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It goes without saying, if you’re going to rival the likes of the Goyard and LV tote, you need to be memorable. To me, that means a conversation starter and that is exactly what Eurthlin is. It isn’t a trend-led brand looking to capitalize on the instagrammer’s of the world, it’s a thought-provoking piece of design that ensures you a guilt-free shopping spree.

Inspired by the elements; fire, water, earth and air, the brand’s signature repeat pattern print is combined to make a unique yet not overpowering logo. The brainchild of recent vegan herself Natalie Daghestani, Eurthlin is a culmination of compassion and craftsmanship with a sustainable edge. The vegan leather is aesthetically similar to animal leather and the collection boasts 3 must-have styles for all discerning fashionistas out there.

“Eurthlin only uses 100% PETA-Approved Vegan materials and is proudly registered with The Vegan Society. The bags are also ethically produced with care, with each piece sporting a GOTS-certified organic cotton lining made from natural seeds without the use of pesticides, a dust bag that has been made from recycled bottles and their mailer pouches are home compostable.”

For the fair-trade conscious too, the brand’s production facility has been certified by Brussels-based auditing firm Amfori BSCI – the leading business association for open and sustainable trade. Adding to their sustainable edge, Eurthlin has also committed to plant one tree in the Amazon for every piece sold in collaboration with OneTreePlanted.org to assist with this year’s globally highlighted reforestation.

Branding these beauties is of course the icing on the cake and you can add your piece of personalization through their online ordering service too.

Recommended

Hormone Health With Essentially

Posted on October 15, 2019

Owing to Pinktober, Cara Van Heyningen, Nutritionist for Essentially Juice wanted to shed some light on female hormone health. “As a nutritionist, one of the most common conditions I encounter is hormonal imbalance. If you’re struggling, you’re likely to suffer from irritability, PMS, fluid retention, bloating and weight gain around the mid-section. Prevention of greater hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer is always better than cure, and the good news is that there are plenty of dietary and lifestyle changes that can assist.”

Cara’s top hormone-balancing tips:

Ditch the dairy:Try going dairy free with almond, coconut or cashew milk and see how you feel. Most women report clearer skin and fewer PMS symptoms when they steer away from milk and dairy products.
Love your liver:Your liver metabolizes all hormones. If the liver is burdened with toxins, our hormones get thrown out of whack. We put strain on our liver by lack of sleep, poor stress management, excessive sugar and starchy carb consumption, overdoing the coffee and drinking anything more than 4 servings of alcohol per week. Pair your attention to these factors with daily juicing, and your liver will soon be loving you back in so many ways.
Stay hydrated:Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Symptoms of fatigue, an extra-large appetite and headaches can often be owed to dehydration. Add a dash of sea salt to every cup you drink. The salt will help you to hydrate more efficiently and replenish lost minerals associated with hormonal symptoms including fluid retention.
Supplement with Vitamin C: This simple vitamin is still my favourite of them all! Vitamin C helps to detoxify the liver and can actually help boost progesterone levels! I would suggest consuming 3000mg, even up to 6000mg of vitamin C per day and watch your symptoms and energy levels improve.
Get your Vitamin D levels checked: Vitamin D plays a massive role in hormone balance, energy production and lowering inflammation that can cause lifestyle diseases including tumour growth. A deficiency of Vitamin D can be preventing you from losing weight, and do not be fooled by Dubai’s sunny weather – deficiency is extremely common. Get these levels checked to know your baseline. From here, you can work with a practitioner to understand what the right dose is for you to get your levels up to a suitable place.
Up your intake of Brassica vegetables:This means more broccoli, cauliflower, kale and sprouts. These veggies contain a nutrient that balances oestrogen. Always ensure that your Brassica vegetables are juiced or well cooked. When eaten raw, Brassica veggies contain goitrogens, which are compounds that can compromise thyroid function in us sensitive ladies. When juiced or well cooked, these compounds are broken down.
Replace sugar with good fats:Crowd out your sweet cravings and stabilize your mood by adding healthy fats into the mix. Choose from avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, virgin organic coconut oil and tahini. These foods provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for hormone production.
Get more rest:A rested body is a healthy body. Inadequate sleep is often why many women can’t lose weight or manage their stress levels. Sleep helps to lower cortisol, a pesky stress hormone, which helps to release stubborn weight, boost the happy hormone, serotonin, and avoids sugar cravings. Limit your screen time at night and aim for seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep.

Try these tips for 14 days and see how you feel. You’ll probably find yourself applying them quite effortlessly. Over time, you should continue seeing greater and greater improvements to your symptoms.

Recommended

TRIBE: Nothing beats natural

Posted on July 16, 2019

Sourced from around the world, Dubai’s favourite eco-conscious interior styling store TRIBE is where I head when it comes to finding furniture for my new home.

