My older grandson has reached the age where he seems to suck up information like a souped-up vacuum cleaner.  In fact it’s a struggle to keep up with him, and now his younger brother is biting at his heels so I’m really starting to feel like the feeble old grandma of fairy tales, and they’re only seven and four years old – where will it end?

I gave them a challenging construction toy one week and within a few hours they’d not only mastered it but found it ‘too easy Grandma’. So how to stay one step ahead?

Well thank goodness for Geomag – a simple but very clever toy concept based on magnets, which is geared to all age groups from pre-school to teenagers. For the younger ones there’s the Magicube series – using magnetic cubes to build, and also to make simple words. Then there’s the magnetic rod construction kits – including multicoloured, glow-in-the-dark and glitter-covered rods which are just great for all kids and introduce them to magnetic polarities in a natural way through play. These sets are a brilliant buy, as you can add to them and it’s so easy to build ambitious but stable structures just using the magnetic rods and the bases.

However I’ve now discovered the next level – the Mechanics Gravity range – and I just love them. They really take educational toys to a new fun level, and importantly the 130 piece Loops and Turns set has kept my eldest grandson totally quiet for two hours and counting. I even managed a cup of tea and a little daytime TV (oops did I really share that out loud?)

You can construct all sorts of circuits, and then set off metal balls to career through them, powered just by magnetic force – no worries that a flat battery will unexpectedly end your child’s fun. Geomag provide clear instructions to help your child build amazing structures, and as they gain more experience they can experiment with their own designs too. It’s a fabulous preparation for developing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) skills through play.

Geomag Mechanics Gravity Loops and Turns set is available from ToysRUs for £36.99 and it really is a great longterm investment. And when your child’s in bed, it’s actually a lot of fun for adults too.

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.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should begin this review by confessing that I am in love with Tracklement’s Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney – see my earlier review: https://www.frostmagazine.com/2023/07/michael-rowan-feels-the-heat-with-the-latest-offering-from-tracklements-httpswww-tracklements-co-uk/

When reviewing, prior positive knowledge of the producer can work both ways: I knew before I tasted Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney that I already love one of their chutneys so was already leaning favourably towards their Vegan and Gluten Free Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney, but had they maintained the quality of their Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney? Or was I to be doomed to disappointment? Cast down? In the dumps? So many questions…

In my opinion there is something about chutney that epitomises autumn and though I am partial to a dollop on a piece of cheese or as a straight accompaniment to a good salad (and occasionally just a teaspoon straight from the jar strictly for the purposes of this review – and no I never double dip), it has to be the right chutney. So is the Vegan and Gluten Free English Edition Hedgerow Chutney the right one?

Time to stop worrying, because, packed as it is with juicy damsons grown in Worcestershire, tangy Bramley apples from Kent and blackberries from Scotland, and then beautifully balanced with a careful blend of subtle spices including ginger and nutmeg for an aromatic warmth – how could it not be utterly delicious.

Tracklements advise that we try it on the side of cheeseboards and cold cuts, with smoked fish, pork chops, roast chicken or turkey. 

They also say that it’s  a great addition for breakfast – simply mix with Greek yoghurt for a sweet treat on top of muesli – and even pudding; warm through and pour over ice cream or add a spoonful of brandy for a pancake topping.

It is never to early to begin preparing for Christmas, so it won’t be long before I am submitting my order for both this Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney and also the Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney.

Thinking about it the Special English Edition Hedgerow Chutney would also be a great Christmas present for friends who are Vegan or Gluten intolerant.

I should also point out that the packaging is environmentally friendly; everything can be composted or recycled.

We’re in September, and I am already thinking about how this would work on Boxing Day Lunch

RRP £3.75 for 190g from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk.

Images: courtesy of tracklements.co.uk

It was an absolute pleasure to talk to the director of Eco Land Clearing of Margaret River (and environs), in Western Australia, after Frost Magazine became aware of this sustainable eco land clearing enterprise – and even more of a pleasure to award it the Frost Magazine Eco Award 2023.

Margaret River is a beautiful area of Western Australia, south of Perth. When I stayed there too many years ago researching my first bestseller,  Canopy of Silence,  there were forests with gums, karri and jarrah trees, wonderful surf, wineries, not to mention fire breaks. All these still exist and one day I will return because I love it, and frankly the Margaret River wine is ambrosia. (I fear the Australians keep it for themselves, as I seldom see it here – how mean is that.)

                      Before clearing                                                         After

So, trees and wineries, fire breaks … Surf takes care of itself, but what about clearing  land-bound areas of its inflammable bush – after all fire is an ever present risk in the heat of Australia. This year in particular fire is something that has come to the forefront of our minds as the media brought news of conflagrations in most land masses. So what can be done to reduce this risk?

Eco Land Clearing – vegetation management – is what ‘can be done’: ‘Our way of working is still a relatively new idea in Western Australia, ‘  director Neil Coffey explained to Frost Magazine. ‘But with bush fire issues becoming more of a danger, this environmentally friendly method is increasingly the preferred method of clearance, and certainly it is for us. You see, we mulch, rather than burn the removed bush and shrubs. Our business comprises a CAT299 posi track machine with a Fecon mulching head attachment to mulch vegetation to the point where it breaks down into the soil, thereby improving the soil quality, rather than sending such an important addition up in smoke, not only wasting a soil  asset but spreading the risk of fire.’

                                       Before                                                                After

                                   The resulting mulch returned to the soil – not burned

Neil Coffey added: ‘Let’s face it, the soil needs all the help it can get to bulk up, and provide a nutritious base for well controlled flora and fauna. The machinery is used for BAL (bushfire attack level) compliance work designed to ensure all fire hazard is at safe levels, especially around homes.’

                          Before                                                         After

‘To this end we operate near properties, not only for their protection from fire, but also to improve the views and access, and let’s not forget fence lines and wineries, where we remove vegetation close to the vines, Vegetation that has  the potential to create fire hazards,and, additionally, to accomodate pests. Again, all that is removed is mulched back into the earth. You see, our committment is to sustainability, day in and day out. It seems clear to us that there is no time to lose.‘

                   Before                                                                     After

The above images show old vines pulled out with an excavator and left neatly insitu for Eco Land Clearing to mulch. Over time, after it has broken down enough, the winery turns it back into the soil and then plants new vines.

The above image is of clearing around vines (left) for pest control which gives the birds longer to travel without cover so reduces the damage caused to crops.

Neil Coffey added, ‘Eco Land Clearing generally only clear smaller vegetation such as regrowth trees and undergrowth bush as well, of course, as non natives. We leave behind all the established trees and plants as well as protected species. We also work in with Flora and Fauna specialists to ensure we have minimal impact on animals and their habitats. This requires pre-work inspections and spotting during the process on some jobs.‘

You can understand why Frost Magazine is proud to highlight this proactive eco business – Eco Land Clearing with its committment to the land, and to award it our Eco Award 2023 and wish it all the luck in the world. Keep up the good work.

For Further Information:

+61 458 980 700

Admin@ecolandclearing.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/ecolandclear

ecolandclearing.com.au

Joffe’s Book of the Week is a psychological thriller that will take your breath away — THE PERFECT FAMILY by Anya Mora is OUT NOW for just £1.99 | $3.99*

It all happened so fast. A loose rock was all it took. But the sheriff disagrees — ‘She didn’t fall. Your daughter was murdered.’   My daughter is dead and my son is the prime suspect.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE PERFECT FAMILY BY ANYA MORA FOR £1.99 | $3.99

*special launch price is available for a limited time only. Please check this price offer is live and available in your location before purchasing

The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate   £0.99 | $0.99

UTTERLY CHARMING MURDER MYSTERY.    Pru is restoring the estate of Primrose House — her dream job.  The yew tree needed pruning . . . but it’s gardening enthusiast Ned who receives the chop. Can Pru catch the killer before anyone else comes under the axe?

And extraordinary good offer now:  Priscilla Masters’ The Complete Detective Joanna Piercy Mysteries  1-15: what an offer this is, so – take a breath – Joffe’s biggest box set ever is on offer for *FIFTEEN* BOOKS IN THEIR BIGGST EVER BOX SET.  £0.99 | $0.99

Meet Detective, Joanna Piercy as she gets to work in the remote Staffordshire Moorlands. It might be a small town but there’s always something sinister going on up on the moors. Go on, you’ll love it.

Moving on to Choc Lit …

Angela Britnell’s Christmas in Little Penhaven is charming, so have a treat and enjoy a Cornish Christmas a little earlier than usual this year.  £0.99 | $0.99

Jane Soloman’s life is packed full with drama and intrigue . . . but only in the murder mysteries she writes.  That is until an American businessman arrives in the village. His movie-star good looks have half the village swooning — is he just too good to be true?  Well, I’m not blowing the gaffe – read it and see…

A Little Christmas Charm by Kathryn Freeman  £0.99 | $0.99

And again it’s Christmas early… A festive love story about second chances. Heartthrob Owen can charm anyone — all but the one colleague he can’t get out of his head. Gabby Sanderson was certain of another Christmas alone. Should she risk it all and open her heart? Who knows what she’ll find under the mistletoe

NEWS

Countdown for submissions for the Joffe Books Prize 2023 has begun

Joffe are looking for a talented new crime fiction writer of colour, who will win one of the UK’s largest literary prizes.
THE PRIZE:
A two-book publishing deal with Joffe Books.
A £25,000 audiobook offer from Audible for the first book.
A £1,000 cash prize.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRIZE.

To submit, please email prize@joffebooks.com. The submission deadline is midnight on 30 September 2023

These books are a mere teaspoonful, there are many more available from the fabulous independent publisher Joffe Books HERE

I’ve been feeling a bit tired recently. Maybe it was chugging up Bulgarian mountains, or maybe the intensive dance camp in Poland? Or (surely not?) maybe I’m just not as young as I was?

Whatever the case, I feel the need for a reset and nutrition is a good place to start. There are different views on nutritional supplements and few would disagree that a good balanced healthy diet is non-negotiable. But is there a place for supplements too? Yes, I believe so. Most good fitness trainers subscribe to the 80% nutrition:20% exercise rule and if you’re trying to build muscle, adequate proteins are important. Of course you can simply eat a protein-rich diet but a well-formulated protein powder contains optimal elements for muscle development. However a word of caution, all protein powders are by no means equal, so it’s important to buy from a knowledgeable and experienced company.

That’s why I like the British sports company, Sci-Mx. Their experienced nutritionists use high-quality ingredients to create a range of products designed for differing needs– from bulking muscle, reducing body fat to peaking sports performance. They cater for athletes, but also everyday folk too. Importantly Sci-Mx products are low in sugar wherever possible, which singles them out from other makes.

Many protein powders are based on whey (milk protein), and Sci-Mx offer a range of these. However I’m particularly interested in their Ultra Plant Protein (£21.99). For vegans or for people with a milk allergy, it’s a no-brainer, but, and it’s just my view, I prefer not to load my body with large quantitites of milk protein. Ultra Plant Protein is made from a balanced blend of non-GMO proteins including hydrolysed pea protein, pea protein isolate and rice protein – what’s clever is that the hydrolysed pea protein is rapidly digestible, and the shakes also contain nutrients to support post- workout recovery. I love this protein shake – it’s easy to mix and tasted good – salted caramel and peanut flavour – what’s not to like? It really packs the punch on the protein front with 34g per 2-scoop serving – nearly twice as much as a normal protein bar – in fact I used just one scoop, but it’s a personal choice, and sugar is just 0.9g per serving.

The other Sci-Mx product which I wanted to road-test was Xplode Pre-workout (£15.99) which promised to ignite my energy levels, keep me focussed, and support endurance too – I sure need a piece of this, particularly during my dance competitions where I have to keep dancing with grace, pazazz and a big smile, sometimes way past my bed-time (yes I do mean 9pm these days). It’s a mixture of amino acids, caffeine (equivalent to two and a half cups of coffee), black pepper, magnesium and B vitamins. I tried the tropical fruit flavour – very tasty and citrusy, and I definitely felt the energy kick. It’s for use on training days, so not every day, but I’ll be taking a premixed bottle along to my next competition.

So these were my choices, but we’re all different and Sci-Mx have a very comprehensive range on their website. I would definitely recommend them if you’re looking for workout supplements.

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.