Will Shay Rouge be my new scent

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Shay Rouge – packaged in RED, just the way Island girl likes it!

I’ve always been attracted to strong sensual scents and at this point may have the most number of YSL’s Champagne or Yvresse as its better known in the Middle East when I found out it was not going to be forever produced like the Chanel No. 5 type classics.

So when Emirati Perfume house Anfasic Dokhoon created Shay Rouge, its new limited edition scent for exclusive sale at Galleries Lafayette, I made a beeline to test it because I was told it was a scent I would like – a ‘strong’ perfume with subtle notes…that’s exactly how I would describe it.

Shay Rouge is a fragrance that embraces Galleries Lafayette’s elegance as well as Anfasic Dohkoon’s mastery of oriental perfumery. The iconic Anfasic Dokhoon purple bottle, which treasures creations by Emirati scent designer Mohamed Hilal, is exceptionally presented in rich red, paying homage to Galleries Lafayette’s identity and to the scarlet scent that combines an orchestra of cherry, rose, osmanthus and ‘oud.’

The former Emirates Airlines pilot who changed his career in pursuit of his passion for scents is highly regarded for his refined creations. The fragrance exhibits a rich cherry top note, enhanced by a glowing heart of romantic roses and exotic osmanthus that finally surrenders to the warmth and sensuality of the ‘oud’ base note.

The ‘oud’ element certainly reflects the cultural heritage of Arabia that crosses boundaries – When I go home to Fiji Islands, the male family members expect me to take some form of oud for them with me and that’s the one thing they appreciate truly from Arabia that they can’t get easily in Fiji.

The fragrance’s name pays homage to the dual influences of Arabian prestige and French glamour. Rouge is French for red, but also ‘lipstick’ in both French and casual Arabic, while Shay™ means ‘wow’ in Emirati dialect. The scent of a ‘wow red lipstick’ is the inspiration of striking beauty, elegance and femininity, which is the effect that this fragrance will diffuse around its wearer.

Anfasic Dokhoon brings to life a world of scents created by Emirati conceptualist Mohamed Hilal and Italian co-founder Olimpia T. Mascolo that embodies Arabian scents with the simplicity of style and minimalism….try it and see what you think?

Mike Rutzen at Atlantis – education on Great White Sharks

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With Mike Rutzen & the beautiful Rima at The Lost Chambers, Atlantis

After driving on race tracks, bashing dunes, sky diving and generally doing anything that raises the blood pressure, my next big adrenaline driven adventure will be diving with sharks…..inspired by none other than Michael Rutzen, who is known as one of the few people in the world who free-dives with Great White Sharks and campaigns for their preservation around the world.

Mike is so passionate describing his unique adventures as he travels extensively around the world to create an understanding and respect for this great predator, sharing his knowledge and involving as many people as possible in his conservation battle.  I met Mike at Atlantis, The Lost Chambers as he was with the Atlantis Marine Team who are keen to go to Fiji to experience the awesome dive sites there. (I reckon I have convinced marine conservationist, the beautiful  Rima Jabado to hang out in my flat in Nadi while doing day trips diving near untouched islands – since we have over 330 beautiful islands, it’s a diver’s dream paradise)

Mike Rutzen is sweet, down to earth and if you love the marine world as much as I do being an Island girl, watch Mike’s travels and activities which are extensively documented on TV programmes including ‘Beyond Fear’ with National Geographic, ‘Sharkman’ and ‘Shark Night’ on Discovery Channel, ‘60 Minutes special’  with Anderson Cooper, ‘The Great White Shark’ on CNN and ‘A Living Legend’ on BBC Natural World. Mike has been face to face with one of the greatest predators in the world, with no protection and no fear!

I hope someday I also get to spend some time with Steve Kaiser of the Marine Sciences and Engineering team at Atlantis –  I believe he works hard to provide education to the masses about sharks through a number of activities including the thrilling Shark Dive in the Shark Lagoon at Atlantis. It would also be great to talk more about Rima and her work on marine conservation and I reckon that will be a whole new blog on its own…watch this space.

Guests to the next Lost Chambers ‘Family Fun Day’ will be able to meet Michael Rutzen and hear him speak about Shark Conservation. Other Atlantis activities include special educational sessions with marine animal specialists, interaction with the Atlantis scuba divers, touch and feel marine exhibits, face painting, treasure hunts etc.

