How To Prevent Stretch Marks

July 10, 2015 - 1 Comment

I think I speak for a lot of women when I say there are not many things that plant fear in our hearts, but one of them is stretch marks because those little zigzagish horrors strike when you least expect them to, at times even overnight. I never gave them much thought, until I got pregnant, then the warnings began…

“Watch Out”

“Moisturize!”

“Use Bio Oil”

“Cocoa butter is your best friend.”

“They’re genetic!”

Everyone was chiming in and there I was lathering myself to the point where I was looking like a baby seal.

Then one day, I received an invitation for a presentation about Mustela, a skin care line designed to taking care of mothers-to-be and their babies. I was intrigued, this was all very new to me.

It was definitely an eye opening hour, I learned that although stretch marks during pregnancy are indeed the result of your body growing too big and fast for your skin to stretch along with it, they were also brought on by a surge of hormones that relax collagen in skin. And although stretch marks may not be prevented completely, they can be warded off with the proper skin care routine.

That’s where Mustela comes in with its complete revolutionary range of products for pre-and post pregnancy. The best part they’re hypoallergenic and dermatologically assessed for safety for mom and baby during pre-natal and post-partum pregnancy use , the first concern that pops into a pregnant woman’s mind, trust me.

I was presented with a set of skin care products, for pre and post pregnancy. The two I have been using for the past 2 months are the Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action which I apply both during the day and in the evening after a hot shower and it smells REALLY good and the Stretch Marks Care Oil made with only natural origins that I massage on to my skin before bed. It’s grease-free (surprisingly) so you don’t have to worry about staining your PJs or linens. I’m currently 30 weeks along and I’m very relieved to say, not a stretch mark in sight just yet (fingers crossed.) So if you’re expecting or plan on it I suggest you keep these two by your bedside at the soonest.

I also plan to continue trying out this line even after I have my baby, the first is the Body Restructuring Gel, to firm up any saggy skin and decrease puffiness, and also the Stretch Marks Intensive Action Cream, to reduce the color and size of any stretch marks that may appear. It really feels good to know that I have those two-on stand by for later.

You can find the Mustela range in Lebanon at most pharmacies.

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Black and Teal: A Full Look from Forever 21

July 6, 2015 - 2 Comments

When I lived in both the UAE and Toronto, Forever 21 was a frequent stop I’d make to get affordable deals on some of the latest trends right off the runway. So it was quite disappointing not to be able pass by the LA-based retailer and pick up a couple of tops or dresses before a night out or weekend getaway during the past few years of moving to Lebanon. But like many exclusive stores that opened at City Centre Beirut, one of them was Forever 21 that made an appearance in January of this year. It’s just as big on outfits as it is on accessories and when I say accessories I mean EVERYTHING from shoes, bags, jewelry, makeup and even hair supplies.

Now I’m not one to shop at maternity stores, though I’m a little over 7 months pregnant, but I’m happy to say shopping at Forever21 was no challenge at all, I was lucky to find many trends and styles that work with my growing bump.

First up I immediately fell in love with this teal green dress that had a cut out bustier with black mesh in the centre and a thigh high slit. Though this dress was a little sexy, it was also elegant and revealed just the right amount of skin.

I wanted to style this look with a 90’s vibe so I chose these patent black flatform pumps that are very much IN this season another 90’s favorite, the backpack. The bag also helped make this otherwise more formal dress more day appropriate, as opposed to a clutch.

This dress is also available in black and white. Make sure to stop by soon to check out my second look from Forever 21.

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My 7 Favorite Things This July

July 3, 2015 - 1 Comment

1. Fuji Green Tea Body Sorbet by The Body Shop

Though I usually go straight to their Body Butter Collection I’m currently obsessing over the texture and spa-like smell of The body Shop’s Fuji Green Tea Body Sorbet. It’s actually gel-like and really feels as cooling and light as sorbet and smells marvelously fresh, the perfect remedy this summer for all your after sunburn woes .

2. Oysho

As you may have noticed, Oysho is no longer just for those cutie animated PJs, the brand has totally evolved into a full-fledged line of beachwear, gymwear and even footwear. I’ve been in invited to take part of their #OyshoMomentsLebanon campaign and it’s been fun discovering and mixing and matching their different collections together. I’m loving this crimson monokini and a pair of espadrilles which I picked from their Summer 2015 Collection.

3. Starbucks Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

Can we please discuss these new desserts we’ve been seeing at Starbucks? My eyes almost popped out of their sockets when I spotted this not-so-little baby, the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake and instantly had to have it. It tasted exactly how it looked and exceeded expectations, two layers of extra-creamy cheesecake batter sandwiching a dreamy, sinful yet wholesome (I can’t find enough adjectives to describe it) layer of caramel. You won’t be able to move after you’re done but who cares, you’ve reached your destination.

