Winter can be dull, dreary and can lead to wearisome, but it also has some perks. There is a few things that I absolutely love about winter and look forward to doing when this season comes along.
1. HOT CHOCOLATE
This has got to be my favourite part about the winter season, being able to drink endless amount of hot chocolate. I've tried all sorts of powdered ones from the supermarket, but of course coffee shop ones are the best. But Clipper's Fairtrade (can be found in any supermarket) has become my absolute favourite powder hot chocolate. It doesn't turn lumpy when you mix the powder and milk/water together and it has a rich natural chocolatey taste. More so i've become obsessed with having marshmallows on top of my hot coco's with a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top. I have a serious sweet tooth and this definitely hits the spot for me. Also in terms of mentioning coffee shop hot chocolate, lets not forget how this season brings limited edition flavours. This year my faves so far have got to be Costa's caramel fudge, Starbucks' honey and almond and toffee nut, which is advertised as a coffee but you can get the flavour put into a hot chocolate, which is something I always do.
2. LONG HOT BATHS
Sure the cold stops you from wanting to go out and do things, but that can be a positive, this can be an excuse to take nice long hot bubble baths and use the hour or two wink wink, to pamper yourself. I love being able to take time out and just lay in the tub with a bath bomb or bubbles, relaxing and unwinding. So far I have been using and loving Lush Cosmetics comforter shower cream and snow fairy shower gel as a bubble bath, despite it being labelled as something else, they work really well in creating bubbles in the bath water. Besides, unlike a bath bomb, you can get more use out of it. Also I have been loving the Cafe De Bain bubble bath range (can be found in Superdrug) and I'd say I particularly like the sweet vanilla scented one, you know I love anything sweet!
3. PYJAMAS
Of course this also means wearing pyjamas all day, everyday. Pjs are the most comfiest outfit you can ever wear. It can help you ease your way to a moment of pure relaxation. When I come home the first thing I do after i've freshened up is get into my pjs. They range from sets to odds which have been pieced into one. When going for odds I usually go for cotton tops and stretchy jersey like material bottoms. That tends to be my sort of combo.
4. FLUFFY SOCKS & SLIPPERS
My feet can get pretty cold even when the rest of my body is fairly warm. And what better way to keep your little piggies toasted? put on your fluffiest socks and slippers. Its hard to get away with wearing funky socks when your out unless your wearing boots, but whilst your at home have fun with it! I have a range of socks from your boring basic average ones, to funky coloured, cute novelty ones, which I tend to wear at home of course.
5. CUDDLES WITH A BLANKET
Whether your out or in, "its cold wrap yourself up" thats what I always say! I just LOVE wrapping myself up with a blanket when i'm at home, its the best feeling ever apart from being in your pjs. But lets me honest the two go hand in hand, you can't be doing the one and not the other in the winter, that's what this season is all about!
6. NETFLIX AND CHILL
When did this term have so much innuendo attached to it? I Netflix and chill all the time but who's to say it means i'm doing it with someone else? Its always me, myself and I, tucked up in bed or sat on the sofa with my blanket of course watching Netflix, whether it's in the night or morning. Being cooped up at home all day can get pretty boring, so its nice to get hooked onto a TV show or watch a great movie.
7. WINTER FASHION
Like I mentioned, wrapping up is a must. The possibilities to layering is endless, there are so many ways to keep yourself looking cute as well as staying warm all season long. Also wearing bulky clothes could hide any possible winter weight. I've stocked up on some chunky jumpers and have been wearing turtle necks and shirts underneath to keep me warm. Furthermore, not forgetting about coats, finding the perfect one can be frustrating, they either don't feel or look right. But once you find the one life gets better. I have found myself going for two particular ones in my wardrobe, a black and grey tweed and a khaki green parka with a chunky fur hood.
8. WINTER BEAUTY
Winter fashion comes with winter beauty. You can finally use the rich moisturising creams and face masks you've always had your eyes on. Also its the perfect time to go a shade, two or more darker for your lips and nails. I usually tend to wear deep shades of lipsticks because it best suits my skin tone. But I quite recently got my hands on a very dark lip colour that i've never been bold enough to wear. I still haven't tried out my NYX lip cream in Transylvania but I can't wait to do so!
9. GETTING INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT
Being Muslim, I don't or my family celebrate Christmas, but I just love the festive feel. You can't help admire the efforts that are put into making this time of the year a mystical one. Lights are hung and there's people singing carols outside. We also have a Winter Wonderland that opens up near City Hall. It's a magical place with its endless display of lights, huts selling warm donuts and hot chocolate, and all sorts of rides (my fave being the giant ferris wheel) and an ice rink. Also, awesome movies are shown on TV during this period and gift sets are stocked up in stores, such as the most cherished Soap and Glory ones in Boots (insert big cheesy smile).
10. CHRISTMAS SALE
Okay who doesn't like a good bargain? I know I do!
Boxing day means hitting up the high street and bagging yourself some proficient buys that could last you the whole season. But if your a shopaholic like me, your still cutting yourself short haha. I particularly like going to Zara, Topshop and Urban outfitters. And this year i'm on the hunt for the perfect grey jumper.
