I first heard about the Elf on a Shelf on The Ellen Show back in 2013. As part of her opening monologue she did a set of jokes about the then brand new Christmas craze. I remember wondering “what is so great about this elf and why does it want to chill on my book … More What the Elf?
When I first moved to Dubai (in 2008) I wanted to get a taste of the local culture. I went to some spots where locals hung out like Shu, Jumeriah Beach Road on National Day and Starbuck’s at Mercato. I seemed to have found the traffic but couldn’t find anything more traditional until I met … More Emirati Eats
I’m such a New Yorker. I ordered the veggie option, a cheese and pickle sandwich. I was expecting a toasted cheese with slices of tomato and dill pickles. Instead, I got a matured white cheddar cheese, purple cabbage and what I think was a chutney sandwich. It was sweet and brown just like my husband Ali … More English vs. (American) English: Part 1
As I’m sure you’ve heard, Lady Gaga was this year’s half-time headliner at the 51st Super Bowl. Many people were expecting her to go full on political or to create a creative stir as she did at the MTV Music Awards draped in red lace or her infamous red carpet raw meat dress. Instead she … More Super Gaga Bowl
After a number of visits to Dubai and photos of Lindsay Lohan carrying a Quran, the press recently announced that she officially moved here in December. Last week, she deleted all the posts from both her twitter and instagram accounts. All that was left on her instagram was a short and sweet bio saying “Alaikum salam … More Lindsay does Dubai
My husband and I decided to spend Christmas in Italy! Yes, THE Italy! It was the first time celebrating the holidays in my fatherland so I was super excited. For Christmas Eve I attended vigil mass at the Basilica of San Camillo de Lellis in Rome and on Christmas Day we went to Vatican City (along with tens … More One Last Dance
For the last six years, my husband and I fly to Jordan at least once annually. It’s where I celebrate my birthday. It holds a special place in our hearts because it is also where we travelled to the day after we became engaged. Friends often ask, “Why Jordan? Everyone smokes, people are angry, there’s … More Jordan in 20
Since the first year I moved to Dubai (2008) I’ve been hosting Thanksgiving gatherings. Though the location and guests fluctuate over time, a few things stay exactly the same. My husband, sister and I invite a large group of friends and family to laugh, catch up and break bread together. Some are American, many are … More Turkey in the Park
My husband is a very kind man. That wasn’t a set up for a joke. He really is very thoughtful, most of the time at least. He knew I was having a stressful week so surprised me with a gift voucher for a Moroccan bath. It would be my first time and I was looking forward to a relaxing … More The Moroccan Bath Misadventure
How do I feel about the election results? Awful. My heart aches. I’m scared and still feeling down in the (Trump) dumps. The shock is starting to wear off. My sense of humor is slowly coming back. Acceptance? That will take more time. I understand wanting change. I felt the same way after 8 years of George W. Bush. … More From Professor to Student: The Election Aftermath
A New Yorker in Dubai 