Monthly Archives: July 2012

Sky’s The Limit. Cavendish And Wiggins | Book Review

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This book has come out at the perfect time: sports-mad, Olympic time in London. Mark Cavendish may have failed to get a medal for Great Britain, but this book is a well-researched, insider view of Team Sky. Author Richard Moore has been given unprecedented access to the inner workers and all of the main players, an esteemed author and cycle blogger, he really knows what he is talking about.

Incredibly well researched Moore’s book takes you through the journey of last year’s debut season. The book has exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes access. It is neither official nor unauthorised, which gives Moore lots of freedom. Sky’s the Limit follows the management and riders from training to their debut at the Tour Down Under in January 2010, and then their debut at the Tour de France in July 2010.

Sky’s The Limit is a brilliant for cycling enthusiasts and sports fans alike. An incredibly enjoyable and informative book.

‘This is new. It’s something people haven’t seen before. We’re setting out to create an epic story – an epic British success story. Now it’s down to business: to find out what it’s going to take to win the Tour de France with a clean British rider.’

Dave Brailsford

Brailsford is the mastermind behind the phenomenal success of the British track cycling team which dominated the Beijing Olympics in 2008, winning seven gold medals. But road cycling is a very different ball game. It has the lion’s share of the sport’s history and legends; it has the bulk of the fans, television and media interest; and it has, far and away, the biggest pot of money.

It is a sport that is rooted in mainland Europe – a land that is, in so many literal, metaphorical and cultural ways, foreign to Great Britain. British victories in the Tour can be counted on the fingers of a mitten. The closest anyone has ever come is Robert Millar and Bradley Wiggins, who were fourth in 1984 and 2009 respectively, but no Briton has seriously challenged for the maillot jaune – the yellow jersey of overall winner.

Sky’s the Limit follows the gestation and birth of a brand new road racing team, which is the first British team to compete in the Tour de France since 1987. Team Sky, as it is known, since it is to be backed by the satellite broadcaster Sky, set out on the road to Tour de France glory in January 2010.

With exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews, Sky’s the Limit will follow the management and riders as they embark on their journey – witnessing their first training camp and team presentation in December 2009, their debut at the Tour Down Under in January 2010, and their debut at the Tour de France in July 2010 – and as they then set out to write their ‘epic story’.

Sky’s the Limit: Wiggins and Cavendish: The Quest to Conquer the Tour de France

Man on a Ledge | Film Review

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Man on a Ledge is a smart, fast-paced thriller. It is very much a ‘cinema’ film, and by that I mean one of those films you watch just for pure entertainment.

An ex-cop (Sam Worthington) is jailed for a crime he says he didn’t do and manages to escape from prison. He later threatens to jump to his death from a Manhattan hotel. He asks for a female police psychologist (Elizabeth Banks) who tries to stop him jumping. As the film unwinds we see that things are not as straightforward as they seemed. The plot has lots of twists to keep you entertained.

I really liked Elizabeth Banks’ performance. She known as a strong comedic actress but is equally good in this thriller.

A lot of this movie was filmed on a real ledge, a brave move by Sam Worthington who suffers from vertigo. Jamie Bell plays Worthington’s brother. Bell is fantastic in the film and so is Mandy Gonzalez as his girlfriend.

Ed Harris is as amazing as ever as the villain of the piece. I really don’t want to give too much of the film away but it really is worth a watch. Rent or buy for a good night in.

Man on a Ledge is pure entertainment. It is just a fun film which has the benefit of having brilliant actors in it. The acting really is top notch.

Kenyan Tea | Drink Review

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I am quite obsessed with tea. A day without tea is just a bad day. I usually drink English Breakfast tea but I decided to give Kenyan tea a shot. With interesting results: it’s even better than my normal tea.

I reviewed Marks and Spencer Pure Origin Mount Kenya Teabags and they are really flavoursome, fresh and bright. They just make such a good cup of tea. In fact it is hard to make a bad cup of tea with these teabags. This is definitely the tea I will be buying from now on. I can’t say enough just how amazing the tea tastes. They are also Fairtrade which just makes the tea taste even better.

