This Veganuary, discover your new favourites without compromising on flavour thanks to plant-based meat alternative company, Heura.

Try the versatile Chorizo Burger, a red-hot marriage between a burger patty and the bold, Mediterranean flavour of chorizo. Or, Heura’s Chick’n Chunks with a juicy, meaty texture so convincing that 99% of consumers think they’re eating meat.

Easily whip up dishes to excite the taste buds and keep you interested far beyond the end of Veganuary. Try crisping up crumbled Chorizo to top Spicy Dan Dan Noodles or create a hearty plant-based Chick’n Casserole with Vegan Dumplings using their Chicken Chunks.

Heura is the next generation of plant-based meat alternatives – with products that not only taste good but are actually good for you and the planet. Heura embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle, using olive oil to create the juiciest, most flavoursome product.

Heura Chorizo Burger, 270g, £3.50 Ocado

Heura Mediterranean Chick’n Chunks, 160g, £3, Ocado

The Joffe Books team has told  Frost Magazine about the theart pounding crime thriller which is Book of the Week. From debut author Jon Barton — DIVE is out this weekend for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99.*

Read on to see what all the excitement is about – indeed why not just  Dive into London’s most dangerous crime scene — the River Thames: a police diver whose home life is imploding.  A high-flying detective recently thrown out of the CID. A case that could get them both killed.

So, as you gasp for breath (it does sound a pacey good ‘un) click here and buy Dive for a mere £0.99/$0.99

But hang onto your hats – there are more:

A False Report by Veronica Heley  – £0.99/$0.99

Oh Yummie, a cozy crime, my utter obsession at the moment.  A TWISTY COZY MYSTERY FROM A BESTSELLING AUTHOR. Amateur sleuth Bea Abbott knows perfectly well that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But she can’t resist an invitation to tea at the Ritz, even if it comes with a side order of murder . . . Bea and her band of misfits have their hands full in the latest quirky mystery set in London’s leafy Kensington, packed with humour and intrigue. Do give it a go.

Box set of Classic Cambridge Murder Mysteries by V.C Clinton-Baddeley

Splendid Value says Frost, as does Sunday Times at £0.99/$0.99

So don’t waste a moment, enjoy these  FOUR classic whodunnits from a golden age of crime writing featuring opera-loving, puzzle-solving academic Dr Davie. Bet you can’t wait to begin.

The Lives We Left Behind by Dominic Luke £0.99/$0.99

Ah, a  brand new heartbreaking saga…  As a saga writer myself under various names (though I am so seduced by cozy crime I am writing one now and having a great time)  I am so pleased to see this on the list.

Mrs Eloise Brannan refuses to believe there will be a war but before too long she can’t deny the inevitable. Eloise’s son Roderick is determined to fight and even cousin Dorothea has left for London to serve as a frontline nurse.Then Eloise receives a telegram that changes the course of the Brannan family forever . . . 

INDIE AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

 Benedict Brown is a Welsh-Irish-Englishman, originally from South London, but now living in the north of Spain. He’s been writing ever since he was at school and ended up doing an MA in Creative Writing at university in Wales. Benedict published his first mystery in 2019, and now has two bestselling series.

Benedict’s Lord Edgington Investigates series features a genius detective and his not-quite-so-brainy grandson solving whodunnits in a selection of luxurious country piles.
There are currently eight books in the series, several of which have topped the mystery bestseller charts, and the first book, Murder at the Spring Ball, is currently available for the special price of just £0.99 | $0.99.  His contemporary series, The Izzy Palmer Mysteries, is just as twisty and puzzling, and packed full of quirky characters.

Why not click here to join Benedict’s Readers Club and get a free Lord Edgington Novella.

So, let’s learn more about this author:

What was your inspiration for your mystery series?

