This Month’s Recommended Reads | What To Read Now

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

My children loved this magical book. It has a wonderful story and beautiful illustrations.

A lyrical, heart-warming new tale from the award-winning designer and creator of The Fox and the Star

Bird loves to sing in the towering tree at the heart of the jungle. It feels like home.
When the season changes she must say goodbye, but she isn’t ready to let go.
As she listens to the other animals, Bird learns to sing a new song.

The Song of the Tree is available here.

This is the book we all need during these stressful times. Just breathe in, breathe out, and let this book help you relieve all of your worries.

The secret to living mindfully. Just don’t breathe a word of it…

You breathe 22,000 times every day. How many are you really aware of?

International bestselling and award-winning author Dr Danny Penman provides a concise guide to letting go and finding peace in a messy world, simply by taking the time to breathe.

Known side effects: You will start to smile more. You will worry less. Life won’t bother you so much.

Dissolve anxiety, stress and unhappiness, enhance your mind and unleash your creativity with these simple exercises. And with each little moment of mindfulness, discover a happier, calmer you.

It really is as easy as breathing…

This is a fantastic idea. This book takes you on a journey around ten of the top London galleries. One hundred pieces of art are in this clever book. Essential for art lovers. I take my copy out every now and then for a dose of art.
A Taste of Art – London takes the reader on a journey around ten of the city’s galleries, exploring ten significant artworks at each location and offering an insightful ‘taste’ of art – the ultimate antidote to museum fatigue. The paintings, sculptures and objects selected from each gallery focus on a different time period in the history of Western art – beginning with pieces from an ‘Emerging Britain’ at The British Museum and concluding with contemporary portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery. ‘Tasting notes’ offer an engaging, narrative look at each work, accompanied by a quotation to whet the reader’s appetite; whilst an illustrated ‘key ingredient’ unlocks the meaning and encourages the reader to not only look but more fully explore all one hundred pieces. The book also includes a map, a checklist to tick off what you see and specially commissioned illustrations throughout.

This book from Jessica Ryn is a modern classic. In turns uplifting and sad- because you cannot have one without the other- it is a book that leaves you satisfied and entertained. Dawn Brightside is a complex and lovable character. The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside covers mental illness, homelessness and the capacity of the human spirit. This is a book that tells the story of people who do not have their voices heard enough and does so perfectly.

Dawn Elisabeth Brightside has been running from her past for twenty-two years and two months, precisely.

So when she is offered a bed in St Jude’s Hostel for the Homeless, it means so much more than just a roof over her head.

But with St Jude’s threatened with closure, Dawn worries that everything is about to crumble around her all over again.

Perhaps, with a little help from her new friends, she can find a way to save this light in the darkness?

And maybe, just maybe, Dawn will finally have a place to call home….

The utterly charming feel-good debut novel of 2020 to curl up with.

The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is available here.

We Just Clicked is a fun and fizzy novel. Perfect for millennials, and those who want to understand them. This is a romantic novel with a clever take. I fell in love with the main character, Izzy, even if she frustrated me sometimes. This book also serves as a cautionary tale on social media addiction.

Izzy’s always played by the rules. But now, it’s time to break them…

Izzy Brown has always dreamed of making it big on Instagram, but her followers just aren’t growing. So when her colleague and fellow ‘influencer’ Luke suggests they fake date to boost their profiles, Izzy says yes – against her better judgement. Now Izzy’s profile shows a confident, glamorous thirty-something with the perfect boyfriend, and her followers are shooting up by the thousands.

So what if behind the scenes, things are a little different? Izzy can’t stop bickering with Luke, his habit of checking his quiff in EVERY SINGLE mirror is driving her insane, and she’s hiding a secret heartache. But everyone tells a few fibs on social media, right?

Then Izzy runs into Aidan, the mysterious stranger who saved her the day her world fell apart two years ago – and major sparks start to fly. Izzy’s sure she can have the online success she’s always dreamed of, whilst falling in love in real life. After all, Aidan doesn’t use social media… what could possibly go wrong?