This earthy hotspot is a treasure trove of handmade, sustainable and natural products that are crafted around the world and curated by Dubai based Jo England. Their network of over 1000 artists extends to over 25+ countries, believing throughout that each piece should be sustainably created and ethically sourced. Fair-trade is also a key measuring point for the TRIBE team and their artisans are assured fair wages.

In this day and age where conscious consumerism is in the spotlight finally, organic and natural materials are having a resurgence and outdoor-indoor furniture no longer needs an introduction. Having a place to breathe in the home is important too, so each piece is designed to bring a taste of the tropics to you, helping to create a really comfortable and creative space for you to enjoy. Their studio space allows for a little more freedom of expression too, with a dedicated customization technician to add a little more personality into your home.

I have some gorgeous pieces from TRIBE, like my bedroom headboard in rattan, but with my new space needing some more warmth downstairs too, I chose this gorgeous island hanging chair. Inspired by the beach and designed for swinging the afternoon away. Not only is bamboo a beautiful looking material, it’s also fast-growing, strong and easy to harvest… making it a super sustainable material source.

Focusing on social responsibility too which is of uber importance to me, TRIBE plant’s trees and supports reforestation. As well as sponsoring a unique organization in India, which educates children (as seen on Netflix in ‘Daughters of Destiny’).

Recommended

Where Beauty Meets the Ocean

Posted on July 1, 2019

La Mer launched the ‘La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund‘ as a way to make charitable contributions that have supported ocean preservation efforts since 2017, and has since helped conservation initiatives in The Azores, Grenada and East China Sea. Their ocean health awareness started in 2013, where they worked with renowned ocean-explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, as well as National Geographic society, to delve into underwater habitat protection and address actionable changes.

“We are committed to helping protect marine habitats across the globe. Through awareness-raising initiatives and charitable donations by the La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund in support of ocean conservation projects, they strive to ensure a future with flourishing seas for generations to come.”

This isn’t greenwashing either, La Mer launched their Oceans Fund in 2017 which works to further the initiative of their collection and supports a variety of ocean projects worldwide. Their passion for this project is deep, no pun intended. Their limited-edition collection sees a shimmering array of sea kelp and coral around their otherwise luminous white packaging.

Each year, La Mer team members around the world lead an effort to clean their local shores and beaches. In the journey to protect the living connection we all have to the ocean, we know that even small acts of participation can make a huge impact. Not only that, their farmed sea kelp is sustainably sourced and managed, so as to ensure a chain of custody for their ingredients.

fashion Recommended

Rossano Ferretti: The Master of The Method Cut

Posted on May 12, 2019

Rossano Ferretti is famous for the invisible haircut, the haircut with natural fall in movement… The METHOD Cut.

I’ve never been that particular about my hair, in fact it stayed up in a bun or ponytail for the majority of my youth. Long hair was always prized and my hair was very long and think. Rebellions were often in terms of colour rather than cut, but I’ve learned to love my hair. Never more so than since finding a hairdresser who really knew what to do with it. It’s long, think, but I’ve got a short forehead so absolutely NO fringes, but it falls far too far forward and I looked like Morticia Adams with a centre parting according to mum.

“Our Method was born out of the dissatisfaction, of myself and my sister Lorenza, with everything stereotyped and artificial that stood for beautiful hair. We wanted to enhance every woman’s unique beauty, speaking a language of elegance, naturalness and uniqueness. By hard work and passion, we succeeded in becoming the spokespersons of natural, personalised beauty, creating a revolution in the way of bringing to life, understanding, and communicating beauty. We told women, “Enjoy your hair!” – in harmony with yourself. Our Method is the way we relate to the profession. It allows us to innovate without ignoring the past, like a robust weave whose threads leave its interpreters leeway for freedom of expression.” Rossano Ferretti.

Having tried the salon on a press launch, it was immediately that I felt lighter, thinner hair yet with more movement and started to wear it down more comfortably. It was still long mind you, but I’ve always been put off shorter hair for fear of looking like a lampshade with my thickness. So it was one bold morning where I finally told Christina at Rossano Ferretti I was ready to see a different shape.

“What I try to do most with my students is to develop a new sensibility together with them, one that is bolder, that involves developing one’s senses. And so I work on touch, sight, and the body. How come? For the simple reason that hair is a malleable material, a living thing; it has its own life and if we learn to observe it, understand and interpret it, it follows us obligingly, without becoming unruly. Which is why, every time a haircut is spoken of, I urge them to think that a cut should resemble as much as possible a work of art and not a mathematical calculation. Our training not only teaches the haircut, but educates the eyes and heart to recognize the light of beauty. Because genuine fascination shuns any beauty-code: it lies in the self-confidence of those who choose to be themselves.” Lorenza Ferretti, Artistic Director.

