Giving away 4 of these vintage sea creatures from my collection of hand-crafted brooches!! There will be 4 total winners (random selection). This Giveaway will last for 7 DAYS.
Head over to my Instagram account @sancsuum to enter and win.
Right Accessories – Make a Good Impression
Jewelry, LifestyleTwo of my favorite fashion quotes revolve around accessorizing and they are good guidelines to follow:
“When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on.” –Coco Chanel.
“Last thing on, first thing noticed.” Carson Kressley
Dressing for success includes your outfit, personal grooming, and accessories. Clients and business associates pay attention to details, and so should you. Even the ring you wear says something about who you are.
Pulling together an overall corporate image is especially important for work-at-home mom bloggers, and business women who work from home. To get big contracts, you need to appear successful. Looking ill-groomed or like you just came from the grocery store, conveys a message that you may not take business meetings seriously.
Following tips for adding accessories to your business or blogger wardrobe will help you look your very best.
Jewelry
Rings, bracelets, and necklaces can make or break an outfit. The most important thing to know about jewelry is to not mix your metal colors. If you are going to wear silver-colored jewelry then wear all silver-colored. Note that this doesn’t mean that your metals must all be the same. If you are wearing a white gold ring but it matches your silver pieces this is perfectly all right.
When first exploring the world of accessories, you will tend to over-do it and wear too many. For the fashion initiate here is my rule: you may wear one ring, one bracelet or watch, and one necklace at the same time. Either buy the most expensive pieces you can afford in your budget or pieces that are extremely inexpensive but meaningful.
Scarves
It is fine to wear tasteful scarves in the business or blogger events; just make sure they are accessory scarves and not winter wear. Tie your scarf in an infinity knot or go with a simple knot — resist the urge to be trendy and tuck it into your belt.
Choose colors that complement your overall look and not that compete with it. If you wear a chunky scarf, size down your jewelry (and skip wearing a necklace).
Watches
The world of watches can be profoundly confusing and expensive if you don’t know what to buy. I am no watch expert but I suggest if you can afford an expensive watch you can’t go wrong with any well-known brand.
Purses
Purse colors should coordinate with your shoe color.
A good purse should be small or medium, but easy to open in case you need to find an item inside.
Accessories like makeup, jewelry, and even your journal and pen should not be overlooked. They are tools that you can use to convey a positive and winning message about yourself and your ability to succeed.
Not everyone is this calculating in their decisions, but everyone looks at outward appearances and makes quick judgments about what the little things say about a person. When developing your personal sense of style and fashion, you should not overlook the value of accessories. These are the last items you should be putting on when dressing, ACCESSORIES.
The Best Recipe From Mom
Travel and FoodMade my first ”khichdi” while away from home. On the auspicious occasion of “Ganesh Chaturthi” each family has their own traditional and favorite dish that they prepare. Mine is a moong dal khichdi recipe – rice and green gram lentils cooked to porridge consistency.
Call it Khichdi/Kicdi/Hotchpotch, this is one of the grandma-mother-inspired dishes for me. This is a dish we grew up eating during the Indian festivals and hence holds a lot of sentimental value. Khichdi an Indian dish consisting chiefly of rice and split pulses. Rissoto is very much similar to khichdi the only difference is, Rissoto is from Italy. It is a dish from the South Asia made from rice and lentils (dal). Khichdi was the inspiration for the Anglo-Indian dish kedgeree, and is also commonly considered to be the inspiration for the popular Egyptian dish, kushari.
Place of origin: Indian Subcontinent
Main ingredients: Rice, lentils, spices (Bengali mixed spices also called Panch phoron, bay leaf, grated ginger, dry red chilli, turmeric powder, salt to taste) and clarified butter (ghee).
Lancome Bi-Facil – Remove traces of the day
LifestyleReviewing this pretty light blue bottle of a product – Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover called Lancome Bi-Facil.
