Category Archives: Life & Style

Frost’s Wellness and Wellbeing editor, Alex Bannard, invites us to understand: the Chakras

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Teaching & practicing yoga as much as I do & embarking on my own personal & spiritual quest, it was inevitable I would eventually spend more time & energy investigating the chakras. I regularly practice & teach a chakra cleanse & wholeheartedly believe in the importance of each chakra not just energetically but also for our physical, mental & emotional wellbeing.

But what exactly is a chakra?

Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or circle. The chakras represent spinning spheres of bio-energetic activity along the spinal column associated with major nerve centres. They are not physical organs themselves but they are associated with nerve centres & physical organs. Chakras collect & transmit energy for physical, mental & spiritual use & promote harmony within your inner & outer world.

They may be dormant or underdeveloped, spinning backwards or blocked (early life trauma & abuse can cause resistance & blocks in certain chakras).  Blockages in chakras mean that energy, life force is not flowing smoothly, whereas weaknesses are inviting an infusion of energy. By healing the chakras, we can increase energy levels, reduce anxiety & depression, promote inner peace & harmony, improve sleep, concentration, memory & clarity. Once your life force (prana in yoga speak) is flowing freely, you will be in optimum physical, mental, emotional & spiritual health.

There are 7 chakras & each one represents something subtly different.

The root chakra is at the base of the spine & is responsible for that sense of grounding, connection, trust & belonging. It is symbolised by a lotus flower with 4 petals & an earthy red colour. This chakra is impacted by our earliest experiences & memories & is all about stability.

The sacral chakra is below the belly button around the sex organs & is the centre for emotional & creative energy. It is symbolised by the colour orange & a lotus flower with 6 petals. This chakra is all about flow & letting go, characterised by water. If this chakra is blocked we may experience a sense of anhedonia, the medical term for a lack of joy.

The solar plexus chakra is the centre for confidence, self-esteem, determination & courage. Our fire element if you will, it is associated with the colour yellow, a lotus flower with 10 petals & is all about our ability to make our dreams our reality.

The heart chakra is the most sacred of the energy centres, linking the lower survival chakras & the higher chakras. It is the centre for love, compassion, kindness, acceptance, understanding & forgiveness for all – necessities not luxuries. Associated with the colour green, a lotus flower with 12 petals & the element of air, representing the concept that just like air is all around us, so too is unconditional love.

The throat chakra is all about speaking our truth & tapping into our authentic voice with truth & clarity. It connects our basic needs of the lower chakras with our higher spiritual wisdom. If it is blocked it may manifest as a sore throat or a frog in the throat, an in ability to express or a tendency to over express. It is symbolised by a light blue colour & a lotus flower with 16 petals.

The 3rd eye chakra governs our perception & ability to see things clearly not clouded by the stories we tell ourselves. It is believed to be where the right & left optic nerve cross, literally our 3rd eye & is all about trusting our inner wisdom & intuition. Associated with a dark blue colour & a lotus flower with just 2 petals.

The crown chakra is at or above the crown of our head (depending on what you believe). Some interpret it to be centred where the pituitary & pineal glands reside. It is represented by a lotus flower with a thousand petals, the colour violet or white light, symbolising universal consciousness, spirituality & enlightenment, governing our identity & higher purpose.

Noticing the opposite of what each chakra represents can be indicative of a block or imbalance in this energy centre. Yoga poses (asanas), meditation & breath work can help to cleanse & shift imbalances & blockages to create a sense of balanced alignment & harmony, life flows with grace & ease, it is joyful & easy.

If you would like to find out more about cleansing & balancing your chakras check out Alex’s FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

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

Incorporate short yoga sequences & meditations as part of your self-care toolkit with guided practices on Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

For more info check out www.alexbannard.com

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for almost a decade, not just in the UK but also around the world. Having used her training & knowledge to navigate her own menopausal journey & create a life in which she is thriving, Alex is devoted in supporting other’s in this life changing transition.

