Ivy Says

Petite Promesse by Baume & Mercier, An Exclusive Feature

August 1, 2016 - Leave a Comment

It’s not every day that a brand chooses Beirut first to officially pre-launch a new release globally, so when I was invited to exclusively cover and celebrate this special milestone with Baume & Mercier the iconic Swiss watchmakers and one of my personal favorite luxurious watch brands, I knew I couldn’t miss it.

A couple of months back I attended the inauguration of their first stand-alone store at Beirut Souks in partnership with Hagop Atamian. I was already familiar with the more classic 14 piece Promesse Collection, which encourage women to “hold a promise close to their heart while celebrating their unique individuality through their own timepiece.” That’s when there were hints of an even more new female-driven line was on its way, and on July 13th it had indeed arrived.

Petite Promesse, positioned as the smaller, more modern sister of the successful Promesse Collection, with an obvious homage to the brand’s heritage, from the 1920s up until 1950s more petite, jeweled and decorative pieces which revolutionized the women’s wristwatch at the time. It is a collection of 3 uncomplicated watches with a “little sparkle and a lot of panache.”

They measure only 22mm, yet this time they come with many more promises as Baume & Mercier so articulately describes it. Promises to seize the day, live each moment to the fullest, to be a free, independent and accomplished woman, all of which I can really relate to. I had the pleasure of sitting down for a one-on-one with Baume & Mercier’s very own Middle East and India Brand Manager Stanislas Rambaud who flew in especially for the launch. I was keen on getting to know more about these new variations and the idea behind the design.

Although he ‘s young, Stanislas is quite the seasoned luxury watch expert in the region, having started his career with IWC in the UK, he is now in charge of the entire Middle East and India portfolio. He is especially passionate about Baume & Mercier, as evident in both his enthusiasm and knowledge as he shared with me the philosophy and inspiration behind Petite Promesse and Baume & Mercier in general.

He explained how Baume & Mercier has long attained a strong emotional charge with its clientele, having successfully positioned itself as the celebration companion, with watches that serve as timeless reminders of the moments that make us the most happy and proud. It made sense to me. My mother tells me the story of how my father gifted her very first Baume & Mercier watch back in the 80’s, to celebrate the start of his business kicking off in the UAE. Now every time she looks at it she is reminded of that special time in their lives, and how far a long they’ve come.
And although the new Petite Promesse have a timeless elegance to them, Stanislas explains to me how this is somewhat a new direction for the brand in terms of design and even color. He describes the collection as a celebration of style for playful, mischievous and powerful women, one that is directed towards a younger, more fun and fashionable clientele. I couldn’t agree more. They caught my eye as soon as I spotted them.I had a favorite instantly which I tried on. The orange leather wraparound strap, set with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds surrounding the mother-of-pearl dial. Stanislas did not seem surprised. “This is for the spontaneous and creative women, who loves being noticed and is always on her feet from early morning meetings to evening functions, and her Petite Promesse will accompany her everywhere.” That sounded a lot like me!

The second one, comes with a blue calfskin wrap-around strap with an elegantly subtle case set with two half-moons of diamonds. “She is a mischievous one” he tells me, “she is a natural born leader who always, always gets what she wants. People are just attracted to her” And finally, the third and final one from the collection, with a wrap-around bracelet in fine-chain polished steel,and 22 brilliant-cut Top Wesselton diamonds partially surrounding the dial. “She’s accomplished and determined, with nothing to prove to anyone really, this watch is a symbol of her success, a constant reminder and promise of her charisma and ambition.” Indeed it does. I would probably gift this to myself one day, as a reward for my hard work.

When I asked Stanislas why they had chosen Lebanon as an exclusive platform to launch this Petite Promesse he tells me it was a natural fit thanks to the special partnership and relationship Baume & Mercier has enjoyed for years with Atamian Watches. Stanislas also tells me about just how loyal the Lebanese clientele have been to the brand. “Lebanese are trendsetters in the region, there is no denying that, so launching this new trendy collection first in Beirut, just made sense to us. This is our promise to be there for them.”

