Fill 'em up
Summer is the perfect time for ice cream. But instead of buying overpriced gourmet gelato or frozen yogurt, we've decided to make our own healthy cooling snack at a fraction of the cost. Pick up some ice lolly moulds for a steal at just Dh7 then all you have to do is fill them with your favourite juice (we are addicted to Masafi's berry mix) and stick them in the freezer for a few hours.
Dh7, Daiso, Al Wahda Mall, 02 643 7863; Oasis Centre, 04 330 7363, and elsewhere
Back to the Seventies
Any trend-watcher knows the name Marc by Marc Jacobs. In fact, we at M have to admit to a growing penchant for the label's Spring/Summer 2011 Seventies-inspired lines - longer hemlines and high-waisted cuts combined with cool, lightweight, flowing fabrics are so the way forward with hot summer just around the corner. So you can imagine our enthusiasm when we heard that the first Abu Dhabi branch of Marc by Marc Jacobs is about to open. The boutique in Abu Dhabi Mall will open tomorrow and will carry the menswear, womenswear and accessories collections plus the children's wear line Little Marc Jacobs. Plus, during the month of May the boutique will host an in-store pop-up nail bar where expert manicurists will be on hand to pamper your fingernails and toenails. See you there!
For more infomation, contact Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mall of the Emirates, 04 395 1840
Compassion and fashion
Who would have thought buying clothes could help charity? Thanks to an inspiring T-shirt designed to raise money for those in need in Japan, you can wear your heart on your chest. The fashion designer Tadashi Shoji, who was born and raised in Sendai, Japan, and the US Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir have teamed up to create a T-shirt in support of relief efforts in Japan. Now you can look good while doing good as 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Tadashi Shoji T-shirt For Japan, Dh125, Desert Rose, Wafi, 04 324 6782
Naughty but nice
Double-crumble hot apple pie, chocolate caramel-pecan souffle cake, cinnamon-doughnut bread pudding - it doesn't get much better than this. We're sure we've gained a few pounds just looking at the delightful pictures in this recipe book, so we dare you to read these recipes without exclaiming "yum!" as you turn each page. The author delivers exactly what she promises on the cover - a mouth-watering collection of delicious recipes that you can make at home.
Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth, Dh109, Jill O'Connor, Crate and Barrel, Mall of the Emirates, 04 399 0125
Travel trendy
What springs to mind when you hear the word "life"? For the internationally acclaimed artist Dan Baldwin, the word conjures up ideas of innocence, love, symbolism, beauty and even decay. This colourful urban chic weekend holdall seems to embody all of the above. Boasting Baldwin's coveted print Slipstream, each of the 300 limited edition bags has a certificate of authenticity printed on the lining and engraved on the handles. Plus, each carryall comes with a shoulder strap and a gold-printed dust bag, a matching mini bag and an eye mask. Luggage has never been so cool or collectable.
Dan Baldwin Slipstream canvas getaway holdall, Dh2,197, www.clickforart.com
Fairy-tale reflections
"Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" asked the evil queen in Grimm's much-loved fairy tale Snow White. However, if she asked this Moroccan-inspired glass, it surely would reply: "Queen, you are full fair, 'tis true, but I am fairer than you." With its backlit frame featuring ruby red lights, this shimmering decorative piece will leave you and your reflection beaming from ear to ear.
Face Value Mirror, Dh2,195, The One, Sheikh Zayed the 1st Street, 02 681 6500, and elsewhere
