Summer Rosé Wine Review Special

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

There are few better pleasures in life than a glass of rosé on a summers day. Here are some picks from us. We have been hard at work testing three different bottles of rosé. Don’t say we don’t love you.
Jean-Luc Colombo Pins Couches Rosé 2015

This is one of the best rosés on the market. Subtle and refreshing, this wine is clear and light. This gorgeous, abundant wine transports you to the Italian sunshine. A huge winner. .

Available from: BargainBooze.com, Vino Wines, Wino’s, Harrods.com, Ellie’s Cellar, Partridges of Sloane Street, Les Caves du Patron, Kingsgate Wines

RRP: £11.10

A light, refreshing and dry Rosé with abundant yet subtle red fruit characters. On the palate, notes of fresh fruits and herbs evoke the terroir of the Mediterranean coast, transporting you to sunny climates all summer long.

Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2014

Perfect for picnics and barbecues. Delicate and floral. A not-too-sweet wine that is both delicate and fruity. It is a beautiful salmon colour and has a fruity freshness.

Available from: Aitken Wines, Fountainhall Wines, The Whalley Wine Shop, The Leamington Wine Company, Eagle Wines

RRP: £18.80

With a delicate floral nose and fresh raspberries on the palate this wine is the perfect partner to any summer BBQ.

Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé 2015

Refreshing and dry, the ripe berry fruit makes this wine another perfect summer addition. It’s sweetness makes it a perfect apéritif.

Available from: Tesco.com, Majestic.co.uk, Temple Wines, Beers Wines & Spirits, Village Wines, Hailsham Cellars

RRP: £10.30

This New Zeland Rosé has bright floral aromas with flavours of strawberry, red fruits and spice and a delicious smooth finish which will go down perfectly at all summer soirées.

All is not Forgotten by Wendy Walker Book Review

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Margaret Graham

All is not Forgotten landed on my desk along with others. Flipping through the pile this debut psychological thriller intrigued me. It’s not usually a book I would read. I can’t bear violence towards children, for Jenny is one, though I suppose in fact she is a youth. She is 15, so a youth, but really as are they all, a vulnerable child.

I couldn’t put it down.

Wendy Walker has created a fascinating concept that explores memory and what you would be willing to do to protect your child.

Jenny is attacked, raped, horribly. Her parents agree to an experimental treatment that wipes the mind, enabling her to move on with her life. But does she? Can this really work?

She has a scar on her back, and instead of being haunted by the memory of an event, she is instead tormented by an unknown fear.

This is perhaps why it intrigued me. One of my own children had to undergo massive painful surgery at the age of one. The consultant said that because of his age my son had no understanding of the pain and distress of the event, and would forget the actual incident. But for many years, his dominant emotion to any situation would be an intense fear. And so it was. It breaks my heart even now to think of it.

The unknown for Jenny is worsened by the knowledge of a violation. But what?

And where is justice? Her father is obsessed with finding her attacker and her mother is in denial.

The decision is made to take Jenny back into her memories. But even if it can be done, will pulling at the threads of her suppressed experience reveal more than intended. Where is the healing then?

Well written, thought provoking at a profound level. A triumph, but it won’t be a novel that you can forget, so be prepared. And to try and decide what decision you would make.

The only problem for Wendy Walker is what to write now.

Let me know your thoughts on the book at frost@margaret-graham.com

Film rights have been pre-empted by Warner Bros, with Reese Witherspoon set to produce.

Published by Harlequin on 14th July. £12.99

Vida Glow Review

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

We all have our health hypocrisies. Mine used to be that I would only take prescription pills under dire circumstances, but was a sucker for any ‘natural’ health supplement. Luckily I saw the ridiculousness of my reasoning. I am still fussy about what I put in my body, but now I always do my research.

I had heard a lot about marine collagen supplements. Beauty writers and bloggers have been raving about them. Frost writer Keshini also tried some and was a fan. So I jumped at the chance to review Vida Glow. Vida Glow is a natural marine collagen supplement which comes in powder form of pure hydrolysed marine collagen. It is a hair, skin and nail supplement, with an array of benefits as collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and the second largest substance in the body behind water.

Their Beauty Blend is a vegetarian friendly all natural superfood blend, designed alongside nutritionists, to nourish hair, skin and nails from within. Vida Glow marine collagen is derived from the Scales of Deep Sea Red Snapper

Here is what they say:

With age, collagen breaks down in our bodies leading to wrinkles, sagging skin and lines. Outside factors as such smoking, toxins, poor diet, late nights, sun damage and harsh environments can add to the ageing process.

Your skin is incredibly important to your overall health. Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and is the most obvious indicator of your age and lifestyle.

Vida Glow works from within to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix below the skin’s surface. As we are subject to toxins, sun damage, poor diets and ageing, the multi layers which are linked together under the skin degenerate, resulting in fine lines, and wrinkles.

The collagen that is absorbed by taking Vida Glow, improves skin elasticity by increasing the density of fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for rebuilding connective tissues. Vida Glow stimulates the body’s own natural collagen production by noticing the increased amount of collagen in the blood stream. Consumed daily it helps restore collagen production levels, giving you healthy and youthful looking skin.

Consuming Vida Glow on a daily basis results in firmer and more hydrated skin, giving you a radiant complexion, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Mostly when I review supplements I don’t notice a huge difference. Not so with Vida Glow. The pack comes with 30 servings. You can take 1-3 a day. I took 3 a day, deciding to go for the short but bigger dose. I was very impressed indeed. Immediately after taking it I got that feeling you get when you eat something really healthy. It was like I could feel the good it was doing for my body. I noticed a difference in my hair, nails and skin. It also made me feel healthier. I only took Vida Glow for 10 days, but I do think it works and I would definitely use it again. For the environmentalist: Vida Glow marine collagen is a fibrous protein extracted from the scales of Deep Sea Red Snapper, sustainably sourced from the Pacific Ocean waters of Australasia. Vida Glow is a 100% natural product.

I am definitely a fan. Frost Loves.

http://uk.vidaglow.co/pages/about

Vida Glow Marine Collagen is available here.

Review: Ross at Chichester Festival Theatre

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Vicky Edwards

Joseph Fiennes leads the cast in in Terence Rattigan’s bio-drama about TE Lawrence

Photographs: Johan Persson

When it comes to writing repressed and complex characters Rattigan is something of a dab hand. The life of TE Lawrence, therefore, gives him plenty to work with.

The story is well known, not least thanks to David Lean’s epic (if not strictly accurate) movie, Lawrence of Arabia. But while the play is light on Hollywood glitz, the writing is pure class. Rattigan’s account of how Lawrence (who was routinely beaten as a child and was a repressed homosexual) rose from being a civilian in the Map Office to a celebrity who led the unconventional but effective 1916-18 Arab Revolt against the Turks is both compelling and disturbing.

The play opens in a far less exotic setting than the Middle East. Having chosen to hide himself away from public scrutiny by assuming a false name and joining the lowly ranks of the RAF, at a base in Uxbridge Aircraftman ‘Ross’ is being charged with insubordination.

Asked to explain his unauthorised absence of the previous night, his insistence that he was dining with Lord and Lady Astor, The Arch Bishop of Canterbury and Mr and Mrs George Bernard Shaw is deemed outrageous cheek. But while his superiors don’t believe him, one of his fellows does. Having assured himself of Ross’s real identity, the opportunity for blackmail is too easy to resist. Cue the beginning of Lawrence’s Arabian story, told through a malaria-induced flashback.

Designer William Dudley uses every inch of Chichester’s thrust stage to evoke the sense of desert expanse, with occasional black and white film footage aiding historical context.

There is much to admire in Adrian Noble’s polished production, but one of the greatest joys is the casting. Without a single ‘slightly less than’ contribution, the overall result is absolutely cohesive and effortlessly fluid.

Joseph Fiennes is superb. Perfectly judging Lawrence’s complexities and contradictions, every nuance is beautifully captured.

Michael Feast is terrifyingly brilliant as the Turkish Military Governor (his vile orders being audibly carried out make for uncomfortable listening and saw theatre-goers shifting awkwardly in their seats), while Paul Freeman as General Allenby and Peter Polycarpou Sheik Auda Abu Tayi also achieve gear changes between light and shade with dexterity and conviction. But it is undeniably a magnificent Team Effort.

A maverick, the conquering hero, an intellectual who was profoundly driven, what is perhaps most interesting about the Lawrence story is the essence of the man himself; someone plagued by demons who waged their own war on him. And someone who longed, more than anything, to fit in and belong.

Highly recommended and with a short run, this ticket looks likely to be as hot as desert sand. Get in quick.

Until 25 June. Box Office: 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk

Wraps Wearable Wristband Headphones Review

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

I am forever looking for my headphones. They are usually lost in the chaos of my changing bag, amongst nappies and fruit pouches. I even dot them around the house. My reliance on headphones now is usually so I can make a hand-free phone call while pushing the pram, listen to music loud while the baby sleeps, or keep myself awake whilst giving him a bottle at night.

My other headphones issue is that they forever get tangled up. I waste so much time untangling them. Not so with Wraps. These wearable headphones caught my eye. They are wristband headphones which look great and come in a variety of beautiful colours. I have them in Lagoon which is a beautiful blue colour. They have a one button mic which is really handy. They have a beautiful fibre braided cable and precision 10mm dynamic speakers. The sound quality is fantastic and they look fab.

Wraps Wearable earphones – Turn your earphones into a summer fashion accessory and never get them tangled again.

Lost numerous pairs already? Want your headphones to sound good AND look good? Wearing headphones is not just about listening to music, it’s about how you look listening to music! Wraps were created from this concept but took it a step further by making the wraps permanently wearable, whether wearing them in your ears or on your wrist.

When worn on the wrist, the unique patented slider system keeps the lightweight alloy heads, slider and jack plug all connected together for a secure compact fit. The cables are kept in perfect alignment and remain tangle free and always close to hand!

Wraps have recently launched the new ‘Talk’ range featuring a universal one button microphone which comes in six fresh, funky colour options. Stylish and functional: you can answer a call, play or pause your music and skip tracks all without having to dig into your bag or pockets for your device. Compatible with all smartphones and tablets.

Wraps Talk are available in a range of colours from www.mywraps.com and Amazon with prices starting at £19.99.

Chandon Rosé Review & Cocktail Recipes

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Frost loves sparkling wine. But there is sparkling wine and then there is sparkling wine. Chandon Rosé is a particular favourite of ours. A combination of Chardonnay, pinot noir and Malbec have been expertly mixed together in this gorgeously lively dry wine. The aromas of red berries really add to the party and this Rosé has just the right amount of sweetness.This wine is perfect to remind yourself how amazing you are. It is nearly the weekend so go on, treat yourself and buy a bottle. There are two amazing cocktail ideas below if that is more your thing.

Whatever the weather this summer, Chandon is guaranteed to serve you a splash of sunshine with its gorgeous Brut and Rosé Argentinian sparkling wines. Crisp and dry on the palate with a hint of sweetness, Chandon is perfect enjoyed on its own or to add a touch of sparkle to a selection of simple, elegant Chandon cocktails. Chandon Brut and Rosé are available at Ocado.com and Majestic Wines from £14.99

#EnjoyTheSpark

Chandon Patagonia Punch

A fruity, fun cocktail with the fragrant hint of strawberries. The perfect serve for summer!

