The Ultimate London Guide: What to See & Do

If you are planning on a trip to London or live in London and want to take family and friends on a less touristy, more enjoyable tour then follow this guide!

From my experience people want to do 3 things: sightseeing, sampling the culture (including the food), and shopping!

First of all I take them on a tour of the most famous central places. I find that walking is the best way to get around and enables you to take in more of the beautiful London streets and buildings. For the sightseeing part of the trip I find that it is important to cover these main places or your guests might start to question whether they are really visiting the British capital: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Leicester Sq, Green Park, Trafalgar Sq, The Strand..it goes on. Zones 1-2 can be walked around easily and even if you don't know where you are going you are bound to stumble on some pretty famous places.

For sights such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard, take a trip along the Southbank in the evening or during the day. A beautiful walk along the Thames hits all these sightseeing nails on the head and there are loads of nice places to stop for eating and drinking along the way.

And so this leads me to the next stage...sampling the culture. British pub culture is a must see...whether for a traditional fish & chip dinner or just a pint. There are so many to choose from, pop into a few in the central area and see what quaint establishments you can find.

Another huge part of London culture is the musicals showing in the West End. Whether looking for something funny, theatrical, serious or tear-jerking there is something for everyone. If you aren't sure then you can't go wrong with a classic like Phantom of the Opera, or the Lion King.

If you have time a trip to South Kensington is well worth it for the museums. The V&A, the Natural History, and the Science Museum are all not to be missed. Depends on how much time you have and what your interests are of course.

You can't come to London without going shopping! A trip along Oxford Street and Bond Street are the cherry on top of the tour. Try to avoid Saturdays as it will be absolutely mobbed and not even enjoyable. Don't waste all of your time going into every single shop...I would recommend hitting 3 main stores....Topshop, Sakare, and of course, Selfridges.

You can't not take a trip into the biggest store in the world...Topshop. Be aware though, you will get lost and you will lose phone signal so agree a meeting place and time! My next stop is always Sakare on Bond Street....the most luxurious and exclusive street in London. Sakare offers beautiful cosmetic products at decent prices and the experience of looking around this store is not to be missed. Finish off by looking around the prestigious Selfridges department store, with everything you could dream of buying in one place. End the day with a glass of champagne in the food hall....you will probably need it by this point!

Make sure you plan your days ahead of time so that you don't miss anything out but most importantly....enjoy!

Visiting Family & Successful Sakare Goodies

If ever stuck for ideas for gifts I always run straight to Sakare. They have something for everyone and the quality is so high that they make impressive gifts for even the toughest to impress.

That's why as soon as I planned a short visit home to visit my family in Manchester I headed first of all to pick up some treats for my loved ones from Sakare. I never return home empty handed. When you don't see your extended family for long stretches of time you somehow feel that you need to make up for it, and for me this is expressed through gift giving.

So here's what I bought and how much they loved it:

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum for my Mother

Mum always comes first. After everything she has done for me over the years she really deserves a treat. Not one to spoil herself, it's always left up to me to do it. Probably the best product that Sakare have to offer, the anti-wrinkle eye serum is truly amazing and I would urge every ageing woman (or man) to go out and purchase some. After using for just a week my mother even noticed a difference in the fine lines around her eyes. Safe to say I was definitely the favourite child after that!

Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub for my Sister

This scrub is a foolproof option for almost everyone. You can really tell that the ingredients are pure salt from the dead sea and not much else. Not a watered down scrub that won't get rid of dry skin, this one means business and is perfect for problem areas. My sister, Julie struggles with dry skin and so I thought this treatment would be great for her. It is excellent for exfoliating impurities off the skin surface and then restoring moisture all in one go. Julie has since called me in London to ask if I can bring her more pots of the scrub next time I am up....

Nail Kits for my Nieces

Young girls just never seem to get over the thrill of giving each other manicures do they? Well my nieces don't anyway. I just knew they would go crazy for the nail kit. As soon as I gave them the present they ripped it open and set up a mini-salon in the front room, bringing over a range of nail varnishes and asking me what I wanted. They especially loved the buffer because they thought it was simply magical how shiny it can make your nails. A perfect gift for youngsters but don't be put off buying it for grown adults either, the quality is true to the Sakare name and is not only practical but luxurious.

