Two excitingly different wines

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Jack Shamash

It’s always nice to find something a bit different on the wine racks. A couple of better quality wines are worth checking out at Tesco. These are not bargain basement prices, but they won’t break the bank. And the quality shows through.

The Grafigna Centenario Malbec 2013 is a really good Argentinian red wine. It has warm flavours of berry and spice and a lovely, long finish. Just the thing to savour in front of the fire. Goes well with a good steak or a robust lamb stew. And good value at £9.99.

The Brancott Estate Terroir Series Sauvignon blanc is a excellent white from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. This is good to drink with pork or with Christmas turkey or even pheasant. It has the right flavours of grapefruit, gooseberry and fennel. It has a touch of lightness, which goes well with the slightly heavier white meats. And it’s a nice thing to bring out if you’re having a couple of friends over for a drink. Again this is well priced at £12.49.

A great New Zealand sauvignon blanc

A Day in the Life of Penny Gerrard

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Frostie

A typical day? No such thing – and that’s the way I like it.

I’m certainly an early bird – whizzing about doing “lick and a promise” style housework while catching up with The Archers.

I really look forward to those days when I am sitting in my local court as a magistrate. I love being part of the justice system and I can be sure of a day full of interest and challenge doing something worthwhile with great colleagues.

Other special days are when we look after our younger grandchildren. Five year old Harry involves me in complex Star Wars games with incomprehensible rules and two year old Francesca practises her fast developing language skills on me – telling me she prefers her trainers to her “sandcastles”. Keeping track of the lives of our 20 and 16 year old granddaughters is fun too.

Perhaps I’ll do some admin for The Pastures Church – agendas, minutes, newssheets etc. – sounds dull? Not a bit of it to a compulsive organiser like me. My to-do list would probably be the first thing I rescued from a fire – that and my photobooks and scrapbooks which fulfil my nostalgic side. This nostalgia drove me to record memories of parents and favourite aunts who were no longer there to pass on their stories. Discovering a creative writing group run by author Margaret Graham spurred me on to write and I’ve self-published a book of poems called “Never Too Late” and an account of a trip to Israel called “The Reluctant Pilgrim”.

If we are travelling (we are quite the globetrotting retirees) I knit on the journey – usually for the children but have recently managed a jacket which actually fitted me. I might do some embroidery and the walls of our house reflect this. My longest project was a patchwork quilt which took me 40 years.

Shakespeare often features in my day – perhaps with a trip to the cinema or theatre with the U3A Enjoying Shakespeare group I run. The U3A has given my husband and I some shared interests like croquet – lovely on a sunny summer afternoon, or quizzes which test our remaining memory.

Somewhere in my life there has always been music – from singing in choirs to amateur operatics with wonderful opportunities to dress up. At the moment it involves singing with my church band which is mainly made up of teenagers who also play guitars and drums. This has meant getting used to having no music and only an IPAD to refer to for the words. How things have changed in my lifetime.

After all that, by about 9pm I finally run out of steam and we perhaps treat ourselves to an episode from a box set like House of Cards with Keven Spacey or The West Wing with Martin Sheen. Lovely to enjoy brilliantly written drama. Now, could I aspire to write a script one day? Well maybe, but in the meantime, the ten o’clock news is nearly done and a good book awaits me in bed.

Penny Gerrard

Humans of New York: Stories By Brandon Stanton Book Review

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Humans of New York: Stories By Brandon Stanton is as wonderful as the Humans of New York blog. Already famous, Brandon was even invited to the White House to interview the president, this book is both life-affirming and heartbreaking. I just loved it. Many of the stories stick in your mind, some for their tragedy, others for their humour. Common themes run through the book and Brandon has made great effort to make the book cohesive. The photography is as great as the structure. Many of the people in the book will not leave you, their stories resonate for their beauty and honesty.

A great book to dip in and out of, or to read cover to cover, get your hands on a copy. Humans of New York: Stories is available here.

Humans of New York started off as a blog project Brandon Stanton wanted to single-handedly create a photographic census of New York City. The first Humans of New York book (based on the blog) immediately catapulted to the top of the NY Times Bestseller List. It has appeared on that list for over twenty-five weeks to date. The appeal of HONY has continued to increase substantially, with over 12 million followers currently on Facebook.

Brandon’s dialogue with people on the streets of NY, has increasingly become as in-depth, intriguing and moving as the photos themselves. Humans of New York: Stories presents a whole new group of humans, complete with stories that delve deeper and surprise with greater candour. Let Brandon Stanton and the people he’s photographed astonish you.

Brandon Stanton is the creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling book Humans of New York as well as the children’s book, Little Humans. He was a 2013 Time magazine “30 people under 30 changing the world” and an ABC News Person of the Week. In the summer of 2014, the UN chose him to travel around the world on a goodwill mission that had followers meeting people from Iraq to the Ukraine to Mexico City via the photos he took. He lives in New York.

5 Fab Tips for the Bridal Sale Season

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Frostie

5 Fab Tips for the Bridal Sale Season. WeddingDressSampleSale.com, serves up 5 fab tips for making your bridal sample sale season a resounding success.

Research– Go to WeddingDressSampleSale.com, tick the filter boxes refining your dress preferences and browse the matching results to find the designer gown of your dreams. Click on each dress to discover more, including a detailed description and your nearest local stockist. You can conveniently email or call them directly from the website.

With more than 40 listed bridal boutiques and designers showcasing their sample dresses on WeddingDressSampleSale.com, you can even book your appointment with genuine hands on boutiques all in one place, saving yourself a lot of time and effort time endlessly trawling the web for those special bridal bargains.

Be flexible– If the dress you really, really want is not in your size, do not despair! First find out if could it be adjusted and re-fitted for you by a skilled seamstress. What if it turns out that your dream dress neither satisfies you nor compliments your figure? Don’t give up! Try different styles and settle for the one you feel most beautiful and comfortable in. Never feel pressured in to buying a dress just to get it out of the way. It’s your big day after all.

Dress appropriately– Wear appropriate underwear to help you easily slip in and out of your dresses when and where you need to. You will want to see how it will all look on your big day, so make sure you bring a strapless bra, heels (unless you are going for some fab flats) and if need be, tights. Don’t overdo the make up or jewellery to the point that it can catch and mark your dress.

Check it out thoroughly – Sample dresses are usually sold ‘’as seen’, usually meaning that no returns or refunds. Check the dress for missing beads, stains and tears. Factor in the extra costs such as dry cleaning, alterations and repairs on top of the price.

Bring a trusted friend with you. Having an extra pair of eyes and some good old honest feedback will come in handy when dress hunting. It will also help you drop the not quite not sure dresses quickly and make you feel more confident that you have made the right choice.

You can buy The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity by our editor, Catherine, for only 99p. It has had great reviews and is full of great advice. It is all you need to plan your big day.

ITV’s Deals Wheels & Steals Wrap Party… Going Into Overdrive!

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Tuesday 20^th October saw an ITV wrap party like no other…

Cast members and the production team (Attaboy TV Limited) of ITV’s prime-time weekly show Deals, Wheels and Steals, joined 120 invited guests to celebrate the completion of filming the successful six-episode series now being aired on ITV (Tuesdays, 7:30pm)

The show has proved to be an instant success amongst the UK viewing public, with six dealers (Melody Munday, Manny Hayre, James Lewis, Scott Mahoney, Paul Wenham and Walter Chrobok) being set the challenge of bidding on a trio of auction-room duffers each week. They must then restore them to roadworthy standard and strive to sell them on at a profit. Along the way, viewers are treated to an insightful, and sometimes humorous, observation of the hard graft and drama that goes into auctioneering a used car.

Hosted at Haz Bar (64 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AJ) by Nuraya Kokos (Baby Kokos), guests were entertained by DJ Glen Campbell and enjoyed exclusive live performances by Angie Brown, Lydia Lucy White, Samantha Kay, David Lee Andrews, Ray Lewis and Cream Boomtown.

VIP attendees included: Paddy Doherty (Winner of Celebrity Big Brother 8), Simon Gross (Mr Showbiz, Big Brother 2015), Dale Pinnock, PYT (X Factor), Gavin Ramjuan (This Morning), Kevin Leslie (Rise of the Krays), Dane Bowers, The Dreamboys, Whealdstone Raider, Markus Roberts-Clarke (international model), Ray Lewis (original member of The Drifters).

The guests were treated to a selection of commissioned toffee crumble, raspberry ripple and chocolate cupcakes by Julie Matthews (Julie Scrumptious Cakes) www.juliescrumptiouscakes.co.uk, with the VIP guests enjoying Laurent Perrier Champagne aperitifs.

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Corinne@frostmagazine.com

@ladycdtt

Images: Shane Finn at Visual Devotion

About Deals, Wheels and Steals…

The programme sets six dealers the challenge of bidding on a trio of auction-room duffers each week. They must then restore them to roadworthy standard and strive to sell them on at a profit. Along the way, viewers are treated to an insightful, and sometimes humorous, observation of the hard graft and drama that goes into auctioneering a used car.

Banter, bull and barmy optimism: welcome to the fast-moving, smooth-talking world of Britain’s best…and worst second hand car dealers. In a world full of faceless cyber shopping one small group of likely lads and ladies revels in the age-old art of face-to-face buying and selling…the second hand car dealers. In every show we will feature very different dealers as they survive on their wits and chase their dreams.

From used Porsche specialists to the denizens of rough and ready bailiff auctions their methods are the same – buy low, sell high and never concede you are offering anything other than a peach. Deals, Wheels and Steals is a fascinating and funny window into the world of one of Britain’s iconic trades – a tribe that we all think we know but turns out to be full of surprises. Heart-warming and uplifting the second hand car dealers will have us talking, laughing and groaning – as they put their game faces on, prepare to do battle and take on the world one car at a time.

www.facebook.com/DealsWheelsAndSteals

About Haz Bar…

In the heart of Bishopsgate, this timeless Mediterranean restaurant is a modern classic offering the finest dining experience in London, but the endlessly reinvented food is what you come for. Enter through the historical doorway and you find yourself in a hallowed, gold-lit space of high ceilings, mirrored walls and wooden floor. Diners tuck into meze platters and mouth watering charcoal lamb dishes and more at cosy wood tables or red-leather booths in the main dining area.

While designer-clad women and suited men wait their turn sipping cocktails and champagne at the elegant marble bar at the entrance, the bar is offering variety of nibbles and bar snacks. The raw bar is superb, as is the wine list.

www.hazrestaurant.co.uk/haz-bishopgate

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Life On Planet WWF By C.Y. Chong Book Review

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Life On Planet WWF by C.Y. Chong gives an insight into the workings of one of the world’s largest conservation organisations. Far from being a boring business book it has amusing stories about various royal families and even an archbishop. It is an interesting book which is outright funny in places. It certainly is entertaining and fun as well as being well written and easy to read. I actually managed to read it in a few hours. The stories about Prince Philip are my personal favourite. Did you know that Buckingham Palace has a library and a copy of every book published goes there? I certainly didn’t. There is a lot to be learned from this book and I found it very enjoyable.

An interesting memoir that amuses and entertains in equal measure.

C.Y. Chong’s captivating and insightful revelation about what it’s like to spend over two decades at WWF.

This light-hearted collection of memoirs tells the compelling story of a company executive who walked away from global corporations and immersed himself in the world of non-profit – in this case, WWF, one of the world’s largest conservation organisations.

After years of working in the corporate sector, C.Y. Chong decided to pursue a new avenue of work. He joined WWF International as a finance manager and was soon promoted to Director of Finance – however, this book is about his non-financial experiences…

Life on Planet WWF follows Chong as he travels and tells of a myriad of interesting and unforgettable happenings – being attacked by a mad crow being one. From fitting the letters ‘WWF’ into a television interview as many times as possible, to having cocktails with HRH Prince Philip, he recalls visits to conferences, field projects or other events – each anecdote providing a unique insight into some of his truly extraordinary experiences at WWF.

This book makes an interesting read for anyone thinking about a career outside the corporate sector as well as for the five million supporters of WWF and everything it stands for.

Life on Planet WWF: From Archbishops to Belly Dancers – My Time at WWF is available here.

Family First Aid For Babies And Children

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Frostie

By Tracey Taylor, first aid spokesperson for the British Red Cross who will be speaking at The Baby Show taking place from the 23^rd-25^th October at Kensington, Olympia

Being a parent means you never quite know what’s around the corner. Children are naturally inquisitive which means lots of exploring and discovering is normal. Of course with that comes the inevitable little bumps, bangs, trips and tumbles. While most of the time that quivering bottom lip can be vanquished with a hug and appearance of their favourite cuddly toy, it’s always important to have a little first aid know-how. That way, if you were faced with a more serious emergency situation, you’d have the skills and confidence to be able to help. Here are my top first aid tips for families:

1. Firstly learn first aid in whichever way suits you best! Anyone can learn it, it’s easy to recall and the confidence it will give you is invaluable.

2. Go on a baby and child first aid course such as the British Red Cross baby and child first aid course. Take your family and friends along and you’ll all leave with miles more confidence and with the skills to be able to take action in an emergency situation. Plus it’s really easy to learn and you’ll have an experienced trainer there to support you throughout.

3. You don’t need a first aid kit. There are lots of everyday items that you can use in an emergency; cold milk is great to cool a burn if you don’t have access to cold running water, or frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel is ideal to sooth a bump to the head.