I’m sold. Short hair don’t care and my only worry now is having to slick it back for the gym, but I can finally wear my hair as a feature, rather than hating it for hiding them.

Featured Recommended

111Skin: Harley Street’s Ultimate Facial

Posted on April 18, 2019

Let’s face it, a good facial can be one of two things, either the experience itself is invigorating or the after effects are visibly toned, cleansed skin. The new 111SKIN facial at Jumeirah Saadiyat Resort is uniquely both. Harley Street’s famous for its wealth of experts but the U.A.E.’s not exactly lacking in cosmetic clinics, so what makes this one so good?

111SKIN is the culmination of twenty years of surgical knowledge, high-tech ingredients, and cutting-edge innovation; founded by globally renowned Harley Street cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, the original formula was developed to help his patients’ skin heal after trauma and given complimentary after treatments for more effective results and improved healing time.

The good doctor worked together with his wife Eva to create the 111SKIN brand, evolving from one single product to five ranges. It does however have a rather interesting origin story…

‘Collaborating with space scientists who researched the acceleration of ageing in astronauts, Dr. Yannis wanted to produce a product which could induce skin’s own reparative processes to alleviate scarring and inflammation and protect against environmental pollutants. The formula included NAC Y2, a trio of actives with superior antioxidant capabilities, one of which stimulates the production of Glutathione – the body’s most powerful intracellular antioxidant.’

What’s their main focus? Predominantly premature ageing, oily or spot-prone skin, lacklustre complexions, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration are the most problematic requests in the U.K. with sun damage topping the U.A.E.’s main list of skin concerns. But even though their wealth of products are designed to be used as a daily at-home routine, the facial is well worth the trip to Saadiyat Island.

Recommended

PICO Genesis Treatment

Posted on March 13, 2019

Cosmetic surgery is one thing, but cosmetic rejuvenation such as laser treatments are the newest way of revitalizing a more youthful visage. PICO Genesis™ is a 2-in-1 aesthetic laser procedure that returns balance, clarity and radiance to your skin. For me, the appeal was an instant treatment of my many years of sun exposure and resulting pigmentation spots that were visible on both sides of my face. These were getting a little too visible for my liking.

I was asked to try it at EUROMED clinic on beach road and I went in with a plethora of questions. Does it hurt? Does it scar? Are there risks? What is the downtime? Firstly, it’s a completely non-invasive cosmetic procedure with minimal downtime. Visible change in one treatment, but it’s advised that you’d get more optimal results in as few as 2 treatments. The sessions last 20 minutes from start to finish and yes there’s a little discomfort.

The PICO Genesis laser procedure uses a non-thermal laser that doesn’t cause damage to the surrounding tissue. It destroys the pigment, leaving your skin clearer and giving you a more even, uniform complexion.

Clinically speaking “This method combines the benefits of two highly effective wavelengths in ultra-short pulses to cause an intense, non-thermal, photo mechanical disruption and remodeling of the upper dermis.” Recommended for all skin types, it’s great for skin toning, reducing hyperpigmentation, and building collagen.

So in all honesty, the laser itself stung like an elastic band was being twinged across my skin. The cooling mask applied straight after it though meant the pain really was minimal. The dark spots I had before went 10x shades darker and then peeled off after a week, revealing pink fresh skin that had no pigmentation anymore. You can wear makeup after 24 hours so you won’t need to take a week off for it.

I would totally recommend this treatment for any sun-bums like me, but as it’s a factor 50+ zone afterwards, make sure you’ve stocked up on your SPF skincare!

Hotspot Recommended

Bleu Blanc – A Discovery of Food

Posted on February 20, 2019

Veganism, whilst the newest trend in the foodie world, is slowly starting to become more recognized as a menu must-have. Whether you’re drawn in by the sentiment or simply intolerant to the ingredients it forgoes, vegetables are slowly starting to take center place on a plate. I ventured down to Bleu Blanc at the Renaissance hotel in Business Bay for the first time. French, and as such, is somewhere that I’m assured lives up to its stereotype… i.e. not normally vegetable friendly. I was invited down to discover their entirely new meat & dairy free menu.

I’m always dubious of menu tastings as first and foremost, I’m not a natural foodie. I’m intolerant/allergic and downright fussy to boot, so challenging the chef was my main appeal I’ll admit. What followed a quick introduction to the accompanying wine offerings (which were deliciously curated) was an entirely engaging journey to a world of flavour I never knew vegetables had.

