Loving Winter

Things that are making me happy this November;

1. Flowers

I normally think of flowers as a summer treat, this probably has a lot to do with my obsession with peonies, bluebells and forget-me-nots. Out of my pastel comfort-zone, I have discovered some very pretty winter blooms that have been brightening up my house recentlty. An in-expensive bunch of flowers is one of those simple pleasures that always puts a smile on my face.

2. Dog Walks

Sometimes having such a big energetic dog can be hard work, rain or shine he needs roughly three hours of walks a day. All the crisp, sunny weather we've been having recently has been perfect for lovely long dog walks. I've been really enjoying layering up with lots of knitwear and a cosy scarf, discovering new walks with him. Coming back home with rosy cheeks, slightly numb hands feels satisfying and all the fresh air makes you feel so good in what can be quite a depressing month with the newly shortened days.

3. Cosy Pyjamas 

 

I love pulling on a pair of pyjama bottoms like these when I'm just around the house or in for the evening. This tartan pair happen to be from Primark and cost just £4! They are so soft and cosy, and for the price I didn't feel guilty buying a few different designs.

4. Red Cups

I don't know why but the red Christmas cups at Starbucks make me so happy! I know I'm not alone either judging by the pictures/tweets flooding my social media ever since the infamous red cups arrived. My winter drink of choice is a peppermint mocha, far from sin-free but less sickly sweet than some of the other seasonal options. I discovered them last year right around Christmas-time so they bring back very festive happy memories. Heaven in a cup.

5. Christmas Lights

In the last couple of weeks most of the Christmas lights have gone up around London and our city looks so pretty. My favourite lights are the ones around Sloane Square where subtle twinkling snowflakes adorn every tree, and Covent Garden, which I mentioned here and is so Christmasy it could be re-named Christmas Town.

6. Berry Nails

I have always preferred darker nail polishes, especially of the deep berry/plum/red variety. La Moss by Butter London has made a welcome appearance on my nails this week, I'm so impressed with the colour pay-off and consistency that I can see it being my go-to shade for the rest of the winter season. The application is so smooth and easy, pretty much opaque after one coat (almost black after two) it is a perfect vampy red. With a Seche Vite topcoat I haven't had a single chip in four days.

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Let me know if you're enjoying winter & feeling festive already!

Harriet x

Winter Skin Cleansing

I've been really enjoying Autumn this year. Getting up most days to crisp sunny weather, wrapping up in big tartan scarves & sipping hot chocolate on long dog walks. Unfortunately a downside to the dropping temperature is often that our skin gets quite abused & products that were fine for summer are no longer keeping up.

 

I have definitely noticed this in the last couple of weeks with my skin getting pretty dry on my forehead & cheeks. Taking this as my cue I have begun updating my skincare routine, making the transition into the winter months with richer more hydrating products.

First up; cleansers! I find using a rich cleansing cream or balm to be the most effective step in maintaining good winter skin. It preps your skin with a good amount of moisture & removes any dead skin or flakes that can make applying makeup later-on a nightmare!

So far I've picked up two new cleansers the illustrious Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm & the Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser from Superdrug. So far I've been using the purse-friendly Superdrug option, anticipating the more potent Emma Hardie will be better served for when the temperature truly plummets.

So far I've been so impressed with the £5.99 Superdrug find. I've used (& loved) Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish in the past & think that this holds its own against the multi-award winner. 

A thick, rich textured cream with a natural botanical scent it leaves skin feeling baby soft, clean & nourished. I don't ask much more from a cleanser!

It's also worth noting that I have pretty sensitive, combination skin, prone to redness & irritation. This doesn't aggravate my skin in anyway & actually feels calming & soothing. A big thumbs up from me, I'm very happy to find such an affordable & effective product!

I'll let you know how I get on with this in the coming months & also the results of the EH cleansing balm. 

What are your winter skincare must-haves?

Harriet x

Pay-Day Lust

As always the week before pay-day I go a bit online shopping crazy, putting everything I like from my favourite sites into a fantasy shopping basket. With all these cold misty mornings we've been having I'm all about the hunt for the perfect coat & jacket. Having a browse this morning before I got up (anyone else do this?!) I noticed a few particularly interesting bargains on The Outnet that I thought I would share with you.

Zoe Karssen cotton, twill & leather jacket

Muubaa shearling, leather & suede coat

Vivienne Westwood brushed felt coat 

If I was going to pick just one I'd definitely go for the gorgeous grey Muubaa shearling coat, it looks so sumptuous & cosy. The hefty 50% price reduction does soften the blow, but it's still definitely an investment item. We'll see if its still there on Friday.

What's on your pay day wishlist? 

Harriet x