When I’m not blogging, commuting to the other end of town to attend a lecture at University, working on my school projects, complaining about being single to almost anyone who would listen, or doing anything that will add some value to the world and the human species, then I can be found doing something of major relevance: day-dreaming about being a house-wife who spends the day trying out different recipes, watching repeats of cooking TV shows, going for Pilates, yoga or other fitness classes, catching up with friends, and writing on this blog in the evenings.
OK, maybe my life isn’t that far fetched from my imaginary one…the point is, that I absolutely love and truly enjoy doing my own thing! Ever since I was young, I would plan out my day into different slots – each with a type of activity. At the time, they could be things as silly as watching a certain TV show, or doing rounds around the house! Yes, I used to be a very weird teenager 🙂
Hopefully, if I continue to work hard towards my dreams, one day I will meet prince charming and those day-dreams of mine will become a reality 😀
I would still like to write my biography though….so that would be one activity that I would dedicate some time for 🙂
Enough ranting about my life, let’s move on to talking about this recipe post…
As many of you know, I was feeling a bit under the weather last week. And since I live alone, I decided to cure my cold and make myself a home-made soup from scratch! I must admit, I do feel much better now, especially after trying to eat more freshly made salads at home and try to eat less at restaurants.
My previous recipe post – if you missed it – was for a super healthy and nutritious smoothie. You can check it here.
I got the recipe for this tasty and wholesome soup from a food blogger’s web site. You can get the ingredients and the recipe from her blog here.
I’ll take you through the steps of when I made the soup with pictures.
1st, the ingredients:
The Ingredients
This is what the soup looked like while it was being cooked 🙂
Et Voila! A healthy and tasty home-made soup 🙂
Having coconut milk in soup adds a new dimension to the flavor. It also gives the soup more richness and so it becomes more filling and could also replace a meal.
If you don’t like the taste of coconut milk in soup or in food in general, then I would suggest that you simply skip that ingredient and just make the soup without coconut milk.
I’m really excited to try out more recipes (that include solid food!) when I get the chance. I also plan to get my friends involved and have them make their favorite home-inspired dish or appetizer. So, stay tuned to the blog and the Facebook Page for more ideas, inspirations and healthy lifestyle posts 🙂
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 🙂
Araceli from What I Just Love and I
Our instructor – Harsha – has a total of 15 years of yoga practice experience. She got her certification a long time ago as well 🙂
Sri Sri Yoga Instructor at Yoga Ashram
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 🙂
Nada from Undefined Declarations
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 🙂
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.
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 🙂
The Infinity Pool at JA Beach Club
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
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!
The Jacuzzi at JA Golf Resort and Spa
Sauna Room at JA Golf Resort and Spa
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!
Iced Latte at JA Beach!
Me at my favorite Dubai Beach Club!
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…
Marina at the JA Golf Resort and Spa
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? 🙂
Here’s a simple recipe for a highly nutritious and healthy smoothie. Coconut milk can be replaced with regular cow’s milk or any other type of milk you prefer (soya, nut milk, almond milk).
The ingredients as shown above are:
One ripe banana.
One cup of fresh strawberries.
One handful of berries. The original recipe uses Goji berries, but I couldn’t find them. So I used raspberries and Mexican blackberries instead. Which makes for a delicious combination.
One can of coconut milk – I used organic coconut milk.
Step One:
Place all ingredients in a blender. I used a blender that has a juice/smoothie setting.
Step Two:
Blend the ingredients on a medium to high speed setting. Or use the smoothie setting button on the blender if you have one.
Superfood Smoothie
Note: The above ingredients serve two persons (two large glasses).
Hope you get to try making this uber healthy and refreshing smoothie….and look out for more UD recipe posts coming soon to this blog!
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 🙂
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
The Black Box Deluxe at Sushi Art Dubai
Miso Soup
Edamame Beans
close-up of the Black Box at Sushi Art
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.
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? 🙂
Dessert Options at Le Rivage Brunch
Waffles and Date Pudding Cake
Check out my previous posts on the JA Golf Resort and Spa – my favorite destination for a mini getaway in 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.
Spicy Edamame Beans
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…
My plan for the day involved working on my essay that’s due this Monday, then going for two yoga sessions at Dubai’s coolest outdoor yoga event: Yoga Fest, before going back home for more essay research. But after my visit to the event, I changed my original plan and decided to write this post instead of working on my University assignment, because I didn’t want people to miss out on this great event!
Yogafest is a free sustainable community event that takes place once a year in Dubai Internet City’s Ampitheater. The event brings together teachers and yoga enthusiasts in a peaceful outdoor setting. All while supporting charities and great causes.
The outdoor setting of the event was so peaceful and perfect for doing yoga, pilates or meditation. The DIC Ampitheater is located at the lake side, which means that you get to do yoga beside a lake with a nice fountain. While doing our Yin yoga, I could hear the sound of the birds chirping. That added more serenity to the already relaxing experience.
Throughout the event’s two days, you can attend classes for free at the different tents spread across the green patches of grass. Being able to lay on the grass is a great luxury for us here in the UAE, so me and my friend Olivia were happy just being in the great outdoors and breathing some fresh air.
All the classes at the event are free except for the Pilates and family tent classes. Those have limited space in them and are therefore not included in the day pass. You can find all the information about registration and the classes schedule on the web site.
I can’t even begin to describe how well-planned and organized this event was. And this comes as no surprise when you know that the founder of this great community initiative, Elaine Kelly is a fitness teacher with a strong corporate background.
Although the event only takes place once a year, there is a regular full moon yoga every month at the same location. It is also free of charge….the next one is on the 14th of March. So mark your calendars now!
But since my friend Olivia and I enjoyed our yoga sessions so much, I would suggest that you head out there tomorrow and not wait for next month. It’s the best way to spend your day or afternoon or evening and you will leave feeling energized and blessed.
Olivia’s friends who saw her after the yoga sessions told her that her skin was glowing. I felt more at peace with myself…more positive and thankful for my life. I even decided to write this review instead of postponing it to next week, because I wanted to share my experience with the readers before the festival ended.
So, if you could take some time out tomorrow to do one thing, let it be a visit to Yogafest 🙂
In the end, I want to wish all the single people out there a great Valentine’s…one in which they learn to love themselves more and appreciate the simple things that life gives us every day.
And remember to always embrace life and your present situation, whatever it is…even if you are tired of being alone. There are so many things to discover and explore….endless experiences and moments of joy to share with others.
One of the things that I like about being single is being able to constantly learn new things and try out different experiences…so if I ever meet someone interesting and compatible, he must be up for full moon yoga at Yogafest’s tranquil outdoor tent 🙂
