Home Remedies for Glowing Skin and a Glowing Soul Part 2

Hello beauties

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. As promised, here is part 2 of my illuminating skincare recipes.

Face Mask

Doing a face mask twice a week will give your skin that extra TLC.

Oatmeal Chamomile Mask

Why Is It Good?

• Not just for breakfast, oatmeal is an amazing natural remedy. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that soothe the skin, keeping it soft and smooth.

• Chamomile has been used for thousands of years in medicinal beauty. Known for its healing and antiseptic qualities, this beautiful herb is a powerful treatment for fading scars and calming breakouts. In addition, it helps to even out complexion and tighten the pores, giving you a radiant glow.

• Plain yoghurt is full of lactic acid which digests dead skin cells and unclogs the pores.

What You Will Need:

1 tsp fine porridge oats

1 chamomile teabag

1 tsp plain yoghurt

1 teaspoon honey

How To Make It:

• Mix all the ingredients to form a thick paste.

• Add a touch more yoghurt if required.

• Apply this mask on the face and neck, and leave it on for 15 minutes.

• Rinse with lukewarm water.

Pina Colada Face Pack

I must say I do love a Pina Colada. No matter where you are, just one sip of this deliciously sweet, redolent drink is enough to transport you to the tropical islands of Mexico. That being said, at times of stress, it's probably not the best idea to reach for the bottle. So to make up for your cocktail cravings, try this exotic face mask.

Why Is It Good?

• Pineapple contains vitamin C, bromelain and antioxidants, all necessities for the treatment and prevention of acne.

• As well as being rich in Vitamin C, coconut milk is high in copper. Since copper is requisite for collagen production, this promotes skin elasticity and firmness whilst smoothing out fine lines.

What You Will Need:

4 slices of pineapple

2 tbsp of coconut milk

How To Make It:

• Bung all the ingredients into a blender.

• Whiz it up until it forms a pulp.

• Apply this to the face and leave for ten minutes.

• Rinse with cool water.

Turmeric Face Mask

 And last but certainly not least, we have our turmeric face pack.

Why Is It Good?

• Used for thousands of years in medicine and cooking, turmeric has only become the rising star of skincare within the last decade. This ancient spice, renowned for its distinctive, golden hue, is made up of an active compound called curcumin which has been proven to have both anti-inflammatory  and anti-bacterial qualities. A tiny dose of turmeric will rejuvenate dull-looking skin and ward off future breakouts.

• Bursting with skin-softening plant oils, avocado gives this detoxifying mask a sumptuous base.

What You Will Need:

half tsp. turmeric

half an avocado

1 tbsp. plain yoghurt

1 tsp. honey

How To Make It

• Mash the avocado into a bowl.

• Add the honey, turmeric and yoghurt.

• Stir until it forms a paste.

• Smooth the mixture all over a clean face. For this, I would recommend using the back of a spoon. This is because turmeric can stain your fingertips and nobody wants yellow fingers do they? Also, wrapping a towel round your shoulders would be a good idea to ensure the mask doesn't drip on your clothes.

• Let the mask sit for 5-10 minutes. Remove with a damp cloth or muslin.

Herbal Facial Steamer

Steaming your face every once in a while is a great way to deep cleanse. In a day, your skin is exposed to endless dirt, air pollution and free radicals, which overtime can block the pores. Clogged pores are one of the main factors to breakouts, and can lead to infection. The warm steam causes your face to sweat, which opens up the pores, releasing dirt and clearing the skin of toxins.

This herbal facial steamer is a favourite to many celebs as it's so calming and it leaves the face feeling super clean.

The lavender will also help you get your beauty sleep which is another bonus.

What You Will need:

1 litre water

handful fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 sprig lavender

handful fresh mint, coarsely chopped

half a lemon, sliced

How To Make It:

• Place water, herbs and lemon in a large pot, cover with a lid and bring to a boil.

• Remove from heat and steep for 5 minutes.

• Place pot on a table and remove the lid.

• Using a towel, make a tent over your head and the pot.

• Steam your face for 10 minutes, taking care not to burn yourself.

• Finish with a gentle facial scrub or face mask, and then ice your face by rubbing an ice cube all over your skin, to close the pores.

Hope you have fun trying out these spa treatments and let me know in the comments if you have your own recipes or other strategies of managing stress. And before I leave you, remember what we said about not being so hard on yourself and putting yourself first for once. You're gorgeous: end of. xx

Home Remedies for Glowing Skin and a Glowing Soul Part 1

Hello beauties

Is it just me or can life get pretty stressful sometimes? I'm in my first year of A levels which means inevitably, the essays are coming thick and fast. As a driven person, I'm prepared to work hard and do whatever it takes to get where I want to be. However on top of the work flow and looming deadlines, we're inundated with a million and one things to do, people to see, problems to solve. And of course, I'm not saying these are all bad things by any means. We need our friends and family more than anything in the world (apart from food and water, naturally). But the fact remains that it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy equilibrium between our work and social lives.

It's not just the palpable pressures that can manifest stress. Sometimes, it's the underlying emotional pressures which can do the most damage to our well-being. As I've explored before, we live in a society now that is immersed in unrealistic beauty and insidious ideals. Whether it be through social media or magazines, it is morphing body image and inciting a firestorm of anxiety about everything from how we look, to what we eat, to how much exercise we should be doing.

