Monthly Archives: October 2013

Fabric Heaven

Fabric Heaven

My girls have caught on way to quickly on my “if I can’t find it I’m gonna make it” mentality… It’s supposed to be my little secret… Well secrets out apparently!

Since occasions/parties and dressing up is a big thing in my household my girls get a choice of what they want to be for Halloween.

zoe
Jennah wanted to be Zoe from Sesame street and suggested I make it since I couldn’t find a ready made costume (in Kuwait and online). Poor Zoe even sesame online doesn’t have a costume for her. Trust my daughter to choose the underdog! Protector of the weak.

So off to the Fabric Souq in sharq I go….. oodles and oodles of fun. No seriously I wanted to buy it all even though I had absolutely no use for it.

Store after store I was looking for orange fury or feathery fabric. I could find one or the other, either orange but not the texture or Fury but not the color.

All the while thinking, it’s Thursday evening and she needs to wear it on Friday to her cousin’s “Halloween Birthday Party”… Serves me right for asking them! My mind racing and reminding me the faster I get the fabric the quicker I can start designing and sewing.

 
zoe-reemas

Finally I was led to a shop called Reemas Bazar, my wishes came true……What a fabulous selection!!! The have more than just fabric, they have all sorts of accessories, beads, and the works!!

Zoe-fabric
The main highlight of the whole thing is that I was in Sesame street heaven!!! I actually found all of the colors and textures for Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie monster, Abby and most importantly Zoe!
 

I got what I wanted and rushed to pick up the girls from their playdate and couldn’t wait to get home. Mind you I hadn’t thought the whole costume through…. There was still the question of the bug eyes….
 

I quickly manage to put the girls in bed to get started…ooops I can’t!!! I had to finish the cake and cupcakes I was making for my niece!!! (that’ a whole other POST!!!)
 

zoe-step1
Fast Forward to the next morning……So I set out to make Jennah’s Zoe Costume. I got a visual idea of the main components of the costume and it was time to get all the supplies. I dug through my craft supplies and got two Styrofoam balls, googly eyes, brown glittery foam paper and confiscated a headband from the girls’ dresser.

I’m all set. So I knew that all I needed to use the fabric for was her arms, a little chest area and somehow a wig. I sat there for a while staring at the fabric then it kinda hit me. I made a shrug that she wore backside front. Just a few stiches for the arms and that’s it. I put elastic through the hem the sleeve to hold it onto her wrists.

 
 
 
 
 
Zoe-headband
 
 
 
 
 
Next came the real crafty job… I stuck the two Styrofoam balls together and glues each of the googly eyes. I cut out eyelashes from the brown glittery foam paper and also glued them to the eyeballs. Lastly the pair of eyes were glued to the headband.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Now it was time to try it all on and hope for the best.

Zoe-Jennah
 
 
 
 
Jennah was extremely quick to put her ballet clothes on and just waited for me to turn her into Zoe…. Keeping my fingers crossed that it all fits and makes sense.

She wore the arms and I fixed the extra fabric into a wig and placed the headband to hold it all together. And Viola!!! Another creation I am proud to have made.

So this season its all about “Making Life Memorable” the creative way! Oh wait…..isn’t that always the case in my house?!

P.S. If you’re planning a Sesame street character you know where to find the tools to make it!

It’s Costume Season

It’s Costume Season

After the rush of “Back to School” is all over and I ever so gladly welcome the routine of a so-called organized life (HAH! made myself laugh) the fun begins!

Yes I’m intentionally going to ignore the endless drives back and forth, school drop-offs and pick-ups, homework and extra-curricular activities and I’m going to talk about FUN stuff like Halloweeeeeen!! coloriage-halloween@coloriage_lapinoo_com_

What a fabulous holiday that lets me get dressed up all crazy!! Oh and the kids too….

Every year I keep thinking how am I going to outdo myself this time?? Especially now that I have to think of not just myself (as a couple) but also for the girls!

