Pomegranate and Patchouli

PERFUME OF THE MONTH: FLOWER BY KENZO

2009-11-12T00:07:00.001+03:00

I haven’t done a Perfume of The Month post in such a long time! I thought I’d bring it back into the blog. All of the perfumes I feature are ones that I’ve tried, tested and own.

This month’s fragrance of choice is a beautiful one. Flower by Kenzo is a soft powdery floral scent that is as lovely on a grown woman as it is on a baby. Upon sniffing it for the first time, you will inhale a gorgeous waft of vanilla, baby powder, musk and rose.

I really recommend it to anyone who likes soft powdery scents that are laced with floral notes. It’s very ladylike and girly. You don’t need to douse yourself in it for the scent to last. A few sprays will be enough. This one is definitely a keeper. I’ve gone through 3 bottles already!

With Notes of: Wild Hawthorne, Bulgarian Rose, Parma Violet, Cassia, Hedione, Cyclosal, Opoponax, White Musk, Vanilla.

Image: La Oruga Gritona

WIN A BAG FROM HANDBAG HEAVEN!

2009-11-08T21:43:00.001+03:00

Today’s giveaway is double the fun, because we have two bags to give away from Handbag Heaven. Handbag Heaven offer stylish, low-priced alternatives to high-priced designer accessories. They have a large selection of bags such as totes, hobos and clutches in all shapes, colors and sizes.

To enter:

Head to Handbag Heaven, pick the bag you’d like to win and leave its name in the comment section of this post.
Leave your name and email in the comment.
This item can only be shipped to US and Canada addresses.
The winners will be chosen at random and notified via email. If the winner does not respond within 4 days, another winner will be selected.
If you don’t follow the above rules, your entry will be disqualified.

The contest ends Sunday November 15th, 2009. The winners will be announced the following day.

GOOD LUCK!

BOBBI BROWN MAKEUP MANUAL

2009-11-04T02:05:00.001+03:00

Makeup fans, this is for you! I had seen Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro at the makeup counter at a department store but it was sold out. After I browsed through it, I realized I needed this book. Not because I don’t know how to apply makeup, but because it’s really, really useful. I was going to buy it from Amazon, but found it a couple of weeks ago in Dubai.

The book is full of photographs with detailed yet simple instructions. It is very organized, and separated into 2 main parts: Basics and Artistry. Basics includes chapters such as Equipment, Skin, Face, Lips and Eyes. Artistry includes chapters such as Essential Equipment for the Professional and Advanced Makeup Applications. It teaches you how to choose the right makeup for your skin tone, hair color, eyes, etc and how to apply it. I should point out that this book is not for those looking for tricks on how to cheat your way through a thin nose for example. I love it because it encourages you to enhance your features, not hide them. Bobbi also includes Asian, Black, Latin, Middle Eastern and Multiethnic skin into many of the chapters.

I don’t own any makeup book, and I don’t think it’s a necessity to have one. But if I had to choose one, this would be a great one to invest in (with a very appropriate price). This is definitely a book for everybody.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T01:35:00.001+03:00

This Halloween, go monogrammed and make your own Louis Vuitton pumpkin. Using a sharpie no less!

Image: Sweet Paul

OCTOBER COLOR PALETTE

2009-10-28T01:32:00.001+03:00

Images (Clockwise from top left)

{ Style.com – desire to inspire - John Pomp – Unknown – Melissa Joy Manning }

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO..

2009-10-26T16:18:00.001+03:00

So true. If only we weren’t so afraid of getting dirty..

Image: Dirt Poster by Roland Tiangco

ROXANNE PANDORA WARDER

2009-10-24T21:42:00.001+03:00

I enjoy being introduced to new artists and artwork. Roxanne Pandora Warder is an artist I learned about from a blog I visited. I was very impressed with many of her paintings. I love how some of them have a prim and flowery wallpaper sort of background peeking through. It looks like the artist didn’t want it to be perfect so she paints over it and lets the paint drip down. It’s a lovely contrast between pretty and chaotic.

Lay, 2007

Woman with the purple rose, 2007

Time for a little change, 2008

Rose garden, 2007

Visit the site to see more of her paintings and illustrations (plus drawings in her Moleskine notebook!).

CALLING ALL WRITERS!

2009-10-21T00:30:00.001+03:00

I’ve written about Khaleejesque a number of times before on this blog. I’m also a contributing writer to the site, and have recently become Fashion Editor.

For those of you who haven’t heard about it, “Khaleejesque” is an online lifestyle magazine that covers everything new and talked-about in the Arabian Gulf countries. If there is something that’s getting some buzz, you can guarantee it’s on Khaleejesque. If you’re interested in Fashion, Lifestyle, Travel, Entertainment, Art & Design, and Personal Perspectives, then you’ll love Khaleejesque.