When all these combined pressures build up, it can feel really overwhelming. We try to divide all our time and energy between friends, family, work, gym, social media, cooking, sleeping and so much more in our hectic lives. Yet if we try to put 100% into everything we do, all we're creating is an exponential equation of stress.

It's not often that we can find time to take a step back from it all and have a bit of well-earned me-time. I cannot 'stress' the importance that we should be congratulating ourselves, rewarding ourselves and acknowledging daily how goddamned amazing we are. Without that self-love, we will never reach our full potential.

The most simple way to manage stress is to say no to more things, to put yourself first every once in a while and just give yourself that time of day. Honestly, you will feel so much better for it. When I'm stressed, my typical routine is that I do a lot of Pilates, eat a lot of dark chocolate and watch a lot of reality TV (Made In Chelsea all the way). But for me, the ultimate way to de-stress is to have a good pampering sesh.

In today's post, I'm going to be showing you how you can turn your humble abode into a fully-fledged spa.

Although I buy loads of products, I also love to use natural ingredients on my skin since they do not contain harmful chemicals or irritants. You might be thinking that DIY beauty treatments sound like a whole lot of effort but trust me they're so worth it. For one thing, making the recipes is super therapeutic and fun. Made from inexpensive, store-cupboard ingredients, each of these skincare treatments will give glowing results and help relax the mind without breaking the bank. So grab a spoon and a mixing bowl, grab some scented candles, put on a Spotify spa playlist and relax...

Cleanse

Arguably the most essential step to your skincare routine, a morning and evening cleanse will help detoxify the skin and get rid of excess oils, dirt and pollutants built up over the course of the day. This DIY honey and aloe vera cleanser is super easy to make and is suitable for all skin types.

Why Is It Good?

• Including aloe vera in your daily skincare routine will keep your skin clear and silky smooth. As well as being moisturising, aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce redness, even out complexion and clear skin of blemishes.

• Honey is quite possibly the Queen B of skincare. Naturally anti-bacterial, she is a powerful treatment for a number of conditions such as acne. Packing a punch of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant, honey intensely hydrates and nourishes the skin giving you a natural glow.

What You Need:

3 oz honey

3 oz aloe vera gel

1 tbsp coconut oil (if you don't have this, you can substitute for extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, Jojoba oil, or avocado oil)

How To Make It

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. And that's it. This cleanser can be stored in a sealed jar or air-tight container at room temperature for a couple of months. If you are using fresh aloe vera, store cleanser in the fridge to preserve the aloe.

Before applying, shake the cleanser. Using a spoon, take a small amount of cleanser (about the size of a pea) and massage into the face. Leave for a minute to absorb the goodness. Gently remove the cleanser. Rinse, and pat dry with a soft towel.

Tone

There are a number of conflicting ideas about what a toner really does. And some have even questioned whether it is necessary at all. Well, I'm here to tell you sister, that toner is your best friend. After cleansing, a cotton pad doused in this underrated little potion will help close the pores, restore the Ph of your skin and reduce cleanser residue.

Green Tea, Lemongrass Toner

Used by the likes of the Victoria Secret angels, this easy, natural toner is a must-try.

Why Is It Good?

• Green tea is not just a Beveridge; it's a magical drink for the skin? Abundant in antioxidant, it helps to heal and protect damaged skin from environmental stresses, in turn slowing down the process of premature ageing. As well as having anti-microbial qualities, it also contains tannins which act as an astringent, removing excess oils, tightening pores and mattifying the skin.

• Lemongrass is also a key ingredient to brighten up your day and your skin. Frequently used in aromatherapy, lemongrass is renowned for its invigorating scent, helping to calm the mind and balance mood. In addition, its antiseptic properties help to clear skin of breakouts and prevent future ones from appearing.

What You Will Need:

1 cup water

2 green teabags

2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped

Cotton pads

How To Make It:

• In a medium saucepan, place the water and lemongrass, and bring to the boil.

• Once boiling, take off the heat and drop in the green tea bags. Let steep for 3-5 minutes.

• Remove tea bag and allow to cool slightly.

• Place cotton pads into the pan and leave them to soak up the liquid for an hour or so. When they're ready, take the cotton pads out, put them in a zip-lock bag and place in the freezer overnight. In the morning, get a pad out and rub it all over your face after cleansing. This feels really cooling and soothing on the skin, a perfect way to start the day.

• An alternative way of doing this method is: after making the tea, pour the water into an ice cube tray. Freeze for at least two hours or overnight. Once frozen, pop out a cube and rub the ice cube in circular motions around your face. I like to hold it on each eye for about ten seconds each, too. When ice cube is almost melted or you just can't take the cold longer, pat your face dry with a clean cloth.

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Yep, I know it sounds kinda weird but stay with me on this one.

Why Is It Good?

• The acids present in ACV exfoliate dead skin and reveals a fresh, healthy layer of skin cells.

• ACV is also an astringent and will prevent your pores from getting infected and inflamed.

How To Make It:

• Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with one part water.

• Soak a cotton ball in the liquid and swipe over the face.

• Leave overnight and wash off in the morning.

Caution: If you have sensitive skin, it's probably best to go with the green tea. But if you have normal to combination skin, this ACV alternative is really effective.

Moisturise

The honey and aloe cleanser is nourishing on its own so it's not essential that you moisturise as well. However, if you feel you need an extra boost of hydration, then a dab of coconut oil will do the trick.

