Chromaphilia: The story of Colour in Art by Stella Paul – Reviewed by Penny Deacon

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Margaret Graham

This is an exciting book. Whether you are an artist, an art historian or simply an art lover, you will find this beautifully produced volume absorbing. The author, Stella Paul, guides the reader into thinking about colour in its own right as well as part of an art work. We are led into the history, symbolism, science, and psychology of colour by reference to images from a range of time periods.

The result is a fresh focus on painting. The viewer’s understanding is sharpened and I found a new way of seeing images I thought I knew well.

Chromaphilia has been produced to a high standard. In a book about colour, image quality is crucial and I wasn’t disappointed. Stella Paul’s writing is full of ideas, some of which are complex, but she has a gift for clear expression and the illustrations work hand in hand with the text. It’s a book both for reading and for dipping into. The trouble is, I keep dipping in and surfacing a long time later. The housework is suffering. Too bad.

Chromaphilia Pub. Phaidon £29.95

International Women’s Day Event CARE International’s #March4Women Sing for a fairer world

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Frostie

Dr Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Bianca Jagger will lead a rally beginning at 12pm on Sunday 5 March, ahead of International Women’s Day. They will be joined by crowds of supporters raising their voice in solidarity with women and girls worldwide who endure inequality and injustice.

The rally will take place at The Scoop by City Hall and will include inspiring talks and a mass ‘singalong’ of the classic women’s empowerment song ‘RESPECT.’ Led by Olympic ceremony composer David Arnold and vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant, the crowd will ‘CAREoke’ along with a range of famous singers including Melanie C, VV Brown, Tallia Storm, Tanita Tikaram, Preeya Kalidas and Natasha Bedingfield. There will also be music by Billy Bragg.

Event organisers CARE International are emphasising the importance of the inclusion of men and boys in tackling sexism and discrimination. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who will address crowds at the event said: “It’s unacceptable that in 2017 in London, the most progressive city in the world, your gender can still determine how much you get paid and your career prospects. Even worse, women and girls around the world are still more likely than men to suffer from violence or discrimination. As Mayor, I have vowed to be a proud feminist at City Hall, and I will do all I can to remove any barriers to women.

“Equal rights is not just a fight for women – all of us need to stand in solidarity with our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends to say that discrimination, in all shapes and forms, will not be tolerated. That’s why, ahead of International Women’s Day, I am honoured to stand shoulder to shoulder with Londoners from all backgrounds to spread the message that London is open and a place where we celebrate everyone, from every walk of life, regardless of their gender.”

Laurie Lee, CEO of CARE International said, “We will #March4Women to shine a spotlight on the inequality women and girls face around the world. CARE’s work in over 75 countries shows that they are still far more likely to experience violence, discrimination, harassment and modern slavery. It will also highlight the plight of women and girls caught up in the global refugee crisis and we will challenge the government to step up its commitments to refugees.

“Supporters are invited to join us in singing for a fairer world and raise their voice for the cause of equality. We will spend an unforgettable afternoon hearing from a star line up of outspoken feminists, refugee women, celebrities and global activists. They will be joined by London’s very own 21st century ‘Olympic Suffragettes’, who will wear traditional Edwardian costume to highlight the fact that the Suffragettes’ goal of equal rights remains unrealised, and for them the right to vote was only ever the start of their movement.”

Helen Pankhurst said: “Our solidarity and the fight for the equal rights of women should not end at the shores of our own country. Join us ahead of International Women’s Day, in solidarity with the many refugees who have trekked hundreds of miles to find safety, many of them mothers, forced to carry their children from one danger zone to the next.”

The lively programme on the day will also include a warm-up ‘morning rave’ by London-based company Morning Gloryville founded by a Zimbabwean woman who experienced being stateless herself, making a family friendly occasion for all.

To join Sadiq, Bianca, Helen Pankhurst and daughter Laura Pankhurst, and a star line-up on 5^th March visit www.careinternational.org.uk/March4Women.

New Study Reveals Twenty-Somethings are ‘Generation Sensible’

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Frostie

For from being the superficial, social media-obsessed narcissists that so many publications, and people, try to pretend they are twenty-somethings are actuallyy sensible. The average twenty-something earns £19,186.40 a year, has savings of £2,543 and chooses NOT to go clubbing, according to new research.

The Nationwide Savings study of ‘Generation Sensible’ shows 65 per cent of young adults would rather party at a friend’s house than spend unnecessary money at the pub or club.

Unfortunately, six in 10 people in their twenties are saddled with debts in the region of £20,000 following their stint at University.

While those who didn’t further their education still struggle to pay off debts of £4,720.

As such, while popular twenty-somethings have 15 good friends, they choose not to lavish money on expensive nights out, and only holiday in the UK once a year.

Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, Nationwide’s Head of Policy for Mortgages and Savings said: “Our research has found a generation of twenty somethings under pressure and in transition. The good news is that as a demographic they seem to be planning their futures, whether that be saving for a deposit for their first home or a holiday. In some ways this is a far cry from the free-spirited youth of the 60s and 70s.”

The study shows that when it comes to attempting to save, 32 per cent are desperately trying to get a deposit together for a mortgage, while 30 per cent are saving up for a holiday.

A further 24 per cent of twenty-somethings are saving for a rainy day, and one in 10 are gathering cash together to pay for their wedding.

And although those in their twenties earn just under £20,000 a year – working 31 hours a week – at the end of every month they have just £210.07 to spend on enjoying themselves.

According to the poll, just 16 per cent of those under 30 are married, with 16 per cent of those in a relationship meeting through work and 13 per cent via dating apps. Just five per cent regularly go on dates.

One in five respondents already have children and a further 52 per cent have pets.

The research reveals that money dominates the list of common worries shared by many twenty-somethings, with people worrying both about being able to save money, as well as having enough money to last until the end of the month.

Getting on the housing ladder is a concern for 36 per cent of those in their twenties, while landing a job worries 27 per cent.

Other common anxieties include managing the bills, health and fitness, and that they don’t seem to be achieving much in life.

Body shape and size worries four in 10 people, and 25 per cent are rightly concerned about their parents’ health.

For those in this age bracket who do drive a car, a modest Vauxhall Corsa or Ford Fiesta are the most likely models of choice.

When it comes to keeping fit, the average twenty-something exercises for three hours a week, and prefers running and going to the gym above all other sports. Swimming and cycling are the next most popular activities.

For those in their twenties who prefer to entertain themselves by staying in, rather than spending money on going out, four in 10 love binge-watching television programmes and films.

Favourite television shows include The Big Bang Theory, the Great British Bake Off and Game of Thrones.

While movies put on repeat are the Harry Potter saga, Mean Girls and Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Other activities enjoyed during their spare time include spending time with the family, travelling and 27 per cent enjoying tending to their social networking sites.

Eight in 10 people in their twenties are regularly on Facebook, while 47 per cent use Instagram and 50 per cent are on WhatsApp.

The study found 37 per cent enjoy going out for dinner with friends, and only a third like going to the pub.

Similarly, meeting new people is only a priority for seven per cent of people, while 55 per cent prefer to socialise with existing friends.

Andrew Baddeley-Chappell continues “Our research found an age group under strain, working or studying hard, and mindful of the financial pressures they are likely to face in the future.

“It’s little wonder then that friendships and relationships, conducted both in person and online have become such a focus, along with a social life that doesn’t cost.”

AVERAGE 20-SOMETHING

1. Average income of £19,186.40 annually

2. Typically work 31 hours a week

3. Has £210.07 of disposable income each month

4. Has £2,543.82 in savings

5. 29 per cent have a mortgage

6. Takes one holiday in the UK each year

7. Six in 10 go to / went to University

8. Students / ex-students have a total debt of £20,514.86 excluding mortgages

9. Non-students have a total debt of £4,720.66 excluding mortgages

10. Most likely to drive a Vauxhall Corsa or Ford Fiesta

11. Has 15 friends

12 Gets six hours sleep a night

13. 22 per cent have children

TOP 10 WORRIES OF A 20-SOMETHING

1. Saving money

2. Having enough money

3. What body shape and size you are

4. Your health

5. Getting on the housing ladder

6. That you don’t seem to be achieving much in life

7. Bills

8. Eating too much rubbish food

9. How fit you are

10. Getting a job

FAVOURITE TV SHOWS:

1. The Big Bang Theory

2. Great British Bake Off

3. Game of Thrones

4. I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

5. Planet Earth

6. Orange is the New Black

7. Britain’s Got Talent

8. Breaking Bad

9. First Dates

10. The Walking Dead

FAVOURITE FILMS:

1. Harry Potter Saga

2. Mean Girls

3. Bridget Jones’ Diary

4. Love Actually

5. Bridesmaids

6. Forrest Gump

7. Deadpool

8. Pitch Perfect

9. Up

10. Lord of the Rings

FAVOURITE ARTISTS:

1. Ed Sheeran

2. Adele

3. Beyonce

4. Taylor Swift

5. Sia

6. Rihanna

7. Coldplay

8. Maroon 5

9. Little Mix

10. Calvin Harris

Dogs and Distraction

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Tracy Baines

My daughter told me she had a problem with her food a few days after we had put a deposit on a puppy – an English springer spaniel.

It was meant to be a surprise. Now it seemed it would be an added burden, an unwanted distraction when all I wanted to do was concentrate my energies on getting Nelly well.

Should we still go ahead or should we just lose the deposit; call and cancel and let the pup go to a new home?

But the thoughts of that cute little puppy made me feel warm and peaceful and so we went ahead anyway.

Aware of the stress factor (we had had springers before) I knew that if it all got too much we could rehome her.

I prepared myself by watching endless episodes of It’s me or the Dog and reading countless books on how to train your dog. I wanted to be fully armed and confident.

It was with a mixture of trepidation and excitement that we went to collect her on Christmas Eve and as soon as my husband and I saw her I knew that it was the right thing to do.

Focussing our attention on Millie was exactly what we needed. Nelly came with me to puppy socialisation classes and then to training. It gave us something else to focus on, something that kept us together. We had a common aim other than her illness.

It could have been a disaster but it turned out to be the best thing we did. You need to find your own distraction from the eating disorder. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a pet, a jigsaw or gardening. You need something that gives everyone a break from the illness.

Distraction is good.

Tracy Baines has written a book about how her daughter’s eating disorder impacted on her family. The book It’s Not about the Food is part memoir part self-help guide. It contains resources she found helpful and quotes from many other parents she either interviewed or who responded to her questionnaire.

www.b-eat.co.uk

www.tracybaines.co.uk

The Business of Books: Writer as Reader

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Jane Cable

Jane Cable admits to sometimes having a slightly uneasy relationship with other writers’ books

Writers are by our very nature readers. We tend to have fallen in love with stories at an early age and as children at least devoured every book we could lay our hands on or persuade someone to read to us. We disappeared into the magic of lives so very different to our own, travelling time and the globe with the carelessness of youth. Except that I was terrified of swings for a long time after reading What Katy Did.

I suppose it is no surprise that one of the first characters I can remember really relating to was Jo in Little Women. When Amy burnt her story I felt real anger and cried bitter tears. I guess I was already sucking my own pencil and waiting for the words to come.

From teenage years onwards real life started to intervene in my bookish world. In sixth form I still bought a paperback every week with the money I earned from my Saturday job at BHS and wherever I moved to for college and in early working years the first thing I did was join the local library. But as life became busier time to read became increasingly rare and I relished holidays where in pre-Kindle days my husband and I would almost literally pack a case full of books.

In my forties I started writing my first story which turned into a full length novel and here the dilemmas began. First, there was time: I really didn’t have enough to read and to write. Secondly was the fact that my head was so full of my characters there just wasn’t room for anyone else’s.

Now most writers read voraciously (apparently) and certainly everyone tells you that as a writer you should, but I have to admit to struggling. While I am living and breathing my story, how can I do anyone else’s justice? I suppose I never could read more than one book at once and it used to completely do my head in that my mother always used to have two on the go; one upstairs for light relief and nodding off to sleep with and another, normally something a little more demanding, by her chair in the living room.

So reading has been pushed to the margins of my life, to the rare times when I’m not working on anything new. An advantage of this is that the great books, such as The Time Traveler’s Wife, really stand out. This one in particular opened new doors creatively speaking because it showed me that if your characters were strong enough you could take your readers anywhere. As a writer, it made me brave and I do wonder what else I would learn if I had more bandwidth to read.

I’m also aware of the need to read successful authors in my genre and books which break out of the ordinary and get talked about. Then there’s the guilt-induced consumption of books by authors you know and feel you should review. So is reading purely for pleasure a thing of the past for me?

Thankfully, no. I have learnt to be incredibly selective and not to finish a book if I’m not enjoying it. There is a difference between books I read for research and books I read for pure joy. And in the last few weeks I actually became very excited about the launch of a new novel for the first time in years. But more about that anon, because Su Bristow’s Sealskin deserves an article all of its own.

Eating Disorders – Missing the Signs

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Tracy Baines

If you’ve been reading my previous articles I know what some of you are thinking. She’s a bit dim isn’t she? How could she not know her daughter had an eating disorder?

That’s what I thought too. How could I have not known? Mother’s should know everything; they are meant to care for and protect their child against all comers.

What a shock it was. I was ashamed. I was a bad mother. Yes, I should have known.

Of course, I knew there was something wrong, I just never dreamed that it was an eating disorder. She wasn’t the type, was she? She loved her food. How wrong I was to dismiss it. It cost us precious time.

The thing is, most people are under the impression that eating disorders are anorexia. End of. Unless they are skeletal they can’t possibly have a problem. Big mistake.

My daughter was hiding things well. If someone wants to keep a secret they will go to great lengths not to be discovered. And my daughter was 19. She went to work, she could drive, she was an adult. She’d been ill for a couple of years – not all the time, some times were worse than others but I knew something was wrong. I went with her to the doctors, got referred to consultants and none of them could find anything wrong. No one mentioned her mental health, no one mentioned eating disorders. They were looking at the physical – as was I.

I took her to numerous alternative practitioners, had a nutritionist come to the house. Again, not one mention of eating disorders. Did they guess and not tell me? I doubt it.

She had always been feisty and strong willed – which can work for you or against you. It was the latter on this occasion. You need huge willpower not to eat. You need lots of determination. A steely core.

She was a stroppy teenager – who isn’t. I had been a stroppy teenager – I’m quite sure my mother still bears the scars from the lacerations of my sharp tongue. My daughter didn’t do anything I hadn’t done, only she did it to extremes.

I knew something was wrong and I was right.

And it would be well to remember this: if you think something is wrong it usually is – so persevere, get help. Don’t dismiss your instincts – they are the most powerful thing you possess.

www.b-eat.co.uk

www.tracybaines.co.uk

An Authentic Mexican Experience: Peyotito Review

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Kesh

After paying homage to our favourite cocktail, the Margarita, we decided to tail end National Margarita week with a trip to one of London’s most hotly tipped Mexican restaurants, Peyotito. As well as delving into their perfectly executed cocktail collection, we also ventured into their predominantly gluten and dairy-free menu to get a taste of the honest flavours of Mexico.

Having sampled many a Tex-Mex menu travelling through America, it’s not easy to come across Mexican cuisine outside of Mexico which is truly accurate and it’s something I certainly find lacking in London. Well thank goodness for Peyotito and well done to them for restoring the reputation of Mexican cuisine. The menu is a far cry from burritos and chimichangas and something much more accurate to the authentic dishes of Modern Mexico without the Texan twist and it goes without saying, the drinks list is authentically Mexican too.

Our favourite, the signature ‘Peyotito’ Margarita made with Mezcal instead of Tequila, packs a smokier punch than tequila but much more evocative of true Mexican style. You’re encouraged to sip slowly rather than knock it back and my favourite touch is that the ‘Peyotito’ Margarita contains a vial of mezcal inside your glass to add as you please or to enjoy on the side. Tajin coats the rim of the margarita which completes the well rounded flavour profile. Mezcal is much appreciated here at Peyotito with the old Mexican saying: Tequila to wake the living, Mescal to wake the dead’ emblazoned on it’s wall, gives you an idea of how to drink and dine the Mexican way and I thoroughly recommend trying some of the mescals they have on offer. Famously it’s the only spirit to not give you a hangover.

It’s the little of touches that really add class and panache to a place like Peyotito, which is the sister venue of Mayfair’s Peyote. Set in an indoor garden-like haven, you’re really a far cry from having mariachis and sombreros thrust in your face which is a rarity. On arrival you are presented with corn chips and three different accompaniments, Salsa Verde, a deeper, smokier and fiery chilli dip and a refreshing peanut dip. The chilli dip comes with a warning and with the deep flavours of Habanero which comes before the heat, it’s hard to not want to keep delving back in to experience the richness of the sauce. We recommend going for a bowl of their chunky Guacamole on the side to offset the heat.

Our waitress gave us a run down of all that was on their menu and recommended that most of the dishes are good for sharing. We were keen on trying a lot of what was on their menu and there really was a varied and mouth-watering selection. In terms of smaller dishes, they offer a couple of soups dishes, salads and crudo which is mainly comprised of sushi-grade yellowfin tuna but true to Mexican style served alongside corn, avocado and salsa. We decided to go for one of three ceviches on offer their signature dish, which is a scallop ceviche made with fresh coconut, cucumber and serrano chile. We then opted for a fish taco and a 24 hour braised lamb taco and from the mole side of the menu which means cooked in a sauce, we opted for the short rib.

BLANCO

When the food arrived it’s presented with no extra frills, simple, authentic and naturally stunning. The colours of the tacos and the different ingredients just bounce off the table. The portions are reasonable, not heavy but also bursting with zesty and vibrant flavours. A real feast for your eyes, there be no heavily starchy food here covered in cheese with a side of beans. This is really impressive, honest cooking made with typical Mexican flavours and enough to transport you straight to the food carts of Oaxaca. The first thing you notice when you start your dining experience is at how fresh everything tastes and how well balanced all of the dishes are.The food is of the highest quality and this is noticeable from dish to dish. Having chosen the signature ceviche dish ‘Blanco’ it was interesting to see how the delicate flavour of scallop would be complimented but the coconut, cucumber and chile are not overbearing in the slightest. The coconut is presented as an almost delicate soup in the bottom of the shell and is just the right combination of zesty and subtle.

Both taco dishes are presented on soft corn tacos, which I much prefer to it’s crunchy counterpart, the dishes are easily manageable with a knife and fork here. The sea bream is well cooked with a crispy skin left on and soft fish melting underneath. Bravo for our skin-on fish tacos this is much appreciated and adds an extra complementary texture to an already stand out dish. The lamb tacos are also robust in flavour bursting with a herbaceous yet smoky and sweet note; every mouthful is as divine as the last. The short rib is decadent, presented in a similar style to a beef dish you may encounter in a french bistro it’s full of the rich, chocolatey mole and served alongside seasonal veg. It personally resembled an elegant Sunday roast but with a flaky, fondant meat served with intense robust flavours of mole. After making our way through the dishes, we were happily full and well satisfied at the varied selection we had chosen but opted to go for the Flan De Vanilla to share. This baked custard dish was creamy, more-ish but still light, a theme which seems to go through all of the dishes we tried.

If authentic Mexican dining is what you’re after with a side of London’s best Margarita, in my opinion, Peyotito is definitely the place to be. The restaurant is vibrant, attention to detail is on point and the dishes are honestly first class in terms of quality of the food, flavour and value for money. Great for a quiet date, dining alone or with a group of friends, the staff are attentive and will make sure your every need is catered for. It’s a refreshing change to a lot of Mexican restaurants I have tried in the city and also fills a gap of sophisticated Mexican dining with a much more laid back and edgy feel to it. So if a slice of authenticity is what you’re after make sure to make your rezzies at Peyotito.

Peyotito

31 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2EU
Notting Hill, London
020 7043 1400
reservations@peyotitorestaurant.com

http://www.peyotitorestaurant.com

World Book Day on 2nd March 2017

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Margaret Graham

With World Book Day on Thursday, 2nd March, and one of Frost’s favourite charity’s competition, the Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award, due to close on 11^th March we thought it an idea to look at the help available to self-publishing authors.

While many aspiring authors still strive to take the traditional publication route, one I took years ago and still enjoy, self-publishing has its place, which is why WforW have set up their Award.

There is a ‘but’ though. Increasingly, WforW finds that some books entered are better than others. Yes, the idea has to be good, but so too the structure, editing, and the presentation. This is essential if one is to interest a publishing house, or, is determined to be an Independent Author. You see, your readers deserve a good book, in every sense of the word.

We looked at Reedsy: with registrations for self-published print and ebooks estimated to have grown 375% since 2010, Reedsy gives authors access to editors, designers, marketing experts and ghostwriters for their project. It also offers masterclasses and free courses on all aspects of writing and publishing.

This company makes the process of publishing a book simple and accessible for authors and publishers at any level, by connecting them with leading editors, designers, publicists and marketers through its curated marketplace. Reedsy also provides a suite of tools to assist the publishing process, guiding writers from the first word of their manuscript, right through to typesetting, publishing, distributing and marketing the final book.

So, yes, there are organisations out there to help the independent author. For instance, Frost recently ran a series of A Day in the Life articles about Troubador, a self-publishing organisation. I know several who have worked on their books, and published with them, to their complete satisfaction.

There are independent editors too, but editing is their only brief, they do not necessarily provide a package under one roof.

And what about the New Writers Scheme at the Romantic Novelists’ Association? The scripts are sent to an appropriate reader who provides a report that may include, for example, comments on plotting, characterisation and structure. The organiser will not only assess and advise on a manuscript but advise and support authors whose report on their manuscript indicates that their novel is ready, or almost ready, to be submitted to a publisher and agent.

So, whatever you are writing, there is help out there. Do look around, assess, ask questions. It might just help you become the best that you can be.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle