Insta-Lebanon: My Trip in Pictures

March 25, 2016May 20, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle ~ 14 Comments

View of Sannine Mountain from Beit Meri in Mount Lebanon

[This post also appeared in www.aramcoexpats.com on April 14, 2016]

Two weeks ago I was in Lebanon celebrating my dad’s birthday and spending time with my family. It had been almost 4 years since my last visit. A lot has changed but the most interesting difference for me was the ability to document my trip on Instagram!

First, a few personal comments on #MyLebanon:

Lebanon has never been my home for longer than a few weeks on vacation, but it is where my parents and family are from. It is my home and native country. A country of about 4 million people in an area of 10,452 sq kms, Lebanon’s history has included Romans, Phoenicians, Ottomans, and a Civil War. The most important features of Lebanon for me are the 3 languages most Lebanese speak (almost every spoken sentence includes Arabic, English, and French words), Beirut’s once-nickname as the Paris of the Middle East, the many religious sects, and the undeniable joie de vivre of the Lebanese.

Lebanese people like to live, period.

For me, Lebanon is a beautiful country where mountains jut up from the Mediterranean Sea much like some of the California coast. The sea and mountain views are stunning. Most mornings, people can be seen sitting in their pajamas on their balconies, sipping coffee and enjoying the views. It’s what they live for.

My Lebanon is a Christian village called Broummana in Mount Lebanon, about 20 mins east of Beirut. Village living is peaceful, traditional, family-oriented. Aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors drop by. Falling asleep to frogs croaking and foxes howling and waking up to roosters crowing is inevitable. Cicadas sing all summer long and can be annoyingly loud. Churches, tolling bells, and religious ‘nooks’ (blog post soon on this) set up with Virgin Mary statues as well as other local saints can be found outside many homes.

Memories of summers spent in Lebanon swirl in my head almost all year long. I absolutely love visiting my home country. I leave with my batteries recharged from all the family love. And, my suitcases are full of roasted nuts, baklava, pistachio nougat, and many other Lebanese sweets. Oh, and did I mention shoes? Lebanese-made shoes are still my favorite, made with love, style, and genuine leather.

I hope you enjoy this blog post which highlights my Instagram photos. I’d love to hear your views on what you thought of Lebanon before and after these posts!

Enjoy!

On my first day in Broummana, I went for a walk with my dad. It was the clearest day of my trip. This is an infinity pool looking south and west onto a range of mountains. You can see the mountain villages sprinkled across the valley:

This house is a modern home that is built to look like it’s an old house. Note the arches and the yellow stones used as well as the wooden shutters. It has a red tiled roof that you’ll have to take my word on:

One day my aunt and uncle took us to the Shouf mountains and the home of two palaces dating to the early 19th Century. The first is Beiteddine, the home of Emir Bechir and the second is the Mir Amin Palace, now a hotel. I love the tiled carpet at the bottom of the pool. The Shouf region is the prettiest, most peaceful place I have visited outside of Broummana:

Traditional Lebanese desserts at the Mir Amin Palace Hotels — Traditional Lebanese desserts at the Mir Amin Palace Hotel

Zaytouna Bay is a ‘waterfront promenade’ in Beirut near the Beirut Souks shopping area. The Beirut Marina is there as are restaurants such as Paul and Pinkberry. We went for a ride out on the Mediterranean from Zaytouna to Jounieh Bay. The weather was unseasonably warm for this time of year. No complaints here!

Beirut Marina at Zaytouny Bay — Beirut Marina at Zaytouna Bay

One day we went on a short trip to Our Lady of Lebanon, a visitation site and cathedral dedicated to Lebanon’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary. The views of Jounieh Bay are breathtaking from here where the Virgin Mary majestically overlooks the sea:

Our Lady of Harissa — Our Lady of Lebanon

On the day I went to Beirut Souks, there was a demonstration going on so I couldn’t see what I wanted to see. The pink flowering trees against the yellow stoned buildings were so beautiful. As I had never seen spring in Lebanon, I was quite happy with this compromise!

There are Roman and Byzantine ruins in several parts of Lebanon. One site is in Beit Meri, the village next to Broummana. We went at dusk. Here I am with my brother on a mosaic tiled carpet.

