FRANK M A G A Z I N E
Issue 07 April - May 2020
FRANK by name FRANK by nature
I dreamed I wrote the perfect melody. It had all of Mozart symphonies in a single key. Played with Leonard Cohen’s secret chords that pleased the lord, that I know now. The people smiled this morning. They cheered while the passing cars honked in tune. The politicians sobbed, the weak walked and the unloved weren't alone any more. The fourth, the fifth, the minor cords and a major lift for all of us. But suddenly it stopped. And all that could be heard was a loud deafening silence. The sound of tumbleweed blowing through the city, and the sound of a collective sigh across the world. Then without warning the music started again and the song played once more. A pregnant pause rewarded with a guns blazing overture, like that moment the singer is sitting up there alone, on a trapeze, before everything kicks back in bigger than it had been.
By Mathew Jerrett
F R A N K
M A G A Z I N E
April May 2020
Contents
Editors note
p8 Cover Model Interview Selina Giles BEAUTY p13 p14 Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace Sustainable Self Tan p19 ‘’Wash your hands’’ Beauty hand wash p26 Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace Home Treatments FASHION p32 p26 The cover shoot Sustainable Fashion’s Hottest Stars p47 Luxury Ethical Fashion Brands to shop from home by Fashion Editor Annabel Kerman p54 COMPETITION p58 Fashion Fix p60 Fashion Interview with Mark Quaradeghini p66 Ethical Fashion Instagam’s to follow INTERVIEWS p70 p72 Jack Savoretti Singer Songwriter p80 Rosa Wiland Holmes Great Pottery Winner p84 Lesley Harper Nutritional Therapist HEALTH & WELLNESS p86 p88 Dr Louise Wiseman p92 Herbal Heroes By Euan MacLennan p94 The Menopause Doctor Dr Shahzadi p102 It’s OK not to be OK Kate Tilson p106 The Self Isolation Guide Sandie Fredriksson p112 The possibilities of being wordless Stephanie Lam p114 Positively Social Danielle Dodoo p116 Five Element Philosophy Michelle Adams WHAT TO…BUY, SEND, READ & DO p120 p122 Why Not Try? - Sam Baines p128 The READING List - Eleanor Tattersfield p132 FRANK Interiors - Lisa Dawson AND MUCH MUCH MORE.........
Hello there, What extraordinary times we are living through. I hope you are all staying safe and well, including all on the front line, key workers and those staying home to do their bit. We are all in this together. The last day I spent with other people at work was actually the day spent shooting the cover and fashion story for this issue. It was great fun with a great team. I have mentally revisited that day many times whilst compiling this issue and I am truly grateful for the new connections I made on that particular day and the beautiful images that were created. Hope they bring a little light into your day along with all the articles we have chosen for you. Stay safe & stay present Happy reading Much love Melanie x
''Frank is for women who want to be informed, inspired, amused, look good and be healthy.'' www.thefrankmagazine.com
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T E A M
F R A N K
MELANIE ''Melanie Sykes was a fashion model before moving into hosting TV and Radio shows. Alongside her presenting work, she is now Editor in chief of FRANK magazine. As a woman in her late forties, she felt there was a gap in the magazine market for women her age and wanted to rectify that. “I believe it is never too late to try something new and creating and editing FRANK is the perfect project at this stage in my life and something I am relishing."
Editor-in-Chief Melanie Sykes Design Director Millie Cooper Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace Fashion Editor Annabel Kerman Photo by Sam Hemsley
Contributors Dr Louise Wiseman Euan MacLennan Doctor Dr Shahzadi Kate Tilson Sandie Fredriksson Stephanie Lam Danielle Dodoo Michelle Adams
MILLIE ''After 15 years in the tech world,Millie now has successful businesses in publishing and social media, delivering original content and design. She says she is excited about helping FRANK to be the magazine of choice for women over 40.''
London hello@thefrankmagazine.com
Photo by Alan Strutt
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PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Williams FASHION EDITOR Annabel Kerman MAKEUP ARTIST Lica Fensome using Dermalogica Skincare MODEL Selina at Mrs Robinson Models HAIR Enzo Volpe at Mandy Coakley Ltd using revamp professional MAKEUP Lica Fensome at Stella Creatives using Dermalogica Skincare PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANt Melinda STYLING ASSISTANT Molly Mae Taylor COVER MATCHES FASHION Ssone dress ESSEN boots ALIGHIERI Earrings and necklace HOMEPLACEONLINE chair
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F R A N K L O V E S
AMLY
Digital Detox Face Mist
Unisex re-energising and clarifying face mist to protect from urban and screen pollution A detoxifying face mist that combats the effects of environmental and digital pollution. Energy-cleansing Frankincense, purifying Magnesium Salts and powerful Marine Actives are combined with Ginseng to aid concentration and Ylang Ylang to de-stress. Indispensable for urban commutes, air travel and when using computers and mobile devices. To use Due to the high concentration of essential oils, shake well before each use Close your eyes and spray liberally on to face and your immediate environment. Use throughout the day to protect skin vitality and boost energy levels. Star Ingredients: Marine Algae Niaouli Himalayan Pink Salt Magnesium Sulfate Salicornia Beetroot Panax Ginseng Gotu Kola Cedarwood Juniper www.amlybotanicals.co.uk
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AMLY is clean, sustainable, scientifically proven and cruelty-free.
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C O V E R
M O D E L
I N T E R V I E W
Selina Giles
FRANK's cover model talks acting, modelling and her attitude to life
W
hen did you start modelling?
I started modelling at sixteen and worked internationally for five years before giving it up to train to become an actress. Coming from a small village in the countryside modelling offered me the opportunity to travel and see the world. Looking back I see I was fairy ill equipped to manage myself at such a young age. Living in the fashion capitals of the world 90 % of the photographers were Male. I learned flirtation and offering the idea of sex would often get me the job. This learnt behaviour was the consequences of the patriarchal shadows I'd already experienced. It was an accepted language back then. As a seventeen year old making one of my first commercials and being on set in front of fifty or so clients and crew I remember I had to dance, but dance and stay in the camera frame, and I kept bending my knees and bobbing in and out. The European director who was in his sixties was getting frustrated with me so shouted.. "If you bend your knees one more time, I will f.*k you" I didn't bend my knees again. I’m highlighting one experience out of many that were similar. How has the business changed since you began ? Six years ago I started a theatre company -Two Shillings and Six Pence Productions because as an actress I was tired of metaphorically waiting in line for somebody else to tell me whether I could make art or not. I contacted a group of fellow actors and created a weekly space where we could work on our craft, make mistakes and improve. We produce and stage plays and informal scene nights that celebrate well known writers as well as new voices. All the money raised goes towards a charity that helps people effected by various addiction issues. One of the actresses who joined for a term - Jo Price is also a model and she suggested I ought to see her Model agent. I confess I was filled with fear at the prospect, but the title of the agency made me laugh "Mrs Robinson Management' A nod to the older woman right there referencing The graduate film. So I went a long and met them. Pretty soon I was working and every shoot Ive had since has been a joy and a pleasure. As a teenager I had the misguided perspective that modelling was all about me, how I looked, my flaws, my strengths, my confidence. Today It’s such a different and flattering experience. I am one equal part of a team of fabulous creatives that make up that end image. I am a canvas that comes alive via the creative skills of the make up artist, the hairdresser, the stylist, the photographer, the art director. It's a total team effort. Most shoot days, the photographer has a great play list of music, and you step into the collaborative playful tone of the day.
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To reference the poem Desiderata; “ Take kindly the counsel of the years gracefully surrendering the things of youth” As we age our lives become visible on our faces and I love that. There is truth and acceptance in that. For me beauty becomes an inside job.
While there I was introduced to a movement language like dance called 'Gaga' (nothing to do with the singer) developed by Ohad Naharin from the Batsheva Dance company. They teach around the world, and I would love to expand on this and learn to perhaps teach it myself one day. I also love drawing, particularly faces which I rediscovered in Israel while working. I found it the perfect way to stay present and engaged while waiting for my scene to be filmed. As a child I drew my alcoholic father and I understood more about him as a person by the contours of his face on a page then I ever did through anything he said or did. I love nature and all animals particularly dogs. They are such great love ambassadors and life enhancers. What is your approach to getting older?
What are the perks of the Job? The perks of the job are many; you get to meet great interesting and inspiring people, make great friends, come away with flattering images capturing a moment in time. Learn about make up, skin care brands, sustainability and visual aesthetics. At this stage in life, 48 I recognise that life itself is a privilege denied to many. Life is a celebration. I'm the youngest I will ever be right now, today. How do you describe yourself?
My approach to getting older is I love it. To reference the poem Desiderata “ take kindly the counsel of the years gracefully surrendering the things of youth” As we age our lives become visible on our faces and I love that. There is truth and acceptance in that. For me beauty becomes an inside job.
“As an actress, I have a regular recurring role in the Netflix original series ‘The Greenhouse Academy’. I was cast in this via a self tape and had a recall over Skype. We film in Israel hence me eager to learn Hebrew.”
I’d describe myself as I do on social media; a former baby, current adult. Sometimes a writer, producer, actress & Hebrew language student but always a work in progress. The other work I do is I write; scripts mainly, thus far I have had one play produced and performed; The Two Faces of Agent Lacey and I'm working on a book idea and another script. As an actress I have a regular recurring role in the Netflix original series The Greenhouse Academy. I was cast in this via a self tape and had a recall over Skype. We film in Israel hence me eager to learn Time is precious, how do you spend it? What do you focus on? Hebrew. How do you grow?
“Life is a celebration. I'm the youngest I will ever be right now, today.”
I love the discovery of who I am becoming. I'm learning to listen to my gut instinct, my body, I'm learning to interpret my dreams . I'm free to make choices that make my heart sing,.my spirit soar.. Occasionally I can get confused and inhabit a past version of myself. But on the whole I feel its never been a better time to be a woman then it is today.
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“I love the discovery of who I am becoming. I'm learning to listen to my gut instinct, my body, I'm learning to interpret my dreams . I'm free to make choices that make my heart sing,.my spirit soar.”
COVER MODEL INTERVIEW www.thefrankmagazine.com
Our goal is to make products that are kinder to your mouth and the planet. Products that are more beautiful in every way. Don’t just clean. Care. WAKEN
www.wakencare.com
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illustration by Jacqueline Bissett
BEAUTY We have sustainable self tanning lotions, hand wash potions & plenty of home beauty care and treatments to protect the oceans.
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B E A U T Y
E D I T
Sustainable Self Tan
By Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace @fionaeustace
W
elcome to my Spring Beauty Edit. I hope you’re all doing ok? It seems very surreal writing this during these unprecedented times. I want to take a minute to thank everyone on the front line from our teachers, delivery drivers, NHS staff, carers and to all the people working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure our economy and its population can survive and thrive. Thank you thank you thank you, although that doesn’t seem to do you justice. Now let’s get on with the show... For people who know me, know that I love self tanning all year round. I am very pale, like a jellyfish and I love a little kiss of sunshine, albeit from a bottle, to keep me looking healthy. So, as we come out of a very wet winter and into a very strange spring, I want to talk about Self tanning and list some of my favourite companies who are also helping the planet by being sustainable. Here comes the science bit behind our self tans and what happens when we apply it to our skin. I have to confess that I am a bit of a science nerd and I love to understand the how and why behind what makes a product work and to truly understand what we are putting onto our bodies. The ingredient inside all self tans, is a colour additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) This harmless chemical (more about this later) which is actually a type of sugar molecule, creates the tan colour on our skin. DHA reacts with amino acids found in our skin and causes the top layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, to turn the tan colour we see after application. It’s the same reaction that takes place when we cook a piece of toast in the toaster. YUMMY!! for all you fact nerds out there this is called the Maillard reaction. www.thefrankmagazine.com
So, is DHA really safe.? There has been a recent study that found a link between the use of highly concentrated amounts of DHA and the production of free radicals. Although this is alarming let’s look at it in more details. The percentage of DHA that is found in all self tans, even organic ones is around 3-5%, which is why these products are considered non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. So, I think we can safely say that self tanning responsibly is very safe for you and still safer for you then being out in the sun with no protection. There are some ways to help your tan last longer and it’s all in the preparation. Exfoliating and shaving are the best things you can do before applying your self tan. Using an exfoliating mitt or body brush to slough away the dead cells means that our tan will last longer and be more even on application. The best time to do this is the morning before you want to tan. After exfoliating and shaving, moisturise liberally concentrating on the very dry areas like elbows, heels and knees. When it’s time to go to bed apply your tan with a brush or self tanning mitt and when you wake up your tan would have developed. After washing off the excess you will be left with a gorgeous all-over-tan. Caribbean holiday anyone?
Here are some of my favourite self tanners Amanda Harrington £28 face mist £36 body mist This is absolute luxury. From the look and feel of the packaging to the end results I loved everything about this Self tanner. It comes in three shades to suit different skin tones, not your usual light, medium, dark but natural rose, natural honey or natural olive. Apply with one of the beautiful brushes which is included in the sets and you will not be disappointed with the results. There are How to videos online as well which make applying properly so easy. Not the most sustainable company but the scrub and face pads, which are recommended to use before tanning do use biodegradable castor beads and biodegradable cotton. I hope these small change can make way for bigger changes in the future. www.amandaharrington.com
Ecooking 34 euros Danish skincare brand Ecooking - launched Self Tanning Drops last year; the self tanner is designed to give skin a gradual healthy glow all year round and perfect for the transition from winter to Spring which I loved. This vegan self tanner contains a cocktail of natural ingredients and is dermatologically tested and fragrance-free ensuring there’s no unpleasant smell after use. The colour was light and just perfect for a natural tan. With a vast range of products for you to try, some of them are so pure you can even eat them, you will find something for everyone. Sustainability is key, no product comes in outer packaging and the plastic that is used is made from recyclable or ocean waste material. This cult brand only launched in 2018 and is one of the fastest growing brands in Denmark so definitely one to watch. www.ecooking.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
Arbonne liquid sunshine. £36 This company is one of the few who has the B rating for helping the planet and being the king and queens of sustainability, so I was very happy to try out this bottle of sunshine Non oily and quick drying this lotion will develop within 2 hours leaving a lovely tan colour. You can deepen your colour with added applications, but I felt that one was enough for Spring. The aloe Vera and green tea will hydrate and soothe the skin and the smell was lovely. Will definitely be buying this again. www.arbonne.com
Madame LA LA £25 This bronzing serum gave my face a gorgeous colour and made my skin feel super soft. Infusing skincare and self tanning together ensures the skin is treated to a spa like treatment after every application. Only using vegan and natural ingredients across the self tanning range, this 80% organic based product has been a market leader since 2014. www.madamelala.com
Fushi Sea buckthorn oil £25.00 This little gem has multiple uses but its great for anyone who doesn’t want to use any DHA on their skin. The natural orange hue which derives from its high Lycopene and carotenoid content means you can have a natural plant based tan if you want. This wasn’t my favourite in terms of colour, but it did take away the blue hue from my skin and leave me with a natural looking colour. It isn’t waterproof and so it doesn’t have the lasting power of the others but if it’s a more natural way to tan that you’re looking for then this is the one for you. It can also be taken internally to provide you with many benefits that are listed on their website. As one of the first retailers to introduce toiletries ranges in glass bottles they are now introducing their zero waste refill range. With ethically sourced ingredients from global growers, I think we can say that Fushi has a conscience. www.fushi.co.uk
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R E A D E R
O F F E R
Exclusive FRANK Reader Offer
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S C R U B
U P
MAULI Reawaken Himalayan Hand & Body Scrub Buff away any impurities and dead skin cells by using the Mauli Reawaken Body Scrub. This mineral-rich scrub is formulated to improve blood circulation and minimise aches and pains. The scrub contains Himalayan salts, which are rich in minerals. The salts help to remove all traces of impurities and any dead skin cells without causing skin irritation. Organic oils of coconut, argan, moringa and almond keep the skin moisturised while vitamin E works to minimise free radical damage. Using Mauli Reawaken Body Scrub will help to keep your skin youthful, healthy, soft and radiant at all times. www.maulirituals.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
H E L P I N G
H A N D S
WASH your Bell Ringers & Brighton Sands
Hand soap is our new best friend and our saviour at the moment in more ways than we ever thought. It has always been one of our beauty essentials, choose the right brand and your bell ringers will be left feeling soft, smelling beautiful, as well as clean and conditioned. These are the very best hand soaps as recommended by FRANK editors. What will you be singing while washing?
AESOP Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash £27 REN CLEAN SKINCARE Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Energising Hand Wash £18
MALIN + GOETZ Rum Hand and Body Wash £20
This page all
Alcohol free
DIPTYQUE Eau des Sens Hand and Body Wash £32 www.thefrankmagazine.com
FRANK's
best buy
BYREDO Vetyver Rinse-Free Hand Wash ÂŁ25.00
A handbag essential Cleansing and fragrance action Can be used at any time Packed with natural ingredients No sticky after-feel
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KORA ORGANICS Hand Wash £20
ORIBE Cote d'Azur Revitalizing Hand Wash £35
SUSANNE KAUFMANN Hand Soap £31
AVEDA Shampure Hand & Body Cleanser £12.50
ORIGINS Ginger Hand Cleanser £18 www.thefrankmagazine.com
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B E A U T Y
T O O L
HEAD MASSAGER BRIOGEO Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy
Employ the powers of massage with the Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy Massager. This innovative hair tool can be used to promote healthy hair growth and improve the scalp’s condition while helping to stimulate blood flow. Contributing towards improved overall scalp health, this handheld scalp massager is conveniently sized and shaped to sit in the palm. Its rubber tips are firm yet gentle across sensitive scalps, boosting the circulation to stimulate and support healthier locks and hair follicles. The Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy Massager can be used alone on dry hair or paired with a favourite Briogeo shampoo, hair oil or treatment. It should be used with medium applied pressure for the best and healthiest results. £13.50
This Massager has been such a good addition to my shower routine. I have found other scalp massagers to be quite harsh on my scalp, however this is gentle and has helped me get rid of a lot of product build up and leaves me with a fresh feeling head! Millie Cooper www.thefrankmagazine.com
S P O T L I G H T
O N
F R A G R A N C E
Tantalise the senses .....
C
oco Cabana Fragrance Mist, a delicious smelling fragrance that lasts from sunrise to sundown. The Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Fragrance Mist features a luscious medley of scents inspired by Brazilian sensation and Hollywood star Carmen Miranda. At the heart of the mist are the mouth-watering aromas of marshmallow and buttery praline, accented with creamy caramel and toasted coconut top notes and supported by rich base notes of honey and warm vanilla latte. Spritz onto body, hair and clothes for a delicious treat and enjoy the complex, sophisticated gourmand aroma that conjures up the allure of Brazil. Use all over the body any time, anywhere. Spray on hair, clothes and lingerie for that lingering scent of coconut, praline and warm vanilla latte. www.soldejaneiro.com
''Steamy summer nights out with rich and creamy coconut and caramel fragrance'' www.thefrankmagazine.com
M E L A N I E ' S
S A V I O R S
Coffee table Beauty Saviors Whilst most of us are on lock down, here are a few beauty bits to keep your mood lifted and your hands and lips moisturised.
GOOD REMEDY Calm CBD oil
AUSFLOWERS Calm & Clear Essence Cream
SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Kiss Cupuaรงu Lip Butter
AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES Clear Mind Rollerball 10ml
SEAMS Couturiers Hand Cream with Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil and Oat Beta Glucan www.thefrankmagazine.com
B E A U T Y
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Home Treatments
Whilst we are spending more time at home maybe it’s time to trial out some homemade beauty remedies. I have put together a list of some of my favourite concoctions for you to try. Go on treat yourself to a homemade spa experience. By Beauty Editor Fiona Eustace @fionaeustace
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Why: This oil Is high in nutrients, essential fatty acids and emollients Oleic acids, Palmitic acid and Squalene These all work very well at softening and strengthening your hair. Its great used as a hair mask. Beware that it might take a few attempts to find out the correct amount for your hair type. Typically, the thicker your hair the more you can use. I have very fine hair and I can only use a small amount and I only use it on the ends of my hair. How to: 1-2 tablespoon should be perfect for thick long hair. For a luxury hair mask, massage into you scalp and don’t forget to cover the mid length and ends. Wrap in a towel and leave for 15 mins. Brush through with a wet hairbrush or wide tooth comb then Wash twice vigorously. www.thefrankmagazine.com
Avocado Why: This superfood is rich in protein fat fibre antioxidants and essential fatty acids, for firm glowing moisturised skin It is also rich in foliate (folic acid), vitamin B6, iron, copper and magnesium. What an accolade! Other than applying avocado on your skin, consuming it in salad form can also be beneficial for your skin. Avocado contains vitamins like A, D, and E which has penetrating qualities to improve your skin. Avocado oil is also very useful for skin care. The oil is useful to remove any sun damage or age spots. It also softens the skin and provides a moisturizing effect and can do wonders on damaged, undernourished and dehydrated skin. How to: Make an eye cream by mixing 5 drops of almond oil (or olive oil) in 3 ripe slices of avocado. Blend this mixture and dab it around your eyes. Keep it for five minutes then rinse.
Oats Why: Oats can be used in a lot of homemade remedies, its great for sensitive skin as it can moisturise and exfoliate your skin without any irritation. As we are washing our hands a lot more I have included a hand mask which will leave your hands super nourished. You will be thrilled by the results by using it regularly. How to: Make a paste by mixing 1/4 peeled & smashed avocado, 1 egg white, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 1 tsp lemon juice. Apply this paste on your hand and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it with warm water and pat it dry.
Milk Why: Yes! Milk can do wonders for your face, it hydrates dry skin, exfoliates mature skin and soothes irritated skin Milk has a unique ability to remove the oil-soluble impurities with the help of fat-soluble enzyme lipase, protein-based impurities with the help of protease and dead skin cells with lactic acid. Why not treat yourself to a warm bath and add some milk to nourish your skin. How to: Simple as adding milk into a warm bath, you can also add some rose petals and oats which will absorb water and bid to your skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and silky smooth. Seems like the perfect excuse to have some “Me� time www.thefrankmagazine.com
B E A U T Y
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Honey Why: We all know that Honey is very good for us if we take it internally, but did you know that it also moisturises and rejuvenates and protects from free radicals? Honey is considered wonderful for beauty care because it works as a natural humectant, which means it promotes moisture retention. It is also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and has mild antiseptic properties. It also contains various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, vitamin C, Magnesium,Iron, Sulfur,Pottassium the list goes on. Honey stimulates the growth of new tissues and is fantastic on sensitive skin. There are many uses for Honey in homemade remedies, but this is my favourite . Honey Apple Toner. How to: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply mixture to face and allow it to stay for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Green Tea bags Why: Green tea is effective in removing dead skin cells, blackheads, sebum and oil. It also soothes irritation and contains antioxidants. This simple face scrub can get messy but you skin feels great afterwards so worth he effort. How to: Simply soak a pure green tea bag in warm or hot water for a few minutes. Remove the tea bag from the water; rip open the tea bag and empty the soaked leaves into the palm of your hand. Add a teaspoon of olive oil or essential skin oils to the leaves. Gently exfoliate your face with the mixture, in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. www.thefrankmagazine.com
R E A D E R
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use our code NEWA028 www.newabeauty.co.uk www.thefrankmagazine.com
F R A N K
L O V E S
Skincare brand lends a helping hand to NHS NURSEM appeals for nominations to donate 10,000 hand care products to NHS nurses
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ursem – the caring skincare brand developed with nurses to counter the harsh effects of constant hand washing – is appealing for nominations as they donate 10,000 caring hand care products to the NHS, to nourish, nurture and protect their hard-working hands. The brand currently donates a month’s supply of hand cream to an NHS nurse or midwife for every product sold in the UK, but wanted to recognise the urgent need for increased supply, whilst acknowledging the strength and tenacity of NHS workers at this extremely challenging time. The donation comes as the UK starts to feel the negative effects of excessive hand-washing on their skin, and can relate to the ongoing impact this has on nurses hands, who wash their hands an average of 55 times a day while caring for patients. This excessive hand-washing can lead to adverse effects on the skin, such as dry cracked hands, eczema and dermatitis. To distribute the donated product, Nursem is appealing for nominations. To get involved and nominate an NHS hero close to your heart, post a picture on Instagram or Twitter with your hands up, using #HandsUpForNurses, tagging @nursemskincare, and including the nominees name in the caption. Founder Jonny said, “Now more than ever, we need to do all we can to give back to our NHS heroes - our lives are quite literally in their hands! We’ve seen overwhelming demand for our product as the nation experiences the effects of constant hand washing first-hand, so to ensure
Nursem is a new range of natural and effective skincare products. For every product sold, we'll give a month's worth of free hand cream to a nurse or midwife.
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Caring Hand Cream. Aims to prevent and soothe the effects of dry, chapped and irritated skin due to excessive hand washing - without the traditional use of petroleum-based skin barriers. we have enough product to reach those it was created to serve, we’ve set aside 10,000 products to lend a helping hand to nurses at this time.” “We are forever grateful for the unparalleled strength and tenacity that NHS workers continue to demonstrate, and we are still very much committed to doing all we can to fulfil our mission of providing free hand cream to every NHS nurse and midwife by 2025.” Nursem was founded by Jonny Philp – husband of paediatric nurse Antonia – after witnessing the effects of relentless washing first-hand to specifically combat this issue. Since then the brand has helped over 20,000 nurses across the UK. This is what sparked Nursem’s ongoing mission – the Nursem Promise – to provide a month’s supply of hand cream to an NHS nurse or midwife for every product sold, which exists to help combat the negative effects of excessive hand washing and nourish, nurture and protect hard working hands.
#HandsUpForNurses
www.nursem.co.uk www.thefrankmagazine.com
LUXURY ETHICAL FASHION BRANDS with Annabel Kerman
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FASHION This issue we present a sunny main fashion story shining light on our favourite luxury ethically minded labels, along with sustainable brands you can shop from your sofa, plus ten instagram accounts that will fast track you to the good, bad and the ugly of the fashion industry.
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SUSTAINABLE FASHION'S HOTTEST STARS Ethical brands finding their place in the sun Photography Dan Williams Fashion Editor Annabel Kerman
L E E M A T H E W S shirt and skirt MATCHES FASHION anya hindmarch bag A L I G H I E R I necklaces
M A T C H E S F A S H I O N ssone dress A L I G H I E R I earrings and bracelet E S S E N boots HOMEPLACE ONLINE chair
T H R E E G R A C E S shirt and skirt A L I G H I E R I necklaces and bracelet E S S E N shoes E L I U R P I hat
Z A L A N D O S U S T A I N mother of pearl shirt and jeans A L I G H I E R I earrings M A T C H E S F A S H I O N gabriela hearst dress A L I G H I E R I necklaces GRENSON sandals
A N N A M A S O N dress G R E N S O N sandals A L I G H I E R I earrings
Z A L A N D O S U S T A I N designers remix suit E S S E N sandals M A T C H E S F A S H I O N laura manoogian bag A L I G H I E R I necklaces HOMEPLACE ONLINE chair
L E E M A T H E W S blouse and trousers E S S E N shoes A L I G H I E R I necklaces V A R A N A shirt and palazzo pants E S S E N shoes A L I G H I E R I necklaces
STARRING www.alighieri.co.uk Alighieri jewellery is inspired by Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’; each piece corresponds to one of the poet’s 100 poems. Pieces are cast by a family run company and assembled two streets away, in recycled bronze or silver and plated in 24ct gold. uk.leemathews.com.au The Australian label focuses on natural biodegradable textiles, and local manufacturing, featuring swimwear constructed from recycled waste nylon and fishing nets. The brands ethos? ‘Beautiful, timeless and environmentally conscious clothes’. threegraceslondon.com Three Graces designs warm weather dressing, with timeless appeal, and modern interpretations of classic silhouettes. The natural fabrics they work with are sourced from Europes leading ateliers and artisan mills. essenthelabel.com Essen offers luxury classic footwear that is aesthetically beautiful, supremely comfortable and ethically made. The Melbourne based company produces limited releases in small production runs, and works with family run factories in Italy, Portugal and Spain. varanaworld.com Indian luxury brand Varana represents artisanal heritage, and blends modernity, minimalism and craftsmanship. Established in Bangalore, Varana works with local Indian mills and artisans, including Himalayan cashmere woven exclusively for the brand. zalando.co.uk Global fashion site Zalando’s aim is to be a sustainable fashion platform with net positive impact for shoppers and the planet. Focusing on climate change, use of resources and worker rights, and collaborating across the industry to share a circular future for fashion. matchesfashion.com Luxury fashion platform Matches Fashion works with Eco-Age, who specialise in sustainability solutions, to stay at the forefront of environmental advances. The site has launched a curation of pieces by sustainable labels, under the pillars of people, materials, artisans and charity. ssone at matchesfashion.com Ssone was founded in 2018, and shares the fabric origin, product lifestyle and craft behind each garment. It runs a non profit organisation Ssone Circle: an initiative that advocates craft through events. Plus for every garment purchased a tree is planted through WeForest. gabrielahearst at matchesfashion.com Uruguay born New Yorker Gabriela Hearst designs ‘honest luxury’ collections that take into consideration where materials come from and who is making them. For her s/s2020 New York show She produced the first ever carbon neutral show. annamasonlondon.co.uk British Brand Anna Mason creates classic pieces with directional silhouettes designed to stand the test of time. She works with a slow fashion ethos on a made to order basis to control stock and waste, and uses fabrics that use less resources in their production. grenson.com Grenson have been making shoes since the 1800s in only three British factories. The shoes take up to 8 weeks to make using methods designed to last. The brand now sell their best selling styles in Vegan leather motherofpearl at www.zalando.co.uk Luxury womenswear brand Mother of Pearl makes clothing ‘with wit, heart and conscience.’ Social responsibility, respect to animals and low environmental impact are a passion for the brand, and the website is set up for customers to see the sustainable attributes of each piece. designersremix at www.zalando.co.uk The Copenhagen based fashion brand was founded in 2002 upon the idea of up-cycling dead-stock materials from different brands to produce its collections. 15 years later the brand has launched Designer Remix Preloved, redesigning consumers preowned clothes. laurenmanoogian at matchesfashion.com Lauren is a Brooklyn based knitwear and accessory designer, producing collections since 2008. Natural material choices along with a dedication to sustainable and handcrafted production lies at the root of her work. eliurpi at matchesfashion.com Eliurpi hats are designed and produced in a workshop in Barcelona by a designer and photographer team. Each piece is created one by one, giving the handcrafted pieces the value of a piece of art, and designing bespoke for each client. anyahindmarch at matchesfashion.com The first accessories designer to hold an on schedule London Fashion Week Show, Anya Hindmarch has been awarded the ‘Butterfly Mark' earned by brands who adopt sustainability as a business strategy. homeplaceonline.co.uk Homeplace is an independent London based interiors platform which sources vintage, mid century, retro and contemporary furniture, lighting and homeware. They believe incorporating vintage is the most sustainable way to shop.
Alcohol free - Not pleasure free
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20 LUXURY ETHICAL
FASHION BRANDS to shop for from your home
These sites will make shopping sustainably a no brainer. And all without leaving the house.
Words Annabel Kerman
PARADISE ROW An East London social initiative, Paradise Row champions the area’s ailing heritage leather industry, with every stage of design and manufacture crafted by local creatives. Each collection highlights different social issues; we are lusting after the mental health inspired ‘Empathy’ collection. ‘Love’ and ‘Sorrow’ bags £395 paradiserowlondon.com
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2 ISABELLE FOX Producing ‘timeless, trendless and ageless’ designs, Isabelle works with her grandmother, a couture seamstress, to create collections produced using traditional couture techniques, often made from left-over fabrics from large factories and always 100% sustainable. Sophia dress £305 isabellefox.com
3 SWEDISH HASBEENS Hasbeens are traditionally handmade in small artisan factories in Sweden, produced from an original 1970’s design. The clogs are made from environmentally friendly vachetta leather, using wood from European regulated forests. A list fans include Sarah Jessica Parker and Michelle WIlliams. Dagny Clog £170 swedishhasbeens.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
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NET SUSTAIN Luxury Fashion site Net-a-Porter showcases 100 ethical fashion brands under its ‘Net Sustain’ platform, highlighting seven pillars of sustainability for transparency for customers. Established brands sit alongside emerging designers, and this year sustainable beauty brands have joined the offering. Dress Gabriela Hearst £1495 Ring Loren Stewart £165 net-a-porter.com
5 FALDAN The super stylish Faldan bag is the worlds first ethical luxury foldable bag, folding down into an iPhone sized purse. Created in ethical leather and now in a vegan fabric version, Faldan also champions women, promoting itself as a ‘style partner for life’s ultimate multi taskers.’ Red Leather Bag £495 faldan.com
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BITE ( BY INDEPENDANT THINKERS for the ENVIRONMENT) Bite is a seriously chic luxury womenswear label founded in Stockholm and London, with each piece handcrafted from organic, sustainable and recycled fibres. The brand promotes a circular business model, buying back items to enhance the life of every product. Skirt £590 Top £190 bitestudios.com
LARK & BERRY Launched in 2018, Lark and Berry uses cultured diamonds (also known as lab grown) with no environmental impact, rather than mined, that creates not only environmental damage, but corruption, human rights abuse and political violence. The brand produces high quality sustainable diamond jewellery with a modern ethos at a competitive price point. Veto: Elongated Earrings £2,245.00, MultiColoured Elongated Earrings £2,245.00, MultiColoured Necklace, £2,895.00 larkandberry.com
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8 KLEMENTS Klements has grown from a scarf brand into a contemporary women’s label focusing on print and colour. All the designs are hand painted in England and produced in Italy, supporting small family run manufacturers. It follows slow fashion ideals with pieces often taking weeks to produce. Large Square Scarf Chihuahuan Desert Print £170 klements.co.uk
9 VEJA Currently making waves in the trainer market, Brazilian brand Veja uses organic, fair-trade cotton for its canvas, amazonian rubber for its soles, recycled bottles for mesh fabric, and are 100% vegan. The company doesn’t advertise, and yet have sold 3.5 million sneakers world wide. Nova High Top Orange Fluro £85 veja-store.com
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AYTEN GASSON British lingerie label Ayten Gasson combines luxury vintage inspired collections with sustainable fabrics and traditional sewing skills, with all production in house. The brand has been named best sustainable luxury lingerie label in the international Eluxe awards and has featured in Vogue. Erica Bottle Green Silk and Lace Bra and Knickers £86 aytengasson.com
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11 STELLA MCCARTNEY A pioneer in ethical fashion, Stella Mccartney has had a no compromise approach to sustainability since the early 90’s. The new collection uses organic cotton, upcycled denim, recycled polyester, sustainable viscose and traceable wool. Bags are created by female artisans in Madagascar. Allison jacket £1075, Alicia Trousers £675 stellamccartney.com
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ASPIGA Designed to stimulate the economies of Kenyan and Indian artisans, Beachwear brand Aspiga works directly with communities, creating jobs for local people. Aspiga’s ethics are deeply rooted in the countries it works with: it supports Kenyan orphanages and pays local children’s school fees. Turquoise Disc Sandals £58 aspiga.com
MARA HOFFMAN Founded in 2000 in New York, fashion label Mara Hoffman has implemented sustainable practises since 2015. The brand prioritises natural organic fibres, with all swimwear created using recycled nylon and polyester. Mara Hoffman also supports local community development in Peru. Catalina Jacket and Eldora Pant both £352.34 marahoffman.com
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14 ALLBIRDS New Zealand brand AllBirds has engineered a revolutionary wool made specifically for footwear. They also utilise African tree fibre that uses 95% less water than cotton, sugarcane for foam soles, and laces made from recycled plastic bottles. Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey are fans. Job done. Womens Wool Runners £95 allbirds.co.uk
15 SEZANE DENIM French label Sezane’s swoonworthy denim range has had a sustainable overhaul. The line is now 100% eco friendly- using organic cotton and up to 100% less chemical products than traditional denim production. The new Venice jean promises ‘feminine seduction with a tomboy kick.’ Le Venice Jean £95 sezane.com/denim
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AZZA FAHMY Mother daughter team Azza Fahmy create handcrafted fine jewellery inspired by Egypt’s cultural history that feels incredibly modern. The brand utilises artisanal skills and age old production methods, and have a design studio in Cairo preserving craftsmanship and a foundation that supports communities. Gold Eye Earrings £7745 azzafahmy.com
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17 ALICE EARLY Alice designs and produces in central London, using only ethical materials and methods. Inspired by minimalist lines and tailoring with a feminine twist, her pieces are designed to be timeless and flow between seasons.She produces limited runs and is launching a made-to-order system to reduce waste. Sienna Dress in Sapphire Blue £225 aliceearly.co.uk
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EVVEERVITAL Evveervital was created from the lack of luxury high performing fitness ranges on the market. The brand uses innovative materials, ethically sourced and responsibly manufactured, with an emphasis on style, quality and performance. They are now focusing on aligning with charitable sporting events to give back to the community. Power On Bra £48 Power On Leggings £95 evveervital.com
19 FABLE AND EVE Newly launched for Spring 2020 Fable and Eve approach classic sleepwear with a responsible approach to production. Produced from sustainable natural fibres with no synthetic chemicals, these seriously soft pyjamas are intended to be worn for years to come. PS. The prints are to die for. Knightsbridge Floral Strip Pyjama Set £85 fableandeve.co.uk
20 DAVY J British swimwear brand Davy J markets its costumes as swimwear ‘you can actually swim in.’ Built to last, the brand fuses technical and performance elements, working with recycled fishing nets, plastic and discarded textiles. Oh and did we add these costumes are uber chic too? The Cut Out Suit 140 davyj.org
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C O M P E T I T I O N
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O W T competition prizes to be won from the LUXURY ETHICAL FASHION BRANDS
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FABLE & EVE 1 x pair of pyjamas to give away winners can choose their design Newly launched for Spring 2020 Fable and Eve approach classic sleepwear with a responsible approach to production. Produced from sustainable natural fibres with no synthetic chemicals, these seriously soft pyjamas are intended to be worn for years to come. PS. The prints are to die for.
Follow their instagram @fableandeve & look out for their FRANK post and enter for your chance to WIN!
ASPIGA 3 x pairs to give away winners can choose their design
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Beachwear brand Aspiga works directly with Kenyan and Indian artisans and communities. Aspiga’s ethics are deeply rooted in the countries it works with: it supports local orphanages and for every pair of sandals sold clears away one plastic bag from Malindi beach in Kenya.
Follow their instagram @aspigabeach & look out for our FRANK post and enter for your chance to WIN!
good luck www.thefrankmagazine.com
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Ditch the dressing gown and pop on this luxury lounge wear from DVF or these beautiful Desmond & Dempsy PJ's to keep you happy all day long Diane von Furstenberg Denise Silk Crepe De Chine Cropped Shirt ÂŁ316.00 Cut from silk Crepe de Chine, this slightly cropped shirt has a boxy silhouette with elongated short sleeves and a notch collar. Wear yours on vacation with the matching pants for sunset cocktails. 3d Chain Black
Denise Silk Crepe De Chine Pants ÂŁ382.00 Made from 100% silk Crepe de Chine, these pajama-inspired pants are cut with a wide leg, have pockets and a drawstring waist for a custom fit. Wear yours out with a billowy blouse and booties. 3d Chain Black www.thefrankmagazine.com
DESMOND AND DEMPSEY THE MILOU PRINT
''Café Milou is a café in Mexico City where we met a group of wonderful people who really showed us the city. What started with a coffee turned into a tour of the city, a taco tour, and a fiesta until three in the morning. Painted in water colour, it uses the colours of the city's pink cabs and blue houses.'' Desmond and Dempsey www.desmondanddempsey.com
EYE MASK The Milou Print
LONG PYJAMA SET The Milou Print
THE BOXY SHIRT & WIDE LEG PYJAMA TROUSERS The Milou Print images by Desmond and Dempsey
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Keep moving in style at home, with Butterfly Twists Mark Quaradeghini co founder talks to FRANK
The Butterfly Twist founders (left to right) Mark Quaradeghini, Frank Eribo, Philippe Homsy, Emmanuel Eribo
You are the co-founder and designer at British brand Butterfly Twist, when did you start the company and what was your motivation behind it? In 2007, myself and three of my oldest (male) friends made a bet. The loser, who will remain nameless, had to attend a party wearing a pair of statement high heels. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you they didn’t last long in the heels. What started as a forfeit sparked a realisation in the four of us that something was missing in women’s footwear. We set out to develop shoes that were comfortable enough to wear all day, but stylish enough to wear all night. With no background in footwear we weren’t held back by traditional ideas of how shoes should be made or what materials should be used so it allowed us to be very innovative and challenge the status quo.
Have you always had a passion for shoes? I have always been passionate about footwear, but for me it definitely started with men’s footwear. Women’s shoes are something I’ve developed a passion and an understanding for throughout the development of Butterfly Twists. I've been able to bring that focus on comfort and utility, something that is just a prerequisite in men’s footwear, into my designs for women.
“We set out to develop shoes that were comfortable enough to wear all day, but stylish enough to wear all night.”
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“I've been able to bring focus on comfort and utility, something that is just a prerequisite in men’s footwear, into my designs for women.”
I love the motto for the company “Never stick, Twist’ Where did that come from and how does it relate to the shoes? This really comes from our relationship with our customer and what we can offer her. Our shoes are designed to offer ultimate versatility to the woman on the go. We want to inspire and enable our customers to be bold and to be spontaneous. We do this with shoes that are versatile, comfortable, and functional across their everyday lives, allowing them to go to work and out for drinks without having to change.
The ballet pump is an all time classic, do you know when we started wearing them? To be honest.. no I don’t. There have been so many “trendsetters for ballet pumps” at different points in time, from Audrey Hepburn through to Kate Moss and Alexa Chung. You’re definitely right to say they are an all time classic, I have never met a woman who doesn’t own at least one pair of ballet pumps. www.thefrankmagazine.com
“ We incorporate memory foam cushioning into all of our shoes and our Twist Technology allows the shoes to move naturally with the foot as you walk.”
Flat shoes for a long time were considered not particularly glamorous , now it’s perfectly acceptable to wear flats even trainers in nightclubs. Is this a welcome change? We’ve been championing comfort in the footwear space for over a decade so the attitude change is absolutely welcome! Comfort and practicality is so important to the modern woman, this is reflected across all clothing, but seen nowhere more than footwear. Our customer wants to get things done and have fun in life and heels would just hold her back. But for us comfort is about more than just flat shoes, we incorporate memory foam cushioning into all of our shoes and our Twist Technology allows the shoes to move naturally with the foot as you walk.
Do we think more about the health of our feet and subsequently the back, when choosing shoes these days would you say ? Absolutely! Our customer feedback shows that comfort is a top priority and I don’t doubt that back health plays a role in that. This is also a real focus for our team, all of our shoes have extra padding at the heel, but a couple of seasons ago we introduced our first block heel. We designed this gently elevated shoe with back health in mind, using a 25mm heel which is the optimum height to promote good posture. This also sits directly beneath the ankle column to provide stability.
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What inspires your creations ? We prefer not to follow trends, we take inspiration from classic, timeless fashion - particularly for our silhouettes. Being inspired by fashion that has stood the test of time is great, because it means we’ll be creating something that’s still relevant to our customer long after first purchased. We keep our collection feeling new and fresh by introducing contemporary elements through material and print. We also definitely take inspiration from our customers when planning a new collection. This season we’re bringing out a croc effect vegan leather mixed with gold tone hardware on really classic silhouettes. We think this sums up our customer perfectly, she wants shoes that are smart enough to wear to work, but still have that touch of style and fun that makes them a joy to wear.
“We keep our collection feeling new and fresh by introducing contemporary elements through material and
Follow @ButterflyTwists on instagram and LOOK OUT for a FRANK competition to WIN a pair of beautiful shoes www.butterflytwists.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
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Happyx Socks
Amber Vittoria Limited Edition
AMBER VITTORIA a New York City-based artist, whose work focuses on the portrayal of women within art. She has collaborated with like-minded brands, such as NBC, Warby Parker, Gucci, The New York Times, and Instagram. www.thefrankmagazine.com
EMPOWERMENT Each sock is a different portrait of a woman. Each pair is meant to be mixed and matched, speaking to the idea that when women come together in different ways, the most amazing things can happen!
HAPPY SOCKS are made from premium cotton material, ensuring a cozy fit for your feet every time. Every order comes with all three pairs of calf-length socks, meant to be mixed and matched. www.thefrankmagazine.com
www.ambervittoria.com
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10 Ethical Fashion Instagram Accounts To Follow Now
Words Annabel Kerman
We usually associate instagram with consumption- and the modern temptation to ‘swipe up’. But there is a growing niche of female influencers who are using the gram for good- promoting ethical living and sustainable purchasing, that we can buy into without guilt attached, and that will educate us at the same time. From activists and global ambassadors to sustainably minded influencers, these women will give you enough material to fill months of armchair scrolling. And you can feel virtuous while you do it
@venetiafalconer
WHO IS SHE: Ex tv presenter Venetia is an effervescent climate activist with a mission to slow fast fashion, inadvertently gathering followers for her personal style as she goes. She also hosts a podcast ‘talking tastebuds’ where she talks to guests about food, wellbeing and conscious living. FOLLOW HER FOR: Educational Vlogs educating about the environment and fast fashion, to twirling in her latest vintage fashion finds and everything in between. She’s got a serious message, but wrapped up in a package that’s anything but worthy.
@sustainablychic
WHO IS SHE: Florida based blogger Natalie decided to leave a career in fashion in favour of creating an outlet where she can speak out about sustainability and bring about change in the industry. She has been been ‘helping women build conscious closets since 2014,’ FOLLOW HER FOR: Sustainable fashion brands that Natalie endorses in her own life, shot beautifully ( think wood, plants and monochrome) interspersed with snaps of her enviable sunny Florida lifestyle and some very cool interior inspiration. She’s also branched into sustainable kidswear and beauty.
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@jasminehemsley
WHO IS SHE: Nutritional and wellness expert Jasmine is a best selling author, television presenter and has been listed in the top 20 uk chefs. She hosts two podcasts, ‘The Wellness Connection’ and ‘SELF- sustainable with Selfridges, and is an ambassador for Women for Women and Cool Earth. FOLLOW HER FOR: A life affirming feed following her journey to a more sustainable life. Expect vintage and ethical fashion (She has a sustainable line with Needle and Thread), holistic living tips, and a smattering of celebrity glamour. Oh and of course fabulous food along the way.
@notbuyingnew
WHO IS SHE: Jade started @notbuyingnew in a bid to give up her fast fashion habit. The idea was born out of a pledge not to buy any new clothes, documenting her journey through the re-wearing and re-styling of familiar garments in her capsule wardrobe. FOLLOW HER FOR: Endless practical advise, from buying secondhand, creating a seasonal capsule wardrobe, how to rewear your existing clothes in different ways, while resisting the lure of the new. Plus an impressive number of ways to tie a neck scarf.
@Emsladedmondson
WHO IS SHE: Marketing and Retail consultant Emma is described as a ‘thought leader’, working across all areas of fashion, and is renowned for her work in the charity retail sector. She’s a self proclaimed queen of secondhand style, champions recycling with the ‘love not landfill’ initiative, and is currently planning sustainable fashion masterclasses. FOLLOW HER FOR: Extrovert styling statements that challenge any ‘dull’ sustainable fashion preconceptions that may still be lurking, and inventive charity shop styling in her ‘come charity shopping with me’ instagram tv posts. And to marvel at her amazing ‘fro.
@kissenundkarma
WHO IS SHE: German blogger Corinna’s feed (translated as cushions and karma) presents ‘beautiful homewares and outfits that are as fair and sustainable as possible.’ She considers herself a recovered consumer after educating herself on the fast fashion industry. FOLLOW HER FOR: European ethical fashion inspo, and effortless sustainable and vintage styling tips, all shot minimally in dreamy tonal hues, with equally chic interiors dropped in. She also shares mindfulness and Eco travel tips, and look out for some amazing flowers too.
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@mrspress
WHO IS SHE: Clare is an author and presenter of ‘The Wardrobe Crises’ podcast, where she interviews guests about fashion, sustainability, and more. She sits on multiple advisory boards, is a global ambassador for the ‘make fashion circular’ initiative, and is in the Australian Financial review’s 100 women of influence. She is the first Vogue Sustainability Editor. FOLLOW HER FOR: Updates on what’s happening on the front line of ethical fashion, teamed with ‘wardrobe crises’ snippets, Clare's own fashion choices and some glamorous behind the scenes action of a vogue editor.
@dominiquedrakeford
WHO IS SHE: Brooklyn based Dominique is an environmental educator and founder of MelaninAss (For Melanin and Sustainable Style) a platform championing inclusive representation and informed responsibility. She cofounded Sustainable Brooklyn, an organisation working to bridge the gap between sustainability and targeted communities, and has written for a plethora of magazines from Elle to I.D. FOLLOW HER FOR: Seriously informed posts around race and sustainability, and a daily record of this campaigner’s tireless work, alongside standout street style and ethical and socially aware brands with a New York edge.
@marinatestino
WHO IS SHE: The 25 year old niece of uber fashion photographer Mario Testino, Marina is a fashion activist and founder of ethical fashion brand ‘Point Off View’, a cross pollination of art and fashion produced between New York and Peru. FOLLOW HER FOR: Environmental insta campaigns (She wore one outfit for a month for #onedresstoimpress challenging fashion consumerism, and raised awareness around micro plastics in #weseathrough.) Her wardrobe is also full of sustainable brands, and her imagery is, understandably, fashion magazine worthy.
@dariaandronescu
WHO IS SHE: Italian Daria has been a personal shopper for over ten years, and has created the ‘Wonder Wardrobe’, using interchangeable outfits that reduce waste and support sustainable fashion brands. She runs online courses and one on one sessions. FOLLOW HER FOR: A no frills take on the capsule wardrobe- practical tips on dressing alongside information about sustainable fabrics and how to treat them to make them last. She also links to iconic artists paintings in how they can inspire your style.
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GETTING PERSONAL WITH...
All photography by Chris Floyd
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JACK SAVORETTI
Singer, Songwriter and thoroughly decent human being talks to FRANK.
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What has been the biggest surprise in your life that you could never have predicted? The love I feel for my children . I have always had so much love from my family growing up and never thought that love could ever be matched . My daughter is probably the first woman I’ve ever felt like I truly understand. She seems to have all of the things I like about myself without any of my flaws and she is constantly calling me out on them and making me better everyday. My son is the kindest person I’ve ever met. I’m sometimes intimidated by how sweet he is.
Who was your very first pin up and why? Toto schillaci Italia 90 was the first time I truly fell in love with football and the Italian national team . My father is Italian so I think his passion for the team was very infectious and still to this day the passion I feel when Italy play is unmeasurable.
What type of driver are you ? Well I’d like to think I’m a good driver but I’ve written two cars off in my day so I’m not sure how to answer this one ... I had a terrible accident last year just before my album came out. It was the closest I’ve ever been to death and it changed my prospective and showed me the fragility of life and how I had taken it for granted.
“My high school sweetheart had a pretty big impact on me ... broke my heart but taught me how to feel and how to find poetry in everything.”
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“I’d like to think I’m a good driver but I’ve written two cars off in my day so I’m not sure how to answer that one …"
What was your first ever car and the latest ? My first car was a Jeep Cherokee Wagoneer ... one of the ones with wood on the outside. It was pretty beaten up but it was my pride and joy and still to this day it’s probably the coolest car I’ve ever owned. For the last 3 years I have been an Audi ambassador so I am incredibly fortunate that I have experienced most of their amazing cars ... the Audi E Tron is truly spectacular and the Q8 is out of this world.
When was the last time you cried and why? Last night ... since being a father I even cry during
adverts. Last night was due to the fact that I wrote a song with my Italian fans about what they are experiencing right now , and my good friend the incredible Davide Rossi (Cold Play, Goldfrapp) put strings on it and it is absolutely stunning.
How do you sleep? I used to be a bit of sleepwalker when I was a kid, then through out my teens and twenties I can safely say I was a professional sleeper . Since being in my thirties I’m not very good at sleeping any more ... probably why I wrote an album called “Sleep No More “
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“My daughter is probably the first woman I’ve ever felt like I truly understand. She seems to have all of the things I like about myself without any of my flaws and she is constantly calling me out on them and making me better everyday.”
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What makes your blood boil?
What’s the best gig you have been to?
People that stand still on escalators and moving walkways ... I’m. Not really sure why but I am fascinated with the Fact that people are so easily influenced. Things can be there to help us and we let them slow us down ... I might be looking too much into it .
Ray LaMontagne at the London Scala ... it was a very intimate gig and the closest I have ever come to a religious experience. I’ve seen a lot of singers In my time but I have never felt someone’s voice wrap around me and reflect what I was felling so much.
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What was your last hand written note or letter and who received it? My daughter leaves me little notes all the time and I keep all of them. I even put them in my guitar cases so that when I’m touring I feel a bit closer to home. They are always along the lines of “ I love you papa “ but they are majestic in their simplicity
“I have travelled a lot even as a child so feeling at home is a feeling that gives me so much pleasure. Since starting a family all I want is to be with them on our little island.”
When did you last have proper belly laughs? This Christmas we went skiing and after a week of skiing my son told me he had done a wee in his ski trousers and when I said why did you to that he said don’t worry Papa they are water proof ... he’s 4.
Who was your first love? My high school sweetheart had a pretty big impact on me ... broke my heart but taught me how to feel and how to find poetry in everything.
What professionally, has been the greatest night of your life? The night they called me at midnight to tell me that it looked like in the morning we would have a number 1 album in the UK ... I couldn't believe it was happening on my 6th album. The night we played Wembley was also up there.
Are you a night owl or up with the larks? Sunrise and sunset are when I come to life
Who are the most significant female role models you have had in your life, personally and professionally ?
What gives you the most pleasure?
Personally, my mother ,my sister, my wife and now my daughter are my greatest role models. Professionally, my manager Danielle Livsey is the most incredible motivator and role model. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without her.
Being at home. I travel a lot. I have travelled a lot even as a child so feeling at home is a feeling that gives me so much pleasure. Since starting a family all I want is to be with them on our little island. www.jacksavoretti.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
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And the winner of The Great Pottery Throwdown is... “ Winning the show has given me a boost to follow some of the dreams that I would never have dared to think of fulfilling – watch this space!”
ROSA
Wiland Holmes
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Interviewed by Melanie Sykes
Congrats on the GPTD win! Thank you so much! Who would have thought that I would win!!? I am so happy. It has been such a fantastic journey. The potters, the production crew and everyone involved with the show have been amazing. I have absolutely loved every minute of The Great Pottery Throw Down. I have learnt so much about all the different techniques in ceramics and a lot about myself personally. It is difficult sometimes to keep going when everyone around you is so talented but I have realised that if I believe in myself and my good ideas and work hard, I can do it - and produce some good art pieces along the way.
The night before we started filming there was an introductory meal for all the potters and crew. It was really exciting and scary at the same time. I didn’t know that to expect but it didn’t take long before people were laughing and having fun! Everyone was so nice. I was sitting next to Rainna and we had a good giggle over dinner! Once filming started the bond between us all got stronger. We are all so different in our strengths and we all respect each other. There were a lot of long days of filming and a lot of waiting around so we all talked – a lot! Jacob had a ping pong game that we all had a go at - Rosalind was a pro!!
My throwing has got stronger, I’m more in control of the clay and able to form and shape my art to a higher standard. I think that if you surround yourself with highly skilled and talented artists, you will learn from them and improve. We have a saying in Denmark “Hvo intet vove, intet vinde.”- It’s much like the British saying Nothing ventured nothing gained. You have to take risks in order to achieve anything significant or meaningful. Life is that you make it - have fun and enjoy it! What prompted you to apply to be on the show? I have always loved challenging myself and trying new things, you never know what is out there waiting to be explored. When I found out that The Great Pottery Throw Down was looking for contestants I got so excited. I have watched the two previous series and I loved them, so I just had to apply. How did it feel when you found out you had been selected? It was fantastic!! It was a bit funny as I was on my way back to England after visiting my Danish family when I received the telephone call in the airport. My mobile starting ringing as the boarding announcement was made but I knew the call was from Love Production so I just had to answer it! I was just amazed and so happy but couldn’t do anything as I was stood there with 100 other people around me boarding the plane. The first thing I did when I got off the plane was call my family to tell them the news.
“We have a saying in Denmark “Hvo intet vove, intet vinde.”- It’s much like the British saying Nothing ventured nothing gained. You have to take risks in order to achieve anything significant or meaningful.”
What was it like meeting the potters for the first time and then having the whole experience with them going forward? www.thefrankmagazine.com
“ I am known locally as ‘the potter’ and everyone has been really supportive. It is so lovely when my children’s friends come running up to me to talk about the show.”
I loved being with the other potters; they are all such amazing people, so caring and supportive, with great talent. That was what made the whole experience so fantastic. We always helped each other out, we cried, we laughed and we celebrated together - I have learnt as much from them as I have from the challenges. During the filming there were never any bad words between us.
When did you start getting into clay and why?
Another thing I loved about being on the show was the challenge to do better all the time. We sometimes get stuck in our old ways and don’t evolve but in the show you have to run to keep up with all the fantastic potters otherwise you are out!
I first had a go at working with clay in my twenties when I did a short sculpture course. We had to make a sculpture of our feet. I remember loving the feel of the clay but didn’t take it any further.
Saying goodbye to a friend each week was awful as we had all grown so close. Fortunately we have all kept in touch and some of us are going to do some trade shows together, which will be fun.
After that I started my Masters degree in fashion. I first worked as a ladies wear designer, then I started my own children’s clothing brand called Little Duckling. It was sold in John Lewis plus many others stores here in the UK and also Worldwide. Just before we moved from London to the Buckinghamshire countryside, I started working with clay again and I got more serious with my ceramics. I now run pottery classes from my studio - I love teaching other people and seeing their creativeness coming out in the clay. It’s good being around other people who share my passion and we have so much fun! What sort of things were you creating before you did the show? I mainly threw moon jars and big bowls on the wheel that are inspired by my fascination of nature. I love the energy in the waves on a stormy day or the crackly ice in the winter or just the surface of a stone. My shapes are often round and organic. Has your life changed at all since you appeared on TV? I don’t think life has changed a lot since being on The Great Pottery Throw Down. We live in a small village where most people know each other. I am known locally as ‘the potter’ and everyone has been really supportive. It is so lovely when my children’s friends come running up to me to talk about the show. What were your highs and lows of the shows personally (not necessarily the actually making but the whole thing?)
“It was really difficult being away from my children during filming. As I work from home, I am lucky to be around for the school run and after school clubs so it took a lot of planning – the children have a busier diary than me!”
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“ We sometimes get stuck in our old ways and don’t evolve but in the show you have to run to keep up with all the fantastic potters.”
How was it juggling the children and the intense filming? It was really difficult being away from my children during filming. As I work from home, I am lucky to be around for the school run and after school clubs so it took a lot of planning – the children have a busier diary than me! My husband leave early for work, so we was fortunate that my lovely neighbour Sue would come to our house at 7am to get the children ready for school and pick them up again in the afternoon. My other friends all helped out, I really wouldn’t have been able to do The Great Pottery Throw Down without the support from my husband and all my friends. What has it been like watching the show with your family? It has been fun to see myself on the television, sometimes a bit too much fun! I do say some funny things and make some odd faces! When the first episode was shown, I invited all my students and friends over to share the moment with me. It was a great evening - we had champagne and popcorn! I normally cuddle up on the sofa with my children and dear husband and we watch the show together, it is fun to hear what the children think. My children’s friends also watch the show and we normally talk about the show on the way to swimming, it is fun to hear what they think. What does the future hold for you as a potter? It would be wonderful to show my work to a wider audience and I am planning more classes and residential pottery weekends at my studio. I am really excited about the future and I can’t wait to see what it will bring. Winning the show has given me a boost to follow some of the dreams that I would never have dared to think of fulfilling – watch this spac Rosa Wiland Holmes Website: rosawilandholmes.com Instagram: ceramic_rosa_wiland_holmes Facebook: Rosa's pottery studio www.thefrankmagazine.com
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Sound nutrition is the foundation for optimum health
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Lesley Harper Nutritional Therapist Interview By Kate Tilston
ike many others who come into the profession, Lesley’s own health issues led her to explore nutritional therapy as a viable alternative to mainstream treatments. Having significantly benefited from nutritional therapy herself, Lesley’s interest in the subject matter was ignited. Nutritional therapy allowed Lesley to take control of her issues and, after a ten year engineering career, she made the decision to retrain in order to practise and promote the development of nutritional therapy. Lesley believes that sound nutrition is the foundation for optimum health. She promotes an integrated approach to healthcare and actively encourages the involvement of other healthcare and fitness providers when supporting her clients. Lesley completed her training at the Natural Healthcare College in 2009 and has been providing individual consultations and workshops to various organisations ever since. Lesley is a course tutor for NHC’s Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy Diploma. For seven years, she also ran nutrition workshops for one of the UK’s longest running fitness retreats. In 2018, Lesley completed the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Applying Functional Medicine in
How long have you been a Nutritional Therapist?
inflammation. I made some changes to my diet and lifestyle and when these started to work I became interested in learning more, and became passionate about I have been a Nutritional Therapist for just over 10 years. promoting the approach. Previously I was an Engineer and I had some health How do you go about working with a new client? problems early on in my career. I usually start with a discovery call to determine if nutritional therapy is right for them. The client completes an extensive health questionnaire, which they return to me prior to their appointment in order for me consider their situation in more detail. When we meet, we review the information in relation to their health goals and consider all contributing factors. I will then follow up with a more detailed diet and lifestyle recommendations that the client can start on straight away. www.thefrankmagazine.com
I developed joint problems that turned out to be an autoimmune condition. My joints were swollen and really painful and at times and I struggled to carry out everyday activities. I was offered quite a worrying prognosis, but I was in my early 20s and determined to find out if there was anything I could do to help myself. I researched everything I could and discovered the impact that poor digestion can have on gut integrity and
''Chew your food – it sounds simple, but this kick starts digestion in the mouth and triggers a cascade of positive digestive responses''
Can you give me some examples of the type of things readers of FRANK magazine could start doing to improve their digestive health?
Why do people come to see you?
1. Chew your food – it sounds simple, but this kick starts digestion in the mouth and triggers a cascade of positive Often I find that new clients are coming to see me in digestive responses. connection to a very specific condition, for example IBS 2. Variety – the greater the range of vegetables the more or hormonal issues. Nutritional Therapy tries to identify positive influence you can have on your diversity of gut the root cause of symptoms rather than only looking at bacteria. symptom management. As we progress through the 3. Fermented foods – try and include things like live process other contributing factors emerge that they might yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir to further support not have considered relevant. We tend to have a gut bacteria. symptom driven culture around health, whereas 4. Eat unprocessed foods where-ever possible – food in as nutritional therapy will take the whole person into near to its natural state is always a better choice account. An area where this is particularly true is the 5. Remember to enjoy your food. body’s physical response to psychological and environmental stress.
Do you specialise in any particular areas of practice? I’m particularly interest in gut health and chronic digestive conditions.
What conditions could be associated to poor digestive health? That’s a good question, as it can be the obvious ones, such as indigestion, heartburn, bloating, and constipation. There are less obvious ones, however, such as auto immune conditions, arthritis, hormone imbalances, PMS, anxiety, and skin conditions.
Digestive health has become a really popular topic these days, is this another fad or is this something we should all be paying attention to? It’s absolutely worth paying attention to. With so many conflicting messages about food and healthy eating it can be difficult to know where to start when trying to make positive changes to your health. A great starting point is working on a healthy digestive system as poor digestion inhibits the body’s access to key nutrients, which can have a knock-on effect to many areas of health.
Lesley Harper is a BANT Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. www.lesleyharper.co.uk
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Apps to help Mental Health
REFLECTLY - JOURNALING Reflectly is the evolution of journaling on your phone. The design is beautiful, the stats are encouraging, and the simplicity of the product is incredible. Reflectly does an amazing job at allowing you to condense a long form journal entry onto your phone. If a mood tracker and a journaling product had a baby, that baby would be Reflectly. The "Journal For Happiness" is currently ranked #7 in health & fitness on the app store. www.reflectly.app
QUIRK - COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY Quirk helps you overcome Depression & Anxiety by providing DIY Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on your phone! Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the "gold standard" of psychotherapy and is widely considered to be one of the most effective, evidence backed treatments for depression, anxiety, and panic. If you go into just about any therapist or psychiatrist, CBT will likely be one of the first treatments they try. Quirk is the #1 app for CBT, with over 54% of our users report feeling better immediately after using QUIRK. www.quirk.fyi
STOIC - STOICISM FOR MENTAL HEALTH What does Stocisim have to do with mental health? Stoic works by preparing fragments from books and personalized insights that will help you feel better and deal with the obstacles you face. Stoic is the easiest way to be happier and learn how to cope with stress using stoicism philosophy. Stocisim is a philosophy of leaders. It can help you become happier and more productive, become less emotionally reactive, become a better kinder person, and become better at resolving conflicts. www.stoicroutine.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
How ‘on point’ is your plate? Following the trend for all things green and earthy this spring could be the most important change you make for lifelong sustainable health and happiness
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ashion can be thought frivolous by the cynics but right now following the crowd could be a great move. We know we need to treasure our environment but just for kicks, let’s look closer to home and look at how ecofriendly and green your gut is. I am going to invent a phrase ‘body environment’ as it is the one that only you can control. We are a walking container for some wonderful bacteria in our gut– up to a 1000 species. Some of these are the keystone to how happy you feel right now, your energy level and how well you will feel tomorrow and in the years to come. We hear terms daily that relate to what’s beneath our belly buttons but now is the time to get up close and personal and learn about yours. From the second we are born we start accumulating bacteria in our gut. Two baby twins will accumulate a different profile of bacteria within the first week of life and go on to acquire their own individual ‘gut profile’ as they age. Some of this may be similar but much will be diverse, related to their individual environments. Similarly, your best friend’s bugs will differ from your own. Genetic differences aside, she will have a completely
Dr Louise Wiseman
different health profile to you throughout her life. One of you may suffer arthritis as you age, the other chest problems. A lot of this is down to the gut, not just genetics. None of us is the same, why would we want to be? A ‘Stepford Wives’ community of identikit women would be excruciatingly boring, but there are essential requirements in our ‘body environment’ we all need to help us live healthy. Some lightbulb moments for me have been to actually understand these terms (you may already know them well) before panicking about just how many fruit and veg to buy. Microbiome This is all the genetic material in your gut from the organisms living within it.
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Microbiota This is all the actual microorganisms in your gut.
Prebiotics These are types of fibre within certain foods that are indigestible to us – our gut can’t do much with them but the healthy bacteria in our gut feed on them. Examples of prebiotic containing foods are leeks, onions, garlic, asparagus, flaxseed, bananas, apples and we NEED THEM. (Don’t scrub too hard at skinless root veg – soaking in a weak bicarb solution can be effective at cleaning and not removing some of the prebiotic content.) Prebiotics contribute to the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
Probiotics These are the healthy bacteria and yeasts that we need. They are found in fermented food like sauerkraut, yoghurt, kombucha, kimchi, kefir, pickles. Just starting with a good unsweetened yoghurt is an inexpensive way to help your gut. You can take a supplement but these are more costly and we do not know what our existing microbiome is, so it is difficult to say one size fits all. Ask your clinician. In a time when we question our immune systems with the threat of Corona, there is even more motivation to keep our bodies in a good baseline state to deal best with the potential threats around.
Where do you get your fruit/veg fix? General health advice has swung from five up to ten a day. I say do the best you can. Ideally we would live “The Good Life” growing our own but most of us can’t. Live the best you can happily afford with the budget and time you have available. Buy fresh, choose organic if that is for you (this is a big debate and may be more important for certain foods – the concept of the dirty dozen and the clean fifteen is something for you to research as cost is an inhibitor to many when choosing organic produce and different countries have different standards for pesticide levels). Get to know the local farm shop. Don’t underestimate the concept of freshly frozen – a convenient way to boost your intake.
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Ditch white food
Get happy
Over processed white carbs and hidden refined sugars in artificial cakes, biscuits, packet food won’t give your skin, libido or mood even a quick buzz. The sugar in your mouth is a short lived pleasure. Your gut bacteria won’t thank you (well not the good ones) while your blood sugar quickly nosedives afterwards and you are left craving more. Food with no protein or wholegrain content does not work well in your stomach. Your tummy does not register it in the same way and you don’t feel full – thus you are left feeling hungry. Fruit juice gives you a quick sugar rush – far better to peel the tangerine and get the fibre. If you love a smoothie make it a green one from good stuff- avocado, kale, whatever, just keep it on the greener side.
We are not entirely sure how the gut affects our mind. It may be through the vagus nerve or another mechanism. Gut bacteria can produce chemicals that are similar to our own happy brain chemicals- serotonin and dopamine, so anything that promotes this will make us feel brighter. Trials have shown that a Mediterranean diet can improve mood in depression sufferers in as short a time as 12 weeks. This does not suggest medication should be stopped but that healthy eating is an adjunct to other changes to improve mental health in all of us.
Stop mindless snacking
Every time we eat, ‘small junctions’ between the cells lining the gut have to part to let the good Lose excess weight stuff in. This makes sense. It is when these gaps appear that the bloodstream can be in contact There is no doubt that for many over 40 we find with bad bugs in the gut. It is however an that we cannot get away with eating nonsense essential part of nutrient absorption. ‘Let the and effortlessly maintain our figure as we did in good stuff in, keep the bad stuff out’. Every time our 20s. Our metabolism changes, chronic stress there is this exposure there is the potential for may keep our pesky cortisol levels up and this inflammation. If you snack all day, especially on keeps a nice envelope of fat around our middle and may indicate the more dangerous visceral fat empty calorie food, you are putting your body more at risk of inflammation. that lies beneath. By avoiding empty calories in sugary drinks and nutrition-lacking foods and choosing proper fresh food our gut can receive the nutrients it needs to aid us through We are not entirely sure how the gut affects o menopause and out the other side.
Vegan? Get B12 conscious Vegans and strict vegetarians and those with digestive problems can become B12 deficient. It is hard to obtain enough B12 on a totally plant based diet. It is found in meat, fish, milk and eggs but if you avoid these look for fortified cereals, marmite, fortified brewers’ yeast and so on. Many people come to the conclusion with their doctor that a supplement is best. Disregard all of this and many systems in your body could be affected by a deficiency – memory problems, tiredness, numbness and tingling are just a few – along with potential impairments in immunity. This is an easily avoided problem and it starts with the gut.
may be through the vagus nerve or another m Gut bacteria can produce chemicals that are our own happy brain chemicals- serotonin and so anything that promotes this will make us fe Trials have shown that a Mediterranean diet c mood in depression sufferers in as short a ti weeks. This does not suggest medication sh stopped but that healthy eating is an adjunc changes to improve mental health in all
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our mind. It mechanism. e similar to d dopamine, eel brighter. can improve ime as 12 hould be ct to other of us.
Don’t drink without thinking first Alcohol has a complex effect on our immunity. It can reduce our resilience many ways including via the effect on our mucosal defence, our immune cells. It even affects the way our respiratory system handles infection. Both binge drinking and chronic drinking can have effects on our health.
Think how you eat and let your gut digest with ease Chew slowly and let your digestive processes start in the mouth, you are also less likely to overeat if you don’t rush. Don’t eat just before bed and avoid spicy food to avoid acid reflux. Make sure you have plenty fluid every day and to discourage bloating don’t eat excess salt which is often hidden in overly processed foods. Not all processed food is unhealthy- the tin of pinto beans you put in a chilli are processed by canning but they are not bad for you! Exercise and movement aid your digestion.
What you eat, how you eat, what your gut bacteria eat all reflect in your health. Your skin, energy, immunity and vigour will shine. If ever there was a ‘time to green’ it is now, starting with your ‘body environment’. Whatever your complexion and colouring that green will sure look good on you this season girl. Dr Louise Wiseman MBBS BSc(Hons) DRCOG MRCGP Louise is a former GP, now medical writer and author. Her first book ‘A Doctor’s Secret Guide to Radiant Health over 40’ is due release September 2020. Louise is a medical editor at www.netdoctor.co.uk. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @drlouisewrites and at www.drlouisewiseman. co.uk
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H E R B A L
H E R O E S
Five of the best natural herbal solutions to support immunity By Euan MacLennan, Herbal Director at Pukka Herbs and Medical Herbalist at a London-based NHS practice
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uring the seasons, our body can be challenged by viruses and bacteria, both of which cause infections, albeit of a different sort. We are lucky to have inbuilt defence mechanisms that protect us from invasion: our immune system and its many complex components. Every day we each inhale more than a 100 million different bacteria, according to the Medical Research Council[1]. To stop the infectious invaders, we each have about 30 million unique antibodies, each programmed to recognise a single known bacterium, plus millions more ‘naïve’ antibodies waiting to attack previously unknown bacteria[2]. Whilst our immune system is designed to fight off viruses, sometimes it can be helpful to support it against new
challenges and ensure we are as robust as possible at times when infections are active in the community. It’s no surprise that simple lifestyle habits such as getting a good night’s sleep, a balanced diet full of fruit and vegetables and washing your hands regularly can help support your body’s ability to fight off infections, but did you know that plants have powerful properties to help support your body’s defence mechanism? Our immune system maintains the ecological relationship between the mind-body-spirit and the world in which we live and interact. Antiviral and antibacterial herbs offer a natural way to support immunity and respiratory health overall. Here are five of my favourite natural remedies to help support your immune system:
Echinacea:
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A renowned immune tonic with some very interesting research, echinacea can be particularly helpful for fighting infections of the respiratory tract. It may have a preventative action but also help relieve symptoms and speed recovery.
Elderberries:
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Bursting with brightly coloured pigments that act as natural antioxidants, elderberries are a natural source of vitamin C. Elderberry is a powerful fruit shown to ‘de-activate’ viruses, helping to stop them spreading through the body. It may also help the immune system in a similar way to Echinacea. Sipping on herbal tea is a fantastic way of incorporating these two ingredients into your day-to-day lives. My favourite is Pukka Herbs Organic Elderberry and Echinacea, packed with antioxidants to reduce stress and fight infections. (Available from Waitrose, Tesco and Holland & Barrett. RRP £3 for 20 sachets). www.thefrankmagazine.com
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Vitamin C:
Well-known for supporting our immune function, vitamin C plays an important role by improving the activity of some white blood cells such as ‘natural killer cells’, allowing our immune system to communicate and coordinate its attack against viruses.
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Andrographis:
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote the production of antibodies and reduce the severity of infection, andrographis contains compounds that rally the immune system to fight effectively against invaders such as viruses. Pukka Herbs has worked with the University of Southampton on a clinical trial to prescribe andrographis to NHS patients in 20 GP surgeries across the UK to sooth symptoms of respiratory tract infections.
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Mushrooms:
There are approximately 400 species of fungi that have been identified with medicinal properties, and many have antiviral, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory qualities. Mushrooms are high in beta glucans – natural substances found to help ‘prime’ our immune system, making sure it’s ready for action to fight off infection. They can be easily added into your diet through daily doses of supplements.
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I N T E R V I E W
The Menopause Doctor
Dr Shahzadi Harper is founder of The Harper Clinic, Harley St, London which is a specialist clinic focussing on
women’s wellbeing and menopause. She is a keen believer in the early management of symptoms of the perimenopause to optimise health and hormonal wellbeing. She aims to help women look good, feel confident and sexy.
She is a member of the British menopause society, European menopause and Andropause society and international menopause society and is actively involved in raising awareness around the subject and has given educational talks to GP’s and businesses on menopause in the workplace. Dr Harper is often in the media talking about women’s health and menopause, This Morning, BBC Radio Oxford, Talk Radio and Podcadts with Liz Earle and Sunday Times to name a few. Dr Harper graduated from University College London in 1994 and is an experienced GP but in the last five years she has dedicated herself to women’s hormonal wellbeing. She takes a holistic and positive approach to women’s wellbeing and the menopause. www.thefrankmagazine.com
What brought you to your profession? So if we’re being really frank, I never really wanted to be a GP that just happened due to life’s circumstances and the cards I was dealt but I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. However cheesy it may sound, Ive always wanted to help people. I come from a cultural background where it was never assumed I would go to university in fact quite the opposite was expected of me, that is to have an arranged marriage and be a good wife. But as my school report said I have a 'non conformist streak' and had a father who believed in me. I often had to fight for equality and wished I was born a boy because in reality, life would have been much easier and less restrictive for a working class girl like me from a Muslim family, so it pains me to hear young women like Taylor Swift saying similar things in this day and age. However, I still ended up having the arranged marriage but had to leave after three difficult years with my 15month old daughter and then worked my way up to become a GP, juggling work and being a single mum. However, it actually was a god send. It gave me a wide breadth of knowledge and good communication and people skills.
When did you choose menopause to be your specialist area? When I tore my anterior cruciate ligament on New Year’s Day 2014 it made me stop as I was laid up for months and it got me re-evaluating my life and in which direction I wanted it to go. I chose menopause as my specialist area because I always like a challenge and when women over the age of 40yrs came to see me in my GP surgery I used to be baffled as to what were these symptoms. Also, my mother developed dementia in her 50’s which coincided with the end of her menopause and I have seen other capable women not being their confident selves. I’d also noticed that women seemed to suddenly age. I wanted to help them and I also wanted to be prepared for that stage in my life and for my five sisters because I’d noted that doctors didn’t seem to know much about ‘menopause’ and I wanted to be The Doctor who did . I also noticed that women were feeling invisible and the narrative on a menopausal woman was hot flushes, grumpy, irritable & moody. But women are much more than that and whilst this can be a challenging time it can also be a new beginning. So I felt with my background as a GP and with all the additional training that I had done on addictions, functional medicine, gut health and sexual health that I could combine this all together to give women a great joined up service and help them. Mid life is not end of life and there is a lot more living and fun still ahead.
Why do you think the stigma around talking about menopause has started to lift? I think the stigma and menopause has started to lift because more and more prominent women in the public eye are now entering into that stage of life. These are the women who 20 years also were heralding the first wave of strong sexy women living their life in the public eye and still are or are in prominent positions in their chosen careers. They are women who want to stay at the top of their game, who are willing to speak out and fight for equality and are not prepared to be written off. We as women have a louder voice because we are a larger proportion of the workforce and we want to have a different approach to menopause and ageing compared to what our mothers and grandmothers went through. We still want to be visible we still want to be seen as attractive. We are intelligent and good at what we do and we want to lead fun and energetic lives. There has been a shift in how women perceive themselves and what they can achieve and how society sees them which is all for the good.
“I chose menopause as my specialist area because I always like a challenge and when women over the age of 40yrs came to see me in my GP surgery I used to be baffled as to what were these symptoms. Also, my mother developed dementia in her 50’s which coincided with the end of her menopause and I have seen other capable women not being their confident selves.” www.thefrankmagazine.com
Why is perimenopause sometimes misdiagnosed ? The average age for menopause is 51yrs ie when you’ve had a year without a period, the perimenopause is that time leading up to your menopause and the symptoms can often be just be attributed to to life. Women often don’t prioritise themselves, we are so used to being daughters sisters auntie‘s, partners, wives, girlfriends, mothers that when it comes to us, some of the symptoms for example tiredness fatigue or broken sleep, flat mood and anxiety are all just thought about as every day hardships of being a woman in your 40s. So between juggling family, elderly parents, work, relationships and just getting old, It sometimes means it takes time to put two and two together.
How good does it feel to be helping women in this sometimes alarming time of their lives? It feels fabulous ! it’s the best work I’ve ever done. I wake up in the morning looking forward to each day and making a difference. I see so many women who are really good at what they do but are finding that they are getting menopause symptoms which they just don’t know how to manage, don’t understand and they don’t feel themselves.
The best part is getting them back to just being them, getting them confident in their abilities and also helping them to regain control of their bodies and alleviate their symptoms, helping them to sleep better, feel attractive and sexy again. The menopause transition can sometimes make looking in the mirror challenging, skin loses elasticity and weight gain knock a woman’s self confidence. It’s not just about being healthy on the inside, I like women to fall in love with themselves again and to also realise how amazing they are and put themselves first #Me1 The best compliment I get is that not only am I a doctor but I’m a woman and I get it and I think that’s important factor,
it’s more than just being a medical doctor it’s about being a life coach a counsellor someone who listens and someone who understands. I truly feel I found my vocation here having been a doctor for 25 years, this is what I truly love and want to continue doing.
Is it a challenging area because everyones experience of menopause is different? The fact is every woman will go through the menopause whether she has children or not whatever colour she is, whatever her cultural background and whatever religion she is so this is something that all women will face at some point most women for them the average age of 51 but for a few 1% of women this does occur under the age of 40 and I've even come across women as young as 18/19yrs old. Every woman does go through it differently, most women will experience some symptoms and 25% experience severe debilitating symptoms. We know those women who have suffered in the past with premenstrual syndrome tend to go through this time period worse it starts earlier and finishes later but on average the perimenopause does last from 4-10 years. The common thread I find is that women feel lost or not in control of the person that they are, whether it’s emotional in the sense of being tearful and sad, feeling overwhelmed and anxious, irritable and snappy. Often their relationships are under strain and intimacy and sex is no longer enjoyable because of physical changes like vaginal dryness or because of loss of interest due to feeling tired. I help them to understand that it’s not them, It’s their hormones. The hormones oestrogen and progesterone are fluctuating and declining and thats why we feel this way. I explain these changes are not permanent and I reassure them that there are things that we can do for ourselves such as exercising, mindfulness yoga and looking at our nutrition and diet. I help them to understand what is going on in their bodies and how to manage stress, anxiety and look at sleep hygiene. I help them to take a proactive view in their health management for the future and help them re centre and reset .
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“The menopause transition can sometimes make looking in the mirror challenging, skin loses elasticity and weight gain knock a woman’s self confidence. It’s not just about being healthy on the inside, I like women to fall in love with themselves again and to also realise how amazing they are and put themselves first.”
“ If you feel that you’re developing symptoms or you’re starting to feel tired, maybe your periods have become shorter or heavier or more painful and you don’t feel like yourself or you are developing new symptoms like anxiety, I say don’t wait, go and see a doctor, go and get some advice and see what can be done.”
So if you feel that you’re developing symptoms or you’re starting to feel tired maybe your periods have become shorter or heavier or more painful and you don’t feel like yourself or you are developing new symptoms like anxiety, I say don’t wait, go and see a doctor, go and get some advice and see what can be done. Often symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia or lack of vitamin B12 and vitamin D can mimic the symptoms of perimenopause as can an underactive thyroid so it’s worth while getting or taking the time to have a health MOT get some blood tests done, check your cholesterol your lipids, for Type II diabetes look at your diet, stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and your sugar intake your carb intake these are things that you can take control and take charge The best thing is to speak to someone and focus on what needs to be done or what could be done. I have to say that once you’re into your 40s this is the time to proactively take charge of your health put yourself first and another myth is that you have to wait until your periods end before you can go onto any kind of hormone replacement treatment and this is just not true.
That is such a conflict about bioidenticals and HRT can you clear up the confusion for us about the pros and cons of both? You also often hear the terms biodentical hormones and bodyidentical HRT which is confusing for women and women are left wondering what is the difference which one is best. In a nutshell both are chemically similar to the body's natural hormones. However the term bio identical has often been used by practitioners who compound and formulate hormones and lead you to believe that they are specific and personalised and more natural for you however they tend to be non-regulated so it’s difficult to get a grasp on the exact science behind them for that reason the body identical hormones, gels and micronized progesterone or another way of describing them is regulated bioidentical HRT is prescribed by doctors within the NHS and private clinics and these are regulated licensed products which is what I would recommend. www.thefrankmagazine.com
Managing the menopause transition is more than prescribing medication, its a complete integrated approach, using this time as a window of opportunity to help a woman optimise her health and wellbeing taking a positive and holistic approach to enable a woman to have a good menopause transition.
Symptoms: * Periods become irregular, cycle length shortens, periods are missed. * Can also be heavy * Fatigue * Anxiety,feeling easily overwhelmed * Palpitations * Mood changes, irritability, tearful * Brain fog, more forgetful, concentration changes * Loss of self esteem and confidence * Joints “arthritis of menopause” * Hot flashes * Night sweats * Insomnia, broken sleep, waking at 3-5 am with palpitations an/or anxiety * Bladder irritability: Needing to pass urine more frequently * Ageing! Skin drier, hair thinning * Loss of libido * Vaginal dryness * Increased frequency of cystitis and thrush * Dry eyes, change in vision * Gum disease, dry mouth * Tinnitus * Body shape changes- Weight gain especially around the middle, expanding waistline- feeling matronly. It’s understandably an uncertain time for all which can worsen menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, hot flushes, poor sleep. It’s easy to forget looking after yourself, however, now more so than ever it’s important to maintain your health and mental wellbeing. I am offering video consultations - via Skype, FaceTime, zoom and can arrange a prescription. It’s important to manage your symptoms now and in the current climate we can defer blood tests to a later date. I’m here to support and advise. +44 (0) 207 637 8820 info@theharperclinic.com www.theharperclinic.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
H E A L T H Y
D R I N K S
4 HEALTHY SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIES For extra detoxification benefits, a lemon turmeric flush first thing in the morning will do the trick. This isn’t for the faint of heart.
The best superfood healthy smoothie recipes. 4 Healthy Smoothie Recipes that will give you a boost of energy!
LEMON TURMERIC FLUSH DRINK: Ingredients: 2 cups Water 1 Lemon, squeezed 1/2 teaspoon Ground Turmeric 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional) 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon 1 teaspoon Stevia or 1 Tablespoon Honey or Real Maple Syrup Serves 2 Directions: Mix together, water, lemon juice, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper (optional) and cinnamon. Add stevia, honey or maple syrup to taste. The cayenne pepper adds a kick to it so not everyone can handle it.
SWEET CHERRY ALMOND SMOOTHIE: Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups Cherries frozen 1 cup Almond Milk 1 scoop Protein Powder 1 Banana Ice Optional: top with unsweetened coconut flakes + almond butter Directions: Add ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add ice depending on temperature preference. Frozen bananas work best in smoothies. Peel, slice in half, and place in a large Ziploc bag in the freezer overnight. Add more spinach and kale to increase nutritional benefits. www.thefrankmagazine.com
YOUTHFUL GLOW GREEN SMOOTHIE: Ingredients: 2 Handfuls approximately 2 cups Kale or Power Greens Mix 2 Handfuls approximately 2 cups Baby Spinach 2 cups Pure Apple Juice 1/2 Cucumber 1/2 Lemon squeezed (for extra benefits, use the juice from an entire lemon) 1 Banana Ice Optional: 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger grated Directions: Add ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add ice depending on temperature preference. Frozen bananas work best in smoothies. Peel, slice in half, and place in a large Ziploc bag in the freezer overnight.
Blueberries – one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all fruit which helps to combat free radicals in your body.
CHOCOLATE POWERHOUSE SMOOTHIE: Ingredients: 1 cup Coconut Milk 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder 1/2 cup Blueberries 1 cup Spinach 1 Banana 1 Tablespoon Almond Butter Ice Directions: Add ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add ice depending on temperature preference. Frozen bananas work best in smoothies. Peel, slice in half, and place in a large Ziploc bag in the freezer overnight. Add more spinach and kale to increase nutritional benefits. www.thefrankmagazine.com
It's OK not to be OK
By Kate Tilston
I
t’s ok to not be ok
So, over the last couple of weeks I have had conversations with many clients who are used to being very organised, having structured and productive days (on the whole) and all of a sudden, life has thrown a curved ball and all of that has gone out of the window! So how do we cope? I am a structured person, I like to have a plan and sometimes my plans are for activities that are several months away so to have days, weeks and potentially a few months ahead of me with nothing in the diary, has been a test on my mental health too. I think there are several things we are particularly struggling with – structure to our days, feeling trapped, feeling useless and that we should/could be doing more? Some of us are now juggling working from home and home schooling – how do we get the balance right? What if our children’s schooling suffers as a result of us not coping? All these and plenty more questions that seem to be regularly popping up and understandably. Firstly, it’s about re-framing the thought process. The majority of us are not trapped, trapped is being held hostage or somewhere dangerous against our will – think of Terry Waite a hostage for 1,763 days the first four years of which were in solitary confinement. We have been asked to stay at home, we have been asked to do this to save lives and this is a small price to pay however difficult or alien it may feel. We feel useless – how can we help? If we are able, fit and capable, we can sign up to the NHS volunteers but not everyone can do that or will be accepted. If we can’t do
that, well we know the answer and that is to stay at home, do what is being asked of us not just by the government but by the wonderful NHS. That will help. Home schooling – very tough on most people and if you have the added pressure of still working from home as well it can feel monumental BUT please remember this – everyone is in the same boat, we won’t all get it right, the lessons will be haphazard but they will be for everyone and this will all get taken into consideration at a later date.
“Most people are just surviving, they’re getting up later, they stay in their pyjamas, eat rubbish food, swear at the cat, look at all the jobs they could/should do and then binge on a box set and that is ok.”
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There are other lessons that can be learned and if there are days when it all feels too much, it truly isn’t the end of the world. Give yourself a break, give the kids a day off and come back to it. The world is upside down at the moment and we all just need to find ways to cope and that includes your children’s education. So, what have I done to ease that pressure (because I’m sure we’re all agreed, we don’t need to put additional pressure on ourselves right now)? Well I am currently;
Planning one day at a time. Dividing my day into morning and afternoon sessions so only planning a few hours at a time. I’m allocating one task to complete a day that’s a non-typical task i.e. clean out all the kitchen cupboards, clean the grouting in the bathroom, all the things that you usually put to the bottom of your list. I’m reading for an hour a day, coaching material, something where I can learn. I do my hours exercise by walking my dog but if I didn’t have a dog, I’d be doing one of the online exercise courses. I’m making birthday cards in advance for my friends.
Not all of this will appeal to all people and I appreciate it’s a whole different scenario if you are also trying to home school your kids and work from home too. BUT what I am doing, is giving myself a break and if I have a day that is less than productive (yesterday was one of those) I am not beating myself up over it. I drank copious cups of tea, I pottered around the house, I felt quite grumpy so avoided my husband and wallowed a little if I’m very honest! yesterday I didn’t feel ok and that was ok. It’s easy to get hooked into everyone else’s “stuff” – social media would have us believe that everyone is using this time to meditate (having never done so before and can now miraculously do it) to fit their yoga session in before making up a superfoods smoothie whilst creating some wonderful lesson plan for the kids before tuning into a podcast where they will learn a new language………RUBBISH! Most people are just surviving, they’re getting up later, they stay in their pyjamas, eat rubbish food, swear at the cat, look at all the jobs they could/should do and then binge on a box set and that is ok too!! These are unprecedented times, there is no “normal” you have to find your balance, your coping mechanism and if you have days where you don’t feel ok – allow yourself a day to feel rubbish, wallow a little and then look to tomorrow and what you could do with your day then and there will be something, however small.
“The majority of us are not trapped, trapped is being held hostage or somewhere dangerous against our will – think of Terry Waite a hostage for 1,763 days the first four years of which were in solitary confinement. We have been asked to stay at home, we have been asked to do this to save lives and this is a small price to pay however difficult or alien it may feel.”
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F R A N K
L O V E S
Re-usable bottles
REN Reusable Steel Water Bottle £19.00 Stay hydrated - sustainably, with this steel water bottle. Cleaner oceans - we’ll cheers to that. With our REN and Dopper-branded stainless steel water bottle, obv. Switch out single-use plastic bottles for our reusable, 490ml version for your work, gym and commute hydration companion. Solid steel, dishwasher safe, BPA free and you can even use the top as a little leakproof drinking cup, too. www.renskincare.com
Switch out single-use plastic bottles for reusable ONE GREEN BOTTLE 800ml tough canteen all steel cap stainless steel bottle £16.50 800ml stainless steel water bottle. Our new no nonsense tough canteen style. These little bruisers are tough, rugged and old skool cool. volume 800ml/27oz height inc cap 280mm diameter 75mm weight 175g Stainless steel 304grade, no lining We recommend handwashing painted bottles but this one is nude so chuck it in the dishwasher if you please! www.onegreenbottle.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
The must have mindful pod casts THE MINDFUL PODCAST Helps you achieve this state of mindfulness. The episodes are fairly short, containing either 10 or five-minute practices to try out from topics such as taming bad habits or feeling grateful. There are also some long episodes that usually take place live, from experts in the field. www.Mindful.org
THE COURAGEMAKERS Couragemakers is a weekly podcast for creative and passionate,mission-driven doers, makers and worldshakers designed to inspire and encourage fellow couragemakers, and spark a movement of women who are choosing themselves. Building the life you want and putting stuff in the world takes a boatload of courage, but you don’t have to do it alone. podcasts.apple.com
SLEEP AND RELAX ASMR Sleep and Relax ASMR is a weekly podcast that creates audio experiences designed to help people sleep and relax.
The show uses various ASMR triggers including whispers, gentle speaking, relaxing background noise, and general ambiance to help people unwind and relax from their busy lives. podcasts.apple.com
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H E A L T H
C O A C H
The Self-Isolation Survival Guide Sandie Fredriksson is a highly sought-after health coach and the creator of ‘The 8 Week Plan - Healthy Habits For Life’. She teaches women over 40 how to get in control of their health and happiness in the second half of life, without it feeling difficult.
Sandie tells us how to protect our wellbeing during this testing time, and perhaps even build new healthy habits for life
S
taying home whilst so many others are fighting Coronavirus on the frontline, is absolutely essential and the least we can do. But single and alone, hemmed in with a partner who’s perfecting your eye roll or tactically trying to avoid locking horns with your teenager, comes with its own set of challenges as the weeks go on. It’s early days, but so far, self-isolating with my partner, our five children (aged 11 to 17) and the dog is feeling quite manageable. Like those first heady days of Christmas, we’ve enjoyed spending time together playing board games, making Tik Toks and squashing up after dinner to start the nightly debate about which movie to watch. But this isn’t Christmas and lets’ face it, we could be here a while. Equally, if you live alone, having more time for self-care and that Netflix series you’ve been eyeing, may have sounded like bliss a few weeks ago. But in reality, it can start to feel very lonely very quickly, especially if you’re an extrovert who thrives on a busy social calendar.
I don’t know anybody who’s not feeling fearful right now as we all wonder how long this will last, what the cost will be or how our lives will look on the other side. But it’s important to remember that there’s a big difference between the way our body responds to real day-to-day stressors and perceived stress which is the story you tell yourself about what may or may not happen in the future. Studies show that perceived stress is much more harmful to your immune system than actual stress, so now is a good time to start noticing what you are giving your attention to. Whether you’re self-isolating, in quarantine or social distancing to protect others, there’s a lot you can do to stay positive and healthy. A great place to start is to get organised about how you use your time at home and build daily habits to protect your physical and mental wellbeing. Taking action in times of uncertainty can go a long way to helping you feel like you’re still in the driving seat.
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Embrace A Routine It’s easy to think you don’t need structure now that your usual schedule has been dramatically pulled out from under you. But the truth is, having routines for yourself and your household will create certainty and predictability in a world where those feelings are now particularly lacking. If you no longer have to get up for your daily commute or school run, why not start your day with a habit that will grow your physical and mental strength, like a 20-minute home workout or a 10-minute meditation? Even if you’re not planning on being virtually seen by anyone that day, be sure to ‘get up, dress up and show up’ every morning for your own mental health. Transitioning from your daytime to your night-time pyjamas at 9pm is a slippery slope, so keep this pleasure for those occasional rainy Sundays! By establishing a breakfast, lunch and dinner schedule, I’ve avoided a continual stream of teens looking for easy-tograb food whenever they fancy and I’ve recently challenged them to plan and cook at least one of those meals each a day. We’re always complaining that children aren’t taught enough life skills at school, so this is my window to get them ready for Uni. To my delight, the kids have now started coming together to do workouts in the kitchen every day. I couldn’t have engineered that a few weeks ago if I paid them!
“Like those first heady days of Christmas, we’ve enjoyed spending time together playing board games, making Tik Toks and squashing up after dinner to start the nightly debate about which movie to watch. But this isn’t Christmas and lets’ face it, we could be here a while.” Be Prepared But Don’t Panic The way to combat fear is by taking action. Whilst accepting the things we cannot control, there’s a lot you can do to prepare for you or your loved ones getting sick. Stock your freezer with home-cooked meals that are easy to heat up. Soups, stews and curries are simple to batch cook and will carry you through those days where you may not feel well enough to make dinner. Make sure you have a working thermometer in the house and enough paracetamol should you have painful headaches or need to lower a fever. Speak to your GP if you are unsure how to manage symptoms, or read advice on the NHS website. Include a teaspoon of Manuka honey in your daily diet for it’s antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The higher the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) the greater the benefits, so choose 10+ if your budget allows. www.thefrankmagazine.com
Shore Up Your Immune System A strong immune system won’t necessarily stop you getting Coronavirus, but it can take the edge of your symptoms and increase your chances of a speedy recovery. Once you get in the habit of prioritising this, it will improve your ability to cope with any future illnesses. Stay hydrated with a target of at least two litres of water a day and look at getting a filter jug if you don’t already have one. Eliminate (or at least reduce) added sugars, and don’t succumb to drinking rosé every afternoon just because you might instinctually feel like you’re on holiday. Consider taking daily supplements such as Vitamins C and D and research echinacea and elderberry extract for immune boosting support. Find ways to laugh! Watch a funny movie, plug in to a comedy podcast, or follow a feel-good Instagram feed. Adopt a new habit to counteract the chemical effects of stress on your body, like guided breathwork, a meditation app or a free online yoga session on Youtube.
Fall In Love With Cooking If you’re used to winging what you eat every day or you’re a little too over-reliant on Deliveroo, then now is the time to fall in love with cooking at home. Planning and preparing healthy meals in your own kitchen is the ultimate quality control and a habit that your future self will thank you for. A top tip I’ve discovered is that restaurant suppliers are struggling to know what to do with their produce. I’ve found several that are welcoming the opportunity to deliver to homes in my area, so ask around and do a little bit of online research to see what you can find. I’ve just received my order from Ben’s Fish Limited who usually supply some of London’s top eateries. They told me that this new customer base has been so successful they are now planning to make it a permanent part of their business model. Not being able to get my hands on our usual grocery list has pushed me to get more creative. I’ve gone back to some of my old cookbooks and discovered some interesting new recipes online. Self-isolation could be a great time to shake up the dinners you currently have on rotation.
