The countdown to Eid has started. Another 12 hours and celebrations will start. But it is not only a celebration, but a feeling that settles gently into homes, streets, and hearts. After days of fasting, reflection, and discipline, Eid marks a moment of renewal. It is the soft reward that follows effort, a reminder that joy often comes after restraint. In the early morning, there is a unique stillness. People wake before the sun, dress in their finest clothes, and prepare fo

In an age where most information is consumed through screens, reading a physical book remains one of the most beneficial habits a person can develop.  While digital devices offer convenience and instant access, the experience of reading an actual book provides cognitive, emotional, and psychological benefits that are difficult to replicate with a screen. One of the most important advantages of reading a physical book is improved focus and concentration.  When reading online,

Summer in the UAE is no joke — with temperatures soaring above 45°C (113°F), overheating can quickly become dangerous. Here are practical...

While Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr often steal the global spotlight with their festive lights and late-night bazaars, there’s another deeply...

A Month of Reflection, Community, and Culture Spending Ramadan in Abu Dhabi as a non-Muslim was nothing short of transformative. At...

I had big plans. Pages to fill, stories to shape, and characters who—only a few weeks ago—were whispering in my ear, begging to be...

The Middle East is a treasure throve of flavours and I would like to share with you my enthousiasm for these amazing foodstuffs, herbs...

According tot he famous Harrods Department Store (www.harrods.com), milk chocolate’s best friend is a generous glass of silky, smoky...

Since moving to Dubai, I have been obsessed with dates. You'll find them in all shapes and disguises; filled with nuts, candied orange...

Baking German Christmas biscuits, or Plätzchen, has always been a cherished tradition in my family. This year, my husband's cousin and I...

November in Dubai is a unique blend of anticipation and warmth, as the holiday season approaches amidst the balmy 30-degree heat. While...

Hello, and welcome to my corner of the internet! I’m Ingrid Kerssebeeck, the voice behind Truesparkling. Recently, I made the exciting...

Diwali, the festival of lights is indeed the most awaited and the most celebrated festivals of India. People in every nook and cranny of the country welcome the festival with enthusiastic gestures. This wonderful festival is the celebration of five days. On the third day of the celebratory occasion, the key rituals of the Diwali festival take place. Lighting of Diya’s and candles all around the house, worshipping the Laxmi Ganesha to summon health and wealth and bursting crac

In the UAE, it might feel as though our lives are on pause at the moment but now can be an ideal time for some pampering. Make the house look extra cozy by lighting candles and order some nice new decorative items online (plenty of offers/sale items to choose from during Ramadan). Get creative by preparing your own beauty treatments. You can find plenty of recipes online; ingredients can be found in your kitchen cabinet or purchased from the local pharmacy. Make your own lip