Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Gift Ideas For a New Baby

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Frostie

Shopping for a new baby can be a minefield. Never mind that you might accidentally buy the same present as everyone else. To help out we scoured the internet and have came up with our top picks.

An ISA.

Starting, or putting money into, a junior ISA is a great idea which will have little ones set up for the future. It also stops the home of the new parents becoming cluttered. You can get a stocks and shares junior ISA from Chelsea Financial Services which invests in funds. Chelsea currently offer their junior ISA for no charge. All you pay is the fund managers charge which is typically 0.75% a year. The advantage of investing in a fund versus individual shares is that your money is invested by a professional and your investment will be spread over many different shares, so if one does badly it won’t bring down your whole investment. Chelsea have a number of ready made junior ISA portfolios selected by their research team if you don’t want to choose your own funds.

Investing early is extremely important because it allows the magic of compound interest to take hold, what Einstein called the eighth wonder of the world. By investing early a small amount of money can become much larger over time. The Junior ISA has the same advantages as a regular ISA. It has protection from capital gains and doesn’t need to be included on a tax return. The one disadvantage of a junior ISA is it cannot be taken out early and can only be withdrawn by the child after they turn 18. So if you want to save for school fees you would be better off investing in your own ISA.

Our other picks are from www.notonthehighstreet.com

Silver Engraved Noah’s Ark Money Box by MY 1ST YEARS. A great little keepsake.

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

Star Fleece Baby Wrap.

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised Hooded Fleece Dressing Gown.

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

normal_noah-s-ark-personalised-print

Personalised Noah’s Ark Print by PEPPER PRINT SHOP

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

Baby Hand And Foot Inkless Print Kit by ELIZABETH JANE. Remember how small those little feet really were forever.

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised Percentage Babygrow Or T Shirt by SIMPLY COLORS

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised Baby Keepsake Building Block by SOPHIA VICTORIA JOY. Unique and makes a great keepsake.

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

normal_personalised-little-nutbrown-hare

Personalised Nutbrown Hare by OH SO CHERISHED. Adorable and great for a cuddle.

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

Baby Hippo Hooded Towel by BATHING BUNNIES. So cute.

From www.notonthehighstreet.com

Add your own ideas below.

Celebrities Turn Out For Crisis At Christmas Charity Casino Fundraiser…

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

It’s around about now on Christmas Day that family come together for Christmas dinner, reflect on the year and look forward to a new one, all washed down with a glass of Bucks Fizz and Auntie Maur’s mince pies.

But Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time of year for a person cut off from family and home.

Crisis at Christmas, every year, provides companionship and support to tackle loneliness and isolation, helping people take their first steps out of homelessness.

With two new centres set to open their doors this year, Crisis need over 10,000 volunteers to make Crisis at Christmas happen for thousands of homeless people. As well as warmth, companionship and hot meals, centres in London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Coventry and Edinburgh will provide guests with healthcare and specialist advice on housing, work and benefits.

With this in mind, Jeremy Reeve, who heads up PowerPackXL Ltd (a Cambridge-based manufacturer of unique patented mobile phone chargers), wanted to raise some much needed funds for the charity, so set about using some of his contacts to build a night of fun and laughter to raise some cash for the charity. The number one call on Jeremy’s list was British actor Tony Fadil, as Jeremy knew he was the man when it came to filling a room with celebrities! Tony instantly took on the role and put in the hard work needed to run a VIP list and fill the room.

Many well known faces from TV, film and music turned out earlier in December for a charity casino night in aid of Crisis at Christmas, held in the famous White Room at the Grosvenor Barracuda Casino in London’s Baker Street – the perfect backdrop to a memorable night.

With free-to-play casino tables, guests enjoyed roulette, blackjack and poker, all played for fun. The evening then continued with a charity auction and raffle, in total, raising £2,312.65, all heading off to the charity to be put to use helping London’s homeless this Christmas.

Jeremy Reeve the MD of PowerPackXL has volunteered with Crisis, the single persons homeless charity, for the last five years, working in London during the Christmas week, where Crisis run a number of centres looking after guests.

VIP guests included:

Jaye Gamm, Gerry Todd, Marc Zammit, Paul J Lane, Wayne Gordon (ITV’s Gladiators), Sean Cronin, Kellie Barclay, Hayley Louise, Fergus Gaddes, Dean Maskell, Niqi Bupsie (X Factor 2015), Derry Luca Mensah (X Factor), Paul Manners, Old Men Grooving (Britain’s Got Talent), Simon Gross (Big Brother 2015), Heavy D, Angie Brown (solo artist), Cream Boomtown (TV Reality Star from BBC3, MTV, SKY TV, & Hip Hop Artist famous for hit single ‘Daddy Kool’), James Lewis (ITV’s Deals Wheels & Steals), Dave O’Donnell (UCMMA Promoter), Flint Bedrock (CEO of YSBG Management), Becky O’Brien, Colin Chapman (Author), Colin Marker (Percy Publishing) Nuraya Kokos CEO Baby KoKos Events Limited (PA to Jethro Sheeran), Carl Charlesworth (magician), stand-up comedian Simon Hussein, and a host of look-a-likes and people from the industry.

