Category Archives: Featured

Dr Michael Mosley and The Fast 800 launch natural shakes delivered to you for post-lockdown health ‘reset’.

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michaelmosley fast 800 shakesLifestyle programme, The Fast 800, has launched 200-calorie shakes, packed with natural ingredients containing essential nutrients that will help to support immune systems across the UK.

High in protein and containing 26 vitamins and minerals alongside an ingredient-list of natural foods the average shopper will recognise, The Fast 800 shakes offer the ultimate combination of nutrition and convenience.

Created by Dr Michael Mosley’s team at The Fast 800, the shakes are founded on scientific evidence suggesting low-carb, fibre and protein-rich Mediterranean-style diets offer some of the best quality nutrition. The Mediterranean diet has been much-praised by the science community, given the abundant evidence showing those who adhere to the way of eating experience long-term weight loss, reduced heart disease and type 2 diabetes risk, amongst other health benefits.

While low in carbohydrates and with no added sugar, The Fast 800 shakes are rich in fibre, aiding beneficial gut flora in producing chemicals that reduce inflammation and support immune function.  These trillions of microbes that live in the large intestine are central to good health and play a significant part in maintaining a healthy immune system.

The fact that each 200 calorie shake also contains 20g protein is also important, because we all need healthy amounts of good quality protein every day to preserve our muscle mass and support our immune system.

Co-founder of The Fast 800, Dr Michael Mosely said accessing quick and convenient nutrition during lockdown has been tricky for many due to the closure of cafes and restaurants. In addition, many of us have struggled with periods of inactivity for a variety of reasons during lockdown, so with the country looking to re-open, now is a great time to reset your health regime with these healthy, natural and nutritious shakes.

“These shakes are packed with natural ingredients, including a quarter of your daily dose of 26 vitamins and minerals in every drink.

“You can read the ingredients list and know exactly what is in them, so they’re a terrific option when the thought of cooking isn’t appealing, or you’re time-poor.

“While I don’t think shakes should be used as a frequent replacement for a well-balanced meal, this is a convenient alternative to the processed foods we often turn to when we are stressed or when fresh food is not easy to access. They are also really helpful when doing a rapid weight loss diet.”

The shakes formula predominantly comprises seeds, nuts and coconut, whey (vegetarian) or pea and hemp (vegan) protein, and sweetened naturally with stevia. The shakes’ naturally higher levels of protein and unsaturated quality fats are the key to keeping you fuller for longer, helping to avoid cravings and endless snacking.

Many meal replacements contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners or simple carbohydrates to improve the taste and counter their low fat content. While cheap to produce, such shakes are not formulated according to scientific evidence and are not ideal for long-term health.

 

  •     Available in vegetarian and vegan bases in three delicious flavours: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry
  •     Shakes cost £18.99 per pack, or £1.90 a shake
  •     Only available via www.thefast800.comand delivered to your door
  •     Manufactured and distributed in the UK
  •     The shakes contain 200 calories per serving when made with water
  •     Simply add 50g of shake powder to a shaker, pour over 300ml of cold water or milk, shake well and drink
  •     Dr Mosley recommends consuming them alongside a diet comprising Mediterranean-style food
  •     For more information, visit www.thefast800.com

 

 

i heart Halloween Cocktails!

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For our final instalment of our Cocktail Month feature it would be simply foolish of us not to include some Spook-Tacular Halloween Cocktails and this week our drinks are brought to us by…

i heart Wines…

…because you don’t just need ‘spirits’ to create a spooky cocktail… get it?? 

What we heart about i heart Wines is that their approach is simply honest in that they want to bring to you a great tasting wine at a reasonable price. That sounds pretty good to me. What’s more, with such distinct and recognisable branding, you may have seen their products in a fair few supermarkets even extending to vendors around the Globe, impressive. Their range is pretty diverse too and includes select wines from Spain, Italy, Hungary and Argentina. So diverse in fact that i heart Wines also heart gin too with both a traditional gin and a pink gin. Quite simply i heart Wines brings to you all the things that people love from their heart to yours. 

