Fashion Classics: Converse

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There are some things in life that are so classic, so iconic, that no matter how many people wear them, and no matter how much time passes, they will always remain a classic. Converse is one such thing. In fact Converse recently launched a new video with the tagline “Shoes are boring. Wear sneakers”. How right they are. Trainers with a suit looks awful but you can wear Converse with anything and still look smart. Think Lily Allen in her prom dresses and The Strokes in their suits.

I bought my first pair of Converse when I was a teenager and I am still wearing them years later.
classicconverse

Converse started in 1908, Marquis Mills Converse decided to start a rubber sneaker company. In 1913 Converse said, “Our company was organized in 1908 fully believing that there was an earnest demand from the retail sneaker dealer for a rubber sneaker company that would be independent enough not to follow every other company in every thing they do.”

That is the thing about Converse. They have stood the test of time. With great design and good quality they have entered the popular conscious. Even though they are popular they are still a great fashion buy. They bridge the gap between cool and popular. Frost loves.

Do you own a pair of Converse?

Sponsored by Spreaditfast

How To Build A Website

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buildawebsiteBuilding a website can seem like a daunting experience. Especially to the technologically challenged. But like most things, when you get the hang of it, it becomes a lot easier.

To get you on your way Frost has put together a handy guide. Good luck!

Get Some Hosting

If you are going to build a website you need to have it hosted on a server. When deciding what hosting site to go with ask around. Word of mouth is important. 1&1 My Website have a good reputation. They also have good customer service. My first ever website was hosted by them. Aw, memories.

Get a Domain

Different from hosting. The domain is the name of the site. So Frostmagazine.com is our domain. A good domain name enhances your brand and makes your URL (uniform resource locator) easier to find. These can be inexpensive. Although it you want katemiddleton.com not only would that probably be taken, but it would also be very expensive.

Think About The Design

You want a design that is pleasing to the eye and easy to read. Also think carefully about installing flash or lots of plugins. This will slow the site down and some people might not even be able to view it.

Content is King

This is the most important thing on your site. Nothing is more important than content. It will get people coming back to your site. You need to update your content regularly. Not only for your readers (if an online magazine) or customers (if for your business) but also for the search engines. If you constantly update your site then search engines like google love it as it shows growth.

Think About Getting a Template

You don’t need to learn how to code. You can use a wordpress template. We use one on Frost Magazine and so do a lot of other sites.

Ask For Help

Never be scared to ask for help. If you are stuck you can ask your hosting site’s customer service, search on the internet or ask the question on Twitter and Facebook. People love to help.

Back Up!

This is so important: Back up your site! If you don’t back up then you can lose all of your hard work in an instant. So many things can go wrong so back up at least once a week.

 Do you have any website building tips? Share them below.

 

Workforce Socks | Fashion

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404702_10151330557437093_1435897173_nSocks? Yes, socks. Few things are more underrated than wearing the right socks. If they make you too hot or too cold they can ruin your day. I also hate it when socks are so tight they stop your circulation, and don’t get me started on socks that only last a couple of wears and end up having holes in the heel and toe. In fact as I am writing this I realise just how hard it is to find a good pair of socks.

So, time to review Workforce socks. Are they any good?

They look good so straight away they get points for design. They also have an ‘R’ and an ‘L’ so you know that you are putting them on the right foot. They have padding on the heel and the ball of the feet. You would be surprised just how much of a difference this makes. They also have some padding on other areas.

The toes are also reinforced. Workforce call themselves the most comfortable socks on the market. A big claim.

I wear the workforce socks for a few days (not in a row. I washed them!) I have had sore feet from running all around London going to different events and stuff. It is surprising just how much abuse your feet take.

The socks really are comfortable. So much so that I don’t think I can go back to normal socks again. I am definitely going to buy these socks for my family and friends. They are just so much more superior than normal socks. They are comfortable, tough and just so much kinder to your feet. I really like them. Consider me converted.

 Workforce also say:

 

 Technical features to be found in the Workforce range include knitted arch support engineered for a precise fit and hold, terry cushion panels to provide excellent comfort from shock absorption. Specially constructed ventilation panels aid moisture management, specially treated yarns and bamboo fibres provide natural antibacterial protection.  Many styles include heavy gauge ribbing and fully cushioned soles for total comfort and heel and toe areas are enhanced with polypropylene for maximum durability.

