Chic Style

Farah Chocolate

2009-10-10T14:47:00.004+03:00

I will let the photos speak for themselves...

For orders call: 97454592

Fabulous Finds!

2009-10-09T14:00:00.013+03:00

http://www.spoonsisters.com/ is an online gift shop offering a mix of unique products for adults and kids, males and females, young and old! Their products range from classic to kitsch, funny to functional. I personally loved the following...

Bibs to Go

The playful bibs in this tear off pad will keep baby clean and smiling! Constructed of a waterproof disposable material, the bibs are easy to secure with seals included with the pad.

It's a wonderful gift for new Grandparents -special treat bibs when little ones visit- or simply keep a set in the car to use when dinning out with baby in restaurants.

20 full color bibs to a pad –four designs with five of each style. The pad measures 9 ¼ inches x 12 ½ inches. Ages 0-3.

Deluxe Lunch Boxes
This box is form and function to the optimal. It's based on a "stacked" design that prevents food from being tossed around, thanks to the 4 small and 1 large container that fit comfortably inside the box. Plus the lid of the box, which is super secure, is shaped to keep a bottle in place, under the elastic strap. Remove the strap and you can immerse the entire unit in soapy water or it's dishwasher safe on the top rack.

This box is not just for kids, it's for anyone who likes to take lunch with them. All materials are food safe and kid-friendly: made from BPA-free and phthalate-free polypropylene safety tested for lead. Containers can be used in the microwave.

Clocky - The Alarm Clock that Runs Away and Hides (LOL i love this)

Clocky gives you ONE chance to get up. If you choose to snooze, believe it or not, Clocky will jump right off your night table (up to 3 feet) and wheel around your bedroom looking for a place - far away from your bed- to hide, beeping all the while, before sounding his alarm again. And, yes, you WILL have to get out of bed to silence his alarm.

The snooze time can be set from 0-9 minutes, so if you set it at "0" Clocky immediately "runs" away. If you want Clocky to be just like every other alarm clock on the block, and stay put on your night table, simply disable his wheels. Moves on wood or carpet.

Easy Fold Step StoolThis folding step stool is great for getting to those hard to reach places in the kitchen or closets, to help kids reach the bathroom sink or throw in the back of your RV. When not in use it folds flat and the top morphs into a convenient carry handle. This ez fold step stool can support up to 300 pounds.

To Do Tattoo
Here’s a tongue in check tribute to anyone who’s ever scribbled a reminder on their hand or wrist. (Would that be JUST about everybody?) This To Do Tattoo kit includes 12 graphic “To Do” forms that you can apply to your body, wherever it’s most convenient or creative, and a skin-safe washable ink gel pen. You’ll never again have to make lame excuses for missing bowling night, forgetting your Mom’s birthday or coming home from the supermarket without the olives!

De-Caf Strips

2009-10-09T12:27:00.005+03:00

Studies have shown that up to 30% of decaf coffees ordered at coffee houses and restaurants contain unacceptably high levels of caffeine, or are not decaf at all. These simple to use strips will help you determine whether your coffee or tea is really decaf.

Bring the test strip in contact with a beverage sample; do not allow the D-Caf Strip to come into contact with the beverage that will be consumed – so remove a small test sample from the cup (we suggest putting some on a spoon of course), and do not consume the tested sample. Then just wait 30 seconds. If it is DECAF the strip will read as “D” line darker than “C” line, or only D line present. If it is NOT decaf the “C” line will read darker than “D” line, or only “C” line present, or lines will be equally dark.

Sadly these strips won’t work on your latte, so remove the sample for testing before adding milk, or other additives. Since all decaf beverages contain a little jolt, the single-use strips will only detect caffeine above a 20 mg-to-6 oz ratio. Works with hot and cold beverages. 20 strips per package. Container measures 2 ¾ inches x 1 ½ inches at its widest x 13/16 of an inch deep.

You can get this product at: www.spoonsisters.com

Pamper yourself with Nails on Wheels!

2009-10-08T12:59:00.004+03:00

Nails on Wheels is a home service nails salon offering quality services at competitive prices.

You can take an appointment online or simply call 97771230.

For more information check: http://www.nailsonwheels.org/index.php

Halloween party food

2009-10-08T10:59:00.020+03:00

Halloween is just around the corner and it's always fun to plan for a spooky Halloween party. If you do celebrate Halloween, you'll love these easy and kid-friendly food ideas for your party!
Mummy DogsCut crescent roll dough into thin strips and wrap around hot dogs. Bake according to crescent package directions and use ketchup or mustard for eyes.
Witch BroomsUse cookie dough to form a broom shape around the end of a large pretzel rod. Use a tooth pick to make indentations in the cookies if you want. If your cookies spread too much during baking just use a knive to trim the edges when they come out of the oven and are still warm. Then decorate as desired.
Witch HatsOne of the easiest Halloween tricks (and treats!). Place a Hershey's Kiss on top of a Keebler Fudge Strip Cookie and you have a little hat. Use the little tubes of frosting you can buy in the grocery store baking isle. Pipe a ring around the outside of the bottom of the kiss and press onto the cookie. It will squeeze out and make the ring around the kiss. Then pipe on the bow.
Spider Web DipThis trick works for pretty much any dip that you could pipe sour cream on top of! Put some sour cream in a plastic baggie with the end snipped off and use it to draw a web pattern. Throw on a fake spider or two and your favorite party dip is instantly creepy!
Spidey Cookies

Red hots and licorice turn oreos into creepy (but kinda cute) spiders. Shoestring licorice is hard to find these days, but Twizzlers makes "Pull-Apart" candy that works perfectly.

Pumpkin Sammies

This is a great staple for a Halloween party spread because it pleases both kids and adults and is something with substance! Use Halloween cookie cutters to cut your bread. Fill some with peanut butter or cream cheese and orange-colored jam (like peach or apricot) for the kiddos, and something more sophisticated like Teriyaki Chicken Salad for the grown ups!

Nutty Ghosts

Nutter Butters are naturally ghost shaped, which make them perfect for dipping! Give them a bath in some almond bark and put on a couple of mini chocolate chips for eyes.

Dirt n' Worms

Another classic. Use chocolate pudding for your mud and put some crushed oreos on top for dirt. Hide those gummy worms in there for eeek factor!

Chocolate Cherry Mice

You'll need marichino cherries for this one. Make sure you buy ones with stems. Drain them and dry them well with paper towells. Dip in almond bark, or chocolate bark. When they are semi dry, attach a chocolate chip for a nose, slivered almonds for ears, and little candies or sprinkles for eyes.

Cheesy Fingers

Super kid friendly- who doesn't love string cheese?? Again, I cut them in half to make them kid-sized. Use the flat side of a knife to make the knuckle marks and attach slivered almonds with a dab of cream cheese for the nails.

Monster Jaws

Quarter apples and take a wedge out of the center of each quarter. Dunk them in water with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Use slivered almonds for teeth (I toasted mine for color and taste!) Eyes are optional.

For other great Halloween food ideas and recipes check: http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Eid Mubarak

2009-09-19T21:50:00.003+03:00

I would like to congratulate all Muslims and wish them a happy Eid

An upside-down cheesecake!

2009-09-17T13:43:00.008+03:00

What can be more soothing than a big piece of cheesecake? just imagine the smooth taste of soft and creamy cheese, the yummy crust and your favourite topping of strawberries, cherries or chocolate... addictive!

Cheesecake Show offers mouth-watering cheesecakes in different sizes, shapes and flavours. I liked the idea of the upside-down cheesecake, saving best for last!

Send a cheesecake to that special person and i'm sure you'll be thrilled by the appreciation you'll get :)

Check out Cheesecake Show facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=cheese+cake+show&init=quick#/group.php?gid=130701316914

Vertical space solutions for your kitchen

2009-09-17T02:49:00.008+03:00

Utensils are easy to find and never out of reach when hung on "S" hooks from a rod above the cooktop. No need to buy an expensive storage system -- a simple towel rack, tension rod, or dowel can be mounted near the food-prep area.
Keep sharp utensils stored in a stainless-steel box mounted on the side of a counter or island, and they'll always be easy to find. Consider putting the box inside an upper cabinet door if your household includes small children.
Built into a tall, wide stainless-steel backsplash, a roomy shelf and a row of utensil hooks provide on-location storage that doesn't block ventilation.
If you don't have a spot for a wall- or ceiling-mount pot rack, recast one or two base cabinets flanking the range. This narrow compartment is just wide enough for favorite pots and pans, which hang from "S" hooks that fit a track on the pullout rack. Cookie sheets and fold-away roasting and cooling racks are also naturals to store in a narrow space.

For more space-savvy ways to store your cooking equipment, check http://www.bhg.com/

Protect your baby from germs!

