Come along for the ride!

A blast of cold air to keep you young - trying out Cryo Health.

2016-01-30T13:15:00.000+04:00

Cryotherapy - treatments at sub-zero temperatures, have been used for years by the worlds top athletes before and after competing, to help keep them in tip top condition and reduce injuries, pain and swelling and to aid recovery.

Cryo treatments, as well as being used for a whole body experience, where you stand in a tank and are blasted with cold, nitrogen and oxygen mixed air for 3 minutes, is also used for localised treatments on parts of the body.

These localised treatments are giving the beauty industry a boost.

I went off to Cryo Dubai, to try out their Cryo Glow Facial. You lie down on a treatment bed, and the technician uses a special wand, to gently blow cold air over your face for 10 minutes. Thankfully, it's not a harsh blast of freezing cold air, the temperature gradually drops down to -170 degrees and the circular motions used give a very relaxing and therapeutic experience.

The benefits of these treatments, is the stimulating effect they have on the body - stimulating blood flow, which increases oxygenation of the muscles and skin. It reduces pores and tightens the skin and also encourages natural collagen production, which helps to rejuvenate the skin and can help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

To get the maximum benefit for anti-aging and improving skin tone and texture, it's recommended to have three treatments a week to see maximum benefits. But after just one session, my skin felt tighter and smoother and I felt really quite refreshed.

Cryo Dubai offer several different facials, depending on your requirements.

The Cryo Glow Facial is 325 Dhs for the 10 minute treatment and there are package deals available.

Cryo therapy has lots of different uses and I already have a few friends who swear by it, for muscle recovery after they've been competing.

Cryo have several spas across the emirates: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai Ladies Club, FitRepublik, Energy Plus in Al Ain and they're now open in Abu Dhabi.

For more information visit: www.cryo.com

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Selling out on Social Media for 'Likes' and 'Follows'.

2015-11-08T10:16:00.000+04:00

Something that I've found quite disturbing lately, I'll correct that, not lately because it's been happening for quite some time and that's people abandoning their social and moral compasses, in favour of sharing anything and everything on social media for the sake of 'Likes' and 'Follows'.

Has it come down to this? Have we become so obsessed with internet stardom that we'll just share any old tat because we think people will think it's cool? Sadly it seems so. Even more disturbing, is that media entities are doing this and using 'click-bait' to up their presence on social media. But at what cost? Wouldn't you rather have integrity? Have people respect your opinions?

I always liked the Peacock report line, where the media is there to 'Inform, Educate and Entertain'. However, it would seem that the first two sentiments are greatly disregarded these days in favour of just pure entertainment, or perceived entertainment.

If you're in a position of power and influence, then you really do have a moral duty to be mindful of what you post, because sadly there are a great many people out there who believe everything they see, think everything is 'cool' because really they just don't know any better. That's not their fault, but you shouldn't pander to that or encourage it and instead take the opportunity to open peoples eyes and educate them.

Don't supposedly be an advocate for something, then post a video, image or other material that goes against what you 'allegedly' believe. It's not cool or clever, it makes you a hypocrite. Luckily recent posts I've seen in this regard were pulled up by the general public who vented their disgust, meaning what was posted was swiftly removed. But why is something being posted to start with? Before you hit that 'publish' button, consider the reactions of the general public? Does that post sit with your brand? Does it represent you? Is it inline with your moral and social sensibilities? If the answer is no - scrap it.

People in charge of social media pages for companies, especially ones in the public eye need to be especially vigilant, because you can destroy a reputation with one bad, ill thought out post.

Not everything you publish is going to encompass all three sentiments of Informing, Educating and Entertaining, but I think we need to up the importance of the first two and be mindful of our social responsibilities.

The joy of voice - why I love voice-over work.

2015-11-03T09:25:00.002+04:00

Doing voice-over work is possibly one of the most enjoyable jobs, and most challenging that I do.

When you get that phone call to come for a 'session', you never know what you're going to get until you walk through the door and are given the script. I've been very fortunate to have voiced varied and interesting work over the last 20 years or so. The straight, informative reads are probably the easiest, as well as the IVR's where I've got my automated voice perfected, much to the annoyance of Emirates Airlines crew who will know me as EVITA, or the horrible person who gave them a terrible flight - hey I'm just the messenger.

Jobs like that for big clients are great, because once they've picked you to be 'their voice' there's always work as their systems always require updating. I'm also fortunate to have Mashreq bank's customer service IVR as one of my regular jobs and have just started a project with Jumeirah Group to consolidate all their restaurant information.

What I really love however, is when you get the chance to do more voice acting and that is something that you constantly have to practice for, just like a stage, tv or movie actor, except you have to convey everything the client is looking for, just using your voice. No mean feat I can tell you.

Sometimes you end up in hilarious sessions, where the production guys, the clients and myself have ended up laughing our heads off at some of the things that have happened. I remember one session where I was called for an audio dub, basically a tv commercial where the original language was Arabic, but it needed to be dubbed over into English. So there I am, standing alongside another lady and we're voicing the two roles in the commercial. We have a tv monitor set up, so we can 'act out' the roles while the commercial is playing. The scenario was that we were having a conversation whilst out running and at some points had to be breathless. Well what better way that to literally act it out, so there we were running around the studio, jogging on the spot, reading these lines and trying to make it all fit with the visuals. Challenging and fun :-)

Other times, you go into a session and end up with a final product, completely opposite to the original brief. I had one animated tv commercial that originally had an American voice on it, but for some reason the client wasn't happy, so they called me with my very British accent to re-voice it. I'm handed the script which has four characters, plus the announcer, so obviously I ask about the part they wish me to voice, "All of them" comes the answer. Ohhh, well alright I'm always up for a challenge to to stretch my abilities.

So I do several takes, reading each part in sync with these little animated characters and really getting into it, but something just sounds off. We decide that I should 'soften' a little, with less articulation and see how that goes. Better, better, but even I'm not happy with it. I think sometimes, some accents work better than others for certain projects. I suggest that I do it in an American accent and see how that goes - now I'm not great at accents, they all seem to come out a bit Irish. So basically I go into parrot mode, listen, repeat - but with my own inflections and how I think the characters should act. By the time I'd finished, I'd voice all these little characters, plus the announcer in an American accent and I'm wondering what was wrong with the original voice on the commercial, but they seemed to like my takes better so that's a nice one to add to the demo reel.

When it comes to voice over work, versatility is key. The more you can do, the more likely you are to be picked for different jobs. We can't all do those deep rumbling 'In a world......' movie trailers of course, but the more you practice, the more you expand your capabilities, the better set you are for the work that you need to do. I used to love voice coaching sessions and my coach was invaluable. Just like a singer, your voice is your tool and you have to look after it, exercise it and know its capabilities.

It still makes me chuckle when I hear people who say "oh I've been told I have a really nice voice and should do voice over work" - well that's all very nice and well and good, but it takes MUCH more than just having a nice voice.

