Category Archives: Life & Style

Nuby, a leading baby brand in the UK, has created a list of the best sleepy songs for your little ones

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As a Mum and Grandma I know that we all want the best for our babies. From sunrise to sunset, parents across the nation go above and beyond to put a smile on their children faces. Despite this, if your child has slept poorly, so have you, and the day can become longer and increasingly difficult.

In this situation, you can try establishing a night-time routine. This includes bathing your baby, changing them into cosy pyjamas, and playing them a lullaby. In days gone by, mum might have sung. Trust me, my children would not have benefitted from my voice having a go. But a good lullaby may, indeed,  encourage your baby to sleep through the night. And doesn’t a soundless sleep sound priceless right now?

To help your baby through the night, Nuby, a leading baby brand in the UK, has created a list of the best sleepy songs. This is based on how many times these songs appear on Spotify baby sleep-related playlists – a sure-fire sign that they’re successful in getting your little one some shut-eye. Then you can start your night-time routine with confidence, one lullaby at a time.

10. Puff the Magic Dragon (Laura Hanson)

‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ transports us to another time. You might recognise this song from the animated Puff the Magic Dragon (1978), and Laura Hanson’s cover is just as charming. We can see why her dream-like piano lulls little ones to sleep.

9. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Charlie Francis)

‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ is a classic lullaby. Charlie Francis’ interpretation of this song is peaceful enough to make any child (or adult) relaxed. The tinkling piano and slow, melodic rhythm is perfectly soothing and is an updated version of the song that probably eased many of us to sleep as babies!

8. Itsy Bitsy Spider (Mingmei Hsueh)

‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ is another song straight from the history books. Mingmei Hsueh, a talented pianist and musician, has gifted parents with this calming, wordless lullaby. Try not to sing the lyrics alongside this instrumental – if you can.

7. Hush Little Baby (Beth McLaughlin)

‘Hush Little Baby’ by Beth McLaughlin sounds just like the original. Similar to the previous songs, this doesn’t include any lyrics. The soothing tune is perfect for bedtime.

6. A Whole New World (Purple Tulips)

It doesn’t matter what time it is, ‘A Whole New World’ by Purple Tulips is enough to make any baby sleepy. Even though we know this song from Aladdin (1992), this is another reimagined classic that we could easily drift asleep to – the piano rendition is so graceful.

5. Can You Feel The Love Tonight? (Rita May)

Rita May’s ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight?’ will definitely you think of the comfort of your own bed – but also The Lion King (1994) and Elton John’s smooth voice. Who’d have thought that so many of our favourite Disney classics could be translated into gentle instrumental lullabies?

4. Colors of the Wind (Rita May)

A talented pianist, Rita May deserves to be on our list twice. ‘Colors of the Wind’ reimagines the beauty of the familiar song found in Disney’s Pocahontas (1995).

3. Clean White Noise (White Noise Baby Sleep)

White noise can be extremely beneficial for your little one. It comes in many forms, including static frequencies. This is also a continuous song, so you can put this on repeat without any breaks interrupting your baby’s sleep.

2. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (Adelmar Borrego)

Similar to Francis’ cover, this song is ideal if you’re looking for calming piano music. Considering this is the second time a reimagining of the original has appeared on our list, we think this lullaby will make any baby sleepy!

1. Brahms’ Lullaby (Beth McLaughlin)

Finally, ‘Brahms’ Lullaby’ by Beth McLaughlin is, it appears, the best sleep-inducing song for your little one. This song features the most in Spotify playlists for baby sleep songs. So if you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, this one is for your baby to drift off to.

There you have it – the best songs for babies to fall asleep to. Mums and dads alike can use this as a guide to make a night-time playlist for their little ones. Get your nightlight, speaker, and sleeping bag for your newborn ready. Each child is unique, however, so you might find they respond better to piano music than white noise, or vice versa. Which song will you play first?

To learn more: Nuby: https://nuby-uk.com/

 

4 Substances That Can Promote Healthy Hair

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As one of the most visible and noticeable physical attributes, hair is hugely significant to women. Not only is it a statement that defines our personal image, but it can also affect the way we feel, and often determine the course of our day. This is so much the case that the annual spend on maintaining our hair and appearance, according to a report from Fashion Network, reaches an eye-watering £10 billion.

That £10 billion goes largely into products that we can use to maximise volume, change colour, increase shine, and so on. And of course, we can also look to do things like avoiding overexposure to the sun, and drying our hair gently to maintain health and quality. Ultimately though, what goes into our diets and supplement routines also plays a massive role in promoting and marinating hair health over time. It’s with that in mind that we want to take a look at some basic substances that can contribute to healthy, well-conditioned hair.