Why Is It Good?

 • Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties which will keep the skin clean and infection-free.

• It also protects your skin from UV rays.

Exfoliate

It's important to exfoliate 2-3 times a week, in order to get rid of dead skin which can clog the pores. A weekly scrub is also going to brighten your complexion no end.

Almond Scrub

Why Is It Good?

• Massaging ground almonds and wheat germ into the skin stimulates release of vitamin E. This is essential for skin health.

• Lemon is rich in vitamin C which acts as a skin brightening agent.

What You Will Need:

30g ground almonds

20g wheat germ or oat bran

8 tbsp honey

zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

How To Make It:

• Mix together the ingredients till well combined.

• Store in a jar or air-tight container.

Stay tuned for part 2 where I share my gorgeous home-made glow masks and more. xx

10 Ways to Believe in Yourself

Hello beauties,

So 2019 is well under way and between me and you, I have a strong feeling that this year is going to be a pretty amazing one for all of us.

When we talk about New Year's resolutions, we are primarily referring to physical lifestyle changes. These often include going to the gym, eating more healthily and embarking on an Instagram-inspired trend such as Veganuary. While leading an active and healthier lifestyle is positive, I think some people are missing the point. A New Year's resolution should be an ongoing goal. However for most, these lifestyle changes are stuck to resolutely during the month of January and then by February 1st, they are flung straight out the window.

In my opinion, what we should be working towards is feeling good about ourselves and embracing who we are. We should be striving  to create positive changes in not only our outlooks, but also the world around us.

Today's post is all about the power of self-belief. There are times when I feel as though I'm being hit from two sides with people underestimating me because I am both female and disabled. Being susceptible to double discrimination, I have to work twice even three times as hard to be accepted. Growing up, I've noticed in myself how people's preconceptions can really take their toll on your mental health and confidence. But being a driven person, I've never let it stop me or get in my way. Instead it has only motivated me to prove them wrong and be the most successful person I can possibly be.

I want to tell you all that you should always aim high, dream big and never quit on your ambition. I want to show you that you can achieve anything and everything you put your mind too. So without further ado, here are my top ten tips to get you believing in yourself.

1. Make a list of all your past accomplishments.

Before we establish what you are going to achieve, it is important to reflect upon all the things you have excelled at during your life and what you are most proud of. These achievements don't have to be directly related to your future ambitions; they just need to be situations where you showed determination.

After completing your list, try to identify the skills you either used or gained for each achievement. Make a second column and write down these skills.

If you're having a bad day and the self-doubt starts creeping in, these two lists are going to be your main port of call for inspiration and confidence. Serving as a manifestation of your awesomeness, they are there to reinforce your strengths, talents and capabilities whilst also giving those pesky insecurities a kicking.

2. Identify your ultimate ambition.

Granted, you may have a ton of dreams you wish to make a reality, such as meeting your favourite celeb (in my case Shawn Mendes) or owning a Chanel 2.55. And that's brilliant. But at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself a question: what is the most important goal I would like to reach in my life?

Come up with one to three at the very most and write these down in a separate list. Contemplate what your heart truly desires. This is your future and you can do anything you want to do. Therefore, while advice is extremely valuable, don't let yourself be led by others down a path you do not wish to pursue.

Here are my three main ambitions:

• To be a journalist writing for a major publication

• To empower women and girls through my writing

• To work in New York City

Having a clear objective is your key to being successful. It puts everything into focus and provides you with a strong sense of resolve. Particularly on those days where all you want to do is hibernate, these aspirations will get you out of bed and galvanise you to take action.

3. Break ambitions down into bite-size chunks.

Ok, so you know where your end destination lies. But how do you intend to get there?

Say for example, you are catching the train to a place you've never visited before. You wouldn't just jump on the first train that pulls into the platform and hope that it stops off at your destination. Instead, you would plan ahead, checking train times, where it stops etc.

For your future, it's a similar principle. You're going to have to map out your journey, research your area, establish whether there are qualifications you require or certain steps you need to take. Especially if your future goal is a long way off, it's important to consider the amount of time, work and persistence that you will have to maintain.

Breaking ambitions down into smaller milestones will help you stay on track and keep you motivated. As a guide, use the following structure.

Where do I want to be in:

• One year

• Three years

• Five years

• Ten years

4. Dream big but with realistic expectations.

I am a strong believer of the notion that we should always aim high.

On many occasions in my life, people have been sceptical about my potential and some have even suggested I aim lower due to my disability. I've been told that it's unlikely I will get a job for a major publication since they are very competitive. Additionally, people have asked me 'why do you want to work in a different country when you're blind because surely that's just making life harder for yourself?'. Every single time, I have looked them in the eye and said 'no, this is my dream and I am going to achieve it'.

There is a difference between being constructive and downright condescending. If a person straight up tells you that you cannot achieve your goal, then please, please, please do not listen to them. I don't care if that dream crusher's job title is a career's advisor: the fact of the matter is they are talking absolute trash. You are the only person who knows your full potential. And as long as you keep going and keep believing in yourself, then I can guarantee you will get there eventually.

What you have to do though is be open-minded. Say you wanted to run a marathon, having never so much as jogged in your life. You wouldn't just wake up one day and go run a casual 40k because let's be honest you would probably die. Conversely, you would endure months of training, gradually building the distance up and up until you reached the required level of fitness. With your career and other goals, it works the same. Be aware that things don't happen overnight. And if they do, it's incredibly rare.

5. Reward yourself when you reach a milestone.

However major or minor, it is vital that you pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself on your achievements. To celebrate, do the things that make you feel awesome, whether that be going out for cocktails with friends and family; treating yourself to something new; or ordering in a takeaway and catching up on your favourite shows.

6. Measure your progress.

It's important that you can acknowledge how much you've improved overtime as it will help to build your confidence no end. Personally, I've kept every last one of my articles and pieces of writing. Often, I will look back at them and although many of the old pieces make me cringe, I'm able to see how much my writing style has improved which is so positive.

7. Let failure be a lesson, not a setback.

Nobody likes the feeling of failure. When you've put your heart and soul into something and it doesn't pay off, it can feel soul-destroying. And that's normal. But what counts is how you take that failure, how you overcome it and how you move forward towards your goal. Look at it this way: if you made a mistake, at least now you can see where you went wrong. If possible, try to obtain feedback and constructive criticism which will help you establish your weaknesses and how to work on them. If you can go away, take on board that feedback and learn from it, you will come back stronger than ever.

Every person who is successful has failed at something in their lives. For example, JK Rowling, one of the most legendary writers of all time, encountered a number of rejections from publishers before she hit it big. But if she had let those rejections stop her, if she had given up there and then, she would not be where she is today. Plus, we would be living in a world where Harry Potter did not exist which would be the most depressing thing ever.

8. Talk to the people who you love.

If you're seeking reassurance and honesty, then go to the people who you trust the most. They know you better than anybody else and  only want the best for you. Therefore, you can be satisfied that their opinion will be genuine. Whereas, if you go to someone who doesn't know you that well, they are more likely to give a noncommittal or inaccurate response.

9. Don't be afraid to take risks.

Staying in your comfort zone may feel like the idyllic place, but it's really not. You have the potential to do incredible things. However, sitting around and waiting is not going to make the puzzle pieces fall into place. If you want to be successful, you have to put yourself out there and give it everything you've got. What's the worst that could happen? Either you get a rejection which you'll learn from. Or, that risk turns out to be the best decision you've ever made.

At the end of the day, you just don't know which way it will go. But it's a thousand times better to try than not do anything.

10. Own It

Never downplay your successes. Be proud of your accomplishments and don't be afraid to tell people what you're good at.

Sometimes I feel as though our society is built upon a myriad of mixed messages. On the one hand, we are told from a young age that we should be proud of our achievements and strengths. However on the other hand, when we openly express that self-love or pride, there are people out there who will raise their eyebrows and assume we must be narcissistic. I honestly find it ridiculous. We shouldn't be encouraging girls to be modest and demure. We should be empowering them to be strong, independent and ambitious.

Before I leave you, I have one more thing to say. Anything is possible with a little bit of self-belief. Keep going even when the going gets tough, because you will without a shadow of a doubt achieve your dreams.

Alice's Adventures in SohoHoHo

Hello beauties

Happy New Year! Just to let you know, there are some New Year's inspired motivational posts on the way. However today's post is a write up of my recent adventure. I'll admit it is long overdue; what with a hectic December, I haven't found time to sit down and put pen to paper. But I figure better late than never, right? So here it is.

You may recall a few months ago, my sister Alice took me on a whistle-stop tour around Chelsea in which we scouted out the local hotspots and uncovered a whole lot of juicy gossip. Filled with stunning food, cocktails and fun, it truly was the ultimate Made In Chelsea experience, and one that I shall never forget.

On account of the fact Alice knocked it out the park for my Birthday, I had a lot to live up to when her 21st rolled around.

Now you may have guessed but I love London with a fiery passion. Along with my other favourite New York, London town is as far as I'm concerned, the most awesome city on the planet. I often hear people disparage our capital, remarking that the air is polluted, the commuters are unfriendly and the drinks are extortionate. And I sometimes wonder, if they would just open their eyes, then perhaps they would see our city for the most beautiful place it is. Brimming with an ocean of exciting things to do and see, London is your proverbial oyster.

In my spare time, I enjoy researching trendy new places to eat and drink, unearthing hidden gems and stumbling upon unique experiences. So I got to work and put together a crazy adventure, incorporating all my sister's favourite things. All I'll say is expect the unexpected...

This time we find ourselves wandering not down the exclusive King's Road but instead the vibrant streets of Soho. With its intriguing heritage and no end of secrets hidden within its cobbles, Soho exudes a quirky and distinctive identity. Back in the Victorian era, this neighbourhood may have been notorious for its seedy goings-on and risqué vibes. However, years of renovation has transformed Soho into a diamond in the rough. And no time does it shine brighter than during the festive season. Also attracting fresh talent and cutting-edge cuisine, Soho has become something of a foodie pilgrimage.

On a crisp December morning, we begin our magical mystery tour at 20 Brewer Street: London's award-winning bakery Cutter & Squidge. Brightly lit with high ceilings and modern decor, a passer-by may mistake this place for another trendy tearoom. Yet, one step over the threshold confirms that it is anything but the ordinary. Using all-natural ingredients, Cutter & Squidge creates an array of scrumptious delights. And let's not forget: they've even gained a piece of Insta-fame, thanks to their signature 'biskies' which are a mouth-watering hybrid of a cake and cookie.

