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Ivy Says

Lebanon's Lifestyle, Beauty and Fashion Blog

My New Summer Hair

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You know how they tell you, don’t worry cut your hair it’ll grow back. I always worried. I think it goes all the way back to my childhood. When I was a little girl, my mother would never tell me I was going to get a hair cut, probably because she knew I would put up a fight. So I would tag along thinking we were going shopping or something and suddenly, I would find myself on the chair I dreaded the most, about to get my long locks chopped off. I remember each time the hairdresser would comb my wet hair, I would be surprised at just how long my hair looked, and then before I knew it, I would see it again on the floor. My beautiful brown locks brushed away and dumped into the bin. I remember the tears as they rolled down my cheeks and I would look at my mother like she had betrayed me forever. But after attempting to maintain my thick wavy hair for years, (while developing biceps along the way), I now understand just how much effort it probably took my poor mother to keep my hair tangle-free and tame. So, if my baby girl Sienna were to inherit my hair, you bet she’s going to be sporting a short do until she’s old enough to maintain it on her own.

I didn’t really have an issue keeping up with my long long hair my entire adult life, but let me tell you, two babies later, it’s been tougher to steal some moments alone with my hair. We’re also spending the entire summer in our chalet on the beach, and swimming is now an integral part of my workout routine, so last week I finally took the decision to get take the chop. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

My hairstylist who has been working on my hair ever since I moved to Lebanon, has branched out on his own after 15 years working in one of the most renowned salons in Lebanon, along with his partner and opened up his much-anticipated full-service new concept luxury beauty salon, CoiffeMoi by Riad and Jean. I also worked with him on a very special TV project I can’t wait to share with you soon.

CoiffeMoi is a breath of fresh air, a minimalist white-gleaming lacquered spacious interior surrounded by natural light and a sweeping view of the sea. The sleek surfaces matched with hundreds of blooming orchids give the place an ethereal ambiance making you feel relaxed and in no rush to leave. Riad and Jean make quite the team, each with his repertoire of celebrity cliental under his belt, along with star colorist Julie, who also joined them after having established her own name. They’re attentive, friendly and fun, keen on giving you the attention you deserve and most importantly understand, that they’re clients new or old are there to get their hair styled by them personally not someone else. This I’ve come to appreciate the most.

When I explained to Riad that I’m in the mood for change, he did not try to pull any theatricals on me, but instead, convinced me to transform my hair in stages. We decided to start off with a chop, not too drastic, right below the shoulders and some soft low-lights made by their resident professional colorist Julie. And with each visit, we’ll slowly work our way to a total transformation. I also appreciated that, I was keen on change, but nothing I would regret, so when I go back and ask for shorter hair, I’ll know I’m truly ready. Already, my hair felt, lighter and restored back to me a confidence and freshness I was yearning for. The best part, I can now rock a more natural wet look, instead of spending time getting a blow out every week. I’ll be sharing with you my hair journey throughout the way both here and on Instagram and SnapChat. You can follow CoiffeMoi on Instagram for all the latest tips and trends and to keep up with what’s new.

Baby Sienna’s Nursery

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I’m not going to lie, designing my Luca’s nursery was a lot of fun, but not just quite as exciting as designing a little piece of princess heaven for my Baby Sienna, truth is I’ve always dreamt of having a baby girl, and all the special girly things I would do for her.

The second time around however, I knew exactly what I needed and did not need in a nursery, and although aesthetics are a priority, they would have to take a back seat this time around to functionality. With Luca, I had naively bought an entire room set, on display in a store, the wardrobe and changing table and everything in between. But after never using the changing table once, thanks to the ideal one we had set up in the washroom, or the mattress in his room, and realizing that a tiny wardrobe in the room, would only take up space rather than actually make space, I knew the pieces of furniture for the new nursery would have to serve multi-purposes. And so I embarked on this new project, with those things in mind.

