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UD Review: Sri Sri Fit Yoga at Yoga Ashram

I think when you live in a highly fast-paced city like Dubai, you find it challenging to take time off of your busy schedule to relax and simply do nothing. We’re always running to get to work or school, to our next meeting, to run errands…Our minds are forever occupied with thoughts of the next task or activity on our to-do lists. What I find ironic, is that even when I’m going out for a fun night or to catch up with friends, I find myself rushing while getting ready because there is never enough time for anything!

Luckily, I have Yoga Ashram located in the building right next to where I live 🙂 and if you live in the JLT or Marina area, then you can give them a visit too. What I like about this studio is its originality and authentic way of teaching classes. You’ll be able to tell that they genuinely care about their students and want them to benefit from the classes. These days, it’s very rare to find a fitness center who’s not only after profit and getting as many clients as they can to subscribe to their packages (I tend to run the other way from these kind of places).

I’ve been reviewing a couple of classes at Yoga Ashram before deciding which one I want to stick to. Here’s a link to the latest review.

Last Saturday, I went for a free meditation session followed by a Sri Sri Fit yoga class. The meditation session lasted for 35 minutes and it is offered free of charge for everyone. It was a guided form of meditation where we did some stress-releasing breathing techniques and listened to calming instructions from the instructor and a recorder.

Sri Sri Fit is a gentle form of yoga that’s based on breathing techniques and on holding postures for a short period of time.

It helps in relieving stress, anxiety and depression. And I can honestly say that the session was incredibly relaxing and regenerating. I even went into sleep mode for a few seconds in the middle of the session! What I mostly liked about this type of yoga was that its moves were gentle yet highly effective. All the stretching, lifting and even laughing out loudly to relieve stress made wonders to how we all felt after the class. Add to that, the fact that the instructor who teaches this class is one of the owners of Yoga Ashram. So you are guaranteed to a fun and enjoyable class from the experts at the studio.

If you want to take a break from the busy and hectic modern city life, then I recommend that you give Yoga Ashram’s classes a try. These people truly know what they are doing, and are not in it for the profit only. Honestly, if I didn’t have tons of responsibilities and commitments, I would definitely make it a ritual to visit that studio regularly. Who knows, maybe once I’m done with my undergraduate journalism course, I will be a devoted yogi 🙂

Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/yogashramJLT

Or contact them through the method that suits you best:

Address
Yoga Ashram JLT
1504, Jumeirah Bay X3,
JLT, Dubai,
PO BOX 261301, UAE
Tel: +9714 – 3609028
Email: info@yogaashram.com

UD Review: Back and Knee Yoga Workshop with Yoga Ashram

I’ve just gone back to University for the summer term…so my blogging activity might get effected by this fact. Especially since the only subject that I’m taking in the summer term requires a lot of work. Meaning that weekly assignments must be submitted, in addition to a “Media Audience” research project and a closed book exam at the end of the term!

Let’s see how it goes…and hope that the term flies by fast like the previous ones! yes, as you can tell I’m not a huge fan of going back to undergraduate school at the age where you should be done with your PHD :p

But I believe that everything happens for a reason, and we were all given different paths and destinies in life. So we should be grateful and try to stay positive and motivated as much as possible.

Today’s post is another review post. About a yoga studio which I have been frequenting recently to try out their different classes.

I’ve reviewed the following classes at Yoga Ashram:

Last week, I got to take a back, shoulder, neck and knee workshop with Yoga Ashram. The class included an hour and a half or so of yoga, followed by a presentation on common back issues and their prevention methods.

I was glad to attend the workshop with my dear friend and fellow blogger Araceli from What I just Love the Blog 🙂

Our instructor – Harsha – has a total of 15 years of yoga practice experience. She got her certification a long time ago as well 🙂

The class focused on the postures that focus mainly on the neck, shoulders, spine and knees. The moves included stretching exercises and flexibility moves. At the end of the class, we felt greatly invigorated and relaxed.

Araceli from What I Just Love the Blog :) — Araceli from What I Just Love the Blog 🙂

I plan to try some more classes at Yoga Ashram soon, but my next post will be a recipe post for a chickpea tomato soup that I made for myself to cure my cold…I guess that’s what you do when you’re single and living alone!

