Happy New Year!

Salam Guys, 


Happy New Year! 


Well back in London, it's not technically the 1st of January yet - there are still a few more hours to go :)


I think the start of a New Year is a great time to aspire to new things and to create future goals for yourself. A time to celebrate a new and hopefully upcoming beautiful year (ignoring the 'end of the world' allegations lol)  However, I also feel it is a time to look back at your past year and do some critical self evaluation - to see the good things that you could improve and do more of and others that you feel you need to avoid. Different aspects in your life from what you eat to whom you spend company with. 


Also, for the Muslims out there this would be a great time to look at how you performed and ask yourself - how much time have you spent on worship? how many times do you remember Allah throughout your day?? and lastly, the first thing we will be asked on the Day of Judgement - the question about the quality of your Salah (is it on time?with full concentration?) . 


My New Year Goals:  


Next year will hopefully be a better year for me Insha-Allah - and I aim to become a better person, friend, daughter, blogger and muslimah. 


1. Devote more time to my lord: 

2. Study Hard: 

3. Frequent Blogging: 

4. Help out more @ home: 

5. Find better Company: 

6. Pamper me Silly :) 

7. Have fun: 

8. Get some hard earned Cash (i.e Job) 

9. Finally - live with this qoute :) 

And 10?? - I hope you all have an amazing year insha-allah 


♥♥♥

Winter fashion

Salam Guys,

How are you all?
Just going through my winter fashion favorites filled with the top trends. If there is more you have spotted on the highstreets - just let me know :) x

Fashion: 

1. Maxi Skirt - 

High Waisted Maxi Skirts are back on the high street - they are so elegant and classy. My favourite is the pleated one pictured above :)

How to wear them??- Team it with a blouse or shirt (tucked in), a large clutch, platform heels and your favourite winter coat :)
High waisted skirts can also be worn in the summer aswell :) This time with a loose tee and blazer or cardigan on top

2. Wedges (boots):

Wedges are the ultimate all season item, from summer  to winter. It also a great alternative to normal heels, giving you that advantage to look amazing but comfortable  At a time like this, wedge boots would be ideal. 

3. Tux Blazers: 

The idea of 'boy turns girl'look has influenced some designers to create the female tux! These are great in adding that edgy look to your outfit, its a change to the usual blazer - dress look . 


4. Large Clutches:

This is the most effortless and on-trend piece this year. if your outfit is looking a bit empty, a little bit of jewelry and a large clutch should do the trick. It is also an amazing piece for those who bring everything in their clutches *raises hand*, this is the closest thing to Doctor who's tardis on a night out! 


5:  Fur Capes: 
I'm in love with this! - it can be paired with all sorts of outfits. As well as keeping you warm, these capes come in all different sizes. It could come as a coat form as well as a smaller form that just adds that chic'ness to your look. 


6. Blouses: 

One of the most feminine pieces on this list. Its been around for years, making it suitable for any type of outfit. There also a variety types of blouses that can suit your style and the look you aim to achieve. This green one is the more feminine one, teamed with a ruffle detail on the top and sheer sleeves. The blouse can also be worn in any type of event, from work to parties. 


Beauty : 
Look one: (Statement look) 

This look is amazing for special occasions this season, such as formal dinners, parties and weddings. A smokey eye paired with a red lips for a more glamorous approach. 

Makeup: - Pictured is the Bobbi brown pallet ( an alternative could be Urban Decay's Naked                         pallet or even MUA 


Look two: (Pastel Look) 

This look has been adapted by famous celebrities like Adele . This is a classic look that has been around for YEARS. It's timeless and can be worn with anything, adding a very chic and classy flavour to your outfit. 

Makeup: 

Any eyeshadow pallet could be used for this one. Neutral colours would look best teamed with a black eyeliner of your choice to create a winged line. Do Not forget mascara :)  This would make your eyes look more wide awake and even bigger.

Hope my holiday gets better :(

Salam Guys,


The only reason I've disappeared lately is because I've stepped into a world of Revision and Housework. Yeah its true - while everyone is either skiing in France or shopping their head off - I've been retreated into the house like an old widow. I deserve to be free..... 


Sorry bout that...haha - but seriously I need to get out the house! Quick . Thinking of going shopping some time tomorrow or the day after Insha-allah. 