I'm very fortunate to have been able to call myself a voice over artist for many years now and am very thankful to work with some great production houses and people. Voice work can be extremely challenging and that's something I'll cover in a follow up post.

The trip of a lifetime - Horse riding safari in South Africa and Botswana.

2015-10-19T09:25:00.000+04:00

When I turned 40 this year, I promised myself I was going to go on the holiday of a lifetime. A bucket list trip that I'd always wanted to do - a horse riding safari in Africa. I went online and did quite a bit of research and came across a company called 'In the saddle', who organise horse riding trips around the world. The one that caught my eye was the 'African Explorer', which entailed four nights in South Africa and three in Botswana. Was it expensive? Quite! But you know what? If there's something you want to really do, you'll find a way and a means to do it and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

I went off by myself and hooked up with a group of seven strangers for a weeks riding and it was AMAZING!!! In South Africa we stayed at Horizon Horseback Adventures Camp Davidson, which is a little away from the main lodge, consisting of a group of tented accommodations, a main eating tent, dip pool, paddock for the horses and incredible views across the plains.

One of the tents at Camp Davidson

Each day we did two rides, one morning and one evening. Riding across various game reserves we came across lots of different animals (non-dangerous), such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, warthog and many more.

Giraffe in the reserves around Horizon, South Africa

Riding through the reserves around Horizon, South Africa

One of the highlights was seeing the Hippos in the lake - obviously you have to take care around these animals. We were lucky enough to see them come out of the water and give us a grin :-)

Hippos in the lake

The horses at Horizon were lots and lots of fun, all lovely animals, all very well cared for and the guides were able to match up the type of rider that you are with a suitable horse. I always like something with a bit of fire and spirit and was given 'Livingston'. He didn't disappoint. It was four days of pure fun and one of the highlights was being able to swim with the horses on the last day. That was a truly brilliant experience and one I'll never forget.

Going for a canter with Livingston

One thing I have to mention is the food! Oh my gosh, the food! I have no idea how the lovely cook managed to create such wonderful culinary creations in a tent with limited facilities, but she did and every single meal was simply fantastic.

We also got the chance to do a game drive through the Entabeni Reserve, where we were saw some amazing animals including elephants, white rhinos, baboons, impala and we were very very fortunate to come across a black rhino - there are only about 500 left in the whole of South Africa after their numbers have been decimated by poachers.

Game drive through Entabeni Reserve, South Africa

White Rhinos in Entabeni Reserve

After four days at Camp Davidson, it was time to say goodbye and we hit the road to head to the border and into Botswana. The next three nights would be spent with Limpopo Horse Safaris at the Two Mashatus camp in the Tuli Block. Once again, we had horses selected for our abilities and this time I had 'Cimarron'. Such a lovely gentleman, with a fantastic jump and speed and zest if asked of him.

Posing with Cimarron and some giraffe

In Botswana we got up with the sun, had our breakfast then spent the next five or six hours in the saddle - yup you really have to be ride fit for this part of the trip. The lovely thing about Botswana, is that the reserves aren't fenced in, so the animals can freely wander and you get to ride in these vast open spaces with lovely long canters.

We saw animals such as giraffe, kudu, impala. One highlight was cantering along with a small herd of wildebeest, another was stumbling across a family of hyenas, who were happy for us to watch them play. The one incredible thing I loved was the elephants! To get so close to these huge, intelligent, majestic creatures was a definite highlight for me and I was able to capture some truly memorable moments with them.

A baby elephant looking to its mother for reassurance

Elephant and sunset - beauty in a picture :-)

Each evening we'd go out for a drive around the reserve, stopping for sundowners as we took in the beauty of it all.

One thing that amused me was how bold some of the animals are. You'd very often find 'Cheeky monkeys' stealing food from the horses.

It was a very sad time, when we rode the horses back to the stable and finally had to say goodbye. What an incredible adventure we'd all had. I'd made wonderful friends, had an amazing time and I do have to say that the guides for both parts of the trip - Lucas and Nina at Horizon, West and Theda at Limpopo was all extremely professional, made us all feel 100% safe, were great fun and amazing to hand out with.

This truly was the trip of a lifetime and one I will never forget, but, I will definitely be going back for another African Adventure :-) Happy riding.

For more information you can contact:

In The Saddle

Horizon Horseback Adventures

Limpopo Horse Safaris

Review: Detox Delight - Business Traveller Package.

2015-09-30T18:56:00.000+04:00

As someone who is always on the go, very often working erratic hours with a busy life, I find it very difficult to schedule time to eat and eat properly. So, when I was asked to try out the new Business Traveller Package from Detox Delight, this sounded perfect to me.

The package is specifically designed for people on the go, to make sure you get proper healthy nutrition instead of reaching for junk food snacks and sitting down to a heavy, unhealthy meal at the end of the day. The package provides you with a three day vitamin booster pack, which consists of six juices, so you have two a day - the equivalent to eating over 2kg of fresh fruits and veggies, without the fuss.

My juices arrived all fresh and packed in ice and looked delicious. They consisted of the following:

1. Lemonade - Filtered water, Lemon, Activated Charcoal, Maple Syrup, Chili Pepper.

2. Orange - Apple, Carrot, Wheatgrass, Lemon.

3. Pink - Apple, Raspberry, Coconut Water, Lime, Mint.

4. Green - Apple, Spinach, Watermelon, Lemon.

5. Lemonade - Apple, Filtered Water, Pink Grapefruit.

6. Yellow - Apple, Pineapple, Cucumber, Celery, Lemon.

All the juices are 100% natural, raw and unprocessed with no additives or sweeteners. Organic and cold pressed AND they're absolutely delicious! Having made juices myself in the past, I am used to the taste and for some people the 'green' juices might take a bit of getting used to, but because there is always something sweet used as a base, it really makes these juices easily drinkable.

It made life so much easier, just being able to reach for one of these, instead of having to make something myself or make an unhealthy choice.

I was also sent some of the Detox Delight snacks to try.

The Crunchy Granola was great to pick at for a snack and I especially loved the delicate cinnamon flavour.

The Spicy Crackers are definitely one of my favourite things. Super tasty, with a bit of a kick and quite addictive actually. Who knew veggies, seeds and spices could be combined together into something so yummy. The added bonus is that these snacks are completely organic, gluten-free, vegan, all natural and free from preservatives or any additives.

I was also sent some energy balls as a snack - sadly no pic, as I kind of liked those a little too much and they were gone before I realised it *blushes*.

I have been so happy when getting up at 4am in the morning to be able to reach for a juice for breakfast, to get a vitamin boost first thing, as usually I can't eat anything and this has been perfect for me.

Loved everything I was sent and can't rate it highly enough.

The Business Traveller Package - which consists of the six juices is 370 Dhs (excluding delivery).

For more details and a full list of packages that Detox Delight offers, you can head to their website. Detox Delight

You can also follow Detox Delight on social media:

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Trekkies in Dubai queue up to be part of the next Hollywood blockbuster.