T. Orr Munro: My Writing Process

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My Writing Routine

I write Mondays to Wednesdays from 9am until around 4 or 5pm. Occasionally I’ll write at other times but I find the distance of just a few days useful for honing ideas.

 

A bit about you.

I live in North Devon where I also grew up. I’m a freelance journalist, specializing in writing about policing, but, a long time ago, I was a CSI or Scenes of Crime Officer as they are also called.

 

What you have written, past and present.

I’ve a rather eclectic back catalogue! I’ve written a YA novel, ghostwritten the memoirs of a Battle of Britain pilot and a children’s history of Devon. I also have around five unpublished novels in my bottom drawer! I’m currently writing my second crime novel.

 

What you are promoting now.

Breakneck Point is my debut crime novel out in April about CSI Ally Dymond who is redeployed to a Devon backwater after blowing the whistle on police corruption, but the sleepy coastal town of Bidecombe doesn’t turn out to be quite as quiet as she anticipated.

 

A bit about your process of writing.

I’m quite disciplined about writing. I think it comes from being a journalist and having to sit down and write even when I don’t always feel like it. I’m a ‘reviser’ rather than someone who aims to get it right first time which means that it is sometimes hard to know when to stop.

 

Do you plan or just write?

I’m a planner. I try to plot the entire book out before I start although it invariably changes. However, it means that I tend to know what I’m going to write before I switch my laptop on. I don’t write linearly either. I’ll often write a scene in a different part of the book because I’ve had a particular idea or I’m in the mood to do it. My head has to be in the right place to write difficult scenes, usually 3.00am in the morning when I can’t sleep.

 

What about word count?

I don’t set myself daily word counts. It’s too much pressure! I’m also one of those writers who underwrites and struggles to get enough words down on the page rather than one that writes too many and has to cut back. I dream of writing too many words! It’s a constant challenge for me. I blame starting out as a print journalist where I would constantly look to strip out words so the story would fit the page. Old habits die hard.

 

How do you do your structure?

My books often just start with an image which I then work into a story. For instance, I’m writing book two in the CSI Ally Dymond series and that began life as a single scene which happens towards the end of the book. I do use various reference books. I’m a bit of a magpie, taking the bits that work for me, but I find them helpful for getting me over a plotting blip. I regularly dip into Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland. Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is good for checking that I’m on the right track and I quite like the approach taken in Book Architecture by Stuart Horwitz.

 

What do you find hard about writing?

Finding myself hurtling down a blind alley! It’s that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know something isn’t working, but you can’t work out what and you’ve already written thousands of words that you also know are probably going to wind up in the trash. It’s when I come closest to giving up altogether.

 

What do you love about writing?

As soon as I learnt to read I was utterly enthralled by words and how they could be used to transport me to other worlds. When I learnt to write, I realized I too could use words, but to create my own worlds. I get to play god, basically!

 

What is the “Don’t Tread On Me” Flag?

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Flags have long existed and everyone loves to own one. The design and symbol give a flag its meaning and history, and its bearers get a sense of pride. 

There are many types of flags designed each year, and each one holds its significance. For instance, the “don’t tread on me flag”, also known as the Gadsden Flag, is a famous American flag. It gives tremendous pride to its bearers because the flag stands for a celebration of rights, privileges, and liberties. The snake especially reflects strength, courge, assertiveness and vigilance.

What is the history of the Gadsden flag?

The Gadsden flag, often known as the Dont Tread On Me flag or the flag with the coiled rattlesnake, has a rich and fascinating history attached to it. The flag is one of the earliest flags in the United States of America. It is based on the timber rattlesnake, which is usually found in the eastern region of the United States. The serpent that became the Gadsden flag’s focal point was initially a motif on the drums of the first five businesses of United States Marines. 

