A Day of Bliss At The Shangri-La Hotel's Chi Spa

Dubai is a city that is abundant in everything, from automobiles to food to fashion...you name it, we have it (well, almost everything). It's also a city that prides itself in the best hotels and relaxation spots.

I love spas more than chocolate (well, okay not really but I do love spas). It's one of those places I go to alone because I really don't want to make small talk while having a facial or a foot massage. I know several girls who take their gang along and create a fun girls day out. While that's great once in a while, I still prefer time by myself. After all, isn't spa time all about me-time? 

I discovered a hidden gem at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai the other day. Chi, the spa is truly one of the best spas around Dubai. For this month, they have a selection of body massages and facials for both men and women. They've also introduced a new element on their listing- the Pumpkin Spice Body Peel and Wrap. Doesn't it sound perfect for this season and just about divine? 

I opted for the Rebalancing Retreat; this menu item combines a brightening facial and a deep tissue back massage. The best part about my experience? This was the first time I signed up for a back massage. 

The 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Crate & Barrel

Say hello to the third part of the holiday gift guide! At this time of the year, several people look to either revamp their homes (most of the stores have promotions in full swing) or are moving into a new home. And that means new furniture! I love furniture shopping but hate going from one store to another if I can't find my ideal/dream pieces.

Crate & Barrel in Dubai makes it so much easier- I've spotted a few coffee tables, mugs and accessories that became an instant favorite. And to make things even better, they are offering 25% off on select furniture.

If you are visiting a friend who just moved into their new apartment or are looking to breathe life into your home, here are a few ideas.

Do you see the trunk shaped tables in the picture on the top left? They are actual trunks of acacia trees polished and refined to perfection. It's quite unique and my favorite. Look how fab those cute festive cups are. And those glorious candle holders? It is things like these that make up a room.

The 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Mamas & Papas

As part of the second holiday gift guide series, I bring you some festive goodies for your little one. While the holiday season means finding the perfect gift for friends and family, it also means gifting the kids something they will like or look good in.

Mamas & Papas is the new destination to shop for the mini-you. The Holiday Collection treats them to casual and formal wear that is inspired by the colors of the season and things festive. There are also mini tuxedos and party dresses for those who love to emulate their dad's or mom's style. Apart from that, there are a number of accessories that will fit snugly into their rooms, the Christmas tree and their hearts. 

How awesome is that hanging silver star? It's a perfect customized gift. Also makes a brilliant desk accessory (for me). And the passport holders? I have a penchant for them, the fancier, the better! I might just go pick that one for myself. 

A Day With Decathlon

I come from a family who has fitness ingrained in them. My dad has put in so much effort to create his own gym (at home) that it is quite good to work-out in peace.

I am a firm believer of eating what you like but in moderation. I know people eliminate certain food from their diet completely. While that may take place for health reasons, there are those who will starve to attain their fitness goals. I'm not going to go on about why you shouldn't do that, but remember this- eat in moderation, know what's right for you and exercise.

Work-outs are of utmost importance and something you shouldn't ignore. As we age, our bodies fail to respond to various things as effectively as they would have otherwise. One of them is exercise. I see several people over the age of 50 exercising for the first time. They ignored everything when they were younger (for whatever reasons) and they are pushing their bodies now to deliver or simply working out because the doctor has advised them to. While they may attain results, it may not be as effective in terms of expected timelines. And this brings me to my next point.

Decathlon, a sports retailer invited me to a fitness session which I happily obliged. Say fitness or work-out and I'm all ears. I would always walk past the Mirdif City Center store but this time around got the chance to see what's on the inside. And I was truly impressed.

The Positive Plan

One thing I've learnt from everyone around me is that girls worry a lot about their weight. A LOT. There were times when I couldn't choose a certain restaurant because my friends just didn't want to eat there. Why? Because of the temptation. Here's one (paraphrased) conversation from years ago:

Me: "So, let's go eat at Chili's. Neither of us have had desserts for a week or so and Chili's has the molten ca-"
Friend: "NO"

Such convos were a regular, even fruit yogurt was off the table. I believe you can eat anything you want as long as it is done in moderation. People assume they can cut of certain food from their diet and lose weight. No. You need to workout regularly and focus on key aspects of your workout plan. Some of my friends get upset when they don't witness results in 2 weeks' time. They are being impatient. The results will start to show but you need to give it some time. When you are down, you need a a plan that boosts positive thoughts.

This particular plan known as the Special K Positivity Plan has been developed in conjunction with Kellogg's and coach, Miriam. Have a read:

1. Train your brain: Your brain has negativity bias, so it's crucial to focus on your positive assets- great sense of humor, lovely smile- to help you aim for success every day.
2. Stay kind: When you perform an act of kindness for someone, both you and the recipient feel good which leads to positivity bouncing back and forth between you.
3. Be an optimist: Recognize that temporary set backs are just that- temporary. Thinking this way helps build a more positive state of mind. 
4. Think small: Build confidence by making small goals and recognizing every single achievement.
5. Live your life purpose: Look ahead and make plans. Making progress towards your vision will give you a sense of satisfaction and boost your positivity. 

1. Get perspective: Think about life in more flexible terms. Negative beliefs can turn into monsters, so do your best to put them in perspective and think of what action you can take. 
2. Cherish love: Love is the queen of positive emotions, but for a relationship to truly flourish you need a ratio of 5:1 positive to negative emotions. Boost your well-being by being as social as you can and nurturing your life affirming relationships. 
3. Thank you therapy: Take some time at the end of everyday to think about what's gone well, what's good in your life and what you are grateful for.
4. Bring the fun factor: Do what you love- the fun, enjoyable and healthy things in life maximize the joy in your positivity machine. 
5. Do it for you: Having positive motivations for success maximizes your chances. Intrinsic motivation is where you're motivated to do something for its own sake and is more likely to work than an extrinsic motivation. 

Use these tips for everything in life and you will soon have a 'can do' attitude! Remember, patience is the key.

Image credit: Pinterest

Got a (Bad) Habit?

How many times have you decided you will or will not do something and then failed at it? I have so many I'm not even going to list them. Breaking or creating a habit is a pain in the...neck. Smokers, procrastinators...the list can go on.

Enter my discovery- the Hipster Habit App. It's a fun 'app'.

The reason why I found it to be fun is because it's an offline 'app'. Let me explain. This particular 'app' fits in your pocket as opposed to a mobile device.

  
Yep- it's a printable 'app' that helps you achieve a habit or get rid of a bad one (at least that's the aim of it). You write down what you want to do and then follow the steps. There are different levels to reach- each bringing you closer to your goal. Fun!

I've jotted down 'Water' (as in 'drink more water') in my app since that option wasn't available. Just print it out from their website , fold into a booklet and get going!

DC Comics Reveals New Logo

I'm a humongous comic book fan. Among others, I have two limited edition comic books featuring The Hulk and The Juggernaut (Marvel Comics by the way) which I will never part away from even if I were offered a gazabillion $$$. No, you cannot put a price tag on such. Unfortunately, in Dubai there's no store that's dedicated to stock the latest comic book releases, hot out of the oven. Pooh!

Now getting back to the topic at hand- after 7 years of the revamped logo in 2005 (the first was in 1940 or so), DC Comics have replaced their logo with the new  'peel out' logo aimed to reflect the dual identities that the superheroes possess. How awesome does it look now?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Breedlove's Story

18 year old Ben Breedlove died on Dec 25, 2011 from a cardiac arrest. He had a condition called HCM- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy where the heart's walls have abnormal thickening thereby leading to complications. In his two part videos, he explains his life and brush with death, thrice.

I cannot help but think how God was watching over him time and time again because His existence is explained in Ben's visions.

Part 1:


Part 2: