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Book Review: Not Without My Daughter

Book Review: Not Without My Daughter

I am so glad to have re-embarked on  my journey towards reading at least one book a month, and I hope to share with you reviews of some good books that I read regularly.

Not Without My Daughter was one of the pre-loved books I purchased from Book Hero, and when I posted about my picks, a lot of my friends messaged me telling me how much they loved the book. So I felt even more compelled to read…

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I love Thursday evenings! The weekend seems to be lying stretched out ahead, and the possibilities seem endless. I would head to the beach every.damn.Thursday.evening if I could. . Where do you love spending your Thursday evenings? . . . . . . . . #mydubai #dubaitourism #dubaibeach #dubaibeaches #dubaiweekend #dubaikid #weekendishere #thursdaynight #weekendnight #tgif #weekendplans #tbt #throwbackthursday #weekendwoes #winter #winterindubai #beach #beachbum #beachbabe #beachyvibes #beachywaves #beachsunset #sunsetbeach (at La Mer Dubai) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtBEO1jByEK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t67giiff6qb5

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About my Job: What It Is Like To Work In A Social Media Marketing Agency

About my Job: What It Is Like To Work In A Social Media Marketing Agency

‘Love your job, and you will never have to work for a single day in your life’, a wise man said. So today, let me tell you what I love (and hate) about my job and give you a peek into what it is like to be working in a Social Media Marketing agency.

What I love:

The opportunity to be at the core of a fast evolving, new industry. More & more brands are cutting their budgets in traditional…

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Review: Ivy Goat's Milk and Argan Oil based products

Review: Ivy Goat’s Milk and Argan Oil based products

I’m very excited about the skin and hair care discoveries I’ve made this season and I can’t wait to share them all with you. (stay tuned!)

On the top of this is list is IVY, a recently launched unique skin and hair care brand whose products are made using goat’s milk. It is a special ingredient, as it helps remove dead skin cells, repairs damage and moisturizes your skin and hair. (more…)

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Here's what happened when I sent my 20 month old away for 3 weeks

Here’s what happened when I sent my 20 month old away for 3 weeks

So, I sent my 20 month old daughter away to stay at her grandparents’ in India for 3 weeks. Sounds ruthless? Maybe. Was it necessary? Definitely.

Now before you think I’m a selfish, heartless person, unfit to be a mom – know that it was a collective decision.

However, as days grew closer to the time of her departure, two things happened:

 We began to dread her departure as it would mean going…

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Hello! Many of you who follow us on Instagram will know about our recent trip to Hatta Dam, and how we could not stop raving about it. I received a lot of inquiries from you guys, so I decided to pen down a blog post for you with all the details on the Hatta Kayak.

We made a spontaneous plan to visit Hatta dam on a Friday evening, and as is the case with all spontaneous plans – it was a lot of fun, with minimal preparation required. Considering the fact that life jackets, lockers, etc. is all provided at the Hatta Kayak venue, there was nothing really that we needed to carry. However, if you plan to kayak and are worried about wet clothes, you might want to carry an extra pair with you just in case. (However, we did not notice a bathroom or a changing room at the venue).

It took us about 1.5 hours to reach Hatta Dam from Dubai and the route is quite straightforward so you do not end up losing time as a result of getting lost. If you plan to travel back, be aware that certain patches are not lit by street lights and you might want to check your headlights before you leave.

Everything you need to know about Hatta Kayak

There is no proper parking lot allocated for visitors of the Hatta Kayak and you may be forced to park on the side of a single lane on the dam itself. It can pose problems while exiting the dam. Or, you may choose to park in the village close-by and walk your way up – the choice is your’s.

At the Hatta dam, you will find a good mix of people – the working class from the nearby village, families from all across the UAE, young couples as well as tourists. We would recommend you to dress modestly, yet comfortably to make the most of this experience.

On arriving the venue of the Hatta Kayak, you will see a ticketing window where you can choose and pay for your choice of boat. We went for single kayaks (AED 60 each) for ourselves and believe it was the best experience from the lot. If we were accompanied by family, our choice would have probably been different to accommodate all – but even then, kayaking solo is an experience one should not miss.

Once paid, you proceed downwards to receive and wear your life jackets. Here, you can also ask for a free locker to keep your valuables.

Inspite of visiting the Hatta dam in the peak of summer, the weather in the evening (around 5.45pm) was balmy, but not uncomfortable at all. Once you’re in the water – you will experience a constant breeze – and it will surely bring a smile of relief to your face.

