Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Frost Beauty Special | The Top Products

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I have been lucky enough to have a chance to review some excellent beauty products recently. So here is my beauty low-down.

The people from Trilogy showed me how to make a moisturiser with a syringe, hot water and a waxy substance. After you syringe the hot water in the tube with the waxy substance you use the syringe to create air pressure. A lot of pumping later, ta-da, you have a moisturise. Very fun.

Manuka Doctor Skin Repairing Cream. This cream uses a unique purified form of Bee Venom along with UMF 18+ Manuka Honey. I have been using it and my skin is definitely more radiant. Independent survey’s say it makes a difference to your skin in four weeks. Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham and Danni Minogue are all fans. Made in Chelsea star Mille Mackintosh is their new brand ambassador. Mille had acne in her youth and loves the range as it clears up her skin. They also won ‘Best New Brand’ at the annual beauty awards which are hosted by Cosmetics Executives Women UK.

I love dry shampoo. It is great for volume or those days in-between washes. Klorane’s mini sized Gentle Dry Shampoo Oat Milk is a super handy 50ml can. It’s pretty natural and just pops into your handbag. It’s also only £3.10.

Another travel, and summer, essential is Eau Thermale Spring Water Spray. It’s the same size as the dry shampoo (50ml) and only 5p dearer. It cools and calms the skin. Angelina Jolie is a fan.

Aloe Vera should be in every make-up bag. Celebrity fan Jemma Kidd uses Aloe Vera Gel after being out in the sun to sooth and heal the skin: She says: ‘I religiously put it on when I’ve been in the sun. It’s so soothing and healing. We have hundreds of aloe plants in our garden and when we’re burnt we pick a leaf.’

Miaflora Argan Oil is an excellent moisturiser. It is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree. Kylie Minigue says: “I picked up some argan oil on a recent trip to Morocco…it really does work!” She’s right, it does.

Miaroma Rose Blended Essential Oil is brilliant. You can apply straight to skin or put it in the bath. Rose oil is one of the ingredients of the moment. It does improve skin.

Bio Oil is a classic. Use it for stretch marks and scars. It is a household name now and rightly so.

Another favourite is the Micro Pedi. It is this excellent battery-operated portable device that gives your feet an amazing pedicure. It is available from Boots for £39.95.

Keromask is a new generation of cover-up. You can even use it to cover tattoos and acne. It comes in 24 shades of camouflage cream (£14.99 each) and four finishing powders to achieve the perfect blend. The results are waterproof and heat-resistant. You can buy the Keromask Starter Kit for just £4.99. Go to coverwithconfidence.co.uk for advice on make-up application.

Dehydrated skin can be tight, flaky and sore. If you have lots of very fine lines (as opposed to deep wrinkles), and you’re prone to a dull complexion, then you probably have dehydrated skin. Don’t panic though – this can quickly be brought back to health.

Hydrate skin and achieve that ‘A-list’ complexion with an intensely moisturising honey treatment from Manuka Doctor

Celebrities such as Catherine Zeta Jones and Scarlett Johanssen swear by Manuka Honey facials.

Manuka Honey has the ability to absorb and retain moisture, which supports the natural collagen and elastin structure of skin. With 80% of skin made up of collagen, it’s an ideal natural ingredient to help keep skin hydrated, firm and lifted.

Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask contains a UMF 18+ Manuka Honey to deeply nourish the skin and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This deep penetrating skin renewal treatment should be applied to dry clean skin and either left on for 15-30 minutes before washing off or it can be left on overnight for an intensive moisturising treatment. The Rejuvenating Face Mask from Manuka Doctor costs £49.99 and is available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide or www.hollandandbarrett.com.

I will also be reviewing Viviscal Maximum Strength and Colladeen Visage so watch this space! Around 70,000 women take the Colladeen so I have high hopes.

