ZeroWater® – The Purest Filtered Water Around – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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The debate on filtering drinking water rumbles on. Just turning on a tap and drinking safe water is a privilege enjoyed by relatively few in this world. So should we go one step further and add filtration between tap and lips?

Well there are pros and cons. Tap water does contain various ‘added extras’ – chlorine, which can be unpalatable but is used to kill microorganisms, and fluoride to combat tooth decay. Tap water also contains varying amounts of minerals, depending on where you live. Some can be harmful and are kept within safe limits by the water companies, some are safe or even beneficial. A good example is calcium, which in hard-water areas can cause deposits (furring) in kettles, but it doesn’t harm us and in fact we need some calcium in our diet.

One unwelcome addition to both drinking water and also food is microplastics. These are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 mm long.  Microplastics definitely aren’t beneficial and could well be harmful as they can act as hormone disrupters, leading to cancer and infertility.

For me, the microplastics are the most persuasive argument for a water filter. However if you use filtered water regularly it’s probably wise to use fluorinated toothpaste to replace fluoride removed by the filter.

So are all water filters equal? In short, no. If you’re looking for the most effective system, ZeroWater® is hard to beat, removing 99.6% of detectable dissolved solids, whilst other leading brands only remove 50% or less. Importantly ZeroWater® guarantees to remove almost all microplastics. It’s so effective because it has a five-stage filter, as opposed to the more usual two-stage systems (see diagram below). Importantly ZeroWater® jugs are BPA-Free.

ZeroWater® has a great range of sizes and designs, but the 12 Cup, 2.8l Ready-Read Jug is particularly useful and very easy to assemble and feels solid and stable. I love the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter which fits neatly in the jug handle so you can check the water purity as you pour from the spigot, and the water really does taste good. Normally priced at £44.99, it’s currently on special offer at just £33.74. You can test your unfiltered water with the TDS meter to estimate how long your filter will last and ZeroWater® operate a filter replacement service by subscription.

If you’re keen on pure water do check out the ZeroWater® range.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

RiutBag introduces its anti-theft Crush foldable backpack offering the ultimate in lightweight security on the move

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When on a commute to London, especially as Christmas approaches or, actually, at any other time, I tend to clutch my bag to me, treating everyone with suspicion. Sad to say I do that in any busy town now because I have had experience of pickpockets busy doing what they do. The cheek – it quite strained my sweet nature (ho hum) – when my bank card went missing. So, all together now: ‘Let’s not make it easy for them.’

This is surely what is behind the design of the UK based RiutBag Crush foldable backpack which offers the ultimate in security and anti theft protection. The innovative design means the zips are positioned against the body thus avoiding any risk of prying hands and the loss of treasured possessions… like my bank card. Yes, I know I’m going on, but really? Truly? Yes, really which is why the RiutBag Crush is so enormously useful, and what’s more, lightweight – I know, I’ve tried it – and it will have to be prized off me. Just the thing also, as a stylish Christmas gift.

RiutBag, pronounced ‘riot’ stands for Revolution in User Thinking and brings an entirely new concept to wearable technology and travel industries. RiutBags, invented by UK designer and commuter Sarah Giblin, first hit the headlines in 2015 for their simple and effective theft-proof “backwards” design with the zips cleverly hidden on the back panel so no one else can access the contents.

Even A-list magician and professional pickpocket entertainer, Matt Windsor has endorsed the bags stating, “Given there are no zips available to me, I wouldn’t even look at it as an option to pickpocket. By having a RiutBag, you make it clear to a pickpocket that you’re aware of what they do professionally and they just think, “I’ll pick someone else. I think they’re very difficult to steal from, if not impossible.”

This lightweight daypack weighs less than 300 grams and has 14 litres of space, so plenty of room for a day’s worth of belongings in a very light backpack. When it’s not in use, it folds down into a small pocket, weighing just 270 grams, which can be kept inside a main backpack, a car or put away neatly at home for when it’s next needed. Whether on a walk through a city, at a festival, in a crowd or market, enjoy moving with total peace of mind with the secure RiutBag Crush. The RiutBag Crush is available for £39.00 from the Riut website here Frost Magazine can’t recommend it highly enough.

