Pre-Order Darmaki

DARMAKI is offering its clients the chance to pre-order their favorite styles from the Spring Summer 2012 collection.

Check out the Lookbook

Contact DARMAKI sales team and pre-order your styles now:
sales@darmaki.com

Fishfayce Digital Photobooth

I got an email from Hello965 about a this fun business based in Dubai, Fishfayce, that has been brought to Kuwait.

"Who are we? They’re the most talked about part of your next event, that’s who. Our digital photobooth concept will preserve the funkiest funniest most impulsively crazy moments of any event you will be hosting. We empower your guest to get involved whether it be with your brand or with each other or with you. The Fishfayce booth is a great compliment to any gathering. 


Step in front of Fishfayce, frame your shot and click the remote. Your picture can be seen on the photobooth screen and can instantly projected on any large surface to share with your guests. each new picture is added within seconds to a slide show continuously throughout the event.
The Fishfayce digital photobooth is fully portable, and managed during your event by one of our staff. It can travel anywhere, anytime. We can provide instant on site printing and after the event, guests can download their photographs from our web site."

Fishfayce worked with brands like Blackberry, Maserati, Armani Prive, Adidas, Dubai International Film Festival, Okku, Hermes, Sony Playstation, Kitsche Cupcakes Saks Fifth Avenue, among others.

Location:  Sahab Tower, Level 18, Salhiya
Telephone: +965 22273916
Email: info@fishfayce.com

Poca & Poca

I got information on a popular brand I have heard about previously from a fellow blogger friend.  Poca & Poca is a new designer brand, created in 2010, that comes from Poland and is based in Dubai.  This brand is being sold now online at Goji Boutique for anyone who's interested.  I find the collection eye catching, simple, chic, girly.

The Burger Hub - Reopened

Travel Advice: Armani Hotel Milan - Italy

Opened: 10th November 2011

The second Armani hotel to open after Armani Hotel Dubai (which I have visited earlier this year) is Armani Hotel Milano, and its only natural that it would open in the city of designer Giorgio Armani himself. The hotel has opened in the famous fashion district, within the extraordinary palazzo at Via Manzoni 31 (the same building as the one I mentioned in my Armani Nobu post)

The 95 rooms embody the hallmarks of the Armani brand: elegance, comfort and sophistication, and provide in-room amenities that are specially tailored for the utmost convenience of the guests.
All the public areas are concentrated on the seventh and eighth floors which have views of a spectacular and unexpected panorama encompassing the city, from the historic Duomo to the latest skyscrapers. The Armani/Ristorante is located on the seventh floor, where it offers superb traditional Italian gastronomy, an exclusive wine list, a private dining room and a Chef’s Table within the kitchen itself. On the opposite side, the Armani/Lounge with the Armani/bamboo bar looks out over the skyline: the double height ceiling, the wall with its huge window softened by louvered blinds and sections in backlit onyx and a good choice of music ensure a relaxed ambience in which to enjoy an informal meal, afternoon tea, or a light bite before dinner.
The Armani/SPA consists of six dedicated treatment rooms, a Couples Suite, a fitness gym, and a pool designed for relaxation with a temperature control system for maximum comfort. The sunscreen walls that filter out the bright light and the roof with its magnificent view across the skyline establish a slightly surreal mood. The gym also offers a wide choice of equipment for cardiovascular and muscular training, and is open 24 hours a day.

hotel website

Chanel 11/12 Meteirs D'Art Show

The Bombay-Paris show is a spectacle.  I fell in love with the runway setting probably more than the clothes.  I loved the skinny above knee off-white boots and a some of the Chanel classic tweed jackets. Check out the full runway (link).

The Yas Hotel becomes The Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi - UAE

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts is proudly celebrating Yas Viceroy, the rebranding of Abu Dhabi's architectural icon Yas Hotel (which I wrote about a while ago) and the first Viceroy in the Middle East.

An architectural triumph acting as the centerpiece of Yas Island, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hovers over land and water and spans the Yas Marina Circuit, the favored racetrack for Formula 1™ legends.
Underneath the hotel's sparkling canopy, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi presents guests with a new perspective for a resort, perched between city sophistication and jet-setting island glamour, completed by Viceroy's distinctive service.

