miss b loves.... Dubai with a difference

When people think of Dubai they perhaps only imagine shopping malls, skyscrapers, expensive hotels, the glitz and the glamour ..... but there is a very different, quieter, more subdued side of Dubai....Let me take you there.... 

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (formerly known as Bastakiya) was built in 1859 and is situated near the Creek (where wooden dhows are loaded and unloaded with goods from exotic locations)

The area has been restored and preserved and gives a glimpse of life in old Dubai ..... Many of the buildings have been converted into art galleries and interesting little shops....

The wind towers of the traditional Emirati homes created an early and effective form of air conditioning trapping the prevailing wind and funnelling it down into the house.

Last month we were fortunate to be there during Art Dubai and the annual Sikka Art Fair ......

A collection of painted skateboards

miss b loves ........ an extra-special Easter weekend

Easter is always one of my favourite times of the year with so many treats to satisfy my sweet tooth...... Cute cupcakes from our local Broadway Pantry....

Easter biscuit at Carluccio's
Egg-shaped macaron from Selfridges Food Hall
Ginger and acacia honey hot cross bun from Waitrose

It's not really a tradition to decorate our home for Easter but it was hard to resist a simple white Easter tree at John Lewis and a few clear glass feather baubles just added a little spring colour too ...

miss b loves .....The Beach, Dubai

Of course I love the beach in Dubai ...... white sand and crystal clear turquoise sea ...

Jumeirah Beach with views of Palm Jumeirah
 and the Atlantis Hotel in the distance

.....but today I'm talking about The Beach, a brand new somewhat controversial project which, as you might have guessed, sits right next to the sea. When I first saw the hoardings go up, like many others I assumed it was just another shopping mall taking up valuable beachfront space!! 

How wrong we were! When we arrived in Dubai a couple of weeks ago, the first phase of The Beach had just opened. This new project has truly enhanced the area ....it's now a beautiful sleek luxury lifestyle destination. Ultra-modern, low rise buildings with cafés and restaurants whose terraces look out over the Arabian Gulf......

We visited Leopold's of London three times in a week! It's newly opened but already so popular. A perfect spot to relax, people-watch and enjoy the many delicious treats. 

miss b loves.......the Design Museum, London

One of the highlights of my unexpected trip to London last month was a visit to the Design Museum. One ticket gives access to three fascinating exhibitions .....

'Hello My Name is Paul Smith' was due to end in March but by popular demand has been extended until 22nd June. Paul Smith is an established British Designer who combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge, innovative design .... 'Classic with a twist' is the way he describes his style. The twist may be a flamboyant lining in a suit or adding vibrant colour to a conventional tweed.

There are recreations of his first tiny shop (just three metres square!), his Covent Garden design studio and his office, which has been described as creative chaos!

The walls of the gallery space are covered with framed prints and photographs including David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Banksy and works sent to him by friends, family and fans too. It's a small part of his collection from the walls and basement of his office.

"Is that a Paul Smith coat?"