B-24CE-4BC1-9FA8-4A7D828D1D44Out of all of my favourite things to do in London, the book club at the Radisson Blu Edwardian is certainly near the top. The beautiful surroundings, intelligent and sophisticated people, and the tea are the perfect backdrop for a book club. It makes you feel connected to history. If that was not reason enough, in May Radisson Blu Edwardian, Bloomsbury Street, is also giving guests a free copy of The Great Gatsby as part of the book club.

 

This May escape into a world of excess as the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Bloomsbury Street invites you to enjoy Jay Gatsby’s parties, fast cars and mint juleps. The 4-star hotel in the heart of literary London has teamed up with publisher Pan Macmillan to bring its guests a classic celebrating the much anticipated movie premiere of the year. Guests will be able to pick up a complimentary copy of the ‘official film edition’ of The Great Gatsby during their stay.

 

Jay Gatsby’s parties are legendary. Full of the rich and the beautiful, his mansion is the place to drink and dance. But, underneath this air of opulence, lies an obsessive desire for the one thing he really wants but can never have.

 

Set in the roaring 1920s, The Great Gatsby is a tragic love story which shows readers the dangers of believing what you see.

 

The Baz Luhrmann film interpretation of the book, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire, is in cinemas on 16 May.

 

Set in the heart of Bloomsbury – an area which was home to literary legends Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster – the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Bloomsbury Street Hotel is the first hotel to host its very own book club. Every month guests are invited to enjoy the hotel’s recommended book and take away a complimentary copy to enjoy at their leisure.

 

Radisson Blu Edwardian, Bloomsbury Street Hotel,

9-13 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3QD

  +44 (0)20 7636 5601

http://www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/bloomsburybookclub

Amy Childs’ Lashes | Beauty Review

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I received a pair of Amy Childs’ Heartbreaker lashes to review. They look great in the packaging, very glamorous.

I have never put fake lashes on before and wasn’t sure if it would be hard or not. To be honest, I did find it very tricky. Until I got the hang of it that is. It is like applying eyeliner, hard at first but after a while you can do it quickly and with precision. The lashes are really long and dramatic. You could either wear them for a big night out or cut them down. They are also wide but you can easily cut them down. They come with adhesive and can be used again and again.

As you can see in the pic below they are very big. I got mixed reactions, some people loved them, and others thought they were too big and should be cut slightly. Whatever you decide they are good quality and value for money. £8 including P &P. A cheap and great glamour hit.

Catherine Balavage reviewing Amy Childs' lashes

Get A ‘Lash In A Flash’ With Amy Childs’ Lashes
Need a quick beauty pick me up or if you are heading from the office floor to the dance floor and want to change your
look dramatically, then look no further than Amy Childs’ Lashes for a ‘lash in a flash’! A fabulous collection of lashes with
eight different designs to suit every girl and every occasion, Amy’ strip lashes are perfect to change your look instantly.
Durable and long-lasting Amy Childs’ Lashes are designed to be worn over and over again. Wanting to make the modern
girl feel and look beautiful, these lashes are exactly what Amy stands for, whether you want to look glam or natural.
Available in Flirt 2, Temptress 1, Heartbreaker 2 & Tease 1
From elaborate, sexy and seductive styles to subtle, pretty and elegant designs, the real question is will you be a Flirt,
Tease, Temptress or Heartbreaker tonight

www.amychildsofficial.co.uk

 

Pre Cannes Festival 2013 | Social Diary

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May 2nd saw the Pre Cannes Festival. The press release said, “With the very special participation of celebrity guests Carol Cleveland (Monthy Pythons), Patricia Inder (John Lennon’s & Lemmy of Motorhead’s). And Jonathan Hansler (Axed the movie, Cadbury ads), British actress and writer Catherine Balavage, Zoe Griffin author of the book “Get Rich Blogging”, Andrea Iervolino the youngest and most successful Italian producer all the way from Italy.”
Yes, yours truly was honoured to be presented for my acting work. I was quite thrown when Paola Berta told me I would be presented at the event. Lots of thanks to her and congratulations on the event. I was interviewed by Fashion TV amongst others and I had a wonderful time.
Catherine Balavage being interviewed by Fashion TV.

Catherine Balavage being interviewed by Fashion TV.

The event was held at No 5, 5 Cavendish square. It is a beautiful and classy venue. I mingled with Zoe and actor Jonathan Hansler while Fabio Tedde & Paul Wiffen played piano.
Pointing out the Frost logo. We have sponsored the event for the past two years.

Pointing out the Frost logo. We have sponsored the event for the past two years.