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi provides the utmost in choice and diversity, from 499 stylishly appointed rooms and suites to a menu of signature treatments at the spacious resort spa by ESPA.

TOMS is Giving in the Philippines

TOMS is giving out shoes to children in need in the Philippines!

“With new shoes children are better protected against preventable diseases and infections and are also given a sense of dignity. The kids are ecstatic and so grateful for their new shoes!” - Geni Psinakis, Director of Development, TOMS Giving Partner WE International Philippines

Watch as children in the Philippines are given their first pair of TOMS Shoes.

Travel Advice: Armani/Nobu - Milan, Italy

Armani/Nobu is the one of the most popular restaurants in the whole of Milan.  Anyone going to the city has to visit this hip Japanese restaurant located in the huge Armani building on Via Manzoni.  It is on the other side of the building which also houses Armani Prive and Armani Cafe.  The atmosphere in the downstairs area although a smoking area is nicer than the upstairs one.  I'm against eating Japanese in Italy, but a Nobu is always an exception, along with another restaurant I will write about later.  All the food was really good and up to the Nobu standards.  Reservations are required.

Address: Via Pisoni 1 (at the side of the Armani building on Via Manzoni)
Opening times: Mon-Sat noon - 2:30pm & 7pm - 11:30pm
                       Sun 7pm - 11:30pm
Tel.: 0262312645

Pretty Little Things Event

Vendors:

Baking Tray
May Jewelry
Green Bar Inc (from Bahrain)
The Yard
Silsal Ceramics
Goji Boutique
Baby B

Daily giveaways from:
Firin Gluten Free Bakery
F.Naqi Institute

Outdoor seating, heaters, complimentary pots of tea.

Facebook event

New Hotel: Aloft Bangkok - Thailand

Opening Today.

Located on Sukhumvit Road.

hotel website

Useful Office Accessory

I got the Office Survival Kit (Hers) by Touch of Ginger from my friend who just came back from London.  Such a unique gift and so me! This hand size kit is in my opinion so useful and can be kept in your handbag for emergencies.  It contains a nail file, lip balm, refreshing wipe, mints, moisturizer, sewing kit, cotton buds, cotton pads, make-up remover, and elastic hair band.  There's also a "His" version of the Office Survival Kit and many other useful Urban Kits available on their website. I want to collect all the Urban Kits!  This would make a nice gift or a gift add on.

Travel Advice: Dogana Del Buongusto - Milan, Italy

We visited a very old and well known rustic Italian restaurant called Dogana Del Buongusto based on various online reviews.  Its around a 10-15 min walk from Duoumo Cathedral.  The building itself is said to be historical and have been through a lot from war.  I have never seen an excellent service as the one we have been showed in this restaurant, the waiters were extremeley nice and patient with us, one even translated the whole Italian language menu.  The dishes are very unique, so unique that it was hard for me to choose anything and I'm not THAT adventurous when it comes to dishes.  What I loved the most is the their burrata.  I have never had one like it in the whole of Italy!

Address: Via Molino delle Armi
Tel.: 0283242444
Opening times: 6:00pm - 2:00am
Closed Sundays
restaurant website

Travel Advice: My Stay at Starhotels Rosa Grand - Milan, Italy

One of two hotels I've stayed in during my stay in Milan, Italy was Starhotels Rosa Grand, a very touristy boutique hotel and it was far from being a hotel of my choice, but I had to stay in it because of my work.  The prices were extremely reasonable.  Just recently renovated, make sure that you ask for the newly renovated rooms, which are the deluxe and executive and above, otherwise you will be very disappointed.  This hotel overlooks Piazza Fontana and is exactly at Piazza Duomo, takes a minute to reach the famous cathdral.  Closeby is Milan's best department store, La Rinscente, and one of the beautiful malls in the world, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Lots of restaurants and cafes nearby also.  Overall, excellent location.

