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theripertoire · 7 years ago

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My List of Newborn Essentials, 0-3 Months

Photocred: Janis Sarraf Tabet

Sometime in March of last year, I found out I was pregnant. Getting pregnant was the absolute last thing on my mind, and traveling the world with my husband, who I’d just married, was on the top of my list. Little did I know that the only list I would be making for the months that followed was newborn must-haves. Finding out you’re pregnant for the first time is surreal. It’s exciting, terrifying, stressful and beautiful all at once. What they don’t tell you though, is that being pregnant is the least difficult chapter in motherhood. Once baby is in the world, it’s a whole new ballgame, and everything becomes so fast-paced, you finally realize what the terms superwoman and supermom mean. What does help is being organized and managing your time efficiently. I was never a fan of “routine”, but I now find that it’s what keeps me and baby sane. The first step in being organized is being prepared with all you may need at home to make baby’s stay as comfortable, safe, and convenient as possible for the both of you. This starts with making a list of newborn must-haves. This is basically a long, long, VERY long list that gets longer and longer the more you research online and ask friends or family for advice – which is exactly what I did … and then went on to buy every item that was recommended to me. In my opinion, no price was too high and no list was too long. I was willing to buy anything and everything for Brandon – and that’s what hubby and I did. And what a waste of money and time that was! Once baby B was born and for the weeks that followed, I realized that the only opinion that mattered in determining what newborn must-haves to purchase is your baby’s and your baby’s alone. In my case, Brandon hated so many of the highly-rated and super expensive purchases, no matter how hard I tried to make him love them. So, we spent our first two weeks buying even more must-have products; including alternatives to what we had already bought, in addition to things we had never considered. So, I decided to spare other mommas the time and money and say it like it is: you will need to buy tons of new stuff for baby, just not all the things you thought you might need, and certainly not the overhyped, overpriced, cutting-edge, award-winning products that claim to be most loved by babies everywhere. The best thing you can do is start off with buying a few essentials, then move on to the rest once baby is born and your needs and routine have been established.

In any case, I’m sharing my list of must-haves and luxuries. It’s tried and tested, and I’m hoping it helps some of you somehow. This applies for newborns – from 0 to 3 months of age.

Here goes:

Around 7 bodysuits and pajamas for each age. I was advised to only buy 5 of each, which I realized was a big mistake (especially since I have a baby boy, and peepee fountains are staple in our daily lives). Aside to pee surprises, do consider the vomiting, poop explosions, and diaper leaks that happen almost everyday. There’s even one day where we went through 5 outfit changes. I got better at controlling and avoiding these surprises as the weeks passed, but I reached a conclusion that 7-9 of each is a fair number. Plus, it’s nice to see your baby in different outfits! This is only an exception for newborn pajamas, depending on your baby’s birth weight and height. I actually bought 9 newborn PJs for my baby, but he outgrew them once he hit 10 days. So, he basically wore each pair twice.

And now, for some advice on where to buy them. Personally speaking, my favorite bodysuits were from Petit Beateau and Mothercare. Great fit, excellent cotton and long-lasting quality. As for the pajamas, my favorites were from Mothercare, Mamas & Papas and Carter’s, followed by Jacadi and Petit Bateau. I had splurged on other more high-end brands, which I realized were so impractical; their cotton wasn’t fantastic, their fit was almost always too small, and getting those pajamas on and off was a hassle – and a complete waste of time and money. My second piece of advice is to buy cotton pajamas whether winter or summer – unless you’re in a super, duper cold climate. I bought so many velour pajamas before Brandon was born. He never wore them, and they didn’t maintain their quality after washes. I switched to cotton after week one. My third piece of advice is to buy pajamas for the first month and nothing else. Save the cool/cute/more complicated outfits for later. During this period, your baby is super wobbly and it’s stressful enough to get those pajamas on and off during the first couple of weeks. Imagine trying to put a suit and tie on that tiny human! Once baby hits the 40-day mark, do as you please! And my last piece of advice is this: whenever you find cotton pajamas with a zipper instead of buttons, BUY IT! It makes life so much easier (Mamas & Papas and Carter’s have lots of those).

You will also need socks. I found that 7 pairs are enough too. You can buy the 0-3 months and take advantage of them for longer. My favorite socks were from H&M as well as Mamas & Papas.

Bonnets – you’ll need around three. You can also get two or three pairs of mittens. Brandon only wore mittens on five occasions. Another option is buying pajamas that have built in mittens. I personally like to keep baby’s hands bare so he can use them for self-soothing and discovery. I loved the bonnets and mittens at Jacadi, Petit Bateau, Mothercare and Tartine et Chocolat.

Blankets, bedsheets and mattress protectors. Many may advise against the use of blankets, but I am personally pro-blanket. I bought all of Brandon’s thicker blankets from Mamas & Papas and Zahar Kids; and the light cotton ones from Petit Bateau and Zahar Kids. You will need three to four of each. One mattress protector will do, and two to three fitted bed sheets should suffice. I also bought all of those from Mamas & Papas.

Burp cloths. Buy A LOT! I think 12 is a good number. I loved the ones at Zahar Kids, Mothercare and Carter’s. In addition, you can buy those packs of little square towels from Mothercare. You will use these for everything, from bath time and feeding to cleaning and changing diapers. Two to three packs will do. I started using bibs once Brandon was a little over two months and salivating a lot. You will also need around 5-7 bibs.

Diapers. You will need tons of diapers. TONS!!! In my case, we use Pampers Premium. Both Brandon and I loved them. We have a diaper change every two hours – till today.

Baby wipes. I personally prefer using cleansing water (like Uriage or Mustela) with cotton pads specially-made for baby. Baby wipes are excellent too, but make sure you purchase a water-based, brand for sensitive skin that has the least amount of chemicals possible. The last thing you need is nappy rash!

Nappy rash cream. I like Sudocrem and Mustela 1 2 3.

Diaper bag. I love the Skip Hop and Jacadi diaper bags. They’re both practical and stylish. In the diaper bag, it helps to have the following: a full change of clothes in a Ziploc bag, six diapers, wipes, nappy rash cream, scented diaper bags from Mothercare, a closed bottle of water, two clean feeding bottles, and formula incase you are formula-feeding, or expressed breast milk if you’re breastfeeding, two pacifiers, hand sanitizer, two burp cloths, a muslin cloth and two square towels).

Diaper caddy. If there’s one thing I learned after three months of being a mom, is that there’s no way to get through the day without being organized. I love having a diaper caddy or simply, any form of storage for all the essentials I’ll need around the house for baby, or simply to be placed near the changer for ease of access to everything. You can put everything in there, from wipes and diapers to everything related to baby’s toiletries and hygiene. You can even stick a changer in there and carry it around the house with you to avoid jumping from room to room in case you need to clean your baby or go for a nappy change.

Tommee Tippee Sangenic Nappy Disposal Bin. I’m obsessed. I tried the Ubbi Diaper Pail, which was indeed roomy, but I wasn’t too impressed. This, on the other hand, is my favorite thing about changing diapers. It’s an epic must-have.

Peepee teepee. If you have a baby boy and want to avoid peepee accidents. Placing a cotton pad over his peepee also helps as an alternative to the teepee, which isn’t always as handy as a cotton pad.

Bathtub. This all comes down to personal preference. Some love to buy the “Blooming Bath” and place it in the sink. I loved this and wished I had bought it for B when he was a newborn. Instead, I bought the Chicco Cuddle & Bubble, which is so practical. It was recommended to me by several mommas, and I can’t recommend it enough! It has a level for storage, a changer and a tub. Place it in your bathroom, and it’s all you’ll need for bath time. Mind you, you will need to buy a newborn seat or large sponge for to place baby on while in the tub. Another excellent option is the Béaba tub with its seat. My baby loved this one the most, but carrying him naked across the bathroom to place him on the changer is the only downside to it.

Shampoo and body wash. I absolutely love Mustela shampoo and shower gel. Alternatively, there are some great organic brands you can find on Amazon. However, my current favorite and current obsession is Burt’s Bees Baby. I’m obsessed, it smells like heaven and leaves skin silky smooth - and my baby loves it.

Hooded bath towels. I think 7-9 of these is a good number. I loved the ones at Carter’s, Mothercare and Petit Bateau. My personal favorite though is the PUJ towel. Although these are used for older children, they still have a hood and are super thick, long, snuggly and Brandon loves them. We started using these at 3+ months, but that’s also for another blog post.

Soft hair brush. We got ours from Chicco and loved it.

Nail scissors. Also Chicco. Look no further.

Soft bath sponge. We loved the Chicco sponges. Make sure to wash and air dry very well after each bath.

Rectal thermometer. Until baby is 3 months old, the only accurate way to take his/her temperature is rectally. The Chicco digital rectal thermometer never failed us.

Mouche Bebe and Physiomer/Sterimar Bebe. The brands I really liked for the mouche are the Picot and the Physiomer. You will also need salt water for cleaning those nasal passages, and the best two are the Physiomer bebe and the Sterimar bebe. Combining the mouche with the salt water is the most effective way to clean the nasal passages.

Organic almond oil for babies. I love to massage this onto baby’s skin after each bath. It’s the only product that has prevented eczema, cradle cap and dry skin so far.

Pediavit D vitamin for baby. This was prescribed by my pediatrician. Please always consult with your baby’s pediatrician ONLY when it comes to vitamins, formula, feedings, and especially medication.

Water thermometer. The Chicco was my favorite. We always kept water at 37-38 degrees Celsius.

Room thermometer. I love the one by Avent. It’s excellent, and you can use it for both bath water and room temperature.

Feeding bottles. I found eight bottles to be an ideal number. While I was breastfeeding, I loved using Munchkin Latch bottles for my expressed milk. Overall, it’s an excellent slow flow, anti-colic bottle for newborns. I then switched to Dr. Brown’s (wide neck) when I began formula feeding, which are our favorite and what I’ll be sticking to till he stops bottle feeding. After Brandon passed his three-month mark, we started using Tommee Tippee as well, but I’m leaving the 3+ months products for another blog post.

Pacifiers and soothers. I love the Dr Brown 0-6 months soothies. They’re the only ones Brandon liked. Avoid these if you’re breastfeeding. Bottle sterilizer. I tried a few, and to be honest, the Avent was my favorite. It has tons of space to fit several bottles and different bottle sizes, two compartments (you can use the small one alone for fewer items or smaller bottles), and is super easy to use and clean.

Bottle warmer. This is a must for breastfeeding moms who store their breast milk in the fridge or freezer. My favorite is the Avent, and I used it several times a day throughout the time I was breastfeeding. Its only downside is it tends to overheat the milk, but one you get the hang of it, you know exactly how long to warm up the bottle without overheating it.

Breast pump. Buy a Medela breast pump and don’t even think twice about purchasing another brand. If you have the opportunity to rent a hospital-grade one like the Medela Symphony, do so by all means.

Avent breast pads – nighttime. During breastfeeding, I used these day and night because of their high absorbency and cotton feel.

Nipple cream. You will certainly need this if you’re breastfeeding. I used Marcalan and loved it.

Nursing bras and shirts. This is more for you than baby, but it makes it that much more convenient to nurse your baby when wearing one. I had two or three of each, which I bought from Mamas & Papas.

Nursing pillow. This is also a must during breastfeeding, as it’s more comfortable for both mom and baby. I love the pillows at Mamas & Papas and Le Bouquet. You can also leave your baby to lounge in it for a few minutes each day.

Container for formula. If you’re formula feeding, this comes in so handy for preparing the portions ahead of time, especially for feeds outside the house. A brand I love is Munchkin.

Travel cot. I own the Chicco in Lebanon and Graco in Qatar, and these are excellent when placed bedside in your bedroom. They each come with a changer, convert from cot to playpen, and can be packed into their bag and taken with you anywhere you go. I love having this and believe it’s a must for every baby. An alternative (up to a certain age) is the Next2Me bedside crib by Chicco. I used this with Brandon as well and fell in love with it. The proximity is everything, and I believe is essential in the first weeks. If I were to choose, I would use the Next2Me for the first six weeks, then the Graco till he moves into his own room. You could always just buy the travel cot, set it up in your room and stick to that till baby is old enough to sleep in a separate room.

Cot. We bought our nursery cot from Mamas and Papas, and I love it. Price versus quality versus esthetics are all on point.

Dresser + Changer: We also bought the dresser in the nursery from Mamas and Papas and I love that as well. We bought a beautiful changer that we set on top and use the drawers for his towels, bed linens, pajamas and clothes. It’s both practical and visually beautiful.

Rocking chair. This was perfect during nursing, bottle feeding, and putting baby to sleep.

Bouncing chair. A great choice is the mamaRoo by 4moms, which you can find at the Cookie Dough Boutique or Just Kidding. Another good one is the Chicco Polly Swing.

Baby dock. I loved using the Cocoonababy, and so did Brandon. This is definitely a must in the first two to three weeks, at least during lounging and naptime. I know there’s a lot of ugly publicity with regards to sleep positioners, so I won’t insist on them. But, in our case, this helped my baby sleep so well during the time that he was adapting to life outside the womb. I also asked my pediatrician about it, and she said she loved it too for afternoon naps around the house. It was a great way to keep Brandon close by and cozy.

Stroller. You will need a stroller for everyday, something that’s both heavyweight and versatile, like the Graco Modes or the UPPABaby Vista or the Stokke XPLORY. I also believe a second, more practical stroller is also needed for moms on the go, such as the Doona and the YOYO. I love the YOYO and find it to be a must-have, but we wont be using ours till Brandon hits 6 months because the current 0-6 carrier is a lie-flat, which is an issue for babies with reflux. The Doona, on the other hand, is excellent for babies with reflux, moms with a busy lifestyle, and moms with several cars or no car. The Yoyo is so practical. It folds up into a tiny accessory you can carry with you everywhere, even the airplane. You can later on convert it to a 6+ stroller when the time comes. The Doona can be found at Le Bouquet or Just Kidding, and the YOYO at Cookie Dough Boutique or Just Kidding.

Car seat. I love the Doona, Maxi Cosi and Cybex. The Doona can be found at Le Bouquet, the Maxi Cosi at the Baby Company, and the Cybex at Mamas & Papas. Many prefer to purchase a travel system stroller, which comes with its own car seat. That’s also a great idea.

Flathead pillow. I used the Candide Expert from Moms & Babies during the day time. It’s great for when baby is lying on his back during playtime or sitting in the stroller. So far, no flat head – thank God.

Anti reflux pillow. My baby has reflux, so placing a wedge pillow underneath the mattress has done wonders for us. Even if your baby doesn’t have reflux, many doctors advise on putting baby to sleep on an inclined mattress. It’s much safer in case of vomiting or gagging incidents during sleep.

Baby monitor. The Motorala has been my favorite so far. Its monitor is possibly the best I’ve tried, not to mention its accuracy and detail when it comes sound and image – it’s almost as through you’re sitting with baby in the room. I love that you can also access the cam from your phone when you’re not at home. It’s the best we’ve tried, price versus performance. The one we own is the Motorola MBP854.

Playmat. This is excellent for playtime, tummy time, stimulation, and discovery. I got Brandon’s from Joue Club and Fisher-Price and absolutely love both.

Tummy time prop pillow. I love the one I bought from ELC Early Learning Center. It’s excellent for babies that hate tummy time and great to help them get the hang of it.

0+ Toys. You need these to stimulate your baby at every developmental stage from 0-3 months. I love everything from Fisher-Price and ELC Early Learning Center. Brandon is obsessed with his links from Mothercare.

Crib mobile. These are excellent for putting baby to sleep as well as stimulating baby while awake. I love the Fisher-Price mobiles, though the ones at Mamas & Papas are the prettiest.

Happi Tummi. This is a must for calming down colicky, gassy and fussy babies. It also helps baby sleep better at night. I still use it everyday for gas relief. It just smells heavenly!

Night light. I love the Pabobo night lights from Moms & Babies.

White noise machine. I don’t like to keep it too quiet around Brandon. I love to play music or sounds of the ocean, wind, rain, etc. Not only does it help him sleep better, but it gets him used to dozing off even with some noise around him. An alternative to this is an app called Sound Sleeper. It has the most addictive “noise” options that helped soothe my baby and put him right to sleep.

Humidifier. for dry climates, a cool air humidifier is very helpful for both baby’s skin and breathing.

Hospital grade hand sanitizer. It’s best to keep your hands super clean around newborns, and this is very helpful to have around in case you have relatives or guests over that want to see, touch or carry your baby. I have one in each room of the house.

And last but not least,

A pen and notebook. If there’s one helpful tip I learned from the nurses I worked with, it’s to keep daily record of your baby’s feeds, diapers, naps, vomiting and/or diarrhea, if any, and any changes that may occur. This helped me keep track of my baby’s development, and make sure he’s sleeping enough, drinking enough, and peeing enough. It also helped me identify that his body wasn’t agreeing with a certain formula, as well as figure out that he has reflux. My baby is almost four months old, on an excellent schedule, and I still keep track of everything even when I’m outside the house. Some may perceive this as overkill or neurotic, but believe me, it’s hectic enough in the first months, and it’s easy to forget things, so this has been a lifesaver.

I’m pretty sure there’s tons I’m forgetting, so if there’s something you think I should add to this list, please leave your thoughts in the comments section below and I’ll be sure to add the extra points in an additional edit. Lots of love to all you mamas. Remember, we each do things differently, and there’s no strict right or wrong. You’re all doing the best you can, and deserve to be celebrated everyday! And that’s the most essential point to remember throughout all this.

-R

#featured #Riflections #newborn #newborn musthaves #newborn essentials #baby #baby products #babybrandonbechara #first time mom #mommyblogger

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theripertoire · 7 years ago

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What I Packed in my Hospital Bag

As many of you may already know, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy this past November. As soon as my eighth month began, I started feeling a lot of cramps and pressure, and was so sure I would pop at any minute. It also didn’t help that I had been onsite every other day, overseeing the works on our apartment to move in on time for baby. Since I had been planning on a natural birth, I wanted to be prepared in case of any surprises. I sought advice from both Google and helpful moms (both followers and friends), and packed my first ever hospital bag according to that. Being a first-time mom comes with its handful of mistakes, and a whole lot of over packing - not to mention all the things you neglected to pack because you thought you would never need them. Lesson learned. I shared the entire process of my hospital bag packing and promised a blog post to follow, but I didn’t do that till now (and I’m glad I waited till after I delivered because much of it changed). So, because so many of you asked me to write this post, and because a lot of my FTM (first time mom) friends ask me for my list, I decided to finally post it online once and for all in the hopes that it will be helpful to some of you.

Disclaimer: This post is based solely on my personal experience, needs and lifestyle. Please do include or remove items in your bag according to what you find necessary. It is also best to contact your hospital’s maternity ward for tips and advice. The nurses and midwives have tons of expertise and will tell you exactly what you need to bring with you.

That being said, here are some tips as well as my full list:

First tip: Do pack your hospital bag ahead of time. I encourage packing while in your eighth month. I often hear stories of women who go into spontaneous labor way ahead of their due date. As a result, they end up in the hospital without even the bare essentials like pajamas for both baby and mama. So, better early and prepared than late and unpacked.

