October 31, 2011
Spiritual Thought of the Day
Internal integrity is the respect created through self-awareness. Many people are searching for respect to give their lives a sense of meaning and integrity. Although some respect comes through work and relationships, there is a deeper level, which also needs to be developed and nurtured. When I become self-aware, I develop an internal integrity and deep sense of meaning. When I know myself and experience an intrinsic sense of self worth, I no longer need to externally demonstrate my presence to get respect. Today let me respect myself.
*Thank you mama*
October 30, 2011
October 29, 2011
WATCH ME: Unlucky football kicks..
Sometimes there's nothing better to do on a Saturday than find the lamest videos on youtube. In the first, please notice that the old lady actually falls! Of course the boy ran when he realized what was about to happen.
The second is too good, I'm still watching it over and over again.
Happy lazy Saturday xx
October 26, 2011
*Happy Diwali Wishes to All*
I wish you a year of wealth, new beginnings, prosperity and well being!
xx
Good Morning DXB: You better shape up!
Not sure why, but I woke up with this song in my head. Can't complain though, I've got such a busy day ahead of me so having this upbeat tune to push me out of bed was great!
Happy Wednesday! xx
October 25, 2011
Can penguin sweaters lower their population?
Photos: ABC News
Why have they started wearing sweaters? It all started after the recent oil spill off the coast of New Zealand when some of these pingus got coated in the oil. Luckily, a lot of them were saved because so many generous people sent over knitted sweaters just in time. There were even guidelines on how to knit them! [skeinz]
Moreover, despite the fact that the penguins to the right would be ideal on the cover of a Nicholas Sparks novel at a glance, the penguin in blue looks like he's destroyed by the sweater. They're clearly on a date that she's dressed sharply for, while he's probably sweating buckets under there. She looks pretty pallid and constipated about it. You can tell she's doubting his fashion sense.. and in turn him. Then you have the poor guy who is so naive; comfortably certain that he found the mother of his children.
You see, penguins can be rather shallow pricks; just like us, YAY! The beauty of their romance is that they meet their loves in their own natural skin, and love them for who they are unconditionally. This whole sweater business will make courting much more challenging. As if the men don't have it hard enough to please their woman, they'll all start to judge each other more, and it will take it's toll on reproduction. It'll only be after a lot of trial and error that they'll begin to "look within" blah, blah, blah.
So while I'm so happy they got saved from the harsh winter and nasty oil, I'm not sure I like the idea of the different colored sweaters that don't flatter some of them. That my friends is how introducing sweaters to penguins can potentially destroy their romance, and in turn affect their population.
October 24, 2011
Maison Sucre for the sweet tooth
If you happen to be in Abu Dhabi and in the mood for something sweet, make your way to Maison Sucre, a little gem located behind a building in a very central location nearby the corniche. At first, the only reason I was interested in going to the bakery was to buy some bai5, which I think is only sold there in AD. Then I was intrigued by the simple and cute decor and the different desserts, that I decided to indulge a bit.
Between their cakes, pies, macaroons, cupcakes, tarts and more, I controlled myself and stuck to the cupcakes. I chose the carrot cake, skinny chocolate, skinny peanut butter and oreo. Now I'm not even much of a cupcake person, I'm more of a fresh cookie or souffle person because I like my desserts nice and warm. However, when I come across something yummy I don't care what it is, I'll devour it.
Out of these four I fell in love with the oreo flavor. I think it had a regular chocolate cake batter and the oreo icing was delicious! The oreos on top were quite soft though, I would have preferred them crunchy, so it could be a better idea to garnish the cupcake with the cookie when bought. My second favorite was the skinny chocolate. I'm not really sure how skinny it was because it tasted rich like a regular cupcake, I just couldn't stop!
I'm such a big peanut butter fan, but didn't really enjoy the cupcake. The cake wasn't moist, and the icing also felt a bit hard and dry. It could have just been the time of day that I bought it. Finally, for those of you who know me well, carrot cake is by far my favorite and I'm very picky with it. Even though I've already found my favorite carrot cake, I'm still hopeful to find a similar tasting one somewhere else. Unfortunately, this one wasn't moist and I would have preferred more walnuts and nutmeg or cinnamon in it; I don't know.. something was missing. The icing was yummy though.
