Frost’s Editor Catherine Balavage Writes How To Be A Successful Actor Book

Frost’s Editor, Catherine Balavage, has written a book on How To Be A Successful Actor. It is called How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur. It has gotten as high as number 5 on the Kindle charts under Stage & Theatre. It will also be released on paperback and Smashwords soon. Handpicked Future did a great piece on it and Catherine was on the front page of the Entertainment section in The Huffington Post with her Actors Who Make Their Own Work article. You can also read an article by Catherine written on her own blog.

howtobeasuccessful_actor_book_cover The book is available here for UK readers and here for US readers. It is also available worldwide.

Cover art by Steve McAleavy

 

 

Is This The Best Women’s Magazine Cover Ever? We Think So

The Australian Women’s Weekly has trumped every other women’s magazine cover by featuring Turia Pitt as it’s cover star. 26-year-old Pitt was running a marathon three years ago when she was caught in a bushfire and was left with scars over 65 per cent of her body. Pitt said: “I feel humbled, For me it sends the message that confidence equals beauty.”

bestwomensmagazinecover

Pitt has had over 100 operations, and she spent over two years in hospital. She even lost all the fingers on one of her hands. It is a brave move from Women’s Weekly but it shouldn’t have to be. There should be more diversity in race, age and disability in our media.

Before I go to sleep poster

The poster for Before I Go To Sleep doesn’t do equality any favours however, showing Colin Firth and Mark Strong with wrinkles, looking handsome but looking their age, while Nicole Kidman’s face looks like it has been sandblasted. It seems that women are still not allowed to age in Hollywood, but men are. Firth and Strong look great and are allowed to age, but for Kidman you get the feeling it would be the end of her career. Kidman is 47, Firth is 53 and Strong is 50. I mean, god forbid a 47-year-old woman looks like a 47-year-old woman.

It is not Kidman’s fault of course. She is just a product of her environment. But I can’t help feeling that actresses who nip and tuck everything are perpetrating the problem. I think it is time we made a stand. What do you think?

Taste The Difference Côtes de Provence Rosé 2013 Wine Review

Taste The Difference Côtes de Provence Rosé 2013

 

Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Côtes de Provence Rosé 2013 is a light, elegant and amber-toned rosé. Made from 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 20% Syrah. It is from the Provence region of Southern France.

I am a fan of rosé and this is a good one. It is not too sweet and has delicate flavours of strawberry and cherry. It is light, dry and crisp. A perfect rosé for summer. Recommended.

 

 

Sheppy’s Oak Matured Vintage Cider Review

Sheppy’s Oak Matured Vintage Cider review

 

Sheppy’s Oak Matured Vintage Cider 

Sheppy’s vintage cider is matured in oak vats for up to 12 months and this dedication to flavour truly comes across in the cider. It is not as sweet as a lot of cider, it has an interesting balance of acidity and sweetness. It is fine and full flavoured. The oak really comes across and there is a strong, mature bitterness that balances well with the sweetness of the cider. It is interesting, tasty and strong. We liked it and think it will even suit people who don’t like cider because it is too sweet.

An interesting, strong, mature cider, the oak really comes out. Good and interesting.

 

 

Benecos Makeup Review

This brand is a new one to me and its really lovely with simple packaging and the look of clean lines. This natural young brand is all about affordable high quality products that deliver essentials to all women.

This young label was founded in Germany at the end of 2008 and the name Benecos stands for good cosmetics.

Benecos

They believe in minimal packaging and instead of outrageous and highly expensive advertising Benecos uses word of mouth marketing. The brand have produced all the products to the BDIH standard and it has a touch of real luxury about it. The highlighter that I tested was so delicate and beautiful, it was silky to the touch and it was so subtle it could be used all over the face for that perfect fresh glow. Not overpowering like a few brands if you are a little heavy handed. This looked stunning applied to the top of the cheeks and along the bridge of the nose. Add a little under the arch of the brow to give a stunning life to the eyes. Give your shoulders a touch of sheer dewiness and add some along your collar bone for a fresh and sculpted look. Even a swirl added to a large makeup brush and applied to the centre of the legs will give you a fine elegant and pretty finish.

Highlighter_-3Every face is different but a general rule you’ll want to pay especially close attention to where the light hits your face, so look for the highest points if you are in any doubt. Just make sure you don’t go overboard otherwise you may look a little too shiny. I doubt you could make any mistakes with this product as its not really a shimmer, its more of a lift. It creates the ultimate and oh so soft dimensions for natural looking makeup. Very done but in an undone way. Almost like you have a little secret in your cosmetic purse!
Highlighter_-2This is perfect for the simple makeup looks hitting the runways for this next season. Great for quick touch ups throughout the day and it won’t break the bank either. All Benecos products are organic and at around the £5-7 you can indulge as much as you like.Highlighter

Pop me a little Tweet @sarahbacchus to let me know if you have tried this brand before! You can purchase the range here. Go and say hi over at Twitter @BenecosUK

Berkeley Homes’ One Tower Bridge Show Apartments Launch

Last week I headed to One Tower Bridge to view their luxury apartments. The building is truly beautiful, even from the outside. I headed in and everyone was friendly and smartly dressed, just as you would expect. I see a model of all of One Tower Bridge and it looks very impressive.

