Lunch at Culinary Boutique, Dubai

Earlier this year, I visited family and friends in Dubai. It had been three years since I had last been to the UAE and I knew to expect some changes to the country, particularly to Dubai. However, I did not expect to see so many changes.

There are no words to describe just how fast Dubai has grown during the last couple of decades. Each time I am back in the city, I am almost overwhelmed by the latest developments and the number of new places to see. I find myself on the lookout for new shopping centres to explore, new hotels to visit and of course, exciting, new restaurants and cafes to dine at. The city is innovative, extravagant, and quite simply, larger than life.

One of my favourite things about Dubai is that it's rare, if not, impossible, to find two places that are similar. Every mall and hotel has it's own charm and style, and the same rings true for the city's dining scene. Culinary Boutique is one such place. After seeing a few pictures on social media, I knew that I had to visit this cafe in Jumeirah, a coastal residential area of Dubai.

Spring nail polish favourites

I love nail polish.

I love collecting nail polish, I love having my nails done, and I can't leave a beauty supply store without having a quick look at their nail polish selection.

Surely, I'm not the only one ... :)

It's currently spring in Australia and that means I tend to reach more towards bright, pastel shades during this time of the year.

I thought I would share with you some of my favourite Essie shades for the season.

Weekend ramble

It's hard to believe that, just a week ago, I was doing the Bondi to Bronte walk and viewing the 2016 Sculpture by the Sea.

This weekend is rather gloomy with a forecast of storms and cloudy weather for the most part. Thankfully, it seems like these grey skies are a one-off and we are set for some gorgeous weather this coming week.

I had initially intended to post about my favourite Spring nail polish shades, but I think I will save that post for another time when I am more inclined to reach for brights and pastel colours. This time, you are getting a weekend ramble - enjoy!

Used, loved, repurchased

Products with partly faded packaging and a lipstick that has seen better days can only mean one thing ... this is a product empties post!

I have to admit, it's always a little strange when Youtubers and bloggers hold onto bags of empty products. From empty cans of dry shampoo to packets of make-up remover wipes, it's all essentially trash, right? However, I can see the appeal of it. An empty product generally provides for a true "tried and tested" review of the product and whether a product is worth repurchasing.

I recently found myself finishing a few beauty favourites and I am so excited to share these with you, especially considering that three of these products are key staples in my collection.

By way of disclaimer, all products featured in this post have been purchased by me. My loyalty is with the readers of this blog and so I aim to offer honest opinions at all times.

With that said, shall we get started?

A sweet escape

Confession: I am not one to plan holidays in advance.

Shocking, no? Especially considering that I am a generally very organised person.

I like to plan ahead - whether it's planning an outfit for an upcoming event, writing up a to do list for the following day, or even deciding the colour polish for my next manicure (something office appropriate, please!).

But when it comes to holidays? Nope...

The majority of my trips overseas have been organised last minute. This recent trip to Malaysia was no exception.

So here we are

To say that this site has been in the works for a few months is an understatement.

The truth is, I have been following the online beauty and fashion community for several years and have toyed with the idea of joining the blogosphere during this time. However, like many people, work and life commitments got the better of me and any idea of setting up a site was momentarily put on hold.

Fast forward to 2016 and some nudges from family and friends to get a move on, we have A-Z | Life & Style - a platform that allows me to combine my love for writing and all things beauty, fashion, style and social by featuring some of my favourite products, places and pieces.

I hope to create an interactive community at A-Z | Life & Style so feel free to subscribe to this site using the link in the sidebar or get in touch by simply clicking on the social media icons provided.

Thank you for reading, I look forward to sharing the A-Z guide with you.