Two top fashion trends for 2013

Two trends ladies might like to follow in 2013, not too extreme or frightening, are The Great Gatsby Look and the Shift Dress. With the movie of the Great Gatsby finally arriving in May this year, the 1920s look, already so popular with Downton Abbey fans, will be all the rage at parties and wedding this year. I've picked out some stylish, classy dresses with the Gatsby look right here. Don't make yourself look like you're going to a fancy dress party (that's what you call a costume party if you're American). Be subtle. It's a very flattering look. Shift dresses- anyone can wear them, and there's a shift dress for you right here..Did you know that Amazon have an amazing range of clothes? You can find a great ranges of shift dress on Amazon here- for those of you in the UK If you live in the USA or Canada, Amazon.com have a fantastic range too. That's all from me today in my fashion advisor role. Thaks for reading.

Thinking of going on a New Year Diet?

Are you one of the many people planning to start a diet in the New Year? I've put on weight over the last few months, especially over Christmas, so I'm going back to the Dukan Diet, which I followed very successfully last year. I've written two helpful articles which will help if you're thinking about trying the Dukan Diet for your New Year weight loss. Tips for Starting the Dukan Diet does what it says- gives you lots of help and tips. This article tells you what you need to get started, and allows you to think about the best ways to plan your new diet.Read this article first, and decide if the Dukan Diet is right for you. The Dukan Diet Attack Phase takes you through the first stage of the Dukan Diet. The "Attack Phase" will only last a few days, but it is crucial when you start the Dukan Diet to plan and start your diet fully prepared. I'm going to be on this blog more regularly in 2013, so if you want to leave a comment or message, I'll be able to get back to you. Happy New Year! Readers in the UK can buy the Dukan Diet book here.

Time to plan ahead for Christmas with these helpful tips

I've written two articles with tips for adding some easy home made, (homemade if you're in the USA), items to your Christmas 2012. I'm not suggesting you go to extremes, but a few hours spent making some home made sweets or candies, or making a lists of how you can organise easy home made decorations, will pay off, as you'll get a warm glow of satisfaction at a job well done, as well as praise from you guests. I've hosted our family Christmas for over 30 years- I've built up lots of tips.Click through here to find a collection of tried and tested tips for easy gifts to make this Christmas I've written another page here, that gives you some easy and inexpensive ideas about decorating your home and Christmas dinner table. Start planning now!53 days to go!

Turn your photos into gifts

These days, lost of us have lots of photos. We take them all the time, using our phones or easy digital cameras. I've got an idea - why not use these photos to make some unique home made Christmas presents. I've got some good ideas - even if I say so myself! Click through this link to find ways to turn your homemade photos into presents this year Here's one of my latest photos. I think it would look great as part of a series on the Lake District on a digital photo frame. I could give this to someone who love the Lakes, but doesn't live here- like my relatives in the USA.

Reflections in Grasmere Lake, taken just a few days ago.

Will someone please buy me a Diptyque candle?

Top of my wish list for Christmas would be Diptyque candles, but I know no one will ever give me a Diptyque candle as they don't really, truly believe that they're worth the price. Here's why I think Diptyque candles are worth it! Is there someone in your life who would be thrilled to receive something from Diptyque this Christmas? Readers in the UK can buy their wonderful Diptyque gifts here.

The humble celeriac takes the Number 1 slot

My Squidoo lens How to use celeriac has risen to the top of my lens list this morning, overtaking the long time #1 How to make homemade chocolate truffles. There's a food theme here of course- I love good food.

That may be why lenses #3 and # 4 are on the topic of The Dukan Diet!

Back to celeriac. Someone left a message that they'd read the page but couldn't be bothered to try celeriac as it looked too weird. Sad. Celeriac is tasty and healthy. Celeriac is easy to cook. There are lots of great recipes for celeriac. Top chefs love celeriac. If you don't use celeriac then try it. If you do use celeriac, you might pick up some new ideas. I'm thrilled it's my # 1 lens!

 Readers in the UK can buy this book by top veggie lover Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall for more great veggie recipes.

1 September- time to get back to the blog

I've neglected my blog "What's she going on about now?" She's not been going on about anything. At least, not on the blog. Now, there's a nip in the air, and it's the start of my favourite month. Last Monday was Bank Holiday in the UK, but it rained so hard that lots of events were cancelled, and I couldn't get out for my usual afternoon walk- so I made a new lens for Squidoo . It's called The Best Christmas Stockings to make and Buy I didn't know that you could buy these great kits. I don't really have the time ( or the inclination if I'm honest) to make one, but if you're good with a needle and thread, you might like to try this.