Escape room escapades!

in , , , , , ,
“A man can die but once.”
— Henry IV Part 2

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Imagine embarking on a mind-bending journey that will challenge your wits, teamwork, your relationships, and possibly your sanity. Get ready to escape reality and dive headfirst into a world of riddles, mysteries, and if you’re lucky a few hints and a whole lot of laughter. This, my fellow swagsters, is exactly what happened to yours truly.

The SETTING: The lobby (in particular, the escape hotel I visited) was filled with eager adventurers, all ready to tackle the mind-boggling challenges that await. The employees, from the moment you step foot into the hotel, are fully immersed into their character, leaving no room for doubt that you're about to embark on an extraordinary adventure. Our particular concierge greeted his guests with a theatrical flair, speaking in riddles and cryptic clues, setting the stage for the mind-bending challenges that lie ahead.

The TASK: You're spoiled for choice with a variety of themed rooms that will test your critical thinking and your problem-solving skills. Pro-tip:  If you are no good at either, choose your partner wisely (smile). From ancient Egyptian tombs complete with mummies and ill-gotten treasure to be had, to antiquated elevators that should have been put out of commission eons ago, each room offers a one of a kind escape experience. Another Pro-tip: Read the waiver you have to sign carefully just so you know what you’re signing up for.

TICK TOCK:  Time is your worst enemy in an escape room, and the pressure is on! As the minutes tick away, you'll find yourself frantically searching for clues, deciphering cryptic messages and occasionally arguing with your teammates over who pulled the wrong lever. You'll quickly ascertain who the natural-born leaders are, who gets easily distracted by shiny objects, and who has a knack for finding hidden compartments. Just remember, it's all part of the fun, and the more chaotic, the better. 

To sum it all up, escaping the room is just the cherry on top….the icing on the cake, so to speak. Don’t forget to savor the chaos and the madness of it all, because that’s the best part.

Happy escaping!!

PRO TIP #112

Exploring the juxtaposition of the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

in , ,

“Travelers never did lie, though fools at home condemn them.”

-The Tempest

Welcome, fellow swagsters, to a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I know my title was a tad bit cheesy, but stay with me. ;-)

Often overshadowed and overlooked because of stereotypes about what this country might be like, Jeddah is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. I actually made an Instagram reel that juxtaposes the two sides of this city. Join me as I recount my unforgettable visit to this city, where ancient history meets contemporary charm.

A tapestry of Culture and Tradition

Jeddah is a city that embraces its cultural heritage with open arms. Visiting the old, historical district will transport you back in time. The old buildings with their ornately carved shutters and wooden balconies tell a tale of this city’s past.

I found myself lost in the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden gems like the Nasseef House, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion that now serves as a museum, and also in the bustling atmosphere of Souq Al Alawi, a traditional market where shopkeepers enticed me with their colorful displays of spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. I actually bought some beautiful traditional Saudi shoes from a shopkeeper who inherited the shoe shop from his father.

A Gastronomic Delight:

No visit to Jeddah is complete without indulging in its expansive selection of cuisine.

Now, you can choose from traditional Saudi Arabian dishes like Kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and Mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice) to international flavors. Let me tell you, Jeddah's culinary scene is a true melting pot. I was SHOCKED to see a bevy of American restaurants there. It ranged from the Cheesecake Factory, to IHOP, to the Olive Garden, to P.F. Changs! To say I was flabbergasted, is an understatement. I actually even saw multiple Krispy Kreme doughnut stands!. Now, the above mentioned restaurants were just the tip of the iceberg. There were also the usual suspects ranging from McDonalds, Subway, KFC, and even Arby’s. Yes, you read that correctly! Arby’s. And many, many more! Now, I must say, that as a vegan, my pickings were slim. When I mentioned vegan dishes, I was often met with a lot of blank stares, flat out “NOs” with looks of confusion, and I even got offered chicken twice when I mentioned vegan. So, it was a bit of a struggle for me. However, if you aren’t vegan, then you’ll be in food paradise.

Really, Jeddah?

I found some vegan food at Paul’s Restaurant at the Red Sea Mall. The lentil soup was delicious.

A Shopper's Paradise.

No one is surprised when I say Jeddah is renowned for its vibrant souks, but when you type in “What to see and do in Jeddah” in your preferred search engine, various shopping malls appear. Since it was extremely hot during the day when I was there (temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius), people often only ventured out beginning at around 4:00 pm. (If I didn’t mention it earlier, I will mention it now, Jeddah comes alive at night. )Ok, back to the malls. For a more contemporary shopping experience, I explored the upscale malls like Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia, where international brands coexist with local boutiques. You can also by exclusive Saudi perfume and oils which will have you smelling aromatically unique.

