Every Writing Day is ‘Suesday’ By Sue Nicholls

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Sue Nicholls, Buckinghamshire author

Every writing day is ‘Suesday’.

Sue Nicholls

Unless they are Joanna Trollope or J.K. Rowling, most writers need a ‘day job’ or in my case, several. I am lucky to have one job that gives me the school holidays off. Sadly I still seem to fill my time with other things. Here is a typical ‘Suesday’:

6.00. Persistent trilling from my phone alarm invades my dreams. I grope on bedside table and swipe screen. Hubby turns over and resumes snoring.

6.15. Pull trousers over pyjama bottoms. Don bra under top to avoid blinding B&B guests. Perform minimal ablutions.

6.30. Cover attire with apron. Plan day while drinking tea. Will definitely work on sequel, and promote Be Careful What You Wish For.

7.00. During breakfast I plan more: Change beds, polish, hoover, clean bathroom, walk dog, run teenager into town, promote novel on FB. Must work on sequel.

7.30. Guests gone for day. Husband appears requiring tea. He heads to bathroom while kettle boils. I clear kitchen, run upstairs to strip beds and return to the kitchen to deal with laundryHubby disappears into home-office with tea, to do technical stuff.

7.40. I sweep, mop floors and plot. I have an idea, rush to the laptop and add a new ‘item’ to cork board in Scrivener – new toy.

Now, what was I going to write?

8.00. ALT-tab to Facebook….

10.00. Wonder what time it is. Have I promoted novel? No.

10.30. Flip to Twitter and repeat as above.

11.30. Make long task list that includes making soup with stock that has been in the slow cooker for days, and ‘Hopefully, get to novel’.

12.00. Teenager appears demanding breakfast. Direct her ‘politely’ to fridge. Teen makes Bombay Bad Boy. I check emails: 52 spam and one from boy needing help with his novel. Start to look at his work. Teenager takes Pot noodle into living room to watch back episodes of Big Bang Theory, leaving evidence of her activity on worktop.

Multitasking, but where is my pen?

13.00. Return novice-author’s work with comments. De-blob kitchen. Teenager disappears to prepare for trip to Odeon. Will we make it in time?

13.30. Rush back from cinema for forgotten meeting at local pub. It seems they can’t afford to pay their chef, and seek community help to run kitchen. I really want to do this so I begin to plan and scheme. Husband looks worried. Realise I am still in jimjams.

15.30. Walk dog. So distracted by thoughts that I drive past dog field. Turn round and drive past again. Curse, U-turn, and park. Soon I have a plan. Thoughts return to novel. I should work on it.

16.30. Sit at computer. Failing to focus, I decide to make background notes.

17.30. Guests return and chat.

17.40. Prepare dinner. Husband collects teenager, who has missed bus.

18.30. Eat. Drink. Clear up.

19.00. Stuff sheets from washer to dryer. Feed drooling dog.

20.00 Fall asleep in chair and miss Pointless.

23.00. Last Facebook check in bed.

23.30 pm. Will definitely work on sequel tomorrow.

Be Careful What You Wish For, is published on Kindle by Mardibooks and can be purchased by clicking on the book, below.

http://j.mp/SNBeCareful

Her blog can be found at www.suenicholls.com

Follow her on Twitter @SuetheScribe

Find her on Facebook Sue Nicholls – Be Careful What You Wish For

If you fancy visiting her bed and breakfast then you can book through Airbnb.

Win Tickets To The BBC Good Food Show

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Love food? Well then you are in luck. We are giving away tickets to the BBC Good Food Show in London on the 13-15 November at Olympia.

You can win a pair of standard entry tickets for every day apart from Saturday. Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood will be there, as will Michel Roux Jr. To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.Then comment below saying what you did. There has also been two seats allocated for each session at the supertheatre at each of the Shows as a prize as well.

If you don’t want to enter the competition then we are offering a reader discount for the BBC Good Food Shows in Scotland, London, Bakes & Cakes and Winter. You can get 15% off with the promotional code: SPR1.