What it is formulated to do: removes mascara and every single bit of waterproof makeup really well. As a long time user of this product, I would like to highlight some of the benefits. It removes eye makeup fairly well. The added oil leaves your eye area moisturized and not feeling dry.
Added BENEFIT: you can use such a small amount and it removes everything leaving nothing behind, one or two swipes with this #remover on a cotton ball and your eyes are clear of all applied makeup from the day.
VERDICT: Highly recommend!! Buy it larger size so you don’t have to buy very often!
Sterling Silver
JewelryAll about Sterling antique silver jewelry these days. On another level of my love for estate jewelry.
A classy silver ring would be one that brings about freshness and modernity galore and with a bezel setting to say the least. Opting for the timeless trendy oval rings for the fingers seem to be an haute choice and norm these days.
Follow me here for an extensive collection of one-of-a-kind vintage and estate jewelry. These silver babies will be available with me, leave your comments if you want to request for an information.
La Vinoteca Barcelona – Spanish Brunch Like No Other!
Events & Experiences, Travel and FoodSaturday Brunch at one of the island’s only upscale Spanish restaurants, La Vinoteca Barcelona! What can I say…Delicious! The food was gorgeous and plentiful and the drinks kept flowing. The idea of eating squid and calamari for the first time was fascinating (even though in the beginning I was slightly fearful).
La Vinoteca Barcelona / Café Amsterdam outdoor garden
Vibrant Restaurant and Lounge Interior
Great place for spending a Saturday afternoon with your friends over the world’s most admired wine (Torres wines)
The happy hostesses Daisy and Mary – they made me feel like family
The very charming Dragi at the smoking lounge upstairs
Love the wood work, and all the little details
My 10th brunch experience on the island, I went there on a recommendation from my friend Ryan, who also happens to be the restaurant manager there. La Vinoteca Barcelona has been making quite a stir on the Bahrain fine-dining scene since it opened its doors in early 2015, thanks to its unique culinary and oenological experience. The menu offers sublime Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on contemporary Spanish and Catalonian dishes.
Love the look of my table – it has been set up with Torres La Oscuridad Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Vinegar and El Silencio de Torres Picual, extra virgin olive oil
Chef Zablon cooking my lunch. I was pampered to death by this wonderful team
Here’s my first attempt at this hearty paella
Virgin Sangria
My tasting party began with Virgin Sangria (that’s a non-alcoholic sangria) – made with three different juices, apple, pineapple, and grape garnished with banana slice, cinnamon stick, orange and lemon slice.
Stand-out dishes at this outing were Fried Calamari, Patata Brava, Lucky Pepper and Octopus Croquettes (starter dish).
Lucky Pepper
Patata Brava
The verdict: A classic tapas dish – just like you’d find in Spain. What I (absolutely) loved tasting in this dish is the patata brava. This stuff is gooood. If you’re not aware, patatas bravas is basically crispy potatoes served in a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli…which kind of sounds a bit boring. But trust me, it’s amazing. This is a must for your Tapas table at La Vinoteca Barcelona, Bahrain.
The perfect classic crème brulee
What followed next was a surprise! My main dish for the day was a proper paella dish. Like I previously stated this was my first time eating calamari, squid and octopus, I immediately asked “What’s in this!?”
Traditional Spanish Paella
After careful consideration and much thought, I decided to dive in.
The verdict: If you’re looking to try the most authentic Spanish paella on the island, look no further. The Spanish rice made with freshly caught seafood including white fish, calamari, cuttlefish, mussels & shrimps will leave you drooling. What a meal! (Only if you are a Seafood fan)
Lemon pie passion fruit gelee, cardamom ice cream
My favorite – Cappuccino
A true Spanish experience – my tasting ended with a Lemon Pie (Homemade) topped with passion fruit gelee, served with cardamom ice cream and a signature cappuccino!
Final review: Good food, fantastic ambience and service (slightly pricey) but very effective overall de-stresser, and you get what you pay for.
