Green Tea - The Benefits!

We have been sipping on green tea for many many years without even fully appreciating the benefits!

Many people dislike the taste of green tea, however we prefer green tea with jasmine for a more delicate floral taste.

There are many other blends and flavours on the market, which means there is something to suit everyone! (even salted caramel!)

Aside from the taste and warming up the soul on a grey day, below are some further benefits of green tea:


1. Powerful Antioxidants - these play a role in anti aging as it helps with wrinkles and also lowers the risk of various types of cancer.  Green tea also contains anti inflammatory properties which is also great for the skin.

2. Less Caffeine - means green tea keeps you awake without the feeling of being jittery when excess caffeine is consumed.  But it has enough caffeine to make an effect & improve brain function.

3. Increases Fat Burning & Physical Performance - known to be the most effective natural fat burner as it increases metabolism.

4. Dental Health - green tea can improve dental health and lower the risk of bacteria and infections. It can also help prevent cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels - high insulin spikes which result to fat storage are reduced.


You can also try adding other healthy ingredients to green tea such as fresh lemon or ginger.

Green tea can be consumed as little as 1-2 cups a day to 5 cups or more. It is important to note however it still contains caffeine therefore you may wish to limit your cups if you are trying to reduce your caffeine levels. Alternatively opt for decaffinated green tea!

Some of our favourites include:

• Jing Tea - Jasmine Pearls
• Whittard - Green Jasmine 
• Twining - Long Jing or Simply Sencha
• Heath & Heather - Green Tea Jasmine

With all of these benefits you'll wonder why you would drink anything else!

Sip away!

F & F

xx

Omnia Gourmet & Omnia Blue - Dubai

If your health conscious and want to dine out in Dubai without feeling guilty then you need to head down to the charming area of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour to Omnia Gourmet & Omnia Blue.

I have eaten at both places now and I cannot get enough of the most delicious yet guilt free menus. The food is contemporary with a Middle Eastern influence.

A quick background... Omnia Gourmet was first opened by the award winning British chef Silvena Rowe. Following its success Omnia Blue opened right next door to it & overlooks the pretty fishing harbour.

Both restaurants use locally sourced organic Emirati produce and have mouthwatering menus.


Omnia Gourmet

Omnia Gourmet was the first to open of the two restaurants and has a menu containing of salads, mains and desserts.

The decor in the place is beautifully done.  The green forest like trees hanging above you, the purple and green decor adorned with butterflies and the Middle Eastern touches is a great mix and has a very cosy feel.

I opted for the Chia Seed & Coconut Milk Pudding (with pistachio paste, raspberry compote & labneh, and also the popular Emerald Sheikha Tartlet (with pistachio cream and pistachio crust).  The desserts were amazing, let me tell you, the taste and flavours all combined were just beautiful! And the fact that they are healthy is a bonus! I enjoyed these with a Rose Tea which was the perfect combination.

Omnia Blue

Omnia Blue is more of a fresh nautical themed restaurant, which is fitting with the fact it overlooks the fishing harbour.

The crisp blue and white decor with stripes and sailor themed pieces, along with the Middle Eastern touches in the tiled flooring fits perfectly together.

For lunch I chose the mini Slider Burger, the Emirati Lobster Mac n Cheese and two green salads (one with courgette and nuts and the other with broad beans and avocado).  The meals were so delicious and really fresh in taste. I enjoyed it all, especially the Slider Burger (I could have easily eaten more!) and I really loved the twist on the classic that is Mac n Cheese, which was beautifully done.

The portions in my opinion are a great size, so you can also have dessert here at Omnia Blue or across at Omnia Gourmet!

Both these restaurants are definitely worth a visit, I know I will be returning very soon!

F & F

xx

Product Review: Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Body Oil & Renew Rose Hydrating Body Gel

Don't you just love the feeling of a spa in the comfort of your own home?! Sometimes you just get so busy that you don't have the time to go and spend a few hours in a spa yet you still want to feel pampered!

I came across both these products when I went for a spa day in Dubai.  The therapist carried out a body scrub and wrap on me and said my skin was dry, and the products she suggested were the Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Massage & Body Oil and the Renew Rose Hydrating Body Gel.

