Safat: The KuwaitBlogs’ Aggregator

Earlier yesterday, a friend of mine wanted to meet me for lunch break at Arraya Center, but it was just a hassle for me to drive, look for a parking, and plus the break time wont allow for all that… So I went to Baking Tray, ordered Chicken Semolina and went back to my office… half way through my sandwich, one of my coworkers called me to meet at Baking Tray… I told her I already have my food in front of me… shes like bring it along with you… and thats what I did, I wrapped up whats left  of the sandwich, and headed back to the Baking Tray… why am I telling you all this? I want you to get a feel of what led one thing to another in this eventful day!

I was sitting on a chair facing the door, I spotted Ms Safa AlHashim, a very well known Kuwaiti business woman in the private sector who is also very active, coming in. She is so friendly and her presence spread positive vibes, as she approached our table, I was smiling… cuz I recognized her, she smiled back and said hello. A couple of my coworkers asked who she was cuz her face is familiar, and I was like yes, from the newspaper

Shortly after two black cars with diplomatic number plates parked outside, I look out the glass walls of Baking Tray and I see H.E. the US Ambassador in Kuwait Ms. Deborah Jones. Some of my coworkers didnt know who she was, but I knew… since I have seen here before… As a matter of fact, I do see her a lot and shes so friendly. I saw her at some store openings, mainly AlShaya’s, and I saw her once at the Early Bird, some weddings too… she always comes in with huge smile and she says hello to everyone… and she did this time too.. She was meeting Ms. Safa AlHashim for lunch

She came in, she goes “Hi everyone” and I spontaneously say “Hi… whats up?” I have no idea why LOL… so she stops next to me and asks.. “What are you girls eating, what do you recommend?” So I go on and on about the food… I tell them about the dates and harda cookies, which is something that got their attention and then we move to their display of sandwiches and I go “I tried all of their sandwiches” And Ms. Safa goes “Are you Ansam518?” and with a huge smile, and I mean a very big fat HUGE smile, I say “YES!”

I cannot tell you how happy I was about this recognition! She did not just say that… she went on and on about my blog! She tells me that they decided to have lunch at the Baking Tray because of my posts about this place (AND YES! THAT MAKES ME FEEL HONORED – honestly). She throws words of encouragements and I seriously wanted to hug them both from the excitement! She goes “I know  you are a frozen yogurt addict too?” I say “Yes I am, I got a yogurt named after me” She goes, “I know!” And H.E. asks “518 Yogurt?” I tell her “No Ansam Yogurt” but its enough that I am recognized by the digits 518! They told me they were going to try it soon! So yeah… the highlight of my day… if not my week , or even MONTH! So here is a picture of me with the ladies… awesome fabulous ladies

So Ms. Safa AlHashim asked if I recognized her, and I go “Of course, I do.. you’re Safa AlHashim” I wish I had more time to talk to her since she is someone I admire! Someone I would love to talk to and learn from.

Ahhhh what a wonderful day at the Baking Tray!

It’s no secret that many of us take our beauty cues from celebrities. Recently a poll from hair company Goody officially confirmed it by counting down the six most popular celeb-inspired hairstyles. (To read the full article, click here).

Now I have tried quite a few haircuts throughout the years and I will post some of which….

Rachel Cut

I sported that cut for few years. It was suggested to me by my hairstylist at the time!

Meg’s Shag

I went with this look when I told my stylist I wanted a shorter look of the Rachel’s cut. I never knew it was Meg Ryan’s Shag

Dannii Sleek Bob

I had this cut throughout all my mid teens years I think!

Victoria’s Bob

I had it for like two consecutive years -2006 I think- (Only difference is that I did not have it exactly the same, I had it longer on the right side and shorter on the left side! I miss this cut the most!

Mia’s Pixie Crop!

YES! I went that short at some point in my life It was such an easy do… wash-n-go

Blake Layered Locks

Thats the look I have now… a bit shorter version of it anyways! And with straight bangs too… that I let grow to be parted bangs or side swept styles sometimes, but then go back and trim’em – Its a mood thing

Wanna cook with Chef Hanouf AlBalhan?

