moving to London Town

There has been a long absence from my blog, and for those who read my other posts, knew that I was in a transition period in my life, as I have left my work, family, and life in Jordan, moved to London towards the end of September, to do my Master's and hopefully settle here. 

The first 2 weeks were just settling and getting used to getting around in London, getting lost in Tubes and Buses,  getting my bank account set, started courses and been doing a lot of reading, as well as building friends and relationships and having a good time.

Still haven't explored too much of London, still more to come! But for now, let me share some pictures with you, going backward to September, as a small introduction to Peculiar Ami's new life in London.

My new Uni ID - I am doing my MSc in King's College London, obviously!

Staying At the uni halls till June! My Street :)

The road I take everyday towards the Tube station, I love the fall season, I love the leaves.. I've missed this!

My Uni campus - at Waterloo 

And this is an introduction, more to come :)

A Pumkinlicious day

This Saturday has been revolved around a Pumpkin we bought, and no it was not for the occasion of Halloween Celebrations!

As you can see this is what was left over from the pumpkin, my father baked some for some sweet pumpkin pie, while I used a quarter of it for some pumpkin soup I have been craving for awhile now!





It didn't turn out as orangy as I'd hoped, because the Pumpkin itself was pretty brighter, but it tasted delicious! 

Detox Month (Holy Ramadan) is soon over!

   I do love fasting, and I do love the Holy month of Ramadan for a whole lot of reasons! A month is a tad too long!! I love this month because it gives me a sense of appreciation when I'm hungry, and also I tend to be a little more considerate in the way I dress, the language, and even in lifestyle, as I stay away from alcohol. Please do not consider me as a hypocrite here, I can 100% agree why someone would think that, however my reason for fasting is not for religious purposes what so ever! It is healthy for the body, and for my own sake, really connects me to myself (a sort of soul searching so to speak). I love the fact that religion (and I mean that every religion) has a whole specific month dedicated to fasting, followed by a celebration holiday! And when I say detox, I don't only mean from alcohol (I know that would be the first thing that came to the reader's mind), but from the junk I tend to snack on (just because I'm bored, not because I am hungry), my coffee consumption is limited to once a day (after Iftar in this case), I curse less because it is the right thing to do, I dress more appropriately in public (not that I don't usually! I absolutely do!! but it becomes a more aware/ respectful for the community - so doing good!), my dehydration restored by soup / water, no Sodas, frappacinos, sugar added juices, teas...etc....Working hours are less, so I have more time to be lazy (read, cook, or sleep since I am always overworking myself), and since the nightlife is pretty dead (unless you are one of those people who stay up toll 5 AM in Ramadan) my life is more with close friends / movies/ casual hang outs, than the need to go to where all of Amman's socials are found on a Thursday/Friday night, and where I have to always "bump into" someone I know! Plus I lose weight! 

   Why I am glad it's over!? I miss my morning coffees on the way to work. For a while I tried to limit my coffee consumption, for the sake of Ramadan, to try to get myself to get used to one cup of coffee day. and man is this not going to be in my favor, as I will sip, enjoy and refill my black filtered coffee everyday now!! Plus, I love my pink Starbucks mug - just looks cute and right! I miss omelette! For healthy diet purposes, I've been eating a small portion of whole grain cereals for god knows how long. Why did I ever do that to myself? I want toast + butter! I want jam + pancakes! I want omelette's and orange juice! I want Falafel! (preferably not all at once... or  maybe... all at once! Either way will do!).And I miss coffee / tea time, or lunch with friends at daylight! Man am I a much happier person when I am socializing in day light! Gives me so much more energy. I am not saying I am not a night person (man do I love dancing and going to pubs / bars), but not all the time! Once a week is good! 

   I think having so many restraints and keeping us from what we want / like to do, gives us a sense of who we are! And sometimes we take for granted what we can always do 24/7 which is when we stop appreciating life and what's around it, and start to say "Man I am bored of routine" instead of "Thank you for everything" (and suddenly ONE REPUBLIC's song "good life" is playing in the back of my head! .. OFF TOPIC & RANDOM....) - so once a year, no matter the religion / culture / or background, when we dedicate a month to fasting and purity, it is part of the plan to being a happier person. These practices exist for a reason! So, ONE DAY left~~~! and breakfast!!! 

