I’m in love again -With Phantom Venus

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How beautiful is this :):):)


 Its awesome to always fall in love…that exhilarating feeling one gets and the best things one can fall in love with are of the non-breathing ilk ….no clutter, no heartbreak, no expectations…man, I could go on.

So when I called Alaa to tell him I am in love again, he naturally sighed with an OMG until I told him it was related to his latest note to us about the Rolls-Royce team’s new surprise, Phantom Venus – a one-of-a-kind motor car inspired by the legend of the Queen of Sheba.

Revered without parallel in Middle Eastern cultures, the story of Balqis, Queen of Sheba has been celebrated in a car that embodies the beauty and grace, intrinsic to the Queen’s legacy. Conceived, designed and crafted by the Bespoke team at the Home of Rolls-Royce in England, Phantom Series II Venus is adorned in ethereal White Pearl exterior, completed by Oak Burr veneer and Forest Fall leather – creating a luxurious interior ambiance without peer.

Hand-painted twin-coachline, finished with gold crown emblem, exclusive to Phantom Venus, elegantly illustrates a story that has been weaved through dynasties and mythology alike.

Geoff from Rolls Royce is naturally delighted tobe able to present a car here that so elegantly celebrates an incredible part of Middle Eastern folklore.

Perfectly complimenting the theme of the motor car, luxury goods house Asprey has created an exquisitely crafted handbag stitched in Seashell, finished in Forest Fall and White Pearl and embellished with the crown emblem. This exclusive piece perfectly encapsulates the story of a woman who ruled as both king and queen with authority and poise.

I’m actually not sure if I love the car more or the bag…. Not too bothered as they both give equal amounts of visual and mental pleasure to this diva!

Loving the new Sacoor Brothers AW12 Ladies Dresses

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Nice 🙂


 Inspired by young NJD, I am becoming a fan of Sacoor Brothers more each day….beyond my fascination for polo, I now find myself planning to venture into the dreaded Dubai Mall and face the parking and exit woes just to pick out some office dresses.

The gorgeous brothers are celebrating the arrival of cooler weather with colours and fabric to match so diva can step out in style with their elegantly tailored dresses perfect for a formal day or a night out on the town.

For the uninitiated, the international fashion and lifestyle brand based out of Portugal started as a dream of 4 brothers who intended to give the world of fashion refinement, elegance, quality and design. I’ve met all of them on a number of occasions and respect their aim to bring quality clothing to the region….NJD adores their polo range and she looks über cool in their clothes.

Along with their fashion line for men, ladies and boys, the brand is also well-known to have dressed personalities from the world of fashion, cinema and television….plus NJD of course who is their unofficial brand ambassador/advocate.

The new Atlantis philosophy lands on the web

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With so many yacht websites out there, it is nice to see some really cool ones coming out of the woods once in a while – and the new Atlantis Yachts website is certainly very cool. Revolutionary graphic design shows at first glance all the modernity and dynamism of the brand.

The new website:

  • shows redesigned structure to allow access from pc and tablet.
  • has updated content to provide visitors with a committed and attractive experience: more information, more details, more curiosities and more material to learn and appreciate the new Atlantis philosophy: Clever Yachting, Italian Style.
  • reflects awesome technology, style, performance, and a balance between comfort and practicality. With Azimut Yachts’ wealth of experience, Atlantis is the ideal synthesis! between qualitative efficiency and the refined taste of the Italian design

Welcome on board, www.atlantisyachts.it

McLaren Automotive shines as always

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McLaren Lights 🙂

 

I’m going through a McLaren phase. yes….After a tryst last weekend with my gorgeous Maximilian and his ‘Designed by Maximilian’ Audi, I am back to my roots this week as i follow preparations by global super car brands for the Paris Motor Show.

 

 

McLaren has revealed a dramatic light film which provides further insight ahead of global reveal – great news is you can view and embed the full Paris Motor Show video at the official McLaren Automotive YouTube channel – www.YouTube.com/McLarenAutomotiveTV

I would urge you to watch the story continue to unfold as McLaren Automotive unveils the next chapter on Thursday 27 September. A full video, previewing the next chapter for McLaren Automotive, has now been launched ahead of the British sportscar manufacturer’s appearance at the motor show in Paris….enjoy 🙂

 

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visits Sultans of Science’ at BITEC

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the opening ceremony of ‘Sultans of Science’ at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012” in Thailand

Sultans of Science receives over 1.2 million visitors at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the UAE exhibition ‘Sultans of Science’ which recently opened at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”, the nation’s largest exposition on science and technology in Thailand at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). Over 1.2 million people visited the global travelling exhibition ‘Sultans of Science’ also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’ during its recent showcase in Bangkok which was organized by the National Science Museum – during the 2012 Fair at BITEC.