I’m looking for freelance Fashion writers, but am willing to accept submissions from any of the above categories. Writers are paid per article after having three of their pieces published (excluding Perspective).

If you would like to contribute to Khaleejesque, or would like more information, please email me at alya@khaleejesque.com or p.patchouli@gmail.com.

Image: Khaleejesque

ALL THE WRONG PEOPLE HAVE SELF-ESTEEM

2009-10-19T02:38:00.001+03:00

All the Wrong People Have Self-Esteem: An Inappropriate Book for Young Ladies or, frankly, anyone else by Laurie Rosenwald has the longest title I’ve ever seen, but one of the most capturing. Isn’t that so true, though?? All the wrong people do have self-esteem. And the right people don’t!

I’m going to get that book just because of the title. Or because it’s written in a direct, witty and hilarious way. Or because I want to relive my teenage years. Fun times!

Via: Design Crush

SUPERIOR SCRIBBLER AWARD

2009-10-17T01:05:00.001+03:00

Isn’t it wonderful when you’re awarded something? Even if it’s a virtual award and not tangible, it still makes me feel good. Accidentally, Kle awarded me with a Superior Scribbler Award, and in turn I have to pass it on to 5 deserving blogs.

Please visit this post to see the rules of The Award since I don’t want to turn this post into a super long one.

I have a ton of blogs I would love to award, but I’m going to go with ones that have unique writing styles, are completely different from each other and (I hope) haven’t yet won this..

WOULD YOU LIKE YOU?

2009-10-13T23:17:00.001+03:00

What do you think? Would you? I think in my case, I would. I think I’m a pretty nice person. Really! I am!

Image: Flickr via English Muse

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2009-10-11T18:09:00.001+03:00

I look just as grumpy as the cat above. I had a “nightmare” that I turned 27 (I’m 26). Completely ignoring what I said last year. Officially entering panic mode. What is wrong with me??

Note to age: Will you just stop?

Image: Suzalayne

AND THE WINNER IS…

2009-10-11T17:21:00.001+03:00

Congratulations NEWBIE MOMMY!!! You won the beautiful multi colored Tolani silk-wool blend scarf! Please send me an email with your details (name, email, shipping address, phone, etc) so I can forward them to the appropriate people.

Thanks everyone for participating. Don’t be disappointed if you didn’t win, because there are more amazing giveaways coming soon!

Note: If the winner does not respond within 4 days after being contacted, another winner will be chosen at random.

PIE CHART FLAGS

2009-10-05T23:21:00.001+03:00

Shahee Ilyas calculated the proportions of colors on every country’s flag. He then transferred those proportions into pie charts and created the Flags By Colours project. What a fantastic idea!

It’s fun trying to spot your country’s flag. I got mine right on the second try.

To see your country’s flag, and all of the others, click here.

Via: Black*Eiffel

WIN A SILK-WOOL TOLANI SCARF!

2009-10-02T01:02:00.001+03:00

This week’s giveaway is a gorgeous Tolani silk wool blend scarf from Chickdowntown.com. It is absolutely exquisite, with florals and stripes beautiful colors such as emerald and shades of blue.

Chickdowntown.com carries so many well-known brands such as J Brand, Balmain, Elizabeth & James, Anna Sui and much more. Also, be sure to check out Chickdowntown's Twitter where there is a 100-day daily giveaway where you can win the Twilight Bella Jacket!

To enter, please read the rules below:

Please leave an appropriate comment below. You can only comment once.
Leave your name and email in the comment.
The contest is open to US and international readers, however the latter is responsible for any customs fees.
The winner will be chosen at random. If the winner does not respond within 4 days, another winner will be selected.
If you don’t follow the above rules, your entry will be disqualified.

The contest ends Friday October 9th, 2009. The winner will be announced the following day.

GOOD LUCK!

UPDATE: PERRICONE MD GIVEAWAY WINNER

2009-09-30T13:29:00.001+03:00

Since I haven’t gotten a response from the Perricone MD giveaway winner Meg, and since she hasn’t left me an email to contact her with, I have chosen another winner. The winner was chosen at random as well.

Congratulations Cassie! Please email me with your details so I can forward them as soon as possible.

I have another giveaway tomorrow, so be sure to check back. It’s a beauty!

SEPTEMBER COLOR PALETTE

2009-09-28T23:47:00.001+03:00

Images (Clockwise from top left)

{ Design*Sponge – Sunday Suppers – Unknown – (Into) The Fray – Vi.sualize.us }

AND THE WINNER IS…

2009-09-27T17:21:00.001+03:00

Congratulations MEG!!! You won the amazing best-selling Advanced Face Firming Activator from Perricone MD! Please send me an email with your details (name, email, shipping address, phone, etc) so I can forward them to the appropriate people.