After spending a week volunteering at a Crisis at Christmas centre, Jeremy, who has volunteered for the last five years, quoted on his Facebook page yesterday:

“337 hot meals were served at my ‪#‎CrisisXmas‬ centre in East London tonight – 100% of the guests smiling! Your donations MADE A DIFFERENCE!”

So, join Jeremy and make a difference this Christmas…. donate at:

http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=PowerPackXLJeremyReeve&un_jtt_redirect

Crisis at Christmas 2015 runs from 23 – 30 December 2015.

www.crisis.org.uk/pages/christmas

Images courtesy Shane Finn (Visual Devotion)

Real Easy Wonderoos Reusable Nappy Review

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Frostie

The words ‘reusable nappy’ can strike fear into a parents heart. We know it is better for the environment and the purse but in a sleep-deprived zombie state we tend to go for the easy option. That is until you try one and it isn’t as hard as you think. Especially with Real Easy – the washable nappy manufactured by Wonderoos. The all-in-one, one-size pocket nappy comes with lots of buttons to make sure it fits your baby well, the design is beautiful and gender neutral. The nappy even feels great. It feels silky-soft on the outside and the inserts also feel nice and are comfortable for baby. The soft micro fleece lining keeps baby feeling comfy and dry, while the thirsty soakers take care of the wetness.

Each Wonderoos V3 Pocket Nappy is the equivalent to approximately 300 disposable nappies. One size fits 8-35lbs. You just adjust to fit from birth to potty. They even have unique girl/boy settings on inserts. The nappy is a little bulky so not all clothes will look streamlined on baby. However we can honestly say that we love this nappy. Great for baby, great for the environment and it saves money. What more could you want? This nappy has won many awards and rightly so. Very impressive. Frost loves. Wonderoos One-Size Pocket Nappy can be bought here.

Real Easy – the washable nappy manufactured by Wonderoos – has won the coveted Consumer Choice Award in the Best Baby & Toddler Gear Awards 2015 in the reusable nappy category.

The Best Baby and Toddler Gear Awards allow companies from across the nursery industry to have their products assessed by experts along with a team of parents carefully selected for genuine and unbiased reviews.

Christine McRitchie, Brand Owner, comments, “Having acquired Real Easy nappies in October 2014, we re-launched the brand at Harrogate International Nursery Fair in March 2015. To have now won the Consumer Choice Award, which is awarded to the product with the most online votes, is a demonstration of the amazing support and loyalty of our customers”.

Real Easy is a sized All-in-One reusable nappy, designed to be easy on, easy to change, easy to wash – really easy. Real Easy nappies come in several sizes to give the best fit at each stage, and are constructed with a soft micro fleece lining to keep baby feeling comfy and dry, while the thirsty soakers take care of the wetness.

Earthwise Trading Ltd focuses on manufacturing, distributing and retailing reusable nappies and reusable menstrual products that reduce waste, save money, and work in harmony with nature.

About Christine McRitchie:

Earlier in 2015 Christine was crowned Britain’s Best Online Business as director of Earthwise Trading in the Venus Awards.

Christine lives in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire with her husband and their four daughters (who have provided lots of nappy changing experience along the way).

The Earthwise Trading story began in Christine’s kitchen 10 years ago, and since then her business has kept over 7.5 million disposable nappies out of landfill.

In other news from the company…

Earthwise Trading Ltd, manufacturer of award-winning Wonderoos V3 nappies is proud to announce the launch of their new collection of delightful prints.

The four gender-neutral designs – entitled Elf Magic, Polar Life, Monsters and Dragons – have been created by an exciting young British designer. Elf Magic is a Limited Edition print, only 300 have been produced and demand is expected to be high, while the other three designs have been added to the long-term design portfolio.

Christine McRitchie, Director of Earthwise Trading, comments, “We’re so excited to be launching this new range of prints, they’re bold and bright and full of fun – and will appeal to children and parents alike.”

Wonderoos V3 are the original single-sized pocket nappy and have been awarded a gold Gentle Parenting award, Bronze Prima baby awards and Bronze Dad’s award in 2015. Wonderoos V3 has also achieved the 2015 Mumsnet Best Award for the second consecutive year and has recently been shortlisted for the 2016 Mother and Baby award.