Mellow Friday (Bubble Tea + Indoor Market)

   Although I had an uneventful Friday, where the usual grocery shopping, late breakfast and lunch, and wandering around Amman routine took place, it was still a casually nice afternoon. I took my mum to the bubble tea shop in Amman, one of my favorite new discoveries that I am currently hooked on, called JuiceBangBang ! I am loving their Yogurt based flavored tea they have! So far I've tried passion fruit, avocado, melon, and papaya, and I can't decide which is my favorite. Dying to try the normal flavored teas, however I am trying to cut down on caffeine wherever I can! So on a hot summer afternoon (or evening) instead of stuffing your self with unnecessary calories from Starbucks (where in Amman has become full of obnoxious teenagers!), those chilled Organic bubble teas (Bubbles are made of Tapiocas) are so ideal! It is located in Avenue Mall in Sweifieh!

Never having entered that mall, after having our tea, we went in this not very spectacular mall, and found a small indoor marker (souq) selling all kinds of home made jewelery, dates and other food for Ramadan, and many more! So you'd think I'd get out of there without buying me a few things? ;)

   

Would also like to mention that the people in the market, and the staff of juicebangbang as always were the all smiley and friendly, something you don't see much in Amman (like City Mall?). A lovely day :)

Dubai July 2011 - Purchases

My recent trip to Dubai was again for business purposes (not that it is a place I would choose to travel for a vacation), however, a lot of after work activities made it a very eventful trip! For some reason, when you are travelling, you feel that normal life rules don't apply. My eating habits were completely ruined, as I pigged out on everything possible you name it! Especially considering Dubai has so many diverse backgrounds, the same goes for the selection of food and restaurants! in the 5 days I was there, I tried every possible cuisine I could find, Indian, Iranian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese (SUSHI all the way!). There was not one thing in sight I did not taste. As I arrived last night, the first thing I did was get on the scale. This result will not be shared. Lucky for me, Ramadan is coming up, and I usually tend to lose weight during this month! Another normal circumstance that did not apply to me, was me keeping a tight budget for my coming year of Master's, and that I cannot afford to spend money. I can say I did try my best, but was impossible to come back empty handed. However I did make sure I didn't buy anything that would make my luggage heavier (the usual scenario of clothes, shoes and BAGS!).
adidas Originals Watch / Cambridge Stones White 

and MAC products from the duty free!

From the left: MAC paint Pot Peintures in Soft Ochre - MAC lusture lipstick in Politely Pink - Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC20.I am currently into natural nude look that it looks like I don't have make up on. Any suggestions on a foundation that would also give me that look to go with these products during the day?? 