Ultimately, despite any criticism, the two that I loved were so good that I can't wait to go back again to try more! They even serve warm beverages, which makes me wish it was a bigger place to sit in with comfy couches and wi-fi.
Happy Tuesday xx
Happy Tuesday xx
To some, "style" is money..
You know those people who don't really understand style, but just buy clothes from a designer's latest collection (whether it's ugly or not) because as long as it's a designer and the purchase implies money money monayyyy, they're happy and feel "stylish"? Those are the kind of people who would probably buy Sigma Germany's "Wood Edition" of their SD1 high-end DSLR.. just m.o.
The wooden case is made of Amboyna Burl, which is a decorative veneer found on a Southeast Asian tree. It then takes around "60 hours to cut, mill and polish." As my friend Menna says, as if trees don't have it bad enough..
It sells for around €9,999 or AED 51,160. I personally wouldn't need it. Translation: it's tacky as hell and I wouldn't buy it if I had that money to throw away.
The wooden case is made of Amboyna Burl, which is a decorative veneer found on a Southeast Asian tree. It then takes around "60 hours to cut, mill and polish." As my friend Menna says, as if trees don't have it bad enough..
It sells for around €9,999 or AED 51,160. I personally wouldn't need it. Translation: it's tacky as hell and I wouldn't buy it if I had that money to throw away.
[dpreview]
What's in a store name?
"Romantic Room," really? At first I was kind of worried and prepared to be amused by a room filled with candles and numerous orgies.
Then I remembered I was in Abu Dhabi, and realized it was a store name.
Honestly, this is just a simple example of the names I come across here that are such sad excuses to label a business. Unless it's a store from abroad, a lot of the time it's going to have a name I'd rather forget.
Sorry ahead of time if you named it - I guess creativity isn't for everyone..
Happy Monday! xx
p.s. to all you foodies out there, I'd go to Salmontini in Mall of Emirates because it's all-you-can-eat sushi today! I know, that sounds like a pile of old food from ihop, but it doesn't apply at all to this place.
Happy Monday! xx
p.s. to all you foodies out there, I'd go to Salmontini in Mall of Emirates because it's all-you-can-eat sushi today! I know, that sounds like a pile of old food from ihop, but it doesn't apply at all to this place.
October 23, 2011
October 20, 2011
TGITW!
Thank God it's the Weekend!
Eat some dumplings this weekend and have a great one!
Much love, xx
50% off Breast Cancer Screening!
I've recently been hearing a lot of stories about young ladies in their 20s getting breast cancer. It's scary to say the least because it really changes your life. We all know how important it is to get the yearly check-up, but how many of us actually do it? And I know it comes off as a feminine concern with all it's symbolic cutesy pink logos, but all you guys out there would benefit from a check-up as well. Make it a habit, because it's worth it.
The price for this screening offer is around AED 350.
We can't control if we get cancer or not, but we can be active and catch it early, which makes all the difference!
Birthday gift registry anyone?
she messed up big time...
I think in order to avoid having the above scenario from happening (poor Cookie Monster), having a birthday registry should become a common approach. It would be a cumulative one for all your gift ideas that don't have to all be given to you that specific year. Of course you'd be considerate and won't assume everyone saved up money that year for you. Weirdo.
It's just that it's ALWAYS someone's birthday. A registry would really save us some frustration induced migraines, n'est-ce pas?
Happy Thursday bunnies xx
October 19, 2011
BROADCAST: Help someone go to Hajj!
Please forward this message to everyone you know in case someone needs to go to Hajj.
+96626919999
Mohammed Ali
Sr. Academic Officer
Mobile: +9660501915227
Tel: 6563199
Ext: 4900
Fax: +966026900672
Email: ali@cba.edu.sa
Web: www.cba.edu.sa
College of Business Administration
Please keep broadcasting this because you might help someone!
Happy Fridge!