The Endurance Launches Food Spectrum, An Innovative New Foodie Concept

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Food Spectrum is an initiative which sees renowned Soho pub, The Endurance, opening its doors to young, creative, passionate and under-the-radar chefs. Acting as a platform from which they can showcase their talent and achieve the credibility they deserve, Food Spectrum not only gives young chefs a head start in the fiercely competitive restaurant industry, but it satisfies an ever growing culture of food enthusiasts.

The main catalyst behind the concept is the lack of space for young restaurateurs who have the skills, dedication and passion but not necessarily the contacts, business skills or investor backing to embark upon the costly – not to mention risky – process of setting up a new restaurant. With Food Spectrum each chef will move into The Endurance kitchen for a month and will be given the opportunity to see their vision fully realised with free reign over the menu’s offerings. Every extreme of their creativity will be explored through a number of different sittings throughout the week which will add a different dimension to the food on show.

Primarily, there will be a lunch service from Monday to Friday where the chefs will choose a number of dishes specially selected to highlight the pinnacles of their expertise. Every Saturday they will run a full day service allowing the possibility for something more along the lines of a taster menu, acting as an extension of the skills exhibited during the week. One Sunday a month the chefs will be given the freedom to choose which kind of service they will run, allowing them to fully unleash their creativity and ideas to bring an experience to the diner which epitomises their approach to food. A drinks menu specially selected by a sommelier to match the food offerings will complement the whole experience.

The plan allows the chefs to test their food-making skills in a normal restaurant environment and customer interaction will be at the forefront of the experience. The project will serve as a great opportunity to learn and for this reason feedback will be encouraged. A regular blog and a meticulously monitored Twitter feed will prove key in the interaction between customers and the restaurant; an essential priority to any modern day start-up which should not be overlooked. The diner will participate in a restaurant experience which will not only let them sample food from the culinary names of tomorrow, but they will also play an integral part in establishing the foundation from which these young chefs can move forward. The use of good, honest, locally sourced produce means that Food Spectrum is tapping into the current trend for mid market, non-mobile, street food by bringing an option to diners that is simultaneously experimental, high quality and affordable.

Logistically, the plan has all the ingredients of a good one; simple, innovative and effective. With a fully equipped kitchen, a front-of house area with 54 covers, waiting staff, a management team, cleaning staff, a website portal and a PR team, Food Spectrum banishes the usual logistical challenges and costly obstacles of setting up a restaurant, offering a package that rationalises the prospects of making the dream possible once again. Whilst a proven history or established reputation are not at all required, owner of The Endurance, Billy Drew explains that, “The three characteristics for a good chef are determination, passion and talent – and they have to be deeply ingrained in that individual. The rest can be learnt.”

Through a combination of talent, flair and commitment from the chefs, along with customer interaction and support from the Food Spectrum team, The Endurance is set to be the stage from which aspiring chefs can build upon their own experience towards an established reputation and successful career within the Restaurant industry.

Robert Pattinson ‘Not Talking To Kristen Stewart’

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Robert Pattinson is no longer in communication with his girlfriend of three years Kristen Stewart after she had an affair with married director Rupert Sanders. Sanders directed Stewart in Snow White and the Huntsman. Sanders also directed his supermodel wife and mother of his two children, Liberty Ross, in the film. She played Stewarts mother. Awkward.

Stewart issued a public apology to Pattinson after US Weekly pictured her kissing Sanders and driving from the home she shared with Pattinson to a car park, where she picked up Sanders. Sanders was seen ‘kissing her all over her body’.

Stewart said in an statement:

“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry,”

Sanders said in a statement:

“I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family, My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together.”

Pattinson has moved out of the house the couple shared in Los Feliz. The two are schedules as presenters at the MTV Music Video Awards in September. Should be a fun night.

And They’re Off! The Olympics 2012 Starts

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Starting from today, London is the most exciting place in the world. The Olympics has started and Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony is underway.

