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Archive for the category “Frugal Approval”

Frugal Approval: Playtime – Waqt Al La’ab

Playtime Visual Reference Reel from hamad al-tourah on Vimeo.

So, I was making the rounds on some of my favorite Kuwaiti bloggers this afternoon and when I stopped over at the ever lovable P0ach, I happened upon this little number.

Now, being a serious lover of all indie art projects (let alone Kuwaiti indie art projects), I was very intrigued and immediately made my way to the IndieGoGo link. And, I’ve gotta say, I was très impressed by what I found.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the IndieGoGo concept, its basically a non-profit, global fundraising website in which people post their campaigns, in the hopes of raising enough money to actually carry them out. It can be anything from a creative business campaign to a worthwhile humanitarian cause.

And Hamad Al-Tourah’s independent film–Playtime (Waqt Al-La’ab)–is definitely a campaign worth supporting.

If you click on the IndieGoGo link you should find all the info you need to know about the film, the film maker, the budget required, the creative concept, as well as what Hamad Al-Tourah is going to personally give each contributor to show his gratitude.

Obviously, the more generously you give, the more generously you’ll be rewarded.

Given that this is a film which not only depicts Kuwaiti life but also acknowledges Kuwait’s expat community (both Arab and otherwise), I honestly think that this kind of creative project is just what Kuwait needs right now. At a time when Kuwait is currently being faced with a lot of societal isolation and sectarianism, its great to see a project that not only includes everyone but is also an enjoyable piece of creative work.

I personally donated a small sum to the project and I honestly can’t wait to see this baby make it onto the big screen! Please show your support for Hamad Al-Tourah and this very promising film by giving if even a tiny contribution. Here is the IndieGoGo link where you can contribute to help make this film happen… Plus get some very sweet loot!

All my love!

I’ll Have A Caesar Salad… Possibly Poisonous Needles on the Side

Two days ago, I craved some of Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup. So, as many of us do, a friend and I headed on over to Chili’s (the one on the Gulf Road) to have Iftar.

We sat down, we ordered: our food came, we ate it. Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. But as we neared the end of our meal my friend spotted this thing.

It was a needle: an I.V. needle.

Yes, we found a possibly used, possibly poisonous, and definitely unsanitary hospital grade I.V. needle just sitting around at the edge of our table. Disgust does not even begin to express what was going through my mind when I first saw it. After snapping a few incriminating pictures with our iPhones, my friend and I immediately informed the manager who apologized profusely, comped our bill, and promptly took the needle away.

He promised that he would get to the bottom of how the needle got there and how it could’ve been so horribly neglected. He seemed very earnest and extremely apologetic as he repeatedly assured us that he would handle the situation with his superiors somehow. After having a very stern conversation with him I didn’t want to make a scene or to do anything that would lead to someone needlessly losing their job.

So, my friend and I left Chilli’s and, even while thoroughly grossed out, decided we didn’t want to hurt someone’s life over a mistake.

But then the next day I thought: hold on, that was a needle. Placed precariously close to our food.

It could’ve been poisonous; held some highly contagious disease; had we had any toddlers with us they could’ve easily stuffed it in their mouths. The possibilities for a very scary situation were endless.

And God knows how long its been left out there, right under the noses of the Chili’s staff! I mean, we came into the restaurant at Futoor time, which I’m guessing is when the restaurant opens (since, you know, Ramadan), that means that there is a good possibility that this needle which someone might have stuck through thier skin was left out over night without anyone caring enough to notice it or clean it up.

That level of negligence on the part of Chili’s cannot by any means be excused. Hell, if that’s how negligent they are about the part of the restaurant that people can see imagine how negligent they are about the part that they can’t.

What it came down to in the end was simple: I would not want anyone to even possibly be exposed to the same level of unsanitary eating. If I knew of someone who was exposed to this kind of incident, I’d definitely want them to report it for everyone’s sake. It’s not that I want to cause trouble for anyone or that I don’t trust the manager will try and do something about it. It’s just that I think its my responsibility to try and do as much as I personally can.

Now, here’s where I might need your help (yes, you’re the “your,” you!). See, I’ve tried reaching out to a few places that might be able to help and, basically, I haven’t come up with squat. I called 135 (the Ministry of Commerce hotline) only to be answered by a gentleman who, with all due respect, did not seem to take me seriously at all or know his elbow from his knee. He informed me that they would try and look into it but, after my conversation, I’m somewhat doubtful he even put it on record. I tried to find a way to contact the Ministry of Health (cause maybe there was an angle there) and couldn’t even find so much as a working phone number.

So, just to be safe, I’ve now taken to the blog. And to you my faithful, wonderful readers! Yes, I’m invoking the indestructible powers of LE WASTA!

