Warwick Rowers Launch Their 2016 Calendar

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Frostie

It’s that time of the year again, and the Warwick Rowers are back to tempt us with their biggest ever range of naked athletic eye candy. As well as a stunning 2016 calendar with both full page pictures and monthly planners, there are no less than three new films, shot in England, Spain and the US, a massive range of bonus downloads with over 2000 images, and a limited edition coffee table book that has sold out half its edition already – despite a price tag of over £200!

The calendar, which was shot on location at a beautiful English country house and a stunning Spanish villa, marks a step change for the sexy sportsmen. Tristan, making his second calendar appearance, explained:

“After six years of working with strategically-placed oars, we wanted to do something slightly different. So we imagined what an ideal summer might be like, with the racing season over and college out of the way. That’s how we found ourselves playing croquet and drinking Pimm’s at an elegant country house in England, then working on our all over tans at an incredible villa near Marbella. Not like our real summers, sadly, where we were doing internships or working at the local supermarket.”

As has become a tradition, the calendar launches with a hot new video that is free to share. Last year’s video has been seen by over six million people, and the boys are hoping that this year’s video will prove equally popular. Tom, whose ex-rower grandfather encouraged him to sign up for both the sport and the calendar, joked:

“We haven’t quite broken the internet yet, but we think it’s safe to say that every year we add a few more cracks!”

Butt jokes aside, there is a serious side to the project, too. The calendar has become famous for its association with Sport Allies, a charitable initiative to challenge homophobia in and through sport. Sport Allies’ review of the existing research has shown that LGBT students who take part in sport at university are 50% less likely to take part in team sport (NUS survey), but that students who take part in team sport are more likely to go on to lucrative careers in leadership roles (Cornell study). In a joint statement published in the calendar, the Warwick Rowers and Sport Allies address this finding:

“Sport can and must play a better role in our society. We believe that sport should be an opportunity to discover and fulfill your potential as an individual, whatever your sexuality and wherever you sit on the gender spectrum. That is why the vision of Sport Allies is to see “a world where sport is a leader in celebrating difference”. “

As well as contributing funding to Sport Allies, the Warwick Rowers hope their calendars will help get that message of inclusion out there. The laid back theme of this year’s calendar has allowed the rowers to show how comfortable they are with their bodies, their gay supporters and with each other. As the rowers themselves say in the video:

“For the 2016 calendar, we want to show the kind of men we aspire to be. Men who are not afraid to embrace people of every gender and sexuality, and to show our affection for each other. Because we think that’s a message that everyone needs to hear.”

All Warwick Rowers goods, including their new 2016 calendars, films, bonus downloads and limited edition book, are available to purchase now at warwickrowers.org.

NEVER GIVE UP: Jane Cable On Organising a Charity Litfest

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Jane Cable

Author and Frost contributor Jane Cable writes her final blog about organising a charity litfest in aid of Words for the Wounded. The big weekend finally arrived… but was it a success?

I am sitting on the floor of my study counting the money. For the second time. My husband, a chartered accountant, has already done it once but I don’t really believe he’s got it right.

In front of me is £793 in cash. We’ve raised £100 from the auction, which leaves us just short of £900. Bugger. But then I remember one of our Chindi Authors giving a cheque directly to Words for the Wounded founder Margaret Graham so I’m claiming that too. What a spectacular result.

Especially as less than a week ago I was wondering if we should cancel the lunch. Was it really worth asking Elizabeth Buchan to travel down from London to speak to twenty people? Could we even ask Woodies to close their doors on a Saturday lunchtime for so few?

Naturally my marvellous Chindi Authors’ partner in crime Christopher Joyce talked me around because within a few days we had bookings for 34 and I had no qualms about making the final arrangements. Books to sell were collected together, Mason & Mason Wines dispatched an appropriate number of bottles and final directions were sent to our guest speakers. We were on our way.

Of course things never do run entirely smoothly and Matt from Woodies Brasserie was left to cope alone when his waitress phoned in sick. He made coffees and teas, set out the wonderful buffet, poured wine and collected dirty plates and bowls; just one of the people who finished the weekend deserving a medal.

Another was Elizabeth Buchan who spoke with such passion about the history and characters behind ‘I Can’t Begin to Tell You’ that we sold every copy within minutes of her sitting down. And then there was W4W trustee Jan Speedie, a quiet yet reassuring presence throughout Saturday. Not to forget various burly rugby types in the Park Tavern on Saturday night who pushed notes rather than coins into our collecting buckets. Or the waitress at breakfast in Carluccios on Sunday morning who looked after us so well and took her tip in books left on the swap table.