The earliest documented usage of the Gadsden flag was during the American Navy’s first expedition, sometime in December 1775. Just before the navy sailed, South Carolina businessman and veteran Christopher Gadsden made the flag during the American Revolution and presented it to the captain of the fleet, Esek Hopkins. The flag was the motto and a personalized flag of his ship.

Later, Gadsden had gained inspiration from Hopkins’ last post’s banner, the Providence Train of Artillery. On a gold backdrop, their version of the flag contained a curled rattlesnake and the inscription “Do Not Tread on Me,” as well as an anchor, artillery, and the phrase “In God We Hope.”

Gadsden provided Hopkins with a simpler version of the Don’t Tread On Me flag. Despite its usage by the emerging US navy, Congress adopted the rattlesnake sign as the War Office’s authorized signatory in 1778.

The Gadsden flag had existed since the beginning of dissatisfaction. The inscription “Don’t Tread On Me” was co-opted by Tea Party demonstrators in the early 2000s. The flag had flown everything from the midst of Iraq to Riverdale, New Jersey’s town hall.

Where to get the Gadsden flag?

The Gadsden or the don’t tread on me flag can be purchased through any online store where you can see many buying options and variants of the flags. Apart from designs, the online stores can give you the best quality flags with no compromise on the delivery of the product. 

When you get the finest Gadsden flag online, you can proudly display this flag in front of your house or apartment for everyone to see. Because of the robust polyester material, these flags will survive a lot longer, even when exhibited outside. Thanks to the knitted polyester material, adverse weather will not damage or spoil the flag. After first being acclimated to changing conditions, the paint will stay in good condition. High-quality dye-sublimation technology produces vibrant colors that will not peel or tear off the flag easily.

Interestingly, the graphics of the flag are imprinted solely on the single side of the flag. But due to the reverse design that is flowing to the other side because of the material used, the graphic will be seen through both sides without incurring any issue. 

You can purchase the flag in the usual 3×5 size or add components to your order to assemble the flag. Select a hand-held flagpole, a wall mounting, a pole mount, or a huge in-ground metal pole. Just remember to buy a tear-resistant flag and use it anywhere.

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Inscripture – Made With Love – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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If you’re looking for a special gift which is both beautiful and personal Inscripture.com has a fabulous range of stunning pieces.

An award-winning family business, Inscripture are based in Essex and are a world away from the High Street clones. Their amazing jewellery is not only eye-catching but, what makes them so exceptional, is that they offer high-quality bespoke engraving.

They can use your own handwriting or engrave a hand or footprint – a wonderful memento for a new grandparent. They’ll even add your drawing or artwork to a chosen item. Simply upload a photograph and they’ll do the magic.

They have many beautiful and unusual designs on offer – both modern and traditional – from necklaces to bracelets and much more. And for the men, there are cufflinks, men’s bracelets and even a silver guitar pick. Children are not forgotten either – I particularly love the cute Bunny Necklace – made with either sterling silver or rose gold, at £47 it’s a great price for such a lovely present.

If you’ve lost someone special they also make jewellery from the ashes. They provide a kit to send the ashes, making the whole process easy at such a difficult time.

Inscripture items are fashioned mainly from .925 silver or 9 carat gold and I can confirm myself just how pretty and striking the Personalised Silver Popcorn Bracelet is at just £56. It was beautifully wrapped in a lovely gift box. The solid silver adjustable bracelet and charm are elegant yet substantial and the engraving is top quality. I just love it.

You absolutely must take a look at their extensive range for yourself at Inscripture.com – you’re welcome.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Tips To Choose a Good Outdoor Bench

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If you have an outdoor space you will probably want to set it in such a way that you can sit and enjoy yourself here with family. Those who spend time in their garden will know the importance of having an outdoor bench. You can sit on this whenever you want to making your backyard seem like a more comfortable area. With a good outdoor bench you can enjoy the sunshine, have a warm cup of coffee, etc. There are many different types of outdoor benches available in the market. You might be finding it tough selecting the right one which will be perfect for you. You definitely do not want to end up with some ugly and uncomfortable bench that squeaks when one sits on it. 