@BBCGoodFoodShow

https://www.bbcgoodfoodshowlondon.com

Terms and Conditions

*15% off valid on advance Adult and Over 65s tickets only (excluding VIP). Offer expires 29.11.15. Standard Supertheatre seat included with all advance Super tickets subject to availability. Upgrade to Gold seat for £3 extra. 20% discount also available on Value tickets which exclude Supertheatre, entry from 11am only. Prices include all admin and transactional fees. Not valid with any other offer. Not all celebrities appear on all days, check website for details. The BBC Good Food Shows are organised and presented by River Street Events.

Hampstead Tea Review & New Cocoa Green To Revitalised Organic Range

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Amy Voce

We are quite obsessed with tea at Frost so we jumped at the chance to review this Hampstead Tea range. We reviewed:

Velvety Cocoa Green – a velvety smooth blend of equatorially sourced cocoa and premium whole leaf Darjeeling Green Tea that will satisfy even the most passionate of chocoholics with its deliciously rich taste. This is amazing and unique. As smooth as it says and just chocolate enough.

Pure Darjeeling– Hampstead’s signature award-winning tea is an easy drinking aromatic tea with gentle, floral, muscatel tones. An exquisitely rounded and mellow tea, the Darjeeling autumnal flush is delicious with a slice of lemon or on its own. A delicious tea and a superior Darjeeling.

Strong English Breakfast– a full strength tea combining both Assam and East African tea leaves, this bold blend is rich and rousing with malty tones. A favourite of our editor. This English Breakfast will be a huge hit with tea fans. Full strength for a proper brew, rich and satisfying.

Dreamy Jasmine Green – young jasmine flowers harvested in Asia are blended with special bergamot from the Reggio Calabria region of Italy, renowned for its bergamot fruit, to scent this seductive floral tea. Perfect for fans of green tea. Fruity and floral as it is yummy.

All the teas are organic, bio-dynamic and fairtrade. Celebrity fans include Deliciously Ella and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Pioneering tea brand, Hampstead Tea, is at the forefront of a tea revolution. Bio-Dynamic, organic and Fairtrade, its range of premium teas have been revitalised to deliver exceptional taste and style for every cup.

Staying true to the purity of the source, Hampstead Tea’s stylish and modern new look is as crisp and clean as the new tea range itself. Single-estate sourced from The Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling, the world’s first Bio-Dynamic Demeter certified tea estate, Hampstead Tea use only tea leaves grown in total harmony with nature and in an environment free of chemical pesticides. Delivering delicious flavour with peace of mind, the new range of refreshed and trend-setting blends is set to inspire tea drinkers to join the Bio-Dynamic movement.

Leading the pack is velvety Cocoa Green, a UK-first whose unique and innovative taste profile is perfect for those looking to indulge. This decadent smooth blend of equatorially sourced cocoa and premium whole leaf Darjeeling Green Tea will satisfy even the most passionate of chocoholics with its deliciously rich taste.

Championed by legions of celebrity fans from Gwyneth Paltrow to Deliciously Ella, Green Tea is known for its detoxifying properties and antioxidants which deliver that extra boost to the immune system. With dark chocolate and Green Tea proven to be the most effective combination for an energy boost^[1], Hampstead Tea are setting trends by taking the well-known cleansing properties of Green Tea to a new level of taste.

Tapping into the growing popularity of more powerful teas, Hampstead Tea’s black tea range now includes Strong English Breakfast for those who prefer a more robust drink. A full strength tea combining both Assam and East African tea leaves, this bold blend is rich and rousing with malty tones and the perfect wake me up on a cold winter morning.

Hampstead Tea maintain the fine quality of its award winning whole leaf Bio-Dynamic teas, whether they be white, green, oolong or black, by sourcing them from one single estate – a rarity amongst tea brands – making no compromise on quality at any stage in their production. The company works in partnership with The Makaibari Tea Estate, India, to grow all the teas according to Demeter standards and in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. Hampstead Tea pay a premium for their tea direct to the estate, directly contributing to the quality of life of the workers living on the plantation.

All ingredients blended with Hampstead Tea’s Demeter certified Teas have a clearly defined origin and are sourced from Bio-Dynamic farms. It is this attention to purity which ensures Great Taste Peace With Peace of Mind across the Hampstead Tea range.

Hampstead Tea have upgraded the taste profile and packaging across the whole range of their Black and Green Teas so as to continue to deliver premium quality and inspire a new generation of discerning organic tea drinkers to select Hampstead Tea as their brand of choice.

Christmas Gift List For The Beauty Junkie

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Frostie

The beauty junkie: so much you can buy for them but what to choose? With so many options it can be hard to narrow it down. So we have done it for you. Balance Me’s 10^th anniversary Christmas collection is beautifully presented in stunning seasonal, celebratory packaging embossed with Balance Me’s celebratory fireworks motif. The Heavenly Hands Duo (£10 /2 x 30ml) containing their best-selling, multi-award winning hand creams – Super Moisturising & Rose Otto. We have tried them both and they are divine.

Available from balanceme.co.uk, feelunique.com, lookfantastic.com and Ocado.com

Lanolips has collaborated with leading Australian fashion illustrator Kelly Smith on ‘The Artists Tin’. The elegantly illustrated tin, features gold embossed elements and a picture of gorgeous high heel shoes.

Containing the hero products:

101 Ointment 15g (Multipurpose Balm – 100% natural, 101 uses)
Rose Balm Intense for Very Dry Hands and Nails 25ml (Intense hydration & protection for very dry hands & nails)

“Kelly’s illustration of the beautiful woman, whom I have affectionately named Lucinda after my Grandparent’s Lucindale Farm, came as a result of Kelly winning the Lanolips Artist Competition.” Kirsten Carriol, Founder.

This is just a beautiful gift. Great products with a keepsake tin. Win.

From feelunique.com to boots.com

SensatioNail Starter Kit

The SensatioNail™ Raspberry Wine starter kit includes everything you need to prep and complete up to 10 salon quality gel nail polish manicures at home; that will last up to 2 weeks with no chipping, smudging, cracks or dulling! JUST £69.99 – This special gift pack includes a boxed SensatioNail Gel Polish Starter Kit with a Raspberry Wine sample size polish. The gel nail kit includes the unique Pro 3060 LED Nail Lamp, which has been specially designed to set and dry your favourite SensatioNail™ Gel Polish in no time – safely locking in the colour to give your nails a glossy, long-lasting finish.

SensatioNail by Nailene Gel Polish Starter Kit, Raspberry Wine is available here.

L.A.B.2 Cosmetic Brush Gift Sets

STROKES OF GENIUS BRUSH KIT

A professional set of 5 must-have eye brushes to create natural to dramatic eye looks.Eyeshadow Brush – distributes color evenly onto the lids, crease and brow bone.

Crease Brush – accentuates the crease and blends colors seamlessly together to soften harsh lines.
Pointed Eyeliner Brush – delivers a precise, firm, even line.
Brow & Liner Brush – fills in brows and lines eyes for extra definition.
Brow & Lash Groomer – grooms, combs, and defines brows and lashes.

These brushes are amazing. Professional quality at a reasonable price. They make a great gift.

Lab 2 Brush Set, Strokes Of Genius is available here.

Burt’s Bee Naturally Bee-autiful Gift Set.

Naturally Bee-autiful Collection (rrp £19.99)

This is the perfect gift set. The towelettes with white tea extract are handy and it also has lip balm, a really good pore scrub and body lotion. All of the products are great and this is a good, thoughtful gift.

Contains

• Wild cherry lip Balm (4.25g)
• naturally nourishing milk & honey Body lotion (70g)
• peach & Willowbark deep pore scrub (110g)
• facial cleansing towelettes with White tea extract (10 count)

Burt’s Bees Naturally Bee-autiful Collection, Gift Set is available here.

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Compact Duo. Powder and Lipstick

A beautiful and glamorous gift. Contains a good powder and a hydrating lipstick. Both products are great and the packaging is the perfect balance of old school glamour and innovation. Lipstick in the compact? Brilliant.

