WRITING CAREER CROSSROADS BY SUE MOORCROFT: PART 1

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Recognising the crossroads

In my book Summer on a Sunny Island, Rosa and Zach stand at crossroads in their lives. In one scene on a sunny roof terrace, they attempt to coach each other over a beer. Is change necessary? If so, what does that look like and how can they effect it?

Credit: Silvia Rosado Photography

A few years ago, I felt at a crossroads. I wasn’t on a Maltese roof terrace overlooking the blue Mediterranean with a handy friend, so I coached myself. It had a profound effect on my writing career.

I’d published nine novels and a raft of short stories, serials, courses and columns; I was a creative writing tutor and writing-competition judge. I had what’s politely referred to as ‘a portfolio career’. Translation: I would take on most paid tasks if they related to writing and some that were unpaid if they might prove useful to my career or meant I was ‘giving back’.

I’d suffered a bereavement and felt unhappy, over-stressed and underpaid. I couldn’t change the bereavement (no matter how much I yearned to), so I assessed everything writing-connected under three headings, subdivided into good or bad.

Things that make me happy Things that make me unhappy Things that are good for me Things that are bad for me Things that earn me money Things that don’t earn me money

 

Two things were instant candidates for all three bold columns:

  • being a committee member and vice chair of an authors’ organisation
  • writing a column for a Formula 1 website

I was shocked to see volunteering for the authors’ organisation in all the wrong columns. But I had to accept that an organisation that has brought me a lot of joy and helped me professionally, was also sucking up hundreds of hours each year and causing anxiety. I emailed the chair, who’s one of my best friends, and said, ‘I don’t think I can be vice chair anymore.’ To her huge credit, she supported my decision and had me replaced without one word of reproach, though she could have felt immensely let down. After that, it was comparatively easy to email the Formula 1 website and gracefully retire from their list of writers. I think my son encapsulated this situation perfectly when he said, ‘You’d taken two of your greatest pleasures and made them into jobs.’

I felt tonnes lighter. I could read what I chose instead of books that needed appraising for awards. I could watch Formula 1 races without making notes or worrying about the angle the column I had to write.

Spurred by this success, I began to cut other things that appeared in negative columns. They earned me some money but not much:

  • appraising manuscripts
  • tutoring creative writing students
  • judging writing competitions – especially after a writing group ‘forgot’ to pay me a fee that was only ever nominal, even after three polite reminders

What made me unhappy about tutoring was not the students, who were fulfilling to work with, but the constant flow of work that piled up if I were ill or on holiday. The workflow was not within my control and kept me from my own stuff.

Sloughing off these two items gave me significant time for my own writing without losing me much money. A win-win.

Takeaways from the self-coaching:

  • recognise when self-coaching is necessary
  • recognise the results, even when shocking
  • act on them

Good heavens – Columbia Community Association is looking extraordinarily smart, thanks to Marion and Red Shoes Bob

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It was a strange weekend over Bank Holiday at the CCA because, though they were closed for business and one might suspect all were at rest – wrong – for Marion and Bob worked like trojans to prepare for the new flooring, which as you can all imagine was no easy task. So much heavy furniture to move… The sack barrow was a Godsend, apparently, especially when moving the desks from the office. Frost Magazine can well imagine.  Then there was the garden area, because once the new floor in the corridor was started; there would be no access. So, what a transformation has occurred with new plants purchased from the Elm Tree Garden Centre, plus a few additions from Aldi, a few pretty hangers for the fence, with many a thought give to ensure that there would be  easy access to the kettle for a must-have cuppa. As you can see, all the plants have found a home. Lord, the work involved, with Marion planting, and Bob making music with his screwdriver.  Give these two a medal, Frost Magazine says.

 

Monday arrived, with Corey too, who got on with the job while Marion and Bob beavered on, sorting out more planting.  First though, the office carpet lifted, doors off, and it seems some work will be needed on the those, which requires a bit of planning, but it’s a doddle she’s been told! Meanwhile, back on the plant front:  Marion decided that though it’s hard work, it’s very therapeutic deciding what plants to put with what.

