Calling Lifestyle bloggers: Enter The UK’s Most Prestigious Digital Awards

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Frostie

Entries for the National UK Blog Awards will close in 10 days on Friday 31 October 2014 and provide a unique opportunity for bloggers from the lifestyle industry to be recognised nationwide.

The first ever National UK Blog Awards took place in April and achieved huge success with over 900 bloggers entering the awards and 16,000 members of the public voting to determine which blogs deserved a finalist spot.

Alongside the category for the lifestyle industry, bloggers will have the chance to enter into 13 other categories including fashion and retail, education, health and travel, whilst members of the public can also nominate their favourite individual or company blogger.
Gemma Pears, director of the National UK Blog Awards, said: “The UK Blog Awards provide a unique opportunity to be acknowledged and recognised as a true knowledge provider within your industry.

“Blogging is growing increasingly important in the UK; it’s a great way to position yourself as an expert in your field to build your credibility, as well as being able to showcase your knowledge whether you’re blogging as an industry professional or simply because you love to write.

“Awards are a hugely powerful marketing tool. They give you and your business immediate credibility and set you apart from the industry norm.

“Whether your blog is your business, a hobby or it’s part of your daily working tasks, a good blog can really help develop your client’s trust and helps close the gap between the ‘you’ and ‘ them’.”

You can enter your own blog or nominate a blog at www.blogawardsuk.co.uk with entries closing on Friday 31 October.

A Day In My Writing Life: Lynne Hackles

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Margaret Graham

I’m a busy writer, working under several different names. Here’s my typical day. Wake at 5am, do a thirty minutes run, thirty minutes housework and then sit and write until five in the afternoon. Some days I take a ten minute break for lunch.

And, if you believe that, you’ll believe anything.

The truth is I get up when I feel like it. Some mornings I really do exercise. I stretch out my arms from under the duvet and clench and unclench my hands five times, then rotate the wrists five times.

Wearing my dressing gown, I stumble into the next room and switch on the computer, ready to start work. But I don’t. Start, I mean. I check emails, check my online horoscope, check Facebook, check my blog to see how many hits it’s had, then I do an online crossword, or two. I suppose I sort of creep up on work.

On my desk is an open notebook holding my To Do list. I’ll decide which job I am going to tackle, then set my kitchen timer for 25 minutes and while it ticks away I get stuck in and write. Once the alarm goes off I stop, get up and move. A few minutes later I start another 25 minute session. Moving regularly is necessary for me. I have a collection of lumbar discs in a jar so need to take care of my back.

Lately, my writing work seems to be mostly journalism and non-fiction stuff. There was a time when I churned out stories for women’s magazines but I’m having a rather long rest due to being all story-ed out. Some days I have student assignments to mark – I’ve been a tutor for Writers’ News Home Study for 20 years. (They keep ignoring my hints about a golden clock.) Other days I try to ‘push’ my work. Writers are expected to do more than their bit when it comes to publicising their books. Handy Hints for Writers is one of my latest but I’m still telling people about Writing From Life and I give talks about writing down personal experiences as well as going the whole hog and tackling life stories.

Lunch is taken whilst listening to Tim Wonnacott on Bargain Hunt. I reckon, by now, I must have earned a degree in Fine Art and Antiques.

Afternoons are for doing other things. The LSO (Long Suffering One) and I will be in the garden or, if the weather’s not good, we’ll be inside stripping wallpaper, painting cupboards and doing the 1001 things that are needed in order to finish renovating the house we moved into a year ago.

Most evenings I carry my laptop downstairs and, while the television is on in the background, I’ll answer emails and do the admin’ side of my writing job. Other evenings, like tonight, I go out to give a talk.

And then there’s the Sabbath which can be any day of the week but which is work-free. It’s a time to recharge the batteries and do something different. We are working our way through a long list of places to visit, people to see and things to do.

Racing Start – a Kindle best-seller. Fast paced cycling fiction for 8-12 yr olds
Kindle/Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Racing-Start-Lynne-Hackles-ebook/dp/B00HNFOM8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389086256&sr=8-1&keywords=lynne+hackles+racing+start
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/racing-start
iTunes/iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/racing-start/id785373782?mt=11
www.lynnehackles.com
www.lynnehackles.blogspot.com
Handy Hints for Writers – Compass Books
Writing From Life – How To Books
Ghostwriting – Aber Publishing

Caffè Nero Competition

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

Do you want the opportunity to have your portrait created by an up and coming Italian artist? Well here is your chance…

One very very lucky member of the public will become a collector of bespoke art personal to them and a potential heirloom, thanks to an opportunity from the Italian coffee house Caffè Nero.

