playdate

Piercing my illusions

I pierced my navel 13 years ago when I was 25 years old.

I had just been dumped by my long-time boyfriend. I had cried off a good ten pounds of excess weight, was working out like a mad woman and was in the best shape of my life.

It was a painful but exhilarating way of confirming my emancipation. “I am hot. I am fearless. I am embarking on the next chapter of my life.”

Shooting for health (and thinner thighs)

Before I get into my wrap up on the last four weeks I spent participating in the President's Choice Healthy Eating Challenge I'd like to direct your attention to the name of this column.

It's called Shooting for Hip.

Emphasis on shooting: as in aspiring towards, trying, struggling, seeking, working on it, giving it a go, taking a crack at it, etc.

Diva though I may be, I have never pretended to be the picture of hipness (hipitude?) and after four weeks of "shooting for" it, I am not the picture of health either.

But I have learned a few things.

Hurts so good

I woke up yesterday morning with an aching butt.

And a thrilling sense of accomplishment.

It's not like that never happens anymore, but once you become a parent it just doesn't happen enough, you know?

Except for this week: this week I was on fire.

Thwarted by cheese

I'm not going to lie and try to convince you that I stuck to my Healthy Eating Challenge all last week.

You may call me a glutton, and indeed there is a photo of me cosying up to a block of cheese larger than my head which would certainly indicate that I am.

But I am not a liar.

Hip vs Healthy: Let's get ready to rumble

Hip people eat dinner really late.

I don't know exactly who proclaimed this an edict, but I do know that my stubborn attempt to abide by it, even since becoming a mom, is probably the biggest reason why my exercise routine has fallen by the wayside and my weight is starting to creep upwards.

And there's nothing the least bit hip about that.

Cooking and eating is just another style indulgence for a lot of young marrieds. There's something so sensuous and decadent about dallying in the kitchen, sipping wine, preparing gourmet food and then enjoying the fruits of your labour at some ungodly hour, secure in the knowledge that you'll still be awake hours later to...ahem..work it off.

But indulgent style ain't exactly kid-friendly.

Hip people eat dinner really late.

I don't know exactly who proclaimed this an edict, but I do know that my stubborn attempt to abide by it, even since becoming a mom, is probably the biggest reason why my exercise routine has fallen by the wayside and my weight is starting to creep upwards.

And there's nothing the least bit hip about that.

Cooking and eating is just another style indulgence for a lot of young marrieds. There's something so sensuous and decadent about dallying in the kitchen, sipping wine, preparing gourmet food and then enjoying the fruits of your labour at some ungodly hour, secure in the knowledge that you'll still be awake hours later to...ahem..work it off.

But indulgent style ain't exactly kid-friendly.

Scooped

I'm really sorry.

I know that you're sick of winter. And I know that by jumping the gun and picking up this fabulous spring dress, I've likely all but guaranteed it will be mid-August before the weather in Ontario is actually warm enough to wear it.

But I couldn't help it.

If just one woman is saved by this post...

The thing about crazy hair is that it sneaks up on you.

Seriously, it is wicked stealth. One day you're just cruising along, knowing full well that a cut and colour is way overdue, but you're busy and you figure you'll get to it one of these days, and then BAM!

Diva's guide to 2008 trends, part deux

We made it past Groundhog Day people!

In my neck of the woods the little critter popped up and declared I would grow ever more gorgeous and stylish in 2008. And while I wouldn't normally put much stock in a rodent's opinion, I think he might be right on the money this year.

The good news is you're all gonna grow more gorgeous and stylish along with me. To wit, I present my take on the last five of the Top 10 fashion-must-haves for 2008 according to Elle Canada magazine.

The diva's guide to 2008 trends

I know you're all freezing your cute little butts off out there, but trust me spring is right around the corner. Before long you are going to be wondering what kind of clothes you should be stocking up on in order to preserve and promote your image as the MILFiest mom on the block. (That's right, it's an adjective now - you heard it here first).

And so I present to you, my take on the first five of the Top 10 fashion-must-haves for 2008 according to Elle Canada magazine.

Scooped

Oh how I love my new red shoes.

So sleek, so sexy, so in keeping with the (slightly-deluded) image I have of myself as a diva extraordanaire.