Natalie Jayne Peeke interviewed Linda Finlay the author of, amongst others, Farringdon’s Fate

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Margaret Graham

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Linda Finlay for Frost Magazine recently. Linda is one of my favourite authors and it was fascinating to go ‘behind the scenes’ and learn more about the way she works to create such evocative novels. Farringdon’s Fate is her latest, and I loved it. So here we go:

1. Who are your favourite and least favourite characters from Farringdon’s Fate and why ?I

I love most of the characters I created in Farringdon’s Fate, but my favourite has to be Jane because despite her unfortunate start in life, through sheer hard work and determination she becomes a successful corsetiere. My least favourite would have to be Parson Preetcher who was out to make money by exploiting young, vulnerable women. A total cad.

2. What was the hardest scene to write and why ?

The hardest scene to write was where the young girls go missing – and when people read the book, they will see why I needed a box of tissues beside me.

3. How did you develop the plot and the characters? Where did you draw inspiration from ?

For each book I have to find my craft first and a visit to the most beautiful lingerie shop in Exeter provided the initial inspiration. Learning how corsets were made in Victorian times was the next task and proved most enlightening. I wanted to set a young businesswoman in 1850’s up against ladies of privilege and a local manor house proved my next light bulb moment.

4. What significant changes were made to Farringdon’s Fate since the first draft ?

Luckily there weren’t any significant changes to the actual plot although my wonderful editor and copy editor had their input, adding sparkle and ironing out the creases.

5. Farringdon’s Fate is set in Devon and Exeter, did you visit these places for research?

I always visit the locations my novels are set in so that I can actually feel and soak up the atmosphere. Although the manor house is sadly now empty, my niece’s wedding reception was held there so I have memories and photos of the inside which proved most helpful.

6. When you create your characters do you base them on film characters/ people you have met ? For example when I first met Charlotte I could not help but picture her as the evil step -other from Cinderella.

I actually dream up my characters, who sometimes surprise me with the way they develop. However, I can see what you mean about Charlotte. In her defence, she was an unhappy and unfulfilled woman who did try to help her stepdaughters although she wanted to shine herself.

7. Was Farringdon’s Fate written during lockdown? If so how did the experience differ from when you wrote your previous books ?

Most of Farringdon was written during lockdown, which was fine at first, but I did begin to miss outside stimulus! I am an avid people watcher!

8. Was there ever a different ending in store ?

No, the ending was always going to be this way. Hopeful rather than sentimental and with an eye to the Farringdon’s future.

9. What does 2022 have in store for you and your fans ?

Well, Farringdon 2 is with my editor at the moment, so the saga continues. I also have many ideas for future development – so here’s hoping.

Farringdon’s Fate by Linda Finleyis available here

Brits need 78 sponsored posts on Instagram to make their average annual salary

Posted on December 7, 2021 by Frostie

With the ability to earn millions, even as a nano influencer, it’s no wonder that many people are now turning to Instagram for a potential side hustle.

Interested in social media earnings, money.co.uk collected the average annual salary for each European country from Eurostat and used social salary calculator Lickd.co to find out how many sponsored posts* an average European worker would need a year to match their country’s average salary.

The European workers that would take the longest to make their average salary through sponsored posts

Money.co.uk can reveal that in the UK, aspiring influencers would need a minimum of 78 sponsored posts on Instagram to meet the average annual salary of £18,338.

	European Countries	Average annual income (GBP – £)	Required number of sponsored posts
1.	Switzerland	35,250	151
2.	Norway	34,380	147
3.	Iceland	34,096	146
4.	Luxembourg	32,320	138
5.	Denmark	26,221	112
6.	Austria	22,673	97
= 7.	Belgium	21,940	94
= 7.	Netherlands	21,921	94
= 9.	Finland	21,770	93
= 9.	Ireland	21,805	93
11.	Sweden	21,098	90

*= symbol means joint in ranking

Source: money.co.uk

In first place is Switzerland. Residents would require a minimum of 151 sponsored posts on Instagram a year to earn their respective countries annual salary of £35,250 – the most of all countries analysed.

Following in second place is Norway, where an estimated 147 sponsored posts a year would earn aspiring influencers the country’s average annual income of £34,380.

Placing third is Iceland. Uploading a total of 146 sponsored posts per year on Instagram would earn the same as the average annual income of £34,096.

Table 2: Workers in these countries could make their average salary the quickest through sponsored posts

	European Countries	Average annual income (GBP – £)	Required number of sponsored posts
= 1.	Albania	1,906	8
= 1.	Kosovo	1,759	8
3.	North Macedonia	2,330	10
4.	Turkey	2,581	11
5.	Serbia	2,799	12

*= symbol means joint in ranking

Source: money.co.uk

Requiring the fewest sponsored posts in Europe are Albania and Kosovo in joint first place. The residents in these countries would only need eight sponsored Instagram posts a year to earn their respective countries’ annual salaries (£1,906 in Albania and £1,759 in Kosovo).

James Andrews, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, commented on the findings:

“Social media platforms such as Instagram have continued to grow as a potential earning source for those looking for more flexibility over their creativity. Since you don’t need millions of followers to start earning, this has definitely sparked some interest, encouraging people of all ages and hobbies to look to see if they could join in.”

Money.co.uk’s tips on managing earnings and saving for the future:

1. Maintain a steady income – Earnings as an influencer may not always be consistent. Ensure that you have a main stable income to support not only your daily expenses but also emergencies
2. Tracking expenses – Keeping track of your daily expenses can help control your spending as well as cut down the need for any unnecessary outgoings. There are a number of apps available to download to assist your money tracking needs. Make sure to have a look around to find the best one that caters to you
3. Budget for savings – Tracking your daily expenses can motivate you to organise your monthly income into a specific budget that works for you, encouraging a way to store any extra earnings into savings straight away
4. Contribute to a pension pot – If you are thinking about saving for retirement, you will probably be enrolled in a workplace pension if you have a traditional job – which you can frequently top up, or ask to join if you’ve opted out or don’t meet the qualification criteria. But making the move to full time influencer or becoming self-employed will mean you need to take action yourself. Private pensions are simple to open and contribute to, but make sure you do your research or speak to a professional to help you get the most of the money you put away in the safest way possible.

Methodology:

Money.co.uk wanted to find out how many sponsored posts European workers would need on Instagram to earn the same amount as their country’s average annual income.
To do so, Eurostat data was utilised to collect the average annual income for European countries, accumulating the most recent data from 2020. Data for Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Turkey are from 2019, whereas Iceland, the United Kingdom and Kosovo are from 2018. The figures reflect the NET earnings across each European country.
To input the average annual income into a social salary calculator Lickd.co, the currency was converted from EUR – € to GBP – £ using XE.com.
Once converted, the average salaries were then input into Lickd.co to give the estimated number of sponsored posts per year on Instagram to earn the same as each European country’s average annual salary**. The social salary calculator takes a general assumption of earning as a whole and is not specific to a particular location***.
A final ranking for each country was determined based on the number of sponsored posts.
Data and conversion rates were collected on 8th November 2021 and are correct as of then but subject to change.

*Lickd.co’s estimated required sponsored posts are based on a minimum of 5,000 followers for users to be able to start earning around $350/£250 per sponsored post, where the estimated earning value can increase as the following grows.

**Potential earnings from sponsored posts may also vary depending on the estimated values of the influencer’s brand sponsor deals.

***SevenSix’s influencer pricing report conducted in November and December 2020 illustrates a comprehensive study on influencer pricing standard as well as an insight into the industry based on survey responses from influencers, brands and agencies across the UK.

How Honeymoon Packages Help You Save Money?

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Catherine Balavage

Mexico is a popular holiday destination that attracts people from all over the world. The country saw 37,95,000 international visitors in a single month of January 2020. Of these, more than 1.8 million travelers were from the U.S. If you are planning your honeymoon and have zeroed in on Mexico as your honeymoon destination but are wondering if you should pick a pre-packaged deal or plan your itinerary, this article will help you make an informed decision.

Honeymoon packages can be quite economical if you know how to use them correctly. Some of the best honeymoon destinations in Mexico offer great packages for couples, right from economy rooms to luxurious suites. Here’s how honeymoon packages help you save.

Food and Beverages Included

Food can be the second biggest expense on your honeymoon, especially when in a foreign country. You would want to try all the local delicacies, but they can burn a hole in your wallet.

When you pick a honeymoon package, it usually includes all meals complementary or at least breakfast. Beverages are also included to a certain extent. By using these complimentary meals, you can save significantly and spend on creating remarkable memories.

Complimentary Activities

Most pre-packaged holidays will include a few activities in and around the resort at no extra cost. When it comes to honeymoon packages, it is the same; only the type of activities will vary. Couples can expect a free spa day, guided tours, access to private swimming pools and Jacuzzis, or adventure activities such as hiking, biking, etc.

You can check with the resort about the activities you get with the package and pick the package that includes activities that interest you. This way, you will end up saving significantly as these items and activities can cost a lot otherwise.

On-The-House Goodies

Honeymoon couples have the benefit of getting goodies from the hotel at no additional cost. These can be a bottle of champagne, chocolates, flowers, or wine. Once the hotel staff knows that you are on your honeymoon, they will give you extra special treatment, and you can take advantage of this to pamper your better half while saving a good amount of money.

Best honeymoon destinations in Mexico offer all-inclusive packages that don’t require you to spend anything extra while in the resort. It means that you can have an experience of a lifetime without having to step out of the resort.

Upgrades

Usually, honeymooners can expect a free upgrade, subject to the availability of rooms. This works mainly during off-seasons when the resort is not overbooked. Therefore, you pay less and get more. A better room means a better view, more pampering, and complimentary goodies and activities. You can talk to the resort about upgrades before booking your honeymoon package and amaze your spouse with the upgrade.

Airport Transfers

Most honeymoon packages will include pick and drop at the airport. Resorts usually use luxury cars for honeymoon package guests, and it means that your royal treatment begins the moment you land in Mexico. It also saves you a significant amount as resorts are mostly away from the heart of the city.

Some alternatives may also provide you with a personal car and driver during your stay, making it the perfect icing on your honeymoon cake.

No Stress, Just Fun

When you book a honeymoon package, you save money and save on a lot of stress of planning activities, booking cabs and hotels, wondering about check-ins and check-outs, printing itineraries, etc. A package will ensure that everything is taken care of and all you have to do is call the front desk if you need something.

Honeymoon packages are a great way to enjoy your honeymoon without having to worry about going over budget. Best honeymoon destinations in Mexico can customize the package to your needs so that you and your loved one only focus on kindling romance and leave the rest to the hotel staff.

Collaborative post with our partner.

Frost Loves DeFacto. Perfect For Gorgeous Christmas Clothes

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Catherine Balavage

I have discovered a gorgeous new clothing brand: DeFacto is a new fashion brand that has just launched into the UK market, offering an expansive range of stylish and affordable fashion for women, men and children.

DeFacto make gorgeous clothes that are stylish, good-quality and affordable. I love them and know where I will be buying my Christmas clothes, along with some 2022 buys.

EARTHSHOT: HOW TO SAVE OUR PLANET by Colin Butfield and Jonnie Hughes

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Catherine Balavage

Following the recent Earthshot Prize ceremony and the crucial COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow (31st October-12th November), we are all much more aware that we need to make serious changes to care for our planet. And now EARTHSHOT: HOW TO SAVE OUR PLANET tells us how we can do that.

EARTHSHOT: HOW TO SAVE OUR PLANET is the essential handbook to Prince William’s ground-breaking award, by Colin Butfield and Jonnie Hughes, long-time advisors to the award.

The book offers a guide to how we got to where we are today, with inspiring examples of how humanity is trying to set nature on the path to revival within these crucial next ten years. For those watching along at home, section three of their book focuses on practical things we can all do to make a difference, with excellent tips for people as they watch the coverage over the coming weeks and consider what they can do at home. Our individual efforts can make a difference, and the authors are optimistic at what can be achieved if we work together.

EARTHSHOT is written by Colin Butfield, former executive director at the international conservation charity WWF, and multi-award-winning producer/director Jonnie Hughes. Colin and Jonnie are creators of BBC One’s new landmark 5-part EarthshotPrize TV series, as well as the phenomenally successful documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet. Their involvement with The Earthshot Prize allows them unparalleled access to the people, science and imagery behind this inspirational project.

As the definitive book of the award – the most prestigious environment prize in history, with a mission to scale the best solutions to repair our planet – the book draws on a phenomenal range of voices including an introduction from Prize-founder Prince William and contributions from leading global figures: broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Attenborough on protecting and restoring nature, former astronaut onboard the International Space Station Naoko Yamazaki on cleaning our air, singer and philanthropist Shakira Mebarak on reviving our oceans, Christiana Figueres, co-founder of Global Optimism and former UN Climate Chief on fixing our climate, and environmental activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim on building a waste-free world.

This timely and definitive book of The Earthshot Prize, along with the Earthshot prize and TV series, will be crucial in moving the dial on climate change.

We loved this book and we reckon you will too.

Spirit of Aloha 65 Brings Christmas spirit & many festive cheers to you!

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Frostie

Aloha images caption

Ok, we’re going to say it: it’s time to start thinking about the festive season.

Bring something bright and out of the blue to bonfires and dark nights. As summer comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about winter fun. Let Aloha 65 bring a bit of spice to cosy evenings in, whether you’re hosting or having a chilled one.

The unique spirit has a full menu of winter serves to complement its tropical botanicals and warming notes of ginger and chilli, perfect for shaking up winter cocktails and causing a stir at your Christmas parties.

Why not have a go at a winter recipe out of the blue, like the Aloha Velvet? We love Aloha at Frost and this cocktail is delicious.

Ingredients
35ml Aloha 65
25ml brandy
25ml fresh orange juice
20ml fresh lemon juice
A dash of sugar syrup
1 egg yolk

Method
Add all ingredients into a shaker get shaking like you’re shivering! Add ice and shake again.  Strain into a glass full of ice Garnish with 3 or 4 drops of Angostura bitters and cherry to serve.

Aloha 65 isn’t just a treat for your drinks cabinet; you can fire up your cheeseboard and canapes too. Scotch-bonnet chilli-infused pineapple ‘detonators’ are an appetiser on their own, or the perfect way to make retro cheese & pineapple a bit more exciting. Not only that, but their ‘Sun on a Beach’ hot sauce goes so well with seafood and will really bring the flavour to your prawn cocktail starters.

Don’t let the tropical vibes fool you. The Aloha 65 bottle is wrapping up warm in its seasonal ski suit bottle wrap so brand mascot Lola really looks the part when she joins you on the slopes. Smooth enough to drink on its own, Aloha 65 is also the perfect cold-weather hip flask tipple.

Get ready for Christmas with Aloha 65, with discounts on 70cl multi-buys, gift sets and, with mini spritz kits for just £10, you can be sure to win your office Secret Santa with these stocking fillers.

You can find Aloha 65 on Amazon and discover the full range at aloha65.com.

Who says après ski can’t be tropical?

The back-story
Conceived and created by British expat barman, Stephen Thorp, at a beach bar in Florida some thirty years ago, the first homemade version of Spirit of Aloha 65 was designed to lure well-known and not so well-known surfers into his beach bar to refresh and revive them after a long day in the surf. Thirty years or so later, and after many attempts (65 in fact), the first few bottles that met Stephen’s exacting standards were produced and Spirit of Aloha 65 came of age. Turns out, Stephen’s creation was not just a brilliant addition to the post-surf après-sea drinks menu, but was equally at home with the post-piste après-ski crowd. Available in ski and surf label editions.

The blend
Beautifully and naturally crafted, Aloha 65 ticks a lot of boxes: vegan, gluten free, and at under 47kcal per 25ml serve has less calories than an equivalent measure of gin or vodka (50kcal per 25ml serve). It’s made from only fresh ingredients with no added colourants.

So what sort of spirit is it? Well it’s not gin and it’s not vodka, but like those old stalwarts, Aloha 65 starts with a neutral grain spirit base. However, unlike gin or vodka that an take just a few hours to make through a fire-based distillation process, Aloha 65 takes weeks to make and is made by separately and naturally infusing neutral grain spirit with just six very special raw ingredients including fresh pineapple, lemon, ginger and scotch bonnet chilli. These ingredients macerate slowly in the neutral grain spirit for up to a month naturally steeping the alcohol with their individual flavours. The separate infusions are then carefully blended together et Aloha! Sunshine in a Bottle.

Its versatility means that it can be enjoyed as a delicious chilled shot, on ice, or a refreshing long-drink, or as the unique heart of a great cocktail. It is proudly all-natural, vegan and has a lower ABV (27%). One sip and you’ll know what all the fuss I about. If you’ve never heard of, or believed in, ‘Sunshine at First Sip’, you have now. Many people seem genuinely surprised that it is still possible to create something quite new and different in the spirits category but Stephen’s years of dreams and hard graft have certainly been worth it. Trust us – you’re in for a treat.

A brand with a difference
Spirit of Aloha 65 offers the consumer something very different both to look at and to taste. With its coastal roots, Spirit of Aloha 65, was born of the surf, sun, sand and sea but is equally at home in the mountains and on the slopes. The vintage and retro branding has universal appeal and the branding screams: ‘Life is for living’ and ‘Have fun!’. ‘Lola’, our iconic surf girl and ‘Al’ her buddy, don’t just surf, they ski! Of course, they do! The ski/surf winter bottles are a must this winter to create that lock-down après ski vibe. Oh, and how many spirit brands do you know that also have a hot sauce?

Integrity
‘Aloha’ isn’t just a friendly greeting, it’s a way of life. It puts a smile on your face. Alohans, as we like to call them, live each moment to the full and always bring their A-Game, but with respect for others and their environment. Aloha 65 is proud to be partnering with Plastic Oceans, donating 5% of its profits to the charity to help preserve the planet and its natural diversity for generations to come. Aloha 65 is also supporting the promotion of “The Last Glaciers”, a new film about climate change, glaciers and the fate of our planet. Aloha 65 is vegan and made with only natural ingredients.

Aloha Sour

Ingredients:
35ml aloha,
10ml velvet falernum,
10ml cherry brandy,
2 dash cherry bitters,
10ml lemon juice,
egg white

Method
Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake (no ice). Add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with 3 or 4 drops of Angostura bitters and cherry

Available on Amazon.

Sherlock Holmes & Count Dracula – The classified Dossier – by Christian Klaver

Posted on December 3, 2021 by Margaret Graham

A supernatural myster to shiver the timbers. Sherlock Holmes and Count Dracula must join forces to banish a terrifying enemy.

This is a robust novel from the Sherlockian author Christian Klaver – the final instalment of The Classisfied Dossier where we see Sherlock and Watson battle the villains of Gothic literature, and terrifying they are too. They include Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde and Dorian Gray all wrapped up in a classy hardback edition ripe for the Christmas season.

Sherlock is dead. His body lies in a solitary grave on the Sussex Downs but Dr Watson survives and is now given permission to release tales in Sherlock’s classified dossier. These are cases that are of the most outre and grotesque nature.

Count Dracula arrives in Baker Street….

Nope, that’s enough. Buy this for Christmas for someone, but read it first. Good page turning stuff. Sleep with the light on.

Sherlock Holmes & Couynt Dracula by Christian Klaver

SAUCE IT is a new and truly exciting way to buy restaurant-quality ingredients at home

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Catherine Balavage

BBC’s Matt Tebbutt opens the chef larder
for the real foodie with the launch of SAUCE IT

Just think of it as the food and drink concierge for those in the know, giving you access to the chef’s personal larder – essentially their first choice of ingredients – so you too can finally shop like a chef!

Just open our exclusive ‘little black book’ of suppliers, producers, cooking professionals and sommeliers who can offer you chef designed boxes, filled with incredible ingredients discovered over years of working in the trade. SAUCE IT gives you access so you can discover for yourself how these rigorously sourced ingredients can ultimately change the way you cook and create.
The result of years of research and tasting, every item on SAUCE IT has been trialled and tested extensively by the expert who puts their name to each recommended ingredient or product. If you are looking for the wow factor, look no further, as SAUCE IT source the impossible to find; the ingredients you won’t find in Waitrose or even famous food halls.

The SAUCE IT boxes
To celebrate the launch of this exciting new concept, TV favourite Matt Tebbutt has created a new box The Weekend Collection by Matt Tebbutt. To coincide with the launch of Matt’s new book ‘Weekend’, this box contains a selection of ingredients, handpicked by Matt, and featuring in his new recipes such as the Cabernet Sauvignon Vinegar used in Matt’s Anchoiade dip or the beautifully packaged ‘Las Hermanas’ hot smoked paprika made using age old methods, ideal for Matt’s Smokey chicken with sweet corn and mango salsa.
Matt commented ‘SAUCE IT is an exciting new way to shop like an award winning chef does, giving you access to all the very best produce that was once only available to the restaurant world’.

If you are a shellfish fan, you’ll love Salcombe’s finest shellfish box which includes the finest Salcombe crab and lobster from a small day boat, packed on the quayside and sent direct to you, straight from Chris the fisherman. Is there anything finer than a simply boiled fresh crab with lemon, mayo and crusty bread? For the lobster, the king of crustaceans, the BBQ is perfect! Salcombe is famous for its crab and lobster, in fact it reaches nearly every corner of the globe, and if you’re looking for fresh seafood for that family feast, our shellfish is landed by one small boat and delivered straight to your door.

For the Spanish food lover, the El Gordo box has the most amazing Spanish products; ones that you will only find in restaurants such as Barrafina or Pizarro. SAUCE IT have brought together the absolute best of the best small Spanish producers of outstanding quality. Sit back, relax, imagine you are taking in the sights and sounds of San Sebastian, and indulge in some the worlds finest ingredients, enjoyed with a glass of Manzanilla sherry, naturally!

There are also boxes from well-known chefs such as Ben Tish, Sabrina Ghayour and Jane Baxter. A selection of wine boxes are available, handpicked by the team at SAUCE IT and their black book of wine experts.

Those involved in SAUCE IT, and we suspect, our customers, are pioneers in a world of discovery, fans of independent travel and favour self-selection rather than the package choice. When you purchase a box with SAUCE IT, an order is then placed with our suppliers. For example, your Salcombe crab is in the sea right up to the time it’s sent to you, your vegetables are picked to order and the ingredients for your box are collated on the day of dispatch. We supply our chef-collated boxes direct to your door in our eco friendly packaging, avoiding singular product or environmentally damaging deliveries. You will not find expensive and unnecessary packaging with SAUCE IT, we let the ingredients themselves do the talking!

All the boxes are compiled by the country’s finest restaurant suppliers. Buying from SAUCE IT supports fabulous fishermen, awesome organic vegetable growers, higher welfare meat producers and farmers, and some amazing but small artisan food heroes. Matt and the team at SAUCE IT will also give you fantastic hints, top tips and fabulous recipes to go with your outstanding ingredients. This is undoubtedly the concept epicureans have been waiting for!

We love it!