#OnTheRun
There are no words to describe this epic ending to Beyonce and Jay Z's On the Run tour - my only regret is that i wasn't there to witness it. The below clip is well worth a watch - enjoy x
#RuleTheRoast
In a sea of Arabic cuisine during the Holy Month in Dubai, Tom & Serg, the new hip Al Quoz cafe have shut up shop during the day and bought out #RuleTheRoast, an evening full of what Brits like best. From 7pm on-wards during the month of Ramadan you can head down to the trendy venue and stuff yourself full of classic roast dinner. Offering up a mixture of meats including lamb, chicken and beef plus all the traditional trimmings including yorkshire pud and gravy with spuds and creamy cauliflower cheese, this is something that shouldn't be missed. For a mere 85aed for a normal plate (which is HUGE as far as normal goes) and 95aed for a king size plate, this is cheap, easy and quick dining at its best, and... they even have 4 very British deserts if you have room left after stuffing your stomach full of spuds. For a limited time only, so hurry down, however be prepared to queue - word has spread fast!
Food for ThoughtThe Conversations: 66 reasons to start talking
There are no words to describe this epic ending to Beyonce and Jay Z's On the Run tour - my only regret is that i wasn't there to witness it. The below clip is well worth a watch - enjoy x
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmfmdKOLzVI
Welcome to the IKEA climbing wall
Ikea promoted the opening of its 30th store in France by building an apartment with a twist.. this is no ordinary apartment, in actual fact its a 9 meter high rock climbing wall built in the city of Clermont-Ferrand allowing customers to navigate among stylish beds, cabinets, tables and chairs etc all using a harness of course. The Swedish retailer has been on flying creative form recently with other notable efforts including 'lighting a forest with LED lamps' and 'spending a night in IKEA' - hats off to ya!
i-escape
This website has quickly become by new obsession and also a handy go-to when planning hotels for holidays. The site shows a selection of hand-picked beautiful boutique and hip hotel, B&Bs plus houses to rent all set among gorgeous back drops. Well worth a look - there are some real gems to be uncovered and explored!
5 Day Trip Around Oman
DAY 1: Drive/Fly to Muscat. Have a day lounging by the pool at The Chedi and spend a night in luxury.
DAY 2: Have a morning relaxing and a delicious lunch by the sea at The Chedi. Drive 1 1/2 hours to Wadi Shab. Visit the Sink Hole and spend a night at the Wadi Shab Hotel.
DAY 3: Wake up early and head to Wadi Shab and begin the hike. Once completed, drive down to Ras Al Jinz, stopping in Sur on route for a spot of lunch and a visit around the oldest town in Oman. Stay a night at The Turtle Reserve and prepare to wake up early!
DAY 4: Wake up at the crack of dawn to see the Turtles (Turtle season is at its best either in July/August or October/November). Fill you belly with breakfast before heading up the mountains. Stop at Nizwa for some lunch and a spot of site seeing before heading further into the mountains (note you will need a 4X4 car from Nizwa onwards) to Jebal Shams and stay here - http://www.booking.com/hotel/om/jebel-shams-resort.en-gb.html?sid=8453da0430e51cd82711ca03e59d5107;dcid=4
DAY 5: Watch the sun rise over the mountains before either driving back to home or back to Muscat to catch a flight.
Wadi Shab - Oman
Wadi Shab is probably one of the better things I have experienced whilst travelling. Roughly an hour and a half drive south of Muscat, right between the sea and the mountains lies the infamous Wadi Shab. It is arguably one of the most gorgeous and scenic places in Muscat and is well worth a visit if you are ever in Oman.
