Happy New Year!

For the past weeks, I've been trying to sort out my life and think about what I want to achieve in 2011. First, 2010 wasn't that bad. There were ups and downs, some losses and gains, in every aspect of my life. There were times when I felt lost and just wanted to slink in a dark whole and hide and just scream and cry and there were times I'd start my day with a huge grin and a positive outlook on life. I achieved part of what I wanted to achieve this year. I haven’t reached my weight loss goal, but I managed to break the plateau I was stuck at for most part of the year. I did shrink and I'm happy with my achievement. Things I wanted to do, like write a cook book, I can always try to do it next year. I did start on it. I have a collection of recipes, but I got distracted halfway through the year with Abdulaziz, who need my complete attention. Who knows, now that I know where I'm standing I can finish what I started.

2010 saw a lot accidents, Fahad falling and injuring his knee and had to be off his feet for at least 3 weeks, and it took him about 4 months to completely heal. The kids were in a traffic accident twice! Yes, I've posted about one of them, and the second one was a couple of weeks ago with me. Al7amdullah not as serious as the first accident. I lost my cousin Ghanoma, allah yer7amha w yesakenha fasee7 janateh, I still mourn her loss. I think of her a lot and I feel that tense squeeze in my chest, my eyes water and the tightness in my throat. I don't know for how long it will last, and I can't imagine what my uncle and aunt are going through. Fahad lost his grandmother, an extraordinary woman, allah yer7amha w yesakenha fasee7 janateh.

I have another cousin who is fighting for her life from breast cancer, 3asa allah yegawmha belsalama w yeshafeeha w yeraje3ha ebsa7a w 3afia 7ag ahalha w 3yalha.

In 2010 I didn't travel much as the past years, but 2011 promises a lot of trips. So far two different trips have been booked for, and I hate the idea to be away from my kids.

Now, what do I want to achieve for 2011? 1-The number one resolution in the world "Lose weight". In my case lose more weight, be fitter and healthier. Look at diet in a different perspective. A Change of Life Style. 2- One of the things I've been doing in 2010 was spending a lot of money. I went through my accounts and discovered I've been spending a lot 3ala 5arabee6. For 2011 I want to be thriftier. I really hope I can achieve this goal. 3- Stay away from magazines and little note books and stationary as much as I can. I think it's an addiction like chocolates. A guilty pleasure. I have a whole drawer filled with these cute designed note books. The last one I bought was a couple of weeks ago, an agenda for 2011. As for magazines, I love Self and Shape, and every Food magazine available in the market. I need to find a solution to them because they do not look good at all in my book cases. 4-Finish what I started. I've started few projects, which are still pending. I need to concentrate on finishing them. 5- Do something different. I just don't want to name anything in particular. Just jump into doing something new and different.

Last year I have put eight goals to achieve. This year I don't want to push the envelope, maybe in six months I'll put another five more resolutions to achieve.

I wish 2011 will be a better year for everyone. I pray for health, wealth and happiness to all of you, to my children, my husband, myself and my family on every side.

Happy New Year! And Good Luck!

Hello Hellooooo

Hello Everyone.... I was out of town and just got back and leaving again this evening. For those of you who sent me emails, I'm sorry I couldn't reply because...well...I was on vacation and didn't bring any sort of technology with me except for my mobile (very primitive) and camera ;p Inshallah I'll be posting very soon. Dalal (Um 3azoz)

What is it???

How was 2010 for you?

And what will your 2011 resolution will be???

I will post mine later inshllah ;)

Vacation Time!

It is vacation time!

Yes at last peace and quiet!!! I'm so anticipating this trip wallah allah yaster!

Time for the boys to enjoy themselves and Fahad and I to zone out!

See you in a couple of weeks ;)

House of Hunks

This post is dedicated to my sister Dana, who is ready

to divorce her career if she finds a man like George Clooney...

Just tell me who isn't in love with him???

George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award. Clooney is noted for parlaying his celebrity into social activism and has served as one of the United Nations Messengers of Peace since January 31, 2008

Huba...huba!

