Category Archives: Life & Style

Have you seen her by Lisa Hall: review by Natalie Jayne Peeke

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Bonfire night , Anna, Fran and Laurel are enjoying the fireworks. In a heartbeat Laurel is nowhere to be seen. Swallowed up by the crowd .

Laurel’s parents are frantic, before long hours turn into days and still no sign of Laurel . Anna, her nanny is devastated but is hiding a deep dark secret, as is someone else .

As the investigation continues, lies, secrets and deception reveal themselves. Suspects are questioned and houses are searched. Will the police ever find Laurel or unearth the truth behind her disappearance?

I could not put this book down, I just had to read one more chapter. I had to know the truth. I was gripped from beginning to end.

I highly recommend this book to fans of ‘The couple next door’ and similar books

Published 2nd May 2019
Paperback £7.99
Ebook £5.99
Audio download £12.99

Natalie Jayne Peeke: http://www.thebookwormmother.co.uk

The Moment of Lift By Melinda Gates Book Review

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The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, the moment of lift, Melinda Gates, book reviewThe Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World

Melinda Gates is the perfect example of an extraordinary woman who does not get the credit she deserves because she just happens to be married to a rich, famous man. It would be easy to dismiss her on the basis of privilege, and many people do. But to judge a woman by her husband is sexist. Melinda Gates stands as a giant in her own right. She has done so much for women’s rights and to make the world a better place. Her new book, The Moment of Lift, should be read by every single person in the world. Then the world would be a better place for everyone. Full of blistering facts and, yes, some harrowing tales; The Moment of Lift is a call to action. The book is powerful and puts up the fights for women’s rights. I hear that women have never had it so good a lot, and yet there is still so much to be done. I challenge anyone to read this book and not be inspired. When you read it you want to do something. The book covers so many aspects of gender bias: from FGM, contraception and inequality at home. Even the fact that most women do most of the domestic work is in here, and so it should be. Only recently was childcare and domestic world including by economists when it came fo GDP. Women’s work has been largely invisible and, in many ways, still is. Melinda also writes about herself and her marriage in this book. She is honest and brave. Her voice is in this book and so is her strength. It is powerful stuff. This book is essential reading and gets Frost’s Gold Standard stamp of approval. Only the second thing so far to do so.

 

A debut from Melinda Gates, a timely and necessary call to action for women’s empowerment.

“How can we summon a moment of lift for human beings – and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity.”

For the last twenty years, Melinda Gates has been on a mission to find solutions for people with the most urgent needs, wherever they live. Throughout this journey, one thing has become increasingly clear to her: If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down.

In this moving and compelling book, Melinda shares lessons she’s learned from the inspiring people she’s met during her work and travels around the world. As she writes in the introduction, “That is why I had to write this book – to share the stories of people who have given focus and urgency to my life. I want all of us to see ways we can lift women up where we live.”

Melinda’s unforgettable narrative is backed by startling data as she presents the issues that most need our attention – from child marriage to lack of access to contraceptives to gender inequity in the workplace. And, for the first time, she writes about her personal life and the road to equality in her own marriage. Throughout, she shows how there has never been more opportunity to change the world – and ourselves.

Writing with emotion, candour, and grace, she introduces us to remarkable women and shows the power of connecting with one another.

When we lift others up, they lift us up, too.

The Moment of Lift is available here.

After She’s Gone by Camilla Grebe: review by Penny Deacon

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After She’s Gone is rightly called a Crime Novel but it’s rather more layered than that. Letting the story unfold through the different, sometimes overlapping, viewpoints of three very different characters gives the reader three different ways of understanding the lives of the people who live in a remote small town whose industry has died and whose dwindling population has to deal with the community of Muslim immigrants housed among them. The claustrophobia is increased by the grip of the Swedish winter which makes every movement more difficult and blurs evidence.

The story begins with a ‘cold case’. Ironically appropriate for the time of year. The investigation of a child’s death leads to a re-evaluation of the nature of the town in which everyone seems trapped. The characters of the three narrators also emerge: each has his or her distinctive voice and each is in some way an outsider. How far they separately come to understand or live with that status is tied closely to the revelations of the investigation. The plot twists in ways which at first seem random, and finally reveal the truth with a clarity which the narrators must find his or her own way to accept.

This is gripping reading and first class writing. Camilla Grebe has written a satisfyingly complex crime story with characters who draw the reader into their lives.

Read it.

 

Review by Penny Deacon, author of A Kind of Puritan and A Thankless Child

After She’s Gone by Camilla Grebe published by Zaffre, 21st March 2019. Hardback and eBook £18.99

Miami Cocktail – The Conscious Cocktail Company

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We’re officially in spring and things are heating up this week, so to celebrate the extra long weekend we wanted to introduce a touch of Miami to Britain. Introducing; Miami Cocktail and their selection of the most delicious organic pre-mixed craft cocktails on the market. The foundations of the company are built on using honest ingredients which make up authentic cocktails crafted to perfection, and tasty.

The proof really is in the tasting with three delicious cocktails to choose from; Margarita, Sangria and Blood Orange Mimosa. This has been the most authentic and honest pre-mixed cocktail we’ve tried and trust me…we’ve tried a lot. The packaging, the flavour and the low cal, additive free ingredients are only some of the reasons why you HAVE to try Miami Cocktail. The first thing that sets them apart from many other companies is that not only is the flavour refreshing and heavenly, there is no tacky aftertaste, a far cry from the batch made sticky pre-mixers we have tried. The same points can be awarded for the following day with no nasty hangover, (this came from a number of trustworthy testimonies.) The brand screams chic and this would be a tip top gift to bring to a party, the bottle comes in a beautiful recyclable glass and will look iconic on your table top counter.  

We love the serving suggestions they have offered us; so cheers to a Bank Holiday made better by Miami Cocktail;

Copper Pot Margarita

The quintessential three ingredient organic margarita:

-100% pure organic blue agave wine
– Organic key lime juice
– Organic Valencia orange juice 

12% abv

The Copper Pot Margarita is perfectly balanced and delivers a wonderfully “more-ish margarita” 

Blood Orange Mimosa 

The “Sunday Funday Everyday” organic mimosa. Organic Sicilian blood oranges and tangerine juice. A touch of organic Florida grapefruit juice lightly infused with organic sparkling wine. 

We call our Blood Orange Mimosa “dangerously delicious” as we have yet to leave any in the bottle once it is opened. Admittedly, a good problem to have…until you run out. 

 8.5% abv

Sunset Sangria 

The keeping it real organic sangria. Organic tropical juices of mango, pineapple, lime, and orange, all delicately infused with organic craft red wine. 

8.5% abv

The moment the Sunset Sangria touches your lips, you will be whisked away to the last summer you spent in Spain. While heating it up in winter time, makes for a wonderful alternative to your favourite mulled wine. 

Miami Cocktail have hit the ground running and are already available to buy in Harvey Nichols stores in the UK and online RRP £16.95 per bottle. You can also find them on thedrinkshop.com and amazon.co.uk priced at £14.95 and are hoping to hit the festivals this summer. We couldn’t think of a more perfect place for these sexy little cocktails. 

Miami Cocktail also have a line of Organic Spritz which is set to come out soon featuring two more cocktails, Bellini Spritz and Paloma Spritz. These will be available in 250ml cans and at only 110 cals per can and no added sugar you can definitely indulge in a few Miami Cocktails. #DrinkClean

 

The Daughters of Ironbridge by Mollie Walton

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It’s great to discover a new saga author and Mollie Walton should be flying high today with her debut The Daughters of Ironbridge. Walton takes us deep into the dark heart of the industrial landscape, setting her story in the iron making  towns of Shropshire.

The Daughters of Ironbridge is the tale of two young young girls born in the same month of the same year and yet their lives are worlds apart. Annie Woodvine’s father works in the furnaces owned by the King family and has done so for as long as she can remember. But Annie is bright and intelligent, and she has big dreams. So, when she is asked to run messages for the wealthy King family, she grabs the opportunity with both hands, seeing it as a way out of the drudgery that would otherwise befall her.

Margaret King is surrounded by privilege and wealth. But behind closed doors, nothing is what it seems. When Anny arrives, Margaret finds her first ally and friend. Together they plan to change their lives. But can friendship exist across the divide?

As disaster looms over the ironworks, Margaret and Anny find themselves surrounded by secrets and betrayal. Can they hold true to each other and overcome their fate? Or are they destined to repeat the mistakes of the past?

Walton’s descriptions of both character and setting are vivid. The main characters are well drawn and the tentative relationship between the two girls deftly handled and therefore believable. That said, the supporting characters are both a delight and a horror – there are plenty of antagonists for the girls to fight against and readers are sure to hear more from them in the books to follow.

The Shropshire countryside is a place of stark contrasts, the bucolic beauty of the woodland a sharp relief to the brutal darkness of the furnace, which echoes throughout the plot and its many twists and turns.

The Daughters of Ironbridge is the first in a trilogy and book one ended leaving me impatient for the next one in the series. The story will appeal to readers of Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court.

‘The Daughters of Ironbridge has that compulsive, page-turning quality, irresistible characters the reader gets hugely invested in, and Walton has created a brilliantly alive, vivid and breathing world in Ironbridge’ – Louisa Treger

 

Mollie Walton has always been fascinated by history and on a trip to Shropshire, while gazing down from the iron bridge, found the inspiration for what has become her debut saga novel, part of a trilogy titled THE IRONBRIDGE SAGA, published by Bonnier Zaffre.

www.molliewalton.co.uk

Frugi to the rescue… More power to their elbow. A fabulous use of the demonic plastic. by Annie Clarke

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At Frost Magazine we are lucky to occasionally receive notice of something that relates to a current crisis. Here we have such a product, which is trying in its own way to address an alarming phenomenon.

Our beautiful and precious world is in danger  from plastic waste. The experts at Frugi, concerned with this situation, and knowing there is no time to fiddle faddle about have experimented by recycling more than half a million plastic bottles to make an enviable Outerwear collection ideal for every wet, muddy and soggy adventure.

