"Lavish" by Yasmin Al-Mulla

I introduce you to one of my sweetest blog readers, who specializes in crystallizing almost everything using Swarovski crystals, Emarati accessory designer, Yasmin Al-Mulla. Lavish is her first earring collection. 

Yasmin had an eye for drawing and creatively playing with crystals at the tender age of 13, and with that she got her motivation from her family and friends to start her business by participate in Dubai Women's College bazaar in December 2008. She strives for uniqueness in her designs, by that she would just create one design only. If a customer requests the exact same piece, she would provide them with new ideas or other stunning designs.

This talented young woman does not consider her talent as a means to gain profit but to share this gift. Yasmin believes in what the the Cuban poet and writer José Julián Martí Pérez said: "Talent is a gift that brings with it an obligation to serve the world, and not ourselves, for it is not of our making."

"What I am and where I am today is the result of the full support that I received from my family and friends whom really appreciated and valued my talent and abilities, no matter how much I thank them it never seems to be enough.." said by Yasmin Al -Mulla.

For more information and if you wish to contact Yasmin for requests or inquiring join her facebook page: Yasmin

DARMAKI

Emarati born Sultan Al-Darmaki, put his skills in style to use by teaming up with the manufacturers of Gucci and Fendi to launch his own UK-based Middle Eastern luxury shoes brand, called DARMAKI.

Have a sneak preview of what is to be expected of his AW11/12 which will be launching in January 2011 plus showing in Paris Fashion Week in March.

http://www.darmaki.com/

Another Designer Xmas Tree

I'm very fascinated with the artistic point of view of fashion designers creating Christmas Trees.  Earlier this month, a Christmas Tree was revealed in Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia.

The man behind it is Cambodian-based designer Eric Raisina, whose fashion has graced the runways of Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix among others.

What's fascinating about this particular tree, is that unlike the uniqueness of John Galliano's Claridge's tree, this one is symbolic of Cambodia's life and culture.  It is made entirely of fishing tools, an important part of Mekong River's people daily lives, like fishing nets, bamboo rods , and baskets.

Travel Advice: L'Hotel - Bahrain

Most of my Bahrain visits, all of which were made in the 90s, lasted very quickly. Usually I go to the country by car from Saudi Arabia. The only time which I have stayed for more than a day was during high school, when we went with the class and stayed at the Sheraton, which has a new extension of a small luxury brand mall, Moda Mall now.  In last year's one day trip our schedule was solely made up of shopping its main malls. So nonetheless, my trips weren't that fulfilling.

In our recent trip though, we stayed at the L'Hotel, my second choice accommodation after Al-Areen Resort, which is where I'm dying to stay at if the weather was warmer. L'Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel. I loved the lobby area especially, the bedrooms were not too shabby, although I think they could have done better with the design. It would take less than 5 minutes to drive to Al-Seef , Al-Aali Mall, and the restaurant area there. La Chocolat cafe is even closer to the hotel. We thought the hotel staff were really sweet and helpful during our stay. The hotel is known for one of its restaurants, the Lebanese L' Sultan. Sadly, we didn't have the time to check it out.

hotel website

Burst your Bubble

I have come across this a while ago and thought it would be interesting to share. Its called the Cristal Bubble. What do you think? Would you consider staying in a crystal clear see through bubble for a night? I would! Just as long as its somewhere with gorgeous scenery just like in the pictures.

It is even possible to check in into a Cristal Bubble bed and breakfast in the south of France! Bathrooms are found separately in a small wooden hut near the bubble.

 A more intimate version with an extra small bubble room for more privacy.

retailer's website

Money Growing on Trees

The most expensive Christmas tree was unveiled today. Yup you guessed right. Its found in the UAE, Abu Dhabi specifically, and yes again its in non other than Emirates Palace Hotel.

The 13-meter faux tree is worth $11 Million. Why? Because its decorated with 181 jewelery and precious stones. They're aiming to go into the Guinness Book of Records with this massive tree.

(Photos: AFP)

Travel Advice: W Doha Hotel & Residences - Qatar

After leaving Rome, we had to stay for a night in my favorite hotel brand, W, in Doha, Qatar, because of our transit flight. We thought it was the best accomodation we had since our trip began. I really wanted to stay for longer and try their restaurants and check the place more. If I ever go back to Doha, I won't think about trying any other hotel. Amazing service, great and helpful staff. They have made our one night stay worthwhile. (The room looks much better than it does in the pictures).

Love the cool hip atmosphere. When you enter the building you hear loud house and lounge music, its like you're sitting in a lounge plus the lights are dim!

"Living Room" in the Lobby

 I spy with my little eye "Cupcakes"!

 

 "Wish"

 Complimentary M & M's

 Um Ali dessert

hotel website

Travel Advice: Chocolate and Candy - Rome

For those 4 people who contacted me for information on Rome, Italy, this will be the last post. I have one more post but it won't be written anytime soon. I hope the posts were helpful and please feel free to contact me for more inquiries.

These are some of the goodies I got from Rome, Italy. If you come across them, get them for yourselves or as gifts for others.

Baratti & Milano's Signature Chocolates

Nutella Snack & Iced Tea Drink 

Orange-Flavored White Chocolate

Travel Advice: Coffee and Cioccolato on Condotti - Rome

I have gone so fast through my Roman experience in this blog and have made it as brief as possible. In my Gelato post I talked about cafe Giolitti, which is a good place to relax in while roaming the streets and mazes, just as long as you're ordering coffee.

Caffe Antico Greco is one of the most popular cafes in Rome. Situated on Via Dei Condotti, Rome's mini version of Sloane Street, and very near the Spanish Steps. So If you're planning to go shopping on this street filled with expensive brands, pop by for a cup of coffee and dessert, or in my case  cioccolato con panna (hot chocolate with cream). It is a very heavy hot dark chocolate but it does taste really good. The cafe is a tourist haven and the waiters take time to notice you exist but that's the case with all customers as we have noticed.

Travel Advice: Pizza & Pasta - Rome

La Montecarlo Pizzeria
A very very very popular place for pizza. Beware of ques and go early. Amazing pizza, and their spaghetti bolonaise is really good too. They are good examples of the ideal pizza and pasta, the way the pizza is baked and the pasta is cooked. Extremely fast service and a good one too. Notice the awards in the second picture.

Other places you should pass by:

Da Baffetto: another popular place very known for its pizza (dinners only)

Via Del Governo Vecchio 11

Dar Poeta: pizzeria in Trastevere area. This area is known for having the best restaurants to go to for dinner. (dinner only- reservation)

Vicolo Del Bologna 45

Gusto: go to their pizzeria for a quick lunch while your shopping in Via del Corso and Via Condotti. There's also Gusto Al 28 for a more formal menu.
Piazza Augusto Imperatore 28
Da Nino: Classic place near the Spanish Steps I haven't been to, but I hear its good. (reservations)
Via Borgognona 11
Baby: very posh Michelin-starred restaurant in Hotel Aldrovandi (reservations)

Most restaurants are closed on Mondays, so ask the concierge and book ahead.