Category Archives: Featured

Amazing Products You Need to De-Stress

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SBC ARNICA MUSCLE SOAK – £15 SBCSKINCARE.CO.UK
Harnessing Arnica’s renowned comforting properties, SBC Skincare’s Arnica Muscle Soak works to help alleviate muscular tension and fatigue. The perfect start to your night-time self-care ritual, simply pump into a steaming bath, lie back, breathe in the delicate herbal aroma, and let the stress soak away. Notes of rosemary, sweet orange and ylang-ylang aid relaxation, while Arnica Montana helps to soothe your aching body, so you can truly unwind at the end of a hard day.
 
EMBRYOLISSE LAIT-CREME CONCENTRE – £13 BOOTS
Used as a mask in your self-care routine, this cream combines ingredients of natural origin, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins to provide the skin with nutrients and water for its balance and helps protect it from aggression. Moisturised and nourished, the skin becomes supple and elastic once more. It is plumped, smoothed, and incredibly soft. Signs of dryness and discomfort are reduced, leaving the skin feeling soothed.
MYLEE NAIL POLISH ESSENTIALS KIT – £89 MYLEE.CO.UK

Whilst not something that’s going to instantly de-stress, doing your nails can be used as a distraction and quite a therapeutic activity. The Mylee Nail Polish Essentials Kit comes with a Pro LED Lamp, 4 stunning MyGel Polishes, Top and Base Coats, Gel Remover, and Wipes so you have everything you need to take 10 minutes for yourself.
ONLY CURLS EXFOLIATING SCALP SCRUB – £24 ONLYCURLS.COM
Another step to add to your self-care routine, as it is suggested that a scalp massage can help ease the stresses of the day and promote feelings of relaxation. It can also work wonders for your hair if combined with a scrub that will gently exfoliate to remove product build-up, excess oil and dead skin cells that gather at the root of your hair, thus promoting healthy hair growth.

Mask Your Way to Beautiful Skin – Arbonne Launches 3 NEW Face Masks to Target Common Skincare Concerns

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I am a huge fan of face masks. I find nothing brightens my face as much as a good face mask. I tried the new face masks from Arbonne and I loved them. They are vegan and plant based. What’s more; they really, really work. Get them here. 

Arbonne is expanding its skincare range to launch three new masks that are formulated to target some of the most common skincare concerns. The dermatologically tested, vegan masks are made using premium plant-based ingredients, suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Whether you’re looking for a dry skin saviour, an oily skin preventer, or a way to prevent breakouts in combination skin, Arbonne have a skincare solution for you.

Instant Cooling Moisture Mask with Peppermint – £34, Arbonne

Clarifying Detox Mask with Exfoliating Charcoal – £39, Arbonne

Cell Exfoliating Mask + Cleanser with Bamboo -£37, Arbonne

 

Public urged to Respect The Water as latest statistics show accidental drowning deaths increased again last year, with more dying at inland water than around the coast

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There were 277 deaths in the UK from accidental drownings in 2021 across inland and coastal locations. This is an increase of 23 from the previous year. Accidental drownings form part of the total water-related fatalities in the UK – for 2021 the total number of deaths in water was 616, a decrease of 15 from the previous year.

The statistics and figures in the report are from the Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), and the key accidental drowning death insights are as follows:

 

• Inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries continue to be the leading locations with 62 per cent of deaths (N=168).

• Males continue to over represent with 83 per cent of deaths (N=230).

• 40 per cent of people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or being swept in by waves (N= 107).

Following this concerning increase in accidental water-related deaths last year, the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) is reminding people of the following lifesaving advice to help people enjoy our waterways and coastlines, particularly as warmer weather arrives, but water temperatures remain dangerously cold.

  • If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
  • Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
  • If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service.

The collaborating members of the NWSF, come from a wide range of sectors including sports governing bodies, rescue services, charities, regulators, navigation and harbour authorities, local government, utilities and those representing quarry operators. Later this summer NWSF will be launching its new #RespectTheWater campaign ahead of UN World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25th. The campaign will be promoted nationally to raise awareness of key safety advice and support the Forum’s mission to reduce drowning.

Dawn Whittaker, CEO East Sussex Fire Rescue Service & NWSF Chair said: “The pandemic continued to present considerable challenges at our coastal and inland waterways last year as more people had staycations. The #RespectTheWater campaign is designed to help prevent further deaths and injuries in water.

“We urge the public to understand the dangers, to learn the importance of knowing how to float to live, and to call 999 if others are in trouble and if there is a water related emergency.

“We have seen increased numbers participating in water sports and water-based activities and consequently a rise of the number of incidents associated with activities such as Stand-up Paddle boarding and Open Water Swimming. We want people to enjoy the water safely, so we will continue to focus on guidance, education and awareness for the public.