NELL DIXON SHARES HER INSPIRATION FOR THE MISS UNDERHAY SERIES

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For the last two years I’ve been living full-time in Devon in a small fishing village. If anyone is unfamiliar with the area, it is a particularly beautiful place with sandy beaches, wide rivers, green farmland and historic and lovely towns and villages. Thatched cottages abound in a chocolate box setting. The Miss Underhay series is set in and around Torbay during the 1930’s. Torquay was the birthplace of Agatha Christie so clearly this is a landscape to inspire crime writing!

The world my intrepid amateur sleuth, Kitty Underhay inhabited in 1933 would be familiar to her today despite some damage done by the second world war and over enthusiastic building works in the 1960’s. Punctuating the landscape are several beautiful and unique buildings. All of which feature in or have inspired scenes in the series. Landscape has always been important to me as a writer. I’ve always been fascinated by the built environment and the human stories that are told through both the building and the spaces between them.

One such building is the now sadly neglected Pavilion theatre in Torquay, a gorgeous art deco affair on Torquay seafront. Set amidst green space and flowerbeds, in the twenties and thirties it hosted operas and a beautiful tearoom. It was the place to see and be seen. This was also a building familiar to Dame Agatha Christie. Hopefully it will take its place again soon as one of Torquay’s jewels.

Another favourite building is run by the National Trust, tucked away down a country lane on the way from Torquay to Dartmouth. Coleton Fishacre is a gem of a jazz age country retreat. Once the summer home of the D’Oyly Carte family, it’s set in beautiful gardens that lead to the sea. A wonderful cream tea can be enjoyed, and the house is one of the loveliest places to visit.

In nearby Dartmouth, the inspiration for Kitty’s home is York House. A black and white half-timbered building, it’s easy to picture Kitty and her grandmother running their hotel there. Dartmouth itself is full of amazing buildings, from the medieval Dartmouth Castle which guards the mouth of the river estuary to the Butter walk, a colonnaded stone walkway housing shops and tea rooms. The Butter walk was damaged in the Second World War but has been so well repaired that you wouldn’t be able to tell.

Dartmouth is also home to another incredible building, St Saviour’s Church. Listed as one of the best 100 churches in England, it was constructed around 1372, and underwent significant restoration in 2014 to preserve it for future generations. It has magnificent medieval wooden doors, heavily carved with gryphons and supported on huge iron hinges.

Another building that sums up the spirit of Torbay in the jazz age is a mansion owned by the local council which is now coming back to life. Oldway mansion in Paignton was home to the Singer family, a name known to anyone with an interest in sewing. Oldway mansion was modelled on the Palace of Versaille and the interior is a magnificently painted masterpiece. During the first world war it was a hospital for injured American servicemen and went on to become a country club. The house is currently closed to the public, but the beautiful grounds can be enjoyed by anyone and there is a lovely tearoom. It’s easy to picture Hercule Poirot strolling in the grounds.

As well as the places listed above there is also Greenway House, Dame Agatha Christies’ own home, which is well worth a visit.

Helena Dixon’s latest release in the best-selling Miss Underhay series is Murder at the Highland Castle available as ebook, audiobook or paperback https://www.nelldixon.com

THREE CHRISTMAS AND A SUMMER BOOK REVIEWS

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The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft, reviewed by Morton S Gray

Classic Sue Moorcroft.

I enjoyed being back in Nelson’s Bar, Norfolk reading about Ruthie, Maddy and Raff. A Christmas novel with twists and turns in the present and the revelation of secrets from the past too as Ruthie shares her treasured love letters.

A romance between Maddy and Raff seems inevitable, as they help Ruthie heal wounds from her past, until Maddy receives a message about her own mystery and the world changes.

Sue Moorcroft has a skill of carrying you along with a story and leaving you wanting for more.

A story to tug at your heart strings.

The Recipe for Hope by Fiona Valpy, reviewed by Jane Cable

I fancied a Christmas story, and for me this one was close to perfect. For a start it’s a novella, just a touch in under two hundred pages, and for a relatively simple festive romance it doesn’t need to be any more. And the cast of characters is small, and yet still a community is created for Evie to fall into when she escapes to France to avoid Christmas.

