Did I mention I liked Hape toys? Yes I believe I have ‘hape’d on about them rather a lot.  Well their Einstein range is something else and I was quite taken aback by their Color Mixer Bead Maze.  Whilst retaining the simplicity of a good old-fashioned toy, Hape have introduced some really clever features, which will hold a child’s attention and keep them learning well into their toddler years.

At first sight it is the tried and tested bead maze – where the child can move different colored beads along a wire, all set attractively in an eye-catching wooden frame. But, hello, what is that white disc at the bottom? Well it’s the first clue that this is not a simple mechanical toy, although it certainly does help develop fine-motor skills.

As your child moves the beads along, the white disc flashes a different colour, and a voice says the colour name – in English, then Spanish, then French – how cool is that? There are so many initiatives for introducing children to foreign languages at a very early age, and this toy really complements these – and maybe the parents can learn a few words too? Who knew that amarillo meant yellow, in Spanish? Yes, OK, quite a high percentage of the world’s population I suppose…

And to keep the younger kids interested, the toy also plays attractive tunes and flashes rainbow sequences.  This novel and yet robust toy will maintain a toddler’s interest for a long time.  At £19.99 from Amazon it is well worth considering for Christmas.

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.

Is it just me who struggles to handle a hairdryer AND a brush AND sections of hair – all at the same time? I mean, how do hairdressers do it?  If I’m not dropping either dryer, or brush, or both just as I’m poised to tackle a selected section of hair, I’m catching stray clumps in the brush which then tangle to it so tightly that it ends up riveted to my head – not a great look. Not only this, but, unlike most hairdressers, my wrists don’t appear to have a swivel function, so how am I supposed to keep turning the brush round and round using my one free hand, to get even a faint wave in my straight-as-a-die locks?

So thank you Revlon for creating a hairdryer and brush combined – oh, and which volumises too – something beyond my wildest hopes.

The whole thing resembles a large but light oval hairbrush. A flick of a switch and air blows through vents within the brush at a choice of temperatures, so all you have to cope with is the brush itself. With simple manoeuvring you can straighten your hair, or, in my case, give it a lovely neat wave.  So easy, even for someone with my total lack of coordination.

But it isn’t just a hairbrush emitting hot air. Oh no, it uses ionic technology too. Ionic technology simply means that the hot air contains lots of negatively-charged ions. These have several benefits – they break down the water molecules, promoting evaporation and hence they speed up drying. Apparently they also tighten the hair cuticles, creating smooth and shiny hair and reduced frizziness – a big help in creating that I’ve-just-been-to-the-hairdresser look which we all crave but usually find so hard to achieve.

And now to my pet-hate – tangles. Well Revlon have thought of this too. The hairdryer-brush has special bristles – short, tufted, natural bristles and longer bobbled ones, which both prevent tangling and also help volumise.

And finally – it has a ceramic coating to protect from heat damage, and the cord has a swivel function (unlike my wrists).

For such a neat product there are a lot of well-thought out features, which pretty much cover every base for someone with limited hairdressing skills. You too can achieve a professional-looking hair-style quickly and stress-free, at home. I even astounded myself with the results.

And at just £59.99 it’s not much more than the price of just one professional blow-dry.  Available at Amazon or Boots.

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.

Never judge a book by its cover, is an adage that has stood me in good stead for many years, so why am I to be found stroking the frosted black bottle and label of Jaisalmer Gin, like some James Bond villain, stroking his cat?

Normally immune to artistic labels on bottles of alcohol, I am in awe of this design. The bottle is tactile, demanding to be admired and at the base, a small but pleasing punt. The label is ridged with embossed gold lettering on a black label and then a dramatic splash of turquoise that screams sophistication.

With expectations raised this high I fear that the gin will not be able to compete, despite the bold claim that it is ‘The whole of India in one bottle.’

Gin & Tonic was invented in India, when in the 1820’s, officers from the British Army, in an attempt to ward off malaria, mixed quinine with sugar and water creating the first Indian Tonic Water.  The addition of gin made the drink more palatable.

