If anyone has the responsibility of dressing me for my funeral, the brief is simple - put me in a fitted blazer and your job is done. I'm not at the stage where I need to see a therapist but my addiction to blazers is a borderline obsession. They have been part of my staple capsule wardrobe for well over a decade and I can’t get enough.

In my defence, this new purchase is the only one in the collection that's a monochrome tweed blazer. I love the way it can be switched up instantly, as its oversized cut gives it an androgynous relaxed fit. 

This ensemble was all about combining the tweed fabric with my my trusted leather mini skirt for contrast, along with my pair of sheer pattern tights. There's nothing like a shirt and bow tie to smarten up a look as well. After four months of lockdown wearing nothing but sweat pants, this was the first 'outing' look I pulled together. Good to know I still have some fashion sense! 

A couple of weekends ago, I finally managed to escape my mundane routine and hang out with my friend and her 2-year-old daughter at the Selfie Factory O2. I was excited to check out the quirky interactive pop-up experience that promised to up my Instagram game.

As soon as we walked in, we were transported to a world of vibrant colours and funky decor. It was like stepping into a candy-coloured dreamland. My friend's daughter was in awe, and she was ready to show off her best poses and steal the show.

We started off in the pink replica tube train, which was a bit of a tight squeeze for us adults. But who cares about personal space when you're trying to capture the perfect shot? We all squished in and struck our best poses while my friend's daughter showed us how it's done.

Next up was the doughnut wall, and we were all drooling at the sight of the colourful confections. We grabbed some to pose with, but let's be real, we were more interested in devouring them. The pink supermarket was another favourite, and we pretended to shop for imaginary groceries while posing like fashion models.

My friend's daughter was a natural in front of the camera, and she had her angles down pat. We were all trying to keep up with her and failing miserably. But that didn't stop us from having a blast and snapping ridiculous photos.

The confetti room was a total riot. We were throwing confetti everywhere and pretending to be in a music video. My friend's daughter was twirling around like a mini superstar, and we were all laughing and having a great time.

We spent hours exploring the different rooms and snapping photos. By the end of it, we were exhausted but happy. Our camera rolls were full of silly and ridiculous photos that we'll treasure. Then we went for pizza.

The Selfie Factory O2 is a must-visit for anyone who loves to take photos and have a good time. It's a place where you can let your inner child come out and play, and where you can create unforgettable memories with friends and family. And if you bring a cute toddler along, they might just steal the show.

1. Beaches

2. Bunce Island

If you're an African history buff like me, you simply cannot miss the Bunce Island Tour! This place used to be the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast of West Africa, and it's truly a captivating experience. With its long and complex history, you'll be moved by the stories that this place has to offer.This small island, located just a short boat ride from Freetown. Visitors can tour the island with a knowledgeable guide, who will provide insight into the island's dark past.

3. Gorilla Sanctuary

Sierra Leone is home to a population of endangered Western Lowland Gorillas, and the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Located just outside Freetown, the sanctuary is home to over 100 chimpanzees and a small group of gorillas. The Gorillas had sass and really looked at home climbing up trees and doing mating rituals. What's more, the baby gorillas are just the cutest.

4. People

As someone who has deep roots in Sierra Leone, I can tell you firsthand that the people here are some of the most friendly and hospitable you'll ever meet. It's not uncommon to be stopped on the street and offered a warm smile or a helping hand. And if you happen to visit someone's home, you'll be welcomed with open arms and treated like family. Trust me, you won't want to leave.

5. Food

Oh, and let's not forget about the food - from the savory flavors of cassava leaves to the sweet taste of mangoes, your taste buds will be in for a treat. Sierra Leone's cuisine is a delicious blend of West African and European influences. From spicy Jollof rice to delicious seafood dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to try the local street food, such as Akara and jelly coconuts.

8. Shopping

9. Waterfalls

10. Culture

It makes me so proud to see the African fashion industry finally blow up internationally. I’ve always had a few pieces in my wardrobe but when I went to Sierra Leone for Christmas a couple of years ago, I pretty much designed an entire collection of African dresses, skirts, and tops. I chose all the fabric and then worked with local tailors to design, cut, and sew them. I’ve already blogged about how I started designing my African outfits , but this latest collection was my favourite experience so far. My cousins and friends would take me to local markets where we’d hunt down beautiful African prints and haggle price buy them. We’d then head to the tailor where I’d show him sketches, photos and my own clothes to copy. Once I got all measured up, the talented tailor and his team got to work and created these beautiful pieces. The result is what you see below. I photographed these in lockdown last year, but I really hope I get to wear them out and about this summer. Would love to know what you think.

The halter neck Peekaboo skater dress

This dress is my favourite from the whole collection. Made from 100% African wax cotton, the purple fabric is covered in big animated like petals… and I’m living for it. I wanted something different so decided to go for a high halter neck cut, with a peekaboo neckline. For the bottom half, I asked for a high waist A Line skater skirt. This is the sort of African dress I would wear to a wedding or formal event with a dressy pair of heels and a clutch bag. 

The African Style Prom dress

The corset peplum top

I wanted a corset style top because when they fit, they’re really flattering. The corset silhouette accentuates my waistline, while the peplum cut gives it a fun, playful finish. I will always favour the sweetheart neckline as I think it’s the flattering for someone with broad shoulders like me. The thin straps keeps it cute but sexy. 

The ruched Off the Shoulder skater dress

It will come no surprise to you that this shoot took place over 7 months ago. A girl can’t really collate any decent content when she’s housebound, locked in and been wearing the same tracksuit sets for the last three months.   However, as we are slowly but surely seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, I thought it  would be to share this look as we transition into the new season.

