Ivy Says – Page 2

Pregnant- AGAIN!

October 25, 2016 - 2 Comments

I’m so happy to announce that we’re expecting our 2nd baby! So soon? You may wonder…
Well- as much as we like to plan these things, they somehow have a way of planning things for us- and not the other way around.

We’ve been discussing diving head-first for a second for some time now, no, not because we miss the sleepless nights, or sporadic diaper accidents, or having to leave the house with 2 bags of stuff we “might” need for the baby. We’re blessed to say we’re still very much experiencing all these wonderful perks of parenthood. So in our books, it only made sense to go through them with two beautiful little babies instead of just one. Because let me tell you, I’m not crazy about repeating the process again in two or three years when things have settled with Baby Luca and he’s off to school. No sir. I plan on catching up with all the sleep I’ve missed. So here we are again, picking out color palettes for a nursery because Baby Number 2 will be making a debut in a couple of months.

I’m just about 23 weeks in and we had our first 3D ultra-sound in during the weekend. I thought I wouldn’t be as surprised this time around, but as I watched the baby’s features show up so clearly on the screen, it was just as miraculous and exciting as our first. I’m already madly in love.

Though I must confess, I haven’t really had time to think about this pregnancy as much as my first, since I have my hands full catching up with Baby Luca who just started walking- actually running. I can’t help but feel a little guilty already, for being slightly negligent with my vitamins or diet. I remember when I was pregnant with Luca, every meal was meticulously prepared for the baby’s development sometimes even brought to my bed, now I’m lucky if I remember to eat. I used to announce his kicks and every small movement he would make in my belly, to every member of my family; this time around, I’ll feel the movements and just give my belly a little rub and smile as I continue with the crazy/beautiful chaos of toddlerdom.

So what’s it like to be pregnant two years in a row you might be thinking? Familiar. Am I nervous? You bet! Baby Luca will hardly be a year and a half when I give birth so I’ll really have my hands full! But you know, it almost now feels like I never actually gave birth, like I’ve been continuously eating for two since 2015. I’m blessed and grateful to be fortunate enough to go through it again, and although, it is my second time around, I plan on taking in and savoring each and every moment of having another child in my belly and so close to my heart. Because before you know it, they’ll be running around like wild geese while you struggle to keep up.

I will be sharing with you this new journey as much as I can, as I know many of my followers are also expecting or planning on having a baby, so make sure you subscribe to this blog by entering your email in the box on the upper right hand corner and follow my daily adventures on SNAP CHAT username: IVY SAYS.

L’Oreal Paris x Ivy Says Million Lashes Fatale Mascara Campaign

October 14, 2016 - Leave a Comment

I think I speak on behalf of most women when I say we’re constantly on a quest for bigger thicker larger-than-life lashes. Last month, I was privy to an inside scoop about a mascara game changer about to hit the market, one that would put an end to the painstaking ordeal of lash curlers and permanent lash applications without breaking the bank.

So when L’Oreal Paris approached me to be part of the campaign, I was game! The mascara which is now available is called Volume Million Lashes Fatale and it promises to give you Killer Eyes. Yes, I may be endorsing it, but I’ve been around the mascara block and let me tell you after testing out A LOT of mascaras, this is one you want to have and has become a favorite of mine alongside, YSL’s Shocking, Benefit’s They’re Real and Giorgio Armani’s Eyes To Kill Mascara. Allow me to elaborate…

The Brush:

They call it the Millionizer, it has multi-layers that come in surprisingly shorter bristles then we’re used to seeing, but they’ll load up on a lot of product and at the same time form one thorough grip on your lashes for the ultimate lift. So except some serious curl but what got me the most is the length this brush was able to achieve, I can honestly say, the sort you would expect from your fake lashes, practically touching my brows. Unprecedented for me.

The Formula:

Lasts all day. No flaking, no unwanted residue. Thick, but the thick enough kind you need for extra volume, minus the thick enough kind to turn your lashes clumpy. And it lasts, like really lasts. It is not waterproof and is easy to remove, but you will actually need to rub it out a little harder with makeup remover because it’s a super rich product. It’s not kidding around.

The Application:

Even though it is super pigmented, a deep jet black; for best results double dipped and applied two coats. The formula dries instantly so make it fast. You still run the risk of clumpiness so make sure the brush isclean and smooth before each application. But watch out things get dramatic pretty fast, we’re talking INTENSE lashes, volume and length. So you may want to consider one round for daytime/work.

