From the super on-trend Monaco blue - Pantone's 'it' colour for spring - to classic shades of navy and softer cornflower hues, there should always be room for this primary pigment in your home
1 Classic lines
Ligne Roset is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its iconic Togo seat. Created by the French designer Michel Ducaroy in 1973, the same year that the Ligne Roset brand was launched, Togo was a 70s classic and is still one of the brand's bestsellers.
Ÿ Togo, prices start at Dh10,400 for the small setee, Ligne Roset, Sheikh Zayed Road, Aati, Za'abeel Road and Bloomingdale's Home, Dubai Mall
2 Basket case
With its thin, wide straps, the Muuto Wicker bread basket references traditional Scandinavian basket weaving techniques, with a modern twist. The basket is made from hard-wearing plastic and is light but sturdy. We'd use it as a fruit basket and give it pride of place on our kitchen counter.
Ÿ Wicker bread basket, Dh239, D.tales, DIFC and www.design-tales.com
3 Farm fresh
Villeroy & Boch's latest tableware collection, Farmhouse Touch, has a natural, rustic feel to it. High-quality porcelain is coupled with contemporary, country-inspired motifs. We love the soft hues of the Farmhouse Touch Blueflowers line, which takes its inspiration from cornflowers and ears of grain.
Ÿ Farmhouse Touch Blueflowers cups, Dh90, Villeroy & Boch stores nationwide
4 Light fantastic
We love the pared-back simplicity of the Section Lamp. Designed to accentuate the stark beauty of the bulb, the lamp consists of a rectangular steel frame and a Pacific Rimu wood holder, and is fitted with an adjustable dimmer. The Section Lamp comes in red, black and white, too, but the blue version is our favourite by far.
Ÿ Section Lamp, Dh1,431.30, www.wamli.com
5 Keeping it in the family
Ferm Living's Family Tree wallpaper is just the thing if you are looking to transform a nondescript wall into an eye-catching feature. Designed by Trine Andersen, Family Tree features a natural woodland motif set on Ferm Living's WallSmart non-woven fleece wallpaper, which is easier and faster to hang than traditional papers.
Ÿ Family Tree wallpaper, Dh334, www.ferm-living.com
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
Summer special
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Abandon
Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay
Translated by Arunava Sinha
Tilted Axis Press
POSSIBLE ENGLAND EURO 2020 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Ben Chilwell, Fabian Delph.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
Usain Bolt's time for the 100m at major championships
2008 Beijing Olympics 9.69 seconds
2009 Berlin World Championships 9.58
2011 Daegu World Championships Disqualified
2012 London Olympics 9.63
2013 Moscow World Championships 9.77
2015 Beijing World Championships 9.79
2016 Rio Olympics 9.81
2017 London World Championships 9.95
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