2015-08-12T11:52:00.000+04:00

When casting agency Miranda Davidson Studios announced that they were holding a three day, open casting call for the BIGGEST Hollywood movie to be shot in Dubai in the last five years - people turned up in droves.

Never officially announced, but the timings, research and whisperings seemed to suggest that this was for the latest installment of the Star Trek franchise: Star Trek Beyond.

JJ Abrams sadly isn't directing this one, as he's too busy with a certain other franchise set in a 'Galaxy far far away'. But at the helm is seasoned director Justin Lin, who directed many of the Fast and the Furious movies. Also worth noting is that brilliant British actor, writer, producer Simon Pegg, who also plays Chief Engineer 'Scotty' has co-written this latest trekfest.

Anyway, I digress.....

When myself and a few work mates saw this - yup the 'nerds and geeks' of the office, we thought, why the heck not? And trotted off for the casting sessions. These were held in the sound stages (where movie companies build giant indoor sets to shoot their films on), of Dubai's Studio City.

We got there early!

After filling out all our details, showing some ID's, we then had our photos taken. These are the standard head shot, full body shot from the front and side. The we had all our measurements taken, which was all very thorough. After this we were on our merry way again and all you do is sit and wait to see if you get a call.

The cool thing about being an extra is, whether it's for TV, film, commercials or corporate, agencies need people of all shapes, sizes, nationalities and backgrounds - it just depends what they're looking for for each individual project. With this in mind, there's no reason why anyone can't go and register themselves.

Working as an extra is a whole lot of fun! I used to do a lot of it for various TV shows in the UK.

It's brilliant to see so many big budget Hollywood movies being shot in the UAE now and giving people in the locality the chance to get involved and be part of this incredible industry.

Good luck to everyone who went. If you get picked, I'm sure you'll be fabulous.

Hunting - A totally unnecessary bloodsport.

2015-08-03T09:41:00.000+04:00

I have no words to describe people who go hunting. Actually that's not true at all, I have lots of words to describe them, but none that do justice to their abhorrent attitude towards the beautiful creatures that we have on this earth.

Why a seemingly intelligent person would feel the need to track and kill a creature for fun is beyond me. Hunting for a purpose - for food, clothing, I get that. But hunting for sport? Totally unnecessary and serves no purpose than to fuel some peoples needs for blood lust.

The killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe has made people raise their voices against this practice, and rightly so. I've seen people ask, 'Why such an outcry over ONE lion?' - clearly these people don't seem to understand, that in the whole of Africa there are less than 30,000 lions left. Plus it's not just ONE lion, when you kill the Alpha male, the other males vying to be the next Alpha, inherently kill all the cubs belonging to the fallen King - therefore an entire group can be wiped out.

When does the killing stop? When there are none left in the world, but those poor creatures languishing in zoos and safari parks, guarded day and night by armed soldiers?

Sadly man's 'need' to shoot things has created greedy people and given rise to canned hunting - a vile practice where animals are raised in captivity, then let loose in a restricted area for hunters to shoot them. I don't call that fair, do you?

I've also seen people making thin arguments for shooting lions and other animals, citing attacks on people - well sorry but this happens when man decides to encroach on the territories of other beings. What gives some humans the right to think they are the only ones allowed to live on this planet, with everything else at their disposal, to be used how they see fit. You have NO right. We 'share' this earth with other creatures, who have just as much right to an existence as we do, but the way we are going, we will have wiped out the majority of species in no time and in just a few decades lions, tigers, elephants and rhinos will only be found in history books, documentaries on Animal Planet and stuffed in museums. Is this really what we want?

We are supposed to be caretakers, but instead humans are the most violent, destructive, infective species that there is. When are we going to wake up? Cecil the lions death has highlighted this problem and the people that are the problem. I applaud the authorities in Zimbabwe for taking action, for banning hunting of large game and wanting those responsible to be brought to justice, and rightly so. However, governments and organisations in African countries and indeed others around the world are also to blame for allowing these things to happen in the first place. For putting a price on the heads of animals that they are famous for.

These animals should be viewed in awe and amazement and revered for how incredibly beautiful they are. If you want a souvenir - Take a picture, NOT a trophy.

Review - MedColl Collagen Supplement.

2015-08-02T09:31:00.000+04:00

A while a go I was asked if I would like to try a new anti-aging supplement, and of course I jumped at the chance.

MedColl's new collagen supplements are a nutraceutical - basically a product made from natural ingredients, that have medicinal purposes. Great! As natural is definitely the way to go. So the product claims to boost collagen production, keep the skin hydrated and fight off free radicals using anti-oxidants.

This isn't a quick fix, as the supplements are working from the inside and take time to come into full effect and can start to be seen in future skin cycles, with the turnover of new skin cells being approximately every 30 days.

I was given a 45 day supply and had to take 2 of the supplement tablets everyday. Obviously this was going to take a little while for any visible results and I wasn't sure if I'd notice anything at all after just 45 days. However, my skin definitely feels more hydrated and plumper than it did before, this in turn had a reducing effect on finer lines. I have combination skin, with the typical oily T-zone, which seems to have evened out as well. My skin feels smoother and softer overall, which I'm very happy about and I'm sure that over time and continued use of the supplement, there would only be more positive and visible results.

MedColl is available at leading UAE pharmacies and retails for approx: 299Dhs for a months supply - which is cost effective if you want to go a natural route and avoid things like Botox and Fillers.

Getting the point - dry needling for muscle issues

2015-06-28T10:03:00.000+04:00

After struggling with shoulder issues for months on end, constantly being in pain and having a limited range of movement - enough was enough. My physios were doing lots of different treatments, electrotherapy, infrared laser, physio massage, ultrasound, all of which was helping, albeit slowly.

Then in one session, it was suggested that we try Trigger Point Dry Needling on the muscles causing the issues. I had no idea what this entailed and just thought it was like acupuncture - how wrong I was.

TDN, to give it its short name, involves using a very fine needle (the same as an acupuncture needle) which is inserted at the point in the muscle causing the problem. I never felt the needle go in at all and was asked to tell the therapist when I felt the needle hitting the trigger point, basically when I felt some pain. At that point the therapist stimulates the trigger point with the needle, then removes it. This is done on each area of muscle causing the issues.

I then had kinetic tape put over the area and went on my merry way.

What I didn't expect, was the next day to feel so much better!!! The pain was greatly reduced and I had a better range of motion in my shoulder and arm - this after just one session.

So I went back for more and the following day it improved again. Basically after just two sessions, I would say my shoulder and arm are 85% back to being normal again.

I'm astounded at how effective this treatment is and really don't know why it's not recommended more, as clearly it works.....and fast!

So, for anyone else suffering from similar issues, it might well be worth asking to try this treatment as it's definitely worked for me.

Pet abadonment - why are mixed breeds shunned?

