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      This Genius Method Is Helping Me Accomplish My Goals in Just 12 Weeks

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      Every year, in the week leading up to New Year’s Eve, I reflect on the year I’ve had, round up vision board supplies to dream about the year ahead, and fill out reflection and goal-planning workbooks. Like most of us, I brainstorm goals for my career, relationships, social life, health, and more, and I think, “Certainly, I can accomplish all of these things by next year!” But despite my best goal-setting efforts and the deep excitement I feel for what’s to come, I can’t help but feel generally overwhelmed.
      To be honest, I typically end up setting vague commitments, letting the year play out, and adjusting my path along the way, and that doesn’t always yield great results. Knowing this about myself, I wanted to try something new this year, and as always, the internet had an answer for me. Inspired by a popular time management book making waves across social media, I picked up a copy of The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington to see what the hype was about and attempt to plan my success.
      After reading Moran and Lennington’s framework and advice, I’m here to share what I learned from The 12 Week Year, how I’m leveraging it all to set meaningful, measurable goals, and whether or not it’s yielded results for me so far.

      Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

      Leading experts on execution and implementation, Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington share a how-to guide for those who are seeking to improve their execution effectiveness from one year to just 12 weeks. This book will help you redefine your year to create clarity and urgency on what matters now and ultimately speed your journey to success.

      What is a 12 week year?
      According to Moran and Lennington, “A year is no longer 12 months, it is now only 12 weeks.” This allows us to redefine the traditional framework of a full year; however, it’s important to note that this isn’t the same as dividing a calendar year into four (like you would when you plan quarterly). You can start your 12 week year at any time and count 12 weeks from your starting point to determine when your year ends. Basically, you don’t have to start on January 1 if you want to start crushing your goals using this framework—you can start counting your 12 weeks whenever you want! And after the 12 weeks is over, you can start again right away or whenever you’re ready. There are no hard and fast rules!
      How do you structure your days?
      When you have 365 days to achieve your goals, you don’t have to be as strict with your time as you do when you only have 84. Each moment in each day is important in a 12 week year, so structuring your day and outlining your tactics (or your to-do list) is crucial for making progress toward your goals. Your daily actions are what drive you toward actual change, so plan your days with actionable, specific, and time-bound tasks. For example, if you are planning to prioritize your health as a goal, some of your daily to-dos might include incorporating 30 minutes of movement each day on your lunch break (whether it’s a short walk, a workout, or light stretching) and eating at home five out of seven nights of the week. The tactics you set out to do should be clear enough that you can tell right away if you’re achieving them. Otherwise, it will be hard to tell at the end of your day, week, and full 12 weeks if you accomplished what you intended.
      How can you be the most intentional with your limited time?
      Achieving your goals requires more than planning and luck. You’ll also need to ensure you’re using your time intentionally. Moran and Lennington discuss intentionality and how, in order to accomplish your goals, you have to be intentional about how and where you invest your time. Time-blocking is a great way to ensure all of your time is well-spent. In the book, the authors discuss three helpful types of time blocks that hold a specific purpose, whether it’s to power through hard work or simply take a much-needed rest—because both are important for achieving your goals.

      Strategic blocks: This is a three-hour block of uninterrupted time that you can schedule each week for deep, distraction-free concentration.
      Buffer blocks: This is a block for unplanned and low-value activities that can feel rather time-consuming, and the allotted time varies for each person.
      Breakout blocks: This is another three-hour (or more) block of time that is spent away from your work. Think of this as free time to be totally disconnected.

