Keziah

What better way to come back from a flu than to Party! After being 'bedridden' and groggy back this month was a pain in the head, I just wanted to bring my butt out of bed and go get moving! A dear friend of ours, who's also become an Ate to me here in Dubai, planned a grand birthday party for her daughter - in secrecy. She was hands-on in creating a fun-filled programme, pulling out props and gowns, inviting guests (but being hush about it) to celebrate her one and only daughter's 14th Birthday. Truly a one woman team. The outcome was a debutant's party four years ahead of it's time! Haha! It was unexpected as the celebrant herself was slipped into her ball gown only after entering the room with a big SURPRISE right then and there complete with her Prince Charming! It was thaaat top secret! It poked fun but also pinched our hearts when Ate Arlene burst into tears instead of Keziah! That night, I witnessed how great a Mother's love is (again).

 

Speaking of love... It was timely that I unintentionally bought myself a dress during the Flea Market (ukay ukay!) at Za'abeel Park. I saw this beautiful lacework on a very feminine cut, soft rosewood-coloured dress being sold at 15 Dirhams (150 Pesos!) The tag was intact which meant it's still unused and what a gorgeous dress it was! I was so happy to add it to my clothing, but skeptical because I didn't want it to be left hung up and buried in my closet. It was too beautiful to be hidden there. Come the secret invitation, I knew this is what I was going to wear. A surprise buy for a surprise birthday! It was love! #LIPSYLOVE

 

 

 

 

  

Boot Camp

 

This blog entry has been long overdue, but no more cold feet, so here it is! Ever since Carrie Bradshaw changed the way women look at mundane 'footwear', I have believed that there is a special connection between girls and shoes! (Right?!) It's not just merely when the shoe fits... or keeping your heels... It's the impression and story behind every first glance. I've always wanted to have my own pair of boots but I'm always left indecisive on what type - ankle or thigh-high, material - leather or gamuza, height - flat or heeled plus confronted with my keen attention to details even with the colour! Which is why, sometimes, less choices (or no choice at all) is better for me. 

 

I had this (for a lack of a better term) edgy purchase from New Look, with no intentions to buy boots for myself. A brand I've just known, since there is no New Look shop in the Philippines, but have come to love for it's emporium of stylish staples and statement quality pieces (at very reasonable prices). And there, under those racks and racks of shoes, this black beauty has caught my eyes. I tried them on wondering if they were my size, and oh boy they fit like a glove! Of course before any purchase, I do check on the price tag and to my surprise it had a red tag Sale!! I checked the shoe racks again and found those were the last of it's pair! It's timely as well as I enjoy the Winter season in the AE. No more second thinking, I had to get them, they're meant for me!

Abra

 

 

 

 

Another of my TravelDiary over Eid. Us girls got to explore the other side of Dubai, literally the other side since we had to take a quick boat ride on the Abra - which is an Arabic type of small boat - to see Old Dubai and get to the Old Souq. With that, it reminded me of the scene of my favourite Carry Bradshaw and the girls in the movie "Sex and the City 2". Remember Abu Dhabi, anyone? I just want to give you a friendly reminder that mostly men are in the area and the occasional staring and catcalling made us uncomfortable. Yet, I still felt like Jasmine in the land of Aladdin, especially when I found that golden lamp! (hail the genie inside) More so, I caught the sky at sun down with a blush of pink! We were immersed in the set-up of the Middle East back in time. We had to pass through small alleyways, in between shops and take a stroll in that little old Arab Village. The shops (souqs) had a handful variety of Arabic ornaments and little trinkets from clothing, lamps, lanterns (which I'll surely fill my future home with), scents and intricately designed and colourful handmade ceramics. Great for pasalubong!  I'll have to go back there, InshAllah, to grab (or hoard) stuff for Mama, I know she'll love it and find a perfect spot for it back home.

Keep Calm and Briton

Finding a shot of inspiration is something I'd want to keep, and amazingly ironic, share! We've always had that dream house, or thought of living in a palace or the Windsor Castle. (But mine has always been living in a beachfront, InshAllah!) At this stage of my life, I already do want to have a pad or space of my own. Not just exclusively, but something that's me! I opt for the minimal muebles, natural bright lighting, functional and colorful (probably pastel) fun pieces, my photographs and cats & dogs inside the house! A quick overnight in this British Family's home gave me (and our fam) a wonderful weekend and a concrete idea of how I'd want my dream space to look like. (See how cosy I was?) You would know a Breton is housed there because of the "Keep Calm" posters and frames found in each and every corner. I loved their quirky pieces and oh-so-beautiful portraits (which were  literally the first things I saw there) of iconic stars, or should I say women - like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. I too made new furry friends with their pets - Rambo, Eddie and Paci (I just love animals!) and slept with the cat on the bed. I'm glad I wore my pink "Barbie Wants To Be Me" t-shirt, it really worked it! (Haha) The highlight of the house, was the lap pool right out the patio. And in the morning, I like when we pulled-open the curtains, the sun beamed the girls' bedroom.

I wish I have taken more pictures!