I just can’t help myself when I’m on the trains of how many more germs there are when the weather heats up. The first thing I do once I get off and reach my next destination is go to wash my hands as soon as I can. Luckily, I’m not the only one that feels this way as Method, the good people who make a wide range of household cleaning items from body products to loo cleanser, also has the motto: ‘ People Against Dirty’. They’re just as whimsical as me when it comes to cleaning my hands as they claim their hand washes get your ‘hands so clean you can eat with them’.

Method’s hand washes are naturally derived and are also paraben-free. So for those of you out there who are obsessed with hand washing- feel free to indulge with minds at ease! Their trademark scent in the range is a scent called: ‘Sweet Water’. The Sweet Water scent consists of grapefruit + lemon leaves wrapped in watery petals of jasmine lily of the valley. Rumour has it that this scent is rather similar to what the fountain of youth might smell like.

I’ve recently been addicted to a new and exclusive scent their selling at Boots: Fresh Current. It’s not an overtly juicy or sickly smelling scent at all. I feel it has all the right balance it with black currents, red apply, lily, jasmine and just a kick of tartness in the cherries. I’ve also found that this wash does not dry out the hands as others can but leaves them squeaky clean without stripping.

The perfect sense of ‘OHM’ after a sticky journey…No matter your Method make sure it’s in the hand wash! Method hand wash is at www.boots.com  Comes in a variety of other scents too from French Lavender to Green Tea + Aloe and those mentioned above- £2.49 (345ml bottle)

When trapped on a train at 4pm in rush-hour your sense of smell may bring you places you don’t want to go to. Two thoughts always enter my mind: One being how bad most people smell and how I wish I couldn’t smell them, followed by how I smell to them. This is why instead of wondering either question I’ve opted out for SO…? body fragrances. A quick spray of this before getting on the train guarantees heads turning for the right reasons. Having just launched their Couture collection of body sprays (named after major cities: London, Paris, NYC & Rio) these scents are effortless and chic. My favourite is Paris which has playful notes of plum and rose with a twist of vetyver & patchouli.

I’m not into cheap fragrances as you know, and you must be wondering why would I be wearing a chemist/drug store brand scent? Well, the people behind So…? Products are an established perfumer called Robertet who have been around since 1850. The Robertet story started with ‘a la confiance’ which means ‘trust’. They’re a company that started in the heart of fragrance: Grasse, and who want to inspire with dynamism. They’ve got companies worldwide in the USA, Argentina, Brazil, and the U.K, not to mention also Switzerland, Japan, Italy & Singapore with cutting-edge analytical facilities.  

There are some fabulous mini sets that are coming in for the Christmas season worthy of noting as stocking fillers or perhaps just popping in your hand bag to have at hand for the train. I suggest highlights such as the Kiss Me fragrance which has vanilla + musk entwined in a floral heart. 

The next question that will be asked to me on the 4pm from Piccadilly Circus to Kings Cross will be: So…..? Couture Paris….Exclusive to www.superdrug.com

(£1.99 Couture Body Sprays, mini gift sets start at £3.19 50ml bottles)

August is a time for everything high: heat, summer, and holidays! One thing you don’t want to be high on is weight for your travels. We often don’t think of what essentials we might need on holidays and carry the unnecessary and weight ourselves down. Weleda Mini Travelling essentials are perfect as a set of these products have you covered:

 Wild Rose Mini Deodorant - £7.95

Mini Skin Food - £2.95

Mini Lavender Body Oil - £2.95

Mini Citrus Creamy Body Wash - £1.95

Mini Almond Soothing Oil - £2.95

Mini Almond Cleansing Lotion - £1.95

A-listers, such as Victoria Beckham, loves Skin Food for her hand luggage as she knows premium beauty on the go! All you need to add to this little pack of action is a toothbrush & mini toothpaste. Don’t go into a panic when you pack and decant……go and get some Weleda Minis as your only journey should be the one your intend to go to for the holidays! Weleda minis are available at: http://www.weleda.co.uk/travel-sizes/icat/minis (Prices indicated for individual items.)

Handcrafted luxury jewellery is hot at this moment, and Myriam Soseilos is championing this trend and trade with her ornate pieces that are inspired by modern architecture. Soseilos signature is to feature tiny gemstones that are hand-set. She has won multiple jewellery design competitions globally, and has won ‘Designer of the Year 2013 at Treasure,London’s visionary jewellery show (which took place at London Jewellery week in June 2013) for her ‘Transformers’ collection.

While you’re thinking robots or the comics, her ‘Transformers’ collection consists of ‘transforming’ bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings. The ‘SOS’ behind her name for her brand is pronounced ‘sauce’ in English, and represents the first three letters in her surname. From this pun she has developed the brand message: to provide the ‘sauce and spice’ to any outfit.

I find her pieces to be timeless but at the same time modern to the effect of being able to wear for every day. There is an underlying message in her pieces where the bearer is able to silently state the strength in the expression of their outfit through their accessories. My most wanted piece? It has to be her ‘rubik’s cube’ ring, as it is sure to get a conversation going anywhere, and anytime. 

MyriamSOS is noted to be an upcoming designer to watch, and her pieces are available exclusively at:Wolf & Badger: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/search/?q=myriamsos Pieces start at £35 and run up to an average of £250 or more. 

 I’m in love with this ‘thousands & millions’- like necklace that I happen to stumble upon my trip to Barcelona this summer at Sfera. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this brand, it is a women’s, children’s & men’s fashion retailer from Madrid. Style and price point is rather close to Zara.

This necklace was a steal at 4 euros, on sale, but it’s not the price that matters in this case. The rainbow beads exhume both a summer’s festival folk style as well as ethnic eccentricities. I’m glad that out of the corner of my eye I caught this statement piece on the rails. Watch out for Sfera’s next collection coming soon in accessories, and you can shop online now for Sfera at Spanish department store El Corte Ingles at www.elcorteingles.es

Do you really know how to work Twitter & do Tweets! Well, if you're an expert then this weekend pop on over toCovent Garden's East piazza and start tweeting for the sweetest treats at the Marc Jacbos Pop-Up Store. 

Everything in the shop isNOTONSALE. Instead, you have to use the hashtag #MJDaisyChain to get:

A perfume

A key chain & Marc Jacobs Manicure

A coffee & Macaron

Did you get a chance to celebrate Magnum's 25th birthday on Regent St. Sunday July 27th? To celebrate, Magnum's had 25,000 bars of ice cream to give away. The lines were nothing like I've seen before except perhaps at Disneyland. 

Choice of milk chocolate or white, the ice cream bars were hand dipped, and hence were not as crunchy as normal Magnum's, but nonetheless refreshing in the summer heat. What a treat! 

I happen to be within the area on the day....and made my way after lunch.....it was one of this summer's tastiest....and most decadent treats! 

Beauty has been keeping her lips sealed tight! It’s not what you think though, as she’s not about to burst having kept a secret for someone. She’s been using a most unusual beauty product from DHC: Revitalising Moisture Strips for The Mouth. Sometimes the first signs of aging creep up just at the corners of the mouth or above the lip. For those who are naughty and have been smoking- beware!

These moisture strips act rather similar to eye patches or moisture eye masks. You tape the skinny strip on the upper lip and the wider strip on the chin area. Leave them on for 10-15 min to allow the super moisture into the skin. The key ingredients in the pads include- aloe, olive leaf extract and soybean for super nourishment and banishing of fine lines (an indication of topical dryness). For that ever ‘youthful’ and tight British lip look for DHC’s Revitalising Moisture Strips for The Mouth…£9.50, for 6 sheets in a box at www.dchuk.co.uk

On a recent trip down to Fenwicks, a few new brands caught my little eye, and I had to share them with all of you to note and highlight…

Sachajuan: Internationally acclaimed Swedish hairdressers Sacha Mitic and Juan Rosalind are the brainchild behind Sachajuan (hair care). Having launched their salon in 1997 the pair are considered to be the HOTTEST hairdressers inSweden. Their range of hair care- Sachajuan lauched in 2003 and has had been raved about and showcased in magazine shoots including Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Allure, Amica and GQ magazine. They claim that their secret formula lies in Oceansilk technology- a combination of algae that has healing effects on the hair.

I’ve trailed several products within this range, and I think it is worthy of noting it down for those who are looking for more high performing hair products. I suggest those who colour their hair to definitely give the colour save shampoo and conditioner a go, as it is gentle but effective in that squeaky clean feeling without the feeling of having anything stripped. 

Also both guys and dolls will appreciate special products like the Spray Wax that holds and moulds like wax without getting your fingers sticky. Want to hold it, or style it, just spray and away you go….

Sachajuan products are now found at Fenwicks of Bond St: www.fenwicks.co.uk

Olverum: Hard day at work? Need some sort of respite? Well hop into the bath with some Olverum Bath Oil. This oil works fast to ease aching muscles, and any rheumatic pains. If you’re sick or even have clogged sinuses due to allergies and the like, give this a go as it can get you breathing again. I love it because it releases all the tension and stress of the everyday and puts be right to sleep. I suggest it also for those who have those niggling headaches in the evening after work.

 The secret weapon in Olverum is a combination of eucalyptus, pine, lavender, juniper, rosemary, and other healing oils. Think of it, as your get to bed, feel better in the morning, regime! You won’t know how you got on without it. One handy product to have and keep for those bad days that might occur….Get your own bottle, 100ml £17.95 or 200ml £34.95 also exclusively at www.fenwicks.co.uk

Beauty Says: During my most recent visits to Percy & Reed with beast, we have been tempted not once, not twice, but many times by a new signature in haircare: ORIBE. Why? Well, just to list off a few of the reasons namely being that Oribe haircare is sulphate free, lightly scented, UV protecting, color and keratin treatment safe, sodium chloride free, and has the top-level of technology and natural actives available out there in their bottles. 

The name is pronounced ‘OR-BAY’ (please don’t pronounce it as some would pronounce filet mignon- filet mig-nun). Oribe is a renowned celebrity hairstylist that has been deemed to be one of the top hairdressers of all time. This of course, does not go to Mr. Oribe’s head. Having had his work grace the editorial and campaign work, and covers of Vogue, Elle, Allue, W, and V Magazine, he still believes only in one thing: a love for this work: hairdressing. Hence, he does this all too well. I heard down the salon grapevine that he originally only developed this line of hair care for his personal clients but soon found it high in demand and produced it on a retail level. Luckily for us then, that our strands may stand up and sign off each date night, party, and encounter with a new signature.

There are five collections of haircare-from the everyday in the Signature range to Volume, Shine, Color and Taming. My favourite? The Signature range.

 Rich but light, the Signature range can be used by everyone, everyday; and you may think of it as what the French call breakfast- a ‘petit de jeuner’ for hair. It gives the most luxurious lather but when rinsed it is weightless. Using some of the most natural and what may appear to be simple ingredients such as coconut, corn, and oat derived cleansers to prevent stripping; lychee extract to protect from oxidative stress, photo-aging and deterioration of natural keratin, every day hair washing can be like walking out of the salon every morning! I’m most impressed by the vegetable derived humectants that help to attract natural moisture to the hair, and edelweiss flower extract to fight against drying and color-depleting effects from the elements. I truly believe that a key element as such has been helping my hair stay calm through all the recent humidity.

 My suggestion is to indulge and invest in some Oribe, as after this it is safe to say, there can be no bad hair days. They also make anti-humidity sprays, and other great styling products that can help you look picture perfect. This is no beauty myth, as Oribe products have been called ‘The Fountain of Youth for Hair’!

 Signature shampoo £28, conditioner, £33 at www.net-a-porter.com to find which range is right for you go to www.oribe.com

Beauty Says:  Although Summer’s heat is still here, don’t forget that September (and autumn) are right around the corner. Transitional periods are tricky and often hard to tackle when it comes to skin. On one hand, you have to change your moisturiser, and on the other hand, you may have a hard time balancing out your foundation colour not to mention also the formulation. Well this year I’ve found the solution in two great products that tackle and answer all the headaches of transitional skin: Chantecaille’s- Future Skin Foundation + La Crème De Rose De Mai.

Chantecaille’s Future Skin Foundation:

This summer I’ve been using a BB cream for the most part as I’ve found it to be the best solution for balmy conditions throughout the day. As I was getting to the bottom of the compact, and had thoughts to replenishing, I stopped myself because a second thought occurred to me which was that Autumn and change in the weather and my skin was just around the corner. I started researching on brands I often use, like and stumbled across Chantecaille’s Future Skin Foundation.

For the upcoming season I’m recommending Chantecaille’s Future Skin Foundation as the answer to end all woes of transition from one season to the next. Why? Well to start, the foundation is oil free, and contains 60% charged water & seaweed. It has the ability to seal in moisture and improve the texture of your skin. The secret is in an ingredient called ‘Nattogum’- a phyto-collagen derived from soybeans. It has been trailed and tested that within a 7-day use period 26% of sebum in the skin is reduced. This is excellent news when skin is in the transitional stages between seasons, as there might be more sebum production as the skin adjusts from one season to the next. This also means that with sebum reduction blemishes are kept at bay! Another main advantage with this foundation is the adjustable coverage. It contains reflective circular pigments which allow a medium to full coverage. Finally, I give it the all thumbs up for the third and final benefit (this should be deemed the hat trick foundation) of it being able to prevent water evaporation, meaning it stays on the skin moist which equals no caking.  To prove the results all you have to do is turn your head to avid fans of this product such as Blake Lively, Kristen Stewart, Bono & even Bon Jovi!