The Theme

Parisian, Pink, and Vintage, Chic, were the words that come to mind. A cozy traditional setting space that felt both serene and sweet, just like my baby girl. I wanted pieces that weren’t matchy matchy, but rather a collection of items, that work together harmoniously.

The Color Palette

I know boho-earthy nurseries are a hit this year with unusual color palettes, hot air balloons, dream catchers and what not. But I couldn’t help but be immediately drawn to a cotton candy pink. And so, instead of a bleach white, I paired it with a soft creme and a beige. I thought adding more of a saturated tone would calm the room, and dim it to give it a sleep-friendly ambiance. To me bedrooms are a place for children to sleep not play. I fell in love with this stunning wall paper from Skaff, polka dots gave the room a the Parisian chic feel I was looking for, and if you would look a little closer you would notice that the dots had a playful hint of gold glitter on them. As for the textile, I also chose two kinds, a cotton candy velour and a creme suede also from Skaff. The curtains are linen material soft beige from Wardeh which blocked just the right amount of light from the room- something I had also learned the hard way.

The Furniture

Like I said, each piece had to be different but somehow fit into the overall theme. First the crib, I searched high and low for a one-of-a-kind crib, something that resembled the kind of cribs you would see in your favorite fairytale movie fit for a little princess, a crib that was NOT white, or modern. And so I fell on this gorgeous one, a rocking chabby chic crib with a soft worn out creme wood and engraved florals and a tulle classic canopy. I found it as a last piece sold separately at Alina’s in Kfarhbeb, they have the wonderful selection of unique Italian/European high-end baby furniture that I haven’t found elsewhere in Lebanon.

As for the Rocking chair, comfort was everything, I had rocked my Baby Luca for over 11 months on an Ikea chair with wooden arms, and let me tell you, it can get painful both for you and baby. Nothing impressed me in my search, so I had my carpenter custom-make me this one, with the creme suede textile from Skaff along with a leg rest. And let me tell you that thing is one comfortable rocking chair, both baby and I can sink in and cuddle up together and at times even nap. Of course I use a throw-over because, well, suede and baby aren’t the best combo. I found the perfect side table at BHV Home that looked like it had come with the bed.

Next, the day bed and night bed. This one I’m the most proud of for coming up with. I had my carpenter also build a bed for me, that would also serve as a huge chest inside, having learned just how much baby things baby will need and just so little storage space you’ll be left with. The top part where the mattress sits simply opens from one side to reveal a big box. I asked him to do it quite high, so that it can also serve as a changing area for baby, without being annoying on the back. And during the day it transforms into a day-bed surrounded by cushions and at night, a bed for whomever is sleeping with baby. But to give it a less boxy-feel I sent it to an upholsterer to cover the entire area with the pink velour material I had ordered from Skaff. The reason I wanted it upholstered is to make it more baby proof, if Little Luca was monkeying around as I changed Baby Sienna, he can either rest his back comfortably and not hit his head on a hard surface. I’m not going to lie, it also made it all the more prettier.

The Linens

Pottery Barn was a no brainer for this. But when I found out international wedding dress designer Monique Lhullier was teaming up with them for a collection, I knew I had to have it and it didn’t disappoint, in fact it was love at first sight. The designs were everything you would expect from this bridal gown expert, handcrafted tulle, fairytale hues, satin soft beddings that added a dreamy romantic ambiance to the nursery. I went for the full set, from the gorgeous blush pink tulle bed skirt with Butterly appliqués, the sateen butterfly bed sheet, the soft all-round bumper with pretty ribbons, and the sateen quilt. I even threw in that gorgeous cushion case which I placed on the rocking chair. It complemented the crib perfectly.This had to be my favorite thing about this nursery.

The Accessories

The baskets I found at Zara Home, which I adore as well as all the cushion covers on the day bed. I used one right by the changing mat as a diaper supply box and another for all her pretty little shoes. I got an extra one for her burp clothes and to keep an extra supply of linen clothes on hand. The pink storage boxes that match the throw over on the leg rest, I found at H&M Home along with the cute little pink frame on the side table. As for the flowers and the fluffy white carpet, from Carpet Plus, although VERY overpriced, I have to say they have some of the best fake flowers in the country, so they’re definitely worth the investment.