I find myself going through periods when I don't have any time to go grocery shopping, that's when all I find are Zaatar w Zeit left overs. Considering I eat out a lot, I don't stock up too much, because wasting food really bothers me.
Either way, I can't ask for more than cheese, yogurt, home cooked food, greens, chocolate milk, fruit and my favorite New Age Beverages (NAB) drinks, especially bai5!
mmmm
Good Morning DXB: (unexpected) Surprises
There's nothing like a surprise when you really least expect it, and when it's something you actually love. I'm not talking about those days you TRY not to expect it, but you know it's a possibility; like your birthday, valentines day, the day after you and your partner get in a fight and it's not your fault, christmas. The thing about surprises is that if they're actually done right, they give the gift so much more value. While the gift may be somewhat simple, it will always be grand in the receiver's eye. Just like receiving a Kinder Surprise while you're stressed out like Mufasa's mane trying to meet a deadline, which will never happen again because they're no longer on the market! Not even gonna go there. Anyway, unexpected moments always seem to have more of an effect on us.
Yesterday I received this beautiful bouquet of flowers from two very special friends who have become sisters to me over the years. It was a great surprise a) because they don't live in Dubai, and b) mainly because it wasn't on any specific occasion. I've always loved roses that are a rose-pink color rather than red, and don't always find them. I get so happy every time I pass them, and reminded how lucky I am.
How often do you surprise someone with an unexpected surprise?
Happy Wednesday xx
October 18, 2011
MUST TRY: ECOYA - Heavenly Fragrances
If you check out their website you'll see that they not only have the diffusers, but candles and body care products such as lotions, soaps and exfoliators. I haven't tried any of their other products but I'm looking forward to trying their body care line.
I think that they are generally more pricey than other botanical fragrance lines. For example, the Ten Reed Room Diffuser was around AED 375 (around, but no less). Very worth it though!
I would really recommend their different products as gifts. They have such unique scents that are too good to stop inhaling! I'm that weirdo who's there with a candle stuffed up my nose for ages whenever I pass by the kiosk.
A couple places to find ECOYA are Marina and Mercato Mall.
Happy Tuesday to you xx
October 17, 2011
Spiritual Thought of the Day
To accept everyone and everything as they are, without any resistance, is to enjoy the power of love and embrace life in its totality. Any tendency to spend too much time and energy in our minds judging others, controlling others and trying to 'fix' them makes it difficult to enjoy living. Today I will enjoy life by encouraging and empowering myself and others with the power of acceptance.
*Thank you mama*
*Thank you mama*
October 16, 2011
Hand of Hope
I saw this being shared around facebook and found it so touching. Maybe you've already come across it, but I had to share it...
The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Arams, who is being operated on by surgeon named Joseph Bruner. The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb. Little Samuel's mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in Atlanta. She knew of Dr. Bruner's remarkable surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, he performs these special operations while the baby is still in the womb.
During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby. As Dr. Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger. Dr. Bruner was reported as saying that when his finger was grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his life, and that for an instant during the procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile.
The photograph captures this amazing event with perfect clarity. The editors titled the picture, "Hand of Hope." The text explaining the picture begins, "The tiny hand of 21-week-old fetus Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother's uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life."
Little Samuel's mother said they "wept for days" when they saw the picture. She said, "The photo reminds us pregnancy isn't about disability or an illness, it's about a little person." Samuel was born in perfect health, the operation 100 percent successful. Now see the actual picture, and it is awesome... incredible... and hey, pass it on! The world needs to see this one.
By Praveen Dass
Good Morning DXB: A little morning laugh
I'm not really into talking animals, but the dog's voice just really cracks me up.
Enjoy your Sunday xx
October 13, 2011
Free Table for 12 at Republique or Rare!!
Good music, good company, and Stoli poured on the house - don't miss this chance!
TGITW! *Weekend Tune*
Thank God it's the Weekend!
What fun would life be if we didn't make a big deal about EVERY weekend!
I hope you beach it up, sing at the top of your lungs, eat well, and relax!!!
Be well xx
Stoli Recipe Cards
Only five of my Tea Party girls were featured; the other three were either eating, at the Apple store or don't drink alcohol....