I bumped into the vivacious and beautiful Zoe Griffin, author of “Get Rich Blogging” and owner of excellent blog Live Like a VIP, who were kind enough to mention me in the coverage of the event.
I also had a great chat with the makers of new energy drink Think Drink, an energy drink that is natural and tastes great. We also chatted with Delights of Italy who make amazing cupcakes and entirely edible flowers. They were beautiful and delicious.
We also saw some great films from the Cannes Short Corner Official Selections.
SOMEBODY TO LOVE by Braine Hownd FilmsCAVIAR 2 by Beluga Films

COLONEL BADD by Tiger Dreams

UNSPOKEN by Oakman Films

KIR ROYALE by Beluga Films

edibleofflowers frostmagazine

There were also great talks from marketing specialist Kathy Ennis, LA producer and entrepreneur CHRISTIE HSIAO of SERENITY  MEDIA GROUP, British actress and theatre producer VICKY MCKELLER, Gentiane Piovanacci, editor of MAMARAZZI news magazine, popular french artist LADYKAT and from Spain, Mac Chakaveh, president of the MARBELLA FILM FESTIVAL.

 

Keep an eye out for more photos from the event.

Fashion Fabulous Party | Social Diary

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I went along to the launch of the third edition of the Fashion Fabulous book. I was joined by actor/director Jack Bowman and his wonderful girlfriend Mary Burt. I also met the team behind new blog The London Index, Joseph and Leah-Jade. Check them out. Some of their photos are below.

I had a flick through the book and it is brilliant researched. I talked to Tracy and she said that she goes to every single shop and restaurant. Everything is checked to make sure it is of the highest quality. Tracey is also a hat designer and the hat she was wearing was spectacular.

Tracey and Russell Rose fabulous 086 fabulous 079dsc_0689

Sarah Eckersley + Leah-Jade Verasammy + Mary Burt + Jack Bowman + Guest + Catherine Balavage

Frost editor Catherine Balavage with actor and director Jack Bowman.

Frost editor Catherine Balavage with actor and director Jack Bowman.

 

Fashion Fabulous London returns with new guide for 2013

  • The results of an extensive mystery shop uncover the capital’s Top 200 retailers.
  • London’s best shopping districts revealed. Shoreditch and Shepherd’s Bush among up-and-coming areas pushing North Kensington out of the top 10.
  • Customer service in Prada rated equally to Primark.

 

London’s number 1 independent shopping guide, Fashion Fabulous London launched its new guidebook for 2013 on the 24th of April, and it is out now.

 

The third edition of the consumer guide picks out and reviews the top shops in London. The shopping equivalent to the Michelin Guide, the new edition of the book is a must-have for the style-conscious London shopper.

 

Fashion insiders Tracy Rose and Russell Rose have once again compiled the book by making mystery shopper visits to one thousand retailers across the capital. This year’s updated guide highlights the best shops visited by the couple with in-depth reviews of the hottest outlets.

 

This year’s Top 200 retailers named in Fashion Fabulous London include new entries from designer-run boutique Antoni & Alison in Farringdon and rising vintage outlet Emporium in Greenwich.

 

Once again, the West End tops the list of London districts with the most retailers in the Top 200, but new neighbourhoods have arrived in the Top 10 shopping districts.  Shepherd’s Bush, boosted by the presence of fashion destination Westfield London, now sits in the Top 10 ahead of Camden and Islington. Shoreditch has cemented its position as a fashion hotspot by ousting North Kensington from this year’s Top 10.

 

The changes in the guide’s Top 10 shopping districts reflect the increasing spread of quality retailers across London. Tracy Rose comments, “The West End remains London and the UK’s retail heart. However, we found from our visits across the city that lavish outlets and high-end service is far from limited to the boutiques of Bond Street and Savile Row. We are finding that retailers further afield in the capital are increasingly improving the quality of the customer experience, even in the current economic climate.”

 

Shops that offered a personal touch to customers were highly commended by the pair. Tracy states, “We particularly enjoy the experience offered by designer-run boutiques, where the customer can meet the creators of the items on sale. Being myself both a fashion designer and an avid shopper, I appreciate how much consumers value knowing about how their clothes were made.”

 

Each of the top retailers reviewed in Fashion Fabulous London receive a rating out of 5 shopping bags on choice, service and wow factor.  Every store was re-evaluated this year with many receiving new ratings: In service, Bond Street’s Prada store lost its five shopping bag rating while Primark on Oxford Street improved on its one shopping bag rating – both now having two shopping bags in the 2013 edition.

 

Readers of Fashion Fabulous London will discover personal accounts from Tracy and Russell from their visits to each outlet. Tracy recounts the story of a showdown with shoppers in the Alexander McQueen store, with one envious customer snatching a shoe from her grasp. In another review, Russell gets to know Camden’s leftfield Cyberdog shop by trying on a yellow laser print ‘Talk to the Hand’ T-shirt.

