Garrett Popcorn has a small shop located across from the Dubai Mall Aquarium. It's the best candy popcorn I have ever had. The two best sellers are the Caramel Crisp and the Cheese flavour. I went for the Caramel and was in heaven. You can buy big sizes that come in tin buckets which would be a cool gift idea or for a party. If you're in the area try a sample and you'll be hooked. Small bag costs 22AED and a medium is 30AED.

I really don't know what all the hype is about. The Cheesecake Factory in Dubai Mall looks more like a cafeteria the way it's decorated. It's dark and kind of depressing. It feels like a typical USA restaurant where senior citizens would hang out. Why is it always busy? Yes, they have a prime location next to the Aquarium and yes the portions are huge and the prices are reasonable but that doesn't mean it's an excellent restaurant. We had the Buffalo Wings and the Popcorn Shrimp. Bother were greasy with too much breading. The Guacamole was just ok. They only decent thing was the Peanut Butter and Honey Milkshake. Maybe I ordered wrong. Menu suggestions welcome if I ever make it back there again. I will say, the service was good. Upbeat and friendly staff.

I'm so happy to have discovered Xiao Wei Yang Hot Pot (also known as Shabu-Shabu) restaurant in the Marina. It's authentic and the food is fresh. We went for the mixed option: USA beef, prawns, fish balls and crab stick. It also comes with potato slices, various mushrooms, cabbage, spinach, seaweed, glass noodles and these amazing flat potato noodles. Hot Pot is fun and very tasty. We added extra beef and potato noodles and the bill for 3 people with tea and water came to AED 212 and we were completely stuffed. It's open 7 days a week 12pm - 1am.

I was running around Ibn Battuta mall and saw Baker & More so I thought I would check it out. They're located in the China cluster near the cinema. It's a bakery that also serves sandwiches, fresh juices, salads and pasta. They also have macaroons, cheesecake and other cute desserts. I tried the 'Totally Beefy' sandwich with brie, pickles and mustard. The bread is really fresh -I can only assume they bake it there daily. I thought the price (AED30) was a bit high for just a sandwich, however when I went to pay and collect my take-away they also included a side salad and french fries. That definitely justified the price but all I wanted was the sandwich.

The sandwich was pretty good. I can only compare it to the cuban sandwich they have at Cafe Habana which is better. I will visit them again when I'm next in Ibn Battuta.

Went into AMB yesterday to get a quote for my smashed iPhone screen. They told me it would cost AED450 and it wouldn't be ready until Sunday. Who can go without a phone that long? He also said that if I wanted a new iPhone 4S, he could replace the whole thing for AED1,400. Ummm no thanks. I went to Celfixx in Ibn Battuta mall and got it done in 1 hour for AED 350.

I had a smashed iPhone screen and took it here to get fixed. They're located in Ibn Battuta mall in the China cluster. He quoted me AED 425 to fix it in 1 hour and I bargained down to AED 350. He assured me the screens they use are from Apple. I checked at Minutes next to Geant to see how much it costs there and they charge AED 500 so I was happy.

Today I came across this new Pizza & Gyro restaurant in TECOM. The branding caught my eye so I decided to check it out. Super cute shop with a really friendly staff. I asked what the best Gyro on the menu is and the lady working there suggested the chicken Gyro for AED 18 or AED 24 with a drink and curly fries. The Gyro was good. The wrap was toasted and it wasn't over loaded with sauce. I would like to come back and try their pizzas next. Unfortunately they only deliver within TECOM and Greens. There's a nice seating area on the terrace that fits about 5 tables. If you're in the area check them out.

Rebecca Treston has her laser clinic inside EuroMed. I came her for laser hair removal and was really happy. It took 3 sessions and almost none of the hair has grown back. If you decide to go, you HAVE TO buy the numbing cream from Boots or any pharmacy and apply it to the area you plan on having lasered 1 hour before. If you don't (I learnt the hard way the first time) you will experience a high level of pain. AED800 for under arm and bikini.

I'm not sure how I feel about this Tips & Toes. Today was my second time and I feel like they utilize every inch of this place to the max. There's manis/pedis, treading, eyelash extensions, shoulder massages happening everywhere, even next to the reception counter. It feels claustrophobic but it also feels like the clients don't mind. I'm guessing as it's one of the only nail places in Shoreline, they're always busy and clients are happy as long as they get their appointment. One good thing is that I walked in and got an appointment straight away, subject to being moved, which I agreed to. I started in a comfy treatment chair and then got moved to a temporary set-up when the person who had booked arrived. The quality of the pedicure was standard but the shoulder, neck and head massage was amazing. I literally melted on the spot. I suppose if I go a few more times I'll get used to the chaos. It's not a relaxing environment, but I guess it meets its purpose.

I'm writing this as I'm waiting now 32 mins for my car from valet. Complete joke. When hotels know there are events, the obvious thing would be to have more valet staff. DUH!!!!