Author: Business & Lifestyle Publishing

A snapshot of all things lifestyle by Island girls Shereen Shabnam and Natasha Dury.

New summer offers by Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah

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Shereen Shabnam Kempinski-Palm-JumeirahIts hot and I just feel like staying in a luxurious room all day fasting, reading and chilling while fasting – so I started looking at local hotel offers not that my work schedule will allow even a day off but loved the pictures from Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah – They just unveiled new offers for the summer for guests from the UAE and other countries including lower prices on suites and villas and free breakfast.
The offers, which are valid until September 2015 , also involve large discounts on services at the SPA and other facilities as well as internet, children’s club and free transport to and from Emirates Mall.
The hotel is ready to receive families and other guests from the UAE and the remaining GCC countries to enjoy summer and spend quiet holidays in a luxurious atmosphere, according to the hotel’s general manager Mr Alessandro Redaeli.

Alessandro Redaelli (2)Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, the fourth royal-style building on Jumeirah Palm, comprises 244 suites and pent houses, has an advanced SPA, a large number of restaurants and bars, other facilities, as well as a clean 500-metre beach strip. If I do decide on a staycation in the next 2 weeks, this place is definitely an option.

Kempinski Palm Shereen Shabnam

Banana Republic’s Summer Monogram Collection

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Shereen Shabnam Banana Republic

This June Banana Republic will debut the Summer Monogram collection featuring limited-edition summer dresses and tailored separates perfect for special occasions this season… pictures look great with an opportunity to own some classic pieces.

The collection was inspired by bespoke designs created for recent special event appearances, including Ashley Madekwe’s custom look designed by Banana Republic and worn to the British Fashion Awards.

The 11-piece capsule includes stylish separates and dresses created with premium fabrics and attention to both detail and fit. The collection ranges in price from AED 450 to AED 750 and will be available starting June.

Spice it up with ice this summer at Icons Coffee Couture

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Icons Ice cream Shereen ShabnamJPGThe Innovative Ice -cream salad dressing!

It’s really hot at the moment so getting news on  ICONS Coffee Couture, a German coffee franchise and healthy coffee joint, unveiling their new range of ‘Sweet & Salty’ ice creams is a welcome thought.

Designed as a unique ice cream range, the collection includes not only ice cream smoothies and frappes, but also three salty ice cream dressings to make every salad deliciously sumptuous. Ice-cream enthusiast and innovator, Vasco Valenca De Sousa is the mind behind the Sweet & Salty range of Icons ice cream dreams which are only naturally sweetened with dates or agave to embrace healthy eating and face the summer heat with their cool ice creams.

I reckon I have had very brand of ice-cream the last few days –  At Icons, the sweet ice cream compliments well the upcoming Ramadan season, with dates coupled with classic flavors, chocolate and vanilla. The salty ice creams, a never-before heard of concept, includes herby pesto flavor, dense potato and fresh carrot variants.

What’s more –the salty range of savory ice creams are made to be used as healthy and delicious salad dressings! Once scooped and put over a dry salad, these ice creams melt right in, giving the salads a rich, creamy and refreshing taste.

Enjoy!

Sophisticated flying with Alitalia

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In the Limelight this week is Alitalia. As a journalist I spend a lot of time on airlines but have still not experienced the Italian flag carrier Alitalia – I hear it has embarked on the next phase of its evolution as a rejuvenated global airline by introducing a new brand identity, including a fresh new livery, which aims to position the famous airline as a leader in innovative and sophisticated flying, and to represent the best of Italy on the world stage.

Apparently leading design consultants Landor were commissioned to create a young and seductive new look to represent the airline’s ambitions, utilising the design elements of the airline’s previous iconic livery, which was also created by Landor in 1969.

To reflect longevity and the airline’s illustrious history, the stylised tail logo which has characterised Alitalia since its first major rebrand 46 years ago has been updated and refined, retaining the same green, red and white colours of the Italian flag. The new logotype has been modernised and a more dominant ‘A’ has been introduced – a bold statement of the heights the airline is striving to reach and its enviable experience in the field of aviation.

By increasing the number of primary colour tones used on the logo’s palette, the modernised livery now portrays greater depth and richness. Inspired in part by the striking lines on Formula 1 racing cars, striations have been added to the red triangular interior of the Alitalia ‘A’, creating a pinstripe effect which reflects exclusivity, attention to detail and a strong focus on design. Aircraft fuselages will now be painted in a calm ivory, reflective of understated Italian style, and progressively banded rear-ward to create an impression of movement, speed and unhindered progress.

The new branding will be extended to the cabin décor of Alitalia’s fleet of modern Airbus, Boeing and Embraer aircraft.

