4 Guidelines to Buy a Comfortable Wedding Dress for Your Beach Wedding

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Picking your wedding dress is nothing short of an experience. A Wedding dress is perhaps the most iconic thing of your big day. Yes, finding a wedding dress that ticks all the boxes within your budget isn’t easy. When opting for a wedding dress (especially, if you are going to marry on the beach), there are a few things you need to consider. 

These guidelines help to assure your wedding dress is comfortable, practical and won’t drag on the sand. Sure you are not going pick the same dress you would if you were going to marry in a church. With that said, following we are going to share some tips that will help you pick the ideal dress for the beach setting. 

  1. Show Your Style Sense

Beach Wedding Dresses don’t have a lot of restrictions. Yes, there are some style rules you have to follow. Not everything is ideal for a beach setting. Sure you don’t have to restrict yourself to short flocky dress category found in most bridal stores. 

You can go for something a little exotic if you want. Just make sure can walk in the sand wearing it. Why don’t you try something traditional? Just make sure you have a short dress because a long dress will drag in the sand and get ruined. 

  1. Floaty and Flimsy

Floaty and whimsical dresses are ideal for beaches. They are romantic and stylish. Moreover, they complement the movement of the ocean and bohemian vibe surrounding beach weddings. Not to forget, they are practical. These dresses will help you get through the heat and move easily on the beach. Just avoid long sleeves because you don’t want to be sweating when hugging the guests.  

Short wedding dresses are popular among young brides. These dresses also make an excellent choice for beach weddings as they don’t restrict you in any way. They help you to keep cool, are fun and a bit flirty.

  1. Veil

It’s better if you forget the veil because of the breeze. Yes, the wind can snatch away your veil before you get to the aisle. If you have your heart set on having a veil, then go for a short one. It won’t restrict your vision to prove to be too heavy. The closer you get to the ocean, the windier it will be. Some wedding dresses do come with a veil, but they are not meant for the beach. 

  1. Footwear

Another important thing that needs a lot of consideration is wedding footwear. Stilettos won’t fare well in sand. If you are wearing stilettos, make sure you set a boardwalk. It’s better if you wear flats or sandals for the big day. If you want to wear heels, you can save it for the reception. 

The key is, pick something which won’t get too much sand in them. When you are picking something for your big day, just be true to yourself. The wedding is a celebration for you and your significant other. So don’t get carried away because of these petty things. 

 

 

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INTRODUCING SISTER SCRIBES: KITTY WILSON

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Sister Scribe number three is Kitty Wilson. You know with every group of friends there’s always one who’s outrageously funny. Well that’s Kitty. Funny and clever and warm. It’s little wonder she writes romcoms – and that they’re hilarious.

 

Hello! It’s so exciting to be able to collaborate with some of my best writing friends as Sister Scribes and keep you updated with all our news and views, so a big thank you to Frost Magazine for hosting us.

I’m Kitty Wilson and I write contemporary romantic comedies; my current series is set in the fictional village of Penmenna and is based around the school there. I used to be a primary school teacher myself and absolutely loved being part of such a strong community.

Having been both parent and teacher, I know what goes on both sides of the school door and really wanted to use a school as a setting and then fill it with some larger-than-life characters. I feel very lucky to be able to do this and often find myself giggling away as I invent some of the more outlandish antics of Penmenna’s PTA.

When my parents first suggested moving to Cornwall I was furious, and vowed I would never set foot in the place. I failed to win that battle so would wander around the lanes, sulky look on my face and a book tucked in my pocket, desperately waiting for a romantic hero to come and rescue me. These days I’m glad I wasn’t bundled into a car by a passer-by but it felt as if my heart would break with disappointment back then.

I lived there for twenty-five years, only moving away a few months ago to have a taste of life in the city. However, the sea is in my soul and I do head back to Cornwall regularly to get some beach time. Cornwall provided me with so much inspiration it made sense to set my books in the county and writing about it now makes me feel as if I’m still there.

Nine years ago, I was devastated when prolonged ill-health meant I had to give it teaching.  After a couple of years, I decided that I would chase my dreams instead until I could return to the classroom. I started to write.

When I had finished the first novel, I began the second, having heard you needed to write a fair few to learn all the things that make a book work. When I put that through the NWS which is a scheme run by the Romantic Novelists Association (the most supportive professional association in the world and one that actively encourages new writers and helps them build a career. It’s also responsible for me meeting my Sister Scribes) I was encouraged to submit the book to agents and publishers. I did this and couldn’t believe it when I had an offer. When I ran to tell one of my closest friends, laptop in hand and tears streaming down my face unable to get any words out, he made me hot sweet tea and sat me down, assuming all the emotion meant a close family member had died!

I used that publication offer to secure myself an agent who then immediately found me an alternative deal to consider. I never had dreamt I would be in the position of choosing a publisher, to this day I can’t quite believe that happened. I am loving writing them and there will be five Cornish School books in total, I have just finished the third and will be starting number four next week.

I am so looking forward to keeping everyone up to date with its progress through Frost magazine and introducing you to some of the women within the writing industry whom I admire. We’re going to have a blast!

Follow Kitty on Twitter @KittyWilson23

Planning a Backpacking Trip through Europe

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Backpacking through Europe is an adventure, and unlike in many parts of the world, Europe truly caters to the backpacking lifestyle. You can find hiking trails, public transit, and hostels that all support the backpacker. However, you can’t just hop on a flight to Europe and go. There are some things you’ll have to be aware of, even if you’re going somewhere you think will feel familiar. Here are a few tips for planning a backpacking trip through Europe.

Have the Right Gear

There are several benefits to having a backpack over a suitcase when traveling in Europe. You can fly there with just a backpack and maybe one personal item instead of checking luggage. You’ll be able to quickly leave the airplane, buses, and trains carrying everything. You’ll be on your way as soon as you arrive. Just make sure you have a comfortable, durable backpack that will carry everything you need while still being safe. If you’re carrying a lot of gear, it should have a built-in frame and waist belt to make it easier to carry.

For some, a daypack needs to be added to the list. This simple smaller backpack can carry personal papers, a laptop, wallet, and other essentials. If you’re going to take a daypack, then you need to have a way to comfortably carry it in your backpack or in addition to your backpack. 

Plan Your Itinerary

Having a rough itinerary before you go is essential. You need to know where you’re going if you’re going to get permission to travel there if it is necessary in your case. Some places like Sweden, for instance, have laws that allow campers to camp on private property. A general itinerary tells you what the weather will be like, while a detailed itinerary allows you to book accommodations in advance. That will save you money over last-minute check-ins. Buying train passes and bus passes in advance can save you money, as well. Research cheap flights to Europe, and don’t forget the return trip.

If you don’t want to be locked into a strict schedule, then search for airlines that let you reschedule your return trip without taking on massive fees. This is a good time to look into travel insurance as well, so you’ll be covered no matter what.

Packing Right

Whether backpacking in the wilderness or through serene countryside, weight matters. Use a lightweight sleeping bag instead of a conventional, bulky one. Carry a minimum of clothes, though the clothes need to suit the climate you’re in. Take several pairs of underwear and socks. Always carry essentials like a phone, identification papers, cash and any medications you take. An extra battery pack, flashlight, and adapters are essentials because you’re lost without them. Take a basic supply of toiletries. You can always buy more socks and toothpaste at your destination.

Put Things in Order at Home

You don’t want to take a trip abroad and return to chaos at home. Put things in order before you leave. Ensure that the rent and other bills will be paid in your absence. Inform your financial institutions that you’ll be traveling abroad, so they don’t lock down your accounts out of fear of fraud because you used your credit card in Europe. Turn off the data on your phone to avoid roaming fees and find out how you could use the phone in those countries at minimal cost.

Conclusion

Backpacking in Europe is an enriching experience. However, you need to take the right steps now to truly enjoy the trip without regretting it later.

 

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A round-up of mysteries/thriller about children and identity: reviewed by Kate Hutchinson

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I suppose it is natural to place the care of children at the heart of a thriller as, unless you are a particularly hard-hearted reader, it’s a good way to get you, the reader, to care quickly about the characters. Here are three books considering the relationship between mother and child.

 

 

My Name is Anna by Lizzy Barber

 

In Florida, Anna is eighteen and just starting to rebel against her extremely strict Mamma, who is obsessed by cleanliness and purity and God. She has never been allowed to visit Florida’s biggest theme park so why, when she takes a forbidden trip there, does it seems familiar?

 

In London, Rosie was just a baby when her older sister was stolen on holiday. Fifteen years later her parents are still trying to find their child, whilst Rosie has to deal with the being an object of curiosity and the toll the search has taken on her parents marriage. She decides to uncover the truth herself…

 

Okay, so you don’t get any prizes for working out the connection here! But this is a fast paced and interesting exploration of the lives of two teenagers in very different circumstances, alternate chapters being each girl’s story, and written in the first person present, giving that real feeling of the spontaneity of teenagers. Both girls are struggling with their identity as they grow towards adulthood and the pain and confusion of being in the shadow of events that happened before you can remember is keenly felt.

 

A gripping read and, if the ending feels a little contrived, still thoroughly enjoyable.

 

Century/Penguin Random House hb £12.99

 

The Boy at the Door by Alex Dahl

 

Here is the book for the lovers of Scandi drama.

 

In an idyllic small Norwegian town, Cecilia seems like the perfect wife and mother, just waiting to pick up her girls from swimming before getting to home to a cool glass of wine in her elegant living room. But when she reluctantly agrees to do a simple favour and drop a small boy home, her life is turned upside down and her past threatens her well-contrived life.

 

Cecilia is a great character. A true anti-heroine who has everything controlled from her decor, to her children, to how much affection she permits herself to show her husband. She is really quite unlikeable but her actions throw her life into confusion and we start to see different sides to her. The narrative switches between Cecilia, Tobias the little boy, and the historical diaries of Annika a drug addict. Cecilia is the strongest voice, the others feel like a device to help us as readers uncover the plot but they are the weakest part of the book, which is otherwise absolutely gripping, unsettling and unpredictable as we find out exactly what lies beneath Cecilia’s perfect life.

HeadofZeus pb  £7.99

 

 

 

Gone By Midnight by Candice Fox

 

In tropical Queensland, four young boys are left alone in a hotel room whilst their holidaying parents dine downstairs. But when a parent checks on them at midnight, one of the boys has disappeared. The boys swear they didn’t leave the room, the CCTV shows no sign of him. There is no trace of the boy or his body.

The boy’s mother calls in detective Ted Conkaffey and his unconventional boss Amanda to help the search, much to the dismay of the local police chief. But both Ted and Amanda have histories of their own that might impede the investigation.

 

This is the third outing for Ted Conkaffey and this has all the hallmarks of a great easy-to-read thriller. A detective with a troubled past, an eccentric sidekick, a difficult relationship with the local police, and a great mystery at the centre. Lots of fun with twists and turns, problems solved as soon as they arrive by helpful friends and sometimes enemies. All in all implausible but well written in a fast paced style. A great one for a holiday. Just keep an eye on the kids….

 

Century/Penguin Random House hb £12.99

 

 

 

 

Mr Doubler Begins Again by Seni Glaister Review by Annie Clarke

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Oh I do like these quirky uplifting ‘up-lit’ novels. They put me in mind of the film, based on the book by Deborah Moggach The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with an aching depth cloaked in charm, a novel in which you care enormously about the characters; characters who seem much as we are at certain times; slightly flawed, slightly lost.

Potato farmer, dear Mr Doubler, cares little for quantity, for he is an EXPERT and therefore quality is his goal, and boo, who cares that he is the second most successful potato farmer in the county? But is quality enough to fill a life?

Mr Doubler, bless him, is a widower. His wife cultivated friends, he his potatoes. So when his wife ‘passes on’ so too do her friends and for some while Mr Doubler is happy with his life which functions pretty well, courtesy of his housekeeper Mrs Millward. But lordy loo, what happens when Mrs Millward is no longer his mainstay, the daily visitor opening the door into his life?

Yes, indeed, what will happen to Mr Doubler? Everyone needs friends, a community, will he find these? In fact, is he up to attracting friendship or will it have to be thrust upon him?

Beautifully written, at a fabulous pace, and with delicate rhythm the author, Seni Glaister graces the pages with her warmth and liking for the world she has created. The scenes are well set, and vivid.

I loved it. You will too. It is a book for January, when there is a hint of spring in the lengthening days, and the bulbs which have the temerity to challenge the cold and dark and break the surface. Oh, yes, Mr Doubler, thrust your way into the light too.

Congratulations, fabulous book. And surely a film?

Mr Doubler Begins Again by Seni Glaister pub HQ HB £12.99 ebook £9.99 Audio £12.99

Annie Clarke’s first novel Girls on the Home Front will be published in May 2019 by Arrow.

STOP EVERYTHING: A cheese wheel extravaganza is coming to London

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That’s right, London locals can reap the benefits of their postcodes to indulge in a pasta, cheese wheeling night of Italian luxury.

Pasta Remoli, a firm favourite of Frost mag, recently opened its Ealing Broadway spot and is celebrating by hosting three, yes three, exclusive evenings for locals.

It’s no ordinary evening though, each night, chef and founder Simone Remoli will present guests with deliciously moreish Maccheroncini Carbonara served hot straight out of a, wait for it, GIANT PARMESAN WHEEL. Just give us a moment to compose ourselves.

For £25, guests will enjoy a welcome drink, Italian starters including Italian salumi and cheese, crispy and velvety arancini, creamy burrata cheese, mixed bruschetta, bread and focaccia before the main event… the giant Parmesan wheel packed with Maccheroncini Carbonara.

 

If that’s not enough for your Italian food – appreciating selves, dessert is also included in the price. Swoon.

 

To make a booking, email ealingbroadway@pastaremoli.co.uk

The Food Medic: How to reduce free sugars in the diet

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January leaves us all wanting to eat healthier as the decadence of Christmas tends to be hanging around. Mostly in weigh gain. The Food Medic is here to tell you how to reduce free sugars in your diet and be healthier.

You might be thinking, hey, why all the fuss about reducing sugars? First things first, sugar is not poisonous or toxic, nor is it uniquely to blame for obesity or poor health. However, we could generally do with consuming less “free” sugars. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), a committee of independent experts that advises the Government on nutrition issues, recommends that the average intake of FREE sugars should not exceed 5% of total dietary energy intake, as they can contribute to excess calories in our diet and tooth decay. But what are free sugars and how might we limit our intake?

 

Free sugars includes sugars added to food and drinks by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, but also includes ‘natural sugars’ found in honey, syrups and juices. These are sugars we generally need to eat less of as they can contribute to excess calories in our diet and tooth decay. Sugars found in fruit and vegetables, grains and cereals, or lactose naturally present in milk and dairy products are not included in this.

 

How can I cut down my consumption of free sugars?

 

Most of the free sugars we consume come from sugars that we add to food and drink, including fizzy drinks and juices, jams and condiments, biscuits, pastries and cakes. There’s no need to totally avoid these foods completely, but you can reduce the amount of free sugars in your diet by basing your meals on fibre-rich, carbohydrates such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, protein-rich beans and pulses, essential fatty acids from oily fish and flaxseed, and a variety of colourful fruit and vegetables, such as berries and leafy greens.

 

Here are some helpful suggestions:

 

Make your own chia jam – Although there is nothing quite like old fashioned jam, it does contain quite a lot of added sugar, which isn’t great for our teeth or health if we eat too much of it. Chia seed jam is a quick, low-sugar alternative to regular jam. All you need is a punnet of berries and a tablespoon of chia seeds –  You can whip this up in 5 minutes and have an incredible, homemade jam in your fridge for up to 2 weeks!

Simply stew in a pot with 2 tablespoons of water over a medium heat. Cook until the fruit breaks down and becomes syrupy, 5 to 10 minutes. Mash the berries with the back of a wooden spoon and stir in the chia seeds. Cook for another 2-3 minutes then remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, until thickened. If you’d like a thicker consistency, especially with very juicy fruits, stir in more chia seeds 1 teaspoon at a time. Once the jam has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a jar.

 

Many breakfast cereals are quite high in sugar, including those marketed to be “healthier” options. One way to reduce your sugar intake at breakfast time is to swap to lower-sugar cereals such as plain porridge oats. You can make it just as, if not more, satisfying and delicious by jazzing it up with some warm berries, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

 

Smart snacking – despite their healthy image, many cereal bars and “energy” balls are often pretty high in sugar and fat. Instead of trying to navigate the snack aisle, plan ahead and make your own snacks to take with you – it’s also a great way to save money. How about your own DIY trail mix made with a small handful of chopped nuts, fresh berries, and a square or two of dark chocolate roughly chopped?

 

A large proportion of the added sugar in our diets comes from sugar sweetened beverages such as fizzy drinks and juices. If swapping to water isn’t something you feel particularly excited about, you could try flavoring it with a herbal tea bag, a handful of chopped strawberries or cucumber, or simply just mint.

 

Surprisingly for some, there are also some sugar added to savoury foods – what some people call “hidden sugars” – such as in; condiments, sauces, and ready meals. This is usually to improve taste and texture but it can mean you’re consuming some extra sugar. By making your own sauces at home, and cooking from scratch as much as possible, you are likely to reduce the amount of added sugar in your meals.

 

 

 

Beat the January Blues With Top Tips From Inhere Meditation Concept

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As we enter day 17 of dry January, our New Year’s resolutions are starting to wobble and still 13 days until payday, it’s no wonder that by day 21, we are all but ready to give up. Monday 21st January is officially named Blue Monday and has been recognised as one of the most depressing days of the year.

However, there are ways to combat this and co-founders of Inhere (London’s most innovative meditation concept), Adiba Osmani and Ghazal Abrishamchi, have identified a number of foods to alleviate depression and stress as well as a simple, yet effective meditation session to see you through the January Blues.

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  • Are there any simple meditation techniques people (even beginners) can use to relieve stress in 2019?
    • As we enter a new year with so many aspirations and resolutions to make this year bigger and better than the previous, even the slightest down fall can cause emotions to run high and our thoughts might just get ahead of us. Practice taking a few minutes each day to gather the attention on the breath, breathing deeply from the belly…and then a few minutes to just observe whatever thoughts or emotions there are, being completely accepting of them. Doing this every day even for a few minutes keeps us grounded, in the moment, helps to rein in the incessant pull of thoughts and emotions that may seem too much to handle sometimes.
  • Are there any particular foods we can eat to ensure we remain calm and in good mental health?
    • Stress is a complex mental health issue, and multiple factors are involved in its development and maintenance, recent evidence suggests that habitual diet plays an important and independent role in the development of this condition. The relationship between mood and our diet is bidirectional: when we eat good food, we feel good, and when we feel good, we are more likely to want to take care of our bodies by feeding it nutritious food. The opposite is also true… when we eat “junk food” we feel sluggish and down, and when feel down, we are less likely to snack on vegetables!
      • There are many studies showing there’s a strong link between a balanced diet and relaxation. For example:
  • Deficiency in certain nutrients such as vitamin D, folate, vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, are associated with increased risk of depression and feeling stressed.
  • Supplements with calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins have been shown to reduce perceived stress, and has positive effects on mood
  • Omega-3 a fatty acids, tryptophan, and some carbohydrates have been shown to improve mod, reduce stress and cortisol – which is a biomarker of stress
  • Here is a list of foods that make up a balanced diet that can promote good mental health:
  • oily fish-good source of omega-3 fatty acids
  • lean meat- good source of B 12 and B6
  • dairy-good source of calcium, B12 – cheese in particular
  • eggs-good source of tryptophan, B12
  • nuts and seeds and legumes- good source of tryptophan, B6, magnesium
  • green leafy vegetables-good source of magnesium and folate
  • wholegrains- good source of complex carbohydrates, magnesium
  • fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, kamboucha – promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria
  • A simple meditation concept
    • Research has shown that regularly practicing compassion meditation not only helps us relate more to others, it also boost our positive feelings of joy and connectedness. Take a couple of minutes to consider yourself and wish yourself well, perhaps saying “May I be well, May I be happy, May I make progress”. then take a couple of minutes to do the same for someone you care for. Then take someone you may know only in passing. And finally, extend this wish for the world…you can do this as part of a step by step guide to meditation:
      • Start small: Setting aside even 5 minutes a day is a great starting point. Write it down in your calendar.
      • Sit up:  you can sit on the floor or on a chair in a comfortable position – keep your back straight so that you don’t fall asleep and the breath flows easily.
      • Breathe: feel your breath as it moves in and out: just follow its rhythm and notice how it feels as it flows through the body.
      • Observe: observe the thoughts that pass through your mind, the sensations that arise in your body, and the emotions that surface (impatience is a common one!). Become the “silent witness”, letting it all come and go, without getting caught up too long any one thought, feeling or sensation.
      • Bring it back: Your mind will wander. This is normal, just notice your mind has wandered, and bring your awareness back to the present experience.
      • Don’t interfere: Don’t try to stop or ignore any thought that rises in your mind, your task is only to become aware of them.
      • Don’t judge: all of our thoughts, feelings and sensations are valid; when meditating, we watch, we don’t judge.
      • Be patient: When you notice an impulse to get up and do something else, be patient, trust that things will unfold in their own time and just stay with your breath.
      • Commit: Try it every day for a week to see how you feel after. As with any practice, it takes a few sessions for it all to make sense.
      • If all fails, relax: If you find it’s not for you, try just breathing deeply in and out of the belly for a few minutes at a time, every day. This triggers the well-documented “relaxation response” in the body, so your stress levels drop as a matter of course.