Perfecting your at-home pizzeria experience with Dr Oetker

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Kesh

Polla Arrabiata

This month the nations favourite pizza, Dr Oetker, have not only added to the limited edition Pollo Arrabiata pizza to their line but is also launching its first ever wine & pizza guide. The guides have been brought out to make your dining experience even more exciting by offering up a selection of recipes to create a side dish and offering up suggestions for wines to drink alongside your favourite Ristorante pizza. All the recipes in the guide are tasty, healthy and easy to make and also offer suggestions for special toppings which you can add to your favourite Dr Oetker pizza. All of the wines have been picked by wine expert, Ian Dogherty with a fantastic selection you can find on your supermarket shelf

Feta and Sweet Potato Salad

Rosemary and Pecorino flatbread

If all of that wasn’t exciting enough, Dr Oetker are also running an on pack promotion running for eight weeks only. Each pizza pack will contain a code to receive £1 or £1.50 off the next Ristorante purchase, with each code entered you also get a chance to win a supermarket gift card worth either £5 or £10!

Fig and Goats Cheese salad

Dr Oetker ristorante range is available to buy in all major retailers £2.99

visit www.oetker.co.uk for more information.

John Whitaker Equine Training Bandages Review

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Melissa Volpi

John Whitaker training bandages are soft and elasticated – a perfect union for leg wraps. But before I talk about the bandages themselves, I want to highlight a point of added value. These training bandages are not posted to you in a cardboard box, like many bandages purchased online, they are presented in a clear plastic pouch that is designed to keep the bandages tidy and clean long after you open the parcel.

The plastic pouch has the John Whitaker International Ltd logo on the front and a blue webbing strap, for carrying them, at the top. This heavy-duty plastic – with thick plastic binding – has proved to be hard wearing and waterproof. My young horse has not only stood on the pouch, she has thrown it half way across our stable yard. It was also left outside in the torrential rain and found the next morning marinating in the mud.

Nothing has defeated this pouch. It is still in perfect condition – and it is still keeping the bandages clean and dry.

The Bandages

The key features of these bandages are the fleece inner padding that keeps the horses tendons and ligaments warm, helping to prevent injury; the elasticated stretch outer that moves with the horse; the double fold fastening with the John Whitaker International Ltd logo; and the fact they are machine washable.

The bandages come in four colours: black, red, navy or white. I chose black because I think it’s an easier colour to keep clean when used as part of a 5-day per week training schedule – also because my horse is grey and I think this colour looks smart on her.

Being a horse owner that is used to putting on horse boots, not bandages, I did find it difficult to make sure the bandages were positioned correctly, with the fastening at the top of my horses leg and on the outside. It did take me three or four goes to position them perfectly and because of this, I think a little card with ‘how to put on’ instructions/diagrams would be an excellent point of added value.

The bandages looked very smart on my horse and they performed well during our schooling sessions. BUT, I am not a convert. These bandages look and feel lovely… but I found the process of putting bandages on my young horse very stressful. Zara is still learning basic manners, like how to stand still for longer periods of time, and gets bored easily. By the time I have put on the second bandage, she is not so keen to stand still for the third and fourth – which makes the task of putting on bandages nigh impossible. For me, boots are easier.

Out of 5 *:

Packaging *****

Design *****

Fabric *****

Price *****

Ease of use **

One size only on Amazon.co.uk

John Whitaker Horses Training Bandages

Top Ten Downtonesque Destinations

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

To celebrate the return of Downton Abbey, here is the Top Ten Downton Abbey style places to stay. Sigh.

1. Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa: Kettering, Northamptonshire

From £119 / per room per night from Secretescapes.com (saving £61 / per room per night)

The Grade I listed Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa is so grand and packed full of original features that guests could easily imagine they’re living the Downton Abbey dream. The magnificent 16th century building is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful grounds, with a large lake, croquet lawn and tennis court, making for the perfect country escape. Having been awarded four coveted red stars and three rosettes for dining, the hotel itself features a gourmet restaurant, a full sized billiard table and the Stable Yard Spa – which has its own indoor swimming pool, fitness room and indulgent range of treatments on offer.

Offer includes accommodation in a superior room, full English breakfast and a 10% discount on treatments at the spa and on dinner in the restaurant. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

2. Melville Castle: Edinburgh, Scotland
From £99 / per room per night (saving £66 / per room per night)

Standing within 50 acres of beautiful woodland, Melville Castle is an 18th-century country house hotel just 20 minutes from Edinburgh. With original features, gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape and luxurious rooms, even Lady Violet wouldn’t have much to complain about in this historic four-star castle. Stylishly decorated with traditional touches throughout, guests can throw themselves into the Grantham lifestyle, engaging in countryside activities like clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and falconry.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic Double room, cooked breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea for two and complimentary late check-out. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

3. Peckforton Castle: Tarporley, Cheshire
From £125 / per room per night (saving £90 / per room per night)

Boasting stunning vistas across the Cheshire plains and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2014, the dramatic Peckforton Castle combines regal charm with modern luxury to create an exclusive four-star retreat with a real touch of enchantment. With a range of gung-ho country activities like falconry and land rover experiences, guests will feel like Lord and Lady of Manor from the moment they pass through the drawbridge.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic room, breakfast and two-course dinner in the brasserie and 30% discount on pre-booked spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

4. The Ickworth Hotel: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
From £149 / per room per night (saving £86 / per room per night)

The Ickworth Hotel is situated in the grounds of the grand Ickworth stately home, a National Trust property which dates back to the early 1700s and is one of the most unusual and spectacular country mansions in Britain. It’s easy to imagine the Earl of Grantham strolling down the magnificent corridors while the girls take a stroll in the stunning landscaped gardens. Guests can explore the grounds on foot or on the hotel’s bikes and can access the exclusive Italianate gardens out of hours.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and three-course dinner. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

5. De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel: Hexham, Northumberland
From £109 / per room per night (saving £65 / per room per night)

The serene grounds at De Vere Slalely Hall are just 40 minutes from the centre of Newcastle and offer one of the country’s most spectacular golf settings, featuring green championship fairways and bordered by beautiful woodland. The stately hotel also boasts a wide selection of restaurants and bars, including a stylish brasserie and a cosy whisky snug. There’s also an exclusive spa offering Germaine de Capuccini treatments, as well as a gym and a 20-metre pool, offering guests the ultimate luxury experience.

Offer includes accommodation in a standard room, breakfast and a two-course table d’hote menu dinner per person, a complimentary bottle of wine in the room upon arrival, full use of leisure facilities, 25% discount on any spa treatments booked directly and 20% discount on spa retail products. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

6. Walton Hall: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
From £114 / per unit per night (saving £103 / per room per night)

Constructed as the ancestral home of the Mordaunt family, the 16th-century Walton Hall served for centuries as a high society residence before its recent multi-million pound restoration, which has transformed it into a luxury hotel with 65 acres of parkland. It boasts the two time AA rosette awarded Moncreiffe Restaurant, in addition to a spa and wellness centre, which includes a fitness suite, aerobics studio, indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Walton Hall is the perfect spot for enjoying a leisurely getaway full of countryside walks and provides an excellent base for exploring nearby Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick.

Offer includes accommodation in a premium room, full English breakfast, three-course set menu dinner on first night, a bottle of house wine with dinner, afternoon tea, use of leisure facilities and late check-out until 1pm. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

7. Danesfield House Hotel & Spa: Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £75 / per room per night)

A turreted white country house framed by crisp landscaped gardens, the Danesfield House Hotel & Spa sits pretty in the Buckinghamshire countryside, just a few miles from Marlow and the regal town of Henley-on-Thames. With two restaurants and a multi-award-winning spa, this cool retreat has an indoor pool, a gym and a range of luxury treatments. The restaurant is run by chef Billy Reid, and the Orangery has a gourmet menu to rival Mrs Patmore’s culinary delights, with spectacular views down to the River Thames.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and 20% off all spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

8. Stapleford Park: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £62 / per room per night)

It’s easy to imagine the Granthams entertaining at Stapleford Park, one of the finest stately houses in the country. Few hotels could match the aristocratic grandeur of this sprawling Leicestershire pile, with its maze-like gardens, a resident falconer and even a few sheep, making this landmark property the perfect English escape. In addition to its high-ceilinged rooms, open fires and antique furnishings, Stapleford Park boasts a genteel restaurant, a championship 18-hole golf course and a luxurious Clarins Gold Spa, with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Offer includes accommodation in a manor room, full English breakfast, unlimited access to the spa and leisure facilities, 25% off any spa treatments booked directly with hotel and late checkout. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

9. Ston Easton Park: Ston Easton, Somerset
From £119 / per room per night (saving £107 / per room per night)

A Grade I listed building dating back to the 18th Century, Ston Easton sits quietly on a 36-acre estate in the Mendip Hills, in sleepy Somerset. Classical landscaped gardens feature a crumbling grotto fountain, a historic ice house, romantic Palladian bridges, an original Saloon and a scattering of ancient wells. This is a place designed around indulgence, with spacious, elegant bedrooms, in-room spa treatments and the celebrated Sorrel Restaurant which uses fresh ingredients straight from the Victorian kitchen garden and fine vintage wines.

Offer includes accommodation in a Superior room and full English breakfast. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

10. De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel: Leeds, West Yorkshire
From £100 / per room per night (saving £79 / per room per night)

De Vere Oulton Hall sits within its own 300-hectare estate, featuring sweeping entrance, high ceilings lit by glass chandeliers, marble floors and landscaped gardens. The dining is AA Rosette awarded and presents a range of dignified spaces, from the gourmet restaurant’s dining room to the champagne bar and the swanky drawing room. Guests may hide away for the day at the spa and indulge in an Espa spa treatment or take a round on the 27-hole golf complex with its own Nike Golf Academy, a practice range and a spectacular setting.

Offer includes two-night stay in a Standard room, breakfast, three-course meal from the set menu in the Claret Jug restaurant on the first night of the stay, full use of leisure facilities, 25% off spa treatments (subject to availability and must be booked at the time of reservation) and 20% off spa retail products (minimum spend of £20). Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

University Fees-ability by Josh Edwards

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Frostie

Another period of A-level results has passed and thousands of students will be heading to University over the next 4 weeks. But is a degree strictly necessary? For many it isn’t. It wasn’t for me initially, but as my career aspirations altered, a degree became the minimum requirement for my next goal.

Three years ago, I decided to end a successful career in retail and become a student, studying Education. I became poor overnight and left behind a lifestyle of exotic holidays, new cars and weekly shopping trips to Topman. So how can university be financially possible for the majority of young people?

This is how I did it. I applied in 2011, just before the Government planned to increase tuition fees. Although the increase in fees would not have necessarily discouraged me, if I wanted to avoid paying up to nine thousand pounds a year I had to bite the bullet and submit my UCAS application. Knowing my parents would not be able to financially support me, and aware that my maintenance loan would not be enough to live on, I had to work out how to support myself.

Luckily, my local Starbucks was recruiting so I decided to attend the day of open interviews. It went well and I was asked to start the following week. Although, somehow I had convinced people that I was a coffee lover, I wasn’t at the time. A great number of awkward coffee tastings followed, but that is another story. I soon realised that Starbucks was a revolving door for students, with many working weekends and between lectures which enabled us to earn extra cash. Throughout my three years at University, I typically worked between 16 and 25 hours a week. Without being able to work part-time, for me, University just would not have been possible.

For most, student loans are an inevitable part of the University experience, especially now. Only the very fortunate are able to leave University debt free. Many are put off by the huge sums of money they have to borrow, but I considered it to be a risk free investment. Only a small percentage of the loan is taken from your pay-check based on your salary, and repayment starts when you are earning twenty-one thousand pounds or more a year. If it all goes pete-tong and you never quite meet your earning potential, then you never have to pay the loan back.

I expect thousands of students will be in the same boat I was in three years ago. So if you need some extra money to help you through university, why not check out your local Starbucks, or Costa, or anywhere else that accommodates student hours. As well as helping financially, it’s good for your cv, and is fun.

I am now a graduate, with a degree under my belt, and a more than manageable level of debt. I am on the job trail, and who knows, I might get back to that sun-filled, fun-filled lifestyle, or just head towards a mortgage, or even both. Either way, I have had three years of mind stretching education, and have acquired great coffee making skills which keep me going in between interviews. Life is good.

Darren Errol Clarke Obituary

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Frost Magazine was in shock when our writer and friend Darren Errol Clarke died on Friday, 15 August. Darren was only 45 and always very fit and healthy. Unfortunately, Darren had a stroke and later died of complications.

Darren was one of the most wonderful people you could ever meet. Charismatic, smart, gentle, kind: he was all the best of humanity in one big loveable giant of a man. His death has been widely felt not just at Frost, but also in the acting community, the RAF where he was an aircraft engineering technician and in the Judo community. An outpouring of grief was all over social media after he died and many are still in shock. Darren was an outstanding individual. His intelligence was on another level and he was an actor who had been in many popular TV shows and films. I asked some of his friends to send their memories along. Here they are:

Nina Meecham:

I met Darren about 12 years ago, he was amazing, truthful and the best guy a woman could ask for. As time flew past our relationship, though long distance. moved away but having him as a best friend was amazing. Our love for each other was strong and he always talked me out of the blue days. I still can’t get my head around not hearing your voice seeing your smile, never talking to you again. I found a white feather on my floor today out of nowhere could this have came from… so i believe it was from you… showing me your ok and you’re still around me … thank you for loving me . I will miss you always x

Colin David Reese:

I first met Darren at an evening organised by our common agent – Miles whom I have known for many years. As I don’t live in the UK and had come over partly for this social evening, I knew nobody else in the room. Feeling a bit shy and awkward as everybody knew everybody else, I was somewhat left out. Darren came over to me and introduced himself. Nobody else had. We had, in fact, exchanged a couple of banters on FB and so there was a previous contact. Darren then took me round the room and introduced me to many people – which Miles was rather too occupied to be able to do. Our friendship was born at that moment as he broke the ice for me. Since then we became constant friends on FB and nearly every time I was in London we would meet over a pint …

These lovely memories came from Amanda Caffry-Hughes:

Darren was just 19 years old, serving in the RAF (at Locking, Weston Super Mare), when we first met at a nightclub. He was that confident, cool, well dressed guy who was breaking some moves on the dance floor: Grabbing the limelight – as his presence always did!

Just a short time spent in his company, I soon discovered what an amazing individual he was. We hit it off immediately and within weeks became very close. Smart, good hearted, a gentle man, Daz was always compassionate, kind and considerate to others. My parents adored him! We didn’t always share the same opinion or see eye to eye – Daz could be stubborn at times, but was always very forgiving of my indifference and ignorance (!)

With time we went our separate ways but we never lost touch and stayed in regular contact, communicating most weeks. Throughout the last 26 years, we’ve shared personal tragedies – as well as our successes. Always there for me, Darren was the most generous, loyal, trustworthy, honourable friend whom I miss today and will miss forever. Losing one of my best friends is pain beyond belief but I know I was blessed to have known Darren’s love and friendship.

I’ve cried a thousand tears over the last few weeks…I know I’ll cry thousands more over Darren in the future: But today I’ve cried tears of laughter as I reminisce about the times we spent together. Always special times, we had so much fun: So many laughs – like the time Daz persuaded me to buy a state of the art car stereo system with the promise that he’d install it.. “Trust me Mand? I’m an aircraft technician: I work on Harrier Jump Jets all the time” he said, “It will …be a doddle and the sound will be quality!” Well he was right on that one. Driving to our chosen nightclub that night we certainly had fine tunes booming out at a million decibels BUT what Daz had failed to check was when the stereo was turned ON, the headlights turned to high beam AND the hazard lights flashed constantly! We had our very own mobile disco down the M5! How we made the entire journey from Chard to Exeter (and back) without being pulled over by the cops is beyond me! Well Darren returned to RAF Bruggen without fixing the fault (!) and I spent the following month driving at night in silence. Maybe that was his intention because my thoughts always turned to him… as they do now. Bless you Darling. Xxxx

That beautiful smile is etched on my memory forever. (Along with the sulky expression with the puppy dog eyes and bottom lip: Melted my heart and made me smile and laugh every time!) Gonna miss my dear friend but weren’t we the lucky ones to have known such a beautiful soul. Forever in my heart. R.I.P darling Daz.

I can see Darren now….Sunday morning in front of the hall mirror, plucking white cat fur from his afro! My fluffy persian “Gizmo” so loved to sleep on Darren’s pillow! I remember one evening at our favourite night club – the strobe and ultraviolet lights lit up the white fur around Darren’s head like an angel’s halo. I did laugh. Daz didn’t. He didn’t call my cat by his name “Gizmo” ever again!

Darren Errol Clarke 29 April 1969 – 15 August 2014. Rest in Peace.

Darren’s articles on Frost are below.

Zen Sai review

Dr David R Hamilton… Self Love at BAFTA

Female Superheroes… Why has Hollywood gotten it wrong?

Online gambling, its rise and fall.

Diabetes… It’s Not Too Late To Take Control

MH 370… A Conspiracy?

Patricia Byrne Dies Aged 80

Stephanie Kwolek: A Biography

Matsuri dining experience.

Racism… What exactly is it?

Ageing isn’t just skin deep – Muscular Ageing

In love With Death in a “Secret Garden”

Frost meets Paddy Power and Professor Hawking: How England can win the world cup

The Moratorium: Homeless Veterans

Back Pain: How Low Can You Go?

Fire In Babylon: Facing Devon Malcolm

American Pop Culture & Fast Food Fashion Leaves Brits Hungry For More

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Frostie

Have a crazing for some fast food? Well, what about some fast fashion: The fash pack’s tastes for food-inspired fashion, sees a super-size demand for delicious designs on eBay

Since Andy Warhol transformed a Campbell’s Soup can and boxes of Brillo soap pads into Pop Art in the 1960s, artists and fashion designers alike, have looked to everyday domestic products and beloved food brands for inspiration. This season has seen an explosion of Brits favourite ‘food on the move’ brands translated into must-have clothing and accessories, like never before.

From Rita Ora modelling the McDonald’s ‘Golden Arches’ around London, to Vanessa Hudgens gracing the cover of super cool US magazine NYLON, swathed in Coca-Cola sequins, us Brits can’t get enough of all things kitsch and delicious – with sales of similar women’s apparel rising on eBay.co.uk 119%* over the summer months.

Most recently model and red carpet regular Cara Delevingne was seen taking the trend to another level. Whilst journeying home from her wild birthday celebrations she was snapped wearing an outfit inspired by what’s inside your fast food wrappers and rocking a pepperoni pizza patterned onesie. Across the pond, Katy Perry was spotted the week before wearing a similar all-in-one to The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

So where did this tasty trend begin?

British designer Ashish sent models down the runway for Spring Summer ’14 drenched in Coca-Cola t-shirts and vests, emblazoned with the brand’s unforgettable logo in his signature sequins. Not forgetting his UK roots, looks were complete with sequin shopping bags reminiscent of designs by superbrands ‘Tesco’ and ‘M&S’.

Autumn Winter ‘14 saw Moschino Creative Director, Jeremy Scott, showcase the chicest of McDonald’s uniforms, perfectly paired with ‘french fries’ iPhone cases and handbags, sparking a craze on eBay.co.uk with over 50** types of fast food phone cases available to buy instantly. Not just for ‘McFashion’ fans, Scott also created show-stopping silk dresses with prints taken from beloved food products including: Fruit Loops cereal, Hershey chocolate and Cheetos chips.

Whilst over in Paris, Lagerfeld’s Chanel runway was converted into a high-end luxury supermarket, with grocery aisles constructed in the iconic Grand Palais. Models including new face Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne and pal Rihanna, shopped the aisles with Chanel wire baskets and trolleys, and sported a range of tongue in cheek grocery ‘accessories’, from Chanel egg tray clutches to Chanel milk carton shoulder bags.

Suki Waterhouse Shows Off Her 111SKIN Selfie

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Frostie

It’s not every day that we’d take beauty advice from a self-proclaimed ‘Facemask Monster’ but Suki Waterhouse took to Instagram last night to share an insight into her skincare regime.

Suki showed off the 111SKIN Bio Cellulose Mask via video, and while admittedly not her finest look, the mask is a quick and effective weekly treatment that brightens and hydrates – a great choice pre fashion week to ensure catwalk clear skin.

The 111SKIN Bio Cellulose Mask is available from 111SKIN.com and Harrods £20 for a single mask or £85 for a pack of 5

Frost Editor Catherine Balavage To Be Interviewed By Orla Barry On The Green Room

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Frostie

Frost Magazine’s editor, Catherine Balavage, will be interviewed about her new book by Orla Barry on The Green Room this Saturday between 9-11pm. The interview will air on Newstalk 106-108FM (Winner-PPI Radio Station of the Year 2013). Irish readers can catch the interview live while a link to the podcast will be posted for non-Irish residents.

Orla Barry is a BBC World Service Broadcast Journalist, Broadcaster of The Green Room Culture Show on Newstalk 106-108FM, Columnist and Documentary Maker.

Catherine will be taking about her new book, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur, which has been selling well and getting rave reviews. Grab a copy if you are an actor or want to be.

Other guests Orla has interviewed include actors George Clooney, Harrison Ford, Salma Hayek, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Jessica Chastain. Comedians Ricky Gervais, Phil Jupitus, Ruby Wax, Bill Bailey and Monty Python’s Terry Jones. Film Directors Mike Leigh, Jim Sheridan, Neil Jordan, Kathryn Bigelow, Guillaume Canet, Morgan Spurlock and Michael Apted. Authors, Joyce Carol Oates, Man Booker winner Howard Jacobson, Hanif Kureishi, John Banville, Jo Nesbo, Michael Palin and Garrison Keillor. Photographers Greg Marinovich, Steve McCurry, Giles Duley and performers Kristen Hersh, Neil Hannon, Emmy-Lou Harris, Seun Kuti, Lisa Hannigan and Stevie Nicks.

So our editor is in good company!

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Monthly Archives: August 2014

Perfecting your at-home pizzeria experience with Dr Oetker

John Whitaker Equine Training Bandages Review

Top Ten Downtonesque Destinations

University Fees-ability by Josh Edwards

Darren Errol Clarke Obituary

American Pop Culture & Fast Food Fashion Leaves Brits Hungry For More

Suki Waterhouse Shows Off Her 111SKIN Selfie

Frost Editor Catherine Balavage To Be Interviewed By Orla Barry On The Green Room

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