The main reason we raised so much money though, was Margaret Graham. Both at Woodies and the Park Tavern she spoke eloquently about how the money raised by W4W is used. We felt we came to know the family of the tetraplegic who now has a dog to increase his independence. We understood the importance of providing a garden for the mother of a soldier who was brutally murdered by extremists. It hit home how lucky we are, our lives having been unaffected by massive injuries capable of stripping away every hope and dream. Or at the very least forcing a radical rethink.

For these wounded service personnel giving up isn’t an option. However hard it felt at the time, what we did to raise funds to help them was tiny compared to the mountains they will have to climb every day for the rest of their lives. I think that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learnt from organising a charity event: start it because you can; finish it because you have to.

Learn more about the work of and how you can support…
Words for the Wounded: www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

A Lesson from Auschwitz Theatre Review

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Paloma Kubiak

‘Vermin’, ‘parasite’, a ‘flea’ that needs to be exterminated. Those are the vile words that are shouted at the Jew who weeps and repents his actions on the stage.

For we the audience of A Lesson from Auschwitz at Churchill Theatre in Bromley are the next generation of Nazi SS soldiers being brainwashed to treat the victims of the holocaust as worthless sub-beings.

An intimate production by Brother Wolf, the play consists of just two actors: the intimidating Rudolf Höss, played by Eric Colvin as the Nazi soldier, and Abraham Könisberg, portrayed by James Hyland, who barely manages to stand on his feet.

He wears a chalkboard around his neck, etched with ‘Ich Bin Zurük’, meaning he’s an escapee.

Unfortunately, he is now to be punished and made an example of in-front of the roomful of trainee Hitlerites.

It makes for uncomfortable viewing, as the lesson from Auschwitz is actually 25 lashings against the prisoner’s blistering back.

And with each rise and fall of the whip, we’re told that showing sympathy towards the prisoners is a sign of weakness, how no Jew is spared – women and children won’t leave the camp alive and how a ‘genius’ has developed a deadly gas substance which can kill more than 2,000 people per day.

Even better, the healthy Jews will build the contraptions ie the showers, which will ultimately kill their own kind – it’s ‘political hygiene’ at its finest.

The rest, as they say, is history.

It’s hard to find anything enjoyable about this play given the bleak subject matter, and in all honesty, I was relieved it was over after just an hour.

But Hyland, the SS soldier, was convincing as the dominatrix and Colvin pulled on all the right emotions.

We’ve all heard the tales of horror and survival from the camps, but what was different about A Lesson from Auschwitz was how it flipped the norm so it was told from the side of the Germans.

However the tales of death and destruction in Nazi-occupied Poland are retold, the lessons from Auschwitz must live on today so that history never repeats itself.

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz, the play’s dedicated to all the victims – those who were murdered and those who survived.

Discover bagsy Make-Up. Your Handbags New Best Friend.

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Kesh

British-born bagsy started out big, working for global beauty brands. From all of their expert knowledge they decided to take the best of the market and curate a perfectly designed capsule collection that’s easy-to-choose and easy-to-use. The products are effortlessly fuss-free and stand alone as individual, clever formulas presented in iconic, compact packaging and a colour palette to compliment any shade of skin.

We tried out some of bagsy’s top picks for darker skin tones and here’s how we got on;

First up Pretty Cheeks blush £16;
Shade; Velvet Coral.

With it’s high pigmentation, this is designed to perk up your complexion whilst still appearing soft and subtle. This creamy blush is so light and almost feels like a layer of mousse across your skin without looking too ‘caked’ on. I absolutely loved the texture of this and it was so easy to apply with its dome-shaped design. This lasted all day on my skin and instantly gave me a little face lift and a softer appearance. It’s convenient to apply on the go and this really has become a staple in my make-up bag. This has been a stand out colour of any blush I have tried in the past, with just the right balance of glow and radiance, the Velvet Coral gave my face an instant lift and also enhanced my contour routine.

Ray of Sunshine bronzer £18
Shade; Medium Dark

This matte bronzing powder compact is effortless, luxurious and gave a natural radiancy to my skin. I’ve always had difficulty selecting certain bronzers as many brands tend to have a lot of sparkle pigments in them which can look like i’ve swept a big line of glitter across my face, but this bronzer was designed to give you an effortless glow and to even out skin tone, which is just what it does. The packaging is chic and bagsy’s nice little touches such as the quotes they have chosen to print on their products/packaging will never fail to make you smile.

