So, the winter was long and our motivation level was down. Hopefully things will be brighter and more motivating. 

1. Benefit Hoola Bronzer and Kiko Milano Blush:

The benefit bronzer is impressive, for a contour shade, it looks very good and it lasts long. As for the Kiko Milano blush, it is in peach shade which is really a good look for summer plus it is well pigmented.

2. Vichy 89 Mineral: 

So this is a good moisturiser, not amazing however and it get me through the dry months fine. I do love the packaging on the other side.

3. Marble Makeup Brushes:

How cute is this set, and it was so cheap from Aliexpress.  They do the job and I always use them.

4. NYX Total Control Foundation:

Hands down, my favorite foundation ever, very light feeling (like water) and covers really well. Very light weight and gives an airbrushed effect.

5.Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer :

A good coverage concealer, it contains benefits for the skin, however,  not perfect with dry skin.

6.L'oreal Elvive Hair Serum:

I used to use the elvive hair cream, but I find this better and more nurturing for dry hair.

7.Magazines:

Aren't we all feeling the January blues? Personally, I am really looking forward to Spring and Spring Fashion. So I've collected from all over the internet SS19 Main Trends and decided to post them on my blog. These are the trends you'll be seeing all over the high street in the coming period of time and I'm exited to see how we will incorporate them into our everyday wardrobe.

1. Living Coral:

This is the color of the year officially announced by Pantone. A fun, bright, neon-like coral that will add a fresh mood for spring and summer. 

2.Ruffles:

A feminine trend to add an elegant and girly touch. This trend keeps coming back and this season it is going nowhere. 

3.Cargo Pants:

I think we'll be seeing this trend worn by many influencers. It is very cool and perfect for Street Style. A nice trend that will keep us cool and comfortable throughout the warmer months. 

4.Bleached Denim:

A nice way to switch from the same old jeans. 

5.Neutrals/Earthy Tones:

You may think this is a Fall/Winter trend, but again there's no "Rules" in fashion. This trend is really elegant and timeless, and I think of it as a wardrobe staple rather than a trend that will come and go.

6.Biker Shorts:

It became normal to add sportswear to our look, it really adds a modern twist. I started to see this trend in the past months, but this season it will be all over our Instagrams. It is very new and suitable for Street Style lovers. Plus this more of a warmer months trend and people will be able to wear it more.

7.Colored Suits:

Very fun and elegant. A nice way to switch from the normal black suits.

 8.Fringes:

A cool element to add to a look. I think we'll see it a lot on bags, accessories and some jacket which is the most wearable way of this trend.

9.Lace:

Another feminine trend that I am excited to see how the high street will recreate it.

Xo, Ghinwa 

*SS stands for Spring Summer. RTW stands for Ready To Wear.

*Photos are sourced from Pinterest through various accounts. 

*Designers are listed on the photos.

Ready for christmas break? What's better than to spend time reading by the fireplace,  drinking a hot drink while it rains or snows outside? These are my holiday reading list, all christmas themed.

Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances 

Novel by John Green, Lauren Myracle and Maureen Johnson. 

A huge snow storm hits the town during Christmas season, and 3 teenagers experience it throughout their different lives. I really loved this novel and it definitely gets me into the festive mood.

The LittleBookshop on the Seine

Novel by Rebecca Raisin

Sarah have been offered to exchange bookshops with her friend's at the Seine. It can't get better: Christmas in Paris, beside the Seine in an old bookshop. 

The Gift

Novel by Cecelia Ahern

I haven't read this one yet, but I know everything Cecelia writes is amazing. 

Beautiful Crafts Magazine(Christmas)

A crafs magazine, with a lot of ideas about Christmas DIYs. Really perfect for making cute decorations and gifts this holiday, especially if you have kids they will have a lot of fun creating DIYs together.

Happy reading, Xo, Ghinwa 

*Pictures taken by me on a Nikon D5300 camera, lens Nikkor 85mm f1.8

Today I will show you 14 gift ideas that I really think everyone will like. Plus they're really affordable and can work as stocking fillers. Some of these gifts are things I bought for my friends (I hope they wouldn't see them). So grab a cup of hot chocolate and let's get festive.

Christmas Mug/treats:

Everyone loves a cute mug, especially in the time when hot drinks are so appreciated. Add a cute festive treats and you have the perfect gift.

Cute Hand Sanitizers:

Very affordable and very cute. Bath and Body Works is my favorite place to buy these gifts. A big range of scents and beautiful packaging. You can't go wrong with this one, because everyone uses hand sanitizer. 

Bins filled with goodies:

I've found these really cute christmas bins that I've been storing sugar sachets in. You can fill them with the person's best candies and they will reuse it for storing random things

Notebooks and stickers: 

This for someone who loves writing in a diary. They can decorate the pages with stickers. Plus they can use them as a normal everyday notebook for  writing notes.

Victoria's Secret PINK Body Care:

Victoria Secret is having a sale (15000LL) on there body mists and Body Care. So it's a perfect opportunity to stock up on some gifts. This gift is for someone who loves pampering products and enjoy using body care.

Cute Hair Brush:

I know everyone owns a hair brush. But do they own a cute one?

Backpack Keychain (literally!):

This isn't any keychain, it's a backpack keychain. Very helpful to hold money, So when you're on your way, you only grab your keys and your money is in there too!

Accessories:

If you know someone loves accessories and watches. You can find inexpensive cure ones on Accessorize, plus Aliexpress have the best inexpensive cute watches.

Fuzzy Socks:

It's okay if you gifted socks, everyone loves a cute fuzzy sock. Add something else that goes with the comfy theme.

Tea Bin:

I think many people have tea packets laying randomly around their drawers. So this christmas bins can organise all the tea or Nescafe packets. I have use it for storing tea and it's really cute.

Weekly Planner:

A weekly planner will motivate the recipient to be more organised and time managed. Especially with the new year, new you motto.

Megan Hess books:

The Fashion lover will adore you for this gift. Full of beautiful fashion illustrations and information. Megan Hess' books are delightful for everyone. And can be a really nice addition as a coffee table book. 

The Fashion Book:

Another beautiful coffee table book. This one however, is more for people who are really interested in fashion culture and would like to go deeper into the field. 

Ted Baker Evening Bag:

This is the most expensive gift out of them all, mainly to someone close. I think this bag is so useful for this time of year, going to a Christmas dinner or a New year party.  Perfect for all ages and a really classic piece.

Happy Holidays, xo Ghinwa 

If there's something I'm guilty of, is seeing other's achievements and forgetting mine. It is good to be motivated by others,  however sometimes it leaves us with a feeling of being non-achievers. Especially now living in the world of speed,  social media, where everyone seems to be perfect, we can't help but feel a little off.

Most of us are guilty of seeing other people and wishing we would achieve their looks, or wishing we have our own successful projects, our own influencial platforms.. And the problem lies in seeing all these things and forgetting to appreciate what we are and what we have. And even the people we look up to , they too has someone they look up to, and even you have people that look up at you and appreciate your traits and persona. So it is really normal and this thought humanize the whole thing.

What we sometimes forget is that social media is meant to show a person's best qualities only, it highlights it. Which is not bad, but how about reality?
However, the solution doesn't lie in saying, it is only "Instagram,  YouTube.." because these people work hard and we don't want to deny that. You don't want to look at people's flaws in order to be superior and feel better.  On the contrary, the key lies in raising your own spirit and remembering that you too have worked hard, you too came a long way. And no one can take away that. We are an evolved product of yesterday's events.

Now if there's one thing I'm sure of is that we are all proud of something we achieved, we all came a long way from our older selves, we evolved. And we are all different and unique in what we do. Everyone is good at something and would excel in it more than anyone.  In all areas of life, I'm sure we would stand out,  and we should never forget that.

Work hard for tomorrow but don't forget to appreciate today and yesterday.  Don't be stuck with where you are, but do appreciate where you are. And remember to keep going up and while you're at it, give yourself a pat on the back and look down and see that while you were rising up you became higher than where you were.

I'm sure all of our messages inbox are filled with the Black Friday sales. But this year seemed to bring many retailers to do their  sales . This year everything is on sale! So I figured it can be overwhelming with all the fuss to pick up the best deals. Today I will list the brands on sale and my favorite picks.
Whenever I come across really good deals, I will keep updating you through updating this blog post.

Zara up to 40% off  Selected items:

Friday 23rd Only! It is new for Zara to do generous mid season sales. They are known for 2 major sales at the end of each season.  However blending in with other retailers, they launched 40% off selected items which is great because you still can pick up and wear pieces that are still on season but with a discount on the price tag.

My favorite picks:

     Shop Here                                                      Shop Here

Two really classic styles, a leather jacket and black trousers, a really nice way to add Rock and Roll to your look. Edgy yet elegant.

Mango 30% off Everything:

All the weekend. Actually a great deal, because it is on every single item, even New Collections. Perfect opportunity to buy your basic pieces (like a coat, an elegant suit..) and to buy items that are trendy for the season. 

* Prices on photos are the original prices, so you have to reduce them by 30%.

             Shop Here                                                                               Shop Here

           The black boots and the Saffiano effect bag are two beautiful basic pieces that are yet very stylish.                               

                               
             Shop Here                                                                        Shop Here

You are not late on the Snake print trend. These 2 bags are a subtle way to add the AW19 trend. The bag on the right is a very similar design for the Chloe Drew Bag.

             

These sandals are really useful and a must-have piece. Really classic, will never go out of style and you can't go wrong with these.

    Shop Here 

Bershka up to 50% off selected items:

Bershka always does sales, so it's not a surprise to be part of the Black Friday deli-ma. But what a better way to buy the pieces you have been wanting this season.

Ted Baker up to 30% off Everything: 

The discount is applicable online and may vary in store, lasting all weekend.If the store near you doesn't carry the sale, you can always order online and they deliver within 2 working days.
What a dream, I love this store, and it is a good opportunity if you have been lusting over their beautiful pieces. And if someone wants to give you a generous Christmas gift, it is a perfect time.

                                    

Really amazing pieces by Ted Baker

. 

Parfois 30% off Everything 

Parfois have really cute affordable bags and this weekend they went down by 30%.So here are my favorites.

Other stores:

Tally-weijl up to 50% off 

CenterPoint up to 50% off

Max up to 50% off

Khoury Home up to 70% across all Lebanon

Desigual up to 40% off

Vero Mode 30% off Everything 

Happy Shopping everyone  and remember to shop smart!