Join her this Ramadan and cook with her on her show

If interested send an email to

hanouf@watan.tv 

With your name, photo, and the dish you wish to cook with her

***

حضى الشيف المتألقة ” هنوف البلهان ” بشعبيّة كبيرة في الكويت و الوطن العربي ، من خلال ظهورها اليومي في البرنامج الرائع ” صباح الوطن ” و تميّز أطباقها و تنوّعها ، حيث تفاجىء جمهور قناة الوطن يومياً بأطباق جديدة من المطبخ الكويتي و الخليجي و العربي و العالمي. 

و نظراً للإقبال المنقطع النظير لأطباق ” أم معاذ ” و بناءً على طلب الجمهور العزيز 
تدعوكم هنوف للإنضمام لها في برنامج ” مطبخ هنوف ” الذي سيعرض في شهر رمضان المبارك . 
حيث يمكنكم مشاركتها في الطهي و الظهور معها على شاشة تلفزيون الوطن يومياً في رمضان. 

كل ما عليكم هو: 
إرسال إيميل على 

hanouf@watan.tv 

يتضمن الإسم 
صورة شخصية 
اسم الطبق الذي ستقومون بطهيه في البرنامج. 

Link!

Thanks McReemy O.

Wanna cook with Chef Hanouf AlBalhan?

Join her this Ramadan and cook with her on her show

If interested send an email to

hanouf@watan.tv 

With your name, photo, and the dish you wish to cook with her

***

حضى الشيف المتألقة ” هنوف البلهان ” بشعبيّة كبيرة في الكويت و الوطن العربي ، من خلال ظهورها اليومي في البرنامج الرائع ” صباح الوطن ” و تميّز أطباقها و تنوّعها ، حيث تفاجىء جمهور قناة الوطن يومياً بأطباق جديدة من المطبخ الكويتي و الخليجي و العربي و العالمي. 

و نظراً للإقبال المنقطع النظير لأطباق ” أم معاذ ” و بناءً على طلب الجمهور العزيز 
تدعوكم هنوف للإنضمام لها في برنامج ” مطبخ هنوف ” الذي سيعرض في شهر رمضان المبارك . 
حيث يمكنكم مشاركتها في الطهي و الظهور معها على شاشة تلفزيون الوطن يومياً في رمضان. 

كل ما عليكم هو: 
إرسال إيميل على 

hanouf@watan.tv 

يتضمن الإسم 
صورة شخصية 
اسم الطبق الذي ستقومون بطهيه في البرنامج. 

Link!

Thanks McReemy O.

Why is this email of Nancy Ajram wearing “abaya” is being circulated like crazy! Whats the big deal?

(link)

A lot of talks about how she was inappropriately dressed! I only think she was trying to blend in with the song and act a bit “khaleeji” Give it a rest peeps!

Salma Hayek wore her Balenciaga with a beige clutch to 33rd Annual Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt while Meryl Streep wore hers belted at the SAG Awards in Los Angeles and complimented it with green (emerald) earrings and black clutch.

Who wore it better?

Link!

Salma Hayek wore her Balenciaga with a beige clutch to 33rd Annual Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt while Meryl Streep wore hers belted at the SAG Awards in Los Angeles and complimented it with green (emerald) earrings and black clutch.

Who wore it better?

Link!

On Day VIII we had breakfast at Angelina… A place I keep hearing about, and reading about on someCONTRAST and 1/2 Cream Milk, that I just had to go!

We managed to get a table on the lower level. As I sat down I took a look around.

Classical interiors with mirrors and marble tables

I browsed through their menu, which starts of with a brief history of Angelina (it was established back in 1903 and was visited by many famous people such as Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn).

