Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Review

Posted on June 28, 2015 by Frostie

Breastfeeding is tough. No one really says just how hard it is, but even if you are lucky enough to take to it easily you may not be lucky enough to escape engorgement, mastitis, plugged ducts and sore nipples. Luckily there are things made to help, like Lansinoh’s 3-in-1 Breast Therapy. Is it any good? Let’s find out.

The 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs use innovative PearlTechnology to deliver either heat or cold to affected areas of the breast. Chill it in the fridge or freezer for analgesic cold, or pop it in the microwave for penetrating heat and warmth. The pack holds its therapeutic temperature for a full 20 minutes so you get fast, effective relief.

The writer who reviewed this had mastitis and said that it really helped. Her doctor told her to use hot and cold compresses on her breasts and this treatment made it easy. They are convenient and because they can be both hot or cold they multi-task too. Perfect for saving money and space. No more cabbage on the breasts, this handy and effective treatment really works. It can also be used hot to reduce time spend pumping milk. Using it cold relieves engorgement and the hot therapy relieves mastitis and plugged ducts. Our writer says: ‘This is convenient and works well. It can be used for lots of different breastfeeding problems. It is a mum must have.’

Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Pack
RRP:£12.95
www.JohnLewis.co.uk

This innovative set includes two reusable treatment packs and covers that can be used hot or cold. The pearl design moulds to the breast to provide all-round relief when breastfeeding.

Review: Educating Rita – Minerva Theatre, Chichester

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

Educating Rita
Minerva Theatre, Chichester
Until 25 July
Box Office: 01243 781312
www.cft.org.uk

Picture credit: Manuel Harlan

In her quest for choice and betterment would Liverpudlian hairdresser Rita throw herself into an Open University degree course today? Nah. More likely that she would develop an app for stylists.

Written and set in the early 80s (and with more than a little doffing of its hat at Shaw’s Pygmalion), what Willy Russell’s play lacks in modern relevance is more than compensated for in the performances of Lenny Henry and Lashana Lynch.

As Frank, the disillusioned tutor and one-time poet whose career is now just a means of funding his drinking, Henry could be a shade more embittered. But visibly relaxing into the second act, first night nerves squarely dealt with, he hits his stride.

Frank’s passion for teaching is reignited when Rita explodes into his office with a desperate thirst to learn. His feelings for her grow fonder and when he realises that she has all but achieved her dream of being educated the ensuing bender upon which he embarks is not inspired by a wish to toast her success. Beautifully pitched by Henry, who is well paired with his co-star – their chemistry gives the production a palpable boost – the final scenes are especially touching.

Lashana Lynch is on track for Big Things. Exuberant, warm, funny, ambitious, determined and childlike in her wonder of academia, Lynch manages to convey it all, stealing the hearts of the audience while she’s about it. A two-hander is a huge mountain for any actor to scale but Lynch makes it look effortless.

Not so the transitions from scene to scene. Limited to a point by both script and Ellen Cairns’ bookshelf-lined set, Rita’s arrival to each tutorial at the start of each new scene is clunky.

But this is a minor grip and overall this production, in educational terms, falls only slightly short of getting a First.

Luna Gale at the Hampstead Theatre Review

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Paloma Kubiak

Taken by Manuel Harlan

Luna Gale is undeniably an intelligent, thought-provoking and memorable play which is debuting at the Hampstead Theatre this summer after receiving mass acclaim over in the States.
Playwright Rebecca Gilman expertly draws the audience to judge each character almost immediately, but their thoughts are shown to be misconceptions as the play unwinds.

For it starts off with young couple Karlie and Peter sitting in a doctor’s waiting room; he’s fading in and out of consciousness and she’s twitchy, abusive and violent.

Social worker Caroline tells the couple that their baby daughter, Luna Gale will be taken into care while they seek help for their crystal meth addiction.

At that point, we’ve already judged the couple – dirty drug-taking low life’s who have endangered the life of their vulnerable, innocent baby, which has forced the state to intervene.

And we’ve made up our minds about Caroline too – the veteran social worker – who strives to do things by the book.

But as the play unravels, we warm to Karlie and Peter who show their devotion to each other and in cleaning up their acts to get their daughter back.

At first, Karlie’s mum Cindy is portrayed as a good, stable figure and it’s almost inevitable that Luna Gale will be placed with her grandmother in ‘kinship’, despite Karlie’s protest over this (we learn Karlie had a rocky relationship with her mum).

However, Caroline mocks Cindy’s faith in God and the more she hears Cindy speak of the ‘end’, the less inclined she is to let her have Luna.

That is until the straight-talking Caroline asks Karlie if she was abused as a child which is why she acted out as a teenager. She answers ‘no’ and the curtain closes with Caroline asking ‘but what if it did?’.

In an interview about the production, playwright Rebecca Gilman says the play isn’t dark and she doesn’t want it to seem like a miserable night out.

It covers the disturbing subjects of childhood sexual abuse and drug abuse and Gilbert explains she wanted to bring this to the mainstream stage to show that it can and does happen.
But there are comedic and touching moments too – which would be a shame to reveal here – making Luna Gale a fantastic all-rounder. Directed by Michael Attenborough, the cast were flawless, passionate and truly inspiring in their roles.

Luna Gale is showing at Hampstead Theatre until 18 July.

And So To Bath Part 2

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Jane Cable

In her second article about the city, author and Frost contributor Jane Cable dips more than a toe in those famous waters

I can think of very few cities whose names are synonymous with their raison d’etre and Bath certainly tops the list. Since Roman times, and possibly before, that little hot water spring gushing out from the ground a few hundred yards from the river has been responsible for the prosperity and even the very existence of the place.

Bringing the concept right up to date is the Thermae Bath Spa in, most appropriately, Hot Bath Street. From the moment I saw pictures of its stunning architecture and roof top pool the spa was close to the top of my bucket list and as I wanted to experience it to the full I had booked a couple’s massage and visit package some weeks before.

Seeing the queue snaking from the building I was very pleased I had. The website warns that weekends are busy, but later a taxi driver told us that arriving at seven o’clock in the evening for the last two hour session – or first thing in the morning – guarantees a quieter time. Even so the spa was not unpleasantly crowded at any time during our visit.

The massage suite is on the first floor and after changing and putting on our robes and slippers we went upstairs. The treatment rooms are a series of curved pods and the therapists first class. I have rarely known fifty minutes pass more quickly or more blissfully and we floated into the central relaxation area where we were brought herbal tea and plenty of water. Husband was so blissed out he didn’t even pick up one of the array of glossy magazines on offer, just stared dreamily into space.

When we could be bothered to move we went up to the steam rooms on the next floor. The curved pod design continues, and four of them surround a central rain water shower which varies from gentle drizzle to tropical downpour. Each pod has a different scent; lotus flower, ginger, sandalwood or mentholyptus. The last one was incredibly strong and certainly cleared the sinuses but the sandalwood was our favourite.

Then it was up another flight of stairs to the roof top spa pool. Yes, it was busy, but there was plenty of room for everyone and the views over the city and the hills beyond were jaw-droppingly beautiful. We were blessed with sunny weather but even in winter the warm water would keep you cosy. Half the pool is taken up with spa jets and we dabbled here for a while before swimming into calmer waters to relax and people watch, just as the Romans would have done. To our surprise we stayed there for almost an hour but by that stage we were so chilled that time just floated past unnoticed.

We completed our visit with a swim around the indoor thermal pool in the basement and a light meal in the restaurant, which was included in our package. I have to say that we wouldn’t chose to eat there again but on reflection it’s probably best to let spas be spas and restaurants be restaurants. What we will be doing is returning the Thermae Bath Spa for more treatments and to soak and steam ourselves into bliss.

The next morning we got up early to visit the Roman Baths before the coach tours and school trips arrived. It’s a real don’t miss attraction with so much of the original roman architecture on show as well as brilliant background information. You can chose to follow audio guides by Professor Alice Roberts or Bill Bryson, with a separate tour for the kids. But what struck us most of all was how our experience the previous day echoed what has been done in the city for centuries; massage, steam room, thermal baths. Those Romans certainly knew how to live.

Face The Music at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, Walthamstow

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Paloma Kubiak

What struck me most about the All Star Productions cast was how much each actor seemed to enjoy their time on stage, despite the show being set against the backdrop of the ‘Great Depression’.

Face The Music, originally written by Moss Hart with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, has been resurrected for a twenty-first century audience at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre in Walthamstow, but it maintains the character, costume and camaraderie of 1930’s America.

The play centres on the ‘make or break’ theatre show to be directed by Hal Reisman, but in an age of austerity, he struggles to find the financial backing to get the show on the road.

