Monthly Archives: July 2016

MumsThread: On Traveling in London While Pregnant

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I love London so it is quite hard for me to write this piece. Now I love the tube, but it does bring out the worse in people. Everyone just wants to get home and it can be over-crowded and hot. So, excuses for my city over let me get to my point: traveling in London while pregnant is awful. Really awful. The entire time I was pregnant I was only offered a seat a handful of times and only once by a man. The man made his teenage daughter get up for me. I will be eternally grateful to him. Anyone who has ever been pregnant knows that being offered a seat while carrying another human being inside you is a pretty big deal. I had an awful pregnancy with acute morning sickness and low blood pressure throughout.

The truth is, even when wearing the great badge that TFL send free to pregnant women, most people will just bury their head in their book and turn their iPod up louder. The Baby on Board badge will spark good people to do the right thing, but sometimes it seems like there are too few of them.

Not getting a seat wasn’t the worst of it. While on the way to have lunch with one of my role models, the editor of one of the biggest magazines in the UK, I was pushed TWICE down an escalator by a man who wanted to shave a few minutes of his journey. I was walking down the left hand side whilst seven months pregnant. I guess pregnant women don’t walk fast enough for him and he pushed me twice hard, and also tried to shove me out of the way. I made my feelings clear to him, but I was shaking from head to toe. The upside is that a wonderful woman stopped to stroke my back and make sure I was okay while glaring in his direction. I am very thankful to that woman. It really helped me cope. It proves that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.

I still find it depressing that only one man offered me a seat when I was pregnant. He was even a tourist FFS. Add on the fact that, at most, five people offered me a seat in my over 41 week pregnancy then I am going to have to give us an F Londoners. It is not good enough so let’s try for an A+. We are the greatest city on earth and we can do better than this.

Please let us know about your experience of being pregnant in London.

 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Review

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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight

I am a fan of La Roche-Posay. I always find their products are good to my skin. The Toleriane Ultra Overnight is for sensitive skin, combining powerful antioxidant with soothing active ingredients. I have been using this for a few months now and I am a huge fan. It is lightweight on skin and sinks in well. It really hydrates and soothes. It has made a difference to my skin, making it less dry and healthier. It is very soothing and I notice a difference in my skin if I forget to apply it. I would definitely buy this. It is a great product and the price is reasonable. I also love the packaging, which is air-tight to protect it. Great stuff.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight review

TOLERIANE ULTRA OVERNIGHT (£17.50) 
NEW for 2016, La Roche–Posay introduces breakthrough night care to help hyper-sensitive skin feel ready to face the day in comfort. Adhering to La Roche–Posay’s strict minimal formulation charter and air-tight packaging to protect its purity, Toleriane Ultra Overnight combines a powerful antioxidant duo with soothing active ingredients to minimise discomfort, giving sensitive skin what it needs to help repair itself, overnight.
SENSITIVE SKIN IS AN INCREASINGLY COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG UK WOMEN, WITH SUFFERERS EXPERIENCING A RANGE OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS.
Even during sleep, sensitive skin has no respite. People with sensitive skin can sometimes wake up and feel like their skin is already irritated and uncomfortable before the day has even started. Signs of discomfort can include tingling, tightness, itching, stinging and even a burning feeling. Delivering intensive relief and hydration to sensitive, reactive skin. Tested on even the most allergy-prone skin, the TOLERIANE range contains a high tolerance formula with a minimal number of ingredients for optimal efficacy on sensitive skin. Now La Roche–Posay goes one step further with the new Toleriane Ultra Overnight – clinically proven to significantly reduce skin sensitivity, whilst providing intense soothing care to relieve and hydrate uncomfortable, reactive skin night after night. Hyper-sensitive skin needs extra help at night. Compared to ‘normal’ skin, sensitive skin is more easily irritated by external aggressors like allergens, toxins and histamines, and it is less able to defend itself against them.
KEY INGREDIENTS
CARNOSINE + VITAMIN E = DETOXIFIES AND LIMITS TOXIN ACCUMULATION
Naturally produced by the body, Carnosine is an amino acid and hydrophilic antioxidant. Present in the body’s cells, Vitamin E is an antioxidant active ingredient known to fight free radicals. Together, they are the best performing and most complete antioxidant duo to inhibit oxidation induced by daily aggressors and help detoxify skin cells to reduce the skin’s reactivity and relieve signs of irritation.
NEUROSENSINE = BREAKS THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF INFLAMMATION
The ultra-soothing action of Neurosensine inhibits the micro-inflammatory process responsible for skin hypersensitivity to ensure long-lasting comfort. With its peptide molecular structure, Neurosensine is able to stimulate the release of messengers within skin that work against inflammatory messengers, such as histamine. The lightweight formula is reinforced with the naturally soothing properties of La Roche Posay’s Thermal Spring Water.
KEY BENEFITS
• Clinically proven to reduce inflammatory redness, itching, tightness and stinging sensations
• Instant hydration that works overnight to leave skin feeling soft, comfortable and rested for an even, smooth complexion
• Helps the skin build stronger barrier properties to defend itself against irritation, reactivity and sensitivity
• Skin is freed from discomfort and looks rested, soothed and ready to face the day ahead
CLINICAL TEST RESULTS
Tested on even the most intolerant, allergy-prone skin, La Roche–Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight has proven clinical efficacy to reduce skin sensitivity, night after night. After one month of use, those tested reported:
• 76% reduction in tightness
• 69% reduction in itching
• 57% in stinging
THE TEST RESULTS ALSO DEMONSTRATED ITS EFFICACY ON THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THE SKIN:
• 96% skin felt softer
• 95% skin felt soothed, more supple and smoother
• 89% skin looked renewed
TOLERIANE ULTRA OVERNIGHT USAGE
Designed for night-time use, the non-oily, fresh water gel texture melts into the skin for instant absorption. Both light and enveloping, Toleriane Ultra Overnight cocoons the skin without leaving a sticky residue, for a soft and soothing on-skin feel. Apply to the face and neck every night. For optimal results, use with the Toleriane Ultra range for a comprehensive regime tailored to transform sensitive, reactive skin.

Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley – Reviewed by Frances Colville

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Pic 1 I normally try to avoid books with this sort of strapline - Two siblings trapped in a world of abuse. One woman determined to free them - partly because the horrors unfolding make for very uncomfortable reading and partly because with the best will in the world there seems to be a tendency to veer towards sensationalism. With Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley however, the latter is absolutely not the case. I think this is largely because the story is told from the point of view of Maggie herself, foster carer to Evie ( 2) and Elliot (3) who have witnessed extreme abuse and been neglected and isolated throughout their short lives. Maggie relates her story and theirs in a matter-of-fact and understated way which feels very honest and is therefore all the more compelling. So even if like me you wouldn't usually pick up a book like this, I do recommend that you give it a go - you cannot fail to be moved, saddened, horrified and ultimately uplifted. And also like me, you won't be able to help admiring Maggie hugely. What an incredible woman she must be. Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley is published by Trapeze on 28 July 2016 in paperback at £6.99 and eBook at £4.49

I normally try to avoid books with this sort of strapline – Two siblings trapped in a world of abuse. One woman determined to free them – partly because the horrors unfolding make for very uncomfortable reading and partly because with the best will in the world there seems to be a tendency to veer towards sensationalism. With Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley however, the latter is absolutely not the case. I think this is largely because the story is told from the point of view of Maggie herself, foster carer to Evie ( 2) and Elliot (3) who have witnessed extreme abuse and been neglected and isolated throughout their short lives. Maggie relates her story and theirs in a matter-of-fact and understated way which feels very honest and is therefore all the more compelling. So even if like me you wouldn’t usually pick up a book like this, I do recommend that you give it a go – you cannot fail to be moved, saddened, horrified and ultimately uplifted. And also like me, you won’t be able to help admiring Maggie hugely. What an incredible woman she must be.

 

Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley is published by Trapeze on 28 July 2016 in paperback at £6.99 and eBook at £4.49

 

 

Chichester’s summer musical is a top dollar delight

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Half a Sixpence
Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 3 September. www.cft.org.uk 01243 781312

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

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Taking David Heneker’s original musical and giving it an almighty kick up the behind, the result is a slick, stylish and fabulously feel-good show.

Set in Edwardian England and based on a story by H.G. Wells, Arthur Kipps is a young lad with dreams beyond selling curtain fabric to the well-to-do. Bidding farewell to childhood sweetheart Ann (Devon-Elise Johnson) to take up an apprenticeship as a draper in Folkston, Kipps splits a sixpence in half so they will each have a memento of the other. Alas, our hero has his head turned by the genteel Helen Walsingham (Emma Williams) and, following a stroke of good fortune that transforms him into a man of means, he promptly proposes to her. But getting to grips with etiquette is a minefield that he struggles to navigate and makes him wonder if becoming a gentleman is all it’s cracked up to be.

sterFestivalTheatre'sHALFASIXPENCE.PhotobyManuelHarlan43Chichester’s sixpence is definitely all the richer for having been overhauled. Thanks to Julian Fellowes new book and George Stiles and Anthony Drew’s additional songs, and their arrangements of the original score, the simple story is now fluidly told to sparkling effect.

Under the direction of Rachel Kavanaugh a superb and energetic cast give their all, with no shortage of oomph, flash, bang and wallop. But it is to newcomer Charlie Stemp as Kipps that the big applause belongs. The full triple threat, with buckets of charm and a beaming grin that warms right up to the back row and beyond, this young man is surely destined for a career that is going to give him plenty to keep smiling about.

A co-production between Chichester Festival Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh Productions, there’s simply not a  duff element. A musical gem that shines as brightly as a newly minted coin, the title may be low budget but Chichester’s big summer musical is a top dollar delight.

Lékué Omelette Maker & Lékué Steam Case Review: Quick & Delicious Food

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Anything that makes family life easier has Frost onside. Mealtimes can be particularly exhausting, so we were excited to review two new products from Lékué. An omelette maker and a steam case. Do these kitchen solutions make quick, easy and healthy meals? Read on and find out.

omelette how to make an omelette easy omelette

First we tried the Omelette Maker. There are two ways of doing things. One is to add the omelette mix into the case for a plain omelette, the other is to add other ingredients first (and cook them for a few minutes), and then add the mix (eggs, milk and salt). You then pop it in the microwave. If you add lots of ingredients, only add two eggs. Otherwise it might spill over. You can make a delicious plain omelette in two minutes. Importantly, the omelette maker is BPA free. It has a ten-year guarantee and is 100% platinum silicone, just like the steam case. Both also come with handy booklets with lots of tasty recipes and are dishwasher safe (very important!). We were a huge fan of the omelette maker. Quick, easy and delicious. Just like they promised.

The Steam Case is also a handy and innovative kitchen gadget. You just add the ingredients and then microwave for two minutes. The standard size does 1-2 people, the family size does 4-5. The Steam Case allows you to steam your food in the oven as well as the microwave. The food is cooked in its own juices and retains the nutrients. Quick, easy and delicious, just like the omelette maker. We liked both of these gadgets, and they were easy to clean in the dishwasher. Recommended.

The Power Breakfast

The 4 minute spinach and mushroom omelette

Pop this in microwave, check your emails and come back to a light a fluffy omelette full of fibre and protein to keep you full until lunch

Lékué Omelette Maker

 

Ingredients

50 g of spinach (¼ cup)

50 g of mushrooms (¼ cup)

30 g of onion (2 tbsp)

1 tablespoon of water

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Salt

2 tablespoons of milk

2 eggs

 

 

Lékué Omelette Maker RRP £10.99

 

  1. Slice the mushrooms, chop the onion and place it all inside the Omelettemaker along with the spinach, oil, water and salt.
  2. Close the lid and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes at 800 W.
  3. In a bowl, beat the eggs along with the milk and a pinch of salt.
  4. Pour into the Omelettemaker and mix with the rest of ingredients.
  5. Cook for 2 minutes in the microwave at 800 W.
  6. Turn the Omeletteover and cook for another 30 seconds.

 

 

Lunch – al desk-o

10 minutes fish with summer lemon vegetables

Taste the Mediterranean without leaving your swivel chair on your lunch break

 

Lékué Steam Case with Draining Tray 3-4P RRP

Ingredients

1 fillet white fish (approx. 150 g)

1/2 cup frozen peas

½ courgette

1 tablespoon butter

½ lemon

Salt

Pepper
Lékué Steam Case

  1. Cut the fish into strips, add salt and pepper, place in the mini steam case.
  2. Add the peas, the courgette washed and cut into cubes, sprinkle with lemon and add butter in chunks. Close the mini steam case.
  3. Cook in the microwave oven on high at 650-800W for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir a little and serve.

Both available online at Lekue.com, Selfridges.com and Ocado.com

 

 

 

In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1 by Penny Gerrard

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Frost Magazine is conscious that this year, 2016, marks the centenary of the The Battle of the Somme, which  lasted from July 1st to November 18 1916, with huge loss of life. We are enormously moved and delighted that writer, Penny Gerrard, has written a series of features for us centred around this event, which we will publish over the following weeks.

In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1  by Penny Gerrard

In May of 2014 the germ of an idea was born. Two couples met on holiday and hit it off. The two chaps’ conversation turned to military history and an ambition was shared:  to visit the battlefields of the Somme to track down the sites where their family members had fought and, in some cases, died.   
In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1 by Penny Gerrard1

“The Hodsons and the Gerrards meet in May 2014”

It was clear that 2016 was going to be an important year – 100 years since this beautiful area of France was torn apart by the First World War.  Boys and men on both sides battled in awful conditions and came home physically and mentally scarred, or failed to return at all, often with not even a grave to mark their passing.

It wasn’t long before research was under way.  My husband, Francis Gerrard, was looking to visit the grave of his uncle, Gilbert Sexton, a private in the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and wanted to establish just how he died.   Was he gassed as had been handed down through the family for the past century?

Richard Hodson‘s ancestors were a very different kettle of fish with three of four being career soldiers to be tracked down – their ranks ranging from 2nd Lieutenant, via Lieutenant, to Captain and, most senior of all, Lieutenant Colonel.   Could he find out enough to enable us to visit the key battle locations as well as one grave and one memorial to those whose bodies were never found?

In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1 by Penny Gerrard2

 “Rendevouz at The Eurostar Terminal at St Pancras”

May 2016 saw both couples, Richard and Judy (no not them) and Penny and Francis, joining forces at St Pancras Station for what was to be our first trip on Eurostar.   The train glided sedately through the Kent countryside, then dipped down into the tunnel under the channel before getting its second wind and revving up to full speed for the short dash onwards to Lille – our base for the next few days.

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“Our hotel – The Bellevue in Lille”

Richard – a former serviceman himself – had planned our campaign with military precision and our first task was to requisition a vehicle – no easy matter as four of us tried to extract the most favourable terms for the car hire with three of us speaking English (loudly) while I spoke French (hesitantly).     Setting off wasn’t without its problems either since the driver’s seat proved resistant to the necessary adjustments to accommodate Richard and his six foot something frame.   Things were not helped by the Satnav stubbornly refusing to speak in anything but French despite the aid of a passing and somewhat astonished workman who was pressganged into assisting with both seat and Satnav.   Richard was finally comfortable and I began putting my college simultaneous translation training into practice as I interpreted the Satnav from the back seat.   We were excited to set off on our first day of exploration.

 

 

It’s Time for Tea

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Tea is magic elixir we have sworn by since the beginning of time. Who knew that boiling various leaves could create such a groundbreaking staple of society. It is a drink which is enjoyed in many different forms globally and there is no denying tea has a very special place in the heart of British Culture. Brit’s on average drink enough tea to fill two bathtubs each year and as a nation of Tea-Lover’s, Frost were interested to see how tea is enjoyed today. We wanted to create a special feature which steered away from the traditional, and focused on the unique and innovative uses of tea, so we’ve handpicked a selection of treasures which pay homage to the humble cuppa.

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A Unique Tea and Kombucha Paired Tasting Menu at The Frog E1

Overseen by inventive young chef Adam Handling, his team have once again put their creative nature to the test and this time they have paired up with Newby Teas to create a tasting menu paired with tea and kombucha. Kombucha, is a slightly fermented tea which has been hailed as the latest ‘super-drink’ believed to aid digestion and general wellbeing. With that in mind, Adam and his development Chef decided to create a menu paired with a selection of teas and kombucha which left you feeling good. Expect dishes such as Adam’s intricate Crab and Apple served alongside a fragrant jasmine kombucha, a flowering tea served with Hake and Limestone and an Assam Tea consommé to accompany Roast Lamb and Black Garlic. Expect attention to detail, quality and a menu designed to make you feel good from the inside out.

The Kombucha and Tea Paired Tasting Menu will be available until July 30th at The Frog E1. Lunch and dinner inclusive and is priced at £45pp

http://www.thefrogrestaurant.com

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Bluebird Tea Co.

A couple of months ago we had the pleasure of attending a workshop with the UK based expert Tea Mixologists. Indeed, blending tea is a complete art form and a science mastered by very few and the innovation and creativity can certainly be seen  at Bluebird Tea Co. They really love their tea and wanted to create something for tea lovers alike. Bluebird has the largest range of creative tea blends in the UK and create them from pretty much anything. They in turn allow you to enjoy their blends or in fact create your very own with their mixology expertise. They now have shops in Brighton and Tunbridge Wells and also pop-up in various festivals, events and run a thriving Notonthehighstreet.com franchise. Their website features a host of tea-related paraphernalia as well as tea itself and enables you to learn about their various workshops taking place around the country, at festivals and in their stores. They were kind enough to allow us to publish one of their tantalising drink recipes with a touch of tea for you to try at home.

Sangria

Sangria Punch Bowl

Makes: 1 Sangria Punch Bowl, Serves: 12

What you will need:

1 sample pouch (20g) Sangria Tea concentrate
1 1/3 bottles of red wine
10 cinnamon sticks
Honey – we use our locally sourced Brighton RAW Honey
1.5l of hot water
Fruit for decoration – 1 lemon & 1 orange
1 punch bowl
What to do:

1. Start by brewing 20g of Sangria Tea (our sample pouches are perfect sizes), in 1.5l with hot water or alternatively, you can cold brew the sangria for a few hours in your punch bowl.

2. Whilst the tea is still warm, add your cinnamon sticks and leave to cool. If you’re cold brewing add the cinnamon sticks at the beginning of the process.

3. Once your Sangria tea is cool, strain your tea and then add the red wine to the bowl and mix.

4. Taste the Sangria and if desired add honey to sweeten, we normally add 4 teaspoons and then stir until the honey has dissolved.

5. Once you have found your perfect tasting Sangria, it is now time to get decorative. Cut up your orange and lemons and add to the punch. Now it’s time to enjoy your Sangria punch!

http://bluebirdteaco.com/uk_en/

Earl Grey Gin + Glass

T.E.A Tea Enriched Alcohol

Because no tea feature would be complete without Tea Enriched Alcohol. Handcrafted in the UK, this multi-award winning brand distill Vodka and Gin using the best tea leaves to create T.E.A – Tea Enriched Alcohol. Made with the finest tea and botanicals sourced from around the globe, T.E.A produces premium, 100% natural, gluten free Earl Grey Gin, Jasmine Gin, Earl Grey Vodka and Jasmine Vodka. T.E.A recommend you try the The Earl Grey Gin with an orange twist, while lemon zest suits the Jasmine infused spirits. The spirits are distilled just once and remove the ‘heads and tails’ of the batch ensuring you are enjoying the smoothest part of the spirit. You can find T.E.A exclusively at Fortnum and Masons and served in Soho’s Urban Tea Rooms – which is owned by the founders of T.E.A. So we think you should take quintessentially British to the next level this summer by combining Gin and Tea. Chin Chin.

T.E.A is available directly from here and from selected stockists

Summer Rosé Wine Review Special

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There are few better pleasures in life than a glass of rosé on a summers day. Here are some picks from us. We have been hard at work testing three different bottles of rosé. Don’t say we don’t love you.
Jean-Luc Colombo Pins Couches Rosé 2015Jean-Luc Colombo Pins Couches Rosé 2015

This is one of the best rosés on the market. Subtle and refreshing, this wine is clear and light. This gorgeous, abundant wine transports you to the Italian sunshine. A huge winner. .

Available from: BargainBooze.com, Vino Wines, Wino’s, Harrods.com, Ellie’s Cellar, Partridges of Sloane Street, Les Caves du Patron, Kingsgate Wines

RRP: £11.10

A light, refreshing and dry Rosé with abundant yet subtle red fruit characters. On the palate, notes of fresh fruits and herbs evoke the terroir of the Mediterranean coast, transporting you to sunny climates all summer long.

Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2014

 Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2014

Perfect for picnics and barbecues. Delicate and floral. A not-too-sweet wine that is both delicate and fruity. It is a beautiful salmon colour and has a fruity freshness.

Available from: Aitken Wines, Fountainhall Wines, The Whalley Wine Shop, The Leamington Wine Company, Eagle Wines

RRP: £18.80

With a delicate floral nose and fresh raspberries on the palate this wine is the perfect partner to any summer BBQ.

Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé 2015

Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé 2015

Refreshing and dry, the ripe berry fruit makes this wine another perfect summer addition. It’s sweetness makes it a perfect apéritif.

Available from: Tesco.com, Majestic.co.uk, Temple Wines, Beers Wines & Spirits, Village Wines, Hailsham Cellars

RRP: £10.30

This New Zeland Rosé has bright floral aromas with flavours of strawberry, red fruits and spice and a delicious smooth finish which will go down perfectly at all summer soirées.