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin harks back to the imperial age of the Maharajas, named after the historic Golden City of the same name and pronounced ‘Jessalmeer,’ it is located in the North West of India in the state of Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a triple-distilled spirit, handcrafted in one of India’s oldest distilleries, located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The use of botanicals is a time-honoured tradition in India and Jaisalmer’s gin recipe is derived from the ancient Indian knowledge of herbs. Seven of the 11 botanicals used in the distillation come from India; Coriander and Vetiver grown in the fields around Jaisalmer, sweet Orange peel from Central India, whilst the Cubeb Berries and Lemongrass are from Southern India. The Darjeeling Green tea leaves come from Eastern India and the Lemon Peel from Western India.

Truly the whole of India in one bottle.

The Master Distiller wanted to retain the classic gin flavour using juniper berries whilst adding a refreshing twist with the Indian botanicals.

So, with Copa glass filled with ice and a fat piece of orange peel, twisted to release its oil, it was with much trepidation that I poured my very first Jaisalmer Gin. (Tip – before twisting the peel run it around the rim of the glass)

With nose set as close to the ice cubes as I dare without risking frostbite, I am hit by an initial crisp aroma of zesty Lemon and Coriander.

This gin does not disappoint, with Pine notes from the Juniper, woody and earthy notes from the Angelica Root and Liquorice whilst the spicy definitive notes from Cubeb Pepper keep this gin medium to full-bodied.

Finally, there is the elegant and refreshing finish, that lingers long after the first sip and which in my case, left me smacking my lips with satisfaction.

Please don’t worry if you miss the Indian summer, this is a gin to be savoured on a mellow autumn afternoon or a dark winter evening and is so beautifully packaged that it would make a most welcome gift come Christmas.

There is also a very helpful list of recipes for cocktails and for the purposes of this review I made the

THE G&T Signature Serve and the Indian Negroni, both of which I can thoroughly recommend and I am looking forward to trying the others very soon. (Purely in the name of science you understand)

Images courtesy of Rob Lawson.

STOCKISTS -The Whisky Exchange www.thewhiskyexchange.com RSP: £34.95 for a 70cl bottle ABV: 43%

How cute is this? My adjectives for Hape toys are simple, good quality, robust, fun. As with others in the Hape range, this frog is made of beautiful carved and painted (sustainable) wood. At a time when toyshops are filled with plastic gimics, this toy is tried and tested and will last a long time, both physically and in terms of child interest.

It’s small and light enough for a baby learning to crawl to pull on, and the bright colours will certainly grab their attention. When Baby starts to walk they will have even more fun trailing it a long behind, as its mouth opens and closes, like a real frog catching flies.

With Christmas looming closer, this is a real winner if you have young babies to buy for. At £9.60 from YesBebe it is very reasonably priced for such a quality toy.

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.

Possible a controversial title – but Leo the Snail, a teether/rattle/dummy from BabyToLove is unique and delightful, and perfect for teething babies.

Firstly it looks extremely attractive, in pink or green. It’s big enough to grab Baby’s attention but very light, so easy for even a 3-month old to grab and hold – and of course, take straight to their mouth. The whole toy is made of food-grade silicone so no concerns when Baby chews on Leo’s various bits, and the snail’s feelers are designed to resemble a dummy (pacifier in the USA) which is a clever additional feature.

The whole thing is light and delicate, yet robust, and will wobble playfully if Baby shakes it, which will also activate the delicate integral rattle.

So if you have a new baby present to buy, or Baby’s first Christmas, this is just great. At £11.95 from BabyToLove it is a beautifully-made and unusual toy.

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.

December 1987 Roberto Diaz a bioterror operative and Trini Romano a Lieutenant Colonel are on their way to the Atchison mines . They are transferring a metal crate that the have flown half way across the planet . The mysterious crate and it’s unknown contents are securely sealed in the facility and should be out of sight out of mind .

Fast forward to March 2019 we meet the loveable , cheeky and rebellious Teacake who has recently finished a 19 month prison sentence. He has a new job at a local storage facility.

A concoction of boredom, persistent beeping and the desire to talk to Naomi, the new girl at work , results in a series of catastrophic events, events that put all forms of life on earth at risk .

I’m not going to lie, I would not describe myself as a Science fiction fan. I initially chose ‘Cold Storage’ because it is written by David Koepp who is a celebrated screenwriter and director for films such as:
• Jurassic Park
• Spiderman
• Panic Room
• War of the World’s
• Mission impossible
• Indiana Jones
And having watched most of those amazing films I had very high expectations and decided to give it a go .

Koepp in his genius way, not only makes the characters believable but also the extreme situations that they find themselves in. There were times where I could not turn the pages fast enough .

Written from many different points of view , the reader gets a true understanding for the story line. What struck me most about ‘Cold Storage’, other than the heart racing , nail biting plot, was the fact that with all the scientific jargon I was able to understand what it meant and therefore what was going on. This is not due to my scientific knowledge, oh no, it is Koepp’s clever writing style. Much like ‘Mr DNA’ In Jurassic Park.

A perfect blend of excitement, humour, science and nightmarish terror.

Kathryn O’Reilly and Anna Doolan

image credit Nick Rutter

The complexities of childhood trauma, drug addiction and shame are brought to the forefront in this bold new play from writer and actor Kathryn O’Reilly.

Blending powerful physical expression, lyrical monologues and realistic drama with original music, Poisoned Polluted is an exciting and challenging piece of theatre, taking the audience on a brutal journey as they face the devastating reality of the impact and strain of addiction within a family.

Poisoned Polluted, explores the impact of being nurtured in a toxic environment. Stark, raw and bold, this original full-length poetic drama tackles uncompromising social issues and shines a light on the direct correlation between addicts,
abuse and suffering which is carried within our bodies.

Writer Kathryn O’Reilly comments, Poisoned Polluted began as a poem inspired by real life
experiences. As a playwright I am constantly exploring what it is to be human, our interactions,
transactions and coping mechanisms. I am fascinated with learning more about the nature of
addiction, as we all have the capacity to become addicts. Drugs don’t discriminate, but affect
every walk of life, age, class, gender, culture. Why are some people’s lives destroyed by it, and
others are not? It’s important to create female-led stories with new and varied characters for
women, focusing on issues in society that affects us all and to raise awareness.

Poisoned Polluted Tuesday 5th – Saturday 30th November 2019
Location The Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John St, Islington, London EC1V 4NJ

Tickets are £14.50 with some concessions available frommnnhttps://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/poisoned-polluted.html or
0333 012 4963

Recently, I watched a good friend struggle with the 3-dimentional jigsaw required to fit one’s liquids in the modest plastic bag provided at UK Airports.  Having already ditched a half-carrier bag’s worth of lotions, and, balancing a full-sized bottle of rather expensive perfume on the top of various face creams, deoderants and sunscreen, she handed the gaping bag to the (very patient) security officer.  Her triumph and relief melted as she was told that the bag needed to be sealed – a complete impossibility due to the Givenchy-embossed bottle struggling to escape. I shifted my few small bottles, which were mixed with the refugees I had already taken from her bag and somehow managed to fit in her perfume in my plastic bag too.  Everyone was happy and the Givenchy was saved from the large bin by the X-ray scanner.

Next time I hope she’ll decant her precious beauty products into 50ml plastic containers, but what about the perfume? Well I shall probably buy her a Portascent atomiser for her birthday. It’s such a simple but clever gift, and perfect for travelling. Made of aluminium it’s extremely light and small, and of course unbreakable. You can fill it with perfume in seconds. Simply remove the spray end from any perfume bottle, exposing the nozzle underneath. The Portascent has a port underneath which fits over the nozzle. Pump the Portascent up and down on the nozzle and it will fill up with perfume. A word of caution, you must keep the cap on the Portascent when you do this or it won’t work.  If your perfume bottle isn’t a spray, there’s an option for pouring too. It looks neat and attractive, and carries 120 sprays – perfect for a holiday, or even just carrying around in your handbag, in case you bump into Daniel Craig on the commute home. At just £7.99 from Leakproof.co.uk it makes a really useful present.

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.