For this campaign, I took part in a teaser and video revealer, which was so much fun to do, alongside a wonderful L’Oreal team including a very talented regional makeup artist for the brand, Mohammad Harb who worked this editorial look on me.

Watch the video revealer here and let me know what you think of Million Lashes Fatale Mascara!

My Fall 2016 Goals

September 28, 2016 - Leave a Comment

1. Eat Healthy-ier

No I’m not going to drop words like chia seeds, kale, wheat grass and flax seeds to sound like I’m nutritionally more sophisticated than you, I’m not. I just happened to finally take a food intolerance blood test that revealed to me I shouldn’t be having everything I love, like cow milk, egg whites, rice, gluten and wheat. That doesn’t leave me with much now does it? But you know what maybe this is the wake-up call I needed to tell me, I should at least try to substitute my creamy Alfredo with a chicken salad dinner. Because I’m not going to be blessed with the thin gene forever, sooner or later my metabolism is going to realize I’m not 23 anymore and by then it may be too late.

2. Take Better Care of My Skin

I never sleep without removing my makeup. Even if I’ve had way too much to drink to be able to differentiate between the makeup remover and hair conditioner. But here’s the thing, day and night moisturizer alone aren’t sufficient anymore, with all the toxins our skin gets exposed to, it needs way more care and effort, so I’m going to be making it a point to exfoliate, put masks on my face at least twice a week and let my skin breath makeup-free as much as I can. I’ll also be using the latest in eye creams and rejuvenating oils which I’ll be posting about here and on Snap Chat Ivy Says.

3. Blog More

As you noticed, I took a month and a half off from blogging, because I wanted to forget about deadlines and editorial calendars and focus on the one thing that truly matters, my family. I used the time to play endlessly with my now one year old boy, make sure he is eating healthy nutritious meals and getting the fresh air and exercise he needs to develop in a healthy and happy way in this critical time. I used this time to also draw some inspiration and figure out a tweak my blog’s strategy to keep this more fun and interesting for my readers. I’ve gone through a lot of my popular posts, figured out what you like reading the most, and promise to deliver more of the content and topics you love ! Stay Posted and Subscribe!

4. Netflix

Lebanese cable providers are a complete abysmal. I’m so over mediocre channels that keep me isolated from the rest of the world and don’t nurture my brain or inspire me. Enter Netflix. We’re a little late to the game, but better late than never right? After subscribing I don’t think I will ever be watching regular cable again. My current favorites include Stranger Things, Narcos, Chef’s Table and How To Get Away With Murder. I just have to stop myself from binge watching.

5. Clean Out My Closet

I’m by no means a hoarder, in fact I usually end up getting rid of my outfits prematurely. However, when I was pregnant all I wanted to do was prove to myself that I would get back in my clothes post-pregnancy, but when I finally did they all seemed so boring and outdated. So I’ll be getting rid of more than 50% of my current wardrobe and actually creating some closet space. I know it’s a big goal to set and it’s going to hurt a little but the way I see it, if I haven’t worn it in a year then it needs to go.

6. No More Toxic Friends

Speaking of ridding myself of junk, I’ve decided to end toxic relationships that add no value or meaning to my life. Draining friends are like energy vampires who require so much effort and maintenance, and no matter how hard you try to keep it positive, they always manage to suck you into their negativity and create drama. I choose to surround myself with only people who will make me a better version of myself. Of course saying goodbye is always hard, but I don’t do bipolar friendships and neither should you.

7. Begin at Least One of my Pending Projects

I’ve been planning to do two major things for my career which I’m pretty sure may have a major impact on my life and the next five years of my work. One of them is a side business I’ve been hoping to launch and the other is something that’s in the works for years now, hint hint; it involves lots and lots of words. I kept putting them off, justifying my procrastination with excuses, like “I just had a baby” or ” I have a million other pending things” but you know what, there is never a perfect time to venture into the unknown, it just takes some guts and I’ve been feeling quite gutsy lately so yeah…

23 MORE Things Nobody Tells You About Having a Baby

July 14, 2016 - Leave a Comment

You loved 23 Things Nobody Tells You About Having a Baby, and I promised you that as time passed and I delved deeper into the realm of Motherhood I would share more observations. Well, Baby Luca just hit his 10 months mark and let’s just say if I thought I knew anything before, I knew nothing. Here are 23 More Things No Baby App, mother friend or anyone else for that matter will tell you about having a baby…

1. That first smile, that awkward toothless smile, will make your heart do a dance, and just like that, every little pain and woe you’ve felt in the first couple of months will disappear into thin air.

