How Well Do We Know Our Friends?

I met Paloma at a Tweetup in Ealing. It was towards the end of the night and it was almost a fluke that we met, and a very happy one at that. At the time she worked for the Ealing Gazette and she interviewed me for it. This was a marker for our future friendship: she is generous, giving and always looks for opportunities to help people. She really is a true friend and is now my chief bridesmaid at my wedding in July. When I met her I thought she was beautiful, nice, sweet, smart, a decent person and great company. All things turned out to be true.

Paloma Kubiak

However, it was a little embarrassing doing the Flowers of Holland competition challenge which is hosted on their Facebook page, because I learned that, even though we know a lot about each other, there is quite a bit I don’t! Almost like a Mr and Mrs challenge where the guy does really badly. For the challenge, if you guess your best friend’s favourite flower correctly you are entered to win a bouquet of flowers. Which is pretty cool so take the challenge yourself.

I will find out soon if my answers were even slightly correct, but what I do know is that we have loads in common: we have the same anniversary with our fiancees’, got engaged at the same time, are the same age, are the youngest with two older siblings…the list goes on. You can take part in the competition yourself here.

Flowers flowers summery

What is my friend’s favourite cafe?

It will be somewhere amazing that no one else had heard of yet. She is good at finding the buzzing places before they are trendy.

What’s my friends’ favourite place to shop?

She has good style but is also not too frivolous. I reckon she might like Topshop and will also know lots of out-of-the-way boutiques and shops that no one else knows about.

What’s my friend’s favourite city?

London I reckon. It is an amazing city and she grew up in London.

What’s my friend’s favourite movie?

Oh, hard one. Maybe Dirty Dancing? It is pretty classic and most women like it.

What’s my friend’s favourite flower?

Roses I think. Paloma is elegant.

What’s my friend’s favourite fragrance?

Maybe something from Dior.

I hope I got some of these right! I now nominate two excellent bloggers, http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk and http://www.lookwhatigot.co.uk/ to do the challenge. Good luck gals!

Take the challenge yourself and leave your link below, I would love to read it.

 

Sponsored Post.

 

Win Sophie Duffy Books

A real treat of a competition today on Frost: two Sophie Duffy books to giveaway, The Generation Game and This Holey Life are up for grabs. Perfect if you are a fan, and a great introduction if you are not already. Check out our interview with Sophie Duffy here too.

sophieduffybooks

To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, ‘I want to win books with @Frostmag’ or like us on Facebook.  Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz. Then comment below saying what you did.

The competition closes on the 31st of March 2014.

 

Words For The Wounded Writing Prize

walking wounded competitionFrost Magazine has came across a very worthy charity thanks to Jane Cable: Words For The Wounded was launched by Margaret Graham, an author at Random House.

Margaret said; “I launched the charity Words for the Wounded  last year and we raise money via writing competitions and donations to help in the recovery of our wounded service personnel. This year we are supporting the Creative Arts Unit at Tedworth House Recovery Centre. Every penny from the entry fees and donations goes to the wounded. We raise money for the prizes in other ways. My son and son-in-law have been noble and done various Ironman marathons and Triathlons for us but this year my colleague and old school friend, Jan Speedie, and I are giving them a break and doing a tandem sky dive. Yes, I know. My grandchildren say the same, ‘You’re mad.’ But needs must.  My agent despairs of the lengths to which I will go to be strapped to a handsome young man.

Words for the Wounded has a 1st prize of £250, 2nd £100 and 3rd £50, and publication in Writers’ Forum magazine. Entry fee is £4.50. We ask for poetry, non-fiction or fiction up to a maximum of 400 words on the subject of The Journey. It can be physical, emotional or both. The closing date is 11 March.”

Margaret also has a W4W blog which includes writing tips www.wordsforthewounded.blogspot.co.uk. 

Margaret went on to say that “the majority of those injured are under 25. These are life changing injuries and they will need help to recover their self-confidence and independence to get the best from their long lives.”

I am sure you will agree this is a great charity and an equally great competition. Enter now and spread the word.

 

Two Copies Of Penthouse North To Giveaway

penthousenorthdvdgiveawayWe have two copies of Penthouse North to giveaway.

Fresh from his leading role in Robocop 2014 Michael Keaton (Batman) stars alongside Michelle Monaghan (Source Code) in action-packed thriller Penthouse North, from Sleeping with the Enemy director Joseph Ruben (Money Train) which comes to DVD and Blu-ray on 3 February 2014.

It’s New Year’s Eve in New York City and a young woman’s (Monahan) penthouse is invaded by Hollander (Keaton) and his sadistic partner. The vicious pair will do whatever it takes  – torture, tear the place apart and even kill to find what they’re looking for. While the party rages outside, inside Penthouse North Sara must fight for her life. It’s kill or be killed in this pulse-pounding, non-stop fight to the finish thriller.

