Tinu Menachery

I love Friday’s as they are synonymous with Brunch. Dubai has so many Brunch options, but the best ones are those that let you snooze away all afternoon. The Tailgate Brunch is held every Friday from 2 to 5 pm.

Located at lobby level of Tryp by Wyndham in Barsha Heights, Local is the hotel's main

restaurant which offers a fresh, modern vibe. With a "Keep it Real" philosophy, they cater to all palates with their rustic, gastro-pub style menu and drinks.

The Tailgate Brunch at Local is one that you can enjoy without a fine. It fuses fun picnic vibes with live music, watering BBQ stations and heavenly desserts spread out with Indoor seating.

We were warmly greeted by the staff and taken to our table with a rum punch to start off the brunch. The vibe, the ambiance, happy chatter and introductory Rum punch all sealed in for what was to follow.

A welcome basket of bread, beetroot hummus, and olives was provided.

The Brunch is an endless buffet of salad that has a few prepared dishes along with a selection

of fresh leaves, vegetables, cheese and more that allows you to create your salad as per your desire.

There’s an endless bbq section where you can choose from chicken, beef or even camel if you're feeling a bit adventurous. There's an array of sides and toppings like potato fries, spicy mayo, salsa, etc so go wild building your dish your own way. There's even a choice of fish, chicken or regular popcorn.

And my favorite part - Dessert section. You can pick up a cone and fill it with your choice of ice cream. You'll have the most fun here topping it with everything from chocolate chips, whipped cream to M&Ms, gummy bears, candy raspberries and more! There's even a chocolate fountain to indulge in with marshmallows, strawberries & cream and so on. I couldn’t help but go back in for a second serving (and third).

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks. Apart from a choice of bubbly, there are different stations set up for Whisky, tequila, gin cocktails, aperol cocktail and more.

You’ll definitely want to wear comfy shoes as once the music kicks on, you won’t be able to sit down. Get ready to jam to non-stop live music from local bands! From throwback tunes to the latest party hits, expect to find everyone on the dance floor by the time the brunch ends.

The brunch is a complete package of fun food, amazing vibes and ambiance and some fun drinks.

The staff is very welcoming and polite and make you feel at home.

The Tailgate Brunch is priced as below:

· AED 229 per person inclusive of food and house beverages
· AED 399 per person inclusive of food, house beverages, sparkling grape, draught hops and premium spirits

LOCAL

Location: Ground Floor, TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, Al Saef 1 Street, Barsha Heights, Dubai

Reserve your table at: 042476630

I was invited to Local and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.

Hello guys,

I have been wanting to talk about the clay masks from l'oreal with you guys from some time now. So when i purchased the Pure clay mask, I thought I'd review this for you guys.

Do let me know what you think.

The L'Oréal Paris Laboratories have selected three pure clays and combined them with Red Algae extract in an exfoliating scrub, for brighter, smoother and fresher skin, every day. Finely milled apricot seeds gently exfoliate dull, uneven skin to reveal its natural glow. The beaded, creamy texture illuminates by exfoliating skin, without drying it out.

PURE CLAYS + RED ALGAE
Kaolin- a highly effective natural clay, known to absorb impurities and excess sebum
Montmorillonite- rich in minerals, a clay recognized for helping to eliminate imperfections
Ghassoul- a pure clay highly concentrated in minerals, renowned to help clarify complexion
Red Algae- known for its brightening properties

Experience

The mask comes in a square glass container with a twist top lid. The design is super basic, and the glass isn’t ideal for clumsy hands or bathroom tiles, but it does store the product effectively. I feel a squeeze tube would be less messy and more hygienic.

The mask has a thick paste like consistency, and grainy texture. There is a slight scent but that fades away after application. I have sensitive skin and have had no issue with either the texture or fragrance of this mask.

One of my favorite thing is that it can be used 2-3 times in a week, and only takes 10 minutes. You apply a thin layer in areas that needs exfoliation/ smoothing and leave it on for 10 minutes, and rinse. The mask does have gentle exfoliating grans throughout it, so you can massage the product into your skin for greater exfoliation. You can either use it as a scrub or mask. But I prefer using the face wash/ scrub and then follow it up with this as a mask.

The results are almost immediate. Skin looks much softer and even, Pores feel tighter. I have used the purifying mask and that was also one of my favorite product. This mask is cheap and quick to use and targets specific areas.

Pros:

Affordable

Effective

Easy application

Less time

Cons:

Packaging

Hi guys,

I'm not sure how many of you love reading my long essays, but I really do hope you read this till the very end. I was talking to an elderly colleague about depression , and he dismissed it off by saying how its 'fashionable' to be depressed. (yes, I know. It did make me angry too.). I didn't push his opinion away (it's always good to know what people think).