As I am convinced easily (whoops!) I ended up buying them both!... I didn't realize how much I would love them but was willing to give them a try!

Aromatherapy Associates is a natural skin care line by two leading experts in the field who have been practicing Aromatherapy for years.  Their award winning use of natural essential oil blends are known to be effective in enhancing physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  The brand also has a skincare range as well as many others which I am yet to explore.

The products I purchased are from the Renew Collection for the body.  These two products are definitely for Rose scented lovers out there (like me!).

Renew Rose Massage & Body Oil

This oil smells decadent as it is a mix of Rose, Neroli,  Geranium and Evening Primrose oils. It is luxurious in texture and silky smooth.  Although it is a oil it has a non greasy texture and is applied beautifully.

I love using this product following a shower/bath before bedtime. It moisturizes the skin leaving it soft and supple, nourished and hydrated.  The smell is very relaxing and uplifting and helps mentally as well as aiding sleep.

Renew Rose Hydrating Body Gel

This gel unlike most, has a very lightweight texture and a lighter scent in comparison to the body oil. It also contains Geranium and Evening Primrose oil along with Damask Rose Water.  It absorbs into the skin very quickly due to its non greasy lightweight texture.

I usually use this product in the evenings when I am going for something more luxurious or just when I want that feel good boost. Not only does it smell beautiful (the same Rose scent as the oil but not as strong), it also moisturizes the skin, leaving it more radiant.

It absorbs into the skin very quickly therefore quick and easy to apply before heading out!

The products are slightly pricier than the average, which is why I prefer to use both more as a treat as opposed to daily, particularly the oil.

Nevertheless, these products are from a highly reputable spa brand and are guaranteed to give a spa feeling in the comfort of your own home!... Definitely worth the money!

I am excited to try more products from Aromatherapy Associates & will definitely share my recommendations!

F & F

x

Singapore

Having traveled to Singapore numerous times I thought I would share a quick overview of what to do!

If you want to shop there are so many amazing places to check out.

Orchard Road is a huge road in the middle of Singapore, full of high end/high street shops and restaurants.  There are also lots of malls scattered on the road with beautiful greenery all around.

If you prefer the hustle and bustle of authentic markets then check out Bugis Market, which has clothing and accessories at great prices.

Also across the street to the market is Bugis Junction, a mall with restaurants, shops etc. Watsons Pharmacy also resides in here and around Singapore... a great place to stock up on the Asian beauty products!

A visit to Hajji Lane is a must. A cute, colorful and narrow street in the heart of The Arab Quarter with boutique shops full of independent designers.

A walk around Arab Quarter and you will find many Middle Eastern cafes and lots of material shops. 

Amidist the streets stands tall the beautiful Sultan Mosque.

The largest luxury mall in Singapore is alongside the amazing Marina Bay Sands Hotel, The Shoppes include the famous 'floating island' Louis Vuitton store! They also have a great Louis Vuitton book store in the Mall, which is somewhere I always like to visit to pick up something.

Places to wine and dine include Clarke Quay which has many restaurants/bars overlooking the Singapore River.

I love ToastBox, for a quick bite to eat! This cute coffee shop is all around Singapore and it's signature is a thick toast cut into squares with lots of butter or peanut butter, great with a cup of tea or a cold glass of Milo. They also do a great Laksa! (a spicy noodle soup).

Shokudo is another great place to eat, the Japanese Coffee shop has lovely dishes, make sure to try the rosti with curry... mouthwatering!

There is a ToastBox and Shokudo located at the Bugis Junction Mall.

The TWG tea house is great to go and try some luxury teas and Pizzeria Mozza which has the most amazing woodfired pizza's! Both are located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

Ku De Ta is also located at The Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which is a great Asian restaurant and bar with 360 degree views of Singapore.

If it's adventure your looking for then the only place is Sentosa Island!  The Island is like it's own place, you don't even need to leave if you don't want. It has hotels, villas, shopping, dining, beaches and lots of attractions! - great for children.  Attractions include Universal Studio (Disney World), Dolphin Island and Madame Tussards to name a few.

A great way to enter Sentosa Island is from the cable cars, which gives fabulous views of the green island.

Singapore also hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix each year, which is a great excuse to visit around that time if you don't mind the crowds!

F & F

xx