Books For Christmas.

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

Endless Skies from Jane Cable is such a brilliant novel. I have read every single one of Jane’s books and she never disappoints.

The perfect Christmas novel from veteran saga writer Annie Clarke. Annie is in the top league of historical fiction writers.

A brilliant and humorous book.

A great puzzle book for medical professionals and the rest of us. Will spark both fun and debate.

A brilliant book that I will be using to improve my drawing. Really good and it works.

This is a great gift for cat people. Lots of fun.

Perfect for the literary person in your life. Which would be me, except I already have a copy. Beautifully illustrated and full of wanderlust.

Perfect for anyone expecting a baby. This follows baby for the first three years of life. It is full of prompts and ideas that you would never think of otherwise. A truly wonderful gift.
This book is a great idea. Perfect for geeks (like me) and nature lovers. Humorous and fun. There is a fair amount of wit in this superb book. Perfect for budding artists. This book has fantastic illustrations and gives excellent step-by-step instruction on how to draw (almost) everything. Highly recommended.

I am obsessed with the Flexible Family Cookbook from Jo Pratt. It has so many delicious recipes (75 to be exact), along with 200 variations for allergies, intolerances and dietary choices. My copy already has a few dog-eared pages. Just brilliant.

Books are available from waterstones.com, amazon.co.uk, https://dauntbooks.co.uk and independent book stores.

Christmas Gift List: Editor’s Pick

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

It is that time of year. We might not be spending it together but I think this is the year we should go all out for Christmas. Zoom and FaceTime your loves ones and spend the day with your family. Take in everything you have. In 2020 we need to count every single one of our blessings and stay as grateful as possible. Let’s not sit in sorrow, let’s deck our halls and get our glitz on. Life is beautiful and we are strong enough to go on. Love to you all.

With that in mind, here are my top Christmas picks to make the day extra special.

Purdy & Figg – an all-natural, premium hand spray; the ultimate 2020 stocking filler idea. We all need to use hand sanitiser so we may as well make it stylish and luxurious. Purdy & Figg look stylish and smell amazing. Yes and yes.

Purdy & Figg was created by NHS nurse Purdy Rubin and a horticulturalist Charlotte Figg with a view to minimise the toxic chemicals we use on our skin and to create a product free of single use plastic. The sanitising spray is available in three amazing scents, comes in lovely, recyclable green or blue glass bottles with minimal, elegant branding, is all natural and eco-friendly and won’t break the bank.

Purdy & Figg is a family owned premium British hand sanitiser brand that comes in three scents; Wild Woody, Charlotte’s Floral and Original Citrus. Pricing can be found below:

50ml bottle (contains over 300 sprays), £5.99
The Set of 3x50ml bottle in Wild Woody, Original + Charlotte’s Floral, £16.99
250ml refill £21.99

Available to buy at www.purdyandfigg.com | Additional stockists: Heal’s, Skinny Tan, Joules, Naken, some local pharmacies and health food stores

Let’s not forget the little ones this Christmas with the Oral-B Stages Power Electric Toothbrush– available in 2 designs; Disney’s Star Wars and Frozen (for ages 3+). Available in Frozen or Star Wars, both are gorgeous and will encourage children to brush their teeth. They also come with cute travel cases.

Dove Advent Calendar.

Dove have a great selection of advent calendars and gift boxes this year. This one was my pick. It gives you a little excitement every day. Great products too. Available from boots.com

Gorgeous gifts from www.sacla.co.uk

My picks are:

Pastiglie Leone Carousel Fruit Jellies.
Gluten Free Panettone by Vergani.
Giandujotti Chocolates by D Barbero.

Sacla have a great selection of gifts and these three are all delicious. Christmas is not Christmas without Panettone. The praline is divine and the fruit jellies are heavenly and come in a gorgeous tin that you can keep.

THE TRACKLEMENTS RANGE OF CHRISTMAS CONDIMENTS INCLUDING
NEW SPECIAL EDITION RHUBARB & APPLE CHUTNEY.

