C House Lounge
Its modern interior offers a respite from the hot and crowded streets of Abu Dhabi - and the food and coffee make it well worth seeking out
Sure, this modern new Italian cafe in Abu Dhabi has a red carpet and velvet rope outside - but don't let that put you off. Somehow, despite an interior big on chandeliers and white leather couches, C House manages to be both welcoming and down-to-earth. The staff are friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable, and the coffee and food are delicious. I've had an Arabic breakfast (Dh48 including freshly squeezed OJ and coffee) and the first of what I hope are many of their open sandwiches: the Portofino Al Basilico, a tasty combination of soft white cheese, pesto and mouth-watering roasted chicken (Dh56). There are also some seriously photogenic salads on the menu and there are plans to add new pasta, chicken and salmon dishes. And good news for local creative types: the management wants to lend the interior out to emerging fashion designers, photographers and artists for shows, exhibitions and other events. There are real hand towels in the bathroom, and a window-facing iPad bar, where customers can browse on six of the devices for free. My favourite perch is a window seat facing the greenery of the Corniche, where I have twice lost all track of the crowded, frenetic capital city sprawled out behind me.
* Ann Marie McQueen
Bun maker
My bun maker has to be my favourite - and only - hair accessory. I love it. Put this over a ponytail, smooth your hair around it into a bun shape and kirby grip it into place. Finish off with a spritz of hairspray and you are ready to go. Fabulous 1950s glam in mere minutes and the illusion of voluminous, thick hair to boot. To complete the look, channel your inner Mad Men femme fatale: just slick on some liquid liner, go heavy on the mascara, slip into a pencil skirt and team with some killer heels. Find it at any girlie accessories store, such as Claire's or Accessorize, or from a pharmacy like Boots.
* Felicity Campbell
Kiehl's Cross-Terrain All-In-One Refueling Wash
My shower routine used to be limited to whatever three-pack soap bars I found in the supermarket. That changed when I came across this all-in-one wash for men, which a friend had brought to a weekend camping trip. Made by the no-frills grooming house Kiehl's, it delivers on all counts: coconut extract, aloe vera and citrus oil combine to cleanse the hair, face and body. It even works as a shaving salve. Its scent? Manly and clean. In the morning, when I can't walk a straight line and confuse the shampoo for the face wash, it's all I need. I buy my supply at Bloomingdale's in The Dubai Mall, where it's almost always out of stock - seems I'm not the only one hooked - so when you spot a bottle, grab it.
* James Gabrillo
Rumi's poetry
His words are with me always. It was he who said: "Words are a pretext. It is the inner bond that draws one person to another, not words." While reading The Essential Rumi - a collection of spiritual poetry by the 13th-century Sufi poet and philosopher Jalal Ad'Din Rumi - it is impossible not to be blown away by it and by all his other writings. Born in a city called Balkh, now in modern Afghanistan, Rumi - a Muslim of Persian origin - is often regarded as one of the world's most important spiritual and mystical poets, and his work has been translated into numerous languages. It is not surprising then that most bookshops in the UAE always seem to sell out of his volumes fast before having placed new orders. I can't seem to get enough of his inspirational poetry; a website I've bookmarked for my daily fix is www.rumi.org.uk.
* Maey El Shoush
Steamer
There's a moment when presents from parents stop being fun and start being useful. Unwrapping a shiny new food steamer last Christmas, however appreciative I was and still am, plastering a look of delight on my face may have required a little effort.
But this quick-fix dinner solution has since become invaluable. It is the scatty-brained's best friend - bung in your chopped veg, rice or whatever, crank up the timer and leave it to the job without fear of burning the house down. The worst you can do is end up with soggy broccoli.
The limitations of what can be steamed means that one ends up eating healthier - more fish and more vegetables. The steaming process also locks in so much flavour that it's rarely necessary to douse anything in bloating spices or lashings of salt. And forget butter and oil; there's just no need. Prices vary, but for a decent brand, expect to pay between Dh200 and 400. You can find steamers everywhere; try a megamart such as Géant. A great solution to the nightly chore of cooking after a long day.
* Christopher Lord