La Vinoteca Barcelona Events:
Business Lunch: Mondays thru Thursdays from 12 noon till 3 pm get choice of 2 tapas + choice of main course + dessert for BD 9+
Afterwork at the wine bar: Every day except Sunday from 4 pm till 8 pm enjoy 30% discount on tapasand wine + Draft on Mondays from 4 to 12 midnight
Saturdays: Brunch from 12 to 5 pm
Location:
La Vinoteca Barcelona
19 Yousif Ahmed Al-Shirawi AvenueBlock 338, Adliya
Kingdom of Bahrain
- Tel: +973 17 007 808
Cuisine: Spanish
Price Range: BHD40+
Website: http://www.vinotecabcn.com/
Facebook: VinotecaBH
Instagram: lavinotecabarcelona
Some more pictures and notes from my review below (Click on the pictures to read the stories)
Range of Torres wines
Stairway to the Smoking Lounge of the restaurant
The Gang for Dasha’s Birthday
Range of Torres wines
Vibrant restaurant interior
La Vinoteca outdoor garden
My Brunch today – cooking segment
Chef Zablon on the go
Micro Herbs
Don’t forget to register your feedback and LOVE here
35 of the finest Torres wines from Spain, America & Chile
The Birthday Gang
The very beautiful birthday girl
Happiness is seeing your Birthday plate entering the party hall
Bring on the Cake Mary
Happiness is seeing your Birthday plate entering the party hall
Awards and Recognition for La Vinoteca Barcelona
Stairway to Nature
My favorite girls Daisy and Mary
Sometimes big trends come on small plates..Birthday brownie with chocolate mousse
We could finally manage to get one right
A look upstairs at the smoking lounge
Love the view from here
Photography – Food on Wood
About, DécorAs my appreciation and interest in food photography began to grow, I looked for ways to get better. One thing I realized was how important the presentation of the entire picture was.
Aged wood backgrounds really bring character to a food photograph. They seem to have an incredibly weathered look that’s capable of taking an ordinary bowl of mac & cheese and making it look insanely sophisticated, elegant, and even rustic.
I had a job with a major client last week and they had this amazing wooden interior. Their modern design with wooden furniture, flooring and ceiling, wooden dining furniture and shelves not only enhanced my photographs, but also helped me get some magical clicks!
Are you thinking about creating a wooden background for yourself to take food pictures on? Well, if you happen to be a DIY person (or know someone) then I highly recommend building your own reversible food photography table top.
I also recommend investing in a set of Lowel EGO lights. They give off a nice soft light that will elevate your photo quality even more.
Manuka Bahrain – Making life a little leafier and a little sweeter
Events & Experiences, Travel and FoodMy 7th visit to a bakery store, (and a Botanical Salad Bar this time around) at Manuka Bahrain and it is better than ever. In fact, I ate one of my best sweet treats in 2017 so far. Manuka’s head chef Dilli and his merry band have put the bakery and salad bar in a great spot and I think this team are flying right now. The execution is 100% on-point, fully realising the wholesome, hearty, belly-thumping treats of Manuka.
The Entrance to the Botanical Salad Bar & Bakery
I was in there for Friday evening coffee with my friends Pieter and Sandra and were greeted by Hassan, one of the owners of Manuka. I was welcomed with their signature and all time favorite ”The Pistasha” (Pistachio and rose cookie). Things I absolutely loved (at first sight) about the place was it’s engraved rose wall interior that adds a unique character and elegance to the place and the meld of plants, wood, jute and bamboo that connects a natural aesthetic appeal to the place.
Gorgeous Manuka designed Coffee takeaway cups will perk you up immediately
As for eats, they had some amazing bakes in their menu, some of the must try items in their menu are the pistachio and rose cookie, nutella donut, chocolate cornflake crunch, honeycomb chocolate crunchy bars, and calling all coffee lovers..you’ve got to try their Cappuccino and Americano. (Loved the gorgeous Manuka designed coffee takeaway cups, adds some fun!)
