Can;t believe how cold it is and most of all how cold my face is whenever I venture out - have tried the old scarf round face + hat method but find it ineffective - anyone got any better ideas or know where i can find some sort of balaclava i can wear without looking to suspicisous. my feet get pretty cold to - any tips?

saw a good range of wooly hats, socks and so on at the street market near fehrbelliner platz. You can buy thermal insoles for boots and shoes which make a big diffence - i got some at karstadt

If you have a down jacket you zip it all the way up so that it is actually over your mouth (not too close of course so you suffocate yourself!) What happens is your own breath keeps your face warm. Add to that the hood up or a wool hat. I agree with you; nothing else seemed to help. I used to walk around New York happily for hours like that.

cheers guys = i will give it a go someone told me about snow boots with really thick soles at one of the sports shops so hope they work - its just the standing waiting for the sbahn that kills me and once my feet start to freeze i just cant seem to get them warm again - thats the killer for me.

Awwww bless! Try living in Finland with -40 mate!!!
On the boot topic, I was told recently by a bunch of dog walkers who have to be out in the cold in all weathers that apparently the Croc boots are the business in terms of keeping your feet warm. They have a store in the outlet centre if you want to try your luck with those. Thick soles are indeed the key.
I am a big wearer of hats, that is a big help, with fleece on the bit that goes over your forehead ideally.
Brrr, making me cold thinking about this, perhaps it is time to get on some Gluhwein (dirt cheap at this time of year) and get everyone to come round to your place for a book party instead. ;-) www.usborneonline.org/corinne

I guess from your name you might be a Bowie fan - have a look at my post re Hansa studio!! You could get a trapper hat with fur flaps. I have one and it can fasten under the chin. I find it does the trick keeping my face warm!