If you or anyone you know can get some serious health inspectors down to Chili’s in order to really get this matter sorted out I urge you to please do so. If you don’t then please pass this post along to as many people as you can, and hopefully it’ll catch the eye of someone who can really do something about this.

Public health and eating sanitation is not a joke and when something as scary as I.V. needles are found it should be our responsibility to make sure they are never found again. Please help if you can.

All my love! (also here are more pictures of the scary I.V. needle, taken with a mediocre iPhone 4 camera)

Frugal Approval: ilTrend.com (Because Its Fabulous Styling for Fabulous Pricing)

Unlike many other blogs who will rant and rave to you about an item they got for free, I do not believe in that VERY FLAWED method of reviewing. But, in my own personal time, I will go out and spend my money every now and then on a thing or two that I think is worth mentioning. I do not get a single thing out of making these reviews. And this is what Frugal Approval is all about. Honest, straight-forward reviews about products, services, etc. in Kuwait that I have personally spent money on and that I would personally tell my family and friends about. And now, I’m telling you.

I am nothing if not an online shopper. In fact, a great bulk of the stuff in my closet is made up of online purchases. But I’ve got a confession to make: I shy away from doing a lot of online shopping in Kuwait. Especially in the fashion area.

Here’s why: People tend to overprice.

I mean, really overprice. Like inflation on freaking steroids. And, well, you can’t blame me (or anyone else for that matter) for choosing to look for the same items I might want elsewhere at a more reasonable price range.

And, before anyone comes jumping down my throat for not taking into consideration the cost of shipping and handling and all that technical jazz that resellers love to use as an excuse to jack their prices up to astronomical heights, let me tell you that I have. And, speaking as someone who has been doing plenty of online shipping and ordering for a good number of years now, the reality is that when I order and ship to Kuwait 5 shirts from a US store online they always cost me a less amount than what I would pay for the exact same shirts if bought from a local Kuwaiti business or reseller.

That is the truth.

Now, what does this little rant have to do with ilTrend.com? Simple. It’s defines everything that is the opposite of this little start-up fashion business.

You see, for what is perhaps the first time in my Kuwaiti fashion shopping experience, I have finally found a store that sells stuff that does not only look awesome and different and turns a million heads, but that is also sold at an honest price.

Example: I got the most darling pair of girly, pretty, faux three piece earrings from ilTrend.com (pictured above). They’re gorgeous; they’re dainty; they’re just so adorably precious. I’ve already received tons of compliments on them since I’ve gotten them around 2 weeks ago.

And yet that perfect pair of girly, pretty, compliment-worthy awesomeness cost me no more than 4.500 KD (or 6.500 KD plus delivery).

I looked into getting another pair and found another local business selling these kinds of earrings. And I was beyond shocked. I found this other local business (which shall not be named cause I ain’t no troll) selling the exact same earrings for 10 KD a piece.

A PIECE. That means if I wanted to get the full pair of the very same earrings I bought from ilTrend.com for a grand total of 6.500 KD, I would have to pay this other local business a minimum of 20 KD.

That, by the way, is stealing.

Its also a price inflation of nearly 70%. Even if you can afford to blow that much cash, your consumer rights are supposed to insure that you don’t. And, as many of you may know, I’ve already made my opinion on this endless inflation, thievery pattern pretty darn clear.

And, really, its not just the accessories that are so fabulously styled and even more fabulously priced. I also got a beyond gorgeous dress for the very reasonable price of 12.5000 KD. Again, I saw the exact same kind of dress elsewhere in Kuwait for a price that is too crazy to mention.

The bottom line is this: ilTrend.com is fashionable; its different; its classy; its convenient; but most importantly its honest. It doesn’t try to take advantage of a single consumer, nor is it interested in presenting itself as anything that it’s not. It’s a clean business that operates on the basis of allowing every woman to indulge her fashionista tendencies without breaking the bank. Especially when there’s no reason in the world that she has to.

So, if you’re a woman, and you care about looking fabulous and, you know, keeping your bank account then ilTrend.com is definitely your ticket.

And, if you’re local fashion business, and you sell at these crazy, inflated prices then take notes.

All my love! (I also believe ilTrend has a number you can Whatsapp your orders to if online shopping isn’t your thing. Its 96609572)

The Theft of F2O Designs in Broad Daylight (and Blatant Disregard of the Fact)

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So in the last few hours an exhibition by the name of “Get2Gether Kuwait” held a showcase of some local businesses in Kuwait University. These local businesses were meant to exhibit original creations of thier own to showcase the talent and skill of the local market.

And it sure showed the talent and skill alright. In illegally stealing property and being pompous, disregarding nitwits about it that is.

Yeah, a company by the name of A&S Designs decided to outrightly steal the illustrative works of Fatima Al-Othman (the talent behind F2O Designs) and market them as their own merchandise, sell them as such, and make “beau coup bucks” off of her hard work CLAIMING IT AS THEIR OWN.