4. Burns and scalds are common in toddlers as the little explorers don’t always know what is safe to touch or not – at times we need eyes in the back of our heads! If your baby or child burns themselves, cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes. Whilst cooling get someone to call 999 for an ambulance if necessary. Once the burn has been completely cooled, cover it loosely with cling film or a clean plastic bag and ensure you get your child checked out.

5. Febrile seizures can happen in younger children and babies when they become too hot – which can happen as a result of a fever. If your baby or child is red-faced and hot to touch and they arch their back, stiffen their body and have clenched fists, this may be a febrile seizure. The key thing you need to remember is to protect them from injury and reduce their temperature. While this would be a scary situation for you to deal with it’s worth remembering that it normally appears worse than it is and most children make a full recovery once they have cooled down.

6. Bumps to the head are common for little ones and are normally nothing to worry about. A blow to the head may result in the baby or child having pain or a headache. There may be a bump on their head and they may look pale. Firstly, get the baby or child to rest and apply something cold to the injury (e.g. frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel). If you are concerned that it may be more serious, if they become drowsy or vomit or their condition deteriorates, call 999.

7. Meningitis is a common concern for parents and one we get asked about frequently. Signs to look out for if your baby or child is unwell are; flu-like symptoms, a headache and a high temperature. They may also complain of a stiff neck and be sensitive to light. If you suspect meningitis call 999 – trust your instincts!

8. Bee stings are common in the warmer months and, while they are not harmful, can be scary for little ones. When an insect sting is visible on the skin, a credit card can be used to scrape it away. Using the edge of the credit card, drag it across the skin. This will remove the sting. Using a credit card or your fingernail is preferable to using a pair of tweezers as they can squeeze the sting and actually inject more position into the casualty.

9. Always make sure you keep harmful substances like alcohol, drugs (prescription or non-prescription) and chemicals (including household cleaning products) out of children’s reach. If they do swallow something harmful establish what they have taken, when and how much. Then call 999 right away.

10. Download the baby and child first aid app. Packed with useful information, animations and tips, it’s first aid at your fingertips.

IWC Schaffhausen Hosts Private Screening In Celebration Of The British Film Institute

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Thursday 15^th October saw a host of British talent and London influencers, gather together for a Champagne reception and private screening hosted by IWC Schaffhausen.

Held in celebration of The British Film Institute, guests enjoyed a Champagne and canapé reception hosted at The Langham Hotel, before being escorted to the iconic Regent Street Cinema for a private screening of The Lobster – a London Film Festival featured BFI funded film, introduced exclusively on the night by Clare Stewart, Festival Director of the BFI London Film Festival.

The evening saw attendance from a host of rising British talent, including Fresh Meat’s Zawe Ashton, The Tudors’ Tamzin Merchant and Penny Dreadful’s Harry Treadaway – all seen enjoying Laurent Perrier Champagne in The Langham Hotel’s Palm Court before being led theatrically by lantern-light to the Regent Street Cinema. Fellow actor Sam Hoare was also overheard on the night expressing how much he had enjoyed this year’s London Film Festival – especially following the recent success of his wife, Romola Garai, in Suffragette.

Distributed by Picturehouse and released to the public on Friday 16^th October, The Lobster features an all-star cast including Colin Farrell, Rachel Weiz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw and Olivia Colman, and won the Jury Prize at the 68^th Cannes Film Festival.

VIP attendees included: Zawe Ashton, Tamzin Merchant, Harry Treadaway, Charlotte Wiggins, Sam Rollinson, Lady Kinvara Balfour, Sabine Roemer, Sam Hoare and Sarah Ann Macklin

The guests dines on gravlax, honey-mustard dressing and pumpernickel, Scotch beef tartare, truffle and rocket, Cauliflower mousse, piquillo peppers and capers, Ticklemore sable, Crisp confit duck pancakes and cinnamon, Five spice pork belly and pickled cucumber, Cèpe arancini and parmesan cream, Crisp blue prawns with coconut and lime accompanied by Laurent Perrier Champagne and Moscow Mule cocktails

About IWC Schaffhausen & The British Film Institute

For the second year, IWC Schaffhausen is supporting the BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express® as Official Time Partner. The 59^th Edition of the Festival will run from 7^th to 18^th October 2015. A highlight in the UK’s cinematic calendar and a globally recognised event which draws some of the most celebrated talent from the film industry; the BFI London Film Festival previews a selection of the greatest offerings in film for the year ahead. The partnership with the BFI London Film Festival follows IWC Schaffhausen’s long tradition of supporting film-making projects – a tradition which is evidenced by its established partnerships with the Tribeca Film Festival, the Zurich Film Festival the Dubai International Film Festival and the Beijing International Film Festival, and which demonstrates IWC’s passion for film.

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