      How do hold yourself accountable throughout a 12 week year?
      Determining your weeks and structuring your days will help you pull together a strong plan, but it’s essential to implement accountability and progress checks to guide you. Moran and Lennington recommend spending 15-20 minutes at the beginning of each week and the first five minutes of each day reviewing your progress. This can help you determine the areas you’re doing a good job in, whether or not you’ve been allocating your time effectively, and where you might be falling behind and need to restructure your tasks and plans. Checking in with your progress frequently keeps your goals top of mind, too.
      Moran and Lennington also suggest implementing a scorekeeping method to measure your weekly efforts. This doesn’t have to be complicated or overly strict, but it should give you a good idea as to whether you met your goals for the week or not. To do this, review the tactics you intended to complete throughout the week and cross off what you actually did finish. Then, count the number of tactics you completed and divide it by the total number you intended to do. This will give you your score for the week. Moran and Lennigton found that if you achieve a minimum of 85 percent each week, you’re likely to hit your goals at the end of the 12 week year!
      Regular accountability checks and scorekeeping can let you know if you are truly making progress toward your goals because let’s face it: If we don’t measure ourselves, it’s easy to tell ourselves we’re making progress, only to come up short. These check-in points also allow you to assess whether you set the right tactics for yourself, which means that if there’s a tactic you aren’t hitting week after week, you should reassess it and adjust if needed.
      How do you achieve your goals in less time?
      The concept of the 12 week year is also built on three principles that, when executed well, drive personal and professional success. To achieve your goals, Moran and Lennington believe accountability, commitment, and harnessing greatness in each moment is crucial. While we already reviewed the importance of accountability and understand the importance of being committed to your work and your goals, harnessing greatness in the moment is a principle I had never considered before.
      A lot of us think that greatness comes after we achieve our big dreams—like we’ll be happy when we achieve something—but the real power lies in believing in our greatness throughout the entire process. When we do this, we are more likely to do the things we need to feel great and enjoy the process along the way.
      With the help of these three principles, we know our goals, we know what we need to do to achieve them, and we aren’t afraid to set boundaries around our lives and schedules to help us do so. All of these things bring us closer to success.
      Source: @vlada-karpovich | Pexels
      How I’m using 12 week years to crush my goals this year
      I’m creating short-term visions
      In the same way that people make a vision for the entire year, I made a vision board for my 12 week sprint. For the first time, I felt less pressure to do ~all the things~ and instead focused on a short-term vision. Moran and Lennington note that it’s essential to get specific about what you can do in the short term to take meaningful steps toward your bigger dreams. To do this, you should ask yourself a series of questions to identify what you want to achieve. Below are a few questions that are recommended in the book, as well as a few of my own, that I sprinkled in to ask myself to define my short-term vision and determine my goals.

      What is most important to me in all aspects of my life?
      How much time freedom do I want?
      What income do I need (versus want)?
      What do I find fulfilling?
      What dreams do I have, and what risks or barriers are in my way?
      Where do I feel most purpose-led?

      I found that it was refreshing and exciting to let my mind wander in these directions. This process really helped me capture what I wanted to achieve without the pressure to be perfect or the rush to do everything all at once.
      I’m determining measurable goals
      According to the book, many 12 week plans should only include two or three goals. Since time is limited, they should be specific and measurable, as we discussed earlier. Ahead are the goals I defined for myself, as well as how I am planning to achieve them, in case you need some examples or inspiration for your own planning!
      Grow my professional network
      As much as I know that building a strong professional network and making connections is important (especially in an ever-changing job market), I don’t always prioritize time to grow mine. So, I’ve set this as a goal as part of my first 12 week plan to connect with and learn from like-minded professionals and expand my reach as a freelance writer.
      To achieve this goal, I plan to post on LinkedIn at least three times per week, attend one networking event by the end of my 12 week year, and spend at least one hour per week engaging with other freelancers. As you can tell, these are all specific and measurable, so they are easy to score myself on.
      Adopt a consistent morning routine
      I know from experience that my mental health is better, that I’m more productive during the day, and that I perform better when my morning routine is consistent. For my first 12 week year, I knew that because of these things, I should give my existing morning routine an overhaul as it affects all aspects of my life and, subsequently, my goals.
      To achieve this, my goal is to wake up at 6:30 am every weekday (no snooze button allowed), brush my teeth as soon as I get up, and get changed out of my pajamas before I leave my bedroom. These things will help me feel less groggy and more confident and prepared to take on the day. In addition to this, drinking at least one glass of water before I reach for a cup of coffee and setting a strict “no social media until after 10:00 a.m.” rule is present on my daily to-do list. With these things in place, I anticipate seeing my productivity and mental health improve significantly.
      I’m documenting my progress and planning ahead
      I used my first attempt at a 12 week year as an excuse to buy another planner I didn’t need (because duh) so I could track my progress along the way. On Sunday evenings, before bed, I document my progress by scoring my week. This usually looks like a written “Heck yes, I did it!” or “I missed this goal this week” for each of the tactics I outlined at the beginning of the week (or a simple checkmark and an X, depending on my mood).
      Once I review my score from the previous week, I use that to guide the following. For example, if I didn’t post as many times on LinkedIn as I planned to the week prior, I make sure to prioritize that or do an extra post. I also use this time to put blocks on my calendar for different activities, ensuring I leave little wiggle room for determining how best to spend my time in the moment since breakout blocks (reminder: these are the time blocks spent away from work) are equally as productive, according to Moran and Lennington.
      Final Thoughts
      I’m only a few weeks in, but so far, I’m enjoying this framework and already seeing benefits. I don’t mean to brag, but since I started my first 12 week year, my scorecard has averaged a solid 90 percent! As a recovering perfectionist, I have to be honest and admit that because I always want a perfect score, I find it challenging to be honest with myself about my progress. However, I have recognized throughout this process so far that if I score perfectly, my goals might be too easy. Taking the time to pause and adjust for the greater good of my goals is all a part of growing and learning.
      The 12 week year has taught me to find the excitement in goal-setting and fresh starts instead of feeling overwhelmed by them. I can’t wait to capture more of that “new year, better me” energy beyond the month of January and achieve more goals regularly, knowing that I have the framework and support to do it, thanks to Moran and Lennington.

      Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

      Leading experts on execution and implementation, Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington share a how-to guide for those who are seeking to improve their execution effectiveness from one year to just 12 weeks. This book will help you redefine your year to create clarity and urgency on what matters now and ultimately speed your journey to success. More

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      Candlelight Concert by Fever’s Magdalena Wajdzik on delivering a memorable experience

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      Lifeby Camille Macawili21 mins ago Candlelight was initially conceived as a classical music series with concerts featuring works by renowned composers, such as Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin.Now, the ever-growing list of programs includes a wide variety of themes and genres, including tributes to contemporary artists like Queen, ABBA and more. This innovative format provides a unique live musical experience, offering a variety of programs to meet all tastes.Among their line-up of diverse artists is pianist Magdalena Wajdzik. Playing a significant role in each performance, here the talented performer shares her early beginnings and discusses how to enthrall a crowd and deliver a memorable experience through the power of music.What do your first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?I wake up every day at 5 am and start my morning routine with a refreshing shower. I then proceed to my skincare routine. After that, I tackle my exercise routine, which includes a challenging 5-minute planking challenge. I am proud to say that I have been making steady progress each week by gradually increasing the time I hold the plank. Next, I prepare myself a delicious and nutritious breakfast, usually consisting of overnight oats or chia seeds with berries and nuts, and pack a satisfying lunch for school. I am mindful of the food I consume and make a conscious effort to reduce my meat consumption. Finally, I leave for school early so that I can practice playing the piano with complete focus and mindfulness.Talk to us through your background and career.At the age of 6, my mother signed me up for piano lessons, and music became a significant part of my life. It wasn’t always easy, but after years of practice, I won a prize at a music competition. This achievement changed my mindset, and I started to believe that becoming a professional musician was possible. During my university years, I had an urge to study abroad. I was accepted to the Birmingham Conservatoire, where I seized every opportunity to grow, such as participating in internal and external competitions and concerts. Although some of these were more successful than others, they all contributed to my overall development. I also spent some summers in the US as a pianist. After a few years in the UK, I received a scholarship opportunity in Budapest, Hungary, where I spent two years exploring Hungarian piano repertoire and working with up-and-coming composers. My interest in modern music, particularly the music composed post-1950, grew stronger, and I continue to enjoy working on contemporary classical music. When I moved to UAE, I shifted my career from performing to teaching. However, I still perform occasionally and participate in a few projects such as the Candlelight Concerts. I also support student projects around Dubai as an accompanist or chamber music performer. Although music takes up most of my time, I’ve been a skydiver for the past few years, and I spend my Saturdays (my official day off from music) at Skydive Dubai.Prior to moving to Dubai in 2014, you lived across Europe, the United Kingdom and USA. What lessons did you learn during those times that you apply into your career?I left Poland during my university years and had to quickly adapt to living independently. This required me to develop an understanding of the cultures of the countries I lived in. While living abroad, I made friends from all over the world and learned how to be flexible and adaptable in different social situations. Speaking English as my first language gave me fluency and the ability to teach and mentor others while leaving my mother tongue behind.Where do you get the discipline and motivation to be consistent and are there any practices which have helped you with this?I believe in the power of habit. I remember reading the book with the same title by Charles Duhigg. I always care about producing the highest quality of work. In order to achieve this, I try to be honest with myself. I am my biggest critic, which keeps me driven and motivated. In North London Collegiate School, where I work, I am surrounded by a wonderful and ambitious team that keeps me motivated and devoted to the art of teaching and supporting students in the best way possible. It’s important to mention that my own students keep me motivated. There is nothing better than knowing that my work and attitude have impacted students’ lives in a musical way.What role has mentorship played in your career?I have been blessed to have had a few mentors in my career. They had an important role during my university years but also right after I graduated and started my teaching and performing careers. Thanks to those people, I stayed focused, built my self-confidence, achieved goals and widened my professional network. They also led me to self-discovery and helped me direct my focus to particular areas in music performance and music teaching.Are there any milestones you are most proud of?My milestones have changed over time. When I was younger, a milestone of mine was to visit 50 countries. Another was to finish with the highest degree offered at my university, the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma. What I am really proud of is that despite being so busy with my teaching career, I can still perform and practice piano, and not only that (!) – I am still getting better!What has been the biggest challenge to date, and how did you overcome this?Living as an expat has been my biggest challenge. I have been living abroad for a long time, and I often feel lonely, which affects my mental health. Family is extremely important to me, and I try to overcome the distance and time apart by visiting them whenever possible. We also have regular Zoom calls to stay connected. Prioritizing my family keeps me content and grounded in life.As an educator, your interest lies in brain development and music therapy – why is this important?Every musician has a reason for turning to teaching. At the beginning of my career, my main focus was to make a living. This all changed soon after I began my career in teaching. I find teaching at any level incredibly rewarding, regardless of the speed of progress my students make. This has been an informed decision after diving into the subject of brain development. Understanding the neural processes and how ‘flexible’ and ‘plastic’ (referring to brain plasticity) the brain helps tremendously with patience and choosing the right learning pathways for my students. Music Therapy, for me, can reduce stress and improve quality of life. I am a big supporter and strong believer in the power of music, and I hope one day, music will be the most important subject in students’ timetables.How important is music in creating the perfect ambience – how does this add to the experience?I can’t stress enough how important music is to create the perfect ambience. Music truly accentuates experiences. It can convey a specific mood: calmness, excitement, tension, or suspense. I can relate this question to a soundtrack from a movie. Something that I ALWAYS pay attention to while watching a motion picture. The sound can add emotional depth and help the person experiencing it better direct their emotions.What is the most important to you when you are on stage performing?The stage is the platform for performers. We share an art that is music. It is very important for me to connect with my audience. I always think about what I will play and how to convey those musical messages and ideas. I ask myself a few important questions: am I engaging? Are the music pieces I’m performing varied and balanced enough? Am I able to convey my emotions successfully? These questions help me direct my attention and, therefore, make me try to establish a connection with the audience.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      How I got my job as…Head of Sotheby UAE, the legacy auction house with a rich history

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      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.This week, we speak to Katia Nounou Boueiz, the visionary Head of Sotheby’s in the UAE since 2017. With her poignant leadership, she has transformed Dubai into a global hub for unveiling remarkable artworks and groundbreaking news, putting the city firmly on Sotheby’s map of cultural significance.In a detailed chat with Emirates Woman, Katia talks about her journey so far and how she envisions to shape the future of art in a thriving landscape like Dubai.You’ve been at the helm of Sotheby’s in the UAE since 2017, what inspired you to take on this role and contribute to Dubai’s emergence on the global arts scene?Looking back, it all came together almost as if by fate. I actually joined Sotheby’s all the way back in 2008, working in the London office but with a core focus on nurturing the new generation of collectors in the Middle East. When I married my husband in 2015, we decided to move to Dubai, and so I had to of course let management know. I certainly didn’t expect that they would turn around and offer me the chance to open Sotheby’s first office and gallery space in the Middle East (as you can imagine, it was an offer I could hardly refuse!).Shortly after, I found out I was pregnant, and nine months later, I was pregnant once again! Before I knew it, by the time the office had officially launched in 2017, I had two little ones under two, and an entire office to manage and run (my third child in a way!). It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once, and I can’t imagine it any other way.Eight years later – we are not only still here, but our team of three has expanded to eleven of us permanently on the ground in the UAE – so not only did we manage to survive, but we have also gone beyond our initial scope and feel proud to be part of the Emirates’ thriving ecosystem for the arts.Your involvement in bringing major artworks to Dubai, like the recent Picasso that sold for $139 million in New York, has been transformative. How do you approach curating and unveiling such significant pieces in the region?Dubai has long held a reputation for hosting the biggest, the best, the tallest, the most valuable… and so my strategy with which artworks and gems to travel to the doorstep of collector’s here has always partly aligned with that. Put simply, lets being the very best of the best that is on offer at our global auctions, because, why not? Standards and expectations here are high.With UAE as one of the culture capitals of the Middle East, and with the great appetite we have witnessed, it doesn’t take much convincing for the business to send us these incredible highlights. Whenever something major is about to be announced for auction at Sotheby’s, I jump on a call with the head of department or most relevant specialist, and we talk through bringing it to the UAE as part of its global travelling exhibition (or indeed, more and more, as the very first stop on the tour).When we know what it is that is coming, we plan a whole host of programming around it – from collaborations with our wonderful neighbours The Arts Club, to educational talks with our specialists and relevant spokespeople. For the most exceptional lots, we also make sure we work closely with Dubai Culture and DIFC, who have been so supportive in the past.We have been lucky enough to bring the likes of Marie-Antoinette’s pearls, artworks by Botticelli, Rubens, Picasso, Kandinsky, Boetti and Warhol, and important stones from across the rainbow, including the once-in-a-generation Estrela de Fura (a 55.22 carat ruby), the Infinite Blue and Eternal Pink diamonds, and the Enigma (the largest polished black diamond in the world at 555.55 carats).The ‘Made in the Emirates’ exhibition showcased local artists. Can you tell us more about the importance of promoting local talent and how it contributes to the cultural fabric of Dubai?The UAE is home to some amazing artists, designers, architects, jewellers, the list goes on, and we feel very lucky to be part of this ecosystem together. I myself collect works by Emirati artists, including a piece by Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim that I am particularly fond of.Though Sotheby’s is very much a heritage company whose history goes back to 280 years, we feel very closely connected to the DNA of our particular location. We believe it is super important to promote this cultural scene and celebrate these creatives – offering them a platform (given our reach is so international) and raising awareness – as much as possible wherever we can. As well as our selling, and non-selling exhibitions, the educational side of things is also key, for example our series of public talks with collectors.Very excitingly, and something quite new for us, during Dubai Fashion week in February we have teamed up with the Arab Fashion Council and Mrs. Keepa to be the venue for the much-anticipated launch of the French-Egyptian designer’s