Mama Nia!

It's a very gloomy Monday afternoon and I'm still hanging around my office--but I'm about to get energized in a very good way! I'm off to my NIA class very soon. For those of you who aren't familiar with NIA, take a looks at my teacher's website: www.jennhicks.ca/Nia.html Nia combines elements of martial arts, dance and yoga to create a dynamic, very personal form of fitness that feels much more like fun than work! Trust me, though--it is work, but work that feels good (don't we wish ALL work were like that!). I started NIA on January 4 this year as a way of adding some spice to my gym and walking routines--and I've found a whole new world in this wonderful workout routine! Forget Mama Mia--I can be a Dancing Queen at NIA anytime!

Jennifer Hicks is a passionate and caring teacher who will quickly draw you into the enchantment of NIA. Take a look at her website and try out NIA for yourself--and feel free to come and be my buddy on Monday nights at 918 Bathurst or Saturday mornings at the Joy of Dance at Broadview and Danforth! I'll even treat you to a coffee afterwards!

What Did We Do Before Oprah?

Hope some of you had the chance to catch Oprah and the fabulous Rita Wilson (a.k.a. Mrs. Tom Hanks--one of my Scorpio mates and an incredibly gorgeous 53!) today for a fabulous makeover show. Their "Look Great at Every Age Makeovers" were terrific--and realistic! Best of all, Ms. Wilson gave beautiful Cosabella pyjamas to all audience members and an online discount to those of us too busy and famous to be there in person!

Log on to
www.oprah.com for more about the episode and to pick out your own Cosabella jammies! Make time before 4 p.m. on January 13, though--your 25% discount is good only until then!

Happy New Year . . . Happy New Me--and You!

I'm posting a second "Happy New Year" because I'm assuming that you, like me, are past the post-holiday blues (which usually includes going back to work!) and thinking about what lies ahead in these long Canadian winter months. No resolutions for me--instead, I'm making changes and taking steps forward every day. Statistics show that most resolutions are broken by February 17, anyway--so, better to make none and instead move forward on all those projects you've been meaning to get to at some point. That point is NOW!

A case in point (and yes, pun intended!). I have a habit of saving up ends of things--like those stubs of eyeliner or lip pencil just in case I need them one day. Well, now I do need them--I've spent far too much money since well before Christmas and don't need to buy that Lancome pencil to get the gift now. Instead, I'll use those little gifts I've been saving for myself for eons! Look around and see just how many of those "ends and odds" you've been saving--and make them work for you now! I'd love it if we could share our findings, so please feel free to leave comments!

You may have noticed that my gilt jacket now has a person in it. This is me just before Allan and I headed out for New Year's Eve--and I felt and looked marvellous, if I do say so myself! As we head into a new year, think about how you look when you head out to work, school, shopping, meeting friends--wherever and whatever. Be your best, and you will feel your best!

So, I say, Happy New Us!

New Year Reads!

Happy 2010!

I'm happily off to bed after a lovely New Year's Day at a friend's open house--but, before I turn in, I want to share a short, powerful read with you. Go to www.besthealthmag.ca/resolutions and take a look at some great ideas for starting off your new year with positive energy and fun! Enjoy! I'll be back soon with some of my own ideas for a great 2010!

By the way . . . did anyone else write a cheque today and date it 2009? Oops!