Sigh….still coughing though 🙁 Hope I get better by the next post!

Check out Yoga Ashram’s web site for more details about their location, classes and social media presence 🙂

http://yogaashram.com/

Till next time, stay safe and at peace….Namaste 🙂

UD Review: Pilates with Yoga Ashram!

If you’ve been following the blog, you must have read the previous reviews that I had done on this brand new studio located in my hood – well more like just across from where I live! Here are the links for the power yoga and the belly dancing classes’ reviews again.

For this specific class, we had two mat Pilates certified instructors – each gave us a 30 minute intensive workout. I’ve been doing Pilates for a while now, so this was not my first Pilates class. Most recently, I’ve been practicing therapeutic Pilates at Safa Park once a week in the evenings. I find that form of Pilates quite relaxing and invigorating. Mostly because of the earthy, peaceful and quiet park setting.

That’s not to say that practicing yoga or Pilates at Yoga Ashram is not relaxing….as a matter of fact, the spacious studio has a beautiful view of the Emirates golf course and a wide green area. As I mentioned in my previous posts, the studio has wide window walls that make for an open and relaxed space.

If you are trying to loose weight, maximize your fitness levels, tone up and feel like you’ve done a good workout session, then this class is for you. I would say that the moves covered all basic, intermediate and advanced Pilates levels.

It wasn’t too difficult to follow though, as the teachers gave clear instructions as to how to do each move.

What’s the benefit of doing Pilates?

Pilates is a workout designed mainly to tone up the core part of your body. This includes your abdominal muscles, which are the most challenging to tone up. I speak from my personal experience, as I’ve always struggled with that part of my body.

So Pilates is the only workout that solely targets that area of the body, and helps shape it up and tighten it. With the regular practice of Pilates, you will be able to achieve a much tighter ab, toner core and overall fit body shape!

I just love Pilates and it’s the only workout that I find myself sticking to! 🙂

If you have any further questions, check out Yoga Ashram’s web site here.

Signing off for now X

My Favorite Dubai Beach Club: Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa

I like to call this golf/beach resort my secret mini getaway destination. Sadly, the secret has already been out in the two older posts that I wrote on this magical beach club. You can check them out again here and here.

Now although I’ve been to most of the five-star Dubai beach clubs, and most recently have checked one out in Abu Dhabi, I must admit that I always find myself coming back to this lovely and secluded beach club: the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.

There’s something about this beach club that is not found at any other location in Dubai. For the most part, its location outside of the city makes it perfect for a mini getaway when you don’t have time for a short or long trip on a jet plane. The atmosphere is unlike any other in Dubai….you feel transformed into a different and classy world. Where comfort, top of the notch facilities, and a chilled vibe are the only existing elements.

Honestly, I could go on and on about this place without getting tired. But let me take you on a journey of how I spent my day at the resort last week.

I started my day by chilling by the infinity pool…the pool is spacious with a shallow area for children. It also has these cool fountains that are fun to play with for the kids, or just lounge under as an adult 🙂

Peacocks are found everywhere at the resort

After lounging by the infinity pool and going for an incredibly refreshing swim, I headed to Captain’s bar for a light lunch. The bar is located by the 800 meter wide beach, and is completely shaded. I had the Arabic mezza plate and a Caprese salad.

Arabic mezza plate at Captain's bar — Arabic mezza plate at Captain’s bar

Caprese salad at Captain's bar — Caprese salad at Captain’s bar

I had booked a treatment at the spa at the beginning of my day, and so I decided to use the spa wet room facilities before my treatment starts.

The spa wet room facilities include a jacuzzi, a steam room and a sauna room. They can be used by anyone who books a treatment at the spa. My favorite part is without a doubt the jacuzzi. I’ve been day-dreaming about soaking in the jacuzzi for a couple of weeks, if not months!

Tip: Don’t miss out on the experience showers available at the spa. These are to be used in between lounging in the steam, sauna or jacuzzi!

Signature Treatments at the Spa:

The spa offers a variety of signature treatments on a daily basis. On Tuesday – the day that I was there – the treatment was for a traditional Hammam and scalp massage!

