Diwali sweets at Peppermill

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IMG_4399 Diwali sweets at Peppermill

The best thing I remember about Diwali from my childhood in Fiji Islands was the amazing array of sweets my fathers clients used to send home and the numerous parties we went to. Since living in Kuala Lumpur and UAE, Diwali certainly was a toned down affair until I discovered the absolutely delightful diwali sweets at Peppermill Restaurant – they have branches both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Leading up to the Indian festival of lights, Diwali, the fine dining Peppermill Restaurant has lined up a feast of Indian favourites that includes a flavorful array of appetizers, curries, cold dishes and desserts, meticulously put together for the festive celebrations….every time I walk in the Dubai outlet, I feel like I am entering a maharaja’s palace dining area…or on an evening I feel like the burlesque setting will have some exotic entertainment erupting any moment…it is warm and inviting.

Diwali offers Indian food lovers an opportunity to indulge in the diverse cuisines from the subcontinent in a rich and elegant setting that enhances the dining experience. The space at PepperMill offers a warm ambience for intimate gatherings that offer privacy and a vibrant feel with the clever use of colours and light background music.

Shafeena YusuffAli, the young entrepreneur who is the CEO of Tablez Food Company tells us that Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrated by families enjoying Indian delicacies and performing traditional activities together. Peppermill is therefore committed to providing fresh, delicious and healthy food locally that is popular during the Diwali celebrations in India for an enhanced festive experience.

Diwali specials at Peppermill can be enjoyed in private dining rooms at lunch buffets and à la cart dinners inspired by the rich traditions of the past and the flavours of the present.

ULTIMATE CROSSROADS – A Meydan IMAX initiative



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Just received some awesome news from Afsana, my fellow member of the business women’s group and an amazing individual who is supporting the Expo 2020 in her own way through her organisation, Meydan IMAX.

Meydan IMAX is a proud supporter of the UAE’s bid to host the World Expo 2020 and they want to set a Guinness World Record with the support of everyone.

Below is a message from Meydan IMAX:

The Expo’s theme is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and we want your students, tomorrow’s leaders, to drive our campaign to get 10,000 signatures from 150+ nationalities.

We’re opening our doors for four days from Nov 6th to Nov 9th with 10 daily shows and have a total capacity of 5600 seats to make this happen! Upon making a school booking before December 15th, get FREE entrance to ULTIMATE CROSSROADS which includes: National Geographic’s newest film about Dubai’s Terminal 3 and the multicultural team that made it happen, participation in our various activities and signing our campaign through electronic tablets which will be sent to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the Expo Committee in Europe.

Book now by phone (800 IMAX – 800 4629) or schools@primesco.com … Be part of it!

I am certainly making little diva put the Fijian vote into the campaign.

Shereen Shabnam

Finance made easy

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It is a well known fact amongst people who know me that I am horrible with anything to do with money – things like sending money electronically, online banking, paying for my house in Spain are just not my forte but I finally found an easy to use online platform that makes things easy even for people as challenged as me.

I was recommended to visit http://www.travelexae.com as I needed to send money for my home in Fiji and Spain and found it super easy to navigate and without the hassle of going through numerous unnecessary procedure that normally throw me off-balance.

Being an expat in Dubai, we kind of rely heavily on money exchange houses to send money home, pay the mortgage abroad, send gifts to family members as its easier to send them money to buy gifts then try and send things by post. Getting in a car, facing parking costs and trying to negotiate traffic in the heat is now a thing of the past with more services offered online – I for one am glad and wish I had changed my mindset sooner about doing things online.

Also with the amount of travelling I do, sometimes its easier to carry prepaid cards that Travelex offers as being a woman, I can be easily distracted by shops and often come back to the UAE with a heavier bag or a few extra bags. I love the safety factor of the Travelex cards as they are not linked to your bank account, you only spend what you want in the currency of the country you visit and it allows you to withdraw money as well as buy things in shops.

It is also good to get travel insurance from Travelex – their various service offerings related to travel certainly makes the journey easy and being able to send money online just makes things less stressful – I am obviously a new convert and am hoping to try out their travel insurance when mine expires.

Check them out – Travelex trades in over 80 currencies, do business in over 50 countries and is found in all the major airports… very convenient!