Also present at the opening were Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, Thailand Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Pichai Sonchaeng, President of National Science Museum, Mr. Thanakorn Palachai, Vice President of the National Science Museum and Exhibition creator Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios of Dubai U.A.E.

Dr. Pichai Sonchaeng, President from National Science Museum said, “We are delighted with the response, visitors were enthralled and amazed to learn about the achievements and enduring innovations. ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition reveals to the youths and visitors who are interested in learning about sciences and technologies how the innovations and technologies invented in the Golden age of Islam play an important role in everyday life.”

“The exhibition was a great success at BITEC and we look forward to the grand opening of “Sultans of Science” at National Science Museum soon”, added Sonchaeng.

After the huge success at BITEC which was a soft opening during the “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”,  ‘Sultans of Science’ will open at National Science Museum in Thailand on 11th September to run until mid of November 2012. Currently touring Asia, the exhibition after concluding in Thailand will be hosted in Malaysia at The Petrosains Discovery Science Centre. Making its Asian premiere at the Science Centre Singapore, it has attracted massive response from people of different faiths and religion in the region.

Commenting on the success of the exhibition Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios said, “We are honored that our ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition was hosted at the “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”, nation’s largest exposition on science and technology.” “We are overwhelmed with the enormous success of the exhibition at BITEC where over 1.2 million people visited just in two weeks.

The global travelling exhibition brings one of the world’s most pioneering civilizations to life, an incredible exhibition that boldly underlines the remarkable contributions of Muslim scholars from the Golden Age of Islam (700 – 1700 CE) in science and technology. The display at National Science Museum will surprise the visitors on how thinkers from this era influenced modern medicine, mathematics, astronomy and many more. The dawn of the Islamic Golden Age in the 7th century was profoundly inspired by the instruction to seek and share knowledge.

MTE studios brings this history to life with more than 50 multi-media exhibits highlighting how Muslims worked harmoniously alongside people of different faiths and races across Africa, Asia and Europe. The blockbuster exhibition covers the main fields of Islamic scientific endeavor including architecture, arts, astronomy, engineering, exploration, flight, mathematics, medicine, optics and water control in a beautifully designed on a journey back through time.

‘Sultans of Science’ global tour started with New Jersey and since then, it has enjoyed huge success at various North American venues.

Press release issued on behalf of MTE Studios FZ LLC. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/504828177/shereen@mtestudios.com

A taste of Fiji Islands comes to UAE

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Cocktail evening at Intercontinental Hotel DFC- Little diva @NJD2000 with Fiji Prime Minister

 

Fijian smiles are the best 🙂 – UAE based Fijians welcomed the FIJI PM

Today is an awesome day for Fijians living in the UAE – we finally have an Embassy in Abu Dhabi. After nearly 12 years in UAE and explaining to everyone we meet where Fiji is, what the country is all about etc, we can now have access to resources at the Embassy to give out to people who want to know more about our beautiful paradise. 

I am particularly overjoyed that my ex-colleague from Fiji High Commission Kuala Lumpur, Emosi is part of the team in Abu Dhabi and I know from past experience he will make big things happen for Fiji in the region.

I remember a couple of years ago when the Prime Minister visited us in Dubai and the look on people’s face when he met them as they found him to be the most humble and friendliest of people ever. I recall us going shopping in DFC when the airline lost the PM’s luggage and the sales people were so overjoyed at being able to serve him. In fact, that is a trade mark of the Fijians. The warmth radiates from our soul and people pick that up so easily.

We had organised a wonderful function for him and his delegation at the Intercontinental Hotel in DFC where City 7 did an awesome programme on Fiji which was aired in UAE for the first time. I had a call from Ron who was the head of the TV station last night who was delighted to hear that PM was in UAE again and he reiterated that our PM was one of the most wonderful people he met after featuring hundreds of VIPs on his channels. Thanks to Regina, another superb islander, we had some wonderful times talking about how great it would be to have a bigger presence for Fiji in the UAE….now its come to reality.

