Abi:original - If you aren't original, what are you?

There is usually a crowd in here. But it is exceptionally busy on Christmas eve. Women of all ages rush in to look their best barely a few hours before Christmas. You've probably witnessed the trend, the world over. She sits behind me. I cannot see her face. I can only hear the nagging voice arguing with the hair stylist. "No, I want it shorter. I have a four month old baby. You know I wanted to shave my head off. I, I, I." No kidding. This is actually what I hear.  It is a real blessing that the women from the Phillipines who run the beauty parlour I am in, have the patience that they do. Miles away from their own families, they have to work every day plus a half day on Christmas day as well. To add to their woes there's an unending sea of women who believe that it is their right to argue and bicker about every Dirham spent. I sit and wait patiently. For my hair to transform itself. I feel lucky that I could cross the road and attempt to look decent for Chris

Train travel has always inspired me. Sure the Mumbai suburban train service has its flaws. It packed like hell on most days. But it also provides solace and a chance for one to find your own little corner to catch a breath and think. Some of my best ideas have come on a 50-minute train ride to college or work. And that’s been no different 20 years later on the Dubai Metro. Here is one piece that came up recently. On motivating, passionate women at any age. Danica's free hand drawing, December 2015.  I don’t have to look far when it comes to women who are passionate at any age. My daughter provides sufficient inspiration. At the age of five she wants to be a mother above all else. I tell her I would simply love to be her age again but there's no going back. No adult logic that works with a five year old and for now she says she can’t wait to be a mother as I’m gathering she believes it’s a fun job. Noted poet, author and my English Literature professor is another

Most often I avoid shopping malls on the weekend. The crowds, the traffic and the mayhem is something I'd rather do without. I made an exception for the reopening of OshKosh B’gosh in Dubai Mall as this time it was all about the kids.   The American children’s wear brand, re-opened its retail store to customers. The newly refurbished store was abuzz with sales people in Santa hats and a collection of comfortable winter wear for toddlers and children. Known for making the World’s Best Overalls and denim for children, the brand’s clothing is designed to make kids feel comfortable throughout their fun adventures.  Always wondered what the name means? OshKosh B’gosh was founded in 1895 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin as a manufacturer of hickory-striped denim bib overalls for railroad workers and farmers. Customers were invited to take pictures with their children and pose for a possible feature in the brand’s next catalogue. For us it was a chance to buy some new winter attire. A week

Setting up 200 stores across the region has been a fascinating journey for Nayomi, the region’s leading lingerie retailer. The brand recently celebrated this incredible milestone with the store opening in Mirdiff City Centre in Dubai. The event was kicked off with a social media campaign called #200smiles.  A number of women and mall goers were invited to win an in-store shopping spree. The store also offers a collection of casual nightwear, in-house perfumes and creams. Its all showcased in luxurious pink rooms with a spectacular stocking-inspired ceiling design. Dramatic glass chandeliers make for a chic atmosphere where everything is pink, peach, black and white. What’s more the store is referred to as a princess palace. Kamal Jamjoom, the group’s Founder and Chairman, Mark Pilkington, the group CEO and Stephen Holbrook, Divisional Director- Clothing Division were all present at the occasion. Mr. Holbrook explains, “This is our first palace in Dubai and our tenth, in t

Close to 10 years ago, I was invited to teach public speaking to a group of college students in Dubai. It was an invigorating experience over the course of a long, hot summer and it got me back in touch with how young people think. Most of the students in the class were only interested in getting a passing grade. The others were not even interested in being present for class. My personal challenge was to treat them like a friend and make public speaking appealing. The huge reward came a few weeks later when I was called, "Maam" in a large electronics store by one of my students. After catching his breath, he came over to say hi. It melted my heart. Zip to circa 2015 and my tryst with teaching has led me to another group of students in Dubai. I have been asked to teach them effective communications and the age group is around 12 years of age. It has always amazed me how much I get out of each class conducted. The particular group that I met were more interested in my backgr

The candle wax treatment at Tips and Toes is just what you need during a hectic week. The massage begins with a few warm stretches of the body. You are then moisturised with natural oils which are infused with candle wax. The candle gently burns in to a jar of cream and oil. These have immediate calming effects. Much to my surprise the hot wax doesn't sting. You take a few moments to get used to the warm oil being rubbed to your tired limbs. My masseuse has a permanent smile on her face. But that is not the only reason for me to find her endearing. She knows how to massage the body with the right amount of pressure. The massage lasts for 75 minutes. Just the right amount of time for you to drift away in to a bubble of relaxation. As the treatment ends, I feel the difference in my arms which have a sudden glow. No it isn't the candle that's rubbed off its light on me. I am just glowing from the benefits of getting a good massage.