Spotlight interview with Maya Pieris

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Pinning down this writer was easy as it’s me, trying out the Spotlight idea:

In this new series, conversations with writers, I aim to shine a brief spotlight onto what makes someone begin that uncertain path from brain to book, and to consider what makes us write.

Have I always written? Yes and no- I thought about it, had periods of trying but too often gave up. For a few years I attended various workshops but it’s since being in Bridport, Dorset, that writing has become almost a reflex reaction. There’s something in the air here that really encourages people to write to be read. And to be published.

And now ideas run about like kids in a playground. I keep pens and paper around the place though on occasions thoughts have been scrawled on the back of my left hand. This affliction does affect others as the need to make notes comes at any time, and from any and everywhere. Writers are like grave robbers: plundering anything- ourselves, others. My response after the recent French tragedy was to write 2 poems though it’s not always a comfortable thought that creativity and inspiration come from such events. Seeing a dead mole led me to write a poem about an Islamist group whilst another idea came from seeing thousands of whitebait washed up on the shore near Bridport.

And what do I write? Poems, short stories, magazine articles and plays. The last time I tried writing one I was aged 10 and the play was a “who dunnit” written in turquoise ink.

The writing challenge is to focus. It really is important not to get seduced by too many possibilities. And validation from peers is also invaluable, though I write firstly for myself- to try and fix a feeling or thought in words. I’m not sure why but I seem to have to. But I do have people I trust to edit and critique work. It is, however, necessary to let your work go. In a way once it’s written it’s on its way to becoming public though it was a year before I could look at my first published book without wanting to change it.
Future plans are to write more regularly and finish work- too many unfinished “jumpers”. Writing is a private process. You have to enjoy the jigsaw of arranging your thoughts and ideas. There are lots of excellent courses to join and so many other writers to read but in the end it’s you, your pen or computer. And for me it’s an entry to a large uncharted world.

Asda Launch New Little Angels Festive Nappies & Vapour Bath | Review

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Frostie

Asda’s Little Angels have launched some brand new ‘Supreme Protection’ festive nappies and they are gorgeous. They have a cute, fun, Elf design. Letting your baby join in the Christmas fun.

They also have a new Vapour Bath product which is perfect for helping to soothe those winter colds. It features a special no tears formula with a comforting menthol aroma and has had rave reviews. We tried both and loved them. The nappies are fun and the vapour bath helps clear up baby’s cold.

These gorgeous festive nappies cost £4 and are available from asda.com and in store now. The Vapour Bath is only £1.

Vapour Bath.

How To Calm a Crying Baby | Video

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Frostie

baby,nappies, nappy, save, cheap, budget, working mothers, overwork, stress

The price of nappies can be shocking.

A crying baby equals a stressed baby and stressed parents. Okay a baby crying is just a baby talking, but it can still be awful when you do not know how to comfort them. Paediatrician Dr Bob Hamilton shows his fool proof method to stop your little one crying, using ‘The Hold’. Watch and learn.

Acquaint 100% Natural Sanitising Water Review

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Frostie

Acquaint was a huge hit with the parents at Frost. Having a baby means lots of sterilising and washing your hands. Babies immunes systems are weak and keeping them safe is a priority. Acquaint is a sanitising water that is 100% natural and can be used on babies from birth. They can even swallow it. Impressive indeed. We loved it and will be buying in bulk. A genius idea that makes parenting easier, and anything that makes parenting easier is a hit with us. Frost loves.

Acquaint is a sanitising water that mimics the body’s immune system by using water and Hypochlorous Acid (HCIO) to cleanse and kill bacteria from any part of the body, or on any equipment. Hypochlorous acid is known as a biocide that we already have in our bodies, making it extremely safe. Aquaint contains .003% of this acid, and nothing else, no additives at all, making it the safest sanitiser on the market today

How?

Stage 1, bacteria, viruses or other harmful pathogens get into our bodies and start to invade the human cells

Stage 2 Neutrophils, which are the most abundant white blood cells live in human blood vessels and detect the pathogens and travel to the infection site where they surround the pathogen

Stage 3 Once the pathogens are then surrounded it produces an oxidant called Hypochlorous Acid (HCIO)that kills the bacteria almost instantly

When Aquaint is sprayed onto anything, the Hypochlorous Acid or HCIO is used virtually instantly to kill the bacteria, and all that is left is the water. Aquaint is a unique, revolutionary and multipurpose 100% NATURAL Sanitising Water that kills 99.9% of bacteria in seconds. The water provides the base for it to be highly effective as a cleanser, and its only other ingredient, a NATURAL ACID (Hypochlorous Acid) that is produced in the human body to fight bacteria and germs, provides its anti-bacterial properties. Aquaint is endorsed by Allergy UK as an ‘Allergy Friendly Product’ and has passed stringent UK drinking water tests, making it the safest sanitiser on the market.