My Lord Edgington Investigates books have found a wide readership, but when I was first coming up with the idea, I just wanted to create a series that my dad would have loved. Dad was always a big reader and particularly adored Agatha Christie-style country house mysteries. The first book, Murder at the Spring Ball, starts on the seventy-fifth birthday of my detective, Lord Edgington. I felt this was a fitting tribute to my dad, who died of Alzheimer’s aged seventy-four. Each book is dedicated to him, and I hope he would have devoured each and every one.

What’s your favourite thing about the series?

Personally, my favourite thing about them is the chance they give me to travel back through time. I love researching the stories and I even include a chapter at the back explaining my influences and the fascinating things I learnt when writing each book. My mum was a history teacher for fifty years and she definitely gave me a love of the past which helped when I came to write this series.

Tell us about your characters?

At the centre of my historical series is the relationship between the imperious Lord Edgington, a retired policeman, and his naïve grandson Christopher. In each book their relationship develops, and the initially bumbling assistant becomes a little more capable and confident as the pair investigate countless twisting mysteries. The books are written for adults, but I know that readers appreciate the unique perspective of the youthful narrator.

Tell us about your setting?

Another thing I really enjoy when writing these books is finding out about different parts of Britain. My wife is my graphic designer and we seek out beautiful houses to include, which often influence the stories. My characters live in palatial Cranley Hall, in my home county of Surrey, but they often have to travel to investigate murders and have been to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Wiltshire, London and Dartmoor. My recent book The Crimes of Clearwell Castle was particularly influenced by the setting and I had a lot of fun weaving local traditions and legends into the plot.

What’s the biggest distraction in your writing day?

Without a doubt, the biggest distraction I face is my four-year-old daughter, Amelie. She will come into my office where I write, climb on the desk, attempt to persuade me to play with her and quite often succeeds.Being a full-time writer means working from home and being able to spend a lot of time with her, so I really can’t complain. She will soon have a rival for my attention, though, as we’re expecting a second baby in March. I’m trying to get as much writing done as possible before our lives are turned upside down once more.

As a mother of four, Benedict, two is chicken feed.

Find more news and goodies from Joffe Books here

Graham and Dom                                                                Liam

Fabulous start to Week 25 of the refurbishment for Marion who whispered to me that the Yummy Boys have returned to install the intruder alarm . This was all well and good for CCA but somewhat cruel to me… How could I dash to  Columbia Community Association and just happen to be there when they arrived?  Hey ho. Perhaps there could be a fault as time goes by, and they have to return.? Just saying…

Back in the real world Equans Monday meeting took place as always and the fabulous Cultural Creatives who were starting their twelve-week programme started work. On the agenda was Draught Excluders and pretty darn good they look too.

And then, horrors! A blocked toilet, and soaking wet floor, but SCC were informed and within two ticks, it was all in hand – so to speak! And let’s face it, CCA has more toilets. Marion tells Frost Magazine that there was a superb response from Property Services. It transpired it was the drains, and what’s more, the Air Raid shelter flooded again.

Marion couldn’t resist muttering a collection of her grandma’s immortal words: “It never rains but it pours” “Patience is a virtue” “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst” “No pain, no gain”

Drainage lads Mick and Gary sprang to work. So many men… Did grandma have a saying for that? Margaret wonders.

Mick and Gary

The LED lights were delivered. Oh goody, the Yummy Boys to remain on site for a while yet it seems.  ‘And the adorable Liam,’ so says Marion, ‘is teaching me new things daily. For instance I am your girl if you need to know what an Earth Rod is.’

In spite of Sky being down in the area,  CCA use a different internet supplier and all was well.  The CCA also put a post on social media informing the community and inviting anyone who wishes to use their connection to come along and do so.

      
The CCA  are very much looking forward to hosting the Redeemed Christian Church of Christ inaugural service on Saturday, followed by a weekly service starting this Sunday 15th January, everyone is welcome to come along and join in.

Marion was hoping that the external contractors, ACT would be on sight on Monday 16th but there has been a delay. We must wait for news on that. But today, on Friday 13th (!)the radiators are to be encapsulated.  The lads from RHODAR are a tonic and happy in their work.