Just look, and try to take in the beauty of this hypnotising river of smooth, lustrously luscious pink creamy frosting..sorry it’s half eaten!
Moist, chocolaty perfection. This is the chocolate cake you’ve been dreaming of!
Great selection of Cookie Jars sweeten their countertop
Move over cupcakes, there’s a new trend in town! Mini cakes are making a big statement on today’s dessert tables
Some more treats – Chocolate covered Honeycomb crunchie bars
Espresso Cookies – Looks like all you coffee lovers out there might want to give this one a try
Hello donut lovers!! Nutella Donuts with Nutella Glaze
Chocolate Cornflake Crunch – Our childhood favourite, with a grown-up, healthier twist. Surprising things you can do with cereal
My companion this week..this classic red velvet beauty
The engraved rose wall interior adds a unique character and elegance to the place
Just look at these lovely little take away boxes
Get to know your options!!
Amazing salad joint! Fresh, healthy, friendly, bright
A fundamental offering on the salad bar is the black rice aka the forbidden rice, a rarity in the food world. You might be wondering what black rice is and where you can find it. Here is your place!
What makes this place even more special is the Botanical Salad Bar where you can build your own salad. The salad bar looked ample and appetizing, but we definitely had no room for anything beyond the sweet snacks and coffee. So I decided to take a quick look at the options (for my review). Some of the exciting choices which make Manuka’s salad bar unique are the forbidden rice (aka black rice), wrapped vine leaves, green papaya and water-chestnuts. Next time I Visit Manuka, I will make sure to leave some space in my tummy to stuff in those greens.
So if you are looking for a fresh, healthy, friendly, bright location then this could be the place for you! For this much quality and beauty on the plate, it will be worth every penny.
Pure Baking, Pure Class. Take me back to Manuka!
Details
Manuka Bahrain, Botanical Salad Bar & Bakery
Open everyday
Jamal Al Deen Afghani Ave, Muharraq, Bahrain
(+973) 32111191-17003232
Timings: Sunday-Thursday : 4 pm – 10 pm Friday- Saturday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Instagram @manuka.bh
Some more pictures and notes from my review below.
My welcome Cookie…such a treat to feel welcomed
Perfect for any celebration, it’s moist and fudgy and will keep well for 4-5 days. Let me tell you I’m drooling right now!
Another central ingredient on the salad bar are these little bites of heaven! A great vegetarian appetizer made from tender vine leaves wrapped into little rolls and stuffed with rice and fresh herbs
Pistachio and rose cookies
Their signature and all time favorite ”The Pistasha”
Outside the entrance to the Botanical Salad Bar & Bakery
Nutella Donuts with Nutella Glaze
These healthy Oatmeal Cookies will feed your sweet tooth without sending you overboard into sugar land
Lovely break time treats
Get to know your options!!
The best of the best and an all time favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made with Love Cookies
Mixed Salad Greens
The Salad Galore
Some more colors and nutrition for your Salad
Beautiful from wall to ceiling – the bakery gets a gorgeous makeover with a sweeping bamboo canopy that feels cozy and private without being closed off.
I love this room divider.
The very courteous and camera-shy staff, Jackie.
Mini black forest cake and mini chocolate mousse cake – I absolutely LOVE everything miniature and was so happy to receive all the information about this new trend
The glass shelves of the bakery are always filled with miniature desserts ready to be picked up by visitors
Don’t just hand your cards and tips out – DROP THEM!
Here’s a peek at what we’re making!
Manuka’s adorable, and organised kitchen
The must-have Baking essentials
A peek into a baker’s kitchen
Gastronorm racks aka Bakery Trolley
We cut open a baker’s refrigerator to learn what it looks like inside!