Just as amazing is Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Kenyan Fairtrade Fine Tea. Try Kenyan tea. You won’t look back. (no, I am not being paid to write this. They just rock)

Kenya is a country famed for its long distance runners…just look at this year’s London Marathon winners. But that’s not the only impressive export from this beautiful East African country. Did you know that thanks to Kenya’s perfect climate along the Rift Valley, the country provides nearly 53% of the tea leaves we Brits drink in our daily cuppa?

Kenyan Tea is at the heart of many of Britain’s favourite teas blends making up the 165 million cups of tea we drink each and every day in the UK. As we approach a Summer of British celebration, we’ve no doubt there’ll be more tea (and cake!) consumed than ever before, so here’s a few reasons it should be Kenyan tea you’re drinking:

* Her Majesty the Queen was visiting Kenya on the day she ascended to the throne – 6th February 1952.
* It’s remained a popular spot with the Royals, as it was also where Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010.
* Of the 78 Olympic medals Kenya has won since 1964, 69 were for athletics running events.
* With the exception of 2010, a Kenyan runner has won the men’s London Marathon every year since 2004. This year Wilson Kipsang was only four seconds behind the course record.
* Kenyan tea is grown within the regions that nurture the top athletes.
* Kenyan tea is uniquely refreshing and 100% disease and pest free.

We British are famed for our love of a good brew, so we’ve asked around to find out what makes your perfect cuppa. While milky tea is still our favourite it seems we’re getting more adventurous as more are trying lemon or honey in a cuppa, while over a third of you are experimenting with the purer tastes of loose leaf, single estate and rare teas from around the world.

To introduce you to the distinctive taste of Kenyan Teas we’ve sent you two delicious teas so you can experience the high quality and distinctive flavour, and discover what’s truly at the heart of a good cuppa.

About Kenyan Tea

· Tea has been grown in Kenya since 1903 and quickly thrived thanks to the growing conditions, climate and altitude. Tea is grown in both large plantations and smallholdings across 180,000 hectares with production reaching up to 390 million kilos per year. Today Kenya is the largest producer of tea in Africa and one of the world’s largest black tea producers.

· Kenya tea has been proved to have higher levels of antioxidants compared to teas produced in other parts of the world.

Stockists

· Marks and Spencer Pure Origin Mount Kenya Teabags – £1.79 for 50 teabags. This is the first Kenyan tea to be grown and packed at source, the result of a 2 year project with M&S training farmers to pack tea for export and local sale.

· Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Kenyan Fairtrade Fine Tea – £2.39 for 80 teabags. This tea is grown in fair-trade tea gardens in the Kenyan highlands where the climate and altitude produce this fine tea with a full flavour.

Deep Heat | Health Review

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Muscle tension is common in everyday life. After a hectic week my muscles usually feel tired. Did the Deep Heat I got sent to review help? Yes, but I wishes I had read the instructions first! The first time I applied I put on too much. If you read the instructions it tells you to put on a little and build up to your personal tolerance level. Luckily I was just a little hot for a while.

I love both these products. They really help your muscles and they are reasonably priced. I love how the Neck and Shoulder Cream has the option of a sponge applicator. It is very easy and convenient. These products are also natural and smell great. They get the Frost thumbs up! Sian Lloyd also used and loves them.

Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Neck and Shoulder Cream RRP: £5.99

A warming cream designed to help ease tension in stressed muscles. It contains a unique combination of vanilla and rosemary to give gentle but soothing warmth,[1] with a pleasant herbal aroma. It has a soft sponge applicator to facilitate massage and so provides soothing, comforting warmth. In addition, it is in a convenient 50g pack so you can travel with it and fit into a coat pocket, handbag, sports bag or brief case. The applicator provides a soothing massage and means no messy cream on the hands.

Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Bath Soak RRP: £5.49

Is a bath additive specially formulated to ease daily stress, aches and muscular tension. Key ingredients include electrolyte minerals and essential oils of rosemary, patchouli and orange. Electrolyte minerals are a combination of atomised sea water, minerals and trace elements, including magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, iodine and chloride, which help to hydrate the body and help to prevent cramp.

Muscle tension affects millions of people in the UK everyday. Modern life often means dealing with a host of mental and physical stress triggers, all too often leaving us tired, with tense and stressed muscles after a long day.

