This week had been an avalanche of deadlines. One after the other, as though foreseen, I'm pleased that the baby shower took place a few weeks ago when I was more up and able. Dear friends, Shela and Joy whose baby showers were featured here, threw me a heartwarming party. Here are the photos..

One Friday afternoon at 3PM, after all the decorations are set, I was excited and happy to witness the combined efforts of all of our friends and my creative uncle pulled together. With Shela's event planning creativity and expertise, Joy's handiwork, Lito's photography skills, Wrap and May's culinary prowess, we were able to pull off a DIY party.

E-vite created by Shela / Party Favors : Custom Teddy Bear Cookie and TWG Tea

To Dubaians, there are limited services for baby shower gift registry in the UAE.  Good news, major branches of Mothercare offer them and we chose the huge store inside Debenhams at Mall of the Emirates.

Bubblies and Pink Lemonade / Fruit platter fondue / Prizes for the games

{Photos by Lito Flestado}

{Photo Credit: Monique San Gabriel}

It's a late Halloween post.  We've decided to celebrate our costume theme party last Friday night so we could extend it till the wee hours of the weekend.  It was hilarious and I had great fun.  This was my first ever costume party.  I don't know what happened the past several years but I never really had any opportunity to celebrate this fun tradition. The only costume I've ever worn when I was a kid that I remember was a pirate costume but it wasn't for Halloween. 

Making up for those years, the Anime Girl is a costume I've always fantasized wearing.  I thought of seizing the day, because in a few years, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to wear such a costume anymore.  So while I still can, then why not?  

Have a great weekend to you all!

XOXO,

Arni

A Mexican themed brunch that extends till dinner. It's a monthly tradition my girlfriends and I  have started this year.  Each of us will bring a dish we have prepared.  The venue changes each month.  We somehow recreate a  vacation where we bring a country to our homes instead.

The host of the party, Gail decorated her dining and living area with colorful tissue paper streamers and lanterns  made of serviettes.   A separate refreshment table was set up with our favorite lime margarita and an ice filled bucket of drinks.  

In light of today's Friendship Day, I'm happy to feature our wonderful Saturday brunch together.   We all met during our employment in an events and exhibition company.  We were former colleagues from various departments, but most of us have only grown closer after we left the firm.    We have all pursued different paths afterwards.  The day breezed by with mojitos and lively conversations among hyper women enjoying a fun day away from the mundane.

These beautiful women could be serious, wacky and crazy sometimes, with or without the microphone.  We are always ready to strike a pose.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

I surely had a wonderful one!

XOXO,

Arni

Image 2/ 3/ 6/ 9/ 10-13/15  Photo Credit: Monica

Summer is upon us.  Busy week triggers the need to escape for a vacay.  We haven't booked anything yet for this summer.  Life feels on hold for us at the moment.  Things are quite uncertain so we haven't planned any trip.  I was hoping to go home instead, but June-September is usually a very rainy season to go back to my homeland, Philippines.  If we were to do so, we would like to take a glimpse of at least one white sand island with clear waters on a bright sunny day.

I'm itching to go away and it's a great idea to do so during the hottest months in Dubai from June- September. Yes, there are great beach fronts here.  The water is clear and the sand is soft, pebble free underwater.  It's a shame, we rarely go to the beach on weekends.  We are confined in the comfort of air conditioning watching movie marathons during lazy Fridays. 

The upside during these months in Dubai are low hotel rates and special packages for the family, for couples, for a girls weekend  or boys adventure desert trips.  For the shopaholics, there is the Dubai Summer Surprises  from the 22nd of June to 31st of July 2011.  Best shopping deals, lots of events, concerts, international shows and lots of promotions during the summer festival.

For those, who are staying behind and who are like me, undecided.  What about we throw a vacation- themed weekend party?  It doesn't need to be a big event.  It could be a quiet dinner with closest friends, or an afternoon with the family.  Just to try something different

1. Choose a country you would like to go to this summer.
2. Check out the recipes  of that country's traditional cuisine for your party's menu and treats.
3. Decorate!  Pick out elements and create DIY banners, table pieces and name cards inspired by the country theme to set the mood.
4. Perfectly set the tone with a matching music.  E.g.  Play Andrea Bocelli for a Tuscany backyard dinner party
5. Imagine the scent of that setting and try to capture the aroma with scented candles.  For example, if you're having a South of France theme afternoon coffee party,  lavender!
6. Try creating trivia games about the touristic sites or any game related to learning the foreign language.

While we're at it...I think this is soo cute! French cafe theme

  

Wishing you all a fabulous Friday!