Marion had placed an advert on social media to see if anyone had a wheelbarrow looking for a new home, the lovely Julie replied, the wheelbarrow was collected and delivered to the centre. First to paint it, and then plant  with an array of foliage.Wonderful and as the summer moves on it  will be a   blaze of beautiful colours and fragrances.

As for the flooring everything went to plan, with super-star Corey intent on working nightshift to ensure that the flooring is completed for the little Didi dancers on Saturday morning.

There is still some finishing to do on the patio area, then Marion and Bob can move over to the other side of the building behind the new gates with hopes that this area can be concreted. ‘At the moment it is like a patchwork quilt,’ says Marion, so for now, up will go the hanging baskets. Oh hang on, they’re already done. These two work at speed.

                                                   

Before

       After

By the end of the week the flooring was done, and our unflappable duo got out the sack barrow and began to put everything back in its place, including the pictures on the wall. Frost Magazine truly feels they should be awarded a medal.  Any minute now our two old codgers (Marion’s description, Margaret wouldn’t dare) can relax, knowing their beloved Centre is up and running again for the use of the community.

So chill the wine, lift a glass to Marion and Red Shoes Bob, and have a great week-end, particularly our two superuper heroes.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

How To Fold Button Up Shirts For Travel

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How To Fold Button Up Shirts For Travel

A well-folded shirt is not only neater, but it also takes up less space in your luggage. Follow these steps to fold a button-up shirt for travel:1. Lay the shirt out flat on a table.2. Fold the sleeves in towards the middle of the shirt.3. Fold the shirt in half, lengthwise.4. Fold the shirt in half again, this time width-wise.5. Place the shirt in a Ziploc bag or other type of baggie.Your shirt will now be neatly folded and taking up much less space in your luggage.

Importance of Properly Folding Button-Up Shirts for Travel

When traveling, it’s important to have your clothes organized and wrinkle-free. One way to do this is by folding your button-up shirts properly. This will save space in your suitcase and help keep your clothes looking crisp.There are a few ways to fold a button-up shirt. The following is one method:1. Start by laying your shirt flat on a surface.2. Fold the sleeves in towards the middle of the shirt.3. Fold the shirt in half, bringing the bottom up to the top.4. Fold the shirt in half again, this time bringing the left side to the right.5. Finally, fold the shirt in half one last time.Your shirt is now folded and ready to go in your suitcase!

Assessing the Number of Shirts Needed for the Trip

When traveling, it’s important to pack light. One way to do this is to fold your shirts so they take up less space in your luggage. Here’s how to do it:1. Lay the shirt out flat on a surface.2. Fold the sleeves in toward the middle of the shirt.3. Fold the shirt in half lengthwise.4. Fold the shirt in half again.5. Place the shirt in a Ziploc bag or packing cube.You should be able to fit at least two or three folded shirts in a Ziploc bag or packing cube.

Preparing Button-Up Shirts for Folding

There are a few things to remember when folding a button-up shirt for travel. First, always button the shirt all the way up before folding it. This will help keep the shirt’s shape. Next, lay the shirt flat on a surface and fold the sleeves in towards the body. Then, fold the shirt in half lengthwise. Finally, fold it in half again, and it’s ready to go in your suitcase!

Choosing the Right Folding Technique

There are multiple ways to fold a button-up shirt for travel. The way you choose to fold your shirt will depend on the type of shirt, the amount of wrinkles you are willing to accept, and the amount of space you have to store it.The simplest way to fold a shirt is to lay it out flat, fold the arms in, and then fold the shirt in half. This method is good for shirts that are not wrinkled and do not require a lot of space.Another way to fold a shirt is to lay it out flat, and then fold the arms in so that they overlap the shirt. Next, fold the shirt in half so that the arms are now in the middle. This method is good for shirts that are wrinkled or need to be folded small.A third way to fold a shirt is to lay it out flat, and then fold the arms in so that they overlap the shirt. Next, fold the bottom of the shirt up to the middle of the arms. Finally, fold the top of the shirt down to cover the bottom. This method is good for shirts that are wrinkled or need to be folded small.

Step-by-Step Guide: Folding Button-Up Shirts for Travel

If you’re like most people, you probably have at least a few button-up shirts that you wear on a regular basis. But have you ever stopped to think about how you fold them? Folding your shirts the wrong way can actually cause them to become misshapen and wrinkled, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to look your best.The trick to folding a button-up shirt for travel is to keep the collar, cuffs, and buttons as smooth and wrinkle-free as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:1. Start by laying the shirt out flat on a table or the floor.2. Fold the sleeves in towards the middle of the shirt.3. Next, fold the shirt in half lengthwise.4. Now, fold the shirt in half widthwise.5. Finally, fold the shirt in half one more time so that it’s in a long, thin rectangle.And that’s it! Your shirt is now neatly folded and ready to go in your suitcase or carry-on.

Packing Strategies: Storing Folded Shirts in Luggage

Button up shirts can be a pain to fold and pack, especially if you’re trying to conserve space in your luggage. Here are a few tips on how to fold them for travel:1. Lay the shirt out flat and smooth it out.2. Fold the sleeves in towards the center of the shirt.3. Fold the shirt in half length-wise.4. Fold the shirt in half again, width-wise.5. Place the folded shirt in your luggage and it’s ready to go!If you’re not going to wear the shirt for a while, you can also store it folded in your luggage like this. When you’re ready to wear it again, just unfold it and it’s ready to go.

Tips for Minimizing Wrinkles while Folding Shirts

If you’re like most people, you probably have a few button-up shirts that you like to wear on travel days. They’re comfortable, versatile, and can easily be dressed up or down. The only problem? They tend to wrinkle easily.Here are a few tips for minimizing wrinkles while folding shirts:1. Start with a clean, dry shirt.2. Fold the shirt in half, lengthwise.3. Fold the shirt in half again, width-wise.4. Fold the shirt once more, in half lengthwise.5. Fold the shirt in half again, width-wise.6. Fold the shirt into a small square.7. Tuck the shirt into a small bag or suitcase.If you follow these tips, you should be able to pack a few button-up shirts without worrying about them getting wrinkled.

Unpacking and Restoring the Shape of Folded Shirts After Travel

Restoring the Folded Shirt ShapeIf you have ever traveled with a button-up shirt, you know the struggle of trying to get the wrinkles out. Not to mention, trying to get the shirt to look like it was when you first folded it. Here is a guide on how to fold your button-up shirt for travel and how to restore the shape when you unpack it.How to Fold a Button-Up Shirt for Travel1. Lay the shirt out flat on a surface.2. Fold the shirt in half, lengthwise.3. Fold the shirt in half again, widthwise.4. Fold the shirt in half once more, making sure the collar is folded down.5. Place the folded shirt in a packing cube or in your luggage.How to Unfold a Button-Up Shirt1. Remove the shirt from your luggage or packing cube.2. Unfold the shirt and lay it out flat on a surface.3. Shake the shirt out and smooth out the wrinkles.4. Flip the shirt over so the back is facing up.5. Smooth out the wrinkles on the back of the shirt.6. Fold the shirt in half, widthwise.7. Fold the shirt in half again, lengthwise.8. Fold the shirt in half once more, making sure the collar is folded down.9. Place the folded shirt in a packing cube or in your luggage.

WRITERS ON THE ROAD: KAREN KING

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Places I’ve been to or lived in often inspire my writing, as do people I meet, conversations I overhear, incidents that happen. They’re all fuel for an author’s imagination, as my family and friends know and say to me ‘you can put that in a book’ when we go to a particularly interesting place or something unusual happens – and I frequently do!

I often set my books in places that I’ve lived in or visited – many of my romances are set in Cornwall – where I lived for many years – or Spain – where I currently live.  Whereas my psychological thrillers are usually set in a city such as Birmingham where I was born and grew up or Worcester where I lived for several years before moving to Spain. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have to do any research though, as I like to revisit a place to check on some facts,  especially at a different time of day or a different month. A busy city, for example, will have a different feel to it during the daytime when it will be bustling with people going to work or shopping to the evening when it can sometimes feel dark and threating, whilst a holiday destination such as Cornwall can be teeming with life in the summer and almost deserted during the winter months. Unless you’ve actually experienced the difference between the crowded streets of a popular Cornish town in the summer months when sometimes you can barely put one foot in front of the other because of the throngs of people and cling tight to your child’s hands in case they wander off and you can’t find them, and the empty streets and closed shops of the winter, it can be difficult to write authentically about.

My latest romance, The Spanish Wedding Disaster, is partly set in Gibraltar, which I’ve visited several times, but I still made another visit to double check a few details for the book and went on both the dolphin spotting trip and the visit to the caves that feature in the book. I also stayed in a floating hotel as Steve and Kate do.

For my book, The Year of Starting Over, which again is set in Spain, I actually did the Camino del Rey walk which I mention in the book even though I’m terrified of heights.

Writing psychological thrillers and romance novels is like writing both sides of the same coin, in fact my tagline is ‘writing about the light and dark of relationships’ so I thought for my next thriller, which is out in October, I would do the dark side of The Year of Starting Over, which is partly set in a holiday retreat in Andalucia, Spain. It’s been interesting to turn the idea for my summer Spanish romance on its head and write it as a thriller. It meant looking at things from a different angle – in my romance novel the electricity going off sets of a romantic situation, in my thriller the consequences are more sinister. I can’t give much away at the moment as the book isn’t published yet but for a teaser let me tell you that my tagline is ‘Relaxation, Reconnection and … Revenge.’  And once again, it’s set in a location I know well.

 

If you want to find out more about me and my work, please visit my website at https://karenkingauthor.com/

 

 

 

 

Michael Rowan is excited to discover two artists at Tate Contemporary’s latest exhibition, ‘Going Beyond, ’a two-person exhibition featuring the work of textile artist Michael Brennand-Wood and ceramic artist Anne Marie Laureys.

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Anne Marie Laureys Crossover of Thoughts 2020 Photo Peter Claeys

Michael Brennand-Wood Storyboard2 Orange Dancer with Cosmic Skirt

London is burgeoning with exhibitions and sometimes the smaller ones can easily get overlooked. This is one exhibition not to be missed, and as it is a mere 4 minute walk from South Kensington Underground Station there really is no excuse for not popping in.  These two artists were brought together, because in the words of the curator, ‘both are going beyond,’ with their work, in an exhibition that juxtaposes the simple with the complex in a delightful thought provoking exhibition.

Both artists push their interaction with the material they work with, to go beyond the expected. Michael Brennand-Wood taps into his lifelong knowledge of embroidery and lace-making in combination with modern day techniques to create multi-layered sculptural textile works. Anne Marie Laureys begins her process by throwing a classic vessel that she then alters with the help of time and gravity; reshaping, remoulding and refolding the clay over and over again until the work has found its voice.

The exhibition is quite small, covering two rooms, but the gallery seems ideally suited to displaying the works, and an hour and 30 minutes flew by.

Michael Brennand-Wood has an international reputation as one of the most innovative and inspiring artists working in textiles today. Here he creates a new body of work called Storyboards. Taking the figure of Gulliver bound to the ground with thread as its starting point encapsulating a feeling of being trapped and unable to move.

The pieces seem at first viewing to be deceptively simple, a base of images and some scraps of text forming a collage, over which are dozens if not hundreds of pins linked by different coloured threads.

This really is a case of the more that you look the more you see. At first the threads seem to be a metaphor for holding someone or something in place, a little like Gulliver’s travels. The more threads the stronger the binds.

Look again and you will see that threads are also used as linkages, directing the eye through the story board from one point to another.

I realised that the threads also depicted movement e.g. the rigging on a sailing vessel and the pirouetting of a ballet dancer as well as the inability to move, because of the threads.