At the Roman ruins in Beit Meri, Mount Lebanon

Mount Lebanon has blankets of pine tree forests. Cicadas hide here as do goat herds, frogs, and foxes. When you look closely, you can see that these pine trees look a bit like broccoli!

Driving around Broummana, you can see both mountain and sea views. I must say that I’m partial to the sea views because I like the peaceful mountain living while being able to see the excitement of city living a few kilometers away in Beirut:

View of Beirut from Broummana, Mount Lebanon

My last photo was taken on the flight out of Beirut. You can see how big Beirut is and get a feel for what the summers are like in the beach clubs like the Movenpick Hotel Beirut in this photo:

View of Beirut with Movenpick Hotel Beirut in the bottom left

So, that’s my trip in photos as seen on my Instagram feed.

Let me know what you think!

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So What If Saks Fifth Avenue is in Canada Now?

February 25, 2016March 25, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle ~ 4 Comments

Saks Fifth Avenue Eaton Centre at Queen and Yonge St, Toronto

Saks Fifth Avenue opened its first store in Canada last week at the Toronto Eaton Centre and opened its second Toronto store today at Sherway Gardens.

So what?

Well, if you’re a shopper like myself, you follow these openings with interest for the simple reason that having more places to shop is a good thing!

While I could talk about the department store and its future (not very promising according to some experts), I’m not going to because I happen to love department stores and want them to be around forever. An excellent article on The Business of Fashion website talks about the challenges and changes coming for department stores.

Instead, I want to talk about why I think Saks Fifth Avenue has arrived in Toronto at just the right time for both the retailer and the consumer.

Firstly, can we talk about our Canadian Dollar and the fact that it’s trading around 70 cents US for the first time in the past 13 years? What’s more upsetting is that the currencies were at par only 3 years ago. Now all I hear is my family and friends outside Canada wanting to come shop here because ‘it’s such a good deal’. Of course it is at that exchange rate. I’m expecting Canada to be packed with visitors this year!

Continue reading →

Mini Love Crossbody Purse from Rebecca Minkoff

February 21, 2016March 25, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Love Crossbody — Mini Love Crossbody in Latte by Rebecca Minkoff

Mini purses are an interesting fashion item. Every time I see one, I ask myself: how practical is this bag? Even though I think the answer is that it’s not practical most of the time, I do think that there’s a time and a place for a mini purse.

The purse in this post is from Rebecca Minkoff, an American designer that makes clothing, handbags, shoes, and jewelry. According to a September 2015 article in Glow magazine, her company has 12 deliveries a year, meaning there’s always something new to consider.

This ‘Mini Love Crossbody’ bag is the ‘mini’ version of the larger Love Crossbody bag. It’s a classic looking, leather, quilted front-flap bag with a turn-lock closure. The chain and leather strap can be worn long, making the purse a cross-body. Or, it can be shortened and worn as a shoulder bag. What I like most about this bag is the Chanel-inspired look.

Admittedly, this mini purse can pose a challenge because of its limited use. It’s really more practical for an evening out, a quick trip to run errands, or on occasions when you don’t want a huge bag like an afternoon at the movies or a neighborhood walk. In other words, it’s not your everyday purse. Instead, think of it as a purse for lots of different special occasions. For example, it’s a great purse to take on a trip if you need a dressier evening bag and you are limited for space. Also, it can be a perfect purse to take to work because it is not bulky and can be easily carried along with a laptop/briefcase. Continue reading →

Here’s Why I’m Okay With Valentine’s Day!

February 13, 2016February 25, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle ~ 4 Comments

It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend! Lots of people have lots of different views about Valentine’s Day. Some people think it’s a huge commercial grab and don’t want to get caught up in it. Others don’t like that they’re told to show their love on a specific date. Still, others don’t like the pressure that comes with this day like the expectation of chocolates, flowers, dinners, etc. And then there are those who love everything about the holiday and how ‘sweet’ it is.

Just so you know where I stand, let me tell you that I don’t expect a lot for Valentine’s Day in terms of gifts or dinner or anything like that. In that sense, I’m pretty easy to be around on Valentine’s Day, and we celebrate in a rather low-key way.

