BALACLAVA CHIC...

Apparently there's a cold spell coming and I feel completely unprepared. However many layers of clothing I put on there are two parts of me that remain freezing whatever - all of my face and all of my fingers. And thumbs. Ok,that's more than two, but you get my drift.
When I'm riding my bike I wear His new super-duper Gore gloves even though they're massive on me, but who cares when they're like central heating for hands. And I received a gorgeous pair of black leather cashmere-lined gloves for xmas that make me feel like I've just stepped out of a Hitchcock film.
But the face thing is a problem. What can I wear ON MY FACE that doesn't make me look like an off-duty armed robber?
And then I came across this...

And I realised that in the face of abject coldness, practicality always wins!


Balaclava photo from www.outsapop.com

BEGINNING AGAIN...

I'm finding it unusually hard to kick-start my running. Saturday came and went, along with a succession of lame excuses, and Sunday was a complete non-starter for no other reason than it was cold - but really cold. (Is it my imagination or is this winter far, far colder and gloomier than last? This time last year I was merrily pounding the streets in training for the Bath half-marathon, today I'm struggling to drag myself out the door).
I think I must be in the 'contemplation' phase, certain that 'action' is just around the corner!
Like the girl in the picture, I'm having a rest. I need to be psychologically prepared as well as physically.
Or maybe I should just man up and get out there.

Runner Gunhild Larking relaxing at the Melbourne Olympics 1956
Photographer: George Silk

DRINK MORE COFFEE...

Almost everyone I know is detoxing. This is putting enormous pressure on me, being a fitness professional and all.
So this morning I thought about giving up coffee. For about a nanosecond.
Once I had decided this was one of those 'unrealistic' goals, I set about researching the benefits of drinking coffee, so I could feel ok about it!
The latest research has not only confirmed that moderate coffee consumption doesn't cause harm, it's also uncovered possible benefits. Coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, discourage the development of colon cancer, improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease, and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. Coffee has also been shown to improve endurance performance in long-duration physical activities, and it's extremely high in antioxidants, so counter-acts all those nasty free radicals.
It would be positively reckless of me to stop drinking coffee now, surely; if anything I ought to consider increasing my intake!
I would say there are a few golden rules to happy coffee drinking though.
1. Always freshly made - no instant granules. Never.
2. Any hint of bitterness - send it back. The old, used coffee has built up and not been brushed out properly.
3. Tell the barrista if you are particular (like me) and must have just the right amount of milk. This might provoke a sulk, but don't be deterred, especially if it's Starbucks..they're totally fleecing you anyway, so be awkward and feel like you're getting your money's worth.
4. And never drink coffee after 5pm if you value your 8 hours sleep.
Happy supping!!

QUIETLY DOES IT...

'May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions'. ~Joey Adams

I don't believe in new years resolutions. I never make them, or not publicly anyway. And if I decide to do something new, give something up, or change something about myself I'm not entirely happy with, it will remain my little secret until such time that I feel confident in its working, or at least continuing beyond February. At which point I might decide to share.
Do start exercising, pay more attention to what you eat (and drink!), and try something new... but perhaps do it quietly.
When you're up and running (forgive the pun) and feeling that amazing sense of accomplishment and well-being, you can begin the victory parade in the knowledge that yes, your 'resolutions' were not only (quietly) achievable, but hopefully, sustainable too.

(Photo of Rudolph Valentino Life )

PUSSY GALORE...

Stylist Steph and I were desperate to dispose of the last of our per diems on the flight back from Dubai - for me it was a toss-up between the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (which she bought) and this gel eyeliner by Bobbi Brown. Much as I love the clarins, which can brighten the dullest of winter weather-beaten skin, I feel I have discovered a new staple for my make-up kit.
While easy to apply on a model, I rarely wear the cat-eye liner look myself, it being quite tricky to perfect.
But this gel liner comes with the perfect size brush and is just so easy to use...this look is definitely the way forward for anyone over 30 who's (hopefully) said goodbye to the glitter pot!

Trick: Never try to apply in one stroke. Slowly build up to get the perfect line.

A LITTLE OF WHAT WE LIKE...

I love this clip, especially the semi-naked lady puffing on a cheeky cigarette amidst Eadward Muybridge's beautiful take on the moving human form.
Before we decide to give up everything we enjoy, consider the familiar adage that a little of what we like can't hurt us. Can it? Opinions appear to be divided...