Category Archives: Featured

The 5 Books That Changed Me by Jane Lambert

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‘Rebecca’ by Daphne du Maurier: My mum gave me this book when I was about 15.

As a shy, gauche teenager I identified with the second Mrs de Winter. Her story taught me to not always take situations or people at face value, that being shy is not a sign of weakness, not to compare myself to others and to be true to myself.  

‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ by Helen Fielding: Like Bridget, I used to want to be in a meaningful relationship, but would fall for the wrong guys. I eventually learned that I deserved better, to have self-respect and to stop putting up with bad behaviour – just as Bridget did. I too can be clumsy and say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Bridget taught me to laugh at myself and that I’m okay just as I am. 

‘The Understudy’ by David Nicholls: I was drawn to this book as I have been an understudy many (too many!) times. Though fiction, the authenticity of the narrative made me wonder if the writer was, or had been an actor. I was right, and it is his personal story which inspired me to take my writing more seriously and to aim high. As an actor you’re dependent on someone hiring you. You have no control. As a writer you produce your own work. It’s rewarding to be part of something you have created. I have ‘The Understudy’ to thank for leading me to David Nicholls, who set me on an alternative and more enriching creative path. 

‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ by Mark Haddon: This book had a huge effect on me. The story is told through the eyes of 15-year-old Christopher, whose inability to tell lies, social awkwardness and logical take on the world give you an insight into being on the autistic spectrum and the effect it has on those around you. I could identify with some of Christopher’s thoughts, such as: “I find people confusing” and “I want my name to mean me.” Christopher’s story gave me an appreciation of how being “different” brings its own special gifts and should be celebrated. I was lucky enough to be involved in the London stage production.  I was lucky enough to be involved in the London stage production.

‘Big Magic’ by Elizabeth Gilbert: “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.” When I was writing my first novel there was an annoying voice whispering in my ear that it was a waste of time. Who did I think I was? JK Rowling? ‘Big Magic’ taught me to believe in myself and not let fear stand in my way. Thanks to this book, I have learned to live alongside fear so I may strive to be better, but not let it control my mind. This has helped me in my acting career too. I still suffer occasionally from ‘Imposter Syndrome’, but dipping into this book gives me a dose of self-belief and puts me back on the right track. 

♥

How I Got Published by Jane Lambert

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Isn’t it strange how sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to make a change for the better?

When I discovered that my husband had been having an affair my world fell apart. I could feel myself being dragged down a black hole, but instead of therapy, I turned to writing and began the first draft of a story I had been carrying around in my head for years.

It’s a romantic comedy, inspired by my rollercoaster journey from globe-trotting cabin crew to struggling actress.

It was my escape from all the sadness and drama of my divorce, giving me something positive and fun to focus on.

I self-published ‘Learning To Fly’ through Amazon, and I’ll never forget the feeling of holding my book in my hand. I felt like a cloud had lifted and that I was on a new and better path. The book got some great reviews and I was invited to speak about my writing journey at Blackwell’s Writers at the Edinburgh Fringe and on BBC Radio London.

I sent a copy to HQ HarperCollins, and much to my amazement, they offered me a contract!

I was asked to make some major changes to the story and they re-designed the cover, changing the title to ‘The Start of Something Wonderful.’  

I narrated the audio version for HarperCollins Audio and am now working on adapting it into a 6-part comedy drama for TV.

I’m also writing my second novel, ‘Marriage, Mafia & Mozzarella’, which was inspired by my rollercoaster marriage to my Italian ex-husband. So you see, life can have a funny way of working out, can’t it?

♥

 

Breast cancer survivor shares her “life-saving” 5 stone, 10-pound weight loss

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Sandra Dalton-Goldspink, 49, from Hull had a series of health problems, including breast cancer and fibromyalgia. Her health issues kick started Sandra’s determination to change her life, inspired by her dream wedding vow renewal. Sandra lost 5 stone 10 pounds following the Fast 800 programme, transforming her health.

“I used to eat mindlessly”, explains Sandra. “I loved takeaways on a Friday night, and I ate a lot of processed foods. I would have a slice of pizza or a pasty, snack on my son’s leftovers, followed by dinner and then crisps or a toastie in the evening. I didn’t realise how much food I was eating. You think you’re doing no harm, but realistically you are. I was a size 24, and weighed 18 stone 12 pounds at my heaviest.”

Sandra’s weight impacted her overall health. “I had no energy, I couldn’t walk very far without getting out of breath. My joints were so painful from carrying the excess weight that my husband had to rub cream on them in the evenings. I have fibromyalgia, and the doctor said I was severely obese and needed to lose weight to improve my health. I also have IBS, which of course was connected to what I was eating. I didn’t realise that the processed foods I was eating were amongst the worst things I could eat for my IBS until a nutritionist told me. Even a family member said I should lose weight. But I didn’t listen to anyone until I got breast cancer.”

In late December 2020, Sandra started to experience pain in her chest, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I have had a full mastectomy, and I wear my scar with pride. I am now cancer free, but this was the wakeup call I needed. My breast cancer was caused by exposure to oestrogen, and the doctor said I needed to eat more healthily to improve my recovery. I am vegetarian and liked to eat soya and tofu. I didn’t know that these two foods were connected to oestrogen production. I became terrified to eat anything, I thought with every mouthful I was putting oestrogen in my body. Then I discovered the Fast 800 – a science based programmewhich was developed Dr Michael Mosley – and my life changed.”

 

Sandra followed TV presenter and Fast 800 ambassador Saira Khan on Instagram, and started to join in with her daily exercise sessions on social media. When Saira talked about the Fast 800, which follows the ethos of the Mediterranean diet, Sandra thought the diet could help her.

 

“I was already trying to be a bit healthier”, says Sandra. “But I was still having takeaways every week – I thought that because it was a vegetarian meal it would be fine. When Saira shared the plan, I felt that as it’s only a 12-week programme, it was achievable. I started the Fast 800 in July 2021, and lost nearly two stone in the first two weeks. At first, I felt a bit hungry as I was getting used to the quantities of food. But after a few days, I felt full! I was so used to eating so much food, it was a shock to the system, but this new plan showed me the amount of food my body actually needed.”

 

A new way of life

“I had never eaten half of the stuff I eat now, but it’s so tasty”, says Sandra. “This is my lifestyle for the rest of my life now. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Sandra’s health, and confidence, has transformed following her new lifestyle. “I can walk a lot more easily now and can bend my body properly. I don’t get out of breath in the way I used to. And I am so much more confident. People used to make cruel remarks to me in the street, which only made me comfort eat more. Now, I feel like the person I used to be years ago, before the weight crept on – which was about 15 years ago.”

Sandra and her husband Andrew’s families were friends, and the pair have known each other since childhood. Andrew has wanted to renew their wedding vows for years, but Sandra has resisted due to her weight. Now, it is intended to happen next year. “I had a crush on my husband since I was eight. We wanted renew our vows as we didn’t get married in a church. Andrew always wanted to do it, but I wouldn’t agree as I felt too big. Now I want to celebrate our marriage, and I’m going to treat myself to a new dress to wear on the day. I never liked having my photo taken, but I’m excited to see photos from my big day.”

 

As Sandra invested in her health, she started exercising more too. “I follow Saira’s exercise sessions on Instagram, and the Fast 800 have a brilliant exercise portion of their programme too. I never dreamed I would be able to wear leggings like other women, but now I do. It’s the little things that help me understand how much my life has changed.”

Sandra realised how much weight she had lost when her extended family got together for her dad’s birthday. “Due to Covid-19, I hadn’t seen everyone i n a while, and no-one could believe it was me! My cousin said I looked like a whole new person. My mum said I looked really nice in my outfit. It used to be so rare to get a comment like that, it was lovely to receive that compliment.”

 

Sandra’s experience following the Fast 800

“The Fast 800, and Saira, have saved my life, I really do believe that”, says Sandra. “If I can transform my health, anyone can. It is the best thing I have done in my life. I am so much happier and healthier now. I didn’t think I would have the willpower, and I feel so much better. I would tell anyone in my position to be positive, and try it for themselves.”

 

Sandra shares her favourite elements of the Fast 800:

“The food is lovely. The plan has such a variety of food to choose from, it cut the shopping time in half and stopped me worrying about what to eat”, Sandra says “And the exercise tips help. I like the meditation section, it’s a nice, soothing way to start and end my day. I also like thespecial shakes you can eat as part of the plan– the chocolate is my favourite.”

“The community is amazing. People share their stories and motivate each other. Someone said I was a true inspiration, and that meant so much to me. I’d love to help other people going through what I did.”