The best thing about our PM is that he is a doer. After promising an Emirati friend who is married to a Fijian that he will make sure Emirati’s will not need a visa when they go to Fiji from then on, he kept his promise and today the Galadari family is one of the biggest advocates of Fiji Islands in the UAE and have returned to Fiji with other Emirati families in tow who continually talk about how incredibly beautiful our country is.

We may be a small nation but we certainly think big…we are proud of legends like Waisale Serevi in rugby 7s, Vijay Singh for golf and of course my friends at NTDE will tell you the many benefits of drinking FIJI water and how delighted they are to have supporting research for a product they market to show it really is the fountain of youth in its purest form.

As islanders, every Fijian is an advocate of our nation no matter which part of the world they go to…when people ask me why I don’t take a British passport after being married to one for 15 years, I don’t flinch a minute and say how proud I am to be a Fijian and how exotic and beautiful our country is that I never saw a need to.

It certainly is a celebratory time for Fijians the next few days and we welcome everyone in the UAE to get a taste of paradise when they are next thinking of taking a holiday. It will be totally worth it. 🙂

With my favourite Fijians 🙂

Fijians in UAE at Dubai Rugby 7s – bringing Fijians together

Natasha NJD2000 loves the rugby 7’s Fiji team

 

Diva’s drinking from a Haute Couture Tea Collection

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How sexy is the TWG tea packaging


I’m drinking tea…lots of it. Not just any tea but after a trip to Singapore couple of months ago and discovering TWG Tea, I’m sold. No more Red Bull Energy shots or the sinful 3 in I chai sugar laden lattes for this lazy girl. Afterall, in the spirit of the ceaselessly creative designers of haute couture, TWG Tea offers an aesthetes’ collection of unique and exclusive seasonal tea blends that reflect the core of TWG Tea’s global expansion and cosmopolitan appeal….sounds totally up my street!

Distinguishing itself from the archives of cultural tea traditions, the world’s finest luxury tea brand is constantly conceiving and shaping the trends of this new era with creations that are sensual, irreplaceable and exceptional. Challenging and inventive, TWG Tea defies history in the crafting of its myriad collections, each more provocative and alluring than the last.

TWG Tea Haute Couture tea collection was first launched in Singapore with the signature Silver Moon Tea. A grand green tea bouquet that represents the ultra-modernity of this cosmopolitan city, this tea has become one of the most popular blends ever launched by the brand.

The Haute Couture tea collections are a selection alluding to indelible memories of marvellous flavours. The collection includes some of my favourites…..look out for the flavours below if you are tea connoisseur looking for any excuse to have a cuppa.

1837 Black Tea
Brother’s Club Tea
French Earl Grey
Jade Dragon Tea
Napoleon Tea
New York Breakfast Tea
Red of Africa Tea
Silver Moon Tea
White House Tea
Alexandria Tea
Early Grey Gentleman
Geisha Blossom Tea
Maharaja Darjeeling Tea
New World Tea
Place Vendôme Tea
Royal Moroccan Tea
Singapore Breakfast Tea

Enjoy….

The World’s most elegant convertible

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Bentley Mulsanne Convertible…delightful!


Its been a while since I checked out a Bentley…i reckon the last time I really went into Bentley’s new developments was at the Dubai Motor Show when NJD and I spent an entire weekend salivating looking at cars and loving the Ferrari lounge guarded by tall fierce looking security personnel who thought NJD was my sister :).

Since its debut in 2009 (long time ago), the Mulsanne saloon still remains a pure example of the Grand Touring Bentley, combining coach-built elegance and hand-crafted luxury with immense power and sportiness – its a mixture of a car that I would love to use when I want a nice evening out but also be seen near a race track just to prove a hoity toity point. (I should stay away from Brits and their expressions like hoity toity)

So… What got me writing on the Mulsanne Convertible Concept is because Bentley’s designers are providing a glimpse into the potential future of the marque’s flagship family. Appealing to automotive connoisseurs seeking the ultimate in contemporary design, prestige and exclusivity, the Mulsanne Convertible Concept will be the world’s most elegant and sophisticated convertible, providing a supremely powerful and refined luxury grand touring experience for four adults….how will they do this?