You can also meet ‘Shark Man’ Mike face to face as he will describe tales of his adventures diving and protecting sharks around the globe on Saturday. In his talk “The Great White Shark Carcharodon Carcharias – Behaviour and Conservation,” He will tell stories about diving with sharks; his free-diving and behavioural observations; eco-tourism as a winning solution and his research and future projects.

I warn you though…Mike is so passionate about his work, the enthusiasm rubs off on you and like me, you will find yourself navigating the high seas in no time! Thanks to the awesome team at Atlantis who always have interesting activities lined up at The Lost Chambers for kids like little diva @NJD2000, we as adults also end up learning about environment, conservation in a beautiful setting like Atlantis.

I am starting diving courses with Al Boom next month when my traumatised left arm is back in action so I can do the shark dive at Atlantis – super excited. (And no…the arm was not traumatised flipping the car on a race track as all my near and dear ones seem to think). 

Ford Explorer – Reinvented

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I really loved my time with the Explorer - didn't have time for dune bashing with it but I get to do that with my Fortuner anyway

After listening to my story on the reasons why I drive a Fortuner (cos of that famous space between the boot and the back seat that perfectly accommodates a shoe rack), big Brother decided to give me a top of the range reinvented Ford Explorer for a week to see if it fits a diva’s needs.

What he didn’t tell me is that this reinvented sport utility vehicle offers an unmatched combination of convenience, capability and technology which I loved not to mention the V6 engine, the clean, modern exterior design, flexible interior with clever storage solutions, three rows of flexible seating and room for my on the move 65 pairs of shoes and boots. Basically I plucked my rack from the Fortuner and dumped it into the Explorer….although it wasn’t a perfect fit, it still held up for the 7 days without getting the shoes all over the boot area.

I particularly liked the Explorer’s EPAS system that gives assistance based on speed, turn-in and direction….the optimized steering feel plus optimum manoeuvrability in parking situations was awesome. The optional active park assist technology scans for a suitable spot, calculates the trajectory and steers the vehicle…diva likes.

Also new for me was Ford’s terrain management system. Rather than using four-high, four-low and auto settings, Explorer terrain management is selectable by situation. The settings on the shift-on-the-fly include normal, mud and sand. Terrain management also includes Hill Descent Control, which provides engine braking to increase driver confidence and control when descending a steep incline…my sand dune adventures have led me to loads of trouble before so this feature is super welcome.

Overall I had loads of fun with the Explorer…took a couple of colleagues in it for a spin as well. My daughter thought it was huge and like me, enjoyed the extra space the car provided. Diva approves!

Super spacious for all of diva's clothes, shoes, magazines, beach stuff and like!

Rami Al Ali makes an impact with his 2012 collection

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One of Rami's new designs

Once again on my way heading home from work last week I stopped for coffee at Rami Al Ali’s Atelier to see his new outfits as well as the Bridal Collection 2012. No…I’m not getting married but this hot mama likes to look at clothes and Rami’s designs are so timeless that one gets inspired by his unique touches to every dress he makes even if it happens to be the bridal collection. I reckon there were numerous elements in every bridal piece that would look awesome in an evening dress while totally rocking the fashion scene as a wedding ensemble that is so very Ramilicious.

Of course apart from the clothes, it is a delight to chat with Rami who I find is one of the most insightful designers of all times – no matter what topic you come up with, Rami contributes the most profound thoughts on each of them. I guess it’s also his worldly insights or sixth sense that makes him create the best dresses for his clients – its as if he can sense their character, ethos and what they are all about and what would go with their body, personality and what have you that makes each woman a uniquely beautiful individual.

Elegance is the key to this year’s line by Rami, with each and every dress created as a portrait of modern beauty – sophisticated and breathtaking. Flowing lengths of A-line cuts give a romantic appeal to the collection, whilst voluminous puffed skirts create a whimsical allure, for the bride who wants to make an impact. Architectural structure is ever-present throughout the line, giving each piece a strong character, whilst a daring array of exposed necklines and bare shoulders are contrasted against more modest designs of full-length lace sleeves.

Full attention is granted to the bride with a refreshing palette of off-white, and light and pearly variations of beige, to ensure all skin tones are complimented and flattered. The line is kept rich and luxurious with a strong presence of satin and tafta fabrics, with embellishments tactically placed to create new shapes and forms within each style. Every dress within the collection is uniquely crafted using innovative methods of fabric manipulation, creating new and inspiring textures and depths.

If I didn’t have to dash to Valleydez that evening to hang out with fashion experts Dipesh & Ayman, I reckon I would have just sat and taken in Rami’s creations all evening….they were pure eye candy and once again I left his Atelier half heartedly. If you ever are on Al Wasl Road and have some fashion sense, Rami Al Ali’s designs are worth stopping for to get a dose of some creative style injection.

Oh Tiffany!

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Me loving Tiffany 1837 Interlocking circles necklace in Rubedo metal and silver

My daughter and I always share jewellery pieces but after Tiffany launched world-renowned designer Paloma Picasso’s collection of Paloma’s Venezia, we find ourselves fighting over our favourite pieces and being drawn to Tiffany shops every time we are in a mall. Currently I wear a piece from Tiffany’s Rubedo collection and as much as Tash loves the piece I have from Paloma’s collection, she constantly wants to exchange and wear both Paloma & Rubedo – partly because Rubedo is so much fun to play with during those deep thoughtful moments. (I have a lot of these moments being an intense Pisces)

When it comes to Paloma, I’m always fascinated by people and particularly artists  so naturally I delved further into what inspires the youngest daughter of the famous artist of all times and if Pablo Picasso’s talent is reflected in Paloma’s creativity – I’m just so thrilled to own one of her pieces after seeing her work.

A lifelong traveller, Paloma has incorporated the art and culture of many exotic places in her work. Having visited Venice from the time she was a teenager, she developed a particular fascination for the city’s canals and bridges, palazzos and great public squares. With her unerring eye for design, she interprets the city’s beauty and historical legacy in jewellery of four distinct themes and a piece I have of hers as a result is absolutely beautiful.

Although Paloma’s Venezia was launched last year, it’s still available in Tiffany & Co.’s  in Dubai – I guess it’s because her designs are timeless. Having said that, Tiffany’s new collection, Rubedo, launched in honour of the company’s 175th anniversary is equally awesome.

I’m told that in the medieval philosophy of alchemy, Rubedo was the title of the very highest achievement, when matter and spirit fused to create something of rare beauty. I love my Rubedo pendant as it marries the richness of gold, the brilliance of silver and the warmth of copper – I reckon that’s why little diva keeps wanting to take it off my neck every time to wear it.

Among the luminous creations of Rubedo is an elongated cuff that crisply incorporates the hallmark at the cuff’s edge. A similarly contoured ring carries the Tiffany legacy with equal grace. Tiffany designers also contrast the warmth of Rubedo with sterling silver in a pendant and necklace of interlocking circles of great movement and dimension. (How cool does that look around my neck)

Tiffany 1837 Rubedo jewellery designs inscribed with the signature of founder Charles Lewis Tiffany are available exclusively during 2012, in celebration of Tiffany’s anniversary year. I’m so excited to have one of the Rubedo pieces – little diva (NJD) keeps asking me if she’s inheriting my collection of Tiffany’s awesome pieces but I’ll let her sweat a bit before I part with my awesome Rubedo.

Paloma in Venice - How gorgeous is she....as beautiful as her awesome designs

Love this heaps

After Paloma’s magical pieces and the playful and fun Rubedo pieces, I certainly can’t wait to see what Tiffany launches next – I’m sure it will be just as awesome.

Way to go Spectronix

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Instant Tightening Serum...one of the many superb products from Spectronix

I met recently with an incredible young entrepreneur in the B2B beauty business and he left me inspired on how he expanded his business and is now bringing in some super new products into Dubai.

Owner of Spectronix, S.L. Paul runs an outfit that is dedicated to bringing the latest medical technologies to the Middle East from some of the best companies in Europe, the United States and S. Korea to deliver superior services in the beauty industry. I’ve used some of the machines he supplies to my regular spa so I have him to thank for my porcelain looking soft hair free skin.

Spectronix makes its mark in the UAE by introducing a latest and innovative beauty related technology almost very month. One treatment which Spectronix has brought to this region is called “secret”. Secret reveals The secret to get rid of Pigmentation, Acne scars, wrinkles & Scars while experiencing Skin tightening, Rejuvenation, pore reduction, stretch marks improvement. I have not tried this yet but can’t wait and am looking to find a clinic that features this treatment.

What I have tried before is a painless, less downtime laser treatment call Depilight. Unwanted hair has been a pain for me – diva does not like time-consuming Waxing, threading, electrolysis stuff with long repeated sessions. Depilight hair reduction technology has been awesome for me and I have forward thinking entrepreneurs like Paul to thank for bringing it to Dubai

Spectronix also introduces now the “Complete Skin Repair Renewal Rejuvenation Kit” commonly called as SR3 using stem cell, nano technologies for the first time in Cosmetic Aesthetics. If you are suffering from acne scars, dull skin, pigmentation, wrinkles, stretch marks etc… SR3 is the thing you need to ask for, next time you walk in to your Dermatologist’s office.

And Although I find bald men incredibly sexy, most people I meet want hair on their heads or like to go for treatments that help their hair grow. SPECTRONIX has also introduced walk-in, walk-out hair transplant with its latest device S.A.F.E.R Hair Transplant robot, automating the hair transplant procedure. Paul was gushing about this treatment so I’m assuming he has had amazing feedback from clients. S.A.F.E.R.  I am told is a machine-enhanced, minimally-invasive (no-scalpel/no-stitch) hair transplant surgery that benefits patients with better results, lower cost, less discomfort, faster recovery and no linear scars.

Paul, who is a qualified engineer as well naturally gets hands on with all the products he gets and talked about many other new innovations in the industry like medical make up, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening serums, bionix, mesotherapy etc. My favourite I know is going to be the machine that stimulates abdominal muscles equal to 300 crunches – diva likes this.

I hope I meet Paul again as he is like a walking encyclopedia on what’s hot and what’s not in the beauty industry and if I am to keep my exotic island look vibrant and healthy, Paul is the guy to hang out with more.

Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore opens Sultans of Science

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Opening of Sultans of Science

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Minister for Manpower, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam opened the ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition at the Science Centre Singapore yesterday (16th April 2012). Featuring contributions of Muslim Scholars in science and technology, the global traveling exhibition makes its Asian premier in Singapore.

‘Sultans of Science’ Asian tour debuts in Singapore

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Children interacting and being hands on with exhibits in Sultans of Science

Asia to discover scientific achievements of Muslim Civilization

The Asian tour of ‘Sultans of Science’, which is MTE Studios, global traveling exhibition will debut in Singapore mid April. Currently ending the first leg of the North American tour, the UAE travelling exhibition will visit Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia beginning in the second quarter of 2012.

Following successful residencies in New Jersey, South Africa, Toronto, Edmonton and San Jose, Science Centre Singapore will be the first Asian venue to host the iconic exhibition also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’. It will go on to visit National Science Museum in Thailand; Petrosains, The Discovery Centre in Malaysia and other venues across the continent.

As a leading Science Centre promoting science and technology in the region, Science Centre Singapore will reveal scientific achievements of the Muslim Civilisation to students and the community with the opening of ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition in mid April 2012 for a three-month run. The exhibition explores scientific breakthroughs of a remarkable era, which was one of the greatest in the world.

History text books refer to events when Europe slumbered in a period which is commonly known as the Dark Ages, but few people are aware of the tremendous contributions Muslim scholars made in science and technology during the Golden Age of the Islam (7th – 17th Centuries) which helped pave the way for the European Renaissance.

This civilization thrived on seeking knowledge and led to inventions, innovations, discoveries and prosperity. Its mathematicians invented algebra and algorithms that enabled the development of computers. Its doctors discovered the pulmonary heart circulation, undertook operations with surgical instruments very similar to modern surgical instruments and established efficient public hospitals. Its astronomers observed the heavens, developed astronomical tools to calculate their position on earth and paved the way for satellites and travel in space. Its engineers such as Al-Jazari and Banu Musa brothers laid the foundation of modern engineering and developed ingenious devices such as the first robot.

“This interactive exhibition invites visitors to explore the main fields of Muslim achievements, from mathematics to navigation, astronomy, medicine, instrument making, fine utilitarian technology, engineering, optics, architecture and flight. It will engage people of all ages and backgrounds in experiences that educate, inform, provoke thought, inspire action and understanding across cultures,” said CEO, Ludo Verheyen from MTE Studios.

The Asian venues are excited to showcase this significant exhibition, which has received record number of visitors since its launch and believe in a successful Asian tour allowing visitors to discover and understand how a great civilization created prosperity across large areas from Spain to China. The host venues are delighted and believe that visitors will be fascinated to see numerous inventions brought to life through a diverse range of over 50 interactive, sensory and static exhibits and giant functional replicas that use cutting-edge technology to recreate the ingenuity of a golden age.

Cute BlackBerry Mini Keyboard for the BlackBerry PlayBook

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BlackBerry Mini Keyboard - Liking it

Over coffee today, I got introduced to the new BlackBerry Mini Keyboard, a new accessory for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet….being a gadget chick who collects gadgets but often have no time to explore them I was cynical. After all I have the top of the range Apple ipod, ipad 1 for work and ipad 2 for personal use, iphone 4S and I use MacBook Air for work plus another funky Apple for home. I’m now on my 3rd BlackBerry so for me to say I’m sold on the BlackBerry PlayBook is something. And the fact that it comes now with a funky keyboard is awesome.

The keyboard is ultra portable and comes complete with a stylish convertible case that doubles as a stand for the tablet.  In addition to a full QWERTY keyboard, it offers an integrated touchpad that allows users to navigate and control the BlackBerry PlayBook as easily as using the touch screen on the tablet itself…another cool feature.

You can also integrate all your emails and documents on the play Playbook, which is also super easy to work on with the keyboard.  The keyboard makes it easy to surf the web or use other apps – such as Twitter, Facebook, WordPress and BBM, along with heaps of other funky apps which can be downloaded through BlackBerry App World.

The Playbook can also connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to other BlackBerry gadgets, for example, you can bridge your Blackberry smartphone with the playbook, which can then double as a mouse for the Playbook using the track-pad which I think is awesome! Being technologically challenged despite owning the latest of whatever gets launched in UAE, I am now motivated to find out more and get all my gadgets synchronised.

The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard comes equipped with a touchpad that supports BlackBerry PlayBook gestures. The touchpad also offers additional gestures similar to the standard mouse and touchpad controls on a laptop, including a single tap to simulate a mouse click, a two finger tap to right-click, and a two-finger up or down swipe to scroll vertically. Its ultra-portable and lightweight, measuring less than 6mm thick and connects to BlackBerry PlayBook tablet via Bluetooth® with128-bit encryption to keep the data passed between keyboard and tablet secure.

Whats also cool is that the keyboard conveniently uses the micro-USB charger that comes with the BlackBerry PlayBook (one less charger to carry), and the keyboard battery lasts up to 30 days on a full charge. I’m sold!

All-New 2012 Ford Focus

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NJD enjoys the sun roof while waiting in the Focus - it was the first car in the line-up at DWTC as we wait to kick-start the Dubai Peace Drive

The last time I drove a Ford was during University and it was a perfect car to go to classes in especially during weekends when the better half was off work but I had classes. The first time I ventured on my own, I landed the Ford in a drain….i was traumatised – the Ford came out unscratched so I was sold on the robustness of the brand. So when Tareq gave me the latest All New Focus for a week promising a new experience with its new good-looking design (the man knows diva has discerning taste), refined driving dynamics and with ample technology to keep me gadget happy, I jumped at the opportunity.

The All-new Ford Focus comes in three body styles: sporty 5-door hatchback, sleek 4-door sedan and stylish 5-door wagon. As I am a spoilt Island chick, the advanced technologies includes Active Park Assist and Torque Vectoring Control. The new Focus has a modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish centre console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls….even little diva NJD was able to reach from the back and change stations while waiting for me to load the car with my shoe rack and portable wardrobe. Which brings me to the boot space.

Anyone who knows me and the drama queen of a Fortuna that I drive knows that my preferred car needs to accommodate all my latest magazines, at least 30-40 pairs of shoes, 2 gym bags, I beach bag, 1 bag for boots and one emergency vanity case for the on the way home Moroccan baths. Well….Tareq is my witness because he watched me incredulously as I packed the boot of the Focus and transferred all my girly stuff from the boot of the Fortuna to the Focus and vice versa.

Then I checked out Ford’s latest generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) system, used within the cockpit, with twin five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel controlling the two main vehicle displays…not bad.  I agree the interior does combine outstanding functionality with outstanding craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are travelling in a premium-class car.

I do like the Active Park Assist….no comments here about me needing it – at least I park with panache which is more than you lot can boast about!!!! And its nothing to do with the new Electric Power Assist Steering system….its my style that makes a statement (I wonder if I can patent my parking style – the front wheels are always turned an angle which is my trademark)

The new Ford Focus’ powertrain range delivers spirited performance and offers outstanding fuel economy and CO2 emissions… I like that. Plus the fuel economy is enhanced by the availability of a new six-speed dual dry-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission, providing the responsive performance of a traditional manual transmission with the convenience of a user-friendly automatic. Low-friction dry clutches are employed, combined with six well-spaced gears to provide drivers with responsive acceleration from rest, smooth transitions between gears and optimized fuel economy when cruising….NJD loved the sunroof option as well…awesome.

The All New Focus is certainly an exciting new chapter in the Focus success story…check it out and let me know what you think!

Interior view of the All New Focus