10 AM near the Natural History Museum on Monday 28 January, 2019.
I had a Glow Up once - between ages 43 and 46 I transformed from an exhausted out-of-shape mom into a strong, lean and confident forty-something.
In 2009 I met a newly qualified personal trainer, and I became his PT guinea pig for the next few years (Pelle Andersson has since left this earth far too young, but I am sure he lives on in the memories of his many friends and clients).
In the midst of a fitness makeover at age 45, back in 2011.
Lives get busy and people move in different directions, and at some point I felt totally confident I could handle my fitness myself. Well, that was rather moronic on my part. Within mere weeks of quitting a twice weekly routine of interval runs, jumps, lunges and planks, I started becoming saggy again.
Initially I didn't mind so much, and loved going to bed without sore muscles or eating late night dinners with lots of champagne. Unfortunately, today I have to admit I've had a shocker of a Glow Down since those days, and it's time to find some body discipline soon before it is too late.
Thankfully it's the right time of year for it - just after I've come to despair the darkness of winter, hints of Spring are arriving along with sunshine and energy.
The Chelsea Physic Garden
In one of Chelsea's prettiest places, the Chelsea Physic Garden, trees have been decorated with balls of soil and moss housing the most charming baby snow drops.
Bibendum's flower stall.
Flower stalls all over town are offering peonies, tulips and hyacinths. Even though snow attempted to infiltrate London last night, we are on our way to Spring.
I've been walking all around London's parks, occasionally mixing it up with walking lunges or little sprints.
Then on Monday, while at lunch with my clever IT Director friend, I discovered that my iPhone X has a Health App. I know, it's rather stupid to buy an iPhone X and never open any of the apps beyond texts, but anyway, for all of you fellow techno-challenged readers out there: your iPhone is like a Fitbit! And in fact it started measuring my steps a year ago without me ever registering or approving it, which is slightly creepy, but also hugely motivational.
My dining room.
This is where I am sitting while working on this blog today - the room is slightly darker than the rest of the house but it's great for watching life pass by on the street in front of me.
Behind me is this console table covered in an H&M Home tablecloth as I am hiding a few boxes underneath there. H&M's freestanding home store in Westfield is so much fun - I highly recommend a visit.
Tomorrow I am attending a New Year's party at Pink Shirtmakers in Jermyn Street. For me there is no better Spring outfit than a roomy cotton men's shirt tucked into jeans worn with Chanel flats, so I am rather excited to have a good look at Pink's new collection (read more HERE).
An old favorite picture of the queen of oversized shirts, Leandra Medine.
In 2019 I am going to focus on classic fashion. After the move to London I had to get rid of so many clothes that I've decided to never find myself in that situation again. I want to wear things that last (there's more than enough fashion waste in the world) and of course if clothes are going to last, they also need to be timeless and not based on fleeting trends.
But first I need to find an outfit for tomorrow!
Thank you for reading and have a great day,
xx Dianne
