today

is an animal print sort of day. whatever that means. 

xx

the nephew

my nephew zayd supporting the gaints. he doesn't know it yet, but he's a huge fan... 

xx

meet solitaire

my friend's cat is the feline dopellganger of the afghan girl.

we're all very proud.

xx

happy birthday me!

at 26-years, 1 week and 1 day i have to say that *drumroll* .....  i feel the same.

sorry to burst your bubble.

sure my social circle might have changed a little and i do have a couple ugly scars i wish i was able to avoid, but i don't really feel a day over 18. i had a great birthday that involved the sun, cocktails, delicious mexican food, cupcakes and of course great company :) out of the gifts i received, i was very happy with my new play-doh set and these two little stuffed penguins who have yet to be named. 

age is just a number. yes, i've reached the point where i use that line right left and center. on a daily basis. just let me be happy.

xx

a sleeping beauty ballet

i always manage to miss shows at the theatre in dubai. this one should be a treat. i always wanted to be a ballerina but hated the classes so i always get feelings of love and regret when i go to a ballet. needless to say, after black swan i'm pretty happy with my choice. 

xx

a pinkathon!

last friday i was fortunate enough to have good friends wake me up and share a very special occasion with me. the burjuman safe & sound pinkathon was taking place and even though it was just a 2k walk at a lousy 8:30am, it was full of energy and love for the cause. having very dear ones of mine lose their life to the disease has made it a very sentimental experience and is something i want to be a part of forever.

despite the exuberant event, something was brought to my attention - the rise of the general angst towards breast cancer awareness initiatives. the documentary pink ribbons was dedicated to highlighting the faults that society undeniably has regardless of the act of kindness it's attempting to promote. if you think about it, breast cancer awareness has become somewhat of a business - any corporation that happens to associate itself with it manages to have their marketing approach down and attain the desired reach. is it strictly philanthropic and for the good of the cause? do all the profits really go to awareness and research, or is it just a small portion. is it helping?

i like to believe that while yes, corporations might be abusing the ribbon, people are becoming more aware and interested in taking their own initiatives, be it raising money or promoting check-ups. corporations might be "stealing" the proceeds, but as long as they are still donating to the cause, i'd rather that over nothing. i haven't done as much research as i should have to make judgements and my perspective might alter greatly after watching the documentary, but it's something to think about.

xx

love lessons from a couple who know

i was truly touched by this article by a couple who lived through a 73-year marriage. people who think love and relationships are easy haven't truly lived through one. the more you open your eyes to your personal relationships and those around you, you realize that as loving as they are, they do require work and a whole lotta compromise. it's just up to you to decide whether that person is worth the emotional investment as not many people are worth the effort. as long as the pros outweigh the cons i believe it's worth it. 

my favorite points:

- embrace his quirks: you cannot fall in love with blue eyes and perfect teeth. you have to fall in love with the character of the person.

- move on from rows: my most important lesson was that we did not rehash. if something was unpleasant we got through it, handled the fallout, and did not bring it up again in happier times.

- trust your feelings: you shouldn't have to question whether you feel a physical attraction. 

- knowing attraction can last: we discovered that as our bodies grew fatter or skinnier, as we lost hair or grew it in peculiar places, our attraction stayed intact. 

xx happy loving

LISTEN TO ME: ellie goulding - anything could happen

stripped to the waist we fall into the river

cover your eyes so you don't know the secret

i've been trying to hide

****

i've been hearing this quite a bit on the radio. i'm not sure if it's gotten to the point where it's grown on me because the stations here manage to play the same 5 songs on repeat, or if i genuinely like it. but i like it. a lot.

happy monday! 

xx

going backless

3 things i'm automatically attracted to in a dress:

1. lace

2. black

3. backless

this dress embraces the feminine- it highlights a lean body, but defines the curves. 

xx

LISTEN TO ME: losing you - solange

we use to kiss all night but now it’s just no use
i don’t know why i fight it, clearly we are through
tell me the truth boy, am i losing you for good 

****

i've been obsessing over this. she's quite the stunner! i realized i've taken an unnecessarily long break from my tea party. very impolite. i'll be getting back on track!

love,
xx penguina