Wow Lips lip pencil £12
Shade; Killer Heels

The Wow Lips collection as with all of the bagsy range, is presented in a smart box with a few striking and highly pigmented colours to choose from. This chubby lip crayon is long-lasting and really moisturising as well as giving good coverage. This was my favourite product out of the collection as it really was such a high quality and lasted most of the evening with very little touch-ups. The formula used to make Wow Lips contains nylon and spherical powders which is why this brand new make-up bag staple has a serious comfort-factor as well as stunning coverage.

The bagsy range is available to buy from Feelunique.com and launched into Debenhams stores nationwide October 2015.

http://www.bagsybeauty.com

Spa Technologies UK Flower Peel Review

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Frostie

We reviewed Spa Technologies UK new Flower Peel. This is a gentle peel that really does the job. It made skin brighter within days and glowing when used longer term. This great peel has a lasting effect on skin. The ingredients are natural and even sensitive skin can use this peel. This flower peel is impressive: a great product that genuinely improves skin and combats fine lines. Frost loves.

Spa Technologies UK are delighted to announce the launch of their exciting new Flower Peel to their growing, all natural, seaweed based skincare range.

Anne Gray found of Spa Technologies UK says,

“There is nothing out there like the Flower Peel, the texture, the ingredients and the results are stunning. Our unique Flower Peel works on all skin types for anti-ageing, acne and sensitive skins.

The main active ingredients of the Flower Peel are:

Hibiscus Flower Acids, Green Tea, Laminaria Algae, Hyaluronic Acid, Flower (Pyruvic) Acid and Seaweed Based Gel.

“These actives help to thicken and strengthen the skin around the eye so help to diminish crows feet. Fine lines boost collagen to firm our skin and also help with uneven skin tone and improve acne scarring. Our Flower Peel is rich in essential fatty acids for skin repair.”

Their clinical studies shows that the Flower Peel is:

9% more hydrating than lactic acid and non-irritating

20% greater cell renewal compared to other AHA’s (Alpha-Hydroxy Peels)

30% greater anti-wrinkle activity compared with AHA’s

There is a gentle exfoliation without the irritation that is normally associated with alpha-hydroxy peels.

Like other Spa Technologies UK products the Flower Peel nourishes and feeds the skin – doing more than just a quick fix.

“Using the Flower Peel daily you will see within days healthier, brighter looking skin with great improvement on lines around the eyes.”

Alpha hydroxyl acids have dominated the skin care market now for the past two to three decades introducing ever more powerful acid complexes to exfoliate skin.

The promise was to stimulate new cell growth leaving a smoother more youthful skin. Many skin care companies embraced AHA’s and retinols in the fight against wrinkles and aging skin.

However in the rush to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, companies added greater concentration of AHA’s to their formulas ranging from 5 and 10% in the beginning to 70% and more with the promise that more is better.

The problem with this approach is evident to us: Over exfoliation leads to over-processed skin; and this can lead to irreversible skin damage.

Now out of South Africa comes a new generation of AHA’s extracted from the Hibiscus Flower. These ‘flower acids’ are more than acids.

They are a highly complex pure extract of the hibiscus flower comprising a wide variety of acids as well as powerful antioxidants.

The result is a multi-functional ingredients that gently promotes exfoliation while nourishing the skin with protective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties to strengthen the skin’s support matrix and firm the skin.

Spa Technologies UK recognised the need for a less invasive approach to skin regeneration by creating a strong flower acid peel within a seaweed polysaccharide delivery system.

The result is a peel without the burn with the objective of skin firming.

Here is a breakdown of the unique phyto-chemistry of Flower Acids.

Bio-Complex of alpha hydroxyl acids—Phytic, Pyruvic, Mandelic and Azaleic which provide a gentle exfoliation while stimulating collagen synthesis

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. Tee et al. 2002 assessed the antioxidant properties of Hibiscus by comparing its activity with those of BHA and b-carotene

Anthocyanins (deep purple pigment in the flower) are a major component of hibiscus that reduce oxidative stress on DNA and act as a sunscreen in absorbing UV rays (Duhn et al, 1997)

Compared to conventional AHA’s, flower acids from hibiscus are:

50% more hydrating

20% greater cellular turnover than AHA’s and salicylic acid

30% reduction in appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting elastase and hyaluronidase breakdown of connective tissue

Anti-Inflammatory properties exhibiting an absence of the ‘burn’ (Levy and Goldschmidt 1979)

Ironically this has been somewhat problematic in convincing clients of its efficacy.

The lack of a burning sensation leads some to assume that the product is ‘not working’ as it should.

This is a misconception.

The pyruvic acid being a second generation acid exhibits greater keratolytic properties similar to the properties found in salicylic acid.

This acid dissolves proteins responsible for cell adhesion due to its higher keratolytic effects more effectively than lactic acid.

