ARRAN Sense Of Scotland have done it again. Just as I’m dreaming of getting out of freezing rain – a weather phenomenon of which I had been blissfully oblivious for my entire life, until yesterday – and warm up in a hot bath, they launch After The Rain Bath Salts.

Regular readers will know I simply love ARRAN Sense Of Scotland fragrances, which all reflect the beautiful and wild Isle of Arran, home to this family company.

The company philosophy is to help the world connect with nature, and After the Rain captures the unique scent of an Arran spring garden following a rain shower. Irresistibly fresh and sensual, the fragrance is a blend of rose petals, musk and floral citrus, mixed with the soft notes of Arran’s precious woods.

So, never needing an excuse to run a hot bath and do nothing, eh I meant do research (slip of the pen), the distinctive fragrance hit me as the white bath salts tumbled into the hot water. The salts are packed full of sea salt and magnesium (a fabulous muscle relaxant and great for cramps incidently), with other minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium. Feeling cosy, and totally relaxed now and looking at the driving rain from inside I’m feeling that life is good – was it the fragrance, or the magnesium? Who cares.

After The Rain Bath Salts cost just £16 for 225g, presented in a lovely glass bottle from ARRAN Sense Of Scotland – take a look at their website, there are lots of fabulous products to choose from.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

Joffe Books’ book of the week for the final digest of 2022 is a brand-new crime thriller from bestselling author Pauline Rowson — THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS  is out now for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99.*

Harley-Davidson-riding detective Andy Horton is called to a bloody scene on a boat. Although there’s no body in sight, it’s obvious someone was murdered here.

Then Horton is roped into investigating a robbery at a local gallery. Now he has a murder investigation to solve and a cunning art fraudster to find.

Time is ticking for our renegade detective . ..

Sounds like a good ‘un. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS BY PAULINE ROWSON FOR £0.99 | $0.99.

THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY BY Peter Boland.

AN UTTERLY CHARMING NEW COZY (really it is) MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A SLEEPY ENGLISH SEASIDE TOWN.   99p/99c

Meet the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop: Level-headed Fiona, Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly, and surprisingly tech-savvy, Daisy. Together they are The Charity Shop Detective Agency.   

Just up Frost Magazine’s street, or mine anyway.

Thierry Dulac THRILLERS BOX SET by Andre K Baby 1 – 3

Here you are, the super-value box set: THREE ACTION-PACKED THRILLERS FILLED WITH INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE . 99P/99C

Meet Thierry Dulac, Interpol’s answer to James Bond, in three jet-setting thrillers full of rip-roaring adventure. Yes, indeed. Hang on to your hats.

NO CHOICE BUT MURDER by Norman Russell

THE BRAND-NEW UTTERLY GRIPPING WHODUNNIT FULL OF TWISTS.  99P/99C

It’s a dark and stormy night in the English town of Oldminister when the battered body of local gallery owner Louis Gillette is discovered in his office. Detectives French and Edwards are on the case. They soon discover Louis was hugely unpopular and the list of suspects is far from short. Get ready for a knife edge journey…

NEWS – FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PAULINE ROWSON, AUTHOR OF THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS

What was your inspiration for the book?

That things aren’t always what they appear to be on the surface — and contrasts. Here I chose to have a blood-stained abandoned boat belonging to a Portsmouth refuse collector — who could either have had an accident and fallen overboard or been murdered — and an art theft which isn’t an art theft in the usual way.

The contrast is between the visible world of art with the invisible one of a refuse collector (after all no one really looks at the bin man!), and between someone who creates and another who disposes. Essentially, though, it’s a tale of greed and guilt which lead to murder and which Andy Horton has to solve.

Did anything surprise you during the writing process?

The killer! But then he or she always should! When I start to write each book I have no idea who did it, how they did it and why they did it. It makes for somewhat messy writing, but aside from a beginning, usually a body or body parts somewhere on DI Andy Horton’s patch, (or blood stains in this case), I have nothing else worked out, save for one or two brief character sketches. As I write and research the first draft more ideas and information come to me and so the light begins to dawn.