I take events very seriously and try to be really creative.

It’s a mix of wanting to be unique and the lack of variety when it comes to shopping for costumes in Kuwait.

I mean so seriously that last year I couldn’t find the right wig for my costume so I went and chopped my hair!
 

Recoverd_jpg_file(130)

 
I was really happy about last year’s couple costume.

It took me a while to figure out and off course I resorted to ordering it from amazon which made me spend more on shipping than the costume itself. But what’s a girl gonna do?!

We were Neo & Trinity from The Matrix granted I didn’t have Trinity’s long sleek legs but I believe we pulled it off… Not bad Yeh!

I wasn’t that lucky to have enough time to order Jennah’s costume when I got the note from school about the Halloween event stating to “Dress up as a book character” only 4 days prior.

Needless to say I was frazzled and frantic. Halloween comes the same time every year, why would they tell us a few days before?

I know why….. to torture ME!

 
Off course my child of reading age says “I want to be Dorothy” Why oh why did she read the note?? Then I thought I love the idea. Off to the stores I go…..

NO Dorothy costume to be found. 3 days in search and still no luck.

Recoverd_jpg_file(296)
 

Finally I thought I’m wasting time! Valuable Samoor time.

It’s time to take actions in my own hands. Off to the Fabric Souq I go.

Oh Wow! What fun, rows and rows & columns and columns of fabric from every color of the rainbow.

I stood there wanting to buy it all while thinking “Why didn’t I do this to begin with?”
 
 
 

dorthy
I found the blue checkered fabric that’s Soooooo Dorothy, an elastic band and two buttons is all I needed.

A quick run to centerpoint for cheap red glitter shoes and I’m halfway set!!

Jennah was smart in digging through her stuffed animals and finding Toto. I guess the obsession of getting it perfect is contagious!

I quickly put the girls in bed and started designing and cutting the dress pattern. I spent the whole night hand stitching Jennah’s Dorothy costume, hoping that the measurements fit.

Now that I think of it I had no back up plan if it didn’t fit in the morning what would I have done? Yikes! Just thinking of that made me quiver.

Recoverd_jpg_file(58)
 
 
 
 
Morning came and it was a PERFECT PERFECT fit!

I made Jeenah wear one of her white tutus under the dress to give it that extra fluff it needed.

Two braids, white shirt & socks and lets not forget Toto! The whole outfit made complete sense.

I felt such accomplishment and relief that she got what she wanted and “Made Life Memorable” for the both of us.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On the other hand I’ve set myself up without realizing it. The girls are invited to 2 Halloween parties and have already decided on costumes (that I’m not exactly happy about!) but I have to let them have it…..

I’m having a really hard time adjusting to not having control.

Off course the search begins with no results as expected so I told Jennah I can’t find the costume she chose she barely looked my way then chuckled and said “Just make it mama” as a matter of fact….

I guess I’m heading to the Fabric souq and getting my needle and thread ready! Let’s see if I can pull it off this time too.

Annual Holiday Bazaar

Annual Holiday Bazaar

bazaarFor the past 10+ years I’ve been participating in the biggest Holiday Bazaar in Kuwait.

Organized by K-Events with a multitude of vendors and a huge range of products.

If you are a business owner it’s surely something worth while participating in.The SECOND vendor sign up will be held on MONDAY, October 21st at the Applebee’s in Mishrif. Signup will be from 7pm to 9pm. Tables are available on a first come first serve basis….

If you are a shopper then be sure to mark your calendars and visit the bazaar. December 6th, 2013 at the Salwa Sabah Hall in Salmiya.

I’ll be posting more details closer to the date!

Store Opening

Store Opening

So I thought and thought and thought some more and decided that’s it let’s do the store opening cold turkey regardless of how “prepared” the shop is.

The main objective is to invite my family, friends, blog and social media followers.

Highlighting our Halloween collection and a sneak peek of our new store.

So if you’re in Kuwait be sure to stop by!!