The ever smiling Chef Dilli from Nepal preparing his honeycomb
Café Amsterdam – Enjoying the Summer Sunshine in Bahrain
Décor, Events & Experiences, Travel and FoodLocated in Adliya alongside its sister restaurant La Vinoteca Barcelona, Café Amsterdam is based in a cozy and cute Dutch canal-style building reminiscent of the back streets of Amsterdam. The european architecture shouldn’t mislead you, this restaurant is located in the bohemian neighborhood in Manama, Bahrain.
In the heart of Bahrain’s fine dining neighbourhood, Café Amsterdam’s menu is built on modern European and New American cuisine. The menu includes innovative gastronomic creations, decadent desserts and original beverages. The award-winning Café Amsterdam offers a dining and nightlife experience under one roof with a sleek, state-of-the-art lounge, a bright and spacious glass conservatory and a lovely garden for al fresco dining.
Begin the day with breakfast in the light filled conservatory, lunch in the lofty dining room, after work in the snug and dinner on the expansive balcony overlooking the garden. Plus, catch all your favorite games in the sleek sports lounge!
I had my 9th brunch at Café Amsterdam, whose kitchen is now purring along at a consistently high standard. Stand-out dishes at this outing were dazzling Barley Salad, Risotto al Pesto with cream pesto sauce, parmesan cheese and charcoal grilled chicken and their Passionfruit Cheesecake. A technically demanding (for heat in the summer) pineapple, coconut cream and kiwi mocktail ”Prince of the Middle East” was superb.
Buzzing at nighttime with regular live music events in their garden area, this is the perfect venue to enjoy a fantastic atmosphere and unwind with friends. So whenever you feel a craving for a true Dutch experience, you know your place in Bahrain.
The entrance from inside the restaurant
Wanderlusting: contemporary restaurant design, so bright & pretty
With its wooden panelling and beautiful orange bricks, this interior gives a very welcoming image of the place.
Restaurant or Gallery? Art is served up
The European Landmarks
The Mesmerising Fireplace
My favorite click – Loving the wall mirror
Up the stairs to the bar
The live music section in the restaurant by the railing for best views
Enjoying my healthy Barley Salad with pearl barley mango salsa and thai dressing and my Prince of the Middle East (Mocktail) by Bartender Tanmay
My main course – Risotto al Pesto with cream pesto sauce, parmesan cheese and charcoal grilled chicken by Chef Rahul
My Dessert – Passion fruit cheesecake by Pastry Chef Ajith
Full of modern elegance, Café Amsterdam’s design and decor is a tasteful combination of cozy-chic art-deco reminiscent of the late 1920s period.
Family-friendly Friday Brunch at Cafe Amsterdam
Checking the chicken for my risotto. This was my first attempt with charcoal. The flavor was exactly what I had imagined: smoky
It was another hugely successful day with brilliant, tasty & professional looking food. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.
The Entrance
Citi Fact Dining Awards for Best International Restaurant in Bahrain
The pretty reception area, beautiful combo of color and elegance
The fashionable interior
The restaurant has a seperate smoking area
Looking for a full bar service rather than just a bartender? Samson left, Laxman right
People
Cheerful Laxman pouring beer for a client
Taking really great food photos can be tougher than it looks
My main course – Risotto al Pesto with cream pesto sauce, parmesan cheese and charcoal grilled chicken
My Salad – Barley Prawn Salad with pearl barley mango salsa and thai dressing
My Mocktail – Prince of the Middle East made with pineapple, coconut cream, coconut syrup, mint leaves, kiwi and pomegranate seeds
Some extra shots
The very energetic kitchen & serving crew
Making crumble with Chef Suraj
Learning the method for how to fire grill chicken breasts.
Chef Rahul taught me how to make this grilled chicken for rissoto
Got some ideas from Ryan (Restaurant Manager, Cafe Amsterdam)
The DJ section of the restaurant
Restaurant view from the bar upstairs
The railings had the most beautiful floral arrangements of colors.
Great spot. If you want a drink and some privacy, try the comfy couches across from the bar upstairs.
The railings had the most beautiful floral arrangements of colors.