To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, ‘I want to win Penthouse North with @Frostmag’ or like us on Facebook.  Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.

The competition ends on January 31st 2014.

Are You The Voice Of Soho? £5000 Up For Grabs In Singing Competition


singingcompetitionNo need to feel ‘Les Misérables’ this January as sophisticated cocktail bar, Archer Street, renowned for it’s unique entertainment by the all-singing bar staff, will be launching the Archer Street’s Got Talent competition, ready to uncover the ‘Voice of Soho’. In keeping with the history of the street as a musical hub for musicians and artists alike, the bar is looking to discover a real gem of talent.

This exciting competition will give someone who is not currently performing in the West End nor in a singing contract, the opportunity to break into their dream career with a cash prize of £5,000 and the coveted title as the ‘Voice of Soho’. The riveting competition will run over four months, with eight heats and with eight contestants in each, beginning on 28th January and culminating in the grande finale on Tuesday 15th April.

The judging panel shall be comprised of West End star and former X Factor finalist, Brenda Edwards, who is currently staring as Killer Queen, the lead role in ‘We Will Rock You’. Mike Hanson a very experienced radio Producer/editor, who currently holds a senior position within the industry, along with one other industry professional and a different guest celebrity each week. The public will also have a chance to vote for their favourite runner up each week, with the most popular securing a wild card entry in the final.

If you’ve “dreamed a dream” that you could be the next West End star or think you know of someone who deserves the ‘Voice of Soho’ title, quick, get your applications in now for the chance to take part. Furthermore, just by registering on the Archer Street website, supporters of acts shall receive guest list entry and 20% off on the night.

On discovering Archer Street on the front cover of The Musician Magazine from October 1951, and the history and significance of the street as the artistic meeting point for West End Musicians during the jazz era of the 1920’s and 1930’s. It was this important history and legacy of Archer Street as an artistic capital, that owner of Archer Street bar, Siobhan MaGill was desperate to rediscover and continue, through the launch of Archer Street’s Got Talent.

Siobhan MaGill, arguably the Queen of Soho, first moved to Soho in 1998 and since then has successfully operated and transformed many bars in the area. With her bars being located right in the heart of the West End it was always her aim to bring an essence of the theatre into the bars. An aim, which she has undoubtedly successfully achieved, not only at Freedom on Wardour Street, where she has created one of the most versatile performance spaces, providing a platform for many unknown artists to showcase their talent but also at Archer Street, where the bar staff are some of most talented singers in London, who have worked at some of the Capital’s leading musical’s including Thriller, We Will Rock You and Book of Mormon and continue to impress guests with their nightly performances.

So, do you “consider yourself” the Voice of Soho?

To enter email: GotTalent@archerstreet.co.uk

Competition dates:
Round 1 – Tuesday 28th January 2014
Round 2 – Tuesday 4th February 2014
Round 3 – Tuesday 18th February 2014
Round 4 – Tuesday 25th February 2014
Round 5- Tuesday 11th March 2014
Round 6 – Tuesday 18th March 2014
Round 7 – Tuesday 25th March 2014
Round 8 – Tuesday 8th April 2014
GRAND FINALE – Tuesday 15th April 2014

Archer Street’s Got Talent
Entry from 8.30pm performance begin from 10.30pm
Archer Street
3-4 Archer Street
Soho
London
W1D 7AP
T: 020 7734 3342
W: www.archerstreet.co.uk
E: bookings@archerstreet.co.uk

Win A Taste Of BAFTA

The EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony will be taking place on Sunday 16th February and to celebrate, Champagne Taittinger and Villa Maria invite you to sip like the stars! As the official Champagne and Wine and Partners to BAFTA, Champagne Taittinger and Villa Maria wines from New Zealand are delighted to offer the chance to win a special BAFTA branded bottle of Taittinger Brut Réserve NV, a bottle of Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2013 and Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, as served to the glittering guests at the Awards.

winatasteofbafta

To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, ‘I want to win a taste of BAFTA with @Frostmag’ or like us on Facebook.  Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.

Adding extra sparkle to the awards, Taittinger is the only leading Champagne house to remain owned and actively managed by the family named on the label. Taittinger is widely available. www.taittinger.com.

Villa Maria has been New Zealand’s most awarded winery for over 30 years and remains proudly family-owned. Villa Maria wines are widely available in all good retailers. Visit www.villamaria.co.nz

Terms & Conditions: Entrants must be 18 or over. Entrants must provide a mainland
UK address and telephone number for delivery. Visit www.bafta.org for more information.

Competition closes at the end of the month.