4. Tufenkjian Pearl Necklace

The mono-pearl short chain necklace has been trending for a while and leave it to Lebanon’s most prestigious fine jeweler, Tufenkjian Freres, to add a pair of diamonds to each corner to take things up a notch. I’m loving staple piece that I wear with almost anything, day and night, it also makes the perfect memorable gift for a friend or loved one.

5. Versace Eros Pour Femme Fragrance

Last month, I attended the launch of Versace’s Eros Pour Femme. I’m very particular with my scents and usually stick to what I know but I was immediately drawn to the feminine accents of Jasmine, peonies, pomegranate and sandalwood. The bottle also makes the perfect addition to my makeup table, with the design house’s classic motif on the edges and the Versace Medusa right in the center. This will definitely be a classic on my counter.

6. Brunch at The Four Seasons Grill Room

Although The Grill Room is mostly known for those magnificent Charolais cuts of beef and fine dining, it also boats one of my favorite gourmet brunches in the city. You can indulge in an entire selection of pastries from the buffet but for your hot dishes, you can choose from an unlimited selection off the menu and the best part is you can have your pick of local Lebanese and international favorites. So my recommendation is to start with the labneh, mhammarah foul, grilled halloumi round up and then be sure to go for their amazing eggs Benedict with your choice of endless sides. And for the grand finale, if you still have some room in there, get the pancakes. It’s makes for the perfect birthday or celebratory brunch and it goes for $40 per person but totally worth every penny.

7. Adidas Flip Flops and Tank

I’m loving this pair of monochrome spotted flip flops by Adidas which I matched with this Royal Blue (also spotted) workout tank, perfect for the beach or a quick swim after hitting the gym.

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Ivy’s Home: 8 Ways To Transform Your Balcony

June 30, 2015 - 1 Comment

You may or may not know that home decor is one of my passions. I’m no interior designer- far from it- though I’ve single-handedly worked with carpenters and upholsterers to design my own home, a work I consider still in progress even after four years (of procrastination.) I’ve been meaning to introduce a new home decor category to my blog for some time now and have finally gotten around to doing so.

It’s not so much a category about what textures and colors go with what, you’ll quickly notice I don’t follow any rules. It’s about the little tips, tricks, hacks and buys that can really transform a living space from basic to beautiful. I’m all about the little details, I despise things that come in sets and love mixing and matching different styles together. According to my interior architect friend I’m what you’d call eclectic.

So first up on my list of design improvements this summer, was to try and add a little more life to one of our favorite areas in the house; the balcony. It’s a spot where we have our breakfast almost daily and host endless brunches , happy hours and dinners at least 8 months out of the year.

Since it overlooks the sea, I’ve wanted to keep things fresh and inspired by everything nautical. So on my recent trip to City Centre Beirut I dropped by H&M Home which to my delight opened there exclusively in March of this year. They carry a wide affordable collection which includes everything from living room accessories, linens, Chinaware, rugs and much more. So you can always change things up in your home without spending a fortune.

Our glass round table was looking a little bland so I decided to accessorize with a few pieces that I picked up, actually 8 in total. I also made sure these items are basics that I could use again and again even with a different theme. Here’s what the table looked like before.

And here are the items I picked out from H&M Home:

A white Linen Tablecloth
A Navy Table Runner
A Glass Bottle
A Flat Tray Basket
Small Wooden Serving Bowls
Small Wooden Serving Bowl
A Metal Container
A Beer Opener

And here is how I placed each item. I dressed the table with the white linen table cloth and strategically positioned the navy runner right at the center. I then proceeded to place a small orchid plant into the Metal Container and a bunch of fake flowers into the glass bottle which I used as a vase.

I used the Flat Tray Basket as a tray in the middle to serve as a base for both the wooden serving bowls and the vase.

And I kept the Beer Opener on the table for convenience and because it looked pretty

Et Voila, my table looked Pinterest-worthy and was ready for a whole lot of hosting.

Ivy Reviews: La Crêperie Restaurant in Jounieh

June 26, 2015 - 1 Comment

When I first heard La Crêperie closed to be majorly renovated, I have to admit I was a little sad and worried, though I have to also admit it needed it badly. I had so many fond memories at this historic spot that dates all the way back to the 19th century and a long-standing iconic restaurant which had first opened its doors in 1968. Describing this landmark as perched would be an understatement, it literally hangs off a cliff, and boasts one THE best views in the country, overlooking the entire bay of Jounieh and the Mediterranean Sea.

Every inch of the place has been completely restored and managed by Sky Management (the same folks that brought us SKYBAR and O1NE House of Entertainment) and after much anticipation it opened its doors earlier this Spring.

