Wednesday 29 February 2012

Wordless Wednesday

sunrise in dubai, sun rising over the horizon framed by by sky scrapers

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Angelina Jolie and Her Right Leg!

angelina jolie at oscars 2012 thigh high slit black armani atelier dress with brad pitt

First it was J-Lo insuring her rear 'ass-sets' then the flurry of attention of Pippa Middleton's behind, and while we speculated at which celebrity would incite the latest part of anatomy inspired raves, Angelina Jolie wasn't on my mind. I thought the next she inspired such a media frenzy, it would be yet another baby or (two), whether her own or adopted, or that her and Brad Pitt finally decided to tie the knot and make it official.

But no, she dazzled the world at the 2012 Oscars, and although her Atelier Armani dress was pretty safe in terms of colour and style, I loved her gorgeous hair and make-up -but the thigh-high slit was OTT, and the way she stood - but her cheeky-on-purpose pose had a I know I'm over-doing it and you're loving it anyway vibe :-). I guess  that's the reason why this post isn't much of a rant. You can watch Angelina's Oscar clip here.

Her right leg has its own twitter account and of course trended on twitter- which makes me think that there are only very useless men on twitter :-P  and they should do what the Twitter boss himself advised:Get a life!  Well, maybe those weren't his exact words, but we all know that's what he was thinking.

And the question on every woman's mind ..(or is it just me?)..how is it humanly possible to have such skinny thighs with out 'help' even if it isnt surgery maybe Lipomassage?

Let me know what you think?


Monday 27 February 2012

Sandstorms and Saudi Spring in Jeddah

dust storm sandstorm in Jeddah Saudi Arabia blazing sun

The photos above have not been taken using any effect sepia or otherwise.

Spring is starting to rear its pretty head, adorned with sweet garlands, and warmed by bursts of sunshine and mild showers; it is often considered to be a pleasant season with buds beginning to bloom, and the harsh winter giving way to milder days at least, in some parts of the world.

In Jeddah, however, spring usually means only one thing: Sandstorms- lots of them and dry weather. For the past few weeks Jeddah has been engulfed in dust. Woe to all housekeepers ,cleaners and dust allergy sufferers. Everyday I wake up with smell of dust, and feeling that my sinuses as parched as the desert ground.

Some days dust just envelops the whole atmoshphere, other days there's a proper dust storm and the sky turns a depressing yellow, while the wind howls eerily among the urban buildings rattling windows and dish antennaes in urgent protest. Resenting the barriers,and trying to sneak in, the wind is  not content with spreading dust and debris on every outdoor surface. The sun turns into a giant hazy ball, like a lone but large dim bulb casting a depressing sepia hue. You can feel the grit and dust as you shuffle along head bent and you realise how essential covering your face can be in this climate.

saudi man covering his face in a sandstorm

(Whenever I see the Saudi Shabab with their Afros in this weather I'm always think that if I throw them in a convertible Caddilac and add some januty Seventies music--you'd have the perfect setting for a Seventies movie :-P - oh and the low rise pants would have to be exchanged for tight flares :-P I'm sure there is a Barbican TV ad that shows something like this)


Here's to hoping for light rain, just enough to clear the atmoshpere of all this dust but not enough for a flash flood.

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Bribery: The Disease Destroying Society



Dear Readers,

I recently came across certain posts online that reminded me once again that Saudi society is not what it used to be. I was tremdendously saddend to read an article on the Saudi Life blog, titled 'Beard annoys corrupt corporates".

It was the poor tale a of industrial salesman who lost his job as he grew the length of his beard to confrom to his religious beliefs. Now living in Saudi where there are quite a few bearded men about I found this strange. As I read on, it emerged that customers namely Purchasing Managers at large organisations were shy to ask him for a bribe to close the deal when they saw his long beard, and hence he would lose customers.

The man said previously when he didn't have a beard customers used to regulary approach him fora bribe, and he used to refer them to deal with company directly, and the company was only too glad to come to a suitable arrangement to satify both parties, and the salesman would lose his commision while the Purchasing Manager was satisfied with his bribe.

