Showing off my School Friends

Weekend recap: 
On Thursday we went to Azhar Park, for this concert; we watched "EL-Dor El-Awal" perform. They were amazing! I had tons of fun.
Friday: Went to Maadi to have the best pancakes in town at Lucille's.
Saturday: I took my sisters and brother to the mall, had lunch/breakfast, arcades, and movies, oh was it fun! I love taking them out, we tend to have tons of fun..I am thankful they are there in my life. Afterward, it was a friend's(who happens to be my best friend's boyfriend) birthday. We went to a street island garden with out cupcakes and candles and held our picnic-y celebration! that, too, was fun. The weather was also more than amazing.. there was a breeze..a very pleasant one, but too bad we couldn't light them candles.

 

I look tired. from left to right; birthday boy(OG!), Menna, and I

  

my superman! yes, that's my brother.

I found this today at A Cheery Disposition  and I think that was a beautiful wedding. Please check the website. Such a talented photographer!

I am strong because I am weak.I am beautiful because I know my flaws.I am a lover because I am a fighter.I am fearless because I have been afraid.I am wise because I have been foolish.…and I can laugh because I’ve known sadness. On her way 

 

sorry about the quality, you can't see the faces, but you can see the sun!

See him? He's my friend, we went to school together.

Him too! Yes, our school was that kind of cool, you know who else is my friend? Good friend? High-school best friend? Sara!!

 

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Do you ever get days when you don't remember how many times you've hit the snooze button, not because you're tired, but because you dread going to work? I am not the kind of person who takes time to get up, I am more of a jump out of bed kind of person.

Pre-weekend Loveliness

I have 60 followers! Ah, that's so sweet!! This picture is also sweet!

And Belle gave me an award. Because she's sweet like that. Very sweet for that matter, she's getting a job please wish her luck!
Thank you!
I pass this on to:
Sara from Ramblings of a Restless Mind
Farah from Ramblings of an Inane Mind
A Chick Named Hermia
and finally, a blog I have just recently come across BouBou Teatime

I resemble a pack of Skittles today. Sky blue Keds, a denim knee length skirt, a very bright and colorful top, mainly in fuchsia and a print in all the candy colors you can picture. And it makes me feel so good!!

I have THE best boyfriend in the world, and I know a couple of people who might argue including Jasmine and the guitar heroine . I called him this morning to check up on him, he said he had a surprize for me. You see, he lives in Alexandria (a 3 hour drive) and he came down to Cairo. To surprize me. I love him.

It's the weekend. I am off to enjoy it and make lots of cupcakes and a chocolate cake for my brother and sisters. Be back on Sunday!

Whine Baby

Dear Boyfriend,
Thank you for coping with my constant whining lately. And thank you for tenderly pointing it out to me yesterday- subtly, gently and eloquently. You are the best.
Love,
Girlfriend.

Yes, dear blogosphere, I have been unbearable. Reflecting on my life as per the last 2-3 weeks, I have been such a whiner!!!

Allow me to explain (my sources of complains):

1. My job: as you may all know, I hate my job. And I am not doing anything about it. Nothing! There is a conference coming up (in November) and a couple of workshops and if I decide to quit afterwards, it would look good on my CV.
2. My body: I love working out, I really do (or at least I am doing a good job at making myself think so!) but I haven't been going to the gym because I am in a cocoon-like state and I just don't want to interact with people/trainers. See? How silly can I get, really? I need to get over myself and act like the almost 22 year old that I am.
3. My Beauty Routine: Where do I start? My hair needs a layer touch-up, I haven't had a manicure in SO long and I haven't had my eyebrows threaded in maybe even longer. I am ashamed to say I haven't been to the hairdresser's in MONTHS. Dreadful, if you ask me! I need a facial. Right now my hair is up in a bun, what used to be bangs, is braided and not a single drop of make up applied. 
4. My darling new Camera: I don't even know where it is.
5. My boyfriend: I haven't been to any of his concerts in SO long. And I feel like such a bad girlfriend. I haven't been paying attention to him and his needs, and I am not pampering him now that he has exams coming up. Bad girl, Sara.
6. My life: Has lost it's dimensions. Sort of. I haven't been reading as much. Even that! How could I let this happen to me (Oh my God, I am whining again...)

I'll post pictures of my favorite color. Blue! But then, I don't want the rest of the colors to feel left out. I love all colors. I do. Yellow and greaan and orange and pink and red. Blue is just so versatile and diverse. It's so tranquil!

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I interrupt the flow of this post to make an announcement!!
Dr. Khalid Sekkat, the research director at the ERF (where I work) has just asked me to go to his office (I just got back) to "get to know eachother personally and not just professionally" we talked about research and my economic background and so on. I told him I came here to do research (which I am not) and he said he believed I am not being optimally utilized (how more economic can his vocabulary get) He's such a lovely person. He is. And I am so happy right now. I came from his office to my desk LITERALLY SKIPPING!
I love you all.
I do.
I LOVE YOU!

Torn Between Pity and Envy (I am)

There is a new face around.
And suddenly you can't look away. (it's rude to stare)
And suddenly you can't stop talking.
And suddenly you can't keep your hands off of them.
Suddenly. It's perfect. Too perfect. Too much energy. Atomic bomb-like. Anti-matter-like.

The years have past. So fast. They light bolted away. Slipping through your fingers.
Six, maybe seven, of them.
And the physical distance has grown.
Countries and continents away.

Your eyes meet.
And suddenly you're 16 again.
Suddenly you cannot verbalize a no.
Suddenly, it is all too perfect again. Suddenly the world slows down. (if it doesn't stop, alltogether...you can't really tell)

Suddenly it is over again.
Suddenly your gaze is broken(your eyes no longer in sight)
Suddenly your heart breaks (not completely, you're used to it)
And suddenly you (all of you) are out of sight.

This about a friend, a couple of friends actually. But one of them really is special to me. He is. Very. This is about their bond, how the other person is there in spirit, but not body, always. Always. But they can never be together. The energy and chemistry is too much for anyone to take. Trust me, it's dangerous.

 

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Sometimes, I scare myself. With my need and desire to break away, to break free...to just have no strngs attached and no responsibilities. There is that free spirit caged within me. Confined to the boundaries of my life.
It yearns to fly. 

This has turned into a hungry post!

My dad went back to Jeddah yesterday.

And thankfully, I have an amazing boyfriend, who kept me occupied that it only hit me now that I miss my father.
He took me to the movies, we saw Angels and Demons, I think it's a good movie (you can tell I haven't read the book) but Mohammed has and he didn't like the movie that much (Exactly how I felt when I saw The DaVinci Code)
I haven't been going to the gym (to spend time with my family) so I think today will mark my grand return!

Right now:

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I want to look hot and be at the beach. Only that.
Add to that a good book.
And maybe a haircut.

We also went to Fatimid Cairo (the exact place we visited)!! My very first time there..I loved it! He took me to Beit Al Seheimy (Seheimy's house) which is a 350 year old house, not the oldest you can find in Egypt but it's old relative to Islamic architecture in Cairo (link to google image search). Then, the perfect ending to my weekend; SUSHI. Lots and lots of sushi, I almost ate 12 peices of sushi. I love salmon, anything salmon; sashimi is my favorite, then comes a tie between maki and sushi. Oh, and salmon spider rolls. I love those (Mohammed introduced me to those). I also love meat teriyaki when it comes to Japanese cousine. Ok I am making myself hungry, so I'll shut up. (I don't mind having sushi again today by the way)

A Splash of Color(and a Ray of Hope)

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A couple of links:

• I like hotels 
• the cutest baby ever 

News:

• My dad got me a cute Kia Picanto (2006) last year and I have been lazy with the paper work, but as of the 19th, it is officially mine! I even have new plates!
• Early 18th: The death of our dictator president's grandson. Some Egyptians did sympathize. Some couldn't; simple couldn't because they blamed the kid for his grandfather's corrupt system. I have a couple of things to say regarding that matter. I can't help but think how hard life was for the 12 year old, having to live with the burden of being Mubarak's grandchild and not his own self..you know? And I also think he shouldn't be blamed, poor kid. I know where he is right now is a million times better than here. I hope he's happy, and I hope it's a lesson learned for Mr. President!
• Mohammed and I decided we are not buying a shabka (rings) now, we have more serious concerns; a place to stay, it is not as premature as it sounds..provided that we won't get married before another 2 years.
• I recently joined twenty something bloggers!
  

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I was checking google reader while searching for green pictures on weheartit, and creature comforts had this posted...I love the color! So inspiring! I also found this..

