Tag Archives: Life & Style

Montezuma’s Christmas Chocolate

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Montezuma’s Christmas chocolate range just tastes like heaven. The little chocolate balls are amazing. Montezuma Orange & Geranium Christmas Chocolate Balls are as original and delicious as I have come to expect Montezuma’s chocolate to be.

Montezuma’s advent calender has organic milk and white chocolate for every day in the run up to Christmas. I was sadly lacking the willpower to keep it for that long and I have ate all mine. It is possible that you will love someone enough to give them some of this chocolate for Christmas – I have a few family members in mind-  but the willpower to hand it over may be lacking.

Full marks. Chocolate heaven.

Montezuma’s Christmas Mini me Bars

The Mayfair Hotel Spa | Spa Review

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Did you know that The Mayfair Hotel is the official hotel partner of the BFI Film Festival in London? In association with it, Frost Magazine got invited down to enjoy a massage and some cocktails in the bar.

I had a Traditional Swedish Massage. It was a 90 minute massage. My full body massage was a calming experience. You are given a locker key and change into a dressing gown. You have an option of wearing disposable underwear – which I took- and then you are taken to the room and lie face down. My masseuse, Meera, made sure I was completely relaxed. This was my first full body massage, and it was quite weird. It marks the first time I have disrobed in front of a women! I am not that comfortable with nudity, other people’s or my own, so the fact that Meera made me relax was quite an achievement. My entire body, from my toes to my head was massaged. After the massage I was taken to the relaxation room and given some water. I really enjoyed the massage. Meera even gave me some advice about my back, which has a habit of playing up some time. Definitely worth it.

The experience helped my back. I think I may be converted.

Traditional Swedish Massage – 60 mins £99 or 90 mins £135

Afterward I had a drink in the bar with a colleague. I had a good Margarita.

I love the Mayfair Hotel. It even smells great.

Swedish massage combines a universal collection of techniques designed primarily to relax specific muscles and help relieve tension. This technique is ideal for reducing both physical and emotional stress, and is suggested as a regular program for stress management. The pressure can be varied to suit your taste.

Located at London’s iconic May Fair Hotel, in the heart of Mayfair, the May Fair Spa epitomises pure indulgence and tranquillity. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover a hidden retreat of relaxation and wellbeing.

Exclusive yet friendly, laid-back and sumptuous the May Fair Spa lists an impressive menu of treatments for men and women, including a range of facials, micro-dermabrasions, scrubs, massages using Booster guns, body wraps and mud-baths inspired by beauty rituals from all over the world.

Using the most exclusive treatments, the May Fair ensures guests experience maximum relaxation and
invigoration with the best results from every visit. Specialist treatments include the Crystal Clear Oxygen

Therapy and a number of signature treatments including the Algotherm Soap Massage, designed to leave skin moisturised and glowing, and the Jetlag Reviver package, which combines an energising facial, a full body aroma massage with a May Fair mud bath and a remineralising wrap.

The spa also features the luxurious May Fair mud bath – an unparalleled indulgence – which involves applying toning muds and natural salts to the body in a private steam chamber as cleansing steam is jetted out of a crystal ball.

The ceiling of the steam chamber, lit by tiny optic fibre lights, has been designed to give the feeling of a warm summer night – a perfect escape for those fed up with the hubbub of the capital. Guests can choose to treat themselves to a Cleopatra mud bath alone or better still, with a partner to have fun covering each other in mud.

The stylish spa has been carefully designed for optimum indulgence and features the best of understated luxury in its seven treatment rooms, traditional sauna and herbal steam room. To help cleanse the body and mind, the herbal steam room has a gentle aroma of essential oils and the sauna is filled with the sweet smell of fruits and fresh herbs roasting on a cast iron plate.

Therapists at the May Fair Spa also place strong emphasis on the pre and post treatment stages. Guests are encouraged to arrive an hour before their treatments to allow enough time to unwind in the steam room and sauna.

Once treatments have taken place, it is recommended that guests chill-out in the Spa’s tranquil relaxation room, which features scented candles, gently warmed marble loungers and heated floors. In the relaxation room, guests are served herbal teas, freshly squeezed juices and fruit sorbets, to reflect their treatments. A jasmine tea for instance is recommended to complement jasmine oil based treatments.

The May Fair Spa also features an exclusive members’ Health Club, with the very latest exercise equipment.

May Fair Spa offers members a complimentary laundry service – just leave the workout kit behind and it will be fresh and ready to wear again on return for the next gym session.

For bookings and further details on the May Fair Spa and Health Club, please contact 020 7915 2826 or log onto www.mayfairspa.com

* The May Fair Hotel is one of the best 5 star hotels in London, and it the official hotel partner of the 56th BFI London Film Festival.

Strictly Come Dancing Hits Our Screens, Keep Your Feet In Tip Top Shape

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 Frost has reviewed some foot products to get your feet in tip top condition as Brucey has dusted off his dancing shoes, fake tan and false eyelashes have been ordered by the truckload and dance classes up and down the country are bursting at their sequinned seams with a new influx of dancing fans. With the show’s rehearsal’s now in full swing, the nation is primed and ready for Strictly fever to hit once again.  
Stars Denise Van Outen and Kimberley Walsh are loving their new roles as dancing diva’s in training, but it seems their string of foot woes has been holding them back in rehersals.
Denise Van Outen has been forced to rehearse barefoot due to extreme blister pain.  Denise says on her blog: “I feel that I’m at a disadvantage this week as my feet are so badly blistered due to dancing in heels, that I can’t even get my shoes on and I’m having to practice barefoot until they heal.” Denise had to don extra high heels in order to dance with her partner, the lovely but very tall James Jordan.  Kimberly Walsh tweeted of her painful feet woes earlier in the week, declaring ”OK so now my feet are really sore #scd.”  And it seems Olympic gold medalist, Victoria Pendelton’s feet aren’t safe either.  Victoria Tweeted from rehearsals yesterday with her professional dance partner Brendan Cole, Victoria admitted: ‘Day 2 feet are so sore!’
With so many tootsie troubles this early on in the competition, Carnation Footcare feel it’s their duty to protect the nation’s feet.  Get bunion to beautiful with these top feet treats….
A luxurious Exfoliating Foot Scrub with apricot seed and walnut shell, perfect for keeping toes in tip top condition ready for their ballroom debut.
This great smelling foot scrub really does the trick, leaving your feet nice and smooth.
 
A Cool Foot spray for on the go refreshment.  A sneaky spray will help keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the sweatiest of swing and jive sessions. 
This cooling spray sorts out embarrassing problems like smelly, sweaty feet. A must for dancers on their feet all day. This is a good spray. It does the job.
 
Tip Toes invisible gel cushions, helping to keep your perfectly polished toes looking dance-tastic at all times.
I love these. They are brilliant at helping the burning pain you get in the soles of your feet. It is a lot easier to wear heels with these handy gel cushions.
 
An Anti-Blister Stick, whip this in your training bag and ensure blisters don’t ruin your salsa night or dance class. This clever little device creates a light non-greasy layer on the skin, which eliminates the friction that causes blisters.
This handy stick stops blisters. Which might make it one of the best inventions ever, as nothing is more painful and annoying than blisters on your feet. A must buy if you are on the go all the time.
 
Pedi Roller, use at the end of any dance-off to help banish the achey feet blues.  5 minutes using the Pedi Roller will help ease heel and arch pain associated with prolonged standing and walking.  The ridged design massages tired feet, reducing tension and stimulating circulation. Pedi- Roller can also be used as a cold massage therapy by chilling or freezing before using.
I love this roller. It is easy to use and It really helps your feet after a long day. It is good for cramp too. It eases arch and heel pain.
Carnation’s Hydro Blisters are small dressings which offer rapid blister pain relief and protect from dirt and bacteria.  So there’s no reason to miss a dance class now!
These really helps with blisters. Pop one on and it will stop any painful rubbing and prevent against dirt and bacteria. They make a huge difference.
All these Carnation Footcare products are available from www.carnationfootcare.co.uk 

The First Horseman by Clem Chambers | Book Review

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Clem Chambers book touches on news-worthy and relevant subjects as ageing, the possibility of living forever and the financial markets. A riveting and thrilling read, I got through this book quite fast. The way the book has been written flows beautifully. The First Horseman is fresh and interesting.

This book touches on the subject of what people would do to live forever. This is the fourth book in the Jim Evans series but you can still know what is happening and not get lost.