Moreover, as these acids are formulated into a seaweed polysaccharide base extracted from Laminaria and Fucus algae, the non-irritating benefits are enhanced.

The Flower Acids of Spa Technologies UK augmented by the marine algae polysaccharides have numerous applications in the treatment of blemishes and helps relieve the symptoms of rosacea, eczema and psoriasis to calm inflammation and restore stronger, more youthful looking skin.

The Spa Technologies range contains no animal products.

www.veganbeautyskincare.co.uk/product/flower-peel-30ml

£25 for 30ml.

Africa And The City… Izelia Brings Cutting Edge Couture To London Fashion Week SS/16

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

On the 18th of September 2015, ISATU HARRISON brought her Spring/Summer 2016 IZELIA collection to the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, 4-18 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London, SW7 4LH.

With her exuberantly eclectic style, ISATU HARRISON put on a typically vibrant performance, throwing a storm of colour onto her spring/summer 2016 couture catwalk.

Rampaging through any shade she could find, she produced a highly luxurious and supremely feminine collection, a cacophony of brilliantly rich splashes and prints that fulfilled every expectation of her, producing a supremely feminine collection using fabrics that suggested she had rummaged through the most luxurious of haberdashery boxes that you could say, had a touch of the Christian Lacroix about it.

This was the IZELIA brand to the core, but she refused to let the chaos take over.

The designer’s breathtaking collection featured a delicious palette that ran from lemon and lime sorbet to pomegranate and featured piles of gold, African-inspired prints splashed over a selection of dresses and jumpsuits that were tailored to the point of perfection, as if the designer had forfeited any need to cut the fabric.

The Sierra Leonean designer, whose strength is her ability to celebrate the feminine capacity to be seriously spoilt, gave her models big seventies-style curly hair and layered on the eyeshadow and lipstick to give them a air of high maintenance narcissism.

Models were wrapped in an explosion of colour and luxurious fabrics with exuberant head-wraps that demonstrated Isatu’s desire to discover what women really want.

Isatu produced a spring/summer wardrobe that was rich in detail, finish, and texture, with a slim, somewhat sixties silhouette, counterpointed with the occasional controlled bursts of volume. There were exemplary denims slashed with vibrant citrus yellow, sleek and streamlined, with cinched jackets and skirts that finished just above the knee.

The IZELIA sophomore-inspired collection, featured pants, jackets, dramatic capes and long-line waiscoats that wrapped around the body like an embrace.

As for the dresses, they were expertly executed, achieving soft, supple, drapey effects, as well as more structured ones, making a famously clingy fabric practical and wearable.

Isatu balances the qualities that women expect from cutting-edge urban fashion—sportiness and sex appeal, in equal measure—with the contemplative, cerebral nature of her own approach, revealing her fondness for the folkloric aspect of her native country.

Cognac-coloured prints translating into a quietly glamorous collection of embellished feminine pieces, juxtaposed with sturdy, more masculine ones, the IZELIA brand is morphing into the go-to brand for hip young women looking for must-have pieces.

This was an accomplished collection from an inspired designer who is transmitting a jolt of excitement about contemporary dressing, with a perennially youthful eye, giving her best collections a tomboyish naturalness that manages to capture the essence of camera-ready fashion…

About Izelia…

Izelia is the creation of talented designer Isatu Harrison, who draws on her Sierra Leonean heritage to create a modern and sophisticated range of ready to wear pieces. Combining African wax prints with contemporary cuts, Izelia is a brand for those who want to make an impression in stylish and colourful outfits with high quality fabrics and precise tailoring. Each piece features a new twist on African-inspired fashion and Isatu’s interpretation of upcoming fashion trends results in a debut collection full of innovative and eye-catching pieces! The Izelia collection is a selection of pieces that include military inspired jumpsuits and dresses in both elegant floor length and chic fitted styles. Fashionistas will find something to inspire them among Izelia’s flattering stretch denim and glamorous silk chiffon materials. With African-influenced fashion taking Europe’s fashion capitals by storm, Izelia is bringing striking and sexy African prints to the high street, allowing the style conscious to sprinkle their wardrobe with up-to-the-minute multi-ethnic flair.

http://izelia.co.uk

facebook.com/IzeliaFashion

@IzeliaFashion

info@izelia.co.uk

About the Millennium Gloucester Hotel…

This modern and luxurious Kensington hotel offers a relaxed environment in the heart of London. Hotels in Kensington with such charm and supreme comfort are rare. The Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington effortlessly combines a convenient location with a unique sense of style and character.

The Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington is also home to the Millennium Conference Centre, with 1,600 m² of contemporary meetings and events space. Clients have a wide selection of spaces to choose from, all varying in size and style, for events such as business conferences, award ceremonies, Champagne receptions and weddings.

