tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60016928095054279082024-02-19T19:42:38.630+04:00 Daydream LivingDaydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-82987036875062101522013-11-07T18:29:00.003+04:002013-11-08T10:42:25.351+04:00So long, farewell, auf wieder sehen, adieu..... It's time for a Change!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">*</span><u style="color: #666666;">Warning</u><span style="color: #666666;">: if you suffer from long post syndrome, please step away from this one, thank you</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">*</span><span style="color: #666666;">.</span></b></span><br />
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<i>Before I start....</i><br />
<i>How many of you were actually reading the title with the Sound of Music melody in mind?</i><br />
<i>It's ok, I will not tell a soul...</i><br />
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Okidoki.... Where to begin?<br />
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How does one find the words for a last post?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #741b47;">*Yep, this is my last post in Blogger*</span></b><br />
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Although I always will be grateful that Blogger has given me the platform to blab away, all for free,<br />
it is time for a change.<br />
<br />
How easy it was to start my blog 3 years ago....<br />
Simply follow the instructions...<br />
How foolish I was...<br />
<br />
This little blog of mine was just a place where I could give my many dancing thoughts a home.<br />
But it was the technical part that was giving me a headache!<br />
Writing was simple, but how I had to put the pictures right in the middle or adjust the blog to have a fancier outfit? That was all new to me.<br />
But I liked Blogger, still do. So I explored Blog Land where I have met so many friendly people. Genuine kind souls and uplifting women. And so many were living the same kind of <strike>crazy</strike> normal lifestyle we do!<br />
So I am super glad I have started Daydream Living!<br />
And what makes my smile grow even bigger, is that my blog does not have a gazillion readers, but the people who <i>are</i> reading it, for the most part they are still the same people since 2010!<br />
I connected with strangers and made friends.<br />
<br />
Still, I have two reasons for leaving Blogger.<br />
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<b>*Numero uno:</b><br />
Behind the scenes, I am planning and working on another project for a while now....<br />
<br />
Yep, besides moving to a new country with one husband and two girls,<br />
arranging our surprise legal signing in Amsterdam while living in Switzerland,<br />
dealing with some big family problems back home,<br />
cancelling our wedding in Amsterdam 2 months before the date,<br />
and planning our wedding celebration for the last 11 months here in Dubai,<br />
I thought, Why Not?<br />
Let's start something new!<br />
<br />
Call me crazy.<br />
But crazier things have happened to me and when a good idea pops into my head,<br />
I smile and start taking notes. Cause the Universe has a plan, I believe this for real.<br />
So why argue about timing, right?<br />
I will talk about this new project soon, I promise.<br />
<br />
So, since I like to keep my thoughts and projects all in the same household,<br />
I have decided to move my blog to a WordPress hosted site of my own.<br />
<br />
<b>*Numero dos:</b><br />
Daydream Living belongs to the Google family, which is one of my favourite families.<br />
But.... <i>(there is always a But....)</i><br />
This little blog, my little corner in the world wide web, is something that is mine.<br />
My words. My thoughts. My views and 98 % of the photo's are mine as well.<br />
And when me and my daughter came up with the word combination Daydream Living in 2010, there wasn't another blog with the same name, (besides the one from a man and his airplane love who had closed down his site). Nowadays there are a couple sites with the same name and they are not mine, nor do I have anything to do with them or do I want to. But I can see how it confuses people.<br />
<br />
I want it to really be mine.<br />
Without having to think that it will be shutdown by Google, or due to someone's trigger happy finger on a 'delete' button.... it has happened to other bloggers, just poof...<br />
a whole blog, years of words and photo's..... everything just gone....<br />
I literally would cry.<br />
Loud and Long.<br />
With Snot dripping and believe me...<br />
Not a pretty sight...<br />
Nobody wants to see snot running from my nose, so to take matters into my own hands,<br />
I contacted Brandi.<br />
<br />
<i>(Now, if this was a movie, the music would swell up and you would sit up straight).</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.brandibernoskie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">Brandi Bernoskie</span></a>.<br />
<br />
She is the one who I <strike>begged</strike> asked for help, since my technical part is not working at will or randomly.<br />
And she said Yes! I did a Happy Dance and she promised to hold my hand.<br />
She did and she still does.<br />
<br />
So, as of Monday next week, you can stop by for a drink or two at my old/new .com place:<br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.daydreamlivingblog.com/">www.daydreamlivingblog.com</a></span></span></div>
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This is what I learned in Thailand this summer: <i>'same same, but different'.</i><br />
That is the lovely part of this, my name stays the same but you have to add 'blog' behind it.<br />
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With Brandi helping me along the new road in WordPress hosted country, my old/new blog still needs some decoration, some fresh & fruity Maureen words AND... hold on to your panties....<br />
there might even be a photo of me on it.... I honestly don't like seeing myself on photo's so fingers crossed the photo's work out fine.<br />
<br />
I also have plenty to share about our 2 day wedding celebration from 2 weeks ago.<br />
It was great! Twists and all!<br />
<br />
I start over at the WP family as of this Monday, <i>the eleventh day of the eleventh month</i>.<br />
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Yep, the crazy day some will say.<br />
11 is the crazy number and guess which words have 11 letters in them?<br />
English: crazynumber<br />
Dutch: gekkengetal<br />
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So, that's settled then. In both languages.<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>*Big virtual hugs to all my old readers!*</b></span><br />
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See you soon!<br />
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<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
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<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Starting on my own </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">from 11/11/2013 on:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.daydreamlivingblog.com/">www.daydreamlivingblog.com</a></span></b></div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-11132982965728930972013-10-17T02:40:00.000+04:002013-11-07T18:42:57.050+04:00Behind the scenes...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-20526134329682559572013-08-25T21:26:00.000+04:002013-08-25T21:30:42.449+04:00From me, To you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
* Warning: this is a good old fashion long post again, just so you know....<br />
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<b><i>Time</i></b><br />
The beginning of August already, time flies again so fast!<br />
What have I been up to all this time?<br />
<br />
Well, there were some not so nice real life issues and some fun issues. Like I always say, my life feels like a roller coaster ride....<br />
Up and Down we go. When it is the right time, I will share some more what's going on behind the scene's.<br />
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For those of you who are also on <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/daydreamliving/" target="_blank"><i>Instagram</i></a> with me, you know a little where I have been. <br />
But if you are not or new on this blog, here is a quick update and Welcome!<br />
(<i>Photo's</i> <i>on</i> <i>the</i> <i>bottom, I'm typing with one finger on my phone so please bear this lay-out!)</i><br />
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</i><i><b>Summer</b></i><br />
Since my girls started their long 11 weeks Summer break from school half of June, we have divided our time between staying home in Dubai for the first 3 weeks, filling time with goodbye parties,<br />
last minute birthday parties, all not simultaneously of course and some pj mornings. <br />
Dubai is really hot and sticky in the Summer, so we stayed more inside then out.<br />
<br />
Then we were off together with Sweetheart, to be with our families in Amsterdam.<br />
In between we took the super speedy train to Paris for a great 5 day stay, together with his sister and her family. And one can't go to Paris and not stop to visit Mickey & Friends, so we hopped to Eurodisney as well. We all really enjoyed this trip!<br />
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After this, another week filled to the top in Amsterdam for us girls while Sweetheart had to fly back and forth for work and then back home to Dubai for a short work/back home stop.<br />
Are you still reading? Good!<br />
<br />
