Lizi’s Focus Super Muesli – Healthy And Delicious – No Guilt Today – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Nowadays we find exotic delicacies originating from the other side of the world in our local supermarket and don’t even give it a second thought. My parents could only dream of many of these foods, and yet the nutritional value of our diets appears to be getting worse, rather than better and the ubiquity and heavy marketing of processed foods is at least partially to blame. Many processed foods contain high quantities of fast-release sugars (even savoury foods), and this causes high spikes in the sugar levels in our blood which over time can lead or contribute to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.

It is becoming more and more important that we return to healthier diets, eating ‘proper’ food which sustains us and gives us energy in the manner that nature intended, and one aspect of this is to reduce the speed of sugar release from our food into our blood stream. Glycaemic Load (GL) is a useful indicator of how quickly a food releases sugar into your blood – a low GL is under 10, and 20 and above is classed as high.

Lizi’s range of Super Muesli is a perfect example of good natural food. Lizi and husband Mick Shaw are passionate about wholesome food and they test the GL of all their products. For a single serving of their muesli, the GL is around 5, so good and low. Contrary to popular perception in this ‘low-fat’ world, some fats are essential for our well-being, and hence Lizi makes sure their muesli’s have plenty of nuts and seeds.

I have just sampled Lizi’s Focus Super Muesli and I can confirm that it is delicious – can something so tasty be so good for you? A resounding ‘Yes’. It majors on nuts and seeds, including hazelnut and pecan, and also contains maca – a Peruvian root which is said to boost energy. It contains zinc and B6 to help brain function too. This variety has no dried fruit, but others in the range do and are also yummy.

Lizi’s mueslis really are a great way to start not only the day, but your healthy new life. There’s a fabulous selection so you certainly won’t get bored. They come in convenient resealable packs and are available from Lizi’s website where (FANTASTIC NEWS) Focus and some other mueslis are currently on sale, reduced from £3.50 to £1.75 for 400g. You can also buy them through Ocado. So go for it, chomp your way guilt-free to health.

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.

SUNDAY SCENE: KATIE GINGER ON HER FAVOURITE SETTING FROM THE LITTLE LIBRARY ON CHERRY LANE

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I don’t think there’s a writer out there who doesn’t love libraries. Honestly, we just do! And it’s not just because we write books.

In an age when books are constantly pirated and stolen, borrowing books from your local library helps an author financially as we get a small payment for every book of ours loaned out (it’s currently about 10p, I think). But we also love them because we know the power of stories in bringing people together.

Books help us to feel less alone whether its diving into another world for some escapism when our own lives get rough or reading about an experience that we too have been through before, books give us a sense of connection and hope. But there’s also a lot more to them that sometimes goes unnoticed. Whatever your reading tastes or reason for visiting, libraries are crucial to our communities and my latest novel The Little Library on Cherry Lane is basically a love letter to these fabulous institutions, illustrating all the things they do aside from lending books.

Not only do stories connect with us on a personal level, but libraries bring people together. They help alleviate loneliness and give us an opportunity to connect with others. You only have to see the rise in parent and child groups, or community groups like ‘Knit and Natter’ to see how much people need to forge communities and friendship groups at a time when so much of our lives are lived online. For many older people, they are a lifeline and the only time they speak to people during the day.

In my novel, the local library in the tiny village of Meadowbank is under threat when a developer wants to buy the land and turn it into a housing development. Of course, there’s romance because that’s what I write but the setting simply had to be a library and Meadowbank library, like many others is at the heart of the village’s community.

My favourite scene comes quite early on when the new housing development is revealed to the local community, and we see the reaction of the village. There’s complete outrage from all those who love the library and even Elsie, the shy, quiet librarian can’t stop herself from speaking out (much to the chagrin of our handsome hero). She sees the value of the place for more than just the books it lends. The village is shocked by her visceral reaction but for the most part agrees wholeheartedly with her. There are of course a few people who disagree because otherwise there wouldn’t be any tension in the story!

I absolutely loved writing the back and forth between the two main characters where they’re batting away each other’s arguments. She’s surprised at herself and our handsome hero can’t help but find her attractive even though she’s trying to scupper all his plans.

If you haven’t taken a trip to your local library in a while, please do as soon as you have the chance. They’re wonderfully welcoming and I’m sure you’ll see for yourself just how many people use them to connect with others. Books are important, but so are the places that house them, and we must do everything we can to ensure that future generations get to visit these amazing places too!

 

 

If you’d like to know more about me or my books, you can find me here: www.keginger.com!

 

When Dolce & Gabbana does Easter Cakes…

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Try the Easter egg alternative from Italy’s legendary luxury fashion brand. Available from www.souschef.co.uk

The colomba cake (colomba di pasqua) is Easter’s answer to a Christmas panettone! This light, buttery cake is made using natural sourdough fermentation methods, slowly proving over 72 hours to produce a fragrant enriched dough.

Sicilian makers Fiasconaro are renowned for their Christmas panettone collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana, and for the first time last year, the Dolce & Gabbana Easter colomba cake was unveiled on the catwalk of designer confections. Now, this unique and highly sought after version of a classic is back for 2022.

The stunning blue and white tins (oh so giftable!) are designed by Sicilian artists, and inspired by the traditional majolica pottery of the island.

Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Mandorle Di Sicilia Colomba 750g, £34.99
Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Mandorle Di Sicilia Colomba

The first colomba is flavoured with candied orange peel, orange purée and an aromatic, aged Marsala wine. The dough is studded with Sicilian almonds and crunchy sugar crystals. Each cake is shaped like a dove, to symbolise peace at Easter time (columba di pasqua translates literally as ‘Easter dove’).

Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Strawberry & Chocolate Colomba with Sicilian Chocolate Spread

Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana Strawberry & Chocolate Colomba with Sicilian Chocolate Spread 1kg, £44.99

This slow-proved sourdough colomba cake is studded with chocolate and swirled with wild strawberry jam. Once you’ve cut a slice of colomba, simply spread with rich, silky Sicilian chocolate spread. A real Easter indulgence.

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E Smith: reviewed by Nadia Tariq

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The Unsinkable Greta James is a deep burning, methodically written tale of family, ambitions and relationships, particularly of the child-parent kind. With such universal themes, Greta is guaranteed to strike a chord with every reader. I was particularly drawn to the  eponymous character, a successful indie musician in her mid thirties, who is at a turning point. Although she leads a life completely alien to us all, the author manages to build up the layers and then slowly peel them back to reveal a character with whom we can happily relate.

Following the recent and sudden death of her mother, Greta finds herself on a cruise ship among the stunning environs of Alaska, forced into the awkward companionship of her father – who is less than a fan of her life choices. The author handles this, and indeed all of the relationships in the novel, with a beautifully nuanced and sympathetic touch. For me, and I’ve no doubt for many, it was a hard relate. Throw in a love interest or two to keep the interest fresh, and the result is a definite hit.

The dialogue in this novel – and it is dialogue heavy – hits particularly hard. The fraught exchanges between father and daughter had me close to tears at points; and yet, despite the drama and the grief, I would not describe this as a sad story. It ends with hope.

Five stars all round for this quiet, unassuming belter of a novel.

Jennifer E Smith is a veteran author of young adult novels, and The Unsinkable Greta James is her first novel for adults, published by Quercus in the UK and out now in hardback form.

The flavour of the NEW vegan and gluten free Tracklements Special Edition Soured Plum & Black Pepper Chutney is sublime

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Tracklements Special Edition Soured Plum & Black Pettern Chutney really is gorgeous with a truly multi-layered taste.

Let me walk you through those layers: it starts off sweet, yet peppery, hot and tangy and finishes with notes of ginger and garlic.  Tracklements explain that is an ode to Umeboshi (a traditional Japanese pickle made of ripe Ume plums pickled in salt and dried in the sun) and  brings a unique burst of flavour to rice, grains and tofu; works as bit on the side for multiple curries and a rather tasty dipper for parathas and pakoras; goes fabulously with a flinty vintage cheddar and is perfect to take on, and enhance, the strong flavour of venison and duck.

 

I wanted to show you the chutney in its full glory on the spoon, shortly before it went on my plate. Quite delicious.

Back in 1970, William Tullberg made the first British wholegrain mustard. 50 years on William’s son, Guy, carries on his legacy. However, that one mustard has matured into eight varieties and over 40 award-winning chutneys,relishes and sauces.

A store cupboard hero for both celebrity chefs and home cooks, the range is still handmade in the green heart of Wiltshire, abiding to traditional recipes, with an underpinning principle to buy the best quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible (which is what Frost Magazine likes to hear)  to ensure the products taste as good as, if not better than, homemade.  It does, it does. Just another little taste then…

Tracklements believe in business as a force for good, protecting the environment as they go. They’re committed to make the most planet-friendly condiments you can buy minimising their environmental footprint through using recyclable packaging, their own water treatment facility, and over 10,000 square feet of solar panels, which enables the company to generate 100% renewable electricity that is also fed into the national grid at weekends through green energy company Good Energy. And they don’t shy away from wonky veg either!

All very wonderful, isn’t it.

Tracklements Special Edition Soured Plum & Black Pepper Chutney, RRP £3.50 for 220g, is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk
www.tracklements.co.uk

@tracklements #tastytracklements #LifeandSoulofthePantry

EVONNE WAREHAM ON HQ & HQ DIGITAL’S 2022 CRIME SHOWCASE

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Photo credit: Sian Trenberth Photography

This was a virtual glimpse at what these publishers have coming from their crime authors in 2022, giving the writers the opportunity to talk briefly about their new work.

It was a varied selection but in all cases the importance of character and location were emphasised – and as in all good crime novels there was a lot of talk about secrets.

The books were grouped to give an idea of their themes. First up was the category classed as jet set thrillers. I confess that this was the one that most appealed to me, being closest to what I like to read and write.

Ross Armstrong spoke about The Getaway – set on a private island in Greece where a multi millionaire and his entourage escape to the perfect sunshine holiday. Then someone dies. Scott Kershaw introduced his debut, The Game – five strangers drawn into a deadly contest that they don’t understand, to save the lives of their loved ones.

The next category was City Crime. Getting grittier now, two police procedurals with locations with an authentic feel in London and Yorkshire. Nadine Matheson’s The Binding Room is set in Deptford. A secret room in a church heralds a story involving a serial killer. John Barlow’s Leeds set To the Grave introduces the disturbing premise of a woman who knows she will be murdered.

For the books classed as Countryside Crime remote evocative locations were the key – isolation and unpredictable weather. In Amanda Jennings’ The Haven a self sufficient commune on Bodmin Moor appears idyllic, until things begin to unravel. Neil Lancaster’s police procedural The Blood Tide roves across Scotland from city to countryside with a story of betrayal and corruption. A debut from T Orr Munroe – who was once a CSI officer – Breakneck Point introduces a protagonist from the same profession, exiled to north Devon after exposing corruption, then encountering a serial killer that no-one else believes in.

The next category, Claustrophobic Thrillers, was definitely not for me, but it was good to see fellow Crime Cymru author Louise Mumford presenting her latest book. These stories focussed on confined settings and intense relationships. Louise’s second book The Safe House explores a reclusive mother/daughter relationship that might be one of safety or entrapment. More mothers from Helen Monks Takhar. This time, in Such a Good Mother it is the closed circle of mothers from an elite school and the new recruit who is invited to join them. Louise Hare’s Miss Aldridge Regrets takes place on a transatlantic voyage on the Queen Mary in 1936.  A nightclub singer is offered the chance of a lifetime if she travels to New York. But then comes murder.

The last category was High Concept – and these were unusual crimes. You might call them techno-thrillers. David Koepp’s Aurora is based on the Carrington Event, a geomagnetic solar storm that occurred in 1859, causing auroras in the sky and wiping out the telegraph system. Koepp’s contemporary scenario extinguishes the technology on which Earth now depends so heavily, possibly for years, and follows two characters, one prepared, one not.  The latest book from Linwood Barclay Look Both Ways is perhaps the most intriguing of all the new offerings. Unlike his regular thrillers this one, which he characterised as more like a Michael Crichton, has an island community where the self driving cars have turned homicidal and are hunting.

Plenty of exciting sounding new books here for the spring and summer, whatever your taste in crime.

 

Evonne Wareham PhD writes  romantic thrillers and a romantic comedy with a touch of crime. Her novel A Villa in Portofino was a finalist for the RNA’s Jackie Collins Award 2022.

 

 

 

KINOTEKA, the biggest Polish film festival in the UK, joins relief efforts to help children escaping war in Ukraine.

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As the world shows overwhelming solidarity with Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion of this country, the situation on the ground becomes increasingly dire. Over 1.2 million refugees have crossed  the Polish border, with hundreds of thousands more reaching Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and other European countries. While the response in Poland has been overwhelmingly positive and open to people seeking refuge from war, humanitarian help is needed from around the world. 

Kinoteka understands that every donation counts in such desperate times, and decided to answer this call by donating ALL of the festival proceeds to SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine emergency appeal. Each ticket purchased for the Polish film showcased at the Kinoteka will result in a direct donation to supporting children and their families in Ukraine.

This call has been met with immense support from our partner cinemas in London: ICA, the Prince Charles Museum, Riverside Studios, BFI Southbank and JW3.

The Price Charles Cinema director Gregory Lynn decided to match Kinoteka’s pledge and said: “We will donate all net receipts, Kinoteka’s and ours, to the charity supporting Ukrainian refugee children. Sounds like a good cause and we were already looking for a way to do something in support of Ukraine.”

SOS Children’s Villages provide urgent support to Ukraine: helping to evacuate children and families to safety, providing those still in Ukraine with food and other supplies so they can stay in lockdown and providing constant trauma support for staff, families and children whose lives have been thrown into chaos. The need for support is growing by the hour. Millions of people are expected to flee the war in the next weeks. As well as the children and families already cared for by SOS Children’s Villages prior to the invasion, large numbers are expected to need help as a direct result of the war.

Learn more about the charity here.

The Polish Cultural Institute in London is a proud organiser of the 20th Anniversary Kinoteka Polish Film Festival 2022, supported by the Polish Film Institute and IKH Productions. The Festival is opening on the 9th March and will last until 3rd April 2022. It will not only screen in some of London’s premier and most popular venues including the ICA, Prince Charles Cinema, Riverside Studios, JW3 and BFI Southbank but this year a select number of titles will play at Edinburgh Filmhouse cinema.

As always, Kinoteka brings an eclectic mix of films across all genres from drama, comedy, social issues and documentary through to classics and will showcase the very best that Polish cinema has to offer. In addition to screenings there will also be special events such as Q&As and panel discussions.

You can watch the official Festival trailer here,

Explore the full programme and book tickets online on Kinoteka website.

From Dance Floor To Ukraine Road-Blocks – Help Until It Hurts – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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You can help  tireless Boyen  Help Ukrainians  too, HERE   –   Read on:

The world of Ballroom and Latin dancing is international, and tight-knit – people look out for each other. So perhaps I was not surprised to discover that Bartosz (Boyan) Bojanczyk – 3x Ballroom & Latin Vice-Champion of Poland and London-based dancing coach has temporarily hung up his dance shoes to ferry refugees out of Lviv, Ukraine into Poland.

Boyan has been posting videos (access the link:  videos ) when he can – sharing his experience in a war zone, usually whilst speeding far too fast through road blocks, or catching a few hours sleep in a refugee camp – if he is lucky, or else in his car. 

The emotion in Boyan’s voice tells a story in itself. He admits he was not prepared for the ‘conversations and pains he has witnessed’. As we watch his videos we are racing with him past impossibly long lines of cars, using his hazard warning lights to indicate he and his fellow volunteers are not queue-jumpers.

He has been driving back and forth all week, transporting a lucky few (if you can call having to leave everything and risk being shot lucky) from hell to sanctuary.

He tells of the lines of hundreds of people walking hour by hour along a major highway – normally reserved for cars, then a police control point, then a man in a horse and cart – bizarre juxtapositions of ‘normality’ with anything but.

He struggles to control his voice when he describes the piles of hand-luggage by the side of the road – the only remaining possessions of exhausted mothers, abandoned so they can use their last remaining energy just to carry their frightened, bewildered children.

He has been wearing the same clothes, socks and underwear for three days – he didn’t think he would be here this long – but how can he leave, when every trip he makes is salvation for mothers with children, and old people who simply can’t walk the 70km from Lviv to the border? He tells how each group of passengers visibly relax as they join the (5 hour) queue to cross the border into Poland.

Boyan buys desperately-needed medicines, dressings and antiseptics in Poland to take into Ukraine each time he goes back for more evacuees. But prices are high – really high – petrol in the area is now crazy expensive, and even one large Elastoplast costs £2 – because everyone is trying to buy them. Boyan is working tirelessly and he needs your help. There are many requests for your money I know, but I can vouch that money sent to Boyan via his Bartosz Boyanczyk JustGiving page will go directly towards driving refugees out of danger and providing essential medical supplies (just click  here. Or on the above link)

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.