Win Two Tickets To See Spamalot The Musical And Signed Warwick Davis Picture

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Frostie

Win Two Tickets To See Spamalot And a Signed Warwick Davis Picture

Frost Magazine is giving away two tickets for the 30^th September 2013 performanceof Spamalot and is also giving away a signed photo of Warwick Davis.

To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, ‘I want to win Spamalot tickets with @Frostmag’ or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter.

Warwick Davis, former Star Wars star and sci-fi movie regular, has joined the award winning west-end show Spamalot for a month long run of shows! Warwick Davis will be joining the cast of Spamalot from 23rd September.

Spamalot the Musical tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, cows, killer rabbits and French people. Inspired by Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this show is packed full of laughs, great music and top entertainment. Audiences all around the world have been roaring with laughter since Monty Python’s Spamalot, by Eric Idle and John DuPrez, won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005.

The show also features the hilarious songs He Is Not Dead Yet, Knights Of The Round Table, Find Your Grail and of course the Nation’s Favourite Comedy Song (Reader’s Digest Poll 2009) ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE.

The Spamalot Facebook page is also offering 4 tickets and a stay at a top luxury apartment to one of its lucky followers. To enter all you have to do is like the Facebook page and submit a couple of your details for a sweepstake draw. You can also gain extra entries for referring three friends, following @spamalotwestend on Twitter or tweeting “Les Dennis & Warwick Davis will be the new King Arthur and Patsy in #Spamalot! I have just entered the #SpamComp to #win 4 show tickets”.

George Lamb and O2 campaign to end Visible Mobile Lines (VML) with the help of Huawei

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Frostie

BATTLE OF THE BULGE.

Don’t you just hate VML guys? What do you mean whats VML? Visible Mobile Line. It ruins the clean line of your clothes and George Lamb has had enough. Lamb and 02 have teamed up to campaign to end Visible Mobile Lines (VML) with the help of Huawei

George Lamb is on a nationwide fashion crusade to get Visible Mobile Lines (VML) off the streets of Britain.

Celebrities around the globe have come under fire by Lamb, with the likes of Harry Styles, Justin Timberlake, Matt Smith, HRH Duke of Cambridge, Wayne Rooney, Brad Pitt and Danny from The Script all sporting swollen pockets, thanks to their mobile phones.

O2 has recruited the stylish television presenter to take on the battle of the bulge and teach Brit’s how to cut a clean silhouette, using the new super slim Huawei Ascend P6 smartphone. At just 6.18mm thick the phone slips invisibly into a trouser or breast pocket eradicating the ever present VML problem.

George Lamb said:

‘This has gone long enough. Too long have we stood back and watched innocent people destroy their clothes because they didn’t have another option. This is all about teaching the public that there is another way, they do have choices, and they can save their style. Gone are the days of unsightly bulges straining against women and men’s thighs, O2 and Huawei are their saviour, and I am here to spread the message.’

The move comes as sharp suits and fitted jeans are being ruined more and more frequently by bulky phones distorting their tailoring. O2 are taking it into their own hands as the Huawei Ascend P6 smartphone is made available to their customers

For more information on how to beat VML with Huawei Ascend P6, visit http://o2lin.kr/NoMoreVML

Sponsored Post

Top Health & Beauty Buys

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Frostie

Trying to get fit and healthy? Let Frost help you with our top health and beauty buys for August.

Lunaling Hotpants

This UK based company sell capri pants which make weight loss 4X greater. Lunaling increase the core body temperature by an average of 18% more than the control garment, which leads to an increase in metabolism.

Tested on 9 women with an average BMI of 23.3. All test subjects performed 30 minutes of exercise in Lunaling as well as in a standard control garment.

Lunaling was tested at a top UK university’s physiology laboratories. Researchers monitored a pool of women who wore Lunaling and then standard exercise clothes to gauge their physiological responses before, during, and after a 30-minute exercise session.

The researchers calculated the women’s weight loss, core/skin temperatures, and energy expenditure. The women exercised at a level that matched the average gym goer’s reasonably demanding – but not too intense – training.

