Update!

I've been MIA because of school.
Holiday break isn't until December, so I hope to keep this updated; I can't make any promises :( .. but I will try!


Posts coming up

Reviews of:
- Rimmel Max Volume Flash mascara
- Joico K-Pak leave-in-treatment

Inspiration

Update!

I know I'm up to an apology a month.
August has just been a really busy month for me...

For one, on August 12th I celebrated my 21st birthday. It was a huge milestone, I don't feel any older though, maybe wiser? It's great to finally say I am 21 years old! Legally in Canada you're an adult at 18-19 so it's nothing special over here.

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Also because I am Muslim I celebrate Ramadan. The day before my birthday was the start of Ramadan! So I couldn't really do anything for my birthday, but fast, lol. I didn't have a problem with it, why would I?

So we're about 2 weeks into Ramadan and so far so good. The days are longer (16 hours) but the fact that I am still on my summer right now, is probably why it's easier. I've been going to the mosque every night at 7pm and returning at 11:30pm then sleeping at 1am to only wake up at 4am. This is done everyday! I'm exhausted! lol

-- Anyway, I am sorry that I haven't updated in one whole month, it's been really crazy. I promise to post a new entry every week before school starts. For me classes start on September 7th. Hopefully, I'll have some time to update and post some reviews and DIY's during my final year!

x

Saudia

Skincare Routine

For the past 2 weeks my face has been flaring up and I've had horrible break outs. It resulted in scarring, great just what I need, more scars! I became fed up and decided to buy a different cleanser and a stronger acne treatment. I also bought a richer facial moisturizer.

I've always had trouble finding the right products for me. This routine seems to work really well! I plan on switching it up in the winter time. However, I believe the moisturizer is thick enough for the cold, frosty weather.

This is the cleanser I chose. I decided to get this one because my skin got used to the Clearsil that I was using.

I've heard a lot of good things about the Clean & Clear Advantage line, this was a major factor in my purchase. This Clean & Clear has 2% salicylic acid.














The next product I purchased was this acne spot treatment. I have to say that this Spectro works 10x faster than the Clearsil one. I posted a review for it on my blog. I prefer this one. I think Spectro is only available in Canada, however I'm itching to try the entire line. This was my first Spectro purchase.

It really works in an instant. You're supposed to apply it twice a day, which is what I do. I generally rub it over the affected areas and let it dry. It's not as drying as the Clearsil brand.




Finally, my new favourite moisturizer is this Jamieson brand. It's normally $25 but I saw it was on sale for $14 and I figured I would "splurge". It's a splurge for me because I currently have a tight budget so I'm not able to spend good money on moisturizers. This is a night moisturizer. I wake up every morning with really soft skin, my skin actually appears clearer in the morning.

Mini Update

What's happening bloggers!?

Sorry I haven't posted anything for a week, I've been sick. Picked up a virus from my brother on Saturday and just today I got a lovely ear infection. My ear hurts like a bitch :( .. I also lost my voice a couple times, luckily I was able to sweat out the fever and the body pain has disappeared. However, a sore throat still lingers.

Hopefully, I'll be all better by next week.

x

Saudia

DIY: Body Scrub

I recently ran out of my sea salt body scrub, which I purchased at this event in October, and I was desperate to get rid of all the dead skin on my body. I decided to put together sugar and olive oil and use that as my scrub. It works really well!

I already use sugar and lemon juice as a scrub on my face so why not switch it up? I prefer to use brown sugar because it's slightly denser than regular white sugar.

I love body scrubs, they really make a huge difference. I tend to pick up the body washes that have the little moisture beads, it does make my life easier and is very useful.

I like to use the scrub twice a week to ensure that the dead skin is gone. And to keep it away. Having soft, smooth skin helps my moisturizer sink in. My skin really soaks in the moisture.




Here are the instructions for the scrub:

Materials/Ingredients:
- measuring cup
- container or jar
- brown sugar
- olive oil

Steps:

1. Fill the measuring cup with as much sugar as you need.
(I used about a cup. This should last me for a month. It really depends on how much you need)

2. Pour the sugar into container or jar.
** Make sure there is a proper seal for the container.

3. Pour out half the amount of olive oil; there should be a greater ratio of sugar.
** If you used 1/2 cup of sugar than measure out 1/4 cup of olive oil

4. Mix together thoroughly

5. Enjoy your homemade scrub!

**Tip: use the scrub BEFORE you shower. It works a lot better on dry skin, meaning no water involved as yet. The removal of the dead skin is a lot more effective.