Maybe that’s why I can come up with three reasons why I’m okay with Valentine’s Day:

Reason Number 1:
The reminder of love!
It’s okay for us to have a special day in the year to tell our loved ones that we care. It’s that simple. If we celebrate our birthdays, anniversaries, mother’s day and father’s day once a year, then what’s wrong with having one day where we mindfully tell one another that we care about each other? You don’t have to succumb to all of the commercial pressures of flowers, perfume, and dinners. Buy or make a card, spend an hour having coffee with your partner, or play a game with your child. That’s it. This is not a public holiday. Think of Valentine’s Day as a love ‘reminder’ day. Continue reading →

A Winter Dress With Details

February 5, 2016February 13, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle

For those of you who know me well, you know I don’t wear a lot of dresses. There’s a simple reason: when I got my first job and wore skirts, I would rip the pantyhose on the bottom of my desk and I was always buying new ones. Another reason is that I just feel more comfortable in pants. When I shop, though, I take a quick look at dresses and sometimes I even buy one!

In one of my summer posts I was wearing a dress but here I want to show you one that I bought for cooler weather.

Dress with cotton top and poly/cotton bottom

Dress in cotton and poly mix

This dress is from Marc Cain, one of my favorite European designers. Based in Germany, Marc Cain has a reputation for stylish and on-trend clothing that is made of quality fabrics. In particular, most of their t-shirts and jersey cardigans are made of 94% cotton and 6% elastane. This finely woven cotton fabric washes and wears well. Marc Cain makes their clothes to last and look good for years.

Close-up of pleather along faux pocket

Close-up of large stitch on dress

When I first saw this in the window, I noticed the cotton top for which Marc Cain is famous. Even though the cotton/polyester bottom of the dress has an A-line silhouette, it still manages to be slim-like and figure-hugging. Marc Cain also added pleather patent accents on the skirt to make it look like there are pockets. And, there’s top-stitching along the hem and front of the dress that make this plain dress look more tailored. It’s these little touches that Marc Cain does really well.

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Marshmallow Popcorn Treats

January 28, 2016April 28, 2020 ~ sweetlifestyle ~ 2 Comments

Do you have a favorite treat from when you were a kid? I have lots because I have a very sweet tooth! One that I remember making a lot is Marshmallow Treats. ‘Rice Krispies Squares’ or ‘Marshmallow Squares’ are other names for these delicious snacks. Whatever the name, these treats remind me of my childhood and simpler times.

Invented by Mildred Day, an employee at Kellogg’s, and her co-worker Malitta Jensen in 1939, Marshmallow Treats’ popularity grew when they were suggested in response to a fundraising request to Kellogg’s. By 1940, the recipe was advertised by Kellogg’s and has been a big hit ever since. And, by the 1990’s, these bars were a packaged good widely available on grocery store shelves.

When I was in grade school, I took a cooking activity where we made these easy and yummy Marshmallow Treats. I remember asking my parents to buy marshmallow creme and marshmallows all the time so I could make these whenever I wanted.

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Navy Suede Ankle Boots By Paul Smith

January 22, 2016February 4, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle ~ 6 Comments

Paul Smith Kendall Boot — Navy Suede Boots by Paul Smith

In my last post, I introduced you to one of my favorite shoe stores in Toronto, Studio D Shoe Boutique.

Today I’m showing you the cool ankle boots that I got there.

I’ve been looking for a pair of navy casual boots for some time now, but the color navy is hard to find. Usually you are looking at a sea of black and brown boots when you go shopping, although navy has become more popular over the last couple of years. It was really big this past fall. And, it’s usually big in the spring.

Paul Smith Kendall Boot

Navy Suede Boots With Orange Grips

Paul Smith Kendall Boot

These Paul Smith ankle boots are so stylish that even my kids complimented me the first time I wore them. I’m not sure if it’s the in-set stacked heel, the height of the boot, the suede/leather combo, or the cool orange grips on the sole. If you live in the land of snow and ice, these grips also add a safety element.

Paul Smith is a British designer known for designing ‘classics with a twist’, meaning taking classic styles and infusing them with some quirkly details. For example, this could mean taking a classic tweed material and making it with unexpected colors.

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Studio D Shoe Boutique: Europe in Toronto

January 21, 2016February 4, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle

By now, you probably know that I love the color navy, celebrating with family and friends, baking, and shopping. What you may not know is that I especially love shoes. I’m always looking for stores that carry high quality shoes and exclusive brands.