Second tip: Purchase a new suitcase, slightly bigger than a carry on with two separate compartments: one for your things, and one for baby’s items. The more organized you are while packing, the easier it will be during your stay at the hospital. Click here to see the hospital bag that I purchased. I found it to be perfect, size versus cost versus quality.

Third tip: Pack each of baby’s outfits in a Ziploc bag (bonnet, mittens, pajamas and socks). That way, when baby needs to be changed, all the nurse has to do is take one of the Ziploc bags where everything is already coordinated and ready. Dirty clothes will go into the then empty Ziploc bag to avoid dirtying other items in the closet or suitcase. Once home, those bags will go straight to the laundry. These bags (or similar ones) can be found at any major supermarket.

Fourth tip: Regardless of the season, it’s preferable to buy and pack cotton pajamas versus velour. In summer, you can dress down baby by adding a short sleeved bodysuit underneath, no socks and no bonnet. Inversely, you can add layers in winter with a long sleeved bodysuit, socks, a bonnet and mittens (when needed). Go thicker or lighter on the blanket depending on the room temperature. From experience, it’s better for baby to feel cool than too warm. Cotton is also the most comfortable fabric for baby to wear.

Fifth tip: If budget and space permit, pack your bag as though you’re going in for a planned C section (a four-day stay instead of two). Sometimes, both natural births and inductions don’t go as planned, and one is forced to undergo a C section – which, by the way, is not the end of the world. In my case, we started off with induced labor because my cervix was closed. It also wasn’t effaced. My water eventually broke and still, nothing. Three hours into the induction, we decided it made more sense to switch to a C section. (When your cervix isn’t dilated, induced labor can last for over a day with a 40% chance of it actually working. This is too much time and pain that is unnecessary for both mom and baby.) This is a matter of personal opinion and preference. Your decision should always be discussed with your doctor, who is the only person qualified to advise you on what route to take. And even then, the decision remains entirely in your hands. This is a very personal choice and you shouldn’t be manipulated into making a decision you’re not convinced with, regardless of what your doctor and society think. Follow your gut and logic. In my case, and despite planning on and wanting a natural birth, I opted for a C section and didn’t regret my decision for a single minute. Within 12 hours, I was walking and eating. I was able to nurse my baby two hours post-op, and I recovered so well physically, I forgot I even had stitches. But then again, this doesn’t apply to everyone.

Sixth tip: I know I will be attacked by breastfeeding groups for saying this, but do take formula with you. It could be for whatever reason: you decide not to breastfeed, your milk supply doesn’t come in or you simply want to supplement from the very beginning. Personally, I’m pro breastfeeding and believe that it’s the most beneficial for your baby. I even breastfed for more than 15 hours per day for the first couple of weeks. It requires a lot of dedication and is quite the challenge, but it’s very rewarding for both mom and baby. But, I’m also a firm believer that “fed is best”, and I’m someone whose milk supply was excellent and really enjoyed breastfeeding my baby for a month. I’m aware that newborns lose up to 10% of their birth weight in their first week outside the womb, but I refused to keep my baby hungry while waiting for my milk supply to come in. I’m not an expert but I’m the mother, and I don’t care what anyone says. The nurses fought me on this, but I put my foot down and insisted. I refused to hear my baby cry from hunger and refused to watch him lose more than a certain amount of weight. I also wanted my baby to get used to my breast, breast milk, formula and feeding bottles from the beginning. The nurses at the hospital where I gave birth insisted on feeding him formula from a cup instead of bottle, once a night, to avoid nipple confusion. This worked great. I later on breastfed throughout the day and gave him formula once per night with the Munchkin Latch bottle, which resembles the natural flow of breast milk and feels similar to the breast as well. This increased each week till I switched completely to formula. Once again, this is my personal preference. I must have done something right, since my baby went from 25th percentile to 90th percentile in just 7 weeks postpartum. I gave my baby colostrum and breast milk for as long as I was able to, and once I had to suddenly stop breastfeeding, we didn’t face difficulties like accepting the taste of formula or feeding from the bottle because I had gotten him used to it from the start. He also sleeps very well since day one because he is well fed and happy. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for whatever decision you make. Remember, it’s none of their business.

What to pack in your hospital bag.

This list is based on the items that I actually needed and found to be essential or useful during my stay at the hospital.

One to two changes of clothes for baby for each day you are in the hospital (bodysuit, cotton pajamas, mittens {unless built in pajama}, socks). Put each set in a Ziploc bag so the full outfit is ready for the nurse/midwife to change/dress baby.

Weather appropriate outfit for going home (for both you and baby)

One pajama for you for each day you are in the hospital, including socks, nursing bra, postpartum panties, slippers

Breast pads (The Avent night pads worked very well with me. I preferred them to the day pads, which I found to be a waste, since they don’t absorb as well. I wore the night pads even during the daytime)

Maternity pads (Natracare or Relax are two good options. Most hospitals in Lebanon have the latter available already)

Marcalan nipple cream – if you’re planning on breastfeeding

Two thin swaddle blankets

Two thick blankets (if it’s winter) or two thin blankets (if it’s summer)

Toiletries, makeup, hairdryer, etc.

Phone chargers, camera, etc.

Hair ties (always have your hair tied when in close contact with baby)

Formula, in case your milk doesn’t come in on time or in case you wish to supplement (if this is something you’re convinced about, you should insist on it, since some hospitals don't agree to give formula. Also take the feeding bottle brand you have bought for your baby with you. I recommend Munchkin Latch in parallel with breastfeeding; whether it’s for expressed milk or formula. It is excellent)

One pack of diapers per baby (in case you’re having twins, you will obviously need more)

Baby wipes (incase you want to change your baby in room)

Nappy rash cream (like Sudocrem and Mustela 1 2 3)

Organic almond oil for babies (baby’s skin will be very dry. Insist that they massage it on after bathing)

Nursing pillow (if you plan on breastfeeding)

Car seat (to be installed in car prior to delivery) – I recommend the Cybex, Maxi Cosi or Doona.

Once again, whether it’s your birth plan, hospital bag, method of delivery, or anything related, it should all be based on your personal preference and lifestyle, according to what’s best for you and your baby.

I want to send out so much love to all the moms-to-be out there. You are about to embark on the most challenging yet magical journey of your life. Enjoy every minute of it, no matter how difficult it may all seem at first. And remember this: it really does get better with each passing day. Don’t forget to thank yourself and your body for all the changes you’ve gone through in such a short amount of time. Even when you think you aren’t, you are in fact doing a great job.

Is there anything I’m forgetting? Got any tips for packing your hospital bag? Please share your thoughts with other mamas in the comments section below!

-R

#firsttimemama #hospitalbag #mommyblogger #Riflections #featured #lifestyleblogger #babybrandonbechara #babyboy #newborn #lebanon #birth #delivery

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theripertoire · 7 years ago

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Why We Are Storing Brandon’s Stem Cells With Reviva

As many of you already know, I recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy after months of sharing my pregnancy milestones and moments with you across my social media platforms. And in the weeks leading up to my delivery, I shared a lot of my preparations with you, including what I packed in my hospital bag, newborn must-haves, and my thoughts and feelings (all of which will have their individual entries on the blog this week as well). I also mentioned an essential aspect of our preparations for baby Brandon: stem cells banking. This brought on a lot of questions from my readers and followers, so I decided to do a little research to answer all your questions. After reading further about this topic, I realized its importance even more, which is why I chose to write this post for all moms-to-be out there. My husband and I applauded ourselves for making the decision to store our baby’s stem cells, and here’s why – in response to all the questions I was asked about this topic:

What are stem cells?

Stem cells have the ability to divide and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types inside the human body (liver, skin, red blood cells, etc.) and can self-renew to produce even more stem cells.

What is stem cell banking?

It is the greatest “health insurance” your family can have. Across the world, scientists are making use of the incredible power and versatility of stem cells, which can be extracted from bone marrow, peripheral blood, adipose tissue (fat), or umbilical cord blood (during your baby’s delivery).

Stem cell preservation consists of the long-term storage of stem cells, collected from different sources at a very low temperature in liquid nitrogen, for potential therapeutic applications. Similarly, umbilical cord blood banking is the practice of preserving fetal blood that remains in the umbilical cord at the time of birth for future use. Therefore, for banking purposes, stem cell preservation consists of collecting the cord blood from the placenta and umbilical cord after the baby is delivered.

Why is this done during childbirth?

The extraction of stem cells from the first three sources is a hard and painful procedure. However, umbilical cord blood is easily collected at the time of delivery without any risk or pain to either the newborn or the mother. Thus, it is an easy procedure performed without danger, providing a rich source of stem cells.

Why should we store our baby’s stem cells?

After the baby’s birth, the umbilical cord and placenta is often discarded as biologic waste. Preserving the umbilical cord blood instead of throwing it away after the baby’s delivery allows the possibility of saving the baby’s cord stem cells for their own medical use or even for family members. Furthermore, the umbilical cord tissue represents a viable source of stem cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial and epithelial stem cells, which can be used to treat a wide range of medical problems, such as blood disorders, damaged tissue and organs, wounds and vascular damage, cancers and immune deficiencies, etc…. The list of such diseases is growing every year due to encouraging clinical results as researchers delve further into this fascinating field. The potential use of stem cells in the coming years ranges from ALS and Alzheimer’s therapy to that of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

For this purpose, preserving the baby’s cord blood and mesenchymal tissue is very important health insurance for the entire family – because you never know what the future holds!

What is umbilical cord blood?

Umbilical cord blood, also known as placental blood, circulates in the developing fetus then remains in the placenta and in the attached umbilical cord after childbirth.

Umbilical cord blood contains a variety of cell types that have the capacity to differentiate into a wide variety of different cell types and may be frozen for later use in medical therapies, such as stem cell transplantation or regenerative medicine.

What is umbilical cord tissue?

Another source of stem cells can be found in the umbilical cord, in addition to the blood – this being the cord tissue itself. The tissue of the umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells, mainly mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells and epithelial cells.

How is stem cell preservation done?

This is done by inserting a needle into the placental vein and allowing the cord blood to flow into a sterile, anti-coagulating blood-collection bag. The tissue is easily collected by taking a section of the umbilical cord. The collected samples are then sent to the “bank” in a special container designed for their appropriate transportation. The cells are processed and ultimately preserved by being frozen in liquid nitrogen for up to 25 years at -196 Celsius.

Who did you choose to store your baby’s stem cells with?

I chose Reviva Medical Center, an all in one center, located in Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon, providing the research, banking and the therapies, based on stem cells.

Why did you choose Reviva?

Personally, I was contacted by several stem cell storage facilities, but all of them were quite far, I figured, in case of emergency, I would want them stored as close to us as possible to avoid traveling and spending too much time in a foreign country for medical purposes. In this case, the most convenient storage location was Lebanon; and since Reviva is located here, it makes sure to store the cells locally to preserve the highest percentage of their viability. It also offers stem cell therapy, bone marrow transplant and umbilical cord banking in an all in one facility, which is super convenient.

Isn’t it safer to store in a more advanced country?

Rest assured; storing your stem cells with Reviva couldn’t be any safer. The center imports high-tech equipment for a CGMP facility (Current good manufacturing practice) and offers continuous training to keep its highly professional team up-to-date. Furthermore, local storage enhances the preservation of the highest number of cells, thus maximizing the cells viability

Annual audits are conducted by L’APAVE to make sure Reviva is working in accordance with international standards (FACT and JACIE). The center also implements controlled access to the laboratory and a monitoring system.

A lot of information was extracted from www.revivamedical.com. To know more about the preservation process, please visit their website.

#stem cells #stem cell research #stem cell treatment #stem cell banking #revivamedical #lebanon #lifestyleblogger #newborn #baby #mommyblogger #firsttimemama #featured #healthnbeauty #babybrandonbechara

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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Wonderlists: A Wonderful New Portal for Wedding Gifts

Last week, I posted a campaign I recently worked on for Wonderlists, a new and innovative online wedding registry concept in Lebanon. I was so surprised to see all the feedback I got regarding this website, so I decided to write a blog post answering all the questions I got from my readers regarding the new service.

What is Wonderlists?

Wonderlists is a new and innovative online wedding registry where couples getting married can create, modify and share an online list of items they would like to receive as gifts from their guests on their big day. The products can be selected from several sections, including lifestyle, bed and bath, travel, furniture, kitchen, electronics, and so on. Since the website has partnered with several renowned boutiques around the country, the selection is endless with such a wide and cool variety of products. Guests can then select the gift they want to purchase and make a secure online payment. Alternatively, they can choose to contribute to only part of the gift or send a cash gift for any amount they like via the website. Once this is done, they can leave a beautiful and personal message in the couple’s guestbook, making the entire gifting process a very personal and memorable one that sets each invitee apart. Payments can also be made via BOB Western Union, which has 800 branches across Lebanon. The newlyweds can then select what items to keep and what to exchange for cash, which is then entirely deposited into a bank account created for them. This option is ideal for couples living abroad.

Is Wonderlists safe?

Wonderlists is very safe when it comes to online payments. It opens up a secure portal that protects all credit card information. It is also a trusted website that is affiliated with some of the country’s leading boutiques that would only accept to associate with trustworthy companies.

What if I don’t want to pay online?

Those who prefer not to make online payments can visit any BOB Western Union, which has 800 branches across Lebanon, and transfer the payment from there.

There are other services in Lebanon that allow couples to create a gift registry that enables online payments. What makes Wonderlists different?

Wonderlists is the first service in Lebanon that allows the guests to select a specific gift from list of items that were all personally chosen by the bride and groom; and these products are selected from a wide range of boutiques, not just one store. The guest also has the option to contribute to part of a gift instead of paying its full amount, as well as give a cash gift. The newlyweds can then select what items to keep and what to exchange for cash, which is then entirely deposited into a bank account created for them.

Is Wonderlists only available in Lebanon?

For now, Wonderlists is only available in Lebanon with plans to go regional. But, guests can access wedding lists, choose gifts and make online payments wherever they are in the world.

What is Wonderlists’ website?

It is www.wonderlists.com.

What is Wonderlists’ Instagram account?

It is @wonderlistsleb.

How can I get in touch with Wonderlists?

You can give them a call on +961 70 06 05 05 or drop them a comment in the “Contact Us” section on their website.

Would you recommend and/or use this service?

I would definitely recommend it and wish it existed when I got married back in December. It’s such a tasteful, youthful, flexible, personal and cool way of gifting.

For more questions and comments about Wonderlists, let me know your thoughts below!

#Lebanesewedding #lebaneseweddings #wedding registry #wedding #weddingplanning #newlyweds #lebanon #lebaneseblogger #lifestyleblogger #weddinggift #wonderlists

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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My First Trimester Rollercoaster – in Raw Detail!

If pregnancy is a rollercoaster ride, the first trimester is that part where you get flipped upside-down at supersonic speed, making you feel as though you’re ready to faint, throw up or die.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was five weeks in. I had already begun to see changes in my body and was certain I was in for a whole lot of surprises. So, I made sure to keep a positive mind about whatever came next, reminding myself that my body was preparing itself to become an ideal environment for the life it’s creating.

And, I took to Google.

Though Google truly is a lifesaver on most occasions, and helped me understand my pregnancy more than anything and anyone, the horror stories you read online put Hitchcock movies to shame. It dawned on me that it’s mostly women having catastrophes, and no access to a doctor at that given time, who write about their terrible experiences. My biggest advice to any first time preggo is to absorb the useful info and turn a blind eye to all the morbid reasons explaining why you just felt a cramp in your lower abdomen at 7 PM on your 7th week and 3rd day of pregnancy.

I also listened to tons of advice and stories from my momma friends, and it made me notice that no pregnancy is exactly like the other. While one friend stayed in bed for nine months and actually lost more weight than she gained, another friend was traveling all around the world, looking and feeling fabulous, and having the pregnancy of her life.

In my case, I was lucky enough to experience quite a peaceful first trimester, with the exception of the wretched nausea that peaked from week 7 to week 12 and didn’t leave me alone for a minute. At some point, I forgot what it felt like to feel normal or to love food. Anyway, before I get ahead of myself, here are the symptoms I read about on Google, and here is how my personal experience with each one was.

Morning sickness: Mine was more like all-day sickness. I remember how many nights I would wake up feeling queasy, and how many mornings I would dread the odor of my husband’s perfume. Foods I once loved began to make me feel sick at the mere thought of smelling them, and the scented candles around our home became my worst enemy. I remember how I felt SO good about everything, including my body, during week 5 and 6. I was so packed with energy. I was radiant. I was eating everything – well, almost. My aversion to all things meat related started before I even knew I was expecting, and it continues till today. Will I have to kiss my Wagyu, Kobe and Angus goodbye?

It didn’t stop at meat though. After my nausea properly kicked in, the food and odor demons took over my soul and everything became horrible. I didn’t even have to eat a certain food to feel sick. My thoughts about some things made me queasy. These included but are not limited to the following: tomato paste, tomato juice, tomatoes (basically, the entire family), salmon (dead or alive), spices (any fucking spice on the planet), all perfumes, certain makeup products, deodorant, sweat (I almost died in a certain cab ride and had to stop the car to get out halfway), CHOCOLATE (I know that this was karma…), my living room (I didn’t set foot in my living room for five whole weeks), the kitchen (I didn’t touch the oven for 6 weeks), cigarettes (peasant-smelling bitch stick from hell that smells like overheated ass), grilled vegetables, mustard, mushrooms, INDONESIAN FOOD (every time I remember Bali, I want to die), Bali (even if my sister got married there, I wouldn’t go back), ramen (it’s over … for life), lettuce (we are still trying to salvage our relationship), olive oil (we’re sort of okay now. We sat down and talked … made peace), vinegar (there’s no mending this broken bond), garlic (especially when sliced and heated with olive oil … in my kitchen … by me), life. Life made me nauseous. Everything did.

At week 12, I was sure I was ready to die. I couldn’t take it anymore. But, magically, a few days later when I hit week 13, I found myself able to kiss my husband without wanting to vomit, and I was able to take a nap in our living room … which I hadn’t seen in over a month.

But, that’s where it ends for me. I didn’t vomit – not even once – despite the horror stories I read online. Actually, I did vomit once in Bali, but I think it was because I was so disgusted by the food. I highly doubt that my nausea had anything to do with that (I think). I turned out to be one of the few blessed ones that never vomited. I kept wondering if it was a result of me being bulimic when I was much younger … or the fact that I’m a disgusting person that watches insects giving birth and eating each other while I have lunch … or the fact that at buffets, I put my steak and chocolate fudge cake in the same plate. I guess I’ll never know. I’m just thankful that the nausea is gone. I will never f***ing miss how that felt or the person it made me; a person that hates food.