2. You will become addicted to your baby’s scent , like a junkie to his fix, a mere whiff of your baby will send shots of dopamine in your system. And you will keep coming back for more..

3. You will go from getting scared to handle your newborn baby in the shower to having him/her on your hip, while you make lunch, chat on the phone and have a coffee, yes all at once. Queen of Multitask

4.The profound love. This infinite, heart wrenching, deep,immeasurable love. *Sigh*

5. Tears.Lots of them. Happy tears, sad tears, confused tears, tired tears, satisfied tears, blessed tears. No these are not your baby’s tears, these are all your tears.

6.Vaccines are like self-inflicted torture. You take a perfectly fine baby out of your home only to bring a fussy feverish one back. As necessary as they are, you can’t help but resent them.

7.Teething is the evil force always lurking in the shadows. Just when everything is perfect and baby is sleeping through the night, teething steps in to turn your happy go-lucky baby into the Grinch.

8.Not everyone will comprehend this life-changing, challenging phase you’re going through and everything it entails, and that’s okay. People will comment on your absence and say things like “Where have you been?” when they know EXACTLY where you’ve been, as though to undermine the fact that you’ve just had a baby.
What’s not okay is to surround yourself with people who just don’t care and still expect out of you the time and company they had from you pre-baby. Let those ones go.

9.No you won’t MISS OUT on everything. You will just substitute one type of activity with another, that can be just as fun, way more tiring, and a lot more rewarding. It doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy or come to really appreciate those carefree nights out again or a vacation alone with the hubby, it just means what was enjoyable before isn’t so much anymore, because you changed and it’s a great change so embrace it.

10. It sounds very cliché but the truth is no job, no success, no vacation, no award can be more fulfilling and satisfying as having your baby fall asleep on your chest, because those little hands clenching you and that warm soft breath has entrusted you with everything. Nothing can ever come close. Period.

11. This one is for working mothers. Don’t apologize because your new status as a mother is suddenly inconvenient at the workplace, or you can’t go the extra mile to over-perform like you used to. As long as you’re fulfilling your job obligations and duties, it’s perfectly fine, in fact it’s recommended to give your baby those extra hours for the time being. Stop feeling bad.

12. There are days were you just want to collapse. Like literally just pass out. If it’s not the physical exhaustion that will get you then it’s the mental worry that has overtaken you since baby was born that will get to you. It’s won’t be easy but just give yourself a break.

13. You will go from wanting to do it all on your own, to accepting all the help you can get. Some mothers will understand this from the get-go and save themselves the trouble and others will keep resisting to the point of desperation. Just accept the help. And don’t be ashamed to admit it.

14.You’ve suddenly developed the hearing capabilities of a fox, that hunter has nothing on you. You can recognize your baby’s whimper in a room full of noise, and while everyone else didn’t hear nothing, you’re already by your baby’s side. Call it a sixth sense, call it paranoia, all you know is since you’ve had the baby you’ve developed blue tooth pairing.

15. You’ve never prayed more for your child to sleep through the night and when he does, you will still suddenly wake up in three times a night just to check on them. Go figure…

16.You will stare. Stare at your baby playing, stare at your baby eating, stare at your baby doing just about anything. The simple act of your baby being, just fills your heart with sheer joy.

17. Even if you weren’t a baby person before, your own baby will make you fall in love with all babies to the point where you are unable to handle yourself when you encounter one when you’re alone at the mall. Like seriously. Take. It . Easy. You are Scaring the Parents.

18. You will show and tell them about your baby even when they don’t ask. You will slowly come to the realization that not everyone thinks your baby is Amazeballs. Doesn’t matter, you’ll still do it anyway.

19.You will come to hate the doorbell and the house phone, and anything else that can interrupt your baby’s nap time. You know it’s not personal but it is, so if you can gather everyone and trap them in a soundproof room until baby awakens you would, but people will think you’re nuts so you just continue wish for it silently.

20. And suddenly you and your husband are humming nursery rhymes and Chantal Goya tunes, even when the baby is not there. At first you feel a little self-conscience but when you truly embrace it, that’s when all the fun begins.

21. Your first trip sans baby will send you into full out panic-attack mode. We’re talking hyperventilating, erratic Whatsapp messaging to whomever is babysitting, scrolling through your babies photos every hour or 4am demands for proof of life. If the worry isn’t enough to ruin your trip than the dreadful guilt will.

