Grief is a terrible and complex emotion and it can be hard to know what to do or say to someone who is grieving. There is no right or wrong way grieve, there is no step by step guide. Everyone deals with grief in their own way in their own time. What I have found helpful to comfort to those who are grieving is:

To let them cry, don’t try to cheer them up- just  comfort them. Saying nothing is sometimes just what is needed. On the flip side if they’re happy and are sharing their funny memories, let them , laugh with them.

Let them be angry and curse the world if they need to, again don’t put a positive spin on things just simply let them be angry.

If you don’t know what to say then a simple “I’m thinking of you / I’m here for you” message goes a long way. It lets your loved one know you’re there for them but are also respecting their space.

Try not to say “I know just how you feel” as you may not know what they are feeling at that moment.

Be patient, they will not just “get over it” they will miss their loved one everyday some days will be better than others.

There are 5 stages of grief, not everyone will experience them all and may not go through them in this order.

5 stages of grief are

Denial – “This isn’t happening to me/ They’re not gone”

Anger – “This is all his/her fault” “How dare they leave me”

Barganing – “If only I had done ….”

Depression – “I don’t know how to go forward from here”

Acceptance – “I was lucky to have known them/ they’re in a better place now”
For grief helplines visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

What’s the largest organ in our body? Liver? Heart? Brain? No – Skin. And no, it isn’t just something to cover up our muscles and stop our guts trailing on the floor. It’s an active organ working hard to protect from infections, dehydration, and UV radiation; it produces sweat to control our body temperature and it makes vitamin D. So, whilst beauty isn’t just skin deep, skin isn’t just a pretty face either. Nevertheless, it’s rather nice to have a pretty face too.

But what decides whether our skin’s like a baby’s bottom, or an old shoe? Major factors include ‘good genes’ (some people are just lucky), hormone levels, age, UV light damage, sleep quality, alcohol and smoking.

Can we shift the odds in our favour? Well, 75% of our skin (as dry weight) is collagen, so maybe that’s a good place to start.

Our bodies make collagen, using proteins, minerals and vitamin C from our diets. It provides structure and strength, and as, with age, it decreases, our skins can become saggy and lose that ‘plump peach’ look. Sadly this process can start from mid-20s and may worsen after menopause.

Can we encourage collagen production back up again? I’ve been looking at the data, and I’m also road-testing LQ Skin Hair Nails Collagen Powder daily for a month – the things I do for Frost readers, sigh.

As with many food supplements, there are relatively few quality studies. Nevertheless, some research suggests that collagen supplements, particularly at higher doses may improve facial moisture, amount of skin collagen, skin elasticity and/or wrinkle appearance. Whether a good diet, containing the necessary components of collagen would do the same is a subject of current debate. However higher collagen doses seem to produce slightly better results than low dose, so maybe our bodies do respond to this extra supply.

The LQ Collagen Beauty Range all contain high doses of hydrolysed marine collagen, plus hyaluronic acid for skin hydration, and are made from high quality, traceable ingredients.

LQ Skin Hair Nails Collagen Powder, which I’ve been taking for nearly two weeks so far, contains 10g collagen, plus biotin and selenium, and vitamin C, which helps our body make collagen.

Individual vials – LQ Skin Hair Nails and LQ Skin Hair and Nails Max – are also handy to pop in your handbag.

So how’s my trial going? Great. The collagen powder comes with a convenient measuring scoop and it’s fairly easy to dissolve for a pleasant passion fruit-flavoured shake.

Do I look like Jennifer Aniston yet (apparently she swears by collagen supplements)? Well it can take up to 4 weeks to see changes, but I did have a compliment just this week so … maybe?

LQ Skin Hair Nails Collagen Powder costs £34.99 for 300g and is available from lqcollagen.com Be aware that these products contain fish and shellfish if you’re allergic.

Finally, don’t forget that it’s equally important to protect your skin collagen, using sunscreen, and to eat foods high in antioxidants, which prevent collagen breakdown.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.

