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Hi Everyone!

It's a cold but gorgeously bright Sunday in Toronto. I'm feeling warm and fuzzy in my sunny study and want to share my enthusiasm for the February/March issue of More Magazine. If you have never read an issue, I urge you to pick up this month's copy. And, if you are under 40 or "eternally 39," don't be put off by the magazine's subtitle, "Canada's Magazine Celebrating Women Over 40"--there is tons of good information for all women here! Here are a few tidbits:

*Great articles on personal training for a healthy heart and understanding the pros and cons of the meds you're taking

*Wonderful contests--log on to more.ca and sign up for the newsletter Haute Flash for a chance to win Yves Saint Laurent's Parisienne Eau de Parfum and Perfumed Body Lotion, and go to www.more.ca/readersurvey for a chance to win a Blackberry Curve 8330 Smartphone

*Find out how other women are tackling fashion finances in 2010--I'm now tuned into a blog created by two impressive young women who are actually denying themselves fashion purchases for one year! Check out 365fashionrehab.com and follow Alison's and Perdy's adventures!

There's truly more for all of us at More!

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!

When Everything Old Is New Again . . .

. . . I feel great! Seriously, what better joy than walking into a consignment shop and picking up a fab piece for 1/3 the price of new? Today my hubby and I just happened to be in Leaside, our old haunts, and I asked him to drop me off at Ex-Toggery on Brentcliffe Road while he went post-Christmas shopping at Canadian Tire. As soon as I walked in, I spied THE jacket for our New Year's Eve dinner--a Katherine Kelly gold and purple brocade with covered buttons. The price was a steal--$59.99, regular $225! Now, ask yourself this--wouldn't you rather get a bargain on something that you might wear only a few times a year? You can then feel virtuous about spending WAY too much for the amazing treats at McEwan, which we did afterwards. I'm also betting I'll be the only one wearing this jacket at our New Year's dinner--with my gold Nine West pumps, to boot!

Check out Ex-Toggery for their great bargains at www.extoggery.com
You can also see more Katherine Kelly fashions at www.shopstyle.com

Happy treasure hunting!

Stay Afloat--Drink Your Water!

Just finished watching "Pirates of the Caribbean 3" with hubby Allan and realized that, within the space of three hours, I had consumed one glass of wine, one club soda and one coffee--but no plain water! I have never been a water drinker and have to remind myself time and again how important it is to keep myself hydrated. Since losing 30 pounds this year and exercising a minimum of five days a week, I have learned to drink water before, during and after exercising, but it's making sure that I get enough water during the rest of my day that is still a challenge for me.

If you, like me, are post-menopausal, you should be really strict with yourself. Or, if you suffer from arthritis, like I do, you really need that water to keep your joints well lubricated. Here is an excellent link that reminds all of us of the benefits of water, both inside and outside our bodies:
www.freedrinkingwater.com

I have learned to have a glass of water with every alcoholic drink--this trick has helped me to keep my one-drink-per-social-event promise!