Ingredients

Chandon Rosé
2 strawberries
5 basil leaves
20ml rhubarb & strawberry cordial 15ml fresh lemon juice 30ml Belvedere
Ice cubes

Method

Muddle the fruit, shake and strain into a coupette glass

Chandon Evita Spritz

A wine spritzer with a twist – this simple, refreshing cocktail is the ideal accompaniment to your summer soiree

Ingredients

15ml Elder ower Cordial Top with Chandon Brut Orange Peel

Method

Pour ingredients into an ice lled cabernet glass and garnish with an orange twist

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry Review by Frances Colville

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Veronica Henry’s new novel How to Find Love in a Bookshop is a feel-good, happy-ever-after story, perfect for reading if you’re in need of a bit of escapism or light relief. It’s a quick, undemanding and engaging read and thoroughly enjoyable.

The central character Emilia Nightingale inherits a book shop in the idyllic Cotswold town of Peasebrook and initially struggles both emotionally and financially with the idea of keeping it going. But the local community rallies round, there are plenty of lovely characters ready to pitch in and help out and of course lots of budding relationships and love stories. All centred on a wonderfully atmospheric bookshop and interwoven with lists of book titles relevant to the content of the chapters. Having worked in a small independent bookstore myself, I was hooked the moment I read the title – and I wasn’t disappointed.

But I would like to know more about what happened to everyone. Is there going to be a sequel? I hope so.

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry is published by Orion Books and available in hardback priced £12.99 from 16^th June 2016. Also available in ebook and audio.

A House Divided An Easterleigh Hall Novel By Margaret Graham Review

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

I have read a lot of books by Margaret Graham and anyone who reads Frost regularly will know that I am a fan. They will also know that she is the contributing editor of this here magazine. In fact, it says so in the book. Which made me scream in joy when I saw it.

Anyway, back to the review. This novel is the third in the popular Easterleigh Hall series. I have loved all of them but I have to say that this one is my favourite. Margaret is a historian and her novels are always as education as they are entertaining. She weaves history and prose together in such a way it leaves you slightly breathless. I found it hard to put this fantastic book down and only did so when motherhood called. It has the great pacing that all good novels have. You can’t help but want to race to the end to find out what is going to happen next. Yes it is well written, but that is the least of it. This book is fascinating. I feel the cover lets it down as the interior is riveting and fun. You feel that you know the characters not just because you have read about them before, but because they are so brilliantly brought to life by Margaret’s words.

With no bias at all I can tell you that this is one of Margaret’s best books. High praise indeed considering her back catalogue. Watch out for our interview and day in the life with Margaret soon. Meanwhile buy this book.

19 May 2016| Arrow| Paperback| £5.99

1937

Evie and her family have struggle to keep Easterleigh Hall, now a hotel, running during the depression, and with war looming, she worries for the children, who have to find their way in a changing world.

Bridie is learning her trade at her mother Evie’s side, and is becoming a talented chef. Her cousin James has run away to fight in Spain, leaving the family devastated.

And Tim, the boy Bridie has always loved, shocks everyone by joining the Black Shirts and going to Germany, discovering too late that he’s playing a dangerous game.

Heartbroken at Tim’s defection, Bridie isn’t sure she can ever forgive him. But somehow these three must find a way to reconcile, because if war does come, they will need each other more than ever.

Margaret Graham has been writing for thirty years. Her first novel was published in 1986 and she is now working on her sixteenth. As a bestselling author her novels have been published in UK, Europe and the USA.

Margaret has written two plays, co-researched a television documentary – which grew out of Canopy of Silence, and has written numerous short stories and features. She is a writing tutor and speaker and has written regularly for Writers’ Forum. She also created and runs the Yeovil Literary Prize to raise funds for the creative arts of the Yeovil area. Now living near High Wycombe she is about to launch a flash fiction writing prize to raise funds for the rehabilitation of wounded troops.

For more information about Margaret Graham visit her website at www.margaret-graham.com

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