The tradition of wearing a Bindi, the ceremonial red dot worn by women of the Indian subcontinent, originates from ancient Hindu beliefs. The word ‘Bindi’ is derived from the Sanskrit ‘Bindu‘, or ‘point’. In Hinduism, this point on the forehead (right between the eyebrows), is considered the sacred spot from where creation begins.

Traditionally, round red bindis were worn by married women to signify their marital status. Over time, the humble bindi has surpassed religious significances, and has gone on to become a besotted ethnic accessory that comes in many colours and shapes.

I recently got introduced to the very talented Ninorah Fernandes, founder and creator of Nindi. A clever brand name that incorporates the bindi with her very own name, the Nindi range takes inspiration from all across the globe and best of all, they can be reused time and time again. They even have Hamsa Nindis! Ninorah gives us more insight into her innovative brand, read on for more!

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Great news Tarte lovers, we can now buy their fabulous range right here in the Middle East in all leading Sephora stores! Hailing from New York, the Tarte Cosmetics range has a cult following the world over. I was recently sent the Tarte Tartiest Lash Paint Mascara, and have been using it all week.

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We all have an alter ego, another aspect of our day to day facade that often gets overshadowed with the formalities of a stiff-collared designation. I have been blogging about food for nearly two years now, and it never fails to impress me when I manage to uncover a hidden chef in someone quite unexpected!

By day, Paul Alexander Estorffe is a Senior Communications Manager at The Qode, one of Dubai’s most reputed PR communications houses. I happened to stumble upon his Instagram account @paul_estorffe and was pretty amazed by the kind of spectacular dishes this ‘home cook’ dishes out! Do follow him and have a look for yourselves. In today’s guest post, Paul has been kind enough to share a simple yet very fancy-sounding recipe he has created all by himself; Paul’s Kipper Pate with Drambuie and Toast. I’ll be trying this out myself this week, thanks Paul!

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If you are following me on my social media handles, you’ve already heard the news: The Tezzy Files has been nominated yet again for the very prestigious category of ‘Best Blog’ by Ahlan Masala!

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The Tezzy Files turns 2 this month, and this is the second time the blog has been listed by Masala! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see my blog on this list of some of the best known bloggers in our city.

If you enjoy reading my posts and feel I deserve to win, please do spare me a minute and cast your vote! You can also win some pretty amazing prizes just for placing your votes. All you have to do is sign into www.masalaawards.com

Much love,

Tezzy. 

I am pretty addicted to the Naturalmente Green Tea Lip Cream. This beautifully scented, all-natural lip cream has become a staple in my makeup bag. Made of highly nourishing natural ingredients, this lip cream easily absorbs into the skin and even boasts of anti-aging properties. Read my complete review by clicking here.

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Today I have not one, not two, but THREE Naturalmente Green Tea Lip Creams to give away. Read on to find out how to win.

Sephora has always managed to stay a few steps ahead of the beauty game by bringing in some of the world’s most sought-after brands exclusively under their umbrella for the Middle East region. Brand new on their coveted list is the South Korean brand Tony Moly.

Tony Moly is a skincare brand with a difference – ‘Tony Moly’ translates to ‘putting style into packaging’, and we are not talking suave and sophisticated here at all; their packaging is just way too adorable!

Take the Tony Moly Banana Hand Milk for example. The cream itself is refreshingly light and absorbs quickly into the skin, yet it also manages to be very moisturizing thanks to the key ingredients milk and banana extracts. But the product itself is completely overshadowed by the cuteness of the packaging… an actual replica of a banana!

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A young boy, on a visit to his mother’s ancestral home in Meerut (North Western India), is left fascinated by a bright yellow find. So contrastingly different from the usual fiery reds and deep greens, this prized yellow chili happened to fall in the hands of a boy destined to be arguably India’s most celebrated chefs, Sanjeev Kapoor himself.

So cherished was this find that many decades later, Sanjeev Kapoor opened up a whole chain of restaurants called Yellow Chili. Where Signature and Options are the chef’s ode to Indian fine-dining, Yellow Chili aims to be your cushy neighbourhood retreat for some seriously good, home-style Indian dishes.

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I can sniff the weekend! Heading off to yet another Friday brunch tomorrow? Perhaps you just want to sleep in for a change, and head out for a chillaxed feast at a leisurely 8 pm or later? I was at the Meridien Village Terrace last Friday. With a lavish spread, flowing beverages and live music to boot, their Friday ‘Latino Latino Nights’ are just the place to be!

The UAE can finally boast of breezy-beautiful evenings, and what better way to spend a laid-back Friday with friends and family than under the stars?

‘Ruya’ translates to ‘dream’, a very apt name for one of Dubai’s most anticipated new restaurants, located in the very luxe Grosvenor House (Marina Dubai). This very stylish new Turkish restaurant pays homage to the rich culinary history of the Anatolian region.

Headed by Chef Colin Clague who has some very reputed names under his belt (including the iconic Burj Al Arab, Jean Georges Dubai, Qbara and Zuma), the dishes here are as artistic as the venue itself.

The expansive interiors are done up with a great deal of panache. Dimly lit, suave and chic, the ambiance is all at once inviting and posh.  From the traditional oven to the Cag Kebap grill, and the beautifully intricate mosaic in spurts of turquoise, a few typically Turkish accents add a touch of the exotic to the space. Ruya is a restaurant, lounge and bar, and also features an open terrace, boasting of a very scenic view of the Dubai Marina.

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Diwali, the auspicious Indian Festival of Lights, is just around the corner. We often associate Indian festivities with bright colours, pomp and music, and a whole load of tantalizing sweets. But the feasting is definitely not restricted to dessert…

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The very talented Chef Pradeep Khullar from Jodhpur Royal Dining (at Murooj Rotana, Dubai), has been very busy creating a whole new lineup of delectable festive treats, and their special Diwali Menu is out now! Do give it a try.

One of the brand new, innovative dishes on Jodhpur’s Diwali Menu is the Makkai Palak, Red Raddish Carpaccio.