Spurred on by love’s young dream, Kit Baker (Joanna Hughes) and Pat Mason (Alessandro Lubrano), the three meet with bent copper Meshbesher and his eccentric wife Myrtle who are only too happy to splash the cash in a bid to avoid having their haul discovered by the government.

In fact the more the play’s a failure – they’re happy to sink 800,000 dollars into the production – the happier the couple are, as it will cover their dodgy money trail.

And so a round of auditions ensues which sees jazz hands, tap dancing and catchy sing-alongs such as ‘On a roof in Manhattan’, ‘My beautiful rhinestone girl’ and ‘If you believe’.

I particularly enjoyed the relationship between plain PC O’Rourke (James Holbrooke) and the sultry streetwalker (Joanne Clifton) as she woos him to avoid being sent to prison and instead is given the opportunity to join the cast.

However, the play is missing one big thing – sex. As they say, ‘sex sells’ and once the ladies start to strip off, the show is a success, even with the most critical of reviewers.

Ultimately, the show’s success is the cause of the Meshbesher’s failure, as they’re dragged to court to answer to the charge, of corruption, extortion and embezzlement.

Leading lady, Joanna Hughes, had a serene yet authoritative presence on the stage and James Holbrooke’s facial expressions capture each emotion portrayed by his character perfectly.

Directed by Brendan Matthews, Face The Music is a fun and enlightening production and a big round of applause should also go to the orchestra tucked away in the corner of the stage area.

Face The Music is on at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, Walthamstow until 3 July, tickets available from the box office on 020 8520 8674. Ps, you may want to arrive early to sample the pizza from the make shift hut just outside the pub…

Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God – the perfect summer read

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God
A young girl grows up in the war years

By Joyce M Lovely

PUBLICATION DATE: 22 June 2015
Mereo Books www.mereobooks.com

A funny, touching and heart-warming portrait of war time and beyond, Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God is the author’s trip down memory lane to 1940s Liverpool, where early reminiscences include not just the hated gas mask, but also the regular night time spells in the air raid shelter as the bombs fell.

A beautifully drawn portrait of the place and its people, from Calder High School Joyce went on to work at the Eagle Star Insurance Company and the office of the Dunlop Rubber Factory. Missing out on being one of the first to see The Beatles perform at the Cavern Club (because she didn’t fancy the sound of them from her sister’s description!), she moved to London to study Nursing at St Bartholomew’s. Marriage took her on to the Shetland Islands – where life as a parson’s wife meant that prayer was sometimes relied upon to provide dinner – and then to the West Riding of Yorkshire, before finally settling in Maine, USA.

A natural storyteller, Joyce’s recollections of people, places and events are effortlessly recounted. From the exotic neighbour who had been in the German Resistance (but whose priority was now pudding) to her splendid Spirella Corsetier grandmother, Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God is a gentle, fascinating and humorous personal history, rich in colour and detail.

Gloriously nostalgic and beautifully written, this is the perfect summer read.

Sneak preview extracts

“Jerry made one heck of a mess here, didn’t he?” said Dad. “And all my best willow pattern china has been smashed” Mum sniffed, trying not to cry again. Dad put his arm around her. “Don’t worry, love. We’ll get through this.” And we did, even though I heard a few days later that eight people had been killed in their air-raid shelters, along with many others, including some in the public shelters. Much later I learned that 2000 Liverpudlians had been killed in just that week, with thousands more injured and homeless.

I sat stunned. First I felt the pricking of tears, and then I began to laugh. There lay my ancient, despised, childhood World War II gasmask. It rested there staring at me eerily, the eyepiece still displaying the oval sickly-brown cellophane, which wasn’t even cracked. I sat back. My eyes closed, and the memories streamed back…

I remember vividly growing up in Liverpool, amidst air raids, bombs and gasmasks. My story is from a childhood perspective, leaving the grown-ups to worry about battles and shortages. We observed strict morals as a teenager in the fifties, yet still had boyfriends, stolen kisses and fun. This memoir concludes with my marriage to a minister and our adventures in the distant Shetland Islands. Here I experienced the islanders’ expectations of ‘yon minister’s wife’ often resulting in unexpected humorous consequences…

Humour, tenacity, sharing and resourcefulness, especially by the women on the home front, kept life normal for us children. We laughed, cried, hoped and dreamed, but we never asked for more than what we knew was around us.

About the author

Born in Liverpool, Joyce M Lovely now lives in Maine, USA. She has had numerous articles and stories published in magazines and periodicals and she is a member of a writing group. Joyce worked in education for many years, as a teacher and then later in administration, working with teachers and leading workshops.