Weight gain: Google and both my gynos told me I should gain anywhere from zero to two kilos during my first trimester. I gained five. Five. Zero f***s given. At week nine, I felt I was already showing. My Lebanese gyno told me it was a “keresh” (a muffin-like belly, as a result of gaining fat). My hips have never looked so big, and my arms have never been so flabby. My high-rise jeans stopped fitting at around that time too, and I was left with one pair that I had ordered online but was a size or two too big. At week 10, even those stopped fitting, so I went to Zara and bought a pair of jeans, two sizes bigger, and it’s still serving me till today. But, after meals, I find myself unbuttoning them, and because of my pregnancy brain, I forget to button them back before standing. As a result, half the restaurants in Doha think I’m some kind of a peasant or hobo. When I got married, I was 53 kilos. I gained 3 kilos when I moved to Doha. I’m now 62-63 kilos. Do the math. I am gaining weight exponentially, whether I eat or not. I’m not even eating that much more. But, I don’t really care as long baby is happy. I’ll lose the weight and tone up once I deliver. For now, I’m bidding farewell to what’s left of my ab muscles and waist.

Decreased sex drive: I’m not sure why, but I experienced the complete opposite reaction. I had an increased sex drive in my first trimester, which decreased a little once I went into my second. I couldn’t find one woman on Google who had that same experience, and every time I tried discussing it with my gyno in Beirut or Doha, there was complete awkwardness.

Fatigue: I’m not sure I ever really experienced the debilitating pregnancy fatigue except for like five times since I got pregnant. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a super hyper person, or if it’s because I have been taking vitamins for a long time (this is part of my daily routine – pregnant or not). I’m definitely calmer than I was pre-pregnancy, and maybe that’s my body’s way of expressing fatigue. It should be noted that I haven’t had a single drop of coffee since I found out I had a peanut in my tummy. So yeah, kudos to that energy, Rita.

Insomnia: Now that’s right up my alley! Forget waking up to pee every 15 minutes at night, or the fact that I was practicing to only sleep on my left side, the insomnia was REAL! And it still is! There are days when I’m still able to get a full night’s sleep, without any bladder interruptions or sleep discomfort (thank you pregnancy pillow, aka husband #2, aka life), and I have noticed how it positively affects my mood, energy levels, symptoms, productivity and appetite.

Headaches: The headaches are real. Not frequent, but real. The best remedy for me is to drink lots of water and try to get lots of sleep.

Heartburn: Ironically, I had more heartburn pre-pregnancy than I do now. I’ve had about three incidents since I conceived, but that’s also because I sleep with lots of pillows and make sure my upper half is as elevated as possible.

Cravings: I haven’t really had any yet. There was one time where I felt like getting a scoop of vanilla ice cream, wrapping it up in a fresh, crisp lettuce leaf, and devouring it. Toufic went nuts and refused to let me do it, despite my attempts to convince him that it’s no different than having labneh with lettuce. I remain eternally grateful to him for doing that. I wouldn’t have been able to respect myself after that. Speaking of respecting myself, I now eat chicken again. I had stopped for ages, in solidarity with all things birds and how they’re brutally killed. The only thing I drooled over during my first trimester was chicken, and I still drool over it till now. May God forgive me. #WholeNewLow

Food aversions: (See “Morning sickness” above)

Mood swings: YASS! It wasn’t really mood swings, but I still snap quickly and get impatient every time I’m dealing with a moron or a moronic situation. I have been crying to the weirdest shit on TV, and keep watching animal and baby videos on YouTube (they’re still very similar to me) and I cry to them. I cried on the way back from Bali because I didn’t want to be stuck on an airplane for 10 hours. I cry a lot for no reason. Mostly when I see babies and couples in love … or sushi and wine … I also cried once because my hips got so massive, I REALLY had nothing to wear for the first time in my life. I also felt very sad after my order of swimsuits arrived and nothing fit. I have a room filled with clothes that don’t fit. Size 4 US is a distant memory now. I don’t know how I ended up talking about this. This is so irrelevant, but my excuse is that I’m pregnant.

Enlarged, tender BOOBS: Well. I’m two sizes up already, and I’m probably headed over to my third size up this week. This happened very early on – FROM THE BEGINNING – and several of my friends thought I got breast augmentation done. Many people I know found out I’m preggo because of this. I am now the proud owner of SI quality maternity boobs. And while playing with them may be fun, it’s f***ing painful. So, no.

Pelvic cramps: It took me a while to understand that not every cramp is a warning for miscarriage. I had heard so many terrifying stories that I spent the first several weeks of my pregnancy worried about every single ache and pain I felt. I’ve learned to have faith that a healthy pregnancy is resilient and will endure lots of things. An unhealthy one will not work, no matter what you do – and it’s not your fault or anyone else’s. It’s a very painful thing to even think about, so try your best to be as healthy and as stress-free as possible, focus your thoughts on the positive, best-case scenario and have faith in your body and in God. This is the best advice I can give any first-time preggo.

Spotting: I experienced this too in my first trimester, and it was the scariest thing ever. In my case, it wasn’t really visible or that bad, but it was enough to make me worry like crazy and imagine the worst. With the right dose of progesterone supplements, a healthy lifestyle, and positive thinking, everything went smoothly. I’m so grateful to God for that. I also found out just how many of my friends as well as women online experienced this, and I wish more women spoke more openly about this because it’s a lot more common than one would think.

Constipation: Pre-pregnancy, I enjoyed a metabolism that allowed me to visit the bathroom anywhere between 5 to 13 times a day (TMI, I know). But yes, this is the truth. My bathroom visits are now limited to 2-3 trips per day, which I guess is considered constipation in my books, but I’m so grateful I don’t have to suffer from this. However, in case you are suffering from constipation, take “Konsyl Psyllium fiber supplement”, which is very safe to use during pregnancy and was recommended to me by my gyno – you know, just in case.

Clumsiness: Thanks to the relaxin hormone, I’ve dropped so many raw eggs on the kitchen floor, broken my phone screen, broken a crystal glass, and dropped more things than I’ve carried in the past few months. I’ve learned to embrace and accept this. I’m not sure there’s much I can do about it.

Forgetfulness: I once went to the kitchen three times to get my phone, and forgot why I was there. I once heated soup on the oven, and forgot it there till the following morning. I once had a flight to catch, and forgot it was in a few hours. I once forgot the code to my safe, a code I’ve been using on every safe for the past 12 years … I remembered it after 10 minutes of crying.

I couldn’t be happier that my first trimester is nothing but a memory, and I’m now enjoying food again. I still do have a lot of symptoms, but as I said, it’s my body’s way of reacting to all the changes – the changes brought by my baby. And that’s the only thing that counts in all of this. This beautiful soul developing inside me; eating what I’m eating, breathing from my oxygen, absorbing my hormones, and reacting to my movements. I have a responsibility towards this tiny human, and every cell in my body knows that. So, I don’t care about how many changes I have to go through or how big my hips and boobs get. My sole purpose in life right now is to keep my peanut safe, healthy and happy. Even if this means me hating cow meat and starting to look like a cow.

What are the symptoms you experienced in your first trimester? How many kilos did you gain? Was your pregnancy an easy or a difficult one? Let me know your thoughts!

XX,

#Riflections #featured #pregnancy #firsttimemama #first trimester #blogger #lifestyleblogger

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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How We Found Out About Peanut (First Time Mama)

If you’re here, then you must have heard the news. Yes, WE ARE PREGNANT!!!

After months of keeping this hush hush, it was finally time to share this blessing with my online fam! We kept it so quiet that our own family and close friends didn’t even know we are pregnant till we were 7 weeks in, and our relatives didn’t find out till we entered the second trimester! The reason for all this secrecy is because I felt a need to protect my little peanut for as long as I could – I’m not sure if this makes sense to you at all! Anyway, my peanut of love is extremely happy to be receiving so much love from you guys, who I will call “Peanut’s online aunties and fairy godmothers!”

Anyway, here’s the story of how we got pregnant – not the act itself, but the story.

It was March when Toufic and I started booking our vacations for the entire year, and here is what we had planned! Bali in April, our summer vacation (coming up in a couple of weeks), Amsterdam and Berlin in September, Salalah in October, and the Seychelles in December. We literally booked EVERYTHING! Planes, trains, hotels and everything else in between. A couple of nights later, while at dinner, everyone at the table noticed how strange my eating habits were. I’m a carnivore, and I could eat a medium rare Wagyu for breakfast; but for some reason that night, I couldn’t bear the taste of anything beef-related. We were dining at Nobu, mind you, and it was so strange to me that their meat could taste this bad. I was advised to do a pregnancy test and I dismissed the idea, claiming it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to be pregnant at this time because it wasn’t in our plans. Yes, denial.

We had a close encounter earlier that month, where I actually took the test and got a negative result, so I was pretty sure that I was NOT pregnant (turns out, I was!). All I was focused on was those upcoming vacations and how we were going to enjoy our first year as a married couple, free AF. Don’t get me wrong; we were planning on getting pregnant, just not until the end of the year.

Despite me ignoring any possibility that I could be pregnant, I found myself craving chips all the time (instead of chocolate) and feeling much lazier than usual. I was also late by a day and, at this point, began to panic! I called Toufic, who was in London at the time, and started making threats to chop off his manhood if I turned out to be pregnant. He kept ignoring my calls, since he was in board meetings all day, so I resorted to leaving him angry voice notes while eating all the salt and vinegar chips supply in Doha. I was on six bags of chips per day at this point. When I was three days late, and all chipped out, I finally gave in and asked Toufic to get me a pregnancy test. I had secretly known and felt it for weeks, since that first pregnancy test, but I was in complete denial. Before even taking the test, I was sure of what the result was going to be. I put down my last bag of chips, put the test down on the counter, and waited for the result.

A couple of minutes later, it read: PREGNANT 2-3 WEEKS.

WHAAATTTTT!

Although it was a result I had been dreading, to my surprise, nothing made me happier than reading those words. I was ecstatic and in complete disbelief. This was it. My whole life was about to change. We had just created life together.

I wanted to surprise my husband in a romantic way, but I really don’t know how to be romantic, and I’m the most impatient person I know. Instead, I called him right away to tell him the news. We were both over the moon!

And this is how it’s been every day, ever since. This was the most unplanned thing either of us has ever done, yet it’s the rightest thing either of us has ever done. And the best part is, we did it together. We made this little peanut together. It’s funny how I was so fixated on work and travels, and how little I cared later on when I had to cancel three vacations and some projects. How little this all seemed in comparison to me taking care of my body, my baby and enjoying every minute of it (except for the horrible all-day nausea, mood swings, body aches, weight gain, and fatigue...oh well!).

I can’t really explain the type of love I feel for this human I haven’t met yet, or how I constantly feel love and happiness growing inside me, filling every cavity and every gap that couldn’t be filled by anything or anyone before. Our baby has made me love my husband more and appreciate every single thing he does for us everyday. Nothing beats seeing our little peanut kicking up a storm on the ultrasound, and I’ll never forget how we both had tears of joy in our eyes the first time we heard a heartbeat. These are moments that have put the entirety of LIFE into perspective for me. What really matters, what doesn’t; and how so many of the things I once thought were important, aren’t at all.

Long story short, things like this should not be overthought. They shouldn’t be over-planned, and they shouldn’t be worried about too much. I believe that God and the universe have a plan for each of us, and there’s so much happiness out there waiting for those whose hearts are open to it - but you’ll only find it in the most unexpected things and places. When life is about to send an unexpected blessing your way, don't put conditions, don’t make bets, and don’t worry that you’re incapable of handling it. Have faith that everything will fall into place.

I, for one, still can’t believe I’m going to be a mom. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself or stare at my tummy in the mirror. I can’t believe that only a few months ago, the simple idea of holding a baby seemed like torture. I can’t believe I ever said that I don’t want kids or that I ever thought traveling would bring me greater fulfillment. I now find myself hovering around mommas and babies, trying to learn and understand more about this gift I’ve been given. I find myself reading about pregnancy, motherhood and newborns for hours each day, and it makes me so happy. I find myself playing with our baby’s gadgets and practicing how I’m going to work that chair or stroller. I have a newfound respect and admiration for every single mother out there. You women are f***ing rockstars, and I don’t know how life would exist without what you do on a daily basis.

As for my little peanut, I can’t wait to see you for the first time. I already love you more than life itself. I promise you so much love, from the both of us. I promise you a good life, even if my life depends on it. I promise you laughter everyday, and I promise to teach you everything I know about life so that you’re well prepared to take on this world. I promise to never take you or this for granted.

Much love,

So, can you guess if our little peanut is a boy or a girl? Although we’ve known the gender for weeks, I’m going to keep it a surprise for just a little longer.

In my next blog post, I’ll be writing all about my first trimester. Before I leave, I wanted to thank you guys for all the love and support you’ve shown us. You have added so much happiness to this already joyful journey.

#Riflections #featured #pregnancy #mamatobe #baby #love #family #blogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #firsttimemama

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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Ubud: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly...And The Magical

Bali, oh Bali… Our trip to Ubud last month was unforgettable in both good and bad ways. And since my Bali Instagram posts and Snapchat stories were some of my highest viewed in quite some time, I decided to write a little more about it. Many of you were really interested to know more about this far and exotic place, while searching for reassurance that your long trip to arrive there one day will be justified by reaching a heavenly destination. We each secretly search for that which is impossible to reach, like magic, perfection and euphoria, and some of us seek it through travel. This is not a travel guide, nor will I only be sharing all the things I loved. This is my personal experience in Bali, where I will be sharing the good, the bad and the ugly. Please do bear in mind that Bali, especially, has many mixed reviews and people who go there either love it or hate it. And here are my two cents.

One of the reasons I was excited to move to Doha is because of its closer proximity to the Far East, and my ability to more easily travel there. Most cities are one direct flight away from Qatar, and flying Qatar Airways is a treat on its own. For this reason, when looking into destinations for our Easter vacation, I naturally didn’t want to go to the more cliché destinations, so we looked into places like the Seychelles, Bali, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Since we had just been to the Maldives earlier this year, we decided to postpone the Seychelles for a little longer. Cambodia seemed a bit too far, and Sri Lanka felt a little too close and not as tempting as Bali, which was high up on our bucket list.

And Bali it was.

We figured, since we are looking for something new and different, why don’t we head right into the jungle, instead of playing it safe and staying somewhere by the sea? And that’s how we ended up in the lush and picturesque Ubud.

With pure indulgence on our minds, we booked a deluxe villa with a private infinity pool at a five-star luxury resort, the Kamandalu Ubud. My hubby and I love exploring new cities, but there’s nothing we love more than being pampered when we travel. We enjoy the hotel as much as we enjoy the city itself, which is why we always make sure to stay at really nice hotels. From my experience, staying at a bad hotel could ruin the entire city and travel experience for you.

Tip: When traveling on a budget, try booking your hotel in advance under a refundable, free cancellation rate. This gives you the flexibility to cancel at any time you have a change of plans. Alternatives to the five-star hotel are the boutique design hotel or the luxury B&B. Look for these hidden gems in any city you wish to travel to. There are many, and with the right research, you will always find the right place to stay. Some of my friends have tried Airbnb and swear by it. To be honest, it’s not my cup of tea and I doubt I’ll ever be a customer, but it’s worth a try when traveling on a budget or for longer periods of time. I’ve been told that some of their properties apparently rival staying at the finest hotels.

Our hotel, which we had booked after extensive research, gave us the wrong villa on our first night, which turned that first night at the resort into a horror movie. I remember seeing all sorts of insects creep up on me in bed, waking up to find a weird looking, creepy AF insect with antennas or antlers or two penises on its head staring right at me from across my pillow. Once that nightmare was over and a few tears were shed, I tried to fall asleep despite all types of bizarre sounds – from inside our room. At one point, I wasn’t sure what was worse: the sound of my crying, the sound of the crazy lizard in our room, or the sound of Toufic’s snoring. After only one hour of forced sleep, with the help of our (useless) mosquito net, I had my answer when I was awakened by the furious screams of a gecko, who happened to be resting in our thatched roof, right above our heads, right inside our room. I was already jetlagged, so I figured the next best thing is to Google about this bizarre creature.

Why do geckos make such sounds at night?

And I got my answer on Quora.com:

Many geckos, especially young ones, vocalize when they are upset or threatened. Others use their clicking and chirping noises as communication, especially with other geckos. They likely are saying simple things like "I am here," "Danger!," and "Who wants to mate?"

Oh HELL NO!

So, from what I understood, that crazy little creature was feeling threatened by my husband and I, pissed off AF that we had taken over its villa, and horny AF, inviting the other geckos (who were most likely also in our room) to mate.

I was enraged at this predicament and couldn’t sleep an hour longer. I was up from 3 AM till the next morning, pleading with my snoring husband to wake up. After three packs of Oreos, hours of research, and an entire night of listening to geckos chirping and wailing, I had actually grown quite fond of those sounds and was starting to feel just a little bit crazy and hostile.

And although I may have made peace with their clicking sounds, I was nowhere near ready to share a room with that harmless creature (which, according to my wild imagination, could crawl into my ear or mouth and lay eggs in my esophagus while I slept). No. I wasn’t having that.

I remember calling housekeeping and asking (screaming at) them to come and “kill the lizard”. Whether I offended them or not was the last thing on my mind at this point. I was on less than two hours of sleep, feeling jetlagged, sick, and dirty. While Toufic enjoyed his breakfast, I spent my morning scouring our villa and emptying two cans of bug spray, trying to find and kill any insect that could have escaped my eye. Where was the luxurious experience we had paid for?

And while my surprisingly laid-back husband enjoyed our pool and the ants that came with it, I decided to do some research – lots of it – about Ubud and what to expect. Here are some of the things I read online and would like to share with you, to prepare you for your upcoming trip in case you were slightly naïve like me:

- Whether you stay at a hostel or at your own private luxury villa at the finest five-star resort, you can’t really avoid the insects, geckos, or monkeys. Remember, you are in their home. You are the intruder, and you must accept to live in harmony with them.

Once I read this, my dreams of one day helping save the world’s ecosystem ended. I decided I would happily live in a city for the rest of my life, minding my own business away from all sorts of nasty insects and creatures of the wild. I also explained to my husband, Toufic, that I was ready to return to Doha – a remark that he completely ignored.

But then I read this:

- Come to Ubud with an informed and open mind. That’s the only way you will enjoy your experience.

And after reading that, I decided what the heck. It’s worth having an open mind after a ten-hour flight. I’m going to give it a shot. #newbeginnings #openmind

And then I read some more:

- Turn off your phone and forget technology for a few days.

Bitch, no. I just flew ten hours and drove two extra hours right into the jungle. The least I’m going to do is take photos of everything.

With my newfound wisdom and serenity, I decided to look at photos of our resort to perhaps start loving it again. And that’s when I saw a picture of the villa we actually chose. I looked around me at the tired (half the size, no infinity pool, just a mosquito pool, too many lizards, army of ants) property we were staying in, and I was livid. This definitely was not it. After riling up Toufic at the horror we had just experienced, I then called the reception and asked them for an early checkout. I was done with this place. The manager came over to explain that they would be transferring us to our designated villa ASAP. I screamed a little and may have thrown a bottle at another army of ants. Toufic told me to shut up a few times. I then threatened to write a bad review (which I guess I’m sort of doing now), and finally agreed to move villas.