NEW MICROPLANE PROFESSIONAL SERRATED PEELER
Available from hartsofstur.com

Carluccio’s Christmas range.

I am a huge of the Carluccio’s Christmas range. My top pick is the CLEMENTE IN CAMICIA. The box is filled with segments of 20-day syrup soaked candied clementines that are covered in rich, dark, indulgent chocolate to create a pop of flavour once bitten into. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without them.

For little ones who dream of life on the farm:

Childs Farm Tractor washbag gift set.

This wheely-good gift set is perfect for farm & tractor lovers, featuring Childs Farm’s very own Old ‘Red the Tractor’. The wash bag contains Childs Farm’s organic raspberry bubble bath to clean and moisturise all skin types, and cleansing and nourishing sweet orange oil hair and body wash, to leave hair shiny and tangle free – a great addition to your little one’s bath time routine this Christmas.

The tractor wash bag also makes the perfect accessory for little ones. They can store their favourite things in it, taking it to sleepovers, or even using it as their favourite new pencil case in school!

My children have never been washed in anything other than Child’s Farm products. I heartily recommend them.

Because I have a bad back I recommend the ErgoFoam ergonomic under desk footrest as a gift for anyone who also has a bad back.

ErgoFoam is an ergonomic under desk footrest, designed to facilitate better posture, relieve seated load, and increase circulation. Flipped over, the rest becomes a rocker, and long work hours become a chance to infuse some movement into a desk-ridden day.

Awarded ‘Best Under-Desk Foot Rest of 2020’ by Wirecutter, the ErgoFoam team believes in good design and good results, and it remains their mission to help people feel their best each day. ErgoFoam‘s models are available in a variety of sizes and styles. It gives great support and I am a fan.

Luxury Wish List Items.

A KitchenAid.

INTRODUCING THE PEBBLED PALM COLLECTION:
ARTISAN STAND MIXER WITH NEW SEASONAL BOWL OPTIONS

BISSELL SmartClean Pet Cylinder Vacuum
TANGLE-FREE BRUSH ROLL REMOVES STUBBORN DIRT AND HAIR

This is a pet-owner’s best friend, especially around
the festive season when it’s wet outside and paws
are muddy, fur is damp and tails wag pine needles
into the carpets, curtains and cushions. Exceptional
bag-less vacuuming power rapidly removes dust
and debris.

What are your Christmas picks? Share them with us.

The Chilcott Lavender Collection. Perfect For Christmas.

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

British owned and family run businesses are always a favourite at Frost.

Chilcott is a family run, sustainable British lifestyle and interiors brand based in the Brecon Beacons. The
beating heart of the brand is the Chilcott lavender farm perched on a Welsh hillside in Brecon Beacons.
Contrary to what one might expect, the lavender thrives here and the harvests provide plentiful lavender oil
and dried lavender for the brand’s beautiful range of scented lifestyle accessories. Exquisite attention to detail, expert craftmanship and hand finishes create elegant pieces for you, your home and your dog.
Chilcott are proud to introduce three new collections of natural home fragrances made using proprietary
recipes of Chilcott essential oils carefully blended and beautifully presented to elegantly complement any home and bring the fragrant freshness of the countryside indoors.

www.chilcottuk.com

@chilcottuk

The fresh, relaxing fragrance of lavender evokes summers on the Chilcott farm high in the Brecon Beacons.
Here the lavender fields bloom creating a scented haven for a myriad of bees and butterflies.
The flower heads are carefully harvested and used to make Chilcott’s signature lavender products.

We tried the Lavender Gift Set: £45

A celebration of Chilcott’s signature fragrance, the Lavender Gift Set is the
complete lavender lover’s collection. The luxury gift set contains 50ml lavender
diffuser, Chilcott Harris Tweed lavender bag, 50ml Chilcott lavender hand sanitiser
and 100ml lavender room spray all presented in a premium white gift box.

The gift set has the wow factor. It says luxury all the way. The presentation is impeccable before you have even opened the box. When you do open the box the products are all gorgeous and smell divine. This fantastic gift set is the perfect gift for Christmas and beyond.

