One of my favorite things about writing here is sharing the small but impactful discoveries that make daily life just a little brighter, easier, or more exciting. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with new services, workouts, and even restaurants—and a few of them have truly earned a spot in my routine. From a design subscription that keeps my blog fresh to a hidden Thai food gem in JLT, here are the finds I can’t stop recommending.
Design Pickle: Illustrations on Demand
If you’ve been following along, you may have noticed a shift in the visuals I use here. I’ve always loved illustrations and, in the past, would commission artists every now and then for custom pieces. Recently, though, I stumbled upon Design Pickle, and it has completely changed the way I approach graphics.
For a monthly subscription, you essentially get access to your own graphic designer or illustrator, which has been a game-changer for my blog. The quality has been consistently impressive, and I love having the flexibility to request different styles depending on the project.
A small heads-up if you’re looking into illustrations specifically: they take longer to complete compared to simple design requests, so expect a slightly slower turnaround. Still, for the creative boost they provide, I’ve found it more than worth it.
Brau: Brows, But Better
Here’s the thing about brows: once you commit to taking proper care of them, they suddenly become low maintenance. Over a year ago, I decided to grow mine out and start visiting a specialist regularly instead of trying to shape them myself. Best decision ever.
After a few reader recommendations, I finally checked out Brau, located in Springs Souk. I booked in for a brow lamination with Caroline, and later tried shaping with Arti. Both were incredible. Now, all I really need day-to-day is a quick swipe of brow gel, and I’m set with bold, fluffy brows that frame my face perfectly.
If you’ve been thinking about investing in your brows, Brau is absolutely worth adding to your list.
Top Stretching: Finding Flexibility Again
The more strength training I do, the more I realize how quickly flexibility can slip away. And while I love the strength gains, I don’t want to sacrifice mobility—especially since it impacts posture, balance, and even how light and energized I feel.
That’s where Top Stretching comes in. I’ve been squeezing in a weekly class, and it’s been a total game-changer. My personal favorite is their “split school,” since I’ve been on a mission to get closer to a full split. (Spoiler: my hips and hamstrings are still the tightest!) Beyond that, the stretching sessions help me avoid injury, improve my posture, and just feel more at ease in my body.
Top Stretching now has two branches in Dubai—one in Marina and another recently opened on the Palm—so it’s easier than ever to fit in a class.
Washmen: Laundry, Simplified
Confession: it took longer than expected for my washing machine to arrive when I moved, which forced me to finally try a service I’d been hearing about for years—Washmen. And honestly, I’m not sure I want to go back.
Here’s how it works: they deliver different colored bags, each tied to a specific service. You fill the bag, they pick it up, and everything is returned washed, dried, and perfectly folded. For AED55, the blue bag (wash and fold) was a lifesaver during my pre-washer days. Clothes came back fresh and neatly packed within two days.
But the real winner for me has been the pink Homecare bag—also AED55—which covers bedding, towels, and linens. They dry clean and steam press everything, and I can’t overstate the joy of slipping into freshly pressed sheets without lifting a finger. A small luxury that feels like a big one.
Cafe Isan: A Hidden Thai Gem in JLT
Anyone who knows me knows that food—especially Thai food—is one of my great loves. Even after growing up in Dubai, I still find it magical that there are hidden spots I haven’t discovered yet. Recently, I had the pleasure of finding Cafe Isan in JLT, and it’s safe to say it’s one of my favorite new dining spots.
The restaurant itself is tiny, with just a couple of tables, but don’t let the size fool you. The food is outstanding. We ordered chicken satay with homemade sauce, fresh spring rolls, Pad Thai, and chicken cashew with coconut rice—and every dish was a hit. The flavors are authentic, vibrant, and full of the kind of depth that only comes from recipes rooted in tradition.
And then there’s dessert. If you go, promise me you won’t leave without trying their mango coconut sticky rice. It’s my favorite Thai dessert of all time, and Cafe Isan’s version deserves a 10/10. (Fun fact: they even won Time Out Dubai’s Best Thai Restaurant in 2020.)
Wrapping It All Up
From beauty appointments that simplify my morning routine to services that save me hours of chores, these little discoveries have made a big difference in my everyday life. Whether you’re looking to up your brow game, add some flexibility back into your workouts, or hunt down your next go-to food spot, I hope one of these recommendations sparks something for you too.
Because sometimes, it’s not the big changes that elevate life—it’s the small, thoughtful finds that fit seamlessly into our routines and make them just a little more joyful.