Anyway - How was you guys-es (<--wait- is that a word :p) holiday ??  fill me in :) 

P.S -  Thought of the Day:  

This is simply beautiful - I often find myself in a bad situation which makes me turn to Allah - Vice versa - even good situations makes me thank Allah and turn towards him. :) 

i love my sleep :)

Just came across this while surfing on the net....it's so cute xD 

And no.. me and sleep have had a long stable relationship without conflict for sure 

Review: Simple's Replenishing Rich Moisturiser

Salam Guys,

These days I've been getting really bad skin because of the cold and windy weather in the UK. Having a really bad moisturiser has led to my skin being really dry and flaky :( I decided I better do something about it because my skin is already damaged enough at it is.

So..I brought this today at Superdug after reading some really good reviews about Simple's skincare range. Most of the positive reviews and comments were about Simple's Replenishing Rich Moisturiser - stating that it was 'deeply hydrating' and 'extremely rich' to the skin. Well- guess what??... This thing is the best thing I've ever had :D It's practically genius.

I've never been an expert in skincare at all, it's just these past few months since January 2011 (Wait- that's a year :0 Oh dear! Time flies..) after watching some YouTube videos, it's really helped me gain an insight about not only beauty but how to take good care of yourself. Our body is a given to us by god, and the best way to go is to take good care of it :) .

Well - so i haven't had a good moisturiser for like umm.. Never! So finding Simple was - lets just say very rewarding *sniff sniff*
This stuff works so GOOD, and it actually hydrates your skin and your skin feels so much smoother. I feel like every moisturiser claims to do that lol. I have combination skin - it's my t-zone area, chin and forehead  that are oily but i find that in the winter It's them parts of my face that are mostly dry - weird. I also find that alot of products which contain alcohol just dry my skin completely . Speaking of which- my cleanser and face wash  actually do contain alcohol lol but i guess it just clears my skin and should be followed by a good moisturiser.

Simple claims:

• It contains Vital Vitmin - Pro- Vitimin B5 which actively restores, softens and smoothes
• Skin loving nutrients  like Glycerine, whch hydrates, nourishes and moisturises for 12 hours. Bisabol  soothes and calms while Allacton softens and protects 
• No perfume, No colour, No unnecessary or harsh chemicals which won't upset the skin 

Bisabol: A natural ingredient used to heal skin,and a great anti-irritant and anti -inflammatory for sensitive skin

Allantoin: A compound which is naturally produced by many organisms (wisegeek.com) 

As you can see it's filled with lots of good ingredients- great for sensitive skin. So i used it on my skin just after cleansed my skin with Body Shop Seaweed Cleanser (love that range). I found the moisturiser goes a very long way, you only need a small amount to cover your whole face AND neck :D so i thought how money efficient!  Just after minutes of applying, my skin felt baby soft and it instantly felt hydrated - the flakiness had gone. Definitely a good buy. Also, another thing - its £2!!! <- i know - not even going to comment on that - nuff said. 

So guys, if you are suffering from dry and flaky skin in the winter season or just generally - defo the product to buy. There's other amazing products in their range, night creams, cleansers and face wash. But i guess this one may work as a good night cream too since its so hydrating:) 

Long review- my first 

Thanks for reading and hope it was helpful - please comment below 

xx

Shopping Savings!

Salam Guys,

Just because it's the holidays, doesn't mean you can 'splash the cash' or 'burn a hole in your pocket' - shop smarter and save! :D Okayss... well are you those sort of people who wait around early morning in a store after Christmas day (boxing day) just so you can get your hands on em' bargains??Hmm..? Well wow! some passion i see there - i have no patience for that AT ALL - i'lll probably be back home sleeping :) Is it sad??- No, i call it difference in values and priorities haha jk.

Anyway, for those amazing shoppers on that cold boxing day morning at a store- or even other people who just want to save money. Here is some tips that could make your day at the shopping centre MUCH more easier.