Situated next to Gloucester Road Underground Station, this hotel is perfectly positioned for visiting many of the British capital’s greatest attractions. They include nearby Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Earl’s Court and Olympia Exhibition Centres are also a short walk away.

www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/millenniumgloucester

Images copyright Shane Finn (Visual Devotion) UK Runway and International Fashion Photography

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Corinne@frostmagazine.com

@ladycdtt

https://www.facebook.com/corinne.tuddenhamtrett

Two Chicks Chirps Review

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Frostie

We tried these new snacks and we thought they were great. As moreish as crisps but healthier. Give them a go. Our favourite was the sour cream & onion. For fans of spice, the smoky jalapeño flavour is hot. The sea salt & cracked pepper is also good and very peppery indeed.

Free-Range High Protein Egg White Bites From Two Chicks

After a sell-out launch in Selfridges.co.uk earlier this year, the UK’s only baked egg white snacks are now available nationwide in Holland & Barrett, as well as online via Amazon.co.uk and Ocado.com.

Chirps are a high protein, low carbohydrate snack and contain 30% less calories (only 110 per bag) and 50% less fat than standard crisps*. Made with free-range egg whites, one of the highest quality protein sources available, each pack contains 15% of your recommended daily protein intake – great for filling you up when you’re out and about.

Created by Two Chicks, the company responsible for bringing liquid egg whites to the UK, Chirps are unique crisp-style high protein snacks. They come in three flavours – Spicy Jalapeño, Sour Cream & Onion and Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper – each with a deliciously crunchy bite.

Chirps are priced at £1.49 RRP per 28g packet and are available at Holland & Barrett (and its website), Partridges and Selfridges – as well as via Amazon and Ocado.

For further details on Two Chicks, take a look at twochicks.co.uk and @2chicksproducts.

Buccellati Celebrates Launch Of ‘Opera’ Collection At Spencer House In London

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

On Wednesday October 21^st, Buccellati celebrated the launch of the new Opera Collection in the halls of

Spencer House in London.

Friends from around the world, Lucy Connor, Greg Rusedski, Kim Hersov, Ian Wace, Saffron Aldridge and Rocco Forte among the others, gathered with Guest of Honour and star of the advertising campaign, Elisa Sednaoui, with cocktails and a truffle bar, managed by the Italian chef Mariuccia Ferrero, to toast the refreshingly youthful designs the Opera Collection enriches the brand with.

Inspired by the house’s new logo, the collections central motif awakens Italian Renaissance culture: the ideal of absolute symmetry as expressed by the flower.

Characterized by sinuous fine lines and harmonious forms, Opera is comprised of a wide range of pieces; bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings in yellow, white and rose gold, some with pave diamonds.

The collection also encompasses high jewelry pieces featuring cuffs, one-of-a-kind cocktail earrings and rings adorned with sapphires and emeralds.

Amid the vitrines of jewelry, Buccellati displayed official and behind-the-scenes images of its new advertising campaign, starring the beautiful Elisa Sednaoui photographed by Peter Lindbergh.

Milan, the city where the brand was founded in 1919, served as the background for the shots.

About Buccellati…

Buccellati is one of the world’s most renowned high jewelry houses, celebrated for its craftsmanship, design, and one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Buccellati prides itself in its use of rare stones with a strong focus on colour; a characteristic uncommon to many fine jewelry makers. Today, Buccellati jewels are admired worldwide not only for their design and genuine craftsmanship, but also for the house’s signature engraving techniques, which date back to the ancient traditions of the goldsmith’s ateliers of the Italian Renaissance. Buccellati boutiques can be found worldwide in Milan, Venice, Florence, Cala Di Volpe, Capri, Monte Carlo, Paris, London, Moscow, Dubai, New York, Chicago, Aspen, Beverly Hills, Bal Harbour, San Francisco, Palm Beach, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka e Nagoya.

www.buccellati.com

About Spencer House…

Spencer House has regained the full splendour of its late eighteenth-century appearance after a ten year programme of restoration undertaken by RIT Capital Partners plc under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild. The final appearance of the rooms, complete with carved architectural detail, chimneypieces and copies of original furniture, is also a testament to the support of the Spencer family who provided access to Althorp to enable replication work of outstanding quality to be achieved.The House provides a unique setting where events can be held in the historic setting of the eight State Rooms. The accurate restoration is complimented by a magnificent collection of paintings and furniture, specially assembled for the House, including five major Benjamin West paintings graciously lent by Her Majesty The Queen.

www.spencerhouse.co.uk