Jim Evans is a brilliant character and so is his butler, Stafford. Together they make a great team. Professor Christopher Cardini is a good character too. He has a sick and twisted mind, but is obviously a genius. Like all good books, The First Horseman has wonderful observations. I found myself turning the corners of the page to go back to certain parts.

I thought The First Horseman was great and I will now be catching up on the rest of the series, and the rest of Clem Chambers books. Clem Chambers is the CEO of ADVFN, so goodness knows when he finds the time to write books, but I for one am glad that he does.

The First Horseman by Clem Chambers

Some would give everything just to live one more year. To live another
hundred, some would destroy everything.

Jim Evans, retired super-rich trader, only wants to do good. He wants to
fund research that will save lives.

Professor Christopher Cardini has developed medical technology he says
will change the world. Through cell therapy, he can even rejuvenate the
dying.

Yet there’s something Jim will find even all his money can’t buy:
protection from a brilliant, but twisted, mind.

The First Horseman is the fourth book in the acclaimed ‘Jim Evans’
thriller series, by Clem Chambers. It focuses on what might happen if we
had the ability to turn the human body clock back?

If we were able to repair telomeres, the tiny proteins found at the end
of every strand of human DNA – we could live much longer, perhaps even
become immortal, like Hydra.

Yet when such a medicine would result in many more billions of people
fighting to live amongst ruins of an ecologically exhausted planet, what
would be the point?

Professor Cardini sees no point. He plans to deal with seething humanity
in a way that will both shock and horrify. Will he succeed in releasing
his tiny, but deadly ‘First Horseman’ and wreak bloody havoc on the world?

Not if Jim Evans can help it.

Ampersand Hotel Review

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The Ampersand Hotel is in a very convenient location, a few minutes walk away from South Kensington tube station. It is also near the Victoria & Albert Museum, Harrods, Hyde Park, The British Museum and Harvey Nichols. So if location is your thing, the Ampersand Hotel should already be at the top of your list. The hotel itself is beautiful, brilliantly designed, classy and elegant. The staff are friendly and helpful.

The room is beautiful. It has everything you could possibly need. You do expect a hotel of this caliber to have everything and it does not disappoint. It has free wifi, a hairdryer, air-conditioning, TV, a desk, cable, tea, toiletries by Miller Harris and even ice. The bed is comfortable and the curtains are good and heavy, blocking out the light and some of the London noise.

The bathroom is great, with a bath and a shower. It also has lots of handy kits for sewing or vanity. The towels are lovely and fluffy. A dressing gown and a pair of slippers also comes with the room. The only thing I can complain about is the lack of bubble bath.

The lighting is good, the soft drinks in the minibar are free. One of the things that I really liked about this hotel is that you do not feel like a customer, constantly being fleeced of your money, but instead like a guest.

There is also a Business centre, a library, a wine room, a games room and a gym.

The Apero restaurant in the hotel is good. With an emphasis on sharing. We had serrano ham mikado ,(delicious and different) ,Plaice goujons with avocado mayonaise , Grilled neck of lamb with harissa & onion salad and Gnocchi with chard & smoked scamorza and an amazing cocktail called Elixir of Love.

In the morning we had a delicious full English breakfast and read the papers. Our stay in the hotel was relaxing and luxurious. This hotel is highly recommended. One of the best hotels to stay at in London.


Frankie and Benny’s Launch New Cocktail Range | Review

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Frost popped along to Frankie and Benny’s to check out their new cocktail range and have some food. I had a delicious crab  cake followed by a calamari caesar salad. For desert I had a chocolate milkshake. The calamari was fried and delicious and the crab cake came with a good sauce. The milkshake was also very good. The food is very filling and the portions are generous. We tried the cocktails below. Find out what your cocktail says about you.

My colleague also had crab cake for a started and had spaghetti carbonara, Which they said was very good. finishing off with a Vanilla milkshakes. The atmosphere was also good.

What does your cocktail say about you?

 

We all know how stressful being a mum can be, taking care of the whole family often leaves very little ‘me time’.   Between cooking family meals, getting kids ready for school and running the house, plus often working a full time job, it’s easy to see how many mums end up frazzled!  With that in mind, Frankie & Benny’s has launched its new cocktail menu to encourage mums to take time out and sip on a delicious cocktail.  So what does your cocktail of choice say about you?