Perhaps they are banking on the graceful form of the Mulsanne Convertible Concept which is a fusion of sportiness and coach-built elegance with its sculpted lines and muscular haunches conveying a sense of power and movement.

The spacious yet intimate cabin design is inspired by luxurious, high-performance power boats. With its unrivalled combination of chic, contemporary design, sumptuous materials, painstaking attention to detail and supreme refinement, the Mulsanne Convertible Concept reinforces Bentley’s position as the undisputed benchmark in handcrafted automotive luxury….

I can’t help it but every time I hear handcrafted in the context of cars, I have the image of this amazing artist used by Rolls Royce who I met in Abu Dhabi during one of their celebrations… It was fascinating watching the artist carefully working away on a car with me thinking how I can ever achieve that much patience for anything.

I have a sketch of how the Mulsanne Convertible will look like (see above)….. Since Bentley has created an array of glamorous and desirable convertibles in the past, I can just visualise how cool this one will be.

Ferrari Red Power

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The masculine packaging that totally suits the fragrance

There is a new scent in town….this one combines my love for cars and passion for fragrances into one: The Ferrari Red Power perfume.

The complex scent imbues the soul of the Prancing Horse, appealing to confident connoisseurs with timeless taste…. I love the clean masculine edges of the bottle. Must learn to study the male species the way I was studying the bottle a little earlier 😉

Ferrari, the famous purveyor of Italian supercar heritage, has in fact launched Red Power – it is a new masculine fragrance encompassing the Prancing Horse’s affiliation with performance, excellence, and sheer adrenaline. It kind of reminded me of someone who has similar qualities.

The cost (125 ml) was 270 AED which is not much for a Ferrari fragrance…I recall paying more for the last one I got so its good value for money….enjoy!

Compact hatchback gets me nippy

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This green zesty Micra was my ride for a few days in Ramadan

I had fun this Ramadan…in terms of wheels. Normally you will see me checking out some SUV or top of the range sedan, driving down SZR with club music, windows down and smiling ear to ear. Well….i was in the same mode this Ramadan (minus the music) except that for the first time in years, I was doing this in a Nissan. Not just any big bold Nissan but the cute Micra, which is the car of choice of none other than Nancy Ajram, a fellow diva and an awesome musician from Lebanon.

The all-new Nissan Micra is undoubtedly the zippy and smart compact hatchback in tune with today’s urban lifestyle. With stand-out looks, class-leading driving dynamics and an interior design offering both comfort and convenience, the Nissan Micra goes beyond the regular compact hatchback offering… I can vouch for that. Man I love the front passenger seat as it has this cool feature that makes sure my bag stays intact as I rummage through it for my phone or make up at traffic lights.

While driving it, I looked onto fellow drivers and I reckon the Micra will strike a powerful chord with the young and trendy youth of the Middle East….most the younger drivers were looking – not sure whether it was the car itself or the bright green colour. I could find the car easily in Mirdiff City centre car park as well as in Dubai Mall which can sometimes be a task.

I also love how efficient it was – largest-in-class 1.5-liter engine, I did not even use half the tank in 4 days. My Fortuner just guzzles petrol and I can easily finish an entire tank in 2 days. The car had dual airbags and an Intelligent key & Push button ignition + power folding door mirrors. This was particularly good in my garage when I had to park 2 cars in one port allocated to Villa 7.

With Micra, this was easy!

Micra’s visual appeal is further enhanced by the broad range of fashionable colors available – ten in total including three character colors: Spring Green, Night Veil Purple and Sunlight Orange. I drove the Spring green 🙂

Inside Micra was a unique ‘twin bubble’ shaped cockpit that gives a secure feeling for both driver and passengers with convenient stowage compartments and generous headroom. The arched lines and warm curved surfaces on either side of the instrumental panel create a distinctive bubble-shaped interior space that enhances driving pleasure.

There was no shortage of places to safely store my music player and both phones with pockets and cup holders conveniently placed throughout the interior. User-friendly storage spaces include an instrument panel under box and glove box and despite the size, Micra had two front cup holders….one for my FIJI water and one for my Hagen Daz coffee…and the boot had 15 pairs of shoes, gym bag and beach bag space. Should I be driving something smaller from now?