SABOON BALADI

Egyptians break into Song...

2011-02-05T01:54:00.000-08:00

Apricot Crunch Cake

2011-01-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

Well I been in a sugar mood lately, and I finally got myself to do this Apricot crunch cake.. for no reason at all.. and I been dipping spoons into the dessert every 5 minutes.. Its super good.. yumm..

What's great about it is that its super easy, and it takes about 40 min and its ready to serve..

All you need is:

1 can of preserved Apricots (pears, apples, and peaches can work too) - there is 2 cans in the pictures but I only used one
1 box of yellow cake
1 stick of butter (100 g)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup crushed walnuts

Now the how to is super simple...

1. Open can of apricots and simply spill all the contents including the syrup into a 17" glass pot, slice them if needed.
2. sprinkle the whole box of yellow cake on top
3. slice butter into 16 pieces and distribute over the yellow cake layer
4. sprinkle cup of brown sugar
5. sprinkle cup of crushed walnuts (you could use pecans or hazelnuts - just be creative)

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.. and Voila..

you can either serve it hot with vanilla Ice cream, or eat it cold.. Its yummy either way :)

Sahtein..

Should Barbie take Ken back?

2011-01-26T03:24:00.000-08:00

Matel is running a big campaign asking people to vote online as to whether the blonde bombshell Barbie should take Ken back..
Well no matter what you think about the topic.. and despite thinking Barbie being a cold hearted ruthless modern woman to replace Ken her boyfriend since 1961 with Blaine the aussi in 2004 after 43 years of him being there beside her..

Well anyways, as I went through the History of the couple, I came across Dream date Barbie which was released in 1984.. And guess what.. I actually had that Barbie.. I played with it back in the 80s.. and when I saw the doll, all my memories came running back, and I felt like I was 6 again.. that was super.. really...

Skullcandy @ D&G MAN FASHION SHOW WINTER 2012

2011-01-24T00:08:00.000-08:00

D&G has utilized Skullcandy headphones as a fashion accessory to support the story in their winter fashion show in Milan this past Monday, January 17th, 2011.

http://www.dolcegabbana.com/deg/fashion-show/

I am simply in love with the Aviators, I cannot wait to get my hands on a pair of these. I heard rumors that they are coming to Beirut very soon.. fingers crossed..

Skullcandy Headphones are available in Lebanon at premium retailers: Virgin, MacShop, iStyle

I LOVE DEXTER MORGAN

2010-10-13T04:43:00.000-07:00

This summer, i watched the four seasons of DEXTER. The psychopathic killer is just adorable, and the series is captivating. To top that Ty Mattson has illustrated Dexter inspired Posters.. I want those to hang in my office.. je Love.

DIET ALWAYS STARTS TOMORROW

2010-06-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I have never really been able to diet, I would get on a diet, only to be off it, at best in a few weeks.. I simply have no self restraint.. I just see calories and just have to consume them...

I really do try, just the world is not helping.. I mean lets face it.. If I start dieting in the fall, Halloween walks in with all its pumpkin pies, and cinnamon apple tarts.. so everything I had lost, just comes back up.. Then even if I do resist having those, Christmas is just around the corner, adding layers of unwanted love handles with all the christmas dinners, eggnogs, hot chocolate, christmas cakes, cookies, and candy canes.. The thick winter clothes definitely, do not help in stopping you from consuming all those very sinful calories.. I do honestly try, and every year, when New Year is here, and I am getting dressed to go out and party, I look in the mirror and promise myself, that this year I will be thin by summer, and fit into that Bikini, I had not been able to get into since i left school.. Diet and OMG whats worse I promise myself I will exercise in the morning.. January is the worst time to begin a new year's morning resolution.. I mean really its too cold to get out of bed, so a few days of dragging myself to get up and move around, will eventually fall back to staying in my warm bed.. I am not gonna tell you about February.. I mean its valentine, and can you resist those cute little chocolate truffles... oh come on.. how can something so tiny give me wiggly hips..
Its simply not fair.

March, signals the beginning of spring, a reminder that summer is almost here, and that bikini body still hidden under those layers of food.. Okay no more freezing mornings, I should get myself into exercise now.. and SALADS.. *shudders* well this works for a week or two, then someone mentions Easter eggs, and chocolate bunnies, and whats worse lunch.. there goes my diet again.. Oh no it's MAY!!!!

Darn too late for that bikini body, well I have to try and get a few layers of chocolate off me, those skimpy summer clothes, they show each and every little curve.. Is that ice-cream I see?

Sex & the City 2

2009-12-29T04:03:00.000-08:00

I know its my second post today about movies. You can't blame me though, I just found out about Sex & the city 2. I have not met yet any woman who is not a fan of the series. After all the series represents modern feminism and has kind of set the standard of what todays women really want: Manolos and Vivienne Westwood wedding dresses... and yes families & careers.

To be honest I was only disappointed with one detail I saw in the trailer: 4 Newyorkers go to Dubai on a shopping spree... DUBAI? When did Dubai become the world's number one shopping capital? what happened to LONDON.. PARIS.. MILAN.. HONG KONG.. TOKYO?

Holmes

2009-12-29T03:33:00.001-08:00

I watched Sherlock Holmes last night, and I LOVED IT. The 2.5 hour action packed movie is wonderfully directed, the Hans Zimmer sound track is engulfing with signature Guy Ritchie fight scenes. An amazing new interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective Holmes & his sidekick Dr.Watson, and the relationship that binds the two men. A breath taking performance by Downey Jr. & Jude Law..

I strongly suggest you watch it in the movie theaters :D

Istanbul in Blue

2009-12-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

My husband and I recently returned from a short trip to the city of Istanbul. Let me just say that the city definitely won us over, and soon we discovered why it was titled “world’s hippest city”. In true tourist fashion, we visited some of its important historic buildings such as Dolmabahce Sarayi and Topkapi Sarayi, Ottoman mosque Hagia Sophia ( all located in the charming quarter of Sultan Ahmet), and the restored and converted 19th-century Ciragan Sarayi of Sultan Abdulaziz, now a modern five-star hotel of the Kempinski Hotels Chain, with magnificent grounds overlooking the Bosphorus.
There’s more than enough to see during the day that I could go on about for pages on end. However, it is at night that the city swings into high-velocity action. We could not help but be affected by the infectious joie de vivre of Istanbulis as they flocked at restaurants, bars and clubs, and two A.M found us strolling the popular Istiklal Street that branches out from Taqsim square, despite the low temperatures and heavy rain.
In Ortakoy, a lively seafront area, popular with young people (and the young-at-heart!), we stumbled across The House Café, a cozy place decorated with dim lights suitable for a romantic evening while sampling delicious Turkish dishes.
For the perfect romantic spot, we made reservations at the 2400 year old Kiz Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower) located on a rock in the middle of the Bosphorus. Legend has it that a king sequestered his fair daughter here to protect her from the world, and particularly from a sorcerer who put a curse on the princess: the princess would die from the bite of a snake. The tower-turned-restaurant provides international and Turkish delicacies. I personally enjoyed a delicious salmon on spinach puree while listening to live Turkish music (which prompted me to buy Istanbul in blue, by Turkish composer and jazz musician Fahir Atakoglu).
You can also climb to the top of the tower where you can enjoy a beverage while overlooking the city from a distance.
P.S. I could not resist attaching a picture of the popular Turkish fast food: Kumpir. It is basically a jacket potato loaded with various fillings topped with chilli sauce, ketchup, couscous, and yoghurt, definitely a must-try!

Colour A Month Daily Planner Box Set from Moleskin Diaries

2009-12-14T04:07:00.000-08:00

I was going through pretty point of view and I found that she blogged my favorite brand of planners Moleskin. Moleskine is the legendary notebook that the European artists and intellectuals who made twentieth-century culture used: from Henri Matisse to the turn-of-the-century Parisian avant-garde, from Louis Férdinand Céline to Ernest Hemingway. Writer-traveler Bruce Chatwin picked up this tradition and made it famous.

A simple black rectangle with squared or lined pages, endleaves held by an elastic band, an inside pocket for loose sheets, a binding in 'moleskine' which gives it its name, this trusty, pocket-size traveling companion guarded notes, stories, thoughts and impressions before they turned into the pages of beloved books.

I had gotten a red one last year that fits into my bag, so I would take it around wherever I go. To be honest, and don't laugh at me just yet. In my original plan, i was supposed to get more organized in 2009. I was supposed to write down everything and not miss an event nor be late. Well.. that plan did not work out. I barely jotted down anything, but I am still a sucker for cool & pretty things. SO i would definitely want one of these.

Colour A Month Daily Planner Box Set comes with 12 planners each month with a different color, so you won't get bored with the one you carry. Each page is dedicated for one single day , so no worries about squeezing your day into a few lines.

aha:

2009-12-13T23:52:00.000-08:00

Well Maurice IV needs a bed.. so I went out looking for the perfect one. I already knew that i wanted the case to have several compartments to house the charger, my external hard drive, my ipod cables, camera cables and chargers. Basically all the new technology junk we need to carry in these modern times. I also wanted a backpack. I know it does not look as sleek as a sleeve but I wanted it to be practical for traveling. You know while moving all those suitcases I don't want my laptop to keep slipping over my shoulders.

I finally decided on the aha: white rucksack. First it goes with my white ceramic Maurice =D and second of all it fit everything.. and it was great traveling with it. It fit all my accessories as well as my files and magazines. It was super comfy and i am sure glad i got the 13" Macbook. aha: carries a big range of colours & designs. You can get yours from iSTYLE & TCS Jnah.

Maurice IV

2009-12-13T23:22:00.000-08:00

Well Maurice III has started to feel weaker lately after all he has been in service for about 4 years and I had finally decided to replace him with a newer model. (I Know I am cruel) Since Maurice III (17" Macbookpro) was the best in the line I was not sure if I wanted to get the same model or get a Macbook.

Apple MacBook
has something for everyone. With a durable polycarbonate unibody enclosure that’s 1.08 inches thin and now only 4.7 pounds, it fits easily into your backpack or briefcase. The built-in battery lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge. Your photos, videos, games, and websites come alive on the new power-efficient, 13-inch LED-backlit widescreen display. And its spacious new trackpad supports two-finger scroll, right-click, and Multi-Touch gestures.

Hmmm... that sounded super cool and the price tag sounded even better. The most important decision was downsizing, and I am glad I did.Maurice III was heavy.. my shoulders thank me everyday for getting a younger and much slimmer guy to carry around. I got mine from iSTYLE - Bliss Street. They are super helpful in the store & definitely helped me with making the decision. Thanks guys you rock!

Welcome Maurice IV.

As Fate Would Have It!

2009-12-04T01:38:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm The Roommate, and I would proudly like to announce that we are now closing in on our 11th friendship anniversary. Funny story how we met, but as The Soapmaker loves to tell the story, I'll leave that task to her :-D

It's true, we did have a lot in common, such as putting off doing our laundry till we were down to the last clean piece of clothing ( we had better things to do !) and, by mere chance, sneaking in animal pets that were not allowed in the building.

Those were some good times, and really good memories, that I will always cherish :-)

The Soapmaker and I still have a lot in common. Both Saggis, we're married to two wonderful men ( whom also happen to be Saggis) and we both moved back to Beirut in 2009!

The Soapmaker has one little advantage over me, in an adorable boy named Leo :-) He's 3 years old now, and I can already see his mother's charm and energy bubbling inside him.

Happy to be aboard friend!

FREE cookbook from Martha

2009-12-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

I know thanksgiving is over.. but hey most of these recipes work great for christmas dinners.. You guys can download an amazing FREE cookbook from Martha Stewart.. Let me know your favourite recipes.. I can't wait to try the appetizers.. and don't ask me to make turkey!!

The Roomate

2009-12-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

I would like to welcome to Saboon Baladi THE ROOMATE..

I am sure you will enjoy reading her blogs; as she has a great eye for fashion & design, a wonderful taste in food, and a hilarious sense of humor. We did share much more in common.. a ROOM, a lot of laughter and much gossip.

Welcome aboard my dearest friend..

My NEW emu Boots!

2009-12-03T01:35:00.000-08:00

I am going to Park City for a few days :D and I finally got a reason to buy those Ugg Boots.. I always thought they were cool, but never really got myself to buy any. AiZone carries a good collection of emu boots. So I went down with a friend yesterday to get myself a pair.

The emu boots at Aizone range between $ 125 - $ 450. You can get the same model in 2 different price ranges for example EMU Australia Women's Hipperthe merino wool model is for $ 125 and the same model in sheepskin is for $ 320.

I got the cheaper model; since my budget was around $ 150, and they only had the black one in my size. But once I put them on , I did not want to take them off. They are super comfy and keep my feet warm :D they are definitely my favorite pair of boots now. A must try!!

Hello Kitty x Mimobot

2009-12-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

Mimobot X Hello Kitty

I am not a big fan of Hello Kitty - Although i have to admit that the cat is actually growing on me - but i am a HUGE fan of Mimobots - USB designer flash drives. Mimobots are super sexy USBs they just scream BUY ME - BUY ME - BUY ME. I am so glad you can get them now in Beirut: iSTYLE & VIRGIN

My favorite ones are the Mimobot Pink Meletta USB Flash Drive by Tokidoki
and Mimobot USB Flash Drive Core Series Owsley Owlbert 2.0GB LTD aren't they cute?

pretty point of view

2009-12-02T01:58:00.000-08:00

I had totally forgotten why I had started this Blog.. and for several months, this blog remained empty gathering dust with no new posts. Today I received an email from a friend who has started a blog of her own. She reminded me why I got into blogging in the first place.

My mission was to keep in touch with my friends; at the time I was leaving Kuwait and going back to Lebanon. The blog would act as a medium for me to voice out thoughts, news and other stuff to friends who I shared laughs, smiles and love with everyday, and was going to miss them terribly.

I miss you girls.

Thank you LA for making me want to Blog again.

Good Luck with pretty point of view.

Hostess with the MostessÂ® - Mississippi Mud Cake

2009-07-14T01:17:00.001-07:00

Hostess with the MostessÂ® - Mississippi Mud Cake

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Zina's Ups & Downs

2009-06-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Zina has always been very talented in illustrating herself :D Always had a very special sense of humor that made me laugh so many times. Now living in montreal, she started blogging her cartoons finally, and i am sure you would love them :) Wonderful Work Zina.. as always :)

It's ONLY BANANAS????

2009-06-06T23:52:00.000-07:00

I have finally came to terms with my weight problem, i have to admit having it, to actually start thinking of how to get rid of the weight and start trimming down.I decided that its time for me to actually stop making yummy desserts (yes SAY NO TO CUPCAKES) and try and make alternatives - that are actually yummy looking, taste good and have low calories.

In my search for an ice-cream replacement, i came across this recipe from The Last-Minute Party Girl : Fashionable, Fearless, and Foolishly Simple Entertaining Instant Banana Ice-cream takes exactly 5 min to make. All you need is PEELED frozen bananas - (if you don't peel them before you freeze them , they will be impossible to peel later ) and a blender. Optional toppings: toasted pecans /walnuts and Caramel Sauce.

Cut Bananas into blender, and blend on slow speed, in magical seconds the banana will turn into a creamy blend .. Looks just like Ice-cream.. scoop it into bowls , top it with toppings and Serve. :)

Calorie content:
1 Banana 50 Cal.
1.5 Pecans 28 Cal.
1tbspn Smucker's Caramel Flavored Sunday Syrup -FAT FREE- 50 Cal

All in all 128 Calories for 2 scoops of Banana Ice-cream.
AND IT TASTES GREAT.

cupcake bites

2009-05-19T05:57:00.001-07:00

cupcake bites, originally uploaded by Sabooon Baladi.

Okay , so last week i discover this yummy blog Bakerella, and i am hooked... The cupcake pops have been on my mind ever since.

I went ahead yesterday and made some, they are pretty easy to make, although i burned my chocolate while melting.. not good, and had to melt more, and the cookie cutter i had was too big to chape them like a cupcake, so they were actually more like cylinders.. but hey.. its a start, and they were so yummmmmmmmmmyyyyy.. Thanx bakerella!

RE-DISCOVERING BEIRUT

2009-03-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

When people leave they only take good memories with them, and seem to leave behind everything that they hated about a place. Your away , you want to come back. Now that i am here, i have to learn the ropes again, and the Re-discovery begins... Beirut.. ya Beirut..