We Just Clicked is available here.

What Happens Now? is the second novel from Sophia Money-Coutts. Sophia has a way of writing that is raw, honest and brave. After having a one-night stand with a handsome aristocratic mountaineer Lil ends up pregnant, because her pill did not work after she had a dodgy tummy- it does actually happen! Cautionary note. What happens next – see what I did there?- is a fun and sometimes embarrassing journey where two strangers now realise they must co-parent a child. Will they end up together? Read the book to find out, there are plenty of funny lines along the way.

‘No question about it, there are two little purple lines. I’m pregnant.’

After eight years together, Lil Bailey thought she’d already found ‘the one’ – that is, until he dumped her for a blonde twenty-something colleague. So she does what any self-respecting singleton would do: swipes right, puts on her best bra and finds herself on a first date with a handsome mountaineer called Max. What’s the worst that can happen?

Well it’s pretty bad actually. First Max ghosts her and then, after weeing on a stick (but mostly her hands), a few weeks later Lil discovers she’s pregnant. She’s single, thirty-one and living in a thimble-sized flat in London, it’s hardly the happily-ever-after she was looking for.

Lil’s ready to do the baby-thing on her own – it can’t be that hard, right? But she should probably tell Max, if she can track him down. Surely he’s not that Max, the highly eligible, headline-grabbing son of Lord and Lady Rushbrooke, currently trekking up a mountain in South Asia? Oh, maybe he wasn’t ignoring Lil after all…

What Happens Now is available here.

This book is like a cup of tea on a rainy Sunday. Comforting and just what you need. Brilliant.

The Wronged Daughter by Mary Wood is an emotional and moving novel that reunites old friends and heals old wounds.

Mags has never forgotten the friendship she forged with Flora and Ella, two fellow nurses she served with at the beginning of World War I. Haunted by what she experienced during that time, she fears a reunion with her friends would bring back the horror she’s tried so desperately to suppress.

Now, with her wedding on the horizon, this should be a joyful time for Mags. But the sudden loss of her mother and the constant doubt she harbours surrounding her fiancé, Harold, are marring her happiness.

Mags throws herself into running the family mill, but she’s dealt another aching blow by a betrayal that leaves her reeling. Finding the strength the war had taken from her, she fights back, not realizing the consequences and devastating outcome awaiting her.

Can she pick up the pieces of her life and begin anew?

The Wronged Daughter is available here.

Childcare during the pandemic has damaged my career prospects say 57% of mothers

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Frostie

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Almost 50% of working mothers feel forced to send their children back to school or childcare to save their job

New research from charity and campaign group, Pregnant Then Screwed, which has spoken to 3,686 pregnant women and mothers to understand what the impact of Covid-19 is having on their careers so far, found that 57% of employed mothers believe that their increased childcare responsibilities during the pandemic has impacted their career prospects or will harm them in the future. Techniques like the kidspiration in gorton adopted in reputed nurseries can help children be more creative and learn more at a tender age.

After 11 weeks in lockdown as nurseries and childcare facilities have begun to open up, almost half of all working mums (48.6%) have admitted they feel forced to send their children back.

Joeli Brearley, Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed explains, ‘We know from the London School of Economics that women are more likely to deal with homeschooling, childcare and chores around the house than men. What’s terrifying is the volume of mothers that we have spoken to who after just 12 weeks already feel that this will negatively impact their career.’

This research has also found that a huge majority (78%) of working mothers have found it challenging to manage childcare and their paid work during lockdown, and a quarter (25%) of these mothers explained that their work hasn’t been flexible to allow for them to complete their paid work and manage childcare duties.

Joeli Brearley explains, ‘It’s utterly disgraceful that employers haven’t recognised that working from home with children has been a case of absolute survival. Women are more likely than men to lose their jobs in the impending recession* and yet for a quarter of working mothers their employer has refused to give them the flexibility they need. This has resulted in women being pushed into unpaid leave, sick pay or furloughed as a direct result of having children. It’s no wonder working mothers aren’t thinking positively about their future careers.’