The airline is introducing new brand elements inspired and influenced by Italian craftsmanship and luxury automotive design, creating simple, clean and stylish interiors. The stylised ‘A’ appears subtly on cabin panelling, and on soft furnishings such as curtains, headrests and cushions. The vibrant and contemporary new designs will also feature on menu cards, onboard amenities and on the branding of inflight programming and reading material.

Seats in Business Class will be upholstered in fine leather by Italian furniture-maker Poltrona Frau, intricately stitched, and reminiscent of the interiors of luxury sports cars. Lighter secondary colour shades are used to enhance the feeling of superior quality and elegance.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

 

 

Bridal hair to have you aisle worthy

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shereen shabnam hair

Absolutely love getting hair tips from celebrity hairstylist Asgar Saboo. And as it’s the season of wedding bells and if you dream of walking down the aisle with gorgeous hair,  Asgar shares his tips on how to achieve glamorous, aisle-worthy hair.

1) Invest in haircare

It’s important you start taking care of your hair at least six months prior to the wedding day. Invest in products that suit your hair type as opposed to buying expensive shampoos and conditioners which might not work for you.

2) Deep Condition

Do a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Layer products to cater to your hair’s needs. If you have extremely dry hair, mix a blend of oils with your conditioner and leave it on overnight. For greasy hair, skip the oils and opt for a conditioner that softens the hair but doesn’t leave the hair feeling too oily. It’s all about customising products to suit your specific hair type.

3) Protect your hair

Use a heat protection spray before using any heat-styling tools on your hair. To protect your hair further, apply a serum to towel-dabbed hair and follow it up with a heat protection spray. Also, let your hair air dry as often as possible.

4) Trim it right

Be sure to trim the ends of your hair every six weeks to avoid split ends and breakage.

5) Pamper, pamper, pamper!

A week before the wedding, pamper your hair by sleeping with a leave-in conditioner; this is sure to boost your hair health.

Cost effective tips to save energy and money!

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Just received some awesome tips from MPLUS+ to GO GREEN. World Earth Day is a gentle reminder to us all to take a step back and evaluate how we are contributing towards building a sustainable future… for ourselves and our future generations!

Small and consistent measures taken at home can go a long way in realizing the dream of a sustainably developed world. Mplus+, an innovative home maintenance company with years of experience in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, brings you quick, simple and effective ecofriendly home maintenance tips that also help reduce your bills!

* Turn off the lights when you leave your home, or even a room. Simple, but saves you a lot of money! This is probably the most obvious, yet commonly overlooked step
* The same goes for electronics and appliances which tend to use up energy even when they are not switched on. Unplugging from the main source is a quick act, and an effective one. Appliances to watch out for are televisions, cell phone chargers, Kettles, computers and VCR/DVD
* Make sure your home is insulated well to help keep it cool in the hot summer months, without having to constantly run the air conditioner. You can do this by closing blinds and drapes, and making sure all doors and windows are closed, to help keep the house cool. You can do so using caulk and weather-stripping to seal leaks, and ensure drafts are covered.

* Replace old light bulbs and electronic equipment with energy saving and eco-friendly options. An easy way to know if you’re really upgrading to an energy-saving appliance or equipment is to look for the Energy Star label.

MPLUS+ provides cost and energy effective installations which include- The AIRCOSAVER, a smart control device that eliminates this excess energy consumption and upgrades the energy efficiency of existing AC systems by 15-25% thus complementing the system’s existing thermostat to deliver significant savings while maintaining comfort; The AERATER, which helps to limit the water flow through the faucet; greatly reducing and regulating the flow of water.

Green Tips for the UAE
We can leverage the months of sweltering heat that we experience in the country to be more environmentally conscious.
* One of the best ways to ‘go green’ here would be to install a solar film. Imagine all that could happen if even a small percentage of the heat is harnessed. From water heating to lights, this can also help save you hundreds of dirhams! Mplus+ can be help you install a Solar Film.

* This requires no heavy duty maintenance, but is most effective- install a clothing line outside if you live in a villa, and on your balcony if you live in an apartment. Not only is this eco-friendly and cost-efficient, it keeps your clothes fresh and smelling great!

Thanks MPLUS+ for the awesome Tips.

Go Green with MPLUS+ with tips on saving energy

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Celebrating World Earth Day is a gentle reminder to us all to take a step back and evaluate how we are contributing towards building a sustainable future… for ourselves and our future generations!

Small and consistent measures taken at home can go a long way in realizing the dream of a sustainably developed world. Mplus+, an innovative home maintenance company with years of experience in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, brings you quick, simple and effective ecofriendly home maintenance tips that also help reduce your bills!

