Stocking Filler Ideas: Stance Star Wars Droid Crew Socks

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Frostie

Frost loves these funky golf socks from function18.com Perfect for Star Wars fans and golf lovers.

Stance Star Wars Droid Crew Golf Socks. Part of the Star Wars range from Stance, more than once, R2-D2 and C-3PO have helped save the galaxy. Although they form an unlikely pair, they’re at their best when together. After all, the sum is often greater than its parts. Stance’s Droid celebrates the legendary duo from Star Wars. Crafted from premium combed cotton, this classic crew sock surrounds feet in luxury. Its tight, 200 needle count stitching provides a crisp appearance while an elastic arch and self-adjusting cuff hug the contours of your feet. For additional durability, the Droid sports a reinforced heel and toe. These are the droids you’re looking for.

https://www.function18.com/brands/stance.html

Audio Books For Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

The Archers: The Death of Grace Archer

Alan Bennett: Keeping On Keeping On

Neil Gaiman: How The Marquis Got His Coat Back

Agatha Christie Close Up

Tom Baker A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Morecambe & Wise Christmas Special

All available from amazon.co.uk

Green & Black’s is giving a personal gift this Christmas

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Frostie

2016 has been an amazing year for Green & Black’s: the brand has celebrated its 25th anniversary, visited another 7 local towns reviving historic recipes with a chocolate twist, and even released the delicious Dark Sea Salt THIN bar.
This year for Christmas, Green & Black’s are giving a personal gift: a delicious bar of Green & Black’s tailored to the recipient. The Green & Black’s Personalised Bar allows you to avoid the chaos of Christmas shopping, but also give a loved one a bespoke version of their favourite chocolate bar.

Here at Green & Black’s we are excited to be gearing up for the festive season, at the end of what has been a truly special year for the brand. In our 25th year, we have released a new THIN bar, visited foodie hotspots all over the country and now want to celebrate Christmas with something truly bespoke for our customers.

This Christmas, Green & Black’s have made the gift of chocolate more personal with Green & Black’s Personalised Bars. The online personalisation service allows you to make a unique gift with the name of your loved one written across the top of the bar. So that you can really express your special Christmas message, there is also space to write on the back of the bar, meaning the bar can also double up as a Christmas card! With this unique service available for eight of the most popular Green & Black’s flavours, such as Sea Salt, Butterscotch or Ginger, this personalised touch is the perfect small gift for friends and family alike.

For those who want to give a slightly larger present to a true connoisseur of chocolate, the Green and Black’s Connoisseur Collection is another fantastic gift. Perfect for chocolate lovers of all tastes, The Connoisseur Collection is the ultimate chocolate gift to share with friends and family as it contains not only a refined selection of our favourite Green & Black’s chocolate bars, but also its own ‘Tasting Wheel’ and ‘cheat sheet’ for pairing different flavours with complementing Christmas tipples.

Brandt Maybury, Green & Black’s Taste Specialist commented: “After a wonderful year here at Green & Black’s, we are excited for Christmas to finally arrive! A time perfect for spending with family and friends, our Connoisseur Collection is a lovely shared experience whilst the Personalised Bar lets you show that little extra care for your loved ones. Enjoy pushing your taste boundaries, and giving a truly intimate gift to your nearest and dearest with Green and Black’s this Christmas!”

The Green & Black’s gifting range is available from stores nationwide, however for the personalised option, please visit our online store at www.greenandblacksdirect.com and have it delivered direct to your door.

Green & Black’s Personalised Bars: RRP £5.00 + delivery

Personalised covers can be bought to wrap Almond, Burnt Toffee, Butterscotch, Dark 70%, Ginger, Milk, Sea Salt and White. They are able to order online at: www.greenandblacksdirect.com

The Connoisseur Collection: RRP £17.99
The Connoisseur Collection is the perfect gift for any food and wine connoisseur. It contains a selection of our favourite chocolate bars presented alongside tasting notes outlining which dessert wine, port, sherry or spirit compliments each bar.

Frost is a fan.

Purrfect Christmas Gifts From Cats Protection | Cute Gifts That Help Cats

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Cats Protection have wonderful gifts for the cat lover in your life. We love cats at Frost and we also love the Cats Protection who do such a good job taking care of cats and kittens. We have picked a selection of some of the gifts we like, but you can also donate to them. Every pound helps.

We love:

White Willow Gift Basket

Delicious biscuits, fudge, marmalade and jam.

Tipsy Selection

Such a great idea and so tasty. Is also a legitimate way to start your day with booze. What is there not to love?

