Ready for International Tea Day with Kenyan Tea

December 13, 2015Leave a comment

Courtesy: Kibenda Tea Estate in Nairobi

I love tea parties….it is the perfect laid back way one can catch up with friends and family and I love the fact that I have a tea house right across my home near Citywalk. But how much do we know about the tea we drink. When it comes to tea, one usually associates the hot beverage with India, Sri Lanka or China. But did you know that, according to the leading online statistics portal Statistica, Kenya exports more tea than any of these countries above? In light of International Tea Day on 15th December, here are some fun facts you probably did not know about Kenyan tea.

1. Tea was first brought to Limuru, Kenya by by G.W.L Caine in 1903 from India. A short drive from Nairobi, you can visit the Kiambethu plantation in Limuru and take a tour of this historical site.

2. Many know that tea is ‘chai’ in Hindi and Urdu; but did you know that it is also called ‘chai’ in Swahili? That means that when you say ‘chai tea’, you are actually saying ‘tea tea’.

3. Over 60 per cent of Kenyan tea is produced by smallholder farmers. That means when you’re drinking tea from Kenya, you are most likely supporting the local tea farming industry!

4. Kenya’s top export is tea, with $915 million worth of tea exported around the world in 2013. Kenya mostly exports tea to Egypt, Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the UK and the UAE. In recent years, Angola, Vietnam, Philippines, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Czech Republic, Myanmar and South Sudan are slowly joining the Kenyan tea bandwagon.

5. Kenya mostly produces black tea but in recent years, the market has begun to diversify with green teas, white teas and even white matchas.

Limited Edition! Mikyajy’s Star Dust Makeup Palette

November 27, 2015Leave a comment

Its party season – Get the perfect lip or eye color for every outfit in an easy-to-carry palette! Mikyajy’s Star Dust winter makeup palette is the best solution for any beauty lover’s makeup collection and is guaranteed to get you every look you can think of. A 92 piece trendy, portable palette with mesmerizing and glamorous finishes for eyes, lips and cheeks.

The Limited Edition winter makeup palette is available at all Mikyajy stores across the region for AED 149.

Eid Festive Fashion at Reveal Fashion Abu Dhabi

July 13, 2015Leave a comment

Contemporary style revealed at Khalidiyah Mall Boutique

In preparation for the summer holidays and the Ramadan and Eid festive season, Reveal Fashion is showcasing the latest elegant and high quality women’s wear featuring fresh trends, International brands and attractive style options at the Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi.

With a wide selection of Ready-to-Wear (RTW) custom and knitted apparel for women, Reveal fashion places style at the forefront with the objective to provide clients a variety of quality clothing that fits each costumer like it was tailored just for them.

The current collection of casual and eveningwear has beads, lace and stones to bring out the confidence and sensuality of Fashionistas in the UAE.

According to Manar Boston, Partner, Reveal Fashion LLC, the brand offers patrons an opportunity to redefine their wardrobe with ready to wear pieces that are comfortable yet unique in design and the outlet strives to bring in collections that are timeless yet trendy.

“Our collections suit the tastes of patrons who like to stand out in the crowd as the overall brand personality of Reveal Fashion aspires to be fashionable, customer-oriented, innovative, refreshing and stylish,” adds Honey Luague, Manager at Reveal Fashion.

The Reveal Fashion boutique is a place where women can go and transform themselves with beautiful clothes and determine the right style for every occasion whether it’s a private party, a wedding or a night out.

Festive Hampers from Mastihashop

July 13, 2015Leave a comment

Gift boxes at Mastihashop

Mastihashop presents a wide range of gift boxes and hampers for Ramadan, Eid, for corporate giveaways and for all the popular festive occasions like birthdays, house warming and picnics. Gift hampers can be customized and presented with the company’s branding.

The exotic Mastihashop collection reflects the modernization of traditional food remedies and include Mastihq 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.

Mansoor Al Bastaki of Mastihashop

Under the creative direction of the parent brand, Mastihashop in the UAE has evolved with Mansoor Al Bastaki, Founder and Director of Mastihashop in UAE at the helm. According to him, patrons and discerning UAE residents like to experience exotic food and products they normally find during their travels at their doorstep.

Mastiha/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.