We have tried them and they really work.

http://www.lunaling.com/.

Patch-It

I have tried all of the different type of Patch-it now. The Circulation Patch-it really feels like it is working and changes the temperature in the lower part of your body. I love them and they have menthol in which is know to be benefical to health circulation. They definitely made a difference to my legs. If you exercise or walk/run a lot these help your aching and swollen limbs. These foot patches support healthy blood flow and reduce swelling by up to 53%, as well as minimising any numbness or discomfort.

The Sleep Patch-it resulted in three days good sleep. Could be a coincidence but I really think not. The patches stay on well and come of easily, there are not painful like plasters.

The plaster style reflexology patches which you place on the soles of your feet before bed to soothe, calm and relax the body and mind. This means there is no need for restless nights and the consequent cravings for sugar loaded snacks the following day.

The patches deliver FAR-infrared energy (the same energy waves emitted by the sun) that stimulate key reflexology points on the feet. Additionally, each patch contains 100% certified organic essential oils including Lavender to calm, Sage to balance, Bergamot to relax and Ylang Ylang to comfort.

Detox Patch-it. You can also see all of the toxins come out of the foot when you take it off in the morning. Yuk but satisfying to see the results of the detox. We love these and I really think they work.

Detox Patch-It, Circulation Patch-It and Sleep Patch-it is available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. £3.99 for 2 patches or £29.99 for 20 patches.

Detox Power Yoga DVD

It is always great to shake up your workout and we loved this detox power yoga with Andrea Kubasch. It is a five day detox programme and after we finished we felt amazing and rejuvenated. The DVD breaks down into the following workouts.
1) Detox Cleanse (13 mins)
Get fired up with this weekly foundation practice that uses variations of standing Sun Salutations. Burn calories, tone your body, and improve endurance and stamina.

2) Detox Core (10 mins)
Turn up the heat with this extraordinarily deep abdominal exercise. Awaken sluggish organs, stretch scar tissue and fuel the fire.

3) Detox Flow (13 mins)
This calorie blasting, higher intensity practice will help you create a sleek, firm, flexible and strong body while also removing tension through breath, movement and meditation in motion.

4) Detox Shine (12 mins)
Feel alert, energised and revitalised; relax the body and clarify your mind; and enjoy the results coming out of the week with this soothing and calming practice.

5) Detox Yoga Nidra – Deep Sleep (12 mins)
Guided relaxation: A program used after each practice, which can also be done on its own.

A brilliant workout DVD. Especially good if you do not have a lot of time. Andrea Detox Flow Yoga DVD is available here Gaiam Detox Power Yoga and we highly recommend it.

Start your day with a Nature’s Plus Red Lightning powder sachet and feel electric. Each sachet is packed with over thirty whole food extracts including cranberry and pomegranate, giving it an antioxidant punch, perfect for curing those sore alcohol induced heads. It’s the perfect way to start your festival day! We also tried the Green Lightening and Rainbow Lightening and we felt incredibly healthy and energetic. Great for a pick me up or an especially challenging day – or day after.

Ateronon

Our writer has been taken these for a while and looks years younger. If you have not heard of it you will soon, these little pills are great.

Key information:

Found in tomatoes and red fruits, lycopene benefits the skin, promoting firmness and elasticity.
A recent study found people who had a lycopene rich diet had higher levels of carotenoids, strong antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and can have a positive effect on ageing skin.
Lycopene contributes to protecting your retinas from sun damage, which can lead to a gradual loss of vision over time. It can also help to block some ultraviolet rays.
Ateronon is the only supplement that has been proven to increase lycopene levels in the body with daily use.
One-a-day food supplement, Ateronon, is the only LactoLycopene supplement on the market. LactoLycopene is a patented ingredient, which allows lycopene to be absorbed into the blood.
One Ateronon capsule is the equivalent to eating one kilo of tomatoes cooked in olive oil every day.
Ateronon has been shown in studies to increase the flexibility of arteries by 53%, allowing better blood flow around the body.
Ateronon is priced from £23.99 per box of 30 capsules.
Ateronon is available here.

Deep Relief

Brilliant for anyone suffering from back pain. Just rub this Deep Relief in and the pain is bearable. This stuff really worked on my back pain. No need to grin and bear it as so many other people do, see below.

A grim portrait of pain has been revealed by a new study for Deep Relief, a topical, clinically proven analgesic gel which uses both analgesic ibuprofen and counter-stimulant levomenthol to deliver a dual attack on pain to provide, effective pain relief.

In this survey of 1000 adults, almost half (43%) said they were blighted by pain on a daily basis. A similar proportion (45%) reported living with pain for more than five years. The back is the number one sore spot with more than half of pain sufferers reporting the lower back to be the main source of discomfort. The neck and shoulders come a close second affecting two out of five (42%) people.

Commenting on this latest pain data, Dr Sarah Brewer a media GP notes: “Worryingly, this new Deep Relief report revealed that three out of five (60%) who suffer regular aches and pains put their health at risk because they rely on oral pain-relief pills. Long term use of oral painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen has been linked with a corrosive effect on the digestive system and long term use of ibuprofen and diclofenac at high doses have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack.It is estimated that this family of medicines, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, is responsible for 2,600 deaths a year and 12,000 hospital admissions out of 25 million prescriptions not to mention the number of people that buy NSAIDs Over The Counter.

GRIN AND BEAR

A staggering one in two people (48%) simply ‘grin and bear pain’. Standing for long periods (41%), household chores (40%) and sitting at a desk for long periods (33%) all aggravate discomfort and a third (32%) report that cold weather makes their pain worse.

Nagging pain can also have a huge emotional impact, with a third (29%) admitting they get upset because it restricts their activities and the same number complaining they are constantly exhausted.

“This can become a vicious cycle as there is evidence to show that low mood lowers our pain threshold and depression increases our sensitivity to pain, which makes it feel worse.” Dr Sarah Brewer

Dr Brewer adds: “The survey found that pain also prevented one in four respondents from exercising, which may exacerbate this downward spiral. In fact, we know that exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins, so remaining as active as possible is an important part of pain control in long-term conditions such as arthritis.”

Using an effective topical pain relief product such as Deep Relief gel can help maintain mobility and prevent pain from undermining the ability to enjoy daily life.

In summary, Dr Brewer notes: “This survey also found that two out of five (38%) people had not discussed their pain problems with their GP or a pharmacist and as a result many may be unaware of the risks associated with oral painkillers, and the potential for interactions with other medicines such as blood-thinning drugs. A number of studies have linked the long-term use of NSAIDs to serious side-effects and these medicines must be treated with respect. Sadly, almost one third (31%) of respondents in the Deep Relief survey believed there is nothing they can do to prevent pain.

Overall this survey paints a grim picture of debilitating pain in a significant proportion of the UK population together with a worrying lack of knowledge on how to treat it.”

However, the good news is that Deep Relief is a topical analgesic gel which uses two weapons to help fight pain – analgesic ibuprofen and counter-irritant levomenthol — to deliver a dual attack on pain which has been clinically proven to provide, effective relief.

The ibuprofen reduces pain by damping down inflammation and swelling while the levomenthol provides a counter-irritant effect which delivers cooling pain relief.

“And the synergistic action of these two key ingredients enhances penetration of the ibuprofen suggesting that Deep Relief may deliver more analgesia than products containing ibuprofen alone.

Deep Relief has been subjected to a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial — the toughest scientific test there is — and is proven to significantly reduce pain in walking, standing and at rest.

So if you suffer from muscular mild to moderate pain niggles opt for a topical pain relieving gel like Deep Relief gel. However, if the pain becomes severe or worsens, always seek GP advice immediately.

LEVOMENTHOL NO LONGER A MYSTERY

Menthol has been used to relieve aches and pains for centuries but it is only recently that scientists have begun to understand how it works.

