Tag Archives: what to do

Cancer-causing gas is present in EVERY household

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More than half of UK homes haven’t been tested for a cancer-causing gas – which is found in EVERY household.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas which comes from rocks and soils and is the top cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Reassuringly, levels of radon tend to be low indoors – but higher levels pose a serious health risk and there’s no way of knowing how severe levels are without testing.

Despite the possible health impact, two thirds of adults don’t know what radon is and that it can cause cancer.

Commissioned by Airthings, makers of smart radon and indoor air quality monitors, the research of 2,000 adults found six in 10 haven’t given any thought to the health impact of the air in their homes.

A spokesman for Airthings said: “Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

“In fact, radon-induced lung cancer kills more people than house fires and carbon monoxide combined.

“It’s an invisible radioactive gas with no smell or taste and comes from rocks and soil.

“Low levels can be found in the air outside however levels of radon can be higher inside buildings – homes included.”

UK homes also contain gasses called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, although not lethal like radon, can cause headaches, sore throats and fatigue.

But the study found eight in 10 have no idea what VOCs are and 80 per cent are unaware they can cause eye, nose and throat irritation.

The compounds can be released when doing a number of apparently harmless everyday activities such as burning scented candles, using non-organic cleaning products and even when cooking.

Further to this, nine in 10 regularly do things in their home which could increase levels of radon and VOCs.

Almost half don’t often open the windows when cooking, 42 per cent frequently burn candles and a third use diffusers in their homes.

Perhaps as a result, the Airthings study, carried out through OnePoll, found six in 10 ‘regularly’ suffer from symptoms associated with poor air quality.

These include headaches (25 per cent), constant dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin (22 per cent) and ongoing fatigue (21 per cent).

A fifth also have a tendency, or noticed a tendency among their cohabitees, to cough and sneeze.

A spokesman for Airthings added: “In addition to testing your home for radon and VOCs there are simple steps you can take to reduce levels of these gasses.

“But the first step is to have your home tested to get an indication of the severity of the problem.

“There are also things you can do to minimise VOCs in particular – such as ditching toxic chemicals and using natural cleaning products, opening windows, vacuuming regularly and having lots of house plants in the house.”

SYMPTOMS/EFFECTS OF VOCS BRITS HAVE NOTICED IN THEIR HOMES:

1. Their home has mould

2. Their children developed a cough

3. They developed a persistent cough

4. It affected their energy levels

5. Their children don’t play outside as much/very often

6. The plants in their garden have struggled/died

7. Their lung condition or their child’s lung condition (e.g asthma) has worsened

8. They have to keep their windows closed all year round

9. They don’t cycle to work anymore as a result

10. They have developed breathing difficulties

TIPS FOR REDUCING VOCS IN YOUR HOME:

• Open the windows

• Do not smoke indoors

• Keep air humidity levels between 30 per cent to 50 per cent

• Avoid synthetic fragrances such as plug ins and candles

• Use house plants

• Ditch the toxic chemicals – use natural cleaning products

• Improve ventilation

• Vacuum regularly

• Remove your shoes when you come in

• Test your home with an air quality monitor and use an air purifier if required

Family London: Fun Days Out With Children From Tots To Teens By Jimi Famurewa

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Family London: Fun Days Out With Children From Tots To Teens By Jimi FamurewaFamily London: Fun Days Out With Children From Tots To Teens By Jimi Famurewa

This brilliant little book has over 100 great things to do in London with children. From little ones to teens, there is something for everyone. Great when you are stuck or want to try something new. It is not too heavy or big so can fit easily in a bag. Charming, well-written, and thorough. This book is a life saver for parents. It is broken down into sections and will give you the opportunity to find something fun to do with the family whether it is raining, or you just want to go to a child-friendly restaurant or café. I will be working my way through this to experience all London has to offer. Highly recommended. 

From the best museums and galleries to the perfect playgrounds and cafes, Family London handpicks the very best things to do in London with tots, teens and everything in between. Come rain or shine, this complete insider’s guide to one of the best cities in the world will help you plan a day out to remember – and there’s something for everyone, from toddlers and teenagers to adults who are just big kids at heart. Whether you are a born and bred Londoner, or planning your first trip to the nation’s capital, this is the go-to guidebook to help you and your family uncover all the hidden gems the Big Smoke has to offer, and ensure you make the most of the city.

Family London is available here.

 

A Travel Guide To Southampton, Hampshire. 

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Credit:www.geograph.org.uk

Credit:www.geograph.org.uk

Great Britain is not called great for nothing. It has a lot going for it. There is an abundance of places to have a great staycation and none more so than Southampton. Located on the south coast of England, Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire, it is only 75 miles from London and has its own airport, so you canSouthampton travel guide

Museums.

The Seacity Museum is situated in the heart of Southampton, in the Cultural Quarter. It is an interactive experience about Southampton and its connection with the sea. It also covers the city’s Titanic Heritage.

