Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

The Best Non-Fiction Books For Christmas

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theilluminatiThe Illuminati by Robert Howells

An interesting and well-researched book. Worth a read.

The Illuminati: The Counter Culture Revolution-From Secret Societies to Wilkileaks and Anonymous

howtodevelopabrilliantmemorytoolkit

How To Develop a Brilliant Memory Toolkit By Dominic O’Brien

This excellent toolkit has a book, a poster and cards.  Dominic O’Brien is an eight-time world memory champion and knows what he is talking about.

From amazon.co.uk and waterstones.com

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Great Britain in Colour: Images that define Great Britain by Paul Farrell

A bright, beautiful and unique book. Truly wonderful.

Great Britain in Colour is available here.

howtohygge

How To Hygge. The Secrets of Nordic Living By Signe Johansen

Hygge has been huge in 2016. No wonder as it has been a tough year. This great book is all about Nordic living. From recipes to outdoor activities. Hygge roughly translates to ‘cosiness’ and Signe Johansen shares the secrets of Nordic living and shows you how to adapt it to your life. The Nordic countries are constantly rated as the best for quality of life, this book helps to add to yours.

How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living is available here.

theartistswayjuliacameron

The Artist’s Way By Julia Cameron

A classic book for writers and artists. Essential reading and worth the hype.

The Artist’s Way is available here.

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Kind of Blue. A Political Memoir by Ken Clarke

A great insight into politics and government.

Kind of Blue: A Political Memoir is available here.

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Inside The Clinton White House. An Oral History by Russell L. Riley

A riveting and exciting book. It gives a wonderful snapshot into history.

Inside the Clinton White House: An Oral Histories available here.

 

Our editor has three great non-fiction books:

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For actors and aspiring actors

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur

Has had great reviews on both sides of the pond. It has all of the information that any actor needs to make the best career possible.

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur is available here.

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For bloggers

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger

Has everything you could possibly want to know about blogging, and being successful at it.

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger is available here.

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For those planning a wedding.

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity

Gives couples all of the knowledge they need to plan a wedding while removing the stress. An essential book.

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity is available here.

leanin15

Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks The Body Coach

#leanin15 has become huge and rightly so. Joe Wicks helps people get into the best shape of their lives without depriving themselves, All while exercising less. What’s not to like? Great book.

Lean in 15: 15 Minute Meals and Workouts to Keep You Lean and Healthy is available here.

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Sad Animal Facts by Brooke Barker

We really loved this book. It is just so original and funny and perfect. It has brilliant illustrations, sad animal facts, and the animals reaction to the fact. One of the best books ever. Endless fun.

Sad Animal Facts is available here.

tonyrobinsonnocunningplan

No Cunning Plan: My Story by Tony Robinson

A wonderful and engaging autobiography from one of Britain’s best, and most prolific, actors. A must read for fans, but also actors and Blackadder fans.

No Cunning Plan: My Story is available here.

The Best Fiction Books For Christmas

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sisters at war book review Milly adamsSisters at War by Milly Adams

Brilliant historical fiction. Engrossing and riveting. Read our review of Sisters at War here.

Sisters at War is available here.

Ruby Slippers – by Tracy Baines Reviewed by Margaret Graham short stories reading, writing, books

Ruby Slippers: A Collection of Short Stories by Tracy Baines

A wonderful collection of short stories from one of the best short story writers working today. As fulfilling as it is entertaining.

Ruby Slippers: A Collection of Short Stories is available here.

For the poetry lover

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100 Prized Poems: Twenty-five years of the Forward Books. 

A brilliant collection of 100 prized poems from the prestigious Forward Books.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2017

The Forward books are the best way to find the best poets, and poems.

100 Prized Poems: Twenty-five years of the Forward Books is available here.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2017 is available here.

poetry, poetry book, poems, women authors, Scottish writers, poetry book, female writers,

What do you think? A Collection of poems by Catherine Balavage

A great collection of poems from our editor, Catherine. Well worth a read.