Hocus Pocus or an underexploited resource? By Abbigail Langstone-Wring

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Margaret Graham

By Margaret Grham

Frost Magazine is delighted to announced that Abbigail Langstone-Wring , our regular Complementary Practioner contributor, has been presented with an award in the “Best Complementary Practitioner “ category of the Institute of Complementary and Natural Medicine 2015 Awards. Bravo, bravo,

A COMPLEMENTARY PRACTICE.
by Abbigail Langstone- Wring. BSc SBRCP MAR. Director ICR.

Hocus Pocus or an underexploited resource? By Abbigail Langstone

As a Complementary Practitioner celebrating twenty-five years in professional practice I am still amazed by the positive feedback of the beneficial effects of the therapies I deliver. None more so than the recently gathered information from a Clinical Reflexology project that I have been working on since Nov 2014.

The aim of the project, as put forward by the Lead Cancer Nurse Specialist, was to introduce Complementary Therapies into a Cancer Ward and Chemotherapy Unit at the local NHS Hospital with a view to reduce patient anxiety to enhance the patient experience.
I formally declared my interest and snet off a detailed CV that contained evidence of my range of skills and techniques and specialist work experience gained through being a local hospice volunteer in palliative care. A funder for the project was already in place and with their approval a hospital interview was arranged with the result of an honorary contract being granted to me.
I must just stop and say that not only was I honoured and proud, but also momentarily overwhelmed at the possible importance of this responsibility.

I began the project by looking for information of past studies and research published in journals on the role of Complementary Therapies in stress management. After a great deal of thought I settled with the decision to trial Clinical Reflexology.

Why? Primarily for it’s mode of action.

For those not aware of what Clinical Reflexology is or how it works. Briefly, it is the application of pressure via the fingers or thumbs to mapped areas on the feet, hand or ears that correspond to organs and systems of the body. Having a close affinity to Acupuncture/ Acupressure, it may calm and ease tension throughout the nervous system, encouraging relaxation throughout the body. Given the specialist patient group my treatments were modified to be sympathetic to the established side effects of their individual medical treatment.
Secondly, suitability of delivery. Choosing to work via the feet, it would enable me to access patients on the ward in their beds, or chairs and on the chemotherapy unit in their reclining chairs whilst receiving their chemotherapy treatment. Also, it would be the least obtrusive, offering no disruption to the staff and the everyday running of a busy ward and unit.
To enable me to asses the effectiveness of my treatments I collected data via a simple evaluation tool. At the end of the year ( November ) I will have completed 300 treatments. The feedback from patients and staff has been very positive. I am busy compiling a final report but the evidence is indicating an average drop of between 2-4 points in stress levels following my treatment.
Due to these positive findings, the good news is that I have been successful in acquiring funding to extend and expand the project into 2016/7.

Fashion International London Fashion Week SS/16 Day Two – Omar Mansoor

Posted on October 31, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Omar Mansoor returned to the London Fashion Week Fashion International show (Amba Hotel Charing Cross), on day two (19 September 2015) with his 10th collection IMPERIAL ROMANCE featuring couture gowns inspired by the Russian Imperial Style.

With inspiration drawn from the peace post revolution, OMAR MANSOOR delivered an absolute gem of a collection for Spring/Summer 2016.

He took a subtle approach to his collection, via a palette of white and ivory, depicting three themes – the pre-revolution Tsarist autocracy, featuring Faberge imperial egg-inspired motifs, the rise of the revolution – communicated with military insignia and caps, and the end of revolution peace, indicated by the white and gold silk flower embellishment.

OMAR MANSOOR understands the kind of women he’s designing for.

His collection clung to the purity of form, ultimately focusing on basics with exquisitely fitted military jackets breaking up the sobriety.

OMAR MANSOOR worked the minimalist mood that’s making itself felt now; pared down and simple, but not to the point of severity, injecting his collection with just enough of a hip, young edge.

It showed in the mix of slight-shouldered jackets edged with tapework, worn over a lace dress or a silhouette-inspired evening gown; and in the judicious use of Faberge egg-inspired ornamentation.

Sharp-lapels, sandwiched white Lycra-blended lace and waist-defining jumpsuits showed a command of elegance gleaned from his lifelong obsession with couture classics.

