Longchamp's “enfant terrible” with Miley Cyrus

So how excited am I right now...?

As you may have noticed, I have a big issue when it comes to bags.  I love them.  There is absolutely no getting away from my obsession, so imagine how excited I was when I saw this release landing on my desk this morning.

Longchamp have released their Spring collection and one of the ones that caught my eye was the “enfant terrible” which has been inspired by the symbols used in Western astrology.

This limited edition Le Pliage bag revisited by Jeremy Scott showcases all the zodiac signs in a vibe that reflects the artist’s colorful pop world.  With its fire, earth, water and air signs, this print is sure to light up your sky, and who better to be seen carrying “enfant terrible”, than Miley Cyrus who I had seen with the bag a few months ago!

Thirty Seconds to Mars

So the super exciting news in Dubai today is that, not only are Thirty Seconds to Mars coming to town, but the company that is bringing them - Live Nation Middle East, has announced that local bands can win the chance to play on stage prior to them coming on.

Live Nation Middle East have confirmed that the top ten entries from the #MarsBattleoftheBands competition are going to compete in a closed performance audition at The Sound Struck Studio Tecom, on Friday, March 27^th.  This follows the last day of video submissions on Monday, March 23rd. All judges will be present to watch the live auditions and make the final cut.

Thirty Seconds To Mars

In order for people to enter, all they need to do is upload a 30 Seconds clip of their performance on Facebook or Twitter or their chosen social platform with the hashtag #MARSBattleoftheBands and #MARSinDubai.  The winner to be chosen by Thirty Seconds to Mars gets to perform one song at the Dubai World Trade Center on Friday, April 10th.

So the countdown is on.  Obviously, with such a super talented band, and a super talented and super sexy lead singer such a Jared Leto, this is on concert I am not missing out on!

Life’s a Picnic – Foodie Fantasy

Two weeks ago it was my lovely friend’s Sara’s birthday and about 20 of us (kids included), went for Picnic Brunch at Blades which is located on Al Badia Golf Course.

This is known to be one of the best child friendly brunches that you can go to in the winter months, as you are sat predominantly on cushions by low-rise tables, overlooking the golf course.  What is great about this brunch is that it caters completely for little children, with a bouncy castle, a may-pole (which my daughter loved), face painting, and coloring.

The staff are excellent.  The man who dresses as a clown, and entertains the kids for virtually the whole of the brunch (about 5 hours) deserves a big round of applause.  Even in the winter here it is well into the 20s and the weekend we went to Al Badia it was 32 degrees - It was hot.  Yet this poor man is working hard.  He is jumping up and down in various (synthetic costumes), whilst the kids go wild and the parents eat and drink to the hearts content.

The food is great, although as it is predominantly a grill BBQ, it is certainly a meat lovers paradise.  Admittedly I am not.  Yes, I eat meat (and the meat at the BBQ is cooked to perfection – Pork is included on the far side of the huts), but I much prefer salads and unfortunately these are limited to just 6, albeit very tasty salads.  It gets very ‘samey’.  That said, when you speak to those that go to the brunch, they all say the same thing; it is a chance for them to relax, whilst the kids exhaust themselves playing and running around.

Afterwards you can enjoy two for one cocktails on the terrace, with stunning views over looking downtown and the Burj Al Arab.  For us this was perfect as we had brought our daughter’s pajamas with us and she fell asleep in the car on the way home.  All in all, a great family and friends day out!

The Picnic Brunch

Fridays and Saturday until 11^th April

11.30am to 15.30pm (although we were there until gone 5pm)

Soft Drinks Package - AED 275 pp

Alcoholic Drinks Package – AED 375 pp

Children under 5 – Free

Children 6-12 – 137.50 pp

The Magician’s Bag

Luxury bespoke accessory designer ETHAN K, welcomes the Spring/Summer 2015 season with the introduction of ‘Midnight Magician’, a new collection of beautiful leather goods under the designer’s namesake.

You would be forgiven though for not having heard of him.  Ethan is a young designer label steeped in four generations of exotic skin expertise from Singapore.  London based Ethan Koh creates beautifully handmade pieces with a mature understanding of the craft and a deep appreciation of customer requirements.

In keeping with past creations, the collected work highlights the importance of connections and how magic can strike at any moment.  ‘Midnight Magician’ includes exciting new colours and clasp figures that continue to unveil a look into the enchanting and whimsical world of ETHAN K.

Similar to past collections, Ethan imparts his personality and heritage into the bags with his trademark of vibrant colours stemming from the fruits and spices of his native Singapore, with precious stone embellished clasps in the form of animals from Hans Christian Andersen and Brothers Grimm fairytales, to impart symbolic meaning. 

   

The signature clasp figures like with the designer’s past creations, offer a symbolic implication.  For example, the ‘Owl’ symbolises wisdom; the ‘Horse’ grace; and the ‘Dragonfly’ represents harmony.

Personally, I love the Owl... and with Mother's day just around the corner, I think I may have to drop a few 'hints'.

TUMI Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation

So it has been 40 years since TUMI was first founded (for all those like me who are bad at math, that is 1975), and they are tapping into the 70's theme with their collection collection aptly titled ‘1975’.  The company initially launched as an importer of leather goods but Clifford had bigger ideas and his eyes focused upon revolutionising the travel world.

Designed in America for Global Citizens everywhere, this limited-edition collection is crafted from natural, full grain cowhide leather similar to the variety TUMI imported from South America in the early years and TUMI’s signature ballistic nylon.

Founder Charlie Clifford’s driving passion to make travel easier was the driving force and catalyst that motivated him to create the brand.

Weird fact:  TUMI is the moniker for a Peruvian icon inspired by Clifford’s Peace Corps mission in South America!