by Candice DeVille | Dec 19, 2014 | sponsors, Travel
The Dubai Aquarium and Zoo is a place of wild things and wonders.
I am a bit odd when it comes to water. I love to look at it, I’m obsessed with aquariums and sea creatures, but I absolutely cannot dive. In fact I can’t even really snorkel. I do try, but there is a subconscious gear that kicks in and stops me from breathing so it isn’t the safest option for me. This is probably why I’ve developed such a love of aquariums.
Watching everything swim by as if flying, free and elegant, fins billowing in the currents. I will take any opportunity to sit for hours and contemplate my existence in such surrounds. I sitting in the dark listening to music and watching iridescent jellyfish pulse by is bliss to me.
When I knew I was coming to Dubai, a visit to the aquarium and underwater zoo was very high on my agenda. Seeing the huge expanse of water filled with sharks, parrotfish and leopard stingrays with the cheeky grins, made me insanely happy. While everyone else walked through the inside of the tunnel, I wanted to sit on the floor, with my cheek pressed to the glass and have a bit of a chat with the occupants.
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You may think me a little bit crazy, but there is such a sense of serenity in this I wanted to try and capture a little piece of it for you.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a grown up with a thing for the otherworldly, or a wide-eyed child, this is an experience that everyone can enjoy. I highly recommend you take the time to not only see this beautiful display, but also just to be. In the oversized glitz and glamour of The Dubai Mall, this small piece of serenity will make you hold your breath for all the right reasons, as you stop and let this clear blue world float by.
by Candice DeVille | Dec 8, 2014 | Shopping, sponsors, Travel
Dubai is a city for the sophisticated.
It is a haven for those with a sophisticated palate, a sophisticated mind and a sophisticated aesthetic. It is a crucible of beauty in all its forms.
As I sit here resting my weary legs with the scent of a lily bouquet floating through my room, I hardly know where to begin with my stories of Dubai. But like a true connoisseur, I shall attempt to create each one with care so that you can see them for the individual jewels they are.
It seems the Dubai Tourism team were able to discern my style quite quickly. Before I arrived here I was selected to stay at The Address Downtown, a stunning hotel right next door to The Dubai Mall. From the moment I checked in, there have been so many little notions that this is just the place for me here, and this afternoon I experienced another.
After a morning of touring many wonderful offerings, I took a little time to myself to explore a place that had captured my imagination from the very first image I’d ever seen of it. The Souk, attached to the mall, is utterly entrancing. The lusty scent of incense trails through the amber lit alleyways, diamonds call to you from every store window and your inner Princess finds her head.
With deep brown twinkling eyes, a fragrance salesman beckoned me over to sample his wears and my Princess agreed. Perched up on a soft leather stool, I sat and chatted about the passion the Arabic people have for fragrance. Golden flasks each stood ready to woo me, but I already knew I wanted only one.
“Would Madam like to try this beautiful Rose perfume?” he asked. This Madame smiled and said, “Actually, I’d much prefer something smoky and dark. A rich tobacco.” It was as though I’d said a magic word, his eyes lit up and a single flask instantly selected. With a flourish he indicated towards my arm, “please may I? All perfume must sing with the skin to be true.” Perhaps this was a part of his usual sales manner, but in my current poetic surroundings it carried the perfect trace of fantasy.
There is a truth that appears in someone’s eyes when they truly love something, and that is what happened next. I was enveloped in a heady cloud of warmth and velvet, a scent you could almost stroke. As it rose from my skin I wanted to close my eyes and fall back into a deep leather sofa. I could not resist myself. He smiled at me, the crocked smile of a co-conspirator, “see?” he said. “On you, this sings.”
I have searched for many years to find my signature fragrance. I knew just how I wanted it to smell. I had come close before, but not close enough. The mass produced synthetic perfumes of the big brands have left me cold with their soulless offerings. But here in Dubai, amongst the alleys of the Souk, I have found my fragrance. And even more exciting to me, is that my fragrance has a story.
by Candice DeVille | Nov 25, 2014 | sponsors, Travel
Having a good imagination makes planning for an overseas holiday so much easier. Such is the case with my upcoming trip to Dubai.
Since I first heard that I was one of the very fortunate to be invited by Dubai Tourism to experience the wonders of the UAE, I have been dreaming, planning and shopping. Yes, I know I should probably save myself for all the incredible markets and malls over there, but I do like to be prepared.
Whenever I hit a new city, the very first thing I like to do is visit a large upscale mall. Why? Well I find that it is one of the quickest ways to get the vibe of a city. To people watch and see what sort of pace they move at, which stores hold the balance of fashion power, and to gauge the level of daily glamour; the place I feel most at home.
With that in mind, a visit to the Dubai Mall is high on my list of arrival priorities. It is the largest shopping and entertainment venue in the world! Yes, if I were a millionaire I’d probably go wild with my credit card and valet to carry all the packages, but the mall holds another rich appeal for me. The Aquarium!
You may not know this about me, but I have always been obsessed with aquariums. I’ve kept fish of some kind ever since I was a child, and they grace my back on a permanent basis. I adore watching the sway of the grasses and corals as fish dart in and out. Jellyfish are a particular favourite, with their iridescent lights and wispy tentacles. I can often be found sit sitting, mesmerised, watching these creatures float by.
I’ll be staying at The Address Downtown Dubai, essentially right in the heart of the Mall and Souk district. Unlike so many cities I’ve visited, what has me giddy with excitement about Dubai is the seamless mix of the old and the new. Just like myself and this blog, there seems to be a strong sense of connection to its heritage, yet all set within a sleek futuristic version of that world. I will confirm this upon my arrival, but I have the distinct impression that the blend of old and new in Dubai will directly echo who I am.
For all the luxury and glamour of the city streets, I also plan on swathing myself in white muslin and khaki dresses to take on the Desert Safari. To ride side-saddle on a bejewelled swaying camel as the sun sets over the honeyed sand dunes. Having ridden a camel before I realise that the reality of these animals is a little different, but imagination is a wonderful thing.
I’ve already bought the most perfect pair of golden diamanté sandals and oversized 70’s style sunglasses to match the regal vision in my mind.
To add to this fantastic vision of Dubai, I am planning to head to the Atlantis Palms where they have the Aquaventure. Not only does the Palms have the sort of incredible architecture I’ve only ever seen on a 1930s Hollywood set, but I’ll be able to swim with dolphins! My mind is almost totally overwhelmed with the possibilities of just what will happen when I get here. With such a surrounding and the incredible array of aquatic life, it seems only right that I bring my Esther Williams swimsuit for the occasion.
I’m already enjoying this trip and I haven’t even left Australia! Just travelling in my imagination to ensure that I am prepared for anything means my house is now covered in clothes. The contest of my wardrobe, my shoe closet and my accessories chest are all working over time creating little travel tableaux.
I can’t wait to share this amazing adventure with you!
by Candice DeVille | Nov 18, 2014 | Accessories, sponsors
‘Brought to you by Nuffnang and Cash Converters’
I am a treasure hunter.
There is nothing else that gives me quite the same rush of endorphins as finding a one of a kind, beautiful piece at a bargain price that totally knocks my socks off. The thrill is not just in the piece itself, but the overwhelming feeling that I am a genius, smarter than the masses, to have found this hidden gem. This is a feeling that all shopaholics and vintage lovers can relate to.
The problem is, with the mass market being exactly that, mass; it is getting harder and harder to find sources for this special kind of joy.
Last week I was invited by Cash Converters to come into store and explore the range of jewellery they have on offer. I’ll be honest. I’ve never shopped in a Cash Converters store and neither have they ever come to mind when I felt the need for a special piece of bling. I knew they existed, but they have just never registered on my radar either as a shopper or as a bargain hunter. It’s surprising just how quickly things change.
When I stepped into the store, I was greeted by the smiling face of the sales lady polishing up her jewellery counter. Light, bright and shiny, and without a hint of “jewellery store intimidation”. (This is the feeling you can get when you walk into a store with diamond filled cases and feel like you’re being sized up for whether you should be allowed in there or not)
Surreptitiously, I began to peruse the cases, expecting that I would be viewing rows and rows of out-dated 1990’s gold rings and bad chains.
Can I show you what first caught my eye?
An emerald and diamond vintage bracelet.
SERIOUSLY!! How freaking gorgeous is that!
Once the store manager Anthony came in and introduced himself, my mind was well and truly open. The cases held a beautiful mix of classic, current and very vintage designs. I imagined myself wealthy enough to take my pick and fill every finger, yet I still couldn’t narrow it down to a top four.
Cash Converters source their jewellery from all kinds of situations. The Emerald bracelet that I later discovered had a matching necklace (oh dear god!). Some pieces have been remade into custom designs, taking gems from various pieces and turning them into stunners. Others have been acquired for their high-end stones and beautifully modern settings.
The more Anthony and I spoke, the more I realised I’d stumbled across something fantastic. Here I was, standing at a gleaming jewellery counter, where not only did the pieces make my eyes glaze over with lust, but that I could afford.
I am very (very) partial to spending my money on jewellery; not only for its beauty, but I see it as a good investment. Rather than always buying the “disposable” costume jewellery, there is a perfect way to outfit yourself in diamonds, gold and precious stones. Swapping out your wardrobe!
Think of it like this; if you took all the random bits and bobs you have lying around in your jewellery case, old 21st presents etc, and took them into Cash Converters, you may have enough to upgrade to a more impressive piece. Then, once you’re over it, simply go back and trade up again.
This is the same system I use when acquiring so many of my beautiful vintage dresses but I’d never found an easy way to do this with jewellery. I have a number of pieces I no longer use or want and would like to sell. But doing this through an auction site can be costly, unreliable and a long-winded process.
Because Cash Converters sell most of their pieces beautifully restored and with a valuation certificate, I don’t have the same hesitation that I do when looking at supposedly vintage or antique jewellery online elsewhere. And yes, Cash Converters sell jewellery online and have close to 17,000 pieces listed. So any time of the day or night, when the need for a new and impressive piece calls (like the possibility of meeting royalty on my next overseas trip), I know exactly where I’ll be looking.
Oddly, I’d never once considered Cash Converters as a place for treasure hunting, yet I felt like I was pretty clever to discover this secret; even though I’d been invited. Yes, I’d gone in looking at jewellery but I’d also come out hyper excited about the prospect of diamonds and vintage video games!
Since my visit, I’ve been dropping Cash Converters into conversations with a number of people, trying to find out if they ever shop there. I’ve yet to hear anyone say yes. And you know what this means to a treasure hunter like me? The possibility of an undiscovered honey-pot!
I rather feel like I’m giving away a new secret location to you here, and if they hadn’t asked me to spread the word I may not have. (Just kidding, I love you guys).
So as I write this I have several tabs open on my computer; bookmarking some beautiful diamond earrings and a stunning art deco ring to put on the list of Christmas gifts I’d like to give myself. And just like the diamonds in them, I’ll know that these are one of a kind treasures.
To stay up to date with all the latest Cash Converters treasures follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Google +.
by Candice DeVille | Nov 12, 2014 | Beauty Reviews, Skin Care, sponsors
Brought to you by Nuffnang and Neutrogena
Great skin is the foundation to a great look.
If really want to pull off the #IWokeUpLikeThis look with #NoMakeup #NoFilter, then you’d better be paying good attention to your skin. There is no makeup that can truly imitate the glow of well-maintained, hydrated skin. Trust me, I know.
As a makeup artist I see women of all ages, sans makeup, on a regular basis. It’s instantly obvious who takes care of their skin and who doesn’t. I’m often shocked to hear clients say they are at least ten years younger than their skin appears to be.
Eating well, getting enough sleep and staying out of the sun are all vital to great skin, but there are now fantastic products out there to help us make the best of our efforts.
When it comes to moisture, it should be your number one priority in skin maintenance. Our bodies already produce a very clever substance known as hyaluronic acid. Its job is to cushion joints, hydrate the skin and the hair, and helps our skin retain its elasticity. It’s an amazing molecule, which can retain up to 1000 times its own weight in water. The problem is though, that the levels our body naturally produces degrades daily, and as we age, this process speeds up.
So what can we do? Fortunately for us, the technology of the beauty industry has caught up to the point where they’re able to produce high quality gels to keep us hydrated. The main problem has been the very high price point; until now.
Neutrogena has just launched their Hydro Boost Water Gel range to much fanfare and anticipation. A luxury product, with the same efficacy and results as those more than twice the price! The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a pale blue, silky gel substance that is instantly absorbed into the skin. With no greasy residue, it leaves your skin feeling instantly hydrated, supple and smooth.
No matter the weather, we lose so much moisture from our skin each day. It may be the natural climate, the artificial climate (air conditioning / heating), or simple daily perspiration. Keeping up your water is one thing, but we want to make sure it gets to where it is needed and doesn’t immediately evaporate. I’ve spent a lot of time working with different skin hydrating solutions, and hyaluronic acid is by far the most effective ingredient in seeing instant results.
Having such an affordable option as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel may revolutionise your skin care regime. You won’t need the big bucks to get the big name glow, just this little blue pot of hydrating molecules.
Try it for yourself, and I’d bet you’ll be impressed with the results too!
I even have a Hydro Boost special hamper pack to give away!
You could win the ultimate hydrating hamper including these products from the Hydro Boost range.
| NEUTROGENA® HydroBoost Water Gel 50g $24.99 |
| NEUTROGENA® HydroBoost Night Concentrate 50g $24.99 |
| NEUTROGENA® HydroBoost Gel SPF15 40mL $24.99 |
| NEUTROGENA® HydroBoost Eye Roll On 15g $19.95 |
Quite the beauty haul!
All you need to do is tell me in the comments, why the Hydro Boost Water Gel appeals to you.
Terms and Conditions for this giveaway can be found here.
by Candice DeVille | Oct 30, 2014 | competitions, sponsors, Travel
It is quite possible that what I have to tell you may be the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. It has been on my “Life List” for quite some time and I didn’t know if or when I’d be able to make it happen, but now I can tell you….
I am going to Dubai!!
In fact, the whole Nuffnang Bloggeratti team and I are headed off to Dubai together! This is the very first time that such a large group of bloggers have been invited to take part in a huge getaway campaign, and I’m honoured to be amongst them. We’ve become a close-knit group of Nuffnang bloggers from across Australia, all writing about different things but sharing the same blogging passion. Having the opportunity to work on something this exciting and spend time with ‘colleagues’ is just incredible!
The whole group of us cover a diverse range of topics, so the stories you’ll be able to see will have something for everyone. We are fashion, parenting, style, interiors, food and craft bloggers. Can you imagine how differently we’ll experience Dubai?
We will be working with the #MyDubai initiative, created by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. Yes, that’s right and I can hardly believe it myself, we’ll be working on a project initiated by Royalty!
Dubai is a land of dreams to me; not only do they have the biggest shopping mall in the world, but is a wealth of culture, history and tradition. There is so much I want to see and experience. The tastes and sounds, the early morning sunrises and the beauty of the desert plains will, no doubt, provide the perfect backdrop to my stories. The aquariums, ice rinks, fountains and markets all fuelling the imagination and creating exquisite memories.
The passionate people watcher and archaeologist in me is beside herself with excitement. I feel like a child presented with the dessert buffet and only a tiny plate to hold it all. I know I will be a glutton for experiences on this trip and these are the souvenirs I plan to bring home.
Already I am planning the wardrobe needed for this adventure, imagining floaty silks, golden trims and leather sandals. The possibility of what awaits on the local Dubai fashion scene is simply too much to comprehend. The luxury, the choice, the scale; all like I’ve never seen before. I am fascinated to sit down with tea and explore the stories of traditional dress and the subtleties of style in Dubai.
As my fellow vintage lovers, I know you will understand completely when I tell you my minds eye sees all these images with a tinge of Hercule Poirot and a Khaki clad adventuress. My pulse is already racing.
It is not only me who should feel the excitement of this tough, as I have an announcement for you too.
As a part of this spectacular Dubai trip, Nuffnang has the opportunity for YOU and a friend to WIN and come with us!!
All you have to do is tell us via your social media platforms “What do you dream of in Dubai?” and make sure to add the hashtag #NNDubaiDreams and #mydubai.
Please note that you must remember these things for your entry to count:
- Must use the two hashtags #NNDubaiDreams and #mydubai
- Can upload an image, text or video
- Shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
- Entries can any format as long as they’re publicly visible and include those hashtags.
Here is the official Nuffnang blog post with all the competition details
What can you win?
- The winner and your +1 receive flights from their nearest capital city, accommodation, and activities in Dubai. They’ll be traveling in part with our group, but not included in all activities. Includes flights, accommodation and activities.
Terms & Conditions
Do not let this one pass you by!! Enter as many times as you like and share this with all your friends who may end up winning for you!