So… if you’re planning on a little Monster Mash, Ghost-busting or Zombie Zoom call we have just the tipples to trick or treat. 

i Heart Pinot Noir Halloween Sangria

Ingredients

·       750ml i heart Pinot Noir

·       1 orange (cut into wedges)

·       1 lemon (cut into wedges)

·       30g sugar

·       500ml ginger ale

·       A handful of gummy worms to garnish

·       Mint to garnish

Method

·       Firstly, pour the red wine into the pitcher

·       Squeeze the juice from the oranges and lemons into the wine then toss the wedges into the punch

·       Add the sugar and stir thoroughly until dissolved

·       Optional: if you’re that bit extra chill over night for flavours to fully develop

·       Just before serving, add the ginger ale and a handful of gummy worms and mint leaves to garnish

 

i Heart Merlot Halloween Punch

Ingredients

·       750ml i heart Merlot

·       750ml Rum

·       150ml lime juice (fresh)

·       150ml triple sec

·       170g simple syrup

·       2 limes (sliced into thin wheels)

·       2 red oranges (sliced into thin wheels)

·       Handful of raspberries and blackberries

Method

 ·       Firstly, gather all the ingredients together

·       In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the i heart Merlot, rum, lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, lime, oranges, raspberries and blackberries

·       Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for two hours before serving (overnight is better)

·       Serve over ice in punch glasses and enjoy!

For an extra spooky punch, why not decorate the punch bowl with fake spiders or cobwebs? Maybe even some floating eyeballs.

The i heart Wine collection is available from various stockists including but not limited to Amazon, Tesco, Ocado, Nisa and Spar. 

To find out more about the brand please visit;

iheartwines.co.uk

Anker Spirit X2 Total-Wireless Sport Earphones Review.

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Anker Spirit X2 review, totally wireless, sport , earphones,

I totally love these wireless sport earphones from Anker. First of all, they are sexy. That is one good-looking pair of earphones. Secondly, they do not budge. Most important is the sound; which is awesome indeed. They are sweat proof due to their SweatGuard technology and they are comfortable. There is nine hours of listening from a single charge and it goes up to thirty-six hours with the included charging case. Win-win. Get your hands on a pair now.

100% More Bass. Inspired by technology found in high-end speakers, BassTurbo positions an acoustic chamber behind the driver to add powerful bass resonance. BassUp technology, then injects even more bass intensity via a custom algorithm.

Extreme Sweatproof IP68 protection defends against dust and water with SweatGuard technology to resist the corrosive nature of sweat. Lasts 100x longer than ordinary true wireless earbuds thanks to a submarine structure and hydrophobic nano-coating.

Incredible Endurance. Get 9 hours of intense listening from a single charge and boost that to 36 hours with the included charging case. That’s up to 5 weeks of workouts on a single charge.

Effortless Comfort. True wireless earbuds with extra-flex eartips and hooks ensure a free, satisfying, and invincible fit, no matter how hardcore your workout. Comes with an extensive selection of tips and wings for tailored listening.

What’s In The Box. Soundcore Spirit X2, Charging Case, XS/S/M/L/XL EarTips, XS/S/M EarWings, USB-C Cable, 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Get the brilliant Anker Spirit X2 Total Wireless Sport Earphones here.

Finding a Voice: Uplifting Memoir Chronicles Man’s Journey to Thriving with Developmental Learning Disorder

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developmental disorder, book, inspiring, book, learning disability. Damian Quinn is just like anyone else. His mind races with ideas; he’s intelligent and has the potential to achieve great things. But Damian has spent his life contending with one thing most don’t – the inability to form words and communicate properly.

In his new memoir, ‘Finding a Voice’, Damian takes readers from his early years when the only word he could say was “mimmy”, through to adulthood where he thrives as a successful disability advocate and Vice President of Afasic. This charity has saved his livelihood.

Synopsis:

The power of communication is essential; some say a necessity. We all do it, humans, insects, birds, cats, dogs, etc. No matter which species we belong to, we all communicate. Unfortunately, some people struggle to do so. Damian was one of them.

Developmental Learning Disorder, a speech and language disability, which Damian has had from birth, causes sentences to come out muddled and slow, even though all Damian’s ideas are there. Here Damian talks about how DLD has affected his life, and how the charity Afasic has been there to support him throughout.

Find the struggles that Damian had to go through in his life for him to speak.

Finding a Voice recounts the journey Damian has taken. From the early years, he was struggling to be diagnosed and have the disability recognized, to being heard as Vice President of Afasic.

Finding a Voice recounts the journey Damian has taken. From the early years, struggling to be diagnosed and have the disability recognized, to being heard as Vice President of Afasic.

“My pronunciations, semantics and discourse have been profoundly affected by DLD,” says the author, who has moved back to his hometown of Leighton Buzzard. “As you can imagine, this caused many issues growing up and going through the education system, particularly back in the 1980s when disability wasn’t understood or dignified as it is today. However, I have used my experiences in adulthood to carve out my own success; one that embraces the challenges I face. Unfortunately, DLD affects about two children in every classroom in primary school and sadly that it is more common in boys than girls.”

Continuing, “I wrote this book to share one man’s honest account of disability, both to help raise awareness and understanding among non-suffers, and help those who struggle with conditions like mine to understand they are not defined by it. Their success is not connected to it. I want everyone to understand the odds are always stacked in our favour, no matter the challenges we face in life.”

Reviews have been glowing. Chelsea writes, “I received my book this afternoon and finished it this evening. It was a fascinating read and very informative about DLD and the struggles Damo has faced growing up. It’s an emotional read at times, especially when Damo talks about his feelings behind feeling like he failed his parents. Damo is an absolute delight to know, and I know his parents would be very proud of who he is today! I urge people to read this book and educate themselves on this – fantastic job!”

Justin adds, “This is the heartwarming story of Damian who has grown up with a Developmental Learning Disorder. Damian at an early age, was diagnosed with a Speech and Language Disorder. Damian shares his experiences of living with a disability from his early childhood to his adult life, showing how having a disability has not stopped him from achieving great things in life and helping others with Speech and Language Disorders through the charity called Afasic. This is a most enjoyable and informative read.”

‘Finding a Voice’ is published on November 9th and available from all good bookshops as well as all online book retailers, including Amazon- https://amzn.to/37yTafq

You can find his website at https://www.dysphasia.co.uk/

 

Nap times, politics and radical feminism? New book explores Mumsnet today.

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the politicisation of mumsnet, politiczation The Politicization of Mumsnet

 By Sarah Pedersen

Publication: 15th October 2020

PB, £16.99, ISBN: 9781839094712

I have to be honest. My feminism has dulled at the edges the past six months. Two children under five and numerous work commitments have left me with a lethargy towards feminism and politics in general. Well consider me awake now. I forgot about the feminism threads on Mumsnet. I also forgot at how much snark Mumsnet gets because of its perceived anti-trans reputation and middle class readership. Personally I think that everyone who attacks Mumsnet for being middle class, and for assuming it is so, rude. I also note that Reddit and 4Chan have users with controversial views and no one gangs up on them quite as much.

The Politicization of Mumsnet is a brilliant book that is well thought out and researched within an inch of its life. It had so many facts it blew my mind.  Mumsnet is a huge achievement and it has saved countless women lives. Women generally becoming Mumsnet users during the most vulnerable, and isolating time of their lives. Men and Women are relatively equal until women have babies. Women’s biological clocks also put them at an unfair disadvantage. Read this book and you will want to level the playing field. An absolute triumph for Sarah Pedersen.

You can listen to Sarah Pedersen on Women’s Hour here.

‘This book dispels two myths about Mumsnet:  that it is heaving with entitled, middle-class yummy mummies, or drowning in hate and bigotry… This book is informative, amusing and a call to feminist action.’ – Julie Bindel, writer and activist

Whether you love it, loath it or are totally baffled by it, Mumsnet is a social-media phenomenon.  It now has 14 million users and over the past two decades it has grown to become the largest parenting website in the UK.

As the site developed, Mumsnet discussion topics evolved beyond traditional ‘mothering’ subjects to encompass politics, feminism and current affairs.  In fact, it now bills itself as a ‘site for grown ups’ with limited moderation and a commitment to free speech.  Brands swarm to it and it is a ‘go to’ source for journalists seeking a female viewpoint.

 In The Politicization of Mumsnet, Sarah Pedersen from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, explores Mumsnet’s role as a powerful and influential forum, including its use by politicians to try and secure the votes of middle-class women in the UK. The 2010 General Election was even dubbed “the Mumsnetelection” highlighting a growing awareness that women discuss politics online in places that have been traditionally perceived as non-political.