 

Mojito

Ladies who can’t resist a bit of spice will love this cool Cuban cocktail.  Made with fresh lime, mint and sugar, plus a generous splash of Bacardi rum, a mojito drinker is sure to be the first on the dance floor, ready to spice up any night.

 

Appletini

This fun and flirty drink is perfect for ladies who just want to have fun.  Packed with Eristoff vodka, pressed apple juice and gingerbread syrup, this delightful drink is sure to get the party started. 

 

Cosmopolitan

A sexy and sassy Cosmopolitan is a great choice for those who like to keep it classic.  This zingy and zesty drink comprises vodka, triple sec and cranberry juice creating a cool and crisp taste.  Cosmo ladies love a bit of city glamour and always paint the town pink.

 

Classic Sour

For ladies who like to be adventurous, this quirky cocktail is available with Jack Daniels, Amaretto or Midori and finished with fresh lemon juice, egg whites for added smooth and is topped off with sugar.  It’s the ideal choice for someone who likes to stand out from the crowd.

 

Espresso Martini

This rich and sumptuous drink is ideal for ladies looking for a classic cocktail with a twist.  Fresh espresso teamed with vodka and a coffee liqueur offers an instant caffeine hit, a brilliant blend for any modern mum who is in need of a pick-me-up!

 

 

 

Gentle Breeze

A delicious non-alcoholic cocktail for those who like to behave rather than rave!  This drink combines a delicious blend of apple juice, cranberry and citrus juices and is served over ice, offering the designated driver something delightful to sip on.

 

Bramble

For ladies with a mysterious edge, this deliciously dark cocktail is a tasty mix of Bombay Sapphire gin and black raspberry liqueur.  An added kick of fresh lemon means this drink really packs a punch.

 

Andy Bates Recipe Videos Special.

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Andy Bates is known for his hearty, traditional British street food. Starting work in kitchens at 14 (before getting the chance at 17 to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant), Andy went on to study at a catering college in Canterbury. He then headed to France to hone his skills in French cuisine. Now, his company, Eat My Pies, produces classic Scotch eggs, pies and tarts which are sold on his stand at White Cross street market.

We have some amazing videos from Andy. Happy cooking.

You can watch Andy Bates American Street Feasts on Food Network UK (Freeview 48 and Sky 262/263). You can also find more of his recipes at www.FoodNetwork.co.uk

Cerviche Tacos

 

Philly Steak Pasty

Key Lime Pie

Smoke Roasted Trout

Pork Belly & Waldorf Salad Pretzel

London’s First Art Busker

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One of Britain’s most aspiring young contemporary artists has become the capital’s first ever art busker, hitting the concourse at London St. Pancras station to capture still life scenes for public entertainment.

Rosie Emerson, whose work has appeared in Vogue and is billed as ‘beautiful, original and highly collectable’ shunned her studio for one of the UK’s busiest railway stations, swapping a guitar for canvas, easel and a life model to perform for an estimated 100,000 commuters as they made their way to work on Monday morning.

Regular visitors to St. Pancras will be used to seeing independent musicians in the popular busking spot but this is the first time an artist has taken up the iconic space. The unique performance precedes the opening of the Affordable Art Fair which launches in the capital this Thursday.

Rosie, who has exhibited widely in the UK, as well as in Europe and the US, donated the £205.40 made during her busking session to the Affordable Art Fair’s chosen charities; Caring for Courage and Keats Community Library.
Rosie comments, “I loved seeing all the surprised looks from people rushing to work when confronted with an artist and a life model busking. Why should busking be limited to musicians? I think my artistic interpretation turned heads and got people talking! I’m looking forward to displaying my work at the Affordable Art Fair and delighted to have raised so much money for worthy causes whilst having such fun.”

Nicky Wheeler, MD of the Affordable Art Fair UK said “We decided to bring the excitement of the Affordable Art Fair to the streets of London and remind the capital that creativity is all around us every day. Rosie brightened up a grey and rainy morning for commuters and we hope she has inspired a few people to pick up a paintbrush or start up an art collection of their own as a result.”

Rosie will be one of hundreds of artists whose work will be on sale to the public at the upcoming Affordable Art Fair, taking place in Battersea Park (25-28 October) and Hampstead Heath (1-4 November).