After flying to Europe and flying back to the Middle East, our little foursome stepped on another plane, to Asia, for our FQTT.<br />
(Family Quality Time Together), a.k.a. family holiday.<br />
<br />
And that brings me to were we are now, in Thailand. The first time for all of us and it is a beautiful country with so many friendly people. By the way, we have seen more animals, small and big, in the last couple of days then in one year living in Dubai. We even have... wait for it... Rain!<br />
Yep, real rain showers and we don't care, since rain is scarce in Dubai.<br />
Hot drops falling from the sky, beautiful!<br />
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<i><b>Grateful</b></i><br />
So why am I blogging in the middle of our FQTT, in the early hours on my iPhone?<br />
<br />
Well, first, I have wifi now, so better make use of this. It can disappear any moment again.<br />
Second, we have a hard time getting into this time zone, so the nights feel more as early evenings.<br />
<br />
But most of all, I am grateful for my readers! For the people who come here to read my blog.<br />
Some of you are reading along since I started in 2010. How cool is that!<br />
<br />
In four days, on August 5th, I'm marking my third year of blogging, whoop whoop!!<br />
3 years of sharing bits of my life with like minded people and making friends along the way. If you could see me now, a Grateful, happy, smiling Maureen here people!<br />
So yes, I am a lucky girl to have such lovely people coming here still and some new faces as well.<br />
<br />
I can see how many clicks there are on my blog, even though my blogging has been sooo slow these last couple of months. (I might have to chance my name to Snail Living or so).<br />
Still, there are people hopping by to read. And my commenting system is sometimes not working and sometimes it does. No clue why or how, but for now it is not relevant.<br />
<br />
Just seeing people still coming by to check, {<i>what the heck happened to Maureen?!</i> },<br />
I'm really grateful about that!<br />
So if you are one of my Daydream Living readers, Thank You So Much!<br />
And know this, there are more posts coming!<br />
<br />
Ok, time to make some much needed tea. Or better yet, go to sleep, it's really late here now. <br />
Enjoy the Summer or Winter, depending where you are.<br />
I will chat soon some more but like I said before, change is coming. <br />
<br />
Over and out, with a smile, from me to you,<br />
<br />
Maureen <br />
xx<br />
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** To see more photo's please visit me on Instagram, @daydreamliving. **<br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-43997295469533241042013-07-01T13:00:00.002+04:002013-08-25T21:30:51.925+04:00Testing / Bloglovin / Comments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1923261/?claim=reezp7bthkv" target="_blank">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span><br />
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<br />
Hi, just testing some technical things here.<br />
<br />
Seems that today is the day to start reading blogs elsewhere, so to keep reading future posts,<br />
please click on the right button to start reading Daydream Living on Bloglovin.<br />
<br />
Also, not unimportant, the comment button isn't working as it should be, still don't see why,<br />
but I am working on that too.<br />
<br />
Bye Bye!<br />
Maureen<br />
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<br />
*TESTING 1-2-3*<br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-50912631448286533052013-06-29T00:45:00.002+04:002013-08-25T21:32:08.421+04:00An enormous gigantic....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
....silence.<br />
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yes, that's what I hear, entering my little blog.<br />
<br />
<i>An enormous gigantic silence....</i><br />
<br />
But sometimes that is a good thing,<br />
silence...<br />
At least this one is.<br />
It's a good silence.<br />
<br />
You see, there are times,<br />
like these past weeks,<br />
that, no matter what you promise yourself,<br />
there just isn't enough time in the day to sit down<br />
and share what is going on here, behind the scenes....<br />
<br />
Blogging on this lovely little corner of mine,<br />
has taken a big step back.<br />
but,<br />
there are reasons for all this silence...<br />
<br />
By the end of a full day, I stop and think of what to share here,<br />
but I simply fall a sleep...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzXQ7rJS8vzFGHsDoPvi_ZzhQpAr84rUhztMqOlF1QwXTKxsjwcBlWCCAlieAkdeQ8qnJIl1zhB4Ui4XpvMFjL4Dexkb99w9VUObustGZcb46eC6-nei3-WUGhebqfAvihOM4xN0AuCVy/s640/blogger-image-310585864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzXQ7rJS8vzFGHsDoPvi_ZzhQpAr84rUhztMqOlF1QwXTKxsjwcBlWCCAlieAkdeQ8qnJIl1zhB4Ui4XpvMFjL4Dexkb99w9VUObustGZcb46eC6-nei3-WUGhebqfAvihOM4xN0AuCVy/s640/blogger-image-310585864.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our blank living room wall, waiting for the next step....</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I can say this though...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I love to blog and will come back</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">in a not too long distance from today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But behind the scenes, my daily life at the moment needs my full attention,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">right here, right now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All is well, most of the time, but focus is needed,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so when the dust is more settled, I will explain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like our blank living room wall, which is patiently waiting for a change,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">change will come too for this little blog of mine,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">yes it will...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And when it does, I hope you are here reading along,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">because the old chatty Maureen is still here, no worries,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but if I could tape another 24 hours after the end of the week,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take care, embrace these summer days with your loved ones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and I will shout when I am back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maureen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-6938660249210886832013-05-18T23:31:00.002+04:002013-08-25T21:32:18.557+04:00The start of Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone!<br />
<br />
Quick Hello from me to you here in Blogland.<br />
<br />
The weather here in Dubai is getting hotter everyday and the temps are not to take lightly.<br />
<br />
We have passed the 40 celsius since last week. And this is nothing to what is coming in Summer..... <br />
<br />
For me, besides planning for our wedding celebration in October and daily real life issues, I have a feeling of anticipation...<br />
<br />
The start of something new and exciting is always a great feeling and soon I can share what my brain came up with this time! Hope you are still reading along.<br />
<br />
So, for all of my readers who are still or again dealing with rain and cold, this Sunny photo is for you.<br />
<br />
Hope it will brighten up your day!<br />
<br />
In the mean time, you can follow more daily pictures on my Instagram @daydreamliving<br />
or down below {see bottom of the blog}.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have a good weekend!<br />
<br />
<br />
Maureen<br />
Xx<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSB_1JnYZoNN7zUJAAp17iAau6rL5mlUjAKQPa2EGIbpQzbGe6-5Yv4CLxA39-tDJamD0FOECPWLXkY3Ne5EjVedDTgqu3hAaTzXWHKhQ68AyI16fkcU1R5e-xlsyKYZXfqnqmHjoH1aQ/s640/blogger-image-2143353216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSB_1JnYZoNN7zUJAAp17iAau6rL5mlUjAKQPa2EGIbpQzbGe6-5Yv4CLxA39-tDJamD0FOECPWLXkY3Ne5EjVedDTgqu3hAaTzXWHKhQ68AyI16fkcU1R5e-xlsyKYZXfqnqmHjoH1aQ/s640/blogger-image-2143353216.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun umbrella / Parasol from Dutch brand Kitch Kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-39114511544687048912013-04-28T17:25:00.002+04:002013-05-18T23:38:37.834+04:00the C for Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAoxpig7xS2GOWIYCTE1BwDgOjvGO4UlU3iRiVV-Q8gkkCiu4isvZyEit5iNzy_JpGqXPboXjfOb4418snSQvW0DKvRvq5bc5AfR39KNy5gLna2UtCYcxV8ExEU0iN3d3orYwDko-4H7j/s1600/mirror+dubai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAoxpig7xS2GOWIYCTE1BwDgOjvGO4UlU3iRiVV-Q8gkkCiu4isvZyEit5iNzy_JpGqXPboXjfOb4418snSQvW0DKvRvq5bc5AfR39KNy5gLna2UtCYcxV8ExEU0iN3d3orYwDko-4H7j/s640/mirror+dubai.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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And just like that!<br />
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It has been 3 weeks and 2 days since I wrote on my own little blog.<br />
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It feels like I left the house to buy some fresh bread and milk and came back three weeks later.</div>
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Totally not planned to stay away that long!</div>
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This reminds me of the time we literally did the unplanned,</div>
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<i>'we-are-going-on-holiday-and-never-come-back' </i>move.<br />
Did I ever tell you that story already? </div>
<div>