Messages to the brain are relayed via a system of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels which act as gateways on cells and allow electrical signals to pass back and forth.

A 2007 study at the University of California confirmed that one of these TRP ion channels — known as TRPM8 — is not only essential to signal the sensation of cold, but also responds to menthol. This means at a cellular level these chemical messengers cannot tell the difference between something which is physically cold and the menthol-induced sensation of cold — so applying menthol activates the same pain-relieving response as an ice-pack and triggers a barrage of ‘it’s cold’ signals to the brain which compete with pain signals and dilute their message.

Another piece of the puzzle emerged last year in a study from researchers at the Research Center for Neurobiology and Neurophysiology at Aix-Marseilles University who suspected that menthol’s pain relieving properties went beyond this counter-irritant distraction.

Their laboratory tests confirmed that menthol also blocks at least three of the ion channels which relay the sensation of pain and they reported: “We found that low concentrations of menthol cause analgesia.

This shows that menthol works in two ways: by both blocking pain signals and by diluting the impact of those which get through to the brain.

Another advantage of adding menthol to a pain-relieving gel is that it aids the penetration of ibuprofen. In vitro studies show that when levomenthol — the type of menthol used in Deep Relief — is added to ibuprofen 2.6 times more analgesic is absorbed by the skin in the first hour and at ten hours the combination of ibuprofen and levomenthol delivers 1.4 times more analgesia than ibuprofen alone.

Deep Relief is the only topical NSAID to combine ibuprofen and levomenthol to provide this two-pronged approach to pain-relief.

All products available from Holland & Barrett, Amazon and Boots

Saturn’s Daughters Author Jim Pinnells Interview: On Russia, Pussy Riots And The Birth Of Terrorism

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Frost is very excited to interview Jim Pinnells. Jim has lead a fascinating life and he has written a great book called Saturn’s Daughters: The Birth of Terrorism. Grab yourself a copy.

You have led a fascinating life which has included working with the UN, on Chernobyl aftermath projects and being in Egypt during the Arab Spring. Do you have a particular period that you felt most influenced your life and spurred you to research and write Saturn’s Daughters?

The first version of Saturn’s Daughters was written in the 1960’s when flower power and revolution were in the air. A book by David Footman, Red Prelude, got me hooked on the Russian revolutionaries of the 1880’s. With a bit of history, a natural streak of rebellion and an over-vivid imagination, I dreamed up a revolutionary romance about a terrorist called Viktor Pelin. His shadow survives in Saturn’s Daughters. An American agent pointed out that the female characters in the book were far more interesting than the male and suggested a rewrite. So Countess Anna moved centre-stage – though it took her thirty years to do so. Then I saw that Anna herself wasn’t really the key, but a whole cluster of women centred on Sofya Perovskaya. Her dedication, her idealism, her ruthlessness fascinated me. And this book is the result, almost half a century after the first draft. In a way, the many versions of Saturn’s Daughters are a measure of how far one can travel in a lifetime.

Where did the inspiration for the book come from?

From David Footman, from the Aldermaston marches, from an awareness as a young infantryman defending the River Weser that we were nothing but cannon fodder, from the Atlee government that gave me a scholarship to Cambridge but not the cash to cross the great social divide, from the farmers’ kids I taught in deepest Devon – from everything that ever happened to me really.
How did you undertake your research for the book?

Saturn’s Daughters is a historical novel. One thing I try to do is to get the history more or less right. That obviously means reading a stack of history books and biographies. Once that’s out of the way, there’s another kind of reading altogether – reading what the characters in the story would have read: magazines, newspapers, posters, adverts – every kind of ephemera. What music would they have listened to? What would they have stepped in when they were walking down the street? How would they have taken off their underclothes? And then topography. An earlier novel of mine, The Causeway, is set in a convent in the Bay of Naples. It wasn’t until I visited the convent (now a hotel) and paced the corridors from the cell of the Mother Superior to the punishment cells, found the terrace where the nuns would have seen Nelson evacuating Emma Hamilton from the quayside in Naples, dug my fingers into the soil of the nun’s kitchen garden – only then did the story come to life.

What is your writing routine?

I wish I had one. I’ve never had time to develop any kind routine. I take jobs that sound interesting wherever and whenever they come up. Vietnam, Venezuela, Russia, South Africa the Indonesian jungle or the Saudi desert. Some of my work involves report writing and that always kills real writing. I write fiction when I have time: on planes, on trains, during dead evenings when there’s nothing to do but chat with the locals in a bar somewhere. But then, to finalize a book, you have to sit down, lock the door, and work on it all the hours God made. If you don’t want a character to have blue eyes on page 12 and brown eyes on page 212, you have to (or at least I have to) rewrite the whole book in one intense anti-social bash.

Your book is about the first female terrorist. Do you think there are now less female terrorists, and if so, why?

Quantitatively there are probably as many terrorist movements in the world now as there were individual terrorists in the nineteenth century. Qualitatively it’s hard to say – I’m not quite sure how you’d measure the quality of female terrorists. Tons of debris per pound of explosive? As to the ability of women terrorists to attract public attention, I don’t think much has changed. Terror groups like to use young women as suicide bombers because a shattered female body harvests more news coverage. I think it’s always been a bit like that. But one thing has definitely changed. The romance has evaporated. A huge terrorist trial is going on at the moment in Germany. Beate Zschäpe is accused of murder (10 counts), attempted murder, arson, bank robbery and membership of a terrorist organization. (A charge of possessing child pornography has been dropped.) Zschäpe’s political beliefs – as far as the court has established them – are neo-nazi. Is she in fact a terrorist? That remains to be proved. But one thing both she and her cause certainly lack is any shimmer of romantic appeal. A neo-nazi terror cell that guns down Turkish street vendors disgusts most people and attracts only a handful of sympathizers. Chechen immigrants who blow up spectators at the Boston Marathon are in the same boat. A group of young idealists seeking to overthrow a repressive empire – that’s entirely different. They’ll always have a following. I think what has changed most are the ideologies. The methods, the relative number of women involved – those have stayed much the same.

What do you think breeds terrorism?

Short answer: perceived repression. When a group has strong views but has no power to enforce them, it tends to see itself as the victim of repression. In some societies there are “democratic” ways of handling this problem. Collecting money, starting a blog, forming a political party and then seeking election. But how many people have the time, the know-how or even the wish to work in the “democratic” way? The obvious short-cut, at least since the People’s Will showed the way (and this is the subject of Saturn’s Daughters), is terrorism. Not terrorism as a coherent system of action based on the assumption that even if you destroy the building, others will decide after you’re gone what will be built in its place. But terror as short-term, violent protest. A scream of frustration. A brief orgy of self-advertisement. So: perceived repression, despair, and the availability the weapons of the terrorist – fast transport, fast communications and the ability to make a big bang.

What do you think of modern-day groups like Al-Qaeda and the Taleban?

I sometimes think that if al-Qaeda didn’t exist, big government would have to invented it. But of course it does exist, simultaneously on the brink of extermination (because after all huge sums have been spent on the means of extermination) but yet able to unleash global mayhem at the drop of a hat (because large sums will be needed for future extermination exercises). Not that I’m trying to trivialize the problem. Al-Qaeda, the Taleban, the Imarat Kavkaz, Boko Haram, and countless similar organization all exist. They all pose a clear and present danger to the existing social order – especially in countries where they have their roots and which are vulnerable to their methods. In the “West” our real vulnerabilities lie elsewhere – a cyber-attack on the banking system, for example, or denial of commodities (especially oil). The West will not collapse in the face of aircraft with full fuel tanks hi-jacked by fanatics, and Russia will not collapse in the face of bombs in the Moscow Metro. Big regimes are more or less invulnerable. On the other hand, I’m sure regime change will be instigated by terrorist organizations in quite a few smaller, less stable countries. If these organizations remain in power after the regime change, then they may rule by means of terror. That, however, will be terror from above – the terror of a Stalin or a Robespierre – not terror from below as practiced by the People’s Will in the nineteenth century or by Al Qaeda today.
What change do you believe the world needs most right now?

