Up, Up and Away: Flying Fantastic Review

I have a confession to make: for a health and fitness writer, I am actually pretty unfit. Sure, I go through spells of obsessive running, gymming, HIIT-ing and yoga-ing, but I soon straight fall back into lazy cycles of wining, dining and watching Orange is the New Black. However, with my long-awaited summer holiday a matter of days away, it is high time for me to get back into the swing of things, for that teeny tiny bikini of yesteryear is calling.

I hate to talk about "bikini bodies", for it feels so passé and somewhat derogatory. There is no right or wrong bikini body, and as long as you are happy in yourself, then nothing else matters. Otherwise I have a groundbreaking, life changing tip: to get a bikini body, buy a bikini and put it on your body.

Joking aside, if you would like to tone up a little before your summer holidays, then I have just the thing to get you off to a flying start. Fun, exhilarating and undeniably challenging, aerial fitness is best way to kick your body up a gear, working muscles from top to toe. Based in Battersea's Wilditch Centre, with a couple of weekly classes at Gymbox in Farringdon, Flying Fantastic is London's first aerial fitness initiative for all levels.

Wine a Bit

I must admit that I am hardly a wine expert, but I do have a heartfelt appreciation for the stuff, particularly that fancy one with the bubbles. My parents have always been very interested in wine, and they have instilled this in me from a young age. I am far from a wine snob, but I have vino running through my veins (not from excessive consumption, I might add).

Naturally, my first taste of red wine went something like this. Ten years down the line I am texting my dad to tell him that I actually like red. His response? "Great. How much is that going to cost me?".

In my view, wine is about relaxing and unwinding, and there is something joyous about a glass of crisp white in the summer sunshine. On that note, London Wine Week kicks off tomorrow, the capital's first celebration of wines from the world over.

At the heart of LWW is the pop-up Riedel Hub on the first floor of Kingly Court which will be home to all manner of tasting flights and events during the course of the week. It will also be serving as a rather charming city centre wine bar with an extensive selection of wine by the Riedel glass. The hub is also one of the collection points for the LWW wristband, which offers discounted wines at partnering venues across the city, detailed here.

So whether you are a budding sommelier, or simply like a glass now and again, there is certain to be something to your tastes. Here are my picks for the week:

Riedel Hub, 1st floor Kingly Court; Monday-Saturday 12PM – 9PM; Sunday 12PM – 5PM.
Buy your London Wine Week band here.
A full list of London Wine Week events can be found here.

Round the Block

During the winter months I am rarely seen without a heeled ankle boot. From where I am sitting I can see eight pairs of black, almond-toe leather ankle boots, and that is but a sample of my expansive  collection. I have, however, reached a seasonal turning point: it's hot, hot, hot in London, and there really is no place for boots when it is above 20ºc. Also, nothing looks more confused than a sunshine yellow chiffon dress with black Chelsea boots.

I love ankle boots as they are versatile, practical and flattering. Heels are simultaneously powerful and feminine, but they must always be comfortable, for no one wants throbbing feet by lunchtime.

Behold, my spring/summer 2014 solution: the block heeled sandal. When in Barcelona for a friend's 21st earlier this year, I visited the ZARA mothership and treated myself to these tan leather strappies. Often ZARA shoes can cut feet up, but these are crafted from soft leather, making them comfy enough for everyday wear. The tan shade is totally versatile, not as harsh as black but not too girlish like nude.

My next purchase will be a black version. Though I am dreaming of the Whistles Gia style, I think I may opt for these H&M leather strappies with gold buckle detailing. Wear with structured midi skirts for an elegant city chic look.

1. ZARA tan buckled sandals in leather, £79.99 here

2. H&M imitation leather sandals with statement buckle, £24.99 here

3. H&M leather sandals with glossy heel, also available in nude with tortoiseshell heel, £39.99 here

4. Whistles Gia leather sandals in white, also in black and silver, £185 here

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