Evoking Britain’s green and pleasant land, choirs sang the national anthems of each country in the United Kingdom with their respective flowers which were: Danny Boy, Flower of Scotland, Bread of Heaven and England’s rose, Scotland’s thistle, Wales’ daffodil and Northern Ireland’s flax. There was even 70 sheep, 12 horses, 10 chickens and nine geese.

Then the set was stage as a volunteer cast of two and a half thousand people acted out the Industrial revolution. The cast are dressed like peasants and rich men from another era gave the audience a history lesson to the rousing beat of the drums. The theme of the opening ceremony is the Isles of Wonder, inspired by William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Mark Rylance had to drop out of the main part performing a monologue from The Tempest as his step-daughter died. Our heart goes out to him.

Direct descendants from the suffragette movement also took to the stage. Then there was a moment of silence for all of those who have sacrificed their life for their country. The epic opening ceremony cost £27 million

Then there was a splash of colour for the 60’s. 60,000 people inside the stadium watched the spectacle and another 4 billion watched on TV.

Molten Olympic rings were forged by craftsmen and then rose from the ground, creating an amazing spectacle. An emotional moment. The Olympic rings represent the five continents.

Then Daniel Craig as James Bond went to Buckingham Palace to get the Queen (yes, that one) with the corgis snapping at his heels. A helicopter ride later across London’s landmarks lead to The Queen and James Bond parachuting from a helicopter.

The Union Jack was then carried in by servicemen from the RAF, Army and the Navy.

Then the NHS and achievements of children’s books were represented while Mike Oldfields played ‘Tubular Bells’. This included Peter Pan and JK Rowling was there. NHS was then displayed in lights. Kids jumped on beds while nurses danced. Then children’s nightmares were represented by Lord Voldemort, Cruella De Vil and child snatcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Then a few Mary Poppins were dancing on stage and the nightmares were chased away. 10,000 people have taken part in the Opening Ceremony in total. The audience roared as the homage to the NHS ended. All of the nurses and doctors were real NHS workers! They all rehearsed for 350 hours.

Then Rowan Atkinson (as Mr Bean) played along while the National Symphony Orchestra during Chariots of Fire. Then scene from the film were played with Mr Bean cut into them. Very funny.

Then a typical British household was represented along with British TV shows and music from the past. Gregory’s Girl, Charlie Chaplin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who and David Bowie were all represented. Every audience member was taken through their childhood.

The Sex Pistols, texting, Soul II Soul and The Eurythmics played as the dancers rocked out and an actor and actress texted each other and then kissed. Famous kisses were then played in the background. Including that of Kate Middleton and Prince William. The journey of music and dance was told from the 60’s to the present day. Danny Boyle even got Trainspotting, the film that made him famous, in.

Then East London’s Dizze Rascal took to the stage. Dizzie was a good choice and then Amy Winehouse played. A homage to the singer who died last year.

The inventor of the internet Sir Tim Berners-Lee appeared and was paid homage to as everyone cheered. David Beckham, East London boy, brought the torch to the Olympic Stadium.

There was a minute silence for those who have passed away and then Emile Sande then sang Abide By Me. The dancers were amazing and there were some brilliant Tai Chi moves.

Then the athletes arrived. The athletes from each country arrived at the stadium carrying their flag as their country was called out.

The opening ceremony was full of British in-jokes and fantastic performances. Frost Magazine are proud to be British and will constantly be blogging about the Olympics. Let us know your opinions and thoughts.

New attractions and experiences website, GoSeeDo, goes live

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New attractions and experiences website, GoSeeDo, goes live

– Provides platform to help families experience ‘firsts’ together

– TV Presenter, Jeff Brazier, announced as brand ambassador

– Introductory sale to celebrate launch

GoSeeDo, a new and exciting ticketing website, launched today, providing consumers with a fun, inspirational, informative and accessible platform to find, research and book the best travel experiences in the UK and all over the world.