2009-09-15T19:18:00.006+03:00

Shopping carts are filled with germs and your little jet-setters have no time to be sick!

Protect your little star's bum from that yucky shopping cart with this stylish cart cover. It's 100% reversible and machine washable, comfortable and clean. Padded for ultimate comfort with safety belt, 2 toy loops and pockets to keep toys from endlessly dropping to the ground. Fits high chairs, shopping carts, double shopping carts and park swings.

This is a must-have item for all mothers! You can find it at www.oleanaboutique.com

Zucchini Fries

2009-09-15T01:18:00.008+03:00

The Sauce:

In the bowl of a blender, combine 3 oz feta cheese (about 1/2 cup), 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic.Puree the mixture until smooth.

While the motor is running, slowly add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 roasted red bell pepper. Puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce into a small bowl, cover, and chill.

The zucchini fries:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut 3 medium zucchini lengthwise into 2-inch-long and 1/4-inch-thick pieces. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If I hadn't run out of panko breadcrumbs, I would have used them rather than regular ones. Their crunch is unmatched in the breadcrumb world!
In another medium bowl, spoon 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs.
Working with several zucchini pieces at a time, dredge the zucchini in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the zucchini in the egg mixture and then place the pieces in the bread crumbs, covering completely.

Place a rack on a baking sheet and place the breaded zucchini pieces on the rack. Spray with some olive oil. This will help give a little extra crisp on the fries. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and breading is browned and crisp.

Serve the fries with the dipping sauce.

Recipe from: http://www.foodbuzz.com/

A checklist for all occasions!

2009-09-15T00:25:00.005+03:00

When planning a party or gathering, there are many things to think about and the process can be really stressful.

This is a checklist that will help you get more organized..

One Month Before:

Choose the type of party you want to throw
Set the date
Prepare your guest list
Mail or e-mail invitations or call guests to invite them

Two Weeks Before:

Plan the menu and organize recipes
Plan a cooking schedule; determine what can be made ahead, what can be frozen and what are you buying already prepared
Read through your recipes and write a shopping list
Try out any new recipe you want to troubleshoot
Arrange to borrow, rent or buy serving pieces and other items that you might need such as platters, glasses, flatware or table linens
Plan the layout of the room
Plan music, if appropriate
Plan lighting
Buy or make a centerpiece or other decorations
Hire servers if needed
If you're throwing a simple gathering or if friends have offered to bring something, let them know what to make

One Days Before:

Call or email guests who have not yet RSVP'd to see if they plan to attend, and follow up with guests who have offered to bring a dish
Wash serving pieces, plates, flatware and glasses
If using napkins or tablecloths, iron them
Place frozen food in the refrigerator to defrost overnight
Purchase groceries

Hours Before:

Place flower arrangements, candles or other decorations
Place the pretty guest soaps and hand towels
Finish preparing food

Make your garden glow

2009-09-14T14:12:00.009+03:00

Usually for gardens, low voltage lights and candles are used to create a beautiful ambiance. If appropriately placed, lighting would definitely make your backyard or garden glowing and hospitable.

I really liked these ideas from http://www.sunset.com/ and they're really easy to create!

Hang Fire

Create romantic lighting for an outdoor dinner party by suspending votives at varying heights from low-hanging branches.

Use clear fishing line and be sure to keep candles a safe distance from the leaves.

Summer Lights
In his backyard ramada in Scottsdale, Arizona, artist Jeff Zischke houses candles in antique carriage lamps and ordinary mason jars; he supplements their glow with low-voltage lamps."There’s still no substitute for candlelight," he says. "That flickering glow just draws people in like moths."

Buy a showstopper

Blue Inspiration

2009-09-14T14:06:00.004+03:00

Today's wedding inspiration is from http://jomygoodness.typepad.com

Frost

2009-09-14T11:34:00.008+03:00

Frost offers delicious cupcakes in different sizes, flavours and frostings.

How to order:

1. Call 55316367 one day ahead.

2. Pick the size of your cupcake

a.) Mini
b.) Medium
c.) Giant

3. Pick the flavour of the cake

a.) Vanilla
b.) Chocolate
c.) Strawberry
d.) Chococonut
e.) Vanilla coconut
f.) Red velvet
g.) Black Rose

4. Choose your frosting

a.) Chocolate
b.) Vanilla
c.) Red velvet
d.) Lavender

Or visit their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=102758934612

Tandoori Chicken Burgers

2009-09-05T13:02:00.004+03:00

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds (4 to 5) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into rough chunks

4 scallions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger (from a peeled 2-inch piece)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Coarse salt and ground pepper

Vegetable oil, for grates

4 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas

1 cucumber (8 ounces), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced on the diagonal

1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs

Cumin yogurt sauce (see recipe below)

Directions

1. Heat grill to medium-high. In a medium bowl, place chicken, scallions, ginger, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to combine. Set aside to marinate, at least 10 and up to 30 minutes.

2. Transfer chicken mixture to a food processor; pulse until roughly chopped, but not pasty, 10 to 12 times. Gently form mixture into sixteen 3/4-inch-thick patties (about 3 tablespoons each).

3. Moisten a folded paper towel with oil; grasp with tongs and rub over grates. Season patties with salt and pepper; grill until opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

4.For the Cumin Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; season with coarse salt and ground pepper.

5. Halve pitas crosswise (toast on grill, if you like). Into each pocket, place 2 chicken patties, cucumber slices, and cilantro sprigs. Serve with Cumin Yogurt Sauce.

Recipe from: http://www.marthastewart.com/

An all-white wedding

2009-09-04T11:34:00.011+03:00

I simply adore the idea of an all-white wedding theme; very classy and romantic. The best thing about an all-white wedding theme is that it's timeless! So when you go over your wedding album years later, you will never think "oh that was 2009".

Back to school must haves!

2009-09-01T21:58:00.006+03:00

TI- Nspire

TI- Nspire is the ultimate value buy, lasting from algebra through college-level math (that’s up to 10 years!) Unlike clothes or gadgets like cell phones, you won’t have to replace it with something trendier next year… and research shows that graphing calculators help kids do better in math – which can help them get into college and ultimately, set them up for future success.

Benefits & Features:

• 2 calculators plus computer software, all in one! Includes two interchangeable keypads that allow students to use the TI-Nspire features, or use a keypad that mimics the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus calculators, the leading graphing calculators used in U.S. schools. Included computer software brings the TI-Nspire experience to a PC or Mac.

•Like a computer in your hand. The versatile graphing calculator has the computer features students demand, including a large, high-resolution screen, interactive graphing capabilities, drop down menus and a built-in cursor which help students interact with math concepts and explore problem solving strategies in real-time.

• Save and review work. Thanks to electronic document capabilities and built-in 20MB of storage, students can create, save and edit their work similar to the word processing and file storage of a computer.

• Allowed on the SAT-also permitted on the ACT and AP- tests and many state math exams. With the purchase of the TI-Nspire, students can download free test prep questions from The Princeton Review.

• Free homework help. Stuck on a problem? Free online access to math tutors from http://www.tutor.com/ is included with the purchase of the TI-Nspire.

Check out http://www.ti-nspire.com/ to see where this item can be purchased or to see the TI-Nspire CAS (Computer Algebra System).

Citizenpip Reusable Lunch Kits

Citizenpip makes it easy to go green with products that are designed to be fun and stylish for kids, and practical and convenient for parents. The reusable lunch kits come with everything you need to pack a waste-free lunch.

They’re eco-friendly, muck-free (their products are lead-free, BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free), practical and convenient. They’re also dishwasher-safe and easy for little hands to open and close.

Lap Desk by Room It Up

Work anywhere with the Room It Up portable lap desk. The design allows you to have the ultimate study station wherever you choose. This item is great for studying, arts and crafts projects and writing.

Great to use if you are just hanging out in front of the TV or in bed! It is also great as a work surface to use in the backseat of the car. There is even a built in cup holder! This is a must have!

Fruit Creations

2009-08-29T10:48:00.004+03:00

Fruit Creations offers fruit arrangements in the form of bouquets. This is really a unique and healthy way to please your loved ones.

Frozen Pudding Pops!

2009-08-29T10:19:00.005+03:00

This is a quick and easy recipe perfect for summer time and kids...

Mint-Chocolate Cookie Pudding Pops

1 small box instant chocolate pudding
1 3/4 C half and half
10 Oreo cookies, crushed (about 1 heaping cup)
1/4 t peppermint extract

Blend pudding mix, extract, and half and half in a blender until smooth. Stir in crushed cookies by hand. Place in molds and freeze.
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Pudding Pops

1 small box cheesecake instant pudding
1 3/4 C half and half
1 C blueberries
1 t lemon zest (or more if you like your lemon!)