latest line. We’ll be styling her avant-garde creations with jewellery and handbags that we are offering for private sales, so it’s all very symbiotic.We always have an exhibition during Art Dubai week too. I can’t say too much, as the details are still under wraps, but we are planning a sort of love letter to Beirut, and Lebanon more generally, as a melting pot for the arts – having been the home of, but also inspired, so many of the major artists from our region.I would love to shout out a few other homegrown talents as well: Engage101, who are a platform that study, support and exhibit young emerging Gulf artists, and Bayt AlMamzar, a great community space for artists.Beyond traditional auctions, you’ve organized charitable collaborations, including a post-explosion charity auction for Beirut. How do you see the role of the arts in contributing to charitable causes, especially during challenging times like the ones we are in?Charity auctions have always been important to Sotheby’s, as part of our ongoing dedication to giving back and our commitment to making our industries more accessible, sustainable and collaborative. Globally just this past year, we played a role in raising over $200 million for various non-profit organizations, with more than $58 million directed towards museums. From providing one of our fabulous auctioneers (whose skills on the rostrum are fully unleashed when raising bids for charity), to more full blown initiatives where we partner with a charity to put together an auction of donated lots, we hope that we can continue to give back where we can.Your commitment to engaging the local arts community is evident, with talks, workshops, and involvement of children. Why is it essential for you to foster this community engagement, and how do you envision its impact on the future of the arts in Dubai?Education and investment in education is key for the continued evolution of the art scene of any nation, and we believe it is critical to focus our attention on providing the unique insights and content that come from our centuries of expertise. Whether our audience is a child, a seasoned art collector or a young, first-time buyer, our number one priority is to educate (and also to learn!).When we brought the Picasso portrait to Dubai last year it felt like a landmark moment, just watching every person who walked through the door was so rewarding: it really shows you that the thirst is there. From men in their work suits coming in on their lunch break, to gaggles of young children, the awe and wonder was palpable. Bringing my own children to see it was actually one of those lovely career moments for me – I had been talking about it to them for days over the dinner table (they always know first what is coming!), and so it was very fun for them to see it in person. They went back home that evening and did their own little drawings of the painting, which were pretty good!How does your multicultural background influence your approach to curating and connecting with artists from various parts of the world?Much in the same way as Dubai itself, I feel like I am a melting pot of everything from the West and the Middle East. I am half Iraqi, half Iranian, married to a Lebanese man, born and raised in London but French-educated, it is difficult to put a label on it! I have such a strong, natural affinity to the Middle East, and am so proud to be working and living here – and at the same time, I am so keen to showcase international artists, and expose clients to art from all over the world.Given your success in bringing renowned works to Dubai, what is on your wish list for future art collections or exhibitions in the region?I have quite a few ideas that we are working on, but one that I come back to a lot is the concept of a ‘Prints’ online sale here, as prints are just such a great entry point for young collectors, and are a great way to decorate your home (with pieces by some of the best known and best loved artists).A personal favourite of mine is Latin art, as well as African American art, and this is something that hasn’t really been done before – its always nice to add new flavours to the UAE. Last year we had a talk about the late Fernando Botero, with his eldest son, and it really inspired us to think about these themes and explore further, as there was such a huge appetite. Watch this space!Are there specific artists or genres you hope to introduce to the local art scene of Dubai?Over the years, we have had a sort of roll call of the great artists who are international household names, from Old Masters to pioneering Modernists, and so I love the element of surprise of what might emerge next from a great collection, ready to be shown to the world once again. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a Monet and a Magritte. Beyond that on my wishlist are Henry Taylor, Amy Sherald, Lynette, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, Basquiat and Rashid Johnson.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied  More