We are so in need of good news right now, that I am pleased to bring Maison sur le Littoral, Sauvignon Blanc to your attention.

The azure blue bottle and stylish label call out to me each time that I open the fridge door, which during lock down, has been more frequent than I would like.

The name translates as the ‘House on the Coast’ and the deep blue of the bottle transports one to the southern French coast looking out over the Mediterranean, without having to worry about quarantine.

Aldi has launched this crisp, fresh citrus tasting classic Sauvignon Blanc, which will undoubtedly go well with fish, sea food, chicken and salads. Perfect for the current heat wave and all those summer suppers in the garden, or to be honest, you could just take it easy and enjoy by itself.

Available from Aldi at £5.99 this is a great example of Sauvignon Blanc that won’t break the bank and will bring a smile to your face every time that you open that fridge door.

JK Rowling, Roald Dahl and David Walliams all made it into the top three for children’s most loved authors.   Fantasy and adventure stories are the biggest hits amongst our kids

A THIRD of kids in the UK have said that Harry Potter still takes the wand as most beloved character from a book – despite him being introduced to the world all the way back in 1997.

Other characters who topped the list include Paddington Bear and Roald Dahl’s Charlie Bucket alongside The Gruffalo. JK Rowling tops the list as children in London’s favourite author with 25%, while Roald Dahl takes second place with 21%. David Walliams proves he’s made a big splash in the world of children’s literature by claiming the third spot with 18 per cent.

As big believers in the power of children’s minds, the research from the collective kids, Suckies, the UK’s fastest growing yoghurt brand, also found that tapping into the imaginations of our kids seems to pay off well as adventure books and fantasy tales both come out on top as kids’ favourites with 18 percent and 16 percent of the vote respectively.

(The  online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 2,003 children aged 4-14 in the UK. The research fieldwork took place on 3 – 9 July, 2020. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code.)

Despite the growing number of toys, tech and games that are available to kids these days, half still love to sit down and have fun with a read of their favourite book. 64 percent have even decided to write their own stories but of those who don’t, 30 state that they just don’t feel creative enough.

The love we have for reading hasn’t faded throughout the generations as the research by dairy lovers, the collective’s beloved products for kids, Suckies also found that the average child will sit down and read to themselves for over an hour and a half. It also seems that kids really are just like us as 34 percent will sit and have a snack with a good book, while 31 percent will go and get their comfy clothes on before they settle down for a read.

As so many children are keen to write their own stories, it will come as no surprise that many also want to become a JK Rowling of their own, and turn writing into a full time career when they grow up – tied with wanting to be a doctor at 20%, and just topping an illustrator with 19%.

Sarah Horowitz at The Collective said, “We understand how important it is for kids to get creative and keep their imaginations alive – especially over the summer holidays! Reading, writing, running, jumping, whatever it is, it’s critical that we help children to feel comfortable using their own voice, creating their own adventures, and of course keeping their energy topped up throughout.”

About The Collective 

The home of gourmet yoghurt, and was the brainchild of two ex-chefs, Ofer and Angus, their quest was simple: shake up the yoghurt category by creating an extraordinary yoghurt with an unbeatable taste.

In 2011 they joined forces with Amelia Harvey and the late Mike Hodgson in the UK who believed the unique taste, texture and fun positioning of the brand was just what the market was looking for. The Collective’s aim is to bring excitement and innovation to the dairy market and is committed to creating the best-tasting yoghurt on the market using only the finest natural ingredients.

Over the last 6 years The Collective has revolutionised the yoghurt market, starting with its gourmet range. Based on the original New Zealand recipe, but produced in Somerset using the finest West Country milk, The Collective’s handcrafted gourmet yoghurts are thick and creamy with a silky smooth, clean texture and taste that melts in your mouth, and have a double layer of fresh fruit compote, delivering a burst of flavour in every spoonful. Their gourmet yoghurt is also packed full of live cultures, has no artificial additives and contains only 5%

Aurelie Freoua courtesy of Richard Lipman

 The Sunday Art Club will immerse audiences in the joy of live performance this August and September. This multi-disciplinary festival will be socially distanced in Shoreditch as well as streamed online so everyone can enjoy its electrifying range of theatre, jazz, film and visual art installations.

