DIET - Tea Break (But No Cake)

Tea and cake is a great combo, but tea without cake is far healthier. I've been putting to the test some drinks that claim to take the edge off your cravings or boost your health. Some of them taste pretty good so would be an easy substitute to make.



Daintea

Caffeine free and full of anti-oxidents, this tea says it will aid slimming by curbing those cravings. It tastes nice enough and you'll find lots of curious bits in there including some pretty purple petals. I didn't feel any dramatic effects, but sipping on it throughout the morning definitely stopped me thinking about lunch and with no caffeine or sugar it's a better option that your usual cup of char.

Try it: www.wearetea.com
Cost: £5 for 100g



Puritea

From the same company as Daintea, Puritea is a detoxifying drink that aims to get rid of free radicals in the body and restore a healthy balance. There's a lemony flavour, again with lots of pretty bits floating about (you'll be wanting a tea strainer). I've tried other detox teas and this one is one of the best. Give it a go during the party season to combat the effects of those mid week drinking sessions.

Try it: www.wearetea.com
Cost: £5 for 100g

Coffee Shape

This coffee considers itself a weight-loss aid and should be drunk each morning, half an hour before eating breakfast. I am not a big coffee drinker so I thought I'd rope in some colleagues to give this a go. Unfortunately the taste is very bitter and very strong - I think you'd need to be a hardened coffee drinker to be able to knock a cup back every day. I appreciate that the caffeine in the product will give the metabolism a little boost and taken in the morning you'll be starting on the right foot. If you already buy a cup of coffee from Starbucks every morning then this could be a good switch but It's not cheap so you may do better getting off the bus a stop early each day.

Try it: shop.coffeeshape.eu
Cost: Starts from £25 for a 14 day supply

FITNESS - Chung Shi Shoes

When it comes to shoes that claim to improve posture and muscle tone I am definitely open to trying them out. We've had Fit Flops, MBT's and Sketchers have even copied both concepts with their own footwear. I'm a big fan of Fit Flops in the summer, but their boots just don't cut it for winter - they look far too much like those horrid Ugg boots. Which is why the Chung Shi shoes that I've been trying out seemed perfect.


Looks:

They look a lot more like normal trainers in terms of the shoe's upper. The ones I had were plain black with a couple of grey and red details. Completely subtle and not OTT at all. I felt quite comfortable wearing them on the way to work, to and from the station. The part that does look a little odd is that the heel sits so far off the ground. MBT's tend to have a rounded bottom but with Chung Shi it's more like a step. I think that from above they look dainty compared to other fitness shoes though.

Feel:

When you first put these shoes on it almost feels like a high heel. You are meant to walk in a rocking action from the back of the shoe and heel to the front, which doesn't feel smooth at first but you soon get used to it. My size did seem tom come up pretty small, so do try some on if you can.

The only thing I would say is that these aren't that great for standing on the tube or bus... it's hard enough to balance as it is and these made me feel like I was going to topple over at any moment. The reflexology bar in the middle of the shoe stops your heel and toe touching the ground at the same time and actually feels quite nice - almost like it's stretching the foot.

Results:

You definitely feel some muscle fatigue after wearing them for just 30mins per day. The biggest selling point for me though is the way they force you to stand straighter. My back felt like it was in a more neutral position, my shoulders felt pushed further back and generally a felt like I was standing taller and with better posture. I've no doubt that wearing these for a short time every day would train your body into better habits.

I also find that this sort of shoe is great for me as I have had ankle injuries in the past. My physio has always told me to do anything I can to re-train the muscles and walking on a slightly unstable shoe is a great way to do this. I think all too often people are looking for products like this to make them lose weight - that won't happen! However, they really can help with toning, posture and muscle mass which will all count in you looking and feeling better.

Find a stockist at: www.ljmsports.co.uk
RRP: From £125 (although you can sometimes find them cheaper)

As featured in Elle Magazine

WEIGHT-LOSS - Online Diet Trackers

Is your party dress calling you... is it still a bit snug? You probably need to keep track of what your munching as we get ever closer to the festive season and diet trackers are a fab way of doing this. I've tried a few so think I'm probably in a good position to review them for you. All of the trackers below give you the option to track food and exercise and monitor calories, fat and other key nutrients and food groups. It's great for dieting or for just keeping an eye on things to maintain your weight.



Weight Loss Resources

This is my favourite site of the ones I've tried. It comes with a lot of advice and guidance and suggests you take part in challenges to keep you feeling motivated. The best thing about this site is the database of foods which is really comprehensive. I have only found 1 or 2 things that weren't included and even then there was a very close alternative to pick instead. If you want your diet tracker to be as easy and fuss-free as possible, then this is the one for you even if you do have to pay a small fee to use it. It doesn't look quite as good as some, but I much prefer functionality and usability over design in this case. When you sign up you also get access to advice over the phone if you need it, making this more than just an online tool.

Visit www.weightlossresources.co.uk



Calorie Count

The best thing about this site is that it's free. You can link your account to your Facebook profile if you really want to share that info with everyone you know (personally, I don't). The worst thing is that all the foods stored in the database are American. In order to get it working to its full potential you'll need to spend a fair amount of time inputting the details of the foods you eat. If you are in it for the long haul then this is fine, as everything you enter is stored and you can select favourites to make them easier to find. Even if you aren't using the food diary, the forums, blog and tools on the site are worth a visit.

Visit caloriecount.about.com

Nutracheck

This is probably the best looking of the bunch, but not the best functioning in my opinion. The cost is reasonable (if you get a special offer) and you'll get some benefits from the community such as finding a diet buddy for example. There is some advice and support but not as much as you'll find elsewhere. I did quite like the way you can clearly see your 5 a day and alcohol balances with the use of icons. Good for getting in shape for a wedding or holiday so you can share your progress with the community - they are a friendly bunch.

Visit www.nutracheck.co.uk

EVENT - Joining Marmite's Marmarati

Last week I received an invitation to an event that was clouded somewhat in mystery. I had no idea what to expect, although of course I assumed it would be Marmite themed having recently declared my love for it on Twitter. The invitation arrived and I was suitably impressed by the effort and design that had gone into it - I just had to go and find out more.

In fact what the evening turned out to be was my initiation into the first circle of the Marmarati. On arrival at 5 Cavendish in London, where the event was being held, guests were greeted and invited to have a glass (or few) of champagne. After some mingling with the guests a curtain was drawn back to reveal a large banqueting table. A master of ceremonies gave us an entertaining insight into the history of the nation's beloved Marmite brand and then it was time to do some testing.

Yes, Marmite in a cocktail (along with coffee)

Our host for the evening

On went the blindfolds and we were all served 3 different Marmites and asked to take a taste each one using a teaspoon. Between each course we were treated to a rather scrummy, icy sorbet to cleanse the palette and then it was down to us to score what we had tasted. But the tasting wasn't over then. The rest of the evening was full of Marmite themed canapes and cocktails which went down very well with the Marmite-loving guests. We also got to chat to some of the people who work hard to make the very stuff we all love to spread on our toast.

I came away with some Marmite 'paraphernalia' entrusted to me in order to recruit other worthy members of the Marmarati. If you're interested to find out more about this secret society of Marmite protectors, then you'll just have to follow me on Twitter and perhaps some day soon I'll be able to tell you more. You can now apply to become a member - visit www.marmarati.org

Marmite tips:

• Warm up your knife before putting it in the jar so you don't leave a sticky trail
• Many people swear by Marmite and banana sandwiches... I've not been brave enough to try it myself though
• The dregs of the Marmite jar can be used to make gravy, just add hot water
• Try Marmite toast and boiled eggs for an extra tasty breakfast
  
• If you don't like to share, make sure you marry a hater
  

My favourite ways to eat Marmite

1. Toast some Hovis, white granary bread. Add a generous helping of butter and then spread on plenty of Marmite.
2. Toast some crumpets and add butter and Marmite as above.
3. Get some puff pastry, roll out and spread Marmite all over the surface. Then grate some cheddar cheese, add to the pastry and roll the whole thing up. Cut into slices and bake in the oven. Yum yum.

You can debate your love or hate of Marmite at the official Facebook page and the Marmite website is also worth a visit.

SALE - Discounted Samples at Knoll

KnollStudio is holding an exclusive, one day sample sale on Saturday 21st November 2009 with up to 90% off pieces from the iconic Knoll collection

The sale will take place at Knoll's new Clerkenwell showroom in London from 10am- 4pm; giving people a chance to purchase a piece of design history. The showroom was designed by eminent Italian architect Piero Lissoni so you'll be in stylish surroundings.



With reductions of up to 90%, design lovers will be able to purchase exquisite Knoll sample pieces, such as the East Side armchair by Ettore Sottsass, for £399 instead of £4100. While discounts on marble Saarinen dining tables will start from 35%, starting prices for Saarinen side tables will be under £100.00. The Knoll Star Buy will be the iconic Black Barcelona® chair, which usually retails at £3600 and will be going for £749. You might recognise this chair from my blog header at the top of the page.