What Do You Think?: A collection of poems by Catherine Balavage is available here.

thedressbook

The Dress by Jane L. Rosen

Fun, clever and entertaining. A great book. We really loved it.

The Dress: Nine Women, One Dress… is available here.

maybeafox

Maybe a Fox by Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee

Touching and powerful. A unique and spellbinding novel.

Maybe a Fox is available here.

rubyredfortblinkandyoudie

Blink And You Die. Ruby Redford Series Finale By Lauren Child

The series finale. Just brilliant.

Blink and You Die is available here.

thefoxandtheghostking

The Fox and The Ghost King by Michael Morpurgo

A delightful book with gorgeous illustration from Michael Foreman. Children will love it.

The Fox and the Ghost King is available here.

clovermoon

Clover Moon by Jacqueline Wilson

This is a brilliant book from prolific author Jacqueline Wilson. A great story for children, well written and entertaining as ever.

Clover Moon is available here.

imagineryfred

Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers

Gorgeous and charming. We really loved this.

Imaginary Fred is available here.

theresasnakeinmyschool

There’s a Snake in my School by David Walliams

Colourful and fun. Children love this delightful book. The fantastic illustrations are done by genius illustrator Tony Ross.

There’s a Snake in My School!

 

 

The Luxury Christmas Gift List: The Best Gifts For The One You Love

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Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Home Candle

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This candle smelt so amazing the moment I opened the envelope it made me happy. Jo Malone is huge among celebrities, and this is one of those times when you really should believe the hype. Gorgeous. 200g £42.00

The Ultimate Christmas Cracker

The Jo Malone magnificent Christmas Cracker is back.
A statement of generosity and wit created in the Harlequin gold, cream and black
and tied with grosgrain.
Impactful and arresting, open it to discover an array of carefully curated Jo Malone London treats.
An extraordinary centre piece. A beautiful under-the-tree present. A lavish gift from Jo Malone London, the experts in gift-giving.
Exclusive to Selfridges.com and Brown Thomas
Available nationwide from December 2016
Ultimate Christmas Cracker
Cologne or Cologne Intense 100ml of your choice
Home Candle 200g of your choice
Body Crème or Cologne Intense Body Crème 175ml of your choice Body & Hand Wash 250ml of your choice
RRP £206-£245 / €261-€314
For stockist information, please visit jomalone.co.uk

Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @JoMaloneLondon #TheatreOfChristmas

 

Champagne Taittinger 

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Champagne Taittinger 

Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV

RRP: £48.25

Stockists: Asda.com, Waitress com, Wine Rack, Majestic, JohnLewis.com, The Soho Wine Company, Amps Fine Wines, Vino Wines, The Oxford Wine Company, Jeroboams, Lea & Sanderman, Fortnum&Mason.com, www.champagnedirect.co.uk

45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier

A vibrant rosé with a vivid aroma of red summer fruit, enticing wild strawberry and raspberry dominate the stylish and elegant palate.

I love rosé champagne and this is one of the best. Just divine. 

Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV

RRP: £50.30

Stockists: Majestic, Harrods.com, JohnLewis.com, The Soho Wine Company, Hedonism, Hailsham Cellars, Amps Fine Wines, www.champagnedirect.co.uk

50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from great vineyards with 4 years ageing in Taittinger’s cellars make this great Champagne rich, round and elegant.

This champagne is my favourite champagne. I love it beyond words. I want to become rich so I can drink it every single day. Buy this for your loved ones, but, mostly, for yourself. 

 

Maui Jim Koki Beach Sunglasses
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Maui Jim’s are one of the best sunglasses on the market. These Koki Beach glasses are pure glamour. £175

 

Maimie Silk Trousers

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Maimie Silk Trousers are the most luxurious trousers you can buy. Beloved of celebrities, they feel just as good as they look. The ultimate Christmas present for a loved one. From £240.

