I admit to feeling tired for much of my day, and I’m always on the lookout for that magical remedy which will transport my body back to ‘what it used to be’.

My problems started after breast cancer (see my book below) – almost certainly due to the anti-oestrogen therapy I needed, which converted my gentle coast towards menopause into a helter-skelter break-neck hurtle. I felt as if I had a major leak in my energy tanks, and the more I tried to power through, the more drained I felt. In honesty, I’ve never quite got back to what I still fondly regard as ‘normal’.

So I’m intrigued by Brain Bombs, developed by Dorota Cloke, an RSPH-qualified nutritionist, who also describes herself as a biohacker, someone who uses science to improve body and/or brain.

Brain bombs are frankly delicious, super-chocolatey functional snacks. There are three types, each containing a blend of active ingredients including:

• Lion’s Mane and Ashwagandha, to enhance focus, memory, and mental clarity.
• Other adaptogens to calm the mind and improve resilience.
• Healthy organic fats to provide sustained energy without the crash.

Lion’s Mane (a mushroom) and Ashwagandha (a plant root) are well-known herbal remedies. As with most herbal remedies, they don’t have the wealth of clinical trial data one expects for approved medicines, however both have been used for many years in traditional Asian medicine such as Ayurveda and I personally have found Ashwagandha very helpful. Lion’s Mane contains vitamins and essential minerals and is believed to have various therapeutic properties. Adaptogens is a word used in Ayurveda, referring to herbs or supplements which are thought to act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which controls the body’s stress response. 

Brain Bombs come in three types. One is predominantly dark chocolate (85%), with avocado, pistachio, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, matcha, dates and sea salts.

The second type contains 65% chocolate with raw cocoa, tahini, and sour cherries.

The final variety has similar basic ingredients with the addition of almonds.

They all contain Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha and Maitake (a mushroom thought to have beneficial effects).

Having road tested all three – they are simply scrumptious. However because they have no added sugar and contain healthy fats, I found them very satisfying and wasn’t left with that ‘just one more’ urge despite the yummy chocolatey taste.

They made me feel immediately energised, calm and satisfied and this lasted from mid-afternoon through to my evening meal. My body is thanking me for serving it a proper wholesome and healing snack (perhaps for a change).

So if the run up to Christmas stress is getting to you, I can totally recommend these fabulous treats. Available from Brain Bombs, they cost £19.50 for a cute egg-box pack of six freshly prepared for delivery every Tuesday. Treat yourself and feel better.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Britain and the British have a long reputation for making and enjoying gin, but with the advent of craft gin companies this has risen to new heights. So I was excited to sample Cantium Rubesco Pink Gin from the Kent-based company.

Cantium Gin major on infusing their gins with locally-grown botanicals and the Rubesco Pink Gin is a fine example, infused with strawberries and raspberries. Some flavoured gins are too sweet for my palette, but this retains the characteristics of a pure gin with a light fruity enhancement, true to the natural fruit flavour.

The full-sized bottles double up as a flask, which is a real bonus as they are both attractive and useful, keeping drinks cold, or hot.

Do check out the website for a fine selection of gin and accessories.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

]

This absolute cracker of a book is one that needs to be read from cover to cover as it is chock-a-block with evidence of the fascinating opulent internationalist culture of Mughal Hindustan 1556 – 1658.

Edited by Susan Stronge, The Great Mughals: Art Architecture and Opulence presents for the first time the age of its greatest emperors: Akbar 1556-1605, Jahangir 1605-1627 and Shah Jahan 1628-1658. Stronge sets out a compelling narrative which describes the origins of Mughal art; it explores the huge Iranian influence that permeated the sophisticated craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent to create a distinctively Mughal style, further modified by interactions with Jesuit missionaries and European traders.

All the arts of the Mughal court are included: from contemporary portraits to jewelled gold vessels and magnificent carpets. In chapters that conjure the unique dynamics of each reign, essays with historical sweep combine with texts focused on important objects to tell unexpected stories about a dynasty perhaps best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal.

As someone whose grandmother was Hindu, I find anything like this fascinating, but this book is broad enough in concept and presentation to enthral everyone, not just me. It is visually impressive, and promotes a train of thought that pursues the sheer magnificence and creativity of all that was produced during this epoch. But not just that, it is also the revelation of the absorption of the influence of outsiders such as Jesuit missionaries that reminds us that we have much to learn from one another.