I love his goofiness. It is so cute in a man to be goofy from time to time ;p

Christmas Tree

Like every year we put a tree for Christmas. The boys decorated it

with their nanny. I just took pics of it ;p

This year we decided to choose white, blue and silver

in honor of the Kuwait Football Team for bringing

back home the Gulf Cup ;)

Get Better Organized in 2011

After a delicious lunch at Pizzetta with the best of friends, and I'm sorry to say I didn't have my cam with me to snap pics of the yummy food we ordered. We stopped by Pink Moon to check out their wears... and I found these cute organizational Pads.

I thought it a fun way to communicate and tease Fahad with. Since I bought

it I've been leaving these sheets of paper everywhere for him to find ;p

There are more pads, some cute... some naughty...

after checking their web site I found a shopping list

pad. I hope they got it at Pink Moon, if not I'll order it ;)

This is also so cute to organize a menu, which I really need since I want to try new recipes inshallah.

My favorite is this "To do list" little note book.

Very ideal to get organized in 2011 ;p

Have you thought about your resolutions for 2011?

in the list I made is to get better organized ;)

Really! What to do?

This school semester is ending with a bang!

I thought a third time was a charm, but yesterday I got several calls from other mothers informing me the current teacher the school has hired for Abdulaziz's class has gave in her resignation!!! It is the third teacher since September! The administration is refusing to meet with any of the parents or give any explanation, and there are only few days left till Christmas vacation.

Wallah since school started until now I do not know what my son is taking in school. I met with every teacher since school started and explained to her how it's important that we communicate, but nothing. It is complete chaos, and the only ones who are benefiting from the situation are the kids who are enjoying the no homework and no discipline in class.

Fawtha!

9arat Madresat Al Musha'3been!

I'm at a loss on what to do!

Boots!

Well...well... I think winter has finally decided to

show its face...but not with snow or rain...

but with Dust!!!

Gorgeous boots for your boys!

Coats

Papo d'Anjo hooded duffle coat

Burberry Double Check Coat

John Galliano motorcycle jacket

Paul Smith puffer coat

Paul Smilth long sleeve T-shirt I'm so in love of these coats for my little men. But where is winter???

Wallah... the weather is so discouraging. My boys and I are still wearing

summer clothes. The A/C is still on in our bedrooms.

So where is Winter? Is it coming this year?

Love Letter - Ludwig Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), one of history's most famous and mysterious composers died at the age of 57 with one great secret. Upon his death, a love letter was found among his possessions. It was written to an unknown woman who Beethoven simply called his *Immortal Beloved.*

The world may never put a face with this mysterious woman or know the circumstances of their affair and his letters are all that is left of a love as intensely passionate as the music for which Beethoven became famous. Compositions such as the Moonlight Sonata as well as Beethoven's many symphonies express eloquently the tragedy of a relationship never publicly realized.

July 6, 1806

My angel, my all, my very self -- only a few words today and at that with your pencil -- not till tomorrow will my lodgings be definitely determined upon -- what a useless waste of time. Why this deep sorrow where necessity speaks -- can our love endure except through sacrifices -- except through not demanding everything -- can you change it that you are not wholly mine, I not wholly thine?

Oh, God! look out into the beauties of nature and comfort yourself with that which must be -- love demands everything and that very justly -- that it is with me so far as you are concerned, and you withme. If we were wholly united you would feel the pain of it as little as I!

Now a quick change to things internal from things external. We shall surely see each other; moreover, I cannot communicate to you the observations I have made during the last few days touching my own life -- if our hearts were always close together I would make none of the kind. My heart is full of many things to say to you - Ah! -- there are moments when I feel that speech is nothing after all -- cheer up -- remain my true, only treasure, my all as I am yours; the gods must send us the rest that which shall be best for us.

Your faithful,

Ludwig

The Tourist

During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise , an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice, their whirlwind romance quickly evolves as they find themselves unwittingly thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The movie was fun to watch, however slow and sometimes very silly, but because it had my favorite actors in it, Jolie, Depp and Bettany I didn't mind it being sometimes a dead bore. I liked the underlying sarcasm in the dialogue, but overall the movie was very predictable! Not a great mystery about the plot.

I have such a huge girl crush on Angelina... Paul Bettany is one of the few very white...very blond actors I adore!!! Even more than Brad Pitt ;p Depp looks a bit emdaqfas in this movie...may be too much botox??? Kalba!!! adored her in the dress she wore! and that daimond choker...to die for!