  • A 12-week programme on www.thefast800.com costs £99 and includes:
    • Meal plans for The Very Fast 800, The New 5:2 and Med-style diets, with vegetarian options
    • Three calorie-counted meals per day based on healthy, gut-friendly Mediterranean-style food
    • Over 400 tasty and easy-to-make recipes unique to the online programme
    • Shopping lists – just print and go, or use the list to help with your online grocery shop
    • Guided exercise plans – all suited to the home, no equipment necessary
    • Lots of tips and support on how to adapt your routine
    • Health Coaches on hand for advice, support and motivation
    • A lively and inspirational cohort of members, united by a common goal to improve health
    • Weekly motivational articles and videos, so you can make these changes for life!

 

The World’s Smallest Publisher Fair Is Coming to London This June

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The Uncorrected Independent Publishers’ Fair

Peckham Pelican | Saturday 11 June, 11am-6pm | Free admission

Tangerine Press is delighted to announce the return of The Uncorrected Independent Publishers’ Fair (TUIPF), the world’s smallest publisher fair, showcasing a selected number of independent presses from across the UK. The fifth Uncorrected Independent Publishers’ Fair will take place on 11 June 2022 at Peckham Pelican, as part of the Camberwell Arts Festival.

Featuring seven of the most exciting and innovative indie publishers operating in the UK, the line-up features the following presses: flipped eye publishing (powerful poetry, fiction and prose in affordable volumes), Les Fugitives(contemporary literary fiction & non-fiction translated from the French), Prototype (fiction, poetry and interdisciplinary projects), Repeater Books (radical books for a wide readership), Rough Trade Books (sister to the pioneering independent record label), Strange Attractor (celebrating unpopular culture) and Tangerine Press.

 

Taking place at the café and art space the Peckham Pelican – an open, friendly bar serving good quality beers, ciders, wine, coffee and food available all day – TUIPF is free to attend and open to all. This unique literary feast caters for all genres and needs: prose, poetry, fiction and photography books will all be on sale, with special event prices on paperbacks, hardback limited editions, artist books, broadsides, screen-prints and letterpress gems.

 

 

 

In addition to book sales and general merriment, TUIPF is proud to present a line-up of indie entertainment: live readings by authors published by the seven indie publishers will start from 2pm, including Erica Van Horn (Les Fugitives), Astrid Alben (Prototype) and Arianna Reiche (Tangerine Press). From 4pm, the special guest Unexplained Podcast, the popular story-based podcast in which host and creator Richard MacLean Smith explores a different unexplained mystery each week, will perform a live reading of their episode “Hexham Heads”, examining strange events in 1970s Northumberland. From 4.30pm, there will be an acoustic set by the alternative indie UK-based band Lilies in by Brain.

 

Michael Curran, Founder of Tangerine Press, said: “It’s wonderful to be back at the Peckham Pelican with The Uncorrected Independent Publishers’ Fair for the first time since 2019. We have seven of the best indie presses in the country all under one roof in relaxed surroundings. It isn’t a stuffy hall! You can order a beer, chill out and listen the readings from authors and poets representing each of the publishers. Then perhaps sit up and be drawn into a rare live performance of the Unexplained podcast. Finally round it off with an acoustic set by promising indie newcomers Lilies in my Brain. All the while you can browse at your leisure through the stunning selection of books on sale, at special event prices. And it’s a free event!”

 

Find out more about The Uncorrected Independent Publishers’ Fair here, and for the latest updates follow #TUIPF22 and @TangerinePress

 

 

Event details:

 

The Uncorrected Independent Publishers’ Fair

 

Date:               Saturday 11 June, 11am – 6pm

Venue:             Peckham Pelican, 92 Peckham Rd SE15

Tickets:           Free

Social:             #TUIPF  |  TW: @TangerinePress  |  IG: @Tangerine_Press

Website:         https://thetangerinepress.com/TUIPF/

 

Major new book – Weight Loss for Life, from Johns Hopkins University

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I have had three children and my weight has fluctuated after every one of them. My third is almost one and now I want to lose the weight so I was interested in reading this book. I am glad I did. It is a comprehensive and non-judgemental plan backed by the latest, and best, science. I found it easy to read and follow. I highly recommend it.

Major new book – Weight Loss for Life, from Johns Hopkins University’s Healthful Eating, Activity & Weight Programme

Weight Loss for Life

The Proven Plan for Success

By Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, And Kimberly A. Gudzune, MD, MPH

This is not a fad diet book. This is the most comprehensive, scientifically based-programme to lose weight and keep it off, with practical details about diet and nutrition, movement and motivation, medications, supplements, surgery, and more.

