I don’t know about you, but I stopped making New Year resolutions several years ago, and instead make a list of things I would like to achieve in the year ahead.
I always feel such a failure if I ‘break’ a resolution in early January, particularly as one of them is usually to eat more healthily (and I blow that one with a couple of slices of Sophie’s chocolate birthday cake on the 8th January). I haven’t actually made it yet, but it’s on my ‘to do’ list for tomorrow.
That is one of my resolves for the New Year. I am going to be more organised with daily ‘to do’ lists.
I’m also going to get back into a regular fitness regime, which started yesterday with a thirty minute Aeropilates workout after taking the Christmas decorations down.
I hadn’t set foot in my gym for two months, for a variety of reasons, so I will take it easy until I get back into it. I wonder if any of you purchased the machine when Marjolein was over last week? If so, let me know how you get on – I still swear by the effectiveness of mine, particularly the cardioboard for an aerobic workout without the impact of pounding pavements.
By the way, I forgot to mention on last week’s blog that the Advanced Order on my Yankee Candle Today’s Special Value, which was due to arrive the week of the 26th December, arrived early so we were able to enjoy the aroma of Black Coconut throughout the festive period.
It is definitely one of my favourites, along with Shea Butter, Vanilla & Lime, Serenity, Baby Powder…. I could go on… and on!
There is a Yankee Candle Today’s Special Value on Monday, which Claire and I will be presenting to you in the Lunchtime Show (isn’t it good to have that back?) but keep checking our website in advance if you want to order early.
I have also been making good use of the Lulu Guinness Today’s Special Value radio that I ordered as a treat for myself (pictured on the left).
I have it on while I’m eating breakfast every day and I took it in to QVC last Sunday so that I could listen to the Arsenal v Crystal Palace match in my dressing room between shows. I don’t know why I am smiling – Palace lost… again! I’m not worried about relegation yet, as there is still a long way to go in the football season, but ‘Big Sam’ needs to start instilling belief back into the team.
It’s been an expensive week this week, with family birthdays and my car also needing a service.
I’ve had it for nine years now, so I guess I should be thinking of replacing it, but I do love driving it. My other half volunteered to take it over to the Coulsdon Audi garage, where I still get it serviced, even though it is an hours drive away, so that I could make use of my new writing desk that he had bought me for Christmas.
I certainly did that, writing 4,500 more words of my next novel, which is due out in April. I’m getting really excited about this one – new characters to meet and a time period I know a lot about – the 1970s.
I’m really looking forward to sharing it with you and, as always, if you want to know more about my writing, sign up to the newsletter on my website. If you sign up before midnight tomorrow, Saturday 7th January, you will be entered into the prize draw, winners to be announced in the next newsletter on Monday.
So, I have a busy run of shows over the coming week. Today I have Honora Pearls at 3pm and Fashion on Friday with Kipling at 5pm. Tomorrow I am on with Bareminerals at noon and Kim & Co at 1pm, and on Sunday I have two hours with the lovely Fiona Brackenbury and the Decleor Today’s Special Value.
It’s a really good collection for right now with Prolagene Gel to help with firming the skin, if you’re planning on trying to drop a few pounds as your New Year ‘resolve’. I like to mix it with my favourite ever body moisturiser, Systeme Corps, which is also in the Today’s Special Value in a large size. I hope you can join Fiona and me at 11am and 2pm.
I hope your 2017 has started well,
Much love,
Julia xx
13 Comments
hello julia,
i purchased a pilates machine in late 2015 as a tsv and i can honestly say it is the best item i have brought from qvc (and believe me there is a lot i buy!)
i try and use it at least 4 times a week for around 20-30 mins and although i did not intend to lose weight , the thing i have noticed more is how it has toned all of my body up and every body i see thinks i have lost weight!
i always watch the pilates hours to pick up any hints and tips and would recommend it to anyone, i know it was expensive but if you break it down into the use you get out of it it is value for money.
Hi Jackie
I am pleased you are getting on so well with your Pilates machine. You are so right when you say it is a more considered purchase but when you use it regularly it soon pays for itself and the results are so gratifying.
Thanks for the feedback on it – hopefully others will read this and give it a go
Love
Julia x
loved reading your Blog ! Great I to don’t make resolutions any more in my older age I am kinder to myself and I try to be good to my Body and I always working on INPROVEMENTS Mind Body and Soul also a Generous Dollop of Kindness to all !!
Hi Pamela
I like that – ‘a generous dollop of kindness to all’!
I have to try and be kind to my body most of the time – it doesn’t like me if I’m not!!!
Pleased you enjoy my blog
Love
Julia x
Hi Julia, I have ordered the Decleor TSV I always try new brands on QVC but Decleor is one I tried some years ago, so decided to go back to it ! Judith Williams is one of my favourite brands and I am always on the lookout for new skincare. I must get on my Pilates machine more this year I start with good intentions but sometimes fall by the wayside! have a good week. love Linda xx
Hi Linda
I’m glad you got the Decleor TSV – I think it sold out (even of the advanced order) but then it was a really good offer.
Don’t beat yourself up about using your Pilates machine – I generally find I go on mine much more in the spring and summer.
Love
Julia x
Hi Julia
That’s great you have another 4,500 words for your new novel, must be the present of new desk that did it helping you on the way. Cannot wait for book to come out, stick with it Julia.
Received my black coconut yankee candles as well, love them, other favourite is Midnight Jasmine & wedding day.
No New Year resolutions made this year, just see what happens along the way.
Much love
Elizabeth X
Hi Elizabeth
I think the new desk and chair definitely helped with my writing but also the peace and quiet of the newly finished attic room. I’ve been in touch with my cover designer this week which always makes the book seem more real – I’m getting excited about sharing the new characters with everybody… I hope you will like them and the story.
I love so many of the Yankee Candle fragrances – too many to mention although I’m not a foodie fan.
Love
Julia x
Dear Julia, Happy New Year to you and your family. Chris did really well with your Christmas presents, they were so appropriate; really lovely, thoughtful gifts. My husband needs a list I’m afraid, but I’m not complaining.
I really don’t have room for a Pilates machine, but I’d love one. I know my friend Marian loves hers. A true story Julia is that about 11 years ago I had a back operation. Afterwards, my Orthoepaedic Surgeon said to do something like Pilates, or I would be seeing him again. Guess what, I did see him again!! Absolutely true.
Wishing you good health in 2017 and beyond, Gail xx
Hi Gail
I know how lucky I am to have Chris – we are celebrating 39 years of living together this coming Thursday (19th) – doesn’t seem possible! I really love my little writing desk and chair, and the fact that the attic room is now finished so I can lock myself away writing for hours on end totally undisturbed. I managed 3000 words over the weekend and that was with family socialising too – only another 7000 to go before I’m back in at QVC on Thursday!
We don’t have room for a Pilates machine in the house which is why one of the first things we did when we bought our house 3 years ago was build the cabin at the bottom of the garden to house it. Thank goodness we had a decent sized garden.
By the way, I understood what you were saying about the surgeon although it did make me smile as it could have been taken a different way altogether!
Love
Julia x
Hi Julia,
Reading back my previous comment, what I was trying to say was it says a lot about Pilates if a top Surgeon recommends it. Really wish I had room for one xx
Please can you tell me why there’s no beauty bash this year. My friend and I come every year and love it will dissappointed
Hi Lynnette
The decision will probably have been made by the marketing team at QVC so you could write to them and ask the question.
My guess is that they opted to try something different this year as we have had Beauty Bash for a number of years. It’s a shame as it’s such a lovely opportunity for us presenters to meet customers.
Love
Julia x