The venue is a design marvel, with each corner looking like it had taken a page out of Architectural Digest, a savvy combination of French Provence decor with traditional Lebanese Ottoman-style heritage boasting magnificently high ceilings and stellar marble columns. But it’s the interior decor which left the biggest impression on me, since I’m absolutely obsessed with the combination of country-chic furniture, soothing pastels and crystal chandeliers.

Most people prefer to dine on the picturesque outdoor terrace or in Les Jardins ( La Crêperie botanical backyard), but my personal favorite place is a cozy table inside. I got to try out many items on the assorted international/Mediterranean menu on a recent lunch with friends. And here are some of my recommendations worth trying.

As the name suggests, La Crêperie; you can choose from 13 savory crêpes and a total of 18 sweet ones. We opted for the Jambon, Fromage et Beurre crêpe, a generously stuffed one with ham, cheese and butter which I loved, but I have to say, it’s enough to stuff you, so don’t get greedy.

For starters, we also had the flavorful Quinoa Salad, with avocados, mangos, cucumbers, raisons and corn in a refreshing lemon and oil dressing topped with cilantro. I’ve never had this combination of ingredients with Quinoa before and I have to say it was a lovely new perspective.

The Scottish Salmon dish was made of four unfussy wrapped roles of smoked salmon, simple and straight to the point.

The Bresaola au Parmesan had a crisp topping of mesclun green leaves tossed in an oil and lemon that gave each mouthful a fresh vibe. The lentil salad had a very Mediterranean feel to it with cherry tomatoes, chives and parsley in a vinaigrette sauce.

And finally, another favorite of mine, the Ravioli aux cèpes, a delectable mixture of fresh mushrooms encased in a ravioli, cooked to perfection with a hearty creamy/buttery sauce. I would without a doubt have this on my own next time as a main dish, sharing it with not easy.

For mains, we shared three entrees, the Loup de Mer, a significantly-sized grilled white fish, with a side of steamed greens, it was a little simple for my liking as I would prefer my fish usually more marinated with flavors, however it was grilled just right, not overdone and still moist.

The house burger, was the kind you would get at an authentic French Bistro, nothing too complicated and my personal favorite the colossal Escalope de Veau Panée, breaded white veal with a side of penne pasta in a tomato sauce.

And finally my favorite part of any meal, dessert, with the king of all cheesecakes, the berry cheesecake no exaggeration,may be one of the best I’ve had in Lebanon so far, wholesome and utterly delightful with each bite. For the chocolate aficionados I also recommend the Tarte au Chocolate, made with a firm dark chocolate interior in a perfect little tart shell. And some of the house sorbet to beat the heat.

Verdict: Rarely is the new able to encompass the original spirit of institutions like this one, but the new La Crêperie takes it a step further, it’s not only managed to restore this Lebanese landmark back its original glory, it has thrust it into a new era of golden years ahead.

More Reviews by Ivy Says

La Petite Maison Beirut

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La Serre Bistro Dubai

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33 Truths Nobody Tells You About Being Pregnant

June 23, 2015 - 3 Comments

Of course pregnancy is a blessing. Of course it is one of life’s most beautiful miracles and a gift from god. But you all know that already. Before I myself got pregnant (yes, I’ve just entered the third and final trimester) the majority of pregnant women I would encounter would gush about how amazing the whole thing was, and how beautiful they feel ALL THE TIME. Does Angeline Jolie’s famous words ring a bell here?

Now, although the second trimester has been a walk in the park compared to the gruesome first one, I hear whispers about how not so magical the final and third one may be. But before I jump ahead of myself I thought I’d share you with the real face of pregnancy, the not so glamorous one you don’t read about in the media, the one most expectant mommas would much rather keep mum about (pun intended) at the risk of sounding ungrateful. As for me I’m not ungrateful I’m a blogger. You’ve been warned…

1. Whomever named it morning sickness needs to be sued. It’s not morning sickness, it’s morning, afternoon, late afternoon, early evening and midnight sickness.

2. If you’re not throwing up, you’re just nauseous all the time during the first trimester. It’s like being hung-over all day minus the booze and fun the night before.

3. Cravings are evil. And they usually hit when a fruit is out of season. Your man will work so to find it for you only to have you throw it up an hour later. Charming really…

4. Suddenly life just becomes so emotional, a lost dog post can get you in hysterical tears and so can an empty jar of Nutella. Hormones don’t discriminate.

5. You finally have the bigger breasts you wanted. The bad news is that they’re accompanied with a bigger everything. Not so hot after all.

6. Suddenly people have the right to comment on your bump “it doesn’t show” is a compliment while “smallah” means you got fat.

7. Either way, they secretly want you to get fat.

8. You develop Spiderman reflexes you never thought you had when it comes to protecting your belly even if it means having to elbow a completely unsuspecting stranger.

