Now that children are back at school it is time to give them an edge. Good nutrition is vitally important (In 2023, 1 in 5 children in England had a probable mental disorder and many are struggling despite eating more calories than ever).
The missing piece? Nutrients that support brain health, emotional regulation, and focus.
Dr Rachel Gow, a nutritional neuroscientist, has spent over a decade exploring the links between omega-3, mood, and neurodiversity in children. Research shows that omega-3 (DHA and EPA) can:
Improve attention and cognition
Stabilise mood and behaviour
Support overstimulated or neurodiverse children
Studies also highlight its potential to ease ADHD symptoms, reduce aggression, and even improve reading and behaviour in school-aged children.
700mg omega-3 per 1ml drop (DHA-packed for brain growth)
Just 1 drop a day for children 6 months+
3-month supply for around £10
Omega-3 is one of the most important building blocks of a child’s brain and body. With 500mg of DHA per drop, this liquid fish oil for kids is the most powerful you’ll find. It’s certified sustainable, pure, and fresh. Lightly lemon-flavoured, kids do take it, plus it’s easy to hide in cold food and drinks.
Even picky kids can take it easily — no fishy fish oil battles required. This term, Action Heroes is a simple, low-stress way to help growing brains thrive and feel their best. Easy-to-use and even the children are fans? We approve.
We are always a sucker for good skincare. Add in the powerhouse that is vitamin C and Lavera caught our eye instantly. Great skincare with high-end ingredients. All for an affordable price. Count us in for glow-worthy skin.
lavera Natural Beauty – the certified natural and organic, award-winning skincare brand- have reformulated and relaunched the ‘Glow by Nature’ range, a skincare range specifically formulated to protect the skin from oxidative stress and reduce signs of fatigue.
Vitamin C 3in1 Cream – £19.95
Wakes up tired skin, reduces wrinkles, fights the first signs of ageing and works three times as well due to being formulated with vitamin C, 2% phyto-collagen and natural Q10. Vitamin C protects against oxidative damage and is known to promote the skin’s own collagen system, while phyto-collagen moisturises and forms a natural protective film on the skin.
Liquid Illuminating Refiner- £12.95
The Liquid Illuminating Refiner, formulated with natural AHA, BHA and glycerine, has a gentle exfoliating effect that removes dead skin cells. Improves the effect of subsequent care products and leaves the skin feeling smooth and looking radiant.
Vitamin C Boost Serum- £23.45
With a light texture and quadruple antioxidant power effect thanks to vitamin C and E, resveratrol and natural Q10. Provides reliable protection against free radicals and reduces existing pigmentation spots and pimple marks. After 7 days, fine lines are visibly reduced due to intense hydration.
Illuminating Eye Cream- £16.95
The Illuminating Eye Cream combines the highly effective, antioxidant effect of vitamin C with the revitalising, firming and decongestant effect of organic caffeine. Visibly reduces fine lines, dark circles and bags under the eyes.
About lavera –
Since the creation of Laverana and the lavera brand in 1987, the goal of Thomas Haase, owner and founder, has always been to make natural cosmetics accessible to everyone. lavera is now one of the most successful natural cosmetics brands in Germany and continues to strive to uncover the secret ingredients nature has to offer, letting them shine in innovative and natural products. Sustainability has always been close to the heart of lavera, and the brand is involved in various local and international environmental protection projects. The natural cosmetics product manufacturer is also switching to maximise the use of recycled materials in all its packaging and is continuously working to further reduce the amount of packaging used for its products. From concept to delivery, it is all done in one place in Hanover. Currently, around 250 lavera products are available in 40 countries. Certified natural cosmetics: lavera. Nature you can feel.
Few things are more likely to strike fear in the heart of most cooks, than the words, ‘I’ve invited a vegan to dinner.’
And equally from the other side, there is nothing worse than being invited to dinner as a vegan, and watching everyone tuck into delicious food whilst pretending to be excited by a fruit salad.
Of course these are extreme examples, and all hosts would wish to be more adventurous in the kitchen, but where to start?
Fortunately, Danielle Maupertuis has the answer, for puddings at least, with her latest recipe book. ‘Vegans deserve better than a Fruit Salad.’
Maupertuis is an award-winning Belgian pastry chef who writes as though she was a talented friend, standing behind you in your own kitchen. The recipes are written in an easily understood fashion, offering advice as and when you need it.
This recipe book is divided into sections, Cheesecakes, Chocolate Desserts. English Classics with a Modern Twist, Tarts Cakes and Gateaux, Mini cakes and Petit Fours, Festive Desserts and finally Basics, which covers Creams, Mousses, Pastries, Sponges, finishing with a section on Ingredients and equipment.
What I particularly liked about this recipe book was that nothing seemed off limits, no rare ingredients, recipes not overly complicated, and yet each one mouth-watering and impresive.
This recipe book, containing over 70 recipes, would make an Ideal Christmas or birthday gift, not just for vegans, but also for cooks like me, who wish to extend their range.
‘Vegans deserve Better than a Fruit Salad,’ by Danielle Maupertuis, £11.99.
New Superfruit Launches – BOOMBITES™ Red Berry Grapes – Great For Taste And Health
We absolutely loved these Boombites at Frost HQ. Delicious and juicy, you feel like you ar being healthy while eating something that tastes amazing.
There’s a new addition to the fruit bowl and it’s anything but ordinary. These one-of-a-kind Red Berry Grapes – known as BOOMBITES™ – are a new superfruit that taste like the very best table grapes but once you bite into them, you’ll discover a deep, juicy red pulp, similar to that of a berry or a cherry.
These Red Berry Grapes are not only juicy, tasty and utterly moreish, but the unique red pulp on the inside means they are packed with antioxidants known as anthocyanins[1] — the powerhouse polyphenols that account for the superfood status of Goji berries, blueberries and cranberries. In fact, the new Red Berry Grapes have comparable antioxidant levels to blueberries, well known for their superfruit status.[2]
Red Berry Grapes are set to be an incredibly versatile new superfruit. Just like table grapes, they are perfect as a tasty, healthy snack. The high antioxidant content means that they will also be great for pre, or post workout or just the perfect way to start your morning. And the beautiful red pulp on the inside means they are a great showpiece to serve as a premium after dinner treat at your next gathering.
Red Berry Grapes — BOOMBITES™—are a completely natural cross between some of the world’s best table grapes which traditionally all have white flesh on the inside with old grape varieties that have red flesh fruit and were traditionally only used for wine production. It took thousands of different combinations of small and soft, red-fleshed wine grapes with large, sweet, and crunchy seedless table grapes to come up with the new Red Berry Grapes. The end result? A new category that has the beautiful, sweet taste of grapes, the premium feel of a high-end food and beverage category, and the health credentials of a superfruit like blueberries.
Superfruit benefits
Anthocyanins are polyphenols, a naturally occurring plant compound. They are associated with health-enhancing mechanisms including improvements in cholesterol levels, vascular function[3] and the gut microbiome.[4] Public Health Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire, a member of a new research and education information group called the Red Berry Grape Advisory Board, had this to say: “Dark fruits have soared in popularity over recent years as people become familiar with their high antioxidant content. The vibrant colour of the Red Berry Grapes is down to high concentrations of anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant that’s been linked to a wide range of health and wellness benefits.”
Emerging new research confirms that the new Red Berry Grapes not only deliver much higher levels of antioxidant polyphenols than traditional grape varieties, but also their natural sugars are absorbed more slowly.[12] And it’s the impact on blood sugar levels that has generated even more excitement around their superfruit credentials.
Research from the technology center AINIA in Valencia, Spain, suggests that despite having similar amounts of fructose, the new Red Berry Grape varieties showed significantly lower glucose uptakes than standard varieties. This is thanks to the Red Berry Grape being rich in polyphenols, as well as having fibre, and together this unique food matrix[13],[14] seem to have a role in slowing glucose absorption compared to other fruits.
Dietitian, Nichola Ludlam-Raine and member of the Red Berry Grape Advisory Board notes: “In simple terms, this means that while new Red Berry Grapes are sweet to the taste, the combination of phenols they contain alters the way these sugars are transported and absorbed in the gut.
“This has major implications for weight control, insulin response and dietary advice around fruit consumption, because we know that many consumers restrict intakes of these fruits rich in antioxidants because of concerns about the amount of sugar in fruit.”
Research facts: Population studies show that a diet rich in polyphenols can potentially help to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 46% and this is driven by multiple mechanisms including reduced oxidative stress and inflammation and improvements in blood cholesterol, clotting and endothelial function, the term used to describe the integrity and elasticity of blood vessels.[15],[16]
An observational study in 3,420 older adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease — which also put them in the danger zone for diabetes — showed a 28% reduction in new-onset diabetes among those with the highest intakes of polyphenols.[17] Other research studies have shown that polyphenols moderate insulin resistance via several mechanisms and also work synergistically with diabetes medicines to increase their efficacy.[18]
Dr Emma Derbyshire in summary adds: “The Red Berry Grape breaks the rules. Not only is it packed with potential health benefits, but it’s unique in its appearance and offers a juicy, hydrating, rewarding taste. You’ll have to bite it to believe it!”
TASTE THE REDVOLUTION
The new BOOMBITES™ Red Berry Grapes – are on sale in Marks and Spencer nationwide for a punnet for a limited period time.www.boombites.com
‘As Founder of USound I am delighted to be able to tell Frost Magazine more about us. We provide a range of affordable, skilled narrators who have access to their own recording space and can deliver a finished audiobook that meets industry standards. We also champion new and exciting talent from the likes of LAMDA and other acting sources and connect them to the publishing industry. (Check out our EXCELLENT rating with ALLi’s self-publishing services.)‘
The Frost Magazine team, and editor Margaret Graham, were fascinated to hear about such a venture. Margaret is the author of over 20 novels, with a few creative writing books thrown in on top, and vividly remembers her first novel being turned into an audio version. It was tape in those days, and as she traveled, or indeed, she and Dick traveled in the car, she’d pop it into the tape player and listen while the actor brought it to life. It was a revelation. Dick preferred it too, as the alternative was singalong music and as he so frequently said, Margaret seldom if ever hit the correct notes let alone in the correct order.
Tapes are a forgotten concept, first overtaken by CDs but now… ‘USound develops digital audio files that are ready for uploading to audiobook platforms like Audible.’ James continued. ‘So, once the files are completed, they can be downloadable by the author who, incidentally, can choose anyone from our lists of experienced veterans of the industry – to whizz students who are fresh on the scene (and everyone in between).’
The author, James also told us, can also work directly with one of USounds narrators who are more than ready to collaborate and create something special, and with USounds two pre-negotiated rates per word count, this sounds doable, and actually, superb value. But hang on James, how can these authors reach all the people who might want to read their work?
‘We will be happy to advise on how to get the audiobook to the public, and can also provide an uploading service to major platforms. Clearly Dick can relax, and listen to Margaret’s latest work, safe in the knowledge that there will be no singing on this trip!’
Margaret decided to move along quickly to show you just one of the successful award winning authors who have used USound,
I loved this series, Milly, and I’m thrilled to see it coming out in e-book. So convenient for travelling, though you can’t turn down the corners of the page! You can though, adjust the size of the font, But enough… tell us more about the brilliant and intriguing series, The Waterway Girls.
You are kind, Kathleen. The germ of the idea came on a train to London. I was earwigging two ladies of a certain age discussing friends who had crewed Inland Waterway narrowboats for the war effort. Heavens, I even had to turn the page corner of my book down, and listen…
They were remembering how their two friends had blisters on their hands the size of moons, could barely move in the 7ft wide cabin where they slept, ate and cooked. They remembered them running along the towpaths, opening and closing locks, hauling on ropes, loading and unloading. In winter it was absolutely freezing and in summer, the sun would beat off the roof of the narrowboats while they steered, blinding them. Then there was the bucket… At which they burst out laughing.
Of course, Kathleen, being the nosiest person alive I had to ask more. ‘Ah the bucket,’ one said. ‘There’s no room for a bathroom just the one cabin. So a bucket was positioned behind the engine and cabin, which is why the pubs along the way were life saving – as well as their social aspect of course.’
The time flew and soon I was hearing about the kids on the bridges who threw whatever they could at the narrowboats as they passed beneath and later the V-1 and V-2s bombs causing death and destruction. But by then we were drawing into London, so the conversation had to end. Nooo. How could it.?
So, Milly, how did you move on from this fantastic chance meeting?
I dashed straight to the Canal Museum behind Kings Cross Station, close to the Regents Canal, sat in the tiny cabin and there and then a team of three young women toiling on the waterways, living cheek by jowl in this tiny space was born. Not only that, but how they still found love, laughter and friendship amongst the wonderful community of Inland Waterway women and boaters. I researched over the next weeks, and it almost wrote itself. I just wanted to do them all justice – the Inland Waterway women and boaters – and to pay homage to these extraordinary people. I hope I did.
Yes, you did Milly, and now readers, let me tell you all about The Waterways Girls which I have just enjoyed so much.
19 year old Polly Holmes leaves poor bombed London to join the war effort on Britain’s canals. Once on board narrowboat Marigold she meets Verity, the fellow trainee. She is not welcomed with open arms, but there is no time to even gulp as Bet, the Skipper and trainer, gets down to creating a team, one in which they must meld together, learn all there is to learn and to – trust. Polly rolls up her sleeves and they embark on the gruelling journey from London to Birmingham and soon both girls realise the canal has the power of healing, and that a world of new beginnings is within reach. Wonderfully written and envisaged. Captivating.
Millly, it has been a pleasure to talk to you, and to read all three of the Waterway Girls novels. What I love about all Milly Adams’ and Margaret Graham’s books (the same author under a different pen-name) is that one doesn’t just read, but rather finds oneself living the life of ordinary people from so many extraordinary walks of life, a life often forced upon them by a world war, and one which we could never envisage today without Milly’s research and phenomenal writing skills. Thank you to Milly Adams for keeping these amazing people alive.
Yes, The Waterway Girls is a triumph and is with me still, I didn’t want it to end, but the good news is, that Love on the Water ways and Hope on the Waterways are to be released as e-books in November. Hallelujah.
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.
Sleep is important. The difference between having a good day, and walking through it feeling like a zombie. With that in mind, we have put together a list of products that we love and think will elevate your sleep routine, along with a little wind down guide. We hope you like them. Let us know in the comments what you think, of if you have any tips of your own.
Ralph’s Orchard Sleep Kit – a small, thoughtful set that supports better sleep.
We love this sleep kit. The affordable price point only makes it better. It makes a lovely and thoughtful gift. It looks, and smells, gorgeous too.
Ralph’s Orchard is a UK maker of vegan, eco‑friendly home fragrance and self‑care goods. We prioritise recyclable/reusable materials and partner with environmental initiatives across the year.
All the items are UK hand-made, vegan and eco-conscious:
Lavender & Chamomile Pillow Spray (30ml, glass): Calming blend designed for linens; dries clear and non-sticky.
Organic Lavender Eye Pillow: Soft cotton with natural fill for gentle pressure and scent.
Lavender-filled sachet to tuck under your pillow at night.
This pairs naturally with mattress/sheet reviews as the final step in a bedtime routine, with a reader‑friendly price point of £28.
How to Build a Bedtime Wind-Down Routine
Getting quality sleep isn’t just about having the right bed – it’s about setting the stage for rest. Here are some simple, effective tips:
Time your caffeine. Avoid coffee, tea, or energy drinks at least 6 hours before bed to give your body time to wind down naturally.
Exercise wisely. Daily movement supports better sleep, but leave at least 2 to 3 hours between vigorous exercise and bedtime.
Limit blue light. Phones and tablets can disrupt melatonin production. Switch on a blue light filter in the evening or, better yet, put devices away an hour before bed.
Create a calm ambiance. Dim the lights, light a candle, or play soft music to signal to your body that the day is ending.
Check your environment. Keep your bedroom cool (around 18°C is ideal), choose the right duvet tog for the season, and make sure your mattress and pillows support comfort.
Add soothing scents. A pillow spray with lavender and chamomile can promote relaxation and help train your brain to associate the fragrance with sleep.
Be consistent. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day – your body loves routine!
Together, these habits create a ritual that tells your body and mind it’s time to rest.
We love these stylish and comfortable sleep masks fromDozzz.co.uk
Fantastic sleep masks that look good and feel good. Super stylish too.
Nudea Pyjamas.
NUDEA EXPANDS BEST-SELLING SLEEP RANGE WITH NEW ‘SKY’ COLOUR The softest sleep silhouettes – now in a fresh, cloud-like hue
We are obsessed with these soft, stylish, and gorgeous pyjamas from Nudea. The colour is beautiful and they feel soft against the skin. Consider your sleepwear elevated.
British B-Corp underwear and sleepwear brand NUDEA introduces SKY – a new colourway across five of its signature sleepwear styles. Inspired by clear blue mornings and calm, coastal skies, this fresh drop brings a serene seasonal update to the brand’s much-loved silhouettes.
Crafted from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, the SKY capsule offers breathable, naturally soft styles designed for all-day lounging, slow mornings, and wind-down evenings. Each piece is rooted in NUDEA’s mindful approach to essentials: consciously created, effortlessly wearable and made to move with you.
This launch continues NUDEA’s mission to deliver purpose-led comfort through thoughtful design. Minimal, kind-to-skin and made to last – this is loungewear for every moment.
The Tank A classic scoop-neck silhouette with low-cut side seams for breathable nights and relaxed days. RRP £30 Available in Sky, Black, Cotton White, Sage Stripe, Rosemary, and French navy Stripe (XS–XXL / UK 4–18)
The Midi Shirt A relaxed, elevated shirt with a gently oversized fit and dropped shoulders. Finished with clean, modern detailing, it’s a versatile staple that pairs perfectly with shorts or trousers for a put-together lounge look. RRP £47 Available in Sky, Black, Cotton White, Sage Stripe, Rosemary, and French navy Stripe (XS–XXL / UK 4–18)
The Maxi Shirt An easy summer short with a relaxed classic silhouette made of 100% organic cotton and. featuring mother of pearl buttons. RRP £85 Available in Sky, Black, Cotton White, , Rosemary and French navy Stripe (XS–XXL / UK 4–18)
The Classic Trouser A refined lounge trouser with a straight leg and gently tailored feel. With a soft waistband, drawcord tie and side pockets, they offer comfort with polish – the ultimate bed-to-anywhere essential. RRP £45 Available in Sky, Black, Cotton White, Sage Stripe, Rosemary, and French navy Stripe(XS–XXL / UK 4–18)
The Classic Boxer A fresh take on the borrowed-from-him boxer. Flattering lightweight drawstring short style in organic cotton. RRP £35 Available in Sky, Black, Cotton White, Sage Stripe, Rosemary, and French navy Stripe (XS–XXL / UK 4–18)
About NUDEA Nudea is a thoughtful curation of underwear & sleepwear created from natural and recycled materials. Each piece is purposefully designed with the perfect fit in mind.
Born from a desire to offer the functional, the necessary and the purest form of comfort, we aim to provide the best foundations to support your unique personal style while ensuring that the layers closest to your skin feel the most supportive, comfortable, and flexible.
We are passionate about leaving the world in a better way than we found it. It is this belief that inspires our sustainability practices and pledge to support our community of like-minded women by empowering our customer to make positive changes, no matter how small. For a more sustainable and balanced future. To create an understanding that this change starts with self-care. www.nudea.com Follow us: @nudea.underwear
Microplane simply means quality for me, so I always get slightly over-excited when they launch a new product, and their new Container Grater has set my pulse racing a bit too much for my advancing years.
For those who don’t know, Microplane was inspired by a Canadian housewife in the early 90s, who, fed up with her traditional grater, borrowed one of her husband’s wood-working tools. Her discovery that a well-engineered tool could be so much more effective than the kitchen-grade grater she’d struggled with, resulted in the creation of Microplane – the original manufacturer of photo-etched cutting tools. After over fifty years of experience, their durable, photo-etched and razor-sharp stainless-steel blades are simply the best – effortlessly cutting through hard and soft foods, without tearing or shredding.
So let me tell you about the Container Grater. If you’ll pardon the pun, I just can’t contain myself a moment longer.
This grater combined with storage container has been so well-thought through, I’m in awe. The firm plastic container appears compact, yet has a roomy 532ml capacity, plus a non-slip base for safe grating. It’s topped with a sleek wooden lid, which doubles as a mini cheese board, and removing the lid reveals the ultra-sharp stainless-steel bladed grater. This grater is so strong that you can grate not only hard and soft cheeses, but chocolate, coconut, various fruit and veg, garlic and nuts too, and the gratings fall neatly into the container beneath with no mess. A semi-circular gap at the end of the grater allows easy dispensing, for instance sprinkling grated cheese on pasta. You can either replace the nice wooden lid, or if you wish to store for longer in the fridge, remove the grater and replace with the well-fitting airtight plastic storage lid – so clever.
The Microplane Container Grater is dishwasher safe and the wooden lid just needs a quick wipe with a clean cloth. It’s available in two beautiful colours – Anthracite Gray with a Walnut Lid and Cashmere Beige with a Bamboo Lid and can be bought from John Lewis, RRP £39.95. The biggest problem is which colour to choose – they’re both so gorgeous.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
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.
