One of my favorite things to do is hunt for those small yet special finds—the kind that make daily life a little more stylish, a little more effortless, and a lot more joyful. Lately, with the balance of settling into a more “post-Covid” rhythm and still indulging in cozy home projects, I’ve been coming across treasures worth sharing.
So, I thought I’d start a monthly roundup: a short collection of the gems I’ve been loving recently. Expect a mix of home décor, beauty services, and lifestyle upgrades—pieces and places that feel too good not to share. This month’s highlights? A little Jonathan Adler flair for my living room, chic furniture finds, a standout at-home nail service, and the best lash extensions in town.
Home Décor Delight: Jonathan Adler at Tanagra
Growing up, Tanagra was one of those stores I always associated with my mom. Anytime we’d hit the mall, she would have to make a stop there, and to me it felt like a shop for stylish Arab moms—not exactly where I’d find myself browsing. But during quarantine, with all the online window shopping we all did, I stumbled across Tanagra’s e-commerce site and my perspective changed.
Their selection is fresh, modern, and filled with covetable names. That’s where I discovered Jonathan Adler’s collection—a mix of playful, witty, and statement-making designs. I ended up picking up a peace sign bookend, chic coasters, and a salt-and-pepper set. Each piece added personality to my space, the kind of details that make a home feel both polished and fun.
Tanagra has gone from being my mom’s favorite stop to one of mine. Proof that sometimes the best finds are hiding in plain sight.
Furniture Finds: Casa Lusso
When I started furnishing my new home, I promised myself I wouldn’t play it safe by buying everything from one store. Instead, I wanted to collect pieces that felt unique and would bring real character to the space. That’s where Casa Lusso came in.
Scrolling through their collection, I instantly fell in love with their mix of timeless elegance and statement-worthy design. From them, I picked up a gorgeous marble side table (you’ve probably spotted it on my socials already) and a set of plush dining chairs I can’t wait to share more of soon.
What I love about Casa Lusso is that their furniture feels like conversation starters—beautiful on their own, but also versatile enough to complement a range of interiors. They’ve helped me bring that sense of curated individuality into my home, which makes it feel all the more personal.
At-Home Indulgence: OïA Nail Service
When it comes to nails, I’ll admit it—I’m picky. Hygiene, shaping, polish application, and a touch of creativity are all non-negotiables for me. Living in Dubai, the bar has been set high, and while I’ve found salons I love, I hadn’t found an at-home nail service I could genuinely recommend… until now.
Enter OïA, a relatively new service launched earlier this year. What sets them apart? Their staff is being trained by Cheryl from TNS, one of Dubai’s most respected nail artists. I booked an appointment and was blown away—not only by the hygiene standards, but also by the precision and care that went into the manicure.
If you’re looking for names, Che and Joyce are two therapists I’d recommend without hesitation. They combine technical skill with creativity, which is exactly what I want when I trust someone with my nails. Honestly, OïA has completely changed my at-home beauty routine, and I can see myself being a long-term fan.
Lash Love: Janet at Machka
I don’t wear a ton of eye makeup, so lash extensions have become my little beauty secret. They save me time in the mornings, add instant polish, and give me that “done but effortless” look I really love. But as anyone who gets lash extensions regularly knows, the quality of the therapist makes all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve tried countless spots across Dubai in search of the perfect set. The truth? Not all are created equal. That’s why I’ve been loyal to Janet at Machka for nearly two years now. She’s meticulous, gentle, and delivers that fluffy, natural finish every single time.
What makes Janet stand out is her attention to detail. She doesn’t just apply lashes; she creates a look that flatters your eye shape and feels tailored to you. For me, it’s the difference between looking like I rolled out of bed ready to go and looking like I’m wearing a set of heavy falsies. Needless to say, I’ll keep going back.
Wrapping Up This Month’s Gems
As I pull this roundup together, I realize there’s a thread running through all of these finds: each one adds a little ease, beauty, or character to everyday life. From the home accessories that make me smile when I glance at them, to the furniture that anchors a room, to the services that keep me feeling polished and confident—these aren’t just purchases, they’re small luxuries that shape how I live day to day.
And that’s the point of this series: to celebrate the gems. Not necessarily the biggest or flashiest finds, but the ones that genuinely make life feel richer in the best way. Until next month’s roundup, these are the pieces and places I’ll be enjoying most.
