Feeling Stylish

You know what’s my favourite thing about Christmas? Food. I love it. It’s a wonder I’ve ever been able to lose weight with how much I love to eat. Last year I didn’t really worry about continuing the diet over Christmas. I put on a couple of pounds but promptly lost them again.

This year I want to keep losing. Weight loss is 80% diet, 20% exercise (ish) but I hope that if I keep up with my exercise regime I’ll be able to burn calories (in order to just eat them all back) and keep my metabolism ticking over nicely.

When it comes to food I don’t want to miss out because I’m worrying too much about what I eat. The trick is to exercise some control over your portions. Have a bit of everything but keep it small. Don’t eat a whole box of Quality Street. Have two chocolates and leave it at that.

DO NOT think that it’s Christmas so you can indulge and deal with it after the New Year because that’s how you stop thinking about your health completely. First it’ll be until after Christmas, then after New Year’s Day, then after than party you’ve got at the end of January. It’ll just go on and on.

DO make New Year’s resolutions. Do this now and start thinking about them. Maybe even start them now, don’t wait until 2012!

New Year’s Eve is perhaps one of the largest party nights on the entire planet. On December 31st millions of people around the world celebrate the coming of the New Year, making resolutions for the future and putting past discretions behind them. A great way to celebrate is by throwing a party for family and friends, and if you’re partying this year, there are a few party essentials that you should not be without.

Throwing a party can be a great way to celebrate but, as host, you must ensure that you’re celebrations go out with a bang and the night is one to remember for guests. One of the most important things to remember is that you’re celebrating the New Year so you must keep an eye on the time and make sure you do the countdown appropriately. Ensure that you have some champagne to pop or party poppers to let off as the clock strikes midnight so that you can mark the occasion rather than the countdown being a let down.

In addition to that all important countdown you shouldn’t forget that guests want to party. You can find a great range of decorations on the internet, and voucher codes will allow you to decorate your home or venue without having to spend too much money. Balloons, streamers, party poppers are all ideal decorations to create a party atmosphere. You can also combine Christmas decorations at this time of year to make it even more festive, and fairy lights, Christmas scented candles and trees are ideal décor.

Working out the dress code for the night is also important, and you’ll need to decide whether you want to have an elegant cocktail party, a fancy dress occasion, or a more homely affair with people just wearing what is most comfortable. With New Year’s Eve only coming around once a year many people want to have an occasion to dress up and so throwing a cocktail party is ideal. The evening should be a glitzy affair, and you can theme it along Christmas lines by wearing vibrant red or green dresses.

Velvet was also a key look on 2011’s catwalk so if you want to keep in fashion and shine at your New Year’s party then a luxe velvet dress is ideal. Make sure you have some sparkle by choosing a dress with sequins or accessories that glisten and, if you really want to look your best, head to a hair salon to have professional styling. Makeup too can be more sparkly at this of year and you can indulge in shimmer foundations or lip glosses to add some Christmas spirit to your look. And, if you’re a party guest, ensure that you have that vital purse for your must have essentials.

With this special night only occurring once a year, it’s important to get your look right and ensure that your décor, dress and countdown are all perfect. And by throwing a fantastic party to impress all friends and family you can ensure that this year, New Year’s doesn’t pass without making a lasting memory.

Well, Ben and I have bought a house. It’s been a stressful and expensive process but we are in. Alas, no internet there at the moment, so I’m relying on some old (and often rubbish) scheduled posts to ensure no one thinks I’ve gone missing. After Christmas services will return to normal and I will be back to blogging.

I intend our ‘guest room’ to double as a studio in the new house so hopefully I’ll be able to provide you with much better outfit shots! Expect pics of the new pad soon.

And Merry Christmas!

When it comes to trips and holidays, there is a desire to always be doing something unique, memorable and perfect for all the family. Have you ever thought about a holiday in a UK cottage? Well, you have now.

This is the perfect chance to enjoy the holiday that you want thanks to the fact that you will be creating it yourself. Below are some ideas about how the freedom of having this style of break can be ideal for you and your family.

No schedules

Many holidays now can be done through tour operators and there is a scheduled list of things for you to be doing on a day to day, even hour to hour at times, basis. This isn’t ideal for some because a lot of us like to do what we want when we want because a holiday is for relaxing as much as it is enjoying.

Cottage suggestion: Shepherd’s Hut, Winterborne Whitechurch – Set in the heart of Dorset near the Blandford Forum, this is a superb barn conversion that is found in an idyllic location. With an open fire, and sleeping six, this peaceful position is a great place to escape the city rush for a weekend – or longer – and is in shooting distance of the coast and the market town of Dorchester. Whether you want to explore or relax, this is the perfect base.

Choosing your own food and drink

When you’re away from home, and visiting a new spot, you don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen. In fact, you want a selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy at your own leisure. This is why going away to a holiday cottage is a great shout. You don’t need to settle for hotel food, and can pick and choose what you want to do.

Cottage suggestion: Peggotty’s Cottage, Kingsand – A fisherman’s cottage from back in the 17th century, this property near Plymouth in Cornwall is perfect for a romantic break. With stunning walks to enjoy, and picturesque views of the Cornish coast, this is also a great location for people who are hoping to find good pubs and great food – with a selection of fine restaurants and bistros in the area.

Own activities

Many families today are bigger than the 2.4 children that was once banded around as the norm years ago. Today, we are much bigger and want to go away with our pets – making a trip to dog friendly holiday cottages in Britain a great option. Similarly, you can create your own activities from your cottage base – as long as there is plenty going on around you.

Cottage suggestion: Wharf Cottage, Burton-in-Kendal – Found near Kirkby Lonsdale in the Lake District, this cottage is perfect for a large family and set in rural surroundings, it is the perfect base for exploring the countryside.