Back to School Routine - Easy Bath-time with Sakare

Sakare Shower Oil is perfect for kids and mums alike!

So my little munchkins headed back to school today, bags packed, sparkling new uniform on (won't stay like that for long), eyes wide open and ready for another year of learning and more importantly, fun. After all of the preparations last night I slumped into bed not long after them, anxious about how their fist day was going to go.

Bath-time can often be a stressful part of my everyday life as a mother. One can't wait to get in the tub while the other hides anywhere possible in order to avoid it. One is sensitive to almost all bath products, while the other constantly demands the biggest, brightest bubbles possible. Over the years I have tried a range of different products but not managed to find something that works for everyone.

That was until my youngest grabbed my bottle of Sakare Shower Oil and started pouring it into the bath. My immediate reaction was to grab it..."that's mummy's special stuff" (and mummy paid enough for it that she should be able to use it exclusively), but it was too late, a decent amount had already been added to the tub. Great, I thought, now I'll have to deal with all sorts of rashes and irritations.

A few days later and we're still all clear...in fact the kids' skin was soft and perfectly clean. Even my most sensitive little flower was completely fine. I decided to let them use it again and haven't gone back since. They love the bubbles and it washes even the muddiest marks off, leaving skin hydrated without having to apply any kind of cream post-wash.

I personally swear by the stuff myself, perfect for baths or showers and doesn't fail to leave you feeling pampered. Now if we go on a family trip I only need to take one bath-time product and we're sorted. Amazing! Thank's Sakare.

Sakare Cosmetics Product Review: Nail Buffer

WOW, is all I can say....this product is amazing. I've never been one for faffing around with my nails too much but this tiny tool gives you beautiful, shiny, healthy nails in just seconds!

All you have to do is rub the SAKARE BUFFER over your nail vigorously for a few seconds and then stand back and admire the shine.

It works by releasing enriching oils deep into the nail, and at the same time smooths out the surface of the nail to remove any unsightly bumps or unevenness.

You have to try it to believe it...the shine you get is amazing and lasts around 3 weeks! It makes you look like you have perfectly manicured with just 2 seconds of maintenance.

Perfect base for then applying polish but I tend to skip that as I prefer the natural, healthy, glowing look it gives to my nails.

Best part about this product is that it is completely natural and works in harmony with your body, not like many other chemical filled products out there. 

Sakare has brought the buffer back to relevance with this amazing invention. What's best is that it is inexpensive and will last for years and years. Thank you Sakare! This is my new 'take-it-everywhere' product.

Post Workout Survival Kit (& Sakare Product Review)

Sakare products are not just made for pampering...they are also perfect for everyday efficiency. Whether run off your feet on the school run, dashing to an important meeting, or  getting in a killer workout at the gym, there are still ways to enjoy the amazing benefits of this luxury brand.

Recently I have started going to Xtend Barre classes and I absolutely love it. The gym always feels like a chore to me but I have finally found a method of exercise that I actually enjoy! Anyone can join a class but don't underestimate it...you will come out sweating and rather worse for wear.

I often have to run straight to my next venture and so a post workout survival kit is imperative. Here's what I take with me for instant refreshment:

Apres Super Absorbent Towel

Unbelievably compact and amazingly absorbent...everything you need for your post workout shower without having to carry around a bulky towel with you all day. Also perfect for a mid workout sweat pat down.

Sakare Soothing Shower Oil

When rushing out to the gym you don't want to have to stuff a range of products in your bag but at the same time you don't want to compromise on your usual beauty regime. Make sure you have this Shower Oil and you will be set...it cleanses and moisturises at the same time and is even gentle enough to be used on your face. Fuss free, time efficient and still leaves you feeling like a smooth goddess! Just what you need after all that sweating.

Sakare Anti Wrinkle Eye Serum

After all that perspiration and then the hot shower your pores are left open. Slapping on moisturiser and loads of makeup to hide the redness is actually really bad for your skin as you can be rubbing dirt into your complexion. I find that applying a small amount of serum just to the eye area helps me look more awake and diminishes any puffiness. Perfect for those morning classes where your body may have woken up but your face is telling a different story.

