You never know what to expect when it comes to the weather. One week-end the temperature is 26 degrees the next it is 14 degrees, planning what to wear is a nightmare especially if you go away for a week-end.

Today was forecast cold and overcast yet I have just come in from the having a cup of tea in the garden and the sun is out with hardly a cloud in the sky. One minute I am delving into my winter wardrobe for warmer tops the next my summer wardrobe for tee shirts.

Often it is not until you actually start wearing your summer clothes that you realise what is missing from your wardrobe. I have been looking for cream jeans to no avail so I think I may have to buy a white pair and dye them. I often do this if I cannot find the colour I am looking for in clothes. Buy a light shade such as white or cream or any pale colour and use a Dylon machine wash dye to dye the garment a darker colour. I do not suggest you do this with a really expensive outfit but for basics like shirts, tee shirts and jeans it works really well.

So do not be put off if you find something you really like but don't like the colour, you can always dye it a darker shade.

For other tips on how to make the most of your wardrobe check out my eBook at www.whatcaniwear.com

Pretty tops 

If you don't fancy the idea of dying clothes take a look at Kettlewell Colours. They offer a huge range of tee shirts in numerous colours. They
even give advice on which colours suit your skintone.

The tee shirt on the right costs £25 and comes in 14 different colours. They also do a variety of necklines so whatever your shape they have something that will suit you.

The cardigan on the left which comes in 20 different colours is also from www.Kettlewellcolours.co.uk It costs £35.

It is a family firm and their service is second to none, you order one day and it arrives the next.

Yes they may cost a little bit more than you can buy on the High Street but they keep their shape and retain their colour no matter how many washes they have. 

Summer Skin 

In the summer months the foundation you wore over the winter just looks too heavy. Summer skin should have a more natural sun kissed look. A tinted moisturiser works well or add some skin illuminating enhancer to your foundation to give you a more dewy look.

If you have really good skin a sweep of some bronzer will add a hint of colour, but beware, do not be heavy handed or you will look as if you have been tangoed.

A cream blusher is better than powder over the summer as it blends in well over warm skin, it is also much more flattering as you get older. The one above is by Estee Lauder and costs around £22 but you will find most make-up counters sell cream blushers. I prefer to apply mine with a brush instead of my fingers as I am less inclined to put too much on. You can buy one in a twist up wand form No 7 but be careful as it is very easy to over do the colour.

Keeping Fit 

Once again I am concentrating on feet. We tend not to give
our feet much attention until they hurt or they look awful in sandals. But they carry our body about and we really should take care of them.

I am contemplating having a bunion removed so was delighted to discover sandals with toe separators which aim to improve balance, body alignment and posture. Approved

by chiropodists and oteopaths the sandals aleviate many foot problems such as fallen arches and bunions by stretching the toes and retraining the feet.

There are stockists throughout the UK or you can buy online from www.beechsandals.co.uk . I have ordered a red pair. Take a look at the case studies to see for yourself what they can do.

They say they are also a great aid to painting your toenails so no more smudged nail varnish. I can't wait for mine to arrive.

Website of the month 

www.thewhitecompany.com I knew they did bedlinen and nice smellies as I use thier vanilla essential oil but I did not realise they also did fabulous cothes until I saw someone wearing the cardi on the right.

I think tie cardi's are a great addition to a summer wardrobe as you can wear them over summer dresses or over a cami with trousers or jeans, they are just so versitile. Quality always shows and the lady in question looked casual yet elegant at the same time. It comes in white, grey, navy and slate and costs £39.

Often in the evening the temperature drops and you just want to chill out and relax. The linen hoodie again from www.thewhitecompany.com adds a bit of glamour, yes you can still look good when relaxing. Lightweight hoodies are also wonderful if you do Pilates or Yoga.

I am lucky to live in a village and usually take a walk into the village on a Saturday morning. I know the warmer days are here when I start using a basket to carry my shopping.

I had been looking for over a month for a new shopping basket when I saw this one on the White Company website. It comes in two sizes, medium and large and costs £25 for the medium and £30 for the large. It is hand woven from natural raffia with leather handles.

What I am loving this month 

This year I have been affected by the pollen more so than normal. I know you can eat honey from your local area to help but I hate the taste of honey so was interested to see these natural balms that you just rub on the tip of your nose.

It acts like a barrier to pollen when applied to the bottom of your nose. There is even one for people who are particularly sensitive and don't like essential oils. It is a non drowsy alternative to nasal sprays and tablets. Available from larger chemists for £6.98 or from www.haymax.biz

In the News 

A two year study has found that the key to losing weight is to learn how to relax. The study found that women who practised yoga, meditation and positive visualisation lost more weight than those who focused on exercise and nutrition. Experts believe that reducing stress helps stop cravings for fatty food and sweets.

Another survey has found that just six minutes of reading a good book is enough to reduce tension levels by two thirds. 'It is a perfect way to stimulate your mind and relax at the same time,' says life coach Lynette Allen.

Book of the month 

Keeping with the Yoga theme A Yoga School Dropout by Lucy Edge is a witty and entertaining true story of her personal quest for serenity and yogic flexibility through the ashrams and gurus of India.

After over a decade spent working and drinking too much in the world of advertising, Lucy decided she had to leave town for an altogether more spiritual and, well, meaningful way of life - And whilst she was at it, she could acquire a newly lithe and supple body. Price £5.99 from www.amazon.co.uk

Quote of the month 

'My father gave me the greatest gift anyone can give another person, he believed in me' Jim Valvano

Thought the above quote was appropriate for father's day.

Have a great month.

Lilian 

Last Updated: January 14, 2010