Wintertime in Scotland

As I was leaving Dubai on Friday the temperature was hovering around 20 degrees. A little cold by Dubai standards but quite pleasant compared to anywhere else. Landing in Glasgow eight hours later, I looked out the window and saw that the ground was covered in snow! It was then that I realised that I'd packed all my long sleeved tops in my check in luggage, a rookie mistake that won't be repeated!

Luckily, my parents were coming to collect me. I managed to convince my dad that I needed that woolly jumper more than he did and hot-footed it to the car where I requested the heating be turned up full.

Driving back towards home I soon heated up and it was then that I began to notice how nice and wintry it was! Snow on the ground, Christmas tunes on the radio, kids playing 'count the Christmas trees' on the drive home and decorations all over the houses. I do love living in Dubai but it's nice to take a few weeks out at this time of year and experience some proper winter weather!

 Now, I'm off to make some mulled winter drinks!

Brrrrr

It's December and its getting a little bit nippy outside! In the UAE temperatures don't dip too low, but perhaps we may have to cancel our evening sunbathing slots for the next month or two. 

And for anyone travelling home for the winter break, there is a LOT of shopping to be done!

Looking in my wardrobe in preparation for my three week trip home I realised I actually have NO winter clothes.  None. At all!

Crazy shopping mania started to creep up inside me, trips to Dubai Mall, Emirates Mall and Ibn Battuta ensued! Trying to buy a whole winter wardrobe all at once can be quite daunting! Hence, my reasoning behind this months fashion column in Oasis Living entitled "Wonderful Wares to Keep you Warm all Winter".

I realised that with a few key pieces, you can throw together a winter wardrobe inexpensively and without too much effort. And on top of that, once you have these key purchases you'll be able to get on with catching up with family and friends and having lots of fun, whilst staying warm and looking good at the same time! Check out the article in full here http://myoasisliving.com/digital_version/dec_2011/pageflip.html and happy shopping!

Scouring the markets around Europe

A little feature on scouring the markets in Europe in hunt of some stylish bargains!http://myoasisliving.com/oasis_living_magazine/show_detail/encid/138/opt/features/offset/20

The Final Cut

For the follow up to my meeting with Alia last month and to find out all about her battle with breast cancer see this link at Oasis Living Dear Sir/Madam,
http://myoasisliving.com/oasis_living_magazine/show_detail/encid/137/opt/features/offset/0

This afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Alia Al-Shamsi, an inspirational woman from the region who has been battling breast cancer for the last four years. 

Coming quietly into the coffee shop Alia was dressed in the traditional shaila and abaya and came rushing over to meet me.

'Sorry to keep you waiting' she said apologetically, 'prayer time'.

Joining me at the table and ordering a cappuccino 'but not one of those kids chocolatey ones' she settles down to tell me her story.

Having moved to the UAE from Germany 25 years ago, she married her Emirati husband and had three beautiful children. Here she had lived happily until 2007 when she was hit with the bomb that she had developed breast cancer. There was no family history of the disease and so it came as quite a shock to Alia who had never really been ill before. We spoke about her journey from diagnosis through her operation to radiation therapy and the struggles that she faced fighting the disease in the U.A.E. For a country famous for building amazing sight and record breaking buildings there was a lot lacking when it came to facilities for cancer treatment and there still is today! 

Two hours, and a fascinating chat later, I came away with countless ideas for my article as well as an overwhelming sense of awe for this fascinating and courageous woman.

Next month is breast cancer awareness month and Alia's interview has inspired me to do all that I can to help raise awareness of this honorific disease that knows no boundaries.

Hitting the gym in Style!

My latest article for Oasis Living, to help us all kick start the new school year with a healthy, but fashionable, spurt!http://myoasisliving.com/digital_version/sep_2011/pageflip.html page 62

Survival!

Well, I survived the early morning Body Attack session, just about!

It was one hour of music thumping, high impact aerobics and I really feel like I worked my ass off! The instructor, Sharon, was great, very motivating and giving alternative suggestions if you were loosing the will to continue. An hour later I felt like I definitely deserved my breakfast!

There were a few crazy ladies staying on after the Body Attack session to do a session of Body Pump! This involves lifting weights, doing lunges, sit ups etc for another hour! I was so pooped by the end of the first round that I could barely make it up the stairs back to my car so well done to those who managed two rounds!

As its Thursday, I'm taking it a little easier this morning and starting off a little later, and with some Vinayasa Yoga, so I'll still be exercising but in more of a calm, relaxing way than yesterday.