“We will continue to work together to reduce deaths caused by drowning and water related injuries in the UK, and endeavour to reach our collective goal of halving accidental drownings in the UK by 2026. The global water safety community is onboard with a UN resolution recognising the scale and burden of drowning, calling for urgent international action.”

To view and download the WAID 2021 report visit: https://www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/waid

 

5 Critical Things You Must Know About Kratom Capsules

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Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia used for centuries as a natural remedy for pain and depression. Today, it is gaining popularity in the USA as an herbal supplement, typically sold in the form of capsules. While kratom capsules may offer some potential benefits, some risks are also associated.

Research has shown that kratom contains compounds with essential analgesic properties, which can effectively treat chronic pain. Additionally, several studies have confirmed its effectiveness as an antidepressant, providing relief from symptoms like persistent sadness and low moods.

It is essential to buy kratom capsules from a reputable source like Kratom USA. This will ensure you get a quality product and avoid potential health risks.

1. What are the Ingredients Used in Kratom Capsules?

These capsules contain an extract from the leaves of the kratom tree. The leaves of this tree have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, which are thought to come from the alkaloids they contain. These alkaloids interact with the body’s opioid receptors, resulting in pain relief and improved mood.

US citizens must be cautious while buying kratom as it is legal in some states, whereas it is banned in others. It is advisable to check the legal status in your state before buying it.

2. How Do Kratom Capsules Work, and What are Their Benefits?

At a basic level, these capsules consist of powdered extract that has been placed inside of a pill casing. Although there are different methods for taking this supplement, tablets are one of the most popular because they are convenient and easy to use.

They work so well because they effectively deliver the compounds in kratom directly to the bloodstream. This means that you get the maximum benefits from your dose with no wasted product. Additionally, some people find it difficult or unpleasant to take liquids or powders, so capsules provide an alternative method for ingestion.

3. How Should They Be Taken for Optimal Results?

For the best results, it is recommended that you take capsules on an empty stomach. This will help ensure that the body absorbs the tablets more quickly and efficiently.

It is also vital to stay hydrated while taking medicine, as this will help prevent any adverse effects from occurring.

4. What are Their Side Effects?

These tablets are generally considered to be safe when taken as directed. However, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include upset stomach, constipation, and headaches.

Studies show that US citizens use kratom for pain, anxiety, and depression. There are more than 30 vendors in the USA from whom you can buy these herbal supplements. Out of these, some vendors provide free shipping on specific orders.

5. What is the Cost of the Capsules in the USA?

The expense of kratom capsules in the United States varies depending on the source, but it is usually cheap.

● $15 for a bottle of 50 capsules
● $28 for a bottle of 100 capsules
● $52 for a bottle of 200 capsules
● $99 for a bottle of 400 capsules

Before taking any supplement or medication, it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to provide you with guidance on using them safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Overall, kratom capsules are very convenient and easy to take, which makes them a great choice for those who want to experience its benefits without any hassle.

Just ensure that you buy them from a reputable seller like Kratom USA so that you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try kratom capsules today!

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Sheila O’Flanagan Five Books That Changed Me.

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THE JEEVES OMNIBUS by PG Wodehouse

I’d always loved the look of the hardback books on my father’s shelf, but was aware that they were for grown-ups and I was only ten. But one day, having finished all the adventure books I’d borrowed from the library, I decided I’d have a crack at this. I chose it because I loved the art-deco cover and because I had to look up the word Omnibus in the dictionary. I also had to look up words like valet and feudal, but despite not having the faintest idea of how the British upper class lived, I was absolutely enraptured by the wit and humour of the writing. PG Wodehouse is still my go-to author when I need my spirits to be raised, and when I need to be reminded that English is a language rich in vocabulary and nuance. The Jeeves Omnibus marked my transition from children’s books to books for adults, and my appreciation of elegant, flowing language in the written word. After reading it, I insisted on borrowing every single PG Wodehouse book in the library.

PRINCESS DAISY by Judith Kranz

Most of the books I read during my teens and early twenties were American literary novels by writers like Steinbeck, Hemingway and Fitzgerald. There was a part of me that believed reading for pleasure was somehow a lesser pursuit, and that unless a book was reviewed as a worthy classic, I shouldn’t really be wasting time on it. And then I picked up Princess Daisy in the airport on my way to my first holiday abroad. I don’t know exactly what I was expecting but it had a heroine you could root for, as well as buckets of glamour and larger-than-life characters, and it was an absolute page turner. I’d never been gripped by a novel in quite this way before, and even though the book got some scathing reviews, I loved how invested I was in it. It made me realise that my view of ‘good writing’ was limited by a literary concept of what that should be, and that good storytelling was equally important.

LIGHT A PENNY CANDLE by Maeve Binchy

This novel centres around the relationship between to lifelong friends. During WW2, Elizabeth is evacuated from London to stay with Aisling’s family in Ireland, and even when she returns to England the two girls remain friends. Like many Irish people, we also had family in England who would come and stay with us every summer. My cousin and I, close in age, used to write each other long, detailed letters about our lives, hopes and dreams in the months when she was back in England. I saw this reflected in Light a Penny Candle, and it was probably the first time a novel actually mirrored part of my own life. Until then everything I read was about people very different to me. Now I realised that ordinary readers could see themselves in books too.

ANGELA’S ASHES by Frank McCourt

‘Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood’. McCourts memoir is a record of his miserable Irish Catholic childhood but it’s told with humour and empathy and, although my Irish Catholic childhood certainly didn’t match his for misery, it made me see that there are many different backgrounds and upbringings and many different stories to be told. Also, like Maeve Binchy, Frank McCourt was writing about Ireland. I’d always imagined that nobody would be interested in books set in Ireland but the location is irrelevant when the story is brilliantly told.

THE POWER by Naomi Alderman

So often in novels and in real life, the world view is set by men, and women are the bystanders, people to whom things happen, rather than people who make things happen. The Power turns this on its head and imagines a world in which women have a force within them with which they can dominate men. As I like to write novels with women front and centre, and shaping their own futures, I loved how this book ramped up the idea of how women could behave if they were physically superior to men. It asks lots of really interesting questions and forced me to think critically about power and how it’s both used and abused.

What Eden Did Next by Sheila O’Flanagan publishes 28th April 2022 in hardback, priced £20.00 (Headline Review)

4 Substances That Can Promote Healthy Hair

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As one of the most visible and noticeable physical attributes, hair is hugely significant to women. Not only is it a statement that defines our personal image, but it can also affect the way we feel, and often determine the course of our day. This is so much the case that the annual spend on maintaining our hair and appearance, according to a report from Fashion Network, reaches an eye-watering £10 billion.

That £10 billion goes largely into products that we can use to maximise volume, change colour, increase shine, and so on. And of course, we can also look to do things like avoiding overexposure to the sun, and drying our hair gently to maintain health and quality. Ultimately though, what goes into our diets and supplement routines also plays a massive role in promoting and marinating hair health over time. It’s with that in mind that we want to take a look at some basic substances that can contribute to healthy, well-conditioned hair.

1. Vitamin C

Proven to have substantial benefits to our skin and overall health, Vitamin C also plays a vital role in haircare. It contains a necessary property that creates protein –– or as it’s more commonly known, collagen –– which encourages growth, reduces hair loss and supports healthy hair. It can also aid in combatting dandruff, delay premature greying and prevent hair from growing weak, brittle and fine. A deficiency in Vitamin C, by contrast, can result in dry hair and split ends –– so taking a supplement is highly recommended.

2. Biotin

Biotin is part of the B-complex group of vitamins, and is a key component in maintaining many of the body’s major systems. Over recent years it’s been claimed that biotin can improve the health and growth rate of nails and hair. Health and wellness platform SymptomFind took an in-depth look into the potential benefits of the substance a short while ago and pointed out that although there’s no specific data to prove the benefits, many supplement manufacturers and social media platform users highly recommend including biotin in your health and beauty regimen. It’s true that a biotin deficiency can cause hair loss and weakened nails, so it’s certainly a possibility that it can be advantageous to take a consistent and regulated supplement. Furthermore, while we lack scientific proof, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that biotin has a positive effect.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has long been used as a natural remedy, and is believed to be advantageous in boosting general health and treating numerous ailments. Examining the latest scientific evidence, BBC Good Food scrutinised coconut oil and delved deeper into the potential health benefits it offers. Alongside several other benefits, the examination concluded that coconut oil may help to protect hair from damage. The lauric acid within the substance is likely to boost protein in hair, reducing the negative effects of natural protein loss. As a readily available, safe and inexpensive natural product, coconut oil is definitely worth trying in your beauty routine!

4. Honey

Now widely recognised as a “superfood,” honey boasts an impressive list of positive contributions to our health. It is rich in health-promoting plant compounds, and also has high antioxidant content, which helps it to fight free radicals that cause damage in the body. Thus, we know that honey in moderation can be good for us. As to hair specifically though, the aforementioned free radical damage does apply to our hair as well –– which indicates that the consumption of honey can help to reverse and/or stave off damage. Furthermore, due to its humectant properties, honey is also great for hydration, helping the hair to maintain moisture and reducing brittleness and breakages.

For those looking for a haircare boost, these are just a few of many “on-the-shelf” natural supplements that can be used to promote hair health. We hope this has been a helpful read, and please visit Frost Magazine again soon for more lifestyle tips and advice!