How we moved to Switzerland from one day to another,</div>
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while being on holiday and me being 8 months pregnant? </div>
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Mmmh, will have to share that story in another post.</div>
<div>
It's just how our life rolls.<br />
<br /></div>
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Now, can you believe we are here in sunny Dubai already for eight whole months! </div>
<div>
And ask me how much time I spend in a gym....<br />
I think about it daily, does that count?<br />
<br />
In the mean time,<br />
behind the scenes I am writing, just in drafts, just some thoughts....<br />
Change is coming for my little blog.<br />
My little corner, here in Blogland which I still love, but have neglected lately.<br />
That has to change, so behind the scenes I'm working on it.<br />
Hope you will be there when it is time for show and tell?<br />
<br />
Speaking of change, I still haven't showed you around our newest home.<br />
I only have 2 Iphone pictures to share, showing the living room via the mirror in our hallway.<br />
When I have my new computer, which can hold my many pictures without crashing,<br />
I can start showing some more photo's. Because this oldie is almost dying on me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSfLMqZDUzDnjNt1e3ozbU0Tq4AMm3cPp9DEQDhG3gce6UHbtXVu_m5pb3ISw0vYwWVqdqPuP8DmlFWSGUvUK4OVWnvTB2eAKQyBfmeZwZ7ZY4HcE0D_HG-RcEJu9iYmZv1yKMhWFkCm0/s1600/hallway+dubai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSfLMqZDUzDnjNt1e3ozbU0Tq4AMm3cPp9DEQDhG3gce6UHbtXVu_m5pb3ISw0vYwWVqdqPuP8DmlFWSGUvUK4OVWnvTB2eAKQyBfmeZwZ7ZY4HcE0D_HG-RcEJu9iYmZv1yKMhWFkCm0/s1600/hallway+dubai.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our newest nest is another apartment and this time we didn't choose the small size.</div>
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(in Switzerland we downsized half the size after 3 years, that's also another story to share).<br />
No, this time we ended up with a 250 square meter open floor plan apartment.<br />
It's light and modern with two great views and six (6!) areas where one can take a pee...<br />
I know.... That's the Dubai style, I guess....<br />
<br />
Although in Texas we also had 4 toilets....<br />
Our second home in Switzerland had one (1!) toilet and our family bathroom was so small,<br />
that I could touch both sides of the walls when I opened my arms.<br />
For real.<br />
<br />
Okay....enough toilet talk...<br />
<i>(Although I still have an old post in draft about my toilet visit in Lyon, France, </i><br />
<i>from two years ago. There they actually have a Toilet Store....)</i><br />
See, so many things still to share here!<br />
<br />
More importantly is that here we feel<br />
At Home.<br />
<br />
Although it's funny that people are always surprised when they see how big this apartment is.<br />
Somehow it is still in people's mind, that apartment living equals small.<br />
And small is not the norm here.<br />
But let me tell you something....<br />
<br />
It.doesn't.matter.how.big.your.space.is.<br />
<br />
Really, it doesn't.<br />
Home is literally where the heart is.<br />
Not, home is how big your house is.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
So we choose high rise apartment over big villa compound living. </div>
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Beach strolls over garden lounge.</div>
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Noise and traffic over quiet and further out.</div>
<div>
Tourists watching over neighbour watching.<br />
Why?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Because after five quiet years in a small and pretty but oh so quiet village in Switzerland,<br />
it was time for us city dwellers from Amsterdam to feel part of a city again. </div>
<div>
And if you know me personally or have been reading along for a while, </div>
<div>
you know that living near the sea was on my wish list.<br />
Remember my guest post I wrote for Reverie Daydream? <span style="font-size: x-small;">**</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
So we were very lucky to find this place.<br />
Living between the sea and the desert,<br />
I'm loving it!</div>
<div>
<br />
Yes, the C for Change.<br />
It's my only constant factor in this expat life of ours.<br />
<br />
See you soon,<br />
<br />
<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">** Click <a href="http://reverie-daydream.com/2011/09/wishful-thinking-guest-post-by-daydream-living/" target="_blank">{here}</a> to read my guest post for Reverie Daydream.</span><br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-35390313084551099762013-04-05T20:08:00.001+04:002013-04-05T20:08:36.161+04:00Lately<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeACxEfpSpXt8Z-myUnHJF9o5lQ5LFXYbcDdO6SwMhj4uECYW6SjM1mXbJStuefh65SLH-Kz1gx5ee1Sgb_hFIVXyjxB0KPDz6H0ooDbuQx8_XP_0mdw0aDl5v8XzrLhgX3HoTS3NBxzXQ/s1600/details+change+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeACxEfpSpXt8Z-myUnHJF9o5lQ5LFXYbcDdO6SwMhj4uECYW6SjM1mXbJStuefh65SLH-Kz1gx5ee1Sgb_hFIVXyjxB0KPDz6H0ooDbuQx8_XP_0mdw0aDl5v8XzrLhgX3HoTS3NBxzXQ/s640/details+change+2013.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-84052881543531399982013-02-19T09:43:00.000+04:002013-02-19T15:26:47.723+04:00white and a bit of colour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1EMuFlobJpj5re7lYOmJ6a1f7Gn16ex8K4ALhHL7-HuaIGszSYuS6j2jUIb1ITu2DNBZV0Tt8s0n8lQmqAmCQ3ew8Lc_MGWt6fzUvlWqADBxwUCZXuKA7I34GoypvlRA59DZs1Md_0Ub/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1EMuFlobJpj5re7lYOmJ6a1f7Gn16ex8K4ALhHL7-HuaIGszSYuS6j2jUIb1ITu2DNBZV0Tt8s0n8lQmqAmCQ3ew8Lc_MGWt6fzUvlWqADBxwUCZXuKA7I34GoypvlRA59DZs1Md_0Ub/s640/IMG_6157.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Oh my good socks,</div>
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the days are moving waaaayyy too fast!</div>
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They are mostly filled with:</div>
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All things wedding related </div>
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<i>(yep, we are in full planning mode here already for our wedding celebration in October, </i></div>
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<i>right here in Dubai, more soon about this)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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&</div>
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All things how-to-make-your-house-a-home related</div>
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<i>(think new furniture and big empty walls, </i></div>
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<i>but I'm slowly but surely making this our 8th home, will show some photo's soon)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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&</div>
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All things kiddo's related </div>
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<i>(school activities and social lives)</i></div>
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&</div>
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All things lovely visitors related</div>
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<i>(so far every month, which is great but time flies more those days)</i></div>
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Yes...</div>
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I truly believe that time is flying too fast lately.</div>
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And what do our coloured sofa cushions in the photo have to do with this post?</div>
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Absolutely nothing.</div>
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I just wanted to show them to you, I have more photo's coming up soon of what this place looks like,</div>
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the place we call our (new) home. And we all love being here, so that's a good thing.</div>
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The cushions are inspiring me to paint one of the big empty walls in the living area,</div>
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so today I will see which paint colour is coming home with me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But first, I have a coffee catch-up date with a fellow blogger, <b><a href="http://www.lisaroy.ca/" target="_blank">Lisa</a>,</b> </div>
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who I have met last year when we moved here. We live in the same area, go figure!</div>
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Sweet<b> <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laura</a></b> introduced me to her, thanks again!</div>
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<i>(Who knows if we can meet in May? I happen to be in London then.)</i></div>
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Yes, meeting another blogger in real life is so fun.</div>
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I have met <b><a href="http://tsdailytreasures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tammy</a></b>, who lives in Kuwait, twice here in Dubai and we all loved her from the start!</div>
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<i>(and yes Tammy, the boxes in the hallway are gone, took your advice, cheers!)</i></div>
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So for now, I've got to love you and leave you,</div>
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thanks if you are still reading along, </div>