* Turn off the lights when you leave your home, or even a room. Simple, but saves you a lot of money! This is probably the most obvious, yet commonly overlooked step
* The same goes for electronics and appliances which tend to use up energy even when they are not switched on. Unplugging from the main source is a quick act, and an effective one. Appliances to watch out for are televisions, cell phone chargers, Kettles, computers and VCR/DVD
* Make sure your home is insulated well to help keep it cool in the hot summer months, without having to constantly run the air conditioner. You can do this by closing blinds and drapes, and making sure all doors and windows are closed, to help keep the house cool. You can do so using caulk and weather-stripping to seal leaks, and ensure drafts are covered.

* Replace old light bulbs and electronic equipment with energy saving and eco-friendly options. An easy way to know if you’re really upgrading to an energy-saving appliance or equipment is to look for the Energy Star label.

MPLUS+ provides cost and energy effective installations which include- The AIRCOSAVER, a smart control device that eliminates this excess energy consumption and upgrades the energy efficiency of existing AC systems by 15-25% thus complementing the system’s existing thermostat to deliver significant savings while maintaining comfort; The AERATER, which helps to limit the water flow through the faucet; greatly reducing and regulating the flow of water.

Green Tips for the UAE
We can leverage the months of sweltering heat that we experience in the country to be more environmentally conscious.
* One of the best ways to ‘go green’ here would be to install a solar film. Imagine all that could happen if even a small percentage of the heat is harnessed. From water heating to lights, this can also help save you hundreds of dirhams! Mplus+ can be help you install a Solar Film.

* This requires no heavy duty maintenance, but is most effective- install a clothing line outside if you live in a villa, and on your balcony if you live in an apartment. Not only is this eco-friendly and cost-efficient, it keeps your clothes fresh and smelling great!

Thanks MPLUS+ for the awesome Tips.

Exquisite Greek products at Mastihashop Dubai

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coktail loukoum 340gr

Mastihashop is a new Dubai department store experience with a cosy Boutique Café feel combined to offer an immersive social experience. Located in Aswaaq Mall on Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah 1, the Mastihashop collection reflects the modernization of traditional food remedies that include Mastiha/Mastic infused chocolates, sweets, savoury products, cosmetics and skincare, pharmaceuticals, gifts as well as exotic coffee, ice cream, desserts and milkshakes.

Mastihashop venue

Inspired and intriguedby the powerful healing qualities of Mastiha or Mastic and warm memories of his grandmother using Mastic for ailments, local entrepreneur, Mansoor Al Bastaki has embarked on a journey that has brought Mastihashop and its popular products into the UAE.

Mastihashop CoffeeMastiha/Mastic is a natural and rare tree resin, which has proven to have health benefits with its anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Any raw Mastiha found around the world originates in only one place in Greece, in Chios Islands and Mastiha Shop is the sole supplier of the Mastiha raw resins.

Mansoor Al Bastaki

Under the creative direction of the parent brand, Mastihashop in the UAE has evolved with Mansoor Al Bastaki, Founder and Director of Mastihashop at the helm. The exotic Mastihashop collection reflects the modernization of traditional food remedies and include Mastic infused chocolates, sweets, savoury products, cosmetics and skincare, pharmaceuticals, gifts as well as exotic coffee, ice cream, desserts and milkshakes.

Mastihashop, offers clients the perfect bite, the perfect gift and a cosy hangout for coffee, is located in the Aswaaq Building in Jumeirah 1, Al Wasl Road.The outlet also offers beautiful gift hampers for all occasions and for corporate gifts that can be branded with the individual company logo.

Corporate Gifts Mastihashop

GRUSELLA BY FORMABILIO

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Grusella shereen

As i love my own company (currently I’m at dinner working while checking out the pre ramadan iftar menu at the Pullman), I tend to enjoy the time I spend with myself as it is so precious after spending most of the day running around and being with people.

The one place I can just be on my own is at home so I thought of decluttering my work space and spent the last few weeks trying to detox my home every hour I get that is spare. A friend of mine keeps sending images of beautiful gardens and immaculate spaces of living rooms so I decided to check out some stuff on my own.

And I came across this really simple console that constricts as a crane – totally not my flamboyant style as my house is full of antique or Marina furniture that costs a fortune and requires an army to move.

This piece called Grusella, designed by Paolo Foglini for Formabilio, is a console that becomes a shelf, small bookcase, where you place your showpieces, characterized by neat, functional and essential lines.

Grusella, that has a shelf, secured to the wall and a base which ends with the storage tray with a contrasted color inside, is an evocative furniture element. It also characterizes the entry hall as functional and stylish, fitting perfectly in any corner of the living where you decide to put it.

Formabilio has other console in its catalogue: Metafilo with contrasting color finishing, Tconsolle that renovates with style the idea of storage furniture reminding of an easel, Iggy with “sliding compartments” that can be used vertically and horizontally.

Check them out…I like the idea of it but it will take some time for me to let go of the few thousands of books before I embrace the minimalistic lifestyle.