reLYME

On chilly days, it's often essential to keep your hands warm, while still being able to function. You know, selecting the right key on your key ring, checking your iPhone, giving the bird to someone who cuts you off in traffic, the usual.

One of the sure fire ways to keep your paws toasty is with glittens, a glove/mitten hybrid. They're nothing new, but after wearing off the fingers on my old gloves, and feeling like a dejected bear in my mittens, I've decided to for a pair of merinos from J Crew:

And if $25 for a pair of gloves is a bit out of your price range, because believe me, it's more than likely out of mine, you can try an adorably colorful and thrifty alternative, like these from Forever 21:

Now, go grab yourself a hot chocolate!

It is important to be informed about ALL aspects of life, including choosing which tipple can be fun for our Saturday night out AND beneficial in the longer term. The answer is not vodka shots.

If one of the resolutions you are so far struggling to keep is to do with controlling your alcohol intake (or keeping an eye on your bank balance!) then this is some important knowledge to heed. A night on the town can be expensive if you're out on the spirits. Why not take some time out from the spirited side of Saturday nights and spend a bit of time mulling over a class of wine & educating yourself on the finer side of alcoholic offerings? You'll spend less because you won't chuck back the glasses quite as quickly & you may even help your health out a little along the way!

So, without further gaff, lets get a little refined for a moment, lets say a big hello to Red Wine. An acquired taste, some say, but if you consider the health benefits associated with this fine wine, you may well be won over. Next time you and your platform heels & hot new sequin mini strut up to the bar, consider a glass of red instead.

Here are just a few reasons why you should become a red wine convert (aside from the fact you'll look impressively sophisticated drinking it):

Prevents cancer? Well it has Resveratrol & Flavonoid which are powerful antioxidants. Resveratrol, which is naturally occurring in plants, has been said to inhibit the enzymes that assist in the growth of cancerous cells, which has to be a good thing. And Flavonoid, well it is contained in the red grapes and it is also considered to be one of those super powerful antioxidants fighting the good fight against cancer.

Boost the Immune System. Unlike other alcohols that suppress the immune system, red wine actually assists in maintaining our immune system. Our immune system is all about keeping us fit & healthy and so to get the most out of life we need a strong immune system - give it less of a battering next night out & get on the red.

Heart Health. Studies on red wine drinkers from the Mediterranean region has yielded some pretty incredible results that go as far as to demonstrate a link in regular and moderate consumption of red wine lowering the risk of heart disease. Again, it's those antioxidants that are assisting in these findings. Flavonoids exhibit the ability to assist in preventing blood clots & decrease damage to the blood vessels (caused by fatty deposits).

Okay, so here is the important stuff: while red wine is certainly fair from a being the worst vice you could have, this is not your ticket to binge drinking on the red wine front. Like all things, particularly alcohol, a fine red is best enjoyed in moderation. And so, armed with this knowledge - go forth & enjoy responsibly!