There was already sufficient excitement in the air. It was the weekend. Time to unwind and head to Dubai. The people at Tomo had invited us to partake of the Sunset Sessions at their rooftop lounge. With a relaxed atmosphere and soothing music played by a DJ who seems at peace with the world, there’s little that can go wrong on the 17 th floor of the Raffles Hotel. We get there just before the sun decides to set. If the view doesn’t get you excited, nothing will. The Floor Manager Housin Belmouslih makes sure his staff is prepped before all the guests arrive. The staff is only too pleased to refill the guests with an array of cocktails and juices on offer. My particular favourite is passion fruit with a hint of vodka. It’s light and refreshing. Tomo is a Japanese restaurant. The word “tomo” is translated from Japanese to mean a long-time friend.  in keeping with its Japanese theme, they serve Saki wine with Cranberry juice. Ingenious to say the least. After what see

Indian Summer opens in Dubai When you think of Indian cuisine, a spicy curry might come to mind. Indian Summer will make you rethink about those favourite Indian dishes, as its offers its unique take on Indian cuisine. The newly opened restaurant is located in the heart of Karama on 17 th Street. With a spacious, chic interior and a separate banquet hall which can be booked by guests, it is already grabbing attention in one of the city’s most central locations. There is also a private dining room for guests who may prefer the same. The owners of Indian Summer are no strangers to the service industry. With nine restaurants in Saudi Arabia alone and one in Sri Lanka, they decided it was time to bring their food to the UAE. They’ve been in this business since 2005. Today the family run business is moving two steps ahead with the new generation. We sample some outstanding starters like crispy chicken and chilly paneer. One can choose from a variety of chicken and mea

The Lotus Blossom mani-pedi at Tips and Toes was just what I needed to kick start the week. Those of you with equally unending to-do lists know exactly what I'm talking about. There is never any time for one's self let alone one's tired toes. Walking in to the salon felt rejuvenating from the start. The therapist starts by cleaning and filing of the nails. The treatment is enhanced by the salon's own signature lotions and scrubs. Its moisturising mask is used to ensure that moisture stays locked in. When the therapist suggests a callous treatment, I have to meekly agree. Here's where a clear lotion is applied to the skin which is wrapped in cling film for up to ten to twelve minutes. Anyone with dry skin cannot stop from hugging one's sole after they transform in to soft surfaces. For now my feet and fingers feel pampered and frankly so do I. The Lotus Blossom treatment costs Dhs. 205 and is the offer of the month at all Tips and Toes outlets across

Ellie Goulding stomped her feet from the time she came on stage till well over an hour and a half later. She sang without restraint and with a customary shrill that we've all grown accustomed to, hitting the high notes with ease. The audience at the World Trade Centre waited eagerly for Ellie on September 24. She was performing as a part of Dubai Music Week, an event that brings local and international talent to a common platform. Here is a singer that has already won best debut artist in Britain and is no stranger to fame. But Ellie did more than sing. She played the drums, rocked an electric guitar and did a cover version of Elton John's, 'Your song.' Dressed in a black jumpsuit that was embossed in gold, it perfectly reflected the array of lights during each performance and for me it took the show to a completely different level. With hits like 'Outside,' 'Burn,' 'Lights' and 'Anything can happen,' Ellie also offered fans a chance

When invited to try the 'Offer of the month' at Tips and Toes Saloon, barely a month before we relocated, I felt like it was a warm welcome saying, ‘Welcome to our city.’ Probably the reason I was the ever eager client who showed up at 9.15 a.m. for a 10 a.m. appointment. Thankfully there were a few other store s open at Al Fardan Centre, Sharjah. I was able to somehow pass the time and enter the saloon at the top of the hour. Greeted by a sea of smiles and a dozen or so staff members who welcomed me to choose a seat for my treatment, I was soon completely overwhelmed by the view. The saloon faces the Buhaira Corniche. With one of the best views that Sharjah has to offer right in front of you, they have already managed to put clients at ease. My treatment was done by Chirstina and Charlyn, two efficient ladies who didn't drown my mani-pedi session in small talk among each other. Nope, they diligently worked their way through the Vanilla-Caramel mani-pedi sessio

When invited to Pacha Ibiza, I didn't know what to expect. The venue is a diner, a nightclub and a venue for live performances all at the same time. The entrance to the venue at the gates of the Souq Madinat Jumeirah has a bright, welcoming red carpet. Pacha Ibiza's signature red cherry logo was everwhere and yet somehow it was not overpowering. The live acts began after 8.30 pm. While everyone feasted on appetizers and drinks, the entertainers moved through the crowd at regular intervals with live renditions and even a ballet performance. Pretty crowded for a Tuesday night, one couldn't help but think. Its definitely a different experience for Dubai residents. We don't normally see someone jump off a high rope from such close proximity. The stage at Pacha Ibiza Dubai, is strategically placed in the centre of the venue which has three floors that look down on to it. The DJs (I spotted two of them at different stations, there may have been more) managed to get mo

The only thing constant in life is change. I hate that phrase, precisely because it is so true. You may have heard it a number of times as well. Its basically another way of saying, 'Get used to it, because that's just how things are.' At least for now. Change often comes and bites you in the rear end when you least expect it. So as I spend the last few days working for some of the publications that I know I will miss, more than they will miss me, there is an element of surprise for what lies ahead. Our family is relocating to the United Arab Emirates, a place we first called home as newlyweds. The country has expanded and then some, in more ways than one can ever measure. There are a few familiar spots and those give me comfort. I've put up a brave face for the children who have to leave their current group of friends and hesitatingly look for new ones. Thankfully everyone is more socially networked and that gives us some comfort of staying in touch. So as we