I’ve only had a Moroccan bath once, but this was my first time to try a traditional Hammam treatment, and I’m so glad that I did!

The treatment left my skin feeling baby soft and tender to touch. It also removed all the dead skin cells and left me feeling lighter, fresh and so rejuvenated. The therapist was also great as she exerted just the right amount of pressure while scrubbing my skin. I also have extremely sensitive skin and the treatment was gentle and didn’t irritate my skin or anything. The spa used Elemis products in all its treatments. In the traditional Hammam, a Moroccan black soap was used in addition to the Elemis products.

The treatment included a highly relaxing and soothing scalp massage. I didn’t want it to end!

After my treatment was over, I made my way to the beach to catch the last sun rays before the sun sets! and if you’ve been following me on my Facebook Page, you would know that I can’t be at the beach and not have an iced latte!

The JA Beach at sunset... — The JA Beach at sunset…

It may be the end of another day at the chic and classy Jebel Ali Beach Club, but I’m certain that I’ll go back there for more relaxation and unwinding by the beautiful and pristine beach…

All I could think of while waiting for the shuttle bus to take us back to the city, was: I want to just live out here and never leave!

I think the energy in that place is just so amazingly positive, that I always leave a much happier, peaceful and relaxed version of my typically sad and depressed self!

Do you want to know what makes this resort unique?

The fact that you have access to a great number of activities all in one single place! You can choose to do any of the following:

Activities for kids.
800 meter wide beach access.
Access to four swimming pools, including one with salt sea water!
Access to a variety of water sports.
Golf club.
High-end spa.
Two hotels; Jebel Ali Beach Hotel and Palm Tree Court.
A number of dining and bar options.
A boat marina!

As you can see the options are endless of how you can choose to spend your day at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. In case I missed anything, have a look at their web site and plan a day out or more for you and your loved ones 🙂

http://www.jaresortshotels.com/Hotels/Home.aspx

A shuttle bus service is also available to transport guests to and from a number of landmark locations in the city!

Since I didn’t get to spend much time on the beach this time, because of my spa treatment. I’m definitely planning another trip to this magical resort soon. Most likely it will be after my summer term at University ends. And I would love to stay at the Palm Tree Court residence for a night or two. I might even try out some water sports while I’m there. And who knows, maybe, I will finally finish reading that book about blogging!

Ending this post with a picture of where I would like to have a romantic dinner date with my potential partner (once I meet him) 😀

Seriously, who could wish for anything better than this? 🙂

Rebellious Diva signing off…

UD Review: Belly Dancing with Yoga Ashram

If you’ve been following my blog, you might have read my earlier post on Yoga Ashram’s “Power Yoga” class. If not, you can have a look here.

After being absent from the “fitness” and “social” scene for a while, I was glad to be back to this welcoming and homely studio situated right next to my building. My plan is to basically try out all their different classes before deciding which one to commit to. I figured I have no excuse not to stick to a regular fitness routine with this studio located just a minute’s walk from where I live!

What’s different about this belly dancing class?

I have tried a belly dancing class not a long time ago at a different fitness center in the same area, so I think my opinion will be considered quite updated and honest at the same time. What I liked about this class was the following:

It started right on time. No delays or changes in timings.
The class was small, so the instructor could pay attention to each student and correct if needed.
The instructor genuinely cared about the students and made sure that we left the class with results.
The instructor continuously corrected our moves throughout the entire class.
The instructor gave clear and detailed instructions for how to do every move.
The instructor told us which moves we need to practice at home and how to fit them into our daily schedule.

Who should attend this class?

If you’re an expat living in Dubai and was always curious to know more about the art of belly dancing, then this class if for you. Also, if you like to learn new dance routines or simply enjoy dancing as a form of working out, then this class will certainly tone up your body and add to your dancing skills.

If you want to learn how to do the “shimmy”, the “camel” and other basic belly dancing moves, then “Shaimaa” will make sure that you get the most of the class.

If you want to experience authentic Arab culture in a fun and interesting environment.

Finally, if you are simply into oriental dance, culture and would love to add more to your Dubai life experience.