Toshiba awards top-performing KSA channel partners

July 12, 2015Leave a comment

Sherif Abd Al Fatah of Al HASOOB; Mr. Santosh Varghese , General Manager, Toshiba Gulf FZE; Mr. Hany Mohammed, Regional Sales Manager – Egypt & KSA, Toshiba Gulf FZE

Toshiba Gulf FZE held an award ceremony on 28th June, during the company’s Iftar celebration in Riyadh, KSA. The ceremony served to congratulate the company’s top-performing channel partners in the 1^st Quarter of 2015 sales in the country.

As part of the 30^th Anniversary celebrations for its mobile computing products, Toshiba Gulf Free Zone announced a channel promotion for CYQ1-15 sales; this is in addition to its award-winning P4P Channel program. Select Saudi Arabia dealer channel partners had an opportunity to win a Toyota Sequoia in platinum category and a Toyota Camry in gold category.

Fouad Abd Al Kader of Fan Al Turath; Mr. Santosh Varghese, General Manager, Toshiba Gulf FZE; Mr. Hany Mohammed, Regional Sales Manager – Egypt & KSA, Toshiba Gulf FZE

Sherif Abd Al Fatah of Al Hasoob, Riyadh took home the Toyota Sequoia and Fouad Abd Al Kader of Fan Al Turath, Riyadh won the Toyota Camry

Being a leading PC brand in Saudi Arabia with No.1 market share in KSA for the 1^st Quarter of 2015, reflects the brand’s growth strategy is sustainable and meets the product standards of customers in the region and their preferred PC requirements.

With the successful incentive related activities in Saudi Arabia, Toshiba hopes to further launch many new channel programmes as part of their 30^th anniversary celebrations.

Exquisite Greek products at Mastihashop Dubai

May 21, 2015Leave a comment

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.

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 Coffee Mastiha/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.

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.

Make-up brand Misslyn Arrives in the Middle East

November 15, 2014Leave a comment

So last week I headed towards Downtown area middle of the day to check out Germany’s top make-up brand Misslyn – the brand successfully launched a complete collection of luxurious make-up in the Middle East, from foundation, lip balm to the newest eyeshadow palettes for a flawless, sexy, seductive and irresistible look which I was very impressed with as it had some of my favourite colours.

Three core Misslyn products stole the spotlight: new must-have tinted lip balms for soft, shiny lips; long-lasting foundation that lasts up to 24 hours for a naturally fresh and flawless face; and three eyeshadow palettes for an endless variety of eye make-up looks, from natural, classic or party style.

According to a recent report by Euromonitor report, the Middle East and Africa region registered sales of $24.2billion for the beauty industry alone.

The newly-launched collection comprises of the following Misslyn products:

MISSLYN COLOR KISS SHINY LIP BALM

Tinted Lip Balm, Retractable

The Misslyn lip balm which combines the power of a light-colored, translucent lipstick and the soothing feel of a lip balm in one product. Simply use this versatile product to achieve a perfect appearance in the twinkling of an eye – even without a mirror. A pleasant and delicate scent provides an excellent finish to this lip product.

MISSLYN ULTIMATE STAY MAKE UP

Long-Lasting Foundation That Lasts Up To 24 Hours For Normal To Oily Skin

For a fresh and flawless face, experience Misslyn’s Ultimate Stay Make Up which combines a matte finish and coverage with comfort and a feather-light texture. Each variant is tailor-made for the needs of normal to oily skin; with a surprisingly light texture that holds up to 24 hours. Once applied, it remains true to color with your complexion mattified, naturally radiant and glowing.

MISSLYN EYESHADOW PALETTE

An Endless Variety Of Looks, For A Natural, Classic Or Party Style

Three new Misslyn Eyeshadow Palettes can produce a magical transformation for your eyes. Each palette includes 12 different eyeshadow shades, offering many makeup variation possibilities. pearly shades, helps you achieve an endless variety of looks, for a natural, classic or party style. The palette is space-saving, and ist double-sided applicator is ideal for traveling.

All the Misslyn products can be purchased in these outlets: Centrepoint Mirdiff City Centre; Centrepoint Dubai Festival City; Centrepoint Sky Garden; Centrepoint Ras Al Khaimah; Lifestyle RAK Mall and Centrepoint Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi.