Salads to start, light and crisp, with a fair bit of crunch thrown in, whetted the appetite for my favourite dish… the fire cured cauliflower. I will never underestimate this vegetable again. Boil it and it’s useless in my eyes but cook it over a wood burning fire in a sieve and you’ve got a sensationally smoky alternative to say chicken wings. The almond cream sauce too was a winner.

Moving on to what we thought was the ‘main course’ equivalent, we spotted the blackened remains of a whole pumpkin that had been slowly cooking in its own juices for the past 12 hours, sitting in the fire. As Chef slowly tore through the skin, its true orange hue shone through. A ‘meatier’ meal, the pumpkin slice was soft and juicy, with a smoky base and coupled with a porcini sauce.

Not the main course however, the homemade potato gnocchi with shelled peas and pesto that was ‘Grandma’s recipe’ filled the tiny gap we had left. It was without doubt, a menu that would excite even the most carnivorous of my friends, because if veganism tastes this good, I’m sold.

Adventure Recommended travel

Phuket Cleanse

Posted on January 30, 2019

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Affectionately describing my upcoming trip to Thailand’s infamous detox resort as ‘fat camp’ I received more than a few giggles from friends and family who asked if a trip to Phuket Cleanse was really necessary. I myself know just how much I’ve eaten over the festive period and I’m not afraid to admit it. Every moment with a raclette or tartiflette up in the Alps was thoroughly enjoyed and to be honest, I didn’t stop enjoying myself when I got back either. I knew ‘fat camp’ would kick me back into shape.

Arrival is fuss-free. Straight in to Phuket airport from Dubai, the transfer to Phuket Cleanse is only an hour away. We landed pretty late, so it was great to be given a very quick run through of the open plan reception/dining/games room and an update on the next day’s activities. Kick starting the trip was a 5.45am wake up call for a 4km hike up to the Big Buddha, but we weren’t quite ready for that just yet…

I’m a fussy eater at best, but armed with a list of intolerances and dislikes, the next morning I ventured into the kitchen… “I’m easy” I said, wary that this almost vegan cuisine would last the 5 whole days of my stay, “I eat egg”. So, there it was, my base protein for the copious amounts of upcoming workouts was to be based around a fair few omelette’s. This may be tougher than I thought.

The days were as easy or as hard as you wanted them to be, ranging from high intensity workouts at the nearby RAW Fitness center to aerial yoga and Pilates back at the villa. I chose to concentrate on cheese-loss and gaining muscle mass as a goal. A whole list of about 10 -12 activities were scheduled out across the venues and you could opt in for extras such as a sunset SUP or snorkel too.

We conquered the Big Buddha hike twice in our 5 days and it was grueling, but entirely worth it too as the sunrise made for an amazing visit, sans tourists. My favourite sessions were the HIIT and Strength classes, separated by about 6 hours each day, I made a point to do both. Throw in some foam rolling sessions, light meditation and a daily foot massage too, there was plenty to keep you busy if you wanted it. If, however you wanted to enjoy some of that 30*C sunshine, the pool in between classes was also a hotspot.

Not only is Phuket Cleanse the most community minded retreat I have ever set foot in, it’s also the eco-friendliest. With a real effort to cull all plastics and notes everywhere around the room reminding you to use bottled water instead of tap to brush your teeth or fill up your water bottles (all provided) rather than buy plastic bottles, it’s ticking all the right boxes.

What I was most surprised at I have to say, was my willingness to try all the food. Save for a few highly spiced options, I was loving the regular breakfast chia and coconut bowls, pak choi and vegetable medleys and even loved the various vegan cheeses.

I’m already planning my post-summer retreat, with or without friends this time as it’s such a great place to really focus on YOU. And I didn’t even miss the wine…

Fitness Recommended

Rituals Launches Soulwear

Posted on January 22, 2019

Rituals Cosmetics is the first brand in the world to combine home and body. Each product, over 400 in total, is inspired by an ancient Eastern tradition and Soulwear is no exception. The Home, Yoga and Sleep wear draws inspiration from the heritage of ancient Asia. The clothing line features carefully curated colours and symbols from the Far East.

Prints and designs reminiscent of original Chinese and Japanese fashions, made with soothingly same soft, high-quality fabric that really is good for both at home relaxing and on the mat exercising. The soft cotton leggings are my favorite, not designed for heavy sweating, more suited to yoga and reformer pilates.

Picture plenty of understated colours with peeks of red and delicate floral patterns. Here’s a sneak peek at my favorites from both the home and yoga collections…

HOME: The collection showcases a selection of lightweight tops, cardigans, wrap jumpsuits and soft trousers for women, as well as unique sweaters, t-shirts, polos. hoodies and trousers for men.

YOGA: Carefully designed to ensure freedom of movement for both men and women. The collection features a subtle palette, combined with soft and breathable fabrics that promise unrestricted movement in every pose.

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