The main reason I went there was to try their much talked about African Hot Chocolate… a drink that made this cafe so famous for years

The hot chocolate is served with whipped cream

The outcome… TOTAL DIVINE! I did not really believe whatever I have heard about it till I tried it! And I thank everyone who recommended it for me <3

Our breakfast dishes varied and I have few pictures of which to share

And now its finally the Mont Blanc time… the cafe’s best seller made of a meringue base topped with whipped cream and chestnut cream. We were five, and since both 1/2 Cream Milk and someCONTRAST hated it, we ordered two pieces only. I told them that I will try it and if I love it I will have it all to myself (I do not usually share my food).

And boy oh boy…. That Mont Blanc overwhelmed my taste buds. I had one piece all to myself while the rest shared the second!

I seriously do not understand why someCONTRAST and 1/2 Cream Milk did not like it! Plus it does not contain honey at all (I cant remember which blog mentioned that). Its an AMAZING cake, and I will try to create my own version of it…. Fabulous and HIGHLY recommended

I went upstairs to take pictures and it was empty!

Before we left, we stopped at the pastry section… the sales lady there was SUPER friendly. And since it was January, they were celebrating Gallette Des Rois (which I will be talking about soon). The pastries they sell contains a trinklet/figurine, in which the ones who gets it get to wear the crown

So I snapped some more pictures of desserts on display

And she also gave us two chocolate squares each *yummmm*

Our bill was EUR111.90 (drinks, breakfast, and dessert). Totally worth every cent spent on it.

Angelina is located on 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (opposite Jardin des Tuileries and Louvre), and their tel # is 01 42 60 82 00

On Day VIII we had breakfast at Angelina… A place I keep hearing about, and reading about on someCONTRAST and 1/2 Cream Milk, that I just had to go!

We managed to get a table on the lower level. As I sat down I took a look around.

Classical interiors with mirrors and marble tables

I browsed through their menu, which starts of with a brief history of Angelina (it was established back in 1903 and was visited by many famous people such as Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn).

The main reason I went there was to try their much talked about African Hot Chocolate… a drink that made this cafe so famous for years

The hot chocolate is served with whipped cream

The outcome… TOTAL DIVINE! I did not really believe whatever I have heard about it till I tried it! And I thank everyone who recommended it for me <3

Our breakfast dishes varied and I have few pictures of which to share

And now its finally the Mont Blanc time… the cafe’s best seller made of a meringue base topped with whipped cream and chestnut cream. We were five, and since both 1/2 Cream Milk and someCONTRAST hated it, we ordered two pieces only. I told them that I will try it and if I love it I will have it all to myself (I do not usually share my food).

And boy oh boy…. That Mont Blanc overwhelmed my taste buds. I had one piece all to myself while the rest shared the second!

I seriously do not understand why someCONTRAST and 1/2 Cream Milk did not like it! Plus it does not contain honey at all (I cant remember which blog mentioned that). Its an AMAZING cake, and I will try to create my own version of it…. Fabulous and HIGHLY recommended

I went upstairs to take pictures and it was empty!

Before we left, we stopped at the pastry section… the sales lady there was SUPER friendly. And since it was January, they were celebrating Gallette Des Rois (which I will be talking about soon). The pastries they sell contains a trinklet/figurine, in which the ones who gets it get to wear the crown

So I snapped some more pictures of desserts on display

And she also gave us two chocolate squares each *yummmm*

Our bill was EUR111.90 (drinks, breakfast, and dessert). Totally worth every cent spent on it.

Angelina is located on 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (opposite Jardin des Tuileries and Louvre), and their tel # is 01 42 60 82 00

(link)

Sweet! King of the pop kids

At the risk of repeating myself, I post this video. I couldn't resist the urge of sharing the utter genius, the sheer magnificense, the irresistable charm of Michael Bublé.
He's hip, he's hot, and he's happening. His music FEELS good. It really does.
I don't want to keep going on and on for fear of uncovering my secret obsession/crush (call it what you may)...
Just watch the video... :)




And now, at the risk of contradicting myself, I absolutely cannot wait. (Refer to the post before last if you don't get it the joke. If you still don't get it, then I should stop trying to be funny.)