1. Vitamin C

Proven to have substantial benefits to our skin and overall health, Vitamin C also plays a vital role in haircare. It contains a necessary property that creates protein –– or as it’s more commonly known, collagen –– which encourages growth, reduces hair loss and supports healthy hair. It can also aid in combatting dandruff, delay premature greying and prevent hair from growing weak, brittle and fine. A deficiency in Vitamin C, by contrast, can result in dry hair and split ends –– so taking a supplement is highly recommended.

2. Biotin

Biotin is part of the B-complex group of vitamins, and is a key component in maintaining many of the body’s major systems. Over recent years it’s been claimed that biotin can improve the health and growth rate of nails and hair. Health and wellness platform SymptomFind took an in-depth look into the potential benefits of the substance a short while ago and pointed out that although there’s no specific data to prove the benefits, many supplement manufacturers and social media platform users highly recommend including biotin in your health and beauty regimen. It’s true that a biotin deficiency can cause hair loss and weakened nails, so it’s certainly a possibility that it can be advantageous to take a consistent and regulated supplement. Furthermore, while we lack scientific proof, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that biotin has a positive effect.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has long been used as a natural remedy, and is believed to be advantageous in boosting general health and treating numerous ailments. Examining the latest scientific evidence, BBC Good Food scrutinised coconut oil and delved deeper into the potential health benefits it offers. Alongside several other benefits, the examination concluded that coconut oil may help to protect hair from damage. The lauric acid within the substance is likely to boost protein in hair, reducing the negative effects of natural protein loss. As a readily available, safe and inexpensive natural product, coconut oil is definitely worth trying in your beauty routine!

4. Honey

Now widely recognised as a “superfood,” honey boasts an impressive list of positive contributions to our health. It is rich in health-promoting plant compounds, and also has high antioxidant content, which helps it to fight free radicals that cause damage in the body. Thus, we know that honey in moderation can be good for us. As to hair specifically though, the aforementioned free radical damage does apply to our hair as well –– which indicates that the consumption of honey can help to reverse and/or stave off damage. Furthermore, due to its humectant properties, honey is also great for hydration, helping the hair to maintain moisture and reducing brittleness and breakages.

For those looking for a haircare boost, these are just a few of many “on-the-shelf” natural supplements that can be used to promote hair health. We hope this has been a helpful read, and please visit Frost Magazine again soon for more lifestyle tips and advice!

Collaborative post from Olive J. Begley.

The Patient by Jane Shemilt Book Review

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I tend to judge the success of a book on how long I remember it after I have finished reading it. I could not stop thinking about The Patient after I read it. I sometimes still do, months later.

Jane Shemilt brings her characters to life so vividly it is hard to believe they are not real. You become so engaged with them they feel like friends, or people you know and do not like. Ha. The Patient is a superb psychological thriller but it is also a beautiful love story. Complex and multi-layered, it will keep you gripped all the way to the end with a twist you won’t see coming. One of my favourite books of the year. A must-read.

When Rachel meets Luc, the attraction is instant.
But she is a doctor, and he is her patient.
She gives him the drugs he needs – but in doing so, risks everything.
And when a secret is exposed, they’re both in the firing line.
Not all patients are telling the truth.

Easter picks from Joffe’s amazing basket of goodies …

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Joffe Books ‘book of the week’, which they know their readers will appreciate, is BURIAL GROUNDS by the ever popular bestselling author Bill Kitson. This totally absorbing new crime thriller is out now for 99p | 99c, and filled with great characters, (so important), breathtaking twists and an atmospheric North Yorkshire setting (which, living in North Yorkshire, I must insist is a winning setting)

A pregnant woman is knocked down by a couple in a car. They don’t stop.  Months later, Detective Mike Nash is called out to the local cemetery. A body has been found, placed face down on a grave. The dead man was Andrew Derrick. Quiet, well-mannered, he kept himself to himself. Who would want to kill him?

DI Nash pieces the clues together . . . and finds himself on the trail of a ruthless killer with a deadly agenda.

CLICK HERE TO BUY BURIAL GROUNDS BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR BILL KITSON FOR 99P | 99C.

So, what else is new?

                         

Detective Monika Books 1 – 4. This is a belter of an  offer at a mere 99p/99c   FOUR Books 1-4  I repeat – all  absolutely gripping crime mysteries from author Sally Spencer. Yes four!  Discover your next crime fiction obsession with this amazing offer on four unputdownable mysteries . . .

“Outstanding.” Booklist     “A thrill ride.” Publishers Weekly    “A tour de force.” Kirkus

Next: here we go with The Portchester Castle Murders by Pauline Rowson.

It’s Friday the thirteenth and Detective Inspector Andy Horton’s luck is about to run out.  His Harley Davidson is vandalised, his nit-picking boss has returned to work early, and a convicted murderer out on licence has disappeared.