The Tudor House Museum covers 900 years of history all on one site. It is Southampton’s most important historic building. It has recently been restored and has a lovely garden too. Tudor Lord Chief Justice Sir Richard Lyster and Victorian milliner Eliza Simmons are just two of the many people who have lived there.

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Belfast City Guide

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If you have never been to Belfast before and are planning to go then you will be in for a treat…


Belfast Facts

A thriving city which always has something going on: Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland.

Belfast may be a small city but it is big on excitement.

There is a population of only 286,000 in the city of Belfast but what it lacks in size and population it more than makes up for in history, events and fun things to do.

First Thoughts on Belfast

Your first impressions of the city is just how beautiful it is. The accent of the resident will also leave an impression. The Irish accent is know to be beautiful and lyrical, as is the friendliness of the Irish people.

Then there will be so much stuff to do that you won’t know where to start.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan then you are certainly in for a treat as the hit fantasy TV show is filmed in Belfast and the rest of Ireland.

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You can take a tour of Titanic Studios in Belfast where it is filmed. You can also take a Game of Thrones location tour and get a picture of yourself sitting on the throne.

For something else that will also inspire a high amount of awe you might want to go for some real-life history and see the Titanic Belfast. Titanic Belfast is the largest Titanic visitor experience in the world. It is situated right beside the real historical site where the world’s most famous doomed ship was constructed. The 6-floor building will also have all of the information you could ever need to know about the Titanic, from her construction to the very tragic end.

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Because there is so much to do in Belfast and you will be surprised at just how amazing the city is, the best thing to do is to sort out your accommodation first. Find a good hotel from Hotel Direct before you leave so you can just relax and enjoy the rest of your visit. After you have dropped your stuff off the first thing you should do is grab a guinness. A trip to Ireland is not fully complete until you have tried this famous beverage.

Whats happening in Belfast?

There are also a number of festivals that happen in Belfast throughout the year.

Check ahead before you leave and you won’t miss out.

Festivals range from Red Bull Music Weekend, Sound of Belfast and the Belfast Restaurant Week.

You can take your pick depending on when you visit but there is usually at least a few great festivals or events running in the city. Catch some live music and you might hear the next big thing. A lot of famous artist have come our of Northern Ireland like Snow Patrol, Ash, Van Morrison, Therapy?, The Divine Comedy and The Undertones.

What about food?

You will also have a good choice when it comes to eating out.

There is a substantial amount of good restaurants in Belfast. Try and have a traditional dish like Irish Stew, Colcannon (a traditional Irish dish which generally consists of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage) or soda bread.

Family fun

Belfast Zoo Credit: flikr

There is also plenty of things to do for families. The Belfast Zoo is a good place to start and the W5 interactive science museum will have hours of educational fun to entertain you and your children. For the more sporty and energetic there is the T13 Urban Sports Academy.

Here there is a good range of exciting and sporty things to do: BMX, skateboarding, kick scooter, break dancing, urban art and DJing. Rather handy, the T13 Urban Sports Academy is opposite the Titanic Belfast. So you can catch both star attractions on the same day if you have time.

All in all, Belfast is a wonderful place to visit, not only will it make a good first impression on you, but it will also leave a good lasting one, with wonderful memories and an urge to go back again and again. What are you waiting for?

 

 

Tips For Long Journeys With Children: Don’t Miss Out On Adventure

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Taking a long journey with young children in tow is never easy.   Aside from the military-type organizational procedures that have to be followed before anyone can leave the house, the actual journey itself can be stressful and leave parents tearing their hair out!  The good news is that there are ways to relieve the stress and keep the journey fairly trouble-free.

keeping children entertained on car journeys

Occupying the kids

 

One of the main issues with any long journey, whether it be by car, train or plane, is that children do get bored.  Anyone with regular experience of long trips with kids will know that making arrangements to keep the children occupied is essential.  When traveling with kids, it is a good idea to allow them to take along a few games or books.  This will help to stave off boredom and is particularly useful when travelling by train or plane where there are usually small lap tables for them to use.  It is important to make sure that they do not get out all of their toys and games all at once.  They should be rationed throughout the journey so that the children do not get bored with everything in the first half hour.  They can pick the toys and games themselves before leaving home, but their choice should be vetted to make sure that they are practical for the trip.

 

Crayons and pads allow children to color or draw their own pictures.  Parents who offer prizes for the resulting creations will find that this helps to keep the children focused for a little longer but need to take care to keep this balanced – each child should win at some point in order to avoid any tantrums!

 

Get a little creative

 

Sometimes a standby like books or travel versions of games like Scrabble just will not keep the kids occupied for long enough.  This is where parents need to show a little creativity.  Children can be encouraged to engage with the journey by talking to their parents about what they can see as they travel – this is a good one for a car journey.  Looking out for landmarks can be turned into a game.

 

Parents can also read up on the places they are going to be visiting and spend some of the journey time talking to the children about them.  It is important not to make this sound like a history or geography lesson – it should be as fun as possible.  For example, a child with an interest in dinosaurs might want to hear about the natural history museum at the destination.  Travel journals are a good option for those who have older children.  Children can describe what they see and add things such as postcards and photos during the stay.  This can be useful when they return to school and are asked to talk about their vacation!

 

Any journey taken with children can be challenging but, with a little forward thinking, it can actually go smoothly.  Giving the kids activities that are relevant to the destination also helps them to feel a part of the trip and not as though they are just along for the ride.

 

http://www.roughguides.com/article/20-tips-for-travelling-with-children/

http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/387689/jewish/TipsforEasierPlaneTravelingwithKids.htm

 

 

Discover And Be Discovered At 22nd Raindance Film Festival

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From World Cinema to British film, documentaries and shorts, Raindance Film Festival returns to London to showcase the best in Independent film

raindancefilmfestival

Raindance Film Festival, the UK’s largest independent Film Festival, will be showcasing the very best in new independent cinema for its 22nd year at Vue Piccadilly London, from the 24th September – 5th October 2014.

 

The Festival is committed to discovering and promoting bold new talent who create innovative and boundary pushing films, allowing audiences to discover an alternative experience to their usual trip to the cinema.

 

The line-up of films on offer spans across genres, ranging from rom-coms to black comedies, psychological thrillers and sci-fi, to documentaries and music and art focused films – really delivering something for everyone.

 

Raindance filmgoers are also likely to be among the first to view cult classics of the future – with previous Raindance-premiered hits including the Blair Witch Project, Memento, Ghost World and Love Exposure.
The quality of films across all categories is reflected in the fact that one short film screened at Raindance will be crowned ‘Film of the Festival’, and will be awarded an Academy Award Short List position. 

 

New to this year, Raindance has scoured the regions to discover the industry’s best up and coming filmmaking talent. The chosen six new creative’s work will be screened in the shorts category, giving cinemagoers the chance to view fresh filmmaking from across the UK.

 

Anyone wishing to attend the festival can buy a Raindance Festival Pass, which will give access to every film screened at the festival, or simply pick up tickets on a film by film basis.

 

Raindance is committed to making film accessible to all, so the organisers endeavour to keep prices as reasonable as possible, with many screening tickets available for less than £10.

 

The full festival programme and access to tickets for the 2014 festival will be available on raindancefestival.org at the start of September.

 

 

Things To Do Before You’re 30: What Should We Include?

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things to do before you're 30. turning 30

We have decided that if you can’t beat them, join them. Yes: we are doing one of those ubiquitous ‘Things To Do Before You’re 30’ lists, but we want your input. What do you think should be on the list? Are you turning 30 soon? Are you already over 30 and have some advice to add? Either comment below or email us at frostmagazine@gmail.com We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Shuttlecock Inc. presents: Rumble: Part Deux

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18th – 22nd & 25th – 29th March 2014

rumble 2Shuttlecock Inc. return to London in March with a Gallic spin-off of their sell-out pop-up, Rumble At The Deli… Rumble: Part Deux.

An off-the-wall parody of France’s rich gastronomic tradition, Part Deux will be fronted by Shuttlecock’s latest comedy creation, Arnaud Hérouville-Saint-Clair-Escoffier: great–grandson of culinary legend, Auguste, and chef/proprietor of Parisian institution, La Constellation – so named for its unrivalled string of Michelin stars.

Putting their reputations on the line, Part Deux will see chefs from both sides of the channel battle it out for the chance to scrub the great man’s oven with a toothbrush.

In the line-up of so far are Shuttlecock’s very own Ollie Templeton (Moro), defending champion Max Pasetti (Bocca di Lupo, Trullo), Tom Stracker (The Walnut Tree, The Ledbury, The Dorchester Grill, Heston’s Dinner), Tom Forster (St John, Bocca di Lupo, Trullo, Roberta’s, Chop Shop, Clamato, Septime), Freddy Money (El Bulli, The Dorchester Grill), James Knight (Moro, Barrica, Copita, Quality Chop House) and Ellen Parr (Moro, The Art of Dining).

Once again, the rules are simple:

Three rounds of no-holds-barred culinary one-upmanship

Two guest chefs

One winner

Inspired by some of Arnaud’s most famous recipes and using three key ingredients bought from the market that morning, the two challengers will create their own three-course menu for the evening’s diners, with each course going to a vote when the plates are cleared. Best of three: starter, main, pudding.

The winner soaks up the applause, the loser washes up the pots and pans.

Shuttlecock Inc. are four cousins from the creative Templeton family: Anna, Ollie, Will and Ed who share a wealth of experience from the event, theatre, culinary, cocktail, music and advertising worlds. Last year was their busiest yet, with a string of sell out events including immersive pop-up dining experiences, Mile High, Vieux-Québec, The Great Indian Peninsula Railway and Rumble at The Deli. Following Part Deux they will take their unique travel-themed concept to New York this April.

Allez allez!

Rumble Part Deux
16 Hoxton Square
London
N1 6NT

Tickets can be booked via the following website:

www.shuttlecock-inc.com

@shuttlecockinc

18th – 22nd March
25th – 29th March

£55 tickets for six dishes (three courses from each of the evening’s two chefs) and an apéretif on arrival