In Weight Loss for Life, two experts from the Johns Hopkins Healthful Eating, Activity & Weight Programme provide you with all of the information you need on your weight lossjourney. They bring together leading experts in behavioural health, nutrition, exercise, and nursing to help you develop a plan that works best for you—and one that’s not just focused on just restricting calories or certain foods. Anyone struggling with unwanted weight gain or obesity will find this programme to be helpful, compassionate, and clear.

A central feature of the programme is a Personal Plan of Action to help you set up reachable goals, plan your meals, and make time for movement. All the recommendations are customisable based on your personal health and needs. You’ll find interactive features too, with surveys throughout asking you to reflect on your own eating habits as well as barriers to success. And unlike other books Weight Loss for Life covers it all: supplements, prescription medications, med spas, and surgical options. If you struggle, it can help you get back on track. Throughout, testimonials from others who have followed the programme along with hundreds of photographs and drawings will help educate and keep you motivated along your weight loss journey.

Weight Loss for Life is the guide to the science and art of achieving and maintaining a healthful weight.

“This evidence-based, easy-to-understand approach to weight loss provides readers with the appropriate tools they need to be successful long term in reaching their own individualized goals. More comprehensive than other weight loss books on the market, this book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to lose weight safely and effectively.” – Virginia Quick, PhD, RDN, Rutgers University

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, is Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Professor and Chair of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University. Kimberly Anne Gudzune, MD, MPH, is Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she is the director of Johns Hopkins Healthful Eating, Activity & WeightProgramme.

Hardback, 400 pages, 131 colour photos, 10 colour illus., 9781421441948, £22.00

https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12203/weight-loss-life

 

Leaping into Summer with LeapFrog and VTech

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We love VTech toys at Frost. They are so imaginative and great for learning.


LeapFrog Ironing Time Learning Set (18+ months)

£18.99 | Smyths Toys Superstores

Children can press into learning about shapes, colours and counting with the motion-activated Ironing Time Learning Set™! This interactive iron plays songs, silly phrases and sound effects when kids move the iron back and forth. Join the iron in 10+ learning activities! Count to five or sing along to the alphabet song as you iron the included play clothes. Turn the temperature dial to hear about colours, fabrics, and low, medium and high heat.

2-in-1 Touch and Learn Tablet (2+ years)

£23|Argos

Children can flip and twist their way through learning this summer with this two-sided, screen-free, pretend tablet. Cleverly switching from portrait story mode, to landscape activity mode, children can read along to their favourite stories and enjoy 14+ touch-sensitive interactive learning areas covering shapes, animals, numbers, emotions and early science concepts.

VTech Toot-Toot Drivers Airport (1-5 Years)

£34.99 | Argos

Fly in to Summer with the Toot-Toot Drivers Aiport. Let’s get ready to fly to your destination! Spinning cloud lets you fly the jet around the control tower! Launcher will send the jet speeding down the runway! Also includes Toot-Toot Jet, 4 SmartPoint™ locations, spinning radar, wind meter, runway lights & more.

VTech Marble Spiral City (4+ years)

£24.99| Smyths Toys Superstores

This exciting colour coded play set features all the pieces you need create a wild Marble Rush™ city. With 5 marbles included and 62 building pieces to assemble, there is plenty of fun to be had for both beginners and pros! Watch as the marbles rush around the swirling funnel, corkscrew and out of the launcher! This play set is compatible with other VTech® Marble Rush™ items! Includes easy to follow assembly instructions!

 

4 Essential Equipment to Have in Your Home Gym

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4 Essential Equipment to Have in Your Home Gym

 

Setting up a home gym is a dream for many. Whether it’s just a small corner in your garage with a few dumbbells or a full-fledged home gym with power racks and other equipment, your home gym can help you achieve your fitness goals. Depending on the available space in your home, you might have to carefully choose the right equipment that will fit the space without cluttering it. You need to have free space to move around freely without obstacles leading to accidents and injuries.

 

It would often make sense to purchase home gym packages instead of buying individual equipment. It will not only save you a lot of money but using the equipment from one brand gives you compatibility and consistency in your workout. As different brands have different measuring standards, it’s best to purchase the complete packages that come with all the essential workout equipment such as power rack, dumbbell rack, Olympic bar, weight plates, cable setup, and different attachments. Before you plan to set up your home gym, you need to know what equipment is necessary. Here are four essential pieces of gym equipment that you must have in your home gym.

 

1. Training bench

 

A training bench is one of the crucial additions to your home gym. They allow you to lay on it for lifting weights and use them for support for numerous exercises like bench presses, shoulder presses, step-ups, decline pushups, dips, and many more. Many home gym packages include training benches as their standard addition.