We are served by a lovely girl who explains all the different treats and how they are made. It is an impossible task choosing. However after much deliberation, I settle for a decadent brownie and a matcha latte. Meanwhile my sister opts for a slice of apple cake and my mum goes for a Bakewell tart.

When our food arrives, we cannot help but gape. It's like being back in America, that's how massive the portions are. But being a girl who loves a challenge, I pick up my fork and tuck into the brownie which is about the size of a brick. And oh my God: does it taste every bit as good as it looks.

There is an air of alchemy about the bakery, rendered by perhaps the broomstick propped up in the corner, the glass jars lining the walls or perhaps the row upon row of tantalising cakes. It reminds me somewhat of The Leaky Cauldron from Harry Potter. And by that, I don't mean it resembles a pub full of drunken wizards and witches. Conversely, the tearoom gives the impression of some kind of portal, the gateway between the muggle and wizarding worlds.

Towards the back of the bakery, a set of stairs are just discernible. We are informed that these mysterious stairs lead down to The Potion Room where the real magic transpires. This innovative afternoon tea experience welcomes wizards and witches to an immersive potion class. Guided by your stern and Snape-like potion master, you will mix up bewitching potions and all manner of concoctions. To gain access to this exclusive experience, you will need to purchase tickets online. We do not venture down to The Potion Room however I am left more than a little intrigued to return to Cutter & Squidge.

With an hour to kill before our next appointment, we make our way to the hullabaloo of Oxford Street and inevitably end up in Topshop. Boasting four floors of fashion as well as an in-house DJ, braiding bar and piercing studio, it's not difficult to get lost in this monumental flagship. After a quick browse, we decide to head to Carnaby Street.

This is by far one of my favourite streets in London. It's so bright and colourful and buzzing with activity. Home to a parade of cool shops and boutiques, it's also the destination for serious retail therapy.

Just a stone throw away, our second stop awaits: Cowshed Carnaby spa. I've always been a fan of Cowshed as all their products smell exquisite and feel like such a treat on the skin. Therefore, when I discovered the natural bath and body brand had a number of spas dispersed across London, it didn't take much persuasion to book my sister in for a manicure.

According to the website, the Carnaby spa is 'a little piece of country Heaven in the centre of London'. And that, it most certainly is. Leaving behind the busy streets, we are hit by a symphony of gorgeous aromas, causing all stresses to melt away. It's the perfect escape on a cold winter afternoon. With scrubbed down wooden floors and rustic furnishings, the shop feels like the room of a little cottage, all cosy and inviting. We are welcomed by a friendly receptionist who offers us hot drinks while we wait.

Upstairs, the atmosphere is warm and sociable, charged with peals of laughter and chatter. The room is dominated by six incredibly luxurious and comfortable looking chairs which my mum and I cannot help but eye with envy. However these chairs are exclusively for clients to recline in during their manicures and pedicures. If you fancy something even more therapeutic such as the signature Cowshed facial or a body massage, you can take a hiatus from the hustle and bustle, descending the stairs to one of their tranquil treatment rooms.

Once Alice has been seated, my mum and I head back outdoors for a quick shopping session. First up on my list is The Too Faced store where I test out a deliciously-scented chocolate bronzer. Next, we wander round Liberty's, spraying perfumes and getting samples of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery oil.

We're just about to return to Cowshed when we are stopped by a jovial lady who informs us of a new charity pop-up that has just opened round the corner. Intrigued, I follow her directions and end up at the most heart-warming store called Choose Love. Set up by the charity Help Refugees, this pop-up store invites shoppers to give back and show their support. How it works: shoppers can choose from a range of items such as sleeping bags, life jackets and emergency blankets, which are donated to help refugees. You can also buy gifts to take home such as slogan tees, sweatshirts and artwork, with 100% of profits going to supporting organisations. After purchasing a super cool poster to put on my bedroom wall, I leave the shop, filled with a happy glow.

Back at Cowshed, I find my chilled out sister, waiting for her painted nails to dry. She has chosen a beautiful, scarlet shade which will perfectly compliment her outfit for the party at Ministry of Sound later that week. Although I did not try the Cowshed manicure myself, Alice would definitely recommend. Using a blend of indulgent products to buff, polish and moisturise the cuticles, she said it was the most relaxing and thorough mani she had ever experienced. Plus her therapist Danielle was amazing.

It's raining when we finally leave Cowshed behind. With the aid of our saviour Google Maps, we power walk the short journey to our third stop located on Dean Street: Wagamama Noodle Lab.

I am a serious Wagamamas addict. The other day I met somebody who had never crossed the doors of a Wagamamas, and my first thought was 'oh my God you have not lived'. Quite possibly the king of Katsu, this Pan-Asian restaurant chain has revolutionised the way Britons eat and the spaces we dine in. I mean what is not to love about lightning speed service, rows of long, communal tables and bowls of yummy ramen?

The Dean Street Wagamamas is something else however. Known as Noodle Lab, it invites customers to a truly unique test kitchen experience. In return for your honest feedback, you get to channel your inner food critic and try a banquet of ever-changing dishes before they appear on the public menu. And while most London test kitchens may cost you a bomb, you'll be pleased to know that Noodle Lab is amazingly inexpensive.