Alan from Equans has dropped off the windowsill trims ready for the joiners. Once they are done that is all the window ledges complete. Another job ticked off the list. The  Brady Square room will then be ready to decorate.

Happily, hats keep arriving courtesy of knitters in the community as well as Plain n Purl. Lamps have been donated for the comfy warm spaces room, and Marion tells us that someone  commented, “It’s like home from home.” How nice and comforting it  is to hear that.

So much going on, but amazingly, business carries on as usual with all the wonderful groups and classes busy busy busy. One is left to wonder what on earth next week have in store but Marion and her team will handle it all with huge pleasure.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

You may have guessed from our recent feature that at Frost Magazine we’re hooked on Clinique products. We love that Clinique’s focus is on pure, beneficial products backed up by dermatologist-driven research, meaning they offer not just established, trusted products but also innovative additions to the family.
So I’m pretty excited to discover their new cleanser Take The Day Off’TM Charcoal Cleansing Balm. ‘Just a cleanser?’ I hear you mutter? Absolutely not. This is a cleansing balm with Japanese charcoal, Safflower seed oil and Linoleic acid. And what makes this so clever? Glad you asked. You didn’t? Never mind.

This cleansing balm contains a perfect combination of active ingredients for people with oily or combination skin, particularly if they’re prone to acne or spots. But why?
Firstly the charcoal. Charcoal is one of nature’s miracles. Its created by slow-burning wood without oxygen – that’s it, and yet it has so many beneficial properties, one of which is its ability to draw out toxins, so it really cleanses the skin deeply but gently and draws out any nasties. Charcoal could be a little drying on its own, however the safflower seed oil adds loads of moisture and also naturally calms inflammation, so the two ingredients together are great for acne-prone skin. And for extra oomph Clinique have also included linoleic acid, which adds even more moisture and has more anti-inflammatory powers too. This is a great blend and I love it. It’s recommended particularly for oily or combination skin, and the safflower oil is particularly great for dissolving hard to remove makeup too.
So how was it to use? Black in colour, due to the charcoal, it really is a balm – soft and light-weight, creating a thin silky layer as it converted from a balm to a fine oil as I massaged it into my skin. Then I just rinsed and patted dry and my skin felt great – really clean and soft, and my makeup had just melted away. I’m addicted to it and can’t wait to use it to remove the heavy makeup after my next dance competition. Gentle but effective -that’s my kind of cleanser.

Do check out the Clinique website – it has a wealth of useful information on skin care, and why not treat yourself to Take The Day Off’TM Charcoal Cleansing Balm? Normal price is from £30 for a big jar (125ml). You’ll love it.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

House parties have become the new normal since 2020, and most people have upgraded their homes to accommodate the changing times. You may have friends or relatives that need to spend the night at your house, and instead of letting them sleep in one of the bedrooms, you should have a dedicated room for visitors for sanitation and privacy purposes.

Home standards have changed as more homebuyers switch from the busy urban lifestyle to the quiet suburban or rural houses with sufficient mental health spaces. Your home needs features and amenities for visitors, and the guest bedroom is one of the best ways to showcase your hospitality.

Here are five of the most critical tips for decorating the best guest bedroom:

1. Use Neutral Colors for Interior Design

The perfect guest bedroom should be pleasing to the eyes. Your extra bedroom will welcome people from all walks of life, so you should decorate it using neutral tones that are muted and soft. If the guest has an eye condition, bright or vibrant colors may hurt his eyes, and he might have trouble sleeping. You should use neutral colors in your general interior design to be on the safe side.

Here are some of the neutral colors you can decorate with:

Neutral colors also go well with almost every other color available, so it’s easy to style. This website lets you access inspiration for guest bedroom designs and real estate photography editing techniques if you want to convert your guest bedroom into a transient rental unit for extra income.

2. Guest Bedroom Essentials Checklist

The perfect guest bedroom should cover every guest’s potential needs, from toiletries to clean sheets, since you wouldn’t want your visitor to leave feeling worse than when he arrived. You don’t need to add fancy things to your room, as long as you have the bare essentials.

