Straight Through My Heart

The arrow escaped Cupid's bow and caught its target straight through the heart. A single look, and my heart was hooked, caught by an emotion so powerful that I forgot where I was, and simply stood staring enchanted, breathless. My heart raced,  my fingertips tingled, my mouth became dry, It dawned on me, that my life had changed forever and  it would be meaningless, unless I could cherish and  possess what I so dearly desired...

an LV hand bag!

Sorry to disappoint some of you..
What on earth am I talking about? Well, I'm always complaining the retailers in Jeddah, (Saudi Arabia) don't put in half as much as effort as retailers in Dubai where window displays are simply captivating works of art.

Well, I have finally come across a window display in Jeddah that took my breath away. What a bull's eye?

Louis Vuitton window display at  Al Khayyat Mall, Jeddah

Have you ever fallen in love with a bag at first sight? It happens to me with shoes/sandals a lot. Sigh!


P.S .I had to put in a bit of a introduction to the pic, after all this is a blog, not a photo blog, or Tumblr, or Instagram. ..and although a picture maybe worth a thousand words, I like words..and I'm trying to write!

Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired bags for die-hard fans!

I'm going through a bit of a Breakfast at Tiffany's phase. It was triggered by none other than Gossip Girl. Blair's Breakfast at Tiffany's themed bridal shower. Then I watched Lisa Elridge's Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired make up tutorial last week, and simply had to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's again. Then lo and behold yesterday I came across these bags..

Hope you liked it, darlings
I think I'm going to do a 'how to get the Audrey Hepburn (as Holly Golightly) in Breakfast at Tiffany's look.' post one of these days.

Sotra & Lace Event: A State of Lemonade

Spring break has as usual attracted loads of visitors to Jeddah, and despite crazy traffic I managed to make it to the State of Lemonade event at Ana Special Mall.

Window display at Sotra boutique

As promised there was a variety of lemonade to choose from, you sip away right there or takeaway with you in glass bottles. There was the classic lemonade, pink lemonade, and one with watermelon, and ever popular lemon with mint. I experimented with the watermelon lemonade, while my mum had the pink one. It was refreshing and not to sweet.

Sotra& Lace decided to spoil us with an array of sweet temptations that would make even the most die-hard dieters' resolve melt away.  Knowing that every girl's heart can be won through cupcakes, they had a delicious array of cupcakes with flakes of toasted cocunut on the frosting. The moist and amazing cakes had  cute names like 'You are my sunshine' and 'Heatwave'. Little muffin cups held portions of popcorn, multi-coloured sugar candy and mini marshmallows.

Don't you just love the gorgeous flowers and bright spring colours?

Pretty pinks and purple

Here are some more pics of Sotra has to offer a unique combination of feminine floral colours with vintage inspired jewellery, and retro turbans retro wrap head bands.

Turbans, bow necklaces and peter pan collars, and vintage inspired bling

 and the giveaways

Peonies, and lace bow brooches with pastel trimmings.

Hope you liked the pictures.

Please like my facebook page so that you can read more post like this one.
Thanks xxx

Death by a Duststorm

Dear Readers,

You are probably thinking what kind of overly dramatic and morbid title is that? Well, as I have previously blogged, the Middle East continues to be engulfed in dust, there was an all out sandstorm in the middle of last week resulting in the closure of schools in Riyadh and Jeddah. Although there is no longer a sandstorm the dust hasn’t completely settled either.

Now, I like many people have a bit of an allergy to dust. If I inhale too much dust, my sinuses get inflamed and I can’t breathe, and need to take an anti-histamine. My allergy was quite awful when I was younger, but alhamdoililah, now it’s much better.

But on Tuesday, all I could smell was dust, and my sinuses were irritated- I was sniffing Vicks inhaler like a drug-addict trying to OD. Can you overdose on Vicks inhaler? If I inhaled from my nose I sneezed and if I inhaled from my mouth I coughed-as if that wasn’t enough I had a pounding headache, and my eyes watered. In short, I was in a foul mood.

Feeling tres morbid I browsed the ArabNews website, and all the while the phrase ‘Dust to dust, ashes to ashes’ haunted my thoughts. I was rather surprised and relieved to only read about 400 cases of asthma and dust related breathing problems in Jeddah alone. I was expecting at least one ‘Death by a Duststorm,’ headline.

Of course, I had over-reacted. As the anti-histamine and Paracetamol kicked in I felt much better and realised that every single breath that we take, without a thought and without pain, is a mercy from Allah-

Will we still not be grateful ? 

“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (2:152)

 And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] – then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” (Qur’an, 31:12)

Alhamdolilah, I am much better now but I still keep the Vicks close at hand. 

Everything in our life happens for a reason- to draw us closer to Allah, if only we pay a bit of attention and keep the eyes of our hearts open.

Be thankful-and please remember me in your du3as!

How to take a Screenshot using your Iphone

Dear Readers,

As you may already know I've got an Iphone which I hate to admit am still learning to use. The thing is, if it at least came with an in-depth manual -which it didn't, I would've gone through it and familiarised myself with all its capablilities in no time- I'm nerdy like that. But without a manual and only trial and error to go on- getting tech savvy on this may take a while and by that time Apple will have released Iphone 6 with even more features.

Well, yesterday I discovered something new. A friend of mine was reluctant to end a winning streak in Draw Something, and as I had sleepily sent a rather poor drawing of  seatbelts, she whatsapped me asked what was it that I was drawing. Being very sleepy it being 2am in Saudi and  (probably only 8pm in the States where she is.) having played 5 games simultaneously I couldn't quite recall what it was that I had drawn, so I asked what does it look like?  As I wondered if it was worth this much trouble to maintain our winning streak, she sent screenshot of my drawing. She wanted to know if it was battles...

I was blown away. Now, this could be the fact that it was 2 am, and we all know most people don't think straight after 2 am. To finish the story - ( if you are bored skip to the next paragraph) anyhow I sheepishly texted it that it was a seatbelt...and she replied Oooooh. Much like the way your parents did, when you told them what you had painted in Art class. Sigh!

The ability to take a screen shot and have it saved in your photos does open up a lot of possibilities.  For e.g, you could take a  screen shot of google maps, and then use it the map from your photos when you are out and offline. Similarly, you could save interesting stuff online with a simple screenshot to share later.

So how do you do it?

Well, as far as Iknow this works only of Iphone 4S or Iphone 3s with 4.1 ios

Very simply you press the Sleep/Power key and the Home key at the same time. Press for one second and release, do NOT press and hold. The screen should momentarily flash white, and if your mobile is not on silent you will hear the shutter sound. Go to the camera album to see the screen shot.

Simple! 

A State of Lemonade Event Jeddah

As a Jeddawi blogger, I try and blog about any events that catch my eye on the local scene. There is this event which I'm hoping to go to and which looks interesting.
The event is a collaboration between Sotra and Lace which means it should be great, and the event is called  'A state of lemonade' don't you just love the name?

Check out the video invite and please RSVP.

It is on Sunday 25th March, from 6 till 11pm at Ana Special Mall, at intersection of Tahlia and Prince Sultan Street. There will be giveaways, do check it out if you get the chance.

Lisa Eldridge Best Make-Up Tutorials

Like many of you, when I’m bored one of my favourite pick-me-up sites is YouTube. I like watching cute funny video clips as much as the next person, but often I’d rather watch a video on something I’m actually interested in. A friend recommended Lisa Eldridge’s channel and I must say she does the most amazing tutorials. Isn’t YouTube wonderful? Now you have free make-up application tutorials, performed by a professional make-up artist, at the tips of your fingertips.

Lisa Eldridge is a renowned British make-up artist, her clients include Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Liz Hurley,  Kate Moss, Heidi Klum, and Selma Hayek.

She has collaborated with Shisedo to deveop a new collection and is currently the Creative Director for No.7 make-up line.

One of my favourite LE tutorials is her Chanel Spring 2012 make-up, I think the colours in the palette are simply gorgeous and the resulting look is a fresh and peachy perfect for spring.

Another beautiful tutorial is the Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired make-up. It a classic look all Breakfast at Tiffany’s fans must try at least once.

A more colourful party look tutorial features Amber Andersen and has Green smoky eye with a darker lip, perfect when you want to dazzle at some event.

Hope you enjoy watching /trying them out yourself.

Draw Something Game App

Have you tried out this mobile game app? Warning: It is very addictive. I'm not the sort of person who spends ours playing games on my phone, but no I'm addicted to Draw something, and I must admit it is Drawsome!Hehe.

I have the free lite version, I still have to collect a lot of coins to get more colours.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys playing Pictionary, the premise is the same, except you draw with yourfinger on yourtouch pghone. The game is still going through frequent updates to iron out its glitches, so be patient, but on thewhole its fantastic. Don't blame me when you get addicted to it tho.
Iphone users check out the itunes link,
Android users click here.

Below is an amazing picture drawn by an expert, my drawing look like they'been drawn by some one in kindergarten :-).

Have fun drawing :-).

Crochet Dresses:Spring Style Inspiration

Monsoon's Maxi Crochet dress

DustSpring is in the air, and what better way to welcome the season than with shopping for a new dress. Cotton crochet dresses or on my list of must haves this spring. There's something so sweet and feminine about crochet items, and if accesorised with with a few edgy pieces you can acheive the perfect mix of cool and cute to get that bohemian chic vibe:-).

Topshop: 2012 remake of the 70s hippie style love the frill detailing

Crochet Lace dressy by Kate Middleton's favourite brand Reiss

Crochet dress vine dress

Forever 21 crochet dress with red Topshop dress as lining underneath

1920s glam crochet tank dress with metallic threading once again from Free People. com

A gorgoeus nude crochet maxi dress again from Free People.com

Free people.com maxi crochet dress beautifully accesorised with boots and long necklace

Free People

Valentino Wedding dress

Alexis Bledel in Missoni

Taylor Swift chic in vintage

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Toni and Guy Salon Review Jeddah

Dear Readers,

As many of you know, (I use many loosely), I've recently changed the url address of my blog, and unfortunately Google seems to have forgotten that I exist. On the plus point, I'm getting less spam traffic, but I'm not getting any real visitors either- no sense of elation can be attained from my stats/audience tab. Any ideas on how to remedy the situation?
---
Anyway, on to the salon review.

I'm not a high maintenance gal, although the idea of regular visits to the spa and salon may excite me in theory I'm not a regular customer- I'm not sure why- I guess because I have rather sensitive skin I don't relish the experience as much as other people. Recently, I felt was time to get my act together and get  (I hate to admit it) a much- needed facial. I'm a comparatively regular customer of Zouari Salon and Spa of french fame; but I decided to mix things up a bit and leave my comfort zone and finally try out Britsh brand of Toni and Guy.

I have sensitive acne prone skin , so I called them up and asked which service/facial would they recommend, and the receptionist had the aesthetician call me back and she reccommended the deep cleansing facial before trying out any other treatments.

I showed up for my appointment a bit early, and the receptionist was polite and friendly after preparing the receipt she took my abaya and replaced it with a Tony and Guy robe. I was told to go the second floor and wait, and I took a fe magazines upstairs to browse. The spa area was quiet, as the 2 rooms had customers inside, the lounge.cafeteria was brightly decorated in red and white.
But there was no one in the cafeteria to take your order, or offer you with refreshments.
There was silence except from the sound idle staff laughing and talking from a staff room.

Once it was my turn the aesthetician, asked my about skin type, and skin care routine, and when was my last facial. She was very polite and friendly, and fluent in English. For me that is a big deal, because I don't quite feel comfortable with trusting my skin/hair with someone who may misunderstand what I say or more importantly feel about what they are doing to me!

She had a very  soft soothing touch, and after she put on one of the masks and left me for twenty minutes, I think I dozed off  for a bit.

After, the facial I definitely felt a difference my skin glowed and I looked fresher and the overall texture of my skin seemd to have improved.

Toni and Guy use Dermalogica and Vichy products which are the best in my opinion.

In comparision with Zouari, I like the ambience of the Zouari spa more, they have a bigger area more natural light, very relaxing atmoshphere: far eastern inspired spa music flute accompanied sounds of trickling streams, and their signature aromatic oil burned in diffusers spotted throught the floor. An employee is always at hand to ask for refreshments, and they usually serve complimentary drinks while you wait.
The place permeates a sense of pampering luxury.

I liked the language skills of Toni and Guy employees better, the receptionists, and the aesthetician spoke fluent English, and the esthetician, IMHO seemed to be better-skilled. Like I said before, she had a very soft touch, the extractions didn't hurt, and I have sensitive skin I usualy have tears coming out of my eyes-another reason to dread a salon visit!

Would I be going again- Yes, because of the aesthetician- if she goes I go!


Having said that, I wouldn't completely forsake Zouari-  returning maybe for a relaxing foot massage or something.

Kaaba and Masjidul Haram Makkah Al-Mukkarramah

Majidul Haram Makkah Al-Mukarramah

Umrah season is in full swing, with an increasing number of visitors coming for Umrah every year. I took this photo a few weeks ago, I think it was between Maghrib and Isha on a Friday.

May Allah guide all of us to the straight path, and have mercy on us, especially those suffering in various parts of the world. Ameen

Spring Style: Pretty Pastels: Elie Saab 2012

Elie Saab's 2012 collection is the stuff sweet dreams are made of: Soft feminine colours like pistachio ice, sweet peach, powder blue, and pale yellow graced his runway. The dresses were fit for princesses with intricate beadwork and shimmering embroidery, to transform the models into sleek modern-day princesses. I would have preferred more of the dresses to have been presented with a matchin silk/nude lining, it  wouldn't have taken away from the beauty of the dresses- but that's the runway for you.
Hope you enjoy the pictures.

I thought I'll add some celebrity sightings in Elie Saab's 2012 beaded pastel collection.

Katy Perry in a powder blue beaded Elie Saab gown at 2012 Grammys

The Artist's Berenice Bejo minty Elie Saab concoction brought a spring breezt to the 2012 Oscars.

Millia Jovovich in slivery white one sleeve Elie Saab gown at the Oscars 2012.

Rose Byrne at the 2012 SAG awards in beaded Elie Saab jumpsuit

Megan Fox looking classy at the screening of 'Friends with Kids;

Emma Stone at the Essence’s 5th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon

If you can't get enough of Elie Saab's 2012 Spring collection check out the runway show.