**Update on the writing: We're getting there. Cheers.

New Michael Buble single
Haven't Met You Yet:



*melts*

I'm happy because I just:

Watched Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden

Bought two new books

Listened to a great song

Kiss of Life - Friendly Fires. Enjoy:

It's been hectic the past week. I feel like someone's plucked me out of my context and put me somewhere else.

I watched a couple of episodes of this show that seems to be all the rage right now. It's called "Bayni O Baynkom" (Between You and Me) and it's aired on Flash TV, it's charismatic (or so they say) host is one "Bo Kharshad." Now I thought I'd raise a couple of questions regarding this trend that seems to be all the hype right now (yes there are others like this one on other channels.) It's basically a show with very little on the screen but the host ( I don't know whether they were trying to go for a minimalistic look, or perhaps their low budgets can provide for little more than just that...) and the host basically rants about negative issues going on in the country with a call coming in every now and then from a dedicated or amused viewer who either praises or makes fun of the said host. Now, why has there become this general tendency for us to just rant and complain about things? Sure, through this kind of behaviour we uncover the problems that we believe are being neglected, but I don't feel like these peoples' purposes are to bring change, I honestly believe they just want to rant. And why are viewers pulled in by this type of show? I seriously feel like I'm losing brain cells watching them. Try it, and tell me what you think. I feel like I know all this stuff already, and that what we really need are people who are willing to actually do something about these problems, rather than just act all concerned and rant about them on TV. We can all be doing something more useful with our time, like read a good book, go out for a walk, spend time making constructive chit-chat with family members, or better yet work do something that will make Kuwait a better place than it already is.

I'd like to hear your take on this. Post a comment.

Well...it's been busy lately but the fuss is over. Most probably to make time for more fuss. But that's life, isn't it?

After the prize giving ceremony for honours students, and after watching the video over and over again with the family...I felt so loved. So I just want to say this, for the record: I love you all so much, proud to be one of you. This is just the fruit of what you have sown. My success is your own. Thank you so very much.

(That read like an Oscar thank-you-speech. :P Got a little carried away!)

(Oh and the rhyming bit was completely unintentional. LOL.)

I'm happy to say that I have finally gotten round to work on something...research paper-wise. When it's done I might give you guys a glimpse. Let's just hope I stick to it all the way through. Keep reminding me.

I've accidentally come across a German band called Tokio Hotel. And you know how sometimes you say things, or you make rules for yourself, like in this case, "I do not like to listen to emo teenagers singing about how they secretly love that nobody understands them." Well, I sort of can't help it sometimes. I'm stuck especially on two of their songs. And I listen to both the English and German versions (I prefer the German ones though. P.S. I am really really good with languages...I speak 3 and comprehend 2 other ones...but German is one language I cannot seem to be able to get my head around. But still I like the songs.)

I couldn't find a better video. This is a live performance in Italy, and the singing's in English. The song is called Monsoon (Durch Den Monsun):

Well girls, I’m sorry to say, it’s time to hit the gym! This summers fashion trend is showing your tummy! Not sure how keen I am on that, glad it’s only January and I’ve got 6 months to get in shape! So.. here’s a few of the fashion trends for this year….let’s just say in Kuwait, we [...]

TMI Alert, Take 2!

Following up on his raunchy December 16 interview with Howard Stern, Pete Wentz revealed that wife Ashlee Simpson's breast milk tastes "soury" and "weird" on SIRIUS' The Morning Mash Up! on Monday.

The Fall Out Boy bassist, 29, may not be a fan, but Ashlee and Pete's newborn Bronx Mowgli is: "The baby loves it, it’s the only thing he’s had a chance to have."

Wentz went on to reveal that Ashlee isn't the only Wentz to put on some pregnancy weight: "I gained 10 pounds at least. I usually hang out around 135, 134, I go up to about 140, and when I hit 148, I get fat face."