Baby Sienna is six months young already, and I have to say, there is not a single item in this nursery that wasn’t useful to date. It’s a welcoming warm and loving space which is not only sweet and inviting but even little Luca enjoys the occasional cuddle in here. I’m very happy with the outcome and it’s quickly become a favorite hang out spot in our home. I hope it inspires you. Baby Sienna’s Baptism is coming up next months (can’t believe only last year I had Luca’s Baptism) and I can’t wait to show you all the lovely things I have planned. Follow me on both Snapchat (ivy says) and Instagram to keep up with all the fun preparations @IvySays.

Meet Me at JamaloukiCon

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You’ve probably been seeing JamaloukiCon all over social media and wondering what it means?

It’s a fashion and beauty festival happening right now in Beirut bringing together some of most prominent names in the industry such as Elie Saab, Bassam Fattouh, Sarah Sampaio and Kristina Bazan to name a few. Organized by the renowned Jamalouki Magazine, one of the leading magazines in the Arab world, this will be the first edition of hopefully many more in the region, that we’re proud to kick off in Lebanon. Some of the biggest brands in the beauty industry have taken part, including a live makeup tutorial by Bassam Fattouh, the official launch of NYX in Lebanon and a makeup show by L’Oreal. There will also be panels and free workshops taking place throughout the days, tackling topics such as the fashion industry, digital influence and entrepreneurship. And finally, MEET and GREETS at the bloggers corner where you can meet your favorite bloggers for an hour.

I’ll be hosting my own MEET and GREET at JamaloukiCon tomorrow, Saturday the 29th of April at 7pm to 8pm and I would LOVE to meet you guys finally in person. This is actually my first official meet and greet, I haven’t had one before, and I’m very excited about it. If you’re an aspiring blogger, a fashion and beauty enthusiast or a simply someone who has been following this blog for years, than I hope to see you there. You can ask me anything you like and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and get to know you guys better. Stick around until after 8pm and I’ll be your makeup shopping guide. So be sure to pass by if you’re there!
Also don’t forget to follow me on @IvySays on both Instagram and Snapchat for coverage of JamaloukiCon.

Ivy Hosts: Mother’s Day At Michael Kors

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I remember owning my first Michael Kors handbag in high school, it was the most I had ever spent on a bag and I was very proud of it to say the least. I chose the signature monogram tote that never really went out of style and I wore it literally ALL the time. After that I went on to get the travel tote in camel, the Emry one in pink and my personal favorite the Hamilton in a saffiano red. If you’re a fan of the brand then you know exactly what these signature bags look like. I admire how Michael Kors truly embodies affordable luxury, with very high quality bags that can withstand the test of time and still look great and maintain their shape even after years of use. But my love for the brand didn’t stop there, throughout the years I’ve went on to own their watches,shoes, glasses and jewelry that can give any outfit that jet-set chic vibe.

So you can imagine my excitement , when I was named the Michael Kors Ambassador in Lebanon this year. And to kick things off, I hosted a Mother’s Day brunch at their flagship store last in downtown Beirut last week. It was a floral affair, with Spring in the air and blooms making a big appearance.

We had a florist with us who arranged gorgeous bouquets for the lovely guests and VIP Clients who joined us while we nibbled on treats and previewed the latest SS17 collection. The Exclusive Mother’s Day Collection also made its debut, in cream and orange versions cross shoulder bags with floral appliqués.

This season’s collection featured my current favorites lots of backpacks, nano bags, and crossbody bags in an array of shapes and sizes. I curated my current must-haves in a corner and had so much fun helping a lot of my guests chose the bag which fit their style and personality the most.