The following are some tips to keep in mind when buying outdoor benches:

Consider your space

It is important to keep your space in mind. You may be looking for a bench for some large outdoor area or maybe a small one. Those with huge gardens can choose bigger benches. Smaller benches will be better for smaller outdoor areas. The design along with the size of the particular benches should match and accentuate the appearance of the garden. 

Make sure that the bench has enough space so that your friends as well as family can sit comfortably on it. The bench must have the ability to seat at least two adults in a comfortable way. It is necessary that the design along with material employed should maintain the benches structural integrity even after it has been used many times.  For expert guidance on durable and aesthetically pleasing bench designs, consulting with a professional in landscape design Cumming can provide valuable insights.

Material used

The material employed in the construction along with the design of a bench will determine whether it will last or not. The following explains some main materials that you can consider.

Those who want to get an all-natural outdoor style can choose wood. Find the ones that are made using center-cut heartwood lumber which has consistent grain. The bench must be screwed with zinc plated or even stainless-steel screws. The screws utilized in timber outdoor benches allow tightening to be easy in case the bench will even become loose due to age. Some good wood for outdoor beeches are natural cedar or pine, teak, Australian Jarrah and natural wood. 

Metal is another material to consider. Similar to wood, you need to keep in mind how well the particular metallic outdoor benches will handle harsh weather. This is just something that needs to be considered when buying any outdoor furniture. The appearance should also match your outdoor space. Some types of metal include extruded aluminum, cast aluminum, ornate iron, and retro metal. 

The following are only some tips to consider when looking for outdoor benches. It is better to choose something stylish which will look good in your outdoor space. It should also be a sturdy bench made with good-quality material which can perfectly handle any pressures being put on it. You do not want it to get spoilt by rain for instance.
Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Girls Toys : So Much More Than A Makeup Mirror – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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As a keen amateur dancer I spend more hours than I care to admit in front of a mirror, creating my ballroom hair style, applying totally over-the-top makeup and outrageously long false eyelashes and of course attaching numerous hair crystals.

So how thrilled was I to try this fabulous Arighi Bianchi Halo Makeup Mirror with so many cool features? It’s as if the whole design team had pulled out all stops just for ballroom and latin dancers. But if you don’t spend most weekends transforming your look and driving miles to perform in front of a panel of judges, fear not, this special mirror will thrill you too.

So why is the Halo Makeup Mirror so amazing? Well firstly it looks beautiful. The mirror itself is a very good size and has a tall elegant stand. The superbright ring light is 900 lux, making it three times brighter than most other illuminated mirrors and the mirror itself has a very high colour quality of 90 CRI. These features allow a very detailed and ‘true’ view of your face – perfect for applying an accurate eyeliner flick, drawing a beautiful lip shape or getting that contouring just right. Then, when you want to see the finished effect, simply switch to the softer lighting setting, relax and just admire your handiwork.

My hair and makeup process takes rather a long time, so how clever of Arighi Bianchi to think of inserting a bluetooth speaker in the bass of the mirror stand? Perhaps a soothing rumba or a cheeky cha-cha-cha as you pluck those stray eyebrow hairs? You can even chat on the phone as it has a built in microphone too.

But there’s more. Wouldn’t it be a shame if this fabulous bit of kit were only used for applying makeup or doing your hair? But not so – you can tip the mirror with its ring light through 90 degrees, creating a desk light which is bright enough to light the whole room with a soft white/yellow colour. This is particularly great if you live in a small apartment where space is of a premium. As a minimalist I just love this dual-purpose feature. I’m using mine as a bedside light.

If you’re still looking for something really special for Mum on Mother’s Day or you just want to give yourself a Mother’s Day treat this is a fabulous product at £50.50 from ArighiBianchi.co.uk.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Ballroom Dancers Give Selflessly In Ukraine – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Frost recently featured Bartosz (Boyan) Bojanczyk – Polish dance champion and coach – who has put his career on hold to ferry evacuees and medical supplies between Ukraine and Poland. So far he has driven over 7000km and helped over a hundred people to safety.