**pictures of my scrub coming soon

Fashion Inspiration

Quail's Fall 2010 Collection

Banana Hair Mask Update

This is an update for the DIY hair mask I tried last week. It worked wonders for my hair, I got so many compliments on it. The mask made my hair extremely soft and shiny.

The day I tried the mask (Wednesday July 07th) my hair was immediately soft. I could feel the difference in the shower as I washed my hair.

By Saturday it was time to wash my hair again and this time it was even better! The texture was amazing and I was so happy. I haven't had a hair day like that in a long time. The mask managed to lock in my shine for an entire week! My hair was so manageable that day, no fuss when I was styling it.

I highly recommend you try this hair mask. If you have dry, damaged hair, this mask is for you. It's so simple and the best part you already have the ingredients in your kitchen!

Check out my blog entry "DIY: Banana Hair Mask" if you are just hearing about this mask for the first time.

Enjoy and let me know the results; comment below and I'll be sure to reply. I'm going to try and apply it once every week, because I tend to use a lot of heat on my hair.

These photos were taken on the Wednesday when I tried it.

Journey: Day One

4:30pm --

Ahh, this stuff tastes so bad, but I can do this! LOL I won't back down!
Today I am trying out the ACV mixed with water and some honey.. the honey isn't helping. I'm used to the smell, but this is the first time I am tasting ACV.

I'll update tomorrow
Peace


UPDATE:
July 14th 2010: I just started drinking a teaspoon of ACV, rather than mixing it in with water. I feel it will work better than diluting it.
The trick is to plug your nose until you have swallowed the ACV then immediately gulp down a glass of water; don't unplug your nose until you've had at least 2 gulps.

Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

This is what I will be drinking for the rest of my life, or until I see results lol

Ingredients:
- Brewed green tea
- juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Drink twice a day

or

- 1 teaspoon ACV
- 1 tablespoon honey
- glass of water

Drink twice a day

** I'm going to try both recipes and let you know which one tastes better :P I'm not a fan of honey, so we'll see.

x

Journey

Hey bloggers, how's it going??

For the past couple of years I have changed my diet and I have been working out a lot. However, it's taking a long time to see results because I can get bored easily and become lazy, therefore, there isn't a steady upkeep. Once school comes around I just cannot keep up with my workout routine. I love eating healthy and being healthy. The last 2 months I have been really changing up what I eat and how I cook my food. I'm also trying to bring my family into this lifestyle.

I have been doing a lot of research and I've decided to try drinking apple cider vinegar (ACV). I drink about 6 glasses of water everyday, so I figured why not add the ACV to the water. I am already applying this stuff to my face for acne, but healthy skin comes from within.

I was browsing the interweb today and discovered this site (Earth Clinic). I found this site extremely helpful, it features various recipes and medicinal information. I wanted to blog about my experience because I want to keep a tab on my progress. All I'm really looking for is an improvement in my skin and I just want to lose 4 inches off my tummy/hips. I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm about 109 lbs right now so I cannot lose weight lol! Obviously, I'm going to continue with my workout routine and eating properly.

I will post an update once I notice anything or just to let you know if its working.
Wish me luck!

I want to hear from you bloggers. Have you ever tried using apple cider vinegar for weight loss??
Leave a comment below and let me know!


x

Saudia

Interior Design Inspirations

DIY: Epsom Salt Spray

Check out this great tutorial on how to make your own salt spray.

Great for getting that textured beachy look.



This is KL's YouTube channel. She's incredibly talented!

YouTube Channel:
SecretLifeOfaBioNerd

Blogger:
Life of a Fashion Design Student


x

Saudia

Daily Obsessions

Alexander Wang Rocco Bag

Ralph Lauren

Chanel

Alexander McQueen Faithful Bootie

Christian Louboutin Misfit Heels

Quote of the day

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

-- Confucius

DIY: Banana hair mask

I recently came across this hair mask after watching The Doctors. They had a segment about using natural products for your skin and hair. I've tried everything they mentioned, except the banana hair mask. It's great for strengthening dry and damaged hair. I've been outside a lot, therefore my hair has a lot of sun damage.

