It's been undoubtedly one of our busiest month yet. We're halfway through the month of May and we already had my in-laws visiting, celebrated Toddler's 3rd birthday for pretty much an entire week. Husband has been tied up at work putting out fires left and right and now we're getting ready to visit my mum while he gears up for a work trip.
Below is a recap of my favourite things this month.
Throwing a pool party
What better way to cool down and escape the soaring temperatures? For Toddler's birthday bash we got friends together in the morning, made sure there was enough shade and sun cream and pool toys.
We also stocked up on plenty of ice, drinks and snacks. I managed to hire a live shawarma station from the compound, which was a huge hit with both the kids and parents. Since then we've been spending most afternoons and weekends by the poolside, putting the floaties and beach balls to good use.
Trying Bahraini Food at Villa Mamas
Another fab spot in Bujairi Terrace, Villa Mamas has exceptional food, gorgeous interiors and great service. At first glance the menu looks chaotic with a mix of Bahraini/Regional dishes and Western food like pasta or chicken tenders on there, but everything we tried was delicious. We shared a lamb and rice dish called mozat laham, while the kids were happily working their way through a penne mountain. This wasn't actually as much a mountain as a hill, however it tasted divine. Next time we're in the area I make sure to pick up a jar of their signature green chilli sauce as well.
Strolling around the Ritz Carlton
The first time we drove past the Ritz I actually thought it was a Royal Palace.
It's one of the grandest, most gorgeous commercial buildings I have ever been in. Allegedly their brunch buffet is legendary, but unfortunately we didn't have time to stick around to try it so we made do with beautiful pasta dishes at the Italian restaurant next to the pool.
Signing up for Aura Mena and creating a Modest Summer Capsule Wardrobe
I found out about this app recently and I love it! It compiles offers from a variety of stores so I can get discounts and earn points while refreshing my Summer wardrobe. I still haven't mastered dressing for the weather and also keeping in line with the customs around modesty, but I have invested in a few stylish key pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. I can finally confidently leave my abayas at home when I don't feel like wearing one. Don't get me wrong, I love a nice abaya as much as anyone, but sometimes it's nice to mix it up and modest dressing is a whole new world waiting to be discovered.
Bonus: Driving around Riyadh
If you've ever seen the traffic around here you must think I'm insane, but I finally got my driver's license and can legally get out on the road and drive. It gives me a sense freedom and security at the same time. Knowing that I no longer have to depend on others to take me to places feels amazing. I still like to be ferried around on occasion though, but lately whenever Husband and I go somewhere together, I'm the driver.
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