Chilcott room diffusers offer the perfect natural, environmentally friendly way to add lasting fragrance your
home. The diffusers are fully recyclable, reusable and refillable and available with natural or black reeds.
The gentle mist of the Chilcott room sprays adds instant natural freshness to your home. The glass bottles are fully recyclable. The simple, subtle and elegant design will look at home in any room.

Frost loves.

Sustainable Christmas Gifts and Stocking Filler Ideas From Elephant Box

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

Every regular reader of Frost will know that I am obsessed with sustainability and eco-living. So I was happy to come across Elephant Box. They make gorgeous products that last a lifetime. I recommend the gorgeous Stainless Steel Rainbow Straws and the Elephant Box 2 litre lunchbox. There is a reason it is a bestseller. My son claimed it as soon as he saw it. Stainless steel is clean, reusable and virtually indestructible. The products are also stylish. Frost loves.

sustainability, eco-living, reusable, elephant box,

Elephant Box – with a 2 litre capacity, our best-selling lunchbox is made from 100% stainless steel. It’s perfect for food storage in the fridge/freezer and is also oven-safe. RRP £29.50.

BRAND NEW Clip & Seal Lunchbox – available in 1.2 and 1.9 litre capacity, the clip & seal lunchbox has a unique locking system making it 100% leakproof and airtight. Lightweight and ultra durable, it’s perfect for carrying food and heating it up in the oven. RRP £29.50 – £32.95.

BRAND NEW Leakproof Food Canister Trio – this set of three airtight twist and lock food canisters is incredibly versatile, equally good for taking food out or storing it at home. RRP £32.

Two-in-One Lunchbox – a long time classic, this slimline lunchbox has a 800ml capacity and a snack pod that fits snugly inside to create two sections for your lunch. RRP £28.

Leakproof Tiffin – this traditional Indian tiffin-style lunchbox has a 700ml capacity and silicone seal, perfect for carrying lunch, storing pre-cooked food in the freezer or picking up meals from your local takeaway or deli. RRP £24.95.

Stocking filler ideas – On-the-Go Cups and Plastic-free accessories

Reusable Stainless Steel Rainbow Straws – the ultimate stainless steel straw – 24cm long so it won’t disappear in your drink, 8mm diameter, and bent so it won’t jab into your gums. If that’s not enough, they’re a lovely iridescent rainbow colour. RRP £8.

Reusable To-Go Cup – a stainless steel reusable cup with a beautiful cork sleeve and silicone lid. RRP £16.

Stainless Steel Pint Cup – this pint cup is made here in the UK with 100% recycled stainless steel. Be a zero-waste hero and take it with you on your picnics, BBQs and camping trips. RRP £10.

Stainless Steel Spork – complete your zero-waste, on-the-go eating ensemble with our pocket friendly spork. RRP £7.50.

Small Screw Top Canister – raisins, biscuits, nuts & seeds, this container is perfect for carrying and storing the little things in life! RRP £12.50

Mini Snack Pod Pair – these little snack containers are big enough for a portion of your favourite snack and small enough to fit bento-style into your lunchbox or to stash some nuts in your bag. RRP £14.95.

Shop the range at www.elephantbox.co.uk – free UK shipping on orders over £50

Ocushield Launches Medically Approved Anti-Bacterial And Anti-Blue Light Screen Protector For iPhone 12

Posted on December 11, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

To coincide with the unveiling of the much-anticipated iPhone 12, Ocushield has launched a new anti-blue light and anti-bacterial screen protector.

The only medical-grade blue-light filter brand on the market, Ocushield screen protectors keep a crystal clear image with no changes to the colour. And the anti-bacterial technology is strong enough to break down viral structures, preventing them from growing on the phone screen surface.

With average screen time up to 200% since lockdown, and a greatly increased need to keep our tech clean and hygienic, it’s more important than ever to protect our eyes and our health from our digital devices.

