Inside: I talk to Shareefa Basyyoni, founder and CEO of Pathways Jeddah – a not for profit community for expat women in Jeddah. Together we look at Life in Saudi Arabia and the need for a community.
Expat Stories
Yanbu Flower Festival – Guinness World Record
Every year in March and April, Yanbu holds the Yanbu Flower Festival to welcome the Spring Season. If you can drive down to Yanbu during this time, I highly recommend that you do. This year, the Yanbu Flower Festival was from 16th March to the 8th of April 2017. If you’ve missed it this time……
Holiday Abroad – North America and Canada
I am back from my holiday abroad and it is definitely a refreshed start here! Just before going on my vacation in September, Words ‘n’ Needles rebranded to Jeddah Mom. I wrote about my decision to change the name in this post here. I have just returned from America and Canada where I had gone for…
A Crafty Staycation – July Monthly Goals
When going on a real vacation is not possible, a ‘staycation’ is a fantastic idea. I took a twenty days break from my online job to renew myself in July. If going on a real vacation is not on the cards, for whatever reasons, try staying at home instead. We usually try to take a minimum…
Dhahban Marine Park – Exploring Jeddah With Kids
A few months ago, a new seaside park opened for the residents of Jeddah. Dhahban Marine Park is perfect for a weekend of fun and relaxation. It is a perfect place to take your kids and the best part is that it is free! My husband had been telling me about it ever since it opened…
Bedouin Weaving: Traditional Saudi Crafts for Kids
In this post: I share an easy craft idea for kids that is inspired by the traditional Saudi Arabian art of weaving fabric or Bedouin Weaving, as it is called. My son and I have been learning about this beautiful cloth making process and stories surrounding it. Today, we share a craft that kids can easily make…
Creating an environment that teaches a child to learn different languages from a young age.
I recently had an aha-moment when I realized that we are that family who sings in four languages- English, Urdu, Arabic and French. (I haven’t introduced my kids to Hindi yet, but if you counted one of those Urdu songs as Hindi, then, that would be an additional fifth one!) I have talked about my…
Growing Children who are Confident enough to be Something Else
Is your child confident enough to be Something Else? Do they know they are different and that it is okay to be their happy colour and unique self? I am joining Varya from Creative World of Varya to talk about the ABCs of Raising Multicultural Kids. I chose this letter because growing up as an expat…
Are we Global Citizens yet?
My son was skimming through the grocery leaflet a few days ago and he excitedly remarked that Italian Kiwi were on offer. Mom can we get them…. can we get them please?‘ he said. It was only after I told him that we already had those in the fridge that he got ‘bored’ off them. It…
Where to find art and craft supplies in Jeddah
In this post: Find our where to find art and craft supplies in Jeddah. A detailed list and review of shops and areas around Jeddah that cater to crafters. If you are looking for yarn, needles, paints, scrapbook or quilting supplies, etc. this post may help you. Our post Craft Shops in Jeddah has become…