Its active community of users has led to high profile campaigns about rape awareness, miscarriage care and the premature sexualisation of children. The type of campaigns that Mumsnet supports is driven by the interests of its members, but also the realities that the site itself has had to face relating to libel.  Mumsnet has become part of the establishment in its contributions to government inquiries and as a place for ministers to air policies for families and children.

However, in recent years, Mumsnet has also become a central part of a resurgent women’s rights movement in the UK.  Understood as a safe space for gender-critical voices, the site has spawned real-life activism and continues to be both praised and attacked for its support of free speech on controversial subjects.  Pedersen argues that its openness to these discussions has allowed the site to function as a subaltern counter-public.  This development has led to both praise and bitter criticism of the site and a positioning within a resurgent grass-roots radical feminist movement in the UK.

Sarah Pedersen asks where does Mumsnet go from here?  While there is no doubt that the site will continue its campaigning on issues that concern its members, it must also continue to offer a space for women to discuss issues that are important to them, and to share and receive support and comradeship.

Fans and critics alike would do well to remember the quote from Robert Campbell after Mumsnetters had caused his agency’s advertising campaign to collapse within 48 hours……. “Don’t mess with Mumsnet”

About the Author:

Sarah Pedersen is Professor of Communication and Media at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Her research focuses on women’s use of media, particularly for political purposes, using both contemporary and historical sources.

 

The Politicization of Mumsnet By Sarah Pedersen is available here. 

 

Vahdam Teas Releases New Range of Sustainable Adaptogenic Turmeric Teas

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I have become obsessed with turmeric and putting it in things. I even add it to my tea. I had my inflammation makers tested by Thriva recently and I had little to low inflammation in my body. I think this is thanks to all of the turmeric I consume. I have been reading a lot about nutrition and I have recently done a Harvard course in nutrition. The evidence that turmeric is good for you is pretty solid.  I decided to go all out and try actual turmeric teas and turmeric latte. 

I tried the Turmeric Ginger teabags and the latte mix. Both are easy to use and I think they taste great. Granted, not everyone likes turmeric, but I find that if you persevere with it, it grows on you. Even if you were not a fan to begin with. I am a fan of Vaham teas.

Award-winning family-run ethical and sustainable luxury tea brand VAHDAM Teas has launched a new range of ​certified organi​c and​ vegan turmeric teas and latte mixes. 

turmeric, turmeric teabags, teabagsBlending premium-quality immune-boosting Indian turmeric with ingredients and superfoods including ginger, ashwagandha and moringa, the range is 100% natural and caffeine-free and packed with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

turmeric, turmeric teabags, teabags

VAHDAM Teas brings India’s finest teas and superfoods to conscious consumers around the world – as endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Martha Stewart and more. VAHDAM Teas is also a certified ‘Climate Neutral’ and ‘Plastic Neutral’ brand, and donates 1% of its revenue to educating its tea growers’ children under its social initiative,‘TEAch Me’.

Vaham Teas are available here.

The books that have changed me by Margaret Graham (aka Milly Adams and Annie Clarke)

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The books that changed me, or should I say perhaps, developed my understanding… Heavens, so many, but let me take a stab at it.

Margaret Graham, Annie Clarke, Milly Adams, books that changed me

As a child I read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett in which an obnoxious orphan Mary Lennox arrives to live with her uncle at Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire. Archibald Craven  locked  the door leading to his wife’s beloved garden on her death. He also secreted his son, with crooked legs and back , in his own quarters for his own safety, and went about his business elsewhere, leaving the kindly servants to care for this disparate household.

The children find the secret garden, and slowly as they work within it, and  as the seasons roll on, the healing of both begins.   This book introduced me to a love of gardening, to the relentless rhythm of the seasons which has given me solace and a sense of something ‘bigger’. It grounds me.

Then as a teenager I read I Never Promised you a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg. This is the story of a  schizophrenic young woman, who spends some years receiving therapy ina residential centre. As  the young woman recovers she is devastated to realise that the world is not perfect, that happiness is not a given. That there are ups and downs, and one must find a ‘centre’. But as the psychiatrist says: I helped you heal, but I never promised a rose garden, I promised you a life.