Getting ready for Master's

So, this is a little different than all my other blog posts.. As I haven't been blogging, I have been busy getting a lot done before moving to London, to continue my studies and do my Master's and spending time with friends with the time I have left.
Unlike other summer holidays, this one has a lot of changes for me, firstly, it is my last one year. One of my best friend is also leaving to England, and with the busy life, will be seeing her a lot less in comparison to now (As she lives down the street from me). Not to mention I am trying to spend as much time with my family, as I have never been away from them before. This change will also lead me to resign from my position in less than a month, give my notice, and find my replacement. I am an HR Specialist in adidas Jordan since its start-up in Jordan, and is my first job in the HR field! A little more attached to it than I should be, however, I am ready and looking for new challenges, starting with the Master's taught program I chose, Human Resource Management and Organisational Analysis, and hopefully what will come after it! This also gives me a chance to take a break from work where I can figure things out for myself and about myself, whilst my brain has a lot of learning going on! Looking forward to the knowledge and that confidence to boost my self esteem as a person and a professional!
On that note, I have been working hard trying to save money... Let me rephrase, I have been working very hard putting myself in an exhausting situation of not having time to myself (as in time to spend) by also tutoring as a side job (good for the pocket, and not good for my social life) to try and save as much as I can. Do not get me wrong some major spending has happened. However, I can say it was balanced and allowed me not to at least withdraw from my payroll :)
Yes, so I am giving up my lavish lifestyle of being one of the high income societies in Amman, socializing in the high end Amman lifestyle, being able to drive (Family SUV) to work (an International company) and a rent free house, to a life where I'll be living in... half a room where I share the kitchen (my favourite part of every household), jobless and no income, a place where I don't know a soul and don't know my way around, to taking public transportation and walking. However, this is all exciting for me, as this is the sort of the lifestyle I am used to and enjoy more as I tend to enjoy the simple things in life :) The jobless segment will hopefully not be applicable as I am intending to work part time (as there is a limit to the number of working hours an international student can work), preferably in my area, while enjoying the night life London has to offer me of coarse!
So what have I done this summer besides getting my papers sorted? throwing away a lot of clothes I wont be wearing (especially summer items), pairs of shoes that have fallen apart, buying my own hair dryer, and going through the sales season happening now, and not buying any summer clothes. TORTURE! The only thing I might be buying myself are makeup, but even that is a lot cheaper in London, so I am keeping everything on hold for now until then.
Please note that I am guaranteed to have excess luggage with me, but that has been taken care of, as I have already managed a WASTA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasta) to get all my stuff on the plane without excess costs as long as I fly on RJ going there! I have still not figured out how all this will fit in my dormitory room, but I am sure things will work to figure itself out in the end.
Starting two years back, every August 20th I have been buying myself brand items, a present from me! My birthday this year has not come yet, but I am likely to put that on hold, as my budget for 2011/2012 might be right, and I am sure surviving and living comfortably is 1st to carrying a designer bag to make myself feel good? Guaranteed in 2012, once I get my dream job (with a male assistant) I will buy myself two bags on my birthday then.
A very random blog, more like a DEAR DIARY moment, as mentioned, not many purchases have been happening to blog about. This WILL change once I move as I will be exposed to a good number of cheap items, so fingers crossed!

On the top of my head - My Current Wish List

1. Louis Vuitton - Speedy 30                      2. Balenciaga - Green Giant Part Time Bag or a Balenciaga - Beige Giant City Bag

3. Daisy - by Marc Jacobs 

Summer & Body Skin Care!

It is May - Summer is just around the corner, and this should be the time where the more skin you show, the more you should take care of your skin. In actual reality, the most essential time to take care of your skin is winter, because it's dry! But unless you're not showing it, it seems unimportant.
Only bought two creams so far an average drugstore product I've never heard of, but it smells marvelous and feels just as lovely on the skin, would not mind repurchasing it! And I will upload some of my body butter collections from body shop as well - some of these I've already finished, but will be repurchasing!
This barely counts as a post - it is just my introduction to the summer where more focus is going on the skin rather than makeup to get the healthy look where not much makeup will be needed - to make sure you take care for that smooth summer skin!

it's always the little things..Part 2 Blue Fig and a Gift

After a long weekend, the load of work to face this week is over average. Gotten used to the weekend sleeping habits I had a difficult time sleeping last night, barely got few hours of sleep. Of coarse today was one of those grumpy mornings were I could not be bothered to go to work, every e-mail was just another task I had to get done, and so the day went on. I am currently though in a phase where I am going back to seeing everything in a positive way. So anything that upset me today, my reason was that it is a 4 day work week and the weekend is soon, or that the tremendous load of work will only result to the week passing by fast. And as usual, somehow your life, or the day goes by a little bit more smoother, and things turn out to be better than you'd hoped.

This week is a natural call for work disaster, where today, our company had guests flying in for meetings tomorrow morning. As the guests are here, although not a duty, but I welcomed them to our city in Amman, and took them out to dinner (and I will repeat, after a sleepless night).This was not directly after work (oh no, I did not go home to rest), this was after my 9 - 6 job finished, and went and tutored an 8 year old girl (second job) from 6:20 - 7:20, and went directly to the hotel, picked the guests up, and went to dinner.

Knowing that would be my plan for the day, to be followed by a day of work and meetings, where after work I had to attend a wedding of one of the work colleagues, the duties overwhelmed me, and I was not looking forward to the week at all.

However, the night turned out to be more than pleasant, as it was a very chilled evening sitting outdoor at one of my favourite spots in Amman, called Blue Fig in the center of Abdoun, had a lovely dinner of Alaskan Salmon steak (please see the juicy details in the website, you could go to the menu --> Main --> 2nd page). I also usually love the salads (especially the salmon salads) and another favorite main dish of mine is the Alexandra Chicken. What can I say, I love Spinach!