Later that day, I was invited to join Stanislas and the rest of the amazing Baume & Mercier team along with members of the press and VIP clientele for some drinks and canapés at Le Gray hotel’s rooftop for the official unveiling party. I have to say, it was both a pleasure and honor, to be included and I look forward to showing you how I plan to style some of my favorite watches from this collection. The Petite Promesse collection is now available at Baume & Mercier Beirut Souks.

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

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The New Bobbi Brown Face Masks: My Full Review

July 8, 2016 - Leave a Comment

Masks are HUGE right now, that’s no secret. From do it yourself ones featuring lots of avocados to the individual packs sold almost everywhere, every beauty blogger and her cousin are using them. Some actually work, others just carry fancy names and attractive packaging. But when I heard Bobbi Brown released three new masks this year I knew I had to give them a shot. I’m a fan of her makeup, but her skin care collection is beyond.

Besides the gorgeous packing on this trio, I was immediately drawn to the specific skin concern each one addresses. The Bobbi Brown Face Mask range includes: Instant Detox (the grey one), Skin Nourish (the pink one) and Radiance Boost (the white one.) Depending on your skin type, you can use each one alone, or if like me you have more than an issue in different areas of your face you’d like to work on, then Multi-Masking is the way to go.

I’ve prepared a pictorial to show you how I use all three and why I would recommend each but it’s up to you really, to choose the ones you think are best for your skin type.

–Instant Detox

I like to use this Bobbi Brown mask on my T-Zone once a week, because I have a combination skin and it tends to get a bit oily. It’s all about the deep cleanse. Get this; it’s made of Hawaiian Sea Water and Mineral-rich Amazonian White Clay, and it actually looks and feels like clay.

Think of this as a deep cleanse for your skin, the product dries up pretty fast onto your skin and what it does in the process is remove excess oils, toxins, impurities, and basically any substances that will clog up your pores from pollution around us, hence the name, detox! I prefer this after a night out with too much makeup, when a regular face wash just won’t do it. You have to clean your face thoroughly before applying and never on a face full of makeup. You don’t peel this one off but actually wash it off after 5 minutes. If I’m using all three I like to start off with this one.

-Skin Nourish

This is one of my favorites, especially for my forehead and cheekbones which tend to almost always feel dehydrated. I love the active ingredients in Skin Nourish, Coral Grass and Green Algae ( which is packed with collagen) and together they work extra hard to keep your skin moisturized and look plumper and smoother. It’s super lightweight and the Bobbi Brown Skin Expert even told me I can keep it on as a moisturizer as well.

I like to use it alone or with the rest of my masks on my driest areas up to three times a week for 10 minutes. I won’t lie I even slept in it a couple of times and my fine lines were totally reduced by day time. It’s also been a life saver in this hot and humid weather.

-Radiance Boost

This one is a mask, that has a very gentle exfoliating factor to it, because it’s actually packed with tiny walnut grains which will rid your skin of the dead cells on the surface that stop the shine from going through. You will feel an immediate tingle when you apply it, and that would be the orange oil in it that also works to energize and refresh your skin. It also contains Kaolin Clay which is supposed to also reduce excess oil and balance out the complexion.

My trick is to use this one under my eyes (very gently of course, skin there is the thinnest) and also on my cheeks for a nice glow. But if I have a photo shoot coming up then I will apply it alone for 5 minutes for an immediate shot of radiance. This one is best applied when your skin is damp, and make sure to remove it with a soft massage.

Bobbi Brown’s face mask trio most do not disappoint at all. In fact, I may be guilty of over-masking lately, but I can’t help it really, especially when the results are immediate like this. You don’t need all three, but a little goes a long way, so even though they are somewhat of a skin care investment, they will last longer than this mask fad ever will.
You can find these masks at the Bobbi Brown Flagship Store in Hamra, Lebanon.

Catch me using them for my daily beauty routine on Snap Chat at Ivy Says.

