Plastic surgery is becoming a new cultural obsession- starting from extreme makeover, dr. 90210 and now with nip/tuck and I want to be a famous face.

With all these shows airing I’ve become non-chalant or even blasé about cosmetic surgery. Well that was until I met a friend of mine, who I haven’t seen for awhile. She looked different, like she was someone else. Her eyes are still the same, the same ones I knew 2 years ago, but the features were different. It wasn’t just her features and the way she looked, it actually extended to her personality. She seemed to be more outgoing, spoke with a different tone, and acted more confident. At first I thought she lost a lot of weight, but then realized silly me, she actually got her nose done, and injected her cheeks and had a liposuction. (well that explained a lot).

At first she wasn’t comfortable talking about it. She gave the impression that her new life style, diet and workout that did the trick- like hello!

She said “I know you’re against plastic surgery but my self esteem was all bad. I hated the way I looked. I needed to change my looks to feel better and I do. I feel amazing. I feel beautiful for once. I’ve never had anyone pass a move on me. I never had guys look at me or flirt, but now I can’t keep up! Guys are all over me for once and I like it.” – I thought her excuse was outrageous! I mean seriously why do you need guys to tell you that you are pretty for you to feel it?

We are all different in the core and everyone has a different reaction to certain circumstances. So many thoughts came in mind right then but all I blurted out was “but it’s all fake! You’re beautiful for who you are- there wasn’t anything ugly for you to change! I am in shock!”
I thought she was beautiful before the surgery. I guess she believed otherwise. I’ve known her since elementary school and her nickname was big bird cuz her nose was kinda big. But then we all had nicknames for God’s sake- it wasn’t that we were mean but that’s how it was like. I’ve personally had issues with my nose, I’ve got this lump on the bridge of my nose and I thought it was ugly. I remember talking to my father about it, and he said it made me look royal- and it made me ME. The special person I am. – that was it for me. I’ve adored my nose ever since.

I was talking to a family member about my friend, and much to my surprise, cosmetic surgery is now in trend. What’s wrong with getting injected or trimmed? Enhanced or chiseled? What wrong with liposuction if it’ll make you perfect? Nipping and tucking is ok if it transforms you into a beautiful goddess. I know we all want to look better, more beautiful, but that’s a never ending quest. You will never have enough. Always longing for me.
There is no “perfect beauty”- what is beautiful to me, might not be beautiful to you. What I find attractive, might be considered ugly to someone else.
I believe that those who actually need surgery are the victims of accidents or diseases.
If there are certain things that you need to change about your body then most likely with a little of time, exercise, and proper diet you will be able to do it. Whether it’s about gaining or losing some weight.

Beauty lies within. It’s all about transforming yourself in the inside. It will all reflect on the outside. Learn to love yourself for who you are. It’s all about loving thyself.

Baby Dior arrived at last..

Pistachios anyone?

[26] diamonds (221 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

Love, love, love... a word with endless meanings..

What if I asked you to describe the word Love? What would your answer be?
Would it be having to live in Lala land where everything is pink and there are white marshmallows floating on the perfect blue sky? Or having to live through a beautiful sunset on the perfect sandy beach with colourful shells lying to draw a ultimate scene? The descriptions are never ending ones..

I've learnt that love isn't dreamy. It's very real- like you and I. it's not the state in which all fears and worries disappear, but in fact, the realization that they do exist.

Love is verb.. an action verb.. it's about doing, showing, more than it's about saying.
Love isn't limited to your spouse, or lover, but is extended to everything and everyone around you. It starts off with God, Your parents, grandparents, brothers & sisters, sons & daughters, uncles & aunts.. anyone and everyone.. it has no limits..

I don't claim to be a certified relationship counselor or an expert in the matters of the heart, but I had my share of experience. My realization is, when you love someone, you love them unconditionally. You don't rush into judgments. You love them for who they are. There are no hidden agendas there. Love is about respect & trust which are earned not demanded.

A great test for true love are circumstances. Events that take place to test the strength of its foundation. Think of everyone around you, feel for them, and act out of compassion and love. Make a difference in someone's life and feel the satisfaction that this selfless act creates.