9. If you merely mention craving sugar, everyone will tell you you’re having a girl and if it’s something savory then they’re sure it’s a boy. Both times they’re off.

10. The sex of your unborn baby is suddenly public information. “Boy or girl?” will always follow the pregnancy announcement.

11. So is your belly, at some point you’ll feel like a Buddha statue, everybody wants to rub it.

12. Next everyone wants to know the name you’ve picked. They will proceed to give you their unsolicited opinions on it. Oh you approve? Not like I care. #sorry #notsorry

13. You don’t realize how many people annoy you until you try to choose a name for your baby.

14. Which makes you realize why some celebrities name their kids “Apple” and “North.”

15. You will now count everything in weeks.

16. Raw vegetables, sushi, cold cuts and hotdogs are suddenly the enemy. But you’ve never wanted them so bad in your life.

17. There’s an awkward phase in-between starting to show and just looking like you love burgers a little too much. People will make it even more awkward by staring. Relentlessly.

18. You can’t wait to show until you start to show. Then you’ll start to complain about how big you’re getting.

19. You’ll never look so forward to a doctor’s visit in your life. Happiness is seeing your baby moving on an ultra-sound.

20. Every family member is secretly convinced the baby will look like him/her, including the second uncle twice removed.

21. You will put off maternity shopping until you start borrowing your husband’s PJs.

22. Pregnancy has it perks. People will smile and let you cut in lines, throw in a complementary desert, and ask you if you’d like to sit all the time. The more you stick your belly out, the more effective it is.

23. You will constantly ask people if it’s “hot in here?” It will take you some time to come the realization that it really is just you.

24. Death comes in the new slow and silent form: heartburn.

25. People will try to be nice and tell you you’re glowing. Little do they realize it’s cause you’re sweating like a pig.

26. Cocoa butter and watermelons are your best friends. Never run out.

27. Experienced parents think it’s their duty to tell you how much your life is about to change and how hectic it will all be. You secretly hate them for it.

28. Sleep will become an art and your bed will resemble a game of Risk. Pillows will be placed strategically and your husband’s territory will soon be occupied.

29. There are two types of people you will meet. The experts who will lecture you on pregnancy and parenthood and the curious ones who will ask you about the smallest details you’ve never been more happy to share.

30. Seeing another pregnant woman is like running into your long lost friend in China, there are no boundaries to how much you will exchange in those 5 minutes.

31. Each time someone wishes you a “safe” delivery you secretly start to freak out. Like what do they mean safe? Is it not safe?

32. You will smile, senselessly, for no apparent reason. Even when the baby is practicing karate on your ribs.

33. You’ve never been so selfless and full of love, for someone you haven’t met yet and just can’t wait to meet.

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My 2 Summer Must-Haves by Yves Saint Laurent

June 19, 2015 - 1 Comment

For someone who’s not going to do much tanning this summer, I thought I had lost all hope for a natural sun-kissed glow that looked makeup-free until I discovered YSL’s brand new Les Sahariennes Blur Perfector last month.

It’s a very lightweight balm-powder so like the name suggests the texture is in fact creamy like a balm, but has a surprisingly matte finish- like a powder. I was also not expecting it to give my skin a healthy radiant kind of glow but it did. It also didn’t settle like your typical powder would, but rather it covered imperfections and smoothened skin almost like a primer would.

You can actually use it to contour or as a bronzer all over, I opted for the latter in this look below but I will definitely be using it to contour to sculpt my cheeks, nose chin and brows along with my Touche Éclat as a highlighter although I still need my share of practice on that.

This was my first creamy bronzer so I have to admit, I was a little skeptical, mainly about how it would blend and whether or not it would turn out blotchy, but I found that it blends onto skin so effortlessly and even though it comes with a double-ended brush and sponge applicator, it worked best for me when I used my fingers to both transfer and blend product.

Color release is not as strong as the shade looks so you will have to brave it up and press a little harder than you would think but you’ll be surprised by the color pay-off so be warned not to over-do it as well.

Like everything YSL I loved the elegance of the packaging and how big the mirror was inside, along with the signature YSL dust bag, the Blur Perfector is a product you can just slip into your handbag for touch-ups on the go.

I paired it with the Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain, and if you’re looking for a lip product this summer that works like a stain but gives you the full-out glossy effect than this revolutionary new lip product from YSL Beauty is something you will appreciate.

It’s a highly pigmented formula that will initially come off as a super bright and shiny but then eventually fade into a stain that will last for hours on end. What I loved it didn’t dry out my lips or fade even after hosting my one-long hour radio show and sipping on lots of liquid. The applicator is identical to that of YSL’s Kiss and Blush which I also love but be warned a little goes a long way. In this look I’m wearing the Vernis à Lèvres in 201 (bright fuchsia)

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