 

MEET WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE WITH MARKS & SPENCERS

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Shereen M&S

I love brands that put their time and energy into promoting women of substance – brands that celebrate real women with realistic bodies and women who really are smart sensual women, which is pretty much what our group lives for. Hence, the new Marks & Spencers campaign caught my eye and after looking at their new strategy and ethos, it feels great to know that there is a brand out there that lives in the moment and is realistic with their clothes and brand ambassadors.

An Oscar-winning actress, a life changing charity CEO, an Olympic gold medallist, a ground breaking artist and an inspiring nurse of the year – are just a few of the women to showcase the new Autumn collections in a campaign by iconic British retailer, Marks & Spencer.  Very refreshing I must say after sitting in numerous fashion shows this week in Dubai with sick looking, skinny models with no butts or boobs to speak of strutting in clothes half the female population can’t fit into or look good in.

The M&S campaign is shot by acclaimed fashion photographer, Annie Leibovitz and collection will launch exclusively at M&S’s Dubai Mall store. Billed under the strapline ‘Meet Britain’s Leading Ladies’ the campaign celebrates 12 women from very diverse backgrounds and professions. Despite being very different people, their strong sense of personal style and inspirational achievements, which have propelled them to success, are the common threads which bind them together.

The enlisted cast includes women below and you can see their diversity from the talent biographies that M&S put forward. All I can say is well done to M&S who happen to be one of the very few brands in this fashion week who most women can relate to.

Talent biographies

HELEN MIRREN

 One of the world’s biggest screen and stage stars, Dame Helen Mirren has four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes and an Oscar to her name. Her elegance and fabulous figure have also ensured her reputation as a style icon.

DARCEY BUSSELL

 Darcey Bussell CBE is among the most accomplished English ballerinas of all time. She retired in 2007 to an eight-minute standing ovation at London’s Royal Opera House, and has gone on to write children’s fiction and become a popular television personality.

ELLIE GOULDING

 With an impressive vocal range and a piercing vibrato, not to mention multi-instrumental and songwriting skills, Ellie Goulding is the ultimate modern music role model.

KAREN ELSON

 Multi-talented supermodel and music artist Karen Elson is recognised the world over for her distinctive red hair, translucent skin and piercing blue eyes. Her international success has been driven by her determination and independent spirit.

LAURA MVULA

 In just 12 months, Laura Mvula has transformed from a stage-shy receptionist

into a Brit Award-nominated, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter. And now

she can add model to her list of talents.

HELEN ALLEN

 Within a year of obtaining her degree, award-winning nurse Helen Allen founded PEP AIDS – a charity working to alleviate poverty and HIV /AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, which is now in its 12th year.

KATIE PIPER

 In 2008, model Katie Piper was the victim of an acid attack. She has gone on to rebuild her life, becoming a successful TV presenter and setting up the Katie Piper Foundation, which supports people with burns and other disfigurements.

NICOLA ADAMS

 During London 2012, Nicola Adams became the first-ever female boxer

to win an Olympic gold medal. Her life will never be the same again.

MONICA ALI

 A self-taught writer with a passion for books, Monica Ali’s debut novel Brick Lane was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and adapted into a film. Three novels on, she remains one of the UK ’s most acerbic and supremely elegant writers.

JASMINE WHITBREAD

 After working her way up to a top director’s role at a leading international business, Jasmine Whitbread decided to use her expertise to help charities – first at Oxfam and now as international CE O of Save the Children

TRACEY EMIN

 Tracey Emin CBE was a leading figure in the Young British Artists (YBA) movement of the nineties, and is now one of the UK ’s most renowned contemporary creatives. She’s known for her sometimes controversial, but always groundbreaking art.

GRACE CODDINGTON

 Creative Director of US Vogue

 

 

THE BRIDAL AFFAIR

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 Bridal Shereen Shabnam                                          

Although all things bridal are far from my mind, I am enticed by the many bridal fairs held in Dubai for the offerings such as jewellery, hair updo’s, make-up demos etc. The fourth season of The Bridal Affair is to be held on Saturday, October 19th, 2013 at the Samaya Ballroom, The Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai, from 10am to 9pm….I am hoping little diva will be keen to give up on her TV time to spend quality time with mama browsing through girly stuff at the show.

This mega fête of style and sophistication will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in bridal wear, marriage wear, cocktail wear, jewellery, accessories and everything else that makes a soon-to-be-married couple’s and their families dreams come true.

Apart from the various exquisite and exclusive items on display, adding a new dimension to The Bridal Affair is the maiden edition of THE YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD. This segment is being introduced to scout and promote new talent in Dubai’s local fashion Industry.

Top 40 entries shortlisted by a judging panel and their designs will then go on the ramp where the three best designers will be chosen.

This is just one new facet of The Bridal Affair. Another interesting feature of this edition will be a range of fashion shows that will take place at the venue throughout the day.

These include:

12:30 – Young Designer of the Year Award

14:30 – Royal Rickshaw

15:30 – Viral Jewellers/Amit GT

17:30 – Kashif

18:30 – Emerald House of Fashion

19:30 – Anjali K Couture

Spa Zone will deliver express teaser massages to all women who will be attending the event.

Make Over zone by Pro-Makeup boutique will transform women and give them a before and after treat.

 

Lolita Lempicka launches Elle L’aime: the essence of true love

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Elle_L’aime_-_Lolita_Lempicka_Shereen

Lolita’s Lempicka’s Elle L’aime Eau de Parfum,  the essence of true love is now available in the Middle East. This new fragrance from Lolita Lempicka, embodies the divine state of love, a whirlwind that transports you to a dreamlike world. It is the perfect fragrance for a woman in love, reminding her of the thrill of this powerful and dazzling emotions. An incandescent white floral Parfum with citrus notes combined with rare, natural extracts including Coconut flower, lime, jasmine, and myrrh.

The fragrance is an incandescent harmony, ignited by rare and natural ingredients which cast an irresistible fragrance trail. Elle L’aime’s top notes create a vibrant and luxurious combination with coconut flower and lime, while sensuous jasmine and bewitching myrrh merge in the heart of the fragrance….how ideal is this for the smart sensual woman 🙂

The totem shaped gold bottle radiantly captures light, symbolizing eternal love to anyone who possesses it. The gold letters inscribed on the bottle resonate the fiery words of love. Elle L’aime stirs the heart, kindling it into a flaming red, the same color that can be found inside the fragrance’s white box.

Every aspect of this fragrance simply radiates with the glow of a woman in love…look for this at Paris Gallery.

The All-new Nissan Tiida – Shaped for Life

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 Nissan Tiida_Side angle open door

After checking out the interior and sitting briefly in the boot of the All New Nissan Tiida last week (I am obsessed with boot space as you can judge form previous posts), we can say that this car is complete refresh of region’s best-selling compact hatchback that adds more style, technology and versatility.

Arabian Automobiles, the exclusive dealer of Nissan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has begun sales of the All-new Nissan Tiida, shaped to complement the lifestyle of the young at heart of customers throughout the region.

With dynamic styling looks, advanced technology and class-leading spaciousness, the completely revised second generation of the UAE’s best-selling compact hatchback has everything to build on the Tiida nameplate’s established success. Already commanding 32% of the expanding compact hatchback segment in UAE, Arabian Automobiles aims extend market share beyond 50% with the introduction of the All-new Nissan Tiida.

Under the umbrella of Innovation that Excites, the All-new Nissan Tiida communication campaign centers on sharing special moments of our lives: ‘Tiida Moments’. On September 18th, Arabian Automobiles together with Nissan Middle East created a special ‘Tiida Moment’ with a unique launch event held simultaneously in multiple locations across the region.

All-new Nissan Tiida hatchback has arrived with sleek styling, best-in-class fuel economy, class-leading interior spaciousness, advanced technology and features typically expected from far more expensive vehicles.

shereen Tiida

The origins of Islamic Art

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dome rock

Dome of the Rock. Jerusalem. Completed AD 691

I’ve always been a big fan of Art Sawa and their next few classes are particularly on subjects I am passionate about. Marta Ameri will touch on the origins of Islamic art on the 23rd of September.

The middle of the 7th century A.D. saw with the rise of Islam the creation of a new religion and of a great military empire.  It was in these early years that Islamic Art developed and coalesced into a definitive style. By looking at early monuments such as the Dome of the Rock and the Great Mosque of Damascus, this class will explore the ways in which the rulers of the first Islamic empires combined existing artistic styles with new Islamic elements to develop what we now identify as Islamic art.