Was there anything interesting or funny that happened while you were writing the book?

One of the most interesting things was working out what the blood stains on the abandoned boat in Langstone Harbour meant. In order to do this I consulted a forensic scientist, an expert on Blood Pattern Analysis. He could tell me how the victim might have met his grisly end and what could have killed him. Why he was he killed though and who did it was down to me — or I should say down to the killer, who DI Andy Horton, of course, manages to find, but not after many trials, tribulations and red herrings along the way . . .

What really inspires you?

The sea is always by far my greatest inspiration and all my novels revolve around it — so much so that it is almost a character, taking on life, creating and setting the mood. I also love getting into a really complex puzzle that my detective has to solve.

I love the “what if?” question which I am always asking, and then hopefully answering during the writing of the novel. The research element is inspiring, especially the forensic research, and I’m inspired by the feedback from readers who enjoy immersing themselves in DI Andy Horton’s life so much that they tell me he (and Sergeant Cantelli) are part of their family. They’re part of mine too!

How do you want readers to feel when they’ve finished your book?

Satisfied. Saying “Well, I’d never have guessed that!” And wondering what happens next in DI Andy Horton’s tumultuous life. Raring to read the next instalment, and walking, sailing or riding the Harley Davidson alongside him as he solves his next complex case. THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS

Finally, a message from the man himself, our Jasper:

‘I want to say a huge thank you for all the books you’ve read this year.

‘Books, whether published by us or not, are special, wonderful things, and it means so much to us and our authors when you choose one of ours. Thank you and wishing you a lovely Christmas (or other seasonal celebration!) and a healthy and prosperous 2023.’

—Jasper Joffe, Publisher, Joffe Books

The above books, and many more,  are available from Joffe Books

The wellness industry is estimated to be worth $4.5billion. It’s big business. 

In this book, Wellness Culture by Stephanie  Alice Baker, the author explores the history of alternative therapies transitioning into the mainstream.  She delves into the role of the internet in this expansion, questioning those who wield huge influence, but  by no means ignores the topic of wellness culture.

She propounds that wellness can operate as both a form of inclusion and oppression, and can be moralistic, exclusionary and even harmful.  But Baker does not, by any means,  ignore the fact that  it can also be enriching and empowering which explains its enduring cultural appeal.

A senior lecturer in Sociology at City University, London, Baker is an expert in online communication & connection & examines wellness in the wake of the pandemic.

As many of you will know I am a yoga teacher & mindfulness coach having invested both time & money in professional training. I believe whole heartedly in what I share, as do my colleagues, and that we, and many others ,do what we do with the highest intentions. 

That said, as I read this book, I found myself accepting that within this industry, just like all industries, there are people who abuse their position.  

Interestingly Baker made a timely and helpful point in Wellness Culture just as I ‘lost’ both my venues for my classes, workshops & retreats.

Of course I was already  aware of the importance of understanding the power of our thoughts:  that the law of attraction, quantum, energy  suggests that if things were falling apart one might have unintentionally manifested the situation. In other words, was I doing something wrong?  Had I forgotten this?

For a moment, in the maelstrom of unexpected news, obviously, but here in Wellness Culture was a timely reminder.

Consequently I caught the thought & remembered to trust the universe & the process and myself; that just like an arrow goes back to go forwards – sometimes the Universe clears out things that aren’t working or make sit so uncomfortable you can’t fail to notice & do something different.

As I said, Wellness Culture is an interesting read.

Wellness Culture by Stephanie Alice Baker.   Available in pb and e-book.

If you would like more information on how to practice mindfulness, meditation & yoga check out Alex’ website: alexbannard.com

For free resources check out:

Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

YouTube channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

As the cold hit, the team rushed to the Centre to get the heater on and make sure all was welcoming, though Equans Monday meeting was  cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Nonetheless gritters arrived to attend to the CCA car park, and the buses began to run.