Here are the necessary items you need in a guest bedroom:

You can add preferred items outside necessities, like a television or refrigerator. However, since the guest can access everything in your house, you can stick with the essentials.

3. Check Light Bulbs and Appliances

The ultimate guest bedroom should be safe, at the very least. Therefore, you should check the lights and appliances in the room once in a while. Inspecting electronics takes a few minutes, so you should do it at least once before and after a guest stays over. Since you don’t always utilize the guest bedroom, unchecked broken bulbs and appliances may also become a fire hazard.

4. Decorate Reflecting Homeowner’s Personality

The perfect guest bedroom is homey and personal, even if it’s not your room. It would help if you didn’t aspire to decorate it like a hotel suite since it’s a room made from your hospitality. A guest bedroom allows visitors to rest and relax, but it’s still a part of your house, so you should still decorate the room to echo your personality and likes. You could add a quirky art piece or photo to make the person feel at home.5. Clean Before and After Every Use

The final tip for creating the perfect guest bedroom is keeping it clean. Sweat and moisture could develop a foul odor over time, so you should clean the room right after use. Replace the toiletries and wash the sheets or linen before storing them away.

If the guest bedroom has a bathroom, you shouldn’t forget to empty the trash and ensure the drain doesn’t have hair or dried soap suds cluttered. Check the soap and shampoo containers if you need to replenish or restock them.

Don’t put the sheets, blanket, and pillowcases in advance to prevent dust buildup; you can set them up when you expect a guest to use the room.

Final Thoughts

If you often have friends and family, you should be ready for sleepovers and all-nighters. The perfect guest bedroom can comfortably accommodate all short-term and long-term visitors. You don’t need expensive or complicated items as long as you have the bare necessities.

I love Clinique. Skin care fads come and go, but Clinique is established, reliable and innovative. Your face is the first thing people see – so why would you trust its care to anything else?

As a doctor, I’m only too aware that we absorb many things through our skin – good and bad, and it concerns me that not all skin care products contain only beneficial ingredients. So thank goodness for Clinique, because they’ve embraced medical science from the off, launching the first-ever dermatologist-developed skin care products back in 1968. Researching better products is still their major focus, meaning they have the benefit of experience and innovation – so important for anything going on your skin.

All Clinique’s products are gentle, non-irritant and yet powerful, allowing your skin to be the very best it can. Whatever your skin type, they’ve got something specifically for you.

So when I was asked to test Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+^TM I was so excited I even did a little dance (my two young grandsons did roll their eyes, but fortunately they’re resigned to their grandma’s eccentricities).

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+^TM contains barley, sunflower and cucumber​, plus natural moisturising factors (NMFs) to balance and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, meaning the moisture stays in, where it should be. It’s best for dry, very dry or combination dry skin types. It hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier – keeping moisture in and harmful irritants out for up to 8 hours.

I love the familiar yellow colour of this very light moisturiser. Within seconds of applying, it had absorbed completely and my skin felt immediately different – softer, smoother, and even my hard-core wrinkles look decidedly less sure of themselves. There was no pungent perfume, just pure natural moisturisation and my skin is saying ‘thank you’ right now.

This moisturiser is just perfect for my (definitely dry) skin but if you’re not sure what to choose, then you simply must try their Clinical Reality tool –let the app take a photo of your face and it gives an immediate readout on your skin hydration, skin tone evenness, irritation and blemishes and much more. Then just answer a couple of simple questions about your skin and you’ll get a personal skin care recommendation – it took me less than 5 minutes and was really informative (sadly confirming my skin is no longer that of a twenty-year old).

So do check out the Clinique website – it has a wealth of useful information on skin care and why not treat yourself to Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+^TM ? Normal price is from £20 (for 50 ml) however check out their great deals with 200ml for just £35 at the moment.

So if you’re still pondering on New Year Resolutions – a Clinique face care regime is an enjoyable and effective one – treat yourself.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.