Venice Biennale exhibitor Dario Agrimi will personally create a portrait for you, Then this will be re-produced on a gift card for your purse or wallet. How utterly amazing is that!!

The coffee shop will be commissioning 12 paintings inspired by the nation’s favourite drink coffee. These 12 stunning pieces of art will be re-produced in-store and on limited edition Nero gift cards. 50 runners-up will also be in with the chance to win limited edition gift cards.

Agrimi, from Trani Italy and has a reputation for his dynamic and expressive, personal and vibrant artworks.

Carry with you a copy of your heirloom with you at all times and top it up when ever you need to!!

Caffè Nero was the first to introduce a takeaway cup featuring Artwork when they promoted the Turner, Whistler, Monet exhibition at Tate Britain in 2005. To this day countless establishments have followed suit.

ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE!!

Escape to Aspen with Jockey Loungewear AW14

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Kesh

American underwear brand Jockey famous for it’s all-American style branches out for AW/14 with a brand spanking new Women’s Loungewear collection! In and amongst the collection are cosy tartan prints evocative of an Aspen Lodge but also mixed in the all American vibe certainly steeps through with the more stylish and hipper pieces such as the denim lounge dress and lounge pants.

The collection is built up into three different ranges. ‘Mountain Run’, offers casual lounge dresses, loose jersey t-shirts and shorts, cotton tank tops and boleros. The pieces in this range could definitely serve their purpose as they can be worn outdoors as well as in giving you that extra value for money.

‘Colorado Highlands’ offers a similar range but with the added fun flowery print dressing gown, cosy knitted cardigan and matching hat and scarf. Here are a few of my favourite pieces;

‘Aspen Lounge’ is definitely the part of the collection which will make you wishing Christmas would come sooner. Tartan prints and flannel fabrics are the main feature and the colours are classically Christmassy. Combined with the traditional flannel PJ bottoms and robes there are sexier pieces in the collection such as The Chemise below with lace detailing.

FW14_858622_858025_0332

What I can say about the collection is that they have nailed the essence of winter comforts and well done to Jockey for making the consumer hope for colder night just to try out the collection.

Foxcroft and Ginger

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

Foxcroft and Ginger was opened 4 years ago, Foxcroft & Ginger takes its name from its owners. Quentin’s family name is Foxcroft and his wife Georgina who is a very proud redhead. With their combined passion for food and relaxation and seeing as there was nowhere that offered a totally chilled out place to just sit, eat and enjoy the finer things in life, they set about brining a little place to relax, eat fabulous food, sip tremendous coffee and indulge in a spot of wine. They found a missing niche and they have certainly done a grand job of filling it.

We where invited to sample the menu and see for ourselves that this place has ready got what it takes to make any hungry Londoner satisfied in more ways than one.

The decor is modern and industrial with exposed brick walls, wooden tables and benches that have comfy cushions. Very welcoming when you want to while away a few hours enjoying fine coffee, fresh orange juice and delectable food.

We where seated upstairs near the window, perfect for food photography. If you know me by now you will know I’m rather partial to a good foodie shot. Fashion and food are my favourite things in life and when you find a fashionable place to eat that makes the heart race a little faster.

We ordered our coffees, Ian went for the long black and I had the Aeropress, Mine was like nectar, no sugar or milk was needed although they did give me a nice little jug of steamed soya milk on the side. By all accounts Ian’s coffee was rather good too.

We indulged in a drop of freshly squeezed orange juice that was sublime and complemented or brunch so well. Served in mini bottles they looked just perfect nestled on the little wooden table.

Now for the main event….the food. I have never seen eggs Benedict served with pulled pork before so this is what I opted for. Ian had the hash brown, sausage, egg breakfast with Bloody Mary sauce.

My perfect eggs on perfect soft, lean pulled pork that melted into the sourdough bread so tenderly. This is what Sundays where meant for. Ian’s dish was accompanied by lots of nodding in my direction so I feel he felt the same.

We then paused for a while chatting about our weekend and how great the place was. Trying to pick fault but alas all we could come up with was that we actually live a little too far away and it meant we couldn’t make it our regular Sunday haunt!!

Never one to pass up on pudding even brunch has to have a sweet! Ian decided to go for a pot proper tea and a freshly made scone with jam. Keen not to pile on too many pounds I could only muster a herbal tea! Letting the side down I know, but did you see the size of my meal?!

Now we have to point out here that yes this is rather a picture packed review but seeing is believing and we needed to do this place justice, and you know me…photography and Personal styling are my main things, along with of course writing for Frost and my own fashion magazine!

All the food served at Foxcroft and Ginger is all made on the premises including the jam, scones, cakes and even the bread. Most of the cakes and bread are sold to other local establishments and they only purchase local produce for around the area.

If you haven’t paid them a visit you really should, if you are lucky enough to live near by we are very jealous and wish we could sample the entire menu! Saying that we defiantly will be back as it’s top of our list as everything we saw served looked utterly beautiful.

Top marks for presentation, satisfaction, attention to detail and the staff where delightful and attentive.

We give it 5 stars here at Frost Magazine as all go this delicious food came in under £25!!!

Next week head over to SLBStyle.com and you can see the rest of our day filled with all the fashion and the London sights!

Follow them on Twitter @Foxcroftanginger.

Find them

3 Berwick Street, Soho
London W1F 0DR
.
69-79 Mile End Road
Whitechapel E1 4TT

For more photography info checkout www.sarahbacchus.com. For styling head over to www.slbstyle.com and follow me on twitter @sarahbacchus

Steepletone 1960’s Vinyl Record Player | Cool Things

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Frostie

Technology may be amazing these days but that doesn’t stop people loving a bit of retro: vinyl sales are set to top one million this year.

We thought this Steepletone 1960’s Vinyl Record Player was a great nod to the retro. It looks great, has detachable speakers, in-built technology and can play various sized records.

All for the awesome price of £79.95 from www.prezzybox.com

The 6 Secrets to Starting a Business Whilst on Maternity Leave

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Frostie

The 6 Secrets to Starting a Business Whilst on Maternity Leave

By Emma Walker

When you first get pregnant, you may think that you will go back to your current job without too many changes, and for some women this will happen.

But for others, when they’re holding their baby in their arms, they just know that things have changed forever and they might not want to go back to their job.

This is why using your maternity leave is a great opportunity to evaluate your career and decide what you want to do after your leave ends – return to your job, become a stay at home mum or start your own business.

Whatever direction you choose, just remember that you are doing what’s right for you and your family so please don’t feel like you have to follow ‘the rules’.

If you decide to take the plunge and start your own business, follow these 6 simple steps to make the transition easier:

Decide on your business idea

Let me be very clear right from the start. Running a business is hard work and definitely NOT a get rich quick scheme – if that’s what you’re after, you need to go elsewhere!

That’s why it’s really important to choose something that you’re going to enjoy doing a lot of. Think about your past jobs, your hobbies, what your talents are – is there a business idea lurking there? What can you do that you can get passionate about?

There are lots of business opportunities out there, whether you are selling your own products or services, or buying into a franchise or MLM business, you will find something that is a fit for your skills, experience and goals.

Get clear on the type of client you want to work with

You will spend a lot of time, and money if you’re not careful, on marketing so you need to make sure that what you do works.

This is where getting clear on who your ideal client is key and is something that you must take the time to do.

Really get to know the type of person you want to buy your product or service, this makes marketing so much easier. By focusing on one type of person (instead of everyone), you can tailor all your marketing materials to speak to only those people – this is what will get results.

You want your ideal clients to see any of your marketing materials (your website, business card, leaflet, advert etc) and know that you are the person they need to work with as you obviously understand them, after all, you speak their language.

Stand out from the crowd

The sign of a good product or service is if there’s already some competition, this means that people are already buying what you’re offering from competitors.

It is your job to make sure that you stand out from all your competitors in the eyes of your target market so that you are the only choice they should be making when they want to buy your product or service.

Think about what extras you can add that will really appeal to your customers and make them spend their money with your business.

The other thing you can do, that a lot of people don’t do, is make sure that you inject your personality into your marketing. We all buy from people so be yourself as that will attract people to do business with you.

Speak your customers language

If you’ve taken the time to really get to know your ideal customers, you should have discovered what their issues are and why they’d want to buy your product or service.

What is keeping them up at night, what are they prepared to pay anything to solve?

Knowing this can help you to create a marketing message that will show them that your product or service is the perfect solution they need. You can turn their big problems into questions that will make them say yes to you.

Manage your time

As a busy mum, we only have a limited time available to work on the business so you need to get focused so that you get all the important work done – instead of chatting to friends on Facebook.

Set up a schedule so that you know exactly what time you have available to work on the business and when you will be with your family – a great visual for everyone in the house to know when mummy is working so that there aren’t any interruptions.

Talk to your partner and get them on board to help you out – can they do some of the housework, help out with the kids more, do the cooking? Anything that can free up your time to focus on the business.

Take the time to plan out what work you need to complete for the week so that you can get straight to work as soon as you’re in work mode – instead of wasting valuable time wondering what you should be doing.

Plan for success

Map out your goals for your business as well as the tasks you need to do to achieve that goal. You then need to break those tasks down to 90 day chunks as this timescale is perfect to make you focus on what is important.

These tasks can be included on your weekly planning to make sure that you get them done and stay focused on achieving your goals.

If you’re struggling trying to fit everything in, ask yourself if the task to do on your list will move you one step closer to your goal. If the answer is no, it can wait until a later date and you need to focus on something else that does move you closer to your goal.

Use your goals to keep you accountable so that you do achieve exactly what you want with your business.

There are lots of things to start and market a successful family friendly business but these are the 6 essential things you should focus on first whilst you’re still on maternity leave.

About the author

Emma Walker is the founder of The Mumpreneur’s Mentor and a busy mum of 2 little divas. As a mums in business coach, she works with mums who want to start and market their own successful family friendly business as well as mums already in business who want to take their business to the next level without sacrificing time with their family.

Learn her ‘6 Success Secrets to Running a Family Friendly Business’ in a free training session. Get the details and register now at www.MumpreneurSuccess.com

How To Find The Right Egg Donor

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Frostie

Choosing to build a family using egg donation requires careful consideration.

Egg donation can be a wonderful option, but you will need to take the time to explore the many complex issues and feelings involved in selecting a donor. The characteristics you desire in a donor will be unique to you and based on your personal preferences, and while there is no right or wrong way to go about the selection process, you may wish to keep the following factors in mind.

Anonymous Vs Known donors

The first decision you will need to consider is whether you want your egg to come from an anonymous or known donor.

An anonymous egg donor is a donor found through an egg donor database. Such a donor will have chosen not to reveal their identity to you. Using an anonymous donor will enable you to clearly define your relationship with the donor and will grant you the chance to source a donated egg in confidence.

However, if you choose to tell your child that they were the product of an egg donation, they will be able to use the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) register to find out identifying information such as the donor’s name, address and date of birth once they turn 16.  A known egg donor, on the other hand, is a donor who has chosen to reveal their identity to you. For example, she may be a friend or relative, or someone you have found through an online connection service. You may prefer to use a known donor because you will provide your child with the opportunity to form a relationship your egg donor. However, you may find it difficult to define the donor’s role in your child’s life.

  Physical Characteristics

One of the most important considerations to make when choosing a donor is whether your chosen donor’s physical appearance is similar to your own. If you and your partner have brown eyes and dark hair, then finding those qualities in an egg donor may be of the utmost importance to you. This is why in many cases couple’s will contact a family member so that the child will have genetic qualities of the woman.

  Medical History

When reviewing your shortlisted egg donor profiles, it is essential to evaluate their past and present history of physical and mental illnesses.

You will also need to consider whether you wish to match the blood type of your donor with your own. If you chose a donor with the same blood type, you will be able to donate blood to your child should the need ever arise.

Personality  

In addition to providing you with information on donors’ physical traits and medical histories, fertility clinics can also help you to gain an insight into donors’ personalities and backgrounds.

Whilst you should read this information with care and choose a donor based on the traits and characteristics that are important to you, it is essential to remember that the way in which you bring up your child may have a greater influence on their personality than the genes they have inherited from your chosen donor.

Of course, if you use a known donor you have a chance to meet them personally and get a feel for their characteristics up close.

  Location  

Once you have narrowed down your search for a donor, location may become an important consideration. If you intend to involve the donor in your child’s life, you may wish to choose a donor from your locality for ease of travelling to meet with the donor. This will also help throughout the process of trying to get pregnant if your donor is nearby.

  Where To Look For The Right Donor

Egg donations are available on the NHS and through private clinics. The Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority (HFEA), which licenses clinics, recommends that you take into account location and success rates when choosing a suitable clinic.

It is important to realise, however, that the waiting lists for egg donation vary widely, and many opt to use online connection services to meet and get to know an egg donor before beginning the IVF process.  Choosing the right donor is a big decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Whilst it is perfectly acceptable to prioritise the characteristics that are important to you, it is important to trust your intuition, too. Your maternal instincts should play a key role in the process and they will help you to find a donor who will provide you with the child you have always wanted.

Author bio:

This post was written by Franz SOF, Founder at CoParents.co.uk – a service which aims to connect men, women and couples who are looking to have a child through co-parenting, sperm donation and surrogacy.