Collaborative post from Olive J. Begley.

The Patient by Jane Shemilt Book Review

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I tend to judge the success of a book on how long I remember it after I have finished reading it. I could not stop thinking about The Patient after I read it. I sometimes still do, months later.

Jane Shemilt brings her characters to life so vividly it is hard to believe they are not real. You become so engaged with them they feel like friends, or people you know and do not like. Ha. The Patient is a superb psychological thriller but it is also a beautiful love story. Complex and multi-layered, it will keep you gripped all the way to the end with a twist you won’t see coming. One of my favourite books of the year. A must-read.

When Rachel meets Luc, the attraction is instant.
But she is a doctor, and he is her patient.
She gives him the drugs he needs – but in doing so, risks everything.
And when a secret is exposed, they’re both in the firing line.
Not all patients are telling the truth.

Playmobil’s New Hero Product

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Duck on call? You heard correctly! For the first time, a duck is the main character in a brand new PLAYMOBIL theme world and animated series. Ducklas, a cheeky boy in a duck’s body, leads exciting missions together with his three young friends – a firefighter, policewoman, and emergency doctor. The new PLAYMOBIL sets are full of innovation and tons of fun for kids ages 3-5 years.

Welcome to Playmoville!

Playmoville is a unique place where kids are in charge and fabulous things happen. This is where the young rescue heroes Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic embark on exciting missions as they help the townspeople with their problems. But the team would not be complete without Ducklas, who was transformed into a duck by the mysterious Mr. Hans as a result of all his shenanigans! To become a boy again, he must complete a heartfelt act of kindness. The four friends work around the clock to help the people of Playmoville and Queen Mayor in all kinds of emergencies. If only Ducklas would stop accidentally messing things up…!

Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic are ready for action with their cool emergency vehicles whenever help is needed. The emergency vehicle play sets feature a new modular design that makes it easy to mix and match, creating new variations depending on the accessories and gadgets used – so they will suit any mission. Whether an unlucky racecar driver needs help, a cat needs rescuing or a thief is on the loose, the team (together with Ducklas) is always prepared. In their compact Mobile Operations Center, the young heroes are one call and ready to respond! The engaging DUCK ON CALL theme world will expand further with additional play sets launching this summer for more exciting, complex missions. In the large Headquarters with a freefall slide and elevator, Ducklas and his friends are ready to receive incoming emergency calls from all over Playmoville. The powerful fire, police and ambulance trucks, as well as two mini cars, ensure that the team is equipped for any mission.

An animated CGI series takes Ducklas’ fans on adventures throughout Playmoville, including lots of action and humour. The pilot episode will premiere in March, introducing Ducklas and the young rescue team to the world. Further episodes will be launched in June.

Child-friendly fun with the fire, police, and rescue services

Even when unpacking and assembling the sets, children’s ergonomics were taken into account so that younger children can start playing optimally. During the development of all DUCK ON CALL playsets, special focus was placed on children’s ergonomics and motor skills, so that also younger children (ages 3-5 years) will enjoy the experience. For example, the weight-shifting steering in the three emergency vehicles allows children to steer them using only one hand. Additionally, easy-to-use features such as the water cannon, rotating ladder, and slides, as well as interactive light and sound effects, provide tons of fun. Even young rescuers can master changing the modules of the emergency vehicles, too.

Built to the standard PLAYMOBIL quality, the playsets include only high-quality materials. Individual parts are packaged together in bags made of environmentally-friendly, recycled PCR film (post-consumer recycled material). With younger children in mind, the inclusion of small accessories was reduced or avoided entirely. Of course, all DUCK ON CALL sets can be combined and expanded with the figures and accessories of classic PLAYMOBIL toy sets.

With DUCK ON CALL, all kids can become real heroes. By following the adventures in Playmoville, they will learn about the meaning of friendship, helping others, team spirit, and self-confidence. After following the series’ stories, children can join the adventures first-hand with the extensive toy range.  These role-play experiences will stimulate social, cognitive, and motor skills, while also offering limitless fun. And in time for the holidays, kids can count down the days to Christmas with the DUCK ON CALL advent calendar, available beginning of September.

The DUCK ON CALL play theme from PLAYMOBIL at a glance:

Roleplay within the popular worlds of fire, police, and rescue services | great stories with four young rescue heroes | for the first time, a PLAYMOBIL theme world is centered around an animal, as well as kid characters  | headquarters with freefall slide, elevator, and helipad (L 58.5 x D 50 x H 18.5 cm) | modular emergency vehicles allow for mixing and matching | cool trucks and other playsets with age-appropriate play functions | adapted to children’s ergonomics | simple assembly experience | animated CGI series available |

recommended for ages 3-5 years.

Duck on Call is available at Playmobil.co.uk prices from £14.99