MSH Backup

Now that the temperatures have well and truly plummeted, I've hit refresh on my beauty routine, incorporating a selection of essentials which are ideal for combatting the cold as much as possible. As well as ticking all of the right boxes for some of my seasonal skincare concerns, I've also made a repeat purchase of a fragrance which is proving to be well worth the investment: Back in the summer, you might remember that I posted about song new skincare discoveries from The Ordinary, including their Hyaluronic Acid. Having used up my stash, I repurchased this Hylamide Booster from The Abnormal Beauty Company, which is slightly lighter and a lot faster absorbing. I find it wonderful for using after cleansing and toning, and it's definitely helped to give my skin a much needed pep up over the last couple of months. Another favourite from The Ordinary comes in the shape of their primer, which acts as the perfect base for everyday makeup, and a much needed extra barrier against ...

Another week, another post all about Glossier! Thankfully for my bank balance, I haven't raided their online shop again just yet, but instead made it along to their temporary store in Marylebone, which appeared at 32 Portland Place for a week from 15-22 November. Much like the UK online launch, the unveiling of this pop up space was hugely hyped, and something which was well worth a peruse one lunchtime: Tucked away just behind the BBC ( W1A quoting a-plenty!), this plush townhouse offered the perfect showcase for Glossier's signature aesthetic, with walls painted in millennial pink and gorgeous velvet sofas in a trendy hue of teal offering the perfect perch. Festooned with fresh flowers, the shop and showroom space spread across two floors, complete with all of Glossier's cult favourites and newly launched debut fragrance too. Although it was a tad on the busy side, it offered a great opportunity to trial some potential purchases in person, and hopefully it won't be t...

Brr! I don't know about you, but this sudden chilly snap has caught me slightly on the hop- cue frantic scrabbling around at the back of my wardrobe to find the warmest items of clothing I own! I always forget just how much this time of the year zaps all of your energy too- with darkness setting in at 4pm the days feel so much shorter, and a serious lack of sunshine makes it very tricky to find the motivation to do anything other than hibernate. Luckily enough, I've recently rediscovered some comfortable winter style essentials which lend themselves really well to clasping onto that cosy sensation although it might be freezing cold outside: Coat- Ganni  Jumper- H&M  Jeans- & Other Stories  Shoes- Vans (c/o Spartoo) The return of the most slouchy, blanket-like coat in my wardrobe! This Ganni number is a piece which I picked up about three or four years ago in their post-Christmas sale, and it's one of those perennial favourites which is perfect for this time of th...

As far as Saturday pursuits go, there are few things which I tend to enjoy more than enjoying a spot of lunch before heading to the theatre for a matinee- the stuff of dreams! Last weekend, Hannah and I headed to the Young Vic to see The Suppliant Women (via the Tate Modern and their swings!), and although we'd originally planned to head to Flatiron Square for some food, a sudden deluge meant we had to find some lunch a little bit closer to London Bridge. Luckily, El Pastor in Borough Market had a table for us, and was a dining destination which definitely didn't disappoint: Nestled under a railway arch in the heart of the bustling market, El Pastor offers a menu bursting at the seams with flavoursome Mexican dishes, from signature guacamole and corn chips to freshly made tacos and expertly seasoned sides. We ordered a selection of small plates, including chicken and prawn tacos, the house special El Pastor taco (the best of the bunch) and grilled corn. Suffice it to say that ...

At this time of the year I usually tend to find myself more or less living in a steady rotation of knits (as well as fleecy pyjamas!), which, whilst being hugely practical, doesn't really lend itself to much in the way of wardrobe creativity. In an attempt to switch things up just a little bit, I've been keeping the cold at bay by layering some of my favourite fair-weather tops and blouses over thermals, and so far it's proving to be just the antidote to a woolly washout: Coat- Marks and Spencer Blouse- & Other Stories Trousers- ASOS Shoes- Vans (c/o Spartoo) Bag- Oliver Bonas This blouse from & Other Stories is a recent find, and is proving to be something of a staple at the moment, especially as it's such a versatile, easy to wear piece. I love the statement sleeves too, and I'm sure this will be an investment piece which carries me right through to next season. Here I teamed it with a staple pair of trousers from ASOS and another old classic in the shape ...

It's always lovely when you happen upon somewhere new after a spur-of-the-moment choice isn't it? Sometimes our lives are forward planned so much that it leaves little (if any!) room for flexibility or taking some time to do something which you haven't anticipated in advance. As a result, it's often easy to forget just how enjoyable it is to do things on a whim, and over the last month or so I've been really refreshed with just taking things a little bit more easily. I've made some brilliant new discoveries along the way too- one of which is a destination I'm sure I'll be heading back to as soon as I'm able: The Hoxton is a destination which I'd heard so many good things about, and having walked past the sister venue in Holborn many a time on my lunch break, it seemed like a visit was long overdue. As we were in Shoreditch for Hannah's birthday lunch, we popped in for a quick drink after eating, and as far as first impressions go, I couldn...

