Abi:original - If you aren't original, what are you?

Way before there was a Google search engine or a sea of other technological ways in which we could get breaking news, there was a ‘Tequila Sunrise.’ I was barely eight years old when I first heard the song. Well in to my teens, another anthem of sorts ‘Take it easy,’ took on a new significance in our troubled times. “We may lose or we may win, but we will never be here again,” sang Don Henley and for some reason, I felt like he was talking to me. Playing the Eagles every Sunday morning while we did our chores in a Bombay suburb, was purely automatic. There wasn’t a member of the household that complained about the easy feeling that the boys on the faithful Kenwood player belted out. Of course it was the 90’s but those evergreen hits had been written two whole decades before. To the boys from the band who undoubtedly face a collosal loss, my heart sinks today. I woke up like most of the world, to the sad news that Glenn Frey is no more. Now, yes he hasn’t been breaking records...

There is usually a crowd in here. But it is exceptionally busy on Christmas eve. Women of all ages rush in to look their best barely a few hours before Christmas. You've probably witnessed the trend, the world over. She sits behind me. I cannot see her face. I can only hear the nagging voice arguing with the hair stylist. "No, I want it shorter. I have a four month old baby. You know I wanted to shave my head off. I, I, I." No kidding. This is actually what I hear.  It is a real blessing that the women from the Phillipines who run the beauty parlour I am in, have the patience that they do. Miles away from their own families, they have to work every day plus a half day on Christmas day as well. To add to their woes there's an unending sea of women who believe that it is their right to argue and bicker about every Dirham spent. I sit and wait patiently. For my hair to transform itself. I feel lucky that I could cross the road and attempt to look decent for Chris...

Train travel has always inspired me. Sure the Mumbai suburban train service has its flaws. It packed like hell on most days. But it also provides solace and a chance for one to find your own little corner to catch a breath and think. Some of my best ideas have come on a 50-minute train ride to college or work. And that’s been no different 20 years later on the Dubai Metro. Here is one piece that came up recently. On motivating, passionate women at any age. Danica's free hand drawing, December 2015.  I don’t have to look far when it comes to women who are passionate at any age. My daughter provides sufficient inspiration. At the age of five she wants to be a mother above all else. I tell her I would simply love to be her age again but there's no going back. No adult logic that works with a five year old and for now she says she can’t wait to be a mother as I’m gathering she believes it’s a fun job. Noted poet, author and my English Literature professor is another ...

Most often I avoid shopping malls on the weekend. The crowds, the traffic and the mayhem is something I'd rather do without. I made an exception for the reopening of OshKosh B’gosh in Dubai Mall as this time it was all about the kids.   The American children’s wear brand, re-opened its retail store to customers. The newly refurbished store was abuzz with sales people in Santa hats and a collection of comfortable winter wear for toddlers and children. Known for making the World’s Best Overalls and denim for children, the brand’s clothing is designed to make kids feel comfortable throughout their fun adventures.  Always wondered what the name means? OshKosh B’gosh was founded in 1895 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin as a manufacturer of hickory-striped denim bib overalls for railroad workers and farmers. Customers were invited to take pictures with their children and pose for a possible feature in the brand’s next catalogue. For us it was a chance to buy some new w...

Setting up 200 stores across the region has been a fascinating journey for Nayomi, the region’s leading lingerie retailer. The brand recently celebrated this incredible milestone with the store opening in Mirdiff City Centre in Dubai. The event was kicked off with a social media campaign called #200smiles.  A number of women and mall goers were invited to win an in-store shopping spree. The store also offers a collection of casual nightwear, in-house perfumes and creams. Its all showcased in luxurious pink rooms with a spectacular stocking-inspired ceiling design. Dramatic glass chandeliers make for a chic atmosphere where everything is pink, peach, black and white. What’s more the store is referred to as a princess palace. Kamal Jamjoom, the group’s Founder and Chairman, Mark Pilkington, the group CEO and Stephen Holbrook, Divisional Director- Clothing Division were all present at the occasion. Mr. Holbrook explains, “This is our first palace in Dubai and our tenth, ...

Close to 10 years ago, I was invited to teach public speaking to a group of college students in Dubai. It was an invigorating experience over the course of a long, hot summer and it got me back in touch with how young people think. Most of the students in the class were only interested in getting a passing grade. The others were not even interested in being present for class. My personal challenge was to treat them like a friend and make public speaking appealing. The huge reward came a few weeks later when I was called, "Maam" in a large electronics store by one of my students. After catching his breath, he came over to say hi. It melted my heart. Zip to circa 2015 and my tryst with teaching has led me to another group of students in Dubai. I have been asked to teach them effective communications and the age group is around 12 years of age. It has always amazed me how much I get out of each class conducted. The particular group that I met were more interested in my backgr...

The candle wax treatment at Tips and Toes is just what you need during a hectic week. The massage begins with a few warm stretches of the body. You are then moisturised with natural oils which are infused with candle wax. The candle gently burns in to a jar of cream and oil. These have immediate calming effects. Much to my surprise the hot wax doesn't sting. You take a few moments to get used to the warm oil being rubbed to your tired limbs. My masseuse has a permanent smile on her face. But that is not the only reason for me to find her endearing. She knows how to massage the body with the right amount of pressure. The massage lasts for 75 minutes. Just the right amount of time for you to drift away in to a bubble of relaxation. As the treatment ends, I feel the difference in my arms which have a sudden glow. No it isn't the candle that's rubbed off its light on me. I am just glowing from the benefits of getting a good massage.