For starters, we order two types of bao buns to share. Filled with crispy chicken, crunchy slaw and a Katsu mayo, the first moreish bun packs a punch of chilli. The second bao contains sticky duck, cucumber and Hoisin sauce, a genius creation which mirrors the flavours of a Chinese-style duck pancake.

For mains, we opt to share two noodle dishes. The first consists of lightly battered chicken in a miso sauce, served with noodles and vibrant vegetables. It tastes fresh, healthy and clean on the pallet. Our second dish is crispy shredded duck in a citrus, ponzu sauce, served on a bed of charcoal noodles and stir-fry bok choi. Probably the most unusual of the two, we are all in agreement that this is the star dish of the feast.

The dessert menu also looks to die for, featuring a miso matcha cake and a soufflé cheesecake. Alas, having had sufficient, we regretfully decline, ask for the bill and proceed to fill in our glowing review on the screen.

The night is still young when we brave the cold once more and make it back onto Dean Street. Full of anticipation, we head to our fourth and final destination. Leaving behind the bustling Soho, our detour takes us into the heart of Mayfair.

Situated just off of Regent Street, we are stood outside an 18th century townhouse. Granted, this building may seem a little understated from the pavement side. But don't be fooled by the quaint, Georgian facade.

Pushing your way through a heavy, velvet curtain, it's like taking a tumble down the rabbit hole and finding yourself in the craziest wonderland you've ever set eyes upon: one that makes Lewis Carol's nostalgic masterpiece appear somewhat tame in comparison. Everything about Sketch screams loud, fun and the definition of cool. Serving up quirky breakfast, lunch and dinner in jaw-dropping surroundings, it's the perfect place to snap no end of selfies for the Insta story. Restaurant by day, cocktail bar by night, each room is themed around its own crazy concept. One is a pale pink ballroom; another is a green forest, resembling the set of A Midsummer Night's Dream; and a third is like a futuristic space pod. An amalgam of eccentric artwork, luridly upholstered chairs, mirrored table-tops and imaginative architecture, it is the weirdest and most fantastical fairy-tale ever.

We end up seated in The Parlour which is a stunningly elegant room. With dramatic, orchestral music playing over the speakers, it feels like being in the midst of a Victorian tea party. The decor is ultimately classical. However, certain touches give a whimsical, Mad Hatter edge to what is a very refined setting. Everywhere you look there are splashes of neon. And let's not forget, the plush chairs are sporting legs with ballet shoes en pointe.

As we sip our delicious drinks and enjoy the music, there is also some entertainment. Out of nowhere, a ballerina begins pirouetting her way around the room. Definitely not what you would expect to see on a night out in a Mayfair bar: that's for sure.

After finishing our drinks and delightful petit fours, we decide to explore a little further and use the bathroom. Now, when I told people I was coming to Sketch, those who had heard of it were adamant that I should use the facilities there, which I must say seemed a little strange at the time. However, it all becomes a bit clearer as we find ourselves passing handbags to be checked by a security lady and then subsequently joining a queue that feels like being back at Disney. I'm just contemplating why it is necessary to have such high security when at last we are ushered through to the famous ladies'. Nothing could have prepared us for the spectacle which lay ahead.

Each toilet cubicle is shaped like a circular pod and are designed to resemble dinosaur eggs. Yes, you heard me. After queuing again, I finally take my turn in the crazy loo. And while I understand you do not require an in-depth description of what ensues, I will just say it was the coolest toilet experience and one that I would happily spend a penny for.

Sketch was the most awesome finale to our adventure, but it's time to return back to mundane reality. So weary and contented, we call it a day and catch the train home.

A Day In The Life: How To Be A Chelsea Girl

According to Millie Mackintosh: The Top 5 Rules that Every Chelsea Girl Swears By

1.      False eye-lashes, preferably the ones from Millie's own range Mayfair Lashes

2.      The quintessential tweed jacket (hmm, think I'll stick to my Topshop leather jacket for now)

3.      The classic black Chanel bag, preferably one which will go with every outfit in your wardrobe (I'll get back to you on that one)

4.      An uber cute little doggy (now that is something I do have! Say hello to this little cutey! 

        And finally

5.      The Chelsea Blow-dry or as some might call it The Piece de resistance. With cash to splash, it's no wonder that Chelsea girls have all got stylish haircuts and pretty much nailed the art of sassy hair-flipping. 

Made famous by the Duchess of Cambridge and now advocated by the cast of Made In Chelsea, this voluminous signature blow-dry is sure to give the finishing touch to your look.

Ok, while I may not have passed that test with flying colours, it didn't stop us having a fabulous and fun-filled day in Chelsea last Saturday. You've no doubt worked out by now that I am a serious hard-core fan of the show Made In Chelsea, much to my father's disappointment (he claims it is total trash however I beg to differ). In the midst of its 16th series, this Bafta award-winning reality show follows the lavish lifestyles of a group of young socialites living in around the postcodes of fashionable West London. I mean what not to love? With all the parties, drama, bitching, stirring, screaming and break-ups, it's like the posh version of EastEnders (except it's actually good) Yes it's staged, yes it's predictable, but I bet even my Dad secretly enjoys it. So anyway, for my 17th, my sister decided to give me a truly amazing experience that one could not put a price on: a day in the life of a Chelsea girl. I'll just warn you now there was sunshine, there was laughter, there was cheesecake, tequila and a whole lot of juicy gossip. So without further ado, let's get straight into it.