22. Speaking of guilt, accept it, because apparently it will also never go away. Maybe you’re working too hard, not spending enough time with baby, not looking hard enough for organic veggies, not planning enough outdoor activities, whatever it is, that nagging feeling will accompany you throughout the rest of your life. Thanks Motherhood.

23.It’s true when they say “Enjoy it, they’re only babies for a little while.” Just when you were dreading the thought that this was going to be your life forever, you look at your baby and suddenly he’s standing upright in his crib getting ready to jump and all you wish for at that moment is for time to just slow down and your baby to be a baby for a little while longer. Ok I lie. Forever. Because that smell…

Baby Luca is dressed from head to toe in Zahar Kids, Now on SALE.

Enjoyed this post? Also read

33 Truths Nobody Tells You About Being Pregnant

The 7 Types of Moms on Social Media

A Fatherhood First

June 21, 2016 - 2 Comments

Although experiencing Motherhood for the first time is quite the life-altering experience on its own, we tend to put so much focus on it that we at times overlook our partners, who too are going through the emotional roller coaster of what it is to be a father for the very first time.

My husband’s journey with fatherhood began long before our Baby Luca arrived into the world, it started with the first ultra-sound, the first scare, the first baby kick, the first crib assembly, the first hospital run. Although I was the one who was getting bigger and bigger as the months passed, he was also going through some major changes in his life, suddenly our priorities changed, our hopes shifted and even our home, begun to look different.
I remember his face as they slowly strolled me to the operating room, it was the first time I see him look so worried, scared, anxious and alone. I wanted to get up and comfort him, but I couldn’t. So he sat there, for almost an hour, not knowing who to worry about more, me or the baby.

And I’ll never forget his teary eyes, as he heavily dragged Baby Luca’s crib into my room as I met him for the first time, he was filled with so much love and relief, he was bursting pride, joy and emotions that I couldn’t possible put into words.

He never left our side. For three whole days and nights at the hospital, he would spend his days between comforting me and learning everything there was to know about handling a newborn, shadowing the nurses as they showered Baby Luca, changed nappies, and burped him.

I watched him in awe as he carried him with so much confidence, as he buckled him in the car seat for the very first time, while he comforted him and at the same time helped me walk to the car. Suddenly his responsibilities doubled, like he had the worries of the world on his shoulders, though it never showed on his face.

For the first two weeks, we jokingly nicknamed him sage-femme (French for Mid-wife.) Although I was the one reading up on baby care throughout my pregnancy, suddenly he become the expert, my go-to authority, the baby whisperer. As I struggled to get my health back and heal, he was the brave one who would shower baby like a pro, he’d spend his days and nights, caring for our little one, soothing him and waking every 3 hours for the night-feedings. He was a natural. And not once did he complain, nor tell me he was tired, he did what he did with so much grace and effortlessness.

Nine months later, and he is still on daddy duty, as dedicated as ever to give Baby Luca a beautiful childhood, and although it can never be flawless, his determination is astounding. I see the sparkle Baby Luca has in his eyes as soon as he spots him walk in the door and it’s almost mesmerizing. I couldn’t have ever wished for a better role model for our little boy.

I hope Baby Luca gets his father’s patience, I hope he gets his kindness, I hope he gets his ambition, I hope he gets his optimism, I hope he gets his humor, I hope he gets weird quirks, I hope he gets his OCD, I hope he gets his charisma, I hope he gets his diplomacy and I hope one day he will love his family just as much as his father loves us.

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful new overlooked fathers out there!

The National Virtual Museum of Modern Art and Why I Really Went To Paris

May 6, 2016 - 2 Comments

National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts trip to paris

At a time when Lebanon is making headlines for all the wrong reasons, it’s refreshing to be part of a campaign that aims to bring recognition to our culture, art, history, beauty, and big talents. So when the Lebanese Ministry of Culture invited me to be the ambassador and attend the opening of the Lebanese Museum of Modern Arts in Paris, which I posted about here, I jumped at the privilege, but little did I know, I was in for a surprise.

I was told that the opening would take place on the evening of my arrival to Paris and had therefore planned my day accordingly. Upon my arrival at the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe, the head concierge of the hotel warmly welcomed me and ushered me into the business centre conference room. Conference room? What was going on? Next she handed me the phone. “Hello Dana, this is the Minister.“

H.E. Minister of Culture Mr. Araigi personally explained to me the real purpose behind my trip to Paris; “Yes, you are here for the opening of a museum, but this is not your typical museum, welcome to the National Virtual Museum of Modern Art, that can be accessed online from anywhere in the world.”

