Frost Writer Helen Takes The Stoptober Challenge

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Frostie

As challenges go, stopping smoking is a pretty huge one. Not only is smoking addictive but it eases stress for those who do it. But the benefits of giving up are vast: smoking is terrible for your health and takes years off your life, giving up is one of the best things you can do for your health, it saves money: cigarettes are now over £9 per pack and it stops your clothes smelling bad. Smoking even makes the walls in your house yellow so giving up would be life-changing.

I want to give up to improve my health and save money. I will be stopping by keeping my hands busy, distracting myself, thinking of the reasons why I will be quitting. I also knit and that really helps by keeping both my mind and my hands busy. I also have an occasional snack. I also think about all of the things I could buy with the money I will save. I am finding a lot of help from Boots, who can help you with their Smoke Less Plan and their NikAssist range is great too.

This is no easy challenge however, I have been smoking for decades and have given up a few times. I think Stoptober is amazing. A sense of community always helps when trying something. Smoking is a huge burden on the NHS, never mind the personal damage to health and finances. Most people love a challenge and this 28-day national stop smoking challenge is a brilliant one. I will be taking part in a Twitter Party with Beautyandthedirt and Sexinlondoncity. I hope you can join in too. This is happening between 1-2pm on October 16th. We can all do this together.

This is just my first post and I will update you with how I get on later in the month. I have been set a number of challenges and challenge number one is preparation. So I am preparing myself with the top tips from Boots UK Stop Smoking.

Boots UK pharmacist Angela Chalmers knows that the key to any form of success is often preparation and has prepared these top tips to help you embark on the first week of your smoke free journey. I have found them really helpful. If you want to ask Angela a question you can do so via our comments section.

Tip 1: Quit your own way

When you begin your smoke free journey, it is important that you know your smoking habits and chose a time to quit that is right for you. Many people find that starting their quit journey on a Wednesday is easier than starting on a Monday. Luckily the first day of Stoptober falls on a Wednesday this year!

If quitting on the first day of Stoptober is not right for you, then choose a time or day in the first week that best suits your lifestyle. If you tend to be a social smoker, then choose a time to quit that doesn’t clash with a social gathering – for example quitting a day before your best friend’s big birthday or a close family celebration might not be the best time for you! Remember that Boots pharmacists are available to provide advice and support at any time and stage of your smoke free journey.

Tip 2: Know your smoking triggers

Breaking a smoking habit is difficult as it’s often a part of your daily routine and something you may tend to do without even thinking about it. However, more often than not there are factors that can trigger these habits or make you want to smoke. For some people it goes hand in hand with a night out, for others it may be part of their morning coffee routine. It is important to know what your triggers are so you can put a strong plan of action in place to help you avoid them while you are on your smoke free journey.

Replacing your triggers with a different healthy habit can also help. For example, if you usually smoke after meals then maybe think about replacing that cigarette with a brisk walk to the end of your road or drinking a glass of water.

Many people worry about weight gain as they often confuse their cravings for hunger and increase their food and snack intake. If you’re worried about weight gain talk to a stop smoking advisor who can give you tips on eating right and exercising so that weight gain is minimal. Things that could help:

Drink an extra glass of water after meals to keep you feeling full
Snack on as many fruits and veggies as you want – something crunchy like baby carrots or an apple, can sometimes be very satisfying
Keep your hands busy with something besides food!

Tip 3: Swap smoking for a new hobby

It is normal to get a little irritable when you quit smoking. Why not distract yourself by taking up a new hobby such as learning a new language, trying a new recipe or playing sport? By keeping yourself busy you are more likely to reach your smoke free goal as well as learning something new. Or you could simply get round to doing something you’ve been meaning to do for a while – clearing out your wardrobe, putting up a new shelf, even cleaning the windows?! Creating a list of all the things you want to do and then ticking something off that list (even the smallest thing) can you give you a great sense of achievement!

It’s also important to think positively (it’s easier said than done, we know!). However, rather than seeing quitting smoking as giving up something you love, taking up a new hobby or activity can help you to associate it with a new fresh start and a much more positive way of thinking that will help you to stay motivated.

Tip 4: Don’t give up giving up

Many smokers try on more than one occasion to give up cigarettes. If you have a smoking relapse, try not to be disheartened. Instead, examine what caused you to smoke again, so that you can look out for the signs and find a way to overcome this on your next attempt. Remember that giving up smoking is not easy and celebrate each day that you remain smoke free. Sometimes a visual tracker can help. Why not buy a wall planner or calendar on which you can cross off each smoke free day so you can see how well you are doing and increase your confidence in yourself?