The entrance isn't overly inspiring, and doesn't do the trek ahead any justice.. Well sign posted off the main road you will arrive under a bridge where cars are parked up. From there, locals are waiting with boats to transport you across the river so you can begin your adventure. Beyond the entrance, the wadi rewards you with gorgeous aquamarine pools filled with tiny frogs and fish, rocky mountains, caves and waterfalls. The terrain throughout the hike varies as you go along, starting off with a well laid out path, leading to walking around the sides of cliffs, followed by large rocks and finishing off with a 10 minute swim into a cave which is covered in waterfalls. Pools are conveniently situated throughout the trek giving hikers the perfect opportunity to jump in and cool off! There is also a great jumping point where one can safely fling them self off a cliff into deep, cool, refreshing water.
The hike takes around 3 hrs to complete (if you are stopping for swims) and it is advised to bring water and food with you (we bought neither and struggled) as well as appropriate footwear (we wore flip flops - worst idea) as the rocks can get slippy. It is untouched nature at its best and for an added bonus it is also free (except the boat ride at the beginning which costs 1 OMR).
If you are making the trip down to Wadi Shab and looking for somewhere to stay, your best bet is Wadi Shab Resort. A mere 5 minutes away from the wadis, its cheap and cheerful and a perfect resting place. Each guest is given a large room with clean bathroom and terrace out the front. The pool is small (and slightly warm!) but there are sun beds and great views of the skyline and beach from the pool side. With one cafe, buffets are popular but the food is decent, and fills you up before the trek - for more info visit: http://wadishabresort.com/. Please note that the staff speak very little English, so head to reception if you have any queries - they are extremely helpful.
If you have time to squeeze in one more thing, head to the Sink Hole. Roughly 15 minutes away from the hotel, the big sink is a natural watering hole where anyone can go for a swim. Situated in the Hawiyat Najm Park, on the road between Dibab and Bimmah (slightly closer to Dibab) it is also a free attraction and a great site to see.
Ski Dubai - MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Ski Dubai is another one of Dubai's great gimmicky attractions - bringing snow to the desert is definitely a first, and Dubai has managed to do it bigger and better than any indoor ski slope I have ever seen. Offering up a range of activities within the snow dome, there is something on offer for every age group, even can't ski.
The main attraction is obviously the slopes, comprising of two main 'runs' plus a nursery slope for beginners. The main bulk of the snow consists of a black, red and blue run, offering something to fit every ski level. Button and chair lifts ferry people up the mountain and in true Alps style there is a coffee shop mid-way down suitably named Avalanche Cafe to stop and slurp away on a hot choc. There is also a mini ski park where pros can improve there 'slides' and jumps. As much as I love skiing, I am lucky enough to of been a few times and would say I can ski to a certain level.. For people who are skilled on the snow, continually up and down can get a bit tedious, especially on one run and I found it was only fun for about an hour. When this moment comes though, Ski Dubai has plenty more fun on offer to keep you entertained (and cold!) for a while longer.
Lying on 3000 square meters of snow, lies the infamous snow park where activities such as tobogganing and bobsledding are on offer. You can also indulge in the snowball throwing gallery and the snow cavern filled with interactive experiences for all age groups. Snow man building is permitted and occasional flurries of snow swirl down from the sky to add to the mountain experience. Other attractions include large blow up balls where you can sit and be rolled down the mountain - this is something I am yet to try!
If all the above doesn't entice you, then there is always the penguin encounter corner which is sure to brighten up your day. See them waddle and swim and even have a selfie, however please beware that you cannot touch the penguin.. sadly penguin hugging is not permitted.
This is one of Dubai's great novelty experiences, and one to definitely try. Prices vary depending on which activity you choose and if you have the voucher book, be sure to bring this with you when you visit. One more point to note is that even though they supply all garments (boots, skis etc) on arrival, hats and gloves are not included but can be bought at the ski shop on site (for a hefty price of course)
If you do not want to partake in any cold activities, you can always head up to Apres bar (in MOE) which overlooks the slopes. Kick back with a cocktail and watch the fun from afar.
Ski/Snowboarding lessons on request.
#RuleTheRoast
In a sea of Arabic cuisine during the Holy Month in Dubai, Tom & Serg, the new hip Al Quoz cafe have shut up shop during the day and bought out #RuleTheRoast, an evening full of what Brits like best. From 7pm on-wards during the month of Ramadan you can head down to the trendy venue and stuff yourself full of classic roast dinner. Offering up a mixture of meats including lamb, chicken and beef plus all the traditional trimmings including yorkshire pud and gravy with spuds and creamy cauliflower cheese, this is something that shouldn't be missed. For a mere 85aed for a normal plate (which is HUGE as far as normal goes) and 95aed for a king size plate, this is cheap, easy and quick dining at its best, and... they even have 4 very British deserts if you have room left after stuffing your stomach full of spuds. For a limited time only, so hurry down, however be prepared to queue - word has spread fast!
BOUNCE - Dubai
BOUNCE is the latest craze in the UAE covering exercise and fun in one foul swoop. They have taken over a warehouse in Al Quoz and literally covered the floor and the walls in trampolines giving each customer the experience to fly through the air and bounce off the walls. The moto: jump high, land soft and still be safe - and this couldnt fit more perfectly with what Bounce is about.
Originating from Australia, this is definitely the first of its kind in Dubai and from I have seen, it has attracted thousands since it opened its doors a few weeks ago. To add to what already is pretty darn cool, there are other things you can take part in (obviously still involving trampolines..) including dodge ball, shooting hoops and free jumping.
Starting with free jumping, BOUNCE has set up super springy trampolines which one bounces a few times on before catapulting onto a massive air bag, cushioning your fall. Great for all sorts of flips, tricks or even just belly flopping in to... There is also a free jump 'pro' area where you can see all sorts of weird and wacky tricks including walking up walls, flips which seems to last for minutes and odd trampolining dancing..
When it comes to shooting hoops its quite self explanatory... trampolines are set in front of hoops - the aim of the game is to bounce high enough to 'slam dunk' the ball through... We participated in a few races - its safe to say that due to my short legs and lack of hand eye co-ordination i failed miserably..
Dodge ball was the final activity we took part in.. quite daunting at first but hilarious. Balls flying, people bouncing, lots of squealing (from me anyway..) - definitely one of the highlights.
So if you feel like doing something different, a fun form of exercise head down and try it out - however, be prepared to sweat and feel inferior to the 15year old pros.
To Note: BOUNCE provides socks on arrival and there is a cafeteria where you can purchase soft drinks and snacks.
Story Lounge - Holiday Inn, Internet City, Dubai
This relatively new hot spot sits on the border between Internet City and Knowledge Village making it my go-to bar for after work drinks. The trendy digs are on the top floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel, with two terraces encasing the indoor restaurant, both with marvelous views of the Palm and the sunset (if you manage to get there in time after work).
The indoor interiors are cool and spacious with tables dug into coves in the wall as well as massive lounge areas throughout the room. One of the balcony, skinny in appearance, is the more relaxed and quiet out of the two, the perfect place to catch up with friends and wind down after a long day at work. The latter is more energetic with a DJ based at one end of the room, blaring techno beats until the early hours of the morning. Mirroring the interiors, the exteriors also boost large sofa areas, large enough for a dozen companions. There are also high tables giving customers an even better view of what lies beyond the railings.
Snacks and more substantial meals are available, all based around a mexican style theme. Try a chicken coquette or the sweet potato fries - these are great sharing plates for the whole table to indulge in.
Story also has many offers to get involved in. They do a great Thursday night and Friday brunch, with mounts of delicious food and a outdoor BBQ. On a Thursday night they offer 4 drinks for 100aed until 8pm and though-out the week, happy hour reigns with 50% off selected beverage... I mean, whats not to like?!
To note: staff are a tad slow but as long as you are not too inpatient, it shouldn't ruin the experience too much...
Blue Marlin UAE
06.05.2014
Blue Marlin might just be my new favorite spot in Dubai..
This Ibizian beach brand brings something refreshing and new to beach club chic in Dubai and unlike Nasimi Beach, this joint is more about party and less about relaxing.
