A Lesson from Auschwitz Theatre Review

A lesson from Auschwitz review‘Vermin’, ‘parasite’, a ‘flea’ that needs to be exterminated. Those are the vile words that are shouted at the Jew who weeps and repents his actions on the stage.

For we the audience of A Lesson from Auschwitz at Churchill Theatre in Bromley are the next generation of Nazi SS soldiers being brainwashed to treat the victims of the holocaust as worthless sub-beings.

An intimate production by Brother Wolf, the play consists of just two actors: the intimidating Rudolf Höss, played by Eric Colvin as the Nazi soldier, and Abraham Könisberg, portrayed by James Hyland, who barely manages to stand on his feet.

He wears a chalkboard around his neck, etched with ‘Ich Bin Zurük’, meaning he’s an escapee.

Unfortunately, he is now to be punished and made an example of in-front of the roomful of trainee Hitlerites.

It makes for uncomfortable viewing, as the lesson from Auschwitz is actually 25 lashings against the prisoner’s blistering back.

And with each rise and fall of the whip, we’re told that showing sympathy towards the prisoners is a sign of weakness, how no Jew is spared – women and children won’t leave the camp alive and how a ‘genius’ has developed a deadly gas substance which can kill more than 2,000 people per day.

Even better, the healthy Jews will build the contraptions ie the showers, which will ultimately kill their own kind – it’s ‘political hygiene’ at its finest.

The rest, as they say, is history.

It’s hard to find anything enjoyable about this play given the bleak subject matter, and in all honesty, I was relieved it was over after just an hour.

But Hyland, the SS soldier, was convincing as the dominatrix and Colvin pulled on all the right emotions.

We’ve all heard the tales of horror and survival from the camps, but what was different about A Lesson from Auschwitz was how it flipped the norm so it was told from the side of the Germans.

However the tales of death and destruction in Nazi-occupied Poland are retold, the lessons from Auschwitz must live on today so that history never repeats itself.

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz, the play’s dedicated to all the victims – those who were murdered and those who survived.

 

 

Spa Technologies UK Flower Peel Review

Spa Technologies UK Flower Peel ReviewWe reviewed Spa Technologies UK new Flower Peel. This is a gentle peel that really does the job. It made skin brighter within days and glowing when used longer term. This great peel has a lasting effect on skin. The ingredients are natural and even sensitive skin can use this peel. This flower peel is impressive: a great product that genuinely improves skin and combats fine lines. Frost loves. 

Spa Technologies UK are delighted to announce the launch of their exciting new Flower Peel to their growing, all natural, seaweed based skincare range.

Anne Gray found of Spa Technologies UK says,

“There is nothing out there like the Flower Peel, the texture, the ingredients and the results are stunning. Our unique Flower Peel works on all skin types for anti-ageing, acne and sensitive skins.

The main active ingredients of the Flower Peel are:

Hibiscus Flower Acids, Green Tea, Laminaria Algae, Hyaluronic Acid, Flower (Pyruvic) Acid and Seaweed Based Gel. 

“These actives help to thicken and strengthen the skin around the eye so help to diminish crows feet. Fine lines boost collagen to firm our skin and also help with uneven skin tone and improve acne scarring. Our Flower Peel is rich in essential fatty acids for skin repair.”

Their clinical studies shows that the Flower Peel is:

  • 9% more hydrating than lactic acid and non-irritating
  • 20% greater cell renewal compared to other AHA’s (Alpha-Hydroxy Peels)
  • 30% greater anti-wrinkle activity compared with AHA’s

There is a gentle exfoliation without the irritation that is normally associated with alpha-hydroxy peels. 

Like other Spa Technologies UK products the Flower Peel nourishes and feeds the skin – doing more than just a quick fix.

“Using the Flower Peel daily you will see within days healthier, brighter looking skin with great improvement on lines around the eyes.”

Alpha hydroxyl acids have dominated the skin care market now for the past two to three decades introducing ever more powerful acid complexes to exfoliate skin.

The promise was to stimulate new cell growth leaving a smoother more youthful skin. Many skin care companies embraced AHA’s and retinols in the fight against wrinkles and aging skin.

However in the rush to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, companies added greater concentration of AHA’s to their formulas ranging from 5 and 10% in the beginning to 70% and more with the promise that more is better.

The problem with this approach is evident to us: Over exfoliation leads to over-processed skin; and this can lead to irreversible skin damage.

Now out of South Africa comes a new generation of AHA’s extracted from the Hibiscus Flower. These ‘flower acids’ are more than acids.

They are a highly complex pure extract of the hibiscus flower comprising a wide variety of acids as well as powerful antioxidants.

The result is a multi-functional ingredients that gently promotes exfoliation while nourishing the skin with protective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties to strengthen the skin’s support matrix and firm the skin.

Spa Technologies UK recognised the need for a less invasive approach to skin regeneration by creating a strong flower acid peel within a seaweed polysaccharide delivery system.

The result is a peel without the burn with the objective of skin firming.

Here is a breakdown of the unique phyto-chemistry of Flower Acids.

  • Bio-Complex of alpha hydroxyl acids—Phytic, Pyruvic, Mandelic and Azaleic which provide a gentle exfoliation while stimulating collagen synthesis
  • Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. Tee et al. 2002 assessed the antioxidant properties of Hibiscus by comparing its activity with those of BHA and b-carotene
  • Anthocyanins (deep purple pigment in the flower) are a major component of hibiscus that reduce oxidative stress on DNA and act as a sunscreen in absorbing UV rays (Duhn et al, 1997)

Compared to conventional AHA’s, flower acids from hibiscus are:

  • 50% more hydrating
  • 20% greater cellular turnover than AHA’s and salicylic acid
  • 30% reduction in appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting elastase and hyaluronidase breakdown of connective tissue
  • Anti-Inflammatory properties exhibiting an absence of the ‘burn’ (Levy and Goldschmidt 1979)

Ironically this has been somewhat problematic in convincing clients of its efficacy.

The lack of a burning sensation leads some to assume that the product is ‘not working’ as it should.

This is a misconception.

The pyruvic acid being a second generation acid exhibits greater keratolytic properties similar to the properties found in salicylic acid.

This acid dissolves proteins responsible for cell adhesion due to its higher keratolytic effects more effectively than lactic acid.

Moreover, as these acids are formulated into a seaweed polysaccharide base extracted from Laminaria and Fucus algae, the non-irritating benefits are enhanced.

The Flower Acids of Spa Technologies UK augmented by the marine algae polysaccharides have numerous applications in the treatment of blemishes and helps relieve the symptoms of rosacea, eczema and psoriasis to calm inflammation and restore stronger, more youthful looking skin.

The Spa Technologies range contains no animal products. 

www.veganbeautyskincare.co.uk/product/flower-peel-30ml

£25 for 30ml.

 

 

Seven Seas Perfect 7 Review

perect7forwomenIf you are in your thirties you probably remember Seven Seas from their coder liver oil tablets. Which were probably given to you by your parents. Things have changed however and now Seven Seas Perfect 7 is here. We thought we would try it out.

What they say:

“Seven Sea nutrition experts have identified 7 key needs for women and developed those into Perfect7 Woman.

Perfect7 is a unique blend of marine oils, rich in Omega-3, and key vitamins and minerals.
Perfect7 contains marine oils to help maintain normal heart and brain function, and vitamins and minerals to help contribute to reducing tiredness and fatigue.
One of the external signs of a healthy body is good skin, Perfect7 Woman is designed to provide you with nutrients to help maintain normal skin and nails from the inside.
HOW TO USE
There are two supplements, a vitamin tablet and a fish oil capsule, packaged in purple and silver blister cards. Take one of each every day with a cold drink.”

What we say:

Supplements will have different effects on different people. Although there is some controversy that says taking supplements does not  make much of a difference we liked Perfect 7. This is what our tester said: “My hair looked better and my nails grew faster. I really liked Seven Seas Perfect 7 and I will continue to use it”. So there you go, a stamp of approval. 

 

Available from boots.com and other chemists.

 

 

 

 

F-Secure SAFE and F-Secure Buddy Review & Competition

Security is important, especially online. It is important to keep safe, so we reviewed two products from F-Secure that keep you safer. We are also giving away a free F-Secure Buddy. Details below. F-Secure SAFE (1 year, 5 devices)= £39.99F-Secure SAFE (1 year, 5 devices) £59.99

F-Secure SAFE is F-Secure’s multi-device internet security service – covering PC, Mac, smartphones and tablets on up to five devices.

It offers ideal protection for the whole family with parental control, allowing parents to safely secure the devices before giving it to their children.

The key benefits of F-Secure SAFE are:
· Parental controls: The parental control functions enables parents to keep their children safe by allowing them to control what type of online content is accessible. They can also set ‘homework time’ which restricts internet access to educational sites during set times.
· Anti-virus: Detect and remove any malicious software that may have reached the device, including trojans, viruses and spyware.
· Banking protection: Gives added security for online banking in a more visible and tangible way.
· Safe browser: Blocks any known malicious websites, such as phishing websites. It also helps with online banking and parental control.
· Safe contacts: Call and text message filtering to block unwanted or nuisance calls and texts. Simply add numbers to the block list.
· Anti- theft: Remotely lock or wipe data from the phone in the event of loss or theft. It allows the user to locate the phone through an easy-to-use personal portal.

F-Secure SAFE anti-virus technology has won the Best Protection award from the independent test house AV-Test.org in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. It was also given the Best Security Award at the UK Internet Industry Awards 2015.

We were very impressed with F-Secure SAFE. It’s protection is outstanding. It is a diverse product that protects your computer, tablet or phone (or all of them). The list of stuff it does is above, and we are just incredibly impressed. Highly recommended.

F-Secure Buddy

F-Secure Buddy (£34.99)

F-Secure Buddy is a small, durable mobile phone accessory that helps people track items they need to keep on hand. The device’s small size and award-winning design makes it easy to attach to items like keys, bags and mobile phones. People activate F-Secure Buddy simply by pushing a button and pairing it with a Bluetooth capable iOS or Android device. Once the devices are paired, both will emit a loud signal if they move out of range of one another. This prevents people from leaving objects lying around, or thieves from grabbing these items and running off with them.

People can also use the free F-Secure Buddy app to request Buddy’s location, create circles of contacts to share locations and send messages. This gives Buddy “panic button” capabilities that allow the sharing of alarms and location information with other people. In addition, the Android app can also monitor physical activity, such as the number of steps taken or distance travelled.

Another great product from F-Secure: this is just brilliant. Small and durable, it is easy to attach and works via bluetooth. We think it is a brilliant invention. Smart and accessible, both F-Secure products are great Christmas presents. Only 98 days to go!

We are giving one away. To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.Then comment below saying what you did. Competition finishes in one month.

 

 

Organii : Organic Shea Butter Shower Gel | Beauty

organiishowergelWe reviewed Organii : Organic Shea Butter Shower Gel. Organii is not very well known but is an organic brand created by Pravera. The packaging is super cute, fun and stylish. Although it looked a bit like a smoothy and it made me want to drink it. At £5.95 for 300ml it is an affordable price point for something which is organic. It lathers well and becomes a slightly creamy foam. The shower gel comes in six scents, Aloe Vera and Bamboo, Argan, Liquorice, Peach, Shea Butter and Strawberry. We reviewed the Shea butter one.

The gel has a lovely scent and cleanses skin well. It doesn’t dry out the skin or irritate. As well as being organic, the gel is also vegan.

Have you tried the Organii range?

 

ASDA Protect Kids Ice-Cream Scented Sun-Care For Kids Review

AsdaprotectkidsreviewAsda has launched a UK 1st for the sun-care market with its own brand ice-cream scented sun lotion for kids. In an effort to help make applying children with suncream fun and easy, the lotions and creams feature a delicious vanilla scent and are priced a just £3.50. All products featured in the range are highly water resistant, 24 hour moisturising and have been dematologicaly tested. You can also get two for £6.
We tested them and…yes, they do smell like ice cream. Not in a sickly way, but in a nice way. Hopefully the smell will make your little ones stay still long enough for you to get the lotion on them. Some of the sun protection even comes in a handy spray container. They are water resistant and protect little ones skin well. Recommended.

Tanqueray London Dry Gin Review & Cocktail Recipes

tanquerayginWe are quite particle to a Gin & Tonic at Frost. In fact, we love cocktails with gin in them, it is the perfect spirit for cocktails. We are quite fussy about quality but Tanqueray London Dry passed our taste test. It is a vibrant gin which is both sweet and savoury. It has a blend of four of the finest botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. It is a superior and high-quality gin. Frost loves.

Tantalise your taste buds with adventurous umami cocktails

When you think cocktail, do you think of a fruity and sweet concoction? Well think again with three delicious, yet savoury cocktails from Tanqueray London Dry Gin.

Over the last year, any cocktail bar worth its salt has featured savoury cocktails on the menu, allowing adventurous drinkers to enjoy the flavour sensation is known as umami – translated from Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’, which is actually one of the five basic tastes (along with sweetness, sourness, bitterness and saltiness).

Tanqueray London Dry Gin (70cl £21.50, stockist suggestion Waitrose.com) has an elegance and versatility of flavour that makes it the perfect spirit for cocktails – both sweet and savoury, as well as vibrant gin and tonics. The sophisticated flavour profile is achieved by the blend of four of the finest botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice.
Impress your friends and join trend-setting mixologists with these piquant potions that you can make at home.

Beetroot Shocker
Beetroot Shocker

Ingredients:
50mls Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
15mls Lemon Juice
50mls Beetroot Juice
Pinch of Celery Salt
Top with tonic water

Method – shake first four ingredients with cubed ice and strain over cubed ice in a hiball glass, top with tonic water and garnish with a Lemon wedge and a mint sprig
Units – 2.1

Peppered Apple Martini

Peppered Apple Martini

Ingredients:
35ml Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
15ml Apple liqueur
30ml cloudy apple juice
3 x fresh basil leaves
5ml lemon juice & 5ml sugar

Method – add all ingredients to shaker and shake with cubed ice, double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a floating basil leaf and fresh cracked black pepper
Units: 1.5

Tanqueray Snapper

Tanqueray Snapper

Ingredients:
35ml Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Dash Tabasco sauce
4 dashes red pepper sauce
Pinch salt and pepper
Pinch white pepper
Squeeze half fresh lemon
100ml tomato juice

Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, then roll back and forth to mix. Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and celery stalk.
Units: 1.3

 

 

Jeans For Genes Pop Up Store

We have the latest and most exciting Free, YES Free laundrette to hit London and we ventured out to see an exclusive preview! Its open from the 11th till Monday the 14th of September from 11am – 5pm. The amazing premium washer brand Miele and the Charity Jeans for Genes have joined forces and decided to hold a pop up laundrette right in the heart of London. 8 Newburgh street…Just off Carnaby street in Soho. We nipped in for the VIP evening …A few hours ago …to see what all the fuss was about…And decided you can’t miss it..So here is the scoop, fresh off the press.

 

Jeans For Gense-1 Jeans For Gense-4 Jeans For Gense-5 Jeans For Gense-6 Jeans For Gense-7 Jeans For Gense-8We had an amazing evening with friends and all the Miele team. We listened to a live set from DJ Roman Kemp, drank denim themed cocktails and ate delicious canapés. And as from tomorrow…(today) you can pop in free of charge with all your denim and try out the latest Miele machines. Save your favourite pair from hash washing and then enjoy a shopping while the team look after your laundry.

The money raised on Jeans for Genes Days funds a range of initiatives that improve the quality of life of children affected by genetic disorders. If you don’t even need your jeans washed by one of the top brands machinery its well worth a trip over the see them and get involved. Buy a T-shirt, donate some cash or just support this incredible charity. Help and benefit the lives of others by having a little fun. So if your out shopping for new pair of jeans over the weekend (that you really don’t need) think again….Maybe nip in and get an old pair of your favourite jeans laundered for free and donate the money you would have spent!!

Jeans For Gense-12 Jeans For Gense-11 Jeans For Gense-9

What You Can Expect

  • You’re invited to use the laundrette and get your jeans washed ahead of Jeans for Genes Day! All the Miele machines have a very unique denim wash cycle that cares for you’re ultimate best friends, so they are kept looking like the day you purchased them…No light streaks and patchy bits for those best buddies ever again!
  • A complementary denim manicure is on offer.
  • Hair braiding
  • Denim-care talks from Jeans for Genes and Miele ambassador and X Factor stylist Gemma Sheppard.
  • Jeans for Genes merchandise will be available to buy.

What’s On Friday 11 September

  • Styling advice from Gemma Sheppard – 11am-12pm
  • You will see exclusive upcoming trends for 2016.
  • You will learn how to keep your clothes in top tip condition and how to best wear your denim.
  • There will be a Q&A on everything you could ever need to know about style and fashion
  • Mavala Denim Nail bar – 11am-5pm

 

What’s On Saturday 12 September

  • Orelia Temporary Tattoo Applications 11am – 2pm
  • British jewellery brand Orelia will be on demand to help you get inspired. You might just leave with the feeling you need to got to an amazing festival.Or feel the indian summer revival is overdue!
  • Timur Kim Denim Customisation in collaboration with La Redoute 2pm – 5pm. To help you revitalise your fave denim pieces!

 

What’s On Sunday 13 September

  • Hair braiding by Joel Benjamin – 11am-­5pm.. free hair braiding with a twist!. Pop by at any time to get your hair braided in a unique way.

What’s On Monday 14 September

  • Hair braiding by Joel Benjamin – 11am-­5pm. Joel has worked with the likes of Nike, Adidas and Harvey Nichols, and has now joined Miele and Jeans for Genes Day to offer unique, denim braids. Pop by at any time to get your hair braided in a unique way.
  • Trend talk with Lauretta Roberts – 6pm-6.30pm

Make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Email miele@frankpr.it

Have a blast this weekend!