From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope by Dr. Kathleen Thompson

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Review by Margaret Graham

Many of you will be familiar with Frost Magazine’s Dr Kathleen Thompson’s regular health features, which are topical, succinct accessible and helpful.

It is no surprise, therefore, that Dr Kathleen Thompson brings just the same skills to From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope – Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows.

This guide should be read by anyone with cancer, or given to anyone we know with the disease. Not only that, it should be read by relatives who are suddenly thrust into a unexpected supportive role, which leaves them as confused and upset as the patient.

In the guide, Dr Kathleen Thompson has the courage to use her personal experiences of breast cancer to explore the situation. She acknowledges not only her reluctance to face up to the symptoms, but her initial fear and confusion as she adjusted to this change in her fortunes.

As a medical insider, she reflects and applies her understanding of the medical procedures brought to bear to counteract the progress of the disease. She suggests the questions patients could, or perhaps should ask. She explains the possible treatments, (remember, that knowledge is power).

This is the key to the guide, it seemed to me: it is important for the patient to take control of the situation, and for the relatives to support this stance. To control a situation you need education because education leads to knowledge, which leads to power. Here I must acknowledge the fantastic Andy McNabb, who made this suggestion in a talk he gave. I thought it profound, and use it often.

Indeed, everyone should keep it as a mantra.

I loved, particularly, the chapter on how patients manipulate the staff to achieve, or not, the results they require – read it, learn, and laugh.

Sensibly laid out, each chapter is easy to navigate. In other words, it won’t be too much or too difficult for those under stress.

Importantly, the author explains medical research, and how to assess the credibility of the numerous cancer treatment claims, and what we can all do to protect ourselves from cancer.

This is an important book, in either e-book or paperback.

Published by Faito Books it is available on Amazon.co.uk at £12.99

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0993508308

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger by Catherine Balavage Reviewed By Margaret Graham

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Crikey- is it me, or is running a blog harder than it looks? by Margaret Graham

Read the: The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger by Catherine Balavage and cut out the stress.

Catherine is the owner and editor of Frost Magazine, and I am her contributing editor. Working on a blog, or online magazine as I think of Frost, was a new addition for me, because my main thrust is as a bestselling author for Random House Publishers. (Arrow).

As the weeks, months, and soon – years –go by, I have learned a great deal from, and about, this extraordinarily generous and accomplished young woman. Not least is her amazing energy, not to mention her attention to detail. What’s more, she’s so polite, acknowledging and appreciating her writers for their submissions, whilst not taking her eye off the ball for a moment.

For a Luddite like me, The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Blogger has been an eye-opener. It shows just how absolutely crucial it is to keep that eye glued on the ball, and includes numerous tips which would require a great deal of time and research to unearth on one’s own.

It’s a fascinating insight into just how much hard work and dedication, constant attention, and nurturing is needed. It put me in mind of running an enormous allotment, or nurturing a baby, or indeed a puppy – said from the heart as I introduce into the house a pal for Rosie our cockerpoo. None of these can be left for many minutes before things start to fall apart.

This book starts with basics, such as design, name and the benefits of blogging, through to the all important revenue streams, and how to determine what readers want, and so on. It’s all here, accessible and essential, and written in Catherine’s unmistakable brisk but friendly style we have come to know so well. Just take your time, and let the expert take you by the hand, and save you zillions of hours of stop and start mistakes.

Bravo, a book that needed writing, a book about to take off into bestsellerdom.

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger is available here.

Any one for Krakow at Christmas? By Margaret Graham

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Margaret Graham

No, not crackers, Krakow. We’ve been to Krakow at various times of the year, and it is one of the most beautiful and fascinating East European cities, affordable (perhaps because it’s not in the Euro?) with friendly, English speaking inhabitants.

We traveled with Easyjet (trouble free) and were upgraded to fantastic 5* Hotel Stary, with superb facilities and staff. Try the sauna, pool, salt cave and gym – though the gym was not on my agenda – I know my limits.

The main square is a rectangular space surrounded by historic townhouses and churches. The center of the square is dominated by the Cloth Hall), rebuilt in 1555 in the Renaissance style, topped by a parapet decorated with carved masks, with the interior elegantly decorated for Christmas.

On one side of the Cloth Hall is the Town Hall Tower, on the other the 10th century Church of St. Adalbert and 1898 Adam Mickiewicz Monument. Rising above the square are the Gothic towers of St. Mary’s Basilica. On the hour I gather a member of the fire service trumpets the hour. Sure enough we could see the glint of the instrument.

Yes, glint, because the weather was spring-like.

We took a free walking tour with Good Cracow Tours: www.goodcracowtours.eu (you merely tip at the end). Our guide was Eugene, formerly a lawyer and hip-hop dancer (yes really) from the Ukraine. He is knowledgeable, funny and friendly. We learned a great deal and had fun.

Around the square are many restaurants which are warm whatever the weather (there are heaters) and you can sit there and watch the world go by, as well as the horse drawn carriages.

Choose to eat within the glass-enclosed pavements areas or down one of the side streets. You must try our favourite dish, soup in a bread bowl. You can eat the lid, and indeed, pull off parts of the sides. Delicious. Don’t forget hot chocolate. I swear it is just melted chocolate. Not a calorie amongst it.

Other places to visit are the Bishop’s Palace in Kraków which is the seat of the Krakow metropolitan Curia, and the traditional residence of Krakow bishops since the late 14th century.

Between 1958 and 1978the palace was a residence of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, who in October 1978 became the first Slavic Pope in history, adopting the name John Paul II.

At Christmas the square is alive with the Christmas Market, buskers, and events.

The bars and clubs are open into the early hours of the morning to the relief of our son.

On a more sombre note, visitors should visit the old Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz District) from which thousands of Jews which the Nazis were savagely herded to the Ghetto to the north of the district. There is now a memorial in the form of oversized bronze chairs on the Plac Bohaterow Getta, very near to square. This square is very close to Schindler’s Factory which now houses an excellent museum covering not just the Nazis occupation, but the Soviet one too.

It was from this ghetto that the Jews were transported to death camps, including the nearby Auschwitz. We took a walking tour around Kazimierz though not with Good Crakow Tours because we needed a morning tour, but left it early on because of the flippant attitude of the guide. She showed a total lack of respect for the suffering of the Jews, and their dispersal (see the film Schindler’s List).

We continued on our own, strolling along ancient narrow streets, visiting the Old Synagogue which is now a museum: thought provoking and unforgettable. It is an extraordinary experience to walk these streets which have seen so much, and which is regenerating as a thriving arts and residential area. It is good to see that there is a Jewish presence, albeit it understandably small.

Take lunch in the old market square and have a look at the small enclosed area with the menorah railings.

And what about the Restaurant Szara Kazimierz – excellent food and lovely friendly service. But this is the case at all the Krakow restaurants and cafes.

Frost totally recommends Krakow. A wonderful Christmas destination, in fact, a great all year round destination, and don’t forget to seek out Eugene or any of the other Good Crakow Tour guides – just look for the green umbrellas in front of St Mary’s and say hello from Frost Magazine.

Art Projects at London Art Fair 2016

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Art Projects at London Art Fair 2016:

20-24 January 2016

Business Design Centre, Islington, N1
London Art Fair has announced a series of collaborations between emerging UK and international galleries for ‘Dialogues’, a section of Art Projects guest-curated by Natasha Hoare, which aims to encourage and foster relationships between galleries on a global scale.
The Fair also previews highlights of the large-scale installations, solo shows and thematic group displays that will be shown by galleries exhibiting in Art Projects as well as a new partnership with Furtherfield, bridging art and technology, that will invite visitors to play, debate and contribute ideas to a collaborative artwork combining platform gaming and drawing.

Curated by Natasha Hoare, ‘Dialogues’ returns to London Art Fair, following two highly successful editions. Natasha is Associate Curator at the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam. She is also completing work on ‘Curating Now’, a book of interviews with international curators to be published by Laurence King in 2015.

For more information: www.londonartfair.co.uk

Tickets: London Art Fair day tickets are now on sale at £15 (plus £1.50 booking fee) in advance, including a copy of the 2016 Fair Guide (to be collected at the Fair). Day tickets on the door are £20.

Tickets are available from www.londonartfair.co.uk or via the ticket hotline: 0844 8480 136.

Mango Bikes Launch: The Ladies Classic

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Frost is all for people getting, and keeping fit, and as a keen cyclist I drool over bikes – I once cycled far too many miles around and about Israel, on and off road, for charity on a mountain bike, and have always longed for a road bike.

I was thrilled, therefore, to see that leading British bicycle brand Mango Bikes are introducing their new elegant Ladies Classic style. It is a traditional British bike which couples simplicity with elegance to produce a lean mean – comfortable – cycling machine that ticks all the boxes – and at an unbelievable price.

Mango Bikes was founded by two university housemates who felt that it didn’t seem right that you could buy a car exactly to spec, or shoes, to your design, but bikes were only available in a few dull, pre-selected colours.

They remedied the situation, and Mango Bikes was born. Now they’ve taken the next step and are building a full range of bikes for all levels of cyclists, focusing on great quality, great customer service and unbeatable prices. Not forgetting, keeping the whole brand experience as fun as possible.

This Mango Bike is for those of us who require reliability, comfort and of course style. Focusing on the intermediate lifestyle and urban road bikes market, Mango Bikes are a refreshing alternative to the daunting high street bike shop.

It is comfortable and beautiful and has a padded sprung saddle – the bliss.

The bike arrives with an easy to use seven-speed gear system from the world’s leading component brand, Shimano.

The Mango Bikes Ladies Classic RRP is £299.99. This style is available in five beautiful colours (cream, green, blue, raspberry and black) with matching pannier and chain guard as standard and an optional wicker basket.

For more information, or to buy, go to www.mangobikes.co.uk.

Sukin – Australian natural skincare

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The Frost team like this skincare product:

formulated in Australia, Sukin is a natural beauty brand offering a range of luxurious yet affordable products crafted using ingredients that are the best nature has to offer.

Sukin focus on perfecting formulas that contain active botanicals and essential oils carefully selected to restore the natural vitality and radiance of the skin.

From foaming cleansers to antioxidant eye serums, moisture rich body creams to hydrating face oils, protein rich haircare to intense firming serums, Sukin has a range to suit your skin head to toe, whatever your age.

Give the gift of glowing skin this Christmas with the ‘Love Your Skin’ set from Sukin. Beautifully presented in an attractive gift box and featuring a 3 step face kit of hero products from the range, this is the perfect present for any natural skincare lover this Christmas.

RRP £19.99

Foaming Facial Cleanser (125ml)

A non-drying formula utilising the coveted calming extract of German chamomile, this cleanser enlists the help of soothing aloe vera, witch hazel and green tea to provide a deep, refreshing cleanse whilst purifying and balancing the skin.

Hydrating Mist Toner (125ml)

This multitasking product isn’t just an excellent addition to your daily skincare regime. Infused with rose & chamomile, and dispensed as a fine mist, this hydrating toner is the perfect handbag accessory for refreshing skin in air-conditioned environments and on hot days and long flights. Use to set make-up as well as under & over lotions, creams, gels and oils to soothe and cool.

Facial Moisturiser (125ml)

A daily use, deeply penetrating and rapidly absorbed moisturiser that naturally hydrates, softens and soothes skin, combining a winning infusion of aloe vera, horsetail, burdock and nettle to soothe, as well as skin healing rosehip oil, wheat germ, jojoba & avocado oil.

Sukin is available from Holland & Barrett, Alphega Pharmacies, Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Ocado, www.cressuk.com, www.feelunique.com and Independent Stockists nationwide.

Botallack O’Clock by Eddie Elks

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Old Red Lion Theatre, Tuesday 12th January – Saturday 6th February 2016

Something to cheer you up as January 2016 gets into its stride.

Botallack O’Clock is a funny, moving and thought-provoking journey into the creative mind of Roger Hilton CBE, one of the most unique voices in post-war British art. The show depicts a suspended hour of the night where Hilton’s past and present combine with his vivid imagination and tenacious personality, giving a humorous and intriguing insight into the mind of a true artist.