I found this profound, and it stabilized the angst of a teenager, and was a great guide as an adult.

As an adult I was struggling to write my first novel – to navigate my way through the muddle of my thoughts, . I read Cinderella to my children one evening, and realised that it is the clearest example of the common structural form. It enabled me to write my first novel, and create almost 30 other books. It also allowed me to teach aspiring authors, perhaps the most rewarding part of my writing life, apart from editing Frost Magazine.

Basically, there is one protagonist, Cinderella, she has helpers ( mentors) and enemies (antagonists). Cinderella is on a journey, which is the plot, in order to resolved the theme, which for me was her quest to find love. Fourth must be Reginald Hill’s Dalziel and Pascoe novels. Erudite, immaculately structured with characters in complete balance, and scattered with laugh-aloud humour. They freed something in me, and made me brave enough to be myself, and allow the humour I inherited from my parents free rein.

Fourth are the Reginald Hill Dalziel and Pascoe novels, beautifully structured and written, with a superb balance of characters. Erudite, fascinating, and laugh-aloud funny. They gave me the courage to allow myself to use my own sense of humour, inherited from Mum and Dad. 

Fifth and perhaps most importantly From Both Ends of the Stethoscope by award winning author Dr Kathleen Thompson

Dr Thompson is ‘the doctor who knows’ what it is to face the chilling cancer diagnosis, and then find your way through the maze of information and treatment. The book is set out in an extraordinarily accessible way for the patient, and also for those like me who have friends with this  illness,  it gives me a way of helping, of listening, of supporting. It is life enhancing, and invaluable.

If I can sneak in a sixth, The Variety Girls series by Tracy Baines made me realise I should have been on the stage, not stuck in a study writing. You see, I could have ‘hoofed’ with the best of them, and hugged the spotlight, and showed off, and my mum would have been shocked, then proud, as I received a standing ovation – just me, not the rest of the chorus, of course. Ah, well, I can dream.

 

LastRound: Resuable Cotton Swabs, Tissues & Cotton Rounds Review

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As England’s ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds finally came into effect this month LastSwab has come into its own.

By now there are plenty of reusable options out there to replace plastic straws, not to mention stirrers, but less so for cotton buds.

LastSwab is the first-ever sanitary, reusable Q-tip. In England an estimated 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds are used and thrown out each year after just one use, these are one of the most significant ocean pollutants today. Each LastSwab lasts up to 1,000 uses and comes in a biodegradable case that keeps it protected and makes it easy to carry on the go. It comes in two styles, one for cleaning and one for makeup.

Danish eco-startup LastObject have a few different products and each one is brilliant. Frost loves LastObject and the work they are doing. We all need to do as much as we can for the environment, and swapping our tissues, cotton buds and tissues for the reusable ones that LastObject make is a significant step. We have to all stop saying it is ‘just one’. Read this great piece on LastObject’s site. The products are easy to clean and are high quality. 

 

last round, environment, sustainability, the last one, last round, environment. , last tissue
What problem does LastTissue solve?
Every year around 8,000,000 trees are cut down to make facial tissues for the US alone. As individuals we can make a difference by changing our own habits. Every time you blow your nose with a LastTissue, you save 2 liters of water.

last round, environment, sustainability, the last one, last round, environment., last swab,
What problem does LastSwab solve?
Every day 1.5 billion single-use swabs are created. A vast amount of these end up in our oceans and landfills. By using a reusable swab, you prevent around 1000 single-use swabs from being used and discarded.

last round, environment, sustainability, the last one, last round, environment.

LastRound is a reusable cotton round made from 100% renewable raw materials – 70% wood fiber and 30% organic cotton, making it more sustainable than a 100% cotton option. Unlike other reusable cotton pads on the market that are cloth, LastRound feels and looks like single-use rounds used for makeup removal and applying serums. LastRound comes in a case with seven rounds and can be washed and reused over and over again.

Single-use cotton rounds made with non-organic cotton use vast amounts of chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers. According to the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), cotton production is the largest use of water among all agricultural commodities; It takes 2,640 gallons of clean drinking water to produce 1,000 regular cotton rounds.

You can buy these great products here. I highly recommend that you do.