Are you reaching that point where getting the kids back to school sounds more tempting than you care to admit? You’ve gone through your list of fun things to do and it’s starting to look a little threadbare.

‘Oh not that again Mum?’ ‘I’m bored’ ‘What can we do?’ – Striking any chords?

Well if you haven’t discovered Geomag yet, this could be the answer to your prayers. In fact these toys are such fun for all ages that I’m sorely tempted not to share.

Like most of the best toys, they’re simple but clever. Magnetic brightly-coloured plastic rods and metal balls, with variously-shaped bases – that’s it.

But what fun – the magnets are powerful, making it really easy to construct all sorts of stable buildings -from houses and towers to pyramids – even a dodecahedron (yes I had to look that one up too).

You can also use them on a flat surface to make stick men, flower shapes and stars – the only limit is your imagination. This means that kids from 3yrs upwards can enjoy them at different levels – and this includes big kids too, did I mention that I just can’t stop playing with them?

But there’s more – they’re also great for helping school age kids with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). You can build all sorts of geometric shapes in either 2 or 3 dimensions and these toys help kids understand magnetic polarity – if you try to attach two positive ends together you’ll see what I mean.

I personally love the Supercolor set with brightly-coloured rods. The 42 piece set is perfectly big enough for hours of fun and makes a great introductory set, although larger sets are available too.

If kids are looking for something a bit different the Glow set pieces contain natural plant minerals which absorb sunlight and then start to glow – fun for night-time.

The sets come with small storage boxes which mean they take up almost no room at home and are really easy to take on journeys. The other big plus of the magnets, is that individual pieces are less likely to fall – thus avoiding the ear-piercing screams and demand that you stop immediately on the motorway and retrieve pieces from the car footwell (or is that just my painful memory?)

You can add to the sets too, with lots of different selections suitable for different age groups.

You’ve probably noticed, I simply love these. If you want to grab some for the rest of the holidays check out the links below but you’d better hurry – there’s a serious risk I’ll be buying out all supplies myself. Well I am in the middle of building a rather impressive space craft.

Geomag Supercolor 42 Piece, £29.99 from ToysRUs.co.uk

Geomag (329) Glow 42 Piece Set £19 from Amazon

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.

Fancy seeing a show that’s gloriously uplifting and very funny? You couldn’t go far wrong than this one: Dumbledore Is SO Gay – do have fun stressing the ‘so’ – which is a look into the world of Jack. He’s a fan of Harry Potter, suffering teenage angst and, on top of it all, coming to terms with the fact that he’s gay. Could things be any more frustrating?

The play is short, just over an hour long. There’s a stunning cast of three actors playing all the parts and, for Rowling fans, there are plenty of references to the books and films (albeit with a couple of spoilers, just in case you haven’t read/seen them all…)

Alex Britt plays Jack, full of energy, sincerity and joy. He is joined by Martin Sarreal and Charlotte Dowding in this madcap scenario. All three have a blast in their parts, fizzing the story along at a blistering pace. Look out for Charlotte’s swimming – hilarious upstaging, but worth it! It can’t be a coincidence that there are two men and one woman on stage here as the main protagonists – just like at Hogwarts!

Directed by Tom Wright, simplicity is the key here – letting Robert Holtom’s script and the performers do the rest. I specifically enjoyed the subtle soundtrack music by Peter Wilson.

In style and vigour, the production puts me in mind of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. But here, the two shows differ. Curious Incident is a full-length theatrical event and makes Dumbledore feel a little on the small side, a play that rushes to get everywhere and touch all the bases as fast as it can when, perhaps, it should slow down and take its time. The emotional scenes hit just as hard as the comic, but could the levels of Jack’s self-identity and his relationships with family and friends be explored more in depth? It is performed in the ‘first-person’, mainly as reportage and commentary – whereas some longer, deeper scenes would not go amiss.