From the moment we moved, the entire vacation transformed. The villa itself was magnificent, and the view was surreal. What a beautiful jungle paradise this was. Were there still insects everywhere? You bet your ass there were! In the living room, around the pool, and the cherry on top was the lizard droppings on top of our mosquito net and on the floor of our bedroom upon returning from dinner. But that’s the thing. We were in a jungle; right in the middle of it. It took me a good 36 hours to comprehend that and let it sink in. It’s only natural to run into that amount of reptiles and insects; which I was expecting and accepting … just not inside our room. But, from that moment onwards, I embraced the trip with a higher level of awareness and acceptance (and nausea).

Our next few days consisted of long, lazy afternoons by the pool, or by the resort’s picturesque infinity pool (which we both fell in love with and is possibly the best part of the resort), sipping mocktails and cocktails by the pool bar, eating breakfast in our pool, and taking in all that view. The view was everything. I saw so much greenery, I had green vision for days. The sound of the jungle was the most soothing thing you could possibly imagine, and we found ourselves falling asleep several times during the day as a result of extreme relaxation. Little by little, and without realizing, we started paying less attention to the dirt and insects, and becoming more aware of our surroundings and all the beauty and magic around us. I felt so grateful. We also managed to do a little bit of trekking along the rice paddies, which is an experience we will both never forget. It was breathtakingly beautiful. We then visited the Holy Water Temple, a magical place of prayer, peace, gratitude, love, and centuries of tradition and faith. By the time our trip came to an end, we did wish we could have spent an extra day or two (believe it or not) because of the addictive serenity we felt there. We both felt so blessed to have been able to take part in this experience. What started as a horrifying trip turned into a journey of discovering a simpler, calmer way of life; embracing the new; overcoming fears; and learning more about a mystic culture that has caught the entire world’s attention while managing to remain so secluded.

That being said, I’m summarizing my trip into a few helpful points that could be useful to you if you’re visiting Ubud.

The positives of the resort:

- Our second villa

- The common infinity pool and bar area

- The Balinese massage (of course)

- The grounds

- The mini rice paddies

- The location

- The outdoor showers

- The yoga house

- The floating breakfast

The negatives of the resort:

- The food

- The service response rate

- The first villa we stayed in

- The mini bar

- The insects – everywhere

Where to dine in Ubud:

My favorite restaurant was the Cascades at the Viceroy. Although I wasn’t impressed by the food in Bali, this place was certainly better than the rest. I must admit, I’m personally not a fan of Indonesian cuisine - the thought of which still makes me feel queasy – but it’s definitely worth a try.

Where to stay in Ubud:

Although we did end up having a great stay, I doubt I would ever return to that resort again or recommend it to anyone; mainly due to their lack of attention to detail and underwhelming food. Too many mistakes were made in too short a time.

The resorts that I would try and recommend are the following:

Como Uma Ubud

Hanging Gardens of Bali

Komaneka at Bisma Ubud

These resorts are highly rated and have all the necessary elements to make your stay a memorable one. Let’s hope they don’t disappoint.

What to pack:

Most renowned resorts will offer insect repellent in their rooms, but just in case, get a couple of bottles of “OFF!” with you. I’ve heard that mosquitoes in Bali can give you Malaria, Zika virus and Dengue fever.

Forget about your heels and pretty shoes. Take flip flops, flats, and comfortable hiking shoes. I wouldn’t advise taking more than two to three pairs of versatile shoes with you.

Light, airy dresses, denim shorts, flowy skirts and tank tops will be the most useful to you during your stay. It got rather hot and sticky at times, and I was grateful to have comfortable, light clothes with me.

There’s no need for too much makeup. You’ll need your sunscreen, bronzer, lip balm, brow shaper and mascara. Forget about your liquid foundation for a few days. I definitely needed my mineral powder to blot out all that shine.

And just in case, take some antihistamines, allergy creams, stomach meds (who knows what might happen) and Paracetamol.

Where to go:

- Tegalalang Rice Terraces: This is definitely one of the most magical places I’ve ever seen in all the cities I’ve visited. Whether you’re staying in Ubud or not, do make some time in your itinerary to see this place. Wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes.

- The Tirta Empul Tampaksiring Holy Water Temple: What a mystical, unique experience this is. Be mindful of the traditions and don’t forget to wear a sarong. If you didn’t have the chance to buy one before going there, don’t worry, they rent them out at the entrance.

- The Ubud Monkey Forest: A beautiful, sacred, and magical place that is straight out of an Indiana Jones movie - and you can play with the monkeys. But, be careful as some people have reported serious aggression from these (not always) adorable creatures, as well as theft, and some cases of rabies.

- The market: Make sure to bargain; you will be surprised at the price reductions you’ll get. Buy a wooden penis (or several wooden penises), which symbolize good luck (and are great for a laugh once you’re back home).

Traveler tips:

- Choose where to eat very wisely. I’ve heard of countless cases of food poisoning from people I know that traveled to Bali.

- When traveling on a budget, be mindful of where you stay to prevent getting bed bugs. Yes, this is also something that many people I know complained about. I. would. die.

- Leave your valuables at home. This means, your diamonds, gold, super high-tech, expensive camera, and all that jazz. If you don’t believe me, go to Google and do the relevant research. I’m grateful that we didn’t experience any theft, but that’s partly because I didn’t even take a single designer bag or pair of earrings with me.

- Do your research before you go. Bali is a beautiful place, but you must be very aware of how it is before you visit. Many people expect the whole “paradise found” experience without realizing that it comes with its discomforts (dirt, insects, reptiles, theft, and IMO, bad food). Once you have done the right research and prepared yourself mentally, you are bound to choose the right location for you in Bali and have a good time.

And finally, to answer some questions I’ve been asked:

Do I regret visiting Ubud? I most certainly do not. It was so different than anywhere I’ve ever been, and we all need to go somewhere far and new every once in a while. This is what travel is all about.

Will I return? Not any time soon. I’ve had my dose for the next few years. Plus, the next time I get on a plane for over 10 hours, it will not be to the same destination. I have other distant and new countries in mind that I would like visit in the near future, many of which are in South America and the Far East – so fingers crossed.

Would I recommend Bali to others? I only visited Ubud, so I cannot recommend Bali in general. I certainly do recommend Ubud though, despite some of the discomforts I experienced. It’s an unforgettable place that is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime.

Would I recommend Bali as a honeymoon destination? Once again, I only visited Ubud, but I personally do not recommend it as a honeymoon destination. After our wedding, all I wanted to do was relax and do nothing for two weeks. I wanted luxury, romance, relaxation, serenity and a slower pace. I wanted stress-free living away from everyone, and that’s exactly what we did. We got all that and more by going to the Maldives. There are many who have gone to Bali on honeymoon and loved it. I’m simply basing my recommendation on personal experience when I say that sharing a room with reptiles and insects is not what I consider to be relaxing or befitting of a honeymoon.

Is Bali expensive? The best part about Bali is that it doesn’t break the bank. It’s actually one of the most affordable places we’ve ever traveled to, and, apart from ticket price, isn’t costly at all.

When is the best time to visit Bali? Although most people go there during the summer, IMO the best time to visit is between April and June, when it’s less packed, humid, touristy, and pricey.

Was Bali what I expected it to be? In so many ways, Ubud was much more than I expected; its lush greenery, sounds of the jungle, serenity, and uniqueness. And in so many ways, it did disappoint; the food, service and hygiene.

Once again, traveling is very personal. My favorite city in the world is NYC, and some people absolutely hate it for the same reasons that I love it. There are also cities I couldn’t bear ever visiting again, but there are so many people that love and enjoy them so much that they return every year. The best advice I can give you is to travel to places you genuinely believe you will love based on your personality and research, not based on what people tell you or what’s trending now. I’m so happy to have scratched Ubud off my bucket list, and when I think back on those incredible four days, I don’t think of the insects and lizards, or of the disappointing food. I look back and remember the uncontrollable laughter with my husband, the unforgettable places we visited, the long hours by the pool, the outdoor showers (yes, lizards were present too), and how for just a short time, it felt like we were the only two people on this blue planet, so far from everyone else we know. And this, my friends, is why you take the risk, and travel far from your comfort zone. At least every once in a while.

#featured #yumsntravels #travel #bali #ubud #blog #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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Trolls: Not the Movie

Disclaimer: I guess you could consider this a rant. And I guess I say the word “bitch” at least 10 times in this post. So, If you’re among the faint-hearted and self-righteous, I guess you would enjoy reading a billboard or box of cornflakes instead. Thank you.

Ever since I became active on social media, I’ve been so blessed to receive a loyal following from some incredibly amazing women – some of which I’ve become friends with too. I make sure to keep my channels of discussion open with them so that we are able to communicate on a daily basis. I receive tons of praise, advice and tips, which I’m so lucky to be getting, but I also get the occasional trolls who feel entitled to express their rubbish opinions because they have bitter lives and feel safe behind their phones, laptops or computers. In the past seven years, I’ve been asked a plethora of ridiculous questions and given countless uneducated remarks that I have maturely ignored. But, today, I have decided to share some of them with you and respond to them, one by one. Yes, I’m stooping all the way down to their level because it’s fun to be immature every once in a while.

You see, the more “known” you become, the more you have to filter your life, words and reactions. You need to think twice before saying or doing anything to avoid sending out the wrong message, and you have to be mindful of whose feelings you may accidentally hurt. It takes a lot of effort to be this mature and responsible the whole time – to be the bigger person and not care – but in fact, sometimes, it’s draining.

This is certainly a major downside of being active on social media. Stupid people are unavoidable. In fact, there’s an overabundance of stupidity in this world – now more than ever – and an idiot never realizes just how idiotic they are and sound.

If I were to state one thing I miss the most, it’s me saying whatever the hell I want to say without worrying about the repercussions. I used to get away with anything. I have a very dark sense of humor and wicked sarcasm that I have to control on a daily basis. It’s painful.

But, I’m going to go all out today and let my inner bitch shine.

Here are some of the smartest questions and remarks I’ve ever received ... and my “would have been” responses:

You look so skinny. Go eat a burger.

Well, how would you like it if I called you a whale and advised you to dive back into the ocean and diet on water and only water?

Your boyfriend will never marry you because you look like a girl that’s only for fun.

Oh looky here. He married me, and I bet you’re still as single and bitter AF.

Can I ask you something?

No.

Your lips are disgusting.

You follow and worship Arab celebrities who look like blowup dolls. You seem to love their over inflated lips and plastic surgery abuse. What are you picking on me for? Would you like me to express how ugly that thread-like line you call a mouth is? No? So shut up.

You are so ugly.

Do you own a mirror, sasquatch?

You are so rude.

Thank you.

I sent you a THOUSAND messages and asked you a THOUSAND times, where is your shirt from?

1. I don’t work for you. 2. It’s tagged in the photo, where you only had to look ONCE. 3. You need to buy reading glasses or learn how to read a caption.

Why do you look so ugly on Snapchat?

It’s my special fuck you – from me to you.

You call yourself a fashion blogger?!?!?!?!?!

No bitch, I don’t. But that’s the only label sheep seem to know these days.

What is so stylish about you? You’re always in jeans!

I post my daily personal style, bitch. Do you want me to wear ball gowns every day so you don’t pop a vein in your neck?

Where is the “anaka”?

You and this word are vulgar.

He doesn’t love you.

Thank you Nostradamus. I shall break up with him now.

Who wears a cape on their wedding dress? You’re not superman. Yuck! I’m so disappointed!

Sorry Anna Wintour. You clearly know all about fashion. And while I was planning my wedding, my sole aim was to not disappoint you. I’m immensely disappointed in myself. I should die now.

Why did he marry you? He’s so much better looking than you!

I’m sure you received an excellent education both at school and at home.

I used to like you, but not anymore! I’m going to unfollow you!

While I wipe my tears, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Why did you block me on Snapchat?

Cause you were either a rude bitch, a delusional bitch, or a stupid bitch. Pick one.

Why do you keep wearing the same clothes?

Do you wear each item once then throw it? No? Then shut your face.

Can you please do a contouring tutorial?

Why are you following me? Lost? And: No.

How dare you?!?!?!

OH, I AM SO SORRY. PLEASE DON’T STOP PAYING MY BILLS BITCH.

Who do you think you are?

Beyonce.

Do you think you’re funny?!?!?

Yes actually, very much.

I followed you because your husband is so handsome.

No. You followed me cause you’s a thirsty hoe.

I find you very offensive!

Please, stop finding me.

DID YOU DO YOUR LIPS?

Will my answer change anything in your life? No? Go away now.

WEIN EL ANAKAAAAAAAA

Why am I attracting people like you? Die.

Your knees are black. You have hair on your arms. You are not “aneeka”.

1. It’s called sharpening and adding contrast to a photo. 2. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you’re a fucking dolphin with no hair from the forehead down. 3. You are so goddamn creepy for even focusing on these things. Creepy ass dolphin.

YOU ARE A BITCH!

Thank you!

How dare you show your followers there is traffic in Lebanon? You are ruining the image of our country!!!

Do you watch the news, bitch? There are bigger fish to fry.

Why are you always speaking English? Are you trying to look western?

1. English is my first language. 2. You watch too many movies and have become a cliché. 3. You are a goat.

I’m going to block you.

Honey, who are you?

How can you post videos without makeup and brushed hair?!?!

Because you are all that is wrong in the world. And because I love myself, no matter how I look. And because you clearly hate yourself so much, you probably go to sleep wearing makeup so that your cat doesn’t see how ugly you are in the morning and run away.

You are so judgmental and aggressive.

Oh bestie, you know me so well!

I can’t believe you answered me this way!

I can’t believe I answered you at all. Go away.

You owe it to us to…

No honey, I don’t owe anyone anything.

Stop complaining about haters. You’re the one that decided to make your life public.

And you’re the one that decided to follow me. If you don’t like me, unfollow me.

You call that fashion?!?

(Seven months later) Well it’s a trend now, isn’t it sheep? Get back to following your herd.

Get off Snapchat and go enjoy your day!

I’ve snapped 10 minutes of my 24-hour day. I can assure you, I’m enjoying my ass off. How about you get off my Snapchat, enjoy YOUR day, and spare me your stupid comments.

You complain too much. Stop nagging.

It’s called exaggeration, sarcasm, and fuck you.

You are Arab and dress like that?!?!?

No. I’m human and dress however I please. Now go judge someone else, you decent, lovely person.

Does your husband follow you on Snapchat? Does he see how you act? Stop pretending to be so cool and western. You’re a Middle Eastern, married woman!

And you’re a cow. I know because I found you on Facebook and saw your photos. What I didn’t know is that I’m not allowed to have a sense of humor If I’m Middle Eastern. What I would like to know is if your husband realizes he’s married to a creepy ass cow who harasses strangers on social media.

I’m so sick of fake people!

{**calls me fake, yet continues to follow and worship every fake person on Instagram**}

It’s one thing when someone insults, attacks and says the most hurtful things and gets away with it, but it’s another ball game when the receiver answers back and puts turds in their place. I speak on behalf of many when I say this: WE ARE HUMANS JUST LIKE YOU! WE CAN READ, UNDERSTAND AND FEEL THE SHIT YOU ARE WRITING!

My social media accounts portray exactly who I am. Yes, I filter my words and actions, but I’m sharing who I am, how I think and what I do with you. Growing up, I never had an older sister to advise me on what to do. I wish I had someone that told me that it’s OKAY to gain weight, have stretch marks, cellulite, hips, bad hair days and acne. I wish there was someone who had told me that breakups, two-faced friends, and disappointments are only a passing phase and inevitable part of growing up. I wish I had known from early on that the secret to happiness is loving yourself and what makes you different. I wish I had someone that explained the most trivial things to me, such as how to wear new trends or what hair style suited my face; and the most fundamental things, like not having to pressure yourself into getting married to the wrong person by 25...or how to dress for a night out without looking like a two-dollar hooker. So, this is why I’m here. I’m here to be that honest, true, real, whatever person that you can virtually depend on. You can come to me when you’re down. My blog posts, captions and daily encounters will make you feel better or give you guidance; whether it’s through empowerment or a comic relief. One thing I will not be though, is someone that will just sit here and let bitter nobodies insult me or tell me how to live my life - simply because I’m exposed. I will always welcome constructive criticism and opposing opinions. I also accept and understand that many don’t like me for whatever reason, and I honestly won’t ever try to change that. This isn’t a popularity contest for me, and I’m not here to compete for love, acceptance or followers. I’m here to connect with those who can relate to me and see the good in me without me even trying.

On a final note, here’s an interesting fact for online trolls and rude people: your words will never change me. I will always be this way. I will always be happy. I will always read your comments and laugh at you with my friends. I will always try to be more and do more, regardless of how many people try to stand in my way. You may be very bothered by my existence, but I don’t even know you exist. Five minutes after seeing your insulting comment, I wont remember your name, where you’re from or what you look like. But you know what, one of these days, when I’m very, very bored and someone gives me a smart remark, I may decide to stalk their very existence online (same way they do), know all I need to know about them, figure out their insecurities, and punch back right where it hurts. Let’s see how it feels like to be given stupid, unasked for opinions from a complete stranger. Sounds psychotic, right?

At times, I may be rude, sarcastic, politically incorrect, loud, and brutally honest, but I am always kind. Kindness is becoming a rare trait these days. These days, WOMEN are the ones trying to put other women down. And when I come across “women” like that, yes, I do enjoy giving them a harsh taste of their own medicine. Stay posted, cause I ain’t goin’ nowhere :-)

XX -R

#Riflections #socialsatire #fuckyou #instagram #internettrolls #trolls #haters #bloggers #featured

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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This is a photo of my lashes prior to trying the keratin lash lifting treatment.

My Bad Experience with Keratin Lash Lifting

Lately, nine times out of ten, when I check product reviews on Instagram and/or blog posts, they’re always great – even when something clearly isn’t great at all. I’ve always been a major critic of such unethical behavior until I unknowingly fell into this trap myself.

I recently tried a lash perm in Beirut, which is also known as “Keratin lash lifting” and claims to be based on 100% natural products and gentle techniques. Right? WRONG!

A few days before my wedding, I was approached by a lash lifting “specialist”, who guaranteed that this “treatment” would in no way harm my lashes or cause them to fall. While it goes against my best judgment to let anything chemical or harmful touch my skin, at the time, it did seem like a smart and convenient idea to get my lashes permed in time for my honeymoon to enjoy mascara-free beach days and nights.

During the procedure, which was only mildly irritating, I had my eyes closed throughout the entire duration and was unable to see how aggressively my lids and lashes were being treated. Following the “treatment”, I was advised to keep my eyes dry, water-free, and makeup-free for around 48 hours. This meant no cleansing – at all.

This is a photo of my lashes right after the keratin lash lifting treatment.

Prior to these two itchy days of eye discomfort, my eyes had already been suffering from a mild allergy, which naturally worsened in the weeks that followed … till today – three months later!

But, I did enjoy the results quite a lot for a couple of weeks. In fact, I loved them so much that I recommended this “treatment” to my followers and encouraged many to try it out when they asked me about it.

Flash forward a couple of weeks later, I had a new eye infection and extreme irritation that had been building up since the “treatment”, as well as two sets of horrible, feeble-looking lashes. Once a month had passed, I finally started realizing that I should have never aggressively “treated” my lashes, and was full of regret, mainly because I couldn’t stop thinking of how many girls must be going through the same thing because of my uneducated endorsement. When i expressed my concern to the so-called “specialist”, she claimed that i was the only person complaining - which I later realized was yet another false statement on her part.

This is an unedited, unfiltered photo of my lashes today, three months later. They are shorter, thinner, scattered, and my eyes are still crusty following the chronic infection.

Here’s what went wrong:

1. The technique that is used is way too aggressive and not “natural” or “healthy” at all! You can even tell from the obscene odor of the product. So, it was inevitable that I lose half my lashes in a matter of weeks. I’m now praying that I can grow them all back – and in the same direction!

2. Not cleansing my eyes for 48 freaking hours caused meibomian gland dysfunction. This is when the glands that secrete oils onto the surface of the eye are blocked. This initially caused lots of irritation followed by an infection that took me weeks to clear up. When my ophthalmologist saw my eyes and heard what I had done, he was shocked.

3. Whatever looks fabulous thanks to chemicals will only last for so long. The aftermath, however, is guaranteed to be a complete mess! Do not trust the “specialist” in telling you the entire truth and actually sharing details on the many ways something like this could go wrong.

4. Easy come, easy go. It was two weeks of heaven followed by three months of hell - and counting.

I am beyond disappointed in myself for not doing the proper research regarding this “treatment” before trying it out. Then again, there isn’t enough about this online – especially negative reviews - because most bloggers and editors are pressured into writing only good things.

Not this one though.

I felt I owed it to you to express my disappointment with this product and technique, and myself, especially after seeing how many “influencers” are trying it and endorsing it till now. It’s about to become the next big trend here I guess, and I’ll make sure I have a say in this – hopefully enough to get as many girls as possible not to jump on this silly wagon.

The following is NOT sponsored, but is based on my honest recommendation and experience:

If you want longer and thicker lashes, invest in castor oil and RevitaLash. You can find both at pharmacies and/or department stores. Also, invest in good mascara and makeup remover that won’t break your lashes. My favorite Mascaras are YSL Shocking and Dior Show Extase. My favorite makeup removers are the Sephora Makeup wipes and the L’Occitane oil.

When it comes to your hair and skin, invest in the healthiest, most natural products possible. There’s no easy way out when it comes to beauty. Nothing will transform you in a week or ten days. Nothing you buy off a supermarket shelf for three dollars can ever be beneficial for you. Nothing will create magic on its own. Health and beauty are a lifestyle, and part of that lifestyle is your choice of products. That being said, do your research and don’t be fooled by fake endorsements that are based on money or prestige, not on conviction. Even if I recommend something to you, I’m asking you to please do your research first. There are too many unethical people and brands with a large following online, and this leads people to automatically trust them. No.

Throughout my years as a blogger, I’ve never recommended something harmful, unethical or false, so I’m truly beating myself up about this. Because of this incident, I promise to never recommend anything health and beauty related until at least a month after I’ve tried it. If I love it and know it’s beneficial, I will then talk about it to you. Otherwise, prepare to hear my honest AF reviews. After all these years of loyalty, I owe it to you to stay honest. Again, my apologies.

If any of you have had a bad experience with “keratin lash lifting”, “lash extensions” or “fake lashes”, please do share.

XX -R

#healthnbeauty #eyelashes #lashextensions #lashperm #fake lashes #mascara #health #beauty #makeup #blogger #beautyreview #lebaneseblogger #arabblogger #productreview #honestreview

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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New Wife, New City, New Home ... And I’m Still Learning

... Learning new things about myself everyday.

I recently got married on December 30, 2016 (see two blog posts ago and refer to my Instagram account for photo spam), and moved to Doha to join my husband less than a month later, on January 20, 2017.

It’s been a roller-coaster ride.

No matter what people tell you, being a newlywed is life-changing – both in wonderful and shocking ways. And, as though it weren’t challenging enough, add to that moving to a new city in a new country all at once. In the past three weeks, I managed to furnish our entire home (from cutlery, crockery and linens, to all kinds of furniture, accessories and appliances).

It’s been crazy. Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to:

- go to as many meetings as possible to get better acquainted with the market,

- create new content for the blog and Instagram,

- discover what a f***ing induction stove is and how to use it,

- decipher my dishwasher,

- understand what a spin cycle is on a washing machine,

- find the right pillows to sleep – those of which do not involve the stench of dying duck,

- get over the fact that I’m now labeled “housewife” and that it’s not an insult,

- accept that my husband and I share a bank account,

- accept that my husband knows exactly when I’m buying shoes and how much they cost,

- detach myself from my much loved skimpy clothing,

- Control my nausea every time I prepare dinner and see the steak bleed on the grill,

- accept that I look like crap on most days because I’m too busy to wash my hair,

- accept the four kilos of Oreos and olives that I’ve gained,

And accept that for the first time in my entire life, I couldn’t be more clueless about anything.

I would like to take a minute to thank my Snapchat family and YouTube tutorials. Without you, I would have had a mental breakdown.

Jokes aside, I’m loving my new life in Doha. It’s a beautiful change of pace and I love the feeling of security and stability I have here. Also, the food is truly on another level (four kilos, hello!), and our building and neighborhood have become my new happy place that I’m so proud to call home.

What I love about Doha:

- THE FOOD!! Some of my favorites include Toro Toro, Spice Market, The Market, La Spiga, Sugar and Spice, and Eggspectation. If you live in Doha or are visiting, please do go to every single one and gain some weight with me. Thank you.

- The Qatar Airways airplanes and airport lounges – I’ve been raving about them for the past month or so, but honestly, I’m beyond impressed!!! How lavish!!

- The Pearl. So this is basically where Toufic and I live, and if it were up to me, I’d never leave the area. I’m so in love with it and all things related.

- West Bay. Skyscrapers make me happy. Urban areas make me happy. Beautiful lights at night make me happy. Sometimes, I like to squint hard enough and imagine I’m back in New York. And that makes me happy.

- The hotels. They’re more like architectural wonders. The Kempinski, St. Regis and Four Seasons top the list for me with their glorious facades and GLORIOUS architecture. So grandiose!

- The customer service. So many people may wish to disagree with me, but let me explain: I haven’t seen one person frowning since I got here. Even if you get upset at them and shout (a little), they’re still so kind and polite, you feel ashamed of yourself for being so rude. They’re full of smiles and enthusiasm, and I applaud them for that.

- The safety. When laws are well implemented and respected, this is the result. I could leave my purse in the mall for hours, and no one would steal it. I haven’t complained about potential rapists in weeks! I feel so safe all the time, and my stress levels are down thanks to that!

- Our building. Toufic is going to kill me for even mentioning this. I can even hear him saying, “you sound like such pretentious showoff.” But, I don’t care. So, our building. It’s so pretty, I’m in love! I haven’t lifted a finger since I got here (except beat my pillows, move furniture around, do the dishes, make dinner, make the bed, and hoover broken glass off the floor). Jokes aside, it’s like a hotel – from the lobby to the staff. I feel like a spoilt little turd sometimes because I have people at my beck and call doing stuff for me all the time! I’m not sure I like feeling this spoilt...but I’m not complaining at all!

- The community. Most people here are so kind, helpful, genuine, accomplished, honest, hardworking, friendly, and just absolutely lovely to be around! I haven’t felt a heavy, negative energy from anyone yet. It’s refreshing.

- THE FOOD!! (oh yeah, I already mentioned this)

- Our home. It truly is home, and I can’t imagine living any place else. I love everything about it, and it’s one of my proudest accomplishments so far…I made a home for us. IN FIVE DAYS. (I keep reminding Toufic of that. He’s getting so sick of me.)

- And last but not least, my husband. I can’t imagine sharing a life with anyone else. He’s my best friend, the highlight of my day, the most annoying person ever, but the most wonderful, generous, caring, loving, and supportive soul I’ve ever come across. I wake up everyday feeling so lucky and blessed that he chose me to walk down this path with, and just the fact that he lives in Doha makes it the most beautiful city on the planet. This is home now.

(PS. as I write this, I can smell my pillows starting to stink again and I begin to feel depressed)

So, ahem, the reason I am writing this is because I’m sure tons of you have either gone through what I’m going through, or are about to embark on a similar journey, be it getting married or moving to a country – or both! So, since this stuff doesn’t come with a warning or a manual (which it SHOULD), I’m taking the liberty of writing down a few things you ought to prepare for and some other things that could be useful to you:

1. I’m sorry I’m prioritizing this, but DO NOT purchase down pillows from IKEA. They STINK! Imagine the combination of these odors: a deadly fart; a dying, wet, filthy duck; raw, rotten fish; terribly bad breath; a badly aired chicken pen; and a rat that’s been dead for a month. So, that’s what my SIX pillows smell like. Mind you, they’re brand new, and I dedicated my ENTIRE afternoon to quench their stank – but, alas...nothing worked.

2. Buy your cabinets and storage from IKEA (if available in your country). Those, unlike the stanky pillows, are amazing and you save tons of money. Here’s how I furnished our place. I spent the first two days jumping around from one furniture store to the next. We bought the hero items that spoke to us (couch, dining table, dining chairs, bed) then bought everything else accordingly. It was literally three days of furniture shopping and two days of setting everything up. Et voila! Tip: Mix and match from as many shops as possible. We went through over 12 places.

3. Set a REALISTIC routine for yourself. There are days when you will feel down, useless, strange, nostalgic, ugly, fat, stupid, and all alone…. This is normal and fleeting. Keep reminding yourself that you’re adapting to great change and starting a new, life-defining chapter. It’s important not to give up too soon. Go easy on yourself. If you pack on the pounds, it’s normal (just hit the gym as soon as you set a proper schedule for yourself). If you’re not working, don’t sweat it. You’ll be back to work soon once you’re able to take on new responsibilities and tasks. I hate the word routine, but it’s the only way you can get through this transitional phase.

4. Remind yourself of why you’re here. And remind yourself that life owes you nothing. You need to make your life beautiful through daily efforts. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past month. Trying to make everything around me beautiful. It takes time and lots of work, but I’ll get there. And you’ll get there.

5. ACCEPT CHANGE. If you fight it, you’ll force yourself to move in an unnatural direction. If you accept it, there’s no telling what surprises life has in store for you around the next corner. Moving countries is the reason I started blogging seven years ago. It changed my life. Moving back to Beirut and turning down a job offer in NYC is the reason I met Toufic. Something beautiful and rewarding comes out of every “bad” or challenging experience. Remember that.

6. If you’re a newlywed, remember this: there are days you will hate your spouse. You will wonder why you ever got married and notice how much they’ve changed. You will question if you’re even compatible and romanticize your life at your parents’ home. Those who refuse to admit this are either lying to you or to themselves. But, I’m going out on a limb here and tell you that this will happen, and it’s okay. Breathe through it and remind yourself that you’re both adapting to a new reality, a new routine, and new habits you weren’t used to before. For instance, Toufic and I both have OCD, but in different things. We are trying to deal with our psychoses on a daily basis, and it’s getting much better.

7. If it’s your first time cooking, cleaning or home tending, remember, you weren’t born with a housewife manual built into your system. I went grocery shopping last week and had a mental breakdown. It was four hours of hell. But, I know that next time, it will be easier and more clear to me. I will eventually know exactly what to buy, what not to buy, how much to buy, and spend less time doing it. I tried cooking three times since I got here. The first time was an EPIC DISASTER. The second time was okay. The third time was phenomenal. I’m getting better every time, and seeing the smile on my husband’s face is everything.

8. There’s no “I” in “team”. I’m learning this day by day. I’m learning to start making “we” decisions instead of “me” decisions. This is the toughest part about being married. Sharing responsibilities, money, tasks, your space, your food (this is painful), and your future. Every decision you make has to go through your partner for negotiation and approval. I’m making this sound like a business proposal – but, you know what I mean….

9. Keep things private. I’m a hypocrite for saying this since so much of my life is out there, but I’m a blogger and a big part of my life is sharing my experiences with others in order to benefit and inspire you in some way. But still, Toufic refuses being featured on my Snapchat while we’re in Doha, and I (sadly) accept that. This is not what I’m referring to though. What I mean by keeping things private is, when you fight, keep it between the two of you. Don’t make it bigger by involving others. This is something sacred (and very difficult), but essential to the survival of a marriage.

10. You will gain weight. Try, as hard as you can, to control your newlywed or new city appetite. Almost everyone I know gained weight during the first year of marriage or a move. Make an effort to lose those extra pounds and stay in shape, or you’ll keep gaining more and more on a yearly basis.

And for the bonus round:

11. Things and people you once found important cease to matter in comparison to the new responsibilities you have. In my case, being outside the bubble always makes me see how small and silly it is. This time, more than ever…

Today, I’m slowly finding my balance, and gradually feeling more at home in this new city everyday. Step by step, I’m regaining my confidence to go out there and show this new world who I am and what I’ve got to offer; the confidence to be myself and trust that people will like me. I know where to go if I need something, and know who to call when the Internet isn’t working. I have a new number now, and I’m memorizing it a little better everyday. I found a detergent I love and the right temperature for the AC. I have a favorite corner at home where I like to work, and a spot in bed that makes me comfortable. When I’m thirsty at night, I know my way to the kitchen without turning on the lights. These may sound like very little things, but it’s little things like these that make you feel at home.

There is no way you’ll feel at home right away. There are days where you refuse to part of a new community and a new life. There are times where you’ll feel so alone and intimidated, you’ll cry. Remind yourself that it will pass. You will eventually make new friends, discover a new list of favorite hobbies and places to hang out. You’ll find a walking route that makes you happy. You’ll finally find the right mall and supermarket for you to shop at. Days will go by and you will realize that you’re no longer a stranger; you now belong. You will realize that you haven’t missed “home” in weeks because this is your home. These are your friends. This is your new job. Your new university. Your new life. Your new gym. You will miss your old home and life, but not the way you did before. You will realize that this is not a new chapter; this is your life.

Lebanon, you may not be home for now, but I love you always. I know there are many beautiful reasons the universe brought me here, and I can’t wait to discover them all. Meanwhile, Beirut, I’ll be seeing you sooner than you think, and often, and I’m looking forward to it. For now, stay beautiful.

XX -R

#move #newcity #newlyweds #doha #qatar #beirut #lebanon #lebanese #blogger #lebaneseblogger #lifestyle #advice #Riflections #featured #travel #newlife #empowerment #motivation

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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Our Honeymoon in the Maldives - 10 Days of Paradise!

When Toufic and I set a wedding date and started looking for the venue, I was already researching honeymoon destinations. Since we’ve both traveled quite a bit, both together and individually, we wanted to go somewhere we’ve never been before and try a new and different experience that literally involved the following:

Doing nothing at all.

Every time we travel somewhere, we return even more exhausted than when we got there. We usually have a super packed itinerary that allows almost no room for relaxation. Hence, us wanting to do absolutely nothing at all for once.

Our top choices were the following:

Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Bora Bora, South Africa and New Zealand.

Because we wanted to stay at a resort where you basically do nothing all day and don’t feel the urgency to discover the city, we had to cross out South Africa and New Zealand. We also didn’t want to spend two days in flight, so we crossed out Bora Bora, which is a little too similar to the Maldives, but way too far in comparison. That left us with the holy trinity of the Indian Ocean: The Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles.

To our luck, it was the perfect time to visit all three. We wanted the seclusion of the ocean, virgin beaches and lush nature, while enjoying the utmost levels of luxury. It was pretty much a no-brainer deciding on the Maldives. All we had to do was take one look a the breathtaking resorts (and the ocean villas), and we were sold. I believe it doesn’t get much better than that when you’re looking for a relaxing, lavish getaway.

After some more research, I realized that the further up north you are, the better the weather is. We were going for 10 days and didn’t want to risk running into bad weather. So, we booked at the Ja Manafaru, which is located in the northernmost atoll; and to our luck, our resort had exceptionally high ratings.

Whenever we want to book for an upcoming trip, I cross reference among several travel websites, as well as gather tips from locals and frequent travelers.

In this case though, we didn’t know anyone that had stayed at that resort, so we kept our fingers crossed and hoped for the best!

I was worried about the seaplane ride since it was so far north, but that turned out to be an unforgettable part of the experience.

So, we started with a pretty long, nine-hour layover in Doha, but it was fantastic. The Qatar Airways First and Business class lounges are truly on another level, and I spent my hours enjoying the food, relaxation, and shopping.

We then took a second flight that landed us in Male. While at the airport, a private SUV for the resort transported us to Ja Manafaru’s VIP airport lounge, while the team took our luggage and checked us in. I felt like royalty.

A couple of hours later, we boarded a 90-minute seaplane that gave us more than enough time to enjoy the marvelous views of the archipelago and the turquoise colored ocean beneath us. Once we were hovering above our island, I knew that it was going to be an unforgettable 10 days ahead. It was nothing short of magnificent.

Once we reached the island, we were welcomed by the friendliest staff, had some delicious cocktails, and were transported to our villa via a buggy and our very own villa host, Mangal, who made our stay unforgettable! No request was left unanswered.

Our villa was something else. We had been looking for a different experience, and we were certainly about to get it. The space was so fresh, airy and overlooking the ocean from every angle. We also had our very own private deck, which could be accessed from both the bedroom and bathroom separately. The deck had a plunge pool, swing and dining area. It also had steps that led us straight down to the ocean, where we spent our afternoons snorkeling and observing the sea cucumbers and colorful fish.

My villa favorites:

- The bathtub overlooking the deck

- The plunge pool

- The open air shower area

- The panoramic view of the ocean

- The Elemis bath products

- The daily, chilled fruits

- The sunset

We intended on spending 80% of our time in the room, but the resort proved to be a lot more beautiful and fun than we had anticipated. Most resorts in the Maldives have two restaurants and an optional bar. Ours had six restaurants and two bars. This is a very important detail to look out for if you’re booking a Maldivian getaway for over four days. We had just the right variety for the duration of our stay, and it truly made all the difference to have that many choices available.

The restaurants:

Ocean Grill: We had a couple of dinners here and the food was beyond amazing. It’s just what you would crave to eat on an island. It’s located right on the beach, with fairy lights, soft music and a beautiful sea breeze.

White Orchid: We had several dinners here. I think it was my favorite on the island. The food was so good, especially the appetizers, sashimis and makis, and teppenyaki. It’s very romantic and charming, and the tables overlook a lit up deck and a pitch black ocean.

The Cellar: We had two unforgettable dinners in this underground cellar. Talk about fine dining done right; from the succulent meat to the exquisite wine list. The lamb chops are probably the best I’ve had. We were even offered heated rocks to be placed by our feet to keep our body temperature warm.

Andiamo Bistro: a secluded, calm haven to have a delicious Italian lunch and go for a swim in the picturesque pool. We only had lunch here twice, and that’s because we were always too tempted to stay close to the ocean. It’s a beautiful and relaxing lunch spot, nevertheless.

Infinity Bar and Pool: We spent most of our afternoons lunching here. The food (especially the chirashi bowl and fish of day) is mouthwatering. Its infinity pool meets the ocean effortlessly and is a perfect spot for taking all sorts of beautiful photos. Toufic and I spent several nights here enjoying the delicious cocktails and cool music. It’s basically a restaurant and pool by day, bar and lounge by night. This was also one of our favorites.

Horizon Lounge: There’s no more perfect spot to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy the sunset. The mellow music and beautiful breeze add to the greatness of it all. We spent a couple of late afternoons here, but preferred to watch the sunset from our villa.

Kakuni: This restaurant is all about the buffet. Since Toufic and I are not buffet people, we tried it once for breakfast – and it served basically everything that you could possibly crave during breakfast.

Before I forget, Toufic and I booked a private beach dinner on our first night at the resort. It’s definitely something not to be missed. You’re literally in the middle of nowhere with just dim lights and the sound of the ocean. A private chef prepared our meal. The food is much better at the restaurants, but it’s the experience itself that’s worth the try.

To our surprise, our favorite part of the island’s F&B was the room service. The storage and presentation, the variety, the timeliness, the taste. On our last few days, we took advantage of this and spent more time in the villa, ordering away.

My food and beverage favorites:

- The weather at the Ocean Grill and White Orchid

- Sunsets at the Infinity Pool bar and Horizon Lounge

- The secluded lunches and dinners on our private deck

- The refreshing cocktails … and oh, the mojitos!

- The exquisite food at The Cellar

- The seafood in general – never had anything so fresh, especially the octopus sashimi

Naturally, we had to burn off some of those calories during our 10 days of binge eating, so we reluctantly decided to sign up for some water sports. To our surprise, this turned out to be the most exciting part of our trip! Toufic enjoyed jet skiing and some more extreme water sports that involved me screaming my lungs out, while I surprised myself at how much I enjoyed paddle boarding – and how good I am at it! The highlight of this all had to be the snorkeling experience. Never in a thousand years did I imagine that I would be so adventurous (yes, that’s adventurous for me). I can’t get over all the beautiful fish I saw, the colors, the reef – all that magical life beneath the surface … it’s something I wish I could relive over and over again.

My water activities favorites:

- You can actually have your breakfast there via in-room dining. We ordered fresh fruit platters and coffee

- The paddle boarding is everything

- Snorkeling is an unforgettable, magical experience and is a must!

There’s always a calm after the storm. In this case, it was our spa experience, which was the best we’ve had in any city, any resort, any hotel chain we’ve visited. We went for the Manafaru Signature massage – twice! Yes, it’s addictive. I couldn’t get over the beauty of the spa area, like something out of a fictional world: lush gardens and spiraling pathways over calm water in a sanctuary of calm. It was magical. We had our very own private hut with just the right soundtrack and room temperature. I called it 210 minutes of heaven, and I wish we could have stayed longer – both times!

My spa favorites:

- The landscape is truly something else

- The Manafaru Signature massage

- The generosity of the bathroom products

- The overall serenity

Another memorable experience we had was the sunset cruise to see the dolphins. I have to admit, we didn’t see a single one. But, it was so relaxing and the weather was amazing. It was very soothing to be seeing the cluster of islands while listening to the sound of the dhoni moving on the water.

A dhoni is a traditional Maldivian boat.

Speaking of water, nothing will ever beat the white sandy beach and the turquoise, clear ocean in the Maldives. Of all the beach destinations and islands I’ve ever traveled to, this by far beats them all. On some afternoons, we weren’t sure where the ocean ended and where the sky began. I couldn’t even count all the shades of blue. The weather was warm and sunny for 10 days straight, except for some clouds on our last day there. What made it so perfect was the constant breeze that was present day and night. It surpassed our expectations by light years.

To finish this up, the cherry on top at the resort had to be the staff. I can’t imagine our experience being the same without our wonderful villa host, Mangal, or the attentiveness, care and generosity of the team, or that contagious happy vibe that was present everywhere.

If I had to go back in time and choose a honeymoon destination, it would be exactly this. I wouldn’t change a single detail. Two days before checking out, we tried postponing for a couple more days in an attempt to hold on to that piece of paradise for as long as possible. We are already planning our next trip back to the Maldives end of this year, and it can’t come soon enough!

Traveler tips:

- The best time to go is between December and March.

- Book as early as possible to secure the best rates possible. I personally always book via booking.com. For a 10% discount on your booking via the JA Manafaru website, use my promo code RiriJa.

- Book for at least 3-4 days.

- For couples, I recommend you stay in one of the above water villas, while the beach villas are a better choice for familes with very young children.

- Make sure you book a photoshoot session with the photographer on the island. These are photos you will love and obsess over for the rest of your life.

- When packing, forget about your jeans, heels, or anything that’s too dressy or fussy. Opt for sun dresses, flowy maxi dresses, shorts, skirts, tanks, anything that feels good under the sun or when walking on sand. I found my flip flops to be the most useful item of clothing I brought with me.

- Pack light. You won’t need more than one fuss-free outfit per day - and tons of swimsuits!

- Make sure to take a hat, tons of sunscreen, and lots of aftersun lotion with you. Believe me, you will need it.

- Everything about the Maldives is costly, so make sure you have some money saved up to get the most of your trip.

- Take an underwater camera with you, and don’t forget to take it with you when snorkeling!

- If you don’t know which resort to pick, go for the one that’s farther north to increase your chances of good weather.

As I always say, it doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you go. Travel far, travel much, and find yourself while you’re at it.

Top and skirt by Aboud Jammal (IG handle: @aboudjammal)

Illustration by Fernanda Fuschino (IG handle: @fernandafuschino)

XX -R

#honeymoon #maldives #fashionblogger #lifestyleblogger #luxuryhotels #lucuryresorts #resort #blogger #lebaneseblogger #lebanon #doha #qatar #beirut #travel #holiday #vacation #featured #yumsntravels

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theripertoire · 8 years ago

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Our Wedding - A Night filled with Happiness, Magic, Positivity & Above All, Love

On December 30, 2016, I married the love of my life. We were surrounded by 300 of our dearest family members, closest friends, and coolest acquaintances. It was the most fun, most unforgettable, and most magical night I’ve ever had. Looking back, I can’t believe that over a month has gone by, and I still can’t get over how fast it ended. It’s something I had heard so many married couples say: you plan it for months and it goes by in a second. So, I decided to make the most out of that second, no matter what.

Many of my followers and readers have been asking me for tips, based on my experience, and this long, overdue post is to do just that!

Here goes!

Lesson #1: Invest in a wedding planner, and more specifically, in the right wedding planner for you. I don’t care how many people say wedding planners are overrated, they definitely aren’t. on your big day, you want to be as carefree as possible, and you need someone (in fact, a team of someones) to make sure every detail is accounted for and that all is moving according to plan. After extensive research, I decided to work with Robert Hykl. I realized his work is different, simple, chic, and tasteful. He didn’t just throw flowers and jewels around and call it “décor”. He didn’t set ridiculous conditions like “Sorry, I can’t do a wedding under 700,000 USD.” That is something I’m fortunately not wasteful enough to do. I wanted to work with someone who was able to translate my ideas into something timeless and consistent, without ripping us off. He did just that. He also made sure we worked with the best suppliers so that I would never have to worry about being robbed or ending up with bad results. I literally bow down to all the hard work Robert and his team did. Without them, I would have had 1,000 mistakes happen that night. For instance, Robert made sure to measure the aisle according to the width of my dress, and the entrance according to the height of the cake. If he hadn’t thought of that, my cape would have caught fire, and the cake would have collapsed. These are only some of the few reasons you need a wedding planner.

Lesson #2: Meet with every designer you can and try on every single dress silhouette you find before choosing your dress. You want to end up wearing something that you will love 30 years from now when you and your daughter are looking at your photos. I wanted a wedding cape instead of a veil and a fuss-free evening gown instead of a massive dress (not that it’s wrong – we each have our preferences). In my case, I simply don’t believe in being uncomfortable during an already stressful day. I didn’t want my fragile hair being tugged by meters and meters of tulle. I also wanted a dress that weighed way under 5 kilos. That meant: no layers, no petticoat, no heavy beading, and no meringue effect. I’m pretty sure my dress was difficult for many to digest – heck I was even shocked when I saw it for the first few times. But, I felt it was my responsibility to wear something new and different, even if it were at risk of some people not liking it. After all, isn’t that what fashion is all about? Jean Louis Sabaji, a very whimsical and creative designer, who also happens to be a friend of mine, felt like the perfect choice to me. I wanted people to see what he can do with bridal gowns, and show the world a new angle to Lebanese designers. I wish I could have worked with so many other extremely talented Lebanese designers as well, and wear 7 different dresses, but it all comes down to one dress. Point is: stay true to yourself. Don’t follow the crowd. Wear something with your fingerprints on it. You should be the one wearing the dress, not the other way around.

Lesson #3: People will piss you off. Get ready for it. Basically, you will expect so much from certain people and so little from others. At the end, the opposite could/will happen. Those you didn’t expect much from will end up being the superstars of the night, while those you expected much more from will have done so little. Don’t let it get to you. Accept that not all friends make it to the next chapter of your life, and understand that this behavior has nothing to do with you personally. Focus on what truly matters and on how blessed you are to be embarking on this journey. Good riddance to those who don’t make the effort to be a part of it. They will soon be replaced by many others.

Lesson #4: Enjoy your night, no matter what! You worked so hard for it and waited so long for it, you owe it to yourself to enjoy it! I can’t stand seeing a prissy bride; her stiffness ends up ruining the mood for everyone else. I decided not to care about my hair and makeup, and have a blast. I wanted my guests to feel at home and drink and dance the night away. In order for that to happen, I had to help set the mood for them by showing them it’s okay to jump around and act silly. Some of us were still dancing till 3:30 AM, and most of our guests were totally wasted by the time they left. Now that’s what a good party is all about. Yes, the décor has to be nice, and the food has to be good, but the mood is everything. We worked with 8e art and Jad Jazzy Jay for the entertainment, and if we had to do it all again, I would work them every single time. (PS. We did play Arabic music, and I even danced to it. It was so cool.)

Lesson #5: Don’t worry about the little things. Many brides told me that no one notices the little mistakes except me, so I should focus on them. To my luck, Robert had literally taken care of every last detail – so nothing actually turned out differently than what we agreed on. BUT, one of the rhinestones on my cape got wedged in the door during my entrance. I was stuck there for a good 10 seconds trying to get it out until my mom came and helped. It was the longest 10 seconds of my life. Looking back, I don’t care for that at all. I made sure to continue dancing, smiling, and having a good time … well, until my heel broke. I had forgotten my spare shoes at home, so I decided to continue wearing them until we cut the cake. For a good 45 minutes, I was dancing with a broken heel, but it’s something I laugh about with my friends now. When I look back, I remember the happiness. I don’t even think of the mishaps.

Lesson #6: Micro manage EVERYTHING during the wedding planning phase, even if you’re working with a wedding planner. I literally followed up on every detail and we saw samples of everything. I wanted every aspect of the wedding to go through Toufic and I for approval. Trust issues? Maybe – but this is the one piece of advice I would give any bride to be. The more you micro manage during the months leading up to the wedding, the less you have to worry about anything during your big day. Put yourself in your guests’ shoes. What would you like? What wouldn’t you like? What would make the night memorable for you? And take it from there.

Lesson #7: Don’t worry about the weight you gained, you will lose it all and more in the couple of weeks leading up to the wedding. I don’t understand why some girls go on bridal diets a whole year in advance – just for one day! It’s really not that big of a deal. I gained three kilos before my wedding then lost six. At first I was freaking out, then I realized that it’s part of the process. My designer had to get my dress refitted twice. Then, a few days before the wedding, I gained a kilo. I was supposed to wear a belt with my dress, but it could barely buckle around my waist. So, I got rid of it. No big deal! If a bride is too prissy and melodramatic about these things, she could create unnecessary stress for herself and end up having a terrible time. This sort of anxiety attracts disasters. So, do what needs to be done, but try to be cool about it and have faith that things will end up going great.

Lesson #8: Don’t worry too much about the next steps or cry too much about what you’re leaving behind. You will soon realize that being a newlywed comes with a long list of perks … as well as disadvantages. Nothing you do will ever prepare you for what’s next. You have to have faith in yourself, your partner and in the universe, and remind yourself that you will adapt no matter what. I won’t elaborate more on this, because I’m preparing a separate blog post for it. Anyway, I had a very emotional month leading up to the wedding. I cried a lot and felt I was bidding farewell to an entire era. In fact, when I think about it, I still feel a lump in my throat. I was leaving my family, job, friends, and so much of my life in Lebanon, to move to a new country. It didn’t really sink in till a couple of weeks before the wedding. I fought back my tears so much that I gave myself a tear duct infection, which I’m still treating till now. There were days where I couldn’t breathe, and times where I loathed Toufic because I felt he was ripping me away from all that I loved. I fought with him countless times and romanticized my life as the single, career-oriented Rita Dahdah. With time, I realized that I needed to accept the beautiful change that was coming my way. If I fought it, I would end up bringing bad things my way. If I embraced it, amazing new doors would open for me. This is life. After weeks of crying, I was surprisingly as calm as a cucumber on the day of my wedding. I ate a manoushi. I wasted time on Snapchat. I goofed around. I shouted at a few people because I felt it was the only day I could get away with being a diva. At the end of the night, I cried, a lot. I think it was the alcohol. But, I remember crying and hugging my mom. I realized I was all grown up now. I think she realized that too. We both also realized that we were losing a little piece of what held us together, but at the same time, gaining something new that would hold us together even tighter, despite the distance.

Lesson #9: Don’t ever follow a wedding standard. There is right or wrong way to get married. Whether you want to have a small, country chic wedding somewhere in a vineyard, or a bohemian wedding somewhere by the beach, or a glamorous, old Hollywood even filled with champagne and live jazz music – it’s entirely up to you. Forget what you’re seeing on Instagram and in magazines. Forget what people tell you. It’s your night and you get to do it once, so do it your way. If it ends up being a mistake, at least it was your mistake. What matters after it’s all over is the happiness you and everyone felt. For that reason, be selective with your invitees. We had a glamorous wedding, but only invited 370 people – 320 of which attended. On Lebanese standards, that is a small wedding. On western standards, that’s a big wedding. On our standards, that was just about right.

Notable Mentions

In an upcoming post, I will be discussing our wedding in detail, how we worked on it, and how it all came together. Meanwhile, here’s a list of cool people I worked with that I would definitely recommend to others:

Wedding Planner: Robert Haykal (IG handle: @roberthykl)

Venue: Chateau Rweiss (IG handle: @chateaurweiss)

Photographer: Pulse Production (IG handle: @pulseproduction)

Hairdresser: Tony El Mendelek (IG handle: @tonyelmendelek)

Dress: Jean Louis Sabaji (IG handle: @jeanlouissabaji)

Makeup Artist: Bassam Fattouh (IG handle: @bassamfattouh)

Jewelry: Mouawad Jewelry (IG handle: @mouawadjewelry)

Shoes: Oscar Tiye (IG handle: @oscartiye)

Cake: Nazira Catering (IG handle: @naziracatering)

Catering: Faqra Catering (IG handle: @faqracatering)

Chocolates: Elsa Chocolate (IG handle: @elsa_chocolate)

Entertainment: 8eme Art (IG handle: @8eart)

DJ: Jad Jazzy Jay (IG handle: @jadjazzyjay)

Wall of Fame Paper Flowers: Blooms by Yara (IG handle: @blooms_by_yara)

And above all, there’s love… just love..

XX -R

#touficandrita #wedding #marriage #couple #lebanesewedding #blogger #lebaneseblogger #fashionblogger #lifestyleblogger #weddingdress #weddinggown #weddingparty #weddingceremony #bride #groom #weddingvenue #allwhitewedding #featured #Riflections

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theripertoire · 9 years ago

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How I Met My Husband

With less than two weeks to go till Toufic and I tie the knot, and after over two years of so many of you asking about our story, I think it’s only fair to tell you how we met, and how we made it work, as well as answer so many of the questions I’ve been asked about our relationship!

I met Toufic when we were both 16. I read somewhere that the first time you meet your soul mate, life pulls you away from each other because the shock of the encounter is too great. In our case, we were too young, I was too much of a loose canon and rebellious teenager, and Toufic was that “funny guy who lived in Jeddah, and visited every summer” – not to mention, also a rebellious teen. I was best friends with his best friend, and that was all there was to it. We used to sneak out and have a few drinks, and not much can be remembered from that time.

Flash forward 13 years and several failed relationships later. There he was.

But, before I get to that part, let me emphasize on how horrendous some of the guys I met and went on dates on were. You name it, and I’ve been through it. (yes, I have met and/or dated some pretty amazing guys, and had a couple of wonderful relationships, but there’s no need to mention them here)

Disclaimer: Exaggeration: involved. Sense of humor: required

- The stingy guy that made me pay $300 on a first date (so much lobster was ordered too - you simply do not make a girl pay for lobster on a first date)

- The emotionally and mentally unfortunate child (mommy issues, daddy issues, maturity issues, issues)

- The guy with bad breath, who always had a secret to tell (and always says “no, thanks” when you offer him chewing gum)

- The mama’s boy – who was so in love with his mother (the song “mother lover” comes to mind whenever I remember this guy)

- The younger guy … who lied about his age … for an entire month (Facebook uncovered his lies…to all my friends…on his birthday)

- The psycho stalker (he had this tinted car and was always under my building)

- The guy who falls in love in 10 minutes (he said “I love you” after our third dinner. It was also our last dinner)

- The guy who is incapable of loving anyone (there is so much drama here – either because he watches too many movies or because he was abused as a child)

- The guy who always has a lame excuse up his sleeve (the most offensive thing about this is how he believes that you would believe his daily, juicy pile of bull shit)

- The hormonal vagina (because he has a vagina – in theory)

- The undiagnosed bipolar (who was later diagnosed as bipolar. I saw this person five times. Each one of those times, he was a different person)

- The very short man with a very big ego, a very loud mouth, and a very big car (I have nothing against very short guys. I just don’t like to date them - except that one dinner when I was 23)

- The guy with man boobs who condescendingly judges female bodies (but what bra size do you wear, sir? May I borrow it? - Also, do you have a mirror?)

- The liar (lies about women, money, life)

- The gold digger (oh, your father owns a company in Nigeria?)

- The wife hunter (first date: so, what’s your opinion on having kids? French or English schools?)

- The lazy AF, broke ass bitch (still taking money from dad, clubs on same table every Saturday, can’t afford anything he’s wearing or driving)

- The pothead (high. And disgusting. All the time. Needs many showers and cleaning ladies for filthy apartment)

- The guy with the body odor (let’s discuss your nose, sir, and its ability to smell things)

- The racist (** after 6 minutes ** we aren’t the same religion. This can’t work. Me: sorry, but, what’s your name?)