Then to top it all off a decomposing body washes up on shore. Crikey, can Horton connect the dots before anyone else dies? Well worth a read, and a snip at 99p/99c

Constable on Trial by Nichola Rhea

Well, OK, this author is one of my favourites, and yes, the setting is Yorkshire again. But it is really cosy crime at its best, and this brilliant prequel completes Nicholas Rhea’s beloved Constable Nick series, featuring Britain’s best-loved bobby.     Published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the first episode of the smash-hit TV show it inspired, Heartbeat, don’t miss this delightful feel-good read.

“It’s original, it’s funny . . . one of life’s little pleasures.” Yorkshire Post

 

 

 Oh, Woop Woop… THE WAIT IS OVER – NO EXIT MOTION PICTURE STREAMING NOW!

Since 2019 Joffe Books has been waiting with rising anticipation as every little snippet was revealed . Now, the wait is … over. Adapted from Taylor Adams’s bestselling thriller, the No Exit film has finally arrived.

Directed by Damien Power and starring Havana Rose Liu and Dennis Haysbert, the film is now available to watch on Hulu and Disney +.    Although there won’t be a glamourous Hollywood style screening party, the Joffe Books team, will be celebrating No Exit appearing on the big screen with the usual: tea and doughnuts.

Congratulations to Taylor Adams! One of Joffe’s  first bestsellers and their first on the silver screen.

Get your copy of No Exit here.

For more information on all that Joffe Books has to offer, go and take a peek here

The Storytellers by Caron McKinlay Book Review

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I have reviewed many books in my life but I have struggled to review The Storytellers by Caron McKinlay. This book blew my mind. It is so clever and so essential. Every women should read this book and I hope they do.
I do not want to give too much away, and yet I feel like this book has encapsulated the insecurities we have as women, the problems with the patriarchy, and distilled it into one glorious perfect book.

The Storytellers, caron McKinlay Every character in this book is well-rounded and unique. You cannot help but root for these women. McKinlay is an outstanding writer. Her writing flows perfectly and is so natural. The book is unique and I did not see the twist coming. The Storytellers is not just a fantastic and unique idea; that idea is perfectly executed.

You can tell this book came from McKinlay’s soul and we are all privileged to be able to read it. The Storytellers is a fun, entertaining feminist novel for our time. This is a must read. Preorder it now. Out May 16th.

https://amzn.to/3JC6fDR

Trapped between life and the afterlife, three women meet and share their stories while discovering the truth about the men in their lives—and about themselves.

Suspended in an eerie state of limbo, an entity called the Gatekeeper tells Nikki, Ronnie, and Mrs. Hawthorne they are on the cusp of entering the afterlife—but only if the women can persuade him that in their earthly lives, they knew the meaning of love.

Fragments of their memories return, plunging them back into their pasts, and forcing them to face the desires, disappointments, addictions, lies, and obsessions they battled in life.

But before time runs out, will they find the answer to the ultimate question: what is love?

 

 

Delicious Easter Treats at Fantastic Prices

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The Easter Bunny is feeling generous this year, or was he just savvy with his money this year.
If you are looking to save cash while keeping your loved ones happy this easter then head over. The money savers at Wholesale Sweets have a huge range of tasty, themed sweets at bargain wholesale prices.

The amazing offers allow parents across the country to stock up on wholesale boxes of easter eggs, up to 3kg bags of pick & mix and large quantities of gifting products to share with family and friends.

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Playmobil’s New Hero Product

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Duck on call? You heard correctly! For the first time, a duck is the main character in a brand new PLAYMOBIL theme world and animated series. Ducklas, a cheeky boy in a duck’s body, leads exciting missions together with his three young friends – a firefighter, policewoman, and emergency doctor. The new PLAYMOBIL sets are full of innovation and tons of fun for kids ages 3-5 years.

Welcome to Playmoville!

Playmoville is a unique place where kids are in charge and fabulous things happen. This is where the young rescue heroes Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic embark on exciting missions as they help the townspeople with their problems. But the team would not be complete without Ducklas, who was transformed into a duck by the mysterious Mr. Hans as a result of all his shenanigans! To become a boy again, he must complete a heartfelt act of kindness. The four friends work around the clock to help the people of Playmoville and Queen Mayor in all kinds of emergencies. If only Ducklas would stop accidentally messing things up…!

Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic are ready for action with their cool emergency vehicles whenever help is needed. The emergency vehicle play sets feature a new modular design that makes it easy to mix and match, creating new variations depending on the accessories and gadgets used – so they will suit any mission. Whether an unlucky racecar driver needs help, a cat needs rescuing or a thief is on the loose, the team (together with Ducklas) is always prepared. In their compact Mobile Operations Center, the young heroes are one call and ready to respond! The engaging DUCK ON CALL theme world will expand further with additional play sets launching this summer for more exciting, complex missions. In the large Headquarters with a freefall slide and elevator, Ducklas and his friends are ready to receive incoming emergency calls from all over Playmoville. The powerful fire, police and ambulance trucks, as well as two mini cars, ensure that the team is equipped for any mission.

