So welcome to the New Year. Isn’t it beautiful! Well to be fair it is January and we are in the Northern Hemisphere, what did you expect? So resolutions and all that, well after promising not have any in a previous post, then sort of ending with one, I’ve settled on two. They’re fairly simple, though the life has taught me simple doesn’t always mean easy. 

I’ll be open and honest here, I’ve had depression for most of my adult life though thanks to years of work my bouts are relatively short though no less painful. So my first resolution is a motto I’ve clung to ever since I’ve heard it. One I’ll happily preach to just about anyone that will listen. Oh and one that when things are at their worst is almost impossible to follow up. I said almost!

‘When you find yourself in hell, don’t stop walking you’ll never leave!’ 

So I shall do my best to live up to this. Shit things are bound to happen in 2012, but let’s keep walking. The second resolution is almost as hard, but it should be a hundred times more fun if not more. 

‘Live Better’

This isn’t an excuse to goof off, to dodge work or responsibilities. Far from it. This is me making sure I get as much out of 2012 as I can. This means working harder and enjoying that more. Working harder at work, at friendships, at my relationship with my husband, at enjoying myself and treating myself. You only ever get out what you put in, and it’s all to easy to coast along these days blaming apathy and the lack of anything decent on telly for your woes. So here’s to taking charge and to enjoying more things. 

I’ll be honest I may have cheated a little and started a bit early on this one. I think you’ll forgive me. Before Christmas I headed over to Murdock London for a very generously gifted wet shave, and also dropped in to see the very lovely Denis Robinson to get my hair sorted. It was party season and frankly I needed to look my best if I was returning home to the family. A wicked sense of humour abounds in our home and compliments are hard won but much appreciated. I would describe both visits as luxurious in the best possible way. A necessary indulgence and most definitely falling into the Live Better category of self improvement. 

So at Murdock in Covent Garden the relaxed and chatty Stephen whipped my scruffy beard into shape. Lying back enjoying the hot towels (before which a very considerate Stephen double checked I wasn’t claustrophobic, good thing too as despite being sooo relaxing I nearly fell asleep I could see why some people may not enjoy it), I realised that regardless of cost I would have to make this a more regular event. I’m not a fan of shaving, so having someone else take care of this chore is definitely worth more than I can say. Not to mention women have been getting facials, manis and pedis for as long as can be remembered, why did gents stop doing this? Ok entrusting some stranger to glide around your chops with a cut throat razor takes a little getting used to. But just do it! Oh and if you see Stephen tell him I sent you along. I left feeling incredible and totally ready to face what ever I could. He also gave me a few handy hints which has made my shaving at home a more pleasurable experience too. 

My second treat, was to visit the talented and lovely Denis Robinson at his quiet studio run by Paul Merritt. I have genuinely never been to a hair studio like this before. Sumptuous doesn’t even begin to cover it. Basically I’m used to whirlwind of Mr Toppers, which is manic, quick and efficient. 37 Gosfield St is another world away. Sky-lit and relaxed it was possibly the first time in a very long time I actually enjoyed the gossipy banter most people have when they get their hair cut, (though that may also have something to do with Denis’ charm). Days later I was still amazed about how my hair just fell into the right place with very little styling required. A sign I believe of Denis’ skills, it’s a mantra he works to, that if a style is difficult for him to produce it’ll be difficult for you to maintain. Again I will definitely be making a return visit, especially if I want a dramatic change for my locks. I trust Dennis to set me down a path that will be easy to keep and look amazing. 

So yes, those are my resolutions. Keep Walking and Live Better. Thank you both Murdock & Dennis for helping me on my way. I urge you all to do the same and let’s see what 2012 has to offer.