 I’ve had this Ankara top for years now. It was one of the first African fabrics I chose and had tailor made into a fitted peplum style top. It seems to be one of the key pieces that I’ve worn continuously in the last four years because it fits so well. It’s fair to say that the sweetheart neckline is my go-to look, as it’s the most flattering for my neck and shoulder. I love the Aztec style Ankara print which goes well with anything denim, while the bustier cut and peplum finish hooks me up with a decent waistline, especially when I’ve been overindulgent.

The next time I’m back in Africa be it Sierra Leone or Nigeria, I’ll definitely be replicating this style using Ankara fabric again. I like that a lot of the clothes I wear are one off pieces, and that everything is tailor made. I cannot wait to raid my Summer wardrobe so I can pull out my favourite African designs and get ready for post lockdown season. Bring it on!

I never thought I’d see the day when I would be downing up to 32oz celery juice every day. Every morning, without fail, I juice or blend, and 100 days in, it's now part of my daily regime. I know this has been a huge trend over the years, but it wasn’t until it was recommended to me on a Reiki course, that I took note. It was at this course that I heard about the ‘Medical Medium’, Anthony William, the originator of the global celery juice movement, and New York Times best selling author.  If this was something I had seen as the new celebrity endorsed fad on social media, I probably wouldn’t have tried it but because it was recommended by a source I intuitively trusted, I thought I’d give it a try.

I get that the celery juice movement might not be for everyone but I can honestly say, it’s changed my life. I have more energy, in a much better mood and more focused than I’ve ever been. As it has done wonders for me, I thought it was only right to share my story.

What is Celery Juice?

 What are the benefits of Celery Juice?

 How much Celery juice should I drink?

As recommended, I’ve been drinking a minimum of 16oz of celery juice a day, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. This allows all the nutrients and medicinal properties to go straight down to the liver and other organs in its purest, most concentrated form. It’s also recommended not to eat or drink anything for 15-30 minutes after taking the juice. Though 16oz is the minimum recommended daily amount, you can go up to 32oz a day to speed up the healing process (16oz fin the morning 16oz in the evening) I’ve been trying to do 32oz as much as I can, but for the last 100 days, I’ve been doing 16oz, every morning, on an empty stomach. It would be easier to make a batch of juice and drink it daily but the best version you can drink is freshly made every day. Before I drink my celery juice, I also do 16oz of hot lemon water every day to detoxify and cleanse.

 It’s an appetite suppressant.

It’s an energy booster.

For a long time, I suffered from sluggish, tired and bleh energy, particularly in the Winter. I diagnosed my self as not being a ‘morning person’ and suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) but since I’ve been on the juice, my energy is at least 60% better. I’m still grouchy in the morning but I find myself way more pumped, focused, and ready to start the day than I used to. I’m also sleeping so much better which allows me to run for longer in the day.

It’s a mood booster.

During lockdown 3.0, I’ve been in a much better mood than the last two. A huge part of it has been bubbling with my parents this time round (I live alone), but I also believe celery juice has played a part. As much as I love my parents, I’m easily irritated and annoyed but this time round, I’ve been far more zen. I have a positive outlook on life, I’m less irritable and I find myself having more patience and compassion when I’m in a combative conversation. Again, I’m not entirely sure how it works but according to Anthony Williams “Drinking celery juice is like allowing a breath of fresh air to enter your consciousness. It’s a cleaning agent that enters the brain tissue that’s been saturated for years by toxic heavy metal build up. Celery juice’s power in restoring mental health comes from its sodium cluster salts which revitalises and cleans inside the brain”. I definitely feel more upbeat and revitalised since I’ve been drinking it.

 It helps with weight loss.

 Aside from being an appetite suppressant, drinking celery juice has also been good for cleaning out my colon and my gut. I can’t say I’ve lost tons of weight in the last 3 months, but that’s because I’ve not exactly been eating well or training hard. I will say that my body has changed since I’ve been drinking celery juice and doing daily yoga. I am also less bloated and my bowel movements are more regular, which have all contributed to nearly getting my flat stomach back. Considering I’m barely moving around or exercising (and still scoffing all the chocolate, biscuits and packets of crisps in sight), I think the results are good! As soon as I’m back in London and back to training and eating better, I feel like this will continue to improve. 

It reduces/eliminates brain fog.

I cannot tell you how much more focused and mentally clear I’ve been feeling lately. Being in lockdown for the best part of a year has given us all Covid fatigue. Not knowing what day or time it is, let alone figuring out what your life purpose is. Brain fog is a daily struggle. I know I’m going to sound like an infomercial, but I tell no lies. Since doing the daily celery juice thing, my brain feels less foggy. I have more clarity, I’m doing projects that I’d previously been procrastinating over for months and I’m pumped! I’ve also been less anxious than normal but that could be down to being in hibernation and not having to face the world. We’ll have to see how that changes when things open up again.

After 100 days, I’m noticing a lot of positive changes. Is Celery juice going to cure all your chronic illnesses overnight? No. Will drinking it cancel out all your bad eating habits? Hell no! Will it miraculously turn your life round if you’re not ready to change your lifestyle? Again, no. I believe I’m feeling better due to a combination of daily yoga, hot lemon water, celery juice, meditation, and vitamin supplements. I’ve also cut out meat and cut down on gluten and eggs, but still have a long way to go. Unless you really hate the taste of it (which I understand some people do), you literally have nothing to lose by trying it out. It’s cheap, easy to make once you have a blender or juicer, and easy to fit into a busy schedule. I will do an update after 6 months to see where I am with this. I can’t see me not drinking it on the daily so the good thing about all of this is that I’ve picked up a good positive habit.