They have 356 units in total and have already sold 309. Cambridge House has been launched and that is their flagship block. There are 36 units in total in Cambridge including 3 Duplex Penthouses.  There are private gardens, a new street, Duchess Walk, is being built which will have shops and restaurants. A boutique hotel with 70 bedrooms is also being launched

The apartments are stunning, every little detail is perfect. As I walked around, glass of champagne in hand, I wanted to become a multi-millionaire very quickly. As did every other person who saw them. They are gorgeous apartments: the ultimate in luxury.  Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself. The view is also incredible, as is the location. You are very close to the South Bank but this side of the river is quieter, more calm.

Honky and Casa Forma also did an excellent job of designing the show flats. I loved the sumptuous surroundings.

Berkeley Homes’ One Tower Bridge sales team will be welcoming prospective buyers to an onsite marketing suite for the first time.  In addition to the onsite marketing suite, Berkeley is launching two spectacular show homes, which do justice to the development’s extraordinary location on one of London’s last remaining great riverside locations, at the foot of the world-famous bridge.

The Casa Forma apartments 

1.03 Casa Forma Kitchen 1.03 Casa Forma Living Area 1.03 Casa Forma Living Area

Coinciding with the milestone of the first completions at One Tower Bridge this month, the two-bedroom show apartments, located in Cambridge House, the river-facing block, will provide the first enticing glimpse of what life could look like inside these exceptional residences.

Inspired by the distinctly British character and charm of the Thames Walk location, Berkeley Homes has commissioned acclaimed interior designers Casa Forma and Honky to each present their own London aesthetic in one of the show apartments.

The Honky Apartments

1.01 Honky Apartment EnSuite Bathroom 1.01 Honky Apartment Living Area 1.01 Honky Apartment Terrace

Just as each of the development’s nine blocks is slightly different in character – with variations in architectural styles, size and height to complement the skyline and showcase the magnificent views across the River Thames – the individual show apartments have distinctly different style sensibilities and features, yet each one has perfectly captured the energy, vibrancy and tasteful luxury that are part of living in the capital. The designers have all expressed their personal vision for One Tower Bridge using beautiful bespoke materials and furnishings and original artwork against the interior architects’ strong base palette.

Buyers can look forward to a home that anticipates all the needs and requirements of contemporary luxury living. All of the apartments are fully fitted with the finest materials and technology, including Miele integrated appliances, built-in coffee machines, wine coolers and individually designed oak cabinets for the custom-designed ergonomically planned kitchens.

Each apartment has a private balcony, terrace or roof garden, and also features the very latest in integrated Smart Home Technology, allowing residents remote access to adjust the automated blinds and switch on the underfloor heating system or air conditioning as they disembark from a long haul flight, as well as control the state-of-the-art security system. The technology hub also communicates wirelessly with the lift, automatically recognizing residents and delivering them to their floor.

Designed by internationally celebrated architects Squire and Partners, these luxurious one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses offer an opportunity to live on the South Bank, right beside London’s iconic landmark – which is marking its 120th anniversary this year – and just a short walk from both the Tower of London and the Shard.

Harry Lewis, Managing Director at Berkeley Homes (South East London) Ltd, comments: 

“This is an extraordinary moment, as One Tower Bridge takes the next exciting step towards completion. The stylish interiors designed by Casa Forma and Honky reflect brilliantly all the values and virtues of One Tower Bridge, and will help buyers to get a sense of the complete experience of living in this one-of-a-kind development in a truly inspirational setting.”

Prices at One Tower Bridge start from £1,130,000.

 

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Whiskey Cocktail Recipes | Cocktail Ideas

With cocktail season fast-approaching, thirsty folk on the search for the perfect summer sundowner need look no further than The Wild Geese whiskey cocktails.

The super premium Irish whiskey makers have teamed up with renowned bartender Marian Beke of critically acclaimed, Nightjar, voted one of the world’s best cocktail bars, to create a range of exclusive cocktails perfect for those long sunny days. Multi award winning The Wild Geese, enlisted the expertise of Marian, to hand-craft an array of bespoke and soulful cocktails bursting with intense flavour and dressed with delicate garnishes.

The first in the line-up, The Irish Apple, will invigorate and refresh at the end of a hot, balmy summer’s evening. The Wild Geese Classic Blend is fused with dry apple cider and tart rhubarb juice to create a cocktail to enjoy whilst soaking up the last of the rays. Sweet caramel is drizzled over the top of the long drink to add a touch of sweetness to this artisanal cocktail.