Good news arrived too, in the form of a booking for a “Washington Play Activities “ funded by Washington Area Committee – Sunderland City Council – for over the Christmas holidays. This is free for children 7-11 and includes fitness activities, arts and crafts, group sports. And children can make their own packed lunches to take home .

Special thanks also to the donor who popped in to the centre to leave a £20 donation which will be put to very good use.

The CCA had a very positive meeting in relation to the electrical refurbishment; Lewis, from JLA Caire, Quantity Surveyor at SCC, and the lovely Richard, ( as Marion calls him,) the surveyor visited the Centre to assess the works to be carried out. Hey ho they have lift off, work is to commence week beginning 9^th January 2023.

Defibrillator training day with the amazing Nev Harris arrived, and how great to be trained by the best in the business. This is fully funded by CCA and the team hope this is the first of many sessions they will be able to offer the community through monies raised and kind donations

Zoe Burn dropped in bundles of the Washington Way, anyone wanting one can pick one up from the Centre. Andy Hayes called in to collect Sister Mary’s Christmas present. Marion does so hope she likes it as, she says, it is difficult buying for a nun. I am sure she will be pleased, though, she said.

The electricians appeared: Chris and Craig from Harry Burnicle who are updating the lights.

Fun arrived in the form of the CCA Christmas Coffee Morning. The tables were all decorated, Phil from Di’s Diner did the buffet, Pauline had the list of bits and bobs needed from the shops. Marion was in the thick of it, sorting prizes for the Bah Humbug Bingo – not this week, but soon. (Don’t ask all will be revealed in good time).

What an end to a superb week at the CCA , as Christmas is galloping towards us all: there has been refurb progression, more bookings secured for over the festive period including a Free Christmas Holiday Club for the kiddies.

Then, when things couldn’t get any better, the CCA friends – the Redeemed Christian Church of God – came to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and sang a melody, with the CCA group willingly joining in.

‘Margaret, you would have loved it.’ said Marion. ‘I know I would,’ agreed Margaret. ‘So would the rest of the Frost Magazine team.’ 

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

J

I’m so old that I can remember a time before mobile phones. How things have changed. Nowadays our phone is practically an extension of our very being – if you’ve ever experienced the acute panic attack associated with losing it or, worse, having it stolen you’ll know exactly what I mean.

So what pleasure to combine stylish top fashion with strong protection for our precious communicator? That’s why I was thrilled to check out the limited edition MAHARISHI x CASETiFY collection – tagline, ‘THE NAMES ARE MANY, THE TRUTH IS ONE’.

Many of you’ll be familiar with the distinctive brand Maharishi, founded by British designer Hardy Blechman – famous for Army surplus/Japanese/Indian fusion. Maharishi promotes central core values of military pacifism, mixing camouflage t-shirts and hoodies with floral and tiger prints. I just love the designs.

And then there’s CASETiFY, the global tech accessory brand, whose mission is to turn your personal electronics into stylishly slim, drop-proof accessories. But there’s more, CASETiFY doesn’t just mindlessly churn out accessories, it has a serious research and development Re/CASETiFY and Ultra Compostable programme to create very high-quality materials, and to protect the planet too. I’m pretty impressed, so let me tell you more.

CASETiFY have developed a phone case material that’s as durable as other plastics but much better for the Earth, utilising old phone cases plus manufacturing scraps and plant-derived bio-plastics. CASETiFY’s ecotify™ is made from 100% biodegradable biopolymers, starch and bamboo fibres, and uses eco-friendly ink meaning each phone case breaks down seamlessly into the earth and no toxins are left behind. Not only this, but the recycled materials are combined with the innovative shockproof material, qìtech™ to provide optimal protection, superior impact resistance and sustainability in an ultra-sleek phone case. And as if all this wasn’t enough, an antibacterial DEFENSiFY coating eliminates 99% of bacteria to protect your phone and you from germs. How many other Accessory designers do all this?