I’ll be sharing with you a lot of my current favorite bags on Instagram throughout the year, so don’t forget to follow me there if you want to keep up with what’s new and how to style it.
Thanks to all my lovely friends and blog readers who showed up with their moms, it was such a pleasure to catch up and meet a lot of you and of course, one more time, Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mammas out there, especially mine!

My Promises To My Children

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My dearest Luca and Sienna,

I was a selfish person before I met you. I didn’t think I was capable of ever loving anyone or anything more than I loved myself, I had always put myself first. But then I had the two of you. And everything changed.

Let me tell you, if love is blind, then a mother’s love is paraplegic. It knows no bounds. It is unfazed by appearances, seasons, opportunities. It is eternal. Innate. Painful. Protective. It knows no laws of the universe. It will make you go deeper than you ever thought you could possibly go and make you braver than you could ever have imagined. It is merciful and merciless all at the same time. It is irrational and overbearing. It is selfless and enormously caring.

I didn’t know I was capable of shedding my selfish skin, I didn’t understand what it meant to truly put someone else first. To put my dreams on hold, and give my body and soul to you. It is a form of sweet surrender. Truly a miracle, not just of what I was physically able to do, but of the transformation, when suddenly the big things that used to matter so much to me overnight become so trivial, and the days become longer, while the years become shorter.

This is my first Mother’s Day as a mother to the two of you. I’m overwhelmed. I’m tired. I’m ecstatic. I look at the both of you and I still need a moment to take it in. To pinch myself. Me? A mother of two? How did this happen? I’m terrified. I’m euphoric.

You both need me. Not just to grow, but to thrive. I have two pairs of innocent eyes that now look at me like I’m the most important person in the world. And right now I am your world. What a terrifying responsibility. What a great honor. I get to take you both by your little hands and lead the way. And though I’m not perfect here are some promises I will make to you:

I promise to always be there for you, regardless of how busy life may get
I promise to always hold you close to my heart, especially when it hurts
I promise to keep you safe, no matter how scary it might seem
I promise to keep your hand in mine until you’re ready to let go

I promise to always support you, no matter what path you chose
I promise to teach you right from wrong, and then let you decide
I promise to always warn you, even if you’ve heard it so many times.
I promise to always help you, even when you think you don’t need it
I promise to always appreciate you, no matter how much you misbehaved
I promise to help you achieve your dreams, as you have made mine
I promise to always be grateful that God made me your mother.

Celebrating Mother’s Day with Baume et Mercier wearing my Petite Promesse.

Baby Sienna’s Chocolates

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I’m not going to lie, the minute we found out I’m having a girl, I knew I was going to go a little overboard with the pink. That’s right, I grew up in a household as the only girl amongst 3 (lovely) but nevertheless very male-ish brothers, and then I had quite a lovely but nevertheless boy-ish son, so you bet I was going to bask in this very girly moment. (You’ve been very pinkishly warned.)

Having had two very successful beautiful collaborations with Boite Sucrée for both Baby Luca’s Birth and Baptism chocolates and favors, I had no doubt in my mind that I would be working with them again, despite the numerous collaboration requests I’ve received from other respectable chocolatiers ahead of baby Sienna’s birth. There is something about the Boite Sucrée’s flexibility and personalized service, that keeps me coming back, the team goes above and beyond, not to mention the creativity and attention to detail that just makes everything look exactly as I had envisioned and better.

And although the color pink has been exploited for baby girls occasions, the challenge was to create a visual mood that would not remind me of just another baby girl’s birth or shower, but rather, something unique that would make it stand out, something unforgettable. At the same time, I was leaning more towards something timeless and classic yet chic.

The Theme

I’m a huge Disney fan, I grew up idolizing every single princess, from Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine and Snow White. I spent my days playing pretend and dress up with my friends as we pranced around the house with our big princess costumes trying to turn my brothers into a mice and pumpkin carriages with our magic wands. So when it came to a theme for a little girl, I was immediately drawn to a royal princess theme, something full of magic and fantasy just like my childhood and the childhood I hope to give baby Sienna. I also wanted to encompass a lot of golden glitter and tulle in the theme, to make it more romantic and enchanted. Sort of like a walk into Shakespeare’s A MidSummer’s Night Dream meets Sleeping Beauty’s Rose garden.

I chose the stands engraved with flowers and we included some mystic trees that were decorated with the chocolates. But the final touch that took the table on another level was the floral origami and paper art installation that Boite Sucrée coordinated for me with the artist. I had a white frame I had bought with me from IKEA sprayed with gold glitter surrounded by a sea of pink and gold blooms. Although this was an investment, it was totally justified as I plan on putting this up in Baby Sienna’s nursery later.

The Customized Chocolates

Even though two chocolate designs are usually enough when picking your newborn chocolates, I settled on four, because the options provided to me were just too pretty to pass up. The main ones I chose were the gold glitter crown with tulle. I also had Sienna’s name printed in plexi over pink and gold chocolate wrappers. Next we added little pink peonies with gold ribbons and finally a beautiful gold and pink tulle dresses that would cover our enchanted golden trees.

The Add-On Chocolates

Another reason I love working with Boite Sucrée is no doubt their innovation when it comes to chocolate and candy ideas. My guests absolutely delighted in the selection I had chosen for Baby Luca’s Birth that I had then brought back for his Baptism. This time; I was presented with so many interesting new ones. I chose a two-tiered white chocolate coated Marie Antoinette-style piece designed exclusively by Boite Sucrée and custom-colored to fit my theme, Cinderella pumpkin carriage cheesecake bars, rice crispy coated Turkish delights and white chocolate and pink cotton candy bites. We also added a touch of glitter to compliment the theme with a live-tray of gold dipped mini-champagne glasses and pink sugared almonds inside.



The Favors

It’s very important for me that favors/souvenirs don’t become useless in a guest’s home. I was once gifted a silver frame with a baby’s name engraved on it and could never put it to use. You can’t go wrong with a decorative piece like a candle, and to go with the theme, I chose to custom-make a lovely pink flower candle with a gold base. We added an easily removable tag with Baby Sienna’s name and date of birth and it’s already been a hit. It’s pretty and can sit anywhere in guest’s home while serving as a reminder of this special milestone in our lives.

And so I leave you with pictures of the second most special occasion of our lives, the birth of our precious baby girl, Sienna. I want to also use this occasion to thank Boite Sucrée for yet another unforgettable table which they set up for me in my home when I was at the hospital. And finally, I also want to thank everyone for their sweet heartfelt wishes and kind gestures, thank you for being part of these happy moments with us!

More Chocolate Table Ideas

6 Steps To Baby Luca’s Sweet Table with Boite Sucrée

Baby Luca’s Chocolates by Boite Sucrée

Baby Luca’s First Birthday

Baby Luca’s Baptism

20 Things Nobody Tells You About Having a Toddler

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Many of you enjoyed and appreciated 23 Things Nobody Tells You About Having a Baby and then again 23 MORE Things Nobody Tells You About Having a Baby but enter the toddler years and that brings about an entirely new chapter of lists you ought to know. My baby Luca (or toddler) I should say has now hit is 16 months mark and well I share with you 20 very honest observations that many parents dare not to admit.

1. Size doesn’t matter. No matter how tiny they look those little creatures they sure have BIG stubborn personalities, so just accept the new peck order, They’re the boss, you’re not, get with the program, the less you resist the less painful it is.

2. Don’t rush the walking, because once they hit the ground (usually running), you’ll never ever lounge on a sofa again. Be prepared to hover over them them like a hawk because if they’re not falling and hurting themselves then they’re grabbing and breaking.

3. Speaking of grabbing, everything is up for grabs, EVERYTHING. The more you ask them not to touch something the more they’ll touch it. Think electric socket, garbage bin, toilet seat and dog food. Yup those little tykes are attracted to dirt and danger.

4. Remote controls and cell phones. They’re like baby crack. No matter how many educational or expensive toys you buy them nothing will get their eyes glowing like an iPhone. And they WILL eventually get to them.

