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Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Summer Vacation Packing

I know that Egyptians start going to sa7el on weekends as soon as they feel the sun rays on their skins. Personally I love going to the beach starting since this is going to be the longest vacation I had since graduation, it's quite and nice. I also love traveling to the warm places in like Dahab and Hurgada. Whether you're that girl who immigrates to sa7el starting June and comes back in September or you're a working girl who dedicates her weekends to sa7el and so5na then gets her annual vacation to run to italy or turkey, you're gonna need to pack differently than a regular pack. Behold ...

The Packing list:

1 Sun Hat & 1 Scarf, you need to protect your head from the sun but in style, also the scarf is multipurpose
1 beach bag, plastic to be sun and sand proof, 1 clutch with a chain for the nights in the club, 1 big hand bag to carry everything around and 1 big suit case to through everything in it and 1 wallet for your credit cards and money, you will also need a change small purse for small purches like water and tissues.
1 to 2 bikinis, personally I recommend get different tops and bottoms so you won't be restricted and 1 one piece swimsuit, just in case you're not feeling like a bikini girl
1 pair of flip flops basically for the beach, 1 pair of wedge sandals in case you need something comfortable that gives sophistication, 2 pairs of flat sandals cause you will always be need them, 1 pair of tennis shoes in case you need to protect your toes or go down town , don't forget to get at least 2 pairs of socks for the tennis shoes and 1 pair of Va va vom high heeled sandals for clubbing.
2 nighties and 1 shorts Pajamas at least, you will need something to sleep in and you will need to change.
4 bras, at least 1 of them needs to be strapless nude bra to any strapless tops or dresses, also at least one of them needs to have no wire for lounging.
6 pair of panties, at least you need 2 of them to be thongs, to avoid pantie lines under your tight apparel.
2 sun dresses, you can have more of course, I prefer long hippie ones, but go with your personal style.
2 Hot party dresses, for clubbing you need short dresses, I like one in bright color and one in black.
2 Skirts, flowy fun skirts are essential you can go with short or long for me I love maxi skirts.
2 tank tops, this one you can have million, never too much, they are good everywhere you can even pair a tank top with a fancy skirt or fancy heels and jeans and go party.
3 t-shirts, for me they work as tank tops, but a bit looser which is my kinds of top.
2 cropped tops, you can wear them with high waisted things, use them to show your navel or wear them with your tank tops, they are in and they are fun, I recommend 1 dressy and 1 in bright color
1 loose shirt, 1 loose knit these for the night or early morning as a cover up if it gets chilly.
3 shorts, you have to have 1 pair of denim shorts, 1 pair of black shorts and 1 sweat shorts they go with everything.
1 pair of black jeans and 1 pair of regular jeans, 2 pair of sweat and/or yoga pants for lounging & everything.
1 body splash, 1 roll on deodorant, 1 perfume bottle, 1 face cleaner, 1 face toner, 1 face moisturizer, 1 body butter and 1 body lotion. your body still needs your care and still needs to smell nice.
1 sun screen, I like to get a tan but I don't like to look orange or get cancer and 1 bottle of shampoo and 1 bottle of conditioner, use your regular stuff cause your hair gets used to it, 1 deep conditioner your hair is going to need deep conditioning because of the sun.
1 plastic bag for your wet items, going back from the beach you will have some wet things, or having to leave before your laundry dries out, use this to keep your wet items from destroying your dry items.
1 eye shadow pallet, I love nude natural colors and black just cause your skin will be glowing with your tan, 1 water proof mascara to avoid mascara running and 1 waterproof eye pencil to avoid black tears. as many nail polishes as you want, personally I take 1 or 2 maximum cause I like my nails to breathe. at least 1 SPF lip balm, I get the shiny one to avoid lip gloss. Get your make up essential brushed with you and a couple of bronzers to conture your tanned face.
1 wide toothed wooden comb, 1 airbrush to straight your hair and dry it.
1 plastic water bottle with metal cover, refill it whenever you want, it's easier to prevent the sand from getting in your water and stop having that much of bottles around you.
1 pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes, at least 3 pairs of hair knots and a hell lot of bobby pins.
1 pair of tweezers in case your brows start bailing on you early, 1 nail polish removing pads and 1 or 2 nail files to keep your fingernails and toenails groomed.
1 swimsuit cover up for you on the beach, 1 towel robe for the shower, 1 beach towel and 1 face towel.
1 ipod/mp3 with it's charge for your music, 1 or 2 pair of head phones so you would avoid crying when you lose 1 of them, 1 mobile charger, 1 laptop/ tablet with it's charge and get readings for the beach could be VOGUE,Cosmopolitan or ELLE or could be any interesting book.
Your accessories bag, I usually get dangling earrings, bangles, stacked rings and long necklaces, just to get in the summer mood, your suing kit, you need to avoid any cuts in your clothing.
1 eye cover, to sleep on the bus/train/plane and to sleep when the sun is rising cause you just got out of the club. Don't wear it while tanning on the beach, tan lines can be hilarious.