Week to week, it's really rare that I get a chance to explore some of the lovely locations right on my doorstep. If I've got a free weekend, the likelihood is that I'll be so tired from the week just gone that I'll prioritise recharging my batteries above heading out of the house, but last weekend I was determined to make the most of some unexpected free time and visit some close-to-home-comforts. Reigate is a lovely market town just a short hop away by bus or train, and as well as being beloved as a location where I spent some of my most formative years (at college!), it's home to some great shops, a wonderfully comfortable cinema and a selection of delicious dining options too. One of my favourites is The Tea House- a favourite bolthole during my college days- so I was really excited to return over the weekend: Needless to say, The Tea House is my idea of heaven. With a plentiful supply of tea and cake, as well as a really wonderful selection of staple favourites ...

And, as if by some Game of Thrones style magic, we find ourselves well and truly in the grip of winter. Brrrr. I feel like all I've done for the last week or so is complain to anyone who will listen about just how cold I'm finding it, but sitting on the sofa wrapped up in thermals and fleecy socks with the curtains closed at 4pm yesterday afternoon really reminded me how little I like this time of the year. As well as making me resemble the Michelin man in terms of layering, winter also means that my skin tends to go into panic mode- dry and lacklustre, verging on the paler side of grey. In an attempt to combat this, as well as embracing some new deep cleansing treats , I've also added a step to my morning routine which is really helping to keep the outlook as bright as possible:  Before now, I'd never used any of Nars' skincare range, preferring instead to reach for their colour cosmetics- namely blushers and their super covetable eyeshadows . However, after road t...

Whilst I'm not the biggest fan of heading to east London (primarily because it takes me forever and a day to get there!), there's no doubt that it's home to a handful of haunts which are well worth the trek. One of my most recent discoveries was happened upon following lunch at the Curious Yellow Kafe, and is one of those one-of-a-kind treasures which is well worth stopping to explore. Step forward, Pitfield London: Billed as an eclectic emporium, this unique shop is home to an array of one of a kind homewares. Stocking everything from vintage wallpaper to upcycled furniture as well as offering an array of baked goodies and drinks, it's a must visit destination if you're on the hunt for some interior inspiration. Even if you're just popping in for a spot of tea and some cake, it'll be harder to find somewhere more aesthetically pleasing to enjoy it in!  Have you discovered any new London favourites recently?  (Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not repro...

Now that winter is well and truly here (said in ominous Game of Thrones voice), it will probably come as no surprise that my has been suffering a little bit over the last couple of weeks. It's funny, but I always tend to forget just how sensitive it is to the combination of cold winter air and drying central heating, so I've already upped my moisturising game, swapping over from some summer staples to some slightly heavier and more intensive winter wonders. Last weekend, I also treated myself to a rare indulgence in the shape of a facial (fancy!), and am resolved to keep clinging on to some of that dewy glow for as long as possible. Luckily for me, a dreamy new mask duo from Glossier is proving to be the perfect purchase: This combination of skincare saviours formed a hefty part of my debut purchase from Glossier last month, and is well and truly on its way to becoming a real favourite already. The Mega Greens Galaxy Pack is a wonderful cleanser, and a great option for using on...

Brrr! Now that it's November, I'm sure that I'm not the only one feeling a distinct chill in the air. Try as I might to ignore it, it seems that winter is well and truly upon us for another year, and this current cold snap has had me rummaging around in my wardrobe for some cosy favourites, as well as browsing in the shops for some new essentials too: Coat- c/o Very  Jumper- Marks and Spencer  Trousers- ASOS  Shoes- Vans (c/o Spartoo) Regular readers will remember this coat from many a previous outfit post, but year after year it's one of those perennial pieces which I never get tired of reaching for- I wonder if it can be called a classic now?! Anyway, I think that the reason I love it so much is because it's essentially a cosy blanket with sleeves- in other words a dream item! Here I layered it over a new purchase from Marks and Spencer, borne out of necessity more than anything else when I found myself taken by surprise when the cold weather descended. Proving th...

Another month down! Once again, I can't quite believe that we're here at the closing stages of another year- it's terrifying how quickly the last few months have flown by. With the clocks going back last weekend, it's safe to say that winter is well and truly with us, so whilst I prepare to hibernate, here's a look back at what I've been up to across October: A special bake for a special birthday celebration/A little bit of luxury at the Covent Garden Hotel /Roses still blooming in the garden/A Swedish lunch date /A new outfit post /Autumn at Petersham Nurseries/Dahlias in full bloom/A Saturday strolling around Hampstead/My first trip to The Hoxton/Blue skies and autumn hues/Heaven on a plate/A quiet corner of 26 Grains. My November is already shaping up to be quite a busy one, so I don't doubt I'll have lots of adventures to share with you- especially as I'll have just celebrated my birthday this time next month!  What was your October like?  (Image...

Another week, another post on a previously undiscovered (for me at least!) corner of London. After enjoying an autumnal wander around Hampstead a few weeks ago, a visit to Fenton House seemed like the perfect way to round off the day. This 17th-century gem not only offers lots of opportunities to explore an extensive porcelain and piano collection, but it's also set in some truly spectacular surroundings too: A climb to the attic of the house is well worth it to take in some glorious panoramic views over London, especially as it also gives you a real sense of just how much the skyscape must have transformed since Fenton House was built. As well as an extensive collection of interior treasures, the gardens which sit at the back of the house are truly stunning, encapsulating an array of different styles, and proving fabulously functional too- with the original orchard still bearing fruit 300 years after it was first planted. Definitely proof of the enduring success of this hidden gem...