I adore the lovely phone cases in the MAHARISHI x CASETiFY collection – the subtle merging of camouflage with tiger skin is so beautiful, stylish and quirky. And for busy people who need both hands free, the military-style lanyard is so useful, with a neat strap card to attach the phone and case. Products in the collection include iPhone and iPad Cases, Apple Watch Bands and Macbook Snap Cases, not to mention a rather special skateboard for the more active amongst us.

The MAHARISHI x CASETiFY collection is available online and in CASETiFY Studio locations, with products shipping to more than 100+ countries. Check it out at casetify.com and why not download the new CASETiFY Co-Lab app (in App Store).? The Co-Lab program is renowned for tapping top artists, big celebrities and creatives so well worth a look.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

Ding Dong Merrily on high … As it grows ever nearer to Christmas the efforts of the CCA team continue unabated. Marion explained to Margaret at Frost Magazine that they are always on the lookout for opportunities that can be of help to the community at CCA, so they have contacted the Citizens Advice who have the use of an information vehicle named (SCABI) and are looking for locations within the Washington area. Hopefully, the CCA will be successful as a location.

It was a good start to the week in other ways too, especially when their neighbour, Jamie. dropped off a Sponge “Sharing Cake” forthe community centre; 14 slices of scrumptious delight. There is more news  though: due to a fantastic donation, we are now able to offer 6 free places for defibrillator training – date confirmed as Thursday 15^th December.

Kam

Kam the CCA’s Polish friend called to collect the cheque for money raised for the Ukrainian appeal and they discussed the importance of ongoing support. Winter is here and these people need help more than ever.

Fancy a sit down?  Look no further.

‘Massive thanks to Trish Berstein for the Parker Knoll armchair,‘ said Marion,  ‘Which is now happily living in the ‘Warm Spaces comfy room, and thanks too, to Lynn Walmsley and Sheila Parker for the wool they donated for hats for the seafarers, and Allison Chapman for the tins of Chocolates, which I promise I have not eaten. So thrilled, what a brilliant day.’ says Marion, adding ‘The big boss from Equans , Brian Spackman, paid us a visit and by sheer chance Stu rang from his sick bed. I was able to wish him well, for his operation, and sent love from us all.’  Include Frost Magazine in that, Marion.

The CCA enjoyed a visit from the “Washington Way” owner/editor Zoe Burn and Harry Chalmers, who delighted everyone with a lemon cake he baked. Marion said,  ‘Would have been rude not to tuck in to it, wouldn’t it Margaret, and thanks for the scarf you knitted for Miss Polly.’

‘Oh dear me, rather big.  Silence prevails,’ say Margaret

(Margaret doesn’t like to admit scarves are all she can do, except for a few fishermen’s hats, because armholes stump her.)

As the week progressed there was more  good news at the CCA. They received an email from the surveyor, the lovely Richard. At long last CCA have lift off. Contractors plan to start work on the exterior of the building on their return to work after Christmas.

The team welcomed the visit from the prospective Sunday church group “Redeemed Christian Church of God”” who are looking for premises to hold their weekly church services. They were such fun, and good to see Lee, the CCA’s favourite joiner who finished off the window sills. The team feel he is part of their family now. As Marion said, ‘Brady Square have adopted him as one of their own.’

The CCA’s “Warm Spaces” days have been very popular this week, and the team just love welcoming the community into the centre, and having a good chin wag makes it perfect.

Everyone was very thankful to Beth Roddy Jones who popped in with a bag full of sausage sandwiches, which their guests enjoyed, the only downfall was, according to Marion, that there was too much cake to consume and as she so often says, it would have been so rude to refuse. ‘Undoubtedly, ‘ agreed Frost Magazine. ‘So, what about us?’

The council maintenance did their bit and gritted the entire car park making it safe for the centre’s “Warm Spaces” users. As we all know, there is more frost and ice on the way so it’s good to be prepared. Birthday party, Council ward meeting, Didddidancers and Wargamers were all in over the weekend and everyone can rest assured all H & S procedure have been adhered to,

The Community here at Brady Square would like to thank our boys in Qatar and let’s all remember – there will be a next time.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Just recently, Frost featured Grace Company Crafts – a Dnipro-based dance dress company who have remained extremely competitive despite operating throughout the war in Ukraine.