 

 

Celebrity builder Tommy Walsh is impressed with the performance of his Workforce socks and adamant that they have improved his life at work:

“Workforce are the hardest wearing socks I’ve ever worn and also the most comfortable. They provide me with the comfort and protection I need when I’m working hard or when I’m out and about. They’re warm, but never get too hot; they’re padded, extra strong and fit comfortably with my working boots and shoes. I don’t know how they’ve done it, but Workforce have a range of socks ideal for workwear purposes”

Workforce Socks available from Amazon UK.

What do you think?

Disaronno Cocktail Recipes and Drink Review

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392781_10151288429292093_768028658_nDisaronno is an incredibly unique drink. Sweet and warm. It smells and tastes like marzipan. So if you like marzipan, you will love Disaronno. The packaging is also great. Iconic and sophisticated.

Disaronno Amaretto liqueur has a long history dating back to 1525. The Italian liqueur was discovered in the Renaissance. The artist Bernardino Luini, a brilliant pupil of Leonardo da Vinci – was commissioned to paint a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles in Saronno (Madonna dei Miracoli in Saronno, where the Fresco is still displayed today). To portray the Madonna, he chose as his muse a beautiful local innkeeper. As a thank you she gave him a flask full of the now famous amber liquid.

The recipe was rediscovered by Giovanni Reina. Since then the Reina family has closely guarded the secret formula, passing it from one generation to the next.

Disaronno tastes great with apple juice or lemonade. It is also a great cocktail ingredient. Check out the recipes below.

DISARONNO CRANBERRY CHILLER

 

  • ¾ part DISARONNO
  • ½ part Vodka
  • ¾ part Triple sec
  • 3 parts Cranberry juice
  • Orange juice

Method
Shake all ingredients and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. Taste: Bitter | Strength: Mild Top Tip:
Do use freshly-squeezed oranges! Keep them warm and roll them under your palm for maximum juice.

DISARONNO Sour

Disaronno Sour - LOW
Recipe: 1 part DISARONNO, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ lemon squeezed, Crushed ice

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice filled glass. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.

DISARONNO JAZZY HOUR

A fine fusion of flavours

Create a sensation of top notes with this fruity favourite. Fusing DISARONNO, vodka, tangerine liqueur, pineapple juice and a splash of fresh lemon, it’s a mouth-watering mix perfect for any occasion.

  • ½ part DISARONNO
  • 1 part Vodka
  • ½ part Tangerine liqueur
  • 1 part Pineapple juice
  • Splash lemon juice

 

Method

  • Shake with ice and strain into a martini cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
    Do use freshly-squeezed lemons! Keep them warm and roll them under your palm for maximum juice.

DISARONNO COLADA

 

Simply mix DISARONNO with colada mix for a truly tropical assault.

1½ parts DISARONNO
4 parts Colada mix

Method
Mix all ingredients in a blender with ice and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with slice of pineapple and a cherry.
Taste: Sour | Strength: Mild

 

DISARITA FRESH VERSION

DISARONNO with tequila blanco, tropical guava juice and a generous squeeze of lime. Just add a sunset.

¾ part DISARONNO
1¼ parts Tequila blanco
1¼ parts Guava juice
½ part Lime juice

Method
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Mild Top Tip:
Do use freshly-squeezed limes! Keep them warm and roll them under your palm for maximum juice.

 

DISARONNO ITALIAN KISSES

 

DISARONNO Italian Kisses, a seductive blend of DISARONNO, pomegranate juice and crisp prosecco.

1 part DISARONNO
½ part Pomegranate juice
Top prosecco

Method
Pour DISARONNO and pomegranate juice into each flûte, then top each with prosecco. Garnish with an orange peel. Taste: Bitter | Strength: Mild Top Tip:
Cocktails with champagne and sparkling wine go well with food. Drier wines work well with seafood and sushi, while sweeter wines go better with fruit.

 

DISARONNO SPARKLING

 

DISARONNO and crisp sparkling wine. Smooth, sweet and offering a refreshing hit of bubbles, it’s a great way to get the party started.