TOP TIP: Make sure to drink plenty of water to restore hydration levels and eat a small protein-rich snack straight after your session. This will help to refuel your body and in turn restore your complexion to pre-workout appearance!

Body Butter Haul: Soap&Glory, Sakare, & Origins (Review)

My latest haul of beauty products was of body butters from three of the leading skincare names out there: Soap&Glory, Sakare, & Origins.

Although I'm a bit of a crazy Sakare fan (I probably have all of their products at home) I do like to shop around and keep on top of all the latest and best products on the market.

I decided to compare body butters as they are an everyday beauty staple for most women (and some men) and finding the right one can be tricky. Here's what I thought:

Soap&Glory - THE RIGHTEOUS BUTTER

A popular choice among younger girls due to the Original Pink fragrance that Soap&Glory are known for. Moisturising and not too difficult to rub in, this one is a foolproof choice. Price is very purse-friendly too. Does the job but don't expect anything more.

Sakare - ENRICHING SHEA BUTTER

If you suffer from dry skin then look no further, this is your remedy. This is the highest concentration of real butter extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree you will find in any body butter out there. Full of proteins to help nourish and repair damaged skin. Great alternative to medicated creams or for those problem areas that everyone suffers from. Not as easy on the purse-friendly aspect but you really do get what you pay for with this one...it's quality stuff.

Origins - GINGER SOUFFLE WHIPPED BODY CREAM

The mixture of oils involved in this product create a very creamy butter that is easy to apply and dries relatively quickly. Beautiful citrus scent that will wake you up in the morning no matter how early it is. Good for day to day moisturising but for those winter months or problem areas you may need something more concentrated.

Shopping Experience Comparison: L'Occitane vs Sakare

Today I am pitching Sakare (my new favourite beauty care brand) against L'Occitane (an old time favourite) in terms of shopping experience. I am taking into consideration speed and quality of service, layout of store and value for money. Check out my verdict:

Customer Service 

Sakare - As soon as you even walk past this store there are people outside welcoming you in and offering you demonstrations of the products. The staff are not simply trying to get you to spend a fortune in the store, they genuinely understand the customer and offer them products specifically. For example they know that as a beauty blogger, I am always looking to try the very top end range of anti-ageing products, but they realise that that isn't what everyone is looking for. All staff are highly trained on the ingredients and can offer expertise knowledge as to what will work best with your skin. I have never once walked into the shop and been ignored by the staff. They straight away welcome you and help you to find what you are looking for. Some people find this a bit overpowering but as a mystery shopper with years of experience I know that this is the benchmark for good customer service.

L'Occitane - While staff are not generally out in the street to engage customers, I have always been welcomed on entrance to L'Occitane. They pretty much operate with the same procedure as Sakare...asking how you are and how they can help. Staff are knowledgable about the products but sometimes if they don't have what I am looking for then they don't offer a similar product which is a bit frustrating.

Layout

Sakare - Window displays are always immaculate and representative of the brand...luxurious and opulent. Inside the products are displayed simply and in keeping with the style of the widow displays. There is a feel of 1940s cruise liner glamour that transports you to another world.

L'Occitane - As soon as you walk in you feel as if you are in a French beauty boutique of the finest handmade products. Countryside feel with a touch of luxury. Slight overload of products for the eye which I find very off-putting.

Value For Money

Sakare - No top end luxury brand with use of the latest research is going to be cheap. By taking a look at the website you could say that Sakare cosmetics are expensive, although the trick is to strike a deal with the staff as they are usually willing to do you a discount or special offer if you ask. Considering the quality of the products the prices are good value.

L'Occitane - French luxury and cheap will never be found in the same sentence together. If you decide you want a L'Occitane bathroom then it is going to cost you. Don't think of trying to strike a deal in this store as that just won't fly. Prices are not always readily displayed...'if you have to ask it's too expensive' comes to mind.

My Winner: Sakare - just shows that it is possible for new brands to break into the luxury beauty product market which is so often set in it's ways.