Life & Style | Leisure

Things to do this month

Get out your diary and pencil in our pick of the best July action.

  • By Sudeshna Ghosh, Features editor, Aquarius
  • Published: 00:00 July 1, 2010
  • Aquarius

  • Image Credit: Supplied

1 Go to… The circus

What: New York's acclaimed Big Apple circus, which was the opening act for Britney Spears' Circus tour in the past, is going to be in Abu Dhabi this month, promising spectacular entertainment for the whole family. The show is part of the Summer in Abu Dhabi festival, which also includes other fun activities aimed at children, including cultural shows and science workshops.

How: Circus dates are from July 23 toAugust 3 in ADNEC. Tickets cost Dh75 for kids, and Dh200 for adults. You can get a free children's ticket with every adult ticket purchase. Visit www.summerinabudhabi.com for details.

2 Do your bit… for charity

What: Head down to Mercato Mall on July 9 and enjoy the sweet taste of giving back by participating in the Jumeirah Giant Cake Charity sale. All proceeds from cake sales on the day will go to the Dubai Autism Centre to help raise awareness.

How: Cake prices start at Dh30. There are loads of other family-oriented DSS events on in the mall through the month. Call 04-3444705.

3 Get artistic…at the Jamjar studio

What: Book in for a painting session at our favourite DIY art studio where you will not only get your own canvas and unlimited art supplies, but an arty environment too with music and coffee on hand to help you unleash your inner creativity.

How: Jamjar's summer rates offer discounted prices starting from just Dh55, as well as special packages for parties. Call 04-3417303.

4Take the kids along… to watch the World cup

What: Get into the spirit of things with your children at Stargate, Zabeel Park. The Football Fiesta at this family entertainment centre is showing the matches on giant screens and 3-D screens absolutely free, with activities like face painting, skill contests and football merchandise for sale on the fringe. With this sort of a carnival atmosphere, it's the next best thing to being in S.A!

How: Stargate is located in Zabeel Park, Gate 4. Call 8009977.

5 Save your dirhams… at Lifestyle

What: Get goodies galore when you buy your favourite beauty brands such as Nivea, Maybelline, Revlon, Bourjois and L'Oreal in the Lifestyle Beauty Extravaganza. Every purchase of Dh100 or more at Lifestyle and BeautyBay stores will get you free gifts like cosmetics, pouches, vouchers and more.

How: You need to have a minimum spend or buy specific products to get the complimentary gifts. The promotion is valid from July 1 to August 31.

6 Have a cuppa… in style

What: Kicking back with a cup of tea just got a lot more stylish with these Pret-a-porTEA bags featuring iconic celebrities on the tab. Choose from fashion-themed sets like this one featuring Karl Lagerfield, or a Hollywood set with the likes of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, or, for the flavour of the moment - football-themed teabags.

How: Dh55 for a set of five, vailable at Sauce. www. shopatsauce.com.

7 Catch some movie magic… by the pool

What: Cine Splash at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club is screening two movies every Thursday night this month at the poolside. Bring your inflatables along and have a float in the pool, while munching on popcorn, pizza and pasta.

How: Movie screenings are at 7pm (kid's movie) and 9:30pm. Entry is free for members, and Dh30 for non-members including a welcome drink. Call 04-3618111.

8 Boost your positivity… with hypno-coaching

What: The Orator's Forum is organising workshops on developing a Positive Mental Attitude with NLP and Hypnosis techniques. The workshop will help you maintain positive energy and protect yourself from negativity.

How: This month's workshops will be held on July 7 and 15, 8:30am to 12:30pm. The fee is Dh1,950 per person but if you book a week in advance, it will cost only Dh1,500.

 

9 Upgrade your tech… with an HP wireless mouse

What: Forget unwieldy laptop accessories, the snazzy HP wireless mouse is the perfect girlie gadget with its Vivienne Tam-designed butterfly motif.

How: Dh155, available at most electronics stores. The Vivienne Tam range also includes laptops and other accessories.

 

 

10 Cook up a storm… at Rhodes Mezzanine

What: Cooking master classes in modern British cuisine with Rhodes Mezzanine head chef Paul Lupton, to help you hone your gourmet culinary skills. The sessions start with breakfast, and end with a three-course lunch with paired beverages.

How: Dh1,100 per person, call 04-3176000.

Get your culture fix

Visit… Tashkeel, an art oasis in Nad Al Sheba dedicated to encouraging local artists. The Made in Tashkeel exhibition, featuring different types of artworks from painting and photography to printmaking and jewellery is on throughout this month. Visit www.tashkeel.org for more.

 

Watch… The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Dakota Fanning

The eagerly awaited third instalment in the series sees Bella's (played by Stewart) teenage angst, with graduation day looming ahead, made much more complicated by having vampires and friendship dilemmas thrown into the mix. And no, this isn't just another teen movie - we've become fans of the gripping storylines too. In Grand Cinemas this month.

 

Read… The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf (Mira) This debut novel by a promising new writer tells the story of two little girls who are best friends - one of whom is a selective mute after undergoing family traumas - that go missing on the same day. The tightly suspenseful story is told using multiple voices, revealing small-town America and its social fabric as it unfolds. Powerful and absorbing, it will keep you hooked until the bittersweet ending. Dh52, at Kinokuniya Book World.

 

Book tickets for… Dubai's take on Fame: The Musical, at Madinat Theatre, on from July 14-17. The award-winning show features both top West End performers as well as local talent. Tickets prices start from Dh75, visit www.madinattheatre.com.

 

Listen to… Aphrodite by Kylie Minogue. The pop goddess's latest album sees her back doing what she does best - belting out catchy dance floor anthems. This is your perfect summer 2010 soundtrack!

The monthly wellbeing and family magazine

Aquarius
The problem is that everyone is anxious about certain sudden changes, including you. But while you're biding your time until you learn more, others are taking action, and it isn't always well thought out. The best strategy? For now – distract them.

Weekly Forecast

Shelley von Strunckel reveals what's in the stars for this week

Porsche 911 Carrera S

Motoring

Evolution of the species: New Porsche 911

Tracey with her son, Lucas, and daughter, Izzie.

Real life

Why keeping a diary helped Tracey through cancer

Life & Style editor's choice