In a blender mix cheesecake pudding mix and half and half until smooth. Add in lemon zest and blueberries and pulse a couple of times to break up the blueberries. Place in molds and freeze.
Cherry Almond Fudge Pudding Pops

1 small box instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding
1 3/4 C half and half
about 20 cherries ( 1 1/4 C) pitted and halved
1/4 t almond extract
1/3 C mini-chocolate chips

Blend pudding mix, half and half, and almond extract in blender until smooth. Add in cherries and pulse 2-3 times. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Place in molds and freeze.
Piña Colada Pudding Pops

1 small box instant coconut pudding
1 13.5oz can coconut milk
1 8oz can crushed pineapple
1/3 C shredded coconut
1 T fresh lime juice
optional: coconut extract

Blend coconut milk, lime juice, and pudding mix in a blender until smooth. Add crushed pineapple and shredded coconut and pulse a couple of times to incorporate. Add extract if desired. Place in molds and freeze. The coconut flavor was more mild than I expected. If you want a boost, add a little coconut extract.
PB Banana Pudding Pops

1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 3/4 C milk
1 ripe banana
1/4 C Peanut Butter

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Place in popsicle molds and freeze. Bananas that aren't quite ripe yet tend to taste especially bitter when frozen, so make sure you use a sweet, ripe, banana.
Strawberries and Cream Pudding Pops

1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 C milk
6oz vanilla yogurt (strawberry is great too)
12 medium strawberries (about 1 3/4-2 C roughly chopped)
2-3 T sugar

Remove stems from berries and pulse with 2 T sugar in a food processor until completely smooth. Taste and add more sugar if needed. You should have just over a cup of puree. Set aside.

In a blender combine pudding, yogurt, and milk and blend until combined. Layer or swirl the pudding mixture with the strawberry mixture in popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Recipe from: http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Photo Chic!

2009-08-28T11:20:00.006+03:00

Maha Al-Asaker is a freelance photographer and studio owner who is willing to do photography either in studio or on location.

Every photo she takes is truly unique and artistic. I find her photography style very sophisticated and creative with a special attention to details. Whether you want to capture your intimate moments, your business products or your special occasions.. you will be in good hands with Maha!

For more information check out her website http://www.mahaalasaker.com/ or her youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/MahaAlasaker

Favors made with love

2009-08-28T10:40:00.004+03:00

http://www.q8favors.com/home offers a beautiful selection of wedding favors, baby shower favors and Gergai'an treats.

Let your personality shine through your wedding

2009-08-22T14:52:00.004+03:00

Every wedding tells a story; some weddings are romantic others are glamorous reflecting the bride's own unique personality and style.

So what's your style? Are you romantic, glamorous, classic? Take this quiz, discover your bridal style and let your personality shine through your wedding.

http://www.brides.com/planning/flowers/findyourstyle/quiz/

Happy Ramadhan!

2009-08-22T09:35:00.006+03:00

Wishing you a happy and blessed Ramadhan surrounded by those you love

Love to Eat

2009-08-21T14:44:00.004+03:00

Love to Eat offers a full menu of delicious homemade dishes; from appetizers and salads to main courses, side dishes and desserts. I tried some of their dishes and they were really good. The portions are big and the food is freshly prepared.

Mini Menu

[Salads]

Greek salads ,Olive lovers salad ,Tropical salad with mango, Morrocan salad, green salad.

[Appetizers]

Mini pastilla, Focacia , Pourri pizza, Morrocan wrap, Sundried tomato crown, Savoury profitrolle, Squared topped pizza, Laham belajeen, Bulgur kuba tart.

[Main dish]

Ravioli, 3 kind pasta, Mini lazania, Curly mash potato, Floating mushroom in spinach, 3 layers tortilla.

[Dessert]

Best tiramisu in kuwait, Banoufi tart, Tropical mousse , Strawberry mousse, Pearl of marbella cake, Volcano cake , Strawberry roullade , Floating chocolate cupcake.

For orders call: 99088301

Check out their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30138032835

Little Treats

2009-08-21T10:02:00.007+03:00

Looking for Gergai'an treats?

Check out http://www.littletreats-q8.com/candy/

Little treats also offers delicious cupcakes with a variety of flavours and toppings for any occasion (birthdays, baby shower, weddings, graduation...etc.)

Back to school!

2009-08-18T09:29:00.011+03:00

Get your kids ready to go back-to-school with these wonderful ideas from http://www.pbteen./com

Preppy Pocket Board

Make the most of your wall space with this functional pocketboard. It features a pencil holder and pockets, and it’s woven of 100% cotton-canvas with grosgrain ribbon trim.
Locker Message Board

Make your locker more functional with this space-saving accessory. Camo prints come with a dry-erase board with pockets and a small shelf. Made of sturdy polyester construction. Set includes a combo dry erase pen with an eraser on one end.
Lap Desk

Take your homework anywhere with this mobile study station. The smooth top on the superstorage desk swings open to reveal a corkboard and cubbies for pushpins and study supplies. You can also personalize it!

Say What? Door Sign

Tell friends what you’re up to or let them leave a note with this unique sign. Includes a hook to hang over your door and a dry-erase pen with eraser.

The Great Grid

Organize your wall in an instant with this ingenious grid. Its minimalist design offers maximum storage with a display shelf, six hooks and eight clips to hang caps, photos and more.

Creamy Pesto Pasta

2009-08-18T08:52:00.012+03:00

Ingredients

1/2 lb Farfalle/Bowtie Pasta (that's 1/2 a 16oz box or a little over 3 cups dry pasta)
3.5 oz Pesto (that's about 1/3 cup, or 1/2 of a 7oz container they sell in stores)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
8oz mushrooms (about 3 C sliced)
3T pine nuts
Parmesan cheese
extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425.1.

1. Prepare your Alfredo sauce (combine 1 cup low-fat milk, 1.5oz low fat cream cheese, 1 T flour, and 1/2 t salt in a blender and blend. Melt 1/2 T butter in sauce pan and add 1 minced garlic clove. Saute until tender and add milk mixture. Bring to a simmer, cook until thickened stirring constantly, about 3-5 minutes) Add 1/2 C grated parmesan cheese and stir. Cover immediately and remove from heat. When it's finished, just make sure it's covered and set it aside.

2. Place a large stock pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil.

3. Remove stems from mushrooms and slice. Place tomatoes and mushrooms on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil (3-4 T should do it) toss with your fingers making sure everything is coated and then lightly sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Cook in the pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes. You can tell the tomatoes are ready when the skins start to split. Don't overcook them or they'll be mush!

4. When water comes to a boil add a little salt and the pasta.

5. Toast pinenuts: Place nuts in a dry skillet on med heat. Stir constantly. They will start to turn glossy which means the oils are releasing. Then they'll start to brown. (have you checked your pasta? go check your pasta) Let them get golden brown and then remove them from the pan to cool. It should take about 7-10 minutes total.

6. Your pasta should be done, drain it if you haven't already.

7. Add pesto to alfredo sauce and stir to combine well.

8. Tomatoes and mushrooms should be done about now, take them out of the oven.

Put it all together! Place pasta in a large bowl and combine with as much sauce as you need. Place tomatoes and mushrooms on top and sprinkle on lots of fresh parmesan cheese. Sprinkle pine nuts on top and serve.
Recipe from: http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Shabby Chic Wedding

2009-08-16T14:01:00.006+03:00

Shabby Chic is a major trend nowadays. This style simply refreshes everything old by combining old and worn furnishings or antiques with polished and refined accessories. It is a soft and romantic way of decorating, very comfortable and inviting.

If you're a bride who opts for a more intimate and romantic wedding, you should definitely go for a shabby chic wedding decoration.

Here are some pictures i gathered from around the web of Shabby Chic wedding decorations...

I simply adore this style!

"A6ba8y" a must-have cookbook for Ramadhan

2009-08-14T14:58:00.013+03:00

Muneera Al-Ibrahim is an aspiring young Kuwaiti girl with a strong passion for food. She is the author of a new cookbook titled "A6ba8y" which will be available in bookstores on the 18th of August,2009.

"A6ba8y" is filled with unique and declicious recipes. The format is easy-to-follow, the page design is excellent and the photography is simply mouth-watering! Whether you're new to cooking or you just want to learn more, this book is for you!

Following is a mini-interview i did with Muneera about her cookbook...

Q: What made you decide to write this book?

I love cooking and i love sharing my recipes with others. The idea of writing a cookbook has been in my mind for a long time and with the help and encouragement of my family, this dream came true.

Q: What is different about your cookbook?