Why is Aquaint Different?

ü It does not contain alcohol, fragrances, preservatives or harmful chemicals

ü It does not leave behind any chemical residues and therefore it does not need to be rinsed off

ü It does not dry out or irritate the skin

ü It is gentle, powerful and extremely safe

ü It is harmless if swallowed and is as safe as drinking water

ü It is suitable for repeated use

ü It is suitable for use during pregnancy and on new-born skin

Where can Aquaint be used?

ü It can be used to sanitise the hands and skin (from birth) and in the mouth

ü It is also suitable for use on surfaces, even on food

ü To clean and insert contact lenses

ü On any equipment, toys, kitchen bathroom etc

ü On any broken skin, cuts without stinging

ü Can clear athletes foot

ü Can clear cold sores, and quickly

ü Can clear Blepharitis

ü Can be used to sanitise and use around animals, including use on them if necessary, it does not harm them

ü Suitable for sensitive and allergy prone skin

ü Can be used for nappy changing

ü Suitable for elderly skin

ü Effective mouthwash

ü Babies soothers

From ocado.com and jojomamanbebe.co.uk

A Walk On The Wyld Side! Helen Anthony Featured In The Wyld Society Fashion Event

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

The Wyld Fashion Society is a fashion event held once a month at The W Hotel, showcasing all the corners of fashion every month, becoming not only a great fashion event to learn new trends, but also a fantastic networking opportunity to connect with some of the largest brands in the fashion industry.

At their event in November, The Wyld Fashion Society brought Menswear into the spotlight, showcasing British designer Helen Anthony.

Helen Anthony is the new premium British marque.

British in style and design and unrivalled in quality. We tailor the highest quality garments, produced from the finest leathers, yarns and wools, with unparalleled style and haute couture. Our designs are contemporary, sharp and daring, yet retain the essential classic elements that make them appeal to the more discerning gentleman.

Helen Anthony are British and are proud to be part of the heritage that has defined the British fashion industry as a world leader and trend setter.

Get into Helen Anthony, get into London and mark your mark on the fashion scene!

“Fashion is an art and craft that reflects on the nature of the body and on the individual creativity” – Anthony, Designer at Helen Anthony

Helen Anthony is the rising star of Savile row, Helen Anthony is breaking out of the conventional molds, setting his own rules and letting his imagination run free.

His range of high-quality, bespoke and ready to wear suits, leather collection and hand knitting collection offers a versatility rivaled by none other.

For whatever the occasion, Helen Anthony will have something to allow you to look, and ultimately be your best.

As a full-scale expression of his own perspectives and ideas on clothing that he couldn’t find on the set brands and shops he had around him in his youth, he took it into his own and started creating his unique designs. The brand name stemmed from the combination of his own and his great grandmother’s, which takes the first half, and not only serves as a heartfelt dedication to her continuous inspiration, Helen Thomas was in fact Anthony’s upmost supporter and very first teacher of basic tailoring skills.

Throughout the years, the label has evolved, following a steady course of bold yet elegant designs. Anthony’s creative line travels a precise trajectory through striking individualism whilst maintaining an effortlessly classical foundation. The use of an eclectic and fearless colour scheme reflects the diversity of global fashion that Anthony wished to represent through his collections.

It is not only enough to be seen, but also to be understood if we are ever to be truly known. Decide who you are. Choose who you want to be…”– Anthony, Designer at Helen Anthony

“We are the quiet confidence, the assured style. We are the unique statement, that brave message that delineates us from the rest”

#‎Wyldfashionsociety‬ ‪#‎Wfashion‬ ‪#‎HelenAnthony

http://helenanthony.co.uk

About The W Hotel…

Off Leicester Square in the vibrant West End, this hip hotel has an ultra-modern glass facade. It’s within a 5-minute walk from the Underground, Piccadilly Circus and the National Gallery.
With contemporary furnishings, mood lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows, the swanky rooms integrate modern bathrooms into the main space. All have custom beds and flat-screen TVs. Suites add living areas, custom artwork and iPod docks, some also include DJ stations, Jacuzzis and/or cinemas. There’s a sleek cocktail lounge and a Southeast Asian restaurant, plus a chic nightclub with a signature oversized mirrorball. Spa treatments are available (fee).

http://www.wlondon.co.uk/

10 Leicester Square, London W1D 6QF

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Corinne@frostmagazine.com