The survey also spoke to pregnant women, and found that 7.7% are expecting to be made redundant, of these women 20% believe their pregnancy is a factor. Not all pregnant women are able to adhere to social distancing measures, with 5% still going to work, rising to 6.4% for BAME pregnant women, in environments that are unsafe. 15% of pregnant women working in the NHS are still having face to face contact with patients who could have Covid-19, and 8.1% of pregnant women have been suspended from work on incorrect terms including sick pay, no pay, enforced annual leave or put on maternity leave early.

Joeli Brearley, Founder Pregnant Then Screwed, comments, ‘If you are being treated differently in the workplace than other women or men because you are pregnant this is discrimination and it is illegal. If your work has not completed a health and safety risk assessment to prove that you are safe at work, and will not come within 2m of other people, this is illegal. Pregnant women are in the vulnerable category, they must be protected, not penalised, and not put in harm’s way.’

The future could however be brighter where flexible working is concerned, as 58% of working mothers think that homeworking will be possible once normality resumes, this is an increase of 14.4% from pre-Feb 2020.

www.pregnantthenscrewed.com

The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club By Josie Lloyd

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

I was tremendously excited about reviewing this book because it is written by Josie Lloyd. I have read a number of books from Josie and I love them all and – although we have never met- I love her. After feeling sad that she has had such a tough time I dived into the book.

The first thing I saw when I opened my advanced copy were some reviews and I loved the one from Joanne Rose, divisional marketing directing: ‘This isn’t a (whisper it) “cancer book”. This is a book for book lovers, everywhere.’ Oh how right she was indeed. The book is uplifting, happy, sad and raw. The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club lets us know that even when bad things happen and times are tough, we can rebuild ourselves and triumph over adversity.

The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club is a great book to read right now. Yes, it has its sadness, but now more than ever we need to know that beauty can come from sadness, and that we will win in the end.

Sometimes we need our friends to help us find our feet…

When Keira first receives her breast cancer diagnosis, she never expects to end up joining a running group with three women she’s only just met. Totally blind-sided, all she can think about is how she doesn’t want to tell her family or step back from work. Nor does she want to be part of a group of fellow cancer patients. Cancer is not her club.

And yet it’s running – hot, sweaty, lycra-clad running in the company of brilliant, funny women all going through treatment – that unexpectedly gives Keira the hope she so urgently needs.

For Keira will not be defined by the C-word. And now, with the Cancer Ladies’ Running Club cheering her on, she is going to reclaim everything: her family, her identity, her life.

One step at a time.

The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club is available here.

Her Husband’s Mistake By Sheila O’Flanagan

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

There are few things more satisfying to me than reading a book with a layered, well-written female character. Of course, Sheila O’Flanagan is known for writing amazing characters but the pay off remains. Her Husband’s Mistake takes a tale as old as time- a cheating husband- and writes about it in a way that is both satisfying and complex.

Her Husband’s Mistake has more pages than the average book I read and I found myself able to really dive into the story. Women tend to give more of themselves to others and end up in the role of the carer. I found this book picks up on so much about being a woman, how hard it is and how you can lose your identity. It takes strength to find it again. I recommend this brilliant book to anyone who loves to read books about people finding their feet and flourishing.

Dave’s made a BIG mistake. What’s Roxy going to do about it? The riveting new novel from No. 1 bestselling author Sheila O’Flanagan. Perfect for readers of Marian Keyes and Catherine Alliott.

Roxy’s marriage has always been rock solid.

After twenty years, and with two carefree kids, she and Dave are still the perfect couple.

Until the day she comes home unexpectedly, and finds Dave in bed with their attractive, single neighbour.

Suddenly Roxy isn’t sure about anything – her past, the business she’s taken over from her dad, or what her family’s future might be. She’s spent so long caring about everyone else that she’s forgotten what she actually wants. But something has changed. And Roxy has a decision to make.