When was the last time you showed anyone of importance in your life that you loved them? And if your excuse for not showing them, is "they already know" then you're mistaken. They might already know but will a reminder hurt? Don't take anyone for granted.. Don't wait for the perfect occasion or for a certain day.. just do it any day in the year..

Love is doing things out of your way just prove to a person that you care. It's not materialistic. It's not about the Gucci or Chanel, nor is it about the Mercedes or Bently. It makes no difference if it's a Godiva or just Twix. It's the thought that counts. The fact that you remembered this person.

Love is taking a quantum leap from selfish to selfless. Focusing on others, instead of yourself.
Let's do it today.. Carpe diem - Seize the day! let's make a difference in someone's life. Starting this moment..

my cousin got a baby girl... =)

Yellow roses... so fresh...

[20] diamonds (179 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

I am feeling weary these days. Haven't been getting enough sleep (or proper sleep for that matter). It’s hard trying to find that position! It’s frustrating, cuz even if it works today, that position won’t work tomorrow. I’m also getting all these hot flashes and the weather isn’t helping. I know I am indoor most of the time but it’s still just HOT..

I will stop complaining cuz I am working on maintaining the right attitude, a positive one remember?
Okay.. *shaking my head- inhaling, exhaling, inhaling deeper, exhaling deeper- shaking shoulders- Happy thoughts.. Happy thoughts.. and happier thoughts..*- yes I am ready to go now..
Pregnancy is a blessing, so is everything else in life. We are all blessed in different ways, different and unique. Things won’t start happening to us till we believe in ourselves and our capabilities. Once your thoughts about yourself changes, the world’s thought of you also change. It’s all about how your see yourself.

I was going through some old Marie Claire editions, and there was this poster of this beutiful full figured girl on two pages. Totally identical, but one said “I am sexy” and when you looked at the pic, you would’ve thought it. I mean she seriously did look that good to me. The pic on the opposite page said “I am fat” and for some reason- although the pics are identical, strangely, you would think she looked fat. It’s how you see yourself that makes all the difference. Isn’t that just amazing?

On a daily basis we receive blessings from above. I used to think that some people are more blessed than others, but I guess it all depends on how you count your blessings. The more you focus on what you have instead of what others do, you will realize that you are truly blessed in many ways but were too blind to actually notice. The more you focus, the more you are opt to attract more and more blessings. Focus your energy and you will be astonished by the results.

Today is Aso's birthday.. so Happy Birthday sweetie.. May all your dreams come true..
It was really nice having everyone gather for this beautiful occasion.. Daloo3ah, Sunshine, Blossom, Perla *you guys are the best!*
Aso I hope you enjoyed it.. Although you thought we forgot! =) we never forget, we just like acting dumb at times.. ;)

The cake.. a delicious marble!

The gift and flowers

The gift- Aaah.. don't you just love the colour pink??

[17] diamonds (139 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

After reading many posts by Surrealist, I just had this urge to write about striving for more…
There are millions of individuals in the world who are completely unsatisfied by many aspects of their lives. They are still working on making things better for themselves. Still trying to create the perfect harmony between where they are right now and where they want to be. If you’re not in that cluster of people then you are one of the few lucky ones.
It all begins with believing in yourself and believing in what you can and can’t do. Trust yourself and that will be the path to internal happiness.

Trust in what you believe is right. Don’t listen to me or anyone else for that matter. What does your intuition tell you? that feeling in your inner gut. Be true to yourself- for you’re the only one who knows where your capabilities and skills lye.

Dream- think out of the box.. think big.. no one can control your dreams but you.. dreams are free.. so why not? Create a vision for yourself and make it crystal clear. Make all your thoughts positive.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. You need to take your time. Work on your own pace. Patience is a virtue.

Take time to appreciate the beautiful things surrounding you. Don’t take them for granted.
Enjoy all the experiences that life has to offer- and always be grateful for them (whether they’re good or not)

I believe that everything happens for a reason. You might be blinded at the moment and not see it, but you will soon enough. You will understand how it’s all a blessing in disguise.

Don’t waste your time complaining about things, and I’ve said this over and over again, work on changing them.
Take baby steps towards achieving your goals. Don’t strive for what you were, strive for what you want to become.

