I have a really busy life and a husband who is not keen on holidays in the UK or abroad. This means it’s often difficult for me to switch off completely, forget about my lovely clients, my writing, my teaching and my business generally.

So following up from my Spa break last weekend I have made a concerted effort to do no work – unless you count writing this blog as working. I have met up with friends and colleagues for coffees and days out, attended daily yoga classes and stretched my body into shape, read a brilliant novel, bought a bright pink  YSL lipstick (I LOVE it)  and generally done nothing more strenuous than my daily Killer Sudokos, another passion.  I’ve knocked alcohol on the head for the last few days, though the weekend beckons and so do a couple of glasses of wine, and ate supremely nutritious food (apart from a couple of heavenly cappuccinos and a piece of divine walnut cake). The only TV I’ve watched is my beloved cricket – Test Match against Pakistan and the fantastic Eoin Morgan, so no depressing news, police dramas or sensory stimulation. How do I feel? Fantastic. You should try it. I might not be able to keep it up but for a few days it really is heavenly.

I’ve just returned from a long weekend break with Leisure Plan Holidays. I use them frequently, as they are SUCH good value for money and experts in the field of fitness and looking after yourself (but you can still have a drink!!) 

This particular break was at the newly refurbished Met Hotel in Leeds. I was astounded by the fantastic quality of service I was shown by EVERY member of staff. I know I shouldn’t be surprised as this what hotels are supposed to do, but it’s rare to find it these days. So I can heartily staying there. Some of the bedrooms have seen better days but the food in the Tempest restaurant is to die for.

So having been pummelled, oiled, soothed and reflexologied out I am content with the world AND also the great sale at All Saints, just down the road in the Victorian Quarter!!  More on that tomorrow.

http://www.fitnessfiesta.com/bodycare-breaks.php

As many of you will be aware I, alongside many of you reading this blog, have had challenges with eating disorders in the past and a battle to keep my weight where I’d like it be be. Luckily, most of my struggles with food have gone but my curiousity was piqued by a new book hailed by Oprah – a well documented yo-yo dieter – as the ‘bible’ for anyone with issues around eating.

Geneen  Roth has bought understanding and acceptance to tens of thousands of women from all over the world about why they have such great emotional attachments to what they put (or don’t put) into their mouths. Her simple techniques and practical advice help resolve the conflicts and put an end to the powerful anguish that only someone with these issues can understand. As a fellow sufferer, she can put herself in our shoes and so she is totally believable. 

Yesterday I read her latest book, the one which Oprah so loved, called ‘Women, Food and God’.  It was brilliant. It’s about ending the struggle of dieting, forcing, depriving and continually trying to fix ourselves. Through a process called inquiry, Geneen teaches how to actually feel our feelings instead of numbing them with food. Included are exercises to help us drop below the continual chatter of our busy minds to a direct experience of presence and clarity. Instead of repeatedly struggling for the next thing that will surely, finally make us happy, we can realise that all we want – all we ever wanted – is right here, right now.

What a HUGE relief.

If you would prefer to listen to her, rather than read, Geneen has a fabulously rich website full of CD’s, downloads and US tour dates for you to sample.

http://www.geneenroth.com/women_food_and_god.php

I’ve just bought the new book by Lulu looking for an insight into her secrets for looking amazing. I can’t believe how youthful and radiant she looks and, as she’s 61, I decided I need some of what she’s on before that age descends upon me.

Interestingly, I have already picked up on some of her tips which reflect the changes in our bodies as we get older. I don’t mean the obvious, such as staying out of the midday sun, giving up smoking and so on but things like cutting down on fruit (too much sugar), eating lots of greens (every meal), enjoying quality and not quantity of my favourite things such as coffee, chocolate and alcohol (not only do I put on weight but I don’t sleep either).  She is also a huge advocate of yoga, walking ( I have books on it – and that’s as far as I’ve got), and meditation (also on my ‘must do’ list but unfortunately at the bottom).

I’m thrilled she’s still in love with fashion and accessories though not bags (that’s very like me at the moment – perhaps the IT bag has had its day at last?).  I also agree whole heartedly with her styling tips, which are definitely on a par with the ones I’d give you.