OMAR MANSOOR has taken a look at the streets of modern Moscow and come up with a creative fusion of garments that address the twenty-first century in an imaginatively practical way.

Effortlessly constructed, various pieces seemed as though they had been blown by some zephyr onto the body, with savvy tailoring combined with turn-of-the-century militaria and revolutionary caps.

OMAR MANSOOR has a natural ability to marry sexy with just the right touch of sweet, with well-cut pantsuits, decorative paillette cocktail dresses trussed up with military details, appliques and flattering three-quarter sleeves.

The collection featured exceptionally beautiful white lace dresses, virginal without being revoltingly cute and pantsuits with wide flares draping just below the knee, sliced and folded to reveal more than they hid.

OMAR MANSOOR belongs to a superelite of fashion frontrunners who are leaving most other collections in the distance, a designer who can show fashion a good time, and you can’t help applauding that…

Omar Mansoor talks about his collection…

“In Russian history, the fashion revolutions always coincided with the greatest political changes; from Peter the Great to the Revolution of 1917 to Gorbachev’s Perestroika. The Revolution of 1917 made the Russian fashion adjust to the new Communist norms, which condemned everything ‘bourgeois’ and extraordinary. With the turn of the 20th century, the traditional Muscovy Rus style of heavy fabrics, elaborate gold and precious stone embroideries and female half-moon-shaped headwear kokoshniks made its comeback and won over Europe with Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. I engage these elements in my collection in a way that it attracts masses appeal. The primary colour is off-white, depicting post-revolution peace. The diffusion line includes both knee and full-length dresses and jumpsuits constructed using a range of fabrics from silk jersey, crepes to sheer nets, blended with Lycra, using insignias from pre-revolution social fabrics.”

Omar Mansoor is a London-based fashion designer, best known for his couture occasion wear. He dresses British actresses and International royalty and European aristocracy; Omar Mansoor is widely credited with re-introducing the fusion clothing into modern fashion. After attending London College of Fashion one of the prestigious Schools in UK, Omar was the first Pakistani to showcase at London Fashion Week in 2008, OM made its appearance at Royal Ascot, Bahrain Fashion Week and Top Model UK. Susanna Reid wore Omar Mansoor at the 2010 Academy Awards. The brand has been worn by a number of actresses on the red carpet including Miss United Kingdom Amy Guy.
www.omarmansoor.com

Images: Shane Finn (Visual Devotion)

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Corinne@frostmagazine.com

@ladycdtt

Have a LUSH Christmas and give back this Winter.

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Kesh

Whether you’re a customer of LUSH or not, everyone with a functioning nose who has ever walked down a high street cannot mistake the welcome and familiar fragrance of a LUSH cosmetics store. Well be prepared for the smell to turn festive just in time for Christmas when LUSH introduce their Winter Range.

The appeal of LUSH is not only in their lingering and innovative scents, we love them because they don’t test on animals, they’re 100% vegetarian their products are made fresh in store, and they practice ethical trading. In fact we learnt a lot about LUSH and we think you’ll be just as impressed as we are.

Like many other Fair Trade or Eco traders which seem to be on the up, LUSH can tell you exactly where the ingredients are coming from and where your money is going. The incentive has been dubbed The Sustainable Lush Fund or The SLush Fund which has the idea of moving their ethical buying practices beyond simply buying fair trade ingredients but to develop supportive partnerships with the communities that produce them. LUSH donate 2% of the amount spent on raw materials and packaging to the Fund, the money is then used to start sustainable farming and regenerative community projects. To date, the £1.2 million raised has supported the development of 32 projects in 19 countries.

Some of the materials attained in these communities can be found in some of your tried and tested LUSH favourites and also the gorgeous new LUSH products such as Moringa Oil in the Lush Gardener Cold Pressed Soap, Fair Trade Shea Butter in the Santa Baby Lip tint and Ylang Ylang Oil found in the Peeping Santa Bubble bar.

If that’s not enough convincing as to why you should shop at Lush this winter, here’s our round up of our Winter Top Picks;

LUSH Gardener; £4.50

This cold-pressed soap not only contains the refreshing scents of Bergamot and Sage, after use, the soapy water can be re-used on your prized flowers due to it’s aphid-discouraging ingredients. This is an absolutely cracking gift for any green fingered family members.

