My birthday is coming up next week. The hubby and I agreed to go away for 8 days to celebrate both of our birthdays. We're both July babies. Instead of gift giving, we thought we'd enjoy a holiday together. With some air miles bound to be expired soon, we thought of using it to treat ourselves to some couple-time adventure in a new country. A paradise setting infused with Creole culture sounded really appealing to us.
This was one of my Goals for 2012 . "Living each day like there's no tomorrow as well as creating new memories with the hubby." I'll be away from the blogosphere for about a week, but will definitely capture inspiring interior design images and the scenic spots during the trip that I will be featuring here later.
Yohann also surprised me with an early birthday gift. A Kindle loaded with the Hunger Games Trilogy and the much anticipated novel of Tina L. Hook, Enchanted by Starlight. All equipped and ready. We're off to the airport tonight.
Have a great week ahead!
I'll definitely miss you
XOXO,
Arni
It's a gorgeous Sunday in the gulf and coincidentally it's a public and private holiday for most. I wish the fathers out there a beautiful day celebrating with the family.
I've been craving a lot of moutabal lately and have had it for lunch and dinners three days in a row. We have a local supermarket, Choitrams located two blocks away preparing fresh moutabal salad that is very good.
Moutabal is an eggplant salad or aubergine dip. It is my favorite Middle Eastern dish. It is served cold usually with Arabic flat bread. While some prefer Hommos, I'm biased with this mashed eggplant cold appetizer (cold mezze) usually made up of tahina, lemon juice and garlic. I usually eat it without bread. Throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, there are different variations in preparing moutabal and is often called in different names. It is also commonly confused with Baba Ghanoush, which is also a salad but made of roasted aubergine with onions, garlic, tomato peppers and lemon juice. The texture of Baba Ghanoush is quite different. I like both of them but Moutabal is simpler in taste.
In case you would like to DIY check out Moutabal Desert Candy Recipe
I'm looking forward to tonight, relaxing outdoors in a tent along with a drink and a shisha (hookah pipe) while watching Euro 2012 game with the hubby at a nearby hotel at the golf country club. I'm not much of a soccer follower but it's nice to be surrounded by avid football fans cheering for their teams from time to time.
What are your plans for the weekend?
Please feel free to check out a trip to Schonbrunn Palace post as part of this week's travel blog focus on Austria. Click Day Tour in Vienna
Have a wonderful Friday!
XOXO,
Arni
Image via Desert Candy
I can't believe it's already Wednesday and we're almost halfway through June, wow! June reminds me so much of Austria. I've visited this interesting country thrice and always in June. I'm pleased to feature Austria this week. Check out today's travel post A Perfect Day in Vienna
XOXO,
Arni
I can't help posting this elegantly charming ensemble from Valentino's Spring 2012 Collection. I found this on Illustrado Magazine
This top was clearly inspired from my native country, Philippine's - National Clothing for Men- The Barong. The same one that my husband wore to our wedding. :)
I found it stylish and creative. I've always loved the Barong. Never thought we, women could wear it too. :)
Happy Tuesday!
XOXO,
Arni
A summer DIY project seems like an attractive idea. Here are some simple ways to create a zest of interest in a living space.
1. Install a Striped Wallpaper.
2. Old Louvers or great accent finds create a quirky statement.
3. Re-paint existing monochromatic furniture in various tones.
4. Introduce new colors to your existing color scheme.
5. Be as bold and colorful as you can. The whole spectrum is all yours.
Happy Decorating!
XOXO,
Arni
Thursday in the gulf is synonymous to the much anticipated 'Friday' in the rest of the world. Thank God it's Thursday. I love the light and sunny mood on Thursdays. Office folks are usually in casuals with a big smile on their faces looking forward to five pm.
I can't help feeling grateful for the wonderful things I love this week. I've decided to decorate the bedroom and convert it to a love nest.
According to Blessed Mommy Hubpages - "101 Ways to Tell Your Husband I Love You"
I can't help feeling grateful for the wonderful things I love this week. I've decided to decorate the bedroom and convert it to a love nest.
According to Blessed Mommy Hubpages - "101 Ways to Tell Your Husband I Love You"
"MAKE YOUR BEDROOM A LOVER'S PARADISE. Turn your ordinary bedroom into any lover's dream without a lot of expense. Remove clutter and anything that doesn't belong, and replace it with scented candles and fresh flowers. Hang pretty curtains and find some comfy bedding. Place mirrors to reflect candlelight, and misting fountains for a romantic effect."
I was inspired to spice up the love nest by organizing the side tables with aromatic vanilla candles and scented oil in a white decorative diffuser.
GET THE LOOK
1. Silver Large Tea light candle holder by Rocha.John Rocha @ Debenhams
2. Dark grey slim photo frame Betty Jackson Black @ Debenhams
4. 30 x 50cm Vintage Love Cushion in Taupe by @Home The Homeware Store
The above images of cactii were my personal shots of cactus we found on Isla del Pescado in the largest salt desert,Salar del Uyuni in Bolivia. I used IKEA frames and had the images printed at Portfolio Printers.
Lastly, I can't help sharing this beautiful bouquet of flowers that my husband surprised me with last night. There wasn't any occasion. He came home from work with this. I was incredibly thankful and happy.
What are your plans this weekend?
Have a great one!
XOXO,
Arni
Bonjour & Welcome
Designers' Journal, Material Library and Works in Progress.
About Author
Arni Nauleau. Interior Architect. Artist. Coffee Addict.
You can also find me on the Hive Blog https://hive.blog/@discoveringarni
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