The class will also discuss issues such as how the precepts of Islamic belief affected early Islamic Art, and the ways in which the early Islamic rulers used art and architecture to express their growing power.

If you are in Dubai and interested in Islamic Art history, then learning about at after work may be a perfect start to your evenings over the next few weeks.

Uterqüe presents its new Perception: Autumn Winter 2013/14

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Shereen shabnam Uterque 

After going back to Torrevieja and falling in love again with my Spanish home, I’ve decided to support brands emerging from Spain and in my own little way, helping with the economy of the country I have invested in…and when it comes to fashion, you just can’t beat the uniqueness and pizzazz of Spanish designers.

Uterqüe, one of the leading Spanish fashion brands, is launching its new Fall/Winter 2013-2014 collection through a campaign in which sensations are the basis for inspiration; the touch of mohair and silk, the sound of a heel on wood… a whirlwind of stimuli that reach us through the senses.

Uterqüe presents a confident woman, comfortable in her beauty and extremely feminine without losing an ounce of spontaneity and elegance. She is a woman who knows that accessories are what define her personality and make her looks special and unique.

Renowned photographer Mariano Vivanco’s makes the model in the campaign look serene, powerful and with exquisite femininity.

Uterque_shereen shabnam

The Perception: First Issue campaign is the first of three parts that will be unveiled as the days of the Autumn Winter season unfold, revealing a collection that begins in the darkest blue tones and ends up in shades of fig and make-up.

This Autumn Winter season features a feminine and elegant collection, rich in fabrics and finishes. The accessories line is gaining strength, with fantasy jewellery made with natural stones and agates. It is also a collection committed to Home Made. A large part of the shoes and handbags line is made 100% in Spain.

So people…let’s support the Spanish economy and look superb while at it!

The UAE on a journey to Leadership in Customer Excellence

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Neveed and Rashid go through workshop notes together at the Ritz Carlton DIFC

Naveed and Rashid go through workshop notes together at the Ritz Carlton DIFC

We in the UAE are used to best of everything and in particular, we can proudly say that we have the best customer service one can get in this region but there is room to be the best in the world. To ensure the quality of service even gets better, the Academia of Excellence announced it’s opening with a comprehensive summit at the Ritz Carlton DIFC, showcasing global business leaders and key UAE institutions on how to achieve true customer centricity.

To those not in the know, the Academia of Excellence is a specialized institution for the creation and enhancement of the “Customer Experience”. Real Customer Excellence demands a deep and thorough understanding of the ideas, skills, tools and techniques for achieving customer excellence.

I was lucky enough to see some of the brainstorming notes on the walls after work last night and it was amazing how much thought went into ensuring the success of the institution as well as the summit. 

The raison d etre of the Academia of Excellence is to provide Emiratis and expats with the requisite skill sets for a differentiated and admired UAE market known for its passion and success based on an unrelenting but practical focus on customer values.

The Academia of Excellence is founded by Mr. Naveed Syed and Mr. Rashid Mahboob. Naveed is a successful entrepreneur with over 18 years of chronicled success in driving benchmark-setting growth and expansion for globally focused fortune 500, turnaround, and start-up organizations.

“The UAE is a young country growing at an exponential pace in a dynamic global economy in which paradigms are created and demolished at an increasingly fast pace,” says Naveed. “The one constant in all this is the Customer – we needed to create a set up in which the requisite skills, tools and techniques are provided to achieve true customer centricity.”

The Academia of Excellence has partnered with the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) with master-class courses in Xtreme Customer Loyalty™, Increasing Revenues through Customer Loyalty and Best Practices of Chief Customer Officers to name a few.

The Academia of Excellence opening summit at the Ritz Carlton DIFC Dubai was an interesting showcase of what the Academia of Excellence offers with workshops and seminars by global as well as UAE based business leaders towards the achievement of the ultimate Customer Experience.

As Naveed says, “The UAE now continues on a Journey to Leadership in Customer Excellence.” With UAE hosting more and more international events and growing in all spheres of life, we can be assured by the Academia of Excellence that customer service will be top notch in the near future.