 

Russell Rose comments, “We hope that this year’s guide will be the perfect companion for fashion-lovers looking for either high-end or high street shops. Whether you’re looking for shoes or handbags, we’ve taken the leg work out of finding the best stockists.”

 

Fashion Fabulous London will be on sale from 30 April 2013 at leading retailers nationwide including Harrods, Selfridges and Waterstones, and online from Amazon.

 

Top 10 London shopping postcodes

The top 10 districts in London ranked by the number of Fashion Fabulous London’s Top 200 shops in each district.

2013Rank Postcode District 2012Rank
1 W1 West End 1
2 SW1 Belgravia 2
3 W11 Notting Hill Gate 4
4 E1 Brick Lane /Spitalfields 3
5 SW3 Chelsea 6
6 E2 Bethnal Green 7
7 WC2 Covent Garden 5
8 W12 Shepherd’s Bush =11
9 N1 Islington 8
=10 EC2 Shoreditch =11
=10 NW1 Camden 10

Business Continuity For Dummies | Book Review

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Business ContinuityI must confess that when I first saw the title of this book I was unsure what ‘business continuity’ actually meant. Was it to make sure that your business has the same branding through every part of the business? No, it is more obvious: it is to ensure the continuation of your business. Makes sense. The book tells you all about business continuity and helps you understand it.

Wiley, the publisher who published the For Dummies imprint, say: “Business continuity is all about having plans in place to enable your business to cope if disaster strikes in the form of fire, flood, terrorist attack, or simply if a key supplier lets you down.”

This book has five authors, which I think is a good thing, as they all have obviously written about their knowledge in their areas. Building a business is hard and it is a sad fact that most businesses fail. Prior research and the information in this book can help that. I found the chapter on achieving rapid results and quick wins particularly good. It even gave me some ideas for Frost.

Another thing I really like about the book is how easy it is to read (something that all of the For Dummies books have in common). The tables and checklists make me much more productive than a densely written book. After reading the book cover to cover I would highly recommend it for business owners. It just has so much information on recognising and avoiding risk. Each chapter has excellent information on keeping your business baby alive. It sets out an entire business continuity plan for you. An impressive and informative book. Don’t get a consultant, save your money and buy the book instead.

Business Continuity For Dummies

Wabi London | Restaurant Review

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I love Asian food. So reviewing Japanese restaurant Wabi was a highlight of my week.

Wabi is a tranquil, stylish and classy restaurant that feels like it is a million miles away from the hubbub and stress of London. It is two minutes walk from Holborn station. I really love the relaxing and elegant decor. The waiter has worked at other Japanese restaurants in London and says that the chef at Wabi is better and more original. They are trying to do something different and create an experience. So far they are achieving it. Now for the food and drinks.

photo(23)We arrived and have a cocktail each. I have the Mexico Sixty Six (Passion Fruit, Cabrito Reposado Tequilla, Vanilla, Black Pepper infused Shochu) and my colleague has the Sugarplum (Honey, Akashi-tai Umeshu, Thienot Brut Champagne) The cocktails are delicious and look amazing. Wabi would be a great place to come and have cocktails with friends or even business associates. The Mexico Sixty Six has the Japanese version of cola in it and packs a peppery punch. It is tasty and different and the ingredients work well together. The Sugarplum is soft and subtle in an ice cold glass. Tasty and refreshing. We then go on to the 10 course tasting meal.

photo(20)

Otsumami/Snacks

Fire roasted edamame, smoky scratchings & sweet and sour nasu

We start with these wonderfully fire roasted edamame. I love edamame anyway but these are extra delicious and come with pork scratchings and a great sweet and sour nasu. A really great sauce.

We had Weegmullen 2009 Riesling Mandelring at the start of our meal. An interesting German white wine which you might think was sweet but isn’t. It was brave of the waiter to recommend this as it makes you think first and then you like it. It was an excellent choice that went well with the meal.

photo(8)

Crunchy Temaki Cone

Toro, Wasabi Cream and Charcoal Onions

These are amazing. The waiter tells us to take a cone with some sauce and then dip it in the volcanic salt. Yum. A great mixture of taste and texture.

photo(18)

Seabass Sashimi

Served with home-made yuzu koji

The seabass was perfect. I have had a lot of seabass in restaurants and this is high in quality and wonderful. It was exciting to tr y the homemade Koji. Koji, if I’m not mistaken, is fermented cooked rice and or soya beans. Koji is at the heart of Japanese cuisine and is used to make soya sauce, miso and sake. Hear it added a nice kick to the seabass and chef should be rightly proud of his/her creation. It was an original and new experience.

photo(17)

