Category Archives: Life & Style

Quitting My £60k Job Was the Best Decision I Ever Made. Karen Holden Interview

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businesswomen , succeeding in businessKaren Holden is one impressive woman. She was a solicitor at an international practice but saw how female colleagues were ostracised during pregnancy. It made her fear for her career.  Karen also knew that the big corporate firm, would not support her need for a healthy work/life balance and Karen is a woman who wants it all.
Taking matters into her own hands, Karen launched A City Law Firm in 2008, when the UK economy was on its knees and lived off credit cards to survive.
Despite almost going bust in the first year, Karen is now celebrating 10 years in business, has an army of high profile clients and £1m plus turnover.

What was the catalyst that made you quit your job and start your own business?

Three things

  1. I wanted a family at some point in the future and I realised that a women in this sector , having a baby and family, would be difficult. I saw women passed over and treated differently and yet I knew I could still do everything as I have now proven
  2. Clients were becoming numbers and bottom line figures , whereas I still believed in delivering personal service and results
  3. So in short I was becoming disillusioned with the industry and wanted to see if I could do it differently

How do you make it a success?

I deliver what I genuinely believe in and aim to ensure all my team are on board and do the same. We are personal, supportive, specialist and experienced, but friendly and approachable service

I embrace change, disrupt the old fashion traditions, work hard and at the same time enjoy my family time

What have you learned along the way?

To never let anyone or anything stand in your way, learn from your mistakes and be proud of your battle scars.  Having good advisors, mentors and people around you is essential to success – you can never do it alone.

What advice can you give other women?

If you work hard and pick yourself up if a door closes in your face, you can have it all and succeed.  You can earn far more, have quality family life, a nice team to work with and achievable goals if you persist.

How important do you think work/life balance is?

This is fundamental and for me there is no point doing what I do if I cant have quality time with my family and friends.

I work late some week nights, so those nights I can get home early, I spend reading to my son and weekends are precious for us spending time together. Running my own business means I am fortunate to work the hours that suit my family.  If I leave early I can always pick up the work when my son is in bed as flexible working enables me to have it all

Do you think women who want families are still discriminated against? How could we fix this?

Its actually just as bad for men, trying to take paternity leave or time off for their families – we need as a society to embrace family life far more than we currently do in the UK. Likewise though, those with children do need to prove they can work just as well as those without so they don’t put on their colleagues or disillusion employers making it harder for others next in line. Working together employer and employees can often find a good balance that energises both of you which in turn is good for business.

What is your biggest tip for becoming successful?

Never take no for an answer , find another route to where you want to get and fight onwards – BUT always know you will make mistakes and learning from them is essential

5 things that make Spain a paradise for tourists

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The beautiful European country of Spain is famous for its beaches in places like Ibiza, art and architecture in cities like Madrid and Barcelona as well as food in towns like Seville. An interesting mix of art and culture make Spain a bucket list item for so many explorers around the world. You can easily book Spain Tour Packages from USA in case you want to check out the Spanish magic for yourself.

Read on to know about five things that make Spain a heaven for tourists from all over the world. 

  1. Flamenco and other such gracious dance forms can only be witnessed in Spanish streets

One of the most sensuous and beautiful dance forms in the world – Flamenco, although known to be of Romani origin,  its sound remains authentically Spanish. A hit in the Andalusia region, this exotic dance form can be enjoyed in cafes and bars in cities like Seville. If you are a tourist, watching Flamenco artists live is one of those things that should feature on your bucket list for sure.

  1. Mouth watering food, especially tapas, does not get better than this!

Tapas originated from the country and took its place in cafes, restaurants and bars all over the world. Spread over a vast variety of food, popular tapas ingredients are Jamon iberico ham, cheese and bread. Available both in vegetarian and non vegetarian forms, tapas makes Spanish food significantly different. You can also try traditional Valencian dishes like Paella which contribute to the essence of Spain. 

  1. Art of Picasso, Dali and architecture of Gaudi

Spain is famous for its architecture and artists. Picasso, the famed artist, was born in Malaga and spent his childhood in Barcelona. Similarly, the popular surrealist painter Salvador Dali grew up in Spain. You can find both of their works in museums around Spain.

While discussing art in Spain, the most popular name is that of Gaudi, the architect whose distinct work style can be seen in numerous pieces and projects spread across Barcelona. Gaudi and his work is so iconic that some time back seven of his projects were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

  1. Some of the best Football clubs in the world

If you are a fan of football, the European version, Spain is one of the best places in the world for you. Home to international clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, the country is full of football fanatics. During the Spanish football league, La Liga, visiting the country and watching a match is an experience you should not miss out on. Apart from football, bullfighting too is one of the popular, but controversial, sports in the country.  

  1. Wines and Sangria make for exquisite dinners

Spain is the third largest producer of wines in the world. The vineyards here are some of the biggest in the world. The local wines are tasty and iconic. And in case, you love a glass of sangria with food, Spain is the country of origin for that as well. So don’t hold back and enjoy some of the best drinks in the world here. 

A vacation in Spain can be all these things and much more. So plan your trip soon and enjoy the Spanish culture and food to the hilt!

 

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BUSINESS OF BOOKS: TAKE FOUR WRITERS – BALANCING, SHINING, HURDLING, REFLECTING

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The final word from our four writers and a heartfelt thank you to them all for sharing their writing years. Ladies – you’re an inspiration.

JACKIE BALDWIN: BALANCING

This month for me has been all about trying to balance the competing demands on my time between the day job, writing the first draft of my third crime novel and getting sorted for Christmas. My heart says write but my head says shop, clean and do the ironing! I have never been good at splitting my focus.

Tis the season to be jolly! I am a member of a wonderful crime writing community called Crime and Publishment in Gretna. Some of us are published whilst others are working on a first draft or at the submission stage.  After our Christmas meal we went round the table celebrating everyone’s writing wins, both big and small. It was heartening to hear how far we have come since our first year in 2014.

For me this time of year is always a time for reflection. To remember those people and animals who are no longer with us but lit up our lives, to be grateful for those who are still here and to think about where I want to direct my energies in the brand new shiny year to come.

It has been a pleasure to share my writing journey with you all this year. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

ANGELA PETCH: SHINING

December Frost:  sparkly, ice-cold, sharp, and a fitting way to skate away from a year of monthly reports. I shall miss them: it’s been a way of focussing during quite a year.

December 1st, I launched my self-published “Mavis and Dot”, and, promoted by a Blog Tour, it’s going well. My shiny new banner helped pull in interested readers. On the following Saturday, I manned a successful book stall outside Arundel Cancer Research Shop. All profits from M and D are destined for this charity.  A sequel has been requested; I’m thinking up scenarios for the two ladies.

Edits for Bookouture are 99% done for the first Tuscan novel commissioned for Spring 2019, (no title yet), and I’ve written a couple of chapters for the second. The rest is in my head. This year I will pin to paper.

Thanks so much to Jane and my trio of friendly authors. New friendships made, new goals formed. Good luck to us all, happy Christmas and 2019.

 

CLAIRE DYER: HURDLING

So, another year has gone by and I’m definitely a year older, but no wiser I fear!

Some highlights have been (in no particular order): my kids are doing OK; Mr Dyer is well and busy; my cats are still my friends; my novel The Last Day was published and I’ve been working on another two books since which has been both a challenge and a joy; it looks like there may be a new poetry collection in 2021.

Some lowlights have been (in no particular order): my mother’s dementia; the state of the nation; I don’t seem to be ageing like Dame Judi Dench, more like Ena Sharples; Hollywood still hasn’t called to offer to make my book into a movie!

And, as ever, there have been hurdles as is the case of the writer’s life. No sooner are we over one, then another appears. Sometimes they trip us up; sometimes we sail over them, landing gracefully on the other side a bit like a gazelle. And, as ever, there’s no saying which the next one will be as I sit here at the year’s end with the echo of the starting pistol and the crowd’s roar in my ear.

LUCY COLEMAN: REFLECTING

As the year draws to a close it’s a time when I reflect upon the highlights and low points of my working year. But more importantly it’s when I set new goals for the year ahead.

It has been my second most successful year as an author to date, for which I’m incredibly grateful. Hitting the no. 5 spot in the UK Kindle chart with ‘Snowflakes Over Holly Cove’, my second novel writing as Lucy Coleman, was beyond any dream I ever had. The goals I set are never about the results, but about the work required to keep honing my skills.

My goal for 2018 was to write four new books. Tick. And the first novella in a new little project with a new pen name. Tick.

My goal for 2019? Four new books and the second novella.

I write because it’s my passion and I write from the heart. The happiness and fulfilment is in the creation, because it is a little like the lottery. In this case fate is in the hands of the legion of wonderful reviewers and readers who choose your book. And that’s humbling.

Wishing everyone a 2019 filled with happiness, love and good health. And to the incredible Jane Cable and my fellow writers, you are all an inspiration!

 

Last Minute Gifts:

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So you’ve left it to the last minute but we still have time to get standard delivery on most websites so here’s what we picked out for you…

Vanilla Reindeer,

We simply loved their personalised gifts, with chocolate boxes or simply personalised gift wrap, give someone special something extra unique adorned with their face or yours or memories you share together. We picked out a personalised truffle set for someone this Christmas and we were totally impressed by the quality the speedy delivery and more importantly, they were delish! We also loved their bottle bags and range of personalised gift boxes which will impress all year round. They are currently running 30% off all Christmas Gifts and free delivery with a spend over £30.

www.vanillareindeer.com

Drinks in a Tube;

It is what it says on the… tube. As part of their Christmas collection, Drinks in a tube are providing customers with various spirits tubed as well as a selection of Vodka and Gin Christmas crackers. We tried the Premium Red Wine tasting set which comes with five premium French reds including St Emilion Grand Cru and Santenay Rouge to name a few. Each tube is 100 ml which makes it just the perfect size to travel with. 

http://www.drinksinatube.co.uk

 ScandiKitchen;

Their London bakery is serving up a host of Nordic goodies up until 23rd December and expect to find such things as, Beautiful Swedish and Norwegian Hampers filled with sweets, wines, beers, and chocolate. We recommend the Limoncello Mulled Wine. The Blossa has notes of rosemary, thyme and basil and evoke a typical Nordic Christmas. This year they recommend serving it with some sparkling wine as a delicious aperetif. We also need to mention the beautiful and unique bottle which would make a show-stopping gift and displaying the colours of the Mediterranean sea. 

ScandiKitchen is located at 

61 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7PP 

Ovalhouse’s Spring Season 2019

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Ovalhouse, 52-54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW Wednesday 30th January – Saturday 6th April 2019

Random Selfies (Image courtesy of The Other Richard)

2019 is a significant year for Ovalhouse as it marks their final year programming theatre in their current home, before an exciting nine months, staging performances in unusual locations, prior to moving into their new space in Brixton. Ovalhouse’s Spring Season 2019 presents two full length shows and five FiRST BiTES as their theme of care and, most importantly, survival is further explored to strengthen the theatre’s important principles of nurturing emerging artists.

 

Kicking off the season with Rhiannon Faith’s Smack That (a conversation), Ovalhouse will transform the theatre into a giant house party, complete with cider and popcorn.  But, this is no ordinary party.  The powerful production is a very raw and honest account of domestic abuse, performed by a mixed cast of professional dancers and domestic abuse survivors.  As part of this production, Ovalhouse will become a J9 venue, supporting women in our community who experience domestic abuse; this unusual setting creates a safe space for them to share the challenges they have faced and celebrate their endurance with the audience.

 

Following its premiere earlier this year and Off-West End nomination for Best Production for Young People, the incredible digitally-animated Random Selfies by Olivier Award-winning playwright Mike Kenny will return for a three-week run.  Directed by Owen Calvert-Lyons, Ovalhouse’s Head of Theatre & Artist Development, this play explores child loneliness while bringing to life the vivid imagination of ten-year-old Loretta; a lonely girl in a busy world.

 

As ever, Ovalhouse’s FiRST BiTE programme is packed full of bright ideas and powerful personal stories.  Richard Stamp tells the story of his tumultuous six-months of diagnosis to amputation in Dick.  Coco Mbassi teaches us the power of music in Haendel on the Estate, while Sherine Chalhie stages her semi-autobiographical tale Hijabi Matters.

 

Additionally, Ovalhouse welcome back Pecho Mama with a work-in-progress showing of their new show Divine Intervention – an electrifying gig-theatre production telling the story of two broken people and their search for salvation.  And, Koko Brown will work together with Ovalhouse’s new Associate Artist Joana Nastari to create Amazonian Sweat Lodge, exploring the consumerism and faux spiritualism in a new collaboration with CASA.

 

Owen Calvert-Lyons, Ovalhouse’s Head of Theatre & Artist Development, comments, We are delighted to be bringing Rhiannon Faith’s Smack That to Ovalhouse this spring.  This is a really important production exploring the impact of domestic abuse against people.  The show celebrates what it means to survive.  As part of this process, we are training all our staff in order for Ovalhouse to become a J9 venue; supporting people in our community who experience domestic abuse.  Mike Kenny’s Random Selfies makes a welcome return after the success of its run last year which saw the show nominated for Best Production for Young People. We are also announcing our brilliant new Associate Artists: Joana Nastari, Xana and The Thelmas.  These three artists will work with us over the next two years, beginning with Jo Nastari’s latest production Amazonian Sweat Lodge which questions society’s fascination with consumerism and faux spirituality.  These are all extraordinary artists and I can’t wait to introduce our audiences to their work.

 

Tickets are available priced £15 | £10 concessions   Preview tickets are £9 Random Selfies tickets are £10 adult |£7 under 16s Discount family packages|£28 (2 adults, 2 children)  FiRST BiTES tickets|£5 in advance |£8 on the door Available from Ovalhouse Box Office and

More details of the programme from: www.ovalhouse.com, 020 7582 7680.

 

Twitter @Ovalhouse

www.facebook.com/Ovalhouse

 

 

 

Jackson Hole: A Ski Lover’s Paradise

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Author Enricokamasa Source: Wikipedia

Are you crazy about skiing and want to ski your way out this winter? Jackson Hole is the ‘it’ destination. Book your tickets to Jackson Hole this winter for one hell of a skiing experience. Jackson Hole with its entirety is known for skiing. The area around Teton mountains serves as a paradise for skiers. Till the mid of 1980’s Jackson Hole as a cult skiing area remained undiscovered for millions. Situated in the top-left corner of Wyoming, with a backdrop of mountain ranges, Jackson Hole is a hub for passionate skiers. Be it with your family or friends, Jackson Hole will not let you down when it comes to skiing.  Also, if you are visiting Jackson Hole solely for skiing, choose your rental homes accordingly. To make things simpler here’s a quick know-how about skiing in Jackson Hole.

Book one of the beautiful rental homes:

Now if you have planned a skiing vacation along with your family in this gorgeous destination, it’s better to book one of the beautiful rental home in Jackson Hole. There would be a myriad of options available and you can book the most convenient rental home in town. Plus, there’s buzzing marketplace and quite a few restaurants which offer really good food. And you want to go for skiing you can go to the mountains via public bus service or shuttle service. In case you have come down to Jackson Hole with your pack of friends, just for skiing, then put up somewhere in Teton village, which is located at the base of Jackson Hole. You can easily avail the tram even before the snowboarders and downtown-based skiers.

Go skiing

Many a time, individuals get confused as to whether the Aerial Tram is just for professional skiers. To clear the air, it’s not. Even an intermediate level skier can avail the tram. Post that you can traverse down the Rendezvous Trails which is fine for intermediate level skiers. Now if you find it difficult down the Rendezvous Trail, you can make your way to relatively less steep areas on the mountain such as Casper, Apres Vous, Thunder etc. However, it all depends on your comfort level. At first, you need to check whether you are comfortable with the terrain and weather and decide for yourself accordingly. Winter is the best time for skiing in Jackson Hole. So, if you are planning a trip to the place primarily for skiing, make sure you set your eyes on winter. Starting from the month of December snowfall continues till March. So anywhere between December and March is suitable for skiing. Though towards the end of January and beginning of February, it starts getting warmer. But if you are lucky enough, you will have one hell of a time while skiing during this period. Also, November end isn’t a bad deal. To cut it short, November end and the entire month of December is tailor-made for skiers. So, before the month of December ends, pack your bags and get set ski peeps. 

What to pack for skiing:

 

Temperature fluctuation is pretty banal in this region, so before you make your way be prepared for the most critical situation. If you are skiing make sure you wear underpants, followed with a second layer of underpants. Now the second layer of underpants can be of wool or even silk, something that keeps you warm when you are off for skiing and also doesn’t restrict your flexibility. After the two layers wear an athletic pant which would make your skiing easy. Make sure that the athletic pants are the ones which dry up fast. 

Now comes the jacket.  Make sure you wear a jacket which is either insulated or has a wind-blocking shell. Many a time, the normal woollen jackets might give you the warmth but once you are skiing, the keeping-warm business goes for a toss. Also, don’t forget to carry a pair of high-quality socks, socks that would wick water off your feet. Good quality socks will keep your warm feet and avoid your feet from blisters. Talking of socks that you should wear while skiing, try picking socks that will make you feel comfortable in your boots. Last but not least, avoid wearing two pairs of socks as it causes blisters. 

 

Gloves, mittens and buffs are the other important which you should carry while you are packing your bag. To keep your hands really warm wear a pair of thin glove liners and then slid your hands into the glove. You can do the same while wearing mittens. Ensure that your gloves aren’t too tight because that will make your skiing uncomfortable and will make you feel colder. What else you ask? Well, a helmet, sunscreen, snow goggles, lip balm, and poles are among the other things which you shouldn’t miss out on. Also, do not forget to carry a small backpack while skiing. You might need to keep some extra pairs of gloves or socks, goggles etc. So do carry one to keep your essentials. 

Now that you know the basics of skiing in Jackson Hole, it wouldn’t be a problem for you to plan your itinerary. This winter, set your eyes on the pristine Jackson Hole make the most of its lovely atmosphere. Also, do not forget to carry the essentials for a fun-filled skiing jaunt. So folks, paint the town red this Christmas in Jackson Hole skiing your way to glory. 

 

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An Arts round up for the New Year In London- where has 2018 gone? by Milly Adams

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Lots to look forward to:

Rotterdam – Donnacadh O’Briain’s Olivier award-winning production

The fastest growing arts festival in the UK, VAULT Festival returns to Waterloo (23 Jan – 17 Mar) with its biggest and boldest programme yet with the best in new writing for theatre and comedy, immersive experiences, cabaret, live performance and late night parties.

 

Making her West End debut, Star Trek: The Next Generation star Marina Sirtis will take the lead in the world premiere of Dark Sublime, the love-letter to British sci-fi television for both those that make it and those that adore it. (25 June – 3 Aug, Trafalgar Studios)

 

Tackling the migrant experience and performed by a mixed ensemble, including those who have recently sought refuge in the UK, Welcome to the UK has its world premiere at The Bunker. (22 Jan – 16 Feb)

 

The first time Soho Theatre have programmed circus, No Show joyously and heartbreakingly deconstructs superhuman circus performers and reveals what lies hidden beneath the showmanship. (22 Jan – 9 Feb)

 

In 2019, Waltham Forest will be the first ever London Borough of Culture and to mark this, audio visual artists Greenaway & Greenaway, in a unique collaboration with award-winning musician Talvin Singh, have created a spectacular projection for the Town Hall as part of the opening event, Welcome To The Forest. (9 – 13 Jan)

 

Across the UK:

Following critically acclaimed runs in London and a highly successful transfer to New York, Donnacadh O’Briain’s Olivier award-winning production of Rotterdam, which explores transitioning and sexuality, will now embark on an extensive UK tour (Apr – June 2019).

 

Following its acclaimed premiere in spring 2017, good dog by Arinzé Kene (Netflix’s Crazyhead; BBC’s EastEnders; Channel 4’s Youngers; Girl From the North Country, West End; Misty, Bush Theatre and West End) embarks on a national tour (Jan – Mar 2019).

 

A punchy and poetic exploration of family, race, identity and love from Manchester-based dual heritage writer David Judge, SparkPlug is the story of a white man who becomes the adoptive father, mother and best friend of a mixed-race child. (Feb – Apr 2019)

 

With their first foray into new writing, Chippy Lane Productions present the world premiere of BLUE – the debut play of young Welsh writer Rhys Warrington which shines a light on the current state of innumerable families across Wales as vital medical and NHS services are cut. (5 – 16 Feb, Chapter, Cardiff)

 

MumsThread On The Kindness of Strangers

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baby, shared parental leave, feminism, equality, childcare, leave, maternal, work, working mothers, lean inMy last few pieces have been quite negative so I thought I would share something positive today: just how kind people can be when you have a child. That knowing look that other parents give you, that it-is-going-to-be-okay smile that complete stranger do to make you feel better. I remember trying to get into my flat once and struggling to get the pram through the heavy door, a man in a van stopped and asked if I needed help, followed by two other people. That was three people in a row. I was really touched and it made my day. I didn’t want to put any of them out- the pram just needed an extra push at that point- but when you are a parent, especially one with a baby, any kindness really does make your day.

I have had people come up to me in restaurants and tell them how beautiful my son is (I know, proud mum alert). Babies and toddlers are social lubricant. I have talked to more people since I had my son than I had in years. It does feel like when you have a child you enter some kind of club. Not in a bad way, just in a way that other parents will usually strike up a conversation or try to help if they can. Having a child opens up an entire new world. I took my son to Baby Ballet recently, and it was so sweet seeing him with all of the other children, but it was also great being surrounded by other parents. Having a child can be an isolating experience, any kindness you can get, any human contact at all can make or break a day. I am grateful to every single person who took their time. Even if it was just a smile.

What are your experiences of parenting? Share them with us by emailing frostmagazine@gmail.com, comment below or tweet us at @frostmag