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

June 29, 2016 - Leave a Comment

Elaborate sweet tables are part of almost every occasion nowadays. Weddings, Birthdays, Baptisms, Communions, Baby Showers, Graduations, home entertaining, you name it. It’s a visual delight and a major crowd-pleaser. Personally, I love it when a host makes an effort, especially when the theme is personalized and creative.

I worked with Boite Sucrée to create Baby Luca’s Baptism sweet table encompassing all the elements of dessert table perfection –personalized chocolates, center piece cake, candy add-ons, souvenirs, statues, and props

But if you’re thinking about where to start with your own, here are 6 helpful steps to perfectly planning a sweet table:

1. The Color Scheme/ Theme

For his Baptism which I previously posted in detail about here, I chose Tiffany Blue and white, one of my favorite color palettes. For the third color I chose silver. My advice is three is enough to keep it elegant and neat. I had two sit-downs with Boite Sucrée once I picked my colors, first to come up with a mood board and brainstorm some theme ideas and the second time to finalize the table-set up and props.

2. The Chocolates

When I envisioned the table, I knew I wanted angels to make a huge appearance in the theme, but I was keen on doing things a little differently since you see A LOT of angels at baptisms and first communions. Boite Sucrée was able to hook me up with the their latest arrivals; white and silver angel molds that would be placed on each chocolate individually, the best part is that they haven’t been used before. We opted for two sizes of their standard Belgian gourmet chocolate the Callebaut bars, squared and rectangular. What set these apart from the rest of the chocolates I’ve seen is that I was inspired by Tiffany’s packaging, the chocolates would be tied up with a ribbon just the same way their jewelry boxes are, with the angel in the centre.

3. The Candy

Boite Sucrée doesn’t kid around when it comes to candy choices that would complement the chocolates. Their white chocolate coated dates with walnuts were a huge hit when Baby Luca was born, I had to put in two extra orders because guests liked them so much. I knew right away they would once again make an appearance at his Baptism but this time I also discovered something equally as good, if not more, white chocolate stuffed with Ghazel Il Banet (spun Lebanese cotton candy.) Let’s just say these didn’t last long on the table. I totally recommend you add these bestsellers to your candy selection and the Boite Sucrée team will advise you on quantities accordingly. Lollipops add such a lovely touch to a table setting so we also added a basket of tiffany blue and white ones. You can get these customized to the color palette of your choice. And of course, the traditional sugared almond in silver to go with the silver angels.

4. The Cake

The cake is a very important element of baptisms, it serves as a centre piece. I wanted one to taste just as good as it looks and I have to say, this one was delicious. I chose a three tiered, framboise and crushed almond interior, which I was told was a client favorite.

Here’s what I loved; rather than having to go through the hassle of cake shopping and coordinating, with design and delivery, Boite Sucrée will take care of all of that for you. That’s right, they take your cake orders, and coordinate with the vendors to make sure it’s flawless down to the smallest detail. It was one less thing to worry about. They even found the perfect angel to place atop of the cake. Talk about one-stop-shop!

5. The Props

Using themed props for hire can really take a sweet table to the next level. Leave it to Boite Sucrée’s creative styling skills to provide me with all these beautiful angel statues, trays and all the little things I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. I especially love the ones with the floral arrangements. I also threw in some marshmallow jars and a silver frame of Baby Luca to give it a personal touch.

6. The Souvenirs

Baptism souvenirs serve as remembrance in friend’s and family’s homes of the special milestones in our lives. It’s a chance for them to look back at the beautiful memories shared that day. I wanted to personalize Baby Luca’s souvenirs without making them unusable for people, because let’s face it, people aren’t going to put up your child’s name on their bookshelves. So it made more sense to instead personalize the packaging. I chose porcelain blue angel figures carrying candles. Boite Sucrée customized the pretty tins by placing labels of his name and the date of the Baptism. I thought it added a lovely touch to the table as we piled them up for guests to take as they left.