What really made this book stand out for me was the way I almost instantly slipped inside Evie’s heart and mind, and cared about her. I finished the book hours ago, and still she’s with me. On top of that, the customs and settings of rural south west France are described so beautifully, and with love. As is the food. The icing on the cake was a proper, real world, grown up ending. Five stars from me any day of the week.

New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage by Georgia Hill, reviewed by Morton S Gray

A great read that will have you thinking about Christmas and maybe buying Baileys!

I loved reading this book, which was a complete tonic in a stressful time for me. I always say that a book that can produce an emotional reaction is a good book and this one produced not one, not two, but three heart affecting scenes that had me thinking and reaching for the tissues. A cosy read, but with serious underlying themes of starting again after loss.

The characters are likeable and relatable, particularly Jago, trying to be the responsible son and brother, whilst nursing his own demons and heartaches, Honor, the primary school teacher with a big venerable heart and the amazing vicar, Verity, who is mad on ABBA. Merryn is a very wise little girl beyond her years. Georgia Hill weaves her story around community of Lullbury Bay, with each person living there having a distinct role and backstory. It sounds like somewhere I would enjoy living. I’d even take part in the yarn bombing brigade!

Highly recommended to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Secrets of the Shell Sisters by Adrienne Vaughan, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

Magical tale of secrets, second chances and sisterhood

Set on Ireland’s ancient east coast, the Morgan sisters are in crisis. Cassandra runs the family hotel and it’s struggling, as secrets from her past threaten to resurface making things worse. Greer is fleeing a failed relationship with a powerful man, but if she returns will she stay? And then there’s Orla – fey, funny and mysterious – insisting messages from the shells must heeded or what will become of them all?

Returning to Rosshaven was a delight, especially as this story, while fresh and original, is cleverly intertwined with characters from the first book, Summer of Secrets.

A beautifully written tale of relationships, lost love and second chances, laced through with a touch of Irish magic – so deftly delivered it feels as natural as the sea itself.

This is romantasy at its best and I loved it.  

Christmas games from Cheatwell reviewed by Natalie Jayne Peeke West Country Correspondent

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Christmas is about one thing and one thing only, family. Everything else is a bonus. The lovely people at Cheatwell games seem to share the same sentiment as I do, they have lots of family friendly games available to ensure extra cheer and joy this festive season.

I was sent two very festive games and my family really enjoyed playing them, we laughed so hard we cried when my goofy nine year old son had a go at charades.

The first game we all played was 8 in 1 Christmas games. With a broad selection of quirky quizzes, cheeky challenges and classic family favourites there’s something for everyone.

What I found really appealing about this game was you could pick and mix what games you wanted to play and everything you would need is included in the box, perfect for when your visiting relatives and want to take something with you , you can just grab and go with these games. This game is £9.99 from www.zavvi.com

The second game was Christmas Express, this is a board game where the players journey through a winter wonderland as you race to be the first to get to the North Pole. The aim of the game is to be the first player to travel along the train track from the Home Station to the North Pole Station.

You’ll have to avoid the Hustle Bustle, the Reindeer Crossings, the Snow Storms and maybe the naughty elf, but keep an eye out for Santa’s sleigh as he could help you on your way. Again we all really enjoyed playing this and I like the fact that instead of using a dice to determine how many spaces you move you pick up a random card from the deck provided it is a unique twist.

Christmas Express is £18.29 from www.amazon.co.uk

More information: Cheatwell.com

An Acrostic poem from Miss Delilah, as she is known by her Anma, Frost editor Margaret Graham.

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The mobile phone did its thing. Margaret answered, to hear: ‘I think there is another author in the family, Anma. I have written an Acrostic poem, and it has been chosen for an anthology.’

‘Oh,’ said Anma. ‘Oh how simply grand, but what is an Acrostic poem?’

Well, such a pause was there, for Miss Delilah clearly could not believe that an author with 28 books to her credit, and heavens above – with a few bestsellers in the mix – did not know such a thing. Miss Delilah you see is 6 years of age, coming on 16, and let’s face it, it seems there is little she does not know, though a great deal of which Anma is ignorant.