1. Make a List: 

Yes! Those lessons at school back when you were 7 or 8 are very helpful you know :) Making lists in life just makes everything easier - you may seem like an perfection freak haha - but it saves you time and money for so many things in your life. Right - make a list of what exactly you want to buy, question yourself -what is it that you want to buy from the store?. This gives you a clear focus of your aims, and helps you easily spot the items you want in the store effectively later on. Its a quick way of saying "Right, this is what i want and came here for" purchase and get out of the store. <- Quick right? It avoids those situations where you pilgrimage to every store, spending endless hours in each store - then coming out with either a small amount of items (waste of time??) or a large bulk of items ( many of whom you may not need!)

2. Shop On-line: 

Technology has made it's debut for the last couple of years - So? make use of it! If you wanna save your ass     rather than going out in the cold - then all you need is a mug of tea/coffee and computer. Yes, within the comfort of your home you can order goods - even internationally. Shopping on-line also saves you a few pounds/dollars as some items may be cheaper on-line or other items may be only online exclusive. Another tip  that i often do is before i check into a store, i look online (more products online) and i do what i call 'What's on the menu?' observation - Haha Yeahh...so i check out the latest products/items and the latest sales going on.


3. Budget

Have a budget of how much money you are going to allow yourself to spend! Just cuz everything's on sale - does't necessarily mean you should burn a hole in your pocket :) Remember, you've got another year ahead of you Insha-allah ( meaning: if god wills) so don't splash out every remaining cash you may have - leaving you empty :/ Say to yourself, that's what i need and that's how much i aim to spend - Done!

4. Don't use a Credit Card!

This is probably the most wise option ever! Its is best to leave your credit card at home for YOUR own benefit. A lot of the time, when shopping in crazy sales you're not thinking about how much you're spending - just how many bags your carrying gives a certain arousal lol. But this may lead to a risk of overdraft in your bank account - and that's a scary thing! Therefore, in order to prevent this happening - bring some cash with you. It is proven through a lot of other people's experiences  that carrying cash around reduces the chance of buying alot of unnecessarily items and makes you value each penny you spend - mainly because the image of your cash decreasing throughout the day is pretty agonising lol!

5. Sale? Think again

Hey! just because it states it's on 'sale' - doesn't mean you are getting the best deal out of it. Supermarkets and boutiques know people will be heavily shopping at this time after Christmas - so they know they'll be able to get a few pricey items off maybe £2 - and then slap the label 'SALE' on it. Fair?? - no :/
To avoid this you gotta be careful about what you shop - analyse in your head a few thoughts - "is it worth it?" and be open minded - remember, it's not the end of the world,  you will have time to purchase through other sales and who knows? - maybe they'll slap off a few pounds after a couple of days - Patience :)
LOL side note: some advertisers now advertise: "Purchase so and so before 11.12.12" aka the day before the end of the world - quite amusing in a way lol :D - why make money out of our deaths may I ask?

6. Think Ahead

If your going to buy clothes or shoes. Then buy classical pieces, as in don't go buying items that are 'bang' on trend but can easily be 'off' trend as well. As I said earlier, be open minded when looking for the best deals - think ahead. Such as what you can wear for the summer, when winter wears off and also look for pieces that can remain in your wardrobe for the long term. It reduces the chances of you having to renew the wardrobe again - thus saving m.o.n.e.y :)


Through all that, remember to have as much fun as possible. Bring family and friends along for a shopping spree and share these tips!

Thanks for reading, please comment below xx

I'M BACK!

Salam Guys!

How are you?? Yes, I guess i have disappeared for a VERY long while! Just finished my mocks this week and a lot of school work off my shoulder Alhamdulilah (meaning: thank god)..... So i wasn't able - prior to this to blog any post but don't get me wrong lol - still kinda busy. I guess i will not be able to follow my 'one post a day' plan i layed out due to practical reasons *sigh* :(

So i now promise to do a couple of posts a week - hmm.. say about 3-4 rather than one a day. As a result - this will allow me to get on with my life and find new inspirations without feeling burdened AND it may increase the value of the post - so people can comment till about a few days allowing them to ask questions. Sounds good to me.

I've got a few blog post ideas i'de like to write about, however, if there are a few that you've got on your mind - please let me know and comment below.

Thank you
xx

P.S : Do you love ma kittens haha (not mine!) - just thought it makes a cute come-back! 3 cheers to that <3 x

Eid Mubarak!

Hi Guys!