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see you soon!</div>
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Oh, and if you look on the bottom of my blog, there is an <b>Instagram slideshow </b></div>
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of photo's taken with my Iphone,</div>
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so you can have a peek into my daily things.</div>
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Bye for now!</div>
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Maureen</div>
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xx</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">* the linen cushions are from Zara Home Dubai *</span></i></div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-40388142230868217122013-02-09T19:34:00.001+04:002013-02-19T09:43:21.599+04:00{Soul food} nr. 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
We don't see things <br />
as they are...<br />
<br />
We see things<br />
as we are...<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
Enjoy this evening everyone.<br />
<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-35740872061518985942013-02-05T13:11:00.003+04:002013-04-29T00:48:47.252+04:00Influences<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
Conversation snippet from this week:<br />
<br />
<i>"If you were born a boy, you're name would be Charlie".</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Charlie?! Mmmh..... or Jibreel..... or Achmed!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Eh..... or Achmed....."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Almost 6 months we are living in Dubai now and our youngest daughter is talking about names we normally don't hear.<br />
She even pronouns the 'ch' in Achmed with a perfect accent.<br />
Amazing how fast adaption to a different environment can be.<br />
<br />
Dubai is a city filled with contradictions.<br />
Colours in interiors versus desert sand coloured houses.<br />
Very rich and very poor people walking the same streets.<br />
Bright lights, big city yet it maintains a small city feeling in so many neighbourhoods.<br />
The list is long and divers and it makes this city a vibrant place to be.<br />
I'm glad we are living here and soaking it all up!<br />
<br />
Our apartment is still in need of some more decoration, so when I headed to the bookstore this weekend,<br />
to by a present, I found a great book, full of inspiring photo's and texts.<br />
And you know when I like something, I like to share it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl84pDlY-vqRrTKzrvDLxwBb60vbKvYfneBjBTv3HEoUmb3YTI4BQ7x57bg7BD2RV-83wCofCvVzVRxHZ9HHxehBPWvKMjqciWw8it_oVSIr7nSOiweZj4Uf1oOfRgl6HM8OtbPKOjDJC/s1600/marrakesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl84pDlY-vqRrTKzrvDLxwBb60vbKvYfneBjBTv3HEoUmb3YTI4BQ7x57bg7BD2RV-83wCofCvVzVRxHZ9HHxehBPWvKMjqciWw8it_oVSIr7nSOiweZj4Uf1oOfRgl6HM8OtbPKOjDJC/s640/marrakesh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Marrakech by Design is filled with colours. But even a white interior lover like myself have to say,<br />
I really like this book! It gave me great inspiration to combine with my white interior, so I bought it as well. It's filled with great decorating tips and how to's. I already changed some small things around here, that's how inspired I am. And the beautiful photo's give you a peek inside homes filled with Morrocan styles.<br />
You can also go to Maryam's blog, <a href="http://www.moroccanmaryam.typepad.com/" target="_blank">My Marrakech</a>, her online store <a href="http://www.redthreadsouk.com/" target="_blank">Red Thread Souk</a>,<br />
or visit her boutique hotel in Marrakech if you always wanted to go there, <a href="http://peacockpavilions.com/" target="_blank">Peacock Pavilions</a>.<br />
<br />
Yes, we are influenced already by some Arabian names, colours and styles.<br />
And that's how we roll lately, mixing it all up.<br />
Just the way I like it.<br />
<br />
See you soon!<br />
<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
<br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-90638721713749851412013-02-04T22:36:00.000+04:002013-02-04T22:39:51.468+04:00Beach morning in Dubai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE8280Wit1BdXtzdk8wUAF6IICsyLZgCnR9bkR7cztufW6TGPVEp-M5GAE-4ZB5bL_zA7pqdshB1JuCA33a6c7bovUkbqw_fprHLwMNs-YQTeVSBIoThE1G162XMMum_u0j7m6HBi95tg/s1600/IMG_5943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE8280Wit1BdXtzdk8wUAF6IICsyLZgCnR9bkR7cztufW6TGPVEp-M5GAE-4ZB5bL_zA7pqdshB1JuCA33a6c7bovUkbqw_fprHLwMNs-YQTeVSBIoThE1G162XMMum_u0j7m6HBi95tg/s640/IMG_5943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A very calm Arabian Gulf with a dusty horizon.<br />
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Empty hotel beach chairs, waiting for guests.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4LNQ22haDPhK7n7Uz0VVxJpnca9TimMIQaAJA8Wb2ytIHCBSY_Ik0MXRRGXlElA3DhbTtYAnLAAgQ_0p2sBaodGXfZPGdXa_LajfIubP8RM53hncxvZSwrVgCaJF3BISzWNzMplYITyJ/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4LNQ22haDPhK7n7Uz0VVxJpnca9TimMIQaAJA8Wb2ytIHCBSY_Ik0MXRRGXlElA3DhbTtYAnLAAgQ_0p2sBaodGXfZPGdXa_LajfIubP8RM53hncxvZSwrVgCaJF3BISzWNzMplYITyJ/s640/IMG_5949.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Prints from the local beach birds.<br />
<br />
<br />
Just 3 shots from the start of a day,<br />
on a beach in Dubai.<br />
<br />
More words tomorrow, but for now,<br />
sleep well dear blog readers.<br />
<br />
<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-78232220091194972062013-01-10T01:04:00.002+04:002013-01-10T01:11:38.326+04:00{Soul food} <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div>
The whole day I have a song in my head....</div>
<div>
It kept going over and over in my mind, do you have that too?</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>"Birds flying high... You know how I feel... Sun in the sky... You know how I feel..."</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's Feeling Good from Nina Simone.</div>
<div>
Such a great song to sing out loud while nobody is listening.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While I'm feeling good, I thought, that's me feeding my soul with something I like to do.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(I love to sing, but honestly, it's really crappy what I do.... I can not sing a perfect note to save my life).</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Soul feeding stuff.</b></div>
<div>
That's what this is.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It can be something small, like singing a song.</div>
<div>
Even seeing a gorgeous photo that will make you smile,</div>
<div>
or a friendly chat with someone on the street.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It doesn't really matter what it is, as long as you are feeling good,</div>
<div>
you are feeding your soul and giving yourself some positive energy.</div>
<div>
Cause let's face it, the world these days has already enough negative and disturbing energy as it is....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So some Soul Food posting will swing it's way some more again into my blog with simple photo's or quotes. </div>
<div>
I used to share more positive postings, like the one about That Special Word.</div>
<div>
Or the one about Spreading Kindness in New York City.</div>
<div>
And since I think we can never have to much <i>happy</i> in our lives, let's make some more!</div>
<div>
<br />
First up, <b>Soul Food nr. 1 - What is Love?</b></div>
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<div>
Yes, Love has many ways of showing itself.<br />
Caring is one part.<br />
Let's spread some Love people!</div>
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<div>
* If you want to listen to Nina's gorgeous song, click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8tuTSi6Sck" target="_blank">{here}</a></div>
<div>
* Read about a special word? click <a href="http://daydreamliving.blogspot.com/2011/09/one-special-word.html" target="_blank">{here}</a> </div>
<div>
* Watch how kindness is spread in NY city? click <a href="http://daydreamliving.blogspot.com/2011/10/spreading-kindness.html" target="_blank">{here}</a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
See you soon!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maureen</div>
<div>
xx</div>
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So </div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-66385903089469732552013-01-08T00:19:00.000+04:002013-01-08T08:22:36.099+04:00The first one this year... {cover your ears}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>**</b> {a real warning alert: do not continue reading if allergic to babbling}<b>**</b></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksxNV7BGeVRDeTxwjLBhNnZ-URSFSdeX54mhLeeWCdrKfLr4cJLJKUvhjDt7xx4ycdWAQlRSvXJ8Q5GZyyXUlR4T0ElF3k7eMcfYXaI1twXJORTZUjoGkDqUF2-YL-rDEi-T4Hamk5-as/s1600/dubai+welcome+hallway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksxNV7BGeVRDeTxwjLBhNnZ-URSFSdeX54mhLeeWCdrKfLr4cJLJKUvhjDt7xx4ycdWAQlRSvXJ8Q5GZyyXUlR4T0ElF3k7eMcfYXaI1twXJORTZUjoGkDqUF2-YL-rDEi-T4Hamk5-as/s640/dubai+welcome+hallway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #351c75;">{Better late...}</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Picture this...<br />
<br />
You walk into a party that started five hours ago and everyone is already chatting away and dancing their socks off.<br />
Guess who comes in late, with a <i>Happy</i> <i>New</i> <i>Year!</i><br />
And no one hears her or even replies back, because they're all having a good old time...<br />
<br />