Click "See More" at the bottom to view more cards xx
Dear Kinder Joy
I bought you by mistake, and I just want to let you know that even though you are packaged in an egg shape, you aren't an egg shape, you have two weird balls, and you'll NEVER taste as good as Kinder Surprise.
No
Yes
October 12, 2011
Impromptu Sandstorm in Dubizzle
Standard.
I took this the next day around the same time, just to show you how the view is supposed to be - minus sandstorm.
I took this the next day around the same time, just to show you how the view is supposed to be - minus sandstorm.
WATCH ME: Truth in Advertising (too funny!)
Leave it to my friend Saljay to find the funniest videos. This one seriously cracked me up. If you are at all familiar with the advertising/media industry you won't be able to stop laughing while watching. The subtle humor is so spot on. You want to be able to give it 12 minutes of your full attention, but even if you can only watch 2 minutes, it's truly worth it!
A Lebanese Eatery to Try
After reading reviews
about Zaroob on so many blogs, I finally decided to give it a try. What I
thought must have been a hidden gem was far from. I mean, it can definitely be
considered a gem, but it's not hidden at all. I realized I've seen it hundreds of
times, but never thought to explore it - mainly because its lit up sign never
appealed to me. However, I've heard a lot about it's funky interior, and funky
indeed it is! I was immediately excited by all the colors and action going on.
It's got this green feel with the wooden benches and tables, and is set up in a
really quirky way. You can decide whether you want to sit at a regular table
and bench, or at a high chair at the food or juice bar. That's right, they make
what seemed like every fresh juice you could want, with the addition of several
interesting cocktails. The art work is very alive and can speak to people of
all ages with its pop feel. The kitchen is open and there's constantly food
being served around you (and you don't leave smelly which is great!). It's a
perfect place to go to during the week; it's small, cozy, has a lively happy
mood and the food is served quick!
We ordered a bit of
everything; my favorites were: the Balila, chickpeas with garlic and some other
herbs/ spices (just don't get this if you're on a date); Falafel, which was
bite sized - perfect because too much isn't always that appetizing. The Baked
Eggs came with sesame seeds and spices, served directly from the oven in a very
hot plate. The taste was good, but I can't eat hard yolks, I like them
very runny. The Hummus was delicious, something about it was different; it was
much whiter and creamier than what I'm used to. The fatoush was also yummy, and
by yummy I mean the dressing had just the right balance! Anyone who knows
fatoush, knows the dressing has to be spot on otherwise it's not fatoush.
Even though they don't
serve very heavy meals, we were two, and were stuffed before we even got on to
the saj. Zaatar saj is my favorite generally, but I was disappointed by the one
I tried here. It was very greasy and tasted oily. It doesn't compare to Zaatar
w Zeit's one on brown bread. I didn't even try the lahme bil ajeen (minced meat
with spices) because I was told it wasn't good. The Akkawi cheese saj was not
bad. I could just be used to Zaatar w Zeit, but all in all their food tastes
much less greasier, which is what I prefer. I was with a friend who doesn't
mind greasy food, and he also felt the same way, so that says something.
did scrape off every dot of Nutella left on the wooden board it was served on, so I'm not really going to complain.
How to get there: take a
right at the Financial metro station by the Al Attar tower and make a second
right. You'll find Zaroob around three buildings down on your left.
Happy eats xx
October 11, 2011
WATCH ME: Stoli Competition Steps Simplified!
Sometimes people are reluctant to join a competition for many reasons, one being they aren't in the mood to sign up. The video above shows you just how easy it is to sign up to the Stoli Competition at www.thenextoriginal.com. It's fun, quick, and definitely worth your time!
Check out my ambassador link while you're at it too :) http://on.fb.me/elmMCAL
Sweet Tribute to Steve Jobs
Check out the tribute outside the Palo Alto Apple Store; even Buzz Lightyear is there!! Must be very touching to see in person.
Spiritual Thought of the Day
Fill your mind with peace and divine thoughts and your mind will give that experience in return. Whatever I am experiencing in my mind now is the result of what I put there earlier on. I will always experience the after effect of what I have let my mind focus on. To fill the mind with love and good feelings is to experience a state of well being afterwards. Today let me be aware of this secret of consciousness and choose what I will experience.