Wise and beautiful with a youthful curiosity, high energy and a fantastic radiance, Lulu’s definitely an inspirational icon that I’ll be referring to as I grow older.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LuLus-Secrets-Looking-Good-Fabulous/dp/0007310544

My lovely  friend and yoga teacher is offering the most amazing one day yoga retreats at her fabulous home (complete with brand new custom built yoga studio) at Pentney Lakes in Norfolk.

Tanya is the most generous of women and her package offers 3 hours of yoga plus lunch. The afternoon is your free time to utilise in whichever way you feel is right for you – walking, jet skiing, relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.

The price – just £25 per person! The groups will never be larger than 8 so you know you’ll also get individual attention.

She is running them every other Monday starting in May.

For more info, contact her in 01760 444294 or tkp1@live.co.uk

I mentioned in a previous blog that I had been away on a mind, body, soul weekend.  Much as I love yoga, even I would find 8 hours a day a bit much so I decided to tap into a couple of workshops instead.

The first was Love Your Body Love Your Life, the presenter Beverley Drumm (pictured), an ex Management Consultant who completely changed her life and now runs inspirational classes in Nia Technique and Kundalini Yoga, both slow to catch on in the UK but making their presence felt.

Beverley began the presentation by asking how many of us in the room (about 35 I guess) loved their body and their life. I wasn’t surprised to see only 2 hands rise.  In fact, I was surprised that any were raised at all. Isn’t that so sad?

What is it about society today that says we all have to be so perfect and that we need to have it all? I think, as women, we are always looking for something else in our lives – and I’m no different here – but perhaps we should sometimes just stop and smell the coffee, by giving thanks for what we have in the here and now. The future doesn’t exist, only the present is real.

Come on ladies, celebrate who you are, embrace your unique gifts and talents and live a joyful life.  It’s the only one you have. Don’t like the way you look? Then see an image professional who can help you discover who you are and dress authentically. That’s what we’re here for.

http://www.nianectar.co.uk/

for more information about Beverley and her inspirational, holistic workshops.

Just come back from something we should all do more of – a weekend away with your girlfriends. Pampering, yoga, fabulous lectures, great food and brilliant instructors all allowed us, individually, to get the most of the time we had away from our normal routines.

I can never believe the price of this fantastic holiday (I go every year so am well known to the organisers) as the quality of everything on offer is so high. Check it out:

http://www.fitnessfiesta.com/mind_body_index.php

I’ve already booked a pampering weekend in July in the newly refurbished Met Hotel in Leeds. Can’t wait.

If you’re a Pilates fan, then you might be thrilled to find out that it’s moving into the water.

I love the way Pilates encourages great posture – always a great slimming aid – and lengthens your limbs so you appear more graceful and lean. I’m really not sure about the water element.

Being short-sighted, anything water based is an effort with glasses so isn’t much fun, neither is the sensible lack of makeup. Call me vain, but I would never go the gym without at least my basics (lipstick and mascara).  I also can’t stand the smell of chlorine and how it never seems to disappear, even when you’ve taken a shower.

So for me. the jury is out.

If any of you have tried it, let me know what you think.

http://www.poolates.co.uk/index.asp for more information of Poolates classes in the UK

Hot and bothered? Don’t know who to ask or what to do for the best?

There’s no need if you know where to go and who to ask.

The Menopause Exchange exists just for that reason.

Its aim is to provide reliable, unbiased and easily understood information to women and healthcare professionals so they can make well informed decisions about the choices they take.  Much of its work is done via a quarterly newsletter, which contains stacks of easy to assimilate information written by professionals.

If you want to take control and not feel that you are going through this alone, go to www.menopause-exchange.co.uk

I wouldn’t be seen dead in a pair of training shoes unless I’m exercising and, even then, I’m loathe to don them preferring Fit Flops for yoga. So I was quite taken aback when I saw that Boden had introduced Satin Sneakers! Apparently, they are so beautiful you need to wear them with a skirt rather than hide them under jeans. That’s definitely one trend I won’t be adopting, but feel free to go ahead if you think you can carry it off.

http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Shoes/Flats/AR421/Womens-Satin-Plimsolls.html  £39