Hey Sand Stars!

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of dining onboard Bateaux Dubai; Dubai’s premiere dinner cruise experience, with two members of my team.

Bateaux Dubai was launched in 2004 and cruises along Dubai Creek, passing Dubai’s unique heritage sites such as the Grand Mosque and Dubai Museum. Run by JA Resorts & Hotels, the sight-seeing and dining experience is of a high standard and focuses on quality in terms of customer service and food. I was honoured to even have been asked to perform a few pieces on the onboard piano during the evening! 🙂

The cruise leaves at 8h30pm and returns to dock at 11pm sharp; I felt a bit like Cinderella having to return back to reality albeit a little earlier than midnight 😉

The food and general ambience was relaxed and not too formal, which is perfect for those of you who love getting dressed up and eating fine food but in a more personable atmosphere than the high end eateries in Dubai.

Have a look at some of the photos below (PS: the food is DELICIOUS- my favourites were the Roasted Beef Rossini, prepared for me sans alcohol and the Chocolate Fondant. There are delectable vegetarian options, too.)

To book a cruise: Bateaux Dubai or call +9714 814 5553.

 

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Canadian Lobster

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Roasted Beef Rossini

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Chocolate Fondant

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My team and I with the Chef De Cuisine onboard. All food is freshly prepared onboard the Bateaux Dubai.

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Tahmeed Omar (Pho-Tah) & Rahma Himid (Grace & Garbo)

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The magnificent view from the deck

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A very happy and satisfied Littlepianodiva 😉

Hey Sand Stars!

I hope everyone has been well. It’s with much excitement that I let you all know that my newest single ‘SpaceOut’ is now available! The track is under the name of my alter-ego ‘M’Queen’ 😉 She’s a lot cooler and sassier than I am 🙂

The trance/electronic piece was composed by myself and produced by Chris Rayner, one of Dubai’s leading DJs.

While I will still be playing chillout, classical-influenced piano, M’Queen will be releasing more dance-y music. Check in for more updates!

Currently, the track is available worldwide via iTunes, CD Baby, etc. See a few links below:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mqueen

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spaceout-feat.-chris-rayner/id1080116824

 

Cover artwork by Rae and cover photo by Pho-TahSpaceOut Cover.jpg

 

Hey Sand Stars!

I hope everyone has been doing well and that 2016 has been amazing thus far. Events, performing and production work has already begun and I look forward to a busy 2016, God willing 🙂

One event I was recently invited to, by the Rivoli Group, was The Bride Show Dubai. One of the group’s brands, Balmain Swiss timepieces, was the official timekeeper of this bridal extravaganza and it was an honour to meet the Balmain team and learn a little more about one of my favourite watch brands.

As you know, the Balmain name is synonymous with edginess; structure and fine detailing and one can definitely see the amazing craftsmanship in its watches.

My favourites include the La Vela II (amongst many). All pieces are Swiss made, with the finest metals, diamonds & pearl finishes and many are water-resistant (YAY!) Pierre Balmain was renowned for his arabesque, ornate details and you’ll find this in many of the timepieces.

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In Dubai, check out Hour Choice stores for the finest Balmain watches.

Join the Balmain Army 😉

Live, Love & Laugh Littlepianodiva Style!

M

x

Hey Sand Stars,

Happy New Year! May 2016 be YOUR year; full of blessings and happiness 🙂

2015 was an insanely busy year and I look forward to sharing lots of cool music and other news with you soon.

In the meanwhile, I wanted to ask if anyone else is as excited as I am for awards season?! I’m a red-carpet-fashion lover and seriously looking forward to seeing what the ladies (and dapper gents) wear for the Golden Globes, SAGs and Oscars this year.

Because of the nature of my work and the need to look glam, I’m always looking to awards season for inspiration for my gigs. I love Meher & Riddhima for their feminine, elegant designs (they are a local, Dubai-based duo).

International designers I love wearing include Zuhair Murad, but there’s no need to stick to high-end designers to looking like a star. Many high-street stores stock stunning gowns and jumpsuits; the key is to check the fabric of the garment (make sure it’s of good and lasting quality) and the tailoring: the dress needs to fit well. It may even be an idea to get something custom-made, but- again -select strong, quality fabric that won’t crease easily and will fit you like a glove!

I look forward to seeing you all dress like superstars 😉 Tag me on Instagram.

Live, Love & Laugh Littlepianodiva Style!

M

x

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One of Meher & Riddhima’s beautiful formal gowns.

 

 

Pastel Palette

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Hey Sand Stars!

I hope you have all been well. During Ramadan, I try and keep work to a minimum, but sometimes shoots and the like pop up now and then. Earlier this week I had a simple photo shoot and was inspired by Amber Heard’s soft and subtle makeup (see pic below).

The makeup was achieved with the help of some of my favourites: MAC foundation; a Sephora colour palette; Max Factor kohl; a Chanel lip liner and Benefit mascara.

I layered frosty pinks and lilacs on my eyelids and only applied the kohl on the bottom of the eye to make my eyes look more natural. A sweep of blush on the cheeks and pale pink lipgloss (all from the Sephora palette) finished things off.

These pinkish shades are a perfect idea for summer vacations (you don’t want to look overdone as you travel). Remember that makeup is not a mask and is simply used to highlight your already-gorgeous features 🙂

Live, Love & Laugh LittlePianoDiva style!

M

x

In the pink with soft, rosy-toned makeup. Photography by Tahmeed Omar for Pho-Tah.

In the pink with soft, rosy-toned makeup. Photography by Tahmeed Omar for Pho-Tah.

Makeup inspiration! Photo courtesy www.popsugar.com

Makeup inspiration! Photo by http://www.popsugar.com

MAC Studio Fix Foundation. Photo courtesy www.lashpashcosmetics.co.uk

MAC Studio Fix Foundation. Photo by http://www.lashpashcosmetics.co.uk

This Sephora palette is a dream. Since I'm often travelling, it's awesome to have my eyeshadows, cheek and lip tints in one box! Photo courtesy www.polyvore.com

This Sephora palette is a dream. Since I’m often travelling, it’s awesome to have my eyeshadows, cheek and lip tints in one box! Photo by http://www.polyvore.com

This is my favourite non-liquid liner. Photo courtesy www.blushcosmetics.com

This is my favourite non-liquid liner. Photo by http://www.blushcosmetics.com

This Chanel liner feels like satin on my lips! Remember to shade in your lips with the pencil as, if your lipstick fades, the colour of the liner will remain. Photo courtesy www.makeupandbeauty.com

This Chanel liner feels like satin on my lips! Remember to shade in your lips with the pencil as, if your lipstick fades, the colour of the liner will remain. Photo by http://www.makeupandbeauty.com

I am in LOVE with this mascara that goes on like a dream, doesn't clump and lasts all day! Photo by www.ysislorenna.com

I am in LOVE with this mascara that goes on like a dream, doesn’t clump and lasts all day! Photo by http://www.ysislorenna.com

Maserati 1 of 100

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Hey Sand Stars!

Ramadan Kareem to all my Muslim supporters. May this month of blessings bring you inner peace, contentment and heightened spirituality.

I know, it’s been a really long time, but life has been on the upswing and incredibly busy. One of the cool highlights of the past few months was being selected to be 1 of 100 personalities from Milan, New York, Shanghai and Dubai to be featured in a coffee-table book by Maserati in collaboration with luxury menswear brand, Ermenegildo Zegna.

My photos were shot by renowned photographer Fabrizio Ferri and the entire project is to celebrate the unique Maserati Quattroporte Zegna; a limited edition luxury vehicle.

The book will be revealed soon and proceeds go to the restoration of historical Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, Italy. For further details, please see: http://ksa.motory.com/en/news/ermenegildo-zegna-and-maserati-celebrate-the-launch-of-the-maserati-quattroporte-zegna-limited-edition-1013508/

More news about this soon!

Until then: Live, Love & Laugh Littlepianodiva style!

M

x

A photo taken at the '1 of 100' shoot; a project celebrating the Maserati Quattroporte Zegna. Photograph courtesy of Maserati

A photo taken at the ‘1 of 100’ shoot; a project celebrating the Maserati Quattroporte Zegna. Photograph courtesy of Maserati

Chop It Up

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Hey Sand Stars
A while back I made a yummy (even if I do say so myself) birthday dinner for a loved one. The main dish was lamb chops with roast potatoes. It turned out to be a big hit with the family, so I thought I’d share the recipe. Let me know if you try it out!
Chops: 1 1/2 kg.
Marinade:
1 tspn salt
1 heaped tspn garlic and ginger paste
2 heaped tspn barbecue spice
Half tspn black pepper
1/2 tspn tandoori spice
1 tblspn Mrs Balls Chutney
1 tblspn Thai sweet chilli sauce
Worcester sauce
Paprika sprinkled
Leave the meat in the marinade in the fridge for a few hours to really soak in.
Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes first until done.
Add:
Tandoori spice
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika for colour
Place in Air-Fryer or oven until golden-brown.
Serve with saffron rice.
Bon Apetit!
Live, Love & Laugh ‘Littlepianodiva’ Style!
M
xo
A meat-lover's dish.

A meat-lover’s dish.