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Party Season Prep – Start Now!

11/06/13 | holiday, swimming

Technically it is already the second week of November, how did that happen so fast? Starbucks red cups are back in full force and I am donning my down jacket to head to work in the morning. I feel like just the other day I was putting together my collage for what to wear when it is 100 degrees out and now I am searching for mittens and the warmest tights I have.  What does this mean? The holiday season will be here sooner than you think – 23 days until turkey and 48 days until Christmas!

We all want to look amazing over the festive party season, when our calendars bulge with work parties, meet ups with friends and family, and festive occasions. However, with a busy party season usually comes rich food, extra drink, late nights and lots of running around – all of which can leave us looking and feeling not quite at our best.

Get a head start on looking great by starting your pre-party season prep now, before life gets too hectic. Here’s how to make sure you’re looking your very best come December:

Exercise
It can be hard to summon the motivation to exercise once the dark nights start to draw in. While all you might want to do it cosy up on the sofa in front of the TV, keeping up or starting an exercise routine will pay dividends when it comes to looking great in your new party dresses! If you can’t bear the thought of jogging in the drizzle and cold, swimming is a great all round exercise, sorry of course I would say that,  and it has the added benefit of being pretty relaxing, and indoors to boot! You might need to invest in a new swimsuit or tankini, especially if the only swimwear you have is your summer holiday bikini collection, but after that swimming is a very cheap way to exercise. You can pick up a tankini from George for under a tenner, so there’s no excuse not to start swimming your way sexy today!

Eat Fresh
Ok so we’re all craving mashed potatoes and gravy instead of salads, but try to hold back from the dumplings, pies and puddings. Instead, enjoy the fresh seasonal produce that’s in the shops and supermarkets – spicy pumpkin soup anyone? Autumn salads can also be delicious, with butternut squash, beetroot, kale and celeriac as the stars of the show, and instead of apple pie, try seasonal apples spread with peanut butter for a tasty, healthy snack or dessert. Or, I have made a recommitment to my juicer and you can find me whipping up a cucumber, green apple, spinach, and ginger juice a few days a week! Eating well now will mean that you look and feel better come the busy festive season – plus you’ll be able to indulge in all those winter treats without the side helping of guilt!

Good Night’s Sleep
Many of us feel completely frazzled come January, and it’s little wonder. December is a whirl of shopping, social events and entertaining, and all the stress, late nights and good living take their toll! Make sure you get plenty of zzz’s in advance, so that you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed for when the busy season hits. Oh, and naps are always a good idea.

Relax
Similarly, while you might think that the time off over Christmas is a good time to relax, in reality, it rarely is. Seemingly endless family visits, overexcited children and late nights mean that the holiday season can actually be the most stressful time of year. Enjoy taking some time out to relax this autumn, so that you can go into December stress-free and feeling great. Yoga, swimming or Pinterest activities such as baking or crafting are all good for relaxing the mind and body, so why not try something new?

Prepare
Looking great over the party season takes forward planning, so if you’re thinking of trying out a new hairstyle or beauty treatment, do it now! A practice run will mean that you still have time to correct any mistakes (unless you go for a short crop!) before December. You can also take this time to get your hair, nails and skin into tip top condition, with regular treatments, moisturizing and exfoliation.

Start your prep now and you’ll look great and feel fabulous once the busy party season hits!
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Comments

  1. Maria - inredningsvis.se says

    November 11, 2013 at 10:34 am

    What an AWESOME post:) your blog is one of my favs. and of course I follow.

    Check out my new post….How to make a own Gallery wall:)

    Have a great week pretty

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – The Swedish home decor blog

  2. Maria - inredningsvis.se says

    November 11, 2013 at 10:34 am

    What an AWESOME post:) your blog is one of my favs. and of course I follow.

    Check out my new post….How to make a own Gallery wall:)

    Have a great week pretty

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – The Swedish home decor blog

  3. Autumn Klair says

    November 7, 2013 at 12:37 am

    Great advice! Now if only I can summon the will power to trade pumpkin pie for pumpkin soup…

  4. Autumn Klair says

    November 7, 2013 at 12:37 am

    Great advice! Now if only I can summon the will power to trade pumpkin pie for pumpkin soup…

  5. Laiza Rentería says

    November 6, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    Nice post
    xx
    L.
    http://www.lalouuula.com

  6. sonia de macedo says

    November 6, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    Oh em gee. 48 days till Christmas. O_O

    Hope you’re well and having an awesome week lovely,
    SDMxx

  7. Laiza Rentería says

    November 6, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    Nice post
    xx
    L.
    http://www.lalouuula.com

  8. sonia de macedo says

    November 6, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    Oh em gee. 48 days till Christmas. O_O

    Hope you’re well and having an awesome week lovely,
    SDMxx

  9. Helene says

    November 6, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    less than 50 days away?!?!?! omg.

  10. Helene says

    November 6, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    less than 50 days away?!?!?! omg.

  11. Kacie's Kloset says

    November 6, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    It’s smart to start getting ready for the holiday party season!

    Please vote for me–> http://www.onlineshoes.com/monthly-shoe-styling-contest

    http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/

  12. Kacie's Kloset says

    November 6, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    It’s smart to start getting ready for the holiday party season!

    Please vote for me–> http://www.onlineshoes.com/monthly-shoe-styling-contest

    http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/

  13. Karly Kim says

    November 6, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Can I party with you this season?

  14. Karly Kim says

    November 6, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Can I party with you this season?

  15. jackie jade says

    November 6, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    great tips! i was just thinking that i need to get into the gym today. i have also been eating a bit crappy this week, so need to get disciplined again. because once the holidays are here, i’m eating so many delish and fattening foods!
    — jackie @ jade and oak

  16. Sharon says

    November 6, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    It is crazy how fast this year is going! The holidays definitely stress me out so I love the tip to relax!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

  17. Rachel says

    November 6, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Great round-up! I can’t believe Thanksgiving is coming up so soon!

  18. jackie jade says

    November 6, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    great tips! i was just thinking that i need to get into the gym today. i have also been eating a bit crappy this week, so need to get disciplined again. because once the holidays are here, i’m eating so many delish and fattening foods!
    — jackie @ jade and oak

  19. Sharon says

    November 6, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    It is crazy how fast this year is going! The holidays definitely stress me out so I love the tip to relax!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

  20. Alyssa says

    November 6, 2013 at 10:33 am

    I can’t believe that the holidays are already here! It DOES feel like it was just summer, but I’m pretty excited at the thought of extra time with family and friends. They’re exhausting, but worth it! Great tips 🙂

  21. Rachel says

    November 6, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Great round-up! I can’t believe Thanksgiving is coming up so soon!

  22. Lauren says

    November 6, 2013 at 10:03 am

    It is truly shocking how quickly the holidays snuck up on me! I definitely need to make sure I keep up my exercise regimen because stress and extra eating does a number on my midsection! 😉

  23. Alyssa says

    November 6, 2013 at 10:33 am

    I can’t believe that the holidays are already here! It DOES feel like it was just summer, but I’m pretty excited at the thought of extra time with family and friends. They’re exhausting, but worth it! Great tips 🙂

  24. Lauren {Fizz & Frosting} says

    November 6, 2013 at 10:03 am

    It is truly shocking how quickly the holidays snuck up on me! I definitely need to make sure I keep up my exercise regimen because stress and extra eating does a number on my midsection! 😉

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles! 

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