Madame LA LA West Coast Bronzing Face Serum Review

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Frostie

Not all fake tan is created equal, in fact, too many of them leave you looking orange and smelling like a biscuit. Not so Madame LA LA West Coast Bronzing Face Serum. It smells divine and gives a brilliant bronzed look, all whilst infusing the skin with goodness.

It has a thick consistency and a little goes a long way. It is easy to apply and although it is a tinted formula, it gives a dark and rich colour. It gives a beautiful, deep, sun-kissed look. It is not only an amazing bronzer, but it also leaves skin hydrated and noticeably brighter- we love it.

Brilliant stuff available from feelunique.com

What they say:

Madame LA LA is an American-Brit self tan and skincare brand inspired by LA, Malibu beach, the Hollywood lifestyle, wellbeing and modern tanning. West Coast bronzing serum is a new and innovative instant self tan pick-me-up for the face, producing an LA-worthy glow. Infused with Coco Water & Green Tea to hydrate and brighten. Antioxidants Vitamin C and CQ10 combine with Vitamins A, E to protect skin and fight signs of ageing, boosting cellular renewal and collagen for a smooth complexion. The easy-to-apply tinted formula adapts to all skin tones and develops gradually. The serum can be used day or night.

Slumbersac Sleeping Bags For Babies Review

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Frostie

There are a number of reasons a baby will wake you up at night: hunger, a wet or dirty nappy, boredom. Thankfully with the invention of baby sleeping bags your baby kicking of their sheets and waking you up because they are cold is a thing of the past. Our first thought when we first opened the Slumbersac packaging was how big it seemed. It has buttons at the side for the arms to make sure your little one is securely in. There is also a zip that goes down the side and along the bottom. There are buttons that fasten at the top, making it easy to put baby in. The Slumbersac is easy to use and the fabric feels nice and soft. Made with 100% cotton and lined with 100% pure cotton, they are rigorously tested and can be both machine-washed and tumble-dried. The design is cute and baby likes it. We were sent the green owl one to review and we love the design.

Slumbersac has a good choice of sleeping bags that caters for a wide range of ages from newborn right up to 10 years old.There is a great choice of designs to choose from featuring beautiful embroidery, appliqués and prints to suit both boys and girls. They are priced from £9

www.slumbersac.co.uk Also available from rakuten.co.uk.

Benefits of a Slumbersac sleeping bag

• Safe: We all want to make sure our children are as safe as possible, and a Slumbersac sleeping bag can really help. Conventional bedding can ride up and cover a baby’s face, causing breathing difficulties. In a Slumbersac bag, your baby can wriggle about as much as he likes without accidentally covering his head, which greatly reduces the risk of suffocation. Just as importantly, with a sleeping bag it’s much easier to make sure your baby is at the right temperature, not too cold and not too warm. This is significant because overheating is one of the risk factors implicated in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Convenient: With a Slumbersac bag, getting baby to bed is easy – just put them in the bag for a cuddle and then put them down in their cot or moses basket! The familiarity of their sleeping bag acts as a signal that it’s sleep time, which helps them to settle more quickly, and the warm and cosy bag will help them to drift off with minimal fuss. Plus, night-time nappy changes are made easy with the all-round zip.

• Comfortable: Slumbersac sleeping bags are made from 100% cotton with a soft and quick-dry fleece filling for maximum comfort and ideal for sensitive skin, so your baby will always be safe and snuggly. And because there are no covers for baby to get tangled up in, they are much more likely to sleep well – and so are you!

• Ideal Temperature: Baby Sleeping bags keep your child at a constant temperature during the night, which is safer and results in better sleep.

• Familiar comfort: Baby sleeping bags are ideal when traveling, on holiday or sleepovers as babies feel more at home in their sleeping bag. Your child is naturally more unsettled when traveling. The familiarity of their sleeping bag will help them settle in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Slumbersac’s specially designed travel sleeping bags can be used in car seats and buggies where your baby can be securely buckled into any seatbelt.

• Value: Slumbersac’s aim is to deliver quality, comfort and safety at a price you won’t find anywhere else! Slumbersac aim to offer their customers second to none customer service and receive impeccable feedback.

• Choice: Slumbersac offers a range of innovative products to compliment their sleeping bags, from sleeping bags with feet to bedding and comforters. They offer a wide choice of designs to suit all needs from birth to 10 years.

• Easy care: Slumbersac sleeping bags can be machine washed and tumble dried.

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