I’m a planner… some (eh-hem) may say that I over plan. I think it’s nice to have things to look forward to (in a whisper) maybe a few months in advance.

In the spirit of having as many diverse experiences as possible, I’ve been looking forward to Dubai Design Week (DXBW) since spring of this year.

While I was anticipating great things, I had no idea how invigorating my weekend would be! Part of my credo is stretching myself. You know - that uncomfortable space between trying new things and definitely not having any interest in a subject but learning to be a well-rounded human trying not just to occupy space on this earthly plane.

I encourage you to keep stretching and even more scarily – by yourself. Especially when you find yourself doing the same old thing, with the same old people with the same old perspective. Get up and out and do some living among others. You never know what you’ll discover.

Start your exploration with me and try the following highlights of my trip:

Maiz Tacos (@maiztacos)

Served up by Luma Maklouf, half of the husband wife team whose passion for all things fresh, homemade and taco had me gobbling down two of their chicken tacos while exclaiming “Good golly Miss Molly!” The food truck was one of my first stops on my DXBW journey. Yeeeaaahhh… basically I had to talk myself out of shoving to the front of the line in a most unladylike fashion accosting the gracious Luma for one of everything and setting up camp on the curb in front of the food truck.

Aside – getting down on some tacos on a curb in a mini skirt ain’t cute.

Emaaan Home

Shazia Ahmed and I spent a good 15 minutes just chatting about books and living your best authentic life after I had already spent another 15 minutes pouring over her tastefully designed home and office goods. I was loath to leave after paying for my brand-new folio which screams (in my opinion) “I’m a tasteful creative!” Speaking with Shazia was nourishing. Her designs are notable because of her obvious commitment to quality, craftsman ship and design philosophy.

CARPETSCC

Attending the workshops, talks and exhibitions were expansive. Because I’m not at all in the creative space for my work, attending workshops hosted and attended with people steeped in creative spaces encouraged me to shift my perspective and most importantly ELEVATE! I enjoyed a 1.5 hour long workshop one-on-one with artist and carpet creator Cecilia Setterdahl. I learned more about carpets than I thought possible and believe you me, I am now thoroughly convinced of how important this textile is. Beyond creation, beyond manufacture by talented men and women who ply their trade from generation to generation, the right carpet can truly transform a living space. This makes our lives - you know… US, those who don’t work and live in the creative realms daily, more beautiful, exciting, peaceful, welcoming and creative.

More than the stalls visited, workshops and talks attended, I think my favorite part of the DXBW experience was the departure from my usual life and engagement both social and visual in my other self. No matter where you are or what you’re doing you too can foray into your other self. I implore you: stretch!