On Saturday morning, I rose bright and early, hoping to see sunlight streaming through my window. However the gentle pitter-patter on the glass quickly confirmed it was not a beautiful, sunny day at all; instead it was a damp, dismal and drizzly day, or in other words average British weather. Messed-up hair, melted make-up and soggy shoes were not what I had in mind. I just hoped the sun would show its face when we got there.

Now for my Chelsea outfit. Although my current wardrobe may not be decked out in Gucci or in any other designer label for that matter (sigh), I can safely say that I have the fashion statement of sparkle to make up for it. Selecting my show-stopper, pink sequin skirt, I decided to play it cool by tucking in a plain, white slogan tee (courtesy of Topshop) with my beloved leather jacket over the top. For my make-up, I also kept it simple, going for a peachy blush, neutral mochas and golds on my eyes, finished off with a nude lip. In terms of footwear, I figured suede boots, while they looked good, would not mix well with puddles. So instead I opted for black trainers, both practical and comfy for walking. Last but not least, the ultimate accessory: my brand-new, shimmering cane which my friend's stepdad who works in a garage, very kindly spray painted silver for me and rolled in glitter.

Leaving the house on time has never been mine or my sister's strong suit, something that my Dad, being the only male in the household, has never quite understood. Inevitably, we were late and inevitably our train was due in a matter of minutes. By this point, panic levels were beginning to rise (primarily on my Mum's part) and the gentle pitter-patter from earlier had increased to a torrential downpour. So raising umbrellas over our heads, we made a run for the car and zoomed off.

As we parked at the station, we could just see our train, pulling in on the platform. Armed with umbrellas, we threw open our car doors, sprinted up the steps and towards the ticket barriers, fast enough to give Usain Bolt a run for his money, all the while complaining about the rain (me) and squabbling about who was to blame for being late (my mum and sister). It was at the ticket barriers where the drama really unfolded. Despite the fact my sister sailed straight through without an issue, my mum's ticket wouldn't work for some reason. Now my mum, she is the best mum in the world but bless her heart, that gorgeous woman does not cope well under pressure. As opposed to calmly hailing the assistance of a train official, she proceeded to force her way through the barriers, shrieking over and over 'we have to get that train!'. The poor woman behind us in the queue looked on with a hint of terror in her eyes, no doubt assuming we were crazy.

As the train doors began to close, the barrier finally opened. Sloshing through puddles, we pelted through and launched ourselves onto the train (shoes a little soggy, but nonetheless in one piece) just in time before the doors snapped shut behind us. Once on the train, all the stress ebbed away and squabbles were instantly forgotten. We were on our way and Chelsea was about to not know what hit it.

In St Pancras station, we started off the girlie fun with drinks on me at our favourite smoothie bar Joe & The Juice. In addition to turned up loud, edgy music, this juice bar chain is renowned for their refreshing and invigorating juices, smoothies, shakes and more. As usual, I went for my favourite AvoShake which is honestly the creamiest, most heavenly shake in the history of milk shakes (yes it's green but like I say, don't judge a smoothie by its colour). My sister on the other hand, went for Sex Me Up, an exotic concoction of passion-fruit and ginger which is delicious in taste yet excruciating to order.

Emerging from St Pancras, we were relieved to discover that the rain gods did actually exist and had acknowledged our prayers (for once). Hallelujah, the sun was shining! In fact, it was so hot that we had to take our jackets off!

Strolling in the sunshine, we ended up at a pretty little café called Élan, tucked away in Knightsbridge. Serving up bold, vibrant and wholesome flavours, this gem of a café and trendy brunch spot embraces the philosophy of wellness, simplicity and above all creativity. Inside, the light-filled space is festooned with flowers and splashes of colour' making it one of the most Instagrammable locations in London. If you are thinking of visiting Élan, it's important to note that they do not take bookings and they are also extremely popular so be prepared to wait. We had to queue up for twenty minutes but it didn't matter because in that time I was able to decide what to eat. Everything from acai bowls to avo toasts, just looked divine. Nevertheless, after much deliberation, my mum and sister went for good old eggs benedict, while I went for a falafel, hummus and tabbouleh wrap. Enhanced by the super speedy service, the food tasted incredible and it was hands down the best falafel I've ever eaten. 

During our meal, my sister was describing to me the rows and rows of rich, decadent cakes. As I've mentioned before, I have a rather major soft spot for cheesecake and no matter how hard I try, I cannot resist the temptation. So, enticed by its glistening, ruby hue, we chose to share a slice of their Red Velvet cheesecake. With a buttery biscuit base and yummy cream cheese filling as light as a dream, this was the perfect treat to satisfy my dessert cravings. An amazing meal and stunning surroundings: Élan gets five out of five stars from me.

For our next destination on the magical Chelsea adventure we made our way to, yes you guessed it, the one and only King's Road. Stretching through Chelsea and Fulham, this is probably the most swanky high street in London. Home to some of the biggest names in fashion including Armani, Chloé, Tiffany and Kate Spade, it's a total shopping paradise (or in our case window-shopping). Beginning at the Peter Jones department store, we wandered round the vast handbag section, trying to find my sister the perfect purse for her 21st. Then we found ourselves gravitated to the sparkling Tiffany's window and naturally, we (or should I say I) could not resist but to go inside. The King's Road Tiffanys is not exactly on the same iconic scale of the world-renowned, fifth-avenue flagship store in New York. That being said, we still had fun, admiring glittering diamonds, earrings and necklaces.