Some years ago the Finnish aid agency PRODEC decided to channel more of its resources and direct more of African programmes toward women. I played a small part in that switch. The theory was this: menfolk may look more important like cocks on dunghills but really it’s the women who run things – so help them. Educate them and many good things will follow. Recently in Saudi Arabia, the government has completed a University City just outside Riyadh. It will house the 40,000 women of the Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University for Women. It hasn’t been built as a beacon of revolution, but it may function as one. Time will tell. Whatever the outcome in Saudi Arabia, women’s education seems to me the absolute social, commercial and political priority almost everywhere in the world.

What’s next for you?

Two new novels are on the launching pad. The first, Ilona Lost, is set in the First World War. The leading lady (you don’t see the word “heroine” so much these days) is an English nurse who serves with the Russian army on the eastern front and who goes home to Northampton to take over the family firm and build ambulances. The second, Reflections, concerns blood farms where Thai children (especially those with rare blood groups) are herded and milked for their blood which is then sold to the West. And, of course, work. I’m sure I shall give up work one day, but only “when the telephone stops ringing.”
Thank you Jim.

The Improve Rooms | Events

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Ever felt that what you need in your life is a little burst of inspiration from an expert? Step in The Improve Rooms at Fitzroy Square. This was a one day event that I am hoping comes back permanently.

I went along with my friend Holly and the first thing we did was grab some cocktails. We then go and watch expert nutritionist Madeleine Shaw make zucchini noodles to go with a delicious salad. Being healthy never tasted so amazing. Madeleine is incredibly knowledgeable and makes healthy living fun.

We had an amazing chat with fashion stylist Grace Woodward, who you might recognise from Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model. Grace is heavily pregnant but has dressed so smart I didn’t even notice. She looks brilliant in black with a white cardigan, heels(!), great jewellery and stunning eye make up.

Grace talks about sitting next to Elle MacPherson during Next Top Model, “I felt huge”, how she loves what Kate Middleton wears but how she always gets the shoes wrong, “Those wedges when she came out of the hospital…”, we talked about publishing, how much it has changed and the shift away from print and she also talked about how she put the concept of her Improve Room together; “Summer is over in fashion, it’s done, we are already in Autumn”. Grace, Holly and I had a really good natter while cocktails and canapes are brought to us. You really can’t ask for more than that.

We move on to photographer Johny Pits and we talk about selfies as Holly is writing an article on them. Johny is very articulate and gives good debate. We learn a lot about photography and also talk about portfolio careers.

We also talk about the Sure deodorant. The compressed cans have as much in them as bigger cans only they are smaller bottles. Got that? They come in new scents; cotton, clear aqua and bright. I have some in my goody bag which should last me a while.

I had a great time at the Improve Rooms. Here’s hoping they do more.

The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins Book Review

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Frostie

Out of all of the simple pleasures in life, reading a book has to be right at the top and reading about the trials and tribulations of love is usually the thing to lose yourself in. The Next Best Thing is this kind of book. It is not only a good old-fashioned love story, albeit a sad one. Lucy finds the love of her life and then he dies. Leaving her a childless young widow. 5 years later she decides she doesn’t want to lose her chance at motherhood. To start her journey she stops her friends with benefits arrangement with Ethan, her former brother-in-law.

The Next Best Thing is a highly enjoyable book. Romance with substance. It is wonderful to lose yourself in Lucy’s Hungarian family and her Italian in-laws.

I don’t want to give too much away but this is lose-yourself escapism at it’s best. Worth a read.

New York Times bestseller Kristan Higgins’ latest book The Next Best Thing is the hottest new read from romance giant Mills & Boon. Two-time award winner Higgins has penned a witty, sassy and romantic novel that follows recently widowed Lucy as she searches for Mr Perfectly Boring.

Unwilling to risk a second broken heart, Lucy wants a decent man to fall in like – not love – with. She vows to move on from the hot but highly inappropriate Ethan but he isn’t going anywhere. As far as he’s concerned, what she needs might be right under her nose. But can he convince her that the next best thing really can be forever?

Fans of Jenny Colgan and Jennifer Weiner will relish this romantic read that will bring both tears and laughter in equal measures

The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins

Leonardo | Restaurant Review

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Leonardo Italian Pizzeria in Putney is a rather quaint and distinctive pizzeria. You can take out or eat in. If you eat in you will love the restaurant area. It is upstairs, has wonderful homely decoration and looks out to Putney High Street.

But what about the food? For starters we had Classic bruschetta, this was the best bruschetta I have ever tasted in my life and the helping was very generous. If you go in and share one as a couple you will be given a cute heart-shaped bruschetta. A good personal touch.

For mains I have the lasagne and my colleague has a Campagnola pizza; mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, with chicken marinade with balsamic vinegar. The pizza is very good and is huge. Enough for three or four people. The lasagne is also good but could do with less pasta and more bolognaise. Again the portion is good and it really fills you up. The lasagne is very good but I actually make the best lasagne in the world and nothing else has ever been able to compete. In fairness I will say the lasagne is very good.

The only dessert Leonardo’s does is homemade chocolate cake. However we could not manage it as the portions are so big. We will go back another day for it.

Leonard’s is a beautiful little pizzeria. The menu is small- though with plenty of pizza obviously- and they also do free delivery on orders over £10 and all day Sunday. Leonardo’s came to Putney after running a family business in Bari, Southern Italy for 30 years. Their food is traditional, inexpensive and good value. Highly recommended.

Leonardo
161 Putney High Street, London, SW15 1RT
020 8789 0605
www.pizzaleonardo.co.uk

Price: Low to high.

Time To Give Up Sugar? Mentor Me Off Sugar Day 13 & 14

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

To be honest I found this week harder than last. I already knew I would as for this week and next I am not allowed sugar, including all fruit except for, avocado, tomato, lemon and lime, no white pasta or bread and no couscous. I am finding it very restrictive but the worst thing is that I am only drinking herbal tea and water. Boring and I have never particularly liked herbal tea.

But the real reason I have found this week hard is because a close member of my family has gotten seriously ill. There were a few times when I just didn’t know what the point was. But enough negativity. This programme has been very good for me and I am happy I have done it. I have another two weeks to go and I really miss certain foods but I a thinner and healthier. I have also found out just how much sugar is in things and how bad it is for you. Before I was just living in denial.

I recently moved into a flat and have lots of unpacking to do. In the middle of boxes I have yearned for some tea and biscuits. I know I can eat great food which does not have a lot of sugar but I find snacking hard. Especially as I can’t even eat fruit.

Then something amazing happened. I use an app called Fitness Pal, it adds up the calories of your food and also breaks them down into sugar, protein, etc. My sugar intake before the programme was always in the red. Sometimes by 100g! I haven’t used it since week one of the diet when I was still allowed fruit. I used it and not only was I in the green but the most sugar I have had is 15g. Pretty impressive. I also noticed that a homemade Gin & Tonic has no sugar! That made me happy as everything I was drinking was boring. I needed substance.

I still want a lemonade but today in the supermarket I looked at all of the food labels and I was just shocked at how much sugar they put in everything. Even white bread and fruit juice have a lot of sugar. I also get some different herbal tea to shake things up a bit.

We have a picnic in the park and I only drink water and eat well. I end up cancelling it out by not being able to say no to a chocolate eclair but, somehow, I still feel proud. I wish I had more willpower at that moment but I am still proud of myself. This programme is life changing, I am looking into the sugar content of everything I eat and making healthy decisions, chocolate eclair excluded.

A new week of the programme is about to start and I am optimistic. The ginger tea I got tastes good enough and I will be experimenting with vegetables. Onwards and upwards.

Http://happysugarhabits