 

Godiva Advent Calendar

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The Godiva Advent Calendar: £23

These were devoured sharpish at Frost HQ. Luxurious, delicious chocolate that comes in a gorgeous advent calendar.

Bring a little magic into every day of December with the delectable taste of premium Belgian chocolate.

The Calendar is adorned with scenes from the timeless Christmas Classic ‘The Nutcracker’ and filled with a selection of Godiva masterpieces and this year’s seasonal collection.

From all Godiva stores and at www.godivachocolates.co.uk

Makeup Obsession: The Makeup That Lets You Personalise Your Palette

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makeupobsession

I went to the launch of Makeup Obsession recently and now I am a huge fan. You buy one of the empty palettes and then you fill it with your own personal eyeshadow, blusher and highlighter. You can buy one that holds six, or one that holds twelve. The refills are only £2 each and can be interchanged and replaced at any time. There is a huge, great collection so you will definitely find the colours and solutions that you want. I rarely buy palettes as some of the colours always go unused, with this, you design your own palette from scratch. It is such a great idea I can’t believe no one has thought of it before. When you buy a new refill it just clips in. So handy and so easy. It also keeps your makeup fresh. Very important as old makeup harbours bacteria, causing spots and even illness.

The most important thing is the makeup of course. Is it any good? Thankfully, yes. It is highly pigmented and long-lasting. Frost loves.

#shareyourobsession @LL_obsession

 

MumsThread: On a Mother’s Love

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a mother's love, parenting, It terrifies me how much I love my son. It is overwhelming. A feeling so powerful that sometimes it makes me nauseas. It makes me both weak and strong. Fearless and scared. It is something I never expected because it is so pure. There is nothing I don’t love about my son. He is perfect in every way. From his soft hair to the tip of his toes. I love him so much I would give him a kidney. I would take a bullet for my son. Hell, I would even help him bury a body. There are no limits. And god help anyone who ever tries to hurt him.

This isn’t to say I have never felt love before, or that I don’t love my husband just as much, it’s just that your love for your child feels different. I think it is because they are so dependent on you. Or maybe it’s their innocence. When I was pregnant I loved this little bean growing inside me of course, but I hadn’t met him yet. I was so thrilled to be pregnant that I kept expecting someone to pinch me and say that it wasn’t real. Then the birth was so traumatic we weren’t sure he was going to make it.

I still remember the first time I saw my son. I couldn’t believe it. The midwife brought him to me and laid him on my chest. I cried. Tears of pure happiness and relief. It was the best moment of my life. I know it sounds strange that you can be pregnant for over 41 weeks (seriously, get out!) and not believe that you are lucky enough to have your own son. When he was born my husband and I felt the same; we just couldn’t believe he was real. He is 18-months old now and we still count our blessings everyday. He is the best thing that happened to us. He is everything. He is our son.

Melobaby Deluxe Nappy Wallet And Change Mat Review

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melobaby-deluxe-nappy-wallet-and-change-mat1 melobaby-deluxe-nappy-wallet-and-change-matA few days ago I reviewed the Melobaby Melotote Changing Bag which I was a huge fan of. Today I am reviewing the Melobaby Deluxe nappy wallet and change mat. I think this is a brilliant idea. If you don’t want a changing bag you just put this brilliant wallet in your bag and it has everything you need to change your baby. I think this is a great invention. The wallet is neat and stylish. You can even carry it.

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It can hold up to four nappies, a change of clothes and wipes without looking horribly bulky. Quick, simple and easy to use, it folds out to become a luxury super-soft fleece mat which is machine washable.  Plus the mat can be extended by moving the fleece down the wallet.

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The fleece mat feels wonderful and the entire thing it just so stylish and practical- which is all a parent needs. With its high quality hardware and luxury finish, this stylish, instant changing station is available in Chevron Grey, Red, Black, Love Navy or Love Black and White.