So sorry i haven't updated for a while - been super busy and had no time to update new posts. Which is a shame really because i DID want to do a few posts talking about eid and everything but i guess it is what it is.
Anyway, just wanted to say

EID MUBARAK and have a wonderfull new year insha-allah xxx :D

Find the right Jacket/ Coat for your bodyshape!

I know i've been rambling about winter alot! but I thought since it being a relevant topic for mostly everbody (for those who live in countries summer all year round :p im sorry bare with me - eid posts will be coming soon!) - I may be obliged to share a few tips and ideas with you. However, if you feel there's a relavant topic I should go through - please let me know and comment below :D

So you want to buy a jacket or coat for winter- your stuck for choices, a little picky :p
And you find some jackets that may look nice but just don't look right on you.

Here's some tips on what type of jackets and coats to purchase that's right for your bodyshape :D Remember: All Bodyshape types are amazing - its just how you rock it out!

Hourglass: This type of body shape is very curvy!  You tend to have big busts and a bottom but a small waist - your body is shaped like an 'hourglass'. You should try wearing coats and jackets that are belted, this will give your figure a bit of structure. Cropped Jackets also work for you, the leopard print one above would work amazing with a dress - if your going out to a party. Famous Celebs with an Hourglass figure would be Scarlet Johansson and Kate Winslet

Pear: Being Pear shaped means that you have slightly small shoulders but a heavier bottom. When Choosing the right Coat or Jacket, try ones that emphasise on your shoulders and balance your body shape. The ones above I have chosen have a lot of shoulder detail (like fur or shoulderpads) - this focuses less attention on your bottom half and gives an even shape to it.Some famous celebs that that are pear shaped that I can think of?? Lets say Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and Princess Beatrice

Apple: Apple shaped woman tend to carry weight on their waist. The best types of Coats and Jackets would be those who draw less attention to their waist and even out their body structure. A double breasted Coat would work Fab! However, try to avoid Coats/Jackets that are short and stop at the waist - they don't give you a balance to your shape. V-necks can also be worn, as they add shape to your body - and they give that extra vava-voom! (mind me for sounding like those French designers :p - i love em!) Famous celebs that are apple shaped?? Elizabeth Hurley and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Strawberry: Being strawberry shaped means that you have a bigger bust or shoulders, so you carry more weight on you top half rather than your bottom half. When choosing the right Coat/Jacket - you need one that will balance your shape structure and focusing less on your top half. Choose Coats that flare from the bottom, also avoid double breasted coats/jackets and try looking out for single buttoned ones. Famous Celebs?? Anjelina Jolie

Rectangle: This type of bodyshape is when you have a less curves on you and maybe straight up and down. You will need to look for  Coats/Jackets that give shape to your body and create an illusion of a more fuller curvy figure. Try belted coats and jackets that are either long or finish at the hip - short jackets and coats wont do you justice. Famous Celebs?? Nicole Kidman and Hilary Duff



For more infomation about your body shape and what to wear, please visit http://www.bodyshapefashionadvice.com/   <--- a VERY recommended website *thumbs up*

Winter Skincare Tips

During the winter you may find your skin prone to being dry and flaky, this is one of the major effects from cold weather. Take these few steps to help keep your skin stay healthy and look fresh this season.

1. Moisturise 

I cannot stress how important this is. Keeping your body and face moisturised is a key to help prevent dry and flaky skin. Try out an oil-based moisturiser, this type contains a greater amount of oil than other moisturisers. It will help keep your skin moisturised and soft as-well as looking radiant.


2. Exfoliate


Exfoliation is important in getting rid of dead skin cells on your body and . Include some good body scrubs and face exfoliators in your skincare routine. However, be sure to check what skin type and what type of exfoliators and cleansers that may work for you.

3. Drink Water

This may seem simple, but keeping your body hydrated throughout both winter & summer is a must! Try carrying water bottles with you during the day, and drink a couple of glasses of water when you reach home. Water is a natural way of keeping your body hydrated and fresh - You will soon see amazing results on your  skin.


4. Spa or Sauna/ Steam 

Try visiting your local gym that provides steam/sauna and enjoy! Its a great way of rejuvenating your skin, hydrate, serves as a deep cleanser, relaxing the mind and the body. It also provide medical aswell as emotional aid to you and your body. However, if you want, you can try buying a humidifier or even facial steamers that can be used at home - this will allow your skin to breathe more and reduce cracks and dryness .