Kayaking is fairly easy, and we were easily able to maneuver through the water even though it was our first time. Just keep repeating the following rules in your head, and you will be fine:

To go left, paddle on the right

To go right, paddle on the left

To go straight, paddle on both sides alternately

The dam is quite vast and there are plenty of directions to explore. It can be really quiet and peaceful in corners where there are less people around, and it is here where you can just put down your oars and relish being one with nature. The sound of gentle waves crashing against the mountains is extremely soothing and relaxing.

We would highly recommend all you adventurous souls to try this experience at least once and we promise you will not be left without fond memories.

Details:

Where: Hatta Dam, UAE (click here for map). It is an exclave of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, high in the Hajar Mountains.

What: Water activities at Hatta Dam (popular on Instagram as #HattaKayak)

Timings: Everyday, 8am – 7pm

Boat options and prices:

Single Kayak: AED 60 for unlimited time

Double Kayak: AED 150 for unlimited time

Water bike: AED 60 per person, per ride

Pedal boat: AED 120 per ride (admits 2 adults and 2 children)

Yellow boat: AED 150 per ride (admits 3 adults and 1 child)

Donut boat: AED 300 per hour (admits 4 adults and 2 children)

Tour Boat: AED 600 per 25 minute ride with driver (admits 11 adults)

Important links:

Hatta Kayak Map

Hatta Kayak website

Hatta Kayak on Instagram

Is there a UAE experience you have loved? It could be your favorite beach or an adventurous experience. Let me know in the comments below!

Everything You Need to Know About Hatta Kayak Hello! Many of you who follow us on Instagram will know about our recent trip to Hatta Dam, and how we could not stop raving about it.

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Short Story: Pride

‘That’s it!’ she thought as she pulled up the blanket tighter around herself. ‘I’ve had enough of apologizing for no fault of mine, simply in order to maintain the harmony of this marriage!’ Words which should never have been uttered were used liberally two nights ago, and she was sure she deserved an apology. There was no other way she was going to end the 48 hour long silence.

Her resolve was…

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Recipe: Healthy Oats Porridge

Recipe: Healthy Oats Porridge

I don’t claim to be a great cook, but one recipe I can nail is the healthy oats porridge. I am happy to report that it is loved by the elders as well as the littlest member of our family. And if you’re looking for a quick and healthy oats recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Most of the ingredients are easily available at home or at the closest convenience store. So without much ado, let’s…

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"We don't want you to be a writer!" - My Story On How I Became One

“We don’t want you to be a writer!” – My Story On How I Became One

Grade 1: Vapi, India

Its English class. The teacher is explaining the meaning of nouns and verbs in Hindi.

Its Story class. The teacher is narrating a story in English and nobody understands a word of it. Its that time of the day, where boys feel free to aim paper planes at the girls and the latter giggle and chatter amongst themselves. Class is over. Teacher leaves.

Grade 1: Mumbai, India

Its…

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Review: Umberto Giannini Hair Products

Review: Umberto Giannini Hair Products

Hi guys, in important hair-care news, award-winning brand Umberto Giannini has now re-launched at Boots Pharmacies! I was sent to try their 60 Second Smooth pre-shampoo treatment, Over Indulge post shampoo hair mask and Curl Jelly recently. My thoughts below: (more…)

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Lights, camera, FREEZE!

Being the one behind hundreds of flatlays, would you believe I get completely flustered in front of the camera? I just freeze when someone says “pose”.

How should I stand? Are my arms and legs at an awkward angle? What do I do with my hands? No, seriously – what does one do with her hands during a shoot?

Here are some photo-shoot tips that have helped me perfect some natural, happy images.

Wear clothes that you enjoy.

Whether it is your favorite color or a mix and matched outfit that you think rocks – if you feel proud of what you are wearing, it will show on camera! For this shoot, I wore one of my favorite monochrome dresses and I just love how cute its sleeves look. It was a windy day and the white pants were a last minute addition, giving the outfit an unexpected twist.

Shoot with somebody you are comfortable with

I can’t emphasize enough on how important this is. If you feel that you can never nail a decent picture, try changing your photographer. Remember, your spouse is not always your best bet at photography. Yes, you may be insanely comfortable with each other and he may be always around. But, it is possible to feel shy in front of or irritated with each other, ruining the opportunity. Pick someone with the patience and industriousness of an ant. And, someone you can laugh with.