Move Your Body Presuming you’re well enough, make sure you move your
“It’s easy to think you don’t need schedule has been dramatically pu truth is, having routines for yourse certainty and predictability in a w particularly body every day. And if you already know you need to be doing more exercise, please don’t let self-isolation be another excuse to put it off. Gyms shutting and public classes being cancelled means there have never been more options for home workouts. If you have a favourite barre or yoga class, check what they’re doing now as many of them have taken their sessions online. Walking and running are great options, and still actively encouraged - as long as you stick to social distancing rules. Plug into some loud music for an easy mood booster, something we all need right now, and getting outside has excellent health benefits, including supporting your immune system. If you’ve never tried running before then start slowly, you might just be at the start of a lifelong habit. Prioritise Sleep A good night’s sleep is another important pillar to boosting your immune system as well as restoring your energy and improving your resilience. But when the rhythm of your life gets turned on its head, it can make you feel unsafe and anxious. It’s time to get strategic about how you prioritise your sleep. Observe how much coffee you are drinking - you may find it’s more now that you’re at home most of the day. Maybe stock up on some herbal teas and get into the habit of reaching for those instead. Alcohol can really affect the quality of your sleep so get honest about your intake. A combination of boredom and the fact you don’t need to be up so early can make it harder to comply with your usual boundaries. Give yourself a sensible bedtime with a one hour opportunity to fall asleep. Shut off all screens two hours before bed and create a habit that calms your central nervous system: have a warm bath, drink herbal tea, lower the lights, meditate, read a book. Using a rhythmic breath pattern is a nifty trick I like to recommend to my clients: inhaling for four seconds then exhaling for six will move you into a state of rest and relaxation and as an added bonus, the counting will also help to distract you from your thoughts.
d structure now that your usual ulled out from under you. But the elf and your household will create world where those feelings are now y lacking.” Something I’ve been trying to resist is staying glued to the current 24-hour news cycle and instead, I aim to watch just one news bulletin a day. You might find that giving yourself a break from what is predominantly negative newsflow right now can reduce your anxiety and improve your sleep.
Stay Connected Over the last two weeks, I’ve felt more connected to my friends than ever, putting time in our diaries to meet on the Houseparty app for some low-effort, face-to-face communication. Meanwhile, street WhatsApp groups are popping up all over the place and I’m loving the community spirit in my neighbourhood. We’ve been sharing our supply of bread and eggs, splitting Ocado slots and keeping spirits lifted by the inevitable toilet paper jokes. Helping others around you can go a long way to shifting that sense of hopelessness you might be feeling with your normal life is on hold. Then there’s the connection to those in your home. My kids are definitely starting to struggle with not going out and seeing their friends. Whilst I may not be their first choice to hang with, we are all working hard to make the best of it and I’m feeling grateful for the opportunity to deepen our connections.
“If feeling too self-conscious to join a gym has been holding you back from working on your fitness, then starting slowly in the privacy of your home could be exactly the kickstart you need. Not having enough time is no longer a valid excuse!”
At some point, this strange time will be over and we will be able to hug our friends again. We might even find more happiness in simple pleasures, like having lunch in a restaurant, working out in a gym or getting our roots done in a salon. And we will forever be indebted to our wonderful and brave NHS heroes, for putting their lives on the line for all of us. To find out more about health coaching with Sandie Fredriksson, visit sandiefredriksson.com
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F R A N K Issue 07 April - May 2020
FRANK by name FRANK by nature
FOLLOW FRANK HERE www.issuu.com/thefrankmagazine
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A R T I C L E
The possibilities of being wordless By Stephanie Lam
W
while not accidentally blurting faux pas we can’t take back.
ords are powerful. They’re only a collection of markings and syllables, yet strung together appropriately they can be made to sell, to soothe, or to attack. Words are artificial. Whether spoken or written, they’re always a representation, because in and of themselves, words are nothing. And yet we live in a world addicted to words. I'm perhaps more of an addict than most. I love writing, of course, and books, naturally, but more than that – I’ll literally read any words that pass before my eyes. Even this week, stuck in my house with little stimulation, I’ve ended up reading, over and over, the back of the salt packet. I adore the spoken word, too: I enjoy debating ideas, discussing books (words about words, my ideal pastime) or the to-and-fro of an easy chat with a friend. However, it’s starting to occur to me that my – and the world’s – reliance on words may not always be a good thing. My partner is dyslexic, and spends hours constructing emails, fearful of that red-pen memory, the teacher who marks down on messy presentation and poor spelling. Other friends fear social gatherings – whether in real life or, these days, via internet dates – the quickwittedness with words we’re supposed to display. There’s a tyranny in having to be funny and clever and charming,
Not only that, but our addiction to words has created a written and spoken babble that takes over our headspace and means it can be hard to find peace. Whether we’re listening to a podcast, scrolling through social media posts – or speaking or typing our own words to the world – we’re avoiding the stillness that's essential to inner harmony. In recent weeks and months, it might seem as if the world has come to a stop. There appears to be a silence that has befallen the planet. And perhaps other sounds have risen to greet your ears. Think of the Buddhist monks who meditate silently up the sides of mountains. I imagine it’s hardly noiseless up there – wind whistling down the ravine, birdcalls, a river rushing nearby. Perhaps, with the lack of ambient noise, you’ve noticed other things too. And those monks’ silence might more accurately be called wordlessness.
“Our addiction to words has created a babble that takes over our headspace.”
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However, the void we’re living through now can lead us to avoid wordlessness through fear. Even though we know in theory that tuning in to a different beat can aid our sense of calm, it’s when the words stop – when we switch off the radio, put down our phone, and sit in silence – that negative thoughts can creep in. I know, because I've been there, and once, there was a time when I’d have done anything to avoid it. A noisy babble holds off the jibber-jabber of challenging emotions, so why wouldn't we fill our lives with words? Yet we can only hold off the flood for so long. It starts to leak through in the gaps: the inevitable pauses in the babble, the moments of brief wordlessness, the long dark silences of the night (which, increasingly, some people are filling with words). Allowing wordlessness, dealing with the throughflow of emotions that follows, and managing them with selfcompassion and love, is the only way I've found of emerging from the depths. A few years ago I started to allow silence into my everyday life – and now that the world has fallen into a simmering quiet, I’m trying to embrace the opportunity it presents. When I take my daily exercise I leave my phone at home and focus on the sky above. I switch off the radio and the TV news. I relish the stilling of the constant flow.
Now that the world has fallen into a simmering quiet, I’m trying to embrace the opportunity it presents.” And, when the world slowly returns to the busyness it had, I shall endeavour to continue my wordlessness. I’ll take walks in the hills, and will avoid those urbanised routes that have become saturated with words I don’t need – from advertising, shopfronts and street signs. Like many people, I’ve also found myself speaking less these days. It reminds me of when I lost my voice for a week, and how it opened my mind to the possibilities of being wordless. I found myself thinking more openly, because I wasn't adding my spoken words to the babble. So now I’m trying to relish how the gaps between words give me an opportunity to discover stillness within. I recommend you try it too. For wordlessness might be what you need to discover the peace that exists inside. Unfrazzle: The Easy Way To Reclaim Your Calm by Stephanie Lam is out now. Twitter: @StephanieLam1
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A R T I C L E
‘POSITIVELY SOCIAL’ Think twice before you send that next meme to your neighbourhood chat. By Danielle Dodoo
D
uring these unusual and unorthodox times with social isolation being forced upon us, the individuals that makeup neighbourhoods look for ways to come together to feel strengthened.
In general, the entrepreneurial chats are more positive; focused on how the world is evolving and how we should adapt to it never being the same again. Our minds tick away, frantically searching for any ideas to take Whilst geographical communities may not be new, there is advantage or leverage the existing state of play; looking for solutions to the world’s problems. If we are already in a a real shift towards digital platforms delivering a whole start-up, we wonder whether or not we need to pivot, new world of communication channels, providing access adapt or evolve our services and products - we are reaching to a diverse group of individuals and communities you out and talking to each other in the hope that our ideas may not ordinarily have been introduced to. resonate with someone who wants to jump on board with our vision. As an entrepreneur, a techie and as a regular member of society, I find myself in several different Whatsapp In the other channels, the tone isn’t quite so goal-oriented groups and Slack channels covering the different aspects or optimistic. The chat has evolved from continuous of my home and work life. My street group chat has been sharing of fake news and fear-mongering content to funny active for a while, but in a relatively short space of time, memes and general, mindless chit chat. For the majority, it’s grown significantly and has become quite ‘noisy’. the incessant noise that this kind of chat brings seems to provide some temporary relief from the insular and Personally speaking, I’m not much of a participant in mundane existence thrust upon them, adjusting to being these types of chats, but I've been observing from the denied the structure that normal life used to bring, but it’s side-lines and have found the behaviours of some of the also to the annoyance of others. participants quite interesting. Having mentioned this to friends and colleagues we’ve identified a commonality in that we’re all suddenly receiving a hundred notifications a day from people we barely knew three weeks ago, and that there appears to be a common theme and a stark difference in the tone and subject matter in the entrepreneurial groups versus the neighbourhood community chats.
I see this as a real shame. For the price of a moment’s titillation many of us are missing out opportunities to build meaningful relationships with neighbours and community members that they ordinarily wouldn’t have access to, so I started to think about how people can learn from the entrepreneurial mindset and engage in the ways most founders approach relationships and community. www.thefrankmagazine.com
1. Think in terms of goals. Goals are a huge motivator for entrepreneurs. Whilst we may not have a fully-fledged plan, our visions will generally dictate the kinds of relationships we know we should be building. This isn’t as calculated as it sounds, and there needs to be a genuine bond, a connection with most meaningful relationships, but if for example your goal was to leave your job and go freelance, or you’d like to explore the idea of becoming a stay at home parent for the first time then you could be seeking out individuals in your neighbourhood that have been on that journey and have valuable lessons and experiences to share. Rather than waste time sending memes and videos of empty Tesco shelves, ask relevant questions and show an authentic interest in the people you’re connecting with. 2. Know that by helping others you are helping yourself. Most entrepreneurs learn that transactional encounters just don’t work. Selfish behaviours leave you isolated from your community and you’ll have no one to turn to when your chips are down. If you operate on a pay-itforward basis, the support you need will come to you in abundance when you need it. There are so many opportunities to help others right now. With homeschooling being mandated and the old or vulnerable unable to fend for themselves at the supermarket. Are you a good listener? Maybe you could offer your ear to a neighbour who really needs someone to talk to. There are plenty of ways you and your family can share your skills or offer your time to others who need your support. 3. Try and identify opportunities It’s not always easy to be creative or come up with business ideas or ways to improve your community, but an easy way to open yourself up to finding ideas is to write down the challenges you face daily.
Finding alternative ways of thinking about how you can add value to and receive value from your community is the first step, but you will struggle to build meaningful relationships if your chat style is to send nonsensical content over WhatsApp. Switch from feeding the timeline with noise and adopt a ‘value-add’ mindset. Share positive news and acts of kindness. There are so many examples out there of people helping each other, share and talk about those, which can go a long way to preventing your group chat getting caught in a downward spiral of despair. If you’re actively doing something positive, spread the word about how you’re making a difference and you might even inspire others to do the same. We all know what fake news is, so fact check the information you share. Don’t be responsible for sharing it or forwarding it. If you have time on your hands, fact check anything you see that sounds dubious and you’ll be offering a community service by identifying it and reassuring your community that it’s nonsense. Remember, our digital communities and groups are more than the sum of their parts. You have access and air time with some successful, inspiring, interesting and intelligent people who you might not ordinarily engage with. See them as real people, not just an avatar on a chat thread, and as people with individual strengths and weaknesses who, like you have hopes, dreams, desires, skills and knowledge that can be shared and tapped into. Let’s remember why we have come together and make the time we invest in communicating count. Create room for experimentation and personal development and be a catalyst for collaboration. When we as a community become more mindful, we will be empowered to solve problems and there will be more opportunities to find others who want to come up with new and exciting ideas together.
Write the challenges down and then try and come up with Love & Best wishes 3 solutions to each problem. Whilst absorbing the Danielle is a negative complaints of others isn’t recommended, being technologist with a aware of some of the challenges that others are facing passion for human could also trigger some ideas for a lucrative business or an connection and personal opportunity to take the lead on an awareness campaign development. She is the for good. We all suddenly have access to a lot of people founder of a social who are open to communicate and have more time on networking app and her their hands than they know what to do with. This is every projects can be followed entrepreneur’s dream, particularly at the early stages of at www.danielledodoo. an idea. com www.thefrankmagazine.com
N U T R I T I O N
Five Element Philosophy & The Alchemy of Food Michelle Adams BSc (Hons) MBAcC LicAc MSc Traditional Chinese and Five Element Acupuncturist, Nutritionist
The cycles of yin and yang that evolve from the creative force of the universe produce the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, which in turn produce all other respective physical phenomena. www.thefrankmagazine.com
F
ive element philosophy has been used as a method of diagnosis and treatment for more than 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, in addition to associating signs or symptoms to particular organs and afflictions. It explains the processes that occur in the body throughout various stages. These elements are a comprehensive template that organizes all-natural phenomena into five master groups or patterns in nature. The five elements are not only expressed as physical reality, but are more intimately associated with the energy they express in their formation. The universe is the macrocosm of which humans are the microcosm. Humanity is a melange of these elements, and we are subject to the delicate interplay of these ancient forces. They operate according to natural rhythms, such as seasonal changes (both external and internal). They are also lured by the moon’s phases, and astrological motion. They result in variable nutritional needs and psychological patterns, daily, monthly and yearly. Each of these potent forces are also associated with a season and a direction in turn, as well as being energetically married with specific emotions and coupled with an internal organ. Fire: Heart, Pericardium, Small Intestine and Triple Burner (Summer) Earth: Stomach and Spleen (Late Summer) Metal: Lung and Large Intestine (Autumn) Wood: Liver and Gallbladder (Spring) The elements are also related intimately to each other, both as part of a creation and destruction cycle...as is the ouroboros of life. There are four main cycles within the elements and interactions with their associated things. The first of these is the generating cycle. In this cycle, each element serves as a “mother”, which promotes the growth, development and nurture of the following “child” element. Each element provides a generating force or foundation for the element that immediately proceeds it. For example, the Fire element provides a foundation for the Earth element, and the Earth element provides a nurturing foundation for the Metal element, and so on.
The second main cycle is called the controlling cycle. Each element is involved in a balanced relationship that promotes order (and both controls), and in turn are controlled by another element. Water, for example, controls Fire, but is itself controlled by Earth. The third and fourth are cycles of imbalance or the overactive cycle. This is when an element exerts too much control, almost like a jealous wife or husband over its subordinate element, leading to element damage and imbalances within the body. For example, the Water element may completely extinguish the Fire element, or the Earth element may soak up the Water element completely.
The elements are also related intimately to each other, both as part of a creation and destruction cycle...as is the ouroboros of life. There are four main cycles within the elements and interactions with their associated things.
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These magnificent elements have an affinity to food flavor, ie the five tastes: Fire: Bitter Earth: Sweet Metal: Pungent Water: Salty Wood: Sour Not only can five element philosophy be applied to the universal principles of our everyday needs, they can also be applied in observational diagnosis and in our everyday nutritional requirements. To understand the philosophy nutritionally could be considered a form of alchemy due to its transformative nature, not just in regard to supporting a vibrantly healthy body, but in line with its ability to transmute chronic disorder into balance. There are also seasonal effects of the five flavors. A pungent flavour that is coupled with the metal element has a dispersing effect in Autumn. The sour flavor of the wood element has a gathering effect required in Spring. The sweet flavor associated with the earth element has a retaining effect required at all times. The Bitterness of the fire element has a strengthening effect that the body requires in Summer. The theory uses the foundational understanding that, if an internal organ within its elemental container receives an excess or deficiency of what it requires nutritionally, the system can become compromised and in essence,
unbalanced. This may start manifesting illness and chronic issues. For example (in theory), a complete lack of salt in ones nutritional intake may equate to an excessive loss of fluid through the urinary system. However, an excess of salt can be damaging to the heart. Water (Kid/ BL) controls Fire (HT). When too much salt is consumed, water literally is in excess and the heart can be stressed as a result. Let us explore some the foods that strengthen, and discharge toxins for the organ groups within the elemental profiles. FIRE: Bitter (Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, TB) Bok choy, red cabbage, red chard, turnip, radish, celery, spinach, red potato, red bell pepper, cauliflower, carrot, mustard greens, tomato, mushroom, buckwheat, beet root (and greens), celery, asparagus, lemon, sunflower seeds, pear, pomegranate, mulberry, red apple, wheat bran, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, adzuki bean, kidney bean, soybean, tofu, red jujube date, coconut, carob, hawthorn berry, rosemary, tarragon, safflower, endive, chili pepper, chicken, shrimp, fish, goat dairy, egg, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. AVOID: Rich and greasy foods, cow dairy, deep fried and fatty foods, “red� meat, refined sugar, sweets, alcohol, caffeine, wheat, yeast, overly spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.
