A new beginning

17 months ago I took the decision to finally come out of blogger closet and start my own blog . When I started I had no idea where this blog will lead me, I didn't start it with an aim or even a unique concept. I just wanted to get my ideas about fashion and beauty out there. Little did I know, being a blogger added to me on so many levels. My research for fashion and beauty blogs, following new trends, reading about bogging techniques and concepts; all helped in me growing into fashion. Now, I feel like I have developed a unique vision for my blog and what I want my readers to follow. As you have guessed from the new name, welcome to "Babe on Budget". The fashion scene in Egypt is filled with luxurious outfits and designer wearing bloggers, which is amazing; however I want to get the high street wearing girls out there. The concept is basically the story of my life, leading a stylish life depending on my salary ... looking good without going broke. I hope you enjoy it, and I really hope this creates a difference -even if it's small-  in the fashion blogging scene .

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90's trends coming back

I was born in 1991 and that officially makes me a 90's kid. It was one of my favorite decades, not just because I grew up in it, but it was just awesome. These are the trends returning from the 90's and I am thanking god I can finally wear them again.

Denim Overalls

Remember wearing these with a big bow on your head, now you get to look trendy while being extra comfy. 

Slip Dresses

You know the ones that are technically night gowns, it's time to pump up the sexyness and go out like this.

Jelly Sandals

I owned one of these, it was clear and practically covered in glitter. It's so exciting to wear something you used to wear as kid and still be stylish. 

Chockers

We all wore the tattoo chocker and couldn't wait to grow up and get the gold and silver ones. What do you know? It's actually our generation chance to accessorize like our childhood idols.

Crop Tops

Britney and Christina are going to be so proud, they started the crop top trend back the 90's. I say start hitting the gym cause your abs are going public this season. 

Distoryed Mom Jeans

Jeans never looked as good and comfy, get back to the 90's and steal your mom's style with some destroyed Mom jeans. 

Round Glasses

The tiny Harry Potter frams are back in business, this time they come in all colors and style. 

Birken Stocks

I can't believe these are back, I guess comfort comes first this season. 

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Hai Removal 101

Hair Removal! In the Brazilian Beauty post I mentioned Brazilian wax, and I was inspired to talk all about dem hairs.

Permanent

You have  two options when it comes to permanent hair removal, Laser and Electrolysis. It's no secret that Laser and Electrolysis are painful, but it does eliminate the pain you have over time with options like waxing. Laser is pretty popular right now, both in clinic option and at home option. Make sure you go to a trusted laser center and don't go for cheaper options.

Not Permanent

 There are a lot of options in this area, shaving, sugaring, waxing, threading and creams. Sugaring is really popular in the middle east, because we are more hairy obviously. Shaving is more of the western thing. I can say proudly I have tried everything and here is the juice. Sugaring is painful but gets the job done for a long time, waxing is sugaring older less messy sister, shaving and cream only happens when I am in hurry cause BAM 1 day later hair is back and finally threading is for small areas like face and knuckles.

Timing

All I know is you don't remove your hair when you're on your period or like 2-3 days before it. I am not sure what exactly happens, but I know that it grows back very fast and it results in ingrown hair. 
If you used any kind of harsh chemicals on your skin like body hair bleach or hair removing cream, it's best to wait at least 24 hours before waxing or shaving. Your skin might be a little bit inflamed and by removing hair you are making the damage bigger.

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Staying fit in Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem! it's the 5th of Ramadan already, obviously this one is going to fly by fast. One of the biggest challenges when it comes to Ramadan is staying fit, I have some tips and tricks that I personally use and going to share with you. The reason why this post is a little bit late, is that I wanted to put these tips to the test first.

Water

The 2 or 3 liters your body needs in regular days doesn't decrease in Ramadan. The different in Ramadan is that you have less time to consume them. I personally would drink at least 2 glasses on Iftar and like 3 to 4 glasses on Sohor, then the rest of the day I make sure I have my bottle with me. 

  

Meal Planning

The 5 to 6 meals plan isn't practical in Ramadan . If you are following a calorie based diet, then you have to consume these calories in order to maintain your fitness goals. What I do is I would mix calories from meals in one keeping in consideration the amounts of carbs, protein and fats I am consuming. That doesn't mean I am going to eat rice and bread with eggs and chicken in the same meal, what I do is I kick my brown rice up a notch from 50 grams to 70 grams. I also eat Iftar and Sohor, but I make sure to have a snack in the middle. 