Identify your go-to pose, but don’t forget to experiment

For me, my never-fail pose would be ruffling my hair (at least that gives me something to do with my hands). To switch things up a bit, I try to touch a detail from the outfit, or do a happy twirl to bring some movement into the picture. I have also recently noticed how being seated instantly makes me more confident (again, I can just rest my palms on the chair). I just lean forward, and smile!

Be real

Sounds cliche, but that’s how I like to keep my photos. Nobody in real life stands through a tornado with not a single hair out of place. If it is windy enough to make my skirt fly, my hair will fly too.

Remember that you can always edit certain things later

While nothing can fix an out of focus or blurry image, below are some of my favorite editing hacks for pictures:

Colors over or under-exposed? Turn the photo in black and white to give it a moody touch

Hate it when your eyes are closed in an otherwise perfect shot? Crop it from below the nose onward to give it a mysterious look

Face expression was totally off, but the outfit looks fab? Crop it to focus on the good looking parts to create a detail shot (see what I did in the images below?)

  So, these were some of my tips and tricks to shoot your outfit and flaunt your colorful heart. Do you have any tips to nail an outfit shoot? Hit me up in the comments, below!

Details:

Photography: Gian Decilos

Dress: www.aliexpress.com

White pants: Forever 21

Shoes: Nine West

Smile: My own 🙂

Outfit Monochrome, Heart Colorful. Tips To Nail Your Next Outfit Shoot Lights, camera, FREEZE! Being the one behind hundreds of flatlays, would you believe I get completely flustered in front of the camera?

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The Why And How Of Eating Eggs For Breakfast

The Why And How Of Eating Eggs For Breakfast

I am more receptive to health and nutrition news now than I have ever been before. Perhaps motherhood has been a huge factor behind this change.

Although we have all been passively aware of the wonder food that is eggs and its qualities to promote overall health – I had barely done any research to see why it is touted as a perfect breakfast item or its contribution to weight loss. I dived deeper…

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I recently visit Marriott Al Jaddaf and I think it is the perfect haven for city residents who want to take a step back from the madness and still feel connected to the pulse of the city. If you feel like you fall within this zone, let me plan your staycation for you.

  Consider this:

Take a short 7-10 minutes drive from the heart of the Dubai city to Marriott Al Jaddaf

Check in to one of the luxurious rooms overlooking the gorgeous sunset on the Dubai Skyline.

Marriott al Jaddaf room

Marriott al Jaddaf view

After a bit of settling down, get into the relaxation mode straight away by visiting the Saray Spa on Level 7. Let the calming sound of the water fountain percolate into your soul while you wait to be escorted inside. You will be presented with a wide range of options to pamper, refresh and rejuvenate.

Choice made? Now step inside to receive the best in class services from their trained staff. They will do everything in the book and beyond to ensure you feel your relaxed best. The interiors are spotless (your inner hygiene freak will approve) and the service is flawless. The staff is happy to customize everything from the volume of the music to the temperature to suit your comfort. The service itself is excellent.

Spa sesh done? Sit back and sip some tea in the relaxation area, or introspect inside the steam or sauna room.

Yes, those hunger pangs are imminent. Take a lift down to Scott’s American Grill. They have a delectable menu of fine Scottish dishes served with an American Twist. Try to get a seat by the window that boasts of a stunning view of Sheikh Zayed road.

Enjoy their hearty mains – we recommend the Tenderloin Steak and Tiger prawns and don’t miss the theatrical Timeless Cheesecake. It tastes delicious and was the highlight of our meal.

Exchange pleasantries with the chefs and staff. They are happy to interact and share insights on food, flavors and everything in between.

Retire for the day and fall asleep while watching the city lights in the distance.

For those that feel tempted to try the experience out, note that Marriott is having the following promotions during Easter, 2018.

Easter at Saray Spa- Chocolate Wrap (30 mins) + Massage of your choice (90 mins)- AED 550

Arabic Coffee Awakener at Saray Spa- AED 595 for a 90 min Arabic Coffee Awakener treatment + 30 min facial

Cuts & Kilts at Scots American Grill- Dry Aged tomahawk or prime rib + bottle of grape + choice of your dessert for AED 450 (price for 2)

Can’t make it? Stay tuned to the Marriott website for latest offers or feel free to contact me, and I will find out for you!