20131015-142138.jpg

Hope to meet ya!

My Store

My Store

Have you missed me?? Did you notice I’ve been lagging on posting on the blog?? NO?! “Seriously” he he he!!!

Well in case you were wondering I’ve been overwhelmed with my upcoming store.

Its been more than a few months in the works…. Moved from our old location in Salmiya to a lovely big tower in sharq called “Kipco Tower”.

PaperworkThe first step in any business and change of location is paperwork, paperwork, paperwork…. oh did I mention more paperwork??

It would be nice if all this was done online….or at least part of it but we are where we are and you just have to accept it and go with the flow.

Off course we went through the usual hurdles, obstacles, leaps & jumps….a real test of endurance and I did it AAAAALLL with a big fat smile on my face.

Always keep in mind the end result, your goal should always be on the top of your mind don’t for a moment get discouraged! You’ll surely feel relief and accomplishment when it’s all over.

cleaning

Our space is about 80 square meters with a perfect little corner for my office.

After all the designs, carpentry and the works my operation manager (A.K.A my husband) looked after the final steps of making the store organized and squeaky clean.

We used a company called Bleach (tel: 65194789).

The first thing they did was assess our space and the work required. Followed by a quote. After my approval we set up the day and time and we moved forward.

I loved the fact that they were punctual. Such efficiency and time effectiveness. We were very happy with the job that they did and I would really recommend them to everyone that needs professional cleaning service.

shipment
 
Everything fell into place just in time for our big shipment of the season….

All these boxes are filled with lots & lots of fun gifts and collections that are unique, original and one of a kind.

I feel giddy every time I open every single carton, box after box I can’t wait to just open the doors and let all you in to share the joy!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RibbonME
 
 
 
 
Off course since we are a Gift Basket company I have to always make sure the choices of ribbons are available… I am in love with our ribbon & wrapping station!

It was so much fun organizing and sorting the ribbons!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Given that it’s Eid Holiday our (my) main goal is to open a few hours a day to all my followers and instagrammers (@obb_kuwait) to have a sneak peak of the store and get first bid purchases on our Halloween items.

OWL
 
 
 
 
So far our “owl” shelf is complete.

So stay tuned for dates & times!!! I hope that this fun experience will “Make Life Memorable” for everyone that walks in through our door!

Owning a Small Businesses in Kuwait

Owning a Small Businesses in Kuwait

I vowed to myself that when I blog I will never, never, ever write anything negative or turn it into a rants and raving blog about Kuwait.

We all Love the country with all its good and bad. We are here and we all need to adjust and make the best of it.

In general, in my little la la fantasy world of a life all is well and smooth….. it’s once you venture out that you think HUH!!!! Seriously?! The best way to deal is put on a happy face and move one.

I started my Gift Basket Business called Bassinet back in 2005 when small businesses were very rare. The first official all inclusive gift store. Then I ventured out and bought The original Basket Boutique, a Canadian franchise that brought much added value to my business.

We had our ups our downs, trials and tribulations, but it’s been a journey. From a start-up small shop in Hawalli, a move 8 months to Salmiya and now getting ready to open our new doors in Kipco Tower. Many events, bazaars and exhibitions here and there… An online ordering website and a warehouse later I am still learning about the rules and regulations.

Unfortunately Kuwait is still “young” in dealing with SME’s. As there are so many new business owners it still isn’t that equipped. Over and above that there are no real guidelines that stick. What’s a law today might change in less than a month.

So my positive initiative today is this. Do you own a small business, would you like to share your story?? I would like to assist everyone that’s in my shoes and start an initiative, a forum a club or whatever. With each other success we all succeed.

e-mail me on samarhajjaj@gmail.com and lets join forces. “Making Life memorable” is also changing the system to the better.

Anyone out there with me?

Fawaz’s Funky Friday

Fawaz’s Funky Friday

It’s in Fawaz’s nature to always keep himself occupied, much like me just in different things.

