Hello, weekend!

(credit: Getty / Dave M Benett via Popsugar)

Looking forward to:

• Guetta at Atlantis Sandance tonight! Hope we manage to stay awake (and dry) through the night. 
• Saturday brunch (A lot of brunch spots in Dubai are boozy, which isn't our style so we're still searching for a place we like).
• Signing up for Barre classes and Reformer Pilates personal training. I convinced the man to try Pilates, and hope it lasts!

Have a fun weekend, loves!  x

Feature: Katie Cadamatre | Sketchbook Closet

Katie Cadamatre is an illustrator and designer living in the NY metro area and the talent behind one of my favorites, Sketchbook Closet. Every post on her aptly described 'fashion illustration style journal' is accompanied by a custom illustration and lady never fails to impress. Katie is so talented and has worked with clients such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Tiltworks, Inc., and American Eagle Outfitters to name a few. If you haven't done so already, do check out her amazing illustrations on her blog and impressive portfolio on her website. x

one.

I was born in Seoul, Korea but was adopted by Italian-Irish parents. I'm incredibly close to my family, but I value the six months I was able to spend abroad in Seoul learning Korean heritage, culture, art, and language. For me, finding balance between being adopted and being Korean was an important process in my life. I'm so thankful for my awesome family and journey. I like mentoring young adoptees […] in case they need some insider advice.

two.

Going to (private room) karaoke is one of my favorite things to do; I rarely pass up the chance. Singing is one of my secret loves. My fantasy job is "pop star.”

three.

Playing video games is something I grew up with. It was one of the only things my older brother would let me do with him. I still enjoy it. My love for it is actually what got my boyfriend's attention. Enough so that he messaged me to ask my game stats and if I'd like to go to his birthday party.

four.

I'm obsessed with popcorn; I eat it about every day. Right now I'm in love with this contraption our friends gave us for Christmas. It's basically a glorified glass jar (from Sur La Table) that lets you put kernels in it and zap them in the microwave. I used to stove pop but this is tool makes it easier and much faster! I LOVE IT!

five.

Drawing is something I cannot live without. Fortunately, I've found a way to incorporate my hobby into my career. I hope everyone is as lucky as me, but it didn't come easily or without a lot of hard work and sacrifice! But for something you love, it's worth it, right?

(all images used with permission via Sketchbook Closet)

Oscar de la Renta

Nothing like a little Oscar de la Renta for a midweek pick-me-up. I think everyone should own at least one Oscar de la Renta dress (I'm still working on achieving that). I'm really drawn to the light blue dress (#4). What's your pick? x

Travels: Honeymoon Edition 1

The man and I spent two weeks in Morocco on our honeymoon. As I mentioned last week, due to the rather long list of places we visited, this week and the following few weeks of travel posts will focus on different cities in Morocco. This week I'm covering 

Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis

We arrived in Casablanca in the morning. We headed to the hotel to rest a little and enjoyed a rooftop lunch before heading off to explore the city with our trusted driver, Ahmed. (Yes, the bugs are doing exactly what you think they're doing. Cheeky! Having fun on my shoulder while I enjoyed my risotto.) We were only in Casablanca for a day, and took the chance to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. This mosque is so exquisite. Designed by French architect, Michel Pinseau, the roof of the mosque (second photo) opens special occasions during prayer time. Imagine that!

After Casablanca, we made our way to Rabat. We were pretty tired from the drive, so we did a quick tour of Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Chellah (necropolis) and Kasbah of the Udayas.

After Rabat, we made our way to Fez (I'll cover this next week) via Meknes and Volubilis.

(all photos by the man and me)

Hotel Info

Hotel & Spa Le Doge, Casablanca. Art deco style hotel with individually designed rooms. Rooms have no numbers, but rather names such as Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald, etc.

Sofitel Rabat Jardin de Roses. Living area, walk-in wardrobe and Hermes toiletries, anyone? 

Next week I'll cover our amazing time in Fez and the week after the man will be guest posting about our experience in the desert. The man will be guest posting on our travels once a month from now on. Happy Tuesday!  x