Water Sprinkles

We were a bit early for our morning walk so were able to catch a glimpse of these busy sprinklers watering the lawn near the mini-playground.

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House Of Prose : Second-Hand Bookshop

After a lovely cup of frothiest flat white, I checked another recommendation from Dubai Confidential.It is called  House Of Prose, a second-hand book shop neatly tucked at the far end corner of Dubai Garden Center.

Two elderly men looked after the shop. As I moved closer to inquire, one stood up and gladly explained the concept. Everything is for sale, books are arranged alphabetically, there's a shelf for romance and cookery, etc.,. When I am done reading and the books are still in good condition, I can bring it back and they'll buy it for half the price.

Delighted at the prospect of  being able to read  for half the price and yet NOT add more to the storage room, I went back to the shelves and and took one work of John Grisham and two romance books hahahhaaaa! I would have browsed longer and check if there's another work of Margaret Atwood but it was time for my son's nap.

I paid 58AED for all three books. Then we went to check out counter to pay for  our  chosen fortune plant and a couple of plant boxes before driving back to Discovery Gardens.

I was smiling all the way home. I definitely found another favorite store =)

Hubby's purchase at Dubai Garden center. Ever the green thumb =)

Free Travel Guides To US And Canada

One of the best things about being an expat is the chance to travel and explore as many continents. We spent a spring holiday last year in Europe and visited the glorious cities of Rome, Venice, Tuscany, and Milan. We are now planning to embark on another holiday and this time, we are heading to the great West.

I've always dreamed to see New York. You my dear readers are familiar with that line now as I have made several posts on saving up for the particular dream holiday. From Dubai, the Big Apple is twice as far as Rome. Consequently, th amount we spent in Italy will be twice the amount we need to set foot in the United States.

Thus, I am always in search for tips on how to make this holiday easier on the budget. I came across a fantastic website that gives free vacation guide to United States and Canada. I was extremely delighted because it means a definite savings. I spent about  a hundred Euro buying  Frommer's travel brochures for the four cities we visited!

We always travel as a family so a month before the holiday, I plan,  research thoroughly, and read travel guides. I pour over maps, check on bus tours, study the location of hotels, see the nearest pharmacy and supermarket, go over tourism tips, and try to learn local customs and language. I need to know ahead how we should navigate the new place. This makes me a little more relax while on vacation.

Chic In Black : Tutu Skirt

 Remember when tutu skirts were the hottest thing in town?

Black tutu skirt fromWG Exclusive Party Collection and Black jacket from Mango

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IKEA Breakfast

After an hour of drive to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi last weekend, we stopped by IKEA to break our fast.

Creamy egg omelet, hash brown, beef and chicken sausage, herbed mushroom. seafood soup, spinach soup, and a frothy cappuccino.

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Yummy Sunday

Quality Backing Tracks For Musicians

My husband's company is giving a small Easter dinner  celebration tonight. Attendees are management staff and their wives. The four-hour dinner at swanky hotel restaurant calls for a little entertainment from each department head. Hubby will show his musical skills with an acoustic performance. He chose Walk of Life from Dire Straits and Bill Withers' Lean On Me. I'm very excited about the whole idea because nobody knows in their office that Hubby is also an accomplished guitarist and a performer on stage. Big grin. 

Anyway, Hubby carefully prepared for tonight by purchasing backing tracks at ProSound Music. A backing track is an audio recording that musicians play or sing along to in order  to add parts to their music, one which would be impractical to perform live. Though he will be bringing along his acoustic guitar, he wants to add extra instrumental to enhance the performance.

I am just so thankful that I learned about the whole concept of backing track early on. They are used by Madonna and U2 among others. It is definitely a huge help to any musician or singer wanting to pursue a successful music career. There are plenty of websites offering these but we chose to buy at ProSound because of its 25 years worth of minus tracks and adapts very well to professional performers.

Pink Boys!

My boys wearing pink polo shirts. Photo was taken last year during a day trip to Pisa, Tuscany. We were waiting for our train back to Rome.

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N is for Noodle Soup

Warm beef noodle soup with tofu, pak choi, and bean sprout from Cantonese restaurant called The Noodle Bowl.

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Crisp Roast Potatoes

A fortnight ago, we had baked salmon for supper. Instead of steamed rice to accompany, I made crisp roast potatoes. I've been serving these for awhile now to add more fiber to our supper. A few years back, we cannot imagine a day without eating rice. But now, pasta or potatoes satisfy can well satisfy our tummy.

So my recipe is simple. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly (I use scotchbrite). Leave the skin for a more nutritious roast. Slice according to your preference and boil on generously salted water. When fork can prick through, remove from heat and ran under cold water.