Whether it’s with Dave, or without him, it’s time for Roxy to start living for herself…

Her Husband’s Mistake is available here.

Share Your Uplifting Stories With Frost Magazine

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

We are living through difficult times. The news is full of heartbreak and we are all struggling in our own way. Frost Magazine are all about being positive and sharing community spirit. We want to publish any uplifting stories that you have, whether they are fact or fiction. They can be poems, short stories or real-life pieces. We want to spread joy and happiness.

Send stories and poems from children or adults to frostmagazine@gmail.com. Maximum word count for short stories is 1750 words, 40 lines for poems and 1750 for general non-fiction.

Stay safe and lots of love.

Saalt menstrual cups review

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

Anyone who reads Frost regularly will know that I care about the environment and I am always trying to lower my carbon footprint. My period is not environmentally friendly. I struggle with this and have even bought environmentally friendly pads and cotton tampons. I want a more permanent solution so I was excited to try the Saalt menstrual cup. I have seen them in shops but I was a cynical. I have a heavy period and I was not sure whether or not they worked.

Now the review! First, always sterilise it first and make sure it is cleaned regularly. The cup comes with instructions. It is fiddly to put it in the first time but you soon get used to it. I worried that it would be hard but it is not. It is not uncomfortable either. You forget that it is there.

Taking it out is fiddly the first time but everything becomes easy quickly. I cannot recommend this cup more. It holds a huge amount and I had no leakage. It is also comfortable and easy to use. Great for the environment and for your pocket. It lasts up to ten years and you can wear it all day or night. It is odour free, which is more than I can say for some other period products, and non-toxic. It has no BPA, no latex and no chemicals. I cannot recommend it more.

Reliable: wear up to 12 hours
Comfortable: soft silicone moulds to your shape
Natural: naturally non-toxic and odour free. Maintains the body’s natural Ph
A cup for every ‘body’: Saalt cups in two firmnesses (Saalt Cup/Saalt Soft) and two sizes (small/regular) – a perfect fit for all!
Rounded Cuff: reinforces the seal to prevent leaks
Soft Grip Hold: helps you get a grip on the cup/ get a grip on life
Soft Flex System: easy removal and comfort

Saalt cups are available at Feelunique.com, Amazon and Saaltco.com.

Chic Bedroom Design Ideas You Have to Try

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Frostie

Your bedroom is meant to be that relaxing oasis in your home. It is your escape from all the excitement and noise in your house, it is meant to be soothing and inviting, and yet be inspiring from a design and décor standpoint. If your bedroom is currently lacking in all of the above categories, then it’s time to start thinking about a makeover project. Not only is a stylish and chic bedroom great to look at it, but it can also help to create that sense of calm that encourages healthy sleep habits.

So, before you start feeling overwhelmed with the massive amount of design options out there, here are the top chic ideas to try.

Invest in New Bedroom Furniture

If it’s been years since you invested in new bedroom furniture, it’s time to use a critical eye and take a good look at what you have. Dated furniture is only going to take away from the overall look and feel of the room, no matter what décor you try to match up with it. Even if you don’t have the budget to replace all the furniture, start with one piece and add to it over time.

So, which piece should be replaced first? There’s a good chance that your bed frame is the largest piece of furniture in your room, therefore, it’s a natural starting point. Replacing your bed frame will give the most impact in the room.

Make sure to choose a frame that allows you to place a mattress foundation and the mattress. You need a good foundation for your mattress in order to properly distribute your weight and prevent sagging of the mattress itself.

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match

This particular tip goes hand-in-hand with the furniture, as an eclectic look in a bedroom is both chic and stylish. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures, prints, materials, and even styles. The end result can be something truly beautiful and custom looking.

If you’re having a hard time figuring out what works and doesn’t work together, start with a color palette, and then choose elements that stick to that palette. That will automatically create the sense of flow that you’re trying to achieve.