5. Brush up on your biceps because mother nature knows no strength like that of a toddler who doesn’t feel like sitting still for a diaper change or shower time. Yup you’re once adorable mellow baby will transform into butt-naked sumo-wrestler.

6. Hell is a child teething. It’s a slow cruel fact of life. They tell you the first year is the hardest but nobody warns you about the teething that follows until they’re TWO so don’t celebrate just yet! Suddenly your sweet little baby turns into a cranky drooling monster and somehow he thinks it’s all YOUR fault. Everyone will recommend something for the pain, but the truth is, it’s going to have to run its course. You’ve been warned.

7. Remember how your baby finally started sleeping through the night for two months straight and you thought- finally, I’ve done it? Well before you reward yourself, prepare yourself for the biggest regression of all. The more their little brains develop the less likely you’re able to put them down. One day you’ll wake up and realize that little schemer now sleeps in your bed with you. Yup. Move over Dada.

8. Tantrums. The first few made you laugh. The idea that your baby was demanding something was super cute. Until they pull the first public one. Suddenly you’re scrambling just to get into the car and drive off like a bank robber making an escape and promise yourself you’re never letting them out of the house again.

9. You’ll never judge another mother again. Instead when you see one struggling with her child instead of shooting nasty annoyed looks her way like you used to when you were childless, you’re now suddenly asking her if she needs any help.

10. Speaking of help, there’s a secret pact amongst parents of young children, that you will only become privy to once you enter exclusive parent club. It says that If someone’s child is having a meltdown you just ignore the show and act like it’s not happening. The singles will send angry whispers and shoot death glares but the rest of the parents in the room, they know the drill.

11. Kids designer clothes were nice and all until you realize your toddler has no issue smearing spaghetti sauce all over it and then rolling in the mud. They’re appreciation for a Kenzo sweater will be no different than that for a $5 white Tee. The only one who noticed is sadly you.

12. Prepare to be conjoined. Your once curious baby will suddenly become surgically attached to you and a separation attempt may turn into a screaming fest, so just accept the fact that you now have a new friend in the toilet and a voyeur in the shower. One day you’ll wish your children will visit more often so savor the lack of privacy.

13. Brush up on your ninja reflexes. I think Spiderman was inspired by a mother. If it’s not to save your toddler from plunging from his highchair to the ground then it’s to save your own nose 5 times a day from your toddler who thinks it’s fun to shove his entire thumb into your nostril or poke your eyes out.

14. Yes we all pictured ourselves reading to our little minions before bedtime. But you’ll come to the realization that it will only happen if they’re in a straitjacket.

15. There are only two people who would have told you as many affirmative defiant “NOs” in your lifetime, once upon a time your parents and now your toddler. Both times you have no choice but to comply.

16. Remember your pet? That fur-ball once known as your dog rather than a chore. Before having a child you would plan your weekend around his walks and book his groomers appointment months in advance. Now you’re lucky if you remember to feed him during the day. Dog? We Have a dog?

17. You no longer fantasize about a wild week trip to Ibiza, now an ideal vacation involves catching up on sleep in a quiet comfortable king sized hotel room bed followed by 3 uninterrupted meals. Amen.

18. Your once picture perfect and color coordinated home now looks like a toy store just vomited all over it, at first you’ll try to put them away when guests comes over but eventually you’ll just embrace it and try to make it seem like it was intentional by referring to it as the “play area.”


19. Negotiating with a toddler is very much like negotiating with a terrorist. Although most schools of thought advise against it at times you find yourself with no other choice but to strike a deal like when your prized orchid is about to be pulled out of it’s roots. So be prepared, they may walk funny but they drive a hard bargain.

20. Your day will begin as soon as your toddler’s bedtime starts. Yup those 4 hours will become so sacred you’ll try to have a meaningful conversation with your husband, eat an actual meal while catching up on your Netflix series and replying to work emails all at once.

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33 Truths Nobody Tells You About Being Pregnant