BIG BANG bubble bar; £3.75

A magical mix of 23 of LUSH’s finest ingredients including softening Avocado Butter, Zesty Grapefruit Oil and Refreshing Lemon Myrtle Oil. Luxury in a one fruity scented package.

Toothy Tabs; £5.95

With five different varieties to choose from, nibble one of these while brushing and you’ll give your teeth an extra bit of sparkle. Our favourite was the Bling variety these include Papain for that extra bling and Guarana seed for that extra buzz. Best of all, they’re suitable for Vegans.

First Snow sparkly dusting powder; £5.95

This sparkling powder leaves the skin looking like its been kissed by twinkling snowflakes and what’s more, the smell is just heavenly. This has to be our ultimate winter favourite and an essential stocking filler.

Santa’s Lip Scrub; £5.50

A moisturising cola-flavoured lip scrub that leaves your lips scrubbed and primed and welcome for kisses under the mistletoe.

And of course; you’re going to want all of your precious cargo wrapped up in one super, multi-functioning, Eco-Friendly…

Knot Wrap; from £4.50

Give two presents in one with the ultimate re-usable gift-wrap. LUSH Knot Wraps are available to wear, use and most importantly, display proudly under a Christmas Tree, so purchase one this winter for a loved one…or yourself.

For those of you looking for a ready to buy option, LUSH have got their most impressive gift box range yet for you to get your hands on this Christmas. From budget to premium they have got it fully covered;

Budget

Secret Santa; £9.95

Features our two favourite Christmas bath products the Dashing Santa bath bomb and the Peeping Santa bubble bar all tied up in a Santa Knot Wrap.

Mid-Range

Magic Carpet; £38.95

Wrapped in a beautiful Magic Carpet Knot Wrap, this gift set includes the best bits of LUSH including, Fairy Dust dusting powder, Gorgeous moisturiser and Pearl massage bar as well as a few other popular goodies!

High-End

Under the Mistletoe; £79.95

We cannot wait to crack open this one just in time for Christmas, this super-duper loaded gift set have 16 of LUSH’s best including old favourites such as Sex Bomb bath bomb, Ro’s Argan body conditioner as well as brand new soon-to-be favourites, Santa’s lip scrub, Snow Fairy shower gel and the super festive and sparkliest of them all, Five Gold Rings bubble bar.

Before we leave you thinking we haven’t given you any more reason to shop at LUSH, did we mention the LUSH Spa…?

With three locations across London and five other Spas nationwide, LUSH Spa will ensure you will leave with the ultimate blissed out vibes. You can check out a selection of their treatments here as well as product info and online shop;

https://www.lush.co.uk

Tolkien- An Illustrated Atlas by David Day Reviewed by Frances Colville

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Margaret Graham

If you have a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan amongst your friends or family members, this little book could just be the perfect Christmas present. It looks fantastic (in both senses of the word) and it’s reasonably priced. The sort of book you could read right through and examine in great detail – or simply dip into when you have a spare half hour.

Designed as a companion to Tolkien’s books from The Hobbit through to the Silmarillion, there is a satisfying mix of illustrations, genealogies, chronologies and maps. An unofficial book, not authorised by the Tolkien estate, it was never intended to be a substitute for reading the original books and you won’t find any complete stories. But you will find a wealth of information which will make following the books themselves more straightforward and arguably even more compelling than they already are. Be careful though if you already possess the Tolkien Encyclopedia or World of Tolkien or the Tolkien Bestiary as some of the information included in those books is repeated in this new one.

Even if you are, like me, not someone who knows your orks from your ents and doesn’t particularly care about the exact time-line of the development of Middle Earth, you will find much to like in the artwork, the varied fonts and the colour and feel of the pages on which this book is printed. The faux leather cover is a work of art in its own right – much more interesting than it sounds. And as far as I can tell, not being an expert on the subject myself, the author David Day knows his stuff.

Tolkien-An Illustrated Atlas is published by Cassell and is available in bookshops now.