Five a Day habit...

I'm lucky that my Mother passed my sister and I good skin. That does sound a bit vain I know but I have thin rubbishy traveller hair so that sort of makes up for it. Shamefully enough, at 59 her's is in much better nick than mine. Her generation washed their faces before bed, left a party graciously before midnight and never got drunk. I don't need to tell you how far removed this is from my youth, the reason for my writing this says it all. As it happens, the skin isn't looking too bad with a little help from my friends at Clarins Flash Balm, quite fresh for spring in fact.

However, the weight is a sadder story. I've taken onboard my comments in January and partied hard while everyone else detoxed and it has to be said it was fun, but, many hangovers later I've decided to shape up for summer. Trouble is I've tried Pig to Twig, French women don't get fat, Weightwatchers, Stuffing your face diet, Not Caring Diet and frankly with each one the pounds are piling on. So, in short, I'm confused, totally gaga for losing weight but getting no closer to the goal.

I shall watch Sophie Dahl with interest tonight and see how she pulls it off. In the meantime, a smaller plate a la Liz Hurley, running three times a week and anything to eat in moderation and as long as it's bright and beautiful. I'm going for five a day starting at breakfast, a daily body scrubbing in the shower and cutting down on the bread and pasta. All this washed down with water, water and more water, milk thistle and a washed face before bed. Will it work? No idea, I'll keep you posted.

Double edged denim

Think Shaky, think snaky, skinny, straight or flared. The old blue faithfuls are bigger news than ever before and my fashionista friends tell me that denim wears a new face in 2010 - any which way as long as it's true blue. So, how best to customise one's trendy look for the new decade when carrying a few extra pounds and not having many pounds to be spending?

Answer: Raid Dad's painting shirts? Take out his old chambray fave and make it retro? If you're Kate Moss then yes, Katie Anderson, then no.

Real answer: A much better, safer bet is to visit a good online store and buy a newer, more fashionably shaped version. Or even a little waistcoat at a push.

I've always loved denim anyway, that chic Italian feel of shirt, sunnies and jeans however, the skinny, drainpipy, grungy look is overtaking in the fast lane. All the mags are telling us to customise, rip, cut up, run a cheese grater over...really? Yes, really... applique badges and patches, adorn beads, chains and heavy metal accessories. All this to follow the latest rip roaring Shakin Stevens green door fashion? But, here in the real world, it would probably be much more acceptable to add a pretty brooch, a fabulous pair of platform heels to straights. Maybe, if you dare, take a large pair of scissors and lop the bottom off your shirt. Unless you're incredibly stylish then the cheese grater effect is going to look cheap. I'll settle for applying some skin tight skinny jeans, an expensive slick of lippy and da da! Not sure it's a look that will be lusted after from the catwalks in Milan but it looks alright and I rather like working my vintage chi chi.

Mothers Day

This year for mothers day I decided to treat my Ma to a summer glamour kit; a delicious blood red lipstick by Chanel and a fresh faced bronzer. She's a classic lady so teamed with a crisp white shirt, smart jeans and slip ons, she'll enjoy this for her chic mornings at the French marche.

We had some bad news this week about a friend of ours and it made me stop in my tracks. It seems so wierd we'll never see her again. I couldn't stop thinking about the son she's left behind, how lost he must feel and how thankful I am for the lunch and laughter we had on Sunday... and mum thrashing me at cards. Poetry really isn't my strong point but I got a bit emotional and sketched this out for mothers day.

For the hands that helped me.

In you I see what's been before,
In me of what's to come,
This little rhyme can't say it all,
So much we've said and done.
Nurtured, fed and dressed for life,
You sent me on my way,
To riches rags and back again,
What now? I'd hear you say
You promised to take care of me,
Catch me should I fall,
I pushed the limits time enough,
You invested me your all,
To thank you seems too small a gest,
So what am I to do?
I'll show you that I'm big enough,
To return this love to you.