Following some retail therapy, it was time to head over to the Sloane Square Royal Court Theatre where the real tour would commence. Every Saturday at 1:30pm, MIC enthusiasts can meet here and embark on the official Made In Chelsea tour (yes it is an actual thing). This two and a half hour walking tour takes you round all the major filming locations featured in the show, whilst giving the inside scoop on all the cast members' hang-out spots and behind-the-scenes info about how the show is created. It was also a very enlightening experience, even for the most dedicated super fans of the group, as our friendly tour guide spilled all the beans on the secret Chelsea drama. We learnt that:

•          People go on the show for the lifestyle, i.e. being invited to cool parties, not for the amazing salary. Most cast members, apart from the originals, only get paid around £50 per episode. Annually, that's less than a salary at MacDonalds.

•          Have you ever noticed how often a newbie will join Made In Chelsea for a series (like one of Jamie's million girlfriends) and then when it comes to the next series, you're sat there like 'hang on a minute, where did they go?'. Well it's not because they've vanished off the face of the Earth. Unfortunately, it's because they've been cut. In the ever so slightly brutal world of Made In Chelsea, a cast member is given one series to make a good impression. And if they're not popular with the public, then they're out of the door faster than you can say 'sweet dude' (in the words of Proudlock, not me). My question is: why is Sam Prince still on the show?

•          Jamie's childhood dream was to start a sweet shop. Bit random. Here's the other part: he wanted to start a sweet shop run by pretty girls. Now that sounds more like the Jamie we know.

•          Hugo Taylor, who actually came up with the concept of Made In Chelsea, once dated Princess Eugenie.

•          When Mark Francis parents found out he was joining Made In Chelsea, they threatened to disown him. Poor guy.

While I don't want to give away too many spoilers, I will tell you my favourite stops.

First up would have to be Jamie and Proudlock's offices. Now I will admit I have a little bit of a crush on Proudlock and Jamie (and Mytton) so I was really hoping we would bump into them. But what with it being a Saturday, the likelihood of Jamie Laing and Oliver Proudlock working away instead of going down the pub, was pretty much second to none. Hey ho. Inside this smart building, there resides two successful businesses: Jamie's confectionary business named Candy Kittens (which are stocked at Topshop if you were wondering), and Proudlock's trendy fashion business called Serge Denimes. How cute is that? They're best friends and they work in the same building.

My next favourite stop would have to be standing outside a house. Yes, you might be thinking 'er hello, what's the significance of some random house?'. Well I'll tell you this wasn't just any old property. The landlord of this opulent abode is none other than Mark Francis, also known as the king of Chelsea and the poshest man to ever walk this Earth. Unfortunately, he doesn't live there anymore (sob) and just rents the house out to tenant. Still, how cool would it be to live there? My theory is that after joining the Made In Chelsea cast, people realised where he lived and he was fed up of fans peeping through his windows. We don't blame you Mark.

By this point, we were well on our way to hitting 10,000 steps and so a well-earned drink was in order. We stopped off for half-an-hour at the Phene Pub which was amazing. Complete with a plush velvet lounge bar, library themed dining room and beach bar terrace, this gastropub serves quality food and drink in a luxurious setting. Notably, The Phene is run by Clive Watson, the father of sisters Lucy and Tiff who were both popular stars on the show. Despite the fact we did not eat here, the food looked and smelled delicious especially the platters therefore I would recommend if you're passing. For a chilled glass of wine, virgin Mojito and cranberry juice, £11 didn't seem like it would break the bank which was another bonus.

Our final stop (and the highlight of the day) was cocktails at The Bluebird café. Consisting of a glamorous restaurant, bar and terrace area, the famous Bluebird is one of the most heavily featured locations in the show and a popular hang-out zone of celebs. We were lucky as we managed to get seats on the beautiful terrace, perfect for a sunny day.

With cocktails starting at £15 each, this is a treat and a half but worth every single penny. While my sister and mum kept the Rosé flowing, I opted for a King's Road Margarita. This pink cocktail, which matched the colour of my skirt, is a magical elixir of passion-fruit puree, mint, lime and tequila. I got my mum to order the drinks owing to the fact I was still scarred by the experience aged 15 when I ordered a peach Bellini in a restaurant only to be totally busted by the waiter and have a pint of beer accidentally thrown over me (not my finest moment but I will say it ended in a very bad review on TripAdvisor that's for sure). Anyway, when the drinks came and I accepted my Margarita, the waiter looked me up and down, and you could just tell from his slightly petrified expression, that he knew full well I wasn't quite 18. As he walked away, he went over to speak to the manager and during the whole of their exchange, they kept glancing over at us in this weird way. Truth be told, I was all set for round 2 of being busted and having a pint thrown over me, yet to my relief they did not call me out on it. Thank God.

All in all, this was the ultimate conclusion to a fabulous day. I will undoubtedly be returning to explore and dine at more of Chelsea's restaurants and bars. Even for a day, being a Chelsea Girl is pretty damn awesome.

Have a wonderful week and make sure to tune into Made In Chelsea series 16 on E4 every Monday at 9 pm. xx