Frost Loves: BCC Bottled Cocktail Co.

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Frostie

We have tried the Bottled Cocktail Company and we love them. They sell great and convenient cocktails. Perfect for Christmas and beyond.

– The Bottled Cocktail Company

Launched, with a refined range of classic drinks in striking bottles inspired by cocktails that have become classics in the world of bartending. The brainchild of drinks expert Keivan Nemati, the range will bring consumers a true mixology experience, with the quality and creativity of a bar, in the comfort of their own home. Inspired as much by Nemati’s experience in the worlds of perfumery and culinary arts as his rich history in the bar scene in London and beyond, the brand was established in 2020 by Nemati and a group of friends, who were brought together by their passion for cocktails and flavours.

The initial range, inspired by cocktails that have become classics in the world of bartending, includes; Silver Fir Negroni (£35), El Presidente (£36), Dry Gin Martni (£34), Elderflower High Ball (£33) and Passionfruit Spritz (£33), with more to be released in the coming months. All are bottled at sipping strength, and designed to be drunk either straight up, served from the freezer, or stirred over ice.

Our online cocktail delivery service covers North London in as little as 1-2 working days, and 3-5 working days UK-wide.

https://www.bottledcocktailcompany.com

WELSH WRITING WEDNESDAYS: CHRIS LLOYD ON WALES AS A STATE OF MIND

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Jane Cable

Wales has an extraordinary breadth of landscapes and moods. From cities to hamlets, from rural idylls to the legacy of the mines. A beautiful country pockmarked by elements of its past that has learnt to make a virtue out of the ravages it’s experienced. It’s a landscape and a history that invite legend and myth to flourish, a haven for stories and storytellers.

So, if that’s the case, why do I set all my books outside Wales?

In many ways, Wales is a state of mind. A way of viewing the world – both our own and others – that is born of being a small nation. How I view the world, the places I’ve lived, the countries I’ve visited, is determined not just by where I happen to be, but where I happen to be from.

When I was twenty, I went to Spain for six months as part of my degree. I ended up going back there after graduating and staying for twenty-four years, twenty of them in Catalonia. My connection with Catalonia – initially the small city of Girona and then the big guns of Barcelona – was immediate. I felt an affinity with its history of being the smaller partner to a more powerful neighbour, a culture that had been denied and pushed and pulled about at various times, a language that had been banned and belittled, and a culture that continued to thrive despite everything it had faced. And I viewed it all through the prism of my own background.

And that is why, despite the richness of Wales as a setting, there was never any question in my mind that I should write about Catalonia. The problem was that I waited until I was living back in Wales before having the idea to write a book set there, a monument to my planning skills. Except it wasn’t a problem. Just as when I’d first gone to live in Catalonia, I found myself looking at Wales through new eyes and finally understanding how I felt about being Welsh, so writing about Girona from a distance actually helped me pin down my thoughts and feelings about my former adopted home. Oddly, I’ve found that to write about somewhere I love, I need a distance from it, which is probably one of my barriers to writing stories set in Wales – I live here.

The first in my Catalan trilogy, City of Good Death, featuring Elisenda Domènech, a police officer in the newly-created Catalan police force, draws enormously from Catalan culture and the history and legends of Girona. A killer is using the Virgin of Good Death, a small statue dating from the Middle Ages, when it served to give convicted prisoners a final blessing before they were led out of the city to their execution, to announce the impending death of someone they feel is deserving of execution. Unfortunately, there are those in the city who agree and who applaud the killer’s every move. Until the victims become less deserving.

It was a similar passion that led to my new series, featuring Eddie Giral, a French police detective in Paris under the Nazi Occupation. I’d been fascinated for years by the notions of resistance and collaboration, and the blurred lines between them, but I wanted to write the story from a Parisian’s point of view, not the guns and guts heroism of the movies, but the day-to-day survival of ordinary people trying to get by. As near to the real history as possible. And I think that that is an essentially Welsh vision of life – an interest in society and community, an affinity with the underdog and the need to preserve a sense of self.

Follow Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrislloydbcn

Flow through the festivities with grace & ease by Alex Bannard Wellness and Wellbeing Editor

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Margaret Graham

The festive season can be a stressful time. It’s so important take some time to care for your mind, body & soul all the time but especially during stressful periods.

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths & chocolate although there is definitely a place for that: meditating in the bath is one of my favourite self-care – more of that later.

Self-care is all about doing something we look forward to everyday, it’s the highlight of our day, something we do that nourishes & nurtures our body mind & soul. It doesn’t have to be time consuming or self-indulgent, just a few short minutes can make a huge difference.

It’s all about about doing what you need in order to nurture & nourish yourself.

Simply taking sometime to do this sends a powerful message – it sends a message about your self-worth. That you love yourself enough to take care of yourself. You send a message to the Universe: I am worth it, that’s why I am investing in myself, taking some time to make myself a priority. This is an act of self-love & you are SO worth it.

Self-care is an act of self-love which boosts self-worth: what a beautiful virtuous circle.

When life is stressful, as it can be during & leading up to the holidays, it’s even more important to practice self-care. This is because when we are living in stress we are living in survival mode, drawing from our energetic field. We need to balance this by activating the rest & digest system to boost our energetic field, protecting against illness & burn out.

As I said at the beginning meditating in the bath is one of my favourite self-care rituals ever.

I use magnesium salts which are brilliant for detox-ing, cleansing & soothing away aches & pains, mentally & physically.

I just love meditating in the bath – words can’t do it justice, just try it.

Fill the bath with bubbles or magnesium salts & then lie in the bath just rest your attention on your breath. Every time you get distracted by a train of thought, no need to beat yourself up, criticise or judge, just simply guide your attention back to your breath.

If your mind feels really noisy & busy, don’t worry, this is normal: when we become still & silent our minds can suddenly seem really busy thinking thoughts.

We can’t stop our minds thinking thoughts but we can stop these thoughts from controlling us. We simply become aware when we have been interrupted by a thought & gently & kindly accept this interruption, guiding our awareness back to our breath.

Join me next week for another self-care tip to help you thrive in the holiday season.

If you would like to find out more self-care tips to thrive in the festivities check out Alex’s FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

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

Short yoga sequences including yoga for stress are available on her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for almost a decade, not just in the UK but also around the world. Her mission is to help everyone discover a more mindful way of living & to encourage them to embrace regular self-care practices for a happier & healthier way of being.

The Little Squirrel Who Worried: A Picture Book to Help Young Children Experiencing Anxiety

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Frostie

The Little Squirrel Who Worried

By Katie O’Donoghue

A beautifully illustrated picture book about overcoming

anxiety for young children to share with a parent,

teacher or mental health professional

A lovely, gentle story about conquering worries that any child will love, but particularly those who are in need a little bit of reassurance.

Author Katie O’Donoghue wrote and illustrated The Little Squirrel Who Worried while working for the Children’s Emotional Wellbeing Mental Health Service NHS last year during Covid 19. The book was created specifically to address cases of anxiety that she was seeing among young people every day.

A gorgeous gift for children who love to be read to and who love animals.

Little Squirrel hasn’t left his nest since last autumn. He needs to gather nuts for the long winter to come but he’s too worried to leave his cosy nest.

Luckily, Little Squirrel has lots of friends in the forest, from Wren to Snuffly Hedgehog, Grey Rabbit to Mister Fox, Old Badger to Great Stag. Will their encouragement and words of advice be enough to help Little Squirrel to venture out?

About the Author

KATIE O’DONOGHUE is a child and young person’s therapist with a background in fine art and design and a masters degree in Art Psychotherapy.

The Little Squirrel Who Worried is published by Gill Books available now in hardback at £11.99. ISBN: 9780717192304

CREATE YOUR OWN THEATRE AT HOME

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Catherine Balavage

We love this adorable gift. So cute and great for development.

Create your own theatre productions and performances using the beautiful craft set from Royal Opera House shop – the perfect project for budding performers and theatre lovers!

Little ones will be sure to have creative fun, learn about how the theatre works, and get lost in their imagination, whilst writing and putting on a dazzling show for all the family to enjoy.

All kits include scenery, characters and props, and come packed with interesting facts and activities.

Made with the environment in mind, paper elements are created from recycled materials, and even better… no glue or scissors are needed, making it the perfect safe activity for all children to love.

Create Your Own Theatre – £12.50

Royal Opera House shop – shop.roh.org.uk

IS COLLAGEN THE SECRET TO YOUR BEST HAIR EVER? A-LIST HAIRSTYLIST JASON COLLIER SAYS YES, AND HERE’S WHY…

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Frostie

Jason Collier knows a thing or two about what great hair looks like, having styled the likes of Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria, Sienna Miller, Laura Whitmore and countless more. One thing he always tells his clients, is that great hair begins on the INSIDE! In fact, VB herself said she swears by liquid collagen just this week.

We know that collagen is excellent for our skin, but did you also know it has a plethora of benefits for your hair too?

If you’re conscious about thinning locks, greys, and lacklustre ends, the following advice could come in handy.

Here, Jason shares the golden reasons why collagen can benefit your hair…

‘Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and plays an important role in strengthening connective tissues. Collagen is naturally produced but, as we age, our ability to produce collagen diminishes – one of the reasons our skin starts to develop wrinkles and our hair can feel more lacklustre.

‘Post-summer I always see clients with hair in desperate need of a re-style and treatment; as well as recommending a good trim and/or re-style with a nourishing hair treatment, collagen will build hair from the inside out.

Put simply, hair is primarily made up of the protein keratin.Your body uses several amino acids to build keratin, some of which can be found in collagen, so this could help keep hair healthy long after your cut.’

He adds: ‘Collagen makes up 70% of your skin and your scalp is an extension of that, a healthy scalp could mean less hair thinning.’

1. Collagen may keep early greys at bay

So many people have ditched the at-home hair dye so they’re not only looking for ways to disguise greys by opting for lowlights instead of all over dyes or balayage with a toner at the roots, but they also want to keep them at bay. Collagencan act as an antioxidant to fight cell damage as studies suggest free radical damage to the cells that produce hair colour may be one of the reasons for early-greying. Other reasons could include stress, poor diet which may damage melanin producing cells, too.

2. Collagen could help rebuild hair from the inside out

‘Post-lockdown has meant many clients have come in with locks in desperate need of a restyle and treatment, as well as recommending a good trim and/or restyle with a nourishing hair treatment, collagen will build hair from the inside out. Put simply, hair is primarily made up of the protein keratin. Your body uses several amino acids to build keratin, some of which can be found in collagen, so this could help keep hair healthy long after your cut.

3. Collagen could be the key to prevent hair-thinning

More and more clients, due to the stress of lockdown, have complained about hair thinning. As well as treatment shampoos, thickening sprays for a faux volume boost, regular trims to stop hair loss through splitting and a cleverly layered haircut – a collagen supplement could help. It makes up 70% of your skin and your scalp is an extension of that, a healthy scalp could mean less hair thinning. I love the LQ Skin Hair and Nails, which contains 7000mg of Hydrolysed Marine Collagen – there are studies which show evidence that marine collagen in particular is most effective. This one is an ingestible liquid shot. Liquids absorb into the body far more effectively than pills and one 50ml shot contains the same amount of active ingredients as up to 15 pills!.

JASONS TOP PICK

LQ COLLAGEN SKIN HAIR NAILS MAX, £29.99

Each daily bottle contains multiple key active ingredients and includes marine collagen (7000mg), hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, silicon, glucosamine, selenium and vitamins. Each bottle contains 7000mg of high bioavailability Peptan™ marine collagen.
LQ Collagen® | Developed for a Healthier and Happier You

Give the gift of clear skin this Christmas with skin:genius

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Frostie

This Christmas, give the gift of clear skin with the multi-award-winning 100% natural skin:genius range.

Its special-price festive pack is beautifully presented in a cotton s:g bag and includes: a 100ml Cleansing Face Wash (Best Cleanse Forever); 30ml Leave-on Purifying Gel (All’s Well That Gels Well); 50ml Calming Moisturiser (Soothe Operator) and 10ml Spot Zapper (Hits The Spot) alongside a cotton flannel and lavender bag. Worth £75.00, this festive bundle costs £60.00.

Specifically formulated to prevent and reduce acne, breakouts and spot-prone skin in teens and adults, skin:genius is packed with anti-bacterial ingredients that tackle the bacteria which commonly cause these problems. The synergistic behaviour of its natural ingredients – including Red Clover, Nettle, Roman Chamomile, Oregon Grape, Witch Hazel, Marsh Mallow and Calendula – reduces inflammation and redness while hydrating, calming and smoothing irritated skin.

Rich in anti-oxidants, skin:genius products bring positive results from using high-quality, proven, natural and organic ingredients that work with the skin. Unlike many other products, skin:genius® uses a high number of quality active ingredients in lower concentrations, reducing any risk of sensitivity to the products while multiplying the benefits. This means you can attack one issue from many angles, achieving excellent results in a powerful yet gentle way.

Its Cleansing Face Wash, Leave-on Purifying Gel, Soothing Moisturiser and Hits The Spot all help to keep the skin clear by tackling the causes – not just the symptoms – of troublesome skin. They smell and feel wonderful and would make a super gift for anyone with problem skin.

Cleansing Face Wash – ‘best cleanse forever’

Bursting with Calendula, Red Clover and Lemongrass, this gentle daily face wash effectively removes impurities and excess oil, cleanses and cleans the face without over-drying the skin. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action reduces rashes, redness and irritation leaving a more even skin tone.

Leave-On Purifying Gel – ‘all’s well that gels well’

This maximum strength, fast-acting gel tackles inflamed spots and reduces redness immediately, to quickly bring relief and results. Easily absorbed, it’s loaded with Oregon Grape, Nettle and Roman Chamomile to help tackle breakouts while preventing the bacteria that cause acne and spots. Its antioxidant and antibacterial ingredients help improve the skin’s immune function while reducing redness and irritation. It works best when used at bedtime and left to work its magic overnight.

Soothing Moisturiser – ‘soothe operator’

Calming and light, this balancing moisturiser provides skin with long-lasting hydration while minimising the appearance of pores and scarring. Babassu, Macadamia and Hazelnut nourish the skin and leave it feeling silky smooth. It is rich in vitamin E to aid skinrecovery and naturally collagen-boosting. Importantly, it contains ingredients that behave similarly to sebum which signal to your skinto stop producing this substance which, when produced excessively, leads to oily skin and blocked pores.

Spot Zapper – ‘Hits The Spot’

Designed to stop a spot in its tracks. You simply apply one dot of this maximum-strength, fast-acting gel as a direct hit to help restore calm. Loaded with Oregon Grape, Nettle, Roman Chamomile and Yarrow, Hits The Spot helps fight and prevent the bacteria that cause spots and breakouts. It’s also high in antioxidants to protect and soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness.

Farringdon’s Fate by Linda Finlay reviewed by Natalie Jayne Peeke West Country Correspondent

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Margaret Graham

Nettlecombe Manor, nestled in the rolling hills of Devon, is home to Lord Farringdon and his second wife, Lady Charlotte. As if running the vast estate wasn’t enough, Lord Farringdon has five daughters to keep him busy. Lady Charlotte is determined that the betrothal of the eldest, Louisa, should be celebrated with a ball, one that will be the envy of Devon society. A corsetiere is summoned from Exeter to measure them up for new corsets.

Apprentice Jane Haydon arrives at Nettlecombe to do the fittings. Having never set foot in such a grand home, Jane is disturbed to hear tell of a gypsy’s curse which has haunted the family for generations, and a local wise woman’s vision that there will never be a wedding at Nettlecombe.

I found myself reading this novel without stopping for anything, or that’s what I would have liked as it was just so hard to put down, but I expected this, as I had enjoyed her previous ones so much.

Farringdon’s Fate transports the reader back to 1854 and the world of balls, corsets grand estates and grandiose ambition. I simply could not pry myself away from the tremendous characters and their lives set in my home territory of the west country, an area which Finlay captures and portrays so exquisitely.

If you enjoyed TV shows such as Bridgerton then you will no doubt enjoy Farringdon’s Fate.

Published 9th December2021 available in Paperback, ebook and audio

7.99 from Amazon

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