Winter Flavors

Our new Winter Flavors :

White Chocolate with Ginger Bread Cookies

Mulled Wine

Egg Nog

Chestnut

Available at Gelato Italiano Sharg - Ahmed Al Jaber St. - Gaz Tower.

Tel.22434434

Love Zain...

*Sigh* I just love romance...

Tangled

On Thursday evening the boys got back from

their activities and after a quick wash and change,

I repacked them back in the car and headed to watch the new

Disney movie "Tangled"

We've been watching the trailers and got excited when I told them

we were going to watch it.

The movie was good. It could have been better if we

we didn't go to the 3D version. Not a good idea with kids!

Ahmed had his 3D glasses on and off, then he got bored and

started jumping around the chairs. Abdulaziz liked it but wasn't

that much into it even with the action and comedy.

Note to self.... no more 3D movies for the boys ;p

The was my favorite scene in the movie.

What We Can Learn From History

King Louis XIV, also known as

"Le Roi Soliel"

In the court of Louis XIV, nobles and ministers would spend days and nights debating issues of state. They would confer, argue, make and break alliances, and argue again, until finally the critical moment arrived: Two of them would be chosen to represent the different sides to Louis himself, who would decide what should be done. After these persons were chosen, everyone would argue some more: How should the issues be phrased? What would appeal to Louis, what would annoy him? At what time of day should the representatives approach him, and in what part of the Versailles palace? What expression should they have on their faces? Finally, after all this was settled, the fateful moment would finally arrive. The two men would approach Louis – always a delicate matter – and when they finally had his ear, they would talk about the issue at hand, spelling out the options in detail. Louis would listen in silence, a most enigmatic look on his face. finally, when each had finished his presentation and had asked for the king's opinion, he would look at them both and say, "I shall see." Then he would walk away. The ministers and courtiers would never hear another word on this subject from the king-they would simply see the result, weeks later, when come to a decision and act. He would never bother to consult them on the matter again. Interpretation: Louis XIV was a man of very few words. His most famous remark is "L'etat, C'est moi" ("I am the state"); nothing could be more pithy yet more eloquent. His infamous "I shall see" was one of several extremely short phrases that he would apply to all manner of requests. Louis was not always this way; as a young man he was known for talking at length, delighting in his own eloquence. His later taciturnity was self-imposed, an act, a mask he used to keep everybody below him off balance. No one knew exactly where he stood, or could predict his reactions. No one could try to deceive him by saying what they thought he wanted to hear, because no one knew what he wanted to hear. As they talked on and on to the silent Louis, they revealed more and more about themselves, information he would later use against them to great effect. In the end, Louis's silence kept those around him terrified and under his thumb. It was one of the foundations of his power. As Saint-Simon wrote, "No one knew as well as he how to sell his words, his smile, even his glances. Everything in him was valuable because he created differences, and his majesty was enhanced by the sparseness of his words." It is more damaging for a minister to say foolish things than to do them. Cardinal de Retz, 1613-1679

From the book: The 48 Laws of Power

Lovely Camel

Elemis Special Value

Early this week, I went to Spa Time for some relaxation therapy. I was so worn out, I dozed off in the middle of the massage session, and soon enough I was lightly shaken awake by the masseuse. I couldn't believe the time passed so quickly. The therapist commented that I had dark circles under my eyes and looked very much fatigued.

It was true, I didn't like what I saw in the mirror that morning. I looked pale and had those dark circles under my eyes and felt ten years older.

She suggested an eye cream which could help with the dark circles. I've been using a certain brand for a long time and was comfortable with it and skeptical of using something different. However I needed to buy new creams because the ones I had were almost finished.

Anyway she brought me this small tube of eye cream. The price was KD36 "gulp!" Since I was too tired and I couldn't think rationally, I agreed to buy it. At the counter the receptionist suggested that instead of taking one single cream in this price I can get the special offer for KD49, which consisted of the Pro- Collagen eye cream, Pro Radiance cream cleaner and Soothing Apricot Toner.

I've been using them for a almost a week, I could see a difference under my eyes. When I apply the cream I feel a surge of coolness on my skin with the dark circles slowly fading, my skin is smoother, and the toner is very cool and refreshing on the skin. I'm happy I made the choice to buy it even when I wasn't thinking straight ;p

If Only I Wished for a Million...

I try to stay out of politics as much as I can, because this is not a political blog, however it doesn't mean I do not care about what's happening in our country.

Yesterday I was talking to my father and the conversation

went towards the events which was

happening in the political scene lately.

I expressed to him how I felt and what I wished for...

in short..if I have wished for a Million KD...

I would have woken up a millionaire this morning...

May God Protect our Country, The Amir, The Constitution

and our Freedom!

Bath & Body Works

Last Thursday I went out for a relaxed lunch at Nino Avenues with my cousin and her friend. The weather was so cool and amazing we sat there until dark and temporarily forgetting about my little men ;p It is part of my plan to de-stress. Of course our conversation tends to be about diet, kids and beauty, and it enthused towards the Bath & Body Works which has recently opened in Kuwait. I know my sisters use the products bringing them from the States, but I never did. I love Victoria Secrets Amber Romance body splash and lotion which I've been using forever. My cousin and her friend said the Bath & Body Works was the best they've used, and the scents of the lotions is so amazing. "We'll check it out after lunch." So I headed there and tried most of them. I like clean fresh scents. The one which appealed to me the most was 'Sea Island Cotton'. I got the shower gel, the body lotion and body splash. It is so fresh and the kind of scent you don't smell on yourself but others do. I just love it. Clean and Fresh! ;)

House of Hunks

Shhhhhhhh.... Don't tell Swera! It's a surprise for her ;)

Jared Joseph Leto (born December 26, 1971) is an American actor and musician. He has appeared in films such as Fight Club; Girl, Interrupted; Panic Room; American Psycho; Alexander; Requiem for a Dream; Lord of War; Mr. Nobody and Chapter 27. He is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and main songwriter for the American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars and has directed music videos under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins (a name borrowed from Dr. Seuss' The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.

Not really that big a fan...but he is cute here ;p

Hmmmm...

I don't have either BB or an I phone...

But for an hourglass figure...

I'm getting me an I phone very soon ;p

ياك المووووج الازرق

قالو: كويتي؟ قلت:بكل فخر.. قالولي: من وين بالضبط؟ ..

قلت: كل بقعه من بلادي انا منها .. قالو: حدد ..

قلت: وش خانة القلب بليا شرايينه؟ ..

قالولي:كيف هالغلا انوجد؟ قلت: اللهم لاحسد ..

قالو: شبل الكويت صمد ....

قلت: ماعندنا اشبال احنا اصغرنا اسد

يا زينكم و ياحلاتكم و حلاة لعبكم. عيالنا مزايين و خفيفين على القلب. فرحتونا و فرحتوا اهلكم و ديرتكم

عسى الله يحفظكم من كل شر و يرجعكم سالمين غانمين

اللهم اجعلها فاتحة خير بالسنة الجديده لديرتنا و يحفظنا من الفتن و كل شر ويفكنا من شر المماليح و ربعهم. اللهم أمين.

أوووووه يا الازرق

Ya Rab!

Diet Update - November

At the end of October beginning of November I broke the plateau I was on for a while. My nutritionist urged me to work harder to burn more calories and speed the weight loss. But then I fell ill with a mild sore throat which made me feel icky the whole time and just wanted to sit and do nothing.

Then the boys fell ill and all hell broke loose! My whole schedule went upside. I'd stay up until early morning with them, then their nanny takes over and I try to sleep but I can't since I’m a morning person, and I try to take a nap during the afternoon but you know when you're too tired you can hardly sleep? Last Wednesday I finally keeled over from stress and exhaustion. I was taken to the hospital. I still had a mild infection in my throat. I was chastised by my doctor because I wasn't eating properly. I'd stay on a latte all day until I remember I didn't eat anything and then have a salad or a sandwich. Of course I hardly sleep which I'm still struggling with. Last night I stayed up until 1.30 am and I forced myself to go to bed, but I just tossed and turned, and here I am up at 6am! I'm feeling tired, I want to go back to bed, but I'm already up and I know that I need to get back on the treadmill but I don't have the energy to do so. This week will be all about me. Taking care and rejuvenating myself.

Take a Minute

Change your Facebook profile pic to a cartoon character from your childhood. The goal is to have no faces on Facebook until Dec 6th 2010.This is a campaign to stop violence against children. So take a minute to find a pic and change yours if you care. No human faces on Facebook ... until Dec 6th! Tell all your friends ...