He added, "I’m working out a little bit, trying…I mean last night I decided to eat Virgil’s [BBQ] at midnight which is never a good idea…I’m feeling that a little bit today. For the most part, we’re going on walks – that kind of stuff. I think it comes off easier for her because she gets to breast feed and I don’t have the luxury of doing that."

Source.

I've just received this leaked picture of "airbrushed" Jessica Alba by email!
I honestly think she look FAB in the first picture! Why fake it! I hope they dont/didnt mention anything about how she manage to look this way (second picture) after the baby!

What do you think of Wataniya Ad??
Recharge or pay your bill of KD10 or more and get your poster at Wataniya store?

I was watching the National Assembly's first meeting today. As usual, they are voting on all the different committees and their members. Something struck me as bizarre and so I just want to comment on the MP's who choose not to vote on any article or committee or whatever they might be asked to vote for/against.

"Mumtani3."(I refuse to vote.)

Who came up with such an option?! What does it tell us when an MP refuses to state their opinion about a certain issue? What's the point of them being in the Assembly if they refuse to vote? They are basically refusing to make a difference, refusing to do their jobs! And what excuse could there be for this kind of behaviour other than the fact that they hope not to displease any party; neither their electors nor their fellow MP's or the governemt. Fear of being blamed for anything that might go wrong later on because of their decision...

If you strive to become a member of parliament, you are expected to have a certain line of thought, and when you get to the "green chair" you are supposed to fight for those beliefs which your electors chose you for (perhaps not in reality, but ideally speaking.) And so you are not doing your job when you sit there and you deny your right, your duty, when the time comes to make the decision.

*Sigh*

On a lighter note, here's a fantastic video for you. It's a commercial for a VW automobile. A remix (by Mint Royale) of the famous "Singing in the Rain" scene in which Gene Kelly is apparantly...poppin' it! Enjoy.

It has been ages since I last posted. I didn't know what to say, or what to write. I suspect that it was my Ramadan routine that was the culprit. Always the same; getting up late, not eating, eating, sleeping late. Basically, my life has failed to provide any inspiration for posting.

But I realise that nothing is going to change if I don't change it myself. Part of what has got me thinking again, is reading and watching The Kite Runner. So here's a book/movie review.

Well, I loved both. The book is a page turner, Hosseini's words flowing right off the page. The plot is greatly woven, the characters perfectly developed. I absolutely fell for Baba. And Amir is just the perfect protagonist. The movie was amazing too. A great adaptaion in my opinion. Although there were events that were ommitted, it was still quite faithful to the novel. Very well acted by everyone...Khalid Abdalla played Amir very well, and Homayoun Ershadi was perfect as Baba. The soundtrack was well chosen as well. I recommend both.



As you can tell, my writing has gone rusty. It needs a little oiling here and there. But it'll hopefully get back to normal soon.

***SPOILERS***
P.S. I cried watching the movie...When Baba died, and when Amir read Hassan's letter. *Sniff*

i will write down a list of how i want to be :

• i want my dead uncle and grandmother to be alive again *allah yer7amhum*
• i want my relation with my parents get back to normal
• i wanna lose wight and get back to my 45 Kilos ;p
• i wanna be a little bit taller ;p lets say from 151 ---> 166 ;p
• i wanna have my private jet
  
• i wanna go shopping around the world
• i wanna get a silver Austin Martin & a red Ferrari
• i wanna have lunch with Jessica Alba
• i wanna be as hot as Alessnadra Ambrosio & Adriana Lima
• i wanna stop racism
• i wanna get married to someone i am in love with, and he is crazy about me
• i wanna have a cute and simple amazing wedding and wear that dress
  
• i wanna have two girls & a boy "Fahad , Rawan , Rayan"
  
• i wanna get a small puppy and name him "Koodie" ;p
• i wanna be able to cook ;p
• i wanna be able to speak Spanish fluently
  
• i dont wanna be afraid to wear eye contacts lenses
• i want my phobia of snakes to stop
  
• i wanna have a huge amount of movies REALLY HUGE
• i wanna die in Ramadan ,, but not this Ramadan ;p
• i want Leo Dicaprio to quit
• i want ben and jerry chocolate fudge brownie NOW
  