A wonderful book, though that seems too narrow a term. Let’s say it is a cornucopia, a revelation, one which accompanies the V&A exhibition The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence to perfection. The exhibition is underway and closes Monday, 5 May 2025. V&A South KensingtonCromwell Road London, SW7 2RL. Gallery 39. £22.00Concessions apply. Advance booking recommended. The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence is available here and also the V&A Bookshop

Our loft was a mess, hardly surprising as it is old, rather like me, but moving on quickly. There was old fibre glass insulation, some remnants of spray foam sort of removed, but much more we couldn’t see with all our packages, abandoned furniture, etc. etc. So, after casting around we arranged a free survey from H&J Energy Solutions who explained what they would do and how much it would cost. The reviews said they would do a good job. So off we went and a day was chosen, well three days to be strictly accurate, as bungalows tend to have big lofts.

We explained to the dogs that there were be ‘strangers in the house’ and their noise would outbid the dogs’ so very there. We emptied the loft – well – Dick emptied the loft, I ferried stuff to the garage, or the end of the sitting room, or the bedrooms, or any free space, and glory be, some went to the tip. ‘We really must get rid of more of it,’ we said. Will we? Time will tell. It is then we saw what our loft actually really truly looked like. Thank heavens H&J Energy Solutions had rooted around as they put the survey together.

On the day the dogs watched aliens arrive, in white suits and face masks. No, not the Covid masks, the really McCoy. ‘Don’t panic. Bark bark.’ ‘Aliens invading.’ ‘Help, help.’

Heavens, there were seven in all. Then in bustled the bosses, James and Harry. They were all coming from the other side of the country, so we expected them at about 10. They caught us on the hop at 8.0 am having risen at 4 am. They would be staying in the area until the job was finished. ‘No, no tea, no coffee, thanks. Work to do.’ ‘Morning.’ ‘Morning.’ ‘Morning.’ said all nine as they streamed past us.

First all the hall runners carpets were lifted. Oh the shame at what lay beneath. ‘To stop it being spoiled, and not to worry, all will be spotless before we leave each day,’ Harry said. I wanted him to stay forever. Really? Spotless? Meanwhile, the rest of the team were pounding up the loft ladder and starting work.

Thump as boards were laid so no-one came through the ceiling, but only once the old floor level foam and fibre glass rubbish was out. Grind, as the sanding machines cleaned up the rafters. Full bin bags were taken to the garden full of unwanted foam insulation and old insulation. A mountain grew between two rose beds. The dogs guarded their home, loudly, so were enticed away for a walk. A long walk. On and on it went. Hard work was the order of the day.

Before they left they cleaned wherever they’d been. Heavens, the lavatory was spotless. The tiles on the floor spotless. The wooden hall floor spotless. Live with us …

The next day was all bustle too, but this time, it was the eco wool insulation being laid. This sustainable material is crafted from natural and renewable materials. It is derived from recycled fibres, and natural sheep wool, which minimizes environmental impact while maximizing performance. It also traps pockets of air, providing exceptional thermal resistance and minimizing heat transfer. It is also excellent for protection against moisture related issues , and absorbs sound and dampens sound waves, minimizing external noise pollution. So very there, dogs.

Again not a moment was lost. The mountain of bags was removed, a porous lining was installed between the rafters, the porous insulation was laid at the required depth. Suddenly it was over, all done. Whaat? But you have only been here two days?

Yes, they had been such beavers it was all over. Harry and James decided a price reduction was in order. The house was clean, the loft fully insulated. The dogs were bereft as they had no aliens to guard against and therefore no excuse for barking. We were ecstatic at the job which had been done.

‘Goodbye.’ ‘Goodbye.’ ‘Goodbye.’ They called as they trooped off. They would be heading for their new job first thing in the morning. H&J Energy Solutions are phenominally busy, which says all you need to know, but we are such fans, that honestly, if you need a team that knows what it’s doing, and does it, (see the images) while in addition keeping you up to date with where they are, what they are doing, what they have uncovered, – give them a ring, or drop an email through their website. Do remember, your dogs will want a medal for protecting you so valiantly and… and … here’s the icing on the cake… your house will be spotless wherever they have been. H&J Energy Solutions

Adrian Muller, Dame Mary Perkins and Donna Moore – image: Gary Stratmann

In a statement announcing the closure, Adrian Muller, co-founder, co-host and director of CrimeFest, said: “It is with sadness – but great pride – that we announce that our sixteenth CrimeFest, which takes place from 15-18 May 2025, will be the final one.”

Inspired by a visit to Bristol in 2006 of the American Left Coast Crime convention, the first CrimeFest was held in June 2008. CrimeFest is a convention run by fans of the genre, initially organised by Myles Allfrey, Liz Hatherell, Adrian Muller, and Donna Moore, and more recently hosted by the latter two.

Whereas most crime fiction events are invite-only, with a fixed programme of authors, CrimeFest offers a more democratic model. As a convention, any commercially published author can sign up to appear on a panel. Adrian Muller said: “CrimeFest provides many authors with a platform they would not have been offered elsewhere in the UK. And, subsequently, readers discover and meet writers they otherwise may never have heard of. During CrimeFest, all delegates – be they authors or readers – come together as equals to celebrate the genre they love.”