Sunday, 28 April 2013

Victoria's secret Ultimate Studio Makeup Kit Review / I am the winner of the giveaway

Hey ladies, thank you for reading my blog. It's honestly been too long since I posted, I have been busy with lots and lots of things, I am still busy which means I am not going to be regularly posting stuff, however I am not going to totally ignoring you guys. This post is basically to celebrate. Of course you are all familiar with the wonderful blog chanel cupcakes cameras and crayons, the fabulous blogger behind it Noha Youssef celebrate her birthday generously enough with an amazing Mega Giveaway with 8 Prizes and 8 winner. The amazing news that I was the winner of one of the giveaways, it's the Victoria's secret Ultimate Studio Makeup Kit presented by Bespoke Egypt. I have been using the kit for a week now, creating different looks and here is the review on it. The packaging was really secure, Thanks to amazing Bespoke people, it had lots of bubble wrap around it which was fun for 2 days; I really felt that they wanted me to enjoy it without a scratch. The box is really girly and cute as you can see, it's lined with glittery pink and it had candice swanepoel on it with a description of everything in the kit. 30 eye shadows, 5 lip glosses, 5 lipsticks, 4 blushes, 1 luminous powder, 1 translcent powder, 1 bronzer, 1 mascara, 1 lip liner,  2 eye applicators, 2 lip brushes, 1 face brush and 1 eyeliner. You've got this huge mirror on the front which is great; however you may need to take care if you're traveling with the kit; I always keep it in it's box just in case.
It has this thing in the back that make it stand up like if it's on display, and you guys it's amazing because I just put it like that on my vanity and it makes it super easy to reach for everything.
 I will start with the eye-shadows. The variety is great, you get different shades and tones horizontally you've got neutrals, then earthy tones, blues, and finally the roses, greys and blacks. All of the eye shadows have shimmer in them; except one matte black shadow and another one matte brown shadow which I use for contouring my nose making it look smaller. The shimmer isn't too shimmery it's like the right amount of shimmer. The shadows differ one of them is so shimmery it's almost glittery and I think that is really great for clubbing. The turquoise is really amazing and I haven't used turquoise before, seriously in for the summer.The pigmentation is good you need like 2 -3 layers if you're going for a dramatic look. I would recommend using eye primer if you're going to sweat.
The lip sticks mostly are more long lasting than the lipglosses. I am in love with the dark beige one, if you mix it with the champagne  lip gloss gives a neutral sexy look. My lips are really pigmented naturally so the red lipstick wasn't like Ferrari red, but it was like a watermelony red, perfect for the summer. The pinks are nice because there are variations of pink with different shimmer levels which is perfect. There is like a gold shimmery lipgloss at the very bottom it's seriously sexy even if worn alone.
4 blushers, they are all pink with variant shades. the lightest shade is the most shimmery one, however the shimmer doesn't come off weirdly  it's think it's good since it's almost wedding season to have some shimmer on cheeks. You've got your daily blush, it's light and matte, really natural. The darker shades would be great for the summer after tanning and for the nights.
The translucent powder has a little bit of shimmer, but you apply it; you get coverage not glittery face which is good news. The luminous powder is amazing for highlighting under eyes, chin and under the nose. I used the bronzing powder, again it has shimmer in it but it's great; I use it to contour my cheeks and hair line. 
The mascara, even through is tiny; however it's wicked. It's a great mascara, doesn't run or melt or anything, and it keep lashes natural looking and full, also it's easy to be removed. As I told you before I never used lip liner, the VS liner is great because the color is close to my natural lips color and it really brings out my lips; I used it with all lip glosses and lip sticks and it's amazing. The eyeliner, it's really an eye pencil; it's pigmentation is really good which is hard to find in Egypt. The black eye pencil is great for water liner, under eye and even over the eye if you're going for a smoky look or a pin up girl look.
All the brushes are natural hair. The face brush is so cute and tiny; I know I might get killed over this but it shredded a little bit when I used it; I think it's best for travelling cause it's so small. The lip brushes are amazing, they don't shred or anything. I use one of the lip brushes as an eye brush when I want to draw a line with the eye shadow, which by the way is a great look and stays on for long. Finally the eye applicators are of a good quality, the thing is that I have my own eyeshadow brushes and I don't know how to use these spongy ones, I just don't know how to.
All in All the makeup kit is AMAZING! you can shop for it directly here. It's really good for taking looks from day to night and for creating new looks for yourself, it has everything in it so it comes in handy when you wanna save up space in your luggage when traveling, do make sure the mirror is safe by putting it in the box and the white secure sheet inside that provide a cushion like security. I was so happy when I knew that I won, I was even happier when I got it and I am happy now that I own it, I would re-purchase or actually purchase since this time it was a gift.

Saturday, 6 April 2013

Looks to shop in April 2013

I have been a huge fan of minimalism and monochrome lately. This outfit is just the perfect mix of both. The skirt is a mix of sheer and cotton maxi and mini in black, will blind with the top to give a dress illusion. To break off the black a white blazer is added, just instant chic with minimalistic neck choker. The thin strap sandals with monochrome brief case make it all lady like. The outfit is perfect for summer chic, it can be morning if you work in a super cool place and it can be amazing for a date or a night out with friends. The top @ 199 EGP also the choker is @ 199 EGP from MANGO. The Sandals are from Zara @ 399 EGP, the brief case is from Stradivarius @ 349 EGP and both blazer with skirt are H&M, blazer is @ 269 EGP and skirt is @199 EGP.
  
Again monochrome and minimalism mix. This time it's in a trousers kinda look. The black formal pants and white blazer give a really formal suit look, having a stripped chiffon blouse peaking under the blazer and a statement gold x black waist belt brings a hip young feel to the look. Polished monochrome bag and strapy high heeled sandals add class. The look is very easy for work and night out or date as well, I can see a hijabi girl wearing it too. Pants @ 249 EGP and Shirt @ 399 EGP both from Mango, Blazer @ 349 EGP, Bag @ 149 EGP and Belt @ 149 EGP as well; all from H&M finally the sandals @ 399 EGP from Stradivarius.  

Friday, 5 April 2013

Beyonce Vs Beyonce with Pepsi ....

You all know that Pespi isn't my favorite thing in the whole world, however as a Marketer you have to respect their constant extravaganza. Pepsi Always have the most famous, sexiest and loudest hot celebrities on their ad. Locally it was Amr Diab and Elissa; internationally it was everybody who's anybody. The queen of fabulous, Mrs Z all grown up Beyonce has been doing Ads for Pepsi since forever, having grown up on destiny child's music then teen years with Beyonce solo career, the ad gave me the right fix of happy memories tears and just that Va va vom of being a grown woman now.
Beyonce has partnered up with Pespi in late December of last year. The Pespi ad is just a snip of her new music video, which is called mirrors. In the ad you see her dancing alone in a mirrors room, then she stops for a Pespi break, as soon as looks back in the mirror .. she finds herself looking at her past self. The first past self she meets in the mirror is her in Bootylicious ... the same hot pink suit with the beads, the sexy hair and attitude ...so what does Beyonce do when she meets her old self .. they have a dance off. There are only 3 past Beyonce in the ad ... Bootylicious, Crazy in love and Single ladies.Have a look at the ad yourself, you will fall in love with every second of it. The ad was released yesterday; which happens to be her 5 year anniversary of marriage with Jay Z. as for me now I am expecting to see everything in the new Video; now I am dying to see it ... I wanna see her in Baby boy, naughty girl, pink panther and even dream girls. The slogan is amazing "Embrace your past, but live for NOW" and what's more amazing is ... that the queen of confidence herself is saying it....
The music is hip and has a lot of soul to it, it got me dancing in a second ...

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Dry / Frizzy hair guru challenge

So it's another post with a challenge with the Lovely Hadeer Taha from Tamara's Blue jeans Blog, as you know if you like something more than the other just comment below. This time it's amazing because it's our favorite topic ... HAIR! Let's face it we're a curly country, with these genes and this weather; frizz and dryness are our usual monsters under the bed. A guru is a person who knows everything about something; all the secrets, tips and trick; over the years of having curly hair I have had a long journey of searching and experimenting. I consider myself a bit of a curly hair guru and what a kind guru does is share her secrets with the world so we can live in a peaceful frizz free world ...

Clean hair = Happy Hair

Secret #1
I wash my hair at least twice a week; you've probably heard the myth of don't wash your hair often so you can let your natural oil flow around a little bit, that's because shampoo that have sulfate will strip these oils away, so I use Sulfate free shampoo, here is Why? and Rainforest moisture shampoo tested. Cleaning your hair often while still maintaining natural oil goodness will keep your hair clean and lessen your frizz.
Secret#2
This is a double win actually if you're suffering from dandruff as well. When I wash my hair I rinse with applying some Apple cider vinegar evenly on my scalp and my hair then massage the scalp to get that blood flowing and let the fossils moving. Apple cider vinegar has a low PH level which balances your scalp, it works on cleaning your scalp from fungus and dandruff. The PH level also trims frizz on your curls and adds shine to your hair.

(Key word) Condition

Secret #3
I don't use a leave in conditioner, I don't know why actually it might be a good idea to explore it and tell you guys more about it. I leave some of my organic sulfate free conditioner in my hair after washing. Meaning after I put conditioner on my hair and wait the appropriate 5-10 minutes, I do half a rinse as in I wash it but not strongly rinse all the conditioner out; that makes my hair more soft and less frizzy.
Secret#4
Deep conditioning is very important as well, I do a hot oil treatment on my hair once of twice a month. My oil mixture includes quarter a cup of castor oil, half a cup of hot coconut oil and half a cup of tee tree oil. The castor oil is for elongating hair, however it's a really heavy oil, that's why you need to use a smaller amount of it; adding coconut oil dilutes the castor oil; coconut oil locks moisture into hair therefore it eliminate split ends and trims frizz , tea tree oil is good for dandruff treatment, you can also add some Agran oil for hair shine. Put your shower cap and stay as long as you can from one hour to even 12 hours, you can sleep with it on your head if you want.

Going through your hair

Secret #6
I am sorry girl, but our days of brushing our long beautiful hair with a shiny brush ain't gonna happen. We comb our hair; using wide toothed wooden comb. Make sure to always clean and sterilize your comb. You've probably heard the myth that you should comb your hair when it's dry; No it make your split ends crazy and it make you lose a lot, combing wet hair is also stupid cause your scalp pores are open and weak, you lose hair. Simply spray water on your hair just to get a damp effect and comb from the ends to the top.
Secret#7
Whenever you get some complicated tangles and knots in your hair, don't go all ninja on that poor knot with your comb. Simply start detangling your knot with your fingers. It's a good thing to do that as well often when you feel there are some knots in your hair just to avoid building up knots that will make the combing time much easier and you will lose much less hair.

Secret#8
Use a micro fiber towel, if you can't find it as always because we're in Egypt where nobody ever cares about your hair. I use a t-shirt of a short night gown to avoid fraction between fabric and my hair. After I dry my hair, while it's still damp I let it air dry, the humid would trim that frizz girl; if you're in a hurry use your blow dryer on cold level.

Sleeping beauty

Secret#9
That's good as well if you're a Hijabi girl, cover your hair with silk scarf, when I want to cover my hair or sleep I wear a silk scarf. The fibers are micro in silk which means that there will be no much fraction between your hair and the fabric which will eliminate frizz and split end. If you don't like covering your head while sleeping you can just get some silk pillow cases which does the same thing, however it might be a tat expensive.
Secret#10

This can happen if you're sleeping or you're just in lounging around the house or even just getting a workout. Braiding your hair or rolling your hair, I mix rolling with braiding with 2 quiffs only; which is much easier to make and untangle; it will give more defined curls in the morning.

Trips to the salon

Secret #11
In order to kill these nasty split ends; you have to face it; you can only elimnate split ends or decreasing it's growth rate, however once you've got split ends there is no magical shampoo or pill that will kill them, you cut them. When your split ends are left more than 2 months they climb up your hair causing frizz and hair loss. Visit the salon every 6 weeks and cut your split end and only your split ends.
Secret #12

I know it's hard and it might seem impossible; I know ... this needs a hug *virtual hug*. You need to use minimal heat on it. I straighten it once a month with a ceramic hair straighter, I might blow dry it once or twice a month; medium heat only and I try eliminate that as well from my routine.

Stop these

Secret#13
Serums don't work with me, they just don't work; my hair is left greasy and sticky which. If your hair is sticky of course it has zero frizz and zero chances of going out like that as well. I never tried heat protection serums; I wonder what will it be able to do; however I am happy without it so I might not know ever.
Secret#14
In 2010 it started, my blond ambition; I wanted to have golden Beyonce hair ... so BANG orange hair. in 2011 I started having seriously light hair it looked really fake which I discovered while looking at my New Year's eve 2011/2012 pictures. My decision in 2012 was another dream; I switched my dream to being a red head then, I went back to Light brown stuff, then I decided to go BLACK. Anyway I haven't put a color in my hair for 6 months now. Coloring dry out your hair no matter what they say in the commercial and it also gives your split ends; wear your natural color proud girly.

Permanent and Temporary

Secret#15
Remember that Perm or relaxer you were thinking of when you were 12 years old... just thank god you didn't put that chemical hazard in your hair; it dries the scalp and burn it bad; also it strips protein out of your hair. Now there is a not so new sheriff in town, This is not much of a secret but Keratin actually trims your frizz, it's controversial I know, even I have been thinking of it for 8 months or a year now and I can't make my mind up. There will be a post about that soon, Now you either lose your curls for 3 to 5 months with formaldehyde which we've heard a lot about it's problems and risks, maybe myths maybe truth; my investigation is still on.  The problem with straight hair for 5 months is ... I will miss my curls cause I am moody sometimes I want curls sometime I don't, there is a formaldehyde free Keratin which keeps your curls, however kill that frizz and that my friend is a permanent solution at least for 3 to 5 months.

I really hope that these secrets are beneficial for you; the most important thing to be said is enjoy your curly hair and have fun with it. Style your curly hair, put cute accessories in it and Enjoy it. Protection and maintenance is very important and it will make you even wear your curly crown with more proud cause you're a beautiful princess.

Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Getting to know more about "TamR 7eNnaH"

I have been introduced to  Heba from "TamR 7eNnaH" last year; Heba is the girl next door type of a girl. She's very nice, humble and talented. "TamR 7eNnaH" designs are funky, unique and practical; I have had many of my friends commenting on the purses and saying "we've never seen something that looks like that". Now Heba is the designer and owner of the brand; she is bubbly and was kind enough to let style & stuff know more about "TamR 7eNnaH" ...


      How did The whole idea with designing start with you?
LAdy in HOT pink
Ever since I was a teenager, I was flattered with Art; it was my hobby, my passion, and my way of learning. By the time I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to study Applied arts.
So Now I'm an Interior Designer and I love my work and my whole life is revolving around Designing and Art.


When did "TamR 7eNnaH" brand start?
I started "TamR 7eNnaH" in February 2012 with small collection of printed clutches and it went very well; so I continued the Line by making more Practical, different & unique Bags.
Heba

Can you tell us about some of the obstacles that faced u while starting "TamR 7eNnaH"? 
The Biggest difficulty I faced was finding a good bags tailor who understands my designs and gives me a High Quality for the sewing and finish. it was HARD!

What's you favourite design from "TamR 7eNnaH"?
I LOVE my whole collection, however maybe my favorite would be LAdy in HOT pink, I adore this purse. 

Where can we shop for "TamR 7eNnaH" bags, purses, ipad and laptop covers?
"TamR 7eNnaH" is currently selling in Weeka Anteeka in both Nasr City and Heliopolis Branches. It's also available on www.enigmashopping.com and www.madeinegypt.com. I sell also through "TamR 7eNnaH" Facebook Page

Do you think "TamR 7eNnaH" will expand for Jewelry, shoes and Clothes?
I used to make Jewelry before, however I didn't continue, Maybe I would restart it again .. Who knows?

Describe yourself in 3 words
Creative, Ambition & STUBBORN

Describe your "TamR 7eNnaH" in 3 words
Classy, UniQue & Comfy

What inspires you in your designs?
I adore my decoration field .. so I am willing to blend between Decoration and Fashion to come out with the most unseen designs ever.

What's next for "TamR 7eNnaH"?
Next for "TamR 7eNnaH" is New printed fabrics designs, as I am cooperating with my lovely graphic designer Amr Abdel Khalek ... inchallah we are going to ROCK

What's your favorite quote?
"Always be optimistic and believe in your inner Beauty"

What's in your daily bag that you carry?
My wallet, Keys, My perfume, Meter, lip balm, note book and my favorite pen.

I am looking forward to see some funky prints and fabrics from "TamR 7eNnaH", I am sure that the new collection is going to be beautiful and different as always. I love how simple yet creative heba's work is, she's easy to talk to and she's a very practical lady just like her designs.

 Check out more designs and be updated with all events and new collections from Her Facebook page

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