At that moment I realized I was part of stunt, I had a feeling something was up all along but I couldn’t figure it out. And then it made sense. The message was clear. A virtual museum in Paris, Rome, and well, everywhere else.

National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts lebanon

National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts

Yes, the actual museum experience is beautiful. No one can attest to that. But by developing a Virtual Museum, the Lebanese Ministry of Culture proves its commitment to public access, giving visitors the opportunity to be part of a cultural journey to diverse art schools and Lebanese artists, from classical paintings and sculptures all the way to abstraction and modernism. This virtual museum also helps establish a digital directory of Lebanese contemporary art.

ministry of culture National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts

National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts lebanon

My favorite part is the section of the Virtual Museum is the one dedicated to showcasing the works of promising talents, who are playing a major role in reviving Lebanese art and who deserve this kind of platform. And for art connoisseurs, there’s another section you can browse, temporary exhibitions devoted to sharing artworks from private collections, which otherwise would have remained unseen by the public.

ministry of culture lebanon

Like a traditional museum, the online tour currently houses four exhibition rooms and galleries, that allow users to scroll through a user-friendly interface and click on the digital collections, in full screen mode. You can now also download the virtual museum mobile App MVAM and browse through the museum from your phones.

National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts

ministry of culture paris modern art museum online

Following a beautiful couple of days in Paris I joined the Minister of Culture and Najib Mitri from Blog Baladi to discuss this inauguration of the National Virtual Museum of Modern Art on Wednesday at a press conference in Sursock Museum.

ministry of culture press conference

I want to thank the Ministry and team for selecting me as an ambassador for this campaign, it makes me proud to be part of a project on this national scale. I invite you to take a tour of the National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts by visiting the online site here artmodernemv.gov.lb

National Virtual Museum of Modern Arts

A special thank you to the professional and creative team at IPN for their efforts, volunteering to take on this campaign with no charge, and doing the amazing work they do!

Celebrating Motherhood

March 21, 2016 - 1 Comment

Ivy says for bassam fattouh cosmetics mothers day

You’ll probably be surprised to know that we haven’t had a professional shoot with our Baby Luca as a family until this. We have great professional cameras at home, both my father and husband are amazing photographers and we snap away on a daily basis and so it just didn’t make sense for us to get in a car and commission someone else to do the job.

At least not until Bassam Fattouh invited me to part of his #CelebratingMotherhood campaign, which tells the story of Motherhood from the many different special chapters of a mother’s journey, showcasing four mothers and their children all at different ages and stages in their lives. Of course I loved the idea on the spot. Yes, our engagement and wedding were a huge deal, but having Baby Luca, well that’s way up there, it’s one of the milestone that has forever changed my life and perspective on things.

Ivy says for bassam fattouh mothers day dana khairallah

I loved representing the first-time mother with a young family in this campaign as I know so many other ladies from my generation are also having their first babies now. I don’t know what the future holds for us, nor do I know how many more children we’ll go on to have, all I know is this is a moment I want to treasure forever, with just the three of us and that’s exactly what this campaign did.

Dana4

We were hosted by the lovely team at the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut who presented us with their extravagant Royal Suite for the shoot. It boasted one of the most beautiful views in the city, and was just perfect for what we had in mind.

Initially we had planned to have the shoot with just baby Luca and I, but, at some point as my husband Sami was attending to Luca as we were shooting together, someone called out for him to stay there, and he did, so it wasn’t staged at all. But since this campaign is about motherhood and family, it made sense for Sami who is bearing witnessing to me as a mother for the first, be present in this campaign. It’s the first time he takes part in any of my projects (he is very private person) but we love him more for it.

I don’t need to elaborate much on how Bassam Fattouh’s makeup makes me feel, I think almost every woman in the Middle East feels pretty much the same way and I know how lucky I am to be very close to him, but I have to say, to date, this has been my favorite makeup look he’s worked on for me. And it was an great honor working again with the fashion photographer whose editorial work is in my opinion one of the best in the region my friend Mohamad Seifeddine.
Thank you to my dear friend Oussama Francis, who brought it all together. A special thank you to General Diamonds for that gorgeous gold and diamond ring I’m wearing on my index finger.

Check out some of my favorite pictures from behind the scenes.

mothers day bassam fattouhh behind teh scenes shoot ivy says
dana khairallah and bassam fattouh ivy says
baby luca ivy says mothers day shoot
ivy says dana khairallah bassam fattouh