I think the reaon why green inspires me is because, to me, it symbolizes growth. Because there is a dominance of green around us. Because gardens and parks trigger that spark within me. I also love yellow, for the sun. And blue, oh, I love blue!! all shades of blue (my sister is a purple freak)

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"I dream in a land of color, there is no black and white. Just like crayola crayons - no color has just one name. There's tropical rain forest greens and caribbean sky blues. It's where things are abundant and dreams are free to flourish, there are no barricades to any one's potential. It's infinite. Life goes on." here

Maybe I just love a splash of color, maybe it is because of my age- maybe not. I hope not. I hope I grow old to be the grandmother in pink and yellow and floral prints. And the mama with the ribbons in her hair, and braids. But I know that the almost 22 year old I am plays with her almost 8 year old brother, and my cousin's kids. I know that the most fulfilling job I have ever had (so far) was a kindergarten teacher. I know I love colors. But then again, who doesn't!

My weekend starts today, I wish you all a colorful weekend! Please enjoy your colors. And maybe post about them, maybe a detailed post about your favorite color(s). I should do that too!

A Typical Rant

Last week I got my Master's acceptance(YAY), provisional (I need an English proficiency test) and I missed the test's registration deadline. I have done English Language AS Level, and I think they are dumb for still asking me for an English Proficiency test!! I am so pissed. Seriously pissed, I have the choice of either finding another test to take, or delay my master's degree for yet another semester..
(Mohammed would be serously pissed if I choose the latter)

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Sometimes it's just hard to smile. (Mohammed Jamal ELGohary is my soon to be(officially) fiance!)

Mohammed and I have been arguing because of Shabka issues. My mother wants a one carat diamond, I couldn't care less, as long as it is bigger than those I have on my ears. He thinks it's too much (I don't for all honesty) but then if we buy an 0.9 it is almost as big, and it's cheaper and no one will ever notice. Who are we trying to please anyway? I mean whose expectations are we trying to meet? I hate conformity. I hate how this society has turned into a bunch of show-offs.

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I love my family, regardless of how annoying they might be(come)

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I am rather emotionally attached to my blog, I don't know if it is the case with everyone else, but I love my blog. I really do. And it makes me proud, for communicating with people from everywhere, and for being able to express myself and write about things that happen to me. No shame involved.

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Weird fact about me: When I was younger I used to blame all my mistakes and mess ups on her. She is the other me, while the "me" I associate with and am proud to be, never ever made mistakes. She made them, it was always her fault. That was all through my teenage years, then I met Mohammed and we sorted it out; my life. Now I instead, talk to myself. On the streets, in the car, at the gym...in the shower..almost anywhere I am alone.

LifeBook, a friend's facebook note.

This was posted by Bassem El-Boghdady

LIFEBOOK 2009

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2008
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day ---- and while you walk, smile

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do ; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. [Dear Boyfriend, Please consider doing that. Love, Sara]
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others. [Dear Boyfriend, you're wasting your time.Nothing regarding my feelings towards that person would change. At least for the time being. Let go. Love, Sara]
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.. Problems are simply part of th e curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:

25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6 [grandmother and cousin's kids]
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least :

40. Do forward this to everyone you care about .

Long Time No Proper Post!

My dad is here from Saudi Arabia for a couple of weeks, and as much as I love spending time with him, my mother makes it seem like an obligation, when it is not. I look forward to weekends, in hopes of going out and spending some "me-time" and meeting friends. Now it's all about family. And I miss having time for myself.

 

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I also miss spending time with Mohammed, and I hate all the stress coming from the whole parents issue. How they are not used to eachother yet (mine and his) and how I am supposed to go looking for rings.
Regarding that, I want a 1 karat stone.. I think, I am not sure about the setting though.

 

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I have been meaning to post about a giveaway, but I feel the blog is turning into an obligation, so I am going to bring back the sponteniety for a while. Bring myself back!

I have so much on my mind, and I can't lie saying it's a good thing. I am preoccupied and burdened. But I try to make the best of it. I make lists and write notes. I try to lock myself into my mind. I look at pictures of bright cheerful yellow things.

I also got an award!

 

Thank you Darling! (It's all make believe, isn't it?)

 I should give this award to 15 people. But since I would want everyone to feel better than I am at the moment, anyone who comments is awarded!

Please send good vibes my way, I hope my negativity isn't getting to you...

Weekly Compilation!

 

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• Mark your calendars!  
• Thank you, me.
• Enable your creative side
• A photojournal
• Not by your side.
• Lisa Hannigan and a giveaway at Oh,hello friend!
• This dress..!

Not a lot of links. I am not in a good mood today.

What do you to make you feel better?

Nice Assignment [Thank you, self]

Dear Me,

 

Icanread

I know you haven't been acting the way you would like lately, but I think it is okay. At least you have started working out again.
I will start by telling you the things you've done that I have hated, then I will go on about the good things, because this is, at the end, a thank you later.