Get a notepad and jot down your dreams and goals, the timeline in which you want them achieved, the resources needed (whether you can do this alone, or it’s dependent on someone else also), break them down into smaller goals if applicable and create a key performance indicator- meaning how can you measure how far you’ve gotten in achieving it. Most importantly make your dreams/goals realistic.
I am in this totally happy mood.. and I hope this helps a bit.. I believe we all can make things happen if we really work hard at it. Good luck.. =) tell me how it works for you.

Surrealist Thank you for being an inspiration to my life..

a new kitten in the house

Helping libellula's dad pick up paints for his new house.. =)

By the way... e3ashig is back! Yes people he is!!! Yey!

[15] diamonds (133 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

It's not an overrated comment when pregnant women claim that they're going through a life changing experience. It’s so powerful that I can’t find the words to actually explain it. I still remember taking that home pregnancy test for the first time, and I was wishing that I wasn’t pregnant. I thought it was too early. It was just a few months after marriage and I wasn’t really ready. When it turned out negative, I cried so hard. It’s strange- I mean I didn’t want to get pregnant and when I wasn’t, it just made me sad.
When I wasn’t even trying, it just happened. I used a digital home pregnancy test with an accuracy of 99.9%. It said (pregnant). I cried even more.
First thing I did was call up a close friend -Aso, then I called up my bro White Fish, my parents and my father in law. I later told my husband in person =).
From that moment on, my life hasn’t been the same. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually- things just changed.
I just felt that attachment with the baby within me. It’s indescribable how precious a feeling like that is. I keep holding my tummy in disbelief. I don’t remember crying tears of joy during any period of my life except for now. It all happens with the first experiences I’ve had, the time I found out I was pregnant, the time I heard the baby’s heartbeats for the first time, the time I had my first ultrasound, the first time the baby gave me a beautiful kick, the time I found out the baby was going to be ok after a threatened abortion, and now I’ve gotten to the time when the baby’s movement shows from my belly, right this second I can see a foot! =)
My world seems to be revolving around the baby right now. I am being extra careful with everything. For once there is something that’s more important than me, than my career, than anything else in the world. I am looking forward for the stretch marks. I am going to treat them a certificates of honor.

can you see the baby?

I went with my sister-in-law and Eiman to watch Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith. They haven't watched the previous episodes but thought it was a great movie. I've been a big Star Wars fan since I was a little kid. I always had this crush on Obi-Wan Kenobi. Watching the movie today made me realize that I still do! I was also always impressed by Master Yoda. Love the way he compiles his sentences.
The movie is great- highly recommended. I would like to advice you to watch the first two episodes, but even if you don't the movie still is understandable. The plot is great, the charactors greater, and the visual effects are out of this world! You will cry at times, smile at others, and have an overwhelming feel of optimism. The presequel is extraordinary. Thumbs Up!

During the movie, that's one great visual effect!

Engraved my name at StarBucks using my car keys =)

My items received after less than a week from the order date. Yay!

May the force be with you...

[14] diamonds (165 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

Hello everyone! Can you handle this? Let's see if you can handle this update..

The concert was out of this world!
Destiny’s Child were AMAZING! The concert started off a bit late but it was a blast.. I’ve got a whole hour of it on video that I’m actually watching right now. =) They all looked so stunning! Everything about them was just purrrrrfect!
They sang all their hit songs -the links are of Amazon dot com - starting off with Say My Name, Independent Women, Bug a boo, Bills- Bills- Bills, Bootylicious, Jumpin- Jumpin, then there was a short break with 6 guys who had the perfect muscle cuts!- the concert resumed with Soldier, another break- and Kelly comes with "Dubai i love you, Dubai i need you"- the crowd just went nuts! I'm actually singing to it right now! ;) then comes in Michelle with her solo song (wasn't that interested personally)..
and of course- an earthquake takes place when Beyonce shakes to Baby Boy and Naughty Girl! She's very smooth!
They team up again with yet more beautiful outfits to sing Cater 2 u, Girl, and Through with Love. Then another break and came back with lovely spanish costumes singing Survivor and Lose my breath... Aaaaaah.. it was just great! =)
I’ve posted some of the pics on Flickr.