• i want the Kuwaity Soap operas to stop
• i wanna have have a date with "Bruce Willis, Chris Noth, Ricky Martin, George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Paul Walker" ;p
• i wanna love dates "تمر" i tried but i coulnt
• i wanna own a huge yacht
• i wanna own a compuer & internet company
  
• i wanna bring Victoria's Secrets to "الوطن العربي"
  
• i wanna learn to dance all kind of dancing ;p
• i wanna be a profitionalist of photoshop
  
• i wanna britney spears to get back on the floor cuz i love her
• i want people to stop saying you cant do this cuz you are a girl
• i want my frinedship with my best friends last forever
  

i guess thats all for now ;p i will update when i want more

MADRID (Reuters) - A one Euro coin has turned up in Spain bearing the face of cartoon couch potato Homer Simpson instead of that of the country's king, a sweetshop owner told Reuters on Friday.

Jose Martinez was counting the cash in his till in the city of Aviles, northern Spain, when he came across the coin where Homer's bald head, big eyes and big nose had replaced the serious features of King Juan Carlos.

"The coin must have been done by a professional, the work is impressive," he told Reuters.

The comical carver had not taken his tools to the other side of the coin displaying the map of Europe. So far, no other coins of the hapless, beer-swilling oaf have been found in circulation.

"I've been offered 20 euros for it," said Martinez.


Source: Reuters

Thanks Suli!

They got their mommy's lips! HeeHee
Again,those babies were swimming in a great genes' pool!

Following the trend of 2007... Miss USA fall again!

Whats up with celebrities picking up bizzare names for their babies! Poor kids!!!

Nicole Kidman and Husband, Keith Urban, named their baby SUNDAY ROSE!

From the list below, whats the worst celebrity baby's name?

* Apple - Gwyneth Paltrow
* Audio Science - Shannyn Sossamon
* Camera - Arthur Ashe
* Coco - Courteney Cox
* Denim - Toni Braxton
* Diva Thin Muffin, Moon Unit, & Dweezil - Frank Zappa (poor kids)
* Fuchsia - Sting
* Hopper - Sean Penn
* Kal-El Coppola - Nicholas Cage
* Moxie CrimeFighter - Penn Jillette
* Pilot Inspektor - Jason Lee
* Prince Michael & Prince Michael II - Michael Jackson (talk about narcissism)
* Rumer - Bruce Willis and Demi Moore
* Sage Moonblood - Sylvester Stallone

Few days ago, our driver dropped my sister off in Salmiya to finish up something.... She asked him to follow her to carry things with her to the car. When she turned back looking for him, he was not there! He disappeared! He was not answering his phone either! She kinda freaked out and started calling his name out.. She tried to call him again and he picked up...

Driver: Hello
Sis: Where are you?????
Driver: I am with the guys.... they asked my help and I am helping
Sis: Can I speak with one of the guys?

One of the guys: Hello??
Sis: Who is this? Where are you?....etc!

So she went there and guess what!!! He was asked to act a role (either a new Kuwaiti film or series for Ramadan) as a Doctor in College! LOL... My sister explained;

"I entered the room where they are filming, and our driver was wearing glasses, holding a book and saying Good Good while giving thumbs up"

She stood behind the camera men and watched as they filmed!

So, our driver now entered Kollywood World! He will become a celebrity! That should buff his resume now ;-) Those people did not even pay him a penny! !(*##*^&#^%#$!!

So what would you recommend? That my sister now takes the role of being his agent? :-P

As much as the news may break the hearts of thousands of Democratic men, Obamagirl, in reality, is not the pulchritudinous callipygian who riffs on policy with Akon-esque beats, singing "you're into border security/let's break this border between you and me/universal health care reform/it makes me warm."Rather, she is a fictitious creation. The song was performed by Leah Kauffman, a 21-

Interview with the Obama Girl and Leah Kauffman

Barely Political