 

Six Tickets To The Work and Family Show To Giveaway

competition21st & 22nd February 2014 – ExCeL London

Next month the first ever Work & Family Show, sponsored by My Family Care and Sky Broadband Shield, will take place, giving working parents on the lookout for a new challenge in 2014 access to a wealth of ideas and opportunities. We have six tickets to giveaway. The speaker line-up is quickly taking shape, with Jenny Willott, Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs, confirmed as a key speaker on the main stage.

Born out of the demand from families in need of help when returning to work or starting up their own business, the show aims to give practical advice, inspiration and ideas to help create a happy and healthy work-life balance.

Driving confidence to get back into work, the event will be packed with inspirational experts and employment opportunities. Participants include Red Magazine, The Women’s Business Council and The Family & Childcare Trust, while the likes of The Post Office and franchise companies including Stella & Dot and Yogabellies will be on the search for motivated individuals to sign up.

There will be employment advice available at The Career Surgery (brought to you by Sky Recruitment) from the team at Inspired Mums, Thinking Potential, Workingmums.co.uk and the National Careers Service while there will be an array of experts on hand to give practical solutions help create an ideal work-life balance.

The show will be an interesting and engaging event full of lively debates, inspirational expert advice, and confidence-building ideas that will leave visitors eager to make their next move.

Organised by Clarion Events and working in conjunction with My Family Care, it is set beside the hugely successful Baby Show and is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors.

Oliver Black, Director of My Family Care says: “Over 2.2 million are not working in order to look after their family. More than 60% of these are looking to return to work but do not know how to and don’t appreciate the number of family friendly businesses that are out there. This is exactly who this show is for – helping talented parents find businesses and services who see the efficacy of installing family friendly working practices.”

Guardian Careers are the headline sponsor, while Sky will sponsor The Sky Broadband Shield Community Café – a lively and informative place for parents to meet with like-minded people on the lookout for inspiration. Here, parents will be able to learn more about Sky Broadband Shield which is a brand new tool that helps parents choose which websites are accessible in their home to ensure their children are kept safe online. Working Families, the charity that helps working parents and carers find a healthy work-life balance, are the official show charity.

Nicole Muller, Portfolio Director of Clarion Events says: “We’re very excited to be organising the first ever Work & Family Show and the response from businesses and parents keen to come to the show has been very positive. There is a real need for an event of this kind from those wanting to successfully balance work and family, especially with the recent ongoing changes to equality in the workplace, shared parenting, flexible working and childcare.”

The Work & Family Show will include the following dedicated areas:

• Recruitment & Employers – Work Opportunities (sponsored by workingmums.co.uk)

• Career Advice & Personal Development – Education & Advice

• Image, Style & Media Resources – Personal Branding & Development

• Family Services, Enablers & Networking – Support Systems

• Franchise, Self-Employment & Start Up Business – Going it Alone

Tickets are available from www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk from just £12, and people coming to the neighbouring Baby Show will have free entrance*.

Opening times:

February: 9am – 5pm (trade and press entry from 8.30am on Friday for a networking

Saturday 22nd

February: 10am – 5pm

For your chance to win, follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, “I want to win tickets with @Frostmag” or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter or like us on YouTube.

 

 

Win A Copy Of The Promise

the promise book -win - competitionFrost Magazine has teamed up with our friends at Pearson — the world’s leading education publisher — to give away copies of revolutionary new self-improvement guide, The Promise.

The result of years of psychological research and insight, The Promise by respected psychologist Graham W Price is the definitive fool-proof route to a life free of negative thoughts and full of positivity . . . and that’s a promise.

The book maps out a clear and surprisingly straightforward path to achieving all the things we want from life: lasting relationships; job satisfaction; freedom from stress, anxiety, worry, regret, depression, addictions, weight problems and other self-limiting issues; and enjoying a rich and fulfilling life.

Across its 224 pages, The Promise reveals the secrets of Price’s Acceptance-Action Training (AAT), developed to significantly enhance motivation, resilience and relationships and empower people to reach their personal and professional goals.

As the title suggests, the book is a promise from the author to readers that if they follow his guidance they can banish forever the negative thoughts and feelings that limit potential, take control of their lives and determine their future. It’s a programme that’s already been proven to work with thousands of individuals from all walks of life.

The Promise is the last word in self-help books: a complete process of personal transformation presented in 13 inspiring chapters, with each unlocking more powerful techniques to grasp control of our destiny.

Easy to follow, and packed with real-life case studies illustrating the incredible things that can be accomplished, it is a compelling and persuasive guide that will appeal to anyone wanting to boost their abilities for a more fulfilling life.

We have 10 copies of The Promise by Graham W Price (Pearson, RRP £10.99) to give away. For your chance to win, follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, “I want to win The Promise with @Frostmag” or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter.

Our review of The Promise is here.