“A Day in the Life” allows you to step into the shoes of a UAE resident to experience a typical 24 hours in their work and home life
After relocating to Dubai seven years ago to work as a personal trainer, Amanda Jenkins went on to co-establish the baking start-up Cookie Conspiracy when her employer expanded their business to the city.
Having studied history in the UK and graduated from Kent University with Lord of the Rings star Orlando Bloom when he received an honorary degree, she spent a year studying in Miami before entering fashion PR and then becoming a dance radio station presenter.
Fast-forward and Ms Jenkins, 35, is an established independent personal trainer and last year she took inspiration from her mum’s baking lessons to launch her limited edition, bespoke-flavours cookies concept.
Now her fitness clients are among customers for her creations with cheeky names such as The Bodyguard, Absolutely Shredded, The Love Affair, and Rai-sin Shine.
4am: Hound rounds
A very early start for a walk around JLT with Dexter the Frenchie, and back for showers and breakfast.
“That first hour is largely taken up by dog responsibilities. Then I have to leave the house by 5am,” says Ms Jenkins, who also enjoys hiking, cycling and water sports.
5.30am: Dawn coaching
Into the gym in Al Quoz for the first booked training session.
“Every day at this time I have a client who doesn’t like to work out on their own,” she says.
“My second group are people who just want to get cardiovascular fitness … to feel like they can run around with their kids. And then I’ve another group of people, purely in for aesthetics.”
Ms Jenkins also might deliver a consultation. “That’s where education comes in; you can’t just eat a rice cake a day, just so you can look good.”
11am: Oven steady
Cookie Conspiracy headquarters is also in Al Quoz, so the British entrepreneur can juggle her roles.
“The bakery is seven minutes away from the gym, so I can just scoot down during my quietest [training] times, when most people are at work,” she says.
Ms Jenkins checks the courier company has the names, addresses and phone numbers for impending deliveries.
She makes 1,200 cookies a week, filling 100 boxes.
“The dough and the cookies are made the day before because they need to chill. Then everything’s baked fresh on the day,” she explains.
12-3pm: Top fun
A “very regimented system” kicks in as consignments are prepared.
“I’ve got to make sure my timings are perfect,” Ms Jenkins says.
“I’ve baked my cookies, I’ve already got my toppings ready and in order. Then, it’s all about decorating and packaging up.”
Cookie Conspiracy operates from a trendy kitchen in a former spice store.
“We completely gutted it and, because my partner’s in lighting, he made it absolutely sensational. The light box changes colour, so does the backlight, for different vibes, such as when it’s Valentine’s Day.”
Ms Jenkins says she wanted her own “little secret location” – rather than a cloud kitchen – where she could protect her “secret recipes”.
“And I don’t have to answer to anyone … that’s probably why I’m self-employed – I don’t like other people telling me what to do.”
3pm: Seal the deal
The cookies are ready for the final stages before couriers arrive to collect them.
“We wait for everything to dry and then put them in their resealable pouches and seal them by hand,” says Ms Jenkins, who then packs them into boxes.
“Once you’ve got your pouch you can slip it in your kid’s lunch box, you can take it to work with you.”
Cookie Conspiracy grew out of Ms Jenkins’ love of baking, which further evolved during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.
“My love language is feeding people,” she says. “I’m a personal trainer, but I always used to bake with my mum.
“I’ve got quite a perfectionist kind of personality, so I get fixated on something. And I just kept making cookies and everyone seemed to love them.”
Daily at the gym, post-lockdown, she would give away 10-15 cookies. Then somebody asked when she might start selling them.
“If it wasn’t for my partner, Elliot, giving me the push, I wouldn’t have done it, because it was such a big jump.
“I absolutely love coming in every day and creating different cookie flavours,” she says. “My staff member Sam carries on once I’m gone.”
3.30-7pm: Cardio comeback
Back to the gym for afternoon clients.
Ms Jenkins specialises in strength and conditioning, improving cardiovascular endurance while getting people stronger.
Surely there’s a clash of ideals with the cookies?
“This is the misconception … cookies don’t make you fat, but eating 50 will,” she says. “There’s a big difference.
“I eat a cookie a day. You can have balance; you can eat what you want, you can work out, and you can still be fit.
“But that’s where the name Cookie Conspiracy came from … everyone joked, ‘you’re trying to get your clients fat … to then get them fit’.”
Baking began on December 10 with Ms Jenkins releasing 12 fresh versions weekly.
“We take photos of the new flavours, we get packages printed, 12 new names on the packets. Then everything is reset on a Sunday. So it’s a lot of work.”
7pm: All be Quoz
Some days sees Ms Jenkins head straight back to the bakery, largely double checking everything’s OK.
“There was one incident where I came back after Elliot had been in … I made all the cookies for the day before putting them in the fridge, and the fridge door was open so about 1,000 cookies were destroyed.”
Sometimes, Ms Jenkins bakes small extra batches, or does some research and development on potential flavour additions.
“You can make little changes that make them a little bit different,” she says.
“For example, there’s so much British chocolate, different flavours, you can put in there that a lot people have never heard of.
“Once we start to get an idea from our customers of their favourite flavours we are going to have a core collection on the website that they can order whenever they want. For now, it’s more about seeing what people love the most, and then bringing it back.”
Currently Ms Jenkins has about 100 flavours “backed up” for her online-only, limited drops model.
“Every Sunday, we have a limited amount of boxes that you can buy, so it’s about exclusivity.
“We will open (for orders) from midnight on Saturday midnight until Sunday midnight. And if the boxes run out, a message will pop up and say you missed out.”
Customers then choose their delivery slot and the preparation and baking begins.
“We are really trying to stop waste,” says Ms Jenkins. “It’s not like a bakery where at the end of the day you’ve got leftover doughnuts or cookies. We know how much we’re baking, so waste is zero.”
Each box contains three cookies to put in the fridge – which taste better cold – and others for the microwave so they go gooey.
“Me and Elliot have eaten probably every single cookie (brand) in Dubai, to the dismay of his waistline,” she says of research for her business. “It’s funny because I did a transformation with him previously and got him absolutely ripped with a six pack.”
8pm: Home straight
An evening walk for Dexter and time to unwind – although Ms Jenkins often brings new flavours home to sample.
“I will be always looking for different combinations, constantly thinking,” she admits.
“The biggest thing for me is actually creating the names and descriptions of the cookies. It’s very much my personality, tongue in cheek.”
Ms Jenkins says they enjoy a quick dinner together, usually pre-prepared, sit down, no distractions and just talk about their day.
“And then we sit in front of the TV for approximately – no joke – maybe five minutes before bed about 9pm. It takes us forever to watch a series or a movie.”
Ms Jenkins says she doesn’t really switch off. “I dream about cookies, it’s become my personality,” she laughs. “I want Cookie Conspiracy to be a household name.”
Honeymoonish
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Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Croatia v Hungary, Thursday, 10.45pm, UAE
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
Where to apply
Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020.
Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.
The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Usain Bolt's time for the 100m at major championships
2008 Beijing Olympics 9.69 seconds
2009 Berlin World Championships 9.58
2011 Daegu World Championships Disqualified
2012 London Olympics 9.63
2013 Moscow World Championships 9.77
2015 Beijing World Championships 9.79
2016 Rio Olympics 9.81
2017 London World Championships 9.95
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
Brief scores:
Arsenal 4
Xhaka 25', Lacazette 55', Ramsey 79', Aubameyang 83'
Fulham 1
Kamara 69'
SNAPSHOT
While Huawei did launch the first smartphone with a 50MP image sensor in its P40 series in 2020, Oppo in 2014 introduced the Find 7, which was capable of taking 50MP images: this was done using a combination of a 13MP sensor and software that resulted in shots seemingly taken from a 50MP camera.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Profile
Company name: Jaib
Started: January 2018
Co-founders: Fouad Jeryes and Sinan Taifour
Based: Jordan
Sector: FinTech
Total transactions: over $800,000 since January, 2018
Investors in Jaib's mother company Alpha Apps: Aramex and 500 Startups
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Jebel Ali Dragons 26 Bahrain 23
Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
Pens: Love 3
Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
Cons: Phillips
Pens: Phillips 2
Changing visa rules
For decades the UAE has granted two and three year visas to foreign workers, tied to their current employer. Now that's changing.
Last year, the UAE cabinet also approved providing 10-year visas to foreigners with investments in the UAE of at least Dh10 million, if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total. Investors can bring their spouses and children into the country.
It also approved five-year residency to owners of UAE real estate worth at least 5 million dirhams.
The government also said that leading academics, medical doctors, scientists, engineers and star students would be eligible for similar long-term visas, without the need for financial investments in the country.
The first batch - 20 finalists for the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction.- were awarded in January and more are expected to follow.
Fanney Khan
Producer: T-Series, Anil Kapoor Productions, ROMP, Prerna Arora
Director: Atul Manjrekar
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Rajkummar Rao, Pihu Sand
Rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
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CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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SPECS
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Company%20Profile
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'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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The%20Beekeeper
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