Our muscles are faced with numerous attacks and challenges on a daily basis, from bad posture and physical activity to emotional stress and simply getting older. Work, commuting, looking after children, sports injuries and crouching over a computer can all take their toll on our bodies, leaving us feeling mentally and physically drained and our muscles knotted and uncomfortable. Muscle Rescue has been created to help!

New Research:

• Half a million people suffer from work-related stress (Health and Safety Executive 2010/2011)

• A new study by Deep Heat Muscle Rescue (One Poll 2012) found that half of us get stressed because we are overworked

• Nearly 80 per cent of people suffer anguish from a stiff neck and two-thirds suffer from tense shoulders (One Poll 2012)

• A third of people know they are stressed when they suffer from tense muscles, which stops nearly half from sleeping comfortably and 35 per cent from relaxing (One Poll 2012)

[1]In Home User Trials; Ayton Global Independent Research; Data on file, 2012

Fuel | Food Review

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I am one of those people who faint if they don’t have breakfast, so I take it quite seriously. Some ‘energy cereal’ landed on Frost’s doorstep and we put it to the test.

Most important thing first: taste. It tastes great. Really good. Like muesli, but better. Fuel is made for sport and fitness enthusiasts. It based on the 10k hours principle (see below) and has been developed for those interested in marathons and triathlons to sustain them through training and the race. This isn’t me, but my life is busy and I exercise most days.

It comes in two flavours: Real Fruit and Chocolate Chunks. Both flavours taste great. Does it give me more energy? Yes. It is a good healthy breakfast that gets you through the day. I would buy Fuel. There is £1 off the normal RSP of £3.29 at Sainsbury from now until August 14th.

Barney Mauleverer, 37, is one of the creators of FUEL and a devotee of extreme sporting challenges having completed the gruelling Marathon des Sables across the Sahara Desert, the Himalayan Marathon and, most recently, the Jungle Marathon in the Amazon.

Barney said: “We have created FUEL because we were bored with what was on offer in the cereals category and specifically to meet the needs of today’s active people taking part in marathons, triathlons, mountain climbing as well as more traditional pastimes such as rugby, tennis and squash.

“An energy-packed cereal like FUEL will help give them the edge in their training regimes and in competition.”

Containing only natural ingredients, FUEL is rich in Vitamin B and E, high in fibre and contains guarana extract. It is a blend of both slow release and fast release energy providing an ideal start to the day.

FUEL is available in 400g packs and has a retail price of £3.29.

The 10,000 hours rule was developed by psychologist Anders Ericsson of Florida State University and made famous by Malcolm Gladwell in Outliers. Basically, Ericsson’s theory suggests that sufficient practice in a particular skill can take anyone to the level of proficiency equivalent to that heard on the playing of a top concert pianist. Gladwell took this theory further and said it could apply to the best sports people, business leaders and performers. He cited the 10,00 hours spent programming by Bill Gates at the age of 13 – long before the majority of his peers knew what a computer was. 10,000 hour works out at 90 minutes of practice ever day for 20 years.

Frost Beauty Special | The Top Products

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I have been lucky enough to have a chance to review some excellent beauty products recently. So here is my beauty low-down.

The people from Trilogy showed me how to make a moisturiser with a syringe, hot water and a waxy substance. After you syringe the hot water in the tube with the waxy substance you use the syringe to create air pressure. A lot of pumping later, ta-da, you have a moisturise. Very fun.

Manuka Doctor Skin Repairing Cream. This cream uses a unique purified form of Bee Venom along with UMF 18+ Manuka Honey. I have been using it and my skin is definitely more radiant. Independent survey’s say it makes a difference to your skin in four weeks. Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham and Danni Minogue are all fans. Made in Chelsea star Mille Mackintosh is their new brand ambassador. Mille had acne in her youth and loves the range as it clears up her skin. They also won ‘Best New Brand’ at the annual beauty awards which are hosted by Cosmetics Executives Women UK.

I love dry shampoo. It is great for volume or those days in-between washes. Klorane’s mini sized Gentle Dry Shampoo Oat Milk is a super handy 50ml can. It’s pretty natural and just pops into your handbag. It’s also only £3.10.