I will, however, be throwing in a Body Attack session at least once a week as you really do feel like you worked hard!

An Early Start

It's before 9 am, on my day off and I've been up and about for half an hour! Why? I hear you ask! Well, this morning, I am going to attempt to tackle a BODY ATTACK class! Sounds scary, yes! Why? Well, I want to get a bit fitter and if I'm going to the Maldives next week then it would be nice to be a bit less wobbly too! I'll let you know how it went when, or should I say if, I make it back!!

Inspire & Mentor with Marie Claire

During the summer, I had the opportunity to attend an 'Inspire and Mentor' session run by Marie Claire, the  popular magazine in the UK. The event took place in the MalMaison Hotel in Edinburgh and I have only good things to say about it.

It was a sold out event and, when I arrived, the place was buzzing with soon-to-be writers, journalists, publishers and those who were simply curious about the writing world. Delicious canapés and sparkling champagne were promptly served and each guest was given a goodie-bag filled with lovely treats before we were ushered through to the function room.

The first speaker, and in my opinion the best, was Lindsey Kelk, author of best-selling chic-lit books 'I heart New York', 'I heart Paris' and 'The Single Girls To Do List.'

Lindsey spoke honestly about how difficult it had been to get her first publishing contract and told us about some of the pit-falls she had encountered, like not getting herself an agent. She came across very much as she does in her books, witty, sarcastic and highly amusing. Sharing lots of tips on how to finish a novel, how to edit it and what to do next, she was truly motivating.

Second up was Rowan Lawtons, an agent at Peters Fraser and Dunlop in the UK

Rowan spoke about the benefits of finding a good agent and the doors that can be opened once you have one. She stressed the need to be determined and have perseverance.

Third was Sarah Ritherdon, who works for Harpercollins Publishers. 

She backed up Rowan's advice, explaining that publishers very often don't even open unsolicited material as they are simply too busy so that having an agent is crucial. Having a tough exterior and being able to take criticism is another point that she made as publishers will be highly critical when editing work. She also advised us to write about something that we love, as passion always shines through.

The final speaker of the day was Kasie Davies, features editor at Marie Claire. Her speech was highly inspirational. She advised reading every single magazine that you can get your hands on and immersing yourself completely in the magazine world. She also stressed the need to get out in the world and physically meet people, rather than hiding behind emails. Her final point was to think about the audience you are writing for. The most important thing about any feature in a magazine is for it to resonate with the people who are reading it thus you should select each story with a very clear audience in mind.

I left the event feeling very motivated and with lots of new feature ideas. 

Thank you Marie Claire for organising such a fantastic event.

The Maldives!

Today I received one of the nicest phone calls of my life so far!

Channel 4 Radio in Dubai gave me a quick call to tell me that they were sending me to the Maldives! Yes, thats right, the Maldives! For free!! Cue crazy screaming and excitment on my part!

I did a quick search on google images, and this was the first photograph that popped up!

Perfection!!

It looks like absolute perfection! Just what I need after a hectic few weeks teaching summer school! Taking one of my closest gal pals with me and we are going to relax to the max! Pampering, resting, relaxation! I can't wait!!!

Thanks again Channel 4!

Ten Signs the Recession has hit Dubai

Ten Signs the Recession has hit Dubai




The world’s economy is on a downward spiral and even here, in the luxurious climate of the UAE, we are having to make major sacrifices in our daily lifestyles. Here are ten signs that the recession really has hit home in Dubai….

1 Changing your weekly call home to the parents to a thrice weekly one. Keeps the Du bill down and stops them worrying when you tell them that you spent your DEWA money on a Yalumba brunch, again!

2 Taking the long route home from work in order to avoid those pesky Salik fees, that Dhs 4 could really come in handy elsewhere.

3 Only watching TV shows/series’ that you can download, for free. Dhs 125 for a box set!! That’s a weekly shop!

4 Putting on around 4kgs. You’re saving money by not going out on the weekend but you have to entertain yourself somehow and Dominoes delivery or Zatar W Zeit is still cheaper than those nightclub fees.

5 Developing an unhealthy obsession with good old pop stars such as Peter Andre, Robbie and Craig David. They were there in the golden age i.e when we still had money so we like to reminisce with them frequently.

6 Actually purchasing nail varnish again in an attempt to paint your own nails! Weekly mani-pedis are a luxury we can no longer afford!

7 Cleaning your own apartment. Heaven forbid!

8 Driving around certain parts of town for hours in the hope of finding a precious unmetered parking spot.

9 Reverting back to your natural boring brown hair as those beautiful sun-kissed highlights you’ve been sporting are eating approximately a third of your rent money.

10 Being late for work after trying to give yourself a professional at home blow-dry since your credit card just won’t accept any more salon visits.

Art Conversations

"Everything we do in life is reflected in art."

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending an 'Art Conversations' talk at Dubai Ladies Club. The key speaker was Sheikh Sultan Al Qassimi who I have been following, with interest, on twitter for some time now. His tweets are always informative and interesting and so I thought it would be wise to take the opportunity to see him speak in person about something he is passionate about. He is the founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation in Dubai which consists of more than 600 works of art.

In the last few decades the art scene in the UAE has flourished and has become somewhat of a hub for both national and international art. Persian, Arab, Iranian, Asian, European and American art have all found a home somewhere in the UAE. According to Sheikh Sultan, Dubai in particular has become the 'soul of the country's art world.'

An point I noted with interest was the fact that Dubai or the UAE as a whole is one of the very few countries in the world who have taken art from foreigners living in the country and proudly displayed it in the National Gallery. This, for me, says a lot about the good relationship that the UAE generally has with the many expats who live and work here.

Sheikh Sultan showed a slideshow presentation featuring some of the works in his collection. This included a fascinating piece entitled 'Snow White Without The Dwarfs' by artist Ghada Amer which is a highly controversial piece. You ave to look very closely to see the hidden image but trust me, it is very clever art. Another piece, created in 2008 was entitled 'Democracy is Coming'. This piece by Egyptian artist Huda Lutfi has proved to be very insightful if we reflect on recent events in Egypt. The Arab Spring is happening now and can, and is, reflecting events as they unfold.

The evening was highly entertaining and Sheikh Sultan spoke energetically and enthusiastically and is clearly an expert in his field. He stated "art should be free" and that "it is more beautiful when it is free." However, I couldn't help but notice the cautious undertones in some of his words. Not suprisingly so, when so many writers and intellectuals in the arab world have recently been hampered or restricted in their 'freedom of speech'.

The tragic tale of Amy Winehouse

On Saturday morning, Amy's bodyguard checked on her at her flat in the heart of Camden, London. He saw  the troubled singer asleep in bed. After a late Friday night this was nothing unusual and he left her napping.

By 4pm in the afternoon the pop starlet still hadn't surfaced and her bodyguard entered her apartment to wake her up. It was then that he realised the singer had no pulse.

Amy Winehouse was dead.

Although only 27 years old, and with an worldwide army of fans, Amy's death was not entirely unsurprising. Her entire career had been plagued with stories of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, domestic issues and she was constantly in the headlines for the wrong reasons. Just a few weeks ago she appeared in Serbia to open her European tour, only to be booed off stage when she appeared drunk, confused and unable to perform.

This followed on from her performance in Festival City, Dubai earlier this year where she took to the stage exceptionally  late, seemed confused and disinterested and proceeded to muddle her way through some of her tracks as fans left the venue disheartened.

In death however, she has shocked many. Despite all her troubles she truly was a beautiful and gifted musician and was still so young. Her powerful. throaty voice had a unique appeal and her fans showed their love for her by sending her album "Back to Black" back to the top of the charts just days after her death. Many of them also paid tribute to her by laying flowers, teddy bears, bottles of wine and cigarettes outside her London.

Although her funeral was a private, family affair, her father graciously gave away many of her clothes and belongings to her dedicated fans lining the streets as something for them to remember his 'little angel' by.

Amy battled her demons through her music and we can only hope that finally, in death, she has found her peace.

Serbia

When I thought 'Serbia', I'm not quite sure what went through my head. I didn't expect it to be pretty, I guessed it wouldn't be overly warm and I suppose I thought there wouldn't be very much to do/see. How wrong I was! 

The journey got off to a bad start when our proposed seven hour train journey was delayed at border control and then again for a random police search, which I was told later was related to a local football game, which turned the trip into an 8 and half hour one. Add to that the fact that there were no snacks or refreshments available on board and you can imagine it wasn't the nicest start to a trip. However, rushing off the train in Belgrade and sitting down literally at the first cafe we found we became aware of what makes Serbia special. The people. Within a few minutes the waiter had brought our drinks and some directions to our hotel, and then a few girls offered to call a local taxi for us to save us being fleeced.  

