Don’t Let the Cold Weather Stop You From Exercising

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While we have been lucky with the autumn weather so far, now the clocks have gone back, we are pretty sure the temperatures are going to start to drop soon. Some people might be put off from exercising once November hits, but if you put your trainers away now, all your hard work over the summer months will be undone in no time at all.

Yes, you can take your exercise inside, but running, walking, cycling or rowing outdoors, can energise your soul, lift your spirits and keep you in tip-top condition. We hope our hints and tips will keep you motivated to brace the elements, even when your sofa and slippers are calling you to go back to them.

Have a Goal
If you haven’t got anything to aim for, then going out on a biting Friday morning may well not appeal, so set a goal. Maybe it’s getting into that size ten dress for your Christmas party, running a half marathon in the spring or doing the London to Brighton bike ride, decide what will keep you on track and you will immediately have something to get out from under the duvet for.

Drink Water
We naturally tend to drink less water in the winter, but you still need to keep H2O levels up, especially when you are exercising. You may not feel as if you are overheating or sweating like you do when you run in the sun, but your body still needs to refuel, and you can still become dehydrated even if you can see your icy breath as you run through the woods. Take a bottle of water with you when you are working out, and be sure you to drink more, and eat well, when you are out of the shower and warming up.

Layer Up
If you are working hard, you will get hot, so make sure you wear layers that can be easily taken off and put back on. A vest, t-shirt, and hoodie together with a pair of good quality leggings, sports socks and appropriate trainers are a given, and you can always add a hat and scarf at the start of your session for extra warmth and comfort, and take them off as you heat up.

Look After Your Hands
Painful, chilly hands can be a part of winter workouts, so don’t try to brave it out, instead do the sensible thing and wear gloves. There are some excellent cycling, rowing and running-specific designs on the market which are worth investing in. If it’s a really cold day, you might want to wear a pair of thin glove liners made of a wicking material, or you could pop a hand-warmer in your pocket for extra heat too.

Warm Up and Cool Down
When it is cold, you might want to get running as soon as you step out of the door, but this could do more damage than good. It might be windy and raining, but it is still important to do your pre and post workout stretches and exercises to ensure you don’t pull or muscle, or worse.

Stay Safe
If you’re exercising when the sun has gone down, use well-lit areas, wear bright, reflective clothing and either tell someone where you are going or, even better, go with a friend. We know that music can help keep you motivated, but when it’s dark, cold and icy, not being able to hear what’s going on around you can make you vulnerable, so leave the earphones at home.

We hope that these tips will help you exercise safely when temperatures drop, but if it gets too much out there, either workout inside, or have a day off because, while the weather might be better tomorrow, an injury could take you out for weeks.

Team Beauty

Wear pink with confidence this spring

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Look through any magazine and you will see that pink is everywhere.

If you’ve wondered whether this is the colour for you, the answer, this season at least, is… absolutely!

From the palest blush to honey hues and bright splashes, this sugary shade is here for spring, and beyond, and we have looked at how you can make it chic not shiny.

Go for a coat
If you want to make a statement with pink, go for a coat. Whether it’s a ruffle hem cape, silk bomber jacket, fitted Chanel-esque blazer or even a lightweight puffa, it will be a wardrobe staple. These are perfect all great trans seasonal items and can be worn with jeans and boots while it is still chilly, but pop over a dress and flats later in the season and you will still be on-trend.

Wear the jeans
From the catwalk to the High Street, there are some pretty pastel jeans on offer and they can be the perfect way to add a flash of pink into your day. Team with a navy long sleeve tee or an oversized sweatshirt in grey and silver trainers for a weekend look that will work all spring long.

Blouse it
An easy way to add pink into your office or evening outfits is to wear a soft pink blouse which will take the edge off black trousers but still look professional. It you get the right shade for you, it will reflect onto your face and give you a healthy glow.

Look at your feet
You might not have thought about wearing pink shoes but this is a brilliant way to start your fashion adventures in pink. Metallic pink loafers worn with a dark grey pencil skirt is a killer office look and you can inject energy into your gym kit by matching steel leggings with cerise trainers.

Accessorise the pink way
Pink accessories are an easier way to buy into this look before you really invest. Sunglasses, gloves, pumps, heels, scarves and bags are all the perfect way to add a pop of pink into your wardrobe and once you feel comfortable with this, you can go bigger.

It’s all in the make-up
Adding pink to your beauty bag is a great way to update your look. Swap your bronzer for a cream pink blush and apply to the apples of your cheeks, for a fresh, spring look. Experiment with lipsticks and go for a pink that adds warmth to your skin and brings your eyes alive. A bright, vibrant nail varnish can totally change your look and worn on your toes with white gliders is a winning look that never dates.

We hope we have convinced you that pink can work in any number of ways and you now feel brave enough to take the plunge.

Make January Magical

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We bet you don’t often think of January as being a magical month?

Credit card bills, back to work and a bulging waistline often get in the way of enjoy the New Year, but why not turn things round and see this as an exciting first chapter the next part of your life?

We have had a look at how you can turn what many people thing is the hardest month of the year, into something special.

Get lost in a good book
Step away from the Kindle, go into town and have a browse the shelves of your local bookshop or library. From chic lit to poetry and thrillers to biographies, there really is something for everyone. Reading lets you escape from the trappings of modern life and an hour or two away from social media and news feeds, has to be a good thing.

Go on a mini break
In true Bridget Jones style, pack your overnight bag and get away from it all. You don’t have to spend a fortune as there are many offers around for hotels and spas around, but a traditional seaside B&B can be just the escape you need. Long walks by the sea, tea and scones by a roaring fire and fish and chips out of the paper watching the sunset could be the perfect antidote to the January blues.

Write it down
They say we all have a book inside of us, why not use January to get that novel down on paper? You might not do it all in one go, but making a start on a kid’s tale or sci-fi story, rather than bingeing on box-sets will give you a creative outlet and you never know, you might produce the next bestseller?

Cook up a feast
Yes, we know we are meant to step away from the cakes and cookies, but January is the perfect time to look at nourishing your body with healthy food rather than punishing it with a detox. From stews and soups to curries and fresh bread, you can use the dark nights to brush up on your cookery skills and with some candles on the table and music in the background you can have friends over for a quiet night of catching up and making plans.

Take a picnic outside
When the sun comes out, pack a picnic, get your wellies and dine alfresco this January. Yes, you might need thermals and gloves, but there is something magical about walking in the crisp countryside and breathing in crystal clear air – take a flask of hot chocolate and you will be warm and toasty.

Plot and plan
There is nothing like a beautiful diary or pretty notebook to start a new chapter in your life. Rather than getting depressed about the parties and presents being over, use January to look ahead and plan your future. Dreams are great, but working on making them a reality can be exciting and inspiring.

Whatever you do this January, make it your most magical ever.

Team Pure-Beauty