Founded by Attraction World, the UK’s leading attractions supplier to the travel trade, GoSeeDo promises to turn good times into great times, offering unmissable experiences and things to do whether on holiday or closer to home.

From Disneyland Paris, afternoon tea at Harrods to city tours in Barcelona and hot air balloon rides in Orlando; from the towering heights of the Empire State Building to football stadium tours and children’s Ferrari driving experiences, GoSeeDo has it all with a global reach that spans the continents.

As well as showcasing adventure, culture, family fun and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for all, the website aims to help families experience those all-important ‘firsts’ together.

Research especially commissioned by GoSeeDo prior to its launch, has shown that nearly 70% of people surveyed have experienced more firsts when on holiday and 50% of all parents have experienced their children’s firsts when away from home, including trying new food, going on a boat trip, going to a waterpark, diving and visiting a historical site or ruin.

Other findings include:

– One fifth of parents experienced their children swimming for the first time

– 80% of children are more adventurous on holidays

– Almost two thirds of parents notice positive changes in their children when returning home after trying new things on holiday

GoSeeDo makes it easier for families to experience those all-important firsts. By pre-booking and pre-planning where you want to go and on which days, customers are able to avoid disappointment, skip the long queues and maximise time spent together at the chosen destination. What’s more, by pre-booking tickets online in advance with GoSeeDo, customers can also save money compared with buying at the gate or on the day.

GoSeeDo also makes it easier to make the most of your time on holiday by highlighting what other activities are available in the area.

To celebrate the launch, GoSeeDo is offering all customers 5% off all experiences available on the website,* so families, couples and friends can rest assured that they’re getting value for money, as well as value for time.

TV Presenter and GoSeeDo ambassador, Jeff Brazier, said: “As a busy father of two, I am always looking for new and fun-filled things to do with the kids in our spare time – whether at weekends or during the holidays. GoSeeDo offers inspirational ideas for places to go and sights to see, which certainly makes my life easier when trying to decide on a family day out! Spending time together as a family is incredibly important to me and being able to share treasured experiences and ‘firsts’ with my two sons allows us to create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.”

Paul Stobbs, GoSeeDo Managing Director said: “We have in-house travel experts working tirelessly to source deals and secure the best suppliers in order to deliver e-tickets to the world’s greatest destinations and experiences to our customers. Leisure time is an important commodity in today’s world and we hope that our expertise can help time-poor people out there to try something different and make the most of their free time, weekends and holidays.”

For more information or to book visit www.goseedo.com or call 0800 980 5551.

Maggie’s London Night Hike

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Registration is now open for Maggie’s London Night Hike 2012.

Now in its eighth year the 10 or 20-mile night time walk through London is now well established in the capital’s fundraising calendar.

Last year’s walkers raised more than £500,000 – enough to run a Maggie’s centre for a whole year and organisers are keen to beat this target this year.

The event which takes place on Friday, September 21 2012 and coincides with a festival run by Open House London, this nocturnal challenge gives you the chance to visit a number of landmark buildings and iconic structures.

Buildings confirmed include the Sterling Prize-winning Maggie’s West London centre, the London Eye, Roca, City Hall, Leadenhall Market and Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Geographical Society and 20 Gresham Street among others.

Head of events Jo Dyson said: “The Maggie’s London Night Hike is an amazing experience. When would you normally get access to these incredible buildings whilst exploring London at night? I would really encourage anyone who is interested in taking part to sign up and help those whose lives have been affected by cancer.”

Maggie’s Centres provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to anyone affected by and type of cancer including friends and carers.

Beginning at 7.30pm, the Night Hike is a fun challenge with a great atmosphere, and an ideal opportunity to fundraise with family and friends and participants can expect food and entertainment at each of the featured buildings.

Registration costs £35 per person for those taking part in the 10 mile event, and £40 per person for 20 mile Night Hikers. Teams of four or more can make a saving of £5 per person.

