How did your Valentine's Day go?  

My husband and I have made it a tradition since, not to celebrate it.  He's a firm believer of love being demonstrated everyday.  I, on the other hand have always been a Valentine's Day fanatic since I was young. It was the date of my Dad's birthday and I just love how people get lovey-dovey every year. 

Without expectations, I have always found a way to celebrate this day in many ways.  As Yohann spent the 14th of February morning in Ras Al Khaimah for the RAK Half Marathon,  I went about my day to treat the self.

What I'm loving this V-Day Weekend:

This week of hearts, don't you just want to pack your bags and purchase airline tickets online en route to you dream destination?  Pause for a moment and think about where that would be. Somewhere exotic? Or somewhere romantic? 

Being spontaneous. There's something very exciting about planning a trip to a random location. One need not get very far. You can set the rules and limits to how far you'd like to go. Perhaps, within the country you've never been to. Or a place within the same continent. 

With the goal of creating new experiences in mind and a change of scenery, selecting somewhere low-key as opposed to a grand getaway, is more achievable, especially at the last minute.

Relax and unwind.  Sometimes we just need a breath of fresh air after a week of deadlines and tiring commute.  Define your idea of relaxation and activities to unwind. A week of culinary lessons in Tuscany? Or wine tasting in Napa Valley. Ah dreamy!

If you have the time and budget right now, where would you like to go?

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On a personal note, I've been clearing the other room and realized I have to let go of so many accumulated things.  I found the above Lonely Planet books and decided to let go of them along with my other books to gain space for all the baby stuff.  While sorting this out last weekend, I realized how my life is going to change. Traveling will have to be put on hold for a while in exchange for something unknown to me.  Let's see where this new adventure takes us. :)

Wishing you all a happy week!

Love & Light,

Arni

The weather is perfect for strolling in Dubai this time of the year.  We recently visited City Walk by Meraas Holding, a new outdoor-lifestyle mall concept that is very different from the gigantic air conditioned malls scattered throughout the city. 

Starting the day with a sumptuous brunch was the highlight of our last weekend. We recently discovered Bikers Cafe, a popular themed diner along Jumeirah Beach Road diagonally opposite Mercato Mall and directly opposite Town Center Mall. 

Harley Davidson, Kawasaki sports bikes and classic cars were parked out front and I was half expecting  men with tattoos and bandannas in their leather jackets filling the restaurant.  To my surprise, it was tranquil, packed with both local families and expats, dining indoors and al fresco while enjoying their breakfast quietly on a Friday morning.