Yellowtail Sashimi

Smokey Nasu and Yuzu Bubbles

This is one of Wabi’s most popular dishes. I can see why. It is just so different. For one, it’s fizzy on top, which is the Yuzu bubbles. This is definitely something to try. It tastes great and so is the texture. That along with the bubbles on top make it a wonderful dish. This dish shows that Wabi are original and are always trying to excel. I am impressed by their bravery and originality.

photo(9)

‘Lobster and Chips’

Kombu/butter poached Lobster with Uni, Vegetable Chips and Yuzu-Truffle-Egg Dip

Lobster and Chips. Just really good food. The lobster was amazing, great quality and as for the chips, who doesn’t love chips? These ones are just beautifully cooked and crispy. I could eat this every day. You only get a few chips but it is enough and also comes with Roe. The Roe does that satisfying thing of popping in your mouth.

photo(16)

Warm Loch Duart Salmon

With Lemon Miso, Green Chilli Salsa and Burnt Cedar

This salmon was perfect. It was soft and tender. It came away beautifully when you put your fork in. The salmon comes with mushrooms and a sauce which both contribute to the dish. Yummy. Asian food at it’s best.

photo(15)

Aged Rib-Eye Ishi-Yaki

Black Beer Marinated Beef, served sizzling with Japanese BBQ Sauce
(£15 supp for Wagyu)

This beef was the best I have ever tasted in my life. It is tender and soft.  It is the Australian version of Kobe beef. The cows have a better life than some humans and are massaged with beer. It was sizzling and came with a excellent sauce. Just beautiful. The sauce is sticky and salty.

We went on to a beautiful and rich Pinot Noir for the beef.

photo(10)

Todays Sushi: Tuna with Garlic and Green Pepper, Salmon with Celery and Scallops.

This was a real treat. The tune was perfect, great quality, and the scallops and salmon were also of the highest order. They were all already marinated so did not need to come with any sauce. A real triumph of cooking. (or not cooking?)

photo(14)

Calpico Sorbet with Slow Gin Jelly

This was so wonderfully different. The sorbet was great and the slow gin was a great touch. Wonderful.

photo(13)

Green Tiramisu with Cocoa Nib Ice Cream

This highly original tiramisu was a great way to end the meal. It was refreshing delicious. It looked great too.

We then had some green tea which was also tasted great.

Wabi are a great restaurant. The food is amazing, the drinks are great and the service is excellent. This along with the sophisticated and calming decor makes Wabi a great place to eat in London. Frost loves.

The tasting menu is £75. Price range is reasonable, medium to high depending on what you order.

Wabi London
36-38 Kingsway
Holborn
London
WC2B 6EY
Phone: 0207.400.5400

Nearest Tube: Holborn.

 

 

Snack Ideas: Kallo’s new rice cakes

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kalloricecakeI am one of those people who get grumpy and fainty when they are hungry so I am always looking for tasty new snacks to try. When these pastel coloured Kallo rice cakes arrived at Frost HQ I was quite excited. The packaging looks great and they looked tasty.

And they were. I loved the caramel flavour and the Blueberry & Vanilla. They are also low calorie, 36 for the blueberry and vanilla, and 40 for the caramel. although quite yummy so one is usually not enough. They are filling however and one rice cake will keep you going. I am now a fan and will be making sure I have some by my desk or in my handbag. Frost loves. A delicious guilt free snack.

 

This spring revamp your wardrobe, and your snacks, in this season’s prettiest pastel colours. Pale pinks, lilacs, spearmint and caramel shades dominated the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2013, showcased by top designers including Erdem, Valentino and Prada – and now in Kallo’s Sweet Jumbo Rice & Corn Cakes in Blueberry & Vanilla and Caramel flavours.

 

Newly launched in 2013, Kallo’s Sweet Jumbo Corn and Rice Cakes are presented in the sweetest lavender and caramel hues – perfect for matching with the latest spring fashion and make up trends. Delicious and satisfying, the Sweet Jumbo Rice & Corn Cakes are perfect for an afternoon pick me up at your desk, a delicious post dinner treat or on the move (in this season’s Mulberry Willow tote of course!)

 

Made from the finest wholegrain rice and corn with absolutely no artificial colours, preservatives, gluten containing ingredients or MSG, the Sweet Jumbos are suitable for vegetarians and clock in at just 36 calories per cake for the Blueberry & Vanilla and 40 for the Caramel flavour. Enjoy alone or try topped with berries, yoghurt and chocolate chips, caramel sauce and banana or even chocolate spread and strawberries! Just add a stack of fashion magazines and your new pastel nail polish for the perfect evening’s indulgence.

 

Kallo Blueberry & Vanilla Rice & Corn Cakes are launching in addition to Kallo’s successful savoury Jumbo Rice Cake range, and are the first fruit variety jumbo rice cakes on the market. Both varieties are available now in Tesco stores nationwide for £1.79.