Tip 5: Reward yourself

Don’t be too hard on yourself! Giving up smoking is a huge challenge and each day that you stay smoke free is an achievement – something many people strive to achieve. In fact, 61% of smokers say quitting smoking is one of their lifetime’s ambitions so make sure your celebrate, perhaps by setting yourself small targets and treating yourself when you reach them.

Remember – one of the best benefits of stopping smoking (aside of course from the health improvements) is all of the money you will save! Use this to reward yourself with a treat or something fun. This could be a pampering new make-over to show of how great you look now that you are smoke free, a new wardrobe or even a weekend trip away.

#bootsukstoptober

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Brings Touch of Glamour to Paris Motor Show

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Frostie

Rosie Huntington – Whiteley brings touch of glamour to Paris Motor Show.

DATE: Wednesday 1st October, 2014

British supermodel and actress showcases new premium compact SUV on River Seine
Giant barge with 4.5 metre Wellington boots brings uniquely British sense of fun to French capital

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley today swapped the catwalks of Paris Fashion Week for the River Seine as she showcased the Land Rover Discovery Sport in its uniquely British public debut.

The 27 year-old supermodel and actress brought her inimitable style to the French capital as she was seen stepping from one of a pair of Discovery Sports aboard a giant barge moored in the centre of the city.

The former Victoria’s Secret model, also known for her role in Transformers: Dark of the Moon and the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road, was stood flanked by seven pairs of brightly coloured, giant-sized Wellington boots – some as tall as 4.5 metres. The boots, a creative reference to both the Discovery’s versatile seating layout and Land Rover’s unique take on outdoor life, brought a sense of quintessential British heritage and humour to the Rive Gauche.

After revealing Discovery Sport to the world’s media for the first time, the 80-metre long barge continued to turn heads on its attention-grabbing journey down the River Seine, cruising past Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The Paris debut of the new Discovery Sport follows the digital reveal of the vehicle last month, which included Land Rover’s Galactic Discovery competition – giving four friends the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to space with Land Rover’s global partner, Virgin Galactic.

11 Top Tips for Looking after Your Children’s Teeth

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Frostie

Our children’s health is extremely important to us and we all want to ensure that their teeth and gums stay healthy. Children’s dental hygiene can be confusing and with children developing new teeth at a rapid rate, it can be a tricky to determine the best hygiene solutions for them. There are lots of simple things you can adopt into your child’s everyday routine that will make a big difference to their oral health, putting them in good stead for the future. Here, Sameer Patel, Clinical Director at award-winning, highly specialist dental and orthodontics practice, elleven (www.ellevendental.com), offers his top tips on how to look after your children’s teeth…

Brushing- Brushing teeth removes stains, plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums, plus toothpaste that contains fluoride will help keep the enamel in the teeth strong. Make sure your children brush their teeth twice a day and change their toothbrush at least every two to three months. When teaching your children how to brush their teeth, try showing them in front of a mirror so they can see the areas they are brushing and the technique used. Your child should be brushing in a circular motion cleaning the gum and the tooth. Be careful not to use the brush too hard to ensure you don’t wear away the gum.

Flossing- Many parents are unsure as to when a child should start flossing their teeth but the answer is simple. As soon as two of your children’s teeth touch they should begin flossing. Make sure that you practice the flossing technique with them to ensure effective plaque removal, going deep in between the teeth until they reach the gum and moving the floss either side of the tooth several times to dislodge any plaque.

Eat their way to healthy teeth– Dairy products are great for keeping the enamel in teeth strong. Enamel is very similar to bone and can be kept strong with calcium found in dairy so make sure they drink plenty of milk and eat lots of yoghurt to strengthen teeth from a young age.

Regular check-ups– Take your child to the dentist when they’re as young as possible and at least once by the time they’re two. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can help to prevent decay and identify any health problems at an early stage.

Water– This is the best drink possible for your children as it is pure and also helps wash away any bacteria from their mouth. Steer clear of fizzy drinks as these are full of sugar ad are harmful to teeth enamel. Also be aware of fruit juice as although you think it may be a healthy option for your children, it is full of sugar which in the long term will cause tooth decay.

