Soprano XL Laser Hair Removal at Courthouse Clinics

For years, my friends and I have discussed the idea of getting laser hair removal. The dreamy look of every woman when contemplating a beautiful world in which she would never have to shave, Veet or wax again cannot be underestimated. I had gone so far as to buy a few of the coupon site deals screaming promises of money off – only to find laser sessions could only be redeemed in Barnet, and only on a Thursday at 11am. Anyone unable to commit to shaving their own legs due to inconvenience was never going to travel the length of London on a work day to have that problem sorted out for them.

The thing that really propelled me towards laser is the impending reality that one day, far in the future; I may have to live with a boy. How I will get around my weekly full body tan whilst retaining some semblance of mysterious allure is difficult enough, but add in the expectation of eternally hairless limbs and I’m screwed. Or dumped. Now forget all this feminist chat, I’m as pro-equal pay and opportunities as the next girl but I do like to be well-maintained – and if that means I’m more attractive to the opposite sex, well that’s great too. I don’t just de-fuzz because there is a boy on the scene.

I asked around my beauty journo friends for the best laser place in town and was swiftly given the number for Courthouse Clinics. They use a Soprano XL laser there – which they reckon is more effective than the standard IPL. It works on all skin tones – a new development in the world of laser where previously only pale skin and dark hair could be treated. I bought a course of treatments and although it doesn’t come cheap, the hassle it will get rid of is priceless. The first area I wanted to de-fuzz was “down below” – a fairly daunting prospect although I was assured the Soprano XL was practically pain free. After a skin test session, I started my treatments. Typically, sessions will last between 15 minutes and half an hour – I was amazed by how fast it was over with. Cool gel is applied to the area before the laser gun is placed on the skin. The therapist then rubs the gun over the skin repeatedly. This warms the skin up – on a few occasions I felt it became a little too hot and “prickly”, in which case they are happy to turn it down a few notches. You’ll be placed in all the same hideously embarrassing poses you have to pull at the waxists, so be prepared – it is invasive. Hair takes up to two weeks to fall out after the sessions so don’t be expecting instant miracle results!

I completed my second session a few weeks ago, and my results are amazing so far. I was sceptical about how quickly hair growth would slow down or stop but even after my first session there was noticeably less regrowth. Following my second, there is practically nothing left. My only gripe is the fact that after such a quick outcome, I have paid for an 8 session course!

I’ll keep you updated when my course is finished – but until then, I urge you, get lasering!

Review: Homeslice Pizza, Covent Garden

The Homeslice tagline is "Pizza, wine and beer" - and that is precisely what it delivers. Tucked in the charmingly hippy Neal's Yard at Seven Dials, the interior is all shabby minimalism - a sure fire way to know the food is the star of the show. Tables are packed in closely side-by-side - you may want to pop to the loo before the adjacent table receives their pizza - the sheer size of it makes climbing past an obstacle too far for me to bother.

The menu is far from ordinary with a blackboard of offerings ranging from basic margarita to oxtail and bone marrow. Pizza can be bought by the slice or as one giant (and I mean giant) pizza - one pizza fed five girls at my table so don't be tempted to over order. Diners are welcome to go half and half on toppings - we opted for a Caprese (torn buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil) and a chorizo, corn and coriander half. For those of you fortunate to have visited my favourite pizza joint Franco Manca, the pizzas taste similar, with a lovely sourdough chewiness and not too much cheese to hide all the wonderful flavours. Ordering wine here is novel and gimmicky enough to win me over, with a magnum brought to the table for you to drink as much as you wish. The bottle is measured with an old school ruler at the end to work out how much you need to pay - a dangerous concept in the hands of some.

When our bill arrived at the end we felt like we were robbing the place - a fiver each including tip. Not bad in today's otherwise overpriced and queue heavy London pop-up scene.

Homeslicepizza.co.uk

Evening cocktails with Phileas Fogg

As the descent into the dark afternoons of the winter months begins, spending time indoors getting that warm glow only a good gin cocktail can give seems like an excellent way to spend a Saturday. Which is exactly why I took myself off to try out Mr Fogg's, the latest offering from the chaps behind Battersea favourite Bunga Bunga and Thatcher-themed Maggie's.

Arriving at 5pm, the bar was almost empty, which suited well as we had made the faux pas of not making a reservation. The doorman rang the buzzer to allow us entry and we were greeted by a gaggle of uniformed young men ushering us inside. The owners really have gone to town with the adventurer-theme and it certainly makes an impression. On walking in, it feels like you are stepping into a Disney-fied colonial drawing room, complete with pith helmets, game skulls, old trunks and antique flags. Every corner is festooned with all manner of explorer’s trinket - I defy anyone not to be won over by the sheer attention to detail in this bar. The cocktails are pricey but delicious - they don't scrimp on the alcohol and when served up in old fashioned cut glass they seem worth every penny. The staff are helpful and happy to tailor cocktails for your taste buds although the huge menu should cover even the pickiest drinker.

I'm a sucker for a themed bar, and all the better if the loo can carry on the story in style. Every aspect, from the vintage toilet roll holders to the audio reading of "Around the World in Eighty Days" was as it should be.

We spent hours getting to know the cocktail menu in this wonderful, if slightly peculiar place. I will certainly be back - post-payday it must be said - but perhaps not every week. A fantastical trip into Victorian eccentricity and definitely one for the tourist looking for a slice of London at its oddest.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson

Now first things first. I'm not your average afternoon tea customer. A few tiny cakes and some dainty cups of Earl Grey don't tick many of my "fun day out" boxes so it was going to take a lot to wow me. However, after two trips to The Sanderson for their excellent Mad Hatter inspired spread, I can truly say that it has surpassed my expectations. On my first visit in the summer, it was held in the central courtyard, next to a bubbling water fountain which just added to the garden party jolliness of the whole expedition. This time, in the midst of an English November, my sister and I ducked into the Sanderson just as a particularly thundery rainstorm was brewing. I really hoped we were not going to be relegated to the faceless interior of a hotel restaurant for the tea, and thankfuly we were not. The courtyard had been transformed via a waterproof marquee so we were safe from the elements yet still in the open air to make the most of the "garden party" effect. We were welcomed in and presented with a choice of four teas, aside from the usual offerings. Rubharb & Custard, Apple Pie, Strawberries & Cream and creamy scented Chocolate Peppermint tea leaves were placed before us in delicate glass vials to tickle our fancy. We declared Apple Pie as our choice for the afternoon and were soon presented with silver strainers and a musical jewellery box full of sugar cubes to play with. The menu came within a vintage book, detailing Alice in Wonderland themed delicacies to whet our appetite. Our cake stand was brought to the table piled high with delicious tiny sandwiches, mini quiches, desserts and more. The creativity was the best part - tiny carrot meringues with peashoot stalks and marshmallow toadstools set the scene. Tiny glass bottles complete with hand written "drink me" labels contained a fantastic layered passionfruit syrup which was much more than just a gimmick. The desserts were extremely sweet and could do with a little tweaking to even out the balance but the aesthetics were truly delightful. The self service Jelly Wonderland trolley with unusual and intense flavours completed the afternoon and drew it to an entertaining close. I left the Sanderson on a sugar high but full to the brim with praise for the entire concept and execution. A grown up Disney. Now that's what I'm all about.