Yep, that didn't happen to me, but I'm not five hours late, but 8 days late...<br />
I would bring it with a big smile on my face though, if you want I can even sing<br />
and do a big HNY dance with it?<br />
<br />
When is it too late to say these 3 words?<br />
Each one of them are perfectly fine to use separate from each other...<br />
Happy, as in <i>"Woohoo! I'm so Happy!"</i><br />
Or New, as in <i>"I need a New bag"</i><br />
Even Year would be in <i>"that happened last Year"</i><br />
Well, you get my point....<br />
<br />
If you are thinking,<i> "gosh Maureen, a bit late for this...."</i><br />
Yes, yes, I know....<br />
But hold on to your panties, because<br />
here is my too-late-but-well-meant-wish-for-you-all:<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Happy New Year!!</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">May it bring good health and lots of laughter!</span></b></i><br />
<br />
There.<br />
I said it.<br />
<br />
Hello? Anyone still reading?<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>{13 is the new...}</b></span><br />
<br />
13 is the new hot number this year!<br />
Why?<br />
Because this whole year we will be using it a lot.<br />
Even though no such number exists in elevators here in Dubai, I guess.<br />
Or number 26 for that matter.... <br />
<br />
I think its a cool number, 13, kind of a <i>"Here I am world, ha!"</i><br />
So this is my way of saying, Hello 2013!<br />
<br />
If only we could send out a letter to an official Year Office.<br />
The YO office, sounds even cooler.<br />
Like children do when they want a new toy (or baby brother), they have someone to send their letter to.<br />
You know who....<br />
<i>(No, not Voldemort.... please!)</i><br />
Santa Claus, of course.<br />
<br />
So if kiddo's can send out letters with wishes, why can't we?<br />
If it was possible, I would definitely write a New Years Letter to the YO.<br />
My letter would start with:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Hello Team YO 2013,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>A Happy New Year to you!</i></span> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know, so not original but effective right? )</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I hope you will be treating us as good as your colleagues did in 2012?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>They were really good to us and filled our year with lots of good surprises!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Health wise it would be really kind of you, if you could help my dad get </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>his strength back some more, </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">you see, 2012 wasn't doing a good job on that front, </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">so thanks in advance!</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Also, if not too much to ask, could you ease up with the rain in Holland? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Really appreciate it, thanks!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I will leave you alone now, I know how busy you guys are in the beginning of the year and all...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Take care now!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Maureen</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Mmmh...<br />
Perhaps I should stick with my daily prayers...<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #20124d;">{Anyhoo....}</span></b><br />
<br />
Are you still reading?<br />
I know I have to stop now, honestly, sometimes I can go on and on... talking I mean....<br />
Also I have to use the restroom (a.k.a. toilet), I know, totally not relevant to this post,<br />
but hey, this is what I would say to you if you where sitting next to me.<br />
<br />
So, Welcome to another fresh year of blogging the Maureen way!<br />
Where I sometimes talk a whole lot and sometimes not so much.<br />
<br />
okay, serious need for that restroom now...<br />
<br />
See you soon and thanks for reading along!<br />
<i>(oh, and if you are new to this blog: Hi! What's your name? Welcome to Daydream Living!)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
<br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-15754483853861868262012-12-29T02:12:00.001+04:002013-01-08T00:30:03.347+04:00The last one this year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
A couple of days, that's all there is left of this year,<br />
2012 is almost ending.<br />
<br />
We are on a whirlwind of a travelling tour,<br />
between Dubai, Amsterdam and Switzerland,<br />
so time is flying away even quicker these days!<br />
<br />
Visiting family and friends that's how our days are mostly filled.<br />
So our flip flops have been replaced by Uggs,<br />
because boy, it's wet and cold everywhere!<br />
<br />
But a warm apartment is waiting for us when we are back in Dubai<br />
in the new year, so the coats and woolly hats can take a loooong nap in a box!<br />
<i><br /></i>
As for you my dear blog reader, Thank You for reading along, and<br />
I wish you will have a lovely evening this coming New Year's Eve.<br />
<br />
We will salute 2012 goodbye and welcome 2013!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgCfc0W3DipTZkqHVYIazbnHqB756QBPG90Sa0VZ67DhuvNyt0kHjcdEwqZ-JZEkE5RFTUXTwDtbTWMU0R2U81TLA7huNlK4pkWjzWz24ilCEIbyJpOEggGUExuSauCWs_nb1KJmzJO-N/s640/blogger-image-317246350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgCfc0W3DipTZkqHVYIazbnHqB756QBPG90Sa0VZ67DhuvNyt0kHjcdEwqZ-JZEkE5RFTUXTwDtbTWMU0R2U81TLA7huNlK4pkWjzWz24ilCEIbyJpOEggGUExuSauCWs_nb1KJmzJO-N/s640/blogger-image-317246350.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window quote with reflection of Amsterdam </td></tr>
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Cheers and see you soon!</div>
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Maureen</div>
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xx</div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-87605763763331299622012-12-16T23:50:00.000+04:002013-01-07T19:13:10.274+04:00{keep believing}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIDHncECw3bW6EizRqS4-y-1WYf5DckAixSPIU0BBlTBtS6oRQQE_itopysTgU_zuB_Pd0kjYgDeQDTlNF51Im2ZqiNaVfkhmjNa8uYKRImcN7ndj03jiQyslAa3NLebxeGSOPoJhl-HM/s1600/believe.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIDHncECw3bW6EizRqS4-y-1WYf5DckAixSPIU0BBlTBtS6oRQQE_itopysTgU_zuB_Pd0kjYgDeQDTlNF51Im2ZqiNaVfkhmjNa8uYKRImcN7ndj03jiQyslAa3NLebxeGSOPoJhl-HM/s400/believe.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<i>Enough said....</i><br />
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Maureen<br />
xx<br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-72033739757514224242012-12-12T21:24:00.001+04:002012-12-12T23:32:44.805+04:00Twelve times three<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yes, years from today, we can say that we were here.<br />
On this special date, 12-12-12.<br />
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Not that today was anything special for me, but still....<br />
it's pretty cool to know that it will not happen again in our lifetime.<br />
Unless you are a vampire, of course, than this is nothing new to you....<br />
But since I'm a mortal and all, well.... pretty special number on the calender!<br />
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Anyhoo, I just wanted to pop in quickly this evening,<br />
to share with you that our upcoming wedding party in Amsterdam<br />
has been changed drastically....<br />
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Yep... welcome to our world!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOzVehduXUJ10EtJfrwleOv3W8jHgHYhFPxBckeXJS1dk1qapC7U3USRMRDJEp5zdV-kmRVF8QgV0ulLCzuETBvIQM84DeaRLMBqPeX3P3lA2I9bgiYA3_NfeiLEsntjQBULTJVnvaSXb/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOzVehduXUJ10EtJfrwleOv3W8jHgHYhFPxBckeXJS1dk1qapC7U3USRMRDJEp5zdV-kmRVF8QgV0ulLCzuETBvIQM84DeaRLMBqPeX3P3lA2I9bgiYA3_NfeiLEsntjQBULTJVnvaSXb/s400/love.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We are planning it now somewhere warm with a beach and a desert...<br />
Not too far from us....<br />
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Guessed it already?<br />
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Exactly, right here in Dubai!<br />
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What can I say other than we are following our hearts.<br />
That's what you are suppose to do when it comes to<br />
Love.<br />
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At least that's what we are doing.<br />
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And since we're doing everything concerning the wedding backwards<br />
and not traditional at all, we might as well embrace it and make it our own.<br />
Right?<br />
Right.<br />
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I will talk some more in another post but for tonight,<br />
I hope the cold isn't getting to much if you are in<br />
winter temps, stay warm and see you soon!<br />
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Maureen<br />
xx<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">{photo's taken with my Iphone}</span></i><br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-42190502776340970622012-12-07T15:16:00.000+04:002012-12-12T23:32:58.481+04:00Daydream Living on Instagram<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, hello!</div>
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I'm writing this post with one (1) finger, </div>
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instead with my usual ten... </div>
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Ten, as in 10 fingers...</div>
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Not that I want to be a fancy typing girl, </div>
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who also can type blind, it's just the way I learnt how to do it...</div>
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back in the days, </div>
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when children could play safe in the streets</div>
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and sliced bread was something new....</div>
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You know, <i>looong</i> time ago...</div>
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In the good old days...</div>
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that's what old people say...</div>
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so if you are only reading: <i>blah blah blah, </i></div>
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that is perfectly fine, </div>
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because why did I started this one vs. ten typing?!</div>
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Oh yes..... because I'm typing this on an Ipad.</div>
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And although I love the fact that I</div>
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just-touch-and-poof, it appears on my screen,</div>
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I can't type with 10 fingers on this thing!</div>
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My point is, yes, there is a point to this.... </div>
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I love the I-world, as of 4 months ago!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(okay, truth to be told, </i><i>from this sentence on I'm typing again on my old and almost broken laptop, </i><i>pfff...)</i></span></div>
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I'm a true dinosaur when it comes to techno stuff,</div>
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but</div>
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since our move to Dubai </div>
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I have an Iphone and low and behold,</div>
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I'm loving it!</div>
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So, point about Ipad and Iphone or any other smarty pants phone is,</div>
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they are modern and easy to use and have cool apps. </div>
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Like <a href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram.</a></div>
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And last week I turned another corner and joined</div>
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the Instagram gang.</div>
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No turning back for me now, love this too!</div>
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Soooooo, </div>
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any of you who are curious to know what I'm snapping away with my Iphone,</div>
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you can find me under <b><a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/daydreamliving">daydreamliving</a> </b>{click on it to web view}.</div>
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As for this little corner of mine here in Blogland,</div>
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I've read the comments, thank you again for letting me know what you think</div>
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and I will take you along on this new journey I'm walking here.</div>
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But for now,</div>
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the beach is waiting!</div>
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Goodbye and Tot ziens!</div>
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Maureen</div>
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xx</div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-58843451658678822262012-11-28T12:07:00.000+04:002012-12-12T23:33:22.543+04:00{Getting back to a new normal} - The chit chat list<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What is that exactly, a new normal?</div>
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Things are not abnormal around here,</div>
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we are doing the same normal daily things we always did,</div>
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only in another country.</div>
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Still, we are getting used to other daily normal things here in Dubai.</div>
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* a warmer-lovelier-than-lovely-climate</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(at least now, in winter time... not so sure about the heat in summer time....50 degrees and all...)</span></i></div>
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* other cultures surrounding us, with other languages swooping in and out of my ears...</div>
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No clue what people sometimes are talking about, either in Hindu, Arabic, Russian, and who knows</div>
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what more... it's truly diverse here and I love it!</div>
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* a different timezone, we are now 3 hours ahead from Amsterdam. This is our 'Wintertime' so that means temps are dropping.... <i>hold on to your socks</i>.... yep, below 25 degrees at night... </div>
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I know, lovely right? </div>
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During the day it's a nice 25-30 degrees but it feels cooler because the humidity is gone now. </div>
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And let me tell you how easy we are getting used to this weather....</div>
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* We actually were excited when we saw our first cloud a couple of weeks ago!</div>
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And with 'we' I mean 'me, myself and I'... </div>
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The girls and sweetheart are happy with the cooler weather but are not jumping up and down like me...</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm snapping cloud photo's like I have never seen one before.... What can I say? It's my new normal thing to do).</span></i></div>
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And last week when we had rain for one whole hour, </div>
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which we missed because we were sleeping.... </div>
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Honestly, it was the talk of the day here! </div>
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Real rain drops, falling from the sky!</div>
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I know.... </div>
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Different daily little things...</div>
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* Like people crossing my car.... not on the street, nope....</div>
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They cross the highway... for real.... another normal daily thing here...</div>
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* Yes, I have a long list of things that I see and hear happening here in Dubai,</div>
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some things are funny others not so much....</div>
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But that list will have to wait for now, because......</div>
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* .....I'm thinking, where to go with this little blog of mine?</div>
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It's been on my mind for a while now, how to spruce this little corner of mine up a bit.</div>
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But first, please tell me...</div>
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<i>What would you, as a reader, like to see more here?</i><br />
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I know some of you are reading along for almost the entire time that I blog,<br />
that's 2 years and 3 months. And I still have plenty to talk about, remember <a href="http://daydreamliving.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-love-for-talking-is-sharing.html" target="_blank"><i><b>My Love for Talking?</b></i></a><br />
It's just that I don't always have the time to sit down and share but I'm working on it.<br />
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I will continue to chit chat, but I'm just curious to know...<br />
Who is reading Daydream Living?<br />
Is there something you would like to ask me?<br />
Maybe you have a blog suggestion?<br />
Or perhaps just wave to me, saying <i>'Hi! from ....'</i> (fill in your country), that would be so cool!<br />
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* On another note...<br />
I am still fiddling about with my handy dandy Miss Canon camera, but I still haven't read the manual....<br />
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The adorable little Arab shoes in the photo are standing now in our hallway.<br />
Yep, sloooowly some colour is seeping into our interior.<br />
Don't get me wrong, I'm a white interior fan for life, but a little dash of Arabic colour is my new thing.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Mental note to self: make more interior photo's of the new apartment to share on blog}</span></i><br />
<br />
* Oh, and I know I promised this before but there will be a post about weddings and marriage<br />
and our Wedding Celebrations. Believe me when I say, there is more to come...<br />
I just need to find a new normal routine, so hope you will stick around to read along?<br />
<br />
Also, before I go, very important....<br />
<br />
<i><b>* THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVELY COMMENTS!</b></i><br />
<i><b>I always read them and they are making my day!</b></i><br />
<br />
Big virtual hugs!<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-34218981127086512502012-11-15T00:08:00.000+04:002012-12-12T23:33:52.313+04:00Tonight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As I am sitting here</div>
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in warm Dubai</div>
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my thoughts are flowing...</div>
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We are<i> loving</i> the winter time we have now,</div>
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with no humidity to speak of,</div>
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waking up each and every day to a warmth </div>
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we only know from those rare summer days,</div>
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no cold wind, no rain, just Mother Nature at her best.</div>
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I'm listening to the noises coming from the street...</div>
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The weekend has started today with a public holiday</div>
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and more people than usual are gathering together to celebrate,</div>
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because for Muslim people, tonight is the night they celebrate</div>
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Islamic New Year.</div>
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Honks from cars, people strolling the streets,</div>
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the warm air is filled with people's hopes and wishes</div>
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for another year.</div>
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Still, I couldn't help but wonder</div>
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what some of the people I have briefly met,</div>
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are doing right now...</div>
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Like the friendly man, waiting on the street</div>
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and who so gracefully posed for me,</div>
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will he be saying his prayers for a happy new year?</div>
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Or the man steering the abra,</div>
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those lovely wooden boats crossing the creek,</div>
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what will he be doing tonight,</div>
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or will this be a normal night to him</div>
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like it is to us...</div>
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Are they sitting at their homes alone or with friends,</div>
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welcoming the new year that is starting tonight...</div>
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Or is their religion different and will the new year </div>
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start the same day as ours on December 31st...</div>
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For the Chinese, new year doesn't even start until</div>
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February 10th...</div>
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So many people with different days of celebrating.</div>
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Yes, we are all different but we are more alike...</div>
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And even though we don't celebrate tonight as a new beginning,</div>
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I was aware that today mattered to others.</div>
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What are these people wishing for in their new year...</div>
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What are their hopes and dreams...</div>
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Perhaps it's to be with their loved ones,</div>
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who sadly for so many people working here,</div>
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are not with them, but are living separate lives</div>
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back in their home country...</div>
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Yes, Dubai has opened my eyes and ears,</div>
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making me stop in my tracks,</div>
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with wonder and amazement...</div>
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So for tonight, may all your wishes be positive ones,</div>
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because it doesn't matter when the new year begins,</div>
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every morning starts with a brand new day...</div>
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Enjoy the weekend!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maureen</div>
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xx</div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-58417833928972225322012-11-07T12:49:00.002+04:002012-12-12T23:33:52.315+04:00Colours from Dubai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dubai...</div>
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Everyone has a different way of looking at this city, </div>
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that lies between the Arabian Gulf and the desert....</div>
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So many people,</div>
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from more than 200 different nationalities</div>
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are living here...</div>
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A different world to the one we've left....</div>
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Full of life...</div>
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Filled with colours...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7TEACEXHTdarso4hVCN1xETXOURpbearcE8ksHL7U3rDgtCB6PRYbyvHpyYk7Md-vqN3pFHHhVkHbA8RDLHIyB7xapCbgqBnU5K0r18McI2RiitSGjZYeV1kDS93QWbdoaPuzV0DwtFM/s1600/shoes+dubai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7TEACEXHTdarso4hVCN1xETXOURpbearcE8ksHL7U3rDgtCB6PRYbyvHpyYk7Md-vqN3pFHHhVkHbA8RDLHIyB7xapCbgqBnU5K0r18McI2RiitSGjZYeV1kDS93QWbdoaPuzV0DwtFM/s640/shoes+dubai.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And every morning I think of this phrase...</div>
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<i><b><span style="background-color: #3d85c6; color: white;">Start each day with a grateful heart</span></b></i></div>
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And that's what I do.</div>
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Be back soon!</div>
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<div>
Maureen</div>
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xx</div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-10748710612510849382012-10-31T01:21:00.000+04:002012-12-12T23:34:37.179+04:00(I even forgot the title of this post...)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">I'm so behind,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">I think I'm first...</span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
This is how I feel lately,<br />
so please bear with me,<br />
normal posting will resume as soon as possible,<br />
because there is lots going on here to share,<br />
it's just that there is only little time in a day<br />
to sit down...<br />
<br />
This week is a bit full again, now with birthdays,<br />
(I turned 42 this week and my girls also have their 15th and 5th birthday party),<br />
my in laws are visiting us now, which is so lovely,<br />
the girls are enjoying their school break and in between trying to decorate our new home,<br />
looking at unpacked boxes (yes, it will help if I continue to unpack them...)<br />
and planning our wedding,<br />
our new life in Dubai is full.<br />
<br />
I'm taking lots of notes so my oh so forgetful head will not forget what has happened<br />
these last couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
Our new life between the sea and the desert is truly a different lifestyle<br />
and we are fully enjoying our time here!<br />
Yep, that's me smiling a big smile people!<br />
<br />
Hope you are having a good week!<br />
See you soon!<br />
<br />
Maureen<br />
xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-87414243521150402452012-10-07T12:46:00.001+04:002012-12-12T23:34:37.182+04:00{Getting back to a new normal} - Start organising<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>"where are the towels?"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"have you seen the iron?"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"don't forget, we have a face time meeting at 10pm tonight with the wedding planner"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"I've found the cutlery but where are the plates?"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"which wedding location do you prefer?"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"sh**! we forgot to attend the parent meeting at school!"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"wow, the dry cleaning is much cheaper here!"</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"well, everything is cheaper than in Switzerland..."</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>"shall we go to the beach?"</i></div>
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These are just some of the many things you would hear in our household lately....</div>
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I have left the swearing and shouting parts out of here, because believe me,</div>
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moving house is always a busy and tiring time. And since I was born with very little patience,</div>
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my eyebrows are dancing upwards a lot....</div>
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Always a sign that some words are about to roll out of my mouth and they are not sugar coated.....</div>
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Try moving to another country while planning a wedding in your home country, worrying about a sick parent while being so far away, making sure that the girls are having a new school routine with new activities and new friends, while staying in a hotel apartment (which was great) and than moving to our new apartment, getting groceries from our new supermarket and enjoying our new lifestyle, (which we all do, thank goodness!), while making sure that our new normal has some sort of balance.</div>
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Tiring? Yes!</div>
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Enjoying it? Absolutely!</div>
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Our new situation is making my mind very full with many different details but I'm glad that most of them are happy details.</div>
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All at the same time though, but that is Life as we know it.</div>
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It's either running or standing still and now we are in the running face!</div>
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One of the things I want to do in this big and still very empty apartment is having our things organised.</div>
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(really I will do it, I can see Sweatheart rolling with his eyes in unbelief....).</div>
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Creating a place for every item in the house.</div>
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Professional organisers love to say 'a place for everything and everything in it's place',</div>
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so that is what I'm aspiring to do.... bit by bit.... for real this time.....pinky promise. </div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">{Getting back to a new normal}</span> - That's the title of some of the posts coming your way,</div>
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because our new normal is now in the middle of the sea and the desert! </div>
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So today I start with sharing a great organising blog which I think is very inspiring!</div>
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When I saw the photo above it made me smile and think,</div>
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"ooh, I want my cabinet insides look like that!"</div>
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That's so great about the web, we can find great inspiration to bring back into our own homes.</div>
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The cabinets above came from <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/reader-space-swoon-worthy-dollar-store.html" target="_blank">this post</a> (from another great blog<a href="http://thesocialhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> The Social Home</a>)</div>
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and are a great example of what tips you can find over at the blog <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">"I Heart Organizing'.</a> </div>
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And yes, I write organising with a "s", the British way, the American way is with a "z".</div>
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<i>(Ok, I'll admit... I had to Google it, I really was confused! Organising or Organizing?!)</i></div>
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Anyhoo....</div>
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I will love you and leave you with a great quote I keep in the back of my mind these days...</div>
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Thanks for taking time out of your day to stop by!</div>
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Maureen</div>
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xx</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo 1: <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">I Heart Organizing</a> from <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/reader-space-swoon-worthy-dollar-store.html" target="_blank">this post</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo quote via <a href="http://pinterest.com/Daydreamliving/words-to-inspire/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></i></span></div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-80946722460037003842012-09-23T11:11:00.002+04:002012-12-12T23:34:37.181+04:00My first post from Dubai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">* my old header photo, a new one will be made soon *</span></i></td></tr>
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Hello on this warm Sunday morning from Dubai!</div>
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Sunday, as in our 'Monday', since this is the first working day of the week here.</div>
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So, it has been a while....</div>
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Where to begin?</div>
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What shall I share here on my blog, the one I've missed writing on,</div>
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the place where I have met so many great people. </div>
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I even had the pleasure of drinking coffee with a new blog friend, right here in Dubai.</div>
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I 'll tell you, the blogging world is great and I will step it up to continue this journey here in Blog Land,</div>
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simply because I really enjoy being here and the interaction it brings me with great people!</div>
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If you are reading this, you are one of them in my book!</div>
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Many things happened these last couple of months.</div>
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Our surprise 'I do' during our goodbye diner in Amsterdam.</div>
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<i>(Honestly, people still talk about this, it was great and I will come back on this...)</i></div>
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Our super quick move from Switzerland to Dubai, with all the usual difficulties.</div>
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<i>(Think, finding schools while they are all completely full...)</i></div>
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The many things I want to share since arriving here...</div>
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<i>(Boy, this is a different place indeed but so far I really enjoy being here...)</i></div>
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Our upcoming wedding in December...</div>
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<i>(Thank goodness we hired a great wedding planner to help us, since it's going to be in Amsterdam...)</i></div>
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The whole fresh start of decorating a new and much bigger apartment...</div>
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<i> (probably will ask you for some advice on this one, to be continued...)</i></div>
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Yes, where to begin?</div>
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I will chop things up in pieces, but first, something exciting is happening today...</div>
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The arrival of our container from Switzerland!</div>
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Let the unpacking begin!</div>
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Thanks for reading along and for all your sweet comments! </div>
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Maureen</div>
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xx</div>
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001692809505427908.post-11780043686214025112012-09-13T09:07:00.000+04:002012-12-12T23:35:21.383+04:00{thank you}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Daydream Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092794695138108197noreply@blogger.com8