Thanks everyone for participating and thanks for introducing me to some great products as well. As always, keep checking back for more amazing giveaways!

OFF TO DUBAI

2009-09-19T03:53:00.002+03:00

Hello friends! I’m going to be traveling today with my family to Dubai. It’s an hour and a half plane ride from here but I’m still sick to my stomach with worry! Airplanes give me nightmares!

Anyway, I think it’s going to be a fun trip. We went there last year, but so much has changed since then. That’s the thing with Dubai, it changes on a yearly – even monthly - basis. We’re going to stay at the Atlantis (which is the exact same one that’s in the Bahamas). My sister wants me to swim with the dolphins and ride the scary slides in the water park – and since I’m the least adventurous person on the planet, I don’t think that’s gonna happen. But we’ll see..

I’m going to be absent from the blog until I come back on Friday. In the meantime, don’t forget about the GIVEAWAY that’s going on until Friday.

See you in a week!

Image: Journeyetc

LET’S GO FOR A DRINK

2009-09-17T02:23:00.001+03:00

I got this email titled “What goes through your mind when someone says ‘Let’s go for a drink’?” It’s a series of flowcharts depicting what a man thinks when he goes out for a drink, and what a woman thinks when she goes out for a drink. They were designed as ads for Goldstar Beer, and they hang them inside men’s bar toilets.

It’s sexist, stereotypical but oh so funny (in my opinion, of course)! The second image is so me! And the third one too!

Images: BuzzFeed

WIN A PERRICONE MD PRODUCT!

2009-09-13T03:25:00.002+03:00

I’m excited to announce the latest giveaway which is the best-selling Advanced Face Firming Activator by Perricone MD, worth $120. This amazing product has been getting rave reviews. It firms and tones skin leaving it glowing. This paraben-free product contains pycnogenol, a free-radical blocker, and improves your skin's texture by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, is a board certified clinical and research dermatologist, and CEO of NV Perricone MD, Ltd. He was named “one of the best dermatologists in the U.S. in 2001” by Vogue. His flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York was named one of the "Top Ten Beauty Stores" by WWD in 2005.

To enter, please read the rules below:

This item can only be shipped to US locations.
Leave a comment on this post telling me what your top 3 skincare products are and why you'd like this product.
You can only comment once.
You cannot be anonymous. If you are not registered anywhere, please put your first name and email at the end of your comment.

The contest ends Friday September 25th 2009. The winner will be announced the following day.

GOOD LUCK!

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

2009-09-08T05:21:00.001+03:00

When I was in 4th grade, I won the class prize for outstanding achievement (or was it most improvement?). Anyway, the prize was a hardcover Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Being a book lover, I devoured it right away. I thought it was beautiful, imaginary and a bit scary. I still have the book which I must re-read sometime. I remember being a bit scared in some parts of the animated version. Which is why I’m thrilled that Tim Burton (Sweeny Todd, Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands) is doing the movie adaptation. He’s perfect for it! It stars Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, newcomer Mia Wasikowska as Alice and lots of other stars.

The movie is scheduled to be released in 2010. Ooooh I can’t wait! Anyone else excited?

Images: guardian.co.uk

PYTHON CLUTCH GIVEAWAY!

2009-09-05T16:05:00.001+03:00

You really don’t want to miss this, girls (or guys)! Dia Diwan is giving away a Belen Echandia clutch worth $860 from the Bespoke collection. The winner will be able to customize her python clutch by choosing her own lining and hardware.

The competition is open to everyone. To enter, click on the image above.

The competition ends on September 13th 2009 at 12 noon GMT. The winner will be contacted via e-mail.

GOOD LUCK!

IDEELI

2009-08-30T16:01:00.001+03:00

I think this could be the Internet’s best kept secret. I can’t believe not enough people know about it! Ideeli is a members-only shopping site. They offer the hottest clothing, accessories, shoes, home and beauty products from the best designer brands from all around the world. They carry items from small labels as well as popular designer brands.

The prices are UNBELIEVABLE. Some brands are hard to find anywhere else. There’s access to hot new products. Also, there are a number of amazing giveaways held every month (Lanvin, anyone?).

Trust me, this is one site you don’t want to miss. To join, you have to be invited by a member, and since I am one, then today’s your lucky day!

Click on the image below (or the one in the left sidebar) and join sale heaven!

TRAVEL JOURNALS

2009-08-28T16:39:00.001+03:00

When I travel, I take photographs, collect brochures and eat lots of food. Some people prefer a more artistic approach. I wish I was one of them..

Prêt à Voyager Living As Art Curbside Treasure

See more here.