Transfer the potatoes to a roasting tin. Ran fork on the sides without skin. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roast in a preheated oven. Turn to Gas 5 for 20 minutes. Halfway through, flip the potatoes until they are nicely browned. Serve with grilled chicken, duck, or rib eye.

Thrift Hunt: Nike Tank Top

Though I am partial to dress and romantic blouses, I like wearing  tanks from time to time -  but I hate paying for the pretty ones at a steep price. I got lucky once 'coz I was able to get a good bargain =). I bought the Nike tank top at flea market for 1AED.

At FMX Championship 2011, Jumeirah Beach Residence

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Chocolate Babka

We spent most of the weekend in Abu Dhabi. We had to do errands in Yas Island and Hubby again had to check some office drawings. While waiting for him at Dalma Mall, Andreas took his nap and I indulged in an afternoon coffee at Maya La Chocolaterie.

I am hardly  a chcolate fan but I was in the mood to try something new so  I asked for their their signature offering, a traditional chocolate babka.

Chocolate overload! Warm cinnamon brioche rolls served with milk chocolate sauce.

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Yummy Sunday

By Order, Security

I took the photo from the emergency exit of the building.

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My Dog Can Walk On Water

Note: From the book Cappuccino & Success

There was a hunter who came into the possession of a special bird dog. The dog was the only one of its kind, because it can walk on water. 

One day he invited a friend to go hunting with him so that he could show off his prized possession. After some time, they shot a few ducks, which fell into the river. The man ordered his dog to run and fetch the birds. The dog ran on water to fetch the birds. The man was expecting a compliment about the amazing dog, but did not receive it. Being curious, he asked his friend if the friend had noticed anything unusual about the dog. 

The friend replied, “Yes, I did see something unusual about your dog. Your dog can’t swim!”

Success Principles

More than 90% of the people that we face everyday are negative. They choose to look at the hole in the middle rather than the doughnut. Do not expect compliments or encouragement from them. These are the people who cannot pull you out of your present situation. They can only push you down. So be aware of them, spend less time with them, and do not let them steal your dreams away from you.

Chic Black Monday: Abaya Fashion Show

It was November last year when I first witnessed an Abaya Fashion Show at The Dubai Mall. The abaya or cloak is a long over-garment considered a national dress for women in United Arab Emirates.

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Sugoi Sushi And Sushi Rolls

Friday lunch for Hubby. Sugoi is the first quick service restaurant in the UAE to serve traditional Japanese cuisine.

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Yummy Sunday

Peony Rose Bubble Bath

One of my favorite thing in the bath =)

 Pink Peony Rose foam bath in an elegant glass bottle..and my pink bath towel.

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We Need Rugs And Carpet Runners

Thank goodness that the apartment is paid by the company. Otherwise, we will go broke with the furnishings alone hihi!

We are staying here now for a week. I crossed all the list on my priorities to buy such as curtains, bed for my son, living room set, crockery, etc.,. But now, it seems we need to buy rugs and carpet runners. The whole place is tiled and very, very cold! In fact, we have not turned on the air condition since we arrive because it is just so chilly. We all wear socks and inside slippers and yet we still get colds in the morning. 

I told Hubby that maybe we need to buy area rug and carpet runners to cover the cold, hard tiles in the the two bedrooms and living room. Hubby agreed but insisted  the kitchen will be best fitted with wood flooring to match cupboard and give it an all country look. Well he is always talking about wood furniture and the likes having grown up in the rural area. He went out now to ask around on Hardwood floor installation cost

Oh I just hope it will all fit in our budget!

Dive Into The Season's Sexiest Swimwear!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

With year-round sun in Dubai, a staple in my wardrobe is a swimwear. I probably buy one or two swim suits every year. I try to experiment with different brands and for the current year, I am buying on American fashion retailer, Express

Since they branched out in The Dubai Mall two years ago, I immediately became a fan. They offer clothing for both men and women but I particularly adore their sophisticated weekend outfits. When I heard that they  were launching their new spring women's swimwear I just knew it will be a perfect excuse to buy a new bathing suit. The collection is fabulous with its bold hues and body-loving shapes.

I am eyeing this leopard print beach wear and I know it will look fantastic on our next weekend getaway. We are a family who loves beach and water parks so we are looking to spend our 5th wedding anniversary next month in Jumeirah Beach Hotel. We are  fan of Jumeirah Hospitality and my little boy just goes crazy in Wild Wadi!

Now here's a special treat for you my dear readers. If you are a legal resident of United States and above 18 years old,  sign-up on Express e-mail for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express gift cards. The sweepstakes rules are simple - no purchase is necessary to enter or claim prize. All you have to do is sign up and you have until April 21, 2011 to do so.  Good luck!