Are you all seeing red? Cause I sure am.

A quick and nimble Twitter search revealed that the two gentlemen behind this business go by the charming Twitter handles @3lawiShrero (I believe his real name is Ali Al-Enezi) and @saloomalm. These two fine human specimens seem to be completely unaware of what it means to infringe upon copyright laws (which Fatima Al-Othman has placed) and steal some one else’s property. Before making a single move towards manufacturing the first t-shirt using ANY PRINT which they did not personally make, they are LEGALLY obliged to find out who it belongs to and ask for thier LEGAL permission to use it for any gain ESPECIALLY a monetary one.

That’s the law. You know, the thing that governs how we live and keeps us from lying, cheating, and stealing at our discretion.

I had a chat with one of these well-mannered, well-spoken men of high moral standing. And, not to sound self-righteous or anything, but I think I won that one. Anyway, here is the conversation. In Kuwaiti-Arabic (and yes I am still not Kuwaiti):

If you would like me to translate it into English, or transcribe it into actual Arabic I’d be more than happy to. Also, click it to enlarge it.

I don’t know but there’s a distinct scent of “Eau De Lawsuit” in the air, don’t you think?

Please check out F2O Designs website to see the original, copyrighted, stolen sketches. I am totally and officially putting my support behind Fatima Al-Othman and anyone who helps her fight these thieves to retrieve her intellectual and creative property which is, if you ask me, one othe most valuable things you could own.

All my love!

Frugal Approval: Madly Yours Blush (and Why Your Skin Will Love You for It)

Unlike many other blogs who will rant and rave to you about an item they got for free, I do not believe in that VERY FLAWED method of reviewing. But, in my own personal time, I will go out and spend my money every now and then on a thing or two that I think is worth mentioning. I do not get a single thing out of making these reviews. And this is what Frugal Approval is all about. Honest, straight-forward reviews about products, services, etc. in Kuwait that I have personally spent money on and that I would personally tell my family and friends about. And now, I’m telling you.

Look, I’ve got to say it: I’m something of a makeup snob. I have no problem splurging on a foundation, or a lipstick that doesn’t make me look like I dunked my face into an oil well or like my lips are made of pavement. I’m not saying that I splurge on every bit of makeup that I buy. I am all about the Maybelline mascara and Cover Girl eye shadow and wouldn’t trade them for anything.

What I am saying is that, to me, my skin’s health and radiance doesn’t have a specific price tag.

And this is where the Madly Yours blush comes in. In short: if you love your skin you’d check this place out.

Now, I’m not entirely sure what the deal is with these products, but MY GOD DO I LOOK RADIANT AND LIGHT. Like, seriously, one brush stroke of the Sheer Satin blush and, I swear to God, my cheeks transform into rosy, plumped up rays of sunshine. And, that is not an overstatement. It’s just that good.

And, trust me, I’ve got a pretty complicated history with my blushes. Ever since I first saw my big sister put on makeup when I was around twelve years old and I saw how, with a few dabs to her face, this stuff transformed her (already gorg’ face) into a glowing peach, I was obsessed with blush. It’s the first bit of makeup I ever tried and it was the only kind of makeup I ever used up until I graduated high school. I have gone through all kinds of blushes and received mixed results with each, all in the endless pursuit of finding that perfect balance between a natural, sunny glow, and feature defining, rosy hue.

A whole lot of the blushes I went through did not look like this natural, healthy, and enhancing glow that I was going for. For the most part, they just looked like puffs of rose pink which made me look more flushed than glowing most of the time. They weren’t exactly bad, but they were not natural looking.

So, one day way back in 2010, a dear friend of mine drove me out to, what seemed at the time, east-freaking-nowhere. It’s actually not that far off, I just have a really horrible sense of orientation. Anyhow! We arrived to this little boutique in the Behbehani Houses area (I think its somewhere in between Dar Al-Funon and Cleo Salon… not sure though) and, as a side-note I’ve got to say: the place has got the most quaint and charming vibe to it.

Now, upon seeing the huge array of blushes and powders that were laid out oh-so-delicately in pretty porcelain cups, I was immediately intrigued. I excitedly sauntered over and tried out one powder (and blush case) after the other. And, honestly, my skin has never felt this genuinely soft and luscious and freaking fresh since, I’m guessing, my very early years. I have never, to this day, found a brand of blush that compared to Madly Yours. Not a single one.

And since that fateful spring two years ago it has been the only kind of blush that I use. From The Bronzing Powder and the Sheer Satin Blush to the Sorbet and the Rose powder. I have yet to be disappointed by a single one of the Madly Yours blushes.