2015-06-07T11:47:00.000+04:00

This time of year in the UAE depresses me! It's the time of year when 'pets' across the country get dumped, mostly by expats leaving for good or going away on summer vacation and suddenly realizing that they haven't made provision for their furry friend and all the kennels are fully booked, or they haven't put money aside to cover relocation costs, which, depending which country you're relocating to can include flights, vet checks and quarantine.

Rescue groups and shelters are bursting at the seams, with waiting lists for dogs and cats in desperate need of homes. BUT, there's one big sad reality, any time a small, pure bred dog comes up for rehoming or adoption, people line up to take it, while the mixed breed dogs can wait days, weeks, months and in some tragic cases years to find their forever home.

This is a reality that I have never understood at all. The majority of mixed breed dogs, get no bigger than knee high and it is a FACT that mixed breed dogs are generally healthier and require less maintenance than pure breds. Everyone I know with a pure bred dog, has spent a small fortune on vet bills, because they're so in-bred, that they suffer from genetic health issues, especially snub-nosed breeds and dogs with lots of skin folds.

Your 'designer' dog or a Cockapoo, or Labradoodle that you spent thousands on is STILL a mongrel anyway you want to put it.

I have two mixed breed desert dogs and they are just awesome, kind, affectionate, rounded personalities, never had any health issues (despite one of them being disabled) and I would never have anything else.

In short, if you're thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, please give the mixed breeds a chance, go in with an open mind and heart, because most of the time, dogs choose YOU, not the other way around and you might be pleasantly surprised. Consider the needs of any animal before adding one to your family - vet bills, relocation costs, quarantine - all the things that it'll cost you if and when you leave the UAE. An animal might only be around for part of your life, but you should be there for the entirety of its life. Dogs have feelings and being abandoned causes upset, confusion and sadness for them. They simply are not things you throw away like rubbish and if you're not prepared to be a responsible owner, then please, PLEASE do not get a pet to start with.

I applaud all the rescue groups and shelters who take on these poor souls, because all they want is a little love and a place to call their forever home.

Fillerina by Labo - a review

2015-03-21T08:05:00.000+04:00

Produced by Swiss company Labo, Fillerina is a product I absolutely had to try. It's the first, at home dermo-cosmetic filler for at home use and claims to reduce wrinkles and plump out cheeks and lips.

Having had both botox and fillers in the past - for the deep frown lines in my forehead and laughter lines around my mouth, I was very keen to see the results a non-surgical product could give.

Fillerina consists of two different products, the first is the gel filler, which you apply along wrinkles, frown/laughter lines, crows feet, neck lines, using the precision applicator. You then leave the gel to be absorbed for ten minutes. After this time, any residual product can be patted into the skin (not rubbed in). Following the gel, you then apply the nourishing film and massage all over your face and neck. It's recommended to use up to 2ml of product a day, but to be honest this was a bit much for my skin and I ended up applying both evening at night to be able to use that much. But it's up to you whether you use one or two applications a day.

Fillerina comes in three grades, 1, 2 and 3 and you use the grading charts in pharmacies to decide which grade is suitable for you, depending how evident your wrinkles are.

You use Fillerina for 14 days - there's meant to be enough product for one, 2ml application a day for the 14 days, but I found I had some left over. You then maintain using the other Labo products, then reuse Fillerina in three months time.

So, what's the verdict? Well I have to say I'm pretty impressed with the results! The finer lines on my forehead were reduced to virtually nothing and virtually invisible after the 14 days and the deeper ones softened significantly. The crows feet around my eyes (note. not to be used on the delicate area underneath your eyes) softened and reduced a great deal and the laughter lines around my mouth filled out, much to my great surprise.

Overall I was very impressed with this product. It does take quite a bit of commitment to remember to apply every morning or evening, or both, depending how your skin takes to it and to keep up the effects, you need to reapply every three months and are meant to use the maintenance products in between.

For a non-surgical option, it's a really great product for freshening up your skin and reducing those pesky wrinkles and plumping up certain areas of the face.

Fillerina is available in most good pharmacies across the UAE. Cost ranges between 550-600Dhs depending on which grade you use.

Spartan Race UAE.......We did it!!

2015-02-24T11:59:00.000+04:00

So on a dusty Friday morning, around 5,000 people turned up to test themselves both physically and mentally at the first ever Spartan Race in the UAE. 5kms of sandy course, with 15 obstacles to navigate stood between the start and finish lines.

I think just running over desert terrain, up and down sand dunes, tested many of the participants before they even got to any of the obstacles, but whether it was rope climbs, tyre flips, scaling walls, commando crawling under barbed wire or wading through mud, everyone gave it their all.

Some of the obstacles definitely required team work and it was wonderful to see people gratefully taking that 'outstretched hand' to help them along the way.

Events like this are amazing and it was wonderful to see so many people of all different fitness levels and abilities giving it a go for their own personal goals. We just wanted to finish! And finish we did.......looking very worse for wear, after wading through all the mud, which was probably one of my favourite things.

The first race seemed to be an unquestionable success and I hope they will bring the event back to the UAE next year, including the longer, tougher, Super and Beast courses which will add extra challenges for people taking part.

If you've never thought of signing up for something like this, why not give it a go? You never know what you can achieve if you don't set goals and try. I'm now looking forward to similar races to test myself further and having a whole lot of fun whilst doing it.

This......is.......SPARTA!!!! Training for a Spartan race.

2015-01-28T13:59:00.000+04:00

So, after the disaster that was the end of 2014, with all the health issues and so on, I've decided that 2015 is going to be a year of setting goals and pushing myself well and truly out of my comfort zone. What better way to do that, than by signing up for a Spartan race!

The Reebok Spartan Race Dubai, will be the sprint version. That means 5k with 15 obstacles to tackle. Entrants don't get told what the obstacles are, but you can guarantee there is likely to be tyre flipping, crawling through mud under things, pulling blocks, rope climbing, fire jumping and I heard through the grapevine - spear throwing.

What has daunted me most, is fining out that if you can't complete an obstacle, then the penalty is 30 burpees. These are my least favourite exercise - EVER!

I've managed to coerce a few people into putting a team together, because let's face it, these things are far more fun with friends. Plus we can push, pull and shove each other through the course and make it a real team effort.

We've already completed a couple of Spartan training sessions, which were pretty brutal and I don't think we'll aim for time, just to be able to drag ourselves across the finish line.

I'm really looking forward to this. It's a challenge. If you don't set challenges or goals for yourself, then you never achieve anything and I really want to achieve some things this year, it being the last of my 30's after all. AROOOOOOOOOOO :-)

There's still time to sign up: www.spartanrace.ae

You can follow updates on the Facebook page: Spartan Race UAE

And on Twitter: Spartan Race UAE

Mole Mapping - how it works and why you should do it.

2014-08-11T14:02:00.000+04:00

Getting your moles checked for any abnormalities is very important and people should screen themselves at least once a year. If, like me, you are extremely moley - basically covered from head to toe, it can be a nightmare to keep track of them all and note any changes in size, regularity, colour and so on.