Dumbledore Is SO Gay is a great show – fun but slightly frivolous. I think it should take itself a little more seriously. I want to know more about Jack and his world; so, although I had a good time, I do feel short-changed. This production was performed in 2020 at VAULT Festival and at The Pleasance Theatre the following year – it is obviously growing in confidence and power. It is going to keep evolving. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see a full-length exploration of Jacks’ amazing story – in the West End and on tour very, very soon…

Photography David Jenson

Producer Hannah Elsy Productions

Production Mgmt Harry Fernley-Brown for New Wolf Productions

Director Tom Wright

Movement Director Rachael Nanyonjo

Set and Costume Natalie Johnson

Running Time 75 minutes (no interval)

Dates until Saturday 23rd September 2023

Monday to Saturday at 8pm

Tuesday & Saturday Matinees at 3.30pm

Venue Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

Tickets https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dumbledore-is-so-gay/

or Telephone – 020 7407 0234

Age Guidance 14+

Content Warning Homophobia, strong language, sexual references and themes of racism,

suicide, and sexual assault.

Instagram @swkplay

Twitter @swkplay

Facebook @SouthwarkPlayhouse

A cracking book of the week from Joffe Books – The Widow’s Boyfriend by E.V. Seymour – a new unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist — THE WIDOW’S BOYFRIEND is out now for just £0.99 | $0.99*. This is a special launch price:   Verity’s widowed mother has been secretly dating a man she met online. Verity should feel pleased for her but she can’t help doubting his intentions. Then a dead bird and surveillance photos are delivered to her mother’s front door and Verity’s suspicions are confirmed — but can she prove it.

Now for my own pick of the week from Joffe’s offerings this week.

Rather a Vicious Gentleman by Frank McAuliffe @  £0.99/$0.99

This is a classic spy thriller full of twists from the pen of master writer, McAuliffe, who died in 1986. Do read this, it’s a steal at the usual  £0.99/$0.99

Augustus Mandrell aims to commit the ultimate ‘locked room’ murder. His plan is perfect . . . but even the best-laid plans can go awry.  With the guards onto Mandrell, he must think of a new plan — and quick. He’s found a way in. Now he must find a way out.

Plus another favourite author of mine: the fabulous Simon Brett with The Complete Mrs Pargeter Cozy Crime Mysteries 1 – 8  @ £0.99/$0.99

‘Murder most enjoyable.’ Colin Dexter     ‘Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cozies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige.’ New York Times.

Now for a couple of Choc Lit newbies.  Remember there are more on Joffe Books website

Morton S. Gray’s ( a lovely author) The Truth Lies Buried  is a romance full of mystery @ £0.99/$0.99

Jenny is instantly drawn to widower and sculptor Carver Rogers — but is it his handsome good looks or their shared twenty-five-year history?  Now they’ve found one another, can they solve the decades-old mystery? Perhaps they can find a way to move on from their pasts . . . together?

Meet me on the Buddy Bench by Hannah Pearl is a love story that will pull on your heartstrings. £0.99/$0.99

Could a serendipitous meeting change the lives of two lost souls?   Ava didn’t expect to meet the perfect Dr Sam at the buddy bench. Is their memorable encounter a one-off, or could the pair become so much more?  Ahhh, me to know, you to find out.

Now for a new one from LUME – a box set for only £0.99/$0.99

The Warwyck Saga by Rosalind Lake. Three historical tales of love, loss and family. Set in the seaside resorts of Victorian England, this evocative historical romance trilogy follows the Warwyck family through three generations. ‘One of the genre’s leading lights.’ Kirkus Reviews.

Anyone for some Lovely Award News? Thought so – drum roll.

RNA WINNERS — KATY TURNER AND SALLY JENKINS-  two of Joffe Books incredible authors – took home a clean sweep of awards at the annual Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Conference. And let’s not forget  congratulations are due to Katy Turner for winning the Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers with her novel LET’S JUST BE FRIENDS, and congratulations also to Sally Jenkins for winning the Elizabeth Goudge Award for her one-thousand-word opening for a novel on the theme: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder.

Hang on, not finished yet, the good news keeps on coming: 2023 NGAIO MARSH AWARDS —  Blood Matters by Renée is a finalist at the Ngaio Marsh Awards 2023 for Best Novel, with this fascinating New Zealand crime novel. Have you visited Porohiwi and discovered all its secrets? Why not discover Renée’s award-winning crime fiction today for just £0.99/$0.99.

Which seems to make it a ‘wrap.’ Great news all round, and more fabulous books at Joffebooks.com   https://www.lumebooks.co.uk/

The college application process can be daunting, but it’s worth it! One of the most important components of the process is the essay. This is your opportunity to share your story and explain why you are interested in the school you are applying to.

One of the most important things to remember when writing your why this college essay is to be specific. Don’t just say that you want to go to a certain school because it has a great program. Why are you interested in that program? What about the school’s community excites you?

When writing your essay, it’s also important to be genuine. Don’t try to copy the essay of a student who already attends the school you are applying to. Colleges can see through this and it won’t reflect positively on you.

Finally, be sure to proofread your essay before submitting it. This is your opportunity to make a good first impression, so make sure it is polished and error-free.

Good luck!

Understanding the Purpose and Importance of the ‘Why This College’ Essay

The why this college essay is important because it gives the admissions committee a better understanding of who you are and why you are interested in their school. It is not enough to say that you are interested in a school because of its academics or location. The committee wants to know what makes their school stand out to you and what you would contribute to their community.

Your goal in this essay is to show the admissions committee that you have done your research and that you are specifically interested in their school. You should start by introducing the school and explaining why you are interested in it. Next, you should discuss your academic and professional goals and how the school can help you achieve them. Finally, you should explain how you would contribute to the school community.

The essay should be well-written and well-researched. Make sure to include specific examples of why you are interested in the school and what you would bring to the community. Be honest and sincere in your writing, and make sure that your tone is positive.

The why this college essay is an important part of the admissions process, and it is important to take the time to write a thoughtful and well-crafted essay.

Researching the College: Programs, Culture, and Opportunities

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When it comes to applying to college, one of the most important essays a student will write is the “Why This College?” essay. This essay is your opportunity to show a college admissions committee that you have researched the college and are serious about attending. It is also your opportunity to show the committee what unique opportunities and programs the college has to offer.

When writing this essay, it is important to remember that the focus should be on the college, not on you. The goal of the essay is to show the college why you are interested in attending, not to tell the admissions committee about your own accomplishments.

To write a strong “Why This College?” essay, you’ll need to conduct extensive research on the college programs and culture, as well as the opportunities the college has to offer. Here are some tips for researching the college:

1. Visit the college website. The college website is a great place to start your research. The website will likely have information about the college programs, culture, and opportunities.

2. Read the college’s profile. The college’s profile is a great resource for information about the college’s mission, programs, and student life.

3. Read the college’s student handbook. The student handbook is a great resource for information about student life at the college, including campus traditions, student organizations, and campus resources.

4. Talk to current students and alumni. Talk to current students and alumni to get their perspective on the college programs, culture, and opportunities.

5. Visit the college campus. Visiting the college campus is a great way to get a feel for the college and its campus culture.

After you have gathered information about the college, it’s time to start writing your essay. When writing your essay, be sure to include the following:

1. Introduce the college and explain why you are interested in attending.

2. Discuss the college programs and how they match your interests and academic goals.

3. Discuss the college culture and how it matches your personality and interests.

4. Discuss the college opportunities and how they match your interests and goals.

5. Summarize why you are interested in attending the college.

The “Why This College?” essay is an important part of the college application process. By conducting extensive research on the college and writing a strong essay, you can show the college admissions committee that you are serious about attending.

Personalizing Your Response: Connecting Your Goals to College Attributes

When you are writing a why this college essay, one of the most important things you can do is personalize your response. Connecting your goals to college attributes can help demonstrate why a specific college is the right choice for you.

Start by thinking about your goals for college. What are you looking for in a school? Are you interested in a specific program or major? Do you want a large or small school? Do you want a campus that is close to home or in a different state?

Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for in a college, start looking at the specific attributes of the schools on your list. What do they offer that you are interested in? How do the programs and majors match up with your goals? How large is the school? Is the campus located in a city or rural area?

Once you have a list of college attributes, start writing your why this college essay. Be sure to personalize your response by connecting your goals to the specific attributes of the school. For example, if you are interested in a specific program at a school, explain how the program is a good fit for your goals. Or if you are interested in a small school, explain how you want a more personal educational experience.

Your why this college essay should be a thoughtful, well-written response that helps the admissions committee understand why you are interested in their school. Be sure to take your time and personalize your response to make it the best it can be.

Highlighting Specific Resources and Opportunities

The college essay can be one of the most daunting aspects of the application process. It can be hard to know where to start, what to include, and how to make your essay stand out. One of the best ways to make your essay shine is to highlight specific resources and opportunities that your college offers.

When writing your why this college essay, be sure to highlight specific resources and opportunities that your college offers. This could include things like:

1. The college’s location – Is your college located in a city or town that you love? Is it right next to a beach or park? Be sure to mention why the location is important to you.

2. The college’s size – Is your college a large university with lots of resources, or is it a small, intimate school? be sure to mention why the size of the school is important to you.

3. The college’s curriculum – Does your college have a specific major that you’re interested in? Does the college offer unique classes or opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else? Be sure to mention why the curriculum is important to you.

4. The college’s campus – Is your college’s campus beautiful and historic? Is it modern and new? Be sure to mention why the campus is important to you.

5. The college’s faculty – Is your college’s faculty made up of award-winning scholars? Do they have a specific area of expertise that you’re interested in? Be sure to mention why the faculty is important to you.

6. The college’s campus life – Does your college have a thriving campus life with lots of activities and clubs to get involved in? Or is it more quiet and laid-back? Be sure to mention why the campus life is important to you.

7. The college’s location – Is your college located in a city or town that you love? Is it right next to a beach or park? Be sure to mention why the location is important to you.

When you’re writing your why this college essay, be sure to highlight specific resources and opportunities that your college offers. This will help your essay stand out and show the admissions committee that you’re a good fit for the school.

Demonstrating Genuine Interest and Fit with the Institution

When it comes to writing a “Why This College?” essay, demonstrating genuine interest and fit with the institution is key. After all, if you’re not interested in the college, why would the admissions committee be interested in you?

To start, you’ll want to do your research on the college and make a list of the things that appeal to you. This may include the college’s curriculum, location, campus life, student body, opportunities for research or study abroad, etc.

Next, you’ll want to write about why each of these things appeals to you. Be specific and give examples. For example, if you’re interested in the college’s curriculum, you might talk about how the curriculum is tailored to your interests or how it provides a strong foundation for your future career.

If you’re interested in the college’s location, you might talk about how the location offers opportunities for you to explore new places or learn about new cultures. If you’re interested in campus life, you might talk about how you’re looking forward to being part of a close-knit community or taking advantage of the opportunities for leadership and service.

If you’re interested in the student body, you might talk about how you’re looking forward to being surrounded by people with similar interests or how you think the student body will help you grow as a person. And if you’re interested in opportunities for research or study abroad, you might talk about how you’re looking forward to expanding your horizons and learning new things.

In short, you’ll want to show that you’ve done your research on the college and that you’re genuinely interested in and excited about the opportunities it has to offer.

If you can do that, you’ll definitely stand out to the admissions committee and increase your chances of being admitted to the college of your dreams.

Crafting a Unique and Convincing Essay tailored to Each College

The college application process can seem daunting, but it’s all worth it when you finally receive those acceptance letters in the mail. One of the most important parts of the application process is the essay. The essay is your opportunity to show the college why you are the perfect candidate for their institution.

One of the most important things to remember when writing your college essay is that each college is looking for different things. So, you’ll need to tailor your essay to each college you are applying to. While there are some general tips that apply to all college essays, below are some specific tips for writing a why this college essay.

1. Do your research

Before you even start writing your essay, you need to do your research. Find out what the college is looking for in their applicants. What are their core values? What do they consider to be their biggest strengths?

Then, make sure to highlight how you embody those values and strengths in your essay. For example, if the college is looking for students who are passionate about service, you could talk about how you have been involved in service projects throughout your high school career.

2. Be specific

Don’t just say that you are interested in a certain college because it has a great program or because it is prestigious. Be specific about why the college is a good fit for you.

What do you like about the campus? What professors are you interested in studying with? What kind of extracurricular activities are available?

Be sure to highlight what makes the college unique and why you want to attend.

3. Write from the heart

The best college essays are the ones that are written from the heart. So, don’t try to sound like someone else. Be yourself and let your personality shine through.

The college essay is your opportunity to show the college who you are, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.

4. Edit, edit, edit

Once you have finished writing your essay, be sure to edit it for spelling and grammar mistakes. Then, have someone else read it over to see if they can suggest any changes.

The best essays are the ones that are polished and well-written. So, make sure to take the time to edit your essay.

The college essay can be a daunting task, but if you take the time to tailor it to each college you are applying to, then it can be a great opportunity to show the college why you are the perfect candidate. So, follow the tips above and you’ll be on your way to writing a great college essay.

Guest post from our brand partner

According to my favourite on-line perfume store, Perfume Direct, Quiet Luxury is rocketing in popularity. It’s all about subtlety and choosing timeless quality products.

So what does Quiet Luxury mean for perfume? Well think refined and understated – perfumes which exude sophistication without being overtly flashy – a shift from ostentation to nuanced and discerning, they subtly say ‘confident class’. Sounds good eh?

 But what makes a Quiet Luxury perfume? Well firstly it’s superior ingredients. Luxury perfumes often incorporate higher concentrations of natural, rare, and exotic ingredients whereas cheap perfumes tend to use synthetic or less costly raw materials. Secondly it’s about skill. Luxury perfume houses employ skilled perfumers and olfactory artists who blend and balance aromatic notes which can even evoke specific emotions. Finally the hallmark of a high-quality perfume is longevity and projection. Luxury perfumes contain higher concentrations of aromatic compounds, creating a potent and long-lasting scent. The quality of ingredients, careful formulation, and meticulous blending produce perfumes which make a lasting impression.

 But how to choose? What I love about Perfume Direct is they make it easy for you. They’re a UK company who, through their extensive purchasing network can offer genuine products at the best price and importantly their website provides oodles of information to help you choose. I’ve mentioned their Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrances before. The Fragrance Wheel explains perfume categories – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc – just choose the scent you like then search Perfume Direct by that category. The Strength Guide explains how long each perfume will last.

They’ve even picked out some great Quiet Luxury perfumes for you, some of which are pictured below. I particularly like Bottega Veneta – it means Venetian Artist’s Studio – doesn’t that just embody the ethos of Quiet Luxury? But as Frost Magazine hasn’t the technology to allow you to smell for yourself yet, let’s do the next best thing and borrow Perfume Direct’s expert description for you:

The Bottega Veneta fragrance type is Chypre (citrus/rose/jasmine) and Floral. It was inspired by an Italian house in a leafy, quaint countryside, watching nature unfold through an open window as the soft Spring breeze dances in and out. The fragrance has blended notes of Italian bergamot, brazilian pink pepper, indian sambac jasmine, oak moss, patchouli and indian patchouli, with a distinct leather accord in the trail.

How evocative is that? And if you’re tempted, It’s currently on sale at £59.99 from Perfume Direct. Or check out one of their other suggestions below – you won’t be disappointed.

 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.

A brand-new cozy murder mystery from bestselling author Peter Boland — THE BEACH HUT MURDERS is out for just £0.99 | $0.99*. Amongst the rows of charming brightly painted cabins, an elderly man’s beach hut is set on fire in the middle of the night — while he slept inside.  By day, Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. But by night, they investigate crimes. Can they find the culprit before the beach hut murderer strikes again?  CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEACH HUT MURDERS BY PETER BOLAND FOR £0.99 | $0.99.