• I hate the fact that you treated Sondos(your soulmate) the way you have done at Yasser's farewell. I understand that you were way out of your comfort zone, but that is such a lame excuse! Yes, you have drifted apart, but you love her all the same...and thinking about bride's maids and maid of honour.. you can't but include her in your mental picture!
• I hate the way you are not studying for the GRE exam.
• I hate the way you won't force your mother to call your future (step)mother in law!
• I hate how you haven't found a better job yet.
• I hate how you haven't sent your craft-it-forwards yet
• I hate how you haven't gone to take your package from the postal office yet.
• I hate how you haven't been writing, nor have you been reading!
  

On a brighter note, self, I love the following about you:

 

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• That you have held on and haven't massacred your hair yet. Growing (yet you desperately need a trim)
• Back to the gym!
• The mini-reunion last week and working on your little project with S
• Spending time with your daddy!
• Your beautiful pearls, and the fact that it was Mohammed who has gotten them for you, yes.
• The fact that your blog has gotten so many comments last week, way beyond what you would have ever expected!
• Your fat-ha
• all the mental plans; engagement party plans that is!

Dear self, thank you for being who you are, for having gone through every single thing, good and bad, that you have gone through so far. You make me proud. You make me proud to have held one and to have shaped into that very unique being you are, in that kind of way...the way that everyone is unique, special in their own way. Thank you for your love of words. Thank you for your never-ending passion, even in times of depression. Thank you for loving your sisters and brother and parents and grandmother that much. Thank your for believing. And for having an amazing boyfriend!
PS

 

icanread  

Love, 

Sara

make sure you do that, it is very liberating and exponentially uplifting. I am sorry for not posting the remaining two posts, as promised, yet.

Be grateful for who you are!

1. Tag

I am going to make two  three posts today:

1. This one - tag.
2. A giveaway! 
3.  A rambling, typical me, post.
   

It's all make believe, isn't it? is one very pretty blog, and I was tagged by Belle, you see, everythign about that blog is fairytale!

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1) Favorite accessory? The Turquoise, very…raw looking necklace I recently bought, and the locket my boyfriend bought me on Valentine’s. Oh, and a golden, very delicate Indian bangle.
2) What do you wear when you're down? I usually put more effort in an outfit when I am not feeling good.
3) When you're feeling pretty? A pretty skirt!(and freshly shaved legs)
4) Favorite designer? Marc Jacobs.

5) Favorite photographer? My photographer friends! Especially Hayek
6) Handbag? My mustard colored Longchamp
7) Jeans? The new pair my father got me.
8) Worst fashion moment? My black from head to toe, heavy eyeliner, wannabe goth days
9) Mom's style? Very laid back
10) Three places you'd rather be right now? France, Italy or by the Red Sea
11) Your hair? A little past shoulder length, brown, no bangs…grown layers and some gray hair (Yes, I need a haircut)
12) Celeb crush? Hugh Jackman and Johnny Depp.

 

 

13) Color? ALL shades of blue, especially Robin-egg and  sky blue.
14) Drink? Cappuccino, and mint lemonade

Recipe!

15) Food? Watermelon, oranges, lettuce, sushi and stuffed vine leaves.
16) Dream/Goal? Publish my own book, be a social entrepreneur and have a very happy family.
17) Dream last night? I never remember my dreams
18) Fear? Crowded places, I am short and often find it hard to breathe.
19) Where do you want to be in 10 years? Happily married with at least one child, and aunt with a super hot body, Oh, and I have to be successful! (and cook for my parents who would then be aged 60 and 54)

20) 3 Television Shows? Grey’s Anatomy, A little American Idol, I still watch Gilmore Girls.

Weekly Compilation and Promised News!

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• Stop Hiding! [You are Remarkable]
  
• The Rules of Being Human.[Les Adventures de Christina]
  
• Dear Brother and Sister [Grace's Birdcage Wedding]
  
• The Happy Lists at Rockstar Diaries is genious, in its purest forms!
• A time to refresh!
• Happy Birthday Mubarak
• Rainbow Cupcakes! [Baking Bites]
• Met Gala [Trust me, it's Paradise] I personally loved how Ashley Olsen looked.
• Isn't this AMAZING? [Oh, Hello Friend] the label crafts on her blog is also pretty!
• Envelope love (m.writes)
• Do it...please :) [things we forget]

I guess that means the series has ended, I need input...what did everyone think about it? was it properly written and researched? Do you think I should do more posts like that? And do you think I should publish my series? (maybe I should start approaching magazines) 

So my piece of news was, Mohammed and I we are almost engaged: we have had our fat-ha...even though it was very untraditional, I am very happy. 
We were both not there, it happened in the presence of his dad, my dad, his stepmother, his sister and his dad's best friend. His dad lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE, my dad lives in Jeddah, KSA and they went to visit in Jeddah and voila!

Marriage in Egypt (Part 3)

The fun (and very hectic) part has come! Time for the party(s)
Now, Egyptians are a very joyous people, we find reasons to celebrate, we crack jokes at times of misery and we have a huge amount of official holidays (true!), so it would only be natural for us to have lots of parties during the process of getting married!

 

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• The get-to-know each other gathering (which usually coincides with the fat-ha) when parents get to know each other is more like a tea/dessert/snack thing. You are not expected to be formally dressed, just smartly so. 

• The Engagement Party: This is like a cocktail-ish party, the bride to be wears a pretty dress( not white, of course) and everyone celebrates, because basically, she got her ring(s!). The Engagement party came to existence because, in the past, the bride and groom didn't know each other to begin with (arranged marriages) so it was for everyone to know that this couple are officially together. And accordingly, they can go out, they can start preparing for their wedding....etc. But now, it's more like a tradition. The bride pays all expenses that have to do with the engagement party. A new trend is to go out to celebrate instead of a real party and save the money up for a huge wedding.

• Bachelor/ Bachelorette and Henna Parties: Typically, a night or two before the wedding, the groom goes out with the guys, and the bride with the girls, waving their "single" lives goodbye. What Egyptians additionally do is Henna Night (which is, a tradition of Nubian/upper Egyptians) it has become more of a trend in recent years, and not everyone holds this, but it deserves the mention (it's tons of fun!) it's typically held on the night before wedding night.

"A henna night is a jamboree of festivities. The bride and her female guests (usually, men are not allowed to attend) gather after sunset the day before the wedding to sing, clap, ululate, and dance the night away. Refreshments, snacks or a full-blown supper may be served. Gifts may or may not be given to the bride. Depending on her financial capabilities, a bride may don up to seven different outfits. Candles are lit on a tray, which the bride has to circumambulate seven times. At many henna nights in Egypt, this is where the evening ends; the brownish plant paste is nowhere to be seen. But in keeping with the cultural code, some households insist on the grand finale: a skilled woman or hannana is brought to slather henna on the bride's palms and feet or to draw designs." Here
Pictures!

• The wedding contract is signed either on the night of the wedding or around noon of the same day, rituals differ as to if the couple is Muslim or Christian. This is not a party, but is celebrated.

• The wedding! (I got goosebumps writing this, don't ask why!) Egyptian weddings are glamourous, festive, loud and LONG!

1. The Zaffa: First; the car parade, when the bride and groom in a car, and their families in cars following thiers, noisily use their horns to show the people that they are heading to their wedding, the street is usually engaged in the noise and congratulates the couple. Then the hotel/reception zaffa, translated as "the wedding march" and it's far from a march, zaffas are LOUD and emotional for the parents and close friends/relatives. According to wikipedia a zaffa "is a musical procession of bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers and men carrying flaming swords(not necessarily). This announces that the marriage is about to begin"
2. The first dance, the dance with the father and the multi-tiered cake, the bouqet tossing and all the western influence on Egyptian weddings is there.
3. The ring switching happens at the "Kosha" which is where the bride and groom are seated surrounded by flowers, and they drink their sharbat "Sharbat is the juice served in almost all happy occassions in Egypt,it`s made of rose syrup.really sweet."
4. The entertainment consists mainly of a belly dancer(s), a singer or a band and tons of dancing! Usually until not before 4 AM! This is an excellent read.

This may or may not be the last part, but I promise there is a surprize coming up! I have been hating the weather lately (extremely dusty)..
Is there something that you guys would especially want to know about? I am trying to make this as informative as possible, but I want to get it over with because I miss my random posts :(
Have I mentioned I got 2 real life blog-compliments?! Extremely extatic, they made me!

Award!

Maria-Thérèse of Afiori is an amazing person, she spreads so much love that you can't help but have a brighter day after reading her blog, having a comment from her and looking at something she's made!
Well, she's given me an award!

 

This Renee award was created by Bella and Ces in honour of their friend Renee.In Bella's own words "this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds it's way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns...

  

I give this award to Shokoofeh from A New Simple Something, go see her blog and you would know why!

Stay tuned; coming up sometime soon; Marriage in Egypt(Part 3): Parties! And afterwards, a surprize!