Bonus: At the end of the class, “Shaimaa” had us to do a simple choreography dance that includes all the basic belly dancing moves. This was a great way to learn the moves, it also boosted our confidence and made us feel like real dancers 🙂

Contact:

Web site: Yoga Ashram

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogashramJLT

Twitter: @yogaashramjlt

Stay tuned for my next Yoga Ashram review….coming soon!

UD Product Review: Nutridiet

What is Nutridiet?

It’s a meal replacement shake based on soy protein and low in calorie and fat content. It contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs and is also high in dietary fiber.

Each serving of Nutridiet consists of 110 – 117 calories.

How does it work?

You simply choose which meal you want to replace, mix the powder with ice-cold water, shake the mixture and drink the shake!

What flavors does it come in?

Forest fruit
Strawberry
Chocolate
Vanilla

What can you do to make it easier to switch to a meal replacement shake?

You must make sure to eat a maximum of three fruits a day, and you can have as many vegetables as you need.

Eating these in between the meals will make it easier for you to stick to the diet and feel healthy and energized. You will also beat the hunger pangs when you incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.

What else?

Nutridiet has no lactose, no animal content, no milk content, gluten free, high in fiber, vegetarian friendly, cholesterol free, soy based, and only water is needed to make it a meal!

Who should take Nutridiet?

Anyone who wants to loose weight in a healthy way.
Anyone leading a busy lifestyle with no time to prepare meals or is tight on time and working towards a deadline.
Anyone who doesn’t want to worry about counting calories and checking portions and grams.
Athletic individuals who want to have a shake after a workout session.
Busy mothers with no time to prepare a meal, and who want to loose the extra baby weight.
People working in the creative industry with tight deadlines and busy schedules.
Anyone who is looking for a structured diet plan that they can fit into a daily schedule.

My Personal Tips:

Milk can be added to the powder instead of water for a thicker and richer texture. Which is exactly what I was doing!
Coffee can be added to the chocolate shake to give it a more distinct flavor.
You can experiment by adding strawberry milk to the strawberry shake for a change in taste.
Make sure to follow a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Start by replacing dinner – as that’s the easiest for me…then maybe try replacing breakfast or lunch gradually.
Go for walks and try to keep fit to facilitate the healthy weight loss plan.

Where can I get Nutridiet?

Referral through your doctor or nutritionist.
By calling the following number: 04-431 6006
At UAE pharmacies; Bin Sina, Marina, Planet Nutrition, Planet Pharmacy, Holland & Barrets.
Lulu hypermarket pharmacies.
Check their web site for more information!

UD Review: Sushi Art DIFC

It’s been a roller-coaster ride with this blogging journey…with so many ups and downs. But I think that I’ve finally reached a decision about what I don’t want to continue doing on this blog. Unless I get invites from friends, I don’t plan on doing as many reviews as I did in the past. A change of strategy can’t be a bad thing, right?

I might write another post about what I plan and don’t plan to do with this blog. But for now, let’s try to keep my last reviews as honest and positive as possible.

For those of you interested in knowing how blogging works in this region, in the beginning you don’t really get any invites to review anything. So in my case, I was doing most reviews on my own expenses. Why? I simply enjoyed it, writing is my passion and blogging helped me improve my writing style and build up an online portfolio.

How did I get to review Sushi Art? I simply won a Facebook Competition with a prize of a Black Box Deluxe worth 395 AED 🙂

Note: No one asked me to review the restaurant. I voluntarily chose to write the review.

This was sometime in December of last year…but soon after that, I took a month’s break from blogging. Then I got busy with other reviews and invites and I didn’t have the time to write this post until now!

As you can see, accepting invites to write reviews can sometimes be time-consuming and hectic. Especially when combined with a full-time journalism undergraduate course! So, It’s time for new challenges and other types of blog posts.

What’s in the Black Box Deluxe?

The Luxe Black Box includes 54 pieces of mostly cooked sushi rolls. These are:

2 pieces jalapeno sea bream sushi

4 pieces scallop yuzu sauce sushi

4 pieces salmon sushi

4 pieces cucumber cheese tulip

4 pieces lox & cream cheese sushi

6 pieces French touch rolls

6 pieces shrimp spring rolls

6 pieces maki like tabbouleh

6 pieces shrimp tempura rolls

6 pieces dynamite rolls

6 pieces chicken Caesar rolls

How much does it cost?