Knitted Cat Eye Mask

So cute.

Kitten Mini Umbrella

A dose of cuteness while you stay dry. Win win.

You can check out the Cat Protection shop here.

The Best Non-Fiction Books For Christmas

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Frostie

The Illuminati by Robert Howells

An interesting and well-researched book. Worth a read.

The Illuminati: The Counter Culture Revolution-From Secret Societies to Wilkileaks and Anonymous

How To Develop a Brilliant Memory Toolkit By Dominic O’Brien

This excellent toolkit has a book, a poster and cards. Dominic O’Brien is an eight-time world memory champion and knows what he is talking about.

From amazon.co.uk and waterstones.com

Great Britain in Colour: Images that define Great Britain by Paul Farrell

A bright, beautiful and unique book. Truly wonderful.

Great Britain in Colour is available here.

How To Hygge. The Secrets of Nordic Living By Signe Johansen

Hygge has been huge in 2016. No wonder as it has been a tough year. This great book is all about Nordic living. From recipes to outdoor activities. Hygge roughly translates to ‘cosiness’ and Signe Johansen shares the secrets of Nordic living and shows you how to adapt it to your life. The Nordic countries are constantly rated as the best for quality of life, this book helps to add to yours.

How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living is available here.

The Artist’s Way By Julia Cameron

A classic book for writers and artists. Essential reading and worth the hype.

The Artist’s Way is available here.

Kind of Blue. A Political Memoir by Ken Clarke

A great insight into politics and government.

Kind of Blue: A Political Memoir is available here.

Inside The Clinton White House. An Oral History by Russell L. Riley

A riveting and exciting book. It gives a wonderful snapshot into history.

Inside the Clinton White House: An Oral Histories available here.

Our editor has three great non-fiction books:

For actors and aspiring actors

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur

Has had great reviews on both sides of the pond. It has all of the information that any actor needs to make the best career possible.

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur is available here.

For bloggers

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger

Has everything you could possibly want to know about blogging, and being successful at it.

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger is available here.

For those planning a wedding.

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity

Gives couples all of the knowledge they need to plan a wedding while removing the stress. An essential book.

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity is available here.

Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks The Body Coach

#leanin15 has become huge and rightly so. Joe Wicks helps people get into the best shape of their lives without depriving themselves, All while exercising less. What’s not to like? Great book.

Lean in 15: 15 Minute Meals and Workouts to Keep You Lean and Healthy is available here.

Sad Animal Facts by Brooke Barker

We really loved this book. It is just so original and funny and perfect. It has brilliant illustrations, sad animal facts, and the animals reaction to the fact. One of the best books ever. Endless fun.

Sad Animal Facts is available here.

No Cunning Plan: My Story by Tony Robinson

A wonderful and engaging autobiography from one of Britain’s best, and most prolific, actors. A must read for fans, but also actors and Blackadder fans.

No Cunning Plan: My Story is available here.

The Best Fiction Books For Christmas

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Frostie

Sisters at War by Milly Adams

Brilliant historical fiction. Engrossing and riveting. Read our review of Sisters at War here.

Sisters at War is available here.

Ruby Slippers: A Collection of Short Stories by Tracy Baines

A wonderful collection of short stories from one of the best short story writers working today. As fulfilling as it is entertaining.

Ruby Slippers: A Collection of Short Stories is available here.

For the poetry lover

100 Prized Poems: Twenty-five years of the Forward Books.

A brilliant collection of 100 prized poems from the prestigious Forward Books.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2017

The Forward books are the best way to find the best poets, and poems.

100 Prized Poems: Twenty-five years of the Forward Books is available here.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2017 is available here.

What do you think? A Collection of poems by Catherine Balavage

A great collection of poems from our editor, Catherine. Well worth a read.

What Do You Think?: A collection of poems by Catherine Balavage is available here.

The Dress by Jane L. Rosen

Fun, clever and entertaining. A great book. We really loved it.

The Dress: Nine Women, One Dress… is available here.

Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee

Touching and powerful. A unique and spellbinding novel.

Maybe a Fox is available here.

Blink And You Die. Ruby Redford Series Finale By Lauren Child

The series finale. Just brilliant.

Blink and You Die is available here.

The Fox and The Ghost King by Michael Morpurgo

A delightful book with gorgeous illustration from Michael Foreman. Children will love it.

The Fox and the Ghost King is available here.

Clover Moon by Jacqueline Wilson

This is a brilliant book from prolific author Jacqueline Wilson. A great story for children, well written and entertaining as ever.

