5 things that change because of the weather

I know. I've been a bit pants at keeping this up to date over the last month. I have started posts, but not quite got round to publishing them. I plan to be better at it. Starting now.

The last few weeks have been a bit crazy weather-wise. It seems as though once the clocks went back someone decided it was Winter & - click - the weather changed. We, in the South of Wales, have been "lucky" I suppose, in that we haven't had the snow the rest of the UK have had to deal with. I say "lucky" because I wouldn't mind seing just a little bit....

The change in weather has meant a fair change in my lifestyle - what I eat, my skincare, the clothes I wear, my shoes, my homecare routines, spending...ok, I admit the last one is more time of year related than weather, but they do go hand in hand.

I wanted to write a bit about the changes I've noticed and to see if anyone else has some tips to share.

1. What To Eat
Snow, rain, the cold all tend to lead to one pot dishes - stew, casserole, pot roast. Food that is warming, comforting & filling. And what I've found more than anything - full of veg! If I am making a stew I know that I am going to get most of my 5 portions of veg in that one meal. It surely is not a coincidence that all the root veg is also in season right now - potatoes, carrots, swede, turnips, parsnips, celery, leeks - stick them all in a stew or under a joint of meat for a pot roast and it's guaranteed to taste great.


2. Update your Skincare Routine
Now, I know I am not an authority, all I can do is share my experience with you. My winter routine generally has 3 main difference.

First, I have a different moisturisers (face & hand) for winter as I do find my skin needs more moisture this time of year.

Second I have different foundations. A slightly different shade to make up for the lack of tan (ha!) and I am currently experiementing with different types - powder, mineral, cream - to find something that works better with my winter moisturiser. Which will probably be covered in another post!

Finally, lipcare. I suffer terribly with chapped lips every and it is only last year that I managed to get through relatively unscathed! My lips get very dry and it often expands over my lip line making me look like I have gone a bit mental with a lip liner - and not in a good way. I have tried everything, the Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips is currently my favourite.

3. What to Wear
I am one of those people that always feel the cold. I work in an office where I need to look smart & professional - which can be difficult in Ugg boots - not to mention I really don't like wearing heels when it's icy! But how do you look smart & stay warm in 4 layers of clothes? Not sure I've particularly cracked it, but I've found that smart jumper dresses (over a t-shirt)  are great with leggings and knee high boots (that will also fit an extra pair of socks). Still experimenting, so any advice would be great! :)

Edit (1st Dec)
Handy Link on how to wear your dresses in winter, all ready for Dressember.

4. Home Routines

I'm going to run through this quickly as it may turn into a rant, but briefly this is how my routine has changed (so far):
- Getting up earlier to de-ice the car to get to work.
- Finding places to dry washing as it can't go out on the line.

Alright - not as bad as I thought....but I'm sure I'll think of more.....

5. Spending
Bills go up because you're heating is on. Petrol costs go up because it's just far too cold to walk anywhere. Christmas is coming so you start buying presents. You buy new gloves, scarves, ear muffs, jumpers because you can't find the ones you bought last year. You need your new moisturisers & foundations (see point 1).

So, what's changed for you? How does the weather affect your rotuines? Got some tips to share? Please post your advice below and I promise I'll keep writing. :)

Weddings

Why is is that such a wonderful day can be the cause of so much stress?

I got married 2 years ago & had a fabulous day. I was calm and relaxed all morning - until walking down the aisle (but that's another story).But for my friends' weddings it's a whole other story!

Last week my friend, who I've known forever, got married and while I had my outfit ready, I didn't know what to do with my hair, I hadn't done my nails and was still rushing round first thing trying to get ready.

Tomorrow is another friend's wedding and for various reasons I am again completely disorganised! I have my dress, shoes and bag. I have no idea what to do with my hair, what jewellery to wear or how I'm going to do my make up. And while I would usually have plenty of time to get ready in the morning at this wedding my husband is best man. So we have the groom staying with us tonight and all of the ushers coming round in the morning for breakfast and to get their suits on. Which means that on top of it all I need to clean the house. Plus I am meeting the bride tonight for pre-wedding drinks, so can't spend tonight preening AND have spent the last few nights making the wedding favours (cookies) so haven't had time to practice, shop or plan!

Now I know that this is all largely down to me being completely disorganised and that at my own wedding I had everything planned - to the last detail - weeks before the big day and plenty of people round to do my hair, make up and dress me!

Having said all that - I love weddings!! I love getting ready and seeing everyone dressed up and I know that even if I did have everything planned to the 'T' something would go wrong. My necklace would break or my hair wouldn't go as it should.

I am looking forward to seeing all the boys in their suits tomorrow and being able to offer last minute wedding advice to the groom. The house will be busy & full with plenty of Champagne (& lager) and it'll feel (a little bit, I hope) like my wedding day again. :)