I feel telling something you know, is like repeating what you already know, but listening to someone else is learning something new (ironic, because i'm very talkative).

Coming back to the topic. His dismissal of depression as a fad really got me thinking as to why not many people were open to accepting that they were depressed in his time. I'm sure many faced other mental illness's. Either detected or never realized. That made me think how grateful I was to be a part of our world and a generation which is more open and welcoming to human emotions (at least majority of us are).

A lot of people, are talking about depression, anxiety, panic attacks and are making it seem very normal. Because it is. And if you know someone suffering from any mental illness, the best thing that you can do is to be with them and reassure them that it's going to be fine.

It's imperative to do so, no matter what your feelings are towards that person at that point of time. Because when any of this sets in, your person changes completely. They have to take care of what's going on in their mind first and also what they project. It's like having different voices in their head all talking at the same time. That is chaotic.

Some might be able to explain how they feel, some might not. But it's our responsibility to ensure that they are listened to, calmed and made to feel that they are valued, loved and respected.

Simple, kind words and gestures go a long way. It's so important to reiterate the value of small things. A call, a text, a hug, a kind word letting the person know how valued they are goes a long way.

Some people fight battles that you may know of . When you see them struggling, don't sympathize rather congratulate them on how far they have come, even though it's one tiny step. For them, that one word of encouragement will help them take all the other steps.

Today, we need to be more kind, more patient, more respectful and more Human than anything else.

People are more vulnerable than ever. Hold them close and love them fiercely.

Lots of love and warm hugs.

Tinu

xoxo

When we think of happiness, we usually think about our immediate needs. For example, what would make me happy right now, is to have salmon sushi, for you it may be that shoe/ makeup that you have been meaning to buy! The reality is that no matter how scrumptious that sushi may taste or how amazing having that bag/ shoe would make you feel. They are all short lived. We need to be happy in other aspects of life, and if we aren't all these moments are not going to fix how you feel deep inside.

Honestly, I'm no expert at happiness. I have my moments of void and a feeling of eternal mehness (I love being a neologism expert). But what I have understood in my quest is that (cheesy coming up) - No matter what, Happiness is a journey. And as individuals we need to be our own happy meters. Depending on someone to make you happy is beautiful, but that happiness as mentioned is short lived.

As a person, you need to find your own inner happiness. It could be anything (doesn't have to be some major rocket science).

I want to share a part of my happiness journey with you, knowing that someone is going to benefit through this. No matter what you are going through, and how difficult it is - always remember - This too shall (and will) pass.

Disclaimer: This isn't a quick fix (anything instant is never long term)

----------------------------------------------------- Self Love -----------------------------------------------------

I can already feel your eyes rolling. But wait, read on.

We always look for someone to love us, to make us feel whole, and to make us 'happy'.

However, if you do not even love yourself for who you are and for your journey with all it's flaws and strengths, how can someone else? When two individuals come together, no matter what the relationship is - if you think you need the other person to complete you, you are beginning at the wrong foot. You are a complete individual, capable of doing things for yourself that make you happy. No matter what it is - choose yourself and your happiness in situations that make you feel like you are loosing sense of yourself.

Self love begins with an understanding and acceptance of who you are, just the way you are. The moment you do that, you will be on a different level of exhilaration (it's addictive btw)

----------------------------------------------------- Practice Gratitude ------------------------------------------------

I cannot begin to tell you how much this has helped me grow as an individual. Gratitude also entails, not taking people, moments, relationship, memories, experiences for granted. I was in a particular life changing experience wherein I felt that I was at the receiving end of the worst possible. However, when I was placed in a similar situation with many other people going through the same, but at varying levels - I realized how lucky I was.

In other words, you need to be open to people around you and understand that we are all fighting our individual battles. But foremost, we should be grateful that we are alive to fight one. Everyday is a beautiful gift, embrace it and be ready for what life throws at you. I feel God will only give you what you can handle.

If HE is taking you through troubled waters, it's only because your enemies can't swim.

P:S - When you wake up, take a deep breath or two and be grateful for a new day.

----------------------------------------------------- Do things you love -----------------------------------------------

This is my favorite bit. If you have always wanted to do something but backed on excuses of how and time and etc. STOP, breathe and write down what you want, and how you can do it. All of us CAN take out time from our schedules to do what we Love, or always wanted to do/learn. All it takes is a first step and an effort.

And most importantly, surround yourself with people who love you for all your whimsical weirdness's and who wouldn't change it for the world. Those are your tribe. Love them hard and love yourself harder.