The minimum fundraising target is just £185 for 10 mile hikers, and £285 for the 20 mile hikers. In return we’ll provide you with a fundraising support pack, regular newsletters with lots of ideas to help you reach or even smash your fundraising target.

To register visit www.maggiescentres.org/nighthikes or call 0300 123 1801.

Sell An Old Cell Phone

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Unfortunately the economy doesn’t seem like it is going to recover anytime soon. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make money. Most people upgrade their cell phone every year so the number of old cell phones around your house will really add up. A large number of the population has old cell phones rattling around drawers. Some of these are top notch phones but technology moves so fast that when the new iPhone comes out you will want to take any old iPhone and sell iphone for cash.

You will want to get the best price for your old phone so check out price comparison service sellcell.com. You will be able to sell any old cell phone for the best price possible. Since most people have quite a few old cell phones there is money to be made.

When you Sell An Old Cell Phone you are not just putting some money in your pocket. You are also being good to the environment. The green movement has been going for decades but it shows no signs of abating anytime soon. Recycling is in. Old cell phones are really bad for the environment.

sellcell.com compares the leading US phone buyers to help you get the best price whilst helping the environment.

Sounds good to us!

Disclaimer: Sponsored Post.

Evans the Death, Tyrannosaurus Dead, Gum, The Hundredth Anniversary | Music News

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Evans the Death, Tyrannosaurus Dead, Gum and The Hundredth Anniversary are all on the release of

GUTS on – a split tape via Reeks Of Effort that will feature Tyrannosaurus Dead, GUM

and The Hundredth Anniversary. The release will also be marked by gigs in Brighton and

Cardiff.

 

The release is now streaming and available for pre-order at:http://reeksofeffort.bandcamp.com/album/guts-2

Evans the Death are special guest headliners for the gig. They released their self-titled

debut album in April this year to widespread critical acclaim.

 

Evans the Death make frenetic and infectious punk pop which exudes the kind of unbridled

charisma, intelligence, and runaway energy that promises a singularly exciting future for the

band. Comprising Dan Moss (guitar, vocals), Lan McArdle (bass), Katherine Whitaker (vocals,

keys), Rob Mitson (drums), and Olly Moss (guitar), and named after the undertaker in Dylan

Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, Evans the Death are poised to fulfill their potential as one of the

most refreshing and exhilarating new groups around.

 

Brighton-based Tyrannosaurus Dead formed late in 2010, and immediately set to work honing

their melodically driven, fuzzed-out sound. Inspired by bands including The Delgados and

“Trailer” era Ash – Billy Lowe (vocals & guitar), Eleanor Rudge (vocals), Martin Edwards

(guitar), Tom Northam (bass) and Rupert Willows (drums) make warm, distortion drizzled pop.

A successful live act, they have played support to the likes of The Primitives, Shrag and Wave

Pictures.

 

Gum have been making woozy, reverb-drenched shoegaze since September 2011. Formed in

London by Grant J. Healey (vocals & guitar), Jessica Jordan-Wrench (vocals & bass), Dayoung

Styxx Yun (drums) and Chris Leader (vocals & guitars) they have quickly gained notoriety with

a string of favourable reviews and a split 7” out this month via Art Is Hard (hear track from split

here). Noisy-pop that joins the dots between MBV, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Yuck.

The newest of the newcomers, The Hundredth Anniversary are a four piece band based in

Brighton who formed earlier this year. Eleanor Rudge (vocals & guitar), Chris Lowe (vocals &

bass), Andy Taylor (guitar) and Dem Mather (drums) make gloriously soaring lo-fi indie. As if

The Walkmen were fronted by Cat Power and filtered through a soft-haze of radio static.

Reeks Of Effort is a renowned Cardiff/Manchester/Brighton/London based blog, who are now

branching out into gigs and records. Exciting right?

 

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/307139976045946/