Last week I talked about how you need to find a hobby and featured his diving.

Well as the weather starts to get cooler and diving season in Kuwait nears an end Fawaz must get his “winter hobby” back in shape…. that is Remote Control Cars.

Hold on… Hold on… Let me explain!!!!!

If you’re anything like me and a grown man tells you he’s into remote control cars and you get this “you can’t be serious” thought in your head as I did calm down its not just a silly remote control car we’re talking about.

These cars don’t come in a normal box and you just put 4 AA batteries in there to work. Faaaar from it.

These cars come in pieces, bolts, screws and all.

Fawaz can sit there for hours putting these high end cars together.

Yes he’s a handy man kind of guy. Loves to work with his hands.

He designs the cover, paints and puts all sorts of additions on to it to make it his own.

They even have little model men with helmet pieces that you paint and place into the car so it almost looks like someone is actually driving it.

Fawaz-RC1
Off course next stage is heading to the garden and testing the car out.

Fun time starts!

The reward is the final car all together and him and his friends head out to the dessert and “play”.

Do you think your man would be into it?? Check out Tamiya online to get a better idea. Or you can purchase it as a surprise on his next birthday from My Toy Co (Kuwait) and totally “Make Life Memorable” with your creative gift for him!

For the love of Reading

For the love of Reading

There’s nothing warmer than curling up in a corner and enjoying a good book. A time when your head is cleared and you’re entering a world of your own.

I try really hard to make sure that the girls enjoy reading, that when they think things are getting a little “boring” the choice of activity is to reach out for a book and enter the world of imagination.

So when I hear of an exciting new venture that involves books I jump to the occasion!! And what do I find but a place that I would love to take my kids to every weekend.

Granted it’s no Barnes and Nobles or Chapters but more like the “shop around the corner”

A used bookstore run by young volunteers with wall to wall shelving and little reading areas to engross yourself in.

Jennah was in book heaven!!!

J&Books
 

Jennah immediately propped herself on the floor and started making choices.

Between fairytales, mystery & non-ficton it was getting to be difficult to choose the 3 books allowance rule made by me. (yes yes I run a tight ship of rules!)
 
 
 
 
 
 
J-Reading
 
 
 
 
 
Book after book, in and out of the shelves….reading a few lines here and there…

 
 
 
 
 
Jennah finally made her choice that I approved of.

I couldn’t be happier!
books
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We Love Kuwait books are always a hit in our household!!

photo_3

 
 
 
The best part is you can buy the books for a fraction of their price and if you return them you get half your money back. Almost like a public library. Saves you so much space at home and it really gives children more selection to improve their reading.

So hats of to Bayt Lothan and double hats off to all the volunteers and a triple to all the patrons that support this effort.

Be sure to go to q8bookstore in Bayt lothan. Enjoy your relaxing time, choose a book prop onto the coach and “Make your Life Memorable”

Their hours are 5-9:30pm on weekdays
10am-9pm on weekends

For more information look the bookstore up on Instagram @q8bookstore

Educational Workbooks

Educational Workbooks

I’m the type of person when I see something I just have to stock up!!! Especially things that are hard to find and not always readily available in Kuwait.

There are 2 major areas (other than unique food items) that are always a challenge. Crafting materials and kids books/workbooks.

While I was shopping yesterday at Sultan Center (in souq sharq) I went upstairs to the kids/electronic section. I was browsing as usual just to see what the latest books they have.

Sultan-Book

To my pleasure I found several rows of children’s workbooks… It was so nice to see them in quantity, variety and for children from preschool up to grade 5.

If you’ve been shopping in Kuwait in the regular places where you might find these you’ll know that they can get very expensive and over-priced. I was very happy to see that the price range started from KD0.750 to about KD3.500.

So if you’re looking for something to enhance your children head out to Sultan Sharq because you never know when you’ll find them again.

The girls were very excited when they came back from school and found their new workbooks….
Sultan-JZBooks