Taking place across four days, each year CrimeFest showcases around 150 authors across more than 50 panels; over the years, 1,100 authors will have appeared at the event. CrimeFest also invites Featured and Highlighted guests, securing major authors including Cathy Ace, Lee Child, Ann Cleeves, Martina Cole, Michael Connelly, Jeffrey Deaver, Sue Grafton, Anthony Horowitz, P.D. James, Lynda La Plante, and Ian Rankin.

Lee Child attended the very first convention, and was a Featured Guest at the fifth and tenth anniversaries of CrimeFest. Lee Child said: “Sadly all good things come to an end – and Adrian Muller’s Bristol CrimeFest was one of the very best things ever. It was a warm, friendly, relaxed and inclusive festival, hugely enjoyable for authors and readers alike. Myles, Liz, Donna and Adrian, their team of volunteers – and Dame Mary from Specsavers – have my sincere thanks for many delightful weekends over the years.”

The event is sponsored by Specsavers. Co-founder of Specsavers, Dame Mary Perkins, who will be attending again next year, praised the event: “I am an avid reader and fan of the genre, and I always look forward to CrimeFest. It is so friendly, and it feels like all who go are welcomed as part of a big family, connected by a love of books, and reading. We are proud sponsors and I will miss CrimeFest and the camaraderie very much.”

Adrian added: “Thanks to the support of Specsavers, our highly valued sponsor, we introduced reduced cost Community Passes for UK school and public librarians, students and for people on benefits. In 2021 we also created an annual bursary for crime fiction authors of colour. We’ve run community projects at local schools in the community; donated books to many schools and libraries across Bristol and the UK; our anthology Ten Year Stretch and our raffles each year have raised thousands of pounds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and the seven awards we present each year celebrate crime fiction, non-fiction, TV and crime fiction for children and young adults – the latter two being the first in the UK. We are immensely proud of these initiatives.”

Author and co-host of CrimeFest, Donna Moore, said: “CrimeFest is a labour of love for us and our volunteers. We are immensely grateful to the authors, readers, publishers, booksellers, sponsors, volunteers, and a whole host of other people who have supported us over the years.”

The organisers promise to say goodbye “in style” with the attendance of some big-name authors to celebrate its 16 years. The final CrimeFest takes place 15-18 May at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel. CrimeFest – Bristol’s Annual Crime Fiction Convention

Our little market town, Thirsk, is the best place in the whole wide world, and as it is Christmas it is all lit up and spirits are high. So as per usual I will get the 9.40 bus into town and have a whizz around – have I really enough for the grands? After five minutes, yes, I have, so quick, into The Golden Fleece Hotel which overlooks the Market Place and is, at this time of day, the meeting place for many of us.

‘Hi Jim, (or Louise, or Holly)’ I call having pushed open the doors, not sure who is behind the Christmas tree. ‘How are you,’ they call back.Then into the lounge heading for Table 23, to the right of the picture below. This table is MINE. I like the armchair, you see and from here I can check through the window, which opens onto the hall, just who is coming into the Fleece. I bagsy my table with my hessian bag. Sometimes I am a bit late and Sue grabs it as it is fine for dogs under the table and she has Tilly.

‘Whaat?’ say I, horror stricken (but not really for I can head instead for the other lounge). We hiss at one another, then laugh and laugh:

‘Hello, hello,’ to everyone and into the bar to order coffee and have the loyalty card stamped. There is no looking at the cake stall, especially today, for Maltesers have been changed to little mince pies – it is Christmas month after all. Oh yes it is.

Our lounge has been decorated with foliage and lights. Oh lovely. Yesterday Dick and the dogs came. Polly and Rosie know that Meghan, Kim, Izzy, Jordan or Holly, will bring them a treat along with our coffee. The lounge has comfortable chairs, lovely jubbly carpets, a sense of people sitting here, like all of us, for decades and decades, and there are pictures of sheeps on the wall, because sheeps have Fleeces. The food is pretty fabulous too. Try the Brunch, or… Oh okey doke – have a look at everything.

Yesterday when Dick came, I took a photo of our coffees and mince pies. Then Carol came and gave the dogs extra treats. Carol comes for coffee and loves dogs, and they love her. Anyway, back to me… I drink my coffee, eat my mince pie, chat to others, the time flies, then it is time for the bus. So off I head: ‘Bye, bye.’ Lots of goodbyes back, and as it is a hotel there are strangers who have chatted too, and have needed to be told to have a nice day, once one of us has told them where to walk their dogs, and perhaps nip to the Herriot Museum, or Thirsk Museum, or a toddle to the beck… Safe journey home, too.