- The penis-obsessed (sends d*** pics or talks about his penis TOO MANY TIMES. Is revolting. Is childish. Is unappealing. Is sad)

- The friend dater (dates your friend. Hits on you. They break up. Hits on you again)

- The atrociously bad dresser (I can’t fix you. I don’t have enough hours in my day or patience in my DNA)

- The uncultured, big fish in a little pond (places traveled: zero. Books read: zero. Gourmet restaurants tried: zero. Languages spoken: less than one)

- The guy’s guy (treats you like a guy – burps, farts, makes you pay the bill)

- The crier (cries when he doesn’t get what he wants. Cries when you fight. Cries when you don’t react to his crying. Cries)

- The extremely unambitious (things accomplished: zero. number of times he’s complained about you and tried to put you down: 98765432123567)

- Mr. Vain (so in love with himself, he needs to make sweet love to his own appendages to keep calm)

- The showoff (throughout dinner: talks about himself, flashes mediocre watch in your face, talks about car, talks about his money, complains about gold diggers)

- The bad eater (table manners: none. Table etiquette: none. Ideal dinner date: eating buffalo wings with his bare hands while talking with his mouth full)

- The terrible kisser (bye Felicia - life is too short for this. Hashtag YOLO)

- The cheater (always talking about how loyal he is. Reality: still sleeping with Brazilian ex)

- The wife beater (he tried to make a swing at me. He missed. I ended up fracturing his rib. It was awkward, to say the least)

- The aggressive drunk (becomes vile, verbally and physically abusive with everyone, including friends and valet)

- The unchivalrous pig (I blame his mother)

- The disappeared one (disappears for days. Messages you after a few weeks as though nothing happened. Gets upset when you ignore his sketchy ass)

Anyway, that’s 15 years of bad dates for you. I had my fair share, I paid my dues and learned exactly what red flags to watch out for and what great qualities to look out for. Of course, I also had a couple of wonderful relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. They helped me learn, grow and become the person I am today. Those men may have had their flaws, but we all do – and while I was bummed that things didn’t work out with them at the time, I was so grateful it never worked out with anyone as soon as I met Toufic and realized what beautiful surprise God had in store for me.

This is something every girl should keep in mind: things, no matter how wonderful they may seem at the time, don’t work out for a reason. Don’t cling on to what has ended. Make room for what’s yet to come. If you’re ready for it, you are bound to find something or someone a million times more wonderful; and only then will you realize why it never worked out with anyone else before.

So, back to how I met Toufic :)

As I was saying, flash forward 13 years and several failed relationships later. There he was.

It was sometime around Easter 2014. I didn’t realize it right away, because my first impression when he talked to me was: sleazy, slimy, horndog. No.

Imagine, I didn’t even look at his face, and didn’t know what he looked like till the second time I met him.

I didn’t meet him again till a few weeks later. You see, Toufic works and lives in Qatar – which is where I’m moving in January. He was back in Beirut for the weekend, and we met again through our common friends. This time, we talked. I couldn’t believe how handsome he was – and his smile … it was everything. Unfortunately, at the time, I was kind of seeing someone, and Toufic was five months out of a very long relationship. He was also seeing all sorts of *cough* ladies.

Normally, I would have chosen to stay away from anyone who is still fresh out of a breakup, worrying that I would be a rebound. In this case, something just felt right, and I figured, after all those creeps I had been meeting recently, how bad could it be?

Always follow your gut.

My gut told me he was way over his ex, and that he’s a good guy. And, I was so right. Not to mention, he is:

- Gorgeous: check

- Hilarious: check

- Smart: check

- Hardworking: check

- Ambitious: check

- Successful: check

- Cultured: check

- Tall, dark and handsome: check

- Well-raised: check

- Someone with similar principles: check

- A foodie: check

- Well-traveled: check

- Modest: check

- Confident: check

- Well-dressed: check

- Chivalrous: check

- Raised abroad: check (since I was raised abroad, I find myself only able to bond with those who were raised abroad too)

- Fluent in 3+ languages: check

- Generous: check

- Lively: check

- Serious: check

- Reliable: check

- Sociable: check

- Honest: check

I couldn’t believe that I had finally met someone who checked all my boxes. Some may call me shallow, and that’s okay, because I know I am not. I am simply a woman that knows exactly what she wants, and exactly what she doesn’t want.

So, back to how we met, I found myself staring at his teeth, and just how white and perfect they are. ** nice teeth: check **

I remember telling my best friend, Natasha, “crap. I think I just started kind of seeing someone but I kind of like someone else, and I think he’s seeing someone or someones, and he doesn’t live here,” to which she replied, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHY CAN’T YOU EVER MAKE UP YOUR MIND?!”

A couple more months passed, and after some heavy stalking on Instagram, and realizing more and more that this Toufic guy has amazing taste in food and a wicked sense of humor, I was determined to see him again. But, I did absolutely nothing about it. Instead, I traveled, met a couple more unfortunate guys, and reached my boiling point. I decided to spend the rest of my summer in the mountains. I decided to quit dating until someone worthy comes along. I decided I was so sick and tired of playing games, strategizing my next move, and second guessing my choices. I was never convinced about anyone or anything, and always had a distinct negativity about every relationship I ever had (my girlfriends can vouch for that) … until I met Him :)

But, right before that…

During my summer detox, I spent hours every day practicing yoga and doing lots of nothing by the pool. It felt great. One day, my uncle’s creepy driver, who I always had stare downs with, randomly came up to me and said this:

Creepy Driver: “You know something? You’re a good person. Your mind, heart, and soul aren’t in the right place, but you’re a good person.”

Me: thinking to myself - WTH is wrong with you, you creep!

Creepy Driver continues: “You’re still single at this age because you met your soulmate long ago, when you were 16, but it wasn’t the right time. BUT, if your heart and soul are in the right place, you two will meet again very soon.”

Following my extreme shock, I had several emotions and thoughts; the most memorable being:

- WHO ASKED FOR YOUR OPINION?!

- WHO SENT YOU HERE, YOU IMMENSE CREEP!

- “AT YOUR AGE?????”

- I AM 29, NOT 79. WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO ME AS THOUGH MY LIFE IS OVER?

- WHO IS THIS SOULMATE? MY FIRST BOYFRIEND? HE’S EVEN CREEPIER THAN YOU!

- I AM TANNING IN MY BATHING SUIT. I FEEL VIOLATED!

- WTH IS THIS? APOCALYPTO?

- WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY SOUL ISN’T IN THE RIGHT PLACE? I WAS JUST PRACTICING YOGA!

- I DON’T LIKE ANY OF THE GUYS I’VE MET. I REFUSE TO RE-MEET ANY OF THEM, LET ALONE MARRY THEM!

- YOU LOOK CRAZY

- YOU ARE CRAZY

Then, I called my aunt, uncle, mother, and anyone I could get a hold of to complain about Quasimodo.

I won’t lie. I was bit taken aback with his prophecy and shaken by my soul-less self.

Would I die alone? And if I did, do I care?

I figured the best thing to do at that time was to go drinking, with a guy I dated a decade or so ago - back when I was still very immature and selfish. Naturally, it was short-lived, because I decided I didn’t like him anymore once the summer was over. I broke up with him, and with time, we became friends and he became an asshole. But still, he was a nice guy. So, we went out for drinks, and I asked him, “Why have I become so unappealing to men? No one seems to like me for too long anymore. They all tell me they don’t want relationships. Do I look like I’m hungry for a husband? Do I look grey? Am I old? Do I need botox?”

He thoughtfully told me these very nice words: “you are more appealing than ever, but you’re frightening and intimidating – you’re like a very aggressive and masculine beast that scares men away. You need to stop pretending you’re so careless and strong, and let the next guy see you for who you really are. Stop playing games. Stop acting so tough, and see what happens.”

I cried a little following that conversation. I think it was the tequila shots. I woke up hungover the next day, and realized that all my weeping was a result of PMS. As I sat there contemplating this newly discovered logic, I decided I have nothing to lose if I stop acting like a monster.

You see, years of bad experiences can turn you into a monster. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to let those bad times get the best of you and make you bitter, or overcome them, learn from them, and keep that inner light shining.

I decided to go back to basics, and back to the person I was before I got heartbroken, before I met all those eight world wonders, and before I let life fade my colors to grey.

A few days later, I received a comment on Instagram. It was Toufic asking me when I would be back to the city. It made me smile, a lot. I hadn’t thought of Toufic all summer, and had actually forgotten about him completely. I told him to send me his number. He said he wouldn’t risk sending it where all my followers could see it. It was July 2014, and I had 11K followers at the time (memory of an elephant, yes). The old me would have ignored his comment and moved on to other things, like picking my cuticles. But, I decided to ask again, and so he sent me his number, and we started talking.

We made plans with friends and went out. The night ended with an unfortunate encounter from his past hovering around us and an old friend of mine hitting on me. I even tried hooking up Toufic with one of my friends – in true Riri nature (because, you know, I’m savage like that). Between our unwelcome guests and my failed match-making tactics, the evening proved to be unfortunate.

I must mention that I need time to feel attracted to someone, and I hadn’t seen Toufic in months. I may have already been attracted to him that night, I just didn’t know it yet.

I went back up to the mountains. We spoke for a week. He was so charming. I found myself talking to him all the time. No games; no waiting till I answer the phone; no timing my responses to him; no strategy; nothing. It was so natural, organic and refreshing.

We made plans again, and this time, I was sure I liked him. He was sure he liked me. And that was that. My real life fairytale began right then and there – when I LEAST expected it (just like you read in books and watch in movies - this cliche is actually true). I saw him for a few days before I started sensing how familiar he looked. I remember telling him I had seen him somewhere before, and after several conversations, we realized we shared the same best friend when we were both 16. He realized I was the Rita he knew at 16. I realized he was the Toufic I knew at 16. 16. 16. 16... I realized my uncle’s creepy driver may not be so creepy after all – clairvoyant perhaps. I got goosebumps. I didn’t tell toufic this story till several months later – enough time to get him hooked so that he wouldn’t think I’m creepy and run away.

After a few beautiful days together, Toufic traveled back to Qatar, and without any planning, doubting, worrying, or questioning, he called me as soon as he landed, and we spoke every single day for the month that followed until he came back. He came back every month since then. We never had to force anything. Everything we did and felt came naturally. When we wanted to see each other, we did. When wanted to call each other, we did. When we argued or fought, we made sure to resolve it. Because we valued each other and genuinely wanted to be together, we made it work. And it has been working every day since that day he kissed me in July 2014 (or was it August?).

Girls always ask me how we made our long distance relationship work, because people believe they are always doomed to fail. Meanwhile, there are countless “no distance” relationships that don’t work at all - everyday. The way I see it, you both have to really want something, and really know its worth to preserve it.

Here are some factors that I believe played a role in making our relationship work:

- Readiness. Without knowing it, we had both seen and done enough. We had had our fair share of the single life and were ready for something more meaningful.

- Effort. We both wanted it to work, and both worked on making it work. It’s all about daily effort that doesn’t feel like effort.

- Maturity. We kept our problems to ourselves. The moment you start involving friends and family and asking for their opinions, you are as good as over. Too many opinions only lead to confusion – plus, no one truly knows what’s happening more than the two of you.

- Privacy. A private life is a happy one. I may be super active on social media, and so much of my life is out there. But, there are things and moments that are sacred to me, and I keep them private.

- Having an end goal. We both knew and discussed the fact that we were serious about each other. Hence, the “long distance” aspect of the relationship was only going to be temporary.

- Communication. No matter how hectic our days were, we always made sure to take some time to talk to each other, share what we are going through, and stay up to date with each other’s lives. When it comes to relationships, it’s very easy to grow apart, especially during long distance. It’s very important to remain the go-to person with each other when it comes to sharing your day, problems, good news, thoughts and feelings.

- Trust. Because trust is everything.

- We both just knew. We knew that we would never find someone else that fit the way we did with each other. And when you know, you know. That is something you hold onto no matter what.

In less than two weeks, we’ll finally be closing the chapter on over two years of long distance. I will finally be marrying my best friend, and living with him. We will hate each other and want to kill each other at times, but I have faith that we will always find a way to make it through the hardest times. I waited my whole life to find a home in a person, and the meaning in songs, and when I finally did, my biggest fear was to lose him – and not by breaking up, but because of unforeseen circumstances. And whenever this thought crosses my mind, I pray, and I remind God of how grateful I am for this most precious gift.

It’s crazy…

It’s crazy how someone can just walk into your life, accidentally, when you truly least expect it, when you have reached a point where you probably hate yourself, and he changes everything. He even makes you love yourself the way he loves you – because it’s that potent. Today, I can’t imagine a world where Toufic doesn’t exist. I can’t imagine being married to anyone else that I have or haven’t met. I now know that everything I did, and every path I took in my life, had a purpose – to lead me to him. I now regret nothing. I still pinch myself sometimes, and I guess only those who are truly in love and truly know the meaning of finding their soulmate will understand this. I still can’t believe that I am his, and he is mine; and as I write this, my eyes are tearing and my lips are smiling; and it’s because my heart is exploding with happiness.

I will not write a quote to end this, but I will leave you with these final words:

I wish you love. A love so real, and so deep. Even if you have to wait your whole life for it, wait for it. Because it will happen, and when it does, it will change everything.

XX -R

#featured #Riflections #Lebanesewedding #lebaneseblogger #lebanese #relationship #couple #longdistance #touficandrita #marriage #wedding #love

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theripertoire · 9 years ago

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My Wedding DiaRi – Chapter I – It’s OKAY to not be Okay

I have less than a month to go till my big day, and let me tell you this – emotions are running high!

I’ve come to realize some things about myself that I never thought would be possible, like:

- crying for absolutely no reason

- crying when I sleep

- crying in traffic

- crying when I think of just about anything

I have basically turned into an over-emotional mess, and I now accept that it is completely normal. Before getting to this point, I may have tried running some people over, calling off the wedding, wrestling with a stray cat, sitting in the mall for hours – alone – on a bench, calling the police because I thought my friend’s janitor is a rapist. I now accept that this, as crazy as it sounds, is normal. I’ve gone to new levels of crazy, like calling my wedding planner and dress designer at 4 AM panicking, and second-guessing all my choices.

This wedding stuff is stressful, and when another bride tells you to “ENJOY IT” because it’s the “MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YOUR LIFE”, ask her to give you some of whatever she’s having (Xanax, morphine, recreational drugs…) then clap your hands twice to wake her up from her dream.

So, here is what I’m going to tell you: the pre-wedding phase is very fun indeed, but it is also one of the most stressful, tiring and challenging experiences you’ll ever have to deal with. That being said, there are some things that could, and, most likely, will happen – and it’s okay!

It’s okay to:

Cry (like me) a lot: Don’t fight your tears. It sure as heck beats screaming and shouting. It’s also the most effective way to release the oodles of stress you’ll be experiencing.

Kinda hate your (and your partner’s) parents sometimes: They will irritate you, no matter what. Just remember, these are probably the only people that will still be in your lives 50 years from now. Find a compromise that makes everyone happy. IF you find yourself unable to compromise and be mature, remind yourself that these are the people that gave you and your partner life. They raised you, nurtured you, and loved you. It won’t kill you to give a little back (keyword being “little” – because this is your day, not theirs or anyone else’s).

Fight with annoying relatives: These are the most obnoxious people you may have to deal with. They will suddenly feel entitled to be overbearing, give their opinion on everything, and re-open old issues they had with you – just to make your life even more stressful. Believe me, it’s OKAY to scratch them right off that guest list and right out of your life. If there are certain morons that don’t understand how to put their pettiness aside during special occasions, now is not the time to educate them.

Realize that some friends aren’t really your friends: You know, those friends whose weddings you went to – probably kids’ baptisms too; or those friends who always seem to be there when they need something, then vanish when it’s your turn. Or, those friends who you felt obligated to invite because you’re either in the same circles or you’ve known each other for a long time. Well … don’t expect them to call, answer your calls, RSVP, get you a gift, ask about you, be happy for you, or attend your wedding. Even if you’ve initially invited them, it’s okay to scratch them right off that list and out of your life (as I mentioned above). Part of growing means not being able to fit in with certain people anymore. And my loves, that’s perfectly okay. Don’t waste your time, energy, money, love, care or attention on these types of “friends”.

Invite new people that you’ve known for only a month: You would be surprised that after you’ve distributed all the invites, you may accidentally meet a couple of new people with beautiful energies and souls. You may click instantaneously and have tons of fun together. If you really want to, put them right on that guest list, because they will probably spend the entire evening on that dance floor, genuinely celebrating your big day with you.

Gain weight: Everyone told me I would lose SO much weight. Instead, I ended up gaining three kilos of pure fat. I’ve been a relatively calm and cool bride-to-be. Up until now. As a result, I may have been a little too jolly and comfortable in my own skin, eating away at cake and crepes after midnight. I also call that, “eating my feelings”. Once the tears started flowing, the sugar cravings went away (this takes me back to my first point: it’s okay to cry – a lot). And anyway, you will lose all that extra weight you gained in the days leading up to the wedding. I’ve already lost half of it – and half of my mind. LOL FAIL

Second-guess just about everything: I have had doubts about almost everything so far: my dress, the venue, the décor, being a good wife, being a good mother, having children, growing up, leaving my home, quitting my day job, and just about everything on God’s green earth. If this happens to you, have a little more faith in yourself and in the universe’s plan for you. Let things come when they come. Accept change. I now firmly believe that no matter what happens, when it happens, I’ll somehow be ready for it – be it good or bad. Meanwhile, I won’t taint my present with worry.

Miss your freedom: There are times when you will feel nostalgic, miss the “free, young and care-free you”. When that happens, remind yourself that marriage isn’t a prison. In fact, there’s nothing more liberating than marrying the right person. A real partner supports your dreams and life goals, and vice versa; and at some point, you will have common dreams and goals. Focus on the future instead of reminiscing about the past. The problem with nostalgia is that we tend to look at days gone by through rose-colored glasses. We romanticize our memories and tend to forget about the many bad things that were also there. Many tend to forget the lonely nights they spent wishing for someone half as amazing as the person they are marrying – and this is something I remind myself of everyday. I wished my whole life for a person like Toufic, and now that I have him, I won’t let him go – no matter how much I miss acting irresponsibly!

Be late on deliverables: If you work, don’t take on more than you can handle. Don’t make too many plans, and don’t be hard on yourself if you’re unable to get EVERYTHING done on time. You are human – not robot. Remember, there’s time for lots of things after the wedding.

Want/Have a small (or strange) wedding: According to Lebanese standards, I’m having a small wedding. It’s almost 350 people, and to me, that’s a lot! Ideally, I would have invited 100 max, and done it far, far away – barefoot, on a cliff, somewhere a few flights away from Lebanon. If you want to do that, and can get away with it, then it’s more than okay to do it. You don’t need a big, fat, Lebanese wedding to “do it right” – it’s okay to create your own rules, your own new traditions, and your own trends. Focus on what you and your partner love, and give little importance to people’s expectations and demands. There are no rules – and that’s okay!

Not have time to take proper care of yourself: I haven’t been able to hit the gym in two months. My butt disappeared, my thighs and arms are jiggly, and I lost most of my upper body strength. I also have the worst sleep patterns lately, and most irregular regimen. Instead of trying to apply a strict routine, which you wont be able to do unless you have an assistant or bionic powers, try to exercise as often as you can – even if it’s irregular. Try to do sit-ups and planks in bed; walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator; squat while standing; meditate. Make sure you drink at least three liters of water per day, and take these vitamin supplements: magnesium, A, C, E, biotin, hair and nail vitamin complex, D (if needed), Zinc and folic acid (if needed), and probiotics. Believe me, these will improve your life, your energy, and the way you feel and look. As long as you can squeeze in two decent meals a day, you’re good. You will have enough time after the wedding to get your entire life back on track.

Fight with your partner about everything and nothing: For a couple of months, Toufic and I argued A LOT. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times our arguments escalated from literally nothing. Thank GOD this awful phase came to an end. When this happens, remember that you’re both stressed, and that you’re in this together. Remember why you fell in love, why you started, and why you’re taking this step TOGETHER. Focus on your next chapter together, and remind yourselves that you’re each other’s hope, support, best friend and rock. Remember, whatever it is you’re going through, your partner is going through it with you. Build together, and start from now. Many couples let this trivial crap get the best of them, and they forget what all this is about. They end up breaking up because they’re unable to see eye to eye, alleviate one another, and see the big picture.

End the relationship: In some cases, though (not mine, thank God), it’s okay to realize you’re not meant for each other and end it in a civilized way – before it’s too late. You will both meet other people who are better suited for you. Don’t let family or society pressure you into marrying the wrong person. If you have that aching feeling in your gut that something just isn’t right, it’s better to end it before you’re married with kids.

It all comes down to this: your wedding is merely one day out of the rest of your lives. Don’t dwell on it too much. Instead, focus on what really matters: everything that comes after that big day; your life together. I have come to realize that so little matters in this life. Worrying gets you nowhere. Having too many unnecessary friends is: unnecessary. You don’t need more than a very few true friends. People come and go, even those who were once the closest to you. And family, truly is everything.

With three weeks to go till my big day, I discovered just how much I love my family … just how much I’m going to miss them. Things I once took for granted, I now hold onto so tightly. I cry a lot now, but not over stupid people and things. I cry because my heart is open for the first time in 31 years, and I guess it took me getting married to realize just how much my parents and siblings mean to me. I dedicate this post to them – because without them, not a single one of my 31 years would have meant anything. Dad, Mom, Rose, Albert, (especially you, mom), I love you with all my heart (yes, it turns out I have one) – and every time I feel all the emotions it has inside, I feel it’s going to explode – but it never does :-) so that’s okay … I’m now okay with missing you. It’s part of growing up.

For years, I always ended my old blog posts with a quote, so here’s one for you:

“You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens.” – Rumi

XX –Ri

#touficandrita #Riflections #riridada #weddings #marriage #weddingplanning #bridetobe #bridezilla #lebanesewedding #featured

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theripertoire · 9 years ago

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Paris – Not a City to Visit, But an Experience to Live

This article was published in the 1st edition of Slimi Magazine.

Click here to purchase the 2nd issue - out now.

Whether you want to call it the City of Love or the City of Lights, if you have a zest for travel, Paris is bound to top your bucket list, or you are bound to return to revisit its 20 magical arrondissements time and time again.

While some found their love for the city somewhere on the Champs or on Saint-Honoré, in a dimly lit bar before dinner or during window shopping on a brisk but sunny autumn afternoon, others have preferred to venture off the beaten path to discover the art galleries in the alleyways of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés, enjoy a bottle of Bourgogne at Le Marais or take a long walk through the Place du Tertre in Montmartre or dine at a little hole in the wall in the 20th arrondissement. Either route you choose to take, you can count on leaving Paris with a deep longing to return, simply to recapture some of its magic and charm.

Surely, Paris has its classics, and many Parisian regulars have enjoyed a hot chocolate at Café de Flore, or done some people watching over lunch at L’Avenue, or had one too many glasses of wine at Hôtel Costes, or sipped their aperitif at the Plaza Athénée bar. And let’s not forget prolonged shopping days at the infamous Galeries Lafayette, and the boutiques lined all the way down the Champs-Élysées and the Rue Saint-Honoré. And what visit would be complete without hours of daylight spent in a long cue to dive into the history and art inside the Louvre or view the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower, which are both, in their own right, timeless works of art. Though mentioning these places may be stating the obvious, they are nevertheless a must-do in the City of Lights, and are but a few of all the unforgettable things worth doing in Paris.

But, before going through a list of places to go, it’s important to cover where to stay in the city, because no Parisian trip is complete without choosing the right hotel in terms of style, location and budget. There are thousands of hotels in this French city, but some, of course, provide a more distinctive experience than others. A personal favorite of mine is the charming 4-star Hôtel de Buci in the 6th arrondissement, seconds away from the Boulevard Saint-Germain. Hôtel Le Bellechasse is an excellent choice of lodging in the 7th arrondissement in terms of price versus quality. Another conveniently priced choice in the 7th is Hôtel Verneuil, which is beautifully decorated, modern and ideally located. Hôtel Amour, a 3-star establishment located in the Pigalle district of the 9th arrondissement, is a thrilling choice for those of you who are daring and keen on eccentric décor and boutique hotels. Hôtel Costes, a very trendy and popular hotel with a bar to match, is located in the 1st arrondissement and desired for its great location. Chateau Frontenac, a 4-star hotel located in the 8th arrondissement, minutes away from the Champs-Élysées, has clean, spacious rooms and very helpful staff. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, which is located on Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement, is a lavish lodging known for its luxurious rooms and high-end clientele.

Now that we have covered where to stay, the next most important thing in the city known for its cheese and wine, is where to eat and drink. Is It is needless to say that there are more than a few places worth visiting at least once in Paris, some worth a notable mention and others that are already very well known. One of my most memorable Parisian evenings was spent at Le Fumoir in the 1st arrondissement. This restaurant-bar captures the Parisian charm we see in the golden age of cinema, attracting an artsy crowd because to enjoy its relaxed ambiance, simple food and delicious cocktails.

Another restaurant-bar worth visiting is at the Pershing Hall in the 8th arrondissement, which fills up fast with a very trendy crowd across its picturesque garden, hip bar and lavish lounge. The vibe, music, food, drinks and crowd here are the perfect mix for an evening out in the city.

If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, do not miss out on Miss Kō, also in the 8th arrondissement, which is not only designed by the infamous Philippe Starck, but also serves mouthwatering sushi, maki and sake in a stylish setting that is as upscale as it is street.

End your night by heading over to one of three clubs that are not only close to one another, but are also three of the best and most coveted in the city; L’Arc in the 16th arrondissement, and Raspoutine and Le Titty Twister, which are both in the 8th arrondissement.

Naturally, my favorite restaurants in the city serve French cuisine. The first is L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in the 7th arrondissement, which is more an experience than it is dining. I wouldn’t know what to recommend from the menu, since every dish is exquisite in taste, flavor, display, and freshness, but your dinner wouldn’t be complete without trying the caviar, scallops and the beef. Be sure to end it all with le chocolat tentation and la fraise desserts.

If you’re looking for Parisian authenticity that is recreated in every ingredient of every platter, head over to the 3rd arrondissement, straight to Chez L'Ami Louis, where you will indulge in the best foie gras you’ve ever had in your life. Your meal won’t be complete without the escargot and the restaurant’s signature dish, the grilled chicken. Make sure you go on an empty stomach, because, though it’s sensational, the food is quite heavy and recommended for lunch.

Another place worth mentioning for its tasting menu is Passage 53 in the 2nd arrondissement. Although it is definitely a gastronomic experience worth trying, this two-time Michelin starred restaurant will typically be both time and money consuming.

Chez Francis is a lovely little brasserie in the 8th arrondissement. It is not included on this list because of its food, but because of its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower at night and ideal location for people watching after an afternoon of shopping.

If you’ve had your share of French cuisine, and find yourself craving a burger instead, look no further than Ferdi in the 1st arrondissement or Schwartz's in the 4th, both of which have a very laid back atmosphere and are known for preparing the best hamburgers in the city.

Now that the food is covered, where do you go and what do you see? The Parisian sites cannot all be done in one day, but you can certainly walk through most of the main attractions in one day if done efficiently. You can starting by visiting the Arc de Triomphe then walk through the Champs-Élysées to Rue Saint-Honoré, crossing through the Jardin des Tuileries to the Rue de Rivoli and the Musée du Louvre, then cross the River Seine by walking across the Pont des Arts bridge to reach to the charming Boulevard Saint-Germain. After stopping for a café, you can continue to Le Jardin du Luxembourg then take the metro to the Tour Eiffel. Then, cross the river again to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Jardins du Trocadéro and end your day with a visit to the French Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral.

That being said, after numerous visits to the French capital, and after trying countless restaurants and bars, and after visiting all the attractions Google told me about, I have found a certain contentment, nay blissfulness in not planning or over thinking, but instead, in going wherever my feet decide to take me and indulging in whatever place fits my mood. Whether it’s sitting in one of the city’s many gardens for hours under the sunshine or taking photographs of new alleyways I never knew existed, or spontaneously trying out a new bistro, I realized Paris is one of the few cities you can profoundly enjoy simply by being there. And by realizing this simplest of tips, I was able to discover other things, random things, little things I love about Paris, and this is my best advice to anyone visiting for the first or twentieth time.

#yumsntravels #travel #paris #france #pariscityguide #cityguide #riridada #collabs'n'press

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theripertoire · 9 years ago

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My Favorite Makeup Products

Since I’m asked - a lot - about the makeup products I use, I felt it’s only right to dedicate my first beauty post to exactly that. Bear in mind that different types of skin tones and types require different types of products, but the ones I’m mentioning here work on most – and boy are you gonna love them! I’m very loyal to the makeup products that I love, and can go my whole life using just them – and this is the case here. Below is a list of the makeup products I’ve loved and used continuously for the past several years.

Lancôme City Miracle CC Cream:

This is one of my newest discoveries – circa 2014. It’s basically a tinted cream with an SPF of 50! It protects and hydrates your skin while correcting imperfections and giving you that magnificent glow. I use shade 01 because I’m fair-skinned, so brunettes will probably need a 02. It. Is. Life. It’s the best CC cream on the market (in my humble opinion) and I haven’t been able to live without it since we met. Those who have tried it because of me now love me 20% more. {Use with a beauty blender. Soak the beauty blender first, then squeeze out the excess water before using it.}

Plus points: It’s so light, so natural, so freckle-friendly, and oh so not annoying and cakey like foundation. You can actually wear this lover to the beach.

YSL Touche Éclat: It’s a glowstick in a pen. Many of my IG and Snapchat followers know that I don’t use concealer. This is a purely hereditary trait, and if you do have very dark circles, you can only reduce them – not eliminate them. That being said, this pen is more than enough for me to use as a brightening touch under my eyes. BUT – I don’t use this for concealing purposes at all, and neither should you.

Why you should use it: to brighten up your face, of course! It gives you the most magnificent glow – I use shade 02, which works very well on most skin types. Try it on before buying it to make sure you’re choosing the right one. I apply it on my nasolabial folds (sounds so nasty – but it’s basically the lines around your mouth – the ones that appear when you smile), periorbital lines (look at me being all scientific here! It basically means the area between your eyebrows and lower forehead if you must), above my eyebrows, bridge of my nose, and under my eyes across to my cheekbones.

Rule of thumb: if you want an area to look fuller, catch light, or pop out, you apply this miracle pen to it AFTER you’re done with your makeup – never before – then just gently blend it in with your miraculous finger.

Vichy Dermablend Foundation: Is there such a thing as a healthy foundation? I highly doubt it. But, I know for sure that this one is better than the rest! I, for one, love it. I use a very small amount when I have photoshoots, and guess what? My freckles still show. It blends very well and doesn’t cake on the face. {Use with a beauty blender. Soak the beauty blender first, then squeeze out the excess water before using it.}

Make Up Forever Smoothing Primer: As a base for your foundation or CC cream, this is just perfect. It acts as a protective layer that smoothes and evens out your entire face, leaving it ready for long lasting, beautiful makeup. Apply first before foundation.

Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder: Hello cheekbones and healthy glow! I bought my first of these in shade 03 Light Brunettes back in 2012, and haven’t stopped using it ever since. It’s the most amazing bronzer I’ve ever tried (a bit on the pricey side though – but so worth it).

Why: because it combines several shades of bronzer, matt and shiny, for that natural but perfect tint. Whether you want to apply it in touches, or all around your face, and whether you want to apply just a little or build it up, its lightweight texture is just right to give you the result you’re looking for.

Lancôme Star Bronzer: I’ve also been using this since 2012, and always alternate between the two. It’s probably the most natural-looking bronzer I’ve ever tried. It builds up and blends perfectly for a natural sun-kissed look.

Blush Bronzer Duo - Hot Sand/Laguna: This is what i use to contour my cheekbones. It’s so natural, blends flawlessly, and can be built up to give you the desired effect you’re looking for. I apply it in a small straight line right under my cheekbones and blend it in with a brush.

Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation: I do love this, quite a lot. It mattifies my skin while leaving my freckles visible. A little dab here and there – cheeks, nose, chin, forehead - that’s all!

Benefit Watts Up Highlighter: This is my favorite highlighter stick out there. It’s oh so glam! Add a little to your inner eyes, top of your nose, crease of your chin and cheekbones – and you’re all lit up!

Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre: I’m sure those of you that follow me on Snapchat noticed just how thin my eyebrows are and just how good I am at transforming them into luscious, editorial-worthy brows of joy. This is all thanks to my Lancôme brow pencil, which I do not leave the house without – like ever. If you are blonde, ahem, GO BUY IT NOW. There’s really nothing else like it, because all the other brow pencils I tried were either too sticky, too dark, too orange, too yellow, or too darn difficult to mark on your face. If you’re a brunette and need to fill in those brows, I also highly recommend this. Creamy texture + masterfully selected shades = your eyebrows’ new best friend.

Clinique Brow Shaper: This is incase you prefer to fill in your brows with a powder – which is actually healthier, but it doesn’t define them as much as the pencil above. This one is great! I used it for a while and the shade (Taupe) was just perfect!

Maybelline Brow Drama: This is basically the cherry on top during my brow sculpting procedure. You know when your brow hairs tend to go rogue and fall in an opposite direction? Well, this baby tames them, holds them in place and gives your eyebrows a perfect form that lasts all day!

What it is: it’s basically mascara for your eyebrows. If your eyebrows are already thick and beautiful, this is more than you will ever need.

YSL Effet Faux Cils Shocking Volume Mascara: Its name is as long as your lashes will be once you’re done applying it.

How to apply badass mascara: run the tip of your brush through your lashes from left to right and right to left a couple of times. Then, with slow and steady motion, vibrate the brush in an upward direction to separate and lift each lash. This usually takes me about 10 minutes - but when I’m done, I have mega lashes that look like samurai swords.

Dior Show Extase Mascara: this is another mascara that is also known as life. I don’t prefer one to the other. They are both equally fabulous.

WOW By Wojooh Lash it All Mascara: This is a more affordable alternative, and just about does the trick. I’ve been using it for the past four months and I absolutely love it.

L’Oréal Volume Million Lashes Fatale Mascara: Finally! An AMAZING mascara that doesn’t break the bank! This is so fabulous, it trumps most of the more expensive brands. Not only was I in the campaign launch in Lebanon, but I’ve also been using it for a couple of months now, and everyone has been asking me about my fierce lashes.

YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Shocking: This is my favorite eyeliner pen to date. I don’t always sport the sultry cat eye, but when I do, it’s with the help of this little guy. Easy to use, bold and long lasting - you will want to stare into your own eyes for hours.

WOW by Wojooh Khol Design Waterproof Eye pencil (990 Black Aswad): I started using this recently and it’s excellent. It’s very, very black, long lasting, and doesn’t smudge all over your eyes and face. It also allows you to smudge it with a brush or your finger for a natural, smoky effect.

Urban Decay Toasted Eye Shadow: This is the sexiest eye shadow I have ever bought (thanks to the kind lady at Sephora, Union Square). It has the most beautiful shade and texture for just enough of a natural, smoky eye – gives you a deep stare without looking overdone.

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow - Rigel: Obsessed! Whenever any of you ask me about the sheer velvety shimmer on my eyelids, it means I’m wearing this eyeshadow. It gives your face the perfect glow and opens up your eyes. It’s so fabulous and versatile.

Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Palettes: I love the D01 Fraîcheur Rosée for a natural glow. One of the shades doubles up as a highlighter for your cheekbones. I call this the “all your eyes will ever need” palette - great for both day and night makeup.

Dior Addict Lipstick: I probably have every single shade, and I’ve probably used them all – depending on what mood I’m in.

Here’s why I love it: it’s so natural and adds the right amount of color and shine to your lips, while keeping them moisturized - thanks to the hydra-gel, moisturizing core. It’s also great for both day and night.

My favorite shades: Power, Must-have, Tribale and Smile. #OhSoLuscious

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick: This is the stuff vampires are made of. I vote it the sexiest red lip on the market. My favorite shade is Vengeful Red, but you should pick the one most suitable for your skin tone.

Why people will envy your lips: it’s so red, oh so red, and lasts literally all night. The best part is, it’s matte. Glossy red lips tend to look unappealing and vulgar.

Tip: buy the lip pencil too.

M.A.C. Lipstick - Twig: If I could choose one lipstick to wear everyday and every night, it would be this. It’s a must-have for everyone, and it photographs perfectly.

Moon Matte Lipstick - Indecent Proposal: The Limited Edition collaboration between Sarah Moon and NARS is pure genius. This lipstick, in particular, is the star of the show. It’s one of the hottest matte nudes I’ve ever tried - and it’s one of those shades that everyone asks about and wants to buy.

Tom Ford First Time (09) Lip Color Matte: Lo and behold, ‘tis the god of nude lipsticks. This is the hottest shade of nude lipstick out there, and the texture is everything. Believe me when I say, you will fall in love with your lips – like it’s the first time you wear lipstick!

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick (342) Mauve Mania: I absolutely love this shade, and it suits most complexions. Both for day and night, it adds just the right amount of color to your lips. You can pair it with either light or heavy eye makeup. It photographs very nicely, so I tend to wear this lipstick when I have a photoshoot.

Mac Lip Pencil in Plum: Those of you who follow me on IG know that I love a good dark lip, and this is my ultimate go-to shade. I use the lip pencil to contour my lips, then fill them all in. I learned this trick from a makeup artist in Athens. Using a lip pencil versus a lipstick for dark shades promises much longer wear. If you want a bigger pout, dab some beige/nude lipstick to your inner lip. A good option for that is the Bassam Fattouh Lipstick in True Beige.

Bassam Fattouh Lipstick with Balm in Cashmere: This color should have been called SEX ON A LIPSTICK. Pardon my French. This shade of explosive allure is my latest obsession, and a must for my nights out. Whether you want to look sultry, glamorous or fierce, this is the shade for you.

If there are any makeup products you recommend, or have questions about, please leave your comments and I will answer them for you!

Lots of love!

XX -R

#featured #healthnbeauty #makeup #beauty

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