The Night Before Christmas’ crackers are available for £20 (4 x crackers per pack), Michael Rowan toasts the Cracker for adults, and looks forward to a sophisticated and fun Christmas Eve, thanks to those clever elves at The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey

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I have long held the view that Christmas is a time for adults as well as children, and this year, I am more of this view than ever. At the risk of sounding like Ebenezer Scrooge, why should the kids have all the fun?

So, imagine my delight to learn of Christmas Crackers designed specifically for adults.

I was particularly pleased to hear of this, as my wife and I have our annual festive argument about the value of Christmas Crackers and how it is a lot of money for inevitable disappointment.

Well, no longer, because The Sexton Single Malt Whiskey have answered my prayers, by producing a limited range of the Night Before Christmas Crackers.

I would advise that you do your utmost to get hold of these, if not in time for Christmas Eve then New Year’s Eve, or to put in a drawer until the day that we can get together and celebrate.

Designed to be pulled on Christmas Eve, (remember what I said above), each cracker contains a delicious ready to drink Whiskey ‘Noctail,’ created from ingredients that thrive in the night-time eg forced rhubarb, a dark twist on the traditional cracker joke written by an award -winning comedian, and a chance to win a year’s supply of The Sexton Whiskey, plus the obligatory Christmas Hat.

Ideal for the discerning whiskey drinkers in your life, expect the aroma of nuts, marzipan and dark chocolate with a pinch of spice encapsulated in a ready-to-drink delicious dark twist on the Old Fashioned, all sealed in a delicate amber screw-top bottle – ready to enjoy upon opening!

’The Night Before Christmas’ crackers are available for £20 (4 x crackers per pack), with all proceeds from sales donated to The Comedy Trust to support live comedy throughout the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Rowan welcomes in the spirits of Christmas, with the latest range of digestifs from Aldi, and discovers his inner Scrooge at www.aldi.co.uk

After what, by anyone’s standards, has been a challenging year, we must seek our pleasures where we can, and as the festive season gets underway, Aldi seem to have taken on board the need for some Christmas cheer, with their impressive range of digestifs. A digestif is an alcoholic drink that aids digestion, at least that is what I tell my wife when I reach for a glass. ‘Think of it as medicinal’ I say, to the sound of raised eyebrows.

This comprehensive range of digestifs would be perfect to round off a heavy meal, or an extensive evening of fun, including as it does, award-winning whiskies, rich rums, beautiful brandies, classic cognacs, scrumptious sherries and passionate ports; after dinner digestif for the big day, and indeed beyond.

I would equally welcome any of these in my Christmas stocking, or as a gift to welcome the much longed for New Year.

Whilst it is undoubtedly true, that one could leave a glass of one of these for Santa, if I am perfectly honest, they are so good, they bring out my inner Scrooge, and Father Christmas may have to make do with a glass of milk this year.

I tried three from the Aldi Digestif range, and if the others are even half as good, they will be snapped up by those wishing to get into the Christmas spirit or indeed any spirit.

First, I tried the Specially Selected 5-Year-Old XO Brandy, £13.99 (NEW) A popular scented and elegant brandy, with beautiful woody notes from being aged in oak casks for 5 years. This infusion results in a rich and complex flavour, complemented by hints of vanilla and nuts, creating a palate with an exceptionally smooth finish.

Next up was the Highland Black 8 Scotch Whisky, £12.99 which is great value for money, having secured gold medals in the past two years, coming in at a fraction of the cost of some of their more famous rivals. The tipple is created using a range of the finest Speyside and Highland Malt whiskies, blended expertly together with the Grain whisky from Girvan in the Lowlands of Scotland. Each oak cask used in creating Highland Black is matured for the very minimum of 8 years.

Finally, I enjoyed the Organic Prosecco £7.49 an eco-friendly fizz, sourced from 150-hectare estate, 30km north-east of Venice. Grown with no pesticides or herbicides, the grapes are predominately hand-picked and gently pressed to ensure only the highest quality of juice is used. This is an extra dry sparkling wine with scents of apples and pears which could be served before, or after a meal, to make it an occasion.

We are living in unprecedented times and this is not the time to stick to convention, be it Christmas, New Year or when we can all be together again to celebrate, this is the time to raise a glass, strictly for medicinal purposes, obviously.

www.aldi.co.uk

 

REVIEW: Pinocchio, Chichester Festival Theatre

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

 

 

 

 

 

 

That any live theatre has gone ahead this December is a Christmas miracle in itself. In Chichester’s annual Youth Theatre production, however, there is a double dose of wonder; against all the virus-related odds the show has not only gone on, but it’s an absolute belter.

Usually boasting a cast of almost one-hundred, in order to manage social distancing this year’s CFYT offering is presented by two smaller teams of twenty-three, with Team Fox and Team Cat splitting the performances. (On Press Night Team Fox were performing, but I am reliably informed that Team Cat are every bit as accomplished.) Directing a full-scale production to meet the pandemic’s stringent safety measures, on and off the stage, is an extraordinary feat of choreography, and one that all those involved in achieving must be congratulated.

Hope, redemption and realising that our differences can be strengths rather than weaknesses are themes that run through this abridged version of Carlo Collodi’s original tale, which has been superbly adapted by Anna Ledwich. Managing to be gloriously heart-warming without straying into sentimentality, Director Dale Rooks has infused Pinocchio with emotions and moments that truly resonate. One such instance is when Pinocchio and Geppetto ‘hug’. Standing apart, they wrap their arms around their own bodies, bringing a lump to the throat and an ache to the heart – oh to hug again!

On stage there’s not a single below par performance. Archie Elliot (Lewis Renninson) in the title role plays the headstrong little puppet with absolute conviction. Pinocchio may be made from wood but he has guts, heart and spirit, ensuring that we are rooting for him all the way. Alfie Ayling (Jack Campbell) as Geppetto is warm and wistful, playing the lonely carpenter with a maturity beyond his years.

There is excellent work too from Meg Bewley (Molly Berry) as the Fairy and Annalise Bradbury (Olivia Dickens) as Cricket, her exasperated sidekick. Marvellous cameo gems include Alex Webb (Noah Peirson) as a chatty French poodle – très magnifique!

The ensemble work is extraordinary. Matching talent with energy,  it is ultimately in the production’s togetherness that its success lies. A masterclass in how a completely cohesive company can create something magical, the story flows perfectly, the singing and dancing are stunning and the set, simple but oh-so clever, is breath taking.

The overall effect is wonderfully uplifting. Moreover, there is a sense of the fantastic; a promise of enchantment. And it delivers. With Christmas bells on.

Vicky Edwards

Talawa the outstanding Black theatre company, have released a statement in response to Birmingham Rep becoming a Nightingale Court

 

Talawa Theatre Company have released the below statement in response to Birmingham Rep becoming a Nightingale Court. They will not be making any further comment at this time.

Talawa is the UK’s outstanding Black theatre company, and recently announced that the Black Joy season would take place at Birmingham Rep in Autumn 2021. Since then, Birmingham Rep has announced it is hosting a Nightingale Court.

We recognise that having to make the difficult calls between maintaining the creative and political integrity of cultural buildings, and preserving the jobs of those who work within them, is a position arts leaders shouldn’t be forced into.

 Our thoughts are with those arts leaders and creatives having to make difficult decisions. During this difficult time, it’s vital that we don’t see buildings close, irreparably harming the cultural fabric of the country.

 Talawa’s purpose is to champion Black excellence in theatre; to nurture talent in emerging and established artists of African and Caribbean heritage, and to tell inspirational and passionate stories reflecting Black experiences through art. The decision Birmingham Rep have taken to host a Nightingale Court does not align with Talawa’s commitment to Black artists and communities, the communities most affected by this decision. It has threatened the integrity of the Black Joy season; regrettably the partnership is no longer tenable under current circumstances.

 We are speaking to the artists and partners who might be affected by this, and still hope to bring the Black Joy season to the audiences it was intended for. We are exploring our options.

 We respect and treasure our working and co-producing relationships, and also respect the artists and communities we work with. Our commitment to tackling social and racial injustices is stronger than ever. We stand true to our values. This is what makes us Talawa.

For more information on the theatre company: Talawa Theatre Company

 

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.