 

This year Frugi are introducing a handy Packaway Jacket with matching Ready Steady Go bags and wellies, all made from recycled plastic in a lightweight fabric. Every design is inspired by the spring Summer ’19 Isles of Scilly theme. We have a sample here in our office, and feel like shouting the success and ethos of Frugi from the rooftops.

Here are children’s outfits, that give hope for their futures. Why aren’t more doing as Frugi is, and making use of these recyclable products which are poisoning our earth and seas?

 

The science behind the process is amazing. Frugi’s Product Expert, Mary Lawrence, explains all.

“We use Polyethylene terephthalat or PET to make our Outerwear range. It’s the most widely used recycled plastic and allows us to create a functional, fit for purpose product that lasts and can be handed down or sold on! On average, our Puddle Buster Jackets are made from 20 of these bottles.

 

“Now here’s the science…once cleaned, the recycled bottles are shredded and processed into flakes, which are then transformed into chips. The chips are then melted and whizzed around in a spinneret to make strings of yarn. Finally, the yarn is woven into Frugi fabric, ready to be made into our Outerwear.”

 

 

Frugi’s Puddle Buster Suits and Jackets are fully waterproof with taped seams to prevent water entering the pocket, side pockets, reflective prints for safety, a safeguard at the top of the zip to prevent catching little chins and are machine washable because mud doesn’t have to stick.

Here is the Puddle Buster Suit for the youngest grand-child, Miss D, as we call her, all of 20 months old and larger than life. I had to take a photo first, and then – a bit too big – but what did she care – into it she went, and LOVED it. Now for some puddles, but over to mum for that. Grandma has done her bit.

The Packaway Jacket  packs away in to its own pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go. There are also matching Wellington Boots and Ready Steady Go drawstring bags to complete the look.

Back for a second season, the Toasty Trail Jacket is a lightweight quilted jacket made from recycled polyester that also packs away in to its own bag making it the perfect companion for days out exploring. For wet and windy days there’s  elasticated hood, hems and cuffs.

What is also a good idea is the  Guppy Friend, a washing bag that catches micro fibres which often sneak into the marine eco-system.

Frugi started life in a small Cornish Cottage in 2004 in by Kurt & Lucy Jewson after they struggled to find clothes to fit over their son’s cloth nappies. Still designed in Cornwall, Frugi is made from super soft comfy premium organic cotton, recycled plastic and Oeko-Tek approved fabric , and vibrant designs. Today Frugi is available to buy online and in over 500 retailers globally in 28 countries. The full range includes tiny baby to ten years with a stylish maternity and breastfeeding range for mothers as well as bedding, toys and accessories.

Frost Magazine is so delighted to see such innovation and applaud Frugi. Go forward, with the force behind you… The clarion call is: more should be doing this. Bravo bravo.

To view the entire Frugi Outerwear collection, please log onto www.welovefrugi.com.

RRP: from £12.

 

Annie Clarke’s debut novel Girls on the Home Front is published on 29th May. Available for pre-order. 

 

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

Designed in Cornwall, Frugi offer award winning clothing with clever details, fun appliques and super comfy vibrant designs. The range is made from super soft, premium organic cotton. Frugi are proud to be certified by the Soil Association and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) receiving the highest level of certification in the world of leading textile processing standards.

 

Every year 1% of turnover is donated to charity through their own ‘Little Clothes, Big Change’ charity initiative.

 

Frugi is the trading name of Cut4Cloth Ltd registered in England, company number 5011885. The registered office is Wheal Vrose Business Park, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0FG.

 

Hape Caterpillar Train Set by Dr Kathleen Thompson

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This toy is great for the in-betweenees – no longer small babies but not yet fully-fledged toddlers.

Too big for rattles? If your youngest is desperate to play with their elder brother’s precious trains, but not quite ready for diesels and steamies, then this caterpillar train is perfect.

Your older child will probably be relieved that Mr Caterpillar has deflected attention from his train collection. However beware, parents, you may have full-scale war as your older child tries to get his hands on the cheery toy too – particularly when he realises that the caterpillar has a magnetic connection which will work perfectly with his existing trains and carriages.

It comes with a small section of track with attractive painted motifs and grass-effect end stops, to distinguish it from ‘anyone else’s’ track. However, the track is compatible with standard train tracks too.

I just love this toy (yes, baby may have to watch out for grandma as well as elder brother). Or at only £14.59 from Amazon I may have to buy my own.

 

By Dr K Thompson, 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

Frost Loves Grin & Bear Queenie Bear

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Nothing beats a cuddly bear. London company Grin & Bear creates the ultimate cuddly accessory with a stunning variety of patterns and materials. The bears ooze flair and originality and are now stocked in Liberty and selling all over the world. 
We love Queenie. A gorgeous 100% cotton bear covered in red love hearts. Queenie costs £69.00 and is handmade in England. 

The name Queenie is an affectionate use of the term queen – and is thought to have derived from the Old English word ‘cwen’, meaning ‘woman’

www.grinandbearlondon.com