Wake up in Paris and brunch @La Cantine du Faubourg, Dubai

Run every Saturday from 12pm-4pm, the cost of brunch with soft drinks starts at AED 250, which I found rather irresistible. A big fan of Dubai’s brunch culture, I had extremely high expectations for La Cantine du Faubourg. They managed to surprise right at the entrance, looking casually chic in silk pyjamas and perfect hair.

“It’s wake up in Paris and celebrate”, explained my hostess while walking me to Room 3, a cheeky name for every in the house. A real queen size bed with luxurious cotton sheets and big fluffy pillows was set in the middle of La Cantine looking irresistible.

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In the best traditions of Parisian breakfast, a basket of freshly baked pastry was brought paired with a strong cup of coffee, butter and jams. While I enjoyed sipping coffee and studying the menu, the DJ at the bar started playing tunes. The place filled up steadily and by 1pm was filled with the air with cheers, giggles and happy conversations.

When selecting dishes I focused on slightly complicated creations with ingredients hard to find in Dubai: tuna ceviche, cured meat, grilled octopus and salmon carpaccio. I had no doubt that the greatest culinary experience awaited me. Everything I tried was absolutely delightful with my favourite dish being an aubergine gratin with dark tomato sauce and a generous amount of parmesan.

Around 3pm the music got a little louder, moving crowds closer to the bar and on to the beautiful terrace expected to be officially open soon.

Freely flowing mocktails and cocktails kept the party going. I spotted a server in a kimono and dark sunglasses; I realized that the ambiance resembled the vibe from James Bond’s adventures with a mix of spontaneous adventure in the air. Happy to the tiptoes, I savoured my desserts and tried to memorize every second of that beautiful day.

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Destination dream body

“Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it,” said Tony Soprano with a sparkle of irony in his eyes, and I shivered. For the last couple of weeks my mind has been fully occupied with “below the waistline” thoughts. With upcoming modeling assignments, bikini season and everyone’s continuous obsession with perfect legs, I’ve been identifying the missing links in the chain of diet plus exercises. Don’t get me wrong, nutritionists love to repeat that first we are what we eat and then what we do, and a balanced diet contributes to 80% of success. However, regardless of playing by the rules, cutting on sugar, macaroni and gravy and squatting till last breath (did you see my insane workout with Leo), my body is a rebel at heart.

It was time to turn my attention to science by “doing the right thing”, googling my options. It appears that today’s beauty market had a lot to offer with body treatments varying from steaming to freezing, and everything “laser” in between. My search, narrowed to medical centers and clinics, resulted in a list of “must call” places, but only at Silkor was I offered a specialist prior to committing to any treatment plans. I screamed “Eureka” and demanded that Siri immediately book me for a free assessment.

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Headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon Silkor is well known in the region for hair removal and laser services, promising smooth baby skin. Being a big fan of both babies and great skin, I decided to focus on getting rid of a baby fat here and there. While not so many are aware that Silkor Dubai is equipped with state of the art machines to polish the look and curves of female and male bodies, it was a perfect moment to take advantage of their availability to see me. So when I showed up at the door with an endless list of body goals supported by peculiar questions, Milena, Silkor’s specialist in body aesthetics, was well prepared to cool me down (literally).

During the consultation I mostly talked about the triumphs and failures of a busy girl in her 30s attempting to regain a body she once had prior to committing to an 8-5pm (if lucky) lifestyle. I explained my struggle with shaping up outer thighs and especially knees, which require a 7/7 gym attitude. Milena was seriously attentive just like Jennifer Milfner in the earlier “Sopranos”.

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Done with talking, I was asked to step on a smart scale to reveal my body secrets and the truth behind my questionable physic. The scale measured my weight, percentage of a body fat, water and muscle mass as well as BMR (basal metabolic rate), crutial if one is looking to loose weight. My results were printed and carefully filed.

When the time came for a visual assessment, I was done with my anxieties and no longer afraid of Milena’s tools: various rulers, scales, measuring tapes and a blue marker. After being asked to lie down, wrapped in a soft warm blanket, I was convinced that Silkor was my type of a place.

Armed with the facts and my emotional desires, Milena sat me down one more time for an honest talk, expectations vs reality.

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To be continued…

Meanwhile you can book your free medico-easthitics assessment here or reach Milena at Silkor Jumeirah branch. Their contact number is +97156- 1744550 or +9714-3480500, silkor.com. Silkor is Instagram active too

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Super 5 from Fountain Cosmetics

Being dangerously adventurous when it comes to experimenting with baking (with a 50% pavlova failure rate), fashion (mixing yoga leggings and silk tops) and beauty (from mermaid locks to bob in one easy swoop), I passionately sacrifice myself to try out innovative products from all over the world and from every dot of the Internet. Because I want you guys to look and feel awesome  🙂

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So while I blindly entrust my wellbeing and pretty face to the decency of modern chemists, please blend a handful of berries with a glass of almond milk and a scoop of protein and build a healthy appetite for healthy skin. Cheers!

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Fountain Cosmetics, a family run business based in Sidney, Australia since 1999, creates sulfate, paraben and mineral oil free solutions for skin, body and soul (happy skin=happy you… and me!). All products are designed by a dedicated team of local researchers and scientists who believe in innovation and the latest skincare trends. Packed with anti-aging ingredients, Fountain Cosmetics are effective in conquering skin problems plus delivering desired results.

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They make what they love and I love what they make! Here are my thoughts on the top 5 “must-gets” from  Fountain Cosmetics for a complete fancy spa experience:

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  • Exfoliate

Skin Exfoliant has a wonderful soft texture but a powerful base of lactic and glycolic acids paired together to penetrate deeper into skin (scratch-free). The combination of both acids is honestly a rare find that gives a professional touch to home care routines, allowing you to save on superficial medical peels. I use it once or twice a week depending on weather and skin condition, after removing all make up, washing and drying my skin (think face, neck and decollate at least).

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Test it first and then leave it on for 10-15 minutes to clear break-outs, free and tighten pores, brighten your skin from pigmentation or sun damage and soften wrinkles. Use cautiously in combination with products that contain retinol to avoid a reaction and please apply sunblock (SPF 20 in the winter and SPF 40-50 in the summer). More.

  • Firm and plump

Envy anti-aging eye serum contains glycerin, lactic acid, marine-based biopolymer complex, hard-working wrinkle fillers and a few other moisturizing agents to make your eyes a reflection of your forever-young soul 🙂 It smoothes lines, cools, plumps and gently firms the skin.

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The best part – packed in a long skinny 15 ml tube, Envy is easy to sneak onboard a flight for much needed hydration and regardless of its size it really lasts  (I use Envy twice daily), because one tiny drop covers it all! Doesn’t irritate eyes. More.

  • Moisturize

Exquisite Moisture hair mask is 3-in-1 R-solution: renews, restores and rehydrates. It has a lovely light fragrance and thick texture that melts into wet hair (the magic of argan oil).

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I apply it to all hair from the crown to the ends except roots and wash it off after 5-7 minutes. Exquisite hair mask brings back the shine without greasing your hair, so it could be used every day or on the trip to the steam room. More.

  • Nourish

Hydrating face mask is a real treasure suitable for all skin types including the super oily. Once applied it turns into a light veil allowing your skin to breath while benefiting from fruit extracts and advanced moisturizers. You can keep it on for 10-20 minutes without having to sit still as this mask doesn’t leak or fall off, however I warn you that the freedom of movement may result in you forgetting to remove it!

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Well, not a worry as you can just wipe it off with a wet cloth. Complete your little facial with a serum or moisturizer. More. 

  • Glow

Although it’s recommended for a very dry skin, the combination of Think C 15% serum and the Activator did wonders to my questionably demanding face (oily and irritated at the same time).

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The Activator is loaded with Vitamin B3 and anti-inflammatory properties, while the waterless formula of Think C serum revitalizes skin without blocking pores. Prevents break-outs and assists in healing. More.

Last, but not the least: Fountain Cosmetics offers a rare treat of delivering their products almost anywhere with free worldwide shipping (what!) on orders over $95 (Australian dollars). My latest order reached me in Toronto in 7 working days!

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