A brand new gripping cosy murder mystery: Murder Runs in the Family by Jean G Goodhind. £0.99 | $0.99    Honey Driver receives the shock of her life . . . her dear friend Caspar is dead. But Caspar, alive and well, is outraged that he’s been mistaken for a corpse. Honey fears it’s a warning — perhaps she doesn’t know Caspar as well as she thought. Such a page turner in this new cozy murder mystery – my favourite genre.

Three complete and charming Cowgill Family Sagas by  Bill Kitson £0.99 | $0.99Through love and loss, hope and heartbreak, the Cowgill family work hard and face their troubles together, no matter what life throws at them.  Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Sheila Riley

Now onto CHOC LIT, starting with:  4 FASCINATING  TIME-SLIP ROMANCES                               

Cornish Secrets 1 – 4 by Kirsty Ferry £0.99 | $0.99 :  Such a good  offer – four evocative romances full of mystery set on the Cornish coast. The perfect scenario.

Marie Lavat’s Happy Dreams at Mermaid Cove £0.99 | $0.99: AN UPLIFTING GRUMPY/SUNSHINE ROMANCE – What’s not to love…  Jenna is swapping Manchester for the enchanting Isle of Skye with Buttercup, her yellow mobile library. She wasn’t expecting legends about mermaids or her grumpy new boss. But Jenna has a feeling a kind heart lies beneath his hardened exterior.

Now for LUME BOOKS

The Complete series of DCI Hunter Mysteries Books 1 – 4 by Meg Elizabeth Atkins £0.99 | $0.99

The close-knit communities of Cheshire’s affluent towns have deep pockets and dark secrets. Detective Hunter will need to have his wits about him if he’s to find the answers he needs lurking beneath their well-to-do facade.

 The Scarlett Fox Pirate Series by Christopher C Tubbs £0.99 | $0.99  

An epic historical adventure box set.(Fabulous jacket) Join pirate queen Scarlett Fox in these buccaneering tales of piracy, romance and revenge, and travel across the seas of the seventeenth century.  Perfect for fans of John Drake, Diana Norman and Kate Moss.

Moving on: Jean G. Goodhind talked to Joffe Books about her inspiration for the series ahead of publication of her Honey Driver murder mysteries:

How did you come up with the idea for the series?

When I came up with the idea for Honey Driver — Bath hotelier — I was drawing on what I knew. I had owned a nine-bedroom guest house in Bath. I was also an inaugural member of Bath Hotels and Restaurants Association and knew how protective they were of the city’s reputation. With that in mind, how about having a crime liaison officer? It’s believable. So Honey Driver hit the ground running. There is something of me in her, although I’ve never collected antique underwear. But there were ghosts at that old place I ran — the hotel itself is described quite closely in A Crooked Murder.

What is your favourite thing about Honey Driver?   There are a couple of favourite things about Honey Driver — she’s fallible and down to earth. There is a third thing — her forbearance with the likes of her mother who, if it wasn’t for age, could grace many a fashion catwalk. And Mary Jane, of course, and her total belief that the ghost in her room is a long-lost relative from around 1753.

Has there been a particularly difficult mystery to write in the series?

They were all difficult to write. I found myself racing around looking for clues and seeing if there was anything I’d overlooked. Cozy crime of this ilk is a never-ending puzzle, (which as an author myself I can quite understand.)

Anything interesting or funny that happened while you were writing the book?

For those of you who don’t know, the series was originally a big success in Germany. It amazed me to have tourists come over from there looking for the Green River Hotel and wanting to stay there in the hope of meeting Honey Driver. I met a couple of them and we are still in touch.

How do you want readers to feel when they’ve finished the final book?

This is book thirteen, and possibly the last in the series. I hope my readers feel they are parting from an old friend but wishing her and Doherty all the best in their future together.

These fabulous books are just tasters for what is for offer. Do go to Joffe Books for more information .