hotel website

Monopoly Deal

I just recieved my Monopoly Deal including the shuffler shaker. I fell in love with the game when I was first introduced to it in Eid time after all my friends were saying how "happening" the game was, althought its been around for decades.  So we've been playing the card game ever since and I got so hooked that even when I lost I still wanted to continue playing the game.  Keep in mind that I hate card games and if I lost I would usually get pissed and leavein the middle of the game.  But not with Deal, I thought I would dislike it like I did with the original Monopoly game.  I keep hearing people say whats the deal with Deal and comment about how they think its overrated after playing a game or two. Those who think this did not master the game well.  Its fun and very competitive, I even catch myself making allies with another player to make another player lose!  

Claridge's Hotel Christmas Tree by....

The Christmas tree was unvieled today in Claridge's Hotel in London. The last two years the tree was designed by Dior's John Galliano (post on last year's tree), but due to the racist controversy, my favorite designer of all time, Alber Elbez of Lanvin jumped into the picture and created a magnificent Christmas tree. It will be on display for people to watch until January 2nd, 2012.

Vera Wang LOVE

The best thing about any engagement and wedding is the jewelery part especially the wearing of rings.  And I love diamonds. Who doesn't? After all a diamond is a girl's best friend. A new collection out now is the Vera Wang LOVE diamond bridal collection sold exclusively at Zales. The collection includes engagement rings, wedding bands, and solitaire jewelry. The prices are pretty reasonable.  Wish we had the collection here.



Thank You Velvet Butterflies

A couple of days ago, I was pampered by the new beauty home business Velvet Butterflies (post with brochure).  As a thank you for writing a post about them previously, I got a complimentary session of either a relaxing massage or a manicure/pedicure, and I chose the latter.  The manicurist came a few minutes earlier than the booking time to set up the pretty lavender themed nail spa complete with candles and loose petals.  She was super sweet and her work was pretty thorough! She made sure that my nails were more than perfect while giving me the Velvet Manicure & Pedicure. Their nail polish was all Zoya and she used O.P.I. base and top coats.  If you're interested you can purchase O.P.I. and Zoya nail polish colors.   The treatments used on my nails were some of the best products I have come across not even supplied in most nail salons in Kuwait.  Overall, my impression was that I thought the services provided were really good and the manicurist did an excellent job on my nail.  Thank you very much Velvet Butterflies.

Tel.: 65868080

Travel Advice: Venice

Venice, once known as one of the most romantic places on the planet, is a tourist crowded Italian island now.  If you ever plan to visit the city on water, avoid November and December, because it is known to flood at the time.  And definately avoid high seasons.  At the time of my visit it wasn't even a high season but the place was crowded with tourists that you feel bad for the Italians.  Its so noisy and its far from romantic.  And always be on the watchout for pickpockets! Its so crowded you will never be aware of who's trying to rob you.  Venice is very famous for glass and mirror making since the 16th centure, so you have to visit some of the Murano glass shops and factories made into museums.

In my opinion, 2-3 days is more than enough to stay in Venice, nothing more than that.  And avoid bringing more than one bag per person, as you will have to be taken on top of a boat to visit the main land, plus if your hotel is not directly on the banks, then you will have a hard time carrying your bags all the way to your hotel.  Plan ahead with your travel agent on hotel location.

Recommended hotels:
Hotel Danieli - of the Luxury Collection Hotels (Starwood Hotels) and its where Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie stayed in the movie "The Tourist".  Perfect location, and within walking distance of the famous San Marco Piazza and the luxury shopping brands like Chanel, Hermes, Prada and other well known big names.
Ca' Nigra - modern and Venetian with a beautiful garden and is easy to acces.

The glass used in street lights is Venetian Murano glass

Popcornopolis

My friend got me this comfort food from the recently opened Popcornopolis! Am I glad she brought me the caramel/cashew (I think it was just cashew nuts) kind of popcorn because I'm not a fan of popcorn except if it was the caramel one.  In my opinion, I think this popcorn is better than Garett.  The dipped strawberries they are huge and very juicy!

Location: Baroue, Avenues Mall.