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EARTH (Stomach, Spleen): Sweet Alfalfa sprouts, carrot, cauliflower, celery, daikon radish, mushroom, potato, seaweed, snow pea, spinach, yam, sweet potato, hawthorn berry, guava, persimmon, strawberry, papaya, blueberry, pearl barley, tofu, bamboo shoot, bok choy, cilantro, lotus root, pumpkin, squash, soybean, golden apple, grapefruit, lemon, lime, eggs, turnip, prune, fig, barley, rice, buckwheat, millet, oat, yellow bell pepper, green bean, kale, lotus seed, mustard green, parsley, red grape, cherry, jujube date, mango, pineapple, plum, garbanzo bean, adzuki bean, lima bean, pea, beef, fish, lamb, basil, fennel, dill, cayenne, cumin, ginger, brown rice vinegar, and mustard seed. AVOID: Iced drinks, raw vegetables and fruits, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, deep fried and fatty foods, processed and refined foods, wheat, yeast, pork, melon, and artificial sweeteners. METAL (Lung, Large Intestine): Pungent Burdock root, cabbage, carrot, daikon radish, seaweed, agar, spinach, watercress, apple, banana, prune, fig, mulberry, peach, Asian pear, Bartlett pear, persimmon, strawberry, soybean, tofu, asparagus, bok choy, beet, cauliflower, egg whites, eggplant, white potato, pumpkin, snow pea, jicama, barley, brown or wild rice, millet, mushroom, winter melon seed, turnip, cantaloupe, apricot, parsnip, scallion, onion, pine nut, walnut, ginger, horseradish, mustard greens, molasses, rice vinegar, garlic, berries, pineapple, sesame seed, fennel, okra, papaya, jujube date, cherry, peanut, pea, olive, almond, white bean, thyme, string bean, fish, chicken, and turkey. AVOID: All dairy products, alcohol, overly spicy foods, iced drinks, caffeine, refined sugar, deep-fried and fatty foods, wheat, barbecued foods, “red” meat, dried or dehydrated products, and artificial sweeteners.
melon, cantaloupe, chives, shallot, jujube date, green bean, mustard greens, parsnip, grape, raspberry, cashew, chestnut, walnut, sesame seed, chicken, beef, lamb, fish, adzuki bean, peanut, pea, lotus seed, coconut, black rice, wild rice, oregano, and pink salt. AVOID: Overly salty foods, alcohol, caffeine, fatty and deep-fried foods, iced drinks, raw vegetables and fruits, dairy, refined sugar, deep-fried and fatty foods, wheat, yeast, and artificial sweeteners. WOOD (Liver, Gallbladder): Sour Beet, carrot, collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, mustard greens, parsley, dandelion, spinach, turnip, yam, sweet potato, tomato, asparagus, corn, pearl barley, barley, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, rhubarb, squash, winter melon, zucchini, pumpkin, (and seeds), flaxseed (and oil), sunflower seed, olive (and oil), honey, seaweed, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, peppermint, spearmint, lentil, split pea artichoke, mung bean, soybean, black bean, grape, loquat, kiwi, nectarine, lychee fruit, plum, raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, strawberry, basil, sesame seed (and oil), rice vinegar, sage bran, chicken, turkey, fish, and egg whites. AVOID: Deep fried and fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, overly sour foods, iced drinks, dairy products, wheat, barley, yeast, pork, “red” meat, peanut, banana, fruit juice, orange, and artificial sweeteners. To experience the five tastes, not just when required to bring balance into our organ systems...but within each meal, would be considered nutritional excellence within the five element philosophy. Adventuring with the five elements, in order to expand your capacity of balanced and harmonious health, will broaden your perspective for what is possible outside of the “normal” paradigms of wellness. Why not give it a try?
WATER (Kidney, Bladder) Michelle Adams BSc (Hons) MBAcC LicAc MSc Traditional Chinese and Five Element Acupuncturist, Nutritionist
Broccoli, carrot, celery, blue corn, cucumber, daikon radish, eggplant, lotus root, seaweed, snow pea, soybean, avocado, spinach, zucchini, watercress, watermelon, Michelle@thecloudgate.co.uk mulberry, pear, millet, pearl barley, amaranth, quinoa, www.thecloudgate.co.uk black bean, bamboo shoot, blueberry, blackberry, cabbage, leek, shiitake mushroom, potato, squash, winter www.thefrankmagazine.com
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S H O P P I N G
Why Not Try...?
By Sam Baines
Positivity Post Talented illustrator Ella Masters has created The Positive Postcard Club: a selection of 25 gorgeous postcard designs to bring positivity to the recipient. Postcards are ÂŁ2 and can be for yourself or sent to a loved one in need and include a hand-written note of your own composing. A perfect pick me up during this uncertain time.
A perfect pick me up during this uncertain time.
www.positive-postcard-club.myshopify.com
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Silky Dreams Find yourself doing a lot of sleeping at the moment or need more? These luxurious silk eye masks from 20 Seventh Letter might be just the thing. The British Lifestyle brand was launched in 2016 by print designer April Heath, they design and manufacture uniquely printed homewares, gifts and accessories, all printed and made in the UK. These eye masks not only block out the light but they feel delicious on your skin. www.20seventhletter.com
Untame that mop No harsh outdoor pollution on your hair means it is the perfect time to get your mop in order. Untamed have developed this brilliant hairdryer which uses argan oil to reduce frizz and nourish your hair. After working for Nicky Clarke, Andrew Collinge, Carmen and Carmengirls Clare Misra Burns set up Untamed to tackle that hair frizz with excellent results. These hairdryers are easy to use, aren't too strong so as to damage your hair, have a cold air function, come with a range of nozzles and they look nice too. On top of that they won't blow your lockdown funds, so definitely worth a look. ÂŁ69.99 www.untameduk.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
Drawn to yoga Many of us are working out at home to keep fit in these strange times and if you are looking for a padded yoga mat for your work-out sessions then DIYogi have you covered. Their colourful yoga matts are non-slip and you can draw on them! I know my shopping list always pops into my head when I am doing yoga so now you can write it on your yoga mat so you don't forget! Decorating your mat with inspirational messages might even help motivate you to work out more. www.diyogi.com
I know my shopping list always pops into my head when I am doing yoga so now you can write it on your yoga mat so you don't forget!
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Cycling and helping If you buy a helmet from this brand online they will donate another helmet to an NHS key-worker commuting by bike. Cycling is a great way to get outdoors and exercise for your one outing per day and you may even cycle to work when we all get back to normal. Dashel helmets are safe, light and stylish and come in a range of colours and finishes. www.dashel.co.uk
Skin Fuel Renowned Knightsbridge clinician Dr Lamia is offering her unique skin products in the comfort of your own home. Her 24 Hour Anti-Age Luxurious Cream is free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, mineral and silicone oils and has been recently shortlisted for a Pure Beauty Global Award in the Best New Premium Anti-Ageing Product category. Dr Lamia is fully registered with the General Medical Council and is a Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and specialises in non-surgical facial treatments so this new skincare line is an exciting edition to the beauty scene. www.drlamia.co.uk www.thefrankmagazine.com
Swim and save the planet Deakin and Blue have created inventive new swimwear that is made from econyl - a 100% regenerated fibre made from old fishing nets and industrial plastic. The brand is also changing the way swimming costumes fit with their three sculpting models, created with different body shapes in mind. These stylish costumes and bikinis are perfect for sunbathing in your garden or for planning a holiday in the future once travel is open again. www.deakinandblue.com
100% regenerated fibre made from old fishing nets and industrial plastic
Night to Day wear Whilst many of us have the best intentions of getting dressed whilst in lockdown, there are definitely quite a few pyjama days. If you are looking for pjs you can feel snazzy in all day then Yawn London is the brand for you. Working Mum Alice Whiteley set up the brand as she wanted to relax more in comfy options. They hand draw all of their own prints and make their own superfine cotton. www.loveyawn.com www.thefrankmagazine.com
Picture perfect bedding Long mornings in bed with a cuppa are all the more enjoyable in picturesque surroundings and Catherine Lansfield bedding does exactly that. Designed in the UK, they use comfortable easy care fabrics, yes that means they are easy to iron, and the range and style of patterns to choose from are beautiful and will suit any bedroom. A bedding set comes with a duvet cover and two pillows in all standard sizes. Available via Amazon
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B O O K S
The READING List Here are some recommended books to keep you company. By Eleanor Tattersfield
The State of Affairs by Esther Perel ‘Infidelity has a tenacity that marriage can only envy” states Esther Perel. It’s a strong and thought provoking statement. New York based Belgian psychotherapist, Perel, explores the taboo of affairs and what that could mean to relationships as a aid to sustaining them rather than breaking them. For the past ten years, Perel has traveled the globe and worked with hundreds of couples who have grappled with infidelity. Betrayal hurts, she writes, but it can be healed. Perel weaves real-life case stories with incisive psychological and cultural analysis in this fast-paced and compelling book. As she points out infidelity is the only sin that gets two commandments in the Bible, one for doing it and one just for thinking about it. Such is it’s potency. This book is great ‘Isolation’ reading in this time when no affairs are taking place, it’s a moment take stock of what they are and why we have them.
I also highly recommend her podcast “Where do we begin?” - fascinating case studies in one off couples therapy sessions.
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I am I am I am by Maggie O’Farrell
The scenes are described with vivid detail and philosophical rational. She is honest and funny and writes with a clarity and descriptive ease that falls of the page without being distracting. This is a very compelling memoir ,which doesn’t slow down or take any prisoners.
A soaring ride through Maggie O’Farrell’s life delineated by chapters accounting all the times in her life ( of which there are an extraordinary amount ) when she has escaped death. Some are brutal knife muggings in South America whilst travelling, near rapes whilst walking on mountain paths whilst working abroad, near drownings on silly dares that shouldn’t have been taken and more unavoidable dangers of childbirth. Each chapter is called after a part of her body, a body of work and a body that makes up a life.
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It’s visceral and raw and full of charm and wit. Pick it up and devour it in a day!
The Expendable Man by Dorothy B Hughes
A wonderful noir suspense thriller that is beautifully crafted and written. It is full of tension and clever twists and turns. Set in Phoenix in the 1960’s a young registrar en route to a family wedding picks up a stranded, dishevelled girl as the sun sets in the desert, he doesn’t want to but feel compelled. It’s a decision that will impact on the rest of his life. Dorothy Hughes was a black female writer in 1950s/60s America who found herself on the set of the film Psycho, two of her novels were turned onto noir films themselves. This seems an extraordinarily achievement for a woman of colour at this time and place, but becomes much less unbelievable as you read her writing which is deft and her story telling utterly compelling. I can’t recommend this book highly enough, in fact I have bought ten copies to give out to friends.
My book club group gave it a resounding 10/10.
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Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley I heartily recommend this novel and all Tessa Hadley has ever written. I urge you to seek her out.
I have come to Tessa Hadley quite late and she is a relatively unknown author of such great talent. Her short stories are often published in The New Yorker. This her most recent novel about an enduring friendship of two couples who meet at University and whom date each other, marry each other and remain friends even through the tragic early death of one of the four. Their lives and their families lives are interwoven over the decades in this moving and beautifully depicted tale of all the elements that make a life of meaning. The over arching story of the protagonist females is one so touching and insightful on the intimacies of a close friendship. There is a particularly touching scene when all three remaining friends sleep together in the same bed on the eve of their forth friend’s death.
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F R A N K
S
I N T E R I O R S
Five ways to revamp your home with Lisa Dawson
o it’s been rather an interesting month. Four weeks ago, I was cramming in appointments in London, leaving my belongings in Ubers, visiting the Harland Miller exhibition in York and shopping with my mum. Fast forward to today and we are home isolated, we can only visit the supermarket in an emergency, my children are no longer studying for exams and there are Police outside B&Q asking you if it’s essential that you need a lightbulb. It’s madness. On the plus side, I’ve had time to paint my garden wall, cooked favourite recipes that I haven’t made for years, played board games with my family (fairly stressful), read three books and spent a lot of time watching Netflix with a cup of tea and several biscuits. Every cloud. My wish list of things to be completed during this period of pandemic isolation is long. Never before have I had the opportunity to actually be able to do some of those small jobs that are impossible to tick off due to time and I have to admit that I’m looking forward to it. There are some things that I won’t be able to action – scheduled plans for having a wall of shelving erected in the dining room have been, well, shelved. Ditto to the built in courtyard benches that were on my list of summer must haves. But there are still plenty of things that can be done in the home from both an organisational and creative perspective that don’t require any special deliveries. Here are my Top Five interior pandemic to do’s to keep you motivated when the days feel long.
Hit The Garden With the warmer weather coming and more time on our hands, the first thing to tackle is your outside space. Whether you have a city balcony or a country garden, it’s a good time to refresh this area and create your own outside room. Spend a day bringing it back to life after a chilly winter and extend your home boundaries during these times of isolation. Fencing can be transformed with a coat of paint and cleaning or jetwashing the patio or decking makes a huge difference. Bring the inside out – add texture with rugs and cushions and use festoon lighting across your space to create a cosy glow. Add potted plants for impact and contrast or plant a herb pot which will double up for both recipe use and scent.
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“Move all of your smaller plants to one area. Set aside a shelf dedicated to your greenery so that you don’t miss any out – not only do they have a far better chance of survival but they’ll also look great.”
Reassess Your Space If you’ve been thinking about changing up a room, now is the time to do it. It’s perfectly possible to create a completely new look in your space simply by shopping your home for things that you already own. Try the furniture in a new position, swap out items you’re not sure about and bring in your favourite pieces to see how they look. A rug that looked fairly non descript in one room can take on a whole new lease of life if you move it to another. Update your textiles for the summer months by adding bright cushions and lighter throws and pile the table with your favourite books and magazines, adding a floral scented candle for a relaxing afternoon on the sofa. www.thefrankmagazine.com
“Shelves are often ignored, easily blending into the background of your room, but there’s nothing more satisfying than giving them a reshuffle. Add accessories in groups of three – odd numbers make your gaze move around instead of focusing on one point, the mainstay of visual impact.” Practice Plant Care I’m the first to put a guilty hand up when it comes to failing to keeping my indoor plants healthy. A good way to stay in control and minimise the risk of failure during this period of isolation is to move all of your smaller plants to one area. Set aside a shelf dedicated to your greenery so that you don’t miss any out – not only do they have a far better chance of survival but they’ll also look great. Invest in some plant food on your next supermarket visit to give your plants a boost. The visual impact is a bonus - grouping similar things together creates a collection and therefore a focal point.
Rejig Your Shelves Guaranteed to up your mood when things are feeling a bit meh. Shelves are often ignored, easily blending into the background of your room, but there’s nothing more satisfying than giving them a reshuffle. Take everything off and give them a good dust, then sort through carefully what you’d like to add back. Put aside anything that isn’t giving you joy and look around your home to find items that will go with the style you are aiming for. Add accessories in groups of three – odd numbers make your gaze move around instead of focusing on one point, the mainstay of visual impact. Use propped art, stacked books and different textures to create a whole new look.
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“I’ve had time to paint my garden wall, cooked favourite recipes that I haven’t made for years, played board games with my family (fairly stressful), read three books and spent a lot of time watching Netflix with a cup of tea and several biscuits. Every cloud.”
Try a Project Before you cast aside that old piece of furniture that you’ve lost the love for, why not consider upcycling it? A boring bookcase can be transformed with some leftover wallpaper – papering the back can give it a whole new look. Or dig out the paint from previous projects and give it a colour refresh. If you’ve got a pile of prints that you’ve been meaning to put on the wall, now is the time to finally get them up. Mix and match the frames and use old family photographs, vintage finds and contemporary prints to create your display. Just these small projects can provide a boost to both your creativity and your day. There’s certainly something to be said for taking a step back from the stress of daily routine and having more hours to ourselves. What better way to make this most of this unexpected home time than getting our houses in order? And don’t forget to allocate equal importance to the three S’s – self care, sleep and plenty of sofa time.
F R A N K
L O V E S
B E A U T I F U L
T H I N G S
THE POWER OF LOVE
Spreading a little love and positivity somebody's way in these troubled times. Receiving a greeting card creates a powerful connection between people. Particularly for those who are at home on their own, the connection of receiving a physical card is important.
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