There will also be a 15% discount on all orders on existing collections, including reductions on the latest designs by Ross Lovegrove, Cini Boeri and George Nakashima. This offer is extended to all Knoll dealers throughout the UK for one day only!

Track down your nearest participating store or any London locals should head to KnollStudio: 91 Goswell Road, Clerkenwell, London United Kingdom, EC1V 7ER

TIPS - The Domestic Secrets of Janet Ellis

Entertaining at home is now more popular than ever as the credit crunch takes its effect, but 80 per cent of mums said they would be embarrassed if someone came round and their house wasn’t looking at its best*.

TV presenter and mum of three, Janet Ellis, is one of those lucky few who makes running a tip-top home look easy. She's presented a series of home and garden makeover shows and knows how to make a home look inviting. Janet has teamed up with Zoflora disinfectant to share her top five home secrets to save money, without compromising on standards.

Fragrance

Half of all Brit’s agree that smell is the first thing they notice when they walk into someone’s house and a further two thirds admit to having a friend whose house smells unpleasant*. Before running for the aerosols and plug-in air fresheners to hide bad odours, stop and think what be could causing the smell? A regular cleaning routine should remove most unpleasant aromas. Look for products that kill bacteria and eliminate odour.

Light

When looking for a new home, light bright airy rooms are at the top of the most wanted list. Illuminate your home by using colour; neutral and pale shades are best for making rooms feel more spacious. Mirrors also can make rooms feel bigger and brighter – reflect natural light by placing them adjacent to windows. Finally if your home does not get much natural light you can cheat with clever lamps and lighting. Halogen bulbs are intensive and bright whereas energy saving bulbs give out relaxed cool tones. Candles provide soft lighting and a warm relaxing atmosphere.

Buy Wisely and Save Time

A few well chosen cleaning products that do a variety of jobs will save you time and money. Choose a multi-purpose spray that can be used all round the home. A good quality disinfectant like Zoflora will keep floors and hard surfaces hygienically clean and your home fresh and fragrant. With thirteen scents available there’s a choice for every home. Another “must have” product is a micro fibre cloth. These clever cloths remove the need for polishes and glass sprays. Using a few trusted products will speed up your cleaning routine as you won’t be running back and forth to the cleaning cupboard.

Storage

Minimalist living can only be achieved by the very few. The rest of us have homes full of precious memories and possessions. Picking the right storage will enhance your home as clear, tidy surfaces make rooms feel airy and your home will be easier to clean. Don’t sacrifice style for functionality – you’ll only end up resenting the big ugly plastic box in the corner. Choose natural materials for storage such as wood, leather or sea-grass box, which are sturdy and attractive and give you a sense of organisation and control.

Be Creative – Accessorise!

Accessories can make all the difference. Cushions and throws can really enhance a room, while vases and pictures let you display your own style and personality. Choose accessories with harmonious colours to help create a soothing atmosphere. Fresh flowers can also add a splash of colour, aroma and indulgence. Remember with accessories “less is more” - over-crowding your rooms will only make your home look cluttered.

Janet Ellis said: “A home should be a sanctuary from the outside stresses of the world, where you can relax, unwind and spend time with family and friends. That’s why I’m sharing my secrets to make quick, easy and cost-effective changes that will really help you freshen your home and your mood and make your home sparkle.”

For practical tips on how to make the most of Zoflora throughout your home visit www.zoflora.co.uk

LIGHTING - Sculptural Wooden Lampshades

I have a bit of an obsession with lighting... modern mainly, although I'm also partial to an ostentatious chandelier too. That is why the designs by Tom Rossau caught my eye. His creations use primarily wood veneers and occasionally plastic or mirrorfoil for a striking, statement centre piece.

The lights work especially well with energy-saver bulbs since the light these give out is typically harsh and cold and the veneer cuts down on this. The light which comes out is "warmed" and "softened" by the wood and you can see the grain inside the veneers. The rounded shapes, softness of the light and use of mostly natural materials helps create a calming effect. As well as this the lights are amazing sculptural pieces which the eye is drawn too whether or not the light is switched on.

Check out the beautiful shapes all intricately carved and carefully made in Denmark. They remind me of jellyfish but the clean lines also make them the perfect addition to a modern home.

Here are my favourites...