5. Lip Care

You may find that your lips are drier and chapped in the winter rather than the summer, therefore your lips need better care. Try carrying round Lip Balms & Vaseline around  in your purse (Vaseline works wonders for me) and moisture your lips often :D
Remember DON'T LICK YOUR LIPS!! - as tempting as it may be to think that it's a quick way to remove chaps lips, it just makes it worse :( trust me


Got any more suggestions or for more infomation? Comment below :D.

Layering

Dorothy Perkins camel cardigan
£33 - dorothyperkins.com

Kokoon loose shirt
€200 - youheshe.com

Stripe socks
£39 - toast.co.uk

Monsoon pom shoes
£18 - monsoon.co.uk

Skull beanie
amazon.com

Winter's Calling

The awkward moment when you don't know what to write for your first post??! haha


To break the ice, I thought I might just come to terms that for most of us- its time to wrap up and keep warm for some harsh weather. Before jumping off to 'What to wear' and other tips, I decided to just start with the basics of keeping warm this winter at home and going out- some tips that may be so obvious but taken for granted in our daily lives.


 Im sure most of our winter's don't look so glamorous as this!

When I was younger, I very much expected to wake up to this every winter morning. I wanted to be woken up to Narnia, but instead - woke up to this :( 

1. So you wake up in the morning (we all know its not as simple as that :p - after a few groans and 'hmphsss') and your FREEZING!!. Probably even moving around with your duvet. What would you do? 
Well the best thing to do- before you do anything, turn the heater on to an average temperature.This will get you going in the mean time as your getting ready. DO NOT boost the tempreture to the highest, then get a headache because its too hot and then you'll have to turn it back off again (what I used to do)- a cycle will start. Allowing the heater to gradually heat your home on an average tempreture will allow you to get warm slowly and eventually after slipping on warm clothes, you may lower the tempreture. This is a great way of saving energy bills.  For best results - wake up 15-20 minutes before your usual alarm time and switch on the heater, then pop back into bed. The results are WARM :D 


2. Layering on wearing warm clothes is not only for going out, try to layer on clothing while at home too. You've seen those cute pics of models with their 'grandma' jumpers and socks, just to find out they're only wearing pants 0.0 haha   
Just by wearing several layers of thin clothing helps rather than wearing one big chunky piece of clothing. Try wearing a top, shirt, a pair of trousers, and maybe a cardigan. You might be thinking 'Why the need for a whole outfit at home?' - well if wearing those items outside helps keep you warm - then it'll probably keep you warm inside. Yet another way to save on energy bills!!


3. Diet: What you eat affects the how your body keeps warm. Most of us crave for food high on carbohydrates, this is because of the lack of Vitimin D in our blood 
(more info: http://www.jigsawhealth.com/resources/carbohydrates-carbs)
To try avoid this, stick with a balanced diet, this will not only keep you in shape but you will see AMAZING results within your lifestyle.Such as having more energy when working or studying, and it will protect you and make you more immune to common winter infections (colds or flu)  .Also try eating hot food and hot drinks, it'll warm your body as well as providing some energy boost! 


4. Keeping active is a great way to keep warm. Try to move around and DO SOMETHING, it will automatically get your blood flowing and active. Exercise is a great way to 'keep it moving', either being active at your local gym or moving around in the house Most of us like to snuggle and stay put in one position for a long period of time <-- this does not HELP You will find it actually makes you colder!


5. Experience Cold feet and hands ?? 

This is often due to the lack of circulation around your body- a usual bodily response to cold weather, and the best way to deal with it is trying to find ways to get your body circulating (lhttp://www.ehow.com/how_4738281_improve-circulation.html)  

It could also be due to the lack of irons in the blood, this is what most women and girls suffer. So the best way to deal with it is to stack up on your vitamins and iron tablets for the winter. I would advise on asking your pharmacist first. If you believe there are other causes other than bad circulation and iron deficiency, be sure to consult your doctor :D  

Well I hope that helped on tips to keep warm, stay tuned for more episodes on Winter, such as 'What to wear' , Body and Skincare, and even great holiday destinations for those lucky ones :D 

Hafsa x