Me, Cuppiccino & My BF's blue Pink House...

BFF can only bring back memories of tacky broken heart charms, colorful hairbands, and a very VERY ugly sense of fashion. 

Back in School – So glad this photo isn’t very clear!

So we’ve passed through all of this and shared the stages of kindergarten, high school, university, first job, and ironically met our significant others at the same time, and held our wedding party on the same month! (Cuz friends don’t let friends do silly things alone) Did you watch ‘Bride Wars’ movie? That was more like it with a bit of Egyptian & Syrian attitude in the mix!

 

Now that this phase is over, we’re back to our true selves…

I was emotional visiting her place for the first time and acting all grown up…My best friend has her own place and acting all married and stuff...    

The Tiffany blue, pink, and vintage feel, the house had her personality all over it! But I must admit that I admire her and her husband’s courage to mix these colors. I don’t think I’ve seen such a house ever in my life. I’m hunting for beautiful places, and this count as the first! So welcome to my best friend’s house J

Cappuccino – The Friendship Triangle Maker

 

It's all about her and her baby boy!

Viv: ‘When should I start shopping for my baby’s room?’ That was a question that made us all flip and give her THE look! Putting aside the excitement which is overwhelming the future mother, the first baby is the best and most logical excuse to shop! I mean, how can you miss out on a guilt-free shopping spree that your husband is actually (for the first time ever) proud of?  

I guess it’s no surprise that my answer to my friend's question was NOW! ASAP! Since I don’t see myself ever offering any babysitting services in the future, so I hope this blog post is enough to express my happiness to the great news! :-P  
 

To start with, since I’m not a mother and have Zero experience with babies, I asked a few friends about the top essential items that are ‘MUST HAVES’ in a kid’s nursery, here you go VIV:

1-     The Crib (Look for one that has a detachable or sliding side to turn it into a co-sleeper)  

2-     Changing Station (Or a set of drawers with a wide surface that can be turned into a changing station) 

3-     A Mom’s feeding area (This can be a simple small armchair)

4-     Rocking chair (Unless you feel like exercising those arms carrying the baby back and forth putting him to sleep)

5-     A note pad or small white board (To write notes and keep track of certain things, feeding times, etc.)

6-     Baby Monitor

7-     Night light

8-     Storage

9-     Accessories (wall art, frames, colorful décor items)

10-  Curtains

And if I may add, one thing I think would be great to add is a Chalkboard Wall: This is not one of the essentials but I think it’s a lovely idea that will help you release your baby’s creativity when he’s a bit older (and also helps keep your other walls clean!)

 

Blue is for boys, Pink is for girls…Traditionally, that’s how society imposed these colors on both genders. I prefer a neutral color like beige, orange, or green that can fit both genders. But, it’s really up to you, your style and of course the size and layout of the room.

Here are some pictures to inspire you when planning your boy’s room…

And because I’m just over excited, I also worked on three mood boards that can assist you! All these items in the mood board are from the stores listed below!  (I did my homework)

 

 

 

Just Kidding http://www.justkidding-me.com/en/about-us/store-locator.html

MotherCare http://www.mothercare.ae/findStore-en.html

Home Centre http://www.homecentrestores.com/en/kids

Pottery Barn Kids http://www.potterybarnkids.me/

Pop Square http://www.pop-square.com/

Bellini http://www.bellini.com/

Wall stickers and posters http://www.ewalls-s.com/store/products/category/kids-and-teens/

Ikea http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea/

Theophile & Patachou http://www.theophile-patachou.com/fr/

Don’t treat your doormat as a doormat!

Don’t let the first step into your house be taken on an outdated tedious piece of rug for people to wipe the bottoms of their shoes on (Well they still will, but…) let the mat serve its purpose with a bit of entertainment while guests stand there waiting for you to open that door! Reflect your home spirit to guests from the minute they arrive at your doorway. Your neighbors will be jealous your doormat stands out, or they’ll figure they have people with a good sense of humor next door.

My best friend came over yesterday (Already fashionably late) and still stood by the door taking pictures of my doormat…

I find these hilarious! If you don’t find a doormat that you like online or at stores in Dubai, you can always personalize one online and have it delivered… 

Some websites to help you personalize your doormat:

 http://www.personalizeddoormats.com/c/Residential_Doormats

http://www.mymat.co.uk/

 

Fanoos Ramadan

‘Fanoos Ramadan’ is what every Egyptian child looked forward to before the holy month of Ramadan. Although I have never lived in Egypt, yet I was lucky to witness Ramadan during one of my school vacations back in the days and saw the various symbols and decorations filling the streets of Cairo. From the cheapest made-in-China plastic lanterns to the carefully handcrafted traditional metal lanterns, Ramadan is not the same without the presence of a Fanoos.

The Fanoos became a symbol for Ramadan across the whole world, check the latest Ramadan greeting card, turn on the TV, flip through a magazine, and I can assure you’ll find the symbol...Being in Dubai, the diverse and multicultural city, I knew there was no way this city would miss on bringing Ramadan lanterns to its residents! Couldn’t find the traditional ones yet, but there are some that will serve the need. 

 

There are several stories about the history of Lanterns and its association with Ramadan, here’s a very interesting article that I came across to sum it all up. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ramadanlanterns.htm

Watch more about the authentic Ramadan Fanoos here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrG-5PHI77g

World Cup Fever in the Kitchen!

I’m not a fan of football, but since it’s the season and I really can’t avoid it so I’ll follow the old saying ‘if you can't win them join them’…

To all the women out there who might be suffering with me, I feel you! But if you’re going to live with it, at least live in in style and set the right mood in your place for football...

These football mugs are available at Jashanmal Home Store located in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City Mall, Mirdif City Centre & Al Ghurair Centre  

 

 

 

My first Secret Revealed – Heart of Al Quoz

I promised to reveal the hidden gems of Dubai, so here’s the first secret! It's a warehouse I visited in Al Quoz...

Heritage Touch located in Al Quoz Area (Behind Gold & Diamond Park @ the fourth interchange - Next to Mall of the Emirates) is home to amazing wooden hand carved furniture inspired by South Asian styles that bring elegance and warmth to each house! If you visit that warehouse, keep below tips In mind:

• Request that the furniture is treated for woodworm 
• Bargain, bargain, then bargain
•  Colors can be changed upon your request
• Showroom Timings 9:30 am - 9:00 pm

 
Coffee Tables

 

Stools & Bars  

 

 

Wardrobes

Mirrors, Doors & Windows