Author Archives: Kesh

Discover bagsy Make-Up. Your Handbags New Best Friend.

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British-born bagsy started out big, working for global beauty brands. From all of their expert knowledge they decided to take the best of the market and curate a perfectly designed capsule collection that’s easy-to-choose and easy-to-use. The products are effortlessly fuss-free and stand alone as individual, clever formulas presented in iconic, compact packaging and a colour palette to compliment any shade of skin.

We tried out some of bagsy’s top picks for darker skin tones and here’s how we got on;

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First up Pretty Cheeks blush £16;
Shade; Velvet Coral.

With it’s high pigmentation, this is designed to perk up your complexion whilst still appearing soft and subtle. This creamy blush is so light and almost feels like a layer of mousse across your skin without looking too ‘caked’ on. I absolutely loved the texture of this and it was so easy to apply with its dome-shaped design. This lasted all day on my skin and instantly gave me a little face lift and a softer appearance. It’s convenient to apply on the go and this really has become a staple in my make-up bag. This has been a stand out colour of any blush I have tried in the past, with just the right balance of glow and radiance, the Velvet Coral gave my face an instant lift and also enhanced my contour routine.

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Ray of Sunshine bronzer £18
Shade; Medium Dark

This matte bronzing powder compact is effortless, luxurious and gave a natural radiancy to my skin. I’ve always had difficulty selecting certain bronzers as many brands tend to have a lot of sparkle pigments in them which can look like i’ve swept a big line of glitter across my face, but this bronzer was designed to give you an effortless glow and to even out skin tone, which is just what it does. The packaging is chic and bagsy’s nice little touches such as the quotes they have chosen to print on their products/packaging will never fail to make you smile.

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Wow Lips lip pencil £12
Shade; Killer Heels

The Wow Lips collection as with all of the bagsy range, is presented in a smart box with a few striking and highly pigmented colours to choose from. This chubby lip crayon is long-lasting and really moisturising as well as giving good coverage. This was my favourite product out of the collection as it really was such a high quality and lasted most of the evening with very little touch-ups. The formula used to make Wow Lips contains nylon and spherical powders which is why this brand new make-up bag staple has a serious comfort-factor as well as stunning coverage.

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The bagsy range is available to buy from Feelunique.com and launched into Debenhams stores nationwide October 2015.

http://www.bagsybeauty.com

Boom Shake Shake Shake the Room with The UE BOOM 2 Bluetooth® speaker

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Following on from the award-winning UE BOOM 360 degree speaker, Ultimate Ears have upped the ante once more to bring you unparalleled party sounds with their new anywhere-you-go-proof UE BOOM 2 and trust us you will be blown away.

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UE BOOM 2 appeals to everyone with it’s stylish design, fantastic sound quality, connectivity to multiple devices and perfect for those crazy parties where there’s always a clumsy one which will knock over anything and everything. Yes people, this device is ‘clumsy people’ proof designed to get wet, muddy and beat up, the UE BOOM 2 will continue to blast those block-rocking beats in every direction after enduring a round or two with Mike Tyson We can assure you, you would struggle to find anything quite like it in the Bluetooth® speaker category with the durability factor just as impressive as the sound quality.

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So what makes it different from the original;

Waterproof

Drop-Proof from up to five feet

Practical Size no larger than a water bottle, it’s completely the right kind of portable without compromising on volume or sound

UE BOOM 2 is 25 percent louder

Longer Wireless Range up to 100-feet

15 hour battery life

Even after all of those impressive feats, our favourite innovation on the UE BOOM 2 has got to be the new tap controls which allow you to skip songs without needing to have your device to hand. So what’s not to love…?

Our verdict is this speaker really intends to deliver everything it promises, after all we did win it by knocking it off a podium with a water balloon into a pit of water! Yes that’s right, completely adventure proof! We love it and unlike a lot of our competitors really appreciate the hard case it comes in which will prevent it turning on in luggage etc. and rinsing the battery life. A problem I always seem to have with other portable speakers.

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Oh did we mention that theUE BOOM 2 also comes with an app for iOS® and AndroidTM which will allow you to double the sound by pairing UE BOOM 2 with any other Ultimate Ears speaker. The UE BOOM 2 is compatible with Smartphones, Tablets and any device which supports Bluetooth and is also built with a 3.5mm audio port.

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The UE BOOM 2 comes in six new colour variations and is retailed at £169 with a Two-Year limited hardware warranty.

www.ultimateears.com

Head over to Chicago Rib Shack for some ‘Scrum-‘tious’ #ribsandrugby

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The Rugby World Cup is well under way and if you weren’t lucky enough to nab yourself a ticket, hot-foot it down to Chicago Rib Shack and treat yourself to a sensational side of Ribs with your Rugby!

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The Chicago Rib Shack was born from a delicious dream, the owner, the late Bob Payton had over 30 years ago. He wanted to bring the most authentic American BBQ restaurant to Europe and boy did he. Since then hundreds of restaurants across London have followed suit trying to replicate this All-American BBQ style but none with as much determination and passion as Chicago Rib Shack. The first Chicago Rib Shack opened in Knightsbridge to a glowing reception however after Bob Payton died the restaurant sadly closed. Just three years ago, Chicago Rib Shack re-opened and boasts a menu curated with as much love and soul as when Bob had his dream all those years ago.

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We were privileged enough to try out their mouth-watering menu and cocktails whilst enjoying a game of footy on the TV. Naturally the Ribs were my top option all round, but as I was dining with a Veggie, opted for the Baby Back Ribs instead of the Ribshack Top 4 which also includes Beef Ribs… next time for sure. The Ribs were succulent, tender and melt in your mouth delicious with a side of Sweet Potato Fries and Mac n Cheese all three complimented each other just right. The portions were generous but the food was so delicious I could have easily had more out of pure appreciation for the treats they had to offer. We also ordered a portion of Mac and Cheese bites, I must confess I am a Mac and Cheese connoisseur so if this is on the menu, it’s getting ordered. The Mac and Cheese side order also comes with optional Jalapeños or Bacon but we chose to get it plain. My favourite thing about it was the sauce was just the perfect balance of creamy and light, not too stodgy like some, not overly salted like a lot of other restaurants, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. The Mac and Cheese bites were like little Arancini balls filled with yummy Mac and Cheese, again the perfect consistency without the excessive salt and stodge, served with a delicious tomato jam. Alongside the Ribs, these complimented perfectly with yummy tender meat. For the Veggie option we opted for the Veggie Stack Burger which is a Grilled Courgette, Sweet Potato and Aubergine topped with Red Pesto, Goats Cheese and Rocket. This could only be described as the most delicious tasting Veggie option which we’ve ever had and trust us, we eat out a lot. As well as just Ribs, Chicago Rib Shack offer a range of Salads, Grilled Chicken and Fish Cakes just in case you don’t fancy any Ribs but to be honest, major food envy will consume you and once you’ve had a taste you will be making your way back here to try all of the other options on the menu.

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The overall ambience of the place is laid back and in true American style, welcoming and friendly. We dined at the Clapham branch and being set under the arches, the interior was enough to create a relaxed atmosphere but still special enough for a date night or special evening out. The staff were every bit as wonderful as the food and went above and beyond our call of duty, even letting us order cocktails off menu even though the selection was more than ample!

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Chicago Rib Shack have branches in Clapham, Westfield Stratford, Twickenham and Leeds. They also run a host of other deals; see below for our favourites. So fear not if you don’t manage to get down for Ribs and Rugby, make sure to check them out regardless because you would be ‘Rib’-iculous not too!

Mondays – 50% of all food after 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 2 for 1 on all Cocktails
Thursday – Burger Day, Burgers, Fries and a Drink for a tenner

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http://www.thechicagoribshack.co.uk

New Favourite Hangout… presenting No. 11 Pimlico Road.

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Londoners rejoice, we’ve found you a bar and restaurant which is every bit as sexy in their menu as they are in their décor and ambience and the best part is, it’s no pop-up, it’s here to stay.

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Independently run, No. 11 Pimlico Road oozes style and cosiness and we mean cosy as in your new home from home. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you could pretty much make it your second home with its epically cool ambience and stunning decor. So roll up and make yourself at home here at No.11 Pimlico Road. They will do all the hard work, serving up their expertly crafted cocktails with a food menu which is every bit as delicious and made with love.

Frost were lucky enough to enjoy a cocktail masterclass with No.11 Pimlico Road’s head bartender, Elvis, and it’s certainly evident why their cocktails are of such a high standard after you’ve seen the passion which goes into crafting them. Not only did he take us through a step-by-step guide of how to make them, but we also got a little cocktail history on rums, tequilas and setting fire to oranges… yes there’s an art to that too. After getting a little historical run down on our favourite drinkies, we had the pleasure of trying out a few of the cocktails, made by our own hands with a little support from Elvis himself.

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Their latest addition to the cocktail family and my personal favourite, is the Peanut Butter Rum. This hug in a mug is the most indulgent and delicious warmed alcoholic beverage i’ve ever tasted and I will go as far to say that it is worth the journey to No.11 Pimlico Road solely to taste this festive mug of joy. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter this is exactly what one would imagine a butter-beer to taste like, well an adults version. With it’s vanilla fused Rum, Cointreau and actual Peanut Butter, this is guaranteed to warm up any chilly night and will leave your tongue wagging for more.

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If you’re a fan of the traditional cocktail, which we learnt is a composition of sugar, spirits, water and bitters, in other words, The Old Fashioned, well fear not as Elvis has taken the traditional and infused it with a little innovation to come up with The Tequila Old Fashioned. The result, a really clean, fresh take on an old great.

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Coming soon… The Passion Fruit Mojito. So, if there’s any reason to wish this summer months back, it’s to try this summery creation and it was while trying to master this cocktail where you really notice the level of hard work and effort which goes into making and creating these cocktails, so next time you’re wondering why your cocktail order takes a little longer than other drinks, it’s all about quality and attention to detail.

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As a testimony to any great bar I naturally ordered a Dirty Martini being a classic but hard to get the balance right, i’m happy to say No. 11 Pimlico Road passed with honours. It’s plain to see that everyone in the No.11 Family have a deep passion and love for the business and once you’ve visited, we’re sure you’ll be in love too. The upstairs area can be rented out and unlike many hire out rooms in bars today, there is a soul to No.11 which is bound to bring a unique magic to any event hosted here. The theme of this place is relaxed and light so kick back order that Peanut Butter Rum and thank us for it after.

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Location:

11 Pimlico Road

London SW1W 1NA

http://no11pimlicoroad.co.uk

Re-ignite your love of Cinema with The IMAX with Laser experience at Empire Leicester Square

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Remember the days when going to the Cinema used to be a welcome treat, watching the latest Blockbusters and then discussing them with everyone who managed to book in advance…? Of course, I may be referring to Titanic in particular when I mention this, but long gone are the days when this was the culture. With our tech industry improving and developing every year, it’s no surprise that as consumers we have become impatient and demanding. The advanced speed at which film releases become available to viewers and huge factors such as piracy, have become major contributors to the dip in cinema attendance, so it’s important the movie technology industry do everything they can to improve and enhance our cinema experience.

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Enter IMAX with Laser. Dubbed ‘The Future of Movie Technology’ IMAX have set out to maximise your experience of film with brighter images, sharper contrast, more colours and double the sound. Launched at the beginning of this month, IMAX with Laser really does fully immerse you into film. It is designed to fill IMAX’s largest screens and will draw you into the action like never before.

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Technically, advances have been made in the following areas;

Brightness has been enhances by a laser light source which provides more brightness than a xenon bulb and allows IMAX with more lifelike images. In short it will allow you to enjoy a film with unparalleled brightness in both 3D and 2D.

Contrast can be altered in post production and for us means that we will see much more detail in the image and a heightened level of realism will make you forget you are watching a movie.

The Colour scale has been expanded offering a much more vivid and realistic palette that has never been explored onscreen and with all IMAX with Laser screens dressed in all black everything, this helps you to fully immerse yourself into the imagery.

The next-generation Sound System features built-in image calibration and audio tuning features. The most amazing thing we heard from the team behind this revolutionary technology is that attention to detail is paramount. Even after release, IMAX with Laser will make sure the film is never compromised over time by including an industrial camera next to every projector screening one of their films, this will monitor thousands of system components ensuring optimum performance for every showing.

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Today we can be extremely grateful that we can probably experience most new releases at the drop of a hat from our computer screens but there is nothing quite like that full Cinema Experience. Personally, I can remember every detail of my first experience of an IMAX film about 17 years ago watching an underwater film in IMAX 3D. Today, watching the various trailers in IMAX Laser in both 3D and without, has something of a revolutionary feel about it which would be extremely difficult to replicate outside of an IMAX cinema. No amount of talking about IMAX with Laser will do it justice but what can be assured is that you will not be disappointed. Prepare to be blown away and immersed into the world of film.

IMAX with Laser can be experienced at the Empire Leicester Square IMAX in London, which is the first cinema in Europe to have this system installed. With more cinemas to introduce this in the pipeline, hold on to your seats. Bookings can currently be made for The Walk, Crimson Peak, SPECTRE and Star Wars: The Force Awakens here:

http://www.empirecinemas.co.uk/imax/t5

Master your Asian cookery skills with Jeremy Pang’s 15 minute Noodle Kit.

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Much like Jamie’s 30 minutes meals, TV Chef and School of Wok founder Jeremy Pang has come up with a quick and tasty way to create your favourite Asian dishes at home. Unlike 30 minute meals, Pang’s 15 minute Noodle Kit’s actually do take 15 minutes and not a minute longer!

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The kits, which include Singapore Noodles, Chow Mein and Pad Thai, each feature an authentic blend of herbs and spices that bring the real taste of Asian street food into your own kitchen. The convenience and quality of the kits are not their only appeal, Pang has set out to create a learning experience too and the kits encourage you to hone in your Asian cookery skills by including a link to YouTube video tutorials on how to make the most of your dinner kit.

One of the best features for me is the handy Wok Clock which shows an ingredient clock showing your what order they go in without having to keep looking at a recipe. Another brilliant time saver are the numbered sachets. Personally, these little touches make the world of difference especially if you have very little time to cook but would love to be able to make something delicious.

Frost were lucky enough to pay a visit to School of Wok, Pang’s Covent Garden cookery school, and managed to get a live demonstration from Jeremy Pang himself so we thought we’d share with you our Top Wok Tips;

Make sure the oil is boiling hot, enough to hear your ingredients sizzling.

Swivel the pan in a circular motion whilst folding the ingredients with your spoon to make sure everything gets cooked through evenly.

Slice your ingredients thinner for an even and shorter cooking time;
For me this was an important one as many people tend to overcook their chicken. The trick is to slice it thinly and trust that it only does take a few minutes to cook through. If in doubt cut it with your spoon to check for pinkness.

And finally…

Your ingredients need as much love as we do so make sure to massage all of your marinade into your chosen protein to make sure every bit of it has absorbed.

Our verdict;

In terms of instant dinner kits this has to be top for convenience and quality. The Wok Clock has won me over and the range of skills you can pick up will help you become a Wokstar in no time.

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Jeremy Pang’s 15 Minute Noodle Kits are currently available in selected Tesco’s Stores and are currently on offer priced at £2.00

School of Wok is open to visitors Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and offer a wide range of courses and classes suitable for any levels. Follow School of Wok for more details on @SchoolofWok

Celebrate Alice in Wonderland’s birthday with Chambord Pop-Up

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Fancy venturing down the Rabbit Hole to try out something new?

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In the same year that Queen Elizabeth II celebrates becoming the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Lewis Carroll’s infamous Alice in Wonderland turns 150 years old and from today, Chambord are hosting an end of summer croquet and cocktails pop-up. Chambord Chapter Eight: Games will give the public a chance to put their croquet skills to the test while sipping on a delicious Chambord cocktail and sampling the delights French-American burger legends, Le Bun, are serving up. Best of all, you get to enjoy this experience on a transformed rooftop terrace in London Fields fit for a Queen, and did we mention Flamingo Mallets…? So if you fancy trying your hand at your best ‘Aspinall’ Peel or Forward Balling technique the party will be in full swing from 10th-13th September.

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Grab your tickets here

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chambord-chapter-eight-games-tickets-17937705159

Tickets are five pounds and include complimentary Chambord Cocktail and Flamingo Mallet hire for Croquet so grab some friends and have a FlaminGO

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Chambord Chapter Eight: Games

Proof, Field Works, Martello St, London

Kettner’s: Quintessentially British Dining and Drinking in the heart of Soho

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Kettners-0Amongst the hustle and bustle of our amazing capital London, lies the iconic Kettner’s. Elegant, glamorous and classy, Kettner’s stands out from the frenzy of the quirky, hip, pop up joints and offers customers everything which is quintessentially British.

Originally opened in 1867 by the Chef of Napolean III, the Grade II listed Georgian building stands proudly in Soho boasting a brasserie, Champagne Bar and eight private functions rooms. If you’re looking for somewhere with a little history and old school glamour look no further. As well as the cocktail menu being rather impressive with a host of Champagne Cocktails, they have a clientele list to match. So if you’re looking to dine somewhere up to the standards of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby look no further.

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There really is an enchanting feeling when you walk through the door of Kettner’s. It’s everything that’s glamorous, traditional and old school without feeling stuffy and pretentious and with a price list that doesn’t leave you feeling bankrupt after a cocktail, this is the perfect place to come and admire the stunning decor, have afternoon tea or indeed enjoy a date here.

Kettner’s can be found

29 ROMILLY ST. SOHO,
LONDON W1D 5HP