Unfortunately, I was a little embarrassed to take pictures of my food like I always do, especially around work colleagues I am not that well acquainted with. I will be visiting BF soon though, and will make sure to do so on another post!

One of the visitors loved the place, and described it perfectly. Her not knowing that BF is a place known as a breakfast spot, her description was, of a nice upper class restaurant to come with your girls, (like in Sex And The City, and have breakfast in).The place is classy but cozy, good food and service (could have better valets in the summer though), and most importantly good food. As a mid twenty year old living in Amman, I must say it's not easy to find a place where you can comfortably go to with just a girl crowd and not feel any pressure of being "looked at". BF also has managed to keep its quality of food high over the years, as generally a lot of places tend to lose it.

It is my fifth year in Jordan, and this is the place I never stopped going to, and hopefully will continue to in my next 5 months in Amman. Please stay this way, until my next future visits when I come to visit my family.

Another incident that made my evening, is I got a little gift from one of the work visitors from Dubai Duty Free, and surprise surprise, a little Clinique! It was so unexpected and thoughtful, that it kicked all other insignificant upsetting issues I woke up grumpy to in the morning, that by the time I got home at 10 30 PM completely exhausted, I had a smile on my face. This is peculiar Ami. It is always the small things that make my day. Which is why I explain my life in a short sentence, where I quote Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail" - Small but Valuable.
Peculiar Ami

Going Organic Part 3

For those who don't know me, and read my last posts of Going organic, might think I am an extreme health freak and don't eat any bad carbs, dairy, etc... etc...

For those who do know me, will know my obsession and love for food. If it was up to me, my dream job would be a food critic, to travel all over the world and try all kinds of food (while looking good on camera). That would be ideal as I get all my passions as a day job - travelling (not yet a passion - but would be if an option!), fashion and make up (one's gotta get dressed for the camera! presentation is everything!), socializing and talking to people for the fun of it , and most importantly food!.

What is my reason for going organic? I am that girl who eats 8 times a day and is never full! I am the person who never says "No" when offered food. I never taste anything, I just eat it. I am not picky (unless it's tasteless cooked veggies - I prefer them uncooked). So all day long, whether I am offered McDonald's French fries, chocolate, ice-cream, or anything with cheese, I never say NO.

So when it comes to areas I can control (breakfast and lunch and snacks) I try to go with less calorie options, but I do make sure I make up for lost calories. 

Hopefully, that will not always be the case. Now I am living with my family and in 4 months time, my plan is to move to London, England. We will see if I will get better at eating healthy once the food and groceries are my choice, or will I be eating out a lot and ruining the whole thing?

As for now, as the organic section is like a new discovery for me, and this is my newest purchase that is sooooo yummy!

Why do I need this? Once again, I am always hungry, and I always need to be snacking on something! This is my daily eating schedule when it is under control!

7:00 AM Breakfast - Organic Oatmeal that I previously blogged about - Apple Cinnamon + Coffee.

11:00AM - By this time I am in the office, not really hungry, almost still full from the breakfast, but I grab for my granola bars, otherwise I go to my work colleagues ask if they have anything yummy to eat - which is usually a box of oreos....

1:00  PM - Lunch time - I try to bring a salad from home, a sandwich, or whatever left overs from Mom's dinner the previous night. Never enough! So I make sure I eat a banana before it as well.

3:30 PM - The lunch was not enough even with the banana, by this time everyone can hear my stomach, and I can't concentrate on work... so I eat my apple,

6:30 PM - I get home -  staaaaaaaaaaaarving, and eat like a maniac whatever my mom has made me! Although I have been healthy and organic since I woke up - by this time I pig out with a laaaarge dinner portion followed by chocolates or cakes. Since I'm attaching pictures, a recent pasta I made (as you've noticed, the only thing I can make, but quite an improvement from just frying eggs and mashed potatoes!). Aubergines with tomato sauce, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.

8:00 PM - Not really scheduled, but guaranteed I will open the fridge and find something, and if there's nothing, I will make myself a grilled cheese sandwich. The above mentioned schedule does not include the coffees, teas, drinks, juices, and other things that have calories in them. Now this was a controlled average working day. The weekend is a completely different schedule that we will not be discussing here. 

Peculiar Ami