Sleep better, protect the skin and reduce anxiety…
Ocushield’s anti-blue light products have been developed by qualified optometrists and are medically approved by the UK government-led Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Ocushield is now donating £1 from every purchase on Ocushield.com to its new partner – Royal National Institute of the Blind, one of the UK’s leading charities for sight loss.
New antibacterial blue light screen protectors is available for the new iPhone 12.
3 new styles and 3 new colourways of the blue light blocking eyewear have been added to the range.

Exposure to blue light is an increasing health concern. Especially with the COVID-19 lockdown meaning so, many are spending more time in front of screens. As it’s unrealistic to avoid screens completely, even for those who don’t have computer-based jobs, Ocushield has developed a range of products that seamlessly fit into modern day tech-dependent lifestyles.

BENEFITS OF USING OCUSHIELD:

EYE AND SKIN PROTECTION – The average adult spends 34 years looking at screens throughout their lifetime. Ocushield screen protectors limit blue light exposure by up to 90%, – protecting from 30 years of added exposure.

IMPROVED SLEEP – Ocushield is proven to reduce tiredness and insomnia through decreasing the disruption of melatonin levels.

INCREASED WELLBEING – The UK economy spends £40bn each year due to sleep deprivation-related issues such as tired skin, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches and anxiety – all of which are reduced with Ocushield.

SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE – £1 from every purchase on Ocushield.com will go to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, one of the UK’s leading charities for sight loss (rnib.org.uk).

OCUSHIELD FOR IPHONE 12

Ocushield has introduced three new blue light products covering the four new Apple devices that have launched on October 13th.

The iPhone 12 Ocushield screen protector will have:

A new anti-bacterial coating is suitable for breaking viral structures – the same way anti-bacterial hand gel is used to prevent the spread of germs. This means that though they won’t be killed, the virus particles are stopped from multiplying and growing on the phone surface. With smartphones being 7x dirtier than a toilet seat and the continuation of the pandemic, this will help alleviate consumer concerns.

Super-strong tempered glass to protect the screen, while retaining a crystal-clear picture with no orange or yellow tinting, so that users continue seeing colours as before.
Ocushield’s unique applicator system still supplied for an easy three step application included, along with a handy installation video.

Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Personalised photo book service Pocket Memories

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

Anyone looking for a last minute Christmas gift look no further: Pocket Memories is a new app that has recently launched offering a high-quality personalised photo book service.

As a precious keepsake, these photo books are created using clever technology to instantly bring your design to life. Gone are the days of creating fiddly photo books – using the Pocket Memories app, users can choose pictures straight from their own camera roll to achieve these personalised designs in a matter of minutes. There is also none of that faff of putting individual pictures into a photo album. I tried the service and it was so quick and easy-to-use. I cannot recommend it enough.

During uncertain times, they are a fantastic and thoughtful gift for your loved ones. This year we have all missed our family and what would be a better gift than a reminder of beautiful memories?

What’s more, for every photobook sold Pocket Memories will donate one photobook to Make-A-Wish UK.

Brave seven-year-old girl who survived meningitis features in calming Christmas storybook for children

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

A courageous little girl who fought back after losing all her limbs to meningitis is to feature in a children’s storybook designed to provide comfort this Christmas.

Seven-year-old Harmonie-Rose Allen, of Bath, contracted meningococcal septicaemia as a baby and was given only a 10% chance of survival.

Her arms and legs were amputated, but she survived and now, thanks to prosthetic legs, she loves jumping and skipping and even completed a half-marathon in her home city when she was just five.

An ambassador for the charity Meningitis Now, Harmonie-Rose will feature in the children’s illustrated storybook ‘Covi, the little Christmas dinosaur!’ written by author Susie Cullen and illustrated by Chay Winter.

Harmonie-Rose meets Covi, who is a little green dinosaur sent by Santa to save Christmas. The book is the third tale in the series ‘The adventures of Covi, the little green dinosaur’.

‘Covi, the little Christmas dinosaur’ launched for pre-sales on November 24th.

Susie’s first two books – ‘Covi, the little green dinosaur’ and ‘Covi, the little seaside dinosaur!’ – proved hugely successful.

In the new book, Covi becomes a hero when he stands in for Santa to deliver presents to children during a Christmas lockdown.