395 AED

Savannah and I at Sushi Art's DIFC Branch — Savannah and I at Sushi Art’s DIFC Branch

For more information, check out Sushi Art Dubai’s web site here. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

UD Review: Brunch at Le Rivage in Ocean View Hotel

Sweet Olivia and I at Brunch at Ocean View Hotel JBR

If you asked me what I did on a typical Friday afternoon, I’m not sure if I would have a definite answer. Many people spend their Fridays visiting family or having brunch with friends, or just lounging by the beach on a nice sunny day. Being single and living alone in this city, I would say that I put more effort into organizing going to concerts or parties with friends, attending art or community events, or just simply going out for a casual dinner, movie night or walk at the Marina promenade.

This Friday though, I got invited by friends to the brunch at Le Rivage Brasserie at the latest addition to the JBR walk hotel scene: JA Ocean View Hotel.

If you decide to head out there for brunch, I would strongly recommend that you sit outside. There’s a nice terrace area with a very chilled vibe. You will still be able to hear your all-time favorite hits being played by the live band inside. So don’t worry about missing out on that. My friends and I all agreed on the fact that the live band playing at the brunch was actually very good! It was so entertaining hearing them play every time we went indoors to fill up our plates from the extensive buffet.

The brunch has a wide range of International dishes to satisfy all your moods and preferences. It also features live cooking stations, which I must admit that my favorite was the eggs Benedict one 🙂 The sushi station offered a good selection of various sushi roll options – another favorite of mine.

One thing you don’t want to miss at this lively yet relaxed brunch is the wheat grass and Andalusian gazpacho shots. They were incredibly refreshing and we couldn’t help but go back to the buffet for more!

Of course, no brunch is ever complete without dessert. And this one will keep you wondering whether to stack up on fluffy freshly made waffles, divine date pudding cake, or just indulge in fresh fruit skewers dipped in chocolate syrup and pistachio or almond flakes!

What can I say…next time I get an invite to go to a brunch, I will not think twice about over-eating! It’s only a once a week affair, right? 🙂

Check out my previous posts on the JA Golf Resort and Spa – my favorite destination for a mini getaway in Dubai 🙂

Ciao for now X

V-Day with The Committee Dubai!

Some of you might remember the first meeting I had with this wonderful group of ladies. You can read all about it here if you missed that post.

This month, I had the honor to be invited to the group’s third networking event which was held at the newly opened and uber cool Cargo restaurant and lounge. The theme for the evening was a Valentine’s one, and we were all dressed in red to match the warm and lovely occasion. Despite not having a single red-colored outfit in my overly packed and cluttered wardrobe, and not having enough time to shop prior to the dinner, I managed to get my hands on a cute flower hair pin…I also put on my party-mode dark red lipstick and matched that with a “perfect red” shade of nail polish 🙂

Araceli from What I just Love the Blog and I

Cargo is an Asian fusion place with a cool industrial-look modern interior. The restaurant is located at the third floor of the Pier 7 complex at Dubai Marina. This means that you get a panoramic view of the marina promenade and the surrounding area from the spacious terrace. What I liked about Cargo is its contemporary and eclectic edge. It’s not your typical Asian eatery; the place offers a super chilled and hip vibe…where you can enjoy tasty Asian fusion dishes while unwinding after a long day at work.

It’s also a great place to catch up with friends or go to for a romantic and casual dinner.

Just like our first event, The Committee Dubai members had a fun night out catching up and discussing all sorts of topics. The meetup also gave us the opportunity to network with professionals from media-related industries and bloggers.

I’m truly honored to be part of this group of dynamic, independent and intelligent women. The Committee Dubai is hosted by the lovely and sweet Anita Buys.

Signing off with some photos from our Valentine’s dinner at this Asian fusion hangout with a twist…

UD Review: SRT Basic Course at Illuminations Dubai

Introduction:

In keeping with the topic of this post and aiming to live at a lighter level, I will try to keep this post light, simple, short and sweet 🙂

I’ve always been a fan of spirituality and well-being, so I was delighted to hear about Illuminations from a friend who shared a competition from their Facebook Page with me. The competition was for a Basic SRT Workshop held at the center’s location in JLT. As if getting the chance to attend this insightful course wasn’t enough, I even got the opportunity to meet some lovely individuals who shared my life situations (past and present), experiences and obviously interests!