CAUTION: If you choose to drive to the mall in the evening, be prepared to NOT find a parking spot. Also be prepared to wait for a VERY LONG time and possibly still not get a spot. Parking in malls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia takes patience and more patience. (Sidebar: Driving, in general, in Jeddah may be dangerous for your health. I’ll leave it at that.)

Conclusion

My visit to Jeddah left me with unforgettable memories, as I discovered a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. From the Red Sea to the Red Sea Mall, Jeddah offers a unique experience that is sure to captivate everyone. So, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and book your flight to go on your own adventure to experience the juxtaposition awaiting you Jeddah.

Thank you so much for your time. Join me on all my socials to see more. XOXO


Just Swaggin´ (Summer 2022)

in , , , ,
“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”
— Sonnet 18

My best friend and I celebrating our 50th birthday in Greece. -July,2022

This summer turned out to be very memorable, and fun. It was the summer that I turned 50 years old. When they say “time flies” it is soooo true!

As always, I intend to have a great summer every year, however, sometimes I hit the mark, and other times I miss. This year, I exceeded it. Without going into details, I actually had one of the best summers ever. I hope your summer was also fun, and you made memories to last a lifetime. If you didn’t , that is also okay, because we can start over at any moment of the day, and make each moment great.


Thank you for stopping by! I really appreciate it.

XOXO

I’m also on Youtube! Check out my videos if you want a little fashion inspiration!

My real life version of The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood…

in ,
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
— William Shakespeare
Sherri and I at my Sweet Sixteen birthday party.

Sherri and I at my Sweet Sixteen birthday party.

There is a quote that says something like friends are your chosen family. OMG, how true is that. Many of us wish we could trade some of our family members in for a new and improved version of the same person….or take an even more drastic approach…..lbvs. However friends are different. We get to choose who we want to create memories and experience life with. And if you’re lucky, you and your best friend will have chosen each other. I have been lucky to find mine.

Over 40 years of friendship, that’s a rare gift! That’s how long my best friend and I have been friends. We used to live across the street from each other when we were just little girls. Fun fact: We’re actually just six days apart (I’m older), and were born in the same hospital. Our mothers were also friends before we were born. After we met, we were virtually inseparable. Even though we never went to the same schools growing up, we managed to do everything together. Where you saw one, you saw the other. “Oh…that must be Sherri and DeAnne”, or “DeAnne and Sherri are behind this”. It was like we were looked at as one entity instead of two distinct people.

In our very early twenties…..

In our very early twenties…..

Most people usually think of best friends partying and going out all of the time, and the two of us have definitely done our share of that. From teenagers to young adult women, we had a great time traipsing Chicago´s party scene…partying from the north to the southside…(we didn’t party too much on the west side….but we had our fun everywhere else…lol.) However, the extraordinary part of our friendship can be seen where we have gone through life’s major trials and triumphs supporting each other even after I moved halfway across the world. You see, throughout our friendship, there have been countless times where even though we were separated because of various stages in our lives, and because of tremendous distance, we have always reconnected like we have never been apart, never missing a beat, and many, many times wearing nearly the same outfit at the same time! :-)

In our forties……..

In our forties……..

The cool fact is, we’ve just always been in sync. Even though I’ve been living in Europe for years, this has not lessened our friend/sistership in the slightest. In fact, it has grown. We have the best conversations via text, email, and through these apps such as Voxer, etc.., that can last for days. And even though we’ve been the greatest fiends for over 40 years, we still find out new things about each other, and we support the evolution and growth that we have experienced. It’s a rare thing to find a person to accept you as you grow and evolve…..with your evolving beliefs about the world and the people in it…..and we have spectacularly done this, without ever missing a beat.

I started this blog with a quote….so I´ll end it the same way…..with a quote I found on Pinterest. “ Some people just “click”. There aren’t many people in life that you just click with, and when you find those people, you just don’t let them go.”

Message to my BFF:

They hate us ‘cause the ain´t us. :-)))


Thanks for stopping by! Leave a comment about you and your BFF!

XOXO

Blog Custom Signature.png

The #1 Way to Add Instant Style to Any Look

in , , , ,
“You have witchcraft in your lips....”
— Henry V
Sweater: ZaraWhite shirt: H&MLipstick: MAC Rubywoo

Sweater: Zara

White shirt: H&M

Lipstick: MAC Rubywoo

Adjustments.jpeg

Doing this one thing will add instant style and glamour to your look, no matter what you’re wearing or how you’re feeling. You could be dressed to the nines, out on the town in your best outfit, or running errands in leggings, a t-shirt and a baseball cap, having had only a couple hours of sleep. It doesn‘t matter. Doing this one thing will pull your entire look together, no matter the situation.

So, what is it, you ask?