Sugar– Everyone knows that sugar is bad for teeth but did you know that there is lots of hidden sugar in foods that are considered to be healthy? You may be surprised to hear that bread contains a lot of sugar as do yoghurts and ready meals. Always read the label on food packaging and look for alternatives with less sugar.

‘H’ for Hygiene – Regular hygienist appointments will help to maintain healthy teeth and gums. The hygienist will be able to give your children’s teeth a thorough clean, something of which they cannot achieve by brushing and flossing alone.

Healthy Snacks- When considering giving your child a snack you need to ensure that it is healthy and low in sugar. Try giving them plain popcorn as a snack as not only is it naturally low in fat, if eaten after a meal it can be very beneficial. The texture of the popcorn acts as natural toothbrush removing some of the harmful bacteria your child may have eaten during their meal.

Thumb sucking- Thumb sucking is very common habit for children but as their permanent teeth develop, sucking their thumb will cause the teeth to be pushed outwards, resulting in them needing to have orthodontic work. Try to encourage your children to stop as young as possible.

Milk before bed– You may be surprised but drinking milk before bed time is very bad for teeth. Although milk is great for growing bones and teeth, the sugars in milk will cause tooth decay as your child sleeps. The reason behind this is that your saliva glands stop working when you are asleep, resulting in your child saliva not able to break down the bacteria in their mouth.

Straighten up their smile- Did you know that straighter teeth are easier to keep clean reducing the risk of long term gum disease and dental decay? Not only is straighter teeth important for your child’s self-esteem, having straight teeth are also easier to clean and can will reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. With the latest technology, your child now has several different brace options from lingual, invisalign and the traditional Damon braces.

Win Stylish Clarks Brogues Courtesy of Brantano

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Frostie

You could win a pair of fashionable women’s Clarks brogues courtesy of www.brantano.co.uk and Frost Magazine! Perfect for work or play, these are a must-have style in any shoe collection.

Clarks Carousel Trick Brogues come in a quality black leather, and boast punch-hole detailing and a small heel. They’re the perfect transitional shoe, taking you from the office to the bar effortlessly.

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. Competition finished at the end of the month. Good luck, and remember you can find more stylish Clarks footwear here.

1. Entry is open to residents of the UK and Eire aged 18 or over, except for employees of the A Jones & Sons Limited or Brantano (UK) Limited, Frost Magazine, their families, agencies or anyone else associated with the competition. If you are under 18, you must obtain consent from your parent/guardian to enter. By entering into the competition, you confirm that you have this consent.

2. Brantano Footwear complies with the standard procedures laid down in the UK Data Protection Act to ensure that the personal information you give us is kept secure and processed fairly and lawfully. We will not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes. For further details please see our online Privacy Policy at www.brantano.co.uk

3. The winner will be selected on November 1 and will be notified by email no later than two weeks. Brantano Footwear’s or Frost Magazine’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. There will only be one winner.

4. There is 1 prize consisting of a pair of Clarks Carousel Trick Brogues (subject to availability). Terms and conditions apply.

5. If the Prize is not claimed within 14 days of the winner being notified, Brantano Footwear reserves the right to award the Prize to an alternative winner.

6. Prize is non transferable, non refundable and non negotiable. There is no cash alternative. Brantano Footwear reserves the right to substitute the Prize for one of its choosing which has a value the same or greater than the original prize in the event of circumstances outside of its control.

7. Winner’s details will be available for 6 months after the draw by sending a SAE to Newsletter Prize Draw, Brantano Footwear Marketing Department at the address below.

8. Brantano Footwear reserves the right to (i) cancel this promotion, (ii) cancel or refuse any individual’s entry and (iii) amend these terms and conditions (and will use reasonable endeavours to notify changes to entrants and potential entrants). These terms and conditions shall be governed by English law and exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. 10. Promoter: A Jones & Sons Limited/Brantano (UK) Limited. Registered no. 288766/3472784. Registered office: Interlink Way West, Interlink Business Park, Bardon, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 1LD.

The Night Of The Hellhound: Live!

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

At LOST Theatre this Halloween, from the creators of the multi-award-winning The Springheel Saga comes:

THE NIGHT OF THE HELLHOUND: LIVE!

The Hound of Hell is coming home…

This Halloween, the LOST Theatre plays host to a week-long live radio spooktacular, investigating the real-life curse of the infamous 300 year-old Lambeth Devil-Dog, hosted by Michelle Mead.

Join us… if you dare!

Written by Robert Valentine and Jack Bowman, Directed by Jack Bowman

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28th – 31st October, 2014 Start Time: 7.30pm

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Tickets: £15 (Full) / £10 (Concessions)

Buy Online: www.losttheatre.co.uk Telephone Box Office: 0207 720 6897

(Booking Fees between 5% – 11% apply)

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EXCLUSIVE ADVANCED BOOKING OFFER!

Book by telephone on 0207 720 6897, quote “HELLHOUND01” and receive a special 50% discount on all ticket purchases – available from now until Monday October 27th 2014!

Cat Really Loves Being Vacuumed | Amazing Video

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Frostie

Every cat I have known hides at the first sound of a vacuum. This brave kitty got over its fear of the awful sound to get a special type of grooming instead. The resulting video is beyond cute. Take a look. We may have watched it more times than is healthy.

Does your pet love or hate the vacuum?

Does Gran Canaria hit the spot? By Margaret Graham

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Margaret Graham

The name, Gran Canaria, means ‘Great Island of Dogs’ – and there are some still there, tiptoeing about at the end of leads, in the smart pedestrian precinct of Las Palmas. It is here one can shop until one drops. Fantastic shoes, lovely leather – deep pockets needed.

So what does Gran Canaria mean now? Sun, sea and… sangria will do.

Eager to snatch a ‘recharge’ week before I had to set to work on the first of a three book contract for my publishers, Random House, he who must be disobeyed and I dropped our dog with her ‘besties’, (who manage my daughter and her husband rather well) and set off for Riu Club Vistamar.

1. Infinity pool, Riu Club Vistamar

Set high on a slope overlooking Puerto Rico one side, and Puerto Amadores the other, the food, rooms, pools, staff and all inclusive tariff, were excellent.

2. Dining Room at Riu Club Vistamar

On our first evening we were treated to the most amazing sunset.

3. Puerto Amadores by sunset from the hotel

Two pools were available at Club Vistamar but on our first day we thought it a better idea to walk down the 750 steps to the beaches, then a light skip round the headland to admire the marina, and yes, why not sip a cool drink?

We then tackled the 750 steps back up. Rather a long time later, two chubby, sweaty, deeply unappealing beetroots stumbled into the hotel, on the verge of an ugly death.

In spite of being the world’s worst traveller, the next day we took a ferry to Mogan, just 20 minutes along the coast.

4. One of the beetroots en route for Mogan with Riu Club Vistamar in the distance.

Rattling with seasickness pills, I twanged on my acupuncture bracelets, but it was overkill. The sea was so calm the whole thing was a delight, as was Mogan, called Little Venice. It is festooned with bougainvillea, criss crossed by canals, and bridges

5. Mogan

Again we staggered up the steps on our return and were the same unappetizing sight. From then on we took the courtesy bus. It was kinder to everyone.

The next day our trip to the capital city, Las Palmas, took in the house of hands, just off the main shopping area.

6. Las Palmas House decorated with Hands.

Dick and I then found the cathedral where we were lucky enough to sit in on an organ practice for Sunday Mass. Organs and Cathedrals are made for one another. Glorious.

7. Las Palmas Cathedral

Gran Canaria is not a place of beauty but there is an arid fascination in its desert interior and fissure vents, typical of such a volcanic ‘birth’. Clearly tourism is its main ‘crop’ and what’s more, it delivers on a laid back holiday. If you want a city break and lots of history, it isn’t the place for you.

8. Mount Tiede on Tenerife from the hotel at sunset.

We booked through Thompson, High Wycombe.

TAKEN 3 – Exclusive Trailer

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Junior Smart

If history is anything to go by, you just can’t keep a good guy down. Liam Neeson aka undisputed throat puncher returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills. The guy who hunted down his daughter’s kidnappers, The man who taught his daughter to drive in the space of a few hours and the man who’s torture skills include nails, wire and a whole load of electricity returns in Taken 3. After watching the first two Taken films you could be forgiven for wondering where they could possibly go next and who else could be kidnapped. However from the trailer it seems that for Taken 3 they are upping the anti when his ex-wife is brutally murdered. Consumed with rage and framed for the crime, Mills once again goes on the rampage, this time hunted himself by the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his “particular set of skills,” to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now – his daughter.

The trailer looks heavy – enjoy. Taken 3 hits cinemas January 9, 2015