Andrew Martin's Library wallpaper.
Andrew Martin's Library wallpaper.

M is all about: literary wallpaper



Wall art

The new year is fast approaching so our mantra is out with the old and in with the new. And what could be more refreshing than revamping your home? We love Andrew Martin's contemporary designs, and this literary-looking wallpaper is bound to breathe new life into any interior wall.

The Library wallpaper, Dh520 per 10 metre roll available at Andrew Martin, DIFC, Gate 7, 04 323 1388 or log on at www.andrewmartin.ae

Gem stones

Give an understated look a dash of attitude with these Alexis Bittar pave accented gunmetal gem clustered earrings. Perfect with both fine knits and cocktail dresses.

Dh1,750 available at Boom & Mellow, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 3993; Mirdif City Centre, 04 284 0609

Amazing Ava

Film buffs will want to make a feature of this sultry close-up of actress Ava Gardner. One of Hollywood's leading ladies in the 1950s, the star who appeared in Show Boat and The Killers was considered one of the most beautiful women of her day. She'll certainly add a splash of colour and character to your cream sofa.

Dh211 available at www.stylechapel.com

Conscious consumerism

Glide through the Christmas shopping crowds with this gorgeous limited edition envelope style clutch. Not only is it picture perfect and handmade in Uganda, but also for every bag bought, 10 per cent of profits will be donated to The Global Fund - an organisation committed to fighting Aids. The rest of the profits will be reinvested into ethical muse, a social enterprise and part of the Cathy Liebman foundation, which helps create sustainable industries for women and artisans in emerging countries. So now, not only will you look fabulous with your new arm candy, but also you'll be helping many people in need at the same time. However, you had better grab one quick as only 50 pieces of this Koko clutch were made for the collection.

The Koko clutch, Dh1,565 available from www.ethicalmuse.com or call 050 106 1983

Bunny ears

We love kitschy accessories, full stop. Yes, they may be a waste of money and we will probably get bored of wearing them after six months, but that doesn't stop us. What's great about this finger ring from Juko is that this time we're sure we won't tire of it too soon. Why? Because it's not trying to make a statement, nor is it overdesigned. Great for all ages and occasions, this reasonably priced piece is coming everywhere with us.

Dh95, Bloomingdale's, Dubai Mall, 04 350 5333

Gourmet gifts

Stylish goodies are the new candles when it comes to hostess gifts, and what could be more fabulous than these festive treats from the Lime Tree Cafe? Here at M we've had an exclusive peek at their new seasonal range and the sight alone gave us a sugar rush. Choose from traditional fudge, handmade biscotti, macaroons, truffles and iced cookies. Plus, if you are looking for the perfect foodie gift, you can't go wrong with their hampers, which are filled to the brim with gourmet delights. And the best thing, you can choose from a wide range of deluxe hampers online or contact the catering team to design your own.

The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen, 04 325 6325 www.thelimetreecafe.com

Wedge of wonder

What happens when you combine a knee-high boot with a wedge heel? You get one of the most stable and comfortable shoes for this winter. California-born, Paris-based designer Rick Owens is known for his futuristic shapes, expert draping and understated palette. These boots are going to be our choice from his A/W 2011-2012 collection, and like most of his pieces we're sure they won't fall out of fashion anytime soon. Wear with tights and chunky leg warmers if you're travelling to cooler climates or with bare legs and denim cut-offs for the city.

Approximately Dh5,025, www.net-a-porter.com

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The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Specs
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Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
The biog

Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.

Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.

Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.

Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Favourite food: Dim sum

Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Titan Sports Academy:

Programmes: Judo, wrestling, kick-boxing, muay thai, taekwondo and various summer camps

Location: Inside Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Telephone:  971 50 220 0326

 

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

England v South Africa schedule
  • First Test: Starts Thursday, Lord's, 2pm (UAE)
  • Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
  • Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
  • Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8