Fadwa Baruni astounds with Summer 2014 Collection

June 20, 2014Leave a comment

Fadwa Baruni, the renowned Arab designer, has unveiled the Summer 2014 Collection, which features some truly outstanding outfits for women this season. The collection stands out with elegant sleeveless long dresses with lace details as well as silk sleeveless dresses and long silk georgette dresses.

The key component of the collection are the “night-outs”, accentuated in colours of green, royal blue, fuchsia, gold, purple, lilac and black. Many of the pieces are made of silk with contrasting trims and lace details. The collection includes a few designs with contrasting waist bands or lacy fitted bodices and gathered skirts.

The collection is branded under the renowned ‘Baruni’ label that has gained wide attention in the GCC and Levant region in recent times.

A Fortnum and Mason experience

March 22, 2014Leave a comment

This week was awesome as I spent some quality time my awesome editor from MADAME magazine at the new 9,400 sq ft Fortnum and Mason store and café next to The Address Downtown Dubai. The iconic British brand opened its second store in Britain last year, after having a single outlet for nearly 307 years and now they have ventured into Dubai….so we in Dubai are extremely lucky to the brand right at our doorstep (I can say that now that I live in Downtown)

As expected, the store had its usual iconic hampers, teas and preserves but we also loved the stock of scented candles and soaps. The ground floor is more of a retail space, similar to the London stores’ food hall.

Upstairs, The Tea Salon is inspired by the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly and its here both me and Catherine became trendy models for the official photographer as we sampled the exotic Royal blend tea and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Dubai Fountain.

We decided to burn some calories from the delectable pastries by taking the stairs to the 3rd floor Ice Cream Parlour, which is touted to offer the finest ice cream in the world. This I have to try on my next visit and will strive to think of better ways to burn calories after I have my Fortnum & Mason indulgence with my little British diva next weekend.

Abu Dhabi Motors wins Rolls-Royce “2013 – Global Dealer of the Year” award

March 19, 2014Leave a comment

Peter Schwarzenbauer (Chairman) , Arno Husselmann (General manager of Abu Dhabi Motors), Torsten Müller-Ötvös, (Rolls Royce CEO)

Although I am a Porsche infused diva, my other favourite brand because of the awesome people who work there is Rolls Royce. The CEO of Rolls Royce is a charm to talk to and the marketing team headed by Alaa are amazing. So… last month Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole Dealer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain won the Global Dealer of the Year Award for 2013 and further improved on its 2012 successes.

Although I met with the team at Sheikh Zayed Road with the CEO as we toured the new workshop, the Rolls-Royce Motorcars held its annual Global Dealer Conference at the Emirates Palace Hotel for the first time in the Middle East last month.

At a glittering award ceremony, Abu Dhabi Motors repeated its 2012 achievement by being awarded the Global Dealer of the Year for 2013, edging out Beverly Hills, London, Beijing and Moscow for the title as prestigious recognition of its sales and parts performance as well as high Aftersales standards.

Abu Dhabi Motors achieved a sales growth of 23% over 2012 which ensured it was the Global Sales Leader of Rolls-Royce cars in 2013.

In addition, Abu Dhabi Motors was honoured for being the bestselling Global Bespoke Dealer in 2013, a title it has claimed as its own for the fifth consecutive year, boasting the richest bespoke specifications and creating several unique vehicles to meet the sophisticated requirements of their customers in the UAE. Several new concepts will be finding their way to Abu Dhabi during the course of 2014 to ensure the companies successes in Bespoke will continue.

The Rolls-Royce dealer Awards programme is one of the most sought after recognitions within the company and is a celebration of the brand’s successes over the past year which awards the best performing dealers for their professionalism, commitment and dedication to the brand as well as their applied systems and processes in sales and after sales. Designed to ensure top class customer experiences, improve operational standards and reward sales successes, the awards honoured Abu Dhabi Motors for the pivotal role it has played in contributing to the increasing global success of the Rolls-Royce brand….knowing the UAE team, they totally deserve it!

Globalista Extraordinaire

TEEN lifestyle in the UAE, SPAIN, UK and FIJI ISLANDS

Category: Retail Therapy