¾ part DISARONNO
Top with sparkling wine

Method
Pour DISARONNO into a flûte glass, top with sparkling wine.
Taste: Bitter | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Did you know – a sparkling wine only needs around 45 minutes in the fridge before serving. In fact, if it is served too cold, the taste and smell will be lost.

 

DISARONNO BED OF ROSES

 

DISARONNO, zesty orange, a drizzle of triple sec and a dash of crisp champagne.

1 part DISARONNO
1 part Orange juice
drizzle Triple sec
Champagne

Method
Shake first three ingredients with ice and strain into flûte glass. Top with champagne. Garnish with an orange peel. Taste: Sour | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Cocktails with champagne and sparkling wine go well with food. Drier wines work well with seafood and sushi, while sweeter wines go better with fruit.

 

DISARONNO MIMOSA

DISARONNO, orange juice and a splash of crisp prosecco.

¾ part DISARONNO
1 part Orange juice
Top prosecco

Method
Pour all ingrendients into a flûte glass, top with prosecco. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Pop the flute glasses into the freezer for a few minutes before you pour the cocktail into them, to ensure your mimosas are deliciously cold.

 

DISARONNO ROMAN CHOCOLATE

Blend DISARONNO, dark crème de cacao and half & half mix.

1 part DISARONNO
1 part Dark creme de cacao
1 part Half & Half mix

Method
Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong

 

RASPBERRY DISARITA

DISARONNO, tequila blanco, raspberry juice and margarita mix.

¾ part DISARONNO
1¼ parts Tequila blanco
1½ parts Raspberry juice
1½ parts Margarita mix

Method
Mix all ingredients in a blender with ice and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime slice. Taste: Sour | Strength: Strong

 

DISARONNO & TEA

Combine piping hot tea with the smooth sweetness of DISARONNO, for a treat that’s bound to ward off the winter blues. Top with whipped cream.

1½ parts DISARONNO
6 parts Hot tea
Whipped cream

Method
Pour all ingredients into a mazagran glass, top with whipped cream. Taste: Sour | Strength: Mild

 

DISARONNO MACBETH

 

Serve up a fearsome fusion of Tennessee whisky, DISARONNO, blue curacao and sweet & sour.

½ part DISARONNO
1 part Tennessee whiskey
½ part Blue curaçao
1 part Sweet & Sour mix

Method
Shake with ice and strain into a martini cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice.
Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Make your own ‘Sweet & Sour’ mix by mixing 2 parts spirit to 1 part sour (e.g. lemons) and 1 part sweet (e.g. triple sec, fruit juice).

Do you have a cocktail recipe? Let us know or comment below.

You can buy Disaronno here or at Tesco.com

 

Manuka Doctor ApiClear Blemish Cream Review

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Mille Mackintosh

Everyone has the occasional break out no matter how good their skin is. I am no exception. The last spot cream I used seemed to take the occasional spot I got and multiply it so my usually clear skin had a bit of a freak out. Enter Manuka Doctor ApiClear Blemish Cream. I had high hopes for this as I have previously reviewed their face mask. It also has Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh as a fan.

Millie Says, I won’t be going to anywhere this year without Manuka Doctor’s ApiClear Blemish Cream. Breakouts often occur during festivals and holidays and so having this to instantly soothe my skin is a lifesaver! It is so easy to use – I just pop it in my bag and know that my skin will stay blemish free.

The cream has UMF 18+ Manuka Honey, witch hazel, vitamin E and Propolis. It is calm and cooling and non greasy. It doesn’t have any nasty parabens or SLS.

I use it on the occasional pimple and it does speed up the healing process. My skin looks a lot better. Considering how inexpensive it is (£5.99 from Holland & Barrett) I will be buying this when it runs out. A great little cream that helps clear up spots quickly.

Top marks.

Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick Review

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Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick in Cosmopolitan.

IMG_3470I must confess that the colour of this lipstick was a bit challenging. I see women wearing bright lipstick all the time and feel a tug of envy. It just looks so fabulous on them. I usually wear nude lipstick. My problem with bright lipstick is that I have a big mouth – no jokes please. At school I was made fun of because of my big lips. Of course now I see them as a plus. I get compliments on them a lot. But I always thought that wearing bright lipstick made them look too big and was just too much of a hassle. Which just goes to show how much I don’t know.