Having learned what another company, KACHOROVSKA are achieving I am simply staggered at the raw ‘Can Do, Will Do’ determination of these Ukranian companies – they are an inspiration and example to us all.

KACHOROVSKA, based in Kyiv, is a three-generations of women-owned company – initially launched during the cold war, it has been designing and making shoes since 1957 and, more recently, other accessories such as bags and clothes too. It ships around the world in addition to the home market and their shoes are frequently worn by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

Incredibly, despite frequently having no electricity, no internet and no water, this iconic footwear brand KACHOROVSKA have been developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for its newest shoe campaign called ‘We Speak Shoes’.

 Alina Kachorovska, the brands creative director, and granddaughter of the founder, has always looked to the future and continues to push boundaries to delivering new innovative styles. She tells us that marrying fashion with AI technology in this way is setting an example for the whole fashion industry, and not even working in a war zone will quell her passion for innovation it seems.

To develop the AI, they created a mood board for each pair of shoes and visually matched the fashion style. Then using AI techniques, going back and forward, they generated the needed image style precisely. This process was repeated many times, adjusting the algorithm until the basis was no longer a mood board but an interpretation itself in the form of fractal reimagining.

Alina Kachorovska’s focus is on fit, and from measuring more than 40,000 clients’ feet the company have an expert understanding of the anatomy and structural unity needed to deliver customers a perfect match of style and comfort.

The brand focuses on high quality craftsmanship, environmental sustainability, a fair price, diversity, and an inspiring work environment for its 150 employees. Alina aspires to have the shoes worn by shoe lovers and fashionistas of all races, ages, and genders worldwide. As a proud mother of three children she is dedicated to her family and her Ukrainian roots.

I thoroughly recommend checking out the KACHOROVSKA website or Instagram – and don’t forget, there is currently no import tax on deliveries from Ukraine – so go treat yourself.

Images:  owned by Kiko Gaspar Communications.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

I’m always on the look out for yummy ways to spice up my food, and so I was excited to try Firelli Hot Sauces, which are hand-crafted in Parma, Italy from natural ingredients – is your mouth watering? Mine certainly was.

Well I wasn’t disappointed. I started with the original Firelli Hot Sauce. It was delicious. The slight sweetness of the roasted red peppers balanced the Calabrian hot chillis, and the porcini mushrooms, balsamic vinegar and natural herbs, spices and sea salt melded to provide fabulous complex flavours. It was spicy but didn’t blow my head off (Scoville rating of between 1,000 – 2,000 for chilli aficionados). It really tasted like something Nonna might have made.

Feeling brave I progressed to the Firelli Extra Hot Sauce which has the addition of Cayenne Peppers. Wow. This sauce definitely packed a punch (Scoville Score of 4,375) but still had the lovely fullness of the other ingredients and the slight sweetness to balance the heat – I loved it.

I gave my taste buds a little break before trying their newest sauce, which had been intriguing me – Firelli Truffle Hot Sauce. This has just been released for Christmas and what a fabulous combination of hot sauce with the distinctive flavour of black truffle – how luxurious? And it works so well – a little kick from the hot spices, balanced with earthiness and umami – quite unique and leaves you wanting more. Definitely my favourite.

Not only do this trio of amazing Italian hot sauces taste fabulous, but guess what, they’re healthy too – made with natural ingredients, they’re all low calorie, gluten free and vegan.

You can buy them individually or as gift sets which make a lovely Christmas present. They’re available on : Amazon, Hot-Headz and on the Firelli website – where you can find recipes too.

The Original and Extra Hot Sauces are both RRP £3.95 for 148ml, the Truffle Hot sauce is RRP £5.99 and the Firelli Trio Gift Set RRP: £15.99.

Buon Appetito.

You can follow Firelli on Instagram: @firelli, Twitter: @FirelliHotSauce and Facebook: @Firellihotsauce

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.