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      8 of the best UAE florists to make Valentine’s Day extra special

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph4 hours ago A romantic gesture can go a long way for any Valentine’s Day.From an elegant take on roses to show-stopping arrangements, flowers always hold a special place in everyone’s heart.Ensuring you’re all prepared, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the UAE florists to purchase a bouquet from for this special occasion.800 FlowerThis luxe e-commerce platform offers same-day bouquets which can be delivered across the UAE. So show off your love this February with all the exquisite flowers, to ensure that this important day ends with a smile. With heart-shaped floral creations and extraordinary bouquets, there are plenty of options to choose from, including mouth-watering chocolates and memorable cards to make it a day to remember. The specialists will ensure these Instagrammable-creations will leave a lasting impression for years to come.For more information visit 800flower.aeDarcey FlowersWith nothing but heartfelt blooms that exude nothing but love, Darcey Flowers is a premium flowers shop that offers a wide range of luxury flowers to make the occasion even more special. From red roses to sophisticated peonies, the options are endless and each bouquet will truly be cherished by the receiver.For more information visit darceyflowers.aeFine BloomsFine Blooms brings a fresh and imaginative approach to floristry to the UAE with beautifully sourced pieces with expert florists any time of the year. Born with the ability to transform spaces in private residences, event venues and corporate environments, each bouquet is inspired by architecture and is designed to express love, especially this month.For more information fineblooms.comFloretteKnown for their exquisite arrangements, Florette brings an array of fresh flowers delivered straight to your door. It aims to offer the best seasonal bouquets and designs them specifically to make every special moment come alive. From floral centrepieces to lavish bouquets, each creation is wrapped in a classic manner for that sophisticated look. This Valentine’s Day, customers can choose from an array of flowers ranging from eucalyptus to fragrant freesias.For more information florette.aeGo FlowerGo Flower is designed to bring only the best blooms of the season into your home. From red Milan roses to Fuschia flowers with eucalyptus, each bouquet is tailored to the customer’s preferences. These romantic designs are sure to add that oomph to someone’s day and make the occasion even more special.For more information visit goflower.aeFlowardThis exclusive Valentine’s Day collection has a plethora of bouquets and creations to choose from. Whether a parent, friend or a loved one in your life, the best way to express your love is through these simple yet pristine creations are designs that have a gorgeous appeal. To order Valentine’s Day flowers online simply choose which bouquet represents your loved one the best, from colorful to classic floral stems.For more information visit floward.comBlooming BoxFrom stunning bouquets to lavish bundle treats, Bloomingbox has launched a sophisticated Valentine’s Day collection this year. Ensuring you’re loved ones feel special, the brand has curated a selection of exclusive hampers in collaboration with leading brands such as Montblanc, Cipriani, Rituals and Mirzan as the bouquets are sent with a personal touch for that special someone in your life. With delectable cakes and heart-shaped chocolates to complement each gift, there’s something designed to cater to each one and make them feel special.For more information visit bloomingbox.comBlack and BlancThis premium flower delivery service in the UAE is offering a delightful selection of fresh flower arrangements that can beautifully adorn any home. From vibrant red roses to infinity ones that last a lifetime, this eternal gift is designed to ensure your loved one only deserves the best this season.For more information visit blackandblanc-fleur.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @holliemercedes More

