Ella Mae Brings French Hair Care Experience To The UK.

We love a bit of luxury at Frost so we could not wait to get our hands on some Ella Mae hair products. It is fair to say they did not disappoint. They use organic, sustainable ingredients and the range targets specific hair problems. This excellent range works on the hair and the scalp, making your hair feel as good as it looks. They leave your hair and scalp feeling thoroughly cared for and in tip top condition. I particularly love the Rose Water Shampoo and Forever Shine Revitalising Mask. I am obsessed with this range now and I will continue to use it. Luxury haircare at it’s best.

The generous people at Ella Mae are offering Frost readers a discount of 30%. Enter FROST30 at the checkout.

New luxury brand promotes hair health and wellbeing.

French luxury brand Ella Mae was founded by a brother-sister team who had become concerned they were unable to find hair care products that addressed their specific needs, such as slow-growth and thinning.

ELLA MAE, HAIRCARE, shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, luxury

After much research and investigation including journeys to Paris, Provence and Morocco they have created a new hair care range which aims to revive, hydrate and soothe.

Launched in 2019, Ella Mae uses sustainable, organic ingredients sourced in Provence, and after much success in France, has just launched for sale in the UK through their website: ellamae.com

The range was created to be experienced as a treatment to address common problems like brittle and thinning hair, slow growth and dry scalp. Offering more benefits than an everyday hair-washing routine lit leaves hair feeling softer, shinier and more hydrated. If used twice a week, Ella Mae products will result in at least 30% less follicle breakage.

Every Ella Mae product is nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins and minerals helping to keep hair hydrated, frizz-free and protected. Karanja Oil is used throughout the range offering 100% natural antioxidant protection of hair colour from repeated shampooing and UV Rays.

All ingredients used in the range are paraben and sulphate-free, and never tested on animals. When compared to similar products Ella Mae use 35% fewer synthetic ingredients.

Perhaps one of the more unusual ingredients in Ella Mae products is snail slime, which in fact has some of the best moisturising compounds found in nature and is hugely beneficial for both hair and scalp, and promotes healthy hair growth.

The beautifully-designed packaging combines elegance with simplicity. The entire range is manufactured to the highest standards with a strong focus on luxurious textures and naturally intoxicating scents.

PRODUCT RANGE

Lasting Nutrition Avocado Shampoo and Mask (£59.95):

Contains natural oils, rich in B-complex vitamin biotin which helps promote hair growth, nourishes and hydrates.

 

Anti-Oiliness Balancing Rosewater Shampoo and Mask (£59.95):

Helps to stabilise hair ph. levels and to repair damaged hair. Also acts as an anti-inflammatory, hydrates, tames frizz and increases shine.

 

Penetration Hair Repair Monoi Shampoo and Mask (£59.95):

Monoi oil is an infused perfume-oil made from soaking the petals of Tahitian gardenias in coconut oil.

Repairs split ends and increases shine. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. Heals hair from within and tames frizz.

 

Anti-Damage Sealing Snail Slime Shampoo and Mask (£59.95):

Snail slime is a natural source of collagen and contains moisturising compounds which soothe, nourish, seal-in moisture and promote healthy growth.

 

Ultimate Repair Aloe Vera Shampoo and Mask (£59.95):

Contains proteolytic enzymes which repair dead skin cells on the scalp. Leaves hair smooth and shiny, promotes growth and reduces dandruff. Restores radiance and shine.

 

100% Natural Frizz Control Argan Oil Shampoo and Mask (£59.95):

Argan oil, produced from the kernels of the argan tree, is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Makes hair softer, more hydrated and manageable. Increases elasticity and restores shine.

 

Bridgerton Author Julia Quinn and Cast Reveal Favourite Books, as Bookshop, Netflix and Little Brown Partner to Encourage Fans to Support Indie Bookshops this Christmas

Julia Quinn,  No 1 bestselling New York Times author of the bestselling Bridgerton novels,  set for release as a hotly anticipated TV adaptation Bridgerton by Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy) on Netflix on Christmas Day, has revealed her favourite Historical romance novels in an exclusive reading list on Bookshop.org together with top recommended reads from Bridgerton stars Adjoa Andoh (Invictus, National Theatre Live; Les Liaisons Dangereuses), Phoebe Dynevor (Dickensian, Younger) and Claudia Jessie (Vanity Fair, Line of Duty) as Bookshop.org, Netflix and Little Brown partner to encourage Bridgerton fans to support indie bookshops this Christmas, and beyond.

Nicole Vanderbilt, MD at Bookshop UK, said: “With Bridgerton fans looking forward to seeing this beloved series of novels brought to life onscreen, and so many more about to discover Julia Quinn’s world, we’re delighted to be working with Netflix and Little Brown to encourage readers to support independent bookshops when making Bridgerton-inspired book purchases online.”

To date over 2,500 affiliates – spanning authors, publishers, bloggers and influencers – have shared reading lists on the site since it launched at the start of November, with books available from over 350 independent bookshops.

Julia Quinn’s Top Historical Romance Novels:   Lady Derring Takes a Lover by Julie Anne Long.   Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase.  One Good Earl Deserves A Lover by Sarah MacLean.  Slightly Married by Mary Balogh,  The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas.  The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare.  The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson.  The Trouble With Dukes by Grace Burrows.  What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuinston

Adjoa Andho’s Recommended Reads:  Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston.  Coming Through Slaughter by Michael Ondaatje.  Gilead by Marilynne Robinson.  Eventide by Kent Haruf.  Gorilla My Love by Toni Cade Bambara.  Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe.  Beloved by Toni Morrison.  The Glass Room by Simon Mawer. My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok.  Easy Rawlins series by Walter Mosley.  Bernie Gunther series by Philip Kerr

Phoebe Dynevor’s Recommended Reads:  A Little Life by Hanya Yanaghihara.  Figuring by Maria Popova.  Letting Go by David R. Hawkins.  Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.  M Train by Patti Smith.  The Road by Cormac McCarthy.  The Secret History by Donna Tart.  Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Claudia Jessie’s Recommended Reads:   Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris.  Natives by Akala by Akala.  Sabbath’s Theater by Phillip Roth.  The Buddha, Geoff and Me: A Modern Story by Edward Cantor-Dumas,  The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.  This Is Not A Drill – Extinction Rebellion by Extinction Rebellion

Bridgerton is  romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted  celebrating the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all.

The series also stars Golda Rosheuvel, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Newton, Luke Thompson, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Ruby Barker, Sabrina Bartlett, Ruth Gemmell, Adjoa Andoh, Polly Walker, Ben Miller, Bessie Carter and Harriet Cains and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown.

The series is inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels.

See more at Bookshop.org

SISTER SCRIBES: A LAST WORD FROM KITTY WILSON

As this is my last Sister Scribes post I thought I would use it to update you on where I am now in terms of my writing career and what I have learnt along the way.

When the Sister Scribes started writing for Frost I had just published my second book in The Cornish Village School series and signed a contract for three more. Truthfully, it still hadn’t sunk in that I was a published writer.

Now two years on, all five books in the series are published digitally, available on audible and the final book, Happy Ever After, will be joining the others in paperback next month. I have loved writing this series although am still a little stunned that what began as a simple experiment in my living room – writing what I knew – has taken on a life of its own and spans five books.

I have spent this year writing a new romantic comedy, centred around the city of Bristol where I now live. Currently I am tweaking it and don’t know what changes will be made once my editor has read it but I do know that I was worried that the strength of community I had created in Penmenna would be hard to recreate in a city. I am so pleased to have been wrong. Community is alive and well in the area in which I live, and I hope I have managed to do it justice.

This book is for a different publisher with a brand-new editor and I am so excited, though I can’t tell you who just yet. The Cornish Village School had three different editors and I have learnt that each one has different ways of working, different priorities and will therefore teach you something new. Each one helps you to refine your writing and being published is the start of learning to write professionally. I think so many aspiring authors see publication as the end goal, I certainly did, but it really is a beginning rather than a finish. I feel that my writing has improved with each story and I hope it continues to do so.

There are many things I wish I had known or been more secure in with my first book. But I am forever telling my children that we aren’t born knowing how to do things, that it takes time and patience and practice and the same is absolutely true of writing. I enjoy studying the craft and think it’s important to maintain. I am currently working my way through John Truby’s The Anatomy of a Story and whilst dense it’s remarkably helpful. For those starting out I highly recommend Emma Darwin’s This Itch of Writing blog and Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat Writes a Novel. Every other profession has Continuing Professional Development at its core and I think writing should be no different.

The other thing to learn is that writing is a business. You have not been published because people want to be your friend or are being kind, you have been (or will be) published because a publisher can see potential profit. Thus, rejections aren’t personal they are professional and the same applies for contracts. Make sure you recognise your own value and don’t put your success down to others just being nice. I’m giggling as I type this because I do it all the time. Maybe I’ll get better at that one in 2021.

 

Merry Christmas everybody, thanks so much for supporting all of us at Sister Scribes, we’re wishing you all a very happy 2021.

Kitty x

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Beauty of Eczema – I’m Just Loving This Range – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

Frost previously featured eczema-sufferer Camille Knowles and her products, which are kind to any skin but specifically formulated to help eczema. Let me remind you of her Vlog and books – very useful and give hope if you’re losing the battle with this painful and distressing affliction.

Last time we featured Calming Cream and Pamper Me Bathing Oil which contain numerous plant oils and, amongst other things, small amounts of crystals – reflecting Camille’s spiritual, holistic approach.

But I’m itching to tell you about two other fabulous products – Skin Warrior Wash and Salty Soother – sadly, itching being an appropriate word when talking about eczema.

Skin Warrior Wash contains Sweet Almond Oil and Oat Kernel Oils – important to hydrate your skin, plus a fermented sugar ingredient which protects and soothes – and if your eczema makes showering a painful experience, a number of reviews comment that this product really helps.

Salty Smoother is a bath salts with pink Himalayan, Dead Sea & Epsom salts, but also Omega 3 & 6, Oat lipids and other plant oils.

It’s worth mentioning that a cornerstone of treating eczema is hydration, as the dryness can damage your skin, weakening its key role as a protective barrier. High quality plant oils, and plenty of them can really help, and The Beauty of Eczema products all contain oils – even the bath salts, which is perhaps unusual. ‘Balanced’ Omega 3 and 6 are used in some of the products in the range. Omega 6 and 3 refer to fatty acids (components of oils), usually found in our diet. Western diets tend to have far too much Omega 6 compared to Omega 3, which can lead to inflammation, and it’s good to balance them by increasing Omega 3 and reduce Omega 6, for example by eating more oily fish and less animal fats. It’s interesting that Camille has balanced these two fatty acids in her products, and to be honest I’m not aware of research on the benefit of balancing the two for direct skin application, but skin certainly absorbs oily products and local benefit is theoretically possible.

She also uses prebiotics in some of her range. Prebiotics are substances which encourage ‘good’ bacteria, which can help fight the ‘bad’ bacteria which contribute to infection and inflammation – again I’m not aware of any studies on this but they may help and worth a try.

However they work, Camille appears to have gained control of her eczema by a mixture of life-style, diet and skin products so why not take a look? They’re really lovely to use, I promise you. All products are available from her website.

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.

ONLINE CHRISTMAS CHARITY SHOW We Need A Little Christmas at www.stream.theatre – preview by Paul Vates

until 1st January 2021

A star-studded West End and Broadway cast sing festive songs and perform brilliant sketches – all in aid of charity: for Shelter and Crisis At Christmas.

If you’ve never heard Kevin Clifton sing – then you’re in for a treat. But don’t worry, he dances as well!

Simon Callow and Maureen Lipman perform a couple of wondrous sketches.

And the whole extravaganza rounds off with the marvellous Lee Mead. So many performers, so many classic Christmas songs.

If you’re in a bah-humbug mood – slap on a CD and get your kicks that way! Otherwise stream this concert, filmed at The Actors Church in Covent Garden, knowing that your money has gone to two excellent causes.

Photography Bonnie Britain Photography 2020

Producers Thomas Hopkins & Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media with Guy Chapman

Performers Christine Allado, David Bedella, Simon Callow, Kevin Clifton, Brenda

Edwards, Sheila Ferguson, Amy Hart, Dom Hartley-Harris, Sophie Isaacs,

Cassidy Janson, Charlie Kristensen, Dame Maureen Lipman, Lydia Lucy,

Lee Mead, Peter Polycarpou, Jodie Prenger, Sharon Rose, Sally Ann

Triplett and The Vivienne, Denise Welch and West End Gospel Choir.

Director Michael Strassen

Music George Carter

Shows until 1st January 2021

Running Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Tickets from www.stream.theatre

Price £20 for a single ticket or £30 for a family ticket (plus booking fees)

Twitter @Gingerqmedia, @stream_theatre

ONLINE CHRISTMAS SHOW A Christmas Carol at www.polkatheatre.com until 27th December 2020 reviewed by Paul Vates

until 27th December 2020

keeping it simple is the way to do things”

Polka Theatre is renowned for producing work that is innovative and approachable. Their version of

A Christmas Carol is no exception.

It is only 18 minutes long but is performed (I think!) in one take. Ian Nicholson is the storyteller, playing most of the characters, surrounded by an incredibly clever cardboard set. Sally Edwards’ puppeteering is certainly worthy of a mention, too.

Aimed at audiences of 4+ years, it is a simple and not-too-scary telling of Dickens’ classic tale. Now and then it veers, perhaps too infrequently, into silliness – preferring instead to get on with the story – but overall it is gripping. And, this coming from a reviewer with a heart of stone, surprisingly touching at the end…

The piece is free to watch. Yes, you read that right! Free!! Accessed via Polka’s website, there are two versions – one with subtitles, one without.

Sometimes – keeping it simple is the way to do things and full marks to Polka Theatre, with funding from Arts Council England, for this gift.

Photography Ian Nicholson

Producer Polka Theatre

Writers Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde

Performer Ian Nicholson

Designer Samuel Wilde

Music Jim Witcher

Running Time 18 minutes

Ages 4+

Tickets not required!

Shows until 27th December 2020

Price Nothing!! IT’S FREE!!

Twitter @polkatheatre

To watch www.polkatheatre.com

What’s in a name? that which which we call a rose… As Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet by Margaret Graham

Well, not a rose actually, but the name is Frost, the author R.D. Wingfield creator of that inimitable detective Jack Frost, portrayed on television by David Jason. Here we have three Detective Frost novels, the middle by R.D. Wingfield, who gave birth to the  glorious, funny shambolic Frost, and Superintendent Mullett and attendant crew.

It’s winter in Denton, and crime abounds. A serial killer, a skeleton, an armed robbery, and ram-raid, plus numerous burglaries. But over all this, a missing school girl. Dire happenings, a heady pace, serious subjects, but always, thank the Lord, hilarity. There is not other character quite like D.I. Frost, no other foil quite like Mullett.

But then such sadness in 2007, when R.D. Wingfield died. Would D.I. Frost be, forgotten?

Well no, James Henry took up the cudgels, and also R.D. Wingfield’s creation Jack Frost, taking us back in time to his earlier days.. Here we have Britain in 1982  during the Falklands War,  Jimmy Savile on the airwaves, (yep THE Jimmy Savile) burglaries, murder, followed by a ritual killing – or not. And at a time when Det Sgt Frost has domestic problems.

Then, A Lethal Frost with Danny Miller, featuring R.D. Wingfield’s Detective Frost setting it a bit later, in 1984  featuring the usual gang as Frost shambles through the cases that need solving. (I haven’t reached the end yet, and I want it konw ‘who did it’ but I don’t want it to finish, which was the case with all the Frost novels to date.

Did Henry and Miller make it work? Well, clearly, for me, anyway.   Did they have the same pace, the hilarity, the crime, the much loved characters? Yes, and I can only assume  Henry and Miller lived and breathe Frost, Denton, Mullett, until they were Frost, but still retaining in some measure their own voice. A tricky balance but one they managed with aplomb.

I loved them all. I want them to go on and on. Thankfully Danny Miller has written The Murder Map continuing the earlier Frost. So, R.D. Wingfield’s legacy is safe. – Enjoy.

 

Lizi’s Super Mueslis – The Most Important Meal Of The Day? – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

 

As a doctor I’m very interested in nutrition and good health, and I worry about the growth of ‘convenience’ processed foods.

There’s more and more evidence that heart disease, cancer and type II diabetes are triggered by inflammation. Inflammation can be a good thing – it helps our bodies fight infection, and cancer cells – but if it starts appearing when it’s not needed, it causes harm. One trigger for unhelpful inflammation is the large spikes in blood sugar after eating many junk foods, sweets and deserts. Even savoury processed food often has hidden sugar. Glycaemic Load (GL) value 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.

So as my predecessor, Hippocrates allegedly said – Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food – wise words.

My research led me to Lizi’s Super Muesli, which of course I road-tested. 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.

So we’ve established that Lizi’s Super Mueslis are good for you, but do they taste OK? Short answer – they taste heavenly. There are four different choices. All have a base of different whole grains, including ancient varieties such as spelt, but with very distinct and frankly delicious flavours.

Here’s a summary guide:

GLOW: featuring fig, apple and almond it provides B2 and selenium – good for healthy hair and nails and also fatigue. It has large chunks of dried green figs, which I loved.

BOOST: features mango, papaya and turmeric – which as you know has many beneficial properties, and the vitamin C and B6 help tiredness and our immune system. It tastes very fruity and the natural sweetness of the fruit offsets the bite of the turmeric.

FOCUS: this has noticeably no dried fruit but 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.

CLEANSE: I have to say this was my favourite – the tartness of the chunks of dried cranberry, raspberry and cherry was simply delicious. It provides zinc and vitamin C – but frankly I don’t care – I just love the taste.

So if you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, you could do worse than resolve to switch to these delicious, wholesome and healthy breakfast mueslis. They come in attractive and convenient resealable packs and are available from Lizi’s website.

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.