Well, the next time you want to snazz up your look, simply add a red lip. Yes, it‘s truly that simple! Find a color that suits you, (Mac’s Ruby Woo is fabulous on ANY skin tone…..like, I’m serious…) line your lips in a lip pencil that is a similar shade (this will ensure the staying power of your red lippie..), and then rock your lipstick.

The great thing is, whether you’re wearing a full face of makeup, or nothing but moisturizer, this red lip will not only look fabulous, but make you feel fabulous, too. (Hidden Bonus: Red lipstick makes your pearly whites appear even whiter!) Now, what’s not to love about that!

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO



2019 Fall/Winter Trend Alert: The Tall, White Boot

in , , , , ,
“VALENTINE
’Tis true; for you are over boots in love,
And yet you never swam the Hellespont.

PROTEUS
Over the boots? Nay, give me not the boots

VALENTINE
No, I will not, for it boots thee not.


”
— The Gentlemen of Verona Act I, i
77A685EA-14AA-4BFE-9A24-FF7F1EB4C95B.jpeg

I was sooooo skeptical about this trend. I had been hearing everywhere about how the white boot is so popular this fall/winter season, and that it is really very versatile and easy to wear. Wait. What?! How can a super white boot that seems like it would stand out, be easy to wear? I just found that hard to believe.

IMG_5208.jpeg

Well, after watching several fashion videos on Youtube showcasing white boots being styled with multiple outfits, I began to take a closer look at this trend. The first thing I did was think of an outfit that I could easily pair with the white boots BEFORE I bit the bullet and bought them. (Did you check out that unplanned alliteration?) After that, I thought of about two more outfits, which made a total of three, to justify the boot purchase. That’s a good tip, by the way. If you can find a minimum of 3 outfits to wear with whatever you plan on buying, chances are you will get your cost per wear out of that item.

So, after searching online, I found a pair of fabulous tall, white boots from Fendi. They came in a range of different colors and fabrics, but I settled on the white neoprene boots. I even caught a 30% off flash sale from Luisaviaroma which totally solidified my online purchase! I ordered them. They came.

IMG_5266.jpeg

When the boots came, I took them out of their box and drooled. Undoubtedly, they were fabulous. And I loved the modern heel shape. I decided to try the boots on with the outfit pictured: A No. 21 skirt, with a print that I LOVE, a chic Joos Tricot turtleneck, some blue tights, and a Rockstud Valentino pvc purse which was perfect because it didn’t clash with the printed skirt at all. I topped it all off with my beloved turband from Cult Gaia.

IMG_5203.jpeg

Let me tell you. I fell head over heels with these boots (like Valentine said in the Two Gentlemen of Verona quote above) and the outfit. I wore this outfit to work and my feet didn’t hurt ONCE. I’m a teacher, so I’m on my feet a lot during the day, and I had ZERO issues. I just felt fabulous, and now this is one of my favorite outfits. But wait. It gets better. While trying on outfits to go with these boots, I found SOOOOOOO many other fabulous options. It’s literally like those boots went with everything I tried on. NO LIE. The white boots actually behaved like a neutral, which means they damn near go with everything, making everything look even more fabulous.

IMG_5202.jpeg

The only problem I have now is not pairing them with everything, every single day, because they do stand out, and people will start saying, “She must be trying to get her money’s worth!”…….LOL.

Bottom line: I will be getting my money’s worth, because these boots are one of my best purchases of 2019. Shout out to Fendi!

53493695-7AFA-4782-BAEC-AD3E272ECAFE.jpeg

How do you feel about white boots? What’s your favorite type of fall/winter boot? Let’s chat about it in the comment section.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

Blog Custom Signature.png

How dapper are you? An easy but effective way to add style to your fall wardrobe.

in , ,
“I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit. Put your bonnet to his right use. ‘Tis for the head.”
— Hamlet Act V, ii
public.jpeg

I know, I know…..sometimes you just don’t have the energy or patience to plan out a fabulous outfit. You just want to throw something on and go. However, if you’re a bit like me, you like to at least look like you’ve put some effort into your outfit, even if you really haven’t. If the latter is the case, I have THE perfect solution. Think about donning a fall cap. It can transform a plain outfit into something snazzy in one fell swoop.

public.jpeg

The outfit I’m wearing in this post is a prime example. It´s basically a black turtleneck from Zara, and some blue jeans from Dolce and Gabbana that I’ve had for a while. I added this totally rad belt from Alexander McQueen that I’ve had for ages, and my cute gold chain Gucci purse. The belt and the purse are easy ways to add some pizazz to an otherwise simple outfit. The leather jacket and hat are the icing on the cake.

public.jpeg

Drum roll please…………This cool hat is from H&M´s men‘s department. So, gals, don’t forget to check out the men’s section for things to wear. It‘s like doubling your search field….:-)

public.jpeg

Let me know what your favorite fall mad hatter styles are down in the comment section. I´d love to know!

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

Blog Custom Signature-1.png