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      How I got my job as… Head of Marketing at this premium global chauffeur service company

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph5 hours ago Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.This week, we speak to Rakhee Raval Shepherd, the Head of Marketing & PR at Blacklane Middle East. Blacklane’s Chauffeur Service delivers an unparalleled ride experience so you can optimise your travel time. All the chauffeurs are meticulously trained to provide a seamless and safe experience for each passenger.With a strong background in marketing, Shepherd has garnered the right skillset over the years in her field as a professional. To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down and spoke to to see how her entrepreneurial journey began.What was your favourite subject at school?There were quite a few subjects I enjoyed, from physical education to geography and learning about different countries and cultures. But I would say that Oral English and Business Studies were my favorite, expressing yourself through words and learning about the origins and growth of businesses fascinated me.What was your first job?My very first job was with Ipsos, a global market research firm engaged by brands to understand their audiences better. It was quite challenging as it involved cold calling people, which is never fun, but back then people had more time to conduct these types of surveys. This led to me working as promotional staff in London whilst I was at university, working with beauty and perfume brands to promote their products at Heathrow Airport, which was perfect for me as I love speaking with people.What brought you to Dubai?After university I worked for a fashion accessory supplier, the company wanted to expand into Asia and the Middle East, so I moved to Hong Kong for two years to lead the growth of the business in these markets. One of my key clients was the owner of a leading fast fashion retailer based in the UAE, we built a strong connection, so I ended up moving to Dubai to support in the execution of the new retail concept the group was launching. It was the right move for me, a great opportunity presented itself combined with the year-round sunshine and tax -free earnings, I would have been crazy not to move to Dubai, I’ve now been here for 14 years.What inspired you to enter the mobility space and talk us through your role as Head of Marketing & PR at Blacklane Middle East.When I looked back at the roles I’ve previously had, it was working with start-ups that I enjoyed the most. So, when I was approached by a recruiter about Blacklane entering the market and the Dubai project being the testbed to launch the companies enhanced business model, which would later roll out into other cities, I felt that same level of excitement. When I joined Blacklane, my objective as Head of Marketing & PR was to launch Blacklane in Dubai, generate brand awareness through multiple marketing channels and work with media to target a B2C audience. We also spent a lot of time looking at our brand positioning and how we could differentiate ourselves from other existing players.Talk us through the concept of Blacklane?Blacklane is an award-winning global chauffeur service operating in more than 50 countries and 200 cities worldwide. Last year we launched in Dubai with an all-electric fleet of luxurious Mercedes-Benz EQS vehicles, driven by our team of Academy-trained male and female chauffeurs. Our chauffeurs work exclusively for Blacklane and receive a monthly salary and we provide upgraded accommodation with amenities so that they are well looked after. We invest heavily in their training so that they can perfect their driving abilities and learn about chauffeuring etiquette which results in providing an exceptional service ensuring that every guest feels safe and comfortable when riding with us. Our services are available through our mobile app making it stress free and convenient to book a professional chauffeur.What are the key elements of your role?I work across all elements of the marketing function, starting from developing both the marketing and PR strategies, supporting the overarching business objectives. Ideating and executing creative content like our OOH campaigns, brand shoots, developing both B2C and B2B marketing collateral, and creating compelling digital content. I manage my team and oversee all brand partnerships, collaborations, sponsorships, tradeshows and activations as well social media and influencer management. In addition, I manage the PR agency and engage in media relations, and of course I am responsible for the budgets, KPIs and reporting.Talk us through your daily routine.Honestly, every day is different which is something I appreciate but generally I start my day with a 15-minute meditation before my kids wake up to prepare myself for the day ahead, I get the kids ready for school and drop them off, and if I’m lucky I manage to squeeze in a quick run or work out before I catch up on emails, align with my team and lay out the priorities for the day.What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?My role is an all-encompassing role and involves multi-tasking at every moment. Attention to detail is key and having good people skills, most importantly having a motivated and engaged team is crucial. It is highly rewarding when you see the visual outputs or when projects are executed well, and you see the objectives set out being met.Tell us more about the servicesTypically, limousine services that offer professional chauffeurs and luxurious vehicles require pre-booking via the web or by phone, but Blacklane brings this level of service excellence to guests via a mobile app, which is very convenient. We offer a range of services includes one-way and return journeys, airport transfers, hourly bookings, as well as inter-emirate travel. Guests also have the option to book a ride now or to schedule one for later. It makes me proud to say that 50 percent of our chauffeurs are female and that we offer premium quality child car seats, both preferences can be requested via the app.What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?When making decisions, quiet your mind and follow your instincts.And what is the worst?Just do what they tell you to do.What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?Balancing work and home life as a new mum.What’s your future for the brand?Our vision for the future of the brand is rooted in promoting an ethical and eco-conscious way to travel. We aspire to lead the industry by example, setting new standards in safety and sustainable travel. Our goal is to redefine luxury travel by intertwining opulence with a commitment to the planet, offering our guest a travel experience that is not only luxurious but also socially and environmentally responsible.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Instagram @blacklanemiddleeast More

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      Sofia Richie Grainge is expecting her first child

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      Lifeby Ruman Baig3 hours ago Model Sofia Richie and her husband, music executive Elliot Grainge, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child – a baby girl.The couple, who tied the knot in a lavish ceremony last April in the picturesque south of France, is overjoyed with the prospect of expanding their family.The wedding, a grand affair that saw Sofia in a stunning Chanel dress, was a memorable celebration attended by family and friends. The bride, accompanied by her father, renowned singer Lionel Richie, walked down the aisle, creating cherished moments etched in time.Sharing the exciting news, Richie Grainge expressed the early thrill of discovering the pregnancy. “I found out very, very early,” she shared, reflecting on the initial rush of emotions. “It was crazy and overwhelming and so hard not to scream it from the rooftops. But knowing I was so early, I was so protective — even with my friends.”The couple’s journey into parenthood promises to be filled with love and anticipation. Fans and well-wishers are eagerly awaiting updates on this new chapter in Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge’s lives.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Feature Instagram: @sofiarichiegrainge More

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      Al Huzaifa unveils cutting-edge Signature Closets: Elevating luxury living

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      Lifeby Team Emirates Woman2 hours ago IN PARTNERSHIP: In an attempt to redefine luxury living, Al Huzaifa introduces its all-new Design Studio.Saif Nensey, the CEO, shares his vision, stating, “With a wealth of insight gained over decades of working closely with our customers, we were inspired to paint a larger picture – furniture and beyond.”The Design Studio emerges as a boldly innovative unit, focusing on creating, composing, and curating signature styles for customers. This venture, fueled by in-house manufacturing capabilities, offers a seamlessly integrated experience – from inspiration to installation – to turn dream spaces into reality.Adding a new dimension to customization, Al Huzaifa introduces innovative Signature Closets within the Design Studio. Saif Nensey emphasizes, “Precision meets personalization in our Design Studio, where innovation isn’t just a buzzword – it’s what we do.”The Design Studio showroom, conceptualized by Nissa Nensey, co-founder of Al Huzaifa, is a 12,000 square-foot space located near the Al Wasl showroom. Showcasing a gallery of closets in warm, residential settings, the showroom provides an exclusive environment for customers to explore possibilities.A team of design consultants stands ready to translate needs and ideas into personalized solutions, utilizing meeting rooms where customers can peruse an extensive library of materials.The showroom goes beyond closets, seamlessly transitioning into a spacious area featuring Al Huzaifa’s outdoor furniture collection. Bathed in natural light, this part of the Design Studio brings the outdoors indoors, offering an open, relaxed layout for customers to immerse themselves in the luxury of outdoor living.With the all-new Design Studio, Al Huzaifa continues to set trends and elevate the living experience, offering customers not just furniture but an immersive journey into personalized luxury.For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      11 most romantic restaurants in Dubai to celebrate special moments

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph4 hours ago VIEW GALLERY/ 11 IMAGESThinking of planning a special dinner for your upcoming anniversary? We’re here to help.There are a myriad of romantic hotspots for couples in Dubai – be it for your proposal, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or any special occasion you wish to celebrate – you’re sure to find something to fit your taste.From surreal views to a dimly lit interiors, this emirate never short of venues to celebrate your special occasion, hence there’s no room for letting romance slip in Dubai.Explore our curated guide of romantic venues to dine at for a special evening of cherished memories with your loved one.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @mimiarr More