Ok, now about the tan I was talking about earlier- it turned out disasterous!
I couldn’t get hold of the Lancome one I wanted so I settled for Clarins, I’ve got terrible spots on my hands and it smells of henna. I don’t mind the scent it’s just looks like I dipped my hand in a bowl of henna like my grandmother! – I really do think they actually made the cream out of henne!
Ooh well, the leaflet said that I had to wash my hands thoroughly, I guess I was too excited that I skipped that line of important info. =)

Kitten, was the first to actually see the tan and she said I still looked white! Urrrgh and I was excited but she kept on swearing that I still looked white! Hmm..
BUT when I saw my cousins later on the day they said I looked darker but they liked me the way I was- that wasn’t very helpful was it?. The thing is when you’re too white and brunette, tans just aren’t compatible. Kitten says it looks better on blondes. So this is an experience that I won’t be repeating any time soon. I must admit I do like the golden tint of colour on my face though.

In an attempt to perfecting practices in the country, the ban of sales of newspapers and publications at roads takes place today in Abu Dhabi. It was a ban enforced by His Highness Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the minister of Information and Culture.

Read more about it at Khaleej Times

For my phone. It needs a face lift..

He makes me laugh!!!!- Visit Al Marwan =)

[21] diamonds (191 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

I am so used to being pampered but during the pregnancy it was really hard trying to find time to do it. I usually sleeping during the day and when I am awake it’s too late or I am too lazy to get up and get things done. I thought it was about time I pampered myself again. I made arrangements for the weekend- a beautiful spa treatment (soaking in honey and milk with lavender), a prenatal massage, a manicure and pedicure, plus a hair cut. Started my day off with a facial at ten.. and pampered myself till 4 pm. 6 hours of indulging into myself, my relaxation and the baby’s too. I got the most beautiful kicks during these hours. I so needed this!
I then took off and went for ultimate treatment- SHOPPING! Shopped at Mont Blanc, Paris Gallery, M.A.C offline- then went home and continued my shopping spree online with eLuxury, Victoria’s Secret, and Amazon. I usually feel awful after spending a lot- but for some reason I didn’t! I got over the shopping guilt and I feel so good. It’s probably cuz I didn’t shop ONLY for me. It was for the baby too. That always justifies it.

Happy Birthday sweetie.. hope all your dreams come true.. It's a shame we didn't really celebrate but Insha'Allah we will soon.. i don't believe you're 26 already! el 3emr kilah insha'Allah.. =) *hugs and loads of kisses*
sorry you can't make it to the concert!

Remember Perla’s brother’s wedding? On that evening before the wedding I went for a photo shoot with Dalioze- I am taking pics of me for the baby to see mummy's belly every month. Anyways, the thing is- Dalioze had this amazing tan- she used to tan daily for two weeks and the bronze I thought was too much but in the pics it turned out great. So I am thinking of getting a tan. I want one so bad. I never ever got a real one. i am always called a chalk or white soap and I love my colour but I need a change right now. I want a fake sun kissed skin. I went researching on the net and I found that Lancome had a great product line- which also is safe for pregnancy. I am going to go get it right after this entry. It takes 2 hours to get the beautiful effect.

I am currently getting ready for the concert tonight. Destiny’s Child are here! I can’t believe it. Everyone already left cuz they’ve got things to do in Dubai prior to the concert. I decided to go directly to DMC instead of roaming around in Dubai. It’s exciting! I mean we’re about 30+ of us. It’s the gathering that makes all the different. Yes I am going to be extra careful with my bulging belly.

The Royal Room @ Nails

Mont Blanc gift set =)

one stop shop!

[16] diamonds (201 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

Happiness:
Pronunciation: 'ha-pi-n&s
Function: noun
1 obsolete : good fortune : PROSPERITY
2 a : a state of well-being and contentment : JOY b : a pleasurable or satisfying experience (definition by Merriam-Webster)

There are many different things that make us happy, but I’ve just realized that the little things we often let pass by us, can also make us very happy.
So what is happiness after all? I am most certain that we will all define it in a different way, feel it differently and understand it differently.
Whatever your definition of happiness is, it is a known fact that it is very hard to reach or fulfill. An understanding needs to be made regarding this, there are things that we can change and there are things that are out of our control. We should stop whining about things of the latter. It took me awhile, till I finally got it, I shouldn’t be wasting my time trying to change things that I knew I couldn’t change, instead work on the things that I can.

But how do we make the difference between the things we can change and the things that we can’t? and how do we react to the problems?