An animated CGI series takes Ducklas’ fans on adventures throughout Playmoville, including lots of action and humour. The pilot episode will premiere in March, introducing Ducklas and the young rescue team to the world. Further episodes will be launched in June.

Child-friendly fun with the fire, police, and rescue services

Even when unpacking and assembling the sets, children’s ergonomics were taken into account so that younger children can start playing optimally. During the development of all DUCK ON CALL playsets, special focus was placed on children’s ergonomics and motor skills, so that also younger children (ages 3-5 years) will enjoy the experience. For example, the weight-shifting steering in the three emergency vehicles allows children to steer them using only one hand. Additionally, easy-to-use features such as the water cannon, rotating ladder, and slides, as well as interactive light and sound effects, provide tons of fun. Even young rescuers can master changing the modules of the emergency vehicles, too.

Built to the standard PLAYMOBIL quality, the playsets include only high-quality materials. Individual parts are packaged together in bags made of environmentally-friendly, recycled PCR film (post-consumer recycled material). With younger children in mind, the inclusion of small accessories was reduced or avoided entirely. Of course, all DUCK ON CALL sets can be combined and expanded with the figures and accessories of classic PLAYMOBIL toy sets.

With DUCK ON CALL, all kids can become real heroes. By following the adventures in Playmoville, they will learn about the meaning of friendship, helping others, team spirit, and self-confidence. After following the series’ stories, children can join the adventures first-hand with the extensive toy range.  These role-play experiences will stimulate social, cognitive, and motor skills, while also offering limitless fun. And in time for the holidays, kids can count down the days to Christmas with the DUCK ON CALL advent calendar, available beginning of September.

The DUCK ON CALL play theme from PLAYMOBIL at a glance:

Roleplay within the popular worlds of fire, police, and rescue services | great stories with four young rescue heroes | for the first time, a PLAYMOBIL theme world is centered around an animal, as well as kid characters  | headquarters with freefall slide, elevator, and helipad (L 58.5 x D 50 x H 18.5 cm) | modular emergency vehicles allow for mixing and matching | cool trucks and other playsets with age-appropriate play functions | adapted to children’s ergonomics | simple assembly experience | animated CGI series available |

recommended for ages 3-5 years.

Duck on Call is available at Playmobil.co.uk prices from £14.99

 

How to Protect Your Business

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As a business owner, your main focus is probably succeeding. However, as important as making a profit, there are other factors that are equally important, including safeguarding your investment. Whether someone is injured on your property or someone wants to back out of a contract, lawsuits can happen. Lawsuits not only tarnish your reputation, but can also put you out of business. Thankfully, there are ways to protect both your reputation and business. Read on to learn some of the best ways to safeguard your business.

Learn the Legal Requirements

One of the easiest ways to protect your business is by setting up the right legal entity. How you register your company is crucial to your longevity. You can choose to register as sole provider, LLC, or corporation. As a sole proprietor, you aren’t protected from legal liability claims. Your personal assets will not be protected if you’re sued. If you register as a corporation, you can separate your business and personal finances, which safeguards your personal property and finances. As an LLC, you can protect your personal assets and investments. Most new startups usually choose this entity and if the time arises, then go on to become a corporation or partnership.

Protect Your Equipment

If your company involves heavy equipment or a fleet, you need to ensure you protect those as well. You can install AI video dash cams in all of your trucks for an extra layer of protection. AI dash cameras monitor drivers’ behavior in real time. If they’re involved in an accident, you’ll be able to see the exact actions they took prior to the incident.

Get it in Writing

Whether it’s between you and a customer or you and your vendors, all business matters should be in writing. Although some verbal agreements can stand up in court, not all do. Oftentimes, it becomes a battle of what you said and what the other party claims you said. Save yourself the stress and put everything in writing. Especially in business where there is constant evolution and you are striving to make positive changes, it is best to have everything written down to minimize confusion and maximize protection.

Understand Your Rights

As a business owner, you need to understand your rights. Each legal entity has its own set of rights, so it’s important to research what they are in your specific state.

Pay Your Taxes

Always pay taxes on time and in full. If you owe money and can’t pay it all at one time, you still need to file and request a payment arrangement. The worst thing you can do is avoid filing and then end up owing money. At least with a payment arrangement, you can create a budget to pay it off in monthly increments. If you can’t file on your own, hire an experienced tax accountant to do them for you.

Hire a Lawyer

Regardless of niche, you should have a lawyer on retainer. Even if you never need their help, you’ll feel better knowing you have one on board, just in case something happens. Even having one to answer questions about your business can help protect your investments.

collaborative post with our brand partner.