I find that on the whole, work shoes or boots are more comfortable than hiking boots, but that is obviously dependent on what type of shoes you wear for work. Typical low heel boots or shoes are much easier on the feet than heavy hiking shoes which tend to be rather restrictive and do not let the feet breathe. Because of the lace up styles, they do need to be done up quite tightly. Work shoes or boots tend to be softer on the feet and more suitable for everyday conditions, but hiking boots do have their uses though as I would not want to be wearing anything else if I was out in terrible weather conditions climbing a mountain or trudging through heavy snow. They are designed for all weather conditions so they need to be tough in order for them to last and to keep your feet dry at all times.

At my office I am allowed to wear any style of shoes as there are no restrictions in place, although judgement and common sense has to be upheld when choosing footwear. Open toes, boots or shoes are acceptable, but I feel that heavy army style boots or trainers for example would be frowned upon as they do not reflect the professional environment that the office has. Working in trainers and a Berghaus Fleece top can be acceptable while walking in with heavy boots and a thick hiking jacket may be seen inappropriate in a corporate or creative situation.

It really depends on what kind of job you do as to what footwear you should be allowed to wear, as company standards and health and safety matters need to be considered, so some companies would not be so flexible regarding footwear and clothing. A factory worker for example would not be able to wear open toe shoes, so closed boots or shoes would be the only style accepted. In this instance, hiking boots may well be accepted as a means of work footwear, if you find them comfortable enough to wear all day. Some people prefer the more rugged footwear, but they are not something that I would want to wear for long periods of time.

Keeping warm in winter might seem like a bit of a challenge, but it can be done. The obvious answer is to turn the central heating up to maximum, but this is both expensive and wasteful (just think of the bills and turn the thermostat down). This doesn´t mean that you have to freeze. It should go without saying that it is important to wear suitable Damart clothing; put on a sweater, and you may not need the fire on. When it´s really cold, wear a Damart thermal top under your sweater and don’t forget the fur-lined slippers (so what if they make you look like your grandma, it´s better than frostbite).

One often overlooked way of warming yourself up is by eating the right foods. The Scots know a thing or two about surviving the winter chill, when they start the day off with porridge. Oats retain heat well, and can also be added to stews to thicken them. Eating flapjack doesn´t count, unless you eat it warm, which is a good excuse for baking and not waiting for the flapjack to cool down.

Forget salads and sandwiches for lunch, and think seasonal. Stock up on root vegetables, and make lots of hearty soup (freeze some for a quick and easy lunch). You could even try baking some fresh bread (use a mix to save time) to accompany your soup. That will keep you warm all afternoon, and satisfy your appetite. Toasted sandwiches, warm quiche, or pasta with tomato sauce are other alternative hot lunches.

Many classic English dishes are designed for the cold weather. You won´t feel the cold after a good serving of Toad in the Hole (sausages in batter, for any confused foreign readers). Hearty and filling, it’s a perfect winter dish. Think also of Shepherd’s Pie (mashed potato topping a thick minced meat sauce – vegetarians can use soya mince). And can you imagine cooking a classic Sunday roast dinner on a hot summer’s day? Roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding will keep the chill out.

Talking of puddings, winter is the perfect excuse to pass on the yoghurts and enjoy some good filling desserts. What could be nicer than apple pie or a fruit crumble (peaches or rhubarb are alternatives to apples), straight from the oven, with some hot custard? For custard haters, cream is also divine poured over a hot dessert. Or get out the recipe books and bake some cakes to eat fresh from the oven. This is no time to be thinking about diets. Bon appétit!