ZINAH

Another blessed month, another Ramadan, another opportunity to repent, to ask for forgiveness and to better ourselves as Muslims. Not that I am implying that we can't do that on daily bases, but with Ramadan here, it's rather shameful not to.

This year…Ramadan is in July…The fasting hours are going to be long, but inshallah it'll be just fine! It's a summer Ramadan, but then again, summer in England barley exists!

Alhamdulillah I feel blessed to experience another Ramadan, with my loved ones. I am wishing you all wonderful folks a very blessed month. Inshallah let's make the most of it, keep our less fortunate sisters and brothers in our prayers.

Around the end of March 2013, I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris. Yet again, this was one of my spontaneous and unplanned trips that just so popped in my head few days before travelling (remember Milan, Saudi Arabia and Paris 2011? All spontaneous and out of the blue!).

Ever since my first holiday without my family in 2009, all my trips/holidays have been completely spontaneous. Although I am an organised freak who likes to plan everything in advance (except outfits ironically), making spontaneous (ok, I have clearly overused this word!) trips/holidays seemed rather exciting and refreshing!

Anyhow, I will blog about Disneyland Paris on another post; this one is all about the outfit! I went for something colourful, classic, comfortable and somewhat French. I am not exactly the biggest fan of patterns, but there's a special place in my heart for Breton stripes! I collect Bretons in all kind of colours, all kind of fabrics and mainly long sleeved t-shirts. I love it!

I knew I was going to be doing a lot walking, going on rides just having fun, and sometimes fashion isn't fun, that is why I put comfort over fashion for this occasion (and many other occasions!). My converses always save the day, and they surely are great. 

The red lipstick just had to go with the outfit; isn't that so French? It started to wear out during the day and I didn't bother touching it up, because I was too busy going on all kind of rides!

The Minnie Mouse headband just happened to fit with the rest of the outfit (nope, this was not planned!) so I let my inner child loose and wild rocking this headband all day! 

Love and Peace

I am no make-up expert, but like any other girl, I love make-up. I tend to collect make-up but not to wear it much or at all?

For instance, this lip & cheek stain from The Body Shop has been in my make-up bag ever since I purchased it almost 8 months ago! Never put it on, never even bothered trying it. How silly! It was one of those make-up that were on sale and I thought 'Let me give this a try!'.

I instagrammed it few months ago and it looks like it's a popular product amongst some of the girls. Also when I checked The Body Shop website, it is apparently a best seller! So I tried it while I was doing this blog post, almost 3am in the morning…wearing nothing but moisturiser on my face. Perhaps not a good review for those who want to know how it wears on with foundation or/and face powder (anyhow, I would not recommend the combination of face powder & liquid/gel blushers).

I must say I like it more as a lip stain than cheek stain? Only because I love my blushers to pop a little, but this one seems to blend it with my skin colour and looks like I've got nothing on. Perhaps a really good product if you are going for a natural look and wear nothing but cheek stain!

As for the lips, it sort of makes your natural lip colour more vivid in colour and more rosy, looks completely natural. It's so light, you won't even know you have something on your lips. 

I will recommend it as a lip stain, not so much as a cheek stain!

What a pure coincidence that a 'blog post' day falls on the same day as my birthday (I swear I did not plan this in advance haha)! I just happen to pick Monday and Thursday as blog days, because:

1. I love Mondays (I really do! I even consider it my lucky day, I am super optimistic & happy on Mondays. Call me crazy, but it's true!)

2. To keep the week balanced with blog posts, Thursday is the logical answer!

Another reason I love Mondays is because I was born on a Monday (this makes me sound absolutely vein and narcissistic. I am far from it!).

So today is my birthday…I am a year older, but can't say that I'm wiser or smarter. Alhamdulillah I have been lucky to reach this far in my life, to have experienced so many years and Allah has blessed me with so many wonderful things, including experiencing another age. I'm eternally grateful.

I'm not really a birthday celebrator kind of person…but I tend to spend the day with loved ones. Today is a special day with my love Alye and later in the evening with family, including my favourite sister Jihan inshallah.

Happy Birthday to ME! 

I must admit I'm a little in love with the author Mitch Albom ever since I've read 'Tuesday's with Morrie', so be warned that my review may come across a little too enthusiastic and optimistically biased.

The book is called 'The 5 People You Meet In Heaven'.

It's a little saddening that I haven't written a review once I've finished reading the book, and that was awhile ago (I've read it around January)…I still remember the best parts of the story; the parts that stuck to me and inspired me. The small connections I had with the main character Eddie made me make some  changes in my life (this does not mean I am easily influenced by the way, just greatly inspired!).

The beginning of the story is the ending of Eddie…It's a story of the after life, about an old man who had dreams/ambitions, lost track of the meaning of life and hopeless. I don't want to ruin the story for those who are planning to read it, but it's a book that is thoughtful, a gentle reminder of how precious life is, how we forget about our goals & ambitions, just because we get too comfortable with the present day. It's a book that'll make you think and reflect, regardless of your believes, cultural background, situation etc. 

I highly recommend you to read it.