Clover Moon is available here.

Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers

Gorgeous and charming. We really loved this.

Imaginary Fred is available here.

There’s a Snake in my School by David Walliams

Colourful and fun. Children love this delightful book. The fantastic illustrations are done by genius illustrator Tony Ross.

There’s a Snake in My School!

The Frost Food And Drink Christmas List

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Frostie

Panettone from Carluccio’s

It is just not Christmas without it.

http://www.carluccios.com/shop-online

I Sea Pasta

Organic seaweed pasta. Original, healthy and delicious.

From planetorganic.com

Żubrówka Embossed Bison Grass Bottle

Żubrówka Vodka, the Original Bison Grass Vodka, has over 500 years of tradition and history. Żubrówka’s exceptional character is emphasized by a single bison grass blade that is hand placed in every bottle. Each blade of bison grass is hand-picked and dried under natural conditions, making each bottle of Żubrówka an exceptional gift this Christmas.

For the perfect Christmas cocktail our brand ambassador, Przemyslaw Matuszewski, suggests our legendary Apple Zu, an extraordinarily smooth and aromatic cocktail, with a festive twist.

Glass
Highball

Ingredients
50ml Żubrówka
100ml traditional pressed cloudy apple juice
Squeeze of lime

Method
Fill a highball with ice, add all the ingredients and stir
Garnish with a few slices of apple and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to tickle your festive tastebuds.

Available at Tesco.com, Waitress.com and Sainsburys.co.uk

Courvoisier VSOP

Cognac is experiencing a revival this year, with the discerning drinker opting for spirits steeped in sophistication, history and glamour. Whether you drink a quality cognac such as Courvoisier neat to enjoy the pure flavours of lavender and citrus, tobacco and patchouli, or as a part of an aromatic cocktail before dinner, let Courvoisier help you celebrate this Christmas.

Luxury cognac house Courvoisier has been an expert in celebration since the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889 where its cognac was served as a drink of choice. The cognac can now be served at your own Christmas celebration, alongside your favourite Christmas indulgence. For a real delicacy, try our VSOP with your smoked salmon or alongside your coffee and a decadent chocolate Christmas treat.

Since no celebration is complete without Courvoisier, make sure to add a drop of luxury to your Christmas festivities this winter.

A gift for cocktail lovers – Courvoisier VSOP

Courvoisier VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a distinguished cocktail. This blend of Courvoisier is an elegant mix of cognacs that are up to 10 years old, from two of the finest crus in the Cognac region.

For a cocktail that is as indulgent as it is delicious to serve at your festive soiree, try the Courvoisier Champagne Cocktail with your chic canapés.

Tasty and decadent stuff. We love it.

Courvoisier Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 part Courvoisier VSOP
1 Demerara sugar cube
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Top up with Champagne

Method: Soak a sugar cube in bitters and drop into a champagne flute. Cover with Courvoisier VSOP and slowly top with champagne.

Casso Cocktails
Available from cassococktails.com

Casso Cocktails has launched in the UK with a delicious range of ready-to-shake cocktails. Served in their signature individual jars and available in both glass and plastic format, opportunities for cocktail sipping moments are now endless.

The carefully curated range features five ‘twist on the classic’ flavours; Raspberry Cosmo, Coconut Mojito, Apricot Mai Tai, Peach Appletini and Grapefruit Sling. With equal focus on flavour and convenience, this delicious array of cocktails has been developed under the discerning tastebuds of Casso’s in house mixologist team, perfect for those unforgettable Christmas parties.

A great idea. Just add ice for a delicious cocktail.

Harveys Bristol Cream

Let’s face it, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Harveys, so what better gift to bring to your next Christmas party? This year the UK’s favourite sherry celebrates its 220 year anniversary and has launched a new campaign celebrating the timeless moments that Harveys has been a part of.

Harveys Bristol Cream is not only the UK’s favourite drink at Christmas it’s also a world renowned icon for its quality and heritage, This unique blend of Sherry combines the character and body of aged olorosos with the aroma and finesse of finos and amontillados, sweetened with the addition of high-quality Pedro Ximenez wine. It has a deep golden colour with a full, fragrant aroma and rich, mellow and long-lasting flavours.