"Bananas contain tryptophan, a rich amino acid that is known to be extremely beneficial for hair and skin. They are chock full of potassium which adds super softening properties to the hair shaft. Along with vitamins A, B, C and E bananas contain rich natural oils and carbohydrates. All these goodies shore up the natural elasticity of the hair and prevents split ends."
Source: http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip937.htm

I'm about to try it right now, because I have 2 bananas that have turned black and I don't want to throw them away. Also it's that time in the week when my hair needs to be washed!

Let's get started.

Materials and Ingredients:
* 2 ripe bananas
* 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* Blender
* Spatula/spoon
* Tupperware container

Directions:

Step 1: Put the peeled bananas into the blender. Puree until smooth and all lumps are gone. The consistency should be creamy.

Step 2: Add the mayonnaise and olive oil. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Pour the mixture into a Tupperware container.

** Depending on how much hair you have, you will have enough hair mask for one to four treatments. The rest of the mixture can be stored in the fridge.

Step 4: Apply the mixture on your hair before you shampoo. Leave the mask on for 15-30 minutes.

Let me know if any of you try this mask!


UPDATE:
The mask worked great!
Usually my hair stands up while it is wet, because of heat damage, but this time my hair was soft and no frizz!
I recommend everyone try this mask, preferably once every week. Although my hair is still wet, it is still soft and shiny.

Product Update

This is an update for the Clearasil Acne Treatment Cream. I have been using it for little over a week now and it has worked wonders. Here is my quick review on it.

Pros:
- diminishes pimples overnight
- a tiny amount is needed
- prevents acne with regular use
- my skin didn't burn or I didn't experience any irritation

Cons:
- dries out skin, a lot!
- very medicated smell
- carefully use it on sensitive skin, it might cause irritation
- instantly works on smaller pimples; takes about a week on cyst types

Overall, it is a great product. Only a tiny amount is needed therefore it is worth the money, however, be careful how you use it. If you smear it all over your face it will dry quickly and the next morning it takes a bit longer to wash off.

I give it 3.5/5

x

Saudia

Canada Day Long Weekend

Thursday July 1st 2010 Canada turned 143 years old! I didn't get a chance to blog about it. So happy birthday Canada! I've been living here since 1994, it's a great country.
Go Canada! I'm proud to call myself a Canadian

x

Fashion Haul

Again, I apologize for the late posts. I'm horrible :(

Sunday my cousin and I dropped by Vaughan Mills. We walked around, not expecting to buy anything. However, she had mentioned she was looking for a great collared shirt for interviews, etc.

There were a lot of things on sale, but we couldn't find the perfect item. We stopped by Costa Blanca, and looked around. She found a great gray collared shirt.
I didn't see anything for myself. So we walked across the mall to Urban Behavior, which is the sister of Costa Blanca.

I looked and looked, there were some great pieces but I didn't want to spend too much money. I controlled myself :P Then, I came across this great dress!


Went to try it on and the colours were amazing. It looked really great against my skin tone. It was on sale for $20 so I had to pick it up! I'm going to style it with a very dramatic rocker type belt. I wish I had a really great party to wear it. I have a lot of dresses, but no where to go!



Back



This is how it looks on me.

So after the clothing stores we dropped in at Claire's. Again we weren't expecting to buy anything. I love Claire's, but only one part of the store is my style. It's usually the section with the bronze and bohemian style.

As we were browsing we stumbled upon this Alice in Wonderland rack! My cousin and I flipped out, we just started going through the stuff that they had. Key chains, earrings, charm bracelets, wallets..

As my cousin ogled at the Alice items I went to look at the rings. I ended up picking out this one.



I fell in love with it. This ring fit so well and is very comfortable, meaning it wasn't heavy. After that I continued to browse Claire's. I chose this bracelet:



I loved the simplicity of this bracelet; I was looking for something to wear every day and this was perfect. It also fits well and the colours are great. I really love delicate simple bracelets. They look great with very chunky bangles. I really love that balance and the various textures.

As I was paying for the ring and the bracelet I saw this wallet and I've been looking for a really nice one, literally for 1 year now. I love the print on this; kind of like splattered paint.



My Claire's purchases:


We were at the mall for about 3 hours, it was a great shopping trip. My cousin did end up getting a bracelet from the Alice in Wonderland collection.


It had all the charms related to the characters! She removed some because they was too many. She gave me this one that says Drink Me. I'm seriously going to make a necklace out of it.


Take care bloggers!

x
Saudia