Well, luckily technology is here to help out with that - Mole Mapping.

So, I shall break it down into a little step by step guide as to what happens and how it works.

Firstly your Doctor will look you over, and that's ALL of you because yes we do have moles in intimate places, so you can't be shy. Then the doctor will mark which moles he/she wants pictured. If you're like me, this means you will be covered in ballpoint pen marks all over.

Next an image is taken of each section of the body and the individual moles are digitally photographed in close up.

The location of each chosen mole is then marked on a dummy within the computer program.

This process can be quite time consuming, especially if you have lots of selected moles like me. I had 225 mapped in all and I think I might hold some sort of record there :-)

Once each mole has been marked, photographed and logged into the system, that part is then done finished. The Doctor will then go through and look at each close-up image and grade it using the screening criteria, which looks at shape, colour, whether there are small veins, blotches and other marks present. This information then determines whether each mole is 'normal' needs to be kept an eye on or should be removed for biopsy.

During my screening, I was already advised that there are several more which will need to be removed for biopsy, some that were obviously borderline and so on.

Once all this information is in the computer, it's there, for the rest of your life and can be given to you to take with you wherever you go.

Each year you can go back for a comparative screening, where any minute changes in the mapped moles can be detected and the necessary action taken.

This process is invaluable and a brilliant step forward in the detection and prevention of skin cancers and I would advise anyone with moles to go and have it done.

I went to the Dermacare Skin Centre in Dubai.

Take care of the skin you're in - my experience with skin cancer. PT 2

2014-08-11T13:25:00.000+04:00

So, this is the follow up to my previous post regarding malignant melanoma. I had the original problem mole excised and was referred to the specialist Dermatologist after the melanoma diagnosis.

Dr Ikramullah Al Nasir at the Dermacare Skin Centre, would be taking care of me from now on. He explained, that because of the diagnosis, he needed to excise more tissue for biopsy to see if the cancerous cells had spread away from the mole. Malignant melanoma is one of the fastest spreading, most aggressive kind of cancers there is, so you really can't afford to mess about with it and early detection and treatment is key. The Dr said that in his experience, of over 20 years, the stage we'd caught it at was very early and so the prognosis looked good.

I wasn't quite prepared for how much extra tissue was required to be taken out. I made the mistake of taking a peak during the procedure and I really wish I hadn't. In the end the incision was just shy of 4 inches long and quite deep into the layers of the dermis, meaning that I needed internal as well as external stitches.

The picture looks quite horrific, when you consider the size of the original mole and how much tissue has now been removed.

The next step is to wait for the biopsy results. I would ask that everyone who has moles, get them checked every year without fail. It's so important and could save your life.

Take care of the skin you're in - my experience with skin cancer. PT 1

2014-08-05T08:43:00.000+04:00

I debated whether I should share my experience on this topic or not, but then I thought, if it encourages just one person to go and get themselves checked, that would be brilliant.

Our skin is the largest organ in, or in fact ON our body. It's an organ that takes the brunt of daily wear and tear and abuse, and we really need to take care of it.

I'm the typical fair skinned, freckly person, who burns in the sun, never tans and is covered from head to toe in moles. Yup, I'm moley, moley, MOLEY. I've always tried to take care in the sun, using high factor sunscreens, but like everyone, can be lax at times.

I've always been aware of the fact that I could be more prone to skin issues and problems with my moles, so over the years I've had check ups, especially on the large dark moles and had others taken off. This check up was no different, I went to see the Dermatologist at GMC, Jumeirah and had three sticky outy (that's the only term I have for them) moles taken off. I also had a few larger, darker moles checked, close up exams and photos taken of them. The doctor however, was not happy with one in particular. This particular mole on my thigh, which I have to say has always looked ragged and irregular, he decided had to come off for a biopsy. Now when I say 'come off' it's actually 'cut out'. Being flat and flush on the skin means it needs to be excised. The excision area was approximately 2cm in size, as you can see below.

The mole was sent off for a biopsy and I didn't think anything of it, as it's not the first time. Then I got a call a week later - could I come into the clinic? Sadly I was snowed with work, so the doctor called me back and I NEVER expected to hear him say 'It's a malignant melanoma'. To say that my knees nearly buckled underneath me is an understatement. Malignant Melanoma - that's skin cancer right? That's all that went through my head for the rest of the day.

So, for the next step I was referred to Dr IkramullahAl Nasir at the Dermacare Skin Centre. He went through the biopsy report and told me that we now need to excise a larger area, to determine whether that was it, or whether the melanoma has spread further outward and or downward into the tissue. When he drew out the area he would like to cut out of my thigh, I wanted to cry. Three to four centimetres might not seem a lot, but when it's drawn in a big eye shape on your leg, it certainly seems a lot.

Ok, that step decided on, the Dr also told me that because I have so many moles and already have one melanoma, that I can't take any chances and really need to be 'mole mapped'. This basically involves digital photography to track any subtle changes in moles as you go for check ups. Given how moley I am, this could take hours.

That is the stage I'm at now. I will have the next excision and mole mapping done within the next week and wait for those results to come back.

Living in a country like the UAE, where the sun beats down pretty much 365 days a year, it's important to be aware of how to take care of your skin, use good skin protection when out and about - I wear factor 100 every day on my face and hands. Have good sun sense and if you have moles, make sure that you check them regularly and be aware of any changes in size, texture, and colour.

I'm happy that I took precautions, had regular check-ups and by the looks of it, caught this one early when something can be done about it. Sadly, other people are not so lucky and it is crucial to be vigilant. Malignant Melanoma can be one of the most aggressive forms of cancer that there is, so early diagnosis and treatment is imperative.

I am now well aware, that because I have one, the chances of me developing more are high, so this is now a life-long issue for me. Please PLEASE, have regular check ups and prevention is better than having to deal with something once it has developed.

Coffee - kicking fat to the curb! COFFEEKIX Review Pt 2

2014-06-22T08:15:00.000+04:00

So it's been a couple of weeks now since I started drinking CoffeeKIX, the new slimming green coffee, which is now available in the UAE. Have I seen some results? The answer is a resounding YES. I'm probably down just over 2kgs now since I started drinking it - although some days I will have only one sachet instead of two. I've also started putting a splash of milk in it, just to sweeten up the slightly bitter flavour.

I've found that the coffee curbs my appetite quite a bit as well as having the detox effects - which I will say, if you weren't a regular loo user before, you will be now!!! (to put it politely). One major thing to note, is that you absolutely MUST drink lots of water, because of the afore mentioned detox effects, you need to replenish the hydration that you could be losing. Also worth noting is that if you suffer from any gastric issues, the effects could be a bit worse for you.

Overall though, so far so good. I still have a few weeks supply to go through, so will update on the end results once I've finished my month. Happy coffee drinking :-)

For more information check out: https://www.facebook.com/coffeekix

Coffee - kicking fat to the curb! COFFEEKIX Review Pt 1

2014-06-02T14:45:00.000+04:00

Anyone who's ever been told to lose a few pounds, will know that they start looking around for that miracle fat loss product. Well could coffee be it? I've recently been told to lose 10% of my body weight - around 6 kgs, to be healthier. So, I jumped at the chance when offered the opportunity to try out the latest product on the market in the Middle East.

COFFEEKIX slimming green coffee, promises to shed 10% of your body weight in a month, simply by drinking two sachets a day, one 20 mins before breakfast and lunch.

You might already be aware of this product, which has been featured on the Dr Oz Show, and he's all about the best ways to stay healthy and has hailed COFFEEKIX as the 'miracle bean'.

How does it work? Here comes the science bit :-)

Chlorogenic Acid commonly known as green coffee extract is completely natural and found in unroasted coffee beans. It works in 2 very simple ways, It burns glucose, sugar and fat. It also slows the release of sugar into the blood stream, preventing sugar build up in the blood. This combination Burns, Blocks and Stops Fat!

Having my first cup, what is my first impression? Well many diet and weight loss products taste, quite frankly awful and I've been given the option of adding a splash of low fat milk and /or sweetner to taste, but actually COFFEEKIX tastes good on its own. I'd liken it to an Arabic coffee with a slight licorice flavour - both of which I happen to like, so no issues there.

COFFEEKIX promises safe and healthy weight loss, with no side effects, so I have high hopes for this all natural product.

COFFEEKIX is available in the UAE from Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, Health Food Stores and 5* Hotel Spa. The recommended retail price is 220 Dhs.

For more information, check out the facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/coffeekix

Too hot to trot - take extra care of your dog in the summer months

2013-06-25T09:49:00.000+04:00

Summer time in the UAE can be tough on all of us, but it's also tough on our furry friends. Year after year many people seem to forget, while blissfully walking their dogs, how hot the pavements, roads and sand can get. You won't walk around barefoot on it, so don't expect your dog too either. Walkies timings become super early mornings and late evenings, but sometimes they just have to go out in the day time and with many places lacking in greenery close by, concrete and sand are the only options.

Already vets have reported several cases of dogs being brought in with burnt paws. Animals that have been left out in the heat - a BIG no no or walked on surfaces too hot for them and this sadly is the result:

Horrific isn't it?! Imagine how painful that is?!

So, what can we do to help our dogs go for a walk and avoid this horrible outcome. Well a few people have suggested using baby socks with the non-slip bottoms, fastened with elastic bands. You could have lots of fun with different colours and patterns and I'm sure your fur baby would lvoe you for it or not as the case may be :-)

But there are specialised solutions. I got some Ruffwear dog boots for my boy Toby. They're hard wearing with grip pads on the bottom and fasten with a simple velcro strap. I was amazed that he didn't try to chew them off in about ten seconds, instead standing and staring at me as if to say 'What the hell are these things now?'. Watching Toby walk in them for the first time was pretty hysterical, as he over exaggerated the movements, but once outside all was forgotten in about thirty seconds and he went about his walk as usual.

I got these booties from City Vet on Al Wasl road, Dubai and they have some great advice for all dog owners.

So, please take care of your dog during the summer months. If it's too hot for you outside, it's too hot for them. If you need to wear shoes to walk on the ground, so do they.

A response blog - we go to the cinema to WATCH THE MOVIE!

2013-05-02T16:01:00.001+04:00

Now, it's not very often that I feel the need to write a response to something, but in this case I think I will. It is a response to a recent blog article in a local newspaper about going to the cinema.

http://blogs.thenational.ae/others/hey-habibti/hate-people-chatting-at-the-movies-then-watch-at-home-alone

Now let me start with this comment from Haneen 'The whole point of a public cinema is to have fun with your friends while watching the movie of your choice.' er no Haneen, the whole point of going to the cinema, is to watch the movie!!! I haven't just paid my hard earned cash, to listen to you have a conversation with your friends or chatter away on your phone - bring back mobile blockers in cinemas I say. You should absolutely, 100% treat going to the movies, like being in a library and KEEP QUIET.

Sadly, it would seem that people like Haneen, do not know what is and what is not socially acceptable. If you want to socialise with your friends, then you go to a coffee shop, or a bar, or a shisha cafe, where it is acceptable to talk and have a conversation - arrange to go to one of your friends houses, stick on a DVD and have your fun there.

Now, for many people going to watch a film on the big screen is a personal experience, it's a couple of hours of escapism, a chance to get away from the grind of daily life and have a flight of fantasy for a while - which is why, where I come from, people have no issues with going to the movies alone, because everyone is there for the same reason, again TO WATCH THE FILM.

Whether this article is indeed tongue in cheek, it certainly doesn't come across like that to me, or to many other people. Sadly what it has done, has backfire rather spectacularly. What Haneen also fails to realise, is that her 'freedom of speech' ends when her actions affect other people. It also rather tragically, reflects certain nationalities in a bad light and only goes to reinforce the stereotype that some people live in a fantasy world of false self importance and superiority over others, where making others lives miserable is of great enjoyment to them. All this before stating the obvious, in that if you are writing in a publication, then you have a social responsibility of someone in the media to not cause upset, antagonize or cause division.

Haneen also fails to grasp that her and her friends attitudes and behaviour has an impact on the local economy - bet she never thought of that did she? Why might this be? Well it's rather obvious, certain peoples behaviour and failure to behave in a socially acceptable manner is a deterrent to many actually going to the movies to start with, because they know it's going to be an event filled with grief and aggravation, rather than an enjoyable experience. So, therefore lower audience figures = higher prices for those who attempt to go and watch a film.

If people acted this way where I come from, you'd be booted out the cinema in an instant and have a whole lot of public humiliation to go with it!

So, here is my suggestion to Haneen and her friends. Cinemas have mums and toddlers showings, why don't you pop along to those, where you can behave like the children you are, be as disruptive and as noisy as you like, and leave the rest of us, who actually go to the cinema to watch a film, do so in peace.

To those of you who actually do know how to behave at the movies, carry on and enjoy :-)

Wedding planning - nightmare? Or piece of cake?

2013-01-21T11:47:00.000+04:00

Planning your big day can be as simple or as complicated as you choose to make it. Having basically planned my wedding myself, I discovered very quickly that one of the most useful and helpful things, is getting recommendations from friends and other couples on where to go for various things.

Wedding planning is both exciting and stressful at the same time. Without going into huge details, I will give a basic run down of everyone I used, in the hope others might find the information useful.

The Church - We got married at Christ Church, Jebel Ali in Dubai. The entire staff are extremely helpful and gave us untold contacts and assistance and generally made life very easy. It really is worth paying the extra, to get them to have your marriage certificate attested and legalised. The Chaplain, Steven Wright was brilliant and really personalised the ceremony to us.

http://christchurchjebelali.com/

My dress. Trying bridal dresses on, has to be one of the most exciting and hilarious experiences for any bride (just a shame we couldn't have Champers at the same time!). I had an idea of the sort of dress I wanted, but ideas and the reality can be very different. What you think might suit you, might not and vice versa. It's definitely better to go with an open mind. I think you know when you have the right dress, when you virtually burst into tears and it's so beautiful. When you're standing there on the podium, in dress, heels, veil and it all just looks perfect.

I'd thought about ordering a dress online, or having one made from scratch, but I really didn't want to take the risk, so when I found my perfect dress, I ordered the correct size then had it altered. I tried dresses and bought mine from The Wedding Shop in Dubai. The staff were more than attentive and the alterations were made free of charge.

My husband also hired his tuxedo from the Wedding Shop, which was very cost effective. 250 Dhs and you pick it up the day before and drop it back the day after.

http://www.theweddingshop.ae/

I'm a big fan of personalised engagement and wedding rings and that's something that jewelers do very well in Dubai. My go to jewellery experts are in Duba's Gold & Diamond Park - Cara's. Their staff are always very professional and really spend the time, to help people get exactly what they want. The bonus is, if you want something made, they do it very well and very quickly. A friend who bought an engagement ring there, actually went to the workshop to see it being made.

www.carajewellers.com

Flowers can really be a headache and extremely pricey to boot! Many flourists/hotels will want to charge 500/600 Dhs upwards just for the bridal bouquet! Luckily for me, this is where a fantastic friend recommendation came in. I knew what colours I had in mind and I couldn't originally decide whether to go for fresh or artificial flowers, but in the end I decided on fresh.

I was recommended a little flourist in Dubai, Garden Gate Flowers, which I went and visited and they were so helpful, they had exactly the colours and flowers I was looking for - even if they didn't, they could probably get them ones you wanted. In the end my bouquet, a bridesmaids bouquet and 4 button holes came to just shy of 500 Dhs. The flowers were beautiful and exactly what I was looking for.

www.ggflora.com

There's definitely something to be said for shopping around and even looking online! My mother pointed me in the direction of a fantastic online store - Light in the Box - from which I ended up buying my wedding invitations, veil, shoes and garter from. It's worth noting that because these items mostly come from China, with things like shoe sizing, it's worth ordering a size up, otherwise they can be a bit of the small size - luckily I did this and they fitted perfectly. I loved my wedding shoes so much, I bought the same ones in various other colours - a girl has to shop (sometimes).

www.lightinthebox.com

When it comes to your wedding photography, you really want someone who is experienced and knows exactly what they're doing. I spoke to and researched many photographers in Dubai, but I didn't really feel comfortable, until I came across Helen Shippey. I'd researched her work, she came highly recommended and was just a lovely person, who understood what I wanted and put me completely at ease. She also went out of her way to get permission for us to take photographs at the Madinat as well - we photo-bombed the Dubai International Film Festival red carpet :-) Everyone has commented on how wonderful our wedding photos are and I can't wait to have some of them made into canvases.

http://shippeyphotography.com/

https://www.facebook.com/shippeyphotography

Deciding where to have your wedding reception is such a personal thing, but I think we really did come across one of the most lovely venues in Dubai - The Empire Room at the H Hotel. It's a good sized space, not too big, not too small with very elegant and classy decor. The staff at the H organised our reception for us aswell. I couldn't fault Nina, who listened to exactly what we wanted and she and her staff came through in spectacular style. We had a personalised buffet dinner, British vs German courses, wonderful wines, personalised welcome drinks and the biggest red velvet cake as a wedding cake that I've ever seen! Not to leave out the gorgeous flower arrangements. They truly made our evening special. What's more, included in their wedding package was a suite for the night for us - which was outstanding! It was so wonderful after a manic, exciting and special day to head to your room and find the giant bath filled with hot bubbly water and scattered rose petals, truly a personal touch. Definitely a venue worth considering.

www.h-hotel.com

I have a go-to company for Limo hire in Dubai. Dubai Exotic Limo. I've used them on many occasions now and they've never let me down. They're good on price, have a great range of vehicles and their drivers are simply fantastic.

www.dubaiexoticlimo.com

For the entertainment factor of the night, I made the guests do some work with karaoke - always goes down well after people have had a bevvy or six. I roped in work mate Nick Robinson (Radio 1 UAE), to do the honours in hosting the karaoke and to do some DJing, which he did brilliantly as always. There were a few extra bits of equipment that I needed to hire, so I turned to Media Kraft for those.

www.mekraft.com

Annnnnd I think that's just about it! I thoroughly enjoyed planning our big day, but of course there are many good wedding planners out there who can assist and do pretty much everything for you. But whatever you decide to do, enjoy it, as it all goes by so fast on the actual day :-)

Kite surfing in Dubai

2012-07-03T15:15:00.000+04:00

It's not normally a sport that you'd associate with the UAE, as the winds can be unpredictable and not as strong as other spots around the globe, yet kite surfing has taken off in a big way. When the winds are good, if you head over to Kite Beach or NessNass Beach you'll see kites of every colour of the rainbow taking to the air and people eagerly taking to the water for a riding session.

I'd long been fascinated by this particular sport but wake boarding had been my staple adrenaline sport of choice for a good few years now, but then when the wind is up and the water is too choppy to ride, what's the alternative?

Last year I had a few lessons and then got stuck back into my wake boarding. This year however, I was determined to get the hang of it. I booked some lessons with Duco and Toma from Duco Maritime and found them both very professional, patient and extremely helpful and encouraging. In the initial stages, you learn to fly the training kite on the beach, which even with stronger winds can give you a good old pull about. Once a student has mastered the training kite, then it's time to learn how to fly the big kite. Safety is key in this sport as the last thing you want is to be dragged along, so it's important to know how to get yourself out of trouble and get rid of the rig to avoid any issues.

Learning to fly a kite anywhere from 13 - 17+ metres can be quite a daunting prospect, but a lot of fun and an exhilarating experience at the same time. Once you learn how to control the big kite, it's time to get into the water for some body dragging and learning how to control everything actually in the sea. The instructors go with you for the first few goes, to make sure you've got everything under control, then you're ready to try it on your own. Being the newbie out on the water can be quite scary, as you might not have as much control as other people. Certainly crashing the kite into the water - which is inevitable - and trying to relaunch it again can be pretty tough, but obviously a necessary skill.

Once you've learned all this, and practiced how to rescue your board, then it's time to try and get up on the board - this I've not quite mastered yet, as I have to shake off my wake boarding know-how first - when you first try it, it's like a coordination nightmare. Controlling the kite, whilst trying to put your board on your feet and if you're not the most flexible person in the world, it can be a bit of a challenge. At this point I'm learning it's all about the 'feel', getting up quickly, controlling the kite, keeping momentum, picking up speed etc. I have so far managed to get up twice, which was a great feeling, especially as I had several people cheering me on from the beach, before I fell back into the water.

So the challenge continues to crack this and hopefully very soon I'll be joining the masses gliding along the water with my bit multi-coloured kite. The thing I like about this sport is that it's something you can do on your own :-)

If you'd like to take up the sport, or have an introduction, why not get in touch with Duco and the team.

https://www.facebook.com/DucoMaritime

http://www.ducomaritime.com/

Put some Glamour in your life :-)

2012-05-23T17:42:00.003+04:00

Always on the look out to put a little more girly glamour in my life, I stumbled across GlamBox. This is a neat idea where for a small subscription fee, each month you get sent a gorgeous pink box with five sample size beauty products - genuis! So you get the chance to try the products then decide if you'd like to purchase the full sized item.

Items in the May box can be seen here: http://www.glambox.me/month-623.aspx

My favourites are definitely the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - after using this my skin looked brighter, cleaner, clearer and felt a lot smoother, this is definitely one product that will become a staple part of my skin care routine.

The Xen-Tan Scent Secure Gold is a nice product. I'm not one for using fake tans, of which the majority smell awful, so this moisturiser will be fantastic. However, being used just as a tinted moisturiser it instantly gives your skin a nice healthy glow and being oil free it sinks in instantly locking in moisture - fabulous!

Always a big fan of Lancome products, I was really pleased to see the Hypnose Doll Lashes mascara in my GlamBox (my old mascara is way past its bin by date). The cone shaped brush means the mascara goes on evenly, giving volume and an extended look to your lashes. I also found this particular mascara very light and easy to wear.

As someone who has wild, wavy, fizzy hair the next product really caught my interest, Davines OI/OIL Absolute Beautifying Potion. It's a treatment oil that can lock in moisture, untangle, anti-frizz and protect your hair leaving it soft and shiny. After washing my hair and working through a few drops of the oil, then styling as usual, my hair seemed a bit more manageable and less likely to instantly frizz in the humid UAE weather. It'll take a little time to see how this product really works on my hair though.

The final goodie in my May GlamBox was a voucher for a blow dry at N Style, which I'll keep for a special occasion.

Take a look at www.GlamBox.me for more information :-)

A Diamond of a deal - pampering facial package

2012-02-02T16:27:00.000+04:00

I've never really tried facials to be honest, so when I found some amazing deals for a bit of pampering, I thought I'd take the plunge. I chose the Diamond facial package, which also included a 30 minute back and shoulder massage and eyebrow/lip threading. This was all at the Mercury ladies salon in Al Qusais.

On first entering, the salon is nice and intimate with pleasant and friendly staff. Muted colours, with pleasant Arabic music playing, the faint smell of oud incense and the rippling sound of water from the little fountain in the reception area.

I'm shown into a little room for my back and shoulder massage - which I'm really looking forward to, after a while of feeling lots of tension in these areas. The massage therapist makes me comfortable on the massage table and gets to work. She uses some delicious smelling strawberry body lotion and starts with an overall loosening massage, before she gets stuck into my problem areas. She's constantly checking if the pressure is ok, it is, this woman knows exactly what she's doing and my tired knotted muscles are thankful at being relaxed and I'm a little bit sad when my massage is over as I could have laid there all day.

I'm next shown into another room and again made comfortable on the therapists table, as it's time for my facial and today I'm trying the Diamond polishing facial, which uses VLCC products.

First my face is cleansed and cleaned of any make-up or grease, then a scrub is applied and worked all over, including the décolletage (neck down to the bust, upper shoulders and upper back). My therapist uses upwards and outwards massaging techniques to work the facial muscles and encourage blood flow.

After a good exfoliation, next comes a thick layer of detoxifying, balancing cream, which helps to take impurities out the skin and even up skin tone. This is left for a few minutes, before being massaged into the skin and removed.

Next comes the massaging gel, which is left on the longest as it's a deep nourishing treatment to really get into the skin cells and rejuvenate them, getting rid of pollution and other nasties that have built up. At this point my face is given a really good massage to make sure the products are doing their job and to ensure good coverage. Whilst the massaging gel is on my face, hot steam is used on the nose and cheek area to open up the pores and to make the removal of blackheads much easier. That part comes next and after the gel has been removed, my therapist sets to work with a blackhead remover unclogging all the pores around my nose.

The final stage of the facial is the face mask, which goes on as a gel and dries. This moisturises and nourishes the skin. Once the mask is completely dry, it's then removed with water and my entire face and décolletage is cleaned of any remaining product.

Immediately my skin feels softer, firmer, clearer and totally refreshed.

The final part of my treatment package is eyebrow/lip threading. I didn't do the latter, as basically there is nothing on my top lip to thread off! However, my eyes brows can always be a bit of an issue, but the same lady who gave me the wonderful massage, now skillfully tidies up my bushy brows. She pays great attention to detail, making sure the shape and thickness are just right. I've always been a fan of threading, I just think it's quicker, cleaner and far more accurate.

After nearly two hours of pampering, I feel fantastic! I'm vowing to do more facials and pampering in the future and if other deals are as good as this one (original price 430 Dhs - deal price 200 Dhs) then all the better.

www.salon4d.com

http://www.salon4d.com/en/Directory/Details/salon/mercury-ladies-salon

How to get a good manicure.....

2012-01-16T19:00:00.000+04:00

Getting a good manicure can be hit and miss at the best of times, when so many beauty salons fail to hit the mark. Once I've found somewhere that does it well, I try to stick with the same outlet.

Here's a few tips that I've learned over the years to make sure you're getting the best possible service.

Probably the first thing to check, is to actually make sure technicians are using sterilized utensils. Very often it's obvious that equipment has just been washed under the tap then put back into a steri-pack and re-sealed, you can tell it's been used over and over again. Do you really want the germs and dirt from other peoples fingers put onto your own? Blurgh I think not. A practice that I see so many women doing now, is buying their own manicure sets and leaving them with their chosen salon, so that they have their own personal utensils - great idea :-)

One thing that drives me insane, is seeing nail technicians sawing away at peoples nails. This is so, so bad and can cause splits and actually weaken the actual nail. Filing should be done in one direction from the edge of your nail to the centre up one side, then up the other. This way you get a nice smooth edge without your nails also accidentally being filed down too much (has happened to me on numerous occasions).

Do you always have your cuticles cut? You might want to think twice about that. Although it makes the fingers look nice and neat, you're actually cutting off something that plays an extremely important part in the health and strength of your nails. The cuticle protects the new cells as they grow in the nail bed, it also acts as a barrier to germs, dirt and grime that could cause infections in the fingers. I've never allowed my cuticles to be cut EVER and I have super strong nails to show for it. Pushing the cuticles back and trimming the excess skin is all that's really required.

It's good to give your nails a break and have some polish free days or a week or two at a time every now and then, just to let your nails 'breathe'.

The above also applies to a good pedicure and you should always give your feet extra special attention, after all, they do work extremely hard and are very often completely neglected.

Once you've found a good salon and a good technician try to stick with them, or at least try to 'train' them to do your nails the way you like them done.

Happy pampering :-)