Hosted by Voxonica, line-up highlights this August include a live mural painting by contemporary artist Aurelie Freoua who creates rhythm and harmony through contrasting colours and light in her paintings; a live set from emerging DJs influenced by jazz, reggae, house and hip-hop; live music from Jazz on the Rox showcasing a blend of romantic and seductive jazz classics; a stunning installation from abstract urban artist Christian Asare, a British Ghanain Artist whose variations in culture and identity influence his creative expression; performances directed by Khoas’ James Scotland (Asst. Director, She Ventures and He Wins, Young Vic) and a short film from NatWest and BP Award-winning director, choreographer and performance-art artist Greta Mendez.

Performance and the arts have been a necessary and joyful escape for people across the country throughout lockdown. Co-curated by James Scotland, co-founder of Khaos and Trix Mendez, founder of Outside The Zone, The Sunday Art Club is a chance to bring live art back to audiences. It offers audiences online and in person the opportunity to see alternative, exciting new work in a Covid-safe setting.

James Scotland comments, The Sunday Art Club is vital to the life-blood of the independent art scene and endeavours to cater to underrepresented artists, both British and international, who otherwise might lose their voices as the arts industry emerges from the aftermath of COVID-19. This is an opportunity for artists to make meaningful connections as well as for audiences to reconnect with grassroots talent producing exemplary work. Following a successful debut in July, this unique series of not-for-profit events is a vehicle for the arts industry to reconnect at a grassroots level. It looks to build a network of multi-disciplinary artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds. The Sunday Art Club is free to attend both in person and online, with donations encouraged to support the artists and creatives involved. More artists will be announced on social media over the coming weeks for upcoming dates. Khaos were formerly known as Outer Gaea Company.

The Sunday Art Club Dates 30th August 2020 27th September 2020

Tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-sunday-art-club-tickets115850139887

Twitter @OuterGaea, #TheSundayArtClub

Instagram @outer_gaea_company, #TheSundayArtClub

Theatre Producer Portal launches as a hub for Producers, Writers and Investors to connect Creating a network for likeminded theatre makers.

The Theatre Producer Portal (TPP) is an exciting new online resource to encourage growth within the arts industry and enhance careers. Connecting producers, writers, and investors at all stages of their development, the platform aims to break down industry barriers and establish a space for creativity to manifest.

Previously launched in 2014, the newly revamped site is under the leadership of Jamie Chapman Dixon and John-Webb Carter of Carter Dixon Productions, who are also currently Co-Producing the recently released concert series, Tonight at the London Coliseum, starring a string of West End stars. Bringing together a host of experienced industry practitioners, members have access to a pool of knowledge, to help unlock their further creative potential.

Alongside exclusive networking events, the portal will provide access to upcoming investment and job opportunities, skill sharing, mentorships from leading experts, and live Q&As with high profile individuals, both in the UK and American markets. The first Q&A will take place on Thursday 20th August, featuring the theatrical content creating team at Broadway & Beyond Theatricals (Madagascar The Musical; Little Miss Sunshine The Musical). Furthering the community and industry togetherness, 10% of all membership fees will be put towards a TPP Grant, established to help productions that might be falling short on investments.

With insufficient funding crippling the ability for new writing to be seen, the portal’s Grant hopes to enable more opportunity in the industry, as well as guiding people towards other available grants and bursaries that can help writers and producers be seen. The platform is striving to champion diversity in the arts and the need for further representation of marginalised stories from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ+ communities.

To this end they have partnered with empowering companies including Burn Bright, Papatango, New UK MT and Beam, to bring the latest and best new work from across the UK to their members for consideration. Members of TPP will also reap the benefits of additional partnerships, from gaining access to some of the best private clubs in London, including The Curtain Club, to the Pleasance Theatre Trust, offering a series on how to take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe, and Industry Minds providing mental health support for any concerns during these tough times.

Jamie Chapman Dixon comments: I am over the moon to be able to finally launch the new evolved Theatre Producer Portal. John-Webb and I have been working tirelessly over the past two years to bring a resource that will benefit producers, writers, and investors of all levels. Our industry is such an amazing and resilient force of nature that is full of individuals who are wanting each other to succeed. The hardest parts about any production is raising the money and how to get in touch with the people who can open doors for you.  The portal is here to change that and the aim is to make these aspects the easiest part of the process. Individuals or companies who are solely interested in investment opportunities can also sign up for free but will only gain access to the investment portion of the website.

Theatre Producer Portal Website:  www.theatreproducerportal.com

Membership costs £19.99 pcm You can sign up to be a member at www.theatreproducerportal.com

Social Media: @thetpportal

With her white blonde hair and blue eyes so different from the rest of the villagers Merry has never felt as though she fitted in. She takes after her father her mother says. (a Seaman who died before she was born). But with him gone the family have to work hard to keep  going and each day is a struggle.

When Merry’s offered the chance of a job in a department store many miles away in Plymouth she knows that this is her chance. With her new responsibilities and a romance on the horizon Merry is sure her life is about to change for good, but does it? Ah, romance and aspiration seldom run smoothly, do they.

I had already fallen  in love with Merry and rooted for her so when she starts her job at the luxurious new department store and settles in and becomes accustomed to a new way of life,  I  felt delighted for her, until …   Until  Saphira breezes into the store and changes everything Merry thinks she knows about her life…

This is the third book by Linda Finlay that I have read, and I absolutely adored it, I couldn’t put it down I simply had to know what was going to happen. Full of refreshing characters and plot twists that you do not see coming The Sea Shell Girl makes for a gripping and  beautiful read. Set in the 1880’s in the beautiful west country Finlay captures the stunning scenery of a small Cornish village.

If you are after a book that will capture your heart and will keep you hooked until the very end then this is the book for you.

Read on eBook, but also available on pb.

It’s  time to walk along the beck where it is evident that here, in the north, we are into the softness of the late summer sun, and nature hinting that the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is not too far away.

But first we need to announce to the pony that we are coming up behind him. We did. He did not move. So a bit of a pressure on his shoulder, and orders to back, and voila, he does. Lift the dogs, who have no intention of going near this monster, and through the gate, looking back and see his longing to slip through after us and eat up the verge.

First we pass the blackberries, later than the south I daresay, not ripe enough yet, but getting there.

The hawthorn is  full of berries, but they need to be plumper to attract the birds – soon then. These are the hawthorns we used to back into – ouch – when joggers roared towards us, not stopping for man nor beast and immune to calls about social distancing. Here my grumpiness came into full voice. Are we walking earlier, or are they running later?

And now the honeysuckle, some still in flower, but the berries are with us.

We turn left, pass the church, and on the walk back we pass a garden which has been put down to vegetables, and just a tiny  lawn, utilising every little bit of space for fruit trees against the fence, herbs companion planted amongst leeks, cabbage, lettuce, courgettes, not to mention runner beans. Bees abound so they are not forgotten. We have grown vegetables too this summer, but not in sufficient quantities. It will not do . So half our lawn is going in order to extend our veg patch. Time we became more self-sufficient which the lockdown has reminded so many of us.

A bit of a diversion as we almost arrive home in order to let the o dogs run like crazy on the freshly mown sports pitches of the  new Sports Village, so while others ran, cycled or walked around the tracks on the perimeter we came across this gift from a child to us all, made out of the grass cuttings.  A bird’s nest lined with petals and laid within – clover and a yellow daisy.

 Life is good.

By Annie Clarke, author of Wedding Bells on the Home Front (aka Margaret Graham and Milly Adams)