Remember, you will have days that you feel low and it's not always easy to be happy and find happiness when your mind is screaming away. But at those moments, I hope you have someone you can lean back on and talk to. If you are like me, and find it difficult to talk when you are low, just write how you feel or find something as an alternative (I go for my long runs, or read a book, or pamper myself silly)

P:P:S - No matter what, believe in yourself, you are one of a kind and are AMAZING.

Lots of Love

Tinu

xoxo

The Bystro Group, is all set to add more excitement to the buzzing F&B scene in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) with its upcoming Mexican concept El Mostacho.

The compact space boasts vibrant quirky décor, with trinkets bought at Mexican markets, such as crafts from Guadalajara and Oaxaca and an open kitchen.

The restaurant boasts a zesty menu packed with authentic Latino delights, with a keen focus on street food tacos.

In addition to classic dishes you'll also find healthy options, including homemade gluten-free tortillas, salads, and soups made from family recipes. The kitchen is led by Mexican-born Isaac Mendoza, who promises the “zesty spirit of Mexico” in all his dishes.

We started off our tasting session with special Coca Cola that contains sugarcane as opposed to corn syrup in regular Coco cola’s. Personally, since I stay away from aerated drinks it was hard for me to spot the difference.

If you go to a Mexican restaurant and don’t eat Guacamole then you definitely missed authentic Mexican experience. We had some creamy guacamole with Nachos. I love Guacamole, and this was really good. However, my Indian palate would have loved it to be spicier (I know, i'm rolling my eyes too).

For soup or sopas we had fresh tortilla soup, Tortilla in soup was definitely a fresh new concept for me. The combination of tortilla and tomatoes was not that bad. All the tortilla's are freshly made at the restaurant, which is an added bonus.

However, the star of the tasting was definitely the Tacos. I loved the Beef and vegetarian tacos the most. The Taco plate had the Barbacoa, Carne Asada, Tinga De Pollo, and Hongoz corn Maiz.

What stood out was the Barbacoa which is slow cooked shredded beef – This shouldn’t be missed at all. It was juicy and tender and so well marinated. Big shoutout to Issac for making Vegetarian tacos so tasty. The Hongoz Corn Maiz had marinated portabello, sweet corn, avocado & pimento pepper. It was made to satiate.

We ended the meal with caramel flan. I prefer flan to be softer and not so chewy. Hence the dessert was a miss for me.

This place is perfect for quick bites. The menu is still in its nascent stage, so I’m sure in time – we will definitely be enjoying a full-fledged Mexican fare

El Mostacho

Location: Ground Floor, Silver Tower, Cluster I , Dubai

Cost: AED 80 for two

Reserve your table at: 045516679

I was invited to El Mostacho and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.

Hi guys,

I'm so happy to share this beautiful thought with you - Tree of Life (Press release*)

Red Crescent has been working closely with Arabian Centre mall for its Tree of Life campaign since 2012.Together, they have reached out to few hundreds of people over the years thereby, trying to uplift and support the lives of the under-privileged.

Standing tall amidst the waves of gloom, Tree of Life grows in fortitude and casts its light of change on the ones in difficulty and need. Since years, the Tree of Life located in Arabian Center, has been the beacon of hope in the lives of many and will continue to do so this Ramadan.

Driven by the spirit of generosity, the Tree of Life motivates people to donate during this month
of giving. It inspires and gather donors from a wide array of nationalities, faiths, and walks of life
under one roof.

For every contribution made, patrons are invited to light a lamp on the tree; thus, representing a
change made in the lives of the destitute. More lamps on the tree means more lives changed.
Be it money, clothes, books, stationery, toys etc.,

Arabian Center will convey all monetary donations it receives to the Red Crescent, who will then distribute them to refugee camps in Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. The clothes and other items collected at the Arabian Center alone, annually reach more than 40,000 plus people in need across these refugee camps.

Tree of Life initiative has already begun at Arabian Center’s night court area and will continue till the end of Eid holidays. Customers are welcome to donate anytime between 11 AM – 1 AM,
daily.

Hi Guys,

I want to share a new hair product that I have been using from sometime now. I have been using COLAB dry hair shampoo for those days when I run out of time to wash my hair. It's easy and an effective product to revive my hair and give it that extra bounce and refreshed look without actually washing it.

The best part about COLAB dry hair is that it doesn't leave a white residue, and gets absorbed quickly.

But don't let the dry shampoo stay in for longer than two days and it's NOT a permanent solution to Wet shampoo. (Read more HERE)

However, it definitely is a temporary solution to greasy hair when you are running late. It also gives a beautiful volume and added ease in styling your hair.

Here's how to use the product:

1) Shake the product well before use
2) Section dry hair, and spray from around 15-20 cm.
( I don't prefer massaging my hair with my fingers, as the whole purpose is then lost, read HERE)
3) Brush your hair to evenly spread the residue and style as needed.