The Sarsfield Swizzle is a twist on the classic swizzle cocktail with a hint of spice. The Wild Geese Classic Blend is firstly mixed with crisp, botanical gin syrup and a dash of green tea bitters. Tangy lemon balm is added to the drink to bring out the citrus notes in The Wild Geese Classic Blend, and finally topped up with lemongrass and chilli beer for a zingy finish. Named after Patrick Sarsfield, the Irish hero who led the original Wild Geese in 1691, this cocktail mixes innovation and tradition perfectly.

For the third recipe, Beke marries The Wild Geese Rare Irish with the exotic juices of the Ugly Fruit, to achieve the ultimate bittersweet serve. The Freedom Sour is an innovative take on the ever-popular Whiskey Sour, freshened up with maple syrup and a layer of Matcha tea foam.

The three times voted ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ collection is made with superb quality aged Irish Whiskey stock and uses a special Extended Double Distillation process, creating a unique smoothness and richness unlike any other whiskey. The subtle and complex flavours are created using a pioneering distillation process, providing an unusual balance between robust and spicy malt, and light smooth grain.

Irish Applecocktailrecipe

Irish Apple

2 parts The Wild Geese Classic Blend Irish Whiskey

1 part apple and rhubarb juice

3 parts dry cider

1/2 part Kamms & Sons

Mix the Classic Blend, dry cider and apple & rhubarb juice by ‘rolling’ them in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a highball glass and float a large ice ball on top. Add the Kamms & Sons to create a bittersweet taste and garnish with a crab apple and apple blossom. Drizzle fresh caramel over the garnish for the final touch.

Sarsfield Swizzlecocktailrecipe

Sarsfield Swizzle

2 part The Wild Geese Classic Blend Irish Whiskey

1 part gin botanical syrup or 1/2 part gin & 1/2 sugar syrup

Dash of green tea bitters

Lemon balm

Top up with homemade lemongrass and chili beer

Pour a full measure of The Wild Geese Classic Blend directly into the serving glass. Add gin syrup as a sweetener and a dash of green tea bitter. Add lemon balm leaves to compliment the citrus notes in the Classic Blend. Top up with lemongrass & chilli beer and ‘swizzle’ the ingredients to mix them. Serve with pinewood and sweet spice.

freedomsourcocktailrecipe

Freedom Sour

2 part The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey

1/2 part maple/ honey syrup

2 parts fresh squeezed ugly fruit juice

Few dashes of bitter

Matcha tea foam

Shake and serve in martini glass, top it off with matcha tea foam.

One last one for the World Cup.

Gold Cup

goldcupworldcupcocktail

Ingredients
2 parts The Wild Geese Classic Blend Whiskey
1/2 part of lime juice
1/2 part coconut cream
1/2 part sugar syrup

Garnish
1/2 part of blue curaçao
lemon
passion fruit shell

Method
Blend a small handful of basil leaves, coconut cream and lime juice together until you have a liquid form. Pour into a cocktail shaker with sugar syrup and The Wild Geese Classic Blend Irish whiskey then shake hard with ice.

Serve in a rocks glass over crushed ice and add a passion fruit shell. Fill the shell with blue curaçao and garnish with the zest of a lemon. Add your nation’s flag to celebrate your team for the final, champion touch.

The combination of the triple citrus notes (orange, lime and lemon) with the coolness of the basil leaves make this a super refreshing cocktail with a mild and creamy, sweet finish.

Which one will you make?

Anna Wintour Throws Stylish Wedding For Son

American Vogue editor Anna Wintour hosted a predictably stylish and extravagant wedding for her son, Charlie Shaffer, at her Long Island Estate. The wedding even had its own hashtag #masticinlove and the guests happily used it and shared away.

Credit: Lise Love Official Instagram,

Credit: Lise Love Official Instagram,

The wedding on Saturday was attended by André Leon Talley, designer Prabal Gurung, Oscar de la Renta, Mario Testino and Vogue West Coast editor Lisa Love.

Credit: Indie Rock Instagram,

Credit: Indie Rock Instagram,

Shaffer, is a third year medical student at Columbia University and his 27-year-old bride Elizabeth Cordry is associate director of product development at Jet.com.

Credit: Bee Shaffer Instagram,

Credit: Bee Shaffer Instagram,

The wedding was held at Wintour’s mid 19th-century weekend home which is known as ‘Mastic’ – hence the #masticinlove hashtag.

Credit: Prabal Gurung Instagram,

Credit: Prabal Gurung Instagram,

The bridesmaids wore Prada and sister-of-the-groom Bee Shaffer posted a picture of the bride’s Oscar de la Renta gown with the caption “always a bridesmaid”. If that was not fashionable enough all six flower girls wore matching Alexander McQueen dresses.

Credit: Bee Shaffer Instagram,

Credit: Bee Shaffer Instagram,

Wintour is thought to have worn Chanel. There was a string quartet to serenade the guests, they played from a tree house during the ceremony. There was an outdoor reception and the newlyweds danced underneath the stars for their first dance. The couple then jetted off to the Rocky Mountains for their honeymoon.

Credit:l Instagram

Credit:l Instagram

How beautiful….