Up the stairs to the bar
Wanderlusting: contemporary restaurant design, so bright & pretty
Full of modern elegance, Café Amsterdam’s design and decor is a tasteful combination of cozy-chic art-deco reminiscent of the late 1920s period.
Restaurant or Gallery? Art is served up
The European Landmarks
The Mesmerising Fireplace
Bold, vibrant colors are stunningly applied in the restaurant
Restaurant Info
- Private space for Reading
- Live Music
For booking & info: Call 0097317007404
Website: http://www.cafeamst.com/
Instagram: @cafeamsterdam
Facebook: CafeAmsterdamBH
Hashtag: #cafeamsterdambh
Restaurant Hours
Sunday: 12pm-2am
Monday: 12pm-2am
Tuesday: 12pm-2am
Wednesday: 12pm-2am
Thursday: 12pm-2am
Friday: 8am-2am
Saturday: 8am-2am
Restaurant Menu 
Instagram Famous – Get Reposted by Big Brands
AboutOne of the fastest ways to grow your Instagram following is to be reposted or tagged in photos posted by brands or accounts with lots of followers. While there isn’t exactly a go-to “recipe” for getting reposted, there are plenty of things you can do that aren’t too time-consuming to improve your chances! Follow these steps and you’ll be reposted in no time.
Research The Types Of Photos They Repost
Reposted by Vapiano
Let’s be honest. If you’re trying to get reposted by a brand who has never once reposted another user’s content, your chances of getting reposted are slim to none. Notice this when you’re creating a “wish list” of brands that you’d love to get reposted by. Do they post user-generated content? If so, what type of content is it? Simple? Flat-lays? Scenic? Bright? Moody? Notice what they tend to repost, and try to emulate this style in the image you plan on tagging them.
Do Something Different With Their Product Or Space
While you want to ensure that your photo matches their style, you’ll also want to make it stand out. Big brands get tagged by dozens or even hundreds of users each day, so your photo will need to stand out from the rest. Try taking the photo from a different angle, add a fun holiday or themed twist to the photo, or try something completely new! They’ll love seeing your creativity and how you use their brand in real life.
@mention, Tag, & Use Their Branded Hashtags
When creating a post that you plan to tag the brand in, make sure you tag them in the photo, @mention them in the caption (if applicable), and use their branded hashtags. Most brands have their hashtags listed in their Instagram bio, but if you can’t find them there, search their most recent posts to get some ideas. For example, if we wanted to tag Urban Outfitters in an outfit flat lay, we would tag and @mention BOTH @urbanoutfitters and @uoarizona (since we’re in AZ) and use one or more of their branded hashtags, depending on the content of our photo: #UOonYou, #UOHome, #UOBeauty, #UOOnCampus, or #UOMusic (there’s tons more, too).
Don’t Post Photos That Include Competing Brands
This is something that everyone seems to overlook. If you were hoping to be reposted by Trader Joe’s and just tagged your pumpkin scone mix (it’s amazing BTW) in your breakfast flat lay next to syrup from Sprouts, Trader Joe’s probably wouldn’t care to repost your photo simply because they are tagged in the same photo at their competition. Choose your tags wisely!
Reposted by Radisson Blu
Have A Well-Branded Feed, So That When Brands DO Repost, You’ll Get More Followers!
If Trader Joe’s were to repost your previously mentioned breakfast photo and all your other photos have to do with the outdoors, their followers probably wouldn’t care to follow you if they came across your profile. However, if your other photos also incorporated pretty food or recipe pictures, then they might be more inclined! Stay branded on Instagram (tips to do so here), and you’ll be golden.
The first step in having an amazing Instagram account is to have a strategy in place! If you’re wondering how to develop the perfect strategy, sign up for our first ever online class, Branding Your Instagram and Perfecting Your Grid! You’ll be rockin’ your grid in no time!
Courtesy Bloguettes
Photography By Sanchali 