Much Love,

Tinu

XOXO

Hi guys,

I was recently talking to my friend about Dry Shampoo's and thought I'd share what I thought about them with you guys. Hope this helps.

Imagine getting a beautiful blowout during summers and then having to wash it off the next day itself. I know I hate it too. But what if you could get a temporary solution to your greasy scalp and add a relaxing scent of freshly washed hair? Perfect right? The Hair Gods, came up with the best - Dry Hair shampoo. It’s a spray in product that advertises some of the same benefit as wet shampoo minus the time.

These alcohol- or starch-based sprays absorb the oil in your hair while adding volume. They are safe for al hair types, but should this be a replacement to traditional wet shampoo? I think not.

Wet shampoo removes additional oil, and build up and also help ease dandruff. Dry shampoo causes build up and hence is a temporary and not a permanent solution.

Once hair and scalp needs to be washed and rinsed intermittently to keep it clean. The scalp collects chemicals and pollutants both from the air and from styling products, and if you only use a dry shampoo, the cleansing is only minimal but it does freshen the hair by removing excessive oil.

Keep in mind the following while using Dry Shampoo:

Only spray the greasy/oily areas
Shake well before use and spray from 15-20 cm away
Brush your scalp to evenly distribute the product*
Avoid spraying on the ends
Use no more than 2 days in a row.
Style as usual

*Avoid massaging with your finger tips as the purpose of Dry Shampoo is lost. Your finger tips secrete oil as well, thereby loosing the entire purpose of Dry Shampoo.

What do you think about Dry Shampoo?

Hello guys,

I recently tried Banana Body Yogurt from Body Shop and totally loved it. Hence, I thought of sharing the same with you. I personally love the smell of Banana Body Yogurt, but you can also choose from other options like - Strawberry, Mango, Almond Milk, Coconut, British rose and Moringa.

Moringa and coconut are next on my list.

What I loved about the Body Yogurt range is that it's non-greasy and fast absorbing.

Banana Body Yogurt is enriched with organic banana puree from Ecuador and Community Trade organic almond milk from Spain and is 100% organic and vegan. It keeps the skin moisturized and has a pleasant banana smell (which I love)

Priced at AED 99 for 200ml

It’s essential to take care of one’s skin as that’s something one is going to wear for the rest of their lives. Your skin never lies and is a mirror of one’s emotional and physical well being. If you are stressed, it shows, bad habits like imbalanced food, smoking, drinking all shows visibly on the skin.

Marzia clinic is an Italian skin care brand that believes and adopts holistic healing practices. They have combined their passion for alternate and natural remedies to develop a unique range of skincare treatments. Their first ever DermaBio Molecolare cosmetic line is available in UAE with launch of their CromoAroma facials.

CromoAroma facial uses a balanced combination of essential oils and color based on individual skin requirements post an assessment. Their focus is not only on the physical but also on the emotional state of the skin.

The oils and treatmenst used are pure, of natural origin, extracted from flowers, fruits, resins making them free of alcohol, paraben, preservatives , mineral, silicone etc .Depending on your skin type and issue – they select color treatment from 5 different colors like Red, orange, green, blue and purple.

The CromoAroma facial is avaialable at Blush N Curls salon in Qusais, and is priced at AED 499 (prices may vary depending on the treatment).

The process began with a foot ritual and a questionnaire that was filled to determine food habits, allergies, lifestyle, etc.

We began with a relaxing back massage.

My therapist Carolin chose the Balancing treatment for me which consists of cleansing with Echinacea cleanser, followed by exfoliation with cheratopeel, then a sheet mask drenched in hammamelis toner, followed by serum with DermaBio Molecolare, then a relaxing massage with cream balance professional cream and finally face mask using earth powder, essential oils like Ylang ylang, geranium and lemon & cream balance professional cream.

The entire session lasted for 70 minutes, and also included a relaxing head and arm massage.

The Facial not only rejuvenates your skin, but also relaxes you mentally and physically. The soothing aroma of essential oils calms your senses and helps you relax and enjoy the treatment. If you are looking at revitalizing your skin, then the CromoAroma facial is a must try.

Location:

Blush N Curls Salon,
Damascus Street,
Near Dubai Grand Hotel,
Al Qusais, Dubai.

I was invited to Blush N curls to try the CromoAroma Facial by Marzia Salon, and all images and opinion are @Urbanmodish unless stated otherwise

Tinu Menachery

Tailgate Brunch at LOCAL

L'OREAL PURE CLAY MASK

Emotions

3 Happiness Habits

El Mostacho

Tree of Life

COLAB Dry Hair Shampoo

Is Dry shampoo a necessity?

Bodyshop Body Yoghurt

CromoAroma facial

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