This Christmas classic is the perfect way to embrace the festive season whether it’s to refresh your palate with a classic serve over ice with a slice of orange, shared amongst friends over Christmas party snacks, or alongside the inevitable stocking sweet treats and heaving Christmas cheese board. You can even impress your festive guests with a simple Harveys cocktail like our delicious Frosted Apple & Ginger recipe below:

Harveys frosted apple & ginger
Harveys frosted apple and ginger is bursting with effervescent flavours and is great served in a punch bowl so you can share with friends

Recipe:
Fill a highball glass with ice (crushed ice looks even better!)
Pour over 50ml Harveys Bristol Cream and 50ml premium pressed apple juice
Top up with a dash of ginger ale
Swirl with a cinnamon stick and leave in the glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and apple slices

A Hamper

We got sent this wonderful hamper full of delicious and original products. Unfortunately it didn’t have a label and we couldn’t see a press release. We just had to feature it anyway. Please let us know if you know where it is from. Thank you!

Merry Christmas from Frost Magazine.

Frost Recommends Buyagift.com for Christmas

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Frost are a huge fan of Buyagift.com. We think that nothing really beats a good experience. We highly recommend the Tasting Menu and Bubbles at Michelin Starred Restaurants but they have an amazing selection of other gifts.

Buyagift.com is the UK’s leading provider of gift experiences and activity days, and with thousands of gifts to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect gift. Their gifts are nationwide so no matter where you live, and what you like, there will be a gift for your loved ones and you.

Here are some of our picks:

F4 Single Seater Driving Experience at Brands Hatch – Exclusive to Buyagift, £229

Live life in the fast lane with this adrenaline fuelled F4 driving experience, exclusive to Buyagift. Your session starts with a sensational 15 minute circuit in the powerful BMW M4, before you get behind the wheel of a state of the art F4 single seater for an exhilarating drive around the popular Brands Hatch racetrack. This incredible speed machine, still used in of cial British Racing Drivers’ Club races today, features a full race sequential gearbox and has a thrilling top speed of 165mph. To round off this heart racing experience, jump back into the BMW M4 for a high speed passenger ride. Designed by the car building legend Ralph Firman and with a top speed of 165mph, this F4 racer is sure to get your blood pumping.

Tasty Treats – Smartbox by Buyagift, £59.99

Food-lovers need to look no further as we’ve handpicked a ne selection of over 500 exquisite experiences to choose from, ranging from dining out to wine tasting and brewery tours. Whether you want to indulge in gourmet cuisine cooked to perfection by expert chefs or you are looking to enjoy a selection of delightfully decadent cakes, you’ll nd yourself savouring every mouthful as you sit back and relax at a choice of venues across the UK. At point of purchase you will have the option to select either a gift box or an e-voucher.

Hotel Chocolat’s Bean To Bar Chocolate Making Experience for Two, £130

This is the chocolate experience you’ve ‘bean’ waiting for! Discover the fascinating process of making chocolate straight from the bean, using Hotel Chocolat’s freshly roasted cocoa beans grown on their own Saint Lucia estate. The company’s rustic underground Cocoa Vault will play host to this unique masterclass in which an expert chocolatier will demonstrate the art of tempering, as you sip a glass of prosecco.

Then it’s your turn to get your hands dirty and make your own chocolate creation. Alongside your mouth-watering masterpiece, you’ll take home a tasty goody bag of luxury chocolates.

The View from The Shard with 3 Course Michelin Dining and Bubbles for Two – Was £161.90, Now £111

Only recently built and already an integral part of London’s iconic skyline, The Shard points up to the clouds, reaching an incredible 308m and rendering it Western Europe’s tallest building. Day or night, London’s most famous landmarks are breathtaking, and you won’t want to forget your camera! Although the view might tempt you to stay, you’ll want to come down sooner or later, because a fabulous meal awaits you in Latium.

Three delicious courses each will be accompanied by a chilled glass of chilled bubbles at this Michelin recommended restaurant located in the heart of the city.

Thames Lunch Cruise for Two, £70

Feast your eyes on some of London’s most iconic landmarks at a leisurely pace, whilst enjoying a delicious three-course meal. Setting off from Embankment Pier, your mini voyage down the River Thames will pass The Globe, the Houses of Parliament, The Gherkin and The Shard, to name but a few. You will board the boat where a friendly waiter will show you to your table to enjoy your meal. There will be time once you have nished dining to take a stroll up on the top deck, perhaps with a glass of wine to round off your cruise in style.

And if you’re really not sure what to get, Buyagift.com have the perfect solution with the new Smartboxes, containing hundreds of different types of experiences and locations to choose from in one box…

Gifts are refundable for 60 days and you can also exchange them for free. Which we thought was great.

Buyagift.com

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