Frost loves.

Available at www.maguari.com for £38. 

 

 

MumsThread: No, Women Can Not Have It All By Getting Up An Hour Earlier

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get up an hour earlier, have it all, women, First it was in the papers. Then it was in some magazines. Of course, it was in the Daily Mail. It was sexism and bullshit dressed up as self-help. It said that women can have it all if they just get up an hour earlier. Much like a lot of self help: it was geared towards women to let them know that they weren’t good enough. That they weren’t working hard enough, that nothing they give is enough. Because, ladies, we should all be getting up an hour earlier. The leading story on The Daily Mail earlier today was a group of slim, successful working mothers who all get up at 4am. For quality time, to exercise, to work. Well I have had enough. You know what women really need? More sleep. I already work to 1am most nights, I don’t need to cut off hours at the other end.

Now, getting up earlier isn’t necessarily bad advice, but I take umbrage at it being marketed to working mothers. To any woman actually. Now, nothing happens in a vacuum. This started when author Samantha Ettus claimed to have come up with the formula to living a guilt-free and fulfilling life in her new book The Pie Life. I haven’t read the book, and getting up earlier IS a good way to get more done. But it doesn’t fit everyone and too many publications have taken it and used it as a stick to beat women with. Sleep is important for health, and if you are tired you will be less alert. I get more done when I have had a good nights sleep, I am sure you do too.

The truth is, no one gets to have it all and the bigger truth is that it would take more than an extra hour for me to fit it all in enough to have it all. What working mothers really need is for daddy to help out more. Or a nanny, a cook, and a cleaner. I am not saying that men don’t do their fair share, but I would like articles to point this out more: that a child has two parents and that mum needs a break sometimes. Working smarter is better than working harder. I get hardly any sleep as it is and there is no way in hell I am letting anyone take that away from me. So sleep ladies. Sleep until the baby/toddler/child wakes you up, and if it is a weekend, make sure you hand them over to daddy for an extra 10 minutes.

Because of You by Helene Fermont Book Review

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Exclusive Because of You by Helene Fermont Extract 1

When Because of You first arrived I wondered when I would find the time to get through this door-stopper of a book. It is a sprawling and ambitious novel which spans over thirty years and two countries. It tells the story of Hannah Stein, a Swedish teenager who arrives in London. It is well written and engaging, drawing you into the characters lives and leaves you impatient to learn what happens next. I greatly enjoyed this debut novel from Helene Fermont. Her characters are vivid and well-rounded, and the story has intrigue and glamour that brings you in. I particularly loved the parts about London and following thirty years in someones life. The scenes were brought out so well. Because of You is an ambitious triumph.

Because of You spans 36 years in the life of Hannah Stein, a Swedish teenager who arrives in London, at the tail end of the disco era, for a gap year before embarking on a teaching career. The people she meets change the course of her life irrevocably and the novel charts her changing personal and professional fortunes over the next three decades. Because of You is about love, coming of age, friendship, bereavement, stillbirth and rape. Its themes include redemption, acceptance, fidelity and family. Because of You is a story that every woman can relate to. Because of You is the deeply moving debut novel by Scandinavian writer Helene Fermont. It’s a gripping work of modern women’s fiction with a distinct ‘Scandi’ feel and a psychological twist. Scandinavian noir has firmly established itself as a bestselling genre in the UK. Because of You takes the elements that make this style of writing so compelling – the realism and dark, morally complex mood – and combines it with women’s fiction. This is a dark, morally complex and cross-generational story of enduring love, fate and destiny and will appeal to readers who appreciate an emotive, uncompromising and fulfilling read driven by character and circumstance.

Because Of You by Hélene Fermont (Fridhem Publishing) is out now, priced £9.99 in paperback and £3.99 as an eBook. Visit www.HeleneFermont.com

Because of You is available here.

We have an exclusive Because of You extract for you here.