"A6ba8y" offers simple, clear and easy-to-follow recipes. It is designed to encourage young girls of my age to cook and enjoy the experience. I'm also very proud to say that my cookbook is exclusively designed and edited by young and creative kuwaiti talents.

Q: What is your favourite recipe in the book?

The cupcake. It's easy to make and very delicious!

If you like a copy of "a6ba8y" to be delivered to your house, call: 55251466 or send an email to: a6ba8y@gmail.com

You can also join her facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=135935142391&ref=nf

Banana Pudding

2009-08-14T13:06:00.005+03:00

What you’ll need:

1 brick cream cheese (softened)

1 small can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup sugar1 large package instant vanilla pudding

4-5 bananas - cut into small slices1 cup milk

1 large container cool whip

1 tbsp PURE vanilla extract - I use Madagascar Vanilla extract.

1 box of vanilla wafers

1 bag of Heath chips - you can find these in the baking aisle of your grocery near the chocolate chips.

What to do:

In a mixer, beat cream cheese, until creamy. Add sugar & continuing mixing. Add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, pudding package & milk. Mix well.

Add about 1/3 of the container of cool whip & fold in sliced bananas with spatula. In a trifle bowl arrange vanilla wafers on the bottom of the bowl. Add in some of the banana pudding, arrange more vanilla wafers on the sides.

After you’ve added half of the pudding mixture add a small layer of cool whip & then more vanilla wafers to the side. Add the remainder of the pudding mixture & top with remainder of cool whip. Finish off with a sprinkling of heath chips on top (secret ingredient!) Chill for a bit to allow the wafers to soften.

Recipe from: http://www.bellalimento.com/

A gorgeous wedding theme

2009-08-14T10:22:00.012+03:00

Today's wedding inspiration is from http://photographymathieu.blogspot.com/

This wedding is decorated in beautiful shades of tiffany blue, black and white. The theme is simply gorgeous!

Send a message on a cookie!

2009-08-11T13:12:00.011+03:00

Imagine this...

A giant cookie! really big, soft, chewy and loaded with chunks of chocolate! Divine!

The Cupcake Lady sells fresh-baked, giant chocolate chip cookies. They're simply rich, delicious and adorable! You can show your loved one how much you care by sending a message on the cookie or simply have it personalized.

The giant cookie really makes a cute gift for any occasion.

The Cupcake Lady: 97377919

Add a little light exactly where you need it!

2009-08-11T09:27:00.002+03:00

USB Flex Neck Light

Have your very own light source each time you work on your laptop. This is the perfect accessory for the on-the-go business person or student.

LED Bookmark Light

This is an exciting new booklight using the latest LED technology. The dual, super bright cool white LED lights are fully adjustable on a the metal gooseneck arm for just the right light for reading in the dark.

You can find these items on: http://www.organize.com/

Keep your cereal crispy and fresh!

2009-08-10T15:32:00.009+03:00

Double Dispenser by Zevro® is basically a double-sided container specially designed to hold your cereal and keep it fresh for up to 45 days! It can also be used for dry food like candy, granola, nuts, beans...etc.

Double Dispenser by Zevro® is a really cool item to have in your kitchen; it's attractive, it's durable and a very handy storage solution for your dry food. It can also be a very unique gift for any morning person you know.

You can find this item on: http://www.organize.com/kitchen-food-storage-dispensers.html

Samburgers! Yummy!

2009-08-10T11:51:00.005+03:00

Ingredients

1 ¼ lb. ground beef (that extra quarter pound is absolutely essential; if you don't have it, your burgers will fall apart when you try to cook them.)

3 Tbsp. A1 sauce

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

½ tsp. Kosher salt

¼ tsp. pepper

2 cloves minced garlic

¾ tsp. dry oregano

1 Tbsp. dehydrated onion

Directions

Combine ingredients and shape meat into patties. If you want big burgers shape into 4 patties. If you're a burger pansy, shape the meat into 6 patties.

Grill for about 7 minutes on each side over medium (or until they're as non-pink as you want them.)

While the burgers are cooking, you can get your fixins ready. Mayo, ketchup, mustard, a leaf of Romaine or red leaf lettuce, a couple rings of red onion, a slice or two of tomato, and a few dill pickle slices.

Slice the buns open and spread them with a little butter and then you can either place them under the broiler in your oven or buttered-side-down on a hot skillet.

If you want cheese on your burger, place it on top of the burger while it's still cooking (and has about 2-3 minutes left). When the burgers are done and the cheese is melty, place them on your toasted buns and then add whatever you want on top!

Recipe from: http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Bring the beauty of outdoors indoors!

2009-08-09T06:10:00.009+03:00

Flowers are always a wonderful addition to a wedding. When choosing flowers for your wedding, the most important thing to consider is the season in which your wedding will take place. Focus on the prevalent traits of this season and incorporate the most common colors of the season in your wedding decorations.

In my openion, there's nothing more romantic than Spring. It's the season when flowers start blooming and grass turns green, when sun shines warm and wind blows cold.. it's simply the best season for weddings!

Spring is usually associated with soft pastel colors and light hues of green, pink, yellow, blue and purple. If you're having a spring wedding, you should definitely consider dreamy pastel colors to keep your wedding light, airy and dreamy just like Spring!

Check out this perfect spring wedding decoration created by Beth Helmstetter and get inspired!

Brownies Delight

2009-08-08T08:48:00.008+03:00

I love brownies! The richness, the moistness, the chocolaty flavour... uhh makes me wanna cry!

Brownies Delight offers yummy brownies; they are rich, fudgy, tasty and chewy just as brownies should be! They come in different flavours, layered in beautiful jars; you have got to try them!

Check out Brownies Delight facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=74565134793&view=all#/group.php?gid=74565134793

Flats Belly Wraps!

2009-08-06T14:23:00.004+03:00

Flats Belly Wraps are compression garments designed to help shrink your belly by offering an even medical-grade compression.

Flat Belly Wraps are ideal for weight loss, post pregnancy, losing the love handles or just for those who want a strong, durable compression.

If you've just given birth, then you should definitely try the Flats Bikini Post Pregnancy Wrap! It's completely seamless under clothing and provides additional compression and support during your first 8 weeks of postpartum recovery.

Check it out: http://www.flatsbellywraps.com/product/flats-bikini-post-pregnancy-wrap?path=belly-wraps

Molten Lava Cakes

2009-08-06T14:01:00.008+03:00

Ingredients

4 T real butter
1/3 C sugar
3 large eggs
1/3 C flour
1/4 t salt
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted (8 ounces is about 1 1/3 C of bittersweet chocolate chips. Make the 1/3 cup a little over-full and you should be good)

Additional Ingredients

Conf. sugar for dusting
Sweetened whipped cream for serving
Butter and sugar for preparing pans

You can either bake these in a muffin tin, in ramekins, or even a oven-proof mug. If you use a muffin tin you'll get 6 cakes and depending on the size of the ramekins you'll get 4-6.

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

To prepare pans, use your fingers (or the butter wrapper) to rub butter in the muffin tins or ramekins. Sprinkle in some granulated sugar to coat the entire inner surface and tap out any extra and discard.

In a bowl with a mixer beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour and salt and slowly add it into the butter mixture just until combined. Stir in melted chocolate by hand, just until combined. Don't over mix.

Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups or ramekins and then place them on a baking sheet.

Bake just until tops of cakes no longer jiggle when pan is lightly shaken, about 8-10 min for a muffin pan, and 10-12 for ramekins. Remove from oven and let stand 10 min.

If using muffin tins, invert the tin and place an idividual cake on each serving plate. You can do the same with the ramekins, or just serve them as is. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a dallop of sweetened whipped cream.

Recipe from: http://www.ourbestbites.com

The Chef's Planning Kit!

2009-08-02T05:33:00.010+03:00

If you like entertaining and having people over at your house, i think you'll love this product!

The Chef's Planning Kit will help you get more organized by arming yourself with a plan! It will help you create your own meal menus and shopping lists which simplifies meal planning and preparation and save you time and money! The Chef's Planning Kit includes 3 pads, sticky notes, pen, pin, magnet and quotation booklet, all packaged in a beautiful keepsake box.

You can find this item at: http://www.organize.com/notespads.html

Anatomy of an Invitation

2009-07-31T08:00:00.005+03:00

An Excerpt from Party Confidential: New Etiquette for Fabulous Entertaining by Lara Shriftman and Elizabeth Harrison.

The first step for any party planner is to send out invitations. Easy to do, right? Well, we all remember to include the basic who, what, when and where information, but its easy to overlook the small details that can make a big difference. Make sure your invites communicate all the important information clearly so that guests won't hesitate to RSVP, yes! to your next bash.