Chantecaille’s La Crème De Rose De Mai:

With weather change rule of thumb is not to use a heavy cream (as you want to prevent spots), but still use something nourishing to the skin. There are very little moisturisers out there in gel forms that will be able to perform both these tasks at hand. Chantecaille’s newest and most recent launch- La Crème De Rose De Mai is rather a smart moisturiser that can help our skin make a smooth transition from one season to the next. Why? Well to begin it contains sweet pea steam cell, an ingredient that boosts skin’s innate ability to clean and recycle. The texture of the moisturiser is light-weight, but when you massage it in, you can in fact, feel that the skin has been well nourished. It has a smooth finish, and what I like best about it is that it just disappears.

La Crème De Rose De Mai is in its own right an anti-aging moisturiser as well, as it contains the peptide-Matrixyl 3000, which gives a botox-like effect, and also ingridients such as niancinamide that tackle issues such as dark spots. I’ve found using it in the day at the moment an excellent go between and preparation for the changes ahead. To make your own transitions and take your skin forward to the next season (Future Skin Foundation, to match all skin tones with various shades £55, La Crème De Rose De Mai, £175) check them out at SpaceNK, Harrods, Libertyor www.fenwicks.co.uk

Here are my top suggestions from L’Arrosseria Xativa:

Arroces Caldosos: Rice Broth (Paella)- It doesn’t look like very much but it truly fills you up as a whole meal. (Be sure not to fill up on breads or too much before this arrives.) The rich soupy sauce, made from a variety of seafood such as lobster, shrimp, squid, muscles, and fish, gives the tongue the most delightful golden tickle! Unlike other paella’s, this is moist and each grain of rice incredibly tender while still being al dente. Choose from varieties with just scarlet shrimps, lobster or seafood mix. Also ask if there are seasonal varieties or specials and also vegetarian variations. I’ve had the decadent Super Jumbo prawn and seafood one that they serve only for summer months! (Price 16.95-24.95 euros/ person portion)

*** Top tip: To truly savour the flavours of Arrosseria’s paella dishes, be sure to ask for a wooden spoon and eat with this. Rumour has it that the wooden spoon experience changes and heightens the flavours and experience in texture. 

‘Trinxat’ De Huevo Frito, Patata Paja Y Gambas Al Ajillo: For light eaters, this hot starter could be a main meal, and makes a fabulous brunch item to have. Why? Well for starters it contains finely cut straw potato that is crispy fried, with prawns in a garlic sauce. There is sunny side up egg that goes on top. It is intended to be eaten with the yolk of the egg popped and mixed through the potatoes and prawns. Super creamy and Moorish it is sinful to think this is just a starter, and there will be more to come! (Price 12.90 euros/ portion)

Of course covering all bases L’Arrosseria offers family menus, and set menus for the most reasonable price of 20-33 euros per head as well as children set menus starting from 10 euros. For the most our of this world dining experience guaranteed to have you and your stomach ecstatically happy book your table on your trip to Barcelona at L’Arrosseria Xativa! www.arrosseriaxativa.com

L’Arrosseria Xativa 2 Locations are Found At:

C/Bordeus, 35, 08029-Les Corts (Barcelona)- 93 322 65 31, reserves@arrosseriaxativa.com

C/Torent d’en Vidalet, 26, 08012-Gracia (Barcelona)- 93 284 85 02, arrosambgracia@arrosseriaxativa.com

Snob says: Stuck for inspiration on where to go for Sunday Brunch? Want good food, at affordable price, that is delicious? Well look no further than Kingly Court’s newest addition: STAX.

The décor of this tiny venue is fun and is inspired by country diners towards the American South. Serving, more than generous, portions of buttermilk pancakes (choose from raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, or plain) with real maple syrup on the side with a dusting of powdered sugar, you’ll truly feel you’ve hit down two stones (breakfast & lunch). 

I suggest the highlight of trying out more unusual dishes like the Fried Chicken & Waffles combination. This dish was a dream come true for me as I can never make a decision between sweet and savoury. Well, in this case I didn’t have to. The chicken was marinated with a hint of spices, and still juicy, not dry. Eating it in combination with the waffles and maple syrup made want to do a genuine ‘Yee-Ha’ at the end of my meal!

STAX serves the naughtiest milkshakes and smoothies all made with fresh fruit, and oh, did I mention the burgers, fried tomatoes, and onion blossoms, too? I’ve yet to go back and accomplish a burger meal with onion blossoms myself. Staff are friendly, helpful and cheerful! Remember: Sunday Brunch starts with a STAX of Pancakes…..(Pancakes £7.95 per portion)

STAX: 1^st Floor, 1.7 Kingly Court,London,W1B 5PW, 0207 734 3190

www.staxdiner.com