Product Review: Garnier HydraLock Light Moisturising Milk

My skin is never particularly dry, apart from the occasional bit on my legs after shaving, but I like to keep it moisturised, especially in these cold cold winter months. I've tried loads of body moisturisers - I'm a bit of a sucker for stuff like that! However, this is hands-down the best one I've used. I'm so converted to the stuff that I've got through two large (400ml) bottles and have recently purchased another.

I really like the scent of this moisturiser, although I get the feeling that it may not be for everyone. It is absorbed really into my skin, which is brilliant as I really dislike that greasy feeling left on your skin by a lot of creams and lotions. The spiel advertises this as for 'normal-dehydrated skin', and although as I said my skin is pretty normal it is perfect for me. I don't know what it would be like for those of you with really dry skin, but I have also tried the 'rich' version of this moisturiser and although I found it far too thick, that would probably be perfect for drier skin.

I also went out and bought the hand-cream version, which I haven't tried yet but have high hopes for. My hands are probably the bit that gets driest in the winter, so hopefully it will sort that out!

For the price - £5.65 for a large bottle from Boots - this stuff totally does the trick for me. I've tried a few higher end brands, as well as some cheaper ones, but this is by far my favourite and I can't recommend it enough!

Sarah x

It's Tradition!

So here we are, it's Christmas Eve! You'd have to be a bit of a Scrooge to not be feeling Christmassy by now! I definitely think the build-up in the weeks before the big day is just as much fun and I've got to admit I still haven't lost that 'night before Christmas' excitement. Christmas Day in our house is often quite hectic, especially when the grandparents are staying, so rather than trek to church in the morning, we go to the crib service the night before. Even though this is aimed at children, it's a great chance to sing some carols and immerse yourself in the festive feeling.

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Christmas day in our house hasn't changed much since we were children, and I love that! My little sis (not so little really, she's almost 18!) still insists on dragging us out of bed at some ungodly hour - while this used to be 7am, we've managed to push her back until 8.30am! I've never exactly been a morning girl, but somehow it seems a little easier when you know that Father Christmas has been!

After presents from Santa and breakfast, we head out to our local beach for a short walk on the cliffs. My friends all say they can't think of anything worse, but I love doing this (especially last year when it was a white Christmas). It blows away the cobwebs and gives you a chance to work up your appetite. We also often bump into people we know, so it's a great time to wish people a 'Merry Christmas'.

The cliffs last Christmas Day

Once the turkey is in the oven and we've had a light lunch (usually soup), it's into the lounge to open all the presents under the tree. My sister and I used to love choosing and handing out the presents and it's become our job for the afternoon. We usually have some nibbles and a glass or two of champagne while we open our pressies, which always goes down well.

After presents it's time for dinner and boy does my ma know how to put out a good Christmas spread!

I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and has a chance to relax and spend time with the people they love. Have a great day everybody!

Sarah x

Looking Forward, Looking Back #3

Looking Forward
It seems like an obvious one but...CHRISTMAS! As I said a while ago, I'm not one for getting festive early, but with only just over a week to go I'm now in full present-wrapping, carol-singing mode! I went to a 'Carols By Candlelight' concert last week and it truly put me in the mood. It's easy to see why so many people love the Christmas season and there is always that lovely feeling in the air in the build-up to the 25th.

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Of course, December does have its own little stresses - crossing our fingers we won't get snowed in, trying to plan that perfect dinner, present buying and wrapping and making sure everyone gets along. It's so important not to let those little things ruin such an important time. I know Christmas has different meanings to everyone, but it is essentially a time to have a little break and appreciate how blessed we are. No matter how much they drive us up the wall, it's a chance to hang out with the people we love. I hope everyone gets to have a little time with family and friends this Christmas :)

Looking Back
Before heading back home for the holidays I was able to have some lovely Christmassy time with my friends. We had our own little 'Christmas Day', with mulled wine, party games, a secret Santa and (best of all) lots and lots of FOOD! My best friend is a total domestic goddess and managed to make one of the nicest Christmas dinners I think I've ever had, complete with every trimming possible (although I'm still not convinced by Brussel sprouts). After the stresses that the end of the has brought for a lot of us, it was nice to be able to come together for one day and forget about our problems. As I said above, Christmas is all about being with those you care about and this was a perfect opportunity.


I hope you're all getting ready for a lovely Christmas!

Sarah x

Forms, forms, forms...

Right now my life seems to revolve around filling in form after form after form! I'm busy applying both for a Masters course and jobs, and it is all one long application form. It's one of those boring things in life that noone enjoys doing, but who knows it could lead somewhere amazing! I must admit, sometimes I do get a little tired of filling in every qualification I ever achieved (although I'm definitely still proud I managed that A* in GCSE Welsh!) and it often seems a little never-ending. Nonetheless, I keep reminding myself that it'll all be worth it.

Since my house is so chilly I've taken to working wrapped up in my duvet and have busted out the lovely woolly socks little sis bought me last Christmas. Although I sure do wish my room wasn't quite so icy, there's something quite nice about being all cosied up with a big mug of tea. 

Where there's tea, there's hope
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I don't mind the cold weather too much, or even a light dusting of snow - as long as the trains are running I'm a happy bunny! A low point last year was heading home for Christmas and spending 3 hours stuck in Birmingham New Street because of the snow. I don't think I've ever been so relieved to get home!

I know everyone is already super excited about Christmas, but I'm one of those people that refuse to consider any present-buying, decorating, turkey-stuffing, etc. etc. until 1st December. My favourite part is definitely the music and I've got some good stuff lined up for a listen - I have been recommend 'A Very She & Him Christmas' and I can't wait to get stuck in! I'm sure I'll blog something ridiculously Christmassy when the time is here, but for now though I'm staying shtum. 

Hope you're as cosy as me!

Sarah x