*Thank you mama*
*Thank you mama*
October 10, 2011
LOOK AT ME: Upside Down Grin!
A very special new website launched recently, and it manages to put a smile on my face every time I check it out. Upside Down Grin features a new, cute and witty illustration every day. Contrary to what the title implies, it will only turn your grin the right side up! A creation by a very dear, talented and charming friend of mine, Mr. Dylan Klymenko. He's always on top of his game when it comes to his craft, and this website just proves it even more.
Whether I'm scrolling through facebook or twitter, I get proud on a daily basis of all the talented friends I have who are managing to reach success on their own unique and ambitious paths. It's proof that anything is possible. So if you have an idea, go for it, and all your hard work will undoubtedly pay off!
October 9, 2011
WATCH ME: Stoli Launch Party in the Press!
Check out the cover My Dubai My City did on the Stoli Launch party - I think it looks great! Just not used to that intense zoom in zoom out action, the cameraman really went a bit wild there! Thank you to the lovely Militza for the interview too! It's funny the last time we shared a screen was when we were shooting Tobe Hooper's upcoming movie "Djinn." Looking forward to many many more opportunities to all aspiring artists in the UAE!!
Much love xx
JOIN ME: Pink Walkathon - October 28th, 2011
About The Walk
Location: start and finish at BurJuman
Distance: 3.6 km
How to register You have two ways to do so:
Pre-Walk Day Registration
At all information counters at BurJuman. Daily from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Walk day registration
Between 7 am and 8 am at the Walk registration area, Level 1, opposite Virgin Megastore.
Registration fee
Dhs. 50 for adults and Dhs. 30 for children aged 8-12 years. Children below 8 years of age do not require registration and walk for free.
All registered participants will receive a free Safe and Sound T-shirt.
Group Registration:
For corporate or group registrations of 10 people and above, our Pink Team will come to your premises to collect the completed registration forms, registration amount and provide you with the walk T-shirts as per the sizes requested. This service is complimentary. Please contact marketing@burjuman.com.
All proceeds from the walkathon go towards providing free mammograms, patient care and spreading breast cancer awareness.
Fantastic events, non-stop fun for all !
• Rob Idol – UK’s biggest tribute act to Robbie Williams
• Fabulous live band
• Dancers & entertainers
• Pink Bazaar
• Free drumming
• Free face painting
• Free arts & crafts for kids
• Super breakfast offers
• Plus many exciting prizes…
You are guaranteed a fun morning out with the family !
I know, it's REALLY early for a Friday morning, but it's only around an hour or two maximum. Gives you enough time to go back home, shower, and get some more sleep. It's only difficult getting up. Once you're there in the midst of the crowd, all walking for the same cause, the energy is just spectacular and you won't even remember that tired grouchy feeling.
Anyway, I can't wait for it! I'd love to see some familiar faces too, so if anyone wants to join, just hit me up :)
xx
October 8, 2011
Stoli Launch Party Photos
Here are some photos from the Stoli launch party. At first I was in my performance attire and then brought some of my MAD Tea Party to life :)
For more fun photos of the night, check out the facebook album:
Enjoy xx
For more fun photos of the night, check out the facebook album:
Stoli Launch Party! Are you www.thenextoriginal.com?
Enjoy xx
My friends are so supportive, love it!
The very talented Mike Daniel, one of the other Stoli ORIGINAL ambassadors
My stunner roomie
The Rougettes!
Hey, when life hands you Stoli...
The wild Alan J Roberts - another cast member from The Butterfly & the Bee
T-shirts for Stoli from my Tea Party!
These my friends are the t-shirts I made for the Stoli launch party. I'm so happy people liked them a lot, so I'm actually considering making them in different colors! (I should calm down right)
I must give credits to the witty mind of Mohammed Rahmo for the copy, and to three of my dearest friends - Tala Barbir, Sara Kanoo and Luana Suciu, for their constant creative advice, as they are always spot on when it comes to design!
Here's what the t-shirt says:
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