During the day, people prance about in bikinis, swim in the sea, enjoy some light lunch, however, around 4pm the crowds from Dubai and decent on Blue Marlin and the atmosphere becomes raucous.
Expect intense beats from world renowned international house DJs, a crowded dance floor, oversized shades (even when its dark!) and a party to rival Dubai's best.
Note: Blue Marlin is about 25mins out of Dubai toward Abu Dhabi, and as you can imagine the queues get big quickly. Be sure to leave enough time to get there and get in.
Detoxin' with Detox Delight Dubai
13.04.2014
The latest craze is the Juice Detox.. How anyone manages to live of juice for 5 days solid is beyond me, yet low and behold, here I am, attempting the impossible... Ive decided to go for For SUPER GREEN DELIGHT where the fruit content is reduced and replaced by basic vegetable varieties and fresh electrolyte-rich coconut water to accelerate the detox effect. The focus is on citrus fruits and a lot of green leaf vegetable like chard, spinach, cabbage, cos lettuce, herbs and grasses (“Super Greens”) well known for their cleansing and healing properties.. Wish me luck - its going to be a long week!
GET INVOLVED HERE: http://www.detox-delight.ae/products/super-green-delight.html
Food for ThoughtThe Conversations: 66 reasons to start talking
07.04.2014
Back in the day, I felt I used to have an opinion on everything, however as life went on these thoughts stopped flooding to the forefront of my mind. Step in Olivia Fane...
This brilliant book encourages us all to think anew. Olivia Fane provides the starting points for 66 conversations to be had with a partner, friend, stranger or simply with ourselves. These though-provoking and stimulating short discussions on happiness, vanity, infidelity, education and more, ask you the questions that will help you get to know those with whom you share your life.
Providing endless 'food for thought', hours of conversation and words which open windows, if nothing else, this is a book to enjoy - the ultimate coffee table accessory!
KARGEEN CAFE - Muscat, Oman
09.02.14
Kargeen - direct translation meaning 'little wooden cottage' is set in the center of Muscat (and known by every taxi driver who works in town!) serving up local cuisine in a chilled out, cosy environment. Done up in wood, wrought iron and decorated with bright rugs, the restaurant blends Eastern style with classical Western culture with ease. The menu boasts a selection of food, including burgers, pizza and pasta however they mostly focused on traditional local dishes and Arabic specialties (which they do extremely well!)
Even though it is dry, they offer a large selection of fresh mocktails and smoothies and also have a large array of shisha on offer which is a must (in my opinion) when heading out to any Arabic/Lebanese restaurant.
Try the Omani Shawa - spiced lamb and rice. The lamb quite literally falls off the bone onto your plate, full of tangy tastes, and Omani spices. The Moutabel is also probably the best i've ever tasted..
Whether you are looking for a full on meal or just a quick coffee, Kargeen is the place for you. They provide amazing food, great service, a buzzy atmosphere and an all round unique and interesting dinning experience.
For more info please visit: http://www.kargeencaffe.com/en/
Azzaha Tours, Muscat, OMAN
09.02.14
Based in the Marina Bander Al Rowhda, near Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Azzaha Tours is one of the leading sea tour companies in Muscat. They operate all sea tours from Dolphin watching and snorkeling to fishing trips and beach parties, and also include Dhow and coastal cruises. For a mere 25 rial, we were treated to a morning of dolphin watching (where we witnessed around 200 dolphins swarming around our boat!), a trip to a beautiful deserted island called Bander Al Khayran and snorkeling. The boats aren't over crowded, all equipment and snacks are provided and the trips are from 10am until 1pm daily.
All other activities and prices can be found on their website http://azzahatours.com/
This was by far the best thing I did whilst I was in Oman - make sure you take a morning to go and explore the sea!
Bon Voyage x
Margot Robbie's new hair do - DOOPELGANGER?!
29.01.2014
A buddy of mine just sent this to me.. Spoof?! I think someone has been spending too much time on Photoshop..
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| Margot Robbie with her golden locks |
Left:: Margot Robbie and her new brunette look Right: Me
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