The lipstick looks amazing on. Although my boyfriend has reservations, ‘Jeez, that’s bright. It really doesn’t suit you.” he says. Thanks for that! I persevere anyway.

IMG_3453

I like how the lipstick brightens up my face. I like the colour, it is beautiful. The lipstick is good quality, as you would expect from Calvin Klein. It stays on my face all day and it does not dry my lips out. I get a lot of compliments and even my boyfriend comes around to it.

So am I converted? Completely. I will be brightening up my make up look, and as for the Calvin Klein lipstick, it is a piece of luxury at a completely reasonable price, and an excellent lipstick to boot.

Available from Fragrance Direct and Debenhams.

 

 

 

 

Olympus Has Fallen | Film Review

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olympushasfallenAs the tattered flag of the USA is flung aside by the North Koreans during their attack of the White House, the President of the USA is taken hostage, his son goes missing and America’s prized nukes become their very own weapons of mass destruction. 

 

Olympus Has Fallen (the code word for the White House) is the scene of a merciless shoot-out between the Secret Service and North Koreans and only Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), can save the day.

 

A disgraced former presidential guard, Butler’s on a one-man mission to save the President (Aaron Eckhart), his son, and to stop the terrorists from obtaining the three passwords to detonate America’s web of nuclear subheads.  

 

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, in the 13 minutes it takes the North Koreans to take over the White House (and a whole two minutes before the Army intervenes) the unwavering attack echoes the tragic scenes of 911 as a bomber plane whistles past high-rise offices and clips the Washington Monument before it comes crashing to the ground.

 

The film’s release is also at a somewhat ironic time as the hostilities between the two nations in our current world are also surfacing.

 

Intelligent and co-ordinated, the attack is played out with militant efficiency as innocents and secret agents’ bodies pile up on the lawn of the Presidential building and inside one of the safest places in the USA.

 

The light and sound effects on the big screen will leave you feeling shocked and impressed at the same time.

 

With its twists, split-second timing and traitors, Olympus Has Fallen has all the ingredients of a Hollywood action movie and at times, picked up on the comedic lines of Bruce Willis in the Die Hard sagas.

 

When the Defence Secretary Ruth McMillan (brilliantly played by Melissa Leo) is kicked and punched to the floor – a tad uncomfortable to view– she asks the president how her hair looks and when Banning calls his nurse wife to ‘check-in’, they both skirt around the truth and say they’ve had busy days.

 

At times the plot was a little contrived and the continuity was lacking. Banning, who no longer worked by the President’s side, was still able to gain access to the White House security systems and files, just as well really.

 

And as the guns blaze and Banning’s driving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, his smooth face cuts to a stubbly square-jaw line in the next scene.

 

Overall, Olympus Has Fallen is an impressive action movie despite its recurrent plot line favoured by Hollywood directors.

 

And the inclusion of Morgan Freeman, the Speaker of the House who by default becomes the unlikely Acting President, is a sure fan-pleaser.

 

Butler provides the eye-candy, the North Koreans are the baddies and America is hailed as an undefeatable nation.

 

The Anthologist | Restaurant Review

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photo (48)

The Anthologist is set on Gresham Street in the heart of the city of London. First impressions were great. Both the restaurant and bar were packed. One immediately gets the impression this a fun and trendy place. The atmosphere was buzzing. We were warmly greeted and led to a two seater table on a raised ledge with a window seat and our own sectioned area. We had a great view of the rest of the restaurant.

 

The tables are candlelit and our chairs were very comfortable. There is great attention to detail and no expense has been spared on the decor. The kitchen is open and visible. In fact you can sit on a counter right next to and looking into the kitchen. Everything is high tech. Chefs have monitors to view orders and some staff seem to be connected by Bluetooth head sets.
Raspberry Daiquiri and Porn Star cocktails

Raspberry Daiquiri and Porn Star cocktails

We start with some cocktails. A raspberry daiquiris and a ‘Porn Star’ made from passion fruit. Both were delicious. The raspberry daiquiris was wonderfully sweet which cut through the alcohol. The ‘porn star’ was amazing and both our favourite cocktail of the night. It had a wonderful smooth velvety texture. It came with a shot of champagne that you can down or mix into the drink. I chose the first option.

The service was first class. Our waiters were knowledgeable, friendly and very happy to make suggestions. Everything seemed extremely well organised and ran like clock work despite the packed restaurant. A waiter was always around when we wanted one and the cocktails and food arrived in excellent time. The monitors and Bluetooth gadgets were working.

 

The menu is large and there is a big selection. I started with tempura squid served on a bed of crunchy bean sprouts and peppers and firecracker sauce. The firecracker sauce was the real star here. Made with tomato, onion, ginger and hint of chilli it goes very extremely with the squid. I enjoyed the sauce so much I mopped up what was left with

Tempura Squid

Tempura Squid

some delicious Foccacia bread we’d been given earlier.

 

Our next drinks were a Skinny Mango Mojito. Which is only 115 calories. This mix of rum, mango, lime juice and nectar is a great take on a classic: just sumptuous. We also had a Princess Sparkle. Blackberries, elderflower, peach bitters, vanilla sugar and prosecco. To be honest the cocktails are out of this world. Just really good and definitely some of the best I have ever had. So if you don’t want to have a meal then at least check out the cocktails at The Anthologist.

 

Our other starter was excellent, old spot pork sausages with roast apples and prunes. A great classic combination. The acidity of the apple works perfectly against the delicious meatiness of the sausages and the sweet earthy prunes adds another dimension in terms of texture and flavor. It’s a dish which you can’t help but smile at and be very happy to eat.
Seabass

Seabass

For our main dishes we tried out two of the specials. The first was the pan fried Sea bass fillet with cracked wheat, marinated artichoke heart, olives, butternut squash, baby spinach and lush pesto which was recommended by the waiter and I could see why. For me this was the highlight of the evening. The whole dish had a Mediterranean/Moroccan feel.The fish was beautifully soft with crispy skin and was beautifully presented on black slate. The wheat was perfectly cooked. The olives were wonderful and full of tremendous flavor. The pesto sauce was delicious and when combined with the fish, earthy squash and spinach and wheat together the result was heavenly. One of the best Sea basses I have ever had without a doubt. Simply superb.

King Scallop Flambe!

King Scallop Flambe!

Next was the Flambe – seared King Scallops with wild rocket, crispy chick peas, grilled courgette, cognac, shallots and butter. This was prepared at our table which is always exciting and fun to watch. It was another stunning dish. The buttery sauce was a delight and it tasted amazing against the beautiful Scallops. They melt in your mouth. The thinly grilled courgettes and crispy chick peas were great accompaniments.

 

For dessert we have the mini pudding shots. They are amazing. You get three shots (although shots is a poor description because they’re were actually a lot bigger than that) of chocolate brownie, white chocolate & raspberry, Crème brûlée and salted caramel and roasted plum Knickerbocker glory. It was all good. It is even hard to choose a favourite. Although at the time I was most in the mood for the chocolate brownie. The Crème brûlée makes that satisfying cracking sound when you put your spoon in. Delicious.
Knickerbocker glory

Knickerbocker glory

We also ordered another knickerbocker glory. It looked amazing, was soft and very tasty. Despite being stuffed already it was easy to eat because it was light and not too rich, a perfect finish to the meal. It was delicious but personally I’m not a fan of the salted caramel craze.

 

The Anthologist is a great restaurant with a menu that has everything you could possibly want to eat in one place. From Asian food to steaks from a butchers in Mayfair. The cocktails are amazing, the scene is buzzing and the service is top notch. The food was truly excellent and the specials were particularly exciting. The chefs clearly have tremendous talent. I doubt you’ll find better food anywhere else in the city. The prices are also very reasonable for this part of London.

 

The atmosphere is amazing but it is loud and it won’t be for everyone’s taste. This probably isn’t the best restaurant for families but it is the perfect place to go after work. I would highly recommend you book in advance because there weren’t many empty seats for the whole night.
Highly recommended. We had a ball.

 

Address: 58 Gresham St, City of London, EC2V 7BB
Phone: 0845 468 0101
Nearest tube: Bank