Photo submitted Powder buff SKEINSPIRED winter fashions are a hot trend. Shiny, high-tech fabrics; quilt- ed puffy jackets; stretchy ski pants and slim, fitted ski sweaters come off the slopes and into the weekend wardrobe. Parkhurst’s ski sweater with matching headband and gloves is available at The Bay. - sackets 290” With every purchase of a jacket. ORIGINAL LEATILERS PARK ROYAL NORTH ® 925-8818 Teriate] BEFORE YOU SHOP THE MALLS every Wednesday & Sunday. THE coming holiday season may loom like a monster to anyone who’s trying to lose weight or just maintain a certain weight. North Van's Sheila Crooks says it's important not to throw in the towel, “A sensible goal for the holidays is simply to avoid any major weight gains,” says the representative of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non- profit weight loss support group with 11,500 chapters worldwide. “To paraphrase the song from Afy Fair Lady, your holiday campaign is mainly to maintain!” Here’s why: 1, Temptations abound during the season. From the groaning Thanksgiving table to the overflowing holiday buffer, we'll be faced with an overabundance of choices — many of ther high in fat and calories. “It’s unrealistic to deny yourself any change in your intake,” said Crooks. “That ony sets you up for failure, because once you take a little taste, vou may feel you've blown it.” Instead, plan ahead to sample a little of anything thar really appeals to you. This can work ... if you aren’t ravenously hungry when you arrive at the meal or party.” 2. if you aren’t already established in a new routine ro sensible cating and exer- cise, don’t expect to make great changes right now. There may simply be too many demands on your time and attention. 3. Stress can hit bard when there’s so much to do in a short period. We want every- thng, to be perfect, and we may go overboard to make sure it happens. “In a situation like this, many people tend to overeat to relieve their tension,” said Crooks. If you avoid this response to stress, and there- by aveid the “traditional” holiday weight gain, consider yourself way ahead of the game.” Stress reduction measures include getting plenty of sleep, sticking to your usual exercise routine as much as possible, and eating, nutritious ineals at regular intervals. To find out more about TOPS, call Crooks at 987- 3477 or toll free at 1-800- 932-8677. Or visit the TOPS website at www.tops.org. aR COLORS Wantage» OF EUROPE Children's wear 926-8828 | Vancouver's first Kidswear factory outlet store! Creat