Now, as far as pricing goes, it is somewhat hefty: somewhere in the ballpark of 9 KD and 13 KD depending on the kind of blush you get. I believe that most of these products are mineral based and use only the lightest and healthiest (hypoallergenic) of ingredients so, if you ask me, that kind of justifies the price a bit. I mean, I’d personally rather have a light, healthy, and radiant glow for the price of a few more bucks than pay a lower price for the standard issue rose pink puffs I was talking about earlier. However, as with any purchase, the price is something you should always consider so there it is.

I haven’t personally bought (nor have I really tried) any of their other products so, in the Frugal Approval spirit, I can’t review anything besides the blushes. For what it’s worth, many of my friends who have tried their foundation and eye makeup are absolutely smitten by them. I wouldn’t personally know though.

Here’s a great article about Madly Yours’ gracious founder Maha Al-Otaibi (by Bazaar). It definitely speaks for the great level of entrepreneurship that Kuwait has in store, and Maha is a great example of this. Also, you can check out or contact Madly Yours on their Facebook page right over here. (Picture used courtesy of the Facebook page)

All my love!

Frugal Approval: Local Tees (And How They Make Kuwait Special)

Unlike many other blogs who will rant and rave to you about an item they got for free, I do not believe in that VERY FLAWED method of reviewing. But, in my own personal time, I will go out and spend my money every now and then on a thing or two that I think is worth mentioning. I do not get a single thing out of making these reviews. And this is what Frugal Approval is all about. Honest, straight-forward reviews about products, services, etc. in Kuwait that I  have personally spent money on and that I would personally tell my family and friends about. And now, I’m telling you.

Let’s all admit it ladies and gents: Kuwait is THE LAND of trends or “habbat” as its more affectionately known in Kuwaiti-Arabic. Whether its BlackBerry neck holders, UGGs (no matter how UGG-LY), Ray Bans, henna tattoos, or pointless, money-scamming ‘balance’ wristbands, I have never seen a fashion trend spread faster and more rabid than in Kuwait.

Never ever. I don’t know how people in Kuwait get their ‘trend alerts’ but everyone will literally transform overnight and become an exact copy of the complete stranger striding along next to them in The Avenues. It’s like the freaking Matrix, I swear.

Now, I personally have never really found myself gravitating towards any of the “habbat” that people in Kuwait tend to flock towards. I value my sense of style and I believe that my style is supposed to express all that is unique and interesting about me as opposed to making me look like I’m ‘on trend.’ The way I dress is an extension of the way I am.

And ‘the way I am’ can be defined somewhere in the land of preppy-girly meets indie-casual. I like to look polished and pretty but still give off a highly unique and comfortable vibe.

There is perhaps no easier way to achieve this kind of look than to find a clean cut, pretty colored t-shirt with an amazingly creative print on it. If you’re into this kind of style then you’re probably pretty well-acquainted with places like ThreadLess or Urban Outfitters.

Well, if you’re in Kuwait, you better start acquainting yourself with Local Tees too.

I first happened upon Local Tees when I visited the BuzzArt Retail Festival held in the Fa Gallery last summer. And after I nearly passed out from the sheer awesomeness of their creations, I bought the beautiful Audrey Hepburn ‘trying to hold smoke’ t-shirt then jetted back home to check out their full collection online.

And as excited as I was when I saw a few of their shirts hanging on a single rack, I was honestly QUADRUPLY excited when I saw their whole shin-dig online.

Not only was this the first truly street hip, pop art inspired, indie-loving fashion line in Kuwait, it was also EXPRESSIVELY BY KUWAIT. So, yes, Local Tees features some really great and inspired graphic art pieces created by some really brilliant international artists, but that is honestly not what makes it so special.

What makes it so special is its distinctly Kuwaiti and Arab character as highlighted, for example, in their ‘Toobah’ (توبه) shirt. Yeah, its a shirt that’s all about a phrase and hand gesture that only an old Kuwaiti women would make. Where else on the planet are you going to find a shirt like that? What more unique and fashion forward way to express your love for Kuwait and its heritage?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t snag any of those beyond cool ‘hand gesture, old phrase’ t-shirts because they were sold out like freaking hot-cakes! But, I was wildly happy to still see a huge collection of Arab and Kuwaiti centric t-shirts available and ended up snagging the ‘Babaratzi’ t-shirt.

Now, as far as pricing goes they do lose a few points: I mean, 20 KD for what is, in the end, a jersey t-shirt makes Local Tees more of a luxury buy than something that your average street hip, upper middle-class girl can afford on a regular basis. But, hey, I personally think that almost ALL of Kuwait’s clothing market needs to recheck its lofty price tags, so maybe its just me.

But when it finally comes down to it Local Tees is a Kuwaiti brand worth supporting. Not just because it provides a wide array of high quality material for the growing and wanting indie community in Kuwait. But because it also adds its own flavor of Arab and Kuwaiti character that is dedicated to seeing the brilliant fashion potential in all the local color and heritage that makes Kuwait unique and special and unlike any other place on earth.

All my love!

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