The Curious Nomad™

Tickles & Giggles

2011-09-23T14:39:00.003+04:00

I am going to start a new post in this blog regarding motherhood and babies, and my own personal experience in this matter. I am an expecting mother and I can not put into words how excited I am! As soon as I found out, my mind started whirring and I compiled a mental list of all the things I'll need before the baby arrives. I am as nervous as I am excited, so I thought a post on 'baby matters' would help other expecting mothers (and mothers alike), share their experience and special moments with their little ones <3

Lisbon in Pictures (1)

2011-06-24T14:08:00.015+04:00

I love Lisbon, Portugal. It's such a photogenic city. And the food there is delicious (see for yourself!). The architecture is absolutely stunning, and there's so much to do and see. One of my favourite places is Belem, where you can find the great cafe Pastéis de Belém, which is famous for their custard tarts. Yum! But I also loved the custard tarts in Café a Brasileira (in Chiado, also one of my favourite districts). I recommend enjoying these custards with coffee or ice cream, because they can be quite heavy. And don't get me started on Portuguese coffee! I'm not an avid coffee drinking, but when in Lisbon, I was!

Another of my favourite places in Lisbon is Sintra. Just imagine a magical, fairy tale-like forest, and you'll see Sintra. I will be uploading more photos of Sintra and the rest of my trip soon!

Farggi, on Rua Augusta, is the best place for dessert and ice cream.
you can also find great ice cream in Santini's, in Chiado, if you don't mind waiting in a very long queue! But it's definitely worth the wait.

I'm finally painting again!

2011-06-24T13:33:00.000+04:00

I wanted to start painting getting my creative juices flowing again. So I asked a few friends what their favourite things were, and I turned these things into simple paintings. This was the first one. What you see here is not the finished piece.
I didn't want to paint anything complicated. I just wanted to start practicing again. And I've forgotten how much I love it!!

And this is a Sneak peek at my "Drummer Girl" painting!

Teacups, perfume & Jewellery, Oh my!

2011-05-03T20:57:00.000+04:00

Oh Frankie, how I love you so

2011-03-02T15:21:00.000+04:00

Harry Potter Theme Park

2011-02-02T19:52:00.000+04:00

My dearest readers!
Forgive me for being away for so long! I had a lot going on in my life, such as moving homes and traveling. While traveling, I was lucky enough to go to the Harry Potter Theme Park, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. If I haven't mentioned this before, I am a huge Harry Potter fan! It's on my top ten list of things I LOVE.

I now have access to the internet and will promise to post on a regular basis.

You have all been dearly missed!
xoxo

Arm Candy

2010-07-08T15:13:00.000+04:00

Every once in a while, I fall in love. I'm talking about head-over-heels in love. And when that happens, nothing else occupies my mind. That love I have (or obsession, some may say) is only towards three things; bags, wallets, or dolls. This time, it was Alexa's turn. As soon as I saw this gorgeous Mulberry bag, I knew I had to have it. I adore vintage bags and leather, but once in a while, I like to spoil myself to something "new". I was torn between the brown Alexa and the yellow one, but since I covet several brown bags and satchels, I decided to go for the yellow. I think every girl should own a satchel, and you simply can not go wrong with Mulberry!

Keep Me

2010-07-04T14:56:00.001+04:00

In my culture, perfume is very essential. A lady must always smell like heaven. But too much of a good thing can be bad. Just a spritz or two, and you're good to go.
Perfume, for me, is a very personal thing. I don't follow trends or buy the latest perfumes for "fashion's sake". On the contrary, I'm quite picky when it comes to scent. But when I do find "the one" I instantly know it's "me". My scent. It reflects a part of who I am. Or a part of who I want to become.

I was out one night shopping in Bloomingdale's with my sister, and the Beauty Queen, Huda, of Huda Beauty, and her wonderful sister, Mona. And as Huda was adorablely running around looking at makeup like a kid in a candy store, I had a whiff of Penhaligon's Ellenisia. My face instantly lit up! Let alone the utterly beautiful packaging, but I knew at once that this jasmine-based eau de parfum was "me". Jasmine reminds me of my childhood. We had Jasmine flowers growing in our yard, and I don't know why, but every time they bloomed, I was very happy!

Penhaligon's perfumes are quite pricey, but they are worth it. I spray it on when I have a special occasion, or when I want to feel extra special. And the smell really stays on, and that's a big deal when you live in a very hot climate.

Other perfumes I adore are Givenchy's Eau de moiselle, and Carolina Herrera's CH for day. And Yves Saint Laurent's Cinema for night.

I will leave you with the pictures and my own interpretation of Ellenisia. Oh, and it came with a very cute "Keep Me" tag. Reminded me of Alice in Wonderland!

Of Paper & Ink

2010-06-22T12:42:00.000+04:00

I am me

2010-04-14T22:48:00.000+04:00

My Favourite Means of Transportation...

2010-04-04T17:33:00.000+04:00

...My little carriage and my imagination...

My quill, my thoughts and I...

2010-02-25T00:32:00.000+04:00

My camera joined later too :p

What's in your bag?

2010-02-23T13:57:00.000+04:00

I always find personal belongings quite intriguing to look at. You can tell a lot about what a person carries with him or her in their bags. Are they practical? Are they always on the go? Are they artistic? Are they students? Are they dreamers?

The following images are pictures I took on the 17th of February 2009, and the 17th of February 2010. I would like to snap a picture of "what's in my bag" once a year on that date. It would be interesting to see how I change and evolve, or whether I change at all!
I wonder what you can tell from my personality by just looking at the images below...
I'd love to see your version of "what's in your bag?", so go ahead and don't be shy to share ;)

2009

2010

To know more about each item, please visit my flickr here and here

Here Comes The Bride

2010-02-16T17:20:00.000+04:00

I have been pouring over so wedding magazines lately! Stewart's 'Weddings' in particular, which I have been collecting for years. I am not a fan of Emirati weddings (from the United Arab Emirates). They're too loud, glamourous, they lack personality are they're almost always the same. But with the help of Martha Stewart and her team (bless them), I have been very inspired by the magazine to have a wedding which I will love and enjoy, rather than have a traditional , boring, predictable and a costly wedding.

I would love love love to have a small wedding to celebrate with my close friends and family only, but usually weddings in the UAE consist of an overwhelming number of guests. I am not talking about a 100 to 200 people. I am talking an average of 500+ guests!

I would love a small celebration somewhere in my country's beautiful desert! How very 'Arabian Nights'! A tent, some lanterns, great food and fabulous company is all I really need.
But eddings are a very big social event in this part of the world, and since we are a small, close knit community, everyone has to be invited!

So when I feel down or stressed out about planning my wedding, I always turn to you Martha and Darcy Miller. Because you never let me down ;)

Meet Reem!

2010-02-16T16:50:00.000+04:00

My newest doll! An early birthday present from my sister! (aren't they the best!). When I first laid eyes on this gorgeous limited edition Bambicrony 'ciao bella Judy' doll, I knew I had to have her! And I knew her name would be Reem (which is what I want to call my future daughter one day). I just love her! She's the largest doll I have (27cm), and I prefer this size to the smaller ones. Her posing ability is wonderful too! I love Bambicrony. The best ball jointed doll company I've dealt with so far. Not only were they super friendly and polite, but they also sent me lots of goodies and freebies! Thank you Yoon! You are the best! Your dolls are definitely worth the wait!

Tied Together

2010-01-08T21:20:00.000+04:00

Special offer!
Buy this necklace and receive 10% off your next purchase from
The Curious Nomad™

SweeTarts!

2009-12-21T22:00:00.001+04:00

My favourite candy is in town! I'm talking about Wonka's SweeTarts of course! I have been looking for them for years! I even have constant dreams of me walking into a supermarket and finding them! I kid you not! Yes, I know, it's sad!
One day I was on my way to the movies when I spotted this heavenly treat in a candy booth! You can't imagine my excitement at that moment! It was pure magic! hehe. I mentioned them here earlier in October, so I just wanted to let you know that all is finally well :D

SweeTarts and other Wonka candy can only be found in "Candy Heart" candy booths here in Dubai. I'm not sure about other cities in the UAE though.

I just added those two pics of my favourite doll for the sake of it :p

I love my new Oxfords

2009-12-20T01:21:00.001+04:00

I have been looking for brown Oxfords for ages, and finally found this lovely pair from New Look. Almost everyone I know hated them and called them "man shoes", but you and I know better *wink*. With these pictures, I hope to prove them wrong and show them that Oxfords can be worn without looking masculine, yet not too feminine. I am happy with the outcome, but I should've experimented with more stockings! Maybe some lacey ones. That would look darling!
This shoot took about 20mins. I was out in the field where our goats are, and I'm ashamed to admit, that I am quite afraid of the male goat! He head butts people! So I tried to do this shoot as quickly as I could :p Fortunately for me and my model, we got out without a scratch :)

The rabbit belongs to my sister. Her name is Spookz (the rabbit, not my sister :p). I think she has great potential at being a model, don't you? hehe

I am thinking of selling this beautiful vintage satchel, which came to me all the way from France. I love it, but I've never used it. So I want it to get the loving that it deserves!
If you're interested, please let me know.
xoxo

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Merry am I when I go a-round

2009-12-15T11:35:00.001+04:00

Global Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
27 November 2009.

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Big Shop Update!

2009-12-12T02:04:00.001+04:00

المزيد من الغرائب تتواجد الآن في
New Curiosities now available at

العابر المجهول
The Curious Nomad™

حين قام العابر المجهول بإرسال غرائبه الى زبائنه الأعزاء، فقد طابعا بريديا في مكان ما.،ساعدوه في العثور على الطابع المفقود، وأبعثوا رسالة بريدية من خلال مشترياتكم لتحصلوا خصما قدره 5% على ذلك.
تلميح: أمعنوا النظر في المرفقات

While The Curious Nomad™ was about to mail her oddities to her valued customers, she seemed to have misplaced a postage stamp. Help her find the missing stamp and email her upon purchase to receive a 5% discount!
(Hint: look at the attachment carefully!)

www.TheCuriousNomad.etsy.com

Paper Boats

2009-12-08T16:26:00.000+04:00

I recently taught myself how to make a paper boat because, well, they're so pretty and because I wanted to have some for a photoshoot of one of my handmade journals. After 3-4 tries, this was the end result:

Photos of the handmade journal shoot.
(Journal is now sold)

"Modernising" my Vintage

2009-11-20T00:29:00.000+04:00

I bought a lovely vintage leather and tapestry bag a couple of months ago, but I was afraid it may have looked too much like what my grandmother would carry! So I decided to "modernise" it a little by adding some bows and a key! I'm still unsure about the outcome, and am still playing around with some colourful buttons to see what it'll look like. At first, I actually embroidered some colourful threads on it, but it just didn't look right. So I ended up sewing on some lace and metal (you can never go wrong with lace!). I'll take a picture of the buttons soon. But this is what I have for now! Ideas are always welcome ;)

That little bow button is from What Delilah Did, a wonderful crafter I found on Etsy.

Vintage Finds

2009-11-17T16:42:00.000+04:00

I found these two gorgeous vintage necklaces recently and I just had to have them! A cuckoo clock solid perfume locket and a one of a kind, 4 picture locket <3

New Lace Necklaces!

2009-11-14T23:40:00.001+04:00

The Nomad

Dear Alice

Both now available in my shop <3

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

The Magic Key to Charm

2009-11-13T13:32:00.000+04:00

The Magic Key to Charm, by Eileen Ascroft, is a gem of a book which I believe every woman should read. Below are some of my favourite lines from this gem of a book.

'Cosmetics should never be used to hide, only to enhance what is already there'

'Personality has a lot to do with attracting friendship. Women with no personality or ideas seldom have many friends'

'Look as if each new person you meet may be the nicest person you've ever met...This air of expectancy gives your face a charming vivacity and draws people to you'

'"Think" a little smile'

'A sense of humour makes you wonderfully easy to live with and endears you to your friends'

'Many women when they marry seem to become colourless and lose their individuality. Don't let this happen to you'

'Set aside special times each day for you and your baby to laugh, to play and to love one another. But remember that you have a life of your own to lead as well'

'A woman with charm is armed with a magic armour against all the hurtful, sordid things of the world'

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Purple Dreams

2009-11-07T15:34:00.000+04:00

I'm in love <3

Amythest necklace: Alcozer & J
Keys: from my own collection
plate: One World, Jumeira, Dubai
frame: S&J, Malaysia

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Something Wicked this way comes!

2009-10-31T23:49:00.001+04:00

I looove Halloween! I patiently wait for it more than I wait for my own birthday! This year I had a wicked Halloween! I went to The Jam Jar Gallery and painted in the dark with glow-in-the-dark paints! There was popcorn, film scenes from old scary movies and wonderful company! It was a blast! Oh, and incase you're wondering, I dressed up as a Phantom :)

My 2009 Halloween photos:

Happy Halloween everyone! :)

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Sweet T(e)(e)th!

2009-10-26T02:29:00.000+04:00

If you ask a random person walking down the street, "what is the best thing in the world?", I assure you that you are more than likely to hear the words "food", "candy", or "chocolate" uttered from a selective few (or many!).
The wonderful store Candylicious, recently opened here in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
I have been there several times, but if you're like me and you tend to buzz with excitement when you are presented with many (delicious) options, you end up getting not much at all. However, last time I visited that store, I had a good look around, and scoured some not only delicious chocolates, but also those that I found rather pleasing to the eyes.

Left to right: Amatller chocolate bar, Prestat organic chocolate bar, Hammond's butterscotch handmade lollipop (my favourite is the cherry flavoured one! It's got to be Hammond's. I am not a fan of Whirly Pop), Madelaine milk chocolate butterflies.

So far, my favourite chocolate there is hands down Amatller's "extra fine milk chocolate."
Ok, I have to admit that it was Alphonse Mucha's artwork that attracted me to this divine block of heaven. Come on, it's Art Nouveau. Surely, you didn't expect me resist? :)

Oh the magic of colour! Yes I was drawn to this chocolate by it's beautiful packaging too. (It's not my fault they don't have "tasting booths" available -_-).
This is an Organic milk chocolate bar made by Prestat. I don't think I have ever tried organic chocolate before, but I must admit, it's rather delicious! I especially enjoyed it with tea :)
I like what's written on the back of this chocolate bar;

"Intensely smooth milk chocolate made with our finest organic couverture. As enjoyed by royalty and nobility, stars of the screen and stage and, even, by cardinals, bishops, abbots and nuns for over 100 years."

Well, they should add "Curious Nomads" up there too ;)

My only disappointment with Candylicious is that they have no Wonka candy, which I am extremely fond of. I especially love them SweeTarts. I even have dreams about them! Imagine my disappointment when I wake up and find out that it was just a dream :(
Candylicious, please make my dream come true!

Bon Appetite!
(I watched "Julie & Julia" this weekend, and that phrase kind of stuck with me :p Very beautiful movie. A must see for all food lovers!)

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

New Business Cards!

2009-10-25T20:03:00.000+04:00

Yay! My new business cards are here! Aren't they pretty :D

I think this one is my favourite :) It's one of my illustrations titled 'My Saccharine Life'

Printed by Moo Publishing

Polaroid postcards

2009-10-23T00:51:00.000+04:00

Gorgeous Paris and Tokyo Polaroid postcards which I received last week from one of my very favourite online shops, nothingelegant.
I am in love with each photo!

Bowlicious

2009-10-21T01:55:00.000+04:00

Gorgeous handmade Bow headbands from Sophie's Closet.
They were a gift from my sister-in-law <3 (Thank you! xoxo)
I just can't get enough of bows!

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

I live here

2009-10-12T17:34:00.000+04:00

This is where I live when I'm not hovering the skies on my Paper Tent.

Ready for Japan!

2009-10-11T21:58:00.000+04:00

Japan! One of my dream destinations! The culture, the language, the people, the fashion <3

Magazine: Ray (Japanese)
Bag: Diesel
Boots: Camper
Perfume: Nina Ricci
Necklace: Not sure. It was a birthday present from my sister-in-law :)

When I mentioned the food above, I particularly meant sushi and Kompeito <3
This is Kompeito:
It is a sweet Japanese confectionary, originally brought to Japan by the Portuguese between the 15th and 16th century. It is so light and delicious, and I can live on it till the end of my years!
If you recall, there's a scene in one of the wonderful Hayao Miyazaki's animation films Spirited Away, where the heroine, Chihiro, throws kompeito on the little black fluff balls.

heart achingly cute!

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009
(Spirited Away film still from Google)

My Saccharine Life

2009-10-06T16:48:00.000+04:00

Before

After

I drew this on the plane on my way to Malaysia last month. It was a seven hour flight, so I thought I'd use a portion of my time wisely (the rest of my time was spent on watching an in-flight movie and napping).
This is my second "real" try at digital colouring, and I think I'm slowly getting the hang of it :)

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Boho Chic

2009-10-04T01:52:00.000+04:00

Gorgeous turquoise clutch: Aldo Accessories. It was love at first sight!
Perfume: I am just loving Princess, by Vera Wang
Necklace: Hermione's "The Time Turner" necklace (Harry Potter and The Prizoner of Azkaban) replica from The Noble Collection. It was a gift from my brother :)
Bow brooch and earrings: Topshop! I just had to have <3

Saying Goodbye to the Circus

2009-10-04T01:46:00.000+04:00

Everytime I look at that sombre original painting by the very talented Katrine K., I start singing "Nellie The Elephant"!
Tofita Cherry flavoured candies. Yum.
Ornate red frame from "S&J", Malaysia
My own Instax film shot of a Carousel
Retro Pop Corn bag, which I use to pack some of my handmade jewelry for my lovely customers :)

The Curious Nomad™ 2009

I like to spoil myself sometimes...or most times!

2009-10-04T01:34:00.001+04:00

Necklace: Topshop
Charm bracelet: Topshop (?)
Wallet: Thrifted
Bangle: Malaysia
Sunnies: Splash

Awesome geek glasses: "Lavendar" in Malaysia
Bow earrings: "Whatever Girl" in Malaysia
Necklace: Accessorize
Needlepoint clutch: Thrifted

Can't stop listening to Le Sac Des Filles, by Camille

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Vintage Lace Collar Necklace

2009-10-04T01:27:00.000+04:00

Comfort Books for Comfort Food

2009-09-10T20:53:00.000+04:00

Latest Illustrations

2009-09-10T20:45:00.000+04:00

"No one can forget the Wide Eyed Girl"

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-08-26T00:35:00.001+04:00

Inspired by my favourite book of all time; "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger.
I am currently working on a painting / illustration based on the book too.
And I am ever so patiently waiting for the movie to come out!!

The gorgeous silhouette chalkboard is from blissinateacup on Etsy
My favourite ring, from IceCreamCandy on Etsy

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

Wishlist: Books

2009-08-12T01:01:00.000+04:00

1. The Dot & The Line 2. Playful Type: Ephemeral Lettering And Illustrative Fonts 3. Little Pea
4. Tim Walker Pictures 5. All About Me 6. A Year of Mornings

Purple Shoes

2009-08-11T19:21:00.000+04:00

My sister bought me these gorgeous purple shoes today, which I am madly in love with ♥
I bought this bag a while back from Warehouse in Debenhams.
As for the luggage tag, I bought it online from legendeux on Ebay :)

What is it with women and shoes? Personally I'm more of a bag lover than a shoe lover, but either way, buying a new bag or a new pair of shoes is completely therapeutic! Gosh I sound so vain :p But it's true! I'm sure there are women who have other weaknesses, but I'm just generalising here.

I guess it's a girl thing ;)

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The Curious Nomad™ 2009

My Latest Discovery!

2009-08-10T21:25:00.000+04:00

I don't think I've ever met anyone who does not like Polaroids. However, to everyone's dismay, they have been discontinued and are no more :( But fret not! I have recently stumbled upon a wonderful website called Poladroid, where you can easily create Polaroid-like photos out of your digital ones! It is compatible with Windows and Mac, and it is free!
I could not resist trying it out, and here are some of my photos made into digital Polaroids

Mr. Magorium ♥

"Hello there"

Fauna

My nephew ♥

Dorothy's Travels

Life in a Teapot

Special August Announcement

2009-08-10T15:10:00.000+04:00

بمناسبة الاحتفال بالذكرى الأولى ليوم ميلاد
"العابر المجهول"
(ال 27 من أغسطس)
يسعدنا أن نقدم لكم هدية مفاجأة في كل مرة تشرفونا بالشراء خلال شهر أغسطس.
نتمنى لكم تسوقاً ممتعاً

In celebration of "The Curious Nomad"s upcoming 1st birthday (27th of August), I am giving out free surprise gifts with every online purchase during the month of August.
Happy shopping! :)

xoxo
العابر المجهول
The Curious Nomad

www.TheCuriousNomad.etsy.com

Who is The Curious Nomad?

2009-08-10T14:19:00.000+04:00

Once upon a time, somewhere deep in a desert, far away from human kind, there was a tree. A Weeping Willow larger than any has every seen. On the Weeping Willow was a crooked tree tent. A tree tent, you see, is just like a tree house, only it is not a house, but a tent. The tent was not your usual tent, the one you pitch on camping trips. Oh no, this tent was different. For starters, this tent was rather small. Too small to fit an adult if you ask me. This peculiar tent was also not made of fabric, but of paper. Paper so beautiful than one would wonder how such a tent was made, if only one could see it.
It is said that a Curious Nomad lives in that tent, creating what only her imagination sees. However, no one has ever seen her leave her tent, let alone walk into it. Those few people who have seen her say that her paper tent travels and flies to wherever she pleases, and while doing so, she showers her creations onto the world below, hoping only to make someone's day a little bit better.

(Not) The End

To Visit The Curious Nomad, please go to:
www.TheCuriousNomad.etsy.com