After checking in quickly we headed into the main area of Belgrade to meet some friends and have a few drinks. For a Wednesday night, the city was absolutely hopping. Every bar/restaurant/cafe was full, music was being played in the streets and there was a general feeling of life. After a few hours here we made our way down to the small river running parallel to the Danube where we boarded a moored boat. On board, there was a live band entertaining the enthusiastic crowd and we danced until the wee small hours.

The next day was the wedding of two close friends, my reason for travelling to Serbia in the first place. A very low, key, relaxed party was had with traditional Serbian music and dance, traditional Serbian food and a random selection of Serbian drinks. No structured plan like speeches or formal seating plans were observed and the result was a big, carnival like atmosphere. And a lot of fun!

Later, the group continued to party by travelling back to the river boat bars, I however had to be sensible and take myself off home to bed as I had a 7am flight to London to catch! 

Europe

Last Tuesday, I hopped in a cab and set off in the direction of Glasgow Airport with a carefully measure 20kg suitcase accompanying me.

First stop was the lovely Balearic Island of Mallorca. I've been here many years ago but my memories of the place were more than hazy. My parents and sister were spending a few weeks out here in the sun and so I decided to join them for a few days of sun, sea and maybe even a glass of sangria!

Palma city was bustling and the sun was shining brightly as I made my way to the main bus station to catch my ride to the coastal town of Cala D'Or on the South East of the island. A handsome looking Spanish man greeted me with "Ah Bravissimo" as I stepped off the bus which I like to think was a compliment rather than a random reference to an underwear brand! Just over an hour later I arrived at my parents apartment. The next few days were spent sunbathing, eating, swimming, drinking and generally taking some time out to relax. I have to say it was lovely, even though it was the first holiday I'd been on with my parents since I was 15!

Friday morning I headed back to Palma bright and early to catch a flight to Cologne in Germany. After a quick pretzel and hop-based beverage I was on my second flight bound for Vienna. Austria isn't a country I ever imagined myself visiting but when my best friend upped sticks for there last month it quickly jumped to the top of my travel list. I wasn't quite sure what to expect-classical music being piped into the streets while people flounced by in black and white clothes was one image I had in my head! It is, however, a beautiful city. Full of historical buildings, ornately decorated and brimming with character. We went to a beach bar by the River Danube, ate lunch in a local market, took in some ballet and opera performances and visited the oldest zoo in Europe. We even managed to find a spot serving shisha, accompanied by salsa dancing! Throw my best friends into the mix and I was a truly happy lady.

All good things must come to an end though so on Sunday evening I boarded a train in the direction of Hungary.

Alighting at Budapest myself and my friend had a challenging time ahead of us trying to find out lodgings for the evening thanks to the very uninformative instructions on the website. After an hour wandering the streets and a few 'hairy' moments we eventually tracked it down, smack bang in the middle of what appeared to be Budapest's red light district! A few days of sightseeing, castles, markets, pubs, Roman baths, bridges, restaurants and shops followed and that is where the story ends, for now.

Tomorrow, a seven hour train journey awaits as we set off again. This time the destination is Belgrade, Serbia and I'll be sure to update you on what we find there! 

Oasis Living Magazine

So, far the past few months I've been contributing regularly to a fairly new publication based in Al Ain in the UAE and entitled 'Oasis Living'. The magazine is fantastic and covers all aspects of life in Al Ain and in the other Emirates. This month I co-wrote the feature article, giving advice on what to do with 48 hours in Dubai and also have some advisory pieces about staying healthy in the heat and combating junk food. What's even more fabulous about Oasis Living is that it is absolutely free!!! Unfortunately, right now it's only distributed in Al Ain, to malls, cafes, schools, universities so you'll have to make the journey there if you want your own copy.
If you just fancying seeing what it's all about then you can read the virtual issue here
http://www.myoasisliving.com/digital_version/jul_2011/index.html

Summertime!

Well, that has been a long 3 months!! The last time I had a spare moment to post was Easter! Eeek! Time flies when you're having fun!
At long last, the summer holidays are here so I can get back to dedicating some time to my writing again, instead of using up all my time and energy on teaching, tutoring and marking exams! Right now, I am back home in Scotland for a few days before I set off on a little trip across Europe where I hope to keep you all up to date with what I see and where I go.
But, for now, the sun in shining in Glasgow (a very rare occurrence!) so I'm jumping on a train and heading into the city to see what fun can be had on a sunny Sunday in Scotland! 

Happy Easter

Well today is Easter Sunday, so happy easter everyone!!