How appalling that bribery has become commonplace both in the public sector and private sector in the birth place of Islam.



 Sheikh Assim Alhakeem posted this as his status a few weeks ago:
 "Few weeks back, I was giving Friday sermon in my masjid. It was about corruption and bribes. After exposing the dangers of corruption and the participation of most officials in such a sin, I quoted the hadeeth of the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam where he said: May Allah curse the person giving the bribe and the one taking it. I then supplicated saying O Allah curse those who give bribes and take it. 
There was complete silence in the masjid. 
I then commented: Subhana Allah! 
We supplicate against oppressors and the masjid shakes with A’ameen, we supplicate against the enemies of Islam and the masjid roars with A’ameen. But when I curse the corrupt and those who take and give bribes, not a single A’ameen is heard? I am afraid that we are all in this corruption up till our necks. 
May Allah help us get rid of this disease." 
Ameen!

Bribery is a major sin, because of the report narrated by Ahmad (6791) and Abu Dawood (3580) from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the one who gives a bribe and the one who takes it. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel (2621).
Source:http://islamqa.info/en/ref/72268

Sports cars- Nuff Said!

Dear Readers,

If you know me personally, you will know I have a thing for sports cars, convertibles, sometimes even coupes! The other day I was discussing with a friend of mine how her vision board was going.

She replied that at the moment, her vision board looked more  like a lust board, and she had me doubled up in fits of laughter as she named the actors on her vision board. Now, on the other hand, if you look at my vision board it has at least 3 cars on it, and no celebs in sight, and I keep on thinking I should add one or two more cars.

Even though for all intents and purposes I am a girly girl- but I love shiny metal!

Unfortunately, in Saudi women still can't drive, so for now they remain according to car dealer's by line:  'Toys for big boys.'

Can you imagine how hard it is for me not to be able to drive in Saudi, when I feel so strongly about cars..oh well.. I can always dream that some day soon I will be cruising down Tahliyah or Malek Road in wheels of my own :-P!


I'm guessing this post might attract some male visitors, though I'm pretty sure, not as much attracted by the Pippa Middleton post.

Here are some of my favourites

Enjoy!
I'd like to leave you with I think the perfect song to view these, Blue's Fly By

ferrari enzo
Ferrari Enzo neeeds no intro- the stars' car

bmw z4 roadster
BMW roadster- first love
jaguar car
Smooth Jaguar
audi spyder R8
Dashing Audi R8-
mercerdes benz SLR McLaren
Mercedes SLR McLaren- Classy
vintage Rolls Royce wedding cars
Vintage Rolls
Red Porsche 991 convertible 2012
Porsche 2012 <3

Finally, you may want to check out this article about the guy who owns 52 luxury cars!!!





Tuesday 21 February 2012

DIY Lamps, Lanterns and Lace: Let There Be Light

Dear Readers,

I've recently come across some gorgeous DIY lamps and lanterns, jars and tea-light votive makeovers. Most are easy to do and an absolute delight to look at. Hope you will like them and try them out for your self.
Lace doily lamp

The hardest one in my opinion but also the prettiest is this lace doily spherical lamp, the tutorial can be found here.
Lace doilies pendant lamp

This pendant doily lamp maybe a little less overwheming, instructions are similar to the one above.

Doily on jars lamp
Modern lace and led light lamp
 
Turn empty jars into lovely limuminaries using the tutorial here and here.


White wedding inspirations

A small but still sweet project gives your tea light votives a makeover perfect for baby shower or wedding center pieces.

Morrocan inspired tin lanterns

This easy project upcycles empty tin cans into pretty lanterns great for adding light to your garden and for outdoor parties and weddings. Check out the pics of my own project, hope you like it!





Saturday 18 February 2012

Butterfly Award

 
I would like to thank Izdiher for awarding me with the Butterfly Award for Blogs! Yay!
This award comes with the request that you state 7 random facts  about yourself...hmmm ok:

1. I love sports cars :-) always have and probably always will.
2. I'm allergic to beef, it makes my gums bleed!
3. I would like to retire and die in Madinah Munnawarah, inshallah
4. I would love to visit Langkawi, Malaysia again.
5. I love reading.
6. Pepsi/Coke make me hyper!
7. The smell of damp earth after the rain makes me happy, (when it rains in Asian countries) and of course when the rain is NOT accompanied by flooding.

I would like to further give this award to some fabulous bloggers.

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Yogette Soft Opening Review


We were at Park Hyatt Jeddah to see the Edge of Arabia art exhibition and decided to drop by Yogette, which is having their soft opening these days.Yogette emphasises that it uses all natural non-fat yoghurt. We went on to order a Mango flavoured fro-yo but were told that they'd just run out, so went we went for plain fro-yo, with a topping of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and chunks of Cadbury's Flake. ( I will always associate Flake with ice cream, I've had my fair share of soft ice cream with a stick of Flake in London)

The fro-you was right consistency, and not too sweet, the fresh fruit and chocolate added an interesting addition to texture and flavor. You are free to choose your own toppings, the number of toppings depends on the size of the fro-yo, the smallest size has 4 toppings to go with it. There are nuts, chocolates, and my favourite fresh berries and fruit to choose from. It is rare to find fresh raspberries or even blueberries, or black berries here.

I ordered a blueberry flavoured bubble tea, and my Mum ordered a pineapple flavoured bubble tea. We were later informed that they'd run out of pineapple. So we replaced it with kiwi flavoured bubble tea which was thankfully available.

We chose to sit outside, as there was a wonderful breeze blowing, and the Jeddah Marina looked particularly serene from the terrace. The décor inside is white with a splash of neon colours and interactive tabletops. Seems like a tech savy teenager's dream.

The bubble tea arrived mine was garnished with a blueberry and Mum's with slice of kiwi respectively.  Bubble teas are of Far East Asian origin and can be chosen from a choice of black or green tea and additional fruit flavours. It is a type of ice tea and gets the term bubble from the tapioca pearl balls that are at the bottom of the drink, and which provide a chewy contrast to the sweetness and texture of the drink. 

The drink was served accompanied by an oversized straw to enable the tapioca pearl balls to fit in your straw. The tapioca balls are soft and unexpectedly squishy and chewy. The tea was just the right sweetness and had a great fresh tangy flavor. I suggest that everyone should challenge their taste buds and try Yogette's bubble tea at least once, as it is a new experience when it comes to drinks in Jeddah, but you may want to wait until their soft opening is over, in order to be able to enjoy the full variety of flavours.

Update: They have their grand opening on 1st of March 2012, don't miss it.

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Sunday 12 February 2012

Easy Patchwork Quilt Topper/Duvet Cover Tutorial for Beginners

easy patchwork quilt topper/duvet cover tutorial


Dear Readers, I am very excited to post my first ever DIY project- and a sewing one, no less. My Mum can't understand how I 've suddenly managed to develop an interest in sewing- and I have no clue either- the project just inspired me.


While surfing the internet and reading blogs, I came across a lovely patchwork quilt topper tutorial- the quilt topper was beautiful and instructions seemed easy. The next day my Mum was about dispose of some random pieces of fabric she had lying around for ages. One of the reasons of their neglect, was that a quite a few of them were differnt shades of yellow- which is n't a family favourite.

So, in an inspirational moment I told her to give it to me and that  I'd turn it into something..beautiful.. erm-that I'd try anyway, and if it didn't work we could dispose of it.


I've provided the link to the tutorial but I discovered the measurements are a bit off, so I've decided to modify them a bit and do my own tutorial :-)

Things you will need:
6 types of fabric, ideally 3 plain and 3 printed, I used 2 plain 1v light print, and 3 printed fabrics
The amount you need for each fabric depends on what size quilt topper/ duvet cover you would like to make.

I was making one for a king size duvet cover which is 220cm by 225cm.
The pattern requires us to make a square quilt made up of 13 squares.
So each square will be Size of quilt +1cm/13  in my case 220+1/13 =17cm
17cm should be the finished size of each square. that means leaving a half cm allowance for stitching on each side, you should cut out 18cm squares.

The pattern requires 27 squares of each fabric, thats approximately 100cm *127cm for
Fabric number 6 requires 28 squares, so you'll need a bit more fabric.
You may re quire extra fabric to make sure the finished quilt covers the bed/duvet, as the square topper is only going to be 221 cm I will add a 5 cm strip to one end, you could add two 2.5 cm to both ends.

Remember that fabric number 6 will be the most prominent one, according to the pattern, so choose carefully. In my pattern no. 6 is the orange fabric, 5 the cheetah print, 4 mustard yellow, 3 thick yellow and white horizontal stripes, 2 thin yellow and white vertical stripes, 1- white background with brown birds printed it on it.

Other things you will need:
Scissors/ Rotary blade and Cutting board
Ruler/Quilters Square

Chalk
Matching thread. Sewing maching
Iron

Pattern:

6 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 4 3 2 1 6
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 6 5 4 3 2 1
2 3 4 5 6 1 2 1 6 5 4 3 2
3 4 5 6 1 2 3 2 1 6 5 4 3
4 5 6 1 2 3 4 3 2 1 6 5 4
5 6 1 2 3 4 5 4 3 2 1 6 5
6 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 4 3 2 1 6
5 6 1 2 3 4 5 4 3 2 1 6 5
4 5 6 1 2 3 4 3 2 1 6 5 4
3 4 5 6 1 2 3 2 1 6 5 4 3
2 3 4 5 6 1 2 1 6 5 4 3 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 6 5 4 3 2 1
6 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 4 3 2 1 6

Method:
1. Cut out squares of each fabric, make sure you measure properly, otherwise you will be sorry at some point, and then unless you have tonnes of fabric it will be too late to do anything about it.


2. Play around with the fabric, until you can decide which fabric is going to be 1,2,3 and so on.
I would make the darkest/brightest 6, and the lightest 1,and the rest according to how they would look next to each other.


3. Once you have decided which number to assign each fabric, place a sticky note or piece of paper atop each pile so you don't get mixed up.

4. For the first row collect all the squares in the correct order.
Placing the first two squares right sides facing each other stitch together 0.5cm from the edge. Flatten the seam open with your nail. Next open up the two squares, sew on the next square in the same way until all squares in the first row or sewn together. Cut away any lose thread, fold and set aside.


Be accurate in your 0.5cm seams as it will matter later on.
Repeat for all rows.

5. Once you are finished with rows iron the rows and press seams open.

6. Next carefully pin the first and second row together, making sure the intersections/seams of the squares match up. If they don't match you could to open it up and try and tidy up the squares.If it is still don't panic! Don't give up- take a break. At the end of the day, the pattern will be seen from afar, and the mistake won't be that noticable-hopefully. :-)


Stitch together the first two rows, roll up the finished squares of fabric as you go along to prevent it from tugging and pulling what you are currently stitiching.


7. Repeat until you reach the 7th row.
Then start the same procedure from the 8th row till the bottom. This is to reduce the bulk you have handle, and so that you only have to deal with the full bulk of the fabric once.


Stitch the two halves together.

easy patchwork quilt topper/duvet cover tutorial


In my case, I needed to attach, a strip of fabric to the edge to make up the extra 5 cm of width.


If you are making a duvet cover like myself, you can simply sew a flat sheet cut to size, to get the back of the quilt.


If you have leftover fabric, you can make pillows, be as creative or as simple as you want.

patchwrok pillowcases
patchwork pillowcases
Enjoy!

Tip: Once you have laundered it, and if you are not going to use it immediately, you could fold the cover, and store it in a pillow case,and any matching bedsheet, and additonal pillow cases, neat and organised storage.

You may also like this post I've made spring/ summer blossom edition of this patchwork duvet as well.