I have spent the last, probably 18 years, looking for an exercise I love - possibly longer!  And still not found it.  I totally agree that we should all move more and that exercise is important.  I have tried it all - from using a creche at the local sports centre for my daughter so I could do a class or go for a swim (I hated leaving her) to doing four weights workouts a week guided by The Body Coach.  I've had PT's, I've tried yoga and pilates, I have even tried running (hated it and it's not great if you are prone to stress) but I did manage to complete a 5 mile road race.  I also did the Palace to Palace bike ride which was a fabulous experience but I have no desire to repeat it.

I'm a bit later than my blogger friends with this one but a couple of weeks ago I was invited to join Gail from Is This Mutton and Anne from Mutton Years Style and I for the Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge.  The afternoon tea is inspired by the world of fashion and the cakes are based on the latest looks from the catwalk.  Ideal for a style blogger meet-up.  

I made my way into London a bit earlier and indulged in a black cab from Marylebone to New Bond Street so I could spend some time in Victoria's Secret, then I browsed in & Other Stories and one or two other stores before grabbing another cab to the hotel.

It is a stunning hotel with a first class welcome and attentive service.  We had a spacious and bright table looking out of the window and were given plenty of time to choose our blend of tea and then later we indulged in a bottle of champagne.

With the new year upon us and many of us turning our minds to our own health and wellbeing again, it might be time to up the game with your workout gear!  I know I always feel better if I make an effort whether I am working out, relaxing at home or going out.  

I have definitely noticed a shift towards a much more sustainable and eco approach to fashion, style and shopping.  We are no longer ignoring the impact fast fashion is having on the environment.  And we personally feel we need to take action and not just leave it to someone else. .

So when Asquith asked me if I'd like to try out some items from their new Spring/Summer range I was excited to be involved again with a brand that offers good quality ethically made activewear.  You can see my previous review here.

This season they have a completely new range and I absolutely love their new snake print!

With the new year and after the indulgences of Christmas we all start thinking about our health and fitness - but slow down, don't rush into anything!  The more we rush the more likely we are to fail - it is more important to take things slowly and develop a new lifestyle.  With this in mind, the timing seemed perfect to share this interview with you ....

I met Bev about three years ago when we both did The Body Coach plan and we were members of the Facebook support group.  We got chatting and I loved her approach and attitude, she really supported me.  When she announced she was going to retrain and become a health and lifestyle coach focusing on women in midlife, peri-menopause and menopause, I was definitely in agreement she would be perfect for it.  She runs her own Facebook support group now which I help out with as an admin called Fifty Fit and Fabulous so I thought it was about time she took part in my Embracing Life series ... do make yourself a cup of tea and take time to read this one, Bev is really inspirational, totally understands the challenges of midlife and knows exactly what we are all feeling.  I am sure you will learn something and certainly feel understood!