Who: The Host & Guest of Honor

When you send out an invitation you never want to forget to include the name of the host or the guest of honor.

- If your party is all about a guest of honor be sure to let invited guests know so that they can plan accordingly.

- Don't forget to put your name down as the host of the event. Since you're planning the party you will be the go-to person for any questions guests may have.

Time to Party: What's the Occasion?

Make sure you explain the purpose of the party. Is Dad turning 50? Or is it your daughter's 5th Birthday?

- Be specific about the occasion and the person being honored so that guests will know what to expect--the last thing you want to do is mislead your guests.

- Also, be sure to let them know if they should arrive armed with a gift, prepared dish, or simply ready to party.

Date: When's The Party?

One of the most important parts of an invitation is the planned date of the party.

- I always suggest including the day of the week to avoid any possible confusion, although the way the date is written generally depends on the type and degree of formality of the event.

- An informal invitation can read: Wednesday, August 1, 2008.

- A more formal approach spells out the date: Wednesday the first of August, 2008.

Time: When Should Guests Arrive?

Including a detailed time on your invite helps your guests as well as you.

In general, be as specific as possible about timing. The more explicit you are, the less likely it is that guests will arrive too early or stay past their welcome.

- If you know from past parties that some guests are more likely to arrive late, include a bit of a schedule for them. For example write, "Come for cocktails at 7PM" or "Dinner will be served at 8PM." By doing this you allow guests to plan accordingly.

- If you're hosting a surprise party inform guests as to when the guest of honor will arrive. Nothing blows a surprise party more than when the birthday guy or girl arrives along with tardy guests. Putting an acceptable time down will allow delayed guests to arrive safely without ruining the surprise.

- The invitation is your line of communication, so choose your copy carefully. For example, for a seated dinner, let your guests know that fashionably late won't fly. Be polite, but don't be afraid to use a pointed adjective like 9 o'clock "sharp" or 9 PM "on the dot." This is especially important if you are working within a strict time frame (e.g., you only have your venue for two hours). I like to be very specific, so I spell the time out saying, "8 o'clock in the evening."

Location: Where's the Party At?

Generally, the name and address of your party venue will do the job, but in some cases you may need to go a bit further.

- If the location is a bit more hard to find be sure to include directions or small map.

- Or, if you are hosting an in-suite soiree at a hotel, state the name of the hotel, and the specific room or area where the party will take place, in addition to the street address.

Attire: What Should Guests Wear?

Always specify the dress code if an event demands certain attire.

- Think "black tie," "cocktail casual" or "pool ready."

-Specifying the preferred dress will save you and your guests time and grief. Guests appreciate guidance, so instead of saying business casual, consider a specific directive like "no denim" or "jackets required." Trust me, you don't want to spend you precious party prep-time fielding fashion inquires from panicked couture-conscious attendees!

RSVP: How Should Guest's Respond?

Always remember to indicate how you would like people to respond as well as by what date.

- You can ask everyone to let you know whether they are accepting or declining your invitation, or you can opt for "regrets only" to respond.

- Just be sure to provide a contact number or e-mail address regardless of your method.

- I prefer phone calls instead of e-mail as it makes it more personal, but if your preference is email be sure to always bcc (blind carbon copy) so that you don't give out everyone's personal e-mails.

The Final Step: Proofread

Always be sure to re-read your invitation thoroughly before sending them out.

Remember to double check:

1. Spelling
2. Grammar
3. Dates
4. Times

Diner-style french fries!

2009-07-30T23:53:00.013+03:00

Equipment

High-quality (like stainless steel or cast iron) 8-quart kettle or pot OR a deep fryer with adjustable temperature settings.
Candy thermometer (if not using a deep fryer)
2 paper towel-lined plates (plus extra paper towels)
A wide metal slotted spoon or spatula
A large mixing bowl of ice water
A very sharp chef's knife

Ingredients

1 lb. Russet potatoes, scrubbed clean but not peeled (try to keep them small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to make sure they're easy to cut)
Salt
Freshly-ground pepper (optional)
48 oz. canola or peanut oil

Carefully cut potatoes vertically into 1/4" slices.

Divide stack in half with the flat surface of the potato on the cutting board and carefully cut potatoes into 1/4" fries (you may need to remove the round top slice and then cut that part later if you find it's slipping while you're trying to cut the potatoes).

Toss any pieces that are too skinny--they'll just burn when you're cooking--and trim down any extra-large pieces. Place cut potatoes into the bowl of ice water and repeat with remaining potatoes. When finished, pour the entire bottle of oil into the pot/kettle/deep fryer and bring to 325 (keep the candy thermometer in there the whole time) over medium-high heat. When the oil is about 310-315 degrees, drain the potatoes so they'll be ready to go into the oil as soon as it's hot enough.

When oil reaches 325, turn the heat all the way up to "high." Place 1/2 of the potatoes into the hot oil and stir frequently for 5-6 minutes, or just until they're starting to show signs of being cooked. Remove from the hot oil and drain on one of the paper towel-lined plates.

They look a little grim. You may be doubting me. You may be doubting yourself. Fear not! We're not done yet.

Bring the oil back to 325 and then fry the second batch of potatoes. You know the drill--stir frequently, remove after 5-6 minutes, drain on paper towels.

Now...this is where things get fun. Bring the oil up to 375. When you're there, add the first batch of fries back to the oil and fry for 1-2 minutes. They'll get brown and crispy fast, and they'll continue to brown a little after you remove them from the oil, so as soon as they start getting brown enough, get them out of the oil and drain them on the paper towels. As soon as they're out, give them a very liberal sprinkling of salt while they're still very, very hot.

Bring the oil back to 375 and fry the second batch of fries, following the same directions. Who's super excited? I'm super excited and these aren't even on my (or my thighs') radar right now...

Fry Sauce

1/4 c. ketchup
1/4 c. mayonnaise
2-3 tsp. chopped dill pickle
Combine and serve with homemade fries or onion rings.

Recipe from: http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Shhhhh! It's a surprise party!

2009-07-30T21:20:00.005+03:00

Before planning a surprise party, ask yourself: Is the occassion appropriate for a surprise party? If it's a brithday, a graduation or an anniversary then go for it but if it's something more formal like an office party or a retirement party i don't think it's a good idea.

A surprise party is a big trick and the most important thing is to make the guest of honor come to the surprise venue without any suspicions!

First thing you should do is set a date! Schedule the surprise party around something that's a routine for the guest of honor so he/she wouldn't suspect anything out of the ordinary.

Make a list of the guest of honor's closest friends and family. You can add some old friends that he/she would be excited to see. Send out detailed invitations and emphasize that the party is a surprise!

After you set the date and invite the guests, you should now plan for the actual party. Set a dress code; keep in mind what the guest of honor will likely be wearing and tell your guests to dress accordingly. Make sure that guests would arrive 30 minutes before the guest of honor and tell them to park out of sight! Purchase party supplies that will enhance the surprise like noise makers, colorful streamers, balloons and masks.

Remember that this party is not about you, it's about the guest of honor so include activities that he/she might like and focus on serving his/her favourite food.

As the surprise moment approaches, turn off the lights, tell your guests to hide and make sure that everyone is quiet!

One more tip: Never make a surprise party for an elderly, a pregnant woman or a sick person with a heart condition or something.. you don't want to be surprised yourself :)

Back to action!

2009-07-30T11:02:00.002+03:00

Finally arrived from the holidays and back to action with lot's of new and hip ideas..

What kind of hostess are you?

2009-07-05T17:45:00.004+03:00

Are you known for your attention to detail and lavish spreads, or are casual, last-minute gatherings more your style?

Find out whether you're a high-end hostess or better suited to host more casual affairs with this quiz from Martha Stewart's website...

http://www.marthastewart.com/quiz/what-kind-of-hostess-are-you?rsc=txnmyIndx&lnc=CHANNEL_ID

Serve your drink in style!

2009-07-02T11:13:00.010+03:00

This drink dispenser is a must have!

I love the idea; it's perfect for summer bashes and garden parties. Just toss in fresh sliced fruit, pour in the beverage and voilà!

No more spills, no more sticky pitchers and your guests will love it!

You can find this item in Pottery Barn:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p10862/index.cfm?pkey=coutdoor%2Ddrink%2Ddispenser

Movie night at home!

2009-06-29T11:41:00.005+03:00

I know there's nothing quite like going to a movie in theatre; the huge screen, the booming surround sound, the snacks and the ambience, but sometimes it's nice to curl up on the couch and enjoy a movie in the comfort of your own home.

Instead of laying in bed watching a movie, why not plan a movie night with your friends? The idea is really simple, all you need to do is:

Call your friends and invite them over.

Arrange the seating beforehand and make sure that everybody would have a clear view of the screen.

Bring extra bean bags, floor pillows, blankets and throws.

Test the movie before your guests arrive.

Set a snack bar of all the classic movie snacks; popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, taquitos, hot wings, corn, chips, candies and soda. Take-out is also a good option.

Before starting the movie, make sure everybody would turn off their cell phones.

Make sure you hit the pause button half way through the movie so that your guests would get a chance to chat, go to the restroom or make phone calls.

And finally, turn off the lights, sit back, relax and enjoy the movie!

Something for every home!

2009-06-28T07:55:00.008+03:00

http://www.horchow.com/ is one of the best online shops for elegant furniture and exceptional home decor accessories.

Horchow offers a variety of items from fine furniture and luxury linens to distinctive tabletop designs, rugs, beddings and antique collectibles! It simply brings the best of everything in every style and trend.

I've checked alot of online furniture stores but honestly no one came close to Horchow.

Decorating a teenager's bedroom

2009-06-22T08:22:00.007+03:00

When decorating teenagers' bedrooms, we should put in mind the fact that their age is really sensitive, that they're going through many physical and emotional changes and that they're trying to figure out who they are and what they want to become.

They have enough issues to deal with so instead of giving them a hard time, parents should allow their teens to express their personalities, interests and tastes through their bedroom decorations. Let them choose the color, theme and style even if you hate it! Afterall, it's their hide out, their space and it should reflect their individuality and creativity.

Consider it a great chance to work together as a team. Make a few key decisions together regarding color, prints and decorative accents but make sure that your teen plays the predominant role in making such decisions. This will definitely help build up your teen's confidence.

A little tip: The most important element in a teen's bedroom- in my openion- is the STORAGE SOLUTIONS! Teens usually have alot of CDs, magazines, toys, books, electronics, makeup, clothes, shoes, bags...etc. If your teen prefers having everything out where he/she can see it, then use open storage solutions like shelves, bookcases, wall cubes, organization boards and hooks. If he/she prefers everything neat and hidden, use closed storage solutions like under-the-bed storage bins, corner cabinets, drawer units and baskets.

Pottery Barn came up with a fun line of exclusive furniture and accessories created just for teenagers. So cool!

Check it out: http://www.pbteen.com/

Protect your sweet baby legs!

2009-06-21T11:56:00.004+03:00

As a new mom, i always try to discover what's new and hip in the baby department. Today, i found out about Nicole Donnely; the owner of http://www.babylegs.com/ who makes the cutest ever baby legs!

The uses of baby legs are numerous; they keep your baby's legs warm, allow diaper rashes to heal, make diaper changes quick and easy, keep your baby's knees protected while crawling, provide sun protection and beyond all these benefits, they're a hot new fashion trend!

Baby legs are stretchy enough to fit kids from newborn to size 10 and they come in vibrant colors and super cute patterns.

Baby legs are definitely a must-have accessory!

Watch the game!

2009-06-18T08:11:00.016+03:00

The simple act of gathering with friends to watch sports on tv. is fun but you can make it even more fun with these simple ideas...

First, make sure your tv. room is comfortable; bring extra floor pillows and bean bag chairs to make the room cozier.

Put the fragiles and breakables away; die hard fans can get really rowdy when the game doesn't go as they wish :)

Set the party mood by decorating the room with your team's colors. If it's going to be a mixed crowd, decorate opposite sides of the room for each team. Throw in anything with the team's logo; banners, pennants, blankets, foam fingers, balloons...etc. You can also use similar color paper plates, glasses and napkins to enhance your decorations.

Make it a fun night and have plenty of noisemakers (clackers, whistles, horns...) Also make sure that your guests would come wearing their favourite team's t-shirts or jersies and hand out funny hats for them to wear during the game.

This is a casual and laid-back gathering that's why it's better to serve food that's easy to eat. Finger food like mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, nachos, chips and dips would be great. Pizza and mini burgers would also work!

One more thing... don't bother inviting anyone who doesn't care about the game! I'm sure your guests won't appreciate any silly comment regarding the players' outfits and hairstyles :)

Day to night transformation

2009-06-15T08:14:00.008+03:00

A tip from Collin Cowie:

"Transform your table from daytime to nighttime effortlessly. By daytime, fill a decorative glass bowl with lemons, coconuts and white coral – all elements that won't spoil in the summer heat. "

"At nighttime, take the same bowl and fill it with water and float a couple of flowers and candles for a romantic centerpiece. For added glamour, add votive candles. There's no such thing as too many. They make us look younger and add an element of sensuality and drama to the table."

An Indian summer

2009-06-09T09:20:00.006+03:00

http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.com/ is an amazing blog about Indian and Asian intertior design and living.

The site features exquisite furnishings and fabrics, rich textiles and gorgeous arts and crafts that literally reflect the ethnic and cultural identities of Asia.

I really encourage you to visit this blog and you will definitely be inspired by the beautiful and eye catching colors and designs of India and Asia!

Unusual and unique hotels!

2009-06-08T13:53:00.009+03:00

Today i found out about a cool site that goes right on top of my list of favourites!

http://www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com/ is an online guide to unusual and unique hotels around the world. This is a must-visit site before you plan your summer vacation!

Here are some pictures of cool hotels featured in this site...

The Pavilion
London, UK
Funky Rock'n'Roll hotel in Central London

VERANA
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Floating above the Bay of Banderas and embraced by the mountains of the Valle de la Sierra Oriental rests VERANA.

Hotel de Glace
Sainte-Catherine-De-La-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec, Canada
The Ice Hotel: an exceptional winter event that is unique in America

Non-floral centerpieces

2009-06-07T16:21:00.009+03:00

If you're looking for something creative and original on your tables other than flowers and candles, i think you'll love these ideas i gathered from different sites and blogs.

Click on the image to see a larger version...

Serving appetizers

2009-06-02T08:38:00.010+03:00

Here's a great tip about serving appetizers from the style icon Collin Cowie:

"When serving appetizers at a cocktail party or before a meal, think outside the box. No need to have a basic platter of cheese on the side table or waiters passing food on silver trays for guests to take with their hands. Instead, make it young, fun and fresh by presenting food in different ways. It’s amazing how a stick or a spoon can take a one-bite treat and make it something extra special. It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as the images shown. A tray with spoons topped with a delicious mousse, wonderful sashimi, or delicious marinated olives lined up on a tray looks elegant and is easy to eat. No matter what or how you serve an appetizer, make sure it’s bite-size. There’s nothing attractive about seeing a guest juggle bite into an appetizer that’s really a small first course!"

Yummy cupcakes!

2009-05-27T08:49:00.007+03:00

http://www.handycandyq8.com/ is an online gourmet store specialized in yummy cupcakes and pastries lovingly made for your enjoyment.

Handy Candy brings uniqueness into the world of cupcakes by offering fun and tasty icing flavors and the cutest sprinkels in different colors and themes.

What i like the most, is the display and packaging; you can have your cupcakes packaged in a cute gift box or displayed on a beautiful tray ideal for receptions, birthdays and special occassions.

A little creativity goes a long way!

2009-05-25T12:23:00.009+03:00

Flower arrangements don't have to be expensive to look impressive. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and imagination to create an attractive and charming flower arrangement.

I really liked what Martha Stewart did with these tin cans; they are so easy to create, they look sensational and they don't cost alot of money!

You can use this idea for a barbecue party, a beach party or any occassion that doesn't need elaborate decorations. You can also use those tin flower arrangements in your kitchen and around your home.

Now I have a reason to open all the neglected vegetable tins in my kitchen!

Cottage Style!

2009-05-24T08:20:00.006+03:00

I was checking Better Homes & Gardens website and found out the most beautiful beach cottage! Suddenly i feel like turning my home into a cottage retreat!

As you can see in the photos, cottage style is all about simplicity and keeping things light, cozy and airy. With the right mix of pastel colors, soft floral fabrics, painted distressed furniture and fresh flowers, you can create a cheery and inviting cottage look that makes your guests want to stay for a while.

Gergaian!

2009-05-21T08:00:00.004+03:00

In the past couple of years, a new trend emerged in Kuwait during the holy month of Ramadhan. Mother's would send out Gergaian bags and boxes to family members and friends by their children's names.

If you're a not-so-creative mom and looking for a cute Gergaian bag or basket for your child, visit http://www.rullart.com/about.asp and check out their beautiful Gergaian hand made creations.

The site also offers birthday give-aways, graduation and baby shower gifts.

The perfect color palette!

2009-05-20T11:04:00.012+03:00

As i was sitting in my office having my regular cup of coffee, i came accross these amazing wedding photos taken by photographer Grey Bumatay and i just had to share them with you guys!