About Illuminations:

Illuminations is a well-being center which offers a great variety of holistic-based self-development workshops and seminars, meditation sessions, holistic training programs, private consultations and even a collection of holistic products.

They are located in JLT, Fortune Executive Towers, just outside the Dubai Marina Metro Station.

What is SRT?

SRT is a spiritual healing process that has its roots from the Spiritual Response Association in the US. SRT was founded by Robert E. Detzler.

What is SRT Used for?

SRT can be described as a fast and simple form of meditation. It gives similar results achieved by meditation, only in a much shorter span of time. So you end up feeling lighter, with more inner peace and clarity within a very short period of time.

By practicing SRT, you are clearing blocks to mental, emotional and physical healing. The benefits to using this spiritual healing practice are endless, and they cover almost all aspects of a person’s past, present and future life.

I personally believe that this type of therapy which gives immediate positive results is essential for our fast-paced lifestyles.

My Testimonial on the SRT Basic Course:

Since I plan to keep this a light post, let me share with you my honest opinion about the course:

“I was delighted to find out about Illuminations through a Facebook competition that a friend has shared with me. Even more so since the well-being center is located only a few minutes from where I live. The two and a half-day course added a great wealth of knowledge about a new form of spiritual healing that I wasn’t even aware of. The spiritual response therapy course is a shortcut to meditation and its results can be achieved almost immediately. In today’s fast-paced and modern lifestyle, SRT can give you fast and effective results in no time. The healing and clearing process takes place during the days of the course, even with beginners who have no previous experience with meditation or spiritual healing practices.

I was surprised yet pleased to find myself getting intense dreams at night after practicing the methods of SRT throughout the day of the course. Those dreams were directly related to the topics that I wished to resolve with my SRT practice. On the last day of the course, a friend from my building who saw me as I was heading out to the center greatly complimented me on how my face looked glowing. She could see a radical change in my complexion to the better. My emotional well-being has also drastically improved after only two days of taking the course. I found myself getting things done in a timely manner and was feeling more positive and upbeat overall.

Lastly, the course allowed me to meet great new people and make new friends including the instructor. It’s always lovely to meet a group of people who share your interests and life experiences, and possibly tribulations and struggles. My weekend spent taking the basic SRT course was one of the best weekends that I have had in Dubai. It’s one that I will always remember. I honestly look forward to the next workshop with Lukas Putz and to sharing lunch and good times in my area with a genuine and interesting group of people.”

Talk by Lukas Putz on Health on Tuesday 11th of February:

Lukas, the instructor of our SRT Basic course is giving a talk on health tomorrow evening. I strongly recommend this talk for anyone who is even slightly concerned with healthy eating habits and a new way of living. Lukas covered a bit of health during our SRT course, and I can honestly say that what he said was greatly insightful to say the least.

Here are the details for tomorrow’s health talk at More Cafe:

Talk: How to Change Your Life – Tuesday 11th Feb

This is a 2-2.5 hour talk by me on how to improve your life simply by making the right food choices. I will be revealing the reasons why we should not be eating certain foods and how these foods affect our bodies both physically and emotionally.

Venue: More Cafe, Al Marooj Rotana (opposite Dubai Mall)

Date: Tuesday 11th Feb

Time: 6.30pm-9pm

Cost: AED50 (includes a welcome drink)

This talk will be the first of a series of talks each focusing on a particular health related subject. They will include such topics as Acid vs Alkaline, Nutrition workshop, How to cleanse your body and more.

An SRT Advanced Course is coming up soon…

February 14 – 16th – SRT advanced course.

The venue takes place at illuminations and the timings are:
Friday: 10am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 7pm
Sunday: 6pm – 10pm
Price: 1895,- Dhs
Kindly contact illuminations on info@illuminationsworld.com

Illuminations Web Site: http://www.illuminationsworld.com/

Illuminations Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/illuminationsworld

For further Information, check out: www.spiritualresponse.us

All the best and Happy Healing!