An eclectic collection of items are woven into each piece, a part of a floor tile; some hardened mercurial solder splashes taken from another artist’s studio floor; images from the artist’s childhood books; a small wooden frame; and even the artist’s grandmother’s door key, personalising the work, but also inviting the viewer to use these items to evoke feelings that arise from one’s own experience of such items.

These multi layered works are taking stitches to a different level and in doing so develops depth creating a sort of three-dimensional pointillism.

                                    

The ceramics in this exhibition demanded an iron will, such was their tactile appeal.

Belgian ceramic artist Anne Marie Laureys begins her process by throwing a classic, symmetrical pot. Whilst the clay is still soft and wet, she pulls, folds, pinches and punctures it. The tension of the clay underneath her fingers dictates the way the folds take shape, her pieces appear to have a spontaneous, unplanned quality.

However, Laureys takes her time to find the shape of a vessel, remoulding and refolding the clay over and over again until it speaks with her unique voice. No two works are ever the same. 

Each piece had a fine surface of what I initially took to be fine sand, added prior to the firing process, but was in fact fine crumbs of clay, together with some minerals such as nickel, iron and copper which renders the ceramic a velvet like visual quality rather than the usual shiny glaze.

These sculptural pieces range in colour from terracotta, bronze to pale blues and violet and have an organic feel, such that it is almost possible to discern the evolution of each piece.  The artist does not begin with a fully formed idea of what she is working towards or how the piece will look when finished, but rather takes her cue from the process.

There isn’t much time to visit this exhibition but it will certainly make you glad that you made the effort.

Venue: 4 Cromwell Place, Gallery 12, London, SW7 2JE, UK.     Dates: 30th May to 4th June 2023.    Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 – 18:00; Sunday 10:00 – 16:00

Fresh Vegan Skincare Brand RINGANA Launch Baby Skincare Products

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In keeping with the RINGANA philosophy, the range consists of four fresh, natural vegan care products, developed with the greatest care and of the highest certified organic and pharmaceutical quality. I have tried these products on my own children and they are amazing. I love them. They work well and you don’t need to worry about toxins. 

vegan, skincare, baby, children

FRESH baby body & wash, FRESH baby bum cream, FRESH baby bum foam and FRESH baby oil. 

Naturally, just like all of the other RINGANA products, the entire product range is vegan, free of synthetic colours, perfumes and preservatives, mineral oils, parabens, PEG emulsifiers, etc. All of the products are dermatologically tested and are very well tolerated by the skin.

The RINGANA story began in Austria in 1996 out of the deep convictions, deeply rooted values and unstoppable energy of two people who wanted to make the world a better place. The ultimate impetus was provided by a toothpaste that their son brought home with him from kindergarten. Ulla Wannemacher and Andreas Wilfinger were so shocked by the questionable ingredient triclosan, that they resolved to launch better alternatives on the market.

Now, 26 years later, they are returning to the starting point of their story, presenting a new product range for babies and young children.

No fluff – no fillers: RINGANA FRESH baby 

FRESH baby body & hair wash: clean from head to toe 

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This mild washing gel cleans delicate skin and hair ultra gently. The pH-friendly formulation is very kind, and won’t make their eyes sting. Skin-soothing extracts of oat, cotton and witch hazel prevent irritation. Ectoin, as a stress protection molecule, supports the skin barrier. Almond and sesame oil have a grooming, lipid-restoring effect, and help to untangle hair. The sensitive skin is supplied with moisture, protecting it from drying out.

RRP 50 ml, £6.70

FRESH baby bum cream: gently soothes and protects 

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This nurturing formulation effectively soothes irritation in the nappy area with witch hazel extract and cotton extract. It strengthens the skin barrier and forms a breathable protective film on the skin. Natural almond, sesame and jojoba oil from controlled organic cultivation promote skin regeneration.

FRESH baby bum cream can be used after every nappy change to prevent nappy rash.

RRP 50 ml, £9.48

FRESH baby bum foam: the eco-friendly alternative to baby wipes 

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Whether you’re at home or out and about: Our innovative FRESH baby bum foam cleanses sensitive baby skin in the nappy area gently yet thoroughly. Skin-soothing ingredients such as witch hazel extract and cotton extract effectively groom baby’s delicate skin. Applied to a soft, washable cloth, FRESH baby bum foam is an excellent alternative to baby wipes and can also be used on hands and face. It doesn’t need to be rinsed off.

RRP 50 ml, £8.61 

FRESH baby oil: a real all-rounder

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Whether used for daily skin care, relaxing baby massages or gentle cleaning, FRESH baby oil was developed for the special needs of baby skin which quickly dries out and loses moisture. The unique combination of pharmaceutical-grade sesame, jojoba, almond and evening primrose oil from controlled organic cultivation grooms and regenerates the skin. Organic extracts of oat and vanilla soothe the skin and have an antioxidant effect. Tip: also ideal for parents and other adults.

RRP 50 ml, £7.66 

Less is more – and it’s all top quality 

Only a few care products are required to look after the sensitive and delicate skin of babies and small children. At the same time, it’s extremely important to use only those products that have been developed specifically for those needs.

“Baby skin is around three to five times thinner than adult skin. On top of that, the protective function has not yet fully developed which means that it dries out faster, and toxins can penetrate easier,” explains Dr. Andrea Haidinger, MSc, Senior Product Developer for organic and fresh skin care at RINGANA.

“It was very important to us to keep the range as small as possible, and reduce it to the essentials. With these four products of the purest quality, with hand-picked, meticulously tested ingredients, we’ve covered all the real needs of sensitive baby and children’s skin,” says Andreas Wilfinger, RINGANA’s CEO.

There are countless baby care products available: powders, oils, creams, lotions & shampoos – all these and more in every conceivable format. But what does a child’s skin really need to make them feel good all over? It’s a question that RINGANA has explored in great depth.

Fresh, natural and pure 

Along with a high standard of sustainability and efficacy, these are attributes that have always been deeply enshrined at RINGANA, and which create the perfect basis for natural baby care. The new range was developed with the greatest care, to meet and exceed the needs of sensitive children’s skin:

a mix of high-end plant oils and valuable plant extracts of organic and pharmaceutical-grade quality is proof of these products’ superb quality.

Further plus points for the new RINGANA FRESH baby range: the products have been recognised with official COSMOS organicnatural-cosmetic certification, they are manufactured with no potential allergenic perfumes, and they contain a special ingredient – a specific cotton cell extract – to soothe the skin.

“Baby and child skin care is a particularly sensitive topic that we’ve approached with enormous attentiveness and respect. A mother only wants to give her children the very best – as I can confirm myself. That’s why we proceeded with the greatest possible care throughout the development of our FRESH baby range,” says Ulla Wannemacher, RINGANA’s General Manager.

As Ulla Wannemacher and Andreas Wilfinger proudly say: “26 years ago we started freeing men’s and women’s bathrooms from mineral oils, excessive emulsifiers, preservatives and metal soaps, replacing them with freshness, efficacy and sustainability. Now, 26 years later, it’s time to revolutionise children’s bathrooms in the same way.”

www.ringana.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RINGANA

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ringana/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RINGANA2012

Teeth Talks: Dentist Helps Us Brush Up On Our Dental Health

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One in three adults in the UK suffers from some type of gum disease, says, Clinical Director and Lead Dentist at Paste Dental, Dr Alan Clarke.  Teeth play an important role throughout our life, so we asked him all the nitty gritty teeth grinding questions to help improve our overall oral health…

 

Aside from regular trips to the dentist, how can we best take care of our teeth at-home? 

“It is so important to have your own bespoke oral care plan. We are all different, at different stages of life and have specific oral health needs, also linked to our general health and if underlying conditions are present. I love creating a specific routine for my patients at Paste Dental in Belfast, it’s never a one size fits all, and it needs to be reviewed as needs change.

 

Flossing is key! Floss daily, honestly it’s a game changer. Interdental cleaning with floss or inter-dental brushes will reduce plaque loading, freshen your breath and prevent baseline inflammation which can progress to gum disease. Right now I am using CocoFloss products – from the US, a great tool.

 

Friends of mine have just released an unbelievable product from their company Parla (as featured on dragons den) which is 100% biodegradable floss, letting us as professionals continue to promote great oral care while being mindful of the impact single use plastic has on our planet!  Brushing twice daily, a balance diet and education about your own needs will serve your gums and teeth well.

 

Not all toothpaste is created equal, so make sure you’re using one that’s right for you. Whether you need fluoride, sensitivity relief, or whitening, there’s a toothpaste out there for everyone. Even better chat to your dentist and plan a bespoke regime, tailored specifically to you.

 

Two minutes may not seem like a long time, but it’s the recommended amount of time to brush your teeth.

 

Be careful with drinks you assume are super healthy! Acid attacks are very common from this sort of potion, leading to tooth translucency, enamel wear and dentine hypersensitivity.

 

Eating a balanced diet can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, can help maintain bone density. Additionally, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can help stimulate saliva production and clean teeth naturally.

 

Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate dry mouth and prevent tooth decay. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day and sip water regularly.

 

What are the dos and don’ts of brushing? 

Brush for 2 minutes when you wake up and 2 minutes before you go to sleep – that’s a great start. I recommend an electric brush (it can easily regulate the force – preventing over-brushing) and with AI now it can show you where you missed in real time.

 

Spit don’t rinse your paste! Leave that gritty texture and coating on your teeth, it will help remineralise, block dentinal tubules to reduce sensitivity and maintain a fresh breath for longer.

 

For a manual brushing fan, check the bristles and make sure they are not frayed or splayed – usually every 6 weeks we should swap to a new brush.

 

Store you brush away from the toilet, not in a closed container and firmness of bristles is really a personal preference. Also hopefully it goes without saying but don’t share your toothbrush! I love the Te-pe manual brushes because you can steep the toothbrush head in boiling water without damaging the bristles, no fear of bacterial contamination here.

 

What are the worst habits we should break for better dental hygiene? 

Not flossing enough! Honestly. It’s the one thing I tell my patients. I would prefer they floss over anything else. Once you personally get into a great interdental cleaning habit, bleeding gums are gone, fresh breath is back and a clean mouth reigns. It will also save you thousands in dental bills in the future, trust me!

 

How often should we floss? What are the signs of gum disease and how can we prevent it?

Daily!  Everyday! – twice if you can! Gum disease is multi-factorial. With genetic components, the presence of specific oral pathogenic bacteria, smoking and oral hygiene playing a role we as professional try to cut through the noise and find out objectively what is the root cause. A great tool we now use is salivary micro biome testing. This objective data will let patients see exactly what bacteria is present and if it is having a truely damaging affect on their oral health.

 

Signs such as chronic bleeding gums, bad breath, mobility of teeth and more seriously tooth loss are all linked to gum disease!

Interestingly we also find patients who have active gum disease present have significantly lower health outcomes in terms of heart disease, diabetes and COVID-19. Our body is a system and as a cosmetic dentist but primarily a dental health professional it’s important that we join the dots for patients and help foster holistic treatment planning. I believe we can help prevent gum disease through patient education on their own health, the causes and risk factors of gum disease, a bespoke oral care plan and patient understanding to self manage at home!

 

What are the benefits of interdental brushes? Should we use them alongside flossing? Can children use them?

As we get older, spaces can develop between our teeth as the jaw bone grows overtime. Tooth loss also creates odd spaces as teeth drift or change position. We don’t need to worry but certainly need to be aware of how to look after our mouth as this happens. Floss is great for small spaces but as the bone reduces in height and remodels larges spaces can appear which need a much larger tool for effective cleaning. Floss and interdental brushes are so necessary. You want to use the biggest brush that fits into the space comfortably, with bristles sweeping under the gum line and around each tooth margin. Revise and resize. Every 3 months it is vital you, or ideally in partnership with your dental/hygienist or dental therapist, revise and resize your brushes (spaces will increase as inflammation reduces), we want your cleaning to remain efficient and effective. Children don’t need this level of cleaning as their teeth are much more compactly placed together.

 

What are the benefits of a water flosser? Should we be using one daily?

I’m not a major fan of waterflossers as a tool on their own but some patients swear by them for removing food particles and debris. Certainly not a replacement for effective interdental cleaning but maybe a nice add on to help maintain a fresh breath!

 

How can women best look after their teeth during significant life milestones such as pregnancy and the menopause? Can HRT affect teeth & gums?

Menopause and pregnancy bring a variety of challenges to oral health. Blood flow levels in the oral mucosa and gingiva change, gingivitis and inflammation can increase and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can cause ulcerative flare ups lasting several weeks. My advice is to try your best to maintain your oral health routine, don’t beat yourself up about missing some element, life is complicated and don’t let perfect be the enemy of simplicity and consistency.

If morning sickness is causing havoc, try to brush at a different time of the day, adapt your routine to suit you but try to aim for some sort of consistency that is achievable! Life is amazing, you are smashing it, remember that!

 

What are the most common dental mistakes / misconceptions you’ve heard about or seen with your patients?

1. People fear judgment from us firstly. At Paste Dental Belfast we cast that aside from the minute people walk into our clinic. As dentists we are here to give you information, to guide but to help you make informed choices for your own health! Don’t fear judgment.

2. Vaping is totally safe, actually not quite true! Also I am seeing an emerging trend towards Swedish tobacco pouches, again not safe (major oral cancer link).

3. Dentistry is expensive! Yes – but a good structured oral care plan will help avoid the need for expensive dentistry in the future.

4. Sugar is evil. Again, no!  A balanced diet is key, it’s all about the frequency of sugar exposures and length of time taken for oral bacterial acid levels to neutralise.”

Frost Loves Beautiful and Functional Yoga Mats From Yoga Design Lab

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I absolutely love Yoga Design Lab yoga mats. They’re stylish, beautiful and sustainable. They’re available for adults and children. They are great mats which are also eco-friendly. I also found them to be light and easy to travel with.

Whether you’re an experienced yogis or new to yoga practice, giving the gift of eco-friendly yoga gear is a great way to support health and wellness, express our appreciation, and deepen our bonds by contributing to a more sustainable future together.

Yoga Design Lab creates vibrant, high-performance yoga mats and accessories by using sustainable materials like recycled microfiber, renewable cork, natural rubber, and water-based inks, making them safe yet stylish options for adults and children alike.

The Combo Mat, voted by Vogue as one of the “18 Best Yoga Mats in 2022,” is an excellent choice for eco-conscious mothers, while the Combo Kids Mat encourages children to explore yoga in an engaging way with playful colors and designs.

Yoga promotes a wide array of physical and mental benefits — including increased strength and mobility, less stress and anxiety, and a greater sense of calm and peace — and can be practiced almost anywhere, with many different styles and flows to try, making it accessible to all ages and preferences.

“Practicing yoga with our mothers is a beautiful way to connect and strengthen our relationships with one another,” said Yoga Design Lab’s Bianca Fesenbeckh. “It’s a meaningful and deeply nurturing experience to share, and we believe using yoga products created with materials sourced from mother nature only elevates that.”

Yoga Design Lab offers a diverse selection of more than 20 unique designs, ensuring that you can easily find the perfect product that suits your mother’s or wife’s individual style. By gifting them with YDL’s eco-friendly yoga gear, you’re not only showing them how much you care, but also giving them the gift of “me time” to find peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of daily life.

 

About Yoga Design Lab

Yoga Design Lab creates yoga mats and accessories that balance sustainability with style and performance – without having to sacrifice one for another.  Founded in 2015 and based in Illinois, Yoga Design Lab is committed to using recycled, recyclable and renewable materials in all yoga products. The vision is to create a better world for the next generation by providing products that preserve the planet while helping people Live. Beautiful.® each and every day. For more information, go to yogadesignlab.com or follow at @yogadesignlab.