TGITW

Thank God it's the Weekend!
Another Chromeo song that just makes me wanna move

The Ramadan I ♥

We all have our own Ramadan. The emotions we feel, the places we visit, the food we love etc. For example, there's something about black tea with mint during Ramadan that just adds to the mood for me. There's no other time of the year that I really crave it. Just the same with Arabic desserts. The only three that I like, and I've tried a lot, are Knafeh, Um Ali and Roz bil Haleeb (rice pudding). 

Again, I only crave these during this month. They take me back to my younger teens living in Bahrain. Sitting all cozied up in tents surrounded by my friends and family, feeling completely carefree, everyone happy and thankful for the food and company. 

Once I went to university Ramadan was no longer the same. Boston wasn't too bad considering it was practically an Arab city away from the Middle East. I have to admit though, that same Ramadani feeling I was used to didn't exist. We'd try our hardest by keeping dates everywhere and eating ME cuisine whenever we had time. But breaking your fast to a Boloco burrito just doesn't cut it. I know, food is food, and you appreciate it all at the end of the day, but nothing says Ramadan to me like my family's home cooked ME food and desserts. 

My pickiness with ME meals would be a result of enjoying over 15 years of the best home cooked food; always fresh and healthy. Everything has to be nailed from the taste, to the texture, to the temperature it's served at, to the right amount of garnish (especially for desserts).

I could hardly take the photo above in focus last night because of how excited I was to eat it. Nothing beats the fresh, hot knafeh we make at home. Oozing melted cheese, the addictive crunch of the kataifi (a special kind of shredded phyllo) slightly burnt to perfection, and the sweet drizzle of the syrup. It's such a scrumptious combination of sweet and savory that always keeps you wanting more, when it's done right. 

I'm not hungry at all. 

In my experience though, Ramadan is also not the same unless I fast. It's the somewhat lazy mood and occasional hunger pang that not only brings me back to reality, but helps me appreciate every bite, sip, smile and hug I receive. 

Good Morning DXB: Hello Adele

Breaking a Sweat in DXB: Platform 3

I love gyms. Not the generic ones you find in apartment buildings or hotels, but the fun energetic ones that really lift your mood. Yes they do exist, I just didn't think they would in DXB. I always knew a friend of mine was working on his own gym but never gave it much thought since I've seen a lot of what is offered here. 

Then a couple nights ago on one of my walks with Yazzy, we passed by his gym which had finally opened that day - Platform 3. Trust me, I don't get excited amidst dumbbells, punching bags and treadmills so I don't know what happened to me there. First of all the location is great, it's at Park Island in the Marina. 

Once you enter you've got your Conditioning Zone on your left with different workout tools that you might not recognize as some are only found in the UK, such as the TRX training. You'll also find the Climbing Zone with an 8 meter wall to knock yourself out with.

On your right, an impressive Boxing Zone with punching bags as well as a whole customized Everlast boxing ring. Added bonus: you can change the lighting to your preference, and they have all colors of the rainbow. You might not know it, but these small details really make a difference. 

   

As you go upstairs, you have a juice and snack bar on your left, "Refuel," where you can can satisfy your protein shake, juice, or wheat grass shot craving (score!). Right by the juice bar are glass doors which lead outdoors where you'll find Power Plates as well as The Green Room, a lounge area with computers and free WiFi. I could seriously live there. 

On the right of the stairs you have the DJ's turntable, of course, every gym should be well equipped when it comes to music. Then further down you have more of the Cardio Zone housing the basic exercise machines you are familiar with.  You will also find the Inwood corner library with books regarding health/workouts/fitness. This is also where the sports therapist and the nutritionist's offices are located. Apparently the therapist does magic and will heal any pain in your body.

Honestly, I'm still not doing the place justice. I can't describe energy and make you feel it, you have to experience it.

What you need to note about Platform 3 is that it's quite exclusive; you can only use the facility if you have a personal trainer or if you are signed up for their classes. There are no drop-ins like a regular gym. This makes me quite happy, considering the number of times I catch McSleazy hovering around me while I stretch. 

One of my best friends experienced a training session with Mad Mike just yesterday, and from the sounds of it, I'm not sure he'll be able to walk for a couple days. At least once you're done with your intense workout you can relax in the changing room and enjoy the sauna and rain shower. 

After getting a tour of the facility by one of their energetic staff, I tried out a machine as you can see to the right. I think I make it look effortless...... anyway, there are only two of these at Platform 3 and if I remember correctly the only two in DXB. 

Open 7 days a week from 6am - 11pm. If you give them a call at +971 4 435 8083 they'll fill you in on all of their training packages. They recommend you start off with a nutritional assessment first of your fat/muscle percentage etc, as this way they'll be able to gauge exactly what you need in order to attain the exact goals you have for your body. 

Good Morning DXB: Stay tuned for my own workout routine!

After I trained to be a yoga instructor two years ago, I never really used my qualifications except once with my brother. That turned into a total joke because I enjoyed watching him do sunflowers too much, the lesson was pretty much sunflowers and laughter, sunflowers and laughter, sunflowers and laughter… you get it right.

After getting into yoga I realized it wasn’t as satisfying for me. I need something that includes the stretches yoga offers, but more of the fun energy and good music of dance classes. So I decided that before I teach anyone I’m going to come up with my own routine to the music I love that pumps me up and cools me down. Once I have my routines down I would love to invite all my friends to try it out. I’ll make sure you release all the endorphins you need to keep you happy!

Anyway, in order to come up with the types of routines I want, a lot of research needs to be done and so my good friend Yazzy and I have decided to experience the different gyms and workouts Dubai has to offer. This way we’ll rate them so that you know exactly what to expect from each, and I can also get all the research I need done. 

Battle of the Tallest Skyscraper

I mean the Burj Khalifa certainly didn't think it would be the tallest forever did it? Well not to worry it has another 5 years before it crumbles in depression. 

Jeddah Tower which will be 1,000 meters (will that even be high in 5 years?) will not only have the typical offices, apartments and condominiums, but will have a Four Seasons Hotel. At a slim cost of $1.2 billion, it will also be facing the Red Sea. Not sure which of those is supposed to be the unique selling proposition though.

Now I KNOW not everyone suffers small wiener syndrome with all the "my tower is taller than yours" business (oh wow), but why oh why do Arabs need to compete and prove everything to such Shakespearean proportions. 

We get it, you are swimming in  $$$$. However, if you're ever bored of it, there are some hungry people in Somalia who might like some, just a silly thought. 

But I understand, every country spends its money the way it pleases and has no obligations to fix the misfortune of other countries; if they do and I'm just ignorant that's my bad, I just know what the news tells me.

I Hope You Dance... Slightly Different Take

I stumbled upon this - it's pretty funny. In case you didn't know it's a spoof off of Lee Ann Womack's i hope you dance. 

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your final set of undies,

You get your fill to eat but still you get the munchies,

May you never shake my hand while sweaty-handed

God forbid you miss the bus that leaves you stranded

I hope you never miss it when they play “Slow Motion”

And never dunk your head into hand lotion

Promise me that you will wear your skinny pants

And if they ask you to be prime minister of France

Go govern France…Go govern France.

I hope you never see mountian lions in the distance

Never forget to purchase me a Mac for Christmas

Dinner might mean takin’ chances but they’re worth takin’

It won’t be a mistake to add some bacon

Don’t let some hell-bent okra make you shiver

When the slime is gone the taste it will deliver

Give this two-buck wine a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to take a trip to Alamance

I hope you book in advance…book in advance.

[via Tesslynch]

Check it out: Beauty Workshop with Basma from B. beautiful!

I've never been a fan of putting make-up on. Really the only make-up I use is my blush and concealer, with an additional eyeliner and mascara when I've got a night out. I've never felt good with more make-up, but every once in a while I find a make-up artist who really makes me realize that putting on that extra eye shadow has such a beautiful touch. I never thought there would be a way for me to wear pinks or greens on my eyes without looking like a drag queen, but I'm always excited when I'm proved wrong. Basma from B. beautiful has proved just this and I love learning from her.  

I have had Basma make me up for a shoot ages ago and I absolutely loved it. This was when she was sort of starting off. Now I don't even need to recommend her to friends and agencies because she's one of the most sought out make-up artists in DXB. I recently went back to her for an experimental make-up session and just loved how easy and fun it is to work with her and how determined she is to get what you want right. We didn't realize three and a half hours passing by until I noticed I was late for my shoot. When you know you can sit still for that long with someone experimenting on your face and genuinely enjoy it, you know you'll be keeping them in your books.

As you can see from the above flyer, Basma will be holding a workshop at the Pavilion Downtown. The workshops will be the 12th and 13th of August from 8:30pm - 11pm. They will be small groups so it will be a personal learning experience where you can really feel like you're getting your money's worth. 

If you have the time and have always wanted to learn a bit more about make up give it a shot. Just call or email Basma and sign up. I'll be modeling for it, which I'm very excited to do. I hope I see some familiar faces there!

Check out some of Basma's work below:

 B pretty with Maxfactor Experience

B the one  

Good Morning DXB - A Beautiful Video for You

I fell in love with this video by Bruno Aveillan, French multimedia artist, when I saw it and was initially on edge at the actor's situation and the insurmountable difficulties he faced. At first I remembered the movie White Fang, I used to love it. I watched the making of this video, and the actor had to spend a week with the wolves to feel completely comfortable around them. Without that level of trust between the wolves and the actor the serenity and calmness of their interaction would not have been attained. I really appreciate a video less than 5 minutes that can stir up emotion in me through the subject and story,  as well as the cinematic technique and music. This video especially is a work of art. A big thanks to the superb photographer Jason Gareth for sharing it with me xx

Good Morning DXB - Choosing your next book became so much easier!

I'm constantly looking for new books to read. I usually make sure to have one lined up once I'm done with my current book and at times can't help but start two simultaneously. My previous roomie, Zaina, who always enlightens me with useful tips, just introduced me to which book.   

which book is your source for finding the book you want. With its panoply of specific genres everything is organized superbly, which is something I really appreciate (yeah I'm a perfectionist.... leave me alone I'm a scorpio). Anyway, you can create your own lists and share them with friends or stick to the W Lists which have different genres such as:

• Comfort zone
• Short and sweet
• Laugh your pants off
• Weird and wonderful

On the left you are given options and can rate the level you want in your book results. You can then specifically rate your preference for "character, plot and setting." Check out the image to get a better understanding. Such a great site - thanks Z xx