At a time where chocolate, souvenir and party favor stores are popping all over town, it’s been a little harder to find a shop that treats you more than just a number or another customer. When I find someone who “gets it” and is willing to go that extra mile to make sure everything is perfect, I prefer to work with them repeatedly, because of the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re in the hands of professionals. And that’s exactly what I found when I commissioned the team to work first on Baby Luca’s Chocolates when he was born and again on his Baptism Chocolates, cake and souvenirs. I hope you find this post helpful in helping you plan a sweet table for all your occasions, and you can always reach Boite Sucrée at 03788178.

7 Beauty Products You Need This June

June 23, 2016 - Leave a Comment

You know I can’t go a month, okay I lie, a week without discovering the latest must-have beauty products. I’m obsessed, you should see my dressing room! All shame aside, between a mini-haul at Sephora and a few trips to the makeup aisle, I’ve curated a couple of items you may also come to love this season. Don’t forget to follow me on Snap Chat at Ivy Says to watch me demonstrate them live.

1. Sephora Cream Lip Stain

I’m a little disappointed with myself for discovering this just now, and though I’ve read the reviews I thought to myself they must be a little over-hyped, they really, REALLY aren’t. This might just be the best value-for-money liquid lipstick I’ve yet to get my hands on, these babies are game-changers. They take long-lasting to a whole new level; like literally ALL day, after two meals and many, many coffees. And though most matte liquid stains are the reason behind dry and chapped lips, I can safely say I’ve experienced none with these. The pigmentation is EVERYTHING, one round is enough to get true rich color. Here’s the deal though, most shades are almost always sold out. Between a trip to Sephora Paris and then Houston, I’ve managed to get my hands on only 3 shades I’ve been coveting, and some favorites, including 06 Pink Souffle and Marvelous Mauve, but they’re my favorites so I’m happy.

2. The Beauty Blender

You can buy the most fancy makeup in the world and it still won’t matter with the wrong type of application. Enter the Beauty Blender. Again one of the most-hyped sponges in the world. A $20 sponge now what could it possibly do that another regular one can’t? A LOT! Here’s how: This sponge is meant to be used damp (although dry works too) for applying all types of formulas, such as foundation and concealer, though it works on powders too. This means that instead of having lots of product absorbed by a regular sponge, the technology behind this one won’t do that and instead allows it to puff up. Next you have to use it in a bouncy effect, giving you a more natural makeup application instead of a streaky one,that will seriously speed up blending and cut makeup application time in half. I also love to use the pointed tip for concealers around my eyes, or clearing up under my eye with a highlighter after eyeshadow application. Just make sure you wash it after use. I use Baby Shampoo.

3. The Pore Fessional Matte Rescue by Benefit

This one’s got a long name,: Professional Matte Rescue Invisible Finish Mattifying Gel, but it pretty much sums it up. I am a religious user of the classic primer Pore Fessional, so when I found out this one’s from the same series, I knew had to try give it a shot and I’m glad I did. Because let me tell you with the current heat, this one is godsend. What it is, is basically your everyday quick solution to unwanted shine and grease on your skin. The formula is a water-based one which feels refreshing and suits all skin tones, since it’s invisible. You apply this one after you’ve washed your face and applied your daily skin creams. It works to absorb all the access oil and instantly give your skin a matte finish if you choose to wear it alone, which I do, on my oily T-zone. However, if you plan to apply makeup you put this one right before the primer and it will create the perfect matte oil-free base instantly. I like to be selective with where I choose to apply it since I have combination skin and I recommend you do so too.

4. China Glaze- House of Colour Collection

It’s all about 1970s chic this season where “anything goes” that includes, creamy nudes, metallic and glitters. My favorite have to be Pink or Swim, Let’s Chalk About it, and Sorry I’m Latte. The formula includes nail hardener that is perfect if your nails are feeling brittle from the beach. I also love how fast-dry they are.

5. L’Occitane Almond Body Scrub and Supple Skin Oil

I have a love hate relationship with scrubs, it’s rare I find one that doesn’t feel like sandpaper or is too stubborn to remove in the shower but L’Occitane’s Almond Scrub seems to do the trick. The granulars of this scrub are made of crushed shells of almