Vida Glow Review

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

We all have our health hypocrisies. Mine used to be that I would only take prescription pills under dire circumstances, but was a sucker for any ‘natural’ health supplement. Luckily I saw the ridiculousness of my reasoning. I am still fussy about what I put in my body, but now I always do my research.

I had heard a lot about marine collagen supplements. Beauty writers and bloggers have been raving about them. Frost writer Keshini also tried some and was a fan. So I jumped at the chance to review Vida Glow. Vida Glow is a natural marine collagen supplement which comes in powder form of pure hydrolysed marine collagen. It is a hair, skin and nail supplement, with an array of benefits as collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and the second largest substance in the body behind water.

Their Beauty Blend is a vegetarian friendly all natural superfood blend, designed alongside nutritionists, to nourish hair, skin and nails from within. Vida Glow marine collagen is derived from the Scales of Deep Sea Red Snapper

Here is what they say:

With age, collagen breaks down in our bodies leading to wrinkles, sagging skin and lines. Outside factors as such smoking, toxins, poor diet, late nights, sun damage and harsh environments can add to the ageing process.

Your skin is incredibly important to your overall health. Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and is the most obvious indicator of your age and lifestyle.

Vida Glow works from within to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix below the skin’s surface. As we are subject to toxins, sun damage, poor diets and ageing, the multi layers which are linked together under the skin degenerate, resulting in fine lines, and wrinkles.

The collagen that is absorbed by taking Vida Glow, improves skin elasticity by increasing the density of fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for rebuilding connective tissues. Vida Glow stimulates the body’s own natural collagen production by noticing the increased amount of collagen in the blood stream. Consumed daily it helps restore collagen production levels, giving you healthy and youthful looking skin.

Consuming Vida Glow on a daily basis results in firmer and more hydrated skin, giving you a radiant complexion, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Mostly when I review supplements I don’t notice a huge difference. Not so with Vida Glow. The pack comes with 30 servings. You can take 1-3 a day. I took 3 a day, deciding to go for the short but bigger dose. I was very impressed indeed. Immediately after taking it I got that feeling you get when you eat something really healthy. It was like I could feel the good it was doing for my body. I noticed a difference in my hair, nails and skin. It also made me feel healthier. I only took Vida Glow for 10 days, but I do think it works and I would definitely use it again. For the environmentalist: Vida Glow marine collagen is a fibrous protein extracted from the scales of Deep Sea Red Snapper, sustainably sourced from the Pacific Ocean waters of Australasia. Vida Glow is a 100% natural product.

I am definitely a fan. Frost Loves.

http://uk.vidaglow.co/pages/about

Vida Glow Marine Collagen is available here.

A rare day out with Mr P by Alex Bannard Bangkok Correspondent

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

With the children at school Alex and her husband have a chance to go tourist.

Mr P is on gardening leave. Which since we, the kids and I, have not even been here a year is a little alarming but we have been through worse so we’ll get through this. So before his new job takes him off again and in the spirit of making the best of things, we decided to explore beyond Bangkok. After all two month’s in one another’s company is a long time, so better we do these things before we are fed up with one another.

I had always wanted to go to Ayutthaya – the second of the two original ancient capitals of Siam and heralded as the Angkor Wat of Thailand. Thankfully Mr P agreed. We dropped the kids off at school and headed out of the city, noses in our iPhones clearing emails, returning messages and playing Candy Crush. Ok Candy Crush, that was just me. I like to make use of the exquisite privilege of being driven everywhere by using my time wisely. Gawd forbid we might strike up a convo and run out of things to chat about by mid morning.

We arrived at the Unesco World Heritage site early before the mini vans and tourist coaches but failed to secure the bikes we had dreamt of. Never mind. The site didn’t look that big and there’s nothing wrong with our legs. So off we set. Within minutes we had come across the famed Buddha in the tree roots. ‘Great,’ announces Mr P, ‘We can go home now.’ He’s not the best tourist. Sightseeing is not his bag. He once described Petra as ‘cr*p’. It was shaping up to be a long day and it was barely 9:15.

I want to say ‘and it did not disappoint’, except it did a little. Wat Maha That is stunning without question. And one can not help to marvel at the skill of the ancients who built the complex but it somehow just did not have the majesty and splendor of Angkor.

We wandered through the historical gardens and over the road to other ruined temples and buildings which were not open. I pondered on the irony of some of these ancient ruins amidst modern day Ayutthaya as many of them are. Again something different from Angkor – or it certainly was more than a decade ago when I visited it. In Angkor you feel like you have stumbled across something magical, in Ayutthaya it feels like the ruins are struggling to compete with the pace of modern living. Although I had to smile at all the bike helmets left on the wall of one ruin as chickens clucked in nearby pens and the drivers swung in hammocks hung between the trees.

We crossed the road briefly stumbling across the paths of elephants carrying a hoard of Chinese tourists around the periphery of the gardens. The mahouts did not take kindly to Mr P patting the elephant’s trunks, oblivious to this being our first ‘official’ elephant experience so far on our Thailand adventure. I suspect these are not the ethical elephants we dream about introducing the kids to at some point.

We discovered a modern temple where a recently renovated Buddha resides, one of the largest in Thailand and one the Queen herself has helped restore to its former glory. In the gardens surrounding the temple the bushes were shaped like elephants – probably more ethical to be honest than those up the road. The Ancient Palace and Wat Phra Si Samphet nearby were more impressive. A little off the beaten track, they had more charm somehow.

By now it was time for lunch and we settled on a quaint restaurant over looking the river where we both inhaled a Singha and enjoyed a delicious meal.

Afterwards we drove out to Wat Chaiwatthanaram over the river. I loved this set of ruins. Here there was a majesty and splendor as we explored the cloisters and the decapitated Buddhas that surround it. It was here that I took a quiet moment of solitude in front of the huge restored Buddhas that overlook the river surrounding this island of ancient temples, monasteries, palaces and statues destroyed by the Burmese in 1757. And here that I realized that none of it disappointed. I had arrived with expectations and they had disappointed. The temples and palaces, statues and stupas were all splendid and don’t deserve to be compared to Angkor which I fear in the intervening years since my first visit has possibly lost some of it’s magic as chain hotels creep into its being.

And I remembered why I love Thailand. I love places that are not completely touristy (it was midweek and still blissfully quiet) and still retain a rustic charm. I love that real life juxtaposes right next to stunning temples and glorious ruins, that everyday people, often on the brink of extreme poverty, live right next door to these fabulous and stunning spiritual reminders. I hope they find it as spiritually uplifting as I do.

Looking at the map of Ayutthaya I realized we barely scratched the surface of all the ruins. But I did the same in Angkor. Once can get a little templed out. It doesn’t mean the memories aren’t vivid and wonderful. And I have no doubt our memories of this day will be the same because in the end it did not disappoint. And we didn’t run out of conversation either.

Interesting, And Not Just For Children

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Should I re-think my snacks perhaps?

New research by Fruit Bowl, the brains and creators behind the leading brand in dried fruit snacks for kids, found that more than half (52%) of Britain’s four to 12-year-olds are often tired after school, with a quarter of parents reporting their child had difficulty concentrating when they got home from school but at the opposite end of the energy spectrum almost one in ten (9%) is “almost hyper” towards the end of the day, a survey of 1,000 parents has revealed.

The Fruit Bowl research suggests that fluctuating blood sugar levels are an important factor in these mood and motivation issues. Just over a third (34%) of parents reported their children “always” complained of being hungry when they got home and almost half (44%) said hunger was a problem.

There is good evidence to show that growing children are more reliant on snacks than adults to ensure steady energy levels.

Fruit and vegetables are the favourite snacks for restoring children’s energy levels, with almost a third (29%) of parents putting this healthy option at the top of their list, followed by biscuits or cake (12%) and a sandwich or toast (10%).

More than a quarter of parents report that their children can be fussy about fruit with one in five (22%) saying their offspring stick to one or two favourites and 5% saying it’s a struggle to get them to eat any fruit at all.

Dr Carrie Ruxton says: “Every parent knows how fussy children can be, and how difficult it can be to encourage them to try new flavours. Fruit-based snacks are a great way to encourage picky-eaters to try new flavours

“Fruit-based snacks, such as Fruit Bowl® School Bars, Fruit Flakes and Fruit Peelers for example are made from the juice and/or pulp of fruits and typically count as one portion of 5-A-DAY depending upon the product.”

Fruit Bowl® Fruit Peelers (RRP £1.50 for a pack of 4 individually wrapped 16g Peelers

New Research Shows The Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation And Heart Health

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Margaret Graham

As our summer lurches from cloud to cloud, this latest information from HSIs (The Health Supplements Information Service, an independent body) is interesting:

Taking a vitamin D supplement may improve heart function in people with chronic heart failure according to a paper published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and presented at the American College of Cardiology in Chicago on April 4.

Commenting on the trial, Dr Emma Derbyshire a public health nutritionist for the Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS) noted: “This was a randomised double blind controlled trial in 223 people with chronic heart failure due to secondary left ventricular systolic dysfunction of the heart and also vitamin D deficiency.

“Trial participants were either allocated to one year of high dose vitamin D3 supplementation 4000 IU (100 micrograms daily) or a placebo. Measures made included the change in left ventricular function and the ability to do a test walk.

“Vitamin D supplementation restored normal levels of vitamin D in these people and left ventricular heart function was also better in the vitamin D supplemented group than placebo. There were no changes on the walking test with vitamin D.

“These findings are very encouraging as chronic heart failure is increasing and treatments can be expensive. Many people in the UK have very low levels of vitamin D. In fact average vitamin D intakes in the UK are between 2.3 and 5.1 micrograms daily which is not enough to protect against deficiency.
“A previous modelling exercise found that more than 8 micrograms would be needed daily to ensure a normal vitamin D status in most people^.In addition, while the best source of vitamin D is sunlight, the Northerly latitude of the UK means that we lack the right form of sunlight for more than half of the year”.
The Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS) (www.hsis.org.uk; Tel: 020 7052 8955) is an independent information body, set up to provide balanced information on vitamins and minerals. It is supported by a restricted educational grant from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB).

Gaucho Premieres present Ab Fab

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Kesh

Yes Sweeeeety Daaaaarlings! You heard it here. Gaucho have managed to bag the hotly anticipated Absolutely Fabulous Movie and it’s set to be premiered at Gaucho O2 on Saturday 2nd July. Forget the cinema, how else could you possible enjoy Absolutely Fabulous without a cocktail in hand. Thank you Gaucho for making this one possible, expect sexy Argentine Steak and Stoli Cosmo Cocktails… no, really!!! Each guest will receive a Stoli Cosmo on arrival followed by a two-course meal before being escorted to Gaucho’s private premiere screening.

Tickets cost £55 per person

Absolutely Fabulous Movie
Saturday 2nd July
13:00
Gaucho O2

Peninsula Square
London
SE10 0DX

For more information and to book, please visit:

http://www.gauchorestaurants.com/events/event/gaucho-premieres-absolutely-fabulous/

Garmence Wine Studio SS16 Capsule Collection

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Kesh

I know what you’re thinking, A capsule collection for wine? ‘WI-NE NOT’ we say. Indeed, we are in a renaissance of wine and Garmence Wine Studio are leading the way with their capsule SS16 Collection. Garmence Wine Studio are a fresh, new wine company committed to bring you wine which is ‘crafted with love’ by people who love wine. The new concept created by the hard-working Charlotte Calvet, who’s family have been in the wine business for generations, is, in a nutshell, based on blending the highest quality wines which are the most memorable and fragrant to match the Garmence unique tasting profile. Their aim is to make it easier for you to select wines that you enjoy based on your own unique taste and aim to deliver a high quality wine to you at a fair price. Helping you to pick your wines with the help of a food pairing wheel, they want you to find exactly the wine you’re after and aim to help you pick something you’ll enjoy.

Essentially, Garmence Wine Studio work with wine growers and producers from all over Europe and have selected wines that ‘evoke a unique sensorial experience.’ Their cooperative approach means that even smaller wine producers get a look in. These guys have done all of the leg work capturing the best of the best and it’s clear that this concept can only be overseen by someone who has an immense passion for wine and after meeting and speaking with Charlotte and her Father you are safe in the knowledge that they really know and adore their wines.

The SS16 collection is created with the premise that consumers’ taste changes with the seasons, so alongside their ‘core collection’, there are a few Spring/Summer heroes that feature with a lighter, fresher taste. Lucky for you, us at Frost got to do all the hard work and attend the wine tasting and here are our top picks;

The Whites;

Pouilly-Fumé

This Sauvignon Blanc has got to be one of the sexiest wines I have ever tried. Deliciously crisp and energetic, this Pouilly-Fumé has flavours of green apples, stone fruits and lemons. This fantastic little number will go well with seafood, Italian food and poultry.

Serving suggestions; a bottle of this on a date will go a long way!
£18

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/16-pouilly-fume-france.html

The Reds:

Fleurie

This fruity wine is King of the Beaujolais region which makes it perfect to drink chilled. Perfect for the summer this wine is fresh and light with almost no tannins. Hints of strawberry, cherries and bramble spice this wine is well paired with all meats and of course a cheese board.

Serving suggestions; A foolproof dinner party wine.
£16

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/28-fleurie.html

The Heroes;

With some collective positive thinking, hopefully the Summer will be here in no time, but in the meantime Garmence are on a mission to create you the best Rosé. Exclusively to their SS16 collection they have two on offer for you to try.

Côtes De Provence

The clarity of the wine is enough to let you know it’s going to be sublime. Putting Rosé back on the map, this delicious blend of Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah make the perfect balance of citrus, exotic and white fruits. Great paired with steak, seafood and veg.

Serving suggestions; This elegant wine is a showstopper at a BBQ or picnic.
£15

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/26-rose-de-provence.html

Crémant De Bordeaux

Because who doesn’t love a bottle of pink fizz! This one is every bit as delicious and exquisite as it looks and just bursting with aromatic fruitiness. Fresh and fizzy, this wine is produced according to the “Champagne traditional method”.

Serving suggestions; Suitable for every occasion
£20

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/27-cremant-de-bordeaux-rose.html

These are just our top picks but visit their website to choose wines based on your flavour profile. The minimum order is three bottles and once you’ve selected your wines, pick a day and a time slot. Bottles are stylishly wrapped and delivered in fantastic wine storage boxes which can be doubled up as a wine rack to suit your home.

So visit Garmence for their full collection.

“Fewer, better wines – Crafted with love”

From Babies With Love: The Baby Clothes Company Which Gives Its Profits To Charity

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

At Frost we love ethical companies and great products. Combine the two and we are in heaven. One of life’s great joys is buying clothes for babies, so when I came across From Babies With Love I was intrigued. From Babies With Love lets you buy gorgeous organic baby clothes while supporting orphaned and abandoned children around the world. They are an amazing company who deserve as much support as possible as they donate 100% of their profits to helping children.

Here is their story in their words:

“We support orphaned and abandoned babies to live in SOS Children’s Villages.

The children have lost their parents through war, famine, disease or poverty.

SOS Children creates communities for children who have nobody to turn to. The children are cared for by their SOS Mother; they live in family homes in the village with their SOS brothers and sisters. SOS Mothers care for the whole family, comforting, celebrating; doing all the things that parents do.

This enables children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves, on the streets or in slums, to have a second chance in life.

The children’s circumstances are not their fault, and by being loved, cared for and educated, they go on to lead independent lives, breaking the cycle of poverty.

As SOS Children’s Zambia Director, Florence Phiri explains, for an orphaned or abandoned child, the difference a children’s village makes is huge: “when they come to the village they are given a family – brothers, sisters and a mother to look after them. They have a home and can begin a new life.”

To find out more about SOS Children visit their website www.soschildren.org

Whether you’re buying baby clothes for newborns, first birthdays, baby showers, maternity leave or a special treat just because, every purchase enables these children to grow up in loving family homes.

A heartfelt thank you.

From Babies with Love x”

https://www.frombabieswithlove.org

Follow @frombabies on twitter

Barracuda Cafe in Amersham Review

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Barracuda Cafe in Amersham – just the place for a wet Monday, or any day or evening, quite frankly. By Margaret Graham

It seemed like a good idea to celebrate midway between my birthday and my friend Pat’s. Amersham is pretty close to both of us, but why the Barracuda Cafe?

I hadd just returned from a train journey from St. Pancras to Rome, Florence, Lucca and Venice. I have been to all the cities before and love them, but particularly love the atmosphere and food in the restaurants. Pat also loves Italy, and has relations there. So we wanted to enjoy it all again, if we could only find the right place.

Did we?

Absolutely – in the Barracuda Cafe, Amersham. We chose a special of the day Vitello milanese con spaghetti e insalata verde (veal in breadcrumbs etc.) which was lovely. But more than that, the patron, Gianncarllo, was warm and welcoming, and fun. We arrived at midday in the pouring rain, and within moments the cafe was full of people relaxing, chatting, laughing and eating.

Be aware – in the evening you can bring your own wine, and only in the evening, not at lunch time. Did it spoil it? Not a bit. It was the atmosphere and the food we loved. For those two hours, and we weren’t hurried, we were back in the warmth of Italy. Not bad for a wet Monday.

Would we recommend it? Indeed. Why not give it a go, you won’t be disappointed. Or just nip in for a coffee. You’ll return for lunch, bet ya!

Barracuda Cafe 96 Sycamore Rd, Amersham HP6 5EN
Phone:01494 434875

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