I hope your day is filled with happiness and chocolate. Lots of chocolate! I have already munched my way through one easter egg and half a lint bunny and its only 11.30am. But if you can't do it at easter then when can you?! 

This is, however, going to be my first easter as a pescatarian and I feel I'm definitely going to miss the big traditional roast dinner that usually dominates any easter celebrations. But, one little easter bunny or lamb will still be bounding around in the fields thanks to me. The poor fish however, well there's no hope for them.

Living in the U.A.E, Easter sometimes falls a little by the way side. There are limited shops selling easter eggs, no talk of going to church, no spring weather celebrations as by now summer is starting to kick in here and of course no roasted hams. So, in an attempt to make it feel more 'eastery' here I went and bought myself a big bunch of flowers and did some spring cleaning. It worked, a little. However, it did remind me of my rubbish luck with men when I have to buy my own flowers....rather than bouquets simply arriving at my apartment door as they should be! Never mind, I'm sure thats still to come! 

Have a lovely day one and all! 

International Earth Day

Today is International Earth Day.

Try to take a little bit of time out, to reflect on the beauty of this planet that we all call home

I like to think of it as Mother's day for Mother nature so, how about we all give her a break today.

Just try that little bit harder to look after it today. Use your car less, be careful with how much water you use, turn down the a/c a little, recycle whatever is recyclable, turn off that extra light....these little things, if we all do them can really make a difference.

And if you really want to spoil Mother Earth, get out there and plant a tree!

Check out http://www.earthday.org/ for more information.

Dubai Fashion Week

Dubai fashion week (DFW) is happening right now (from the 19th to the 23rd) showcasing some of the regions most influential and emerging talents.

The event is overseen by fashion industry experts and enables local and regional designers and fashion houses to present their collection for Fall/Winer 2011 to global and regional buyers, media, fashion professionals and the general public.

There are some amazing designs on display with particulary fantastic pieces from Par

isian designer Aly Fawaz...

Not a great start to the weekend!

I felt a tingle in my throat on Tuesday when I was at work, but I had an invite to the Cosmopolitan party so after taking a couple of painkillers I pushed it to the back of my mind.

On Wednesday, I woke up tired and groggy but wasn't sure if it was the sore throat, or the late evening. So off I went to work. After 8 hours teaching 5 year olds I was feeling pretty bad. I took myself home, made soup, drank some orange juice and sent myself to bed at 8pm feeling very responsible.

Thursday, 6.30.....ouch! Woke up before my alarm due to the pain in my head and the scratchiness in my throat. I got up, had some coffee and some Lemsip and got ready for school. Fast froward to 3pm and I was light headed, nauseous, sneezing, and my throat felt like it had doubled in size.

Problem was, I was due at a friend's birthday party in Al Ain at 7pm. And another friend's easter dinner on Friday. It takes an hour and a half to get to Al Ain from Dubai and there was no possible way I could manage that so....on the first night of the long Easter weekend I'm stuck at home, drinking tea, watching movies and taking painkillers. Not the best start indeed.

Inshaa'Allah I will be feeling better in the morning.

Cosmopolitan Middle East party!

On Tuesday, myself and a girlfriend were luck

y enough to bag

ourselves some invites to attend the very first Cosmop

olitan Middle East Ladies Night Launch Party!

Taking place at the fabulous Media One hotel in Dubai, the invite promised canopies, a pink carpet and

free cosmo's! All a promise of a good evening.

Upon arrival there was an array of pink and white miniature sparkling cupcakes and cookies and we were each presented with a lovely goodie bag full of beautiful treats. The cosmo cocktails were delicious and served in generous glasses complete with Cosmopolitan stirrers. Friendly waiters rushed around all evening

with trays loaded with delicious ca-napes and sweet treats. The d.j played uplifting house music and it was a really nice gathering, especially set against the fantastic backdrop of the M-Dek pool bar.

Definitely a good start for the Cosmopolitan team , a great first issue followed by a fabulous night for 400 of their readers.

Thanks Cosmo, glad to have you in the Middle East!

I'm back

Okay after being very lazy when it comes to my blog for the past few months, and very busy when it comes to teaching and tutoring I have decided that I need to switch up my priorities if I ever want to be successful as a writer.

In the meantime, I have managed to secure a monthly spot with a local magazine, more details when all is confirmed in black and white. And have also been busy helping a new business with their PR and marketing materials, again more details to follow when appropriate.

So, please follow me... I promise to be a much more dedicated, caring, informative blogger from here on out.