You can react in a way that is helpful to a situation or take the total opposite and just add fuel to the fire- that would be the path to your own misery.

You will be miserable, depressed and you’ll end up whining about anything and everything.
Someone else in this world is possibly going through the same situation you are going through but they might be smiling right this second while you are frowning. Why you ask? Because you both react differently to the same problem.

Situations will only change when you change the way you think. If things are in the past then let them be, you can’t recreate history or go back and fix it. You can though make today and tomorrow better because you still have control. Always visualize how you’d like the situation to be like. The perfect situation, and then filter it down to the things you can make happen. Happiness is achievable after all, if we are satisfied by the little things in life that really matter. We often take things for granted but we should learn to appreciate everything around us to feel this self fulfillment.
I am not saying that I am there yet, I am actually so far from there, but I am trying.

Right now, happiness to me is knowing that I’ve got this special person inside me, who’s is totally dependent on me. I never had anyone really depend on me except for my cats. Now, I’ve got a baby! I am so grateful to Allah for this beautiful gift. I can’t explain how beautiful this is. I wish everyone in the world goes through this experience. It makes you realize how silly you were sometimes thinking that the Gucci handbag is total ecstasy, the Chanel suit is everything you needed to smile, and Manolo Blahnik is your first step to heaven. I mean of course I enjoy all the luxuries that life has to offer but this is different.
Imagine having someone who will love you unconditionally just because you are who you are. They’ll find love in your voice, serenity in your eyes, and peacefulness in a smile. Now that’s a happy thought!

My literature!

Already started shopping =).. Reminds me of Amaamy
Bedding set from Petit Descamps

Pink Sushi is baaaaaaaaaack from JaPaN.. so welcome back babes! you've been missed.. *huggles*

If you want to have a good real Arabic QahQaha and you want keep up with all the latest news- then visit Marwan- I dare you not laugh!

[18] diamonds (154 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link

After such an exciting weekend I had to take some time out to relax and I mean that literally. I’ve missed work cuz I was exhausted a couple of days this week. I just couldn’t get myself up to rise and shine. Well that doesn’t mean I was idol. I actually completed several tasks that I had in mind. You might’ve noticed the face lift in the website. I’ve added a couple of button, altered the comments page and I’ve also the goodies page. It’s now up and running with some of my wallpapers. Thank you Flickr members for the positive feedback. I am now showcasing them here for your own pleasure to lighten up your desktop. Check them out and let me know what you think.

I've also completed the error pages. Now if you mistype something on my url you will get notified of it. Check it-The error pages.

If you are webmaster/mistress and would like to learn about creating the error pages then visit this site.

Next project the Artwork page. That’s coming soon =)

I got this chain letter with an invitation to the wedding tonight and… and someone somewhere cropped the image I’ve taken to remove my website URL. How mean! I mean you copy images from my site- least you could do is give me credit for it. Well that bothered me a bit. Some people don’t have enough respect to acknowledge other people’s work. Anyways, Daloo3ah and I figured out who it was. We traced the mail and if you are reading this- then I am really disappointed ;) - I am letting this pass.. cuz you are a so called friend.

At work, we were attacked viciously by a worm named W32/Sober.p@MM and we had to put our services on halt for a whole day. We were receiving 300 infected emails per hour and there wasn’t an update in place then. The safest solution was to stop receiving emails till we figured out another way to deal with it. Fortunately, the problem was solved the following day and no emails were lost.

On a much happier note, I’ve been busy preparing for the arrival of a very special guest. The guest will be arriving in a couple of months but I need to finish the preparations soon.
SHMILY sweetheart, I just got your email. Don’t worry about it. ;) we will figure something out. Thank you for actually taking sometime out to help me plan for the special day. *hugs*

Isn't this just adorable? - if you are interested in purchasing something for your lil bro- or son, and you are a speed fanatic then visit La Passione- they carry official Ferrari merchandise.

Okay last thing, if you are HCT/ZU graduate and would like to participate in a survey for someone's graduation project then please fill this survey out. just delete the answers that don't apply to you and keep yours on the survey. Please send it back to me on uaeyah@uaeyah.com so I can forward it to the concerned person.

[18] diamonds (146 opened the sack)  [+] Jewel Link