Summer is finally here and we can wear our summer wardrobe at last. The big sunglasses trend is a must this season. The gold trim at the top of the frame is a big favourite this season with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Coleen Rooney, Lauren Conrad and Millie Mackintosh all sporting the look. What do you think?
Get the look with these GUESS Sunglasses which are exclusively available from House Of Fraser for just £85.00. Available in brown and black.
The Fat Information Service reveals the facts behind the headlines…
Fatty acids continue to be the subject of ongoing academic research and media attention. In this bulletin, brought to you by the experts behind The Fat Information Service (FIS), we discuss some recent findings regarding different types of fat and risk of heart disease.
Get to know your fats
Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (found in animal products such as meat, cheese and butter) or unsaturated (found in oils, seeds and spreads).
When choosing fats, we’re advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle1.
Sorting fact from fiction
Recent coverage of the role of fats in the diet has made for confusing and alarming reading as well as being based on unreliable evidence. So what should we believe?
In response to a new review paper just published in Nutrition Bulletin2, Dr Carrie Ruxton from The Fat Information Service notes: “This latest release successfully challenges the recent media frenzy which followed publication of a BMJ paper on heart disease risk and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in margarine and spreads.
The evidence shows clearly that the risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats3. By highlighting this robust evidence base and outlining the inaccuracies surrounding interpretation of the BMJ study4consumers are urged not to shun the government’s dietary guidelines on the basis of spurious media reports.
The Nutrition Bulletin study confirms that advice for the general population should still be to choose foods with a lower saturated fat content and to opt for fats that are primarily unsaturated, supplying a range of omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fats.
Fat Information Service tips
As with all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception.
While polyunsaturated fats offer numerous health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health. Present guidelines suggest that no more than 35% of your overall daily energy intake should come from fat (with no more than 11% from saturated fat)5,6.
So while it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall wellbeing (as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle).
These tips will help show you how:
ü Switch to lower-fat dairy products e.g. low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milks to reduce your intake of saturated fats. Eat less cheese.
ü Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and must be taken in via your diet
ü Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.
ü When you do roast or fry food, try using a lower saturated fat spread or oil product
Liz Earle MBE writer, broadcaster and entrepreneur who co-founded the Liz Earle Beauty Co. has launched her ‘second chance’ charity LiveTwice.
The charity works with disadvantaged people of all ages to offer opportunities for skills training and personal support. As well as funding skills training, LiveTwice also fund community centres in areas of social need, as well as a respite home-from-home for children with disabilities in a rural Dorset community.
The charity gives a hand-up not a hand out
LiveTwice helps empower those in need to make the most of their lives, helping to break the cycle of poverty, abuse and unemployment that destroys the individual and leads to the breakdown of families and society.
LiveTwice is all about offering opportunity in a practical way.
LiveTwice also offer a match-making service which give donors the freedom to donate to a specific project or place that interests them, in a very easy, safe and rewarding way. A new way to encourage global philanthropy.
Liz Earle MBE said: ‘LiveTwice already does a lot and there is a lot to do! Over the years, my research and filming travels have taken me to people and places far and wide who are in desperate need of a helping hand. LiveTwice provides just that-with a hand-up, not just a hand out.’
Liz’s daughter, Amaryllis Earle is a Founding Trustee of LiveTwice with a focus on working with children and young people.
For more information on LiveTwice, please visit: www.livetwice.org or follow twitter.com/LiveTwiceOrg
Whether you’re simply considering a new design or you haven’t been getting much traffic lately, it may be time to improve the design of your company’s website. There are some simple things that you can do to quickly and easily improve the design. This not only adds a new look to the site, it also can help improve your traffic and even your conversion rates.
Branding and Logo
Image via Flickr by Seth W.
Is your logo recognizable? Do you have consistent branding throughout your entire website? Both of these are crucial. If your brand isn’t recognizable, people aren’t going to remember it in the future. Consider bringing a consistent theme through your website, and ensuring that you have a unique logo.
Take a look at your homepage. Does it seem like a mish-mash of information? Consider doing a bit of spring cleaning on your site. This could involve getting rid of unneeded images. Or, you might need to cut down on some of the text on the page. No matter what you get rid of, remember it’s for a good reason. Once you’re done with the homepage, move on to other pages on the site. Clean pages help people focus on what they’re there to do.
Reconsider Your Call to Action
Image via Flickr by Sean MacEntee
Have you looked at your call to action recently? Is it something that truly calls to your users? What are you trying to get them to do? One mistake that many businesses make is that their call to action is confusing. They use misleading or contradictory call to actions throughout their sites.
Make your site better by simply making sure that it portrays the same message throughout. Even the style of the call to action can be changed. If you currently have it simply as text, you could change this to a button, or vise-versa.
Take a look at your navigation. Maybe it’s time to try a new style. Have you had your website navigation across the top of the site? Consider using a sidebar in its place. Instead of having all the categories and subcategories listed out at once, try flyaways. This can save you room on the design, and it can also change things up enough to entice new visitors. Make the navigation area larger or smaller to further change the design.
Change the Colors
Image via Flickr by ceslava.com
One of the simplest things you can do to change the look of your website is to change the colors. This can make the whole website look completely different, while at the same time leaving it fundamentally the same. Try playing around with a few different color schemes. It’s generally understood that you should stick with two to four colors. More than this, and the design gets confusing and complicated. It’s also a good idea to keep the colors complementary to ensure the design looks its best.
If you aren’t comfortable making design changes to your website, consider working with a design company such as B² Interactive. You can get great design options when working with a design company.
There are many reasons to start a business (passion, a desire to be seen as an expert, among others), but no matter the reason for why the business was formed in the first place, a business has to stay afloat financially. To be financially sound, promotion of your business is necessary. Pick new media, traditional media, or combine both to promote your business and get it the recognition and customers you deserve.
Top 3 Ways You Can Promote Your Business
Image via Flickr by Rosaura Ochoa
Find your customers and go to them. This sentiment is applicable to both traditional advertising efforts and new, social efforts. Your business is only as great as the customers who drive it so finding that target audience of consumers is imperative. Not just any person will work, but rather, a strategy for who will fuel your business the most should be implemented.
When using traditional media efforts, find out if your target consumer hangs out in coffee shops, at the library, at the senior center, or in the city park. From there, print out flyers, distribute business cards, and join any organizations in those same areas.
When using new media efforts, look for tweetchats where your consumer is hanging out. Tweetchats exist to talk about books, social media outlets, sewing and other hobbies. By participating, connecting and finding out what others are talking about in the field, you’ll be surrounded by those who can find a benefit in your company.
Making yourself and your business known is more than just distributing flyers and connecting online, though there is that. To make yourself known includes these things, but also goes beyond to establishing yourself as an expert, attending conferences in your field, and developing a large presence both online and off.
Incorporate traditional media efforts by handing out a large amount of business cards, advertising on radio and television, and taking out an ad in your local newspaper. Decal and magnet your vehicle, or make t-shirts for your biggest fans to wear.
To incorporate new media efforts into your business strategy, consider creating Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts. Also, take part in or host a webinar, write a blog, create a video blog, or have a QR code tied to your business. Creating Slideshare presentations, as Lindsay Rosenwald has done, will help you promote your business because you are sharing your expertise with a presentation you have created.
If you’re producing a quality product (tangible or intangible) and you have loyal customers and clients, word of mouth marketing is the greatest tool at your disposal. Referrals for your business will increase as you form relationships with your customers and continue to offer a product and service that people can stand behind.
Increasing word of mouth marketing is in the business owner’s hand and can be done by asking for referrals, and requesting that current customers review your business on top review sites like Yelp, Google, Yahoo and Trip Advisor. A customer loyalty card or referral card with a deal attached will also work to promote your business.
As a business owner, promoting your business is essential, but doing so in the right ways will secure longer lasting customers who are loyal to your work and products. Encourage word of mouth, make yourself known and be strategic in your promoting to reach maximum potential.
The Long Riders is a classic western from Walter Hill. It is now making it’s Blu-Ray debut thanks to Second Sight Films.
The Long Riders is a good film. It has good performances from actors that are now super famous, but were then young actors trying to make a mark. Their raw talent is there and fascinating to watch. These include real life movie siblings Dennis and Randy Quaid, Christopher and Nicholas Guest, and three Carradine’s; David, Keith and Robert. So it is very much a family affair.
The casting of real-life brothers in the film adds to the tale of the infamous Jesse James/Cole Younger gang. We may all know the story of Jessie James and Robert Ford but knowing the ending doesn’t stop you enjoying this film. The shoot outs are filled with excitement and the consequences come fast and hard. It is hard hitting and in it’s day it must have been violent and shocking as it still has power today.
This is an old movie and for those who like old movies it is certainly enjoyable. Although I think people who do not usually watch old movies will like it too. A well paced film with a cracking script and lots of action. It has beautiful cinematography and is a visual feast. I really loved the look of the movie. All the way down to the melancholic ending which comes after a brilliant shoot out scene and includes the infamous Northfield, Minnesota bank raid. It is one of those great old westerns that they don’t make anymore.
Climate Change seems like an endless debate. With evidence coming from both sides of the divide. It is not hard to get confused and just want some straight facts. I have read James Delingpole’s Watermelons book which had some good, hard facts in it, helped massively by the scandal involving scientists and their hacked emails. Climategate certainly did global warming no favours.
But now climate change has a new big hitter on its side: National Geographic photographer James Balog. After all, seeing is believing and James Balog’s photography of melting icebergs cannot be dismissed. In fact, after telling a friend about the documentary he told me of a friend who had trained for two years to go to the North Pole and then could not because the ice had all melted and it was not possible to get there on foot. Worrying stuff.
Now to the documentary. First thing is first: wow. The documentary is beautiful. Balog’s photography is just striking and perfect. His photography ends up on the front cover of the National Geographic. It is fair to say that he might be the best nature photographer working today. However, this is not the only point of Chasing Ice. The point of Chasing Ice is the melting icebergs. Despite knee operations and health problems Balog kept returning to the Arctic and launched the EIS: Extreme Ice Survey. In the eight years since he started the project- in 2005- the icebergs had severely melted, if not disappeared altogether.
Chasing Ice was shortlisted for an Oscar and grossed over $75,000 at the box office in the UK alone. This is all with good reason, Chasing Ice is a brilliant documentary. A must see for everyone and possibly the most important documentary of out time.
Chasing Ice is out now . Join the EIS: Extreme Ice Survey if you would like to help.
Father’s day is on the 16th of June and it is fast approaching. For those – like me- who have not bought anything yet I have put together a gift guide. It is a range of fun and different things for the most important man in your life. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments below.
At Frost we reviewed Grant’s Family Reserve. Here is what we thought:
This whiskey smells great, full bodied. My first thought on trying this whiskey is oak. I then read up on it to find out it is matured in oak caskets. It is also malty, clean and complex. I can taste cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. We initially tried it without water and you really get the full flavours. With water it is just as enjoyable, and personally I found it more so because you could take it all in more without getting really drunk! This whiskey is a great blend. I really enjoyed it. It is sweet and fruity so it is right up my street.
Whether your dad is a discerning whisky lover or someone who enjoys the occasional dram, the Grant’s Family Reserve gift pack is the ideal way to say thank you and to help make this Father’s Day extra special.
Feeling inspired? Why not try something different this Father’s Day with one of Grant’s signature cocktails, the Grant’s highball.
Cocktail – Grant’s Highball
Made with the world’s favourite family owned whisky, the Grant’s Highball is an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to a meal and ideal for sharing with your dad.
Ingredients:
· 50ml Grant’s Family Reserve
· Ginger ale
· Dash of Angostura bitters
· Garnish with an Orange wedge
Fill a glass with ice cubes and add the Grant’s Family Reserve. Top up with ginger ale and add a few drops of Angostura bitters. Garnish with an orange wedge.
The Grant’s Family Reserve £16.49*, Grant’s Sherry Cask (MRSP £17.99*) and Grant’s Ale Cask (MRSP £17.99*) are available at Tesco, other leading supermarkets and off licences.
Visit www.grantswhisky.co.uk for the latest serve ideas
This Leather Men’s Wallet is from QVC. £20.16
Item no.759923
Emu Mens Romeo Sheepskin Slipper, £69.00, QVC.
Item no.153851
Skagen Gents Midnight Blue Dial Titanium Mesh Strap Watch, QVC, £102.00
Item no.674551
FREE ARCHERY LESSON FOR DADS AND FAMILY SWORD SCHOOL
This Father’s Day, Sunday 16 June, at Warwick Castle, kids can send their dads back to school – Knight School – for free ‘have a go’ archery and training in swordsmanship from the Warwick Warriors, in addition to enjoying mediaeval weaponry displays and the firing of the Mighty Trebuchet. From 10am until 5pm, all dads qualify for an archery trial with an expert archer at Britain’s Ultimate Castle.
Kids and their dads can immerse themselves in over one thousand years of stories and legends about knights, battles and sieges, and experience firsthand how it feels to handle ancient weaponry. There’s plenty for mums to enjoy, too, including:
Book online in advance for the best value entrance fees: adults from £17.10 and children from £11.70: check www.warwick-castle.com for prices and latest attraction schedule.
Maybe all your dad wants is a phone call.
Lonely Dads Hoping for a Phonecall from their Children this Father’s Day
Panasonic survey finds over half of British dads long for more contact with their grown-up children
Reports of middle-aged parents suffering Crowded Nest Syndrome due to the return of Generation Boomerang may be premature, according to a new study published ahead of Father’s Day. A survey of UK dads carried out by Panasonic reveals that 83 percent admit they miss having regular contact with grown-up sons and daughters who have left the family home.
A third of UK fathers see their adult offspring once a month or less, with five percent only seeing their children once a year at most. It seems dads can’t get enough family time, with 52 percent saying they would still like to hear from their kids more often.
Empty Nest Syndrome has historically been more commonly associated with mothers, but fathers who participated in the survey were keen to overturn the gender stereotype. Forty-six percent believe they miss their kids at least as much, if not more, than their mother does, and only one in three believes their mother misses them more than they do.
When it comes to keeping in touch, the home phone still reigns supreme; 68 percent of dads mainly use their landline to talk to their son or daughter. Of the many ways to stay in touch now available, dads agreed on which would appreciate receiving a new home phone as a gift. 42 percent rated the trusty home phone the best of the bunch, with 24 percent giving mobile phones their vote and Skype video calling trailing in third place with 10 percent.
The study shows that children are still turning to dad for advice, with petitions for help featuring in eight in ten of phone conversations. An enterprising 30 percent of children have taken the opportunity to ask for a loan during a catch-up, 33 percent have sought DIY guidance and 17 percent have asked for career advice. Oddly enough, they aren’t so forthcoming when it comes to their love lives, with just one in ten dads ever having been consulted by their children on affairs of the heart.
Free Massage for Dads at K West Hotel & Spa
Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, spa days away. With all these treats for the ladies, Dads might be feeling a little neglected.
This Father’s Day on 16 June 2013, K West Hotel & Spa will be giving Dads the treatment they deserve with a free back and shoulder massage.
To claim this fantastic treat, family members need to book a two course dinner at the stylish Kanteen restaurant (priced at just £16 per adult and £8 per child) and lucky Dads will receive a complimentary massage voucher.
Get your Dad a copy of the Breaking Bad Boxset from Amazon UK. He will be eternally grateful.
Check out these great gift ideas from buyagift.com
Choose from nine of the world’s most renowned and respected supercars and enjoy the high-octane adrenaline thrill of your life with this amazing driving blast! Your adrenaline levels will soar as you take control of two incredible driving machines for 3 miles each, with options including the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and Audi R8 – each effortlessly combining style, speed and unbelievable power! With six locations across the UK to choose from, this is your chance to discover the true power of the world’s most impressive beasts!
Treat yourselves to a unique tour of London with this helicopter tour over the capital’s rooftops. London is full of famous landmarks and attractions, from Canary Wharf to the Houses of Parliament, and this unforgettable experience will give you a totally new perspective of one of the world’s greatest cities. Sit back during your flight and appreciate all the grandeur of London as you take in stunning aerial views of a city steeped in history and culture. Just remember to bring your camera!
Helicopter Pilot Experience Day: £139
This amazing experience is your chance to discover if you’ve got what it takes to fly a helicopter and be a commercial helicopter pilot. Arrive at the airfield for 9am, where you will be greeted with refreshments by your hosts for the day. An introduction and safety briefing will be given by a CAA Licensed Helicopter Instructor, followed by a talk on being a commercial pilot, and a presentation on helicopter pilot career options. Next comes the highlight of the day – a hands-on, one-to-one helicopter flying lesson and hover challenge! You’ll take the controls as your instructor gives you helpful tuition. During the experience you will receive a buffet-style lunch, as well as a guided tour of the hangars and a discussion about various helicopter types.
If you have a dapper dad you can always buy him some clothes.
Father’s Day is coming up and High and Mighty is here to help with its one stop shop for all things Dad-related. Designers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste have an array of presents and everything from fashion and fragrances, to electricals and DVD’s are all under one roof at www.highandmighty.co.uk. Perfect for the Dapper Dad.
