POP

Now that’s a place you HAVE to know. It’s the place that has it all. Karout. From the tiniest screw you thought you’d never find, to kitchen appliances, paper stuff, tupperwares, barbecue material, bathroom stuff, paint, baskets, kids stuff, school stuff, ropes, glue, glitters, pens, I mean anything, for super cheap prices. It’s next to Hadath, on "Tarik Saida el Adimeh" (Old Saida Road). I suck at directions, so just head to this region, and do as I do, ask someone on the road - one of the things I love most about Lebanon! - everybody knows the mega store Karout there. That’s where you can find little “treasures” such as those amazing pop corn buckets I fell in love with. And now they add a little touch to our movies night home. Also note that pop corn is very good for the health. In its basic form - maize kernels heated until they puff up and burst - it's low in calories and laced with antioxidants and vitamins that strengthen our ability to fight disease.

According to my baby app, its even very good for the baby. I would strongly recommend buying raw pop corn instead of the packed microwave ones. Super easy to prepare. A few drops of cooking oil in a pot and one handful of corn that you’ll enjoy seeing pop if you have a transparent lid. (seriously, its fun :))

Beirut Dialogues

This guy is definitely worth following! Marcel Rached is a dear friend of mine who, despite his deep involvement for years in the world of finance, could never run away from his call for art. Philosopher and great thinker and observer, Marcy has travelled back and forth to Beirut these last 2 months, and, with his iphone camera, his curiosity and his vagabond spirit, caught beiruti life, in its contrasts, details, expressions, and all its splendor. The result is an exhibition held yesterday at Dictateur, Mar Mkhayel. A series of black and white photos that take you from Raouché to the streets of Ashrafieh, with an amazingly poetic and sensitive eye, spontaneously catching that special feeling Beirut City gives each one of us.

A complementary short movie was also projected at the event yesterday. A voice recording of a taxi driver giving his opinions on the Lebanese society and current situation.

The frames are sold at 100usd (size around 60x40cm). A great price. And really lovely to have at home or in an office. Till this sunday only (June 9th).

από την Ελλάδα με στυλ

How to be trendy AND summery. At Trainstation, they've got it all right, once again! Tina Philippides presents there items brought from Greece like little treasures of conquest J

My favorite ones were the beach towels (super nice and classy and funky at the same time. Cost around 100usd), beautiful washbags (around 70usd), swimsuits (ah...the one-piece ones for thin girls, if you’re one of them, are gooooorgeous) and supersize travel/everyday/beach bags (got a great one that I will even use for baby when she’s here). 

The popup store is there for a week. Do try the amazing cupcakes and fresh orange juices from Joanna’s table. And don’t forget to check out the fitness classes schedule while you’re at it. Wouldn’t it be great to look super good in those swimsuits?

Oh and I almost forgot the best pieces are the sandals! Loooooooooved them. Thanks Tina for the good taste!

Get Comfy!

How on earth did we live without Havaianas?? From the lower classes to the upper ones, they’ve become part of our world culture, from South America, to North America, Asia or Europe. With no doubt the most comfortable “shoes” you can wear. Whether to the beach, to the movies, to a friend’s place, at home, or even at the office when your feet are swollen if you’re 9 months pregnant for example … hehehehe.

Have you checked out lately the new patterns and designs? It’s true that you can find these flip flops anywhere now, but not all points of sale have these super funky men designs. I found them at ABC Dbayeh, swimwear section (next to Vilebrequin)  It’s a cool summer gift. You can go for classic colors or you can go crazy, depending on the person. Cost around 30 usd. And you never, ever, have enough of them.