Food Order

As soon as it's time to break your fast you think you eat everything on the table, we have all been there. This always leads to eating too much and feeling heavy after your Iftar meal. I use something that I like to call the "Etiquette trick", I start with some kind of fruit juice, then soup, then salad then my veggies and protein, finally I have my carbs. Same goes to Sohor, I have fruits and veggies before I have my cottage cheese, yogurt and brown bread. 

Treats

To be realistic, no Ramadan will pass without a little of heavenly indulges. It's not a crime to have one piece of Konafa or Attayef, the crime is eating the whole tray. For me, I would have one cheat day with the same system as my regular days. I would have my cheat Iftar with the same order, the same thing with Sohor and my snack gets a little bit sweeter. 

 Exercise

 Unlike the word on the street, working out when you are fasting is very bad for you. The body needs energy and your workout will strip more energy from it, therefore your body won't have any energy to burn fat. Wait 2 hours after your lovely Iftar, then go to gym and do your regular exercise.

 Finally

We all have weak moments where we have multiple cheat days or when we are just too lazy to workout for a week. Make sure to keep calm and remember that it's Ramadan and you are fasting for long hours. Get yourself back on track even if you are only days away from the end of Ramadan and never think that it's too late.

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How to be Stylish on a budget

I would love to have a closet full of YSL and Chanel, but the truth is I don't . For us girls in their 20's starting our Careers and trying to make ends meet, we sometimes fall under the impression that we can't afford to look stylish. I am a 22 years old girl living on her salary and here is how I keep looking stylish.  

Great Hair 

You can't look cheap if you have a good hair cut and color. Get yourself a good hair cut to frame your face and add layers for thickness. Ombre and glamor roots are great options for a good hair color.

Invest 

Invest in the closet stables that you know will stay with you for a long time. Your shoes and hand bags, a trench coat or watch. I am not saying your should go all Dior on these things, brands such as Micheal Kors, Steve Madden, Karen Millen and All Saints are kind of the best of both worlds.

Tailor

Getting an affordable piece tailored to your body shape will make it look expensive and 10 times more stylish. You can also go to a tailor and get something custom made to yourself, it will be a unique piece and will look more expensive than it looks. 

Maintenance

Taking care of your clothes and accessories will keep them look neat when you wear them and will longer their life. Get a fabric shaver or a lint roller to use on your clothes, always clean and hang your clothes. Even if your heels or bag is cheap keep them in boxes and change the caps on your heels.

Sale

This one is kind of obvious when it comes to being stylish on a budget. There are a lot of deals in the Sale racks, especially with some of the expensive high street brands such as Zara or Top Shop.

Dupes

I depend on many dupes in Makeup and fragrances personally. There are a lot of dupes to clothing, bags and shoes and some knock offs also look great.

Nails 

Just like hair, your nails with a good shape and good manicure will make you look chic. I like to take care of your natural nails and always keep them short, also whenever I paint them I make sure there is a clear layer to protect them. I would go for fake nails from now and then, and I have to say they look fantastic and not that expensive.

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5 ideas to Style Flower Crowns

Flower Crowns are making a huge statement right now. I think it's such a fun piece and can be used in multiple ways. I decided to share my top 5 ideas to style this boho piece. Just to note that all the outfits are paired with 3 makeup items BB cream, Mascara and some kind of lip tint, because I think the flower crown needs a natural look with it.

Rock Chic

This is kind of an unexpected twist on the flower crown. Here you are with your tom boyish outfit with a head full of flowers. Such a great way to look like you spent a lot planning the outfit when you are just in Jeans and a T-shirt.

Hippie Girl 

This outfit is partially inspired by North West birthday outfit when it comes to dress and shoe lengths. The twist on the outfit is the denim jacket because it's more on the boyish side of a hippie look unlike everything else.

Lady like

The flower crown on this lady like serious outfit just gives a young a twist. I can see myself getting out of a meeting and putting my flower crown before having coffee with friends just to avoid looking boring. 

Easy Breathy

Matching sets are so in right now because it's so easy to put on but it still looks well put together. This modern look needs a boho piece like the flower crown to jazz it up a little bit.

Beach Babe

Finally I think it's an absolutely fun idea to wear a flower crown to the beach. Even if you are not swimming, your swim suit with some cut outs, kimono and jelly sandals can be worn to a BBQ or a pool party and the flower crown is perfect to pull this look together.

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