EDUCATION:

Attend Brand Us Social’s Digital Conference in Dubai

Being someone that works in digital as well as intrigued by it all, I love a digital conference. I’m speaking at the Brand Us Social digital conference taking place later on this month. My talk is on the Power of instagram, but they also have great talks with the most inspiring speakers, other talks include defining your social media strategy to video contents and Q&As. The event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai.
To buy tickets, click here 

HEALTH: 

Grab a healthy lunch at Kitsch Counter.

I always feel like we lack healthy restaurants and cafes, where we can grab a quick lunch or pick up on the go. I was excited to hear that Kitsch cupcakes were rebranding and changing their branches into Kitsch concept stores (Good news, the cupcakes are still there as well as the baked donuts!) Dalia Dogmoch, the co-founder and one of the most inspiring women I know stripped down Kitsch and went for a clean look – to serve healthy but tasty food. They have options like Paleo, Gluten free as well as Dairy free. Some of my favourites include the Chia seed pudding (almond based) for breakfast, pressed juices by Organic press, delicious natural coffee, and their Protein box (filling and so good!) includes guacamole, kale sneaked in, chickpeas, pomegranate and quinoa. You can also pick up some Granola to take home and guess what, they have lamingtons and Blondies. My new favourite place.

BEAUTY:

Try Dubai’s brand new Blow dry Bar, Be Bar

I have an obsession, and I mean obsession with Blow dry bars. I’ve been waiting for the day we get a full on proper blow dry bar, and I can finally say we have one. I recently visited and got my hair did at an LA inspired blow dry bar that just opened in Umm Suqeim on Beach Road called Be Bar. Started up by two American women, Andrea and Lindsay – one’s behind the creatives of the hair and the other is the business mind – I’ll say… they did good. The bar is adorable, fun and looks like it was thought through carefully. It includes two round bars with mirrors, minimal elegant white chairs, chic branding, natural light, wooden floors and brick walls. You can also judge a salon by their shower beds… so I’m glad to say that Be Bar have flat beds to use their Davines products (they exclusively use and sell Davines) – if you have any extra time, make sure to book in for an extended scalp massage with Ria (Rica is also great with massages)- the shower room is zen with the dim lights. On to the experience, they have international magazines and a snack bar filled with popcorn, berries and coffee whilst you get your hair done. The easy part of a blow dry bar is the fact that you don’t really need to do any pre work, choose a style from their menu – they have a section for long and short hair. My favourite would have to be the Be Flirty, with volume – which lasted me a good two days! My only concern was the parking, which they are working on… but they do have parking at the back so make sure to call them before you head there.

Recommended stylist: One of the co-owners and the brains behind the hair, Andrea.

FITNESS: 

Get a private pilates class at the comfort of your home

These days fitting a workout into your schedule is one of the hardest things to do. We work long hours, we want more of a social life, and there’s a lot more things taking up our time that keeping fit and healthy can often go forgotten. Whenever I speak to a lot of women that work long hours that manage to fit workouts, they say that they have an instructor come over and train them. The art in this is finding a great instructor. I recently tried a class with Diane Johnston, a former accountant who started up her own business, Spirit Level Pilates where she teaches in the comfort of your own home or a pilates studio at Al Barari (where they offer private and group classes). All you have to do is book a session and she’s at your house (on time, which is always refreshing) and she brings everything from the mat to the equipment. The class is bespoke catered to your needs. I wanted more of a workout, so Diane toughened it up whilst still making sure I was doing things that didn’t hurt any injuries I had – and still felt the workout the next day! Fun Fact: Diane, who is incredibly lovely from Scotland also works as a life coach!

A private class costs AED350 but gets discounted if you buy in packs.

www.spiritlevelpilates.com

 

SUGAR RUSH: 

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the Chikalicious Dessert club

I love a good dessert. I recently checked out Chikalicious Dessert club, that opened at The Village Mall from New York City as well as bringing their chef, Dave to the city. Having been voted as New York’s top sweet stop, I couldn’t really miss out on checking it out. There are two things I was impressed with and recommend – If you would like something on the go, do not miss out on their Dough’ssant (have it in Vanilla custard!)- a croissant and donut in one, however if you’re heading with a friend or even want a really good date idea, Chikalicious’s 3 course dessert meal is a winner… tiny dishes and not heavy at all, my personal favourites were the coconut ice-cream in jasmine tea as well as the nutella truffle.

FOOD:

Try NYC’s famous burgers in Dubai… at Burger Joint, City Walk

There’s a burger trend going on in Dubai at the moment – way too many burger joints that it’s become difficult to choose when wanting to go out for good, no fuss burgers. NYC’s Burger Joint (it was named Burger joint as New Yorkers started referring to it as the burger joint when wanting to grab some burgers) opened in City Walk not long ago. Completely casual, the interiors are just plain cool – graffiti and brick work and neon lights. I recently went out for a burger bite with a few of my friends (They also have a branch in Abu Dhabi). With Burger Joint, it’s not a place to be picky or adventurous, their menu – which is pretty much handwritten on cardboard only has a few choices which includes a hamburger and a cheeseburger – and double options. I tried the Cheeseburger with a pickle side, fries and an Oreo shake. You’ll be full, but not uncomfortably stuffed – always a good thing.

 

EVENT:

Attend the F1 events this year

If there’s one time in the year where Abu Dhabi and YAS become one of the most happening places, it’s the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 which takes place from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd November this year.  The YAS Marina gets filled with the most beautiful super yachts, the hotels get booked up and all the places turn into happening spots. If you’re in the process of planning your F1 weekend, check out YAS Marina, which is home to outlets such as the sunset lounge Iris, Dabilito (Spanish Tapas bar) and Cipriani for dinner to name a few.  Don’t forget to also check out the YAS Marina lounge and the Amber Lounge where most of the after parties are taking place.