Studio D Shoe Boutique in Toronto is one of these boutiques.

Derrick Adams, the owner and visionary behind the store, opened Studio D in the Spring of 2015 in the north Toronto neighborhood of Yonge and Eglinton. Nestled among boutiques where many local residents walk to pick up coffee, groceries, stationery, clothing, and pet food, Studio D is a shoe lover’s dream.

Studio D Shoe Boutique at Yonge & Eglinton in Toronto

Studio D Shoe Boutique

Upon entering Studio D, you feel like you are in a peaceful place. The floors are a light beige hardwood, the walls blue, and the shelving mainly glass or suspended. There are featured paintings (for sale by the artist) on the walls and a sitting area in the back, with a couch, chairs, a coffee table, and an espresso machine. You feel like you can stay a while, chat with Derrick, try on shoes, admire the art, and sip your coffee.

Derrick opened Studio D after more than 20 years in the shoe business including time at Zola Shoes and Holt Renfrew. As the owner, every day is different and offers the chance to be involved in all aspects of the business, from the buying trips to the merchandising and from the business side to building client relationships. Continue reading →

Mixing Things Up With A Sweater Vest

January 15, 2016January 21, 2016 ~ sweetlifestyle

Ever get tired of wearing sweaters all winter long? Have you tried a sweater vest to mix things up?

I own a couple of sweater vests and I love them because they can be worn in many ways: on their own, over a tucked shirt, or over an untucked shirt. They can be worn with pants, jeans, leggings, skirts, and even dresses. Sometimes you just want to see more variety in what you wear, right?

Sleeveless or short-sleeved sweater vests are a simple and great addition to a winter wardrobe. Here’s what vests can do for your wardrobe:

Add color, texture, elegance, and interest
Add warmth and layering without the bulk of a sweater
Can easily be taken off if one gets too warm
Be thin enough to wear under a suit jacket
Make packing easier by providing an extra outfit option during travel
Change the look of a pant or skirt outfit
Be worn on their own if short-sleeved

In these photos, I’m wearing a short-sleeved sweater vest over a jersey oxford shirt, making it easier for the vest to lie smooth. The purple color of the vest adds interest to an otherwise plain white shirt. And, the vest is wool and cashmere, which adds warmth. Continue reading →

Frozen Fruit Smoothies – Even in Winter!

January 12, 2016April 28, 2020 ~ sweetlifestyle ~ 4 Comments

In my post on New Year’s resolutions, I said that I’d publish a post on frozen fruit smoothies. Here it is! Because eating more fruit is one of my resolutions, fruit smoothies are an easy way to meet this goal.

This time of year in Canada it can be hard to get fresh fruit that tastes good and is reasonably priced. Of course, to keep your diet varied, you treat yourself to your favorite fruits from time to time. Mine are pineapples and mangoes.

But, if you don’t buy as many fruits in the winter, or you find yourself not finishing what you’ve bought, then consider the option of freezing leftover fruits and making smoothies. You can buy frozen fruits at the store but, by freezing unused fruits, I’m trying to accomplish another resolution, which is to waste less food.

Fresh Fruit to be Frozen in Glass Dish

Loosen Frozen Fruit with a Knife

Frozen Fruit

Here’s what I do.

Any fresh fruit that hasn’t been eaten within a few days of being ripe gets cut up and put in a glass dish in the freezer overnight. I seem to have ripe bananas, pineapples, and strawberries left over the most. When I take the fruit out, I let it sit for a few minutes, then use a knife to loosen the fruit and store it in a freezer bag. Voila: unwasted fruit and fresh smoothie material!

Continue reading →

Sweet Life Style

Inspiring simple food, classic style, and honest talk on parenting, anxiety, and the joys of everyday life

Insta-Lebanon: My Trip in Pictures

So What If Saks Fifth Avenue is in Canada Now?

Mini Love Crossbody Purse from Rebecca Minkoff

Here’s Why I’m Okay With Valentine’s Day!

A Winter Dress With Details

Marshmallow Popcorn Treats

Navy Suede Ankle Boots By Paul Smith

Studio D Shoe Boutique: Europe in Toronto

Mixing Things Up With A Sweater Vest

Frozen Fruit Smoothies – Even in Winter!