Quick quick to the bus, not a lot of shopping done, there never seems to be time… Too much shopping does get in the way of chat chat in the Fleece, and there is, you see, only an hour before the bus comes to take me, well us, back home. I know, I know, I am talking too much. On the way to the Market Place bus stop I pass the Christmas Yarn Bombers’ offerings in the market place. Wonderful wondeful.

Tomorrow I might be strong and not go for a coffee, and mince pie, but instead do a bit more shopping, but I know I won’t be strong, because life is short, and a trip to Thirsk and The Golden Fleece is just a moment of sheer pleasure, so calm, and – well – all right,,, chatty. All that remains is to wish you all a Merry Merry Christmas from all of us in Thirsk. If you are staying at The Golden Fleece for Christmas, or any time we might see you there. Best not to sit at Table 23 – just saying. https://goldenfleecehotel.com/

Every so often a little gem lands on a reviewer’s desk, and here it is – roll of drums – my 2024 little gem: Flying Poets & Other Storytellers – F.L. Ying, in which we have a range of authors, from nine year old twins through to published authors, including F. L. Ying who is author of the fascinating The Ancestral Quest (writing as F.G. Kwong – yes do read it, it’s riveting) and a YA novel ‘A Dangerous Riddle of Chance‘ ( you will note that some of F. L Ying’s poems in the anthology relate to this novel).

In Flying Poets and other Storytellers as F. L. Ying tells Frost Magazine, the topics covered are Love Lost, Love Regained, Grief, Regret, Despair and Hope Restored. I found it unputdownable, and, cat lovers or not, you will all enjoy the odes to the family cat.

And then, oh lord, so many, but tell me, did you know there is the correct way of ordering in a Chinese takeaway? No? Read he Ultimate Takeaway. And then The Mad Hatter’s Tea Rooms both by F. L. Ying.

What about Computers by Simon Holder, which made me laugh. Ian Stuart’s Sculpting with Words which resonated, oh yes it did. Then to the twins: Sweet Music from Saskia, then Aleskia’s Diary – Samson. Oh but what happened? I so want to know. Did Samson really go to a breeder, or was he saved at the last moment?

Emotions were explored with, on the one hand delicacy and on the other robustly, but it was the addition of the illustrations that in my view makes this book especially memorable, they are glorious in their vibrancy, and the photography is ethereal – oh, the image of the magnolia. These illustrations and images are by Tanya Ying, Alexia Young, Saskia Young and Caroline Stuart.

F. L. Ying explained: ‘Alexia and Saskia Young, aged nine, not only illustrated their own work, but also that of the other contributors in this anthology, such as on pages 12, “Roses”: 69, “Temptress”: 83, “Butterfly Whisperers”: 103 -104, “A New Beginning”: 249, “Galapagos”. Alexia (then aged eight) also contributed copies of her paintings of the “Bouquet of Flowers” to welcome potential readers and the abstract, “ The Magical Art of Words” as well as the logo, “Boodles the Flying Cat”.

He also touched on the children’s inspirational teachers at their State School, Hampton Junior School. Now, that’s really wonderful as is the collection – one to keep, to dip into again and again. Flying Poets & Other storytellers – £10.99 ISBN

I admit to a serious coffee addiction and the coffee must be good. A cup of instant just won’t cut it and the more I learn the more I yearn for that perfect coffee experience.

It’s undisputed that for optimal flavour you need freshly ground beans. Simply, flavour begins to fade from within half an hour of grinding, so a home grinder is a must.

There are whole theses on coffee grinder attributes and if you’re regularly grinding coffee for a large family, then perhaps an electric burr grinder would make a good investment, but for one or two coffees at a time, and for travelling, the Peugeot Presto Coffee Mill is hard to beat. It’s neat, attractive and compact, with a removable handle and lid, making it very easy to store or pack. Despite its small size, the bean reservoir can accommodate 30-35g of beans – enough for 0.5 litre of coffee. It’s very simple to use – once the beans are added and the lid firmly attached, just turn the adjustable grind setting ring to whatever you require, whether for espresso machine, cafetière, moka, ibrik, filter or cold brew infusion. To make life easy for the novice, or myopic users such as myself, there are pictures on the grind setting ring which denote the correct setting for each preparation method, and, for experts, the grind sizes in microns are also marked. After that just turn the handle and grind. You’ll see the grounds as they appear in the detachable transparent base. After that, well, make your coffee, sit back and enjoy.

At £84.99 from Peugeot it’s a quality gift and Christmas is indeed coming. I love it and I can’t wait to take it on my next trip. And if you’re looking for more great, quality gifts, do check out the Peugeot website.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.