 

The training bench should be adjustable to different angles so you can perform inclined, fat, and declined exercises with ease. The bench should be made from high-quality, durable material to withstand your weight and provide stability while lifting weights. The foam material should also be high quality to avoid slipping and offer a better grip.

 

2. Power rack

 

The power rack or weight rack is the centerpiece of your home gym. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced lifter, adding a power rack to your home gym will offer a lot of functionality in your workout. You can perform many workouts on the power rack, such as deadlifts, squats, bench presses, pullups, lat pulldowns, dips, etc.

 

Lifting heavy free weights can be dangerous, especially when you don’t have a spotter to spot you. In such cases, power racks offer a safe workout environment to perform your workout with safety and ease. Power racks can lift more than 1000 pounds and have different attachments for various exercises.

 

3. Resistance bands

 

Resistance bands are the most versatile yet often overlooked fitness equipment. A resistance band helps tone your muscles by targeting particular muscle groups through resistance training. When you use the resistance bands, it creates substantial pressure on your muscles and contracts them. The thickness of the band also plays a key role. The thicker band needs more resistance to stretch, which means your muscles get activated with higher resistance. Resistance bands come in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and resistance capacities. Resistance bands are a must-have in your home gym, whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete.

 

4. Foam floorings or mats

 

Weight plates are heavy, and they are made of metal. If you accidentally drop them on the floor, they can easily break the files and cause severe damage to your flooring. Therefore every home gym must have foam or rubber flooring to protect the floor. These floorings offer better grip as well. You don’t want to slip while squatting 200 pounds of weight on your shoulders.

 

Your home gym must have all the essentials to make your workout easier and more intense. You can also add other non-mandatory additions to your home gyms, such as motivational posters, downlights, and a music system to create that energizing ambiance of commercial gyms.

 

WANDSWORTH JOINS THE BIG PLATINUM JUBILEE LUNCH

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Partnering with the World Heartbeat Music Academy to provide free live music for the occasion across Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common, Tooting Common,Furzedown Recreation Ground and Coronation Gardens.

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Enable and Wandsworth Council will be participating in the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday the 5th of June. Not only will they be helping you find your perfect picnic spot, but will also provide free lunchtime entertainment in Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common, Tooting Common, Furzedown Recreation Ground and Coronation Gardens, to make for the perfect summer picnic.

Not for profit Enable is also delighted to announce it has successfully been awarded a grant from Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s Create’ Jubilee Fund, administered by The London Community Foundation, to deliver a special programme of musical entertainment for the occasion. The Foundation provides critical funding to community-based organisations around the city, in its mission to support grassroots organisations.

The focus of this fund, as Arts Council England note, is to ‘empower community organisations to work collaboratively with artists and cultural organisations in a way they might not have before, producing creative events that are driven by them and highlight their ideas and creativity.’ In this spirit, Enable is excited to partner with the World Heart Beat Music Academy to provide free live music and entertainment for the Wandsworth community as they celebrate the collective history of the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

Thanks to the grant given by Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s Create’ Jubilee Fund, Enable will work with the World Heart Beat Music Academy to provide a series of music education workshops to local primary schools within Wandsworth, culminating on the event day with performances from the participants.

Featuring young local musicians aged 5-25, the Wandsworth based World Heart Beat Music Academy promotes music as a universal form of communication – that transforms the lives of young people through its unique and richly diverse teaching environment, where young talent is nurtured through a broad programme of music lessons, workshops and events, matching the Big Jubilee Lunch theme of community cohesion perfectly.

Started in 2009 by the Eden Project, The Big Jubilee Lunch is a national opportunity for all communities to celebrate their connections, bringing neighbours together and getting to know each other a little bit better. And what better setting than our beautiful Wandsworth green spaces for five incredible performances from young musicians and artists. So, pack your picnic blankets and Coronation chicken sandwiches and head to your local greenspace for a special Wandsworth royal knees up.

The Big Jubilee Line-up

Battersea Park –  World Heart Beat Music AcademyContemporary Gig Bands – 12.30PM
Tooting Common – New Orleans Second Line Marching Band – 13.00PM
Wandsworth Common – Otto and the Matapa Calling – 13.00PM
Furzedown Recreation Ground – Rebecca Wing’s Jazz Band – 14.00PM

Coronation Gardens – World Heart Beat Music Academy Piano Party – 13.00PM

 

Follow Enable’s social media for more information over the coming weeks

Instagram: @enableparks Twitter: @enableparks