Another travel, and summer, essential is Eau Thermale Spring Water Spray. It’s the same size as the dry shampoo (50ml) and only 5p dearer. It cools and calms the skin. Angelina Jolie is a fan.

Aloe Vera should be in every make-up bag. Celebrity fan Jemma Kidd uses Aloe Vera Gel after being out in the sun to sooth and heal the skin: She says: ‘I religiously put it on when I’ve been in the sun. It’s so soothing and healing. We have hundreds of aloe plants in our garden and when we’re burnt we pick a leaf.’

Miaflora Argan Oil is an excellent moisturiser. It is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree. Kylie Minigue says: “I picked up some argan oil on a recent trip to Morocco…it really does work!” She’s right, it does.

Miaroma Rose Blended Essential Oil is brilliant. You can apply straight to skin or put it in the bath. Rose oil is one of the ingredients of the moment. It does improve skin.

Bio Oil is a classic. Use it for stretch marks and scars. It is a household name now and rightly so.

Another favourite is the Micro Pedi. It is this excellent battery-operated portable device that gives your feet an amazing pedicure. It is available from Boots for £39.95.

Keromask is a new generation of cover-up. You can even use it to cover tattoos and acne. It comes in 24 shades of camouflage cream (£14.99 each) and four finishing powders to achieve the perfect blend. The results are waterproof and heat-resistant. You can buy the Keromask Starter Kit for just £4.99. Go to coverwithconfidence.co.uk for advice on make-up application.

Dehydrated skin can be tight, flaky and sore. If you have lots of very fine lines (as opposed to deep wrinkles), and you’re prone to a dull complexion, then you probably have dehydrated skin. Don’t panic though – this can quickly be brought back to health.

Hydrate skin and achieve that ‘A-list’ complexion with an intensely moisturising honey treatment from Manuka Doctor

Celebrities such as Catherine Zeta Jones and Scarlett Johanssen swear by Manuka Honey facials.

Manuka Honey has the ability to absorb and retain moisture, which supports the natural collagen and elastin structure of skin. With 80% of skin made up of collagen, it’s an ideal natural ingredient to help keep skin hydrated, firm and lifted.

Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask contains a UMF 18+ Manuka Honey to deeply nourish the skin and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This deep penetrating skin renewal treatment should be applied to dry clean skin and either left on for 15-30 minutes before washing off or it can be left on overnight for an intensive moisturising treatment. The Rejuvenating Face Mask from Manuka Doctor costs £49.99 and is available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide or www.hollandandbarrett.com.

I will also be reviewing Viviscal Maximum Strength and Colladeen Visage so watch this space! Around 70,000 women take the Colladeen so I have high hopes.

The Endurance Launches Food Spectrum, An Innovative New Foodie Concept

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Food Spectrum is an initiative which sees renowned Soho pub, The Endurance, opening its doors to young, creative, passionate and under-the-radar chefs. Acting as a platform from which they can showcase their talent and achieve the credibility they deserve, Food Spectrum not only gives young chefs a head start in the fiercely competitive restaurant industry, but it satisfies an ever growing culture of food enthusiasts.

The main catalyst behind the concept is the lack of space for young restaurateurs who have the skills, dedication and passion but not necessarily the contacts, business skills or investor backing to embark upon the costly – not to mention risky – process of setting up a new restaurant. With Food Spectrum each chef will move into The Endurance kitchen for a month and will be given the opportunity to see their vision fully realised with free reign over the menu’s offerings. Every extreme of their creativity will be explored through a number of different sittings throughout the week which will add a different dimension to the food on show.

Primarily, there will be a lunch service from Monday to Friday where the chefs will choose a number of dishes specially selected to highlight the pinnacles of their expertise. Every Saturday they will run a full day service allowing the possibility for something more along the lines of a taster menu, acting as an extension of the skills exhibited during the week. One Sunday a month the chefs will be given the freedom to choose which kind of service they will run, allowing them to fully unleash their creativity and ideas to bring an experience to the diner which epitomises their approach to food. A drinks menu specially selected by a sommelier to match the food offerings will complement the whole experience.

The plan allows the chefs to test their food-making skills in a normal restaurant environment and customer interaction will be at the forefront of the experience. The project will serve as a great opportunity to learn and for this reason feedback will be encouraged. A regular blog and a meticulously monitored Twitter feed will prove key in the interaction between customers and the restaurant; an essential priority to any modern day start-up which should not be overlooked. The diner will participate in a restaurant experience which will not only let them sample food from the culinary names of tomorrow, but they will also play an integral part in establishing the foundation from which these young chefs can move forward. The use of good, honest, locally sourced produce means that Food Spectrum is tapping into the current trend for mid market, non-mobile, street food by bringing an option to diners that is simultaneously experimental, high quality and affordable.

Logistically, the plan has all the ingredients of a good one; simple, innovative and effective. With a fully equipped kitchen, a front-of house area with 54 covers, waiting staff, a management team, cleaning staff, a website portal and a PR team, Food Spectrum banishes the usual logistical challenges and costly obstacles of setting up a restaurant, offering a package that rationalises the prospects of making the dream possible once again. Whilst a proven history or established reputation are not at all required, owner of The Endurance, Billy Drew explains that, “The three characteristics for a good chef are determination, passion and talent – and they have to be deeply ingrained in that individual. The rest can be learnt.”

Through a combination of talent, flair and commitment from the chefs, along with customer interaction and support from the Food Spectrum team, The Endurance is set to be the stage from which aspiring chefs can build upon their own experience towards an established reputation and successful career within the Restaurant industry.

Londoners Life – Overheard by Phil Ryan

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My new column is starting to write itself. This week was nearly from a guy shouting into a phone outside West Hampstead tube. He had on an exaggeratedly baggy slightly shabby black suit. I noted his white shirt was stained in places around the collar. It looked like tomato sauce. His general demeanor could be summed up as sleazy. So here’s just one priceless fragment from his ten minute one sided conversation while I was waiting to meet a friend? He was using a wired earphone set clutching the little microphone near to his mouth. “So I’m in the club when boosh this geezer smashes a bottle over this other geezers head. I don’t know what to do, do I? I mean I’m not trained like you. But I’m security right. So I shout stop that but they don’t. And now it’s really kicking off. So I legged it. Yeah I know I’m not supposed to but these geezers were going at it man I tell you. I nearly shit meself (much of this was punctuated by effing and c’ing) I know but I didn’t have a clue Robbie not a clue brother. I’m not cut out for this door work really I’m not. I’m a coward d’you know what I mean? No really brother. My pants were damp you know what I’m saying?”

However it’s not that conversation. Compelling at it got. It’s this one. I had to go into town the day after the Olympic ceremony. So I’m grabbing a cup of tea locally when at the next table I hear this:
Plump middle aged well-dressed woman with bouffant hair and similar looking companion. “Well I was offended. I’m sorry but it’s just not on” her friend looked anxious “Really but I like Paul Mcartney he’s wonderful”. Her friend bridled “But what a thing to sing about” her friend looked taken aback. The bouffant hair lady shook her head vigorously “We put up with a lot but how they let a man like that get away with such offensive language I just don’t know. If that’s supposed to represent Britain well…..” her friend looked seriously contemplative “What did he say?” the bouffant woman’s voice rose to a very loud whisper. “He sat there calm as you like and sang Hey Jews. Can you imagine it on live world television. In front of millions. Mocking us” her friend’s voice changed “Sorry did you say he sang Hey Jews?” Bouffant lady whispered loudly again ”Yes I nearly choked on my biscuit. I shouted by Alby was upstairs. Calm as you like he was the cameras were very close and you could see every word coming out of his mouth. Hey Jews this hey Jews that. I’m surprised people didn’t boo. What a thing I mean what a thing” Her friend sounded uncomfortable now “Er I don’t think that’s what he said dear” Bouffant woman was into her stride “I turned it off I just couldn’t bear it” her friend coughed “No darling the songs called Hey Jude. It’s a boy’s name” Bouffant woman suddenly sounded slightly confused “What?” her friend gently continued “Yes dear it’s an old Beatles tune called Hey Jude. (She enunciated the words very carefully emphasising the D) Kimmy learned it at school last year in the choir. It’s Hey jude” Bouffant woman made a disbelieving sound in her throat “Oh. Well his hair looked terrible”

Thank you god. Perfect.