When Covi visits Harmonie-Rose, the little girl is wide awake. He pops her on his knee to tell her a magical story of kindness and hope for the world.

Susie said: “Covi is a helpful little dinosaur who came to help the children when the world was stuck by Covid-19.

“As a T-Rex, Covi, like Harmonie-Rose, has limb differences that do not stop him doing anything he wants! As a strong supporter of inclusivity for all, I am thrilled that Harmonie-Rose’s parents agreed I could feature her in the Christmas tale.

“Her own story is such an inspiration, and I hope that other children (and adults) with limb differences will be as pleased as I am to see that dinosaurs and Santa do not discriminate!”

The latest book was commissioned by Singapore-based publisher British Theatre Playhouse in association with Worldwide Entertainment.

Cecilia Leong-Faulkner, chief executive of British Theatre Playhouse, said: “Covi the little green dinosaur is a fantastic character and it’s amazing that we can feature Harmonie-Rose in the story too.

“This year has been very difficult for children with the Covid-19 pandemic, schools being closed and families in lockdown but this story is uplifting and inspirational and can really show children that we can come through this if we are all brave and determined.

“We hope parents, teachers, and, of course, little readers will love Covi’s Christmas adventure as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it with Susie.”

For every book sold, 50 pence will be donated to Harmonie-Rose’s charity of choice.

The paperback is available on Amazon.

London Super Yacht Festivities

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

London’s only super yacht hotel, Sunborn London is moored in the Royal Victoria Docks, and is offering a host of festive offerings to spread some much needed merryment. Book a package and explore London, or just come to delight in traditional dining and events with delicious options for all occasions.

Sky Chalet Lounge

A new experience awaits this winter with the pop up Sky Chalet Lounge: a warm and cosy atmosphere where guests can enjoy an evening by a fire stove overlooking the sparkling lights of the London skyline from the docklands mooring. In partnership with Laurent Perrier, a selection of festive cocktails will be on offer alongside the normal drinks menu. Why not indulge in Bourbon Hot Chocolate, Sparkling Blueberry, Spiced Winter Orange Mimosa or the house Sky Chalet Red Cherry Kiss combining cherry flavours with Laurent Perrier.

A selection of tasty platters are on offer to accompany drinks, including a British cured charcuterie platter, a local cheese board and hummus served with sourdough and olives.

Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 5pm-11pm

Festive Packages

Make the festive season even more magical and memorable with a delicious Christmas Eve meal onboard the luxurious Sunborn superyacht. Enjoy sumptuous seasonal dishes cooked to perfection, and relax amid the elegance and sophistication of the London docklands setting.

Christmas Eve

Cocktail on arrival, 3 course dinner, overnight stay with Christmas Day breakfast.

£220 for two people

Christmas Day

5 course lunch/dinner, festive movie, overnight stay and Boxing day breakfast.

£240 for two people.

Full Christmas Package

Combine all of the above for a 2 night stay.

£400 for two people.

New Year’s Eve

Welcome in the new year in a truly elegant style – the perfect way to begin your NYE celebrations in London! With spectacular views over the capital’s skyline and sumptuous dishes prepared by the head chef and his fantastic team. There is no better way to get the party started.

5 course NYE dinner with live music, overnight stay and breakfast.

From £380 for two people.

Decadent Festive Restaurant Offers

Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea

£35 per person

18-23 December

Including savouries, scones, mince pies and other sweet treats

Christmas Eve Dinner

3 course dinner, with cocktail on arrival

£40 per person

Christmas Day Lunch/Dinner

5 courses – £55 per person

NYE Dinner

5 courses – £75 per person

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Books For Christmas.

Christmas Gift List: Editor’s Pick

The Chilcott Lavender Collection. Perfect For Christmas.

Sustainable Christmas Gifts and Stocking Filler Ideas From Elephant Box

Ocushield Launches Medically Approved Anti-Bacterial And Anti-Blue Light Screen Protector For iPhone 12

Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Personalised photo book service Pocket Memories

Brave seven-year-old girl who survived meningitis features in calming Christmas storybook for children

London Super Yacht Festivities