Embrace Wallpaper

If the word “wallpaper” instantly transports you to the 1980s it’s time to think again. Today’s wallpaper designs and even construction is not at all that of the old styles. Wallpaper is now easier to hang and remove, and you’ll find a massive selection of designs. Even if you just hang wallpaper on one wall of the bedroom, it will instantly elevate the sophistication and elegance in the room. It can also act as a design focal-point.

Give Attention to Your Bedroom Lighting

Your bedroom also acts as the perfect room to tackle a lighting project. From hanging lights, pendant lights, wall sconces, bedside lamps, and chandeliers the options are endless. Lighting is able to add to the room’s ambiance and style, so be sure that you already have a cohesive design vision in place. This will make it much easier to pick out the “perfect” lighting.

Bring in the Decor Pieces

The final touch to any bedroom design is the decor. This is where you can get really creative and let your own personality and design style show. Items such as artwork, plants, vases, and other decorative pieces can truly finish off the design.

A Beautiful and Welcoming Bedroom Design

Using each of these tips will help you to create a bedroom that isn’t just chic and beautiful but is also incredibly welcoming. By the time you’re done your bedroom will look like something straight out of an interior design magazine.

Taking Care of Your Toddler While Staying at Home

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Frostie

Being a parent to a toddler is a hard task. And despite the fact that we’re all mostly home due to the ongoing health crisis, the additional household chores, work, and stress make it even more of a challenge.

Luckily, you can overcome the additional workload by staying organised and getting the respite you need. So here are four tips for taking care of your kids at home during these trying times.

Schedule your day

The first step to balancing your work and parenting load is to create a schedule. How many hours or projects do you have to accomplish in a day? In between those hours, set some time for your toddler’s needs, such as feeding and playing. If you run your own business or are a freelancer like mother-of-two Catherine Balavage, then you can be more flexible with your schedule. Otherwise, your company might require you to work for set hours. In this case, it helps to inform your employer about your situation and send in a tentative schedule. They may even have maternity policies to help you out.

Keep them entertained

Keeping your children entertained allows you to focus on your other tasks. In the Irish Times’ article on keeping children entertained, they mention that toddlers are at that age when they want to ‘feel useful’ and are always in the mood to ‘sort’ stuff. For this reason, you can have them do home-play activities such as cooking and cleaning. Kitchen set toys and even a small broom might keep them occupied for a while. To satisfy their urge to sort, you can leave them with simple activities like arranging laundry into piles or different-coloured pasta into groups. Their curiosity has the potential to keep them entertained for hours.

Go out for some fresh air

Staying cooped up in your home is not good for you or your toddler’s health. If you have a garden, now is the time to maximise it. But if you don’t have one, or are simply looking for a change of scenery, you can always go out for a quick stroll. In case you’re worried, the BBC reports that walks are actually highly encouraged now, as adults can use the time to unwind and boost their immune systems. Of course, you’ll need to take trips sparingly to minimise risk. Additionally, it helps to have the necessary equipment to ensure your child remains even safer and more comfortable during these walks. According to iCandy’s guide to pushchairs, a harness and a parasol can help keep your little one protected while you’re out and about. This ensures that they won’t fall out of the pushchair or get too much exposure to the sun. You don’t need these concerns on top of everything else that’s going on, so being prepared will allow you to make the most of your daily walks.

Prepare meals in advance

Meal prep can take up a lot of time, but it will help you manage your day-to-day schedule if you have your toddler’s food ready in advance. It helps to start prepping during the weekend when you have more time. In this regard, Smart Mom Ideas lists a couple of children recipes you can store in the freezer to be eaten for the entire week. The list includes comfort food like chilli mac, small bites like mini pizzas, as well as bulk meals like casseroles.

The current situation won’t last forever. But until things go back to normal, you have to be able to adapt and work around your situation. It will sometimes be overwhelming, but by keeping these tips in mind, it doesn’t have to be too complicated all the time.

Author’s Bio

Jean Baker is a freelance writer and a mother of two beautiful daughters. She does a lot of reading in her spare time, and has opted for this kind of flexible lifestyle to be there for her kids.

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