Cracking up...

If you're like me, you'll find yourself cracking up at this time of year. I am, of course, referring to the toll that wintry weather can take on the skin (not the exhaustion brought on by this never ending term - I don't have the solution to that just yet!). I find that the area around my knuckles and fingers is particularly partial to cracked and sore skin. Gloves and lashings of hand cream are no good so I've turned to these gems to combat the problem. The Calendula Cream is a winter must-have in my eyes. It is so rich and helps to restore my skin to it's natural texture. I apply it generously before bed and at other points in the day, when a top-up is needed. I use Elizabeth Arden's eight hour cream on my lips, though it can be used to combat minor skin irritations. It is a lightweight formula that supposedly protects the skin for eight hours. These two are my go-to products in a season where we need to take extra special care of our minds and bodies...

In solidarity...

Now, more than ever, I truly appreciate my job as an educator. Education drives out ignorance, bigotry and intolerance. Like many of you, I am struggling to make sense of the horrific events that unfolded in Paris yesterday. I am full of so many questions and I know my youngsters will be too, on Monday. It is our duty to present young people with the facts and the facts are simple: no religion encourages bloodshed in its name. However, that doesn't stop people from using their faith to push an agenda, even a destructive one. The way to stop them from succeeding, from creating a culture of distrust and conflict among different religions and races, is to stand in solidarity. It. Is. That. Simple.

I needed an outlet for the many emotions that were welling up inside, so I created this. Friends have asked if they can use it on various social media platforms. Feel free to use as you please...spread the message far and wide.

A boot to suit...

It's no secret that I love an ankle boot (or two). I saw this luscious pair on the Oasis website and had to snap them up. They arrived promptly and were even better in reality. They have a chunky heel, making them infinitely more comfortable when running around (something that is synonymous with teaching in the current climate). The exterior material is a two-tone suede and leather combination. They are easy on the feet and I can already tell that I'll be wearing these to death. Not a problem though, since they'll keep my tootsies warm and dry in the colder months ahead.