The whole setting was simply breathtaking; it's sophisticated, it's modern, it's fresh! I just love the idea of matching simple decorations with vibrant colors... maybe i should get married again so i can use this color combo hehe!

For hot mamas and sassy babies!

2009-05-17T08:07:00.006+03:00

You're pregnant and rising like a pudding? Don't worry; You can still look stylish!

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style for comfort. On the contrary, this is a time of your life when you should look great and feel confident.

http://oleanaboutique.com/ offers a line of trendy maternity clothes designed to make you look good and feel good at the same time. You will find a range of casual wear, loungewear and accessories that you can wear anytime, anywhere throughout your entire pregnancy at fairly good prices!

The site also offers chic and adorable clothes for toddlers and children as well as a collection of organic clothes perfect for the eco-friendly babies. You can also find diaper bags, books, sling carriers, chic crib beddings and much more!

If you're a young parent looking to give your child a cute and fun style, i think you will fall in love with Oleana Boutique.

No-slip hair clip!

2009-05-02T00:27:00.007+03:00

Are you looking for hair clips that actually stay in your baby's fine hair?

Well, i recently bought my daughter alot of pretty hair clips from http://www.lilsugarplum.com/ and they were all so cute, very well made and most importantly, they stay in place with only a few strands of hair!

They come in an assortment of colors, styles and designs. They are easy to put and take out and you don't have to worry about them tugging into your baby's fine hair.

If you want to give them out as gifts, don't worry about packaging and wrapping; they come in pretty pink boxes and tied with a nice ribbon.

The site also offers a collection of headbands, hats and other accessories for babies, toddlers and girls.

Be prepared!

2009-05-01T14:46:00.006+03:00

When it's time to go give birth in hospital, every mom wants to be prepared. The last thing you want to worry about is whether you've forgotten your toothbrush or your baby's first outfit.

I know there are hundreds of hospital-bag checklists on the internet but this one is different because it is prepared especially for Kuwaiti moms; I know exactly what you need to pack for the big day ladies!

Below is a comprehensive list of items to pack for the hospital bag prepared by myself when i was pregnant. Please let me know if there's anything else i can add to this list.

For you:

Admission papers
Medium sized bag
Shampoo/Conditioner
Shower gel
Bath sponge
Facial cleanser
Body moisturizer
Face Moisturizer
Hair dryer
Hair brush/Comb
Hair band
Hair clips
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Deodorant
Body powder
Towel
Makeup bag
Underwear (with everything going on down there after giving birth, you will have to wear the granny panties.. sorry ladies)
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Socks (thick ones)
Pajamas with front opening tops for breast feeding
Night gowns/robes
Slippers
Small mirror (put it in the drawer next to your bed)
Going home clothes
Shoes
Mobile
Mobile charger
Camera
Camera charger

For the baby:

Onesies (6 or 7)
Wraps/blankets
Hats
Mittens
Bibs
Purping cloths
Plastic bags (put in each plastic bag a onesie with its blanket, hat, bib and mitten in order to save time)

Don't worry the hospital will provide everything else...

I recommend that you pack your hospital bag by the end of your second trimester just incase you go into an early labor.

Are you stuck in an all-beige world?

2009-04-26T15:48:00.013+03:00

If you walk through any Kuwaiti house, you will notice that most of the walls (if not all) are in either beige or shades of beige (rosey beige, greenish beige, yellowish beige, light brown, camel, tan, sand, biscuit, cream...etc.)

I know that beige is a neutral color and i know that it combines the warmth of brown and the coolness of white; HOWEVER, what people don't understand is that too much beige can be really dull and boring! So why don't we add more color to our lives than the boring beige that we surround ourselves with?!

My advice: Color can make a room look larger, smaller, warmer or cooler. When choosing a color for a room, it is important to take into consideration the size of the room and the amount of natural light that goes into it. You should also take into consideration the mood that you want the room to reflect... do you want it to be serene and peaceful or bright and fun?

But with so many color choices, picking just the right color can be really hard. Better Homes and Gardens offers a cool online tool where you can choose colors and patterns to walls, furniture and flooring which gives you an overview of what your room would look like!

http://www.bhg.com/app/coloraroom/member/index.jsp

I used this tool to add color to a livingroom, check this before/after picture...

Couture water!

2009-04-24T21:45:00.004+03:00

This may sound weird but every year, Evian partners with a different French designer to create a haute couture and ready-to-wear designer bottle! This year's Limited Edition Evian Bottle was designed by Jean Paul Gaultier.

The Limited Edition Evian Bottle by Gaultier has already found its way into the most high-end restaurants and hotels. If you're is interested, check http://www.shopevian.com/

Her Majesty, The Queen!

2009-04-22T14:41:00.006+03:00

Looking for a unique gift for the special lady in your life?

Whether this special lady is your mother or the mother of your children, your sister or just a good friend... she deserves a royal treatment!

My advice: Women love to be pampered so instead of buying a gift, why don't you provide your loved one with a pampering treat? Make her feel special with a day of pampering and relaxation right in the comfort of her own home! Send her a skilled staff from http://www.queenails.com/ and melt away her stress with manicure, pedicure, foot and shoulder massage.

Need something to make your boring outfit pop?

2009-04-19T14:15:00.006+03:00

Hair bands have become a big fashion trend in recent years and the most popular accessory amongst fashion-conscious women of all ages.

Whether you are young or old, dressing for a party or just a gathering with friends, wearing hair accessories will give you a nice touch and a complementary color to your outfit.

Accessory Obsession offers a wide range of hairbands in different designs, various shapes, sizes and colours. Whether you like skinny hair bands or thick ones, feathered hairbands or big bows, whether you want a couture look or a modern look, Accessory Obsession is the place to visit!

Check out their facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?sid=d49e47d043cd44a356b8e26752cb4a08&gid=44720573441&ref=search

Make a statement today, stand out from the crowd and wear an Accessory Obsession hair band!

Simple, chic and affordable wedding!

2009-04-17T14:26:00.012+03:00

A few simple touches are normally enough to change an ordinary room into something wonderful for your special day. The decorations don't have to be expensive in order to be beautiful; however, you should always make sure that you budget correctly and that you shop around for the best deals.

First thing you should do is pick a color scheme and follow a theme. Use the same colors for your wedding invitations, flowers and decorations. Make sure that your wedding decorations are placed in the wedding hall, the dinner buffet and also the bathrooms.

After picking the color and theme, start choosing your decorations and dare to be different! You don't have to follow traditional wedding decorations, however, give your wedding an individual feel or create your own decorations.

Check this beautiful black, white and pink wedding theme which was featured in http://www.brides.com/ it's different, it's simple and very chic!

Your wedding anniversary and you're stuck for ideas?

2009-04-16T01:36:00.008+03:00

An anniversary is a celebration of the extra special day when you and your partner got together.
Why don't you renew your commitment with a RING every 5 years? A ring is a classic anniversary gift; It has a sentimental value and makes a great gift for both men and women.

In the years in between, give each other personal and romantic gifts (they don't have to be expensive) something like a slideshow of your photos together would be really sweet. You can also dine in a nice restaurant, go to a concert together or (if you want to spend a little more) go on a trip together!

Maldives is a wonderful romantic retreat. I went there for my honeymoon, we stayed in the Four Seasons Hotel Landaa Giraavaru; I really recommend it! From the minute we stepped out of the sea plane, it was like a dream. It was everything we were looking for and more...

I will leave you with pictures of this resort and believe me... it's as beautiful as in the pics!

A quick tip: Make your spa reservations way in advance and take the time to plan out what treatments you'd like. I recommend the Shirodhara in which warm herbal oil is gently poured on the forehead and the scalp is tenderly massaged.

Kids birthday parties

2009-04-15T14:42:00.005+03:00

When selecting a birthday party theme for your child, put in mind what's your child's favorite color, hobby, sport, character…etc.

After picking a theme, you should start working on the invitations, decorations, games, activities, food and favors!

Here's an idea of a butterfly theme for a girly birthday party

[Invitations]

[Decoratioins]

Butterfly plates

Matching napkins

Cups

Butterfly banners

Butterfly blowers

Butterfly cone hats

Butterfly candles

Butterfly centerpieces

[Favors and gifts]

Butterfly wings

Butterfly gift set

Butterfly headbands

[Food]

Butterfly ice cream sandwiches

Butterfly chocolates on sticks

Butterfly cake

[Games]

Butterfly relay: Break your butterfly birthday party group in 2 teams. Line them up behind the starting line. Place a bunch of toy butterflies about 20 feet from a starting line. Hand nets to first two players in line. They must run to the butterflies, pick as many as they can with their nets, run back, and pass the nets to the next players in line. The team that catches the most butterflies wins.

Kite flying: If the weather permits, take the kids outside to fly their butterfly shaped kites.

Butterfly piñata: Hang a butterfly shaped piñata and fill it with small plastic butterfly rings, mini butterfly hairclips and toys. Give each child a little butterfly bag or net to use for catching the goodies from the piñata.

Snackers' delight!

2009-04-14T15:10:00.004+03:00

Your place is a mess, you need to get yourself ready and someone's coming to dinner? Don't worry Munch will accommodate you!

Munch offers a wonderful assortment of delicious appetizers arranged in the most pleasing manner and the cool thing is that you can pick anything on their menu to fit in the platter..

Whether it's a large event, a small gathering or just a break from everyday cooking… Munch is the answer!

You can visit Munch in Dar Al-Awadhy or place an order by phone 22322747

Baby favors and more...

2009-04-14T15:07:00.004+03:00

Whether you're having a baby reception in hospital or at home, baby favors are essential!

Give cute, bookmarks, picture frames or personalized chocolate bars! Make a beautiful centerpiece with an arrangement of favors.

In www.herbabyshower.com/ you can find favor boxes, favor bags and ribbons available in different sizes, styles and colors to match your theme!

We all want a celebrity closet!

2009-04-13T16:15:00.003+03:00

Have you ever envisioned yourself having one of these amazing celebrity closets where everything is organized and in place?

You won't believe how easy it is to have a celebrity-like closet! Each person has unique needs and space requirements so don't worry if you have a small space, it's still achievable.

The first thing you should do is ORGANIZE, determine what to keep and what to toss. Ask yourself, does it fit? do you wear it? is it in good shape? If you answer no to any of these questions… please do yourself a favor and GET RID OF IT!

Next thing you should do is look for a well-designed group of ACCESSORIES that would add a touch of functionality and elegance to your closet.

Here are some ideas:

DRAWER ORGANIZERS will help you keep your stuff visible and accessible!

PANT RACKS will offer you more space in your closet.. Exactly what you need right?

STORAGE BOXES AND BASKETS to keep the valuable things you don't usually use dust-free and safe.

With these simple tips, you can make the most out of your small space.

For more ideas, please visit www.organize.com where you can find everything you need in order to turn a regular closet into something that is so amazing you never want to shut the door on it!

It's raining cupcakes!

2009-04-13T16:07:00.007+03:00

Cupcakes aren't a dessert anymore! They're everywhere nowadays…

Cupcake onesies!

Each box includes high-quality onesies folded into a cupcake shape and decorated with a removable appliqué.

The gift box is completely ready for giving; it arrives tied with a bow and a matching gift tag.

You can find this in http://www.ultimatebabyboutique.com/ (The site offers international shipping wee!)

Cupcake earrings!

Juicy Couture offers this too-cute cupcake earrings

And a cuter box that sweetens the deal!

Cupcake towels!

These cotton towels are curled up to look like vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with a strawberry and cherry magnets on top!

Each "cupcake" is wrapped around with designer-print bakery paper which adds a beautiful touch.

This item can be found in http://www.wrapables.com/

Cupcake placecard holders!

These cupcake placecard holders also make a cute take-home gift!

This item can be found in http://www.wrapables.com/

Serve your guests tea and enjoy the show!

2009-04-12T13:28:00.005+03:00

I know there are a lot of crystal-clear glassware in the markets but this one is really unique…

This tea set comes with handcrafted fusions of silver needle tea plus flowers that blossom when immersed in hot water!

The flowers used are jasmine, lily, calendula, rose, amaranth and carnation.

You can find this item in http://www.vat19.com/ which offers international shipping.

Give him a gift he will enjoy for years to come!

2009-04-12T00:45:00.002+03:00

Whether you are looking for a gift for your dad, your husband, your brother or that special man… you should always think of a gift that he will enjoy for many years to come.

A watch is an excellent idea! It is an essential accessory for every man and with so many options available nowadays, it is easy to find the perfect watch for your man. Just put in mind his style, use and need!

My suggestion: Breitling and Bentley Motors have signed a joint-venture agreement recently and came up with a special series of watches that combine an admirable blend of style and performance.

"Breitling for Bentley" watches are available in Al-Nibras Showroom in Salhiya Complex

Check them out!

Don't lose your keys!

2009-04-11T00:21:00.003+03:00

I always lose my keys at the most inappropriate moment! When I come home, I just toss my keys somewhere and I would totally forget where i left them and have to search for them later when I'm in a hurry to go out! I hate it!

But now I don't think I will ever forget my keys again with these human key holders! What a cool idea!

Check www.wrapables.com/ for this item

Irresistible baby socks!

2009-04-11T00:16:00.004+03:00

The creators of Trumpette socks came up with new sets of delightful one-size socks packaged in fun gift boxes!

You can find these items in http://www.ultimatebabyboutique.com/

Be unique!

2009-04-10T00:40:00.004+03:00

Are you constantly losing your glass or ceramic dishes after bringing food to friends or to a party?

Some people would use a name label on the bottom of the dish, others would simply put their name on the dish with a permanent marker.

My suggestion is… Why not do it with style? http://www.invitationjane.com/ offers a wide selection of customizable fun, fresh and stylish stickers!

Unfortunately, this site only ships within the USA but I'm sure the idea is easy to make.

Little fashionista!

2009-04-10T00:15:00.005+03:00

Make your little girl wear her first high heel right at 6 months of age!

http://www.judeelala.com/ offers the cutest ever, completely soft high heel shoes for your baby girl! They come packaged in a beautiful purse-shaped gift box.

I bought those heels for my baby girl and let me tell you, they were.. HEELARIOUS!

You can also find in this site a selection of hats and lace leggings that will make your daughter look absolutely gorgeous!

The hat would make an adorable gift since it comes in a cool collectable gift box.

Jewelry is a universal language that all women understand!

2009-04-09T09:02:00.007+03:00

For centuries, jewelry has been the object of every woman's desire; it is the perfect gift suitable for every occasion.

Bracelets are very hot nowadays! Whether they're fashionable, fun or elegant, they add a unique sense of style to an outfit.

You can find gorgeous bracelets in almost all the fine jewelry shops. Believe me, she will appreciate your gift!

Here are some ideas:

Dinh Van

Val Cleef & Arples

Hermes

Cartier

Bvlgari

Nursery rooms- Have fun and be creative!

2009-04-09T04:00:00.002+03:00

The first thing you should consider before furnishing your baby's nursery room is COLOR and THEME! Are you going for pinks and blues or neutral colors? Are you going for a classic theme or a modern theme?

After choosing the color and theme, you should start buying the furniture. The most important piece of furniture in a nursery room is the CRIB. You should never cut corners in terms of budget on this piece! A rocking chair and a dresser/changer are also essential to have in the nursery room.

After you're done with these fundamentals, now start looking for bed linens and room accessories.

As you know, babies grow really fast so my advice is: try to choose a neutral color wall and floor for your baby's nursery room but be bold and creative in choosing the color of bed linens, room décor and accessories since they're easier to change, mix and match!

http://www.angelbabybedding.com/ offers a lovely selection of bedding sets and nursery accessories. The site also ships globally, whoop whoop!

Make your new-baby gift stand out!

2009-04-08T15:54:00.003+03:00

I am sure that any gift you give to new parents is well appreciated but let's be realistic; some gifts have a keepsake value, others simply don't!

Hence, it is important to make your gift stand out and make it meaningful to both parents and the baby.

My advice for making a gift meaningful is to PERSONALIZE IT! Adding a personalized touch gives the gift a sentimental value.

Personalized jewelry, for example, makes a perfect gift! Just ask the jewelry shop to customize a necklace, brooch, bracelet or earrings for the baby and you simply can't go wrong with this decision!

How about a personalized BLING BLING gift set?

Afdhal and Fajir are happy to help you create a cute and personalized, handmade BLING BLING baby gift basket!

The basket includes a personalized pajama, t-shirt, shoes, bib, hair band, blanket, hat and socks wrapped in a simple and stylish packaging.

Check out their facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?sid=bdd4bb628f5a3d143351e818a67e7dcf&gid=30620130546&ref=search

Make that special gift even more special!

2009-04-07T15:59:00.003+03:00

Giving a gift is not an easy process; it should start as a thoughtful idea by the giver and end as a pleasant experience for the receiver.

We always put a lot of thought into the gift and ignore the PRESENTATION that makes this gift more special and memorable.

Impress your loved one by adding a thoughtful finishing touch to your gift. For example, you can dress it up with a personalized wrapping paper or a personalized ribbon!

http://www.beau-coup.com/ offers a wide range of personalized wrap styles, gift tags and ribbons that will make your gift stand out with a unique and attractive look.

The site offers a rush service option and most importantly international shipping!