But there are important new developments. He and his volunteer network have been adapting to use your donations most effectively. So what’s been going on?

Well, first they expanded their network throughout Ukraine. Due to high costs, danger and demand, a taxi ride from a Kyiv home to the railway station had escalated from $10 to $200 and people simply couldn’t afford to journey to safety. So Boyan and friends found and reimbursed reliable drivers to take people to Kyiv station. Once the evacuees get the train to Lviv, Boyan and team drive them to Poland.

He’s also linked in with another amazing dancer, Hanna Karttunen and others – who drove from Finland with a cargo of desperately needed pharmacy medicines and dressings which Boyan took on into Ukraine (See Video 3 below).

But all the time Boyan was observing and thinking. The photo above is a group of young Ukrainian men (I would say boys, but maybe that reflects my age). These incredibly brave guys are ready to fight for their country. However, although they each have a gun (and just three days training), they had no protective clothing, making them incredibly vulnerable to being killed. So Boyan has been using donations to source and buy military-grade protective gear such as bulletproof vests, helmets, tactical shoes, proper knee pads and tactical gloves.

Here are some of Boyan’s incredible video diaries below – absolutely riveting: VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 VIDEO 3 VIDEO 4 plus another link to his JUST GIVING PAGE.

But Boyan isn’t alone. My Ukrainian dance class-mate, Gala Kovalyk is collecting for her Polish friend Anna Jarmosiewicz-North, who is housing refugees in an empty house on the Polish border. (see photo below) They’re also helping friends in Zhytomyr (near Kyiv).  Despite regular bombing, their friends are taking refugees from even more dire areas in Eastern Ukraine.  They need food and other essentials to survive and Anna’s charity is sending these to them. Read more details here: GO FUND ME

Frost readers are incredibly generous, and all donations to Boyan and Gala/Anna will be used directly to help desperate Ukranian evacuees. Thank you all for your crucial support.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Joffe Books has done it again, a lovely round up of new books for the week. 

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Have a laugh, enjoy yourselves with Joffe’s  book of the week this week: MURDER ON PORT MEADOW by the crime-writing duo of Annie Dalton and Maria Dalton. Discover a classic British murder mystery filled with atmosphere, lovable characters, gentle humour, and gripping twists and turns,

Out now for just 99p | 99c, don’t miss this page-turning new murder mystery featuring three dog-walking detectives (and their canine companions) — currently available for half price, and not just for dog lovers.
I love this sort of book, and I suspect you will too.

CLICK HERE TO BUY MURDER ON PORT MEADOW BY ANNIE DALTON WITH MARIA DALTON FOR 99P | 99C.

                                       

CLOSING RANKS BY ELIZABETH GUNN OUT NOW — ONLY £1.99 | $2.99

Detective Sarah Burke is called to a shooting: a rookie cop caught a thief in the act and shot him dead.
The detectives get a shock when they discover the victim is Ed Lacey, Sarah’s former mentor.
Can they uncover the shocking truth before Ed’s family closes ranks?

“Precision-tooled procedurals” The New York Times

MURDER ON THE DAWN PRINCESS BY ROY LEWIS   OUT NOW — ONLY £1.99 | $2.99

The discovery of the headless corpse out at sea has everyone on high alert. The dead man is a notorious villain. Then a young heiress goes missing and a local historian falls to his death.

Could it all be connected? Can Arnold Landon unravel the truth in time to save the missing girl?

“An unforgettable character.” The New York Times

jOFFE tells us that they are delighted and excited to have signed THIRTEEN books from the fabulous authorJean G. Goodhind, Look out for the first book in Jean’s Honey Driver mystery series, coming later this month . . .

Go to Joffe Books to find ALL this week’s  new books