Miss Delilah explained, ‘An Acrostic poem is one that creates a challenge. You have to select your words carefully to form a word from top to bottom. The words have to have a connection to the word you choose.’ She sniggered. ‘No, not that bottom, Anma.’ (How well she knows her Anma).

So, readers of Frost Magazine, I present the second author in our family, who will clearly very soon outshine her Anma, if Miss Delilah has anything to do with it, because 6 year olds are extraordinarily competitive and clever, Anma is coming to realise. Soon Miss Delilah will expect launch lunches, and pop to go with it. Anma however, wise in a very few ways, will have a large glass of wine.

I thank her wonderful little school for challenging and informing their pupils (if one may call them this anymore) enabling them to stretch themselves to understand the wonders that education can bring.

Duck & Dry – Pampering For Your Hair And For You Too – by Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Have you discovered Duck & Dry yet?

‘I’m just popping to the hairdressers, Darling’ suddenly has a whole new meaning when you pass through the doorway of these chic London blow dry bars. Not only is the setting luxurious, but guess what, they have a bar. Yes, really, where you can order prosecco or cocktails. So why not make it a blow dry party? With group tables available, where you can drink and chat in between having your hair done, you can have a lovely social time and come out looking stunning too. Oh, and they have a nail bar – it just gets better, doesn’t it?

Duck & Dry currently have blow dry bars in five iconic locations – Chelsea, Mayfair, Islington, Spitalfields and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. The system is simple and easy – there’s a set menu of services and styles with set prices and you can book on-line. There are special bundle prices too with free prosecco.

But there’s more, Duck & Dry have developed their own special range of hair products which use natural active ingredients and have been thoughtfully formulated to be the very best for your hair, and they’re rather special.

The Fine Feathers range is designed for fine hair. The shampoo adds volume and enlivens limp hair. It’s incredibly lightweight, and cleanses thoroughly. The matching conditioner is ultra-lightweight too and contains honey, virgin coconut oil and shea butter to add a boost of moisture and lustre to your hair. I tried these and my hair felt fabulous and smelt great.

In contrast, the Full Feathers range is nourishing and reparative for thicker and coarser hair. The shampoo contains aloe vera, coconut and essential oils so it leaves the hair incredibly smooth, strong and beautifully scented. The conditioner is a reparative blend of aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter to strengthen and smooth each strand, restoring moisture, sealing split ends and fighting frizz. 

And the good news is, if you don’t live in London, or even if you do, you can buy these amazing products on-line too. The shampoo and conditioners are £18 and £20 each, but if you want a real treat, they come in a gift set with the Pre-Heat-Prep hair primer, which is enriched with natural actives and essential oils, and great for leaving a super smooth, frizz free and shiny finish. The gift set is beautifully presented in a sparkly pouch and at £50 would make a fabulous Christmas gift.

Another thing I really like about their website are the Hair Tutorials which explain how to use all their products, so that you can look as if you’ve just been to the hairdresser every day.

This brand is a great new concept and I love it.

By Dr K Thompson, award winning 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.

Babe Spirit from Missguided – A Fresh And Light Perfume For The Party Season- by Dr Kathleen Thompson

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I am loving Babe Spirit, the new scent in the Babe range from Missguided. Apparently it’s targeted at teenagers, but surely I could still be mistaken for an eighteen-year old? What was that? Sorry I can’t hear you, and I shall wear this lovely perfume, so there.

The fragrance is beautifully light, so you can indulge in a good spray, even of the Eau de Parfum without fear of overdoing it.

It’s described as floating in an ocean of freesia, watermelon and candy floss, followed by a softening into waves of green floral accord – a base of soothing white musks and woody accords nestled in ribbons of spun sugar. I really can’t better this depiction.

With Christmas heading towards us super-fast, the generously-sized 80 ml Eau de Parfum is a lovely gift – beautifully presented with a RRP of just £30. However, hot tip, at the moment you can grab it on special offer for just £15 from thefragranceshop.co.uk

Check out these lovely gift sets too:

Gift set – 80ml eau de parfum with 10ml mini-spray at just £30

Gift Set – 80ml eau de parfum with 220ml body mist also at just £30

So there you go, that’s a few items on your Christmas present list which you can tick off. You’re welcome.

By Dr K Thompson, award winning 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.