Protected: Dubai Staycation Idea: Marriott Al Jaddaf

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Parents of toddlers or young kids looking for a brunch? Here’s 7 reasons why the Bambino brunch at Luigia restaurant should be up your alley.

  1. A supervised play area As new parents you would know how difficult it is to dine out with a baby. Ever since Zahra was born we have struggled to have one decent conversation while eating out. Oh sweet joys of parenthood!

Sometimes we were really wish if there was a babysitter we could hand her over to while we enjoyed a decent meal together. This need was very well taken care of  by the Bambino brunch at Luigia restaurant.

There is a soft play area, activity tables, lots of pillows and soft toys, a Foosball table, colouring books and lots more!

We thought that our 16 month old was too young to play here. But she took to it like fish to water and considering they have staff constantly on the vigil, we had no qualms about leaving her alone for several minutes at a time.

  2. Indoor cinema specially for children For the slightly older kids, Luigia has a dedicated cinema area loaded with bean bags and soft toys and playing popular animated movies to keep them entertained. Yes, a cinema inside a restaurant – only a genius (and probably a parent himself) could have come up with this idea!

3. Kids eat free Yes, your child can have his choice of pizza or pasta free of cost at Luigia’s Bambino brunch. We ordered a white sauce penne pasta for baby Z and it was delicious!

  4. Chic interiors Moving on from the kids friendly zones, the Luigia restaurant is definitely one of the better places to look at. With red walls (known to make one feel hungry) and yellow light bulbs, it exudes an upmarket retro vibe. The restaurant is overall spacious, with sounds of enthusiastic chatter wafting throughout the place.

5. A la Carte menu If you thought that you would end up paying a bomb per head for this brunch, you could not be farther from the truth. You only pay for what you eat, which makes it a great option for the light eaters like me who always feel the pinch of pricey buffets.

  6. Fresh Food The Italian fare at Luigia was extremely fresh, almost as though they had a farm in the backyard from where they plucked their veggies and put them on a plate. The flavors were nicely balanced and it all tasted delicious.

7. Delectable desserts When we thought things could not get better, we moved on to try the desserts – which is quite an exhaustive menu, by the way. Our favorites were the chocolate fondant and profiteroles. Everything so decadent and moist, it literally melted in our mouths. Unarguably the highlight of our afternoon.

8. Courteous and helpful staff No restaurant can be successful without the existence of good staff. The staff is attentive patient and helpful. Everything is served with a smile and it adds to the laid-back vibe of the place.

  9. Great location with free valet parking The Luigia restaurant is located at Rixos premium, JBR – which is a popular destination over the weekend. Considering the fact that finding parking is such a hassle there, Luigia patrons are offered valet parking absolutely free of cost. So you can sit sit back, relax and enjoy the brunch with your friends or better halves.

Luigia restaurant location map: https://goo.gl/maps/vpR5ZiZgbqJ2 Contact for reservations: 04 349 6950

9 Reasons You Should Take your Kids Along For The Bambino Brunch at Luigia Restaurant Parents of toddlers or young kids looking for a brunch? Here's 7 reasons why the Bambino brunch at Luigia restaurant should be up your alley.

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Why You Should Try Nail Polishes from FC Beauty

Why You Should Try Nail Polishes from FC Beauty

If you prefer your nail polish to be non-toxic, halal and cruelty free – try the ones by FC Beauty. They come with an innovative formula free from harmful chemicals, are Islamic Sharia compliant and have not been tested on animals. These FC Beauty nail polishes are highly pigmented – so one coat is all you need to achieve a Matte+shimmery effect. So much for those hurried polish changes at home…

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Review: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balms

Review: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balms

“She’s got looks of an angel, but lips of a sinner..”

.. and why not? When it takes just one simple step to make them soft and supple!

(more…)

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This Happened When I used Braun Silk Epil Facial Cleansing Brush For a Month

Life Update: I have stopped using foundation on my face since over 2 weeks now. I have been using the  Braun Silk Epil Facial Cleansing brush for a month, and this is the difference that it has made to my skin! Read more on the blog!

Life Update: I have stopped using foundation on my face since over 2 weeks now.

Yes guys, its true! I made just one small change in my facial cleansing routine, which has helped me get radiant skin and hence skip foundation altogether. Yes, I have been using the  Braun Silk Epil Facial Cleansing brush for a month, and this is the difference that it has made to my skin! (more…)