In 1965, after representing Britain at the Venice Biennale, Hilton moved to the Cornish coastal village of Botallack, where his working routine began to break down, mainly as a result of his increasing addiction to alcohol (which he had long used to creative effect). For the final two years of his life, Hilton took permanently to his bed, where he continued to work, leaning over the side of his bed to paint on sheets of paper laid on the floor. Hilton would work through the night with only his thoughts, his imaginings and a temperamental radio for company.

Writer Eddie Elks said, Roger’s thoughts and ideas, much like his paintings, are as relevant and arresting now as they were then. In a letter to his mother, whilst serving in WWII, Roger wondered whether one day his life would be made into a story. I hope he would have approved. Elks previously wrote a play about artist Sir Terry Frost and it was during research for this production that he first heard the name Roger Hilton and decided to bring his story to the stage as well.

Botallack O’Clock: Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ, www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk.

Tuesday 12th January – Saturday 6th February 2016 Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm Saturday matinees, 2.30pm Sunday matinees, 3pm

70 minutes @thirdmantheatre @ORLTheatre, #botallackoclock

Tickets are available priced £15 (£12 concessions) Previews and matinees priced £10 Available from Old Red Lion Theatre Box Office and www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk or 0844 412 4307

Avoid Waking up Next to a Sad Cracked Phone Screen This Festive Season

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Over a quarter of UK revellers aged 18-40 have damaged their phone on a night out. London named the clumsiest region (29%), and Newcastle the most accident-prone city (23%). Only 1 in 10 covered by insurance. Average amount spent on repairs is £49, roughly double the price of a protective case

Sound familiar? The Christmas party season is in full swing and we’ve all been there. A “get into the spirit” festive tipple turns into seventeen “IT’S CHRIIIIIISTMAAAAS” Jager bombs, or perhaps cocktails, and before you know it, you’ve a smashed phone screen staring back at you, accompanied by a hollow feeling of regret.

Ahead of ‘Mad Friday’, the last Friday before Christmas and most popular for office parties, it has been revealed that 27% of lumbering UK revellers aged 18-40 have damaged their phone on a night out. In the survey of 2,000 British adults, conducted by Griffin Technology, Newcastle topped the list of clumsy cities, while London is the region reporting most mobile emergencies.

As only 12% of damages were covered by insurance, our resident Griffin Gadgetologist, the brains behind the tough-as-nails Survivor phone cases, is on a mission to help the buttery-fingered amongst you.

So here are some top tips to avoid having to fork out for a pricey repair, or even a new phone, come Christmas.

Resist the urge to take a bathroom selfie: tiled flooring and all that running water (amongst other things) spells disaster for your phone, both inside and out. Research shows water damage comes second only to cracked screens as the cause of smartphone failure, so do your phone a favour and protect them from the elements.

Watch out for office geeks in YOLO party mode: if you must grab that group shot on the dance floor, stand well out of the way of errant dancers. Christmas does funny things to people – we tend to get overexcited and fling our arms in the air like we just don’t care, cue phones being knocked out of hands left, right and centre.

Keep it zipped: the more barriers there are to your phone, the less chance it has of falling to its demise. Whether it’s a zipped compartment in a handbag or buttoned pockets, something to stop you reaching for it every 10 seconds can work wonders.

Invest in a super-sturdy phone case:if you’ve been known to hit the deck after a few shandies, it could be worth taking a good hard look at your phone’s attire to decide if it’s up to the job. Even if you’re the type to dance on tables, Griffin’s new Survivor Summit and Journey cases survive drops of up to 3 metres!

Simplicity is key: everyone knows that nothing says it better than an emoji, but the tinier the buttons and more intricate your conversation, the longer it takes to text and the more likely your phone is to slip from your hand. Do everyone a favour and stick to the classic … “by the bar”.

Don’t drink too much: not a popular tip, but it works.

Finally, and perhaps the icing on the cake – try a tough case, and put your minds at rest: the toughest Griffin Survivor cases yet are available now from

http://bit.ly/GriffinTechnology

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