I love gentle skincare. Especially as I have sensitive skin. As lots of us reassess our skincare routines for 2026, one big trend shift is standing out. The move away from overloaded, multi-active regimes towards a ‘skin diet’ reset. Think fewer products, better formulas and healthier skin long-term.
After years of exfoliation-heavy products and 10-step routines, lots of us are suffering from compromised skin barriers, sensitivity and breakouts. Now it’s time to scale back and focus on skin comfort, hydration and balance rather than over correction.
Embryolisseperfectly embodies this approach. Rooted in French pharmacy expertise, it champions streamlined skincare that prioritises nourishment and skin health over actives overload. Its multi-tasking formulas are designed to support the skin barrier, restore hydration and keep skin calm and resilient, making them ideal for a reset.
Why Embryolisse is the perfect ‘Skin Diet’ • A minimalist, French pharmacy approach to skincare • Focus on hydration, nourishment and comfort • Supports long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes • Loved by dermatologists and trusted by makeup artists for healthy, balanced skin and makeup prep
Rather than stripping skin back with harsh treatments, Embryolisse encourages a gentler reset that allows skin to recover, rebalance and perform better on its own. The result is skin that looks healthier, feels comfortable and requires less intervention.
The annual awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire, the county’s LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) was a dazzling showcase for the county’s leading tourism, hospitality and food and drink businesses, supported by Headline Sponsors Blackpool & The Fylde College and BOOTHS. The ceremony was opened by Vikki Harris, Marketing & Partnerships Director of Marketing Lancashire who welcomed colleagues, sponsors and guests to the only county-wide celebration dedicated to Lancashire’s £5.7billion visitor economy.
It was to this that the nominees to the various categories were invited. This of course included the wonderful Williams Handbaked Biscuits and Cakes in the Bakery, Pies & Pastries category. It was all a bit daunting, as they were alongside the best food producers Lancashire has to offer, but, of course, they won, because they are the very very best. It was a wonderful evening, and knowing our Williams Handbaked as we do, I have to report that they enjoyed every moment.
So, let’s look at a couple of Frost Magazine favourites:
I have to confess here, that it’s hard to choose a favourite, as they are all scrumptious. But if I had to, it would be the Lemon Drizzle Cake. It is a cake I simply love, and am therefore a taste expert, which is why I have to have so many slices. Dick, of course demurs. I, of course, take no notice. This is the best Lemon Drizzle cake I have tasted, truly it is. They do others, and best to look for yourself.
Let me show you the Milk Chocolate Oat Biscuits. I couldn’t, in all honesty, decide which I actually prefer. Is it the Lemon Drizzle Cake, or the Milk Chocolate Oat Biscuits? Then there are the flapjacks, the Eccles cakes – the tiddly biscuits, the… Oh, just have a look at the website, I adore these Oat Biscuits. OK, they are big, BIG, REALLY BIG. If you have self-discipline you could cut them in half, but really??? I feel that oats are healthy. After all porridge seems to be a favourite amongst those setting themselves up for a hard day’s work, so one of these oat biscuits would, in all probability coax you into a good night’s sleep. Either way, eat the delicious darlings, you’ll love ’em.
Award winning Williams Handbaked have a large variety of biscuits, flapjacks, chocolate free, Lots of chocolate, tray bakes and so on, and with Mothers’ Day in mind in March, remember there are presentation boxes, and hampers which Mum would love. The days right now, are long and dark, and a bit of cheer in the shape of Award Winning Williams Handbaked is a must, especially while There is a celebratory discount of 15% until Tuesday. Just remember to use the discount code WINNERS15 when you get to the checkout. A gift note can always be included in the order.https://www.williamshandbaked.co.uk/
There has been a long history of the media creating rivalry, where perhaps none exists. One might think of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Blur and Oasis, Take That and East 17, but until this exhibition I had not previously considered J.M.W. Turner and John Constable.
Born within a year of each other – J.M.W. Turner in 1775 and John Constable in 1776 – the film explores the artists’ intertwined lives alongside the groundbreaking Tate Britain exhibition (in London until April 2026). As the experts tell us, there is no definitive evidence that they were rivals, other than that set up in the press. Somethings never change.
As this exhibition invites the viewer to compare and contrast, I will not be writing so much about the content of this exhibition, as the difference in the experience of visiting in, person or from the comfort of the local cinema. However, you choose to see it, see it you should. It is an experience not to be missed, featuring two of Britain’s most celebrated artists.
I was fortunate to visit this exhibition a few weeks ago and so was keen to see how the film would match up. Of course there are the obvious differences, Tate Modern is a 5 – 10-minute walk from the nearest Underground Station (Pimlico), and costs £24.00 per person (without concessions). It is a hugely popular exhibition and set to become more so as it reaches the end of its run, but this means that many of the timeslots have already sold out.
Exhibition on Screen once again has privileged access to bring their extraordinary art and remarkable stories to the big screen so that audiences can enjoy both the film and exhibition together. No travelling into London, no queues and no straining round other visitors to see the artwork. The film reveals the ways these artists redefined landscape painting and paved the way for Impressionism. TURNER & CONSTABLE offers intimate views of sketchbooks, personal items and beloved homes plus insights from leading experts. TURNER & CONSTABLE is the unmissable opportunity to see these great artists side-by-side, as they so often were in life, on the big screen for the first time.
T & C 21 Filming Turner Sketch Book copyright David Bickerstaff
Watching the film is a different experience to visiting the exhibition, one doesn’t get the same frisson of actually being in the presence of historic artworks with even a chair and paints belonging to the artists themselves. Nor are you able to look as closely at the brushwork as you might wish, or at a section of the painting that you might want to examine. Your experience of this exhibition is at the discretion of the Director.
That said, this is a big exhibition (12 rooms) and I found myself in need of a sit down before I had completed my viewing. Nor do you have to contend with other art enthusiasts who get in the way of viewing, just as I got in the way of others. The biggest advantage is that there are several experts, who are giving their opinion on the art history itself, the techniques deployed or my personal favourite, the moving images of the places that inspired the painting. This cannot be overestimated it brings the paintings to life in a way that a photograph can’t.
I found the views of experts enlightening to a degree that I had not anticipated.
I would advise that it you can get to the exhibition then you should do so, but if that is not possible look out for this documentary at your local cinema. Despite having seen the exhibition, I was rivetted by this film and felt that it had added another layer to my understanding. So, I would definitely recommend watching this film whether you have visited the Exhibition or not.
Exhibition on Screen’s unmissable new feature documentary, TURNER & CONSTABLE, coming to cinemas from 10th March.
People, my bedroom is tidy. Why? Because this excellent book told me so. It had a positive impact, and was one of many little nuggets in this book that will enhance your life. Written by Neuroscientist TJ Power, who really knows his stuff, this book will make your 2026 the best year so far. Because it focuses on everyday habits, the advice in it all seems achievable. It is as easy to read as it is to implicate. Brilliant stuff. Get your copy now.
SMALL HABITS TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN CHEMISTRY
‘This is the book all parents need in their lives.’ – This Morning
‘If you want to buy just one book this year to make your life better…Get this one. And live by it.’ – Chris Evans, as heard on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Virgin Radio
‘This book will help you find more motivation, create deeper connections, energise your body and destress your mind.’ – Jay Shetty, author of Think Like a Monk
‘The best book I’ve read on this subject.’ – Dr. Julie Smith, author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
***
Life can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Today’s fast-paced world leaves many of us struggling with extreme emotional highs and lows caused by chemical imbalances in our brains, brought on by the pressures of modern life and constant digital connectivity.
In The DOSE Effect, Neuroscientist TJ Power shares how you can reset and balance your brain chemistry with simple, everyday habits to lead a happier, healthier, and more productive life.
Unlock your brain’s four key chemicals and discover the powers of:
DOPAMINE to get motivated and stay driven
OXYTOCIN to build deeper connections with others
SEROTONIN to boost your energy and mood
ENDORPHINS to destress and find calm
TJ’s practical approach and straightforward solutions will guide you on an exciting, action-based journey to optimise your brain chemistry and transform your mental health.
TJ Power’s book ‘The DOSE Effect’ was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2026-01-26.
Luff Sleep’s ultimate indulgence for couples, or for those who want to maintain hair and skin even while they sleep.
I am obsessed with sleeping on silk pillowcases. They are an essential step for good skincare. These ones from Luff Sleep are great and look gorgeous. Perfect for a bit of luxury in your life. Great as a gift, for yourself or someone else. Frost loves.
The parents story: Our one-year-old daughter Melody should be learning to play and laugh, not fighting for her life. Instead, she is battling a devastating cancer, with the only drug that could save her costing more than £20,000 per month and not funded by the NHS.
Melody was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) when she was just four months old. She endured two rounds of intensive chemotherapy, requiring countless blood and platelet transfusions, a prolonged stay in Intensive Care, and several weeks on a ventilator. Doctors then told us that a bone marrow transplant was her only chance of survival. Melody underwent her transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and for a brief moment, we dared to hope.
But that hope was soon shattered. Melody suffered every conceivable complication, including severe acute Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and despite everything she fought through, devastatingly, within just 30 days she relapsed. The leukaemia remained.
We have now been told that there are no other treatment options available in the UK, as all have been exhausted, and that our only remaining path is palliative care. We have been encouraged to spend time at home and cherish the remaining weeks we have left together, but as parents, we cannot accept that this is the end of the road while there is still a chance to help our little girl.
Right now, there is one final glimmer of hope: a specialised drug available only in America that could give Melody a chance to reach remission. Time is absolutely critical. Our incredible oncology team at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) made an emergency specialist request to the MHRA to approve the use of this drug for Melody, and we are profoundly grateful that approval was granted.
However, approval alone does not save Melody.
The drug costs £20,500 per month, and without the funds in place, it cannot be ordered or started. Crucially, we are able to order the drug as early as this week, but only if the money is raised in time. Every day we lose, risks the leukaemia progressing beyond the point where this treatment can help her.
Melody needs this treatment to have any chance of achieving long-term remission and becoming eligible for a second bone marrow transplant, something that cannot be considered for at least two years after her first transplant. Without this drug, there is no bridge to that future at all, making this medication her lifeline in the meantime.
This means that without this fundraiser, Melody cannot receive the treatment.
Melody will be the first person in England ever to receive this drug. While that is daunting, it also represents a vital opportunity, not only for her, but for what this treatment could mean for other children facing the same diagnosis in the future.
Asking for help as parents is incredibly hard, but we are running out of time. This treatment represents hope where there is otherwise none. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to ordering the drug and starting treatment before it’s too late.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with Melody when she needs it most.
British icon calls reading a ‘superpower’ as he supports national campaign tackling the UK’s reading crisis. (Image credit: Adama Jalloh)
Stormzy has thrown his support behind The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads, the flagship UK-wide initiative designed to engage adults who don’t yet see themselves as readers. Almost half of adults in the UK say they are not readers*, and in 2026 – the National Year of Reading – Quick Reads celebrates its 20th anniversary with its most ambitious programme to date.
Quick Reads are short, accessible books written by bestselling authors and created specifically for non-readers, lapsed readers, people with short attention spans, and neurodivergent readers. The programme has grown into a national reading movement centred around World Book Night on 23 April, when thousands of Quick Read titles are gifted to libraries, prisons, community groups, charities, and foodbanks across the UK.
Derek Owusu (Image copyright Josima Senior)
Among the six new Quick Reads titles for 2026 is Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu, published by #Merky Books, Stormzy’s imprint at Penguin Random House. Stormzy said: “Reading helped me when I was young and it still does today. Books have the power to carry you through life. So I’m really proud that Derek Owusu, one of our incredible #Merky Books authors, is taking part in The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads. His words will reach the people who need them most.I encourage anyone who doesn’t usually read to pick up a Quick Read – because reading really is a superpower.”
Known for his creative and cultural impact as well as his commitment to social change, Stormzy has long used his platform to tackle inequality and champion access to the arts. In 2020, he founded the #Merky Foundation, pledging £10 million over 10 years to support racial equality and justice reform.
Stormzy added: “Music and books are both about finding your voice. We are all made of stories – they define who we are – and that’s why #Merky Books exists: to make sure every voice has a platform.”
Award-winning writer and poet Derek Owusu said: “Having never read a book until the age of 24, I wish I had come across Quick Reads sooner. They’re accessible, affordable, and gentle in their approach, allowing new or lapsed readers to find their way into the pleasure and fulfilment of reading fiction and non-fiction.I’m excited to be part of their legacy and to add my voice to something that helps people feel confident enough to pick up a book and look forward to spending time with it.”
All Quick Reads titles go through a rigorous accessibility review process, including testing for readability, concentration, and suitability for adults rebuilding reading confidence. To mark the 20th anniversary of Quick Reads, The Reading Agency has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for 2026. For the first time, the charity will:
Launch Quick Reads as audiobooks for the first time
Announce a major new partnership and special Quick Read title on World Book Night
Gift half a million Quick Reads books to prisons across the UK
Research from The Reading Agency shows that regular reading can transform lives, improving wellbeing, social mobility, and long-term life chances.Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: “Quick Reads are a proven, high-impact way to reach adults who don’t yet see themselves as readers. During the National Year of Reading and on World Book Night, we want to show that reading is for everyone – and that a single book can be the start of a lifelong habit.”
Since its launch in 2006, Quick Reads has:
Distributed over 5 million books
Worked with more than 30 publishers
Generated over 6 million library loans
The other 2026 Quick Reads titles span thrillers, romance, and contemporary fiction, with books by Rachel Hore, Leye Adenle, Rosie Goodwin, Louise Jensen, and Carmel Harrington.
Stand by for a flirty and fun romance in The Groom that Got away by Sally Clements. Matthew did the unthinkable – he left June, his fiance, at the altar – 7 years ago. Yes, yes, he did. Now, her heart well and truly healed, June is to pledge her troth to another and has invited Matthew as her ‘something old’. Oh, I love it. Revenge is best served cold. April June’s sister then finds herself attracted to this bounder – gasp! Or is he really a bounder?
Perhaps not, so should April draw closer to the sparks that are ignited between the two of them, or would June object? But doesn’t Matthew deserve a second chance? Oh, no. I’m not telling you any more. It’s fun, and that’s what we need. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G4HCCC1N/ @ £2.99 Kindle Edition
The Menu Match (Maple Gardens Matchmakers Book 3) by Philippa Nefri Clarke. Kindle edition
Quinne is a social media influencer. Peter is the somewhat grumpy cook at Maple Gardens Assisted Living. Two different people, why would they get together? Ah, Quinne’s mum is a resident who likes to put in her two pennyworth. She feels Quinne should showcase Maple Gardens but it is the last thing on Quinne’s mind until Peter’s ten-year-old daughter persuades her to reconsider. Peter is less than thrilled, he has enough to do being a newly single dad. But it seems it might be a good move as as Quinne rediscovers her love of cooking, and Peter watches his daughter come out of her shell. Add to this unexpected feelings grow between Quinne and Peter. Is it plain sailing? Certainly not, as an accident confirms their differences. However, remember the formidable Maple Gardens residents … This is a mere hiccup in the road of a group of grannies intent on their matchmaking skills. Do read it. And never forget, Grannies are supreme! https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FDQRXV4M/ @ £2.99
Suzy Henderson has written an empathetic novel which grips, informs and moves. This historical romance is an evocation of bravery, suffering and hope, set as it is around the Guinea Pig Club and surgical pioneer Sir Archibald McIndoe.
Bassingbourn, England, 1942 Stella Charlton joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force which displeases her mother, who would love her to settle down with Alex, the perfect match for her daughter. But too late, for a US air force pilot is the focus of her interest, but will he survive? John ‘Mac’ Mackenzie is conscious of the responsibility he shoulders as a bomber pilot – for himself, his crew and the people he wants to protect. But what happens when he becomes a burns casualty? How can he inflict this situation on Stella, and anyway, he’d rather he pushed her away than she reject him. Only when Mac meets maverick New Zealand doctor Archie McIndoe does a glimmer of hope return. The unorthodox surgeon is determined to help badly injured soldiers such as Mac to return to a normal life, not only through conventional medicine but through plastic surgery – and by starting to heal their emotional wounds. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DNN3QHCG/ @ £1.99
By the Sword: A compelling and romantic historical saga (Guardians of the Crown Book 1) by Alison Stuart Kindle Edition. The first volume of this gripping historical drama about having the courage to stand up for your beliefs and fight for your love
England 1650: In the aftermath of the execution of the King, England totters once more on the brink of civil war. Kate Ashley’s loyalty to the Parliamentary cause clashes with her sense of responsibility for the estate of the Royalist Thornton family. She will need all her wits to restore its fortunes and fend off the ever-present threat of greedy neighbours, as well as protect those she cares about. Jonathan Thornton, exiled and hunted for his loyalty to the King’s cause, returns to England to drum up support for the young King. Haunted by the demons of his past, Jonathan risks death at every turn and brings danger to those who love him. Finding Kate in his family home, he sees in her the hope for his future, and a chance at a life he feels he doesn’t deserve. Kate and Jonathan’s love is fragile, and their lives are manipulated by events out of their control. What hope can one ragged soldier and a brave woman hold in times like these? Read it, I won’t tell you. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FJRVY1LZ/ @ £1.99 kindle edition
King of My Fears: A romantic suspense of desire, lies and second chances (The Kingdom Book 2) Kindle Editionby Abby NorthSpice, secrets, and redemption in the thrilling second installment of The Kingdom series. More titles in this series King of My Scars (ISBN: 9782386191343)
Arianna believes she’s left hell behind. At Denham King’s side, she’s discovered for the first time what it truly means to live – and to love. But happiness is a fragile illusion. When the shadows of her past return, safety turns into fear, and trust becomes a dangerous game. Someone knows where she is. Someone wants her back. And this time, running isn’t enough. Caught between betrayal and desire, Arianna must decide whom she can truly trust: the man who she loves – or the one who once broke it … https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G139YC8L/ @£2.99
The Wedding Shroud: A heartbreaking tale of love and destiny in Ancient Rome (A Tale of Ancient Rome Book 1) Kindle Edition by Elisabeth Storrs. “All the drama and sensuality expected of an historical romance, plus a sensitivity to the realities of life in a very different time and world …” – Ursula K. Le Guin
In 406 BC, the young Roman, Caecilia, is wedded to Vel Mastarna, an Etruscan nobleman from Veii in the cause of peace. Leaving her militaristic homeland, Caecilia is determined to remain true to Roman virtues while living among the Etruscans who wouldn’t know virtue, she thinks, if it bit them. But, is that statement true? Caecilia is seduced by a culture that offers women education, independence, sexual freedom, and an empowering religion. Enchanted by Veii but terrified of losing ties to Rome, Caecilia performs rites to delay becoming a mother, thereby postponing true entanglement. Increasingly she becomes torn, because she is by now in love with Mastarna, As war looms where will Caecilia’s allegiance lie? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FP2847X6/ @ £0.99.
There is more:
!!And now, for the dp Publishers Valentine’s Giveaway Alert!! dp Publishers tell Frost Magazine: ‘Love is in the air… and so is a little treat for our readers. We’re spreading the love over on Instagram this month! ♥︎ We’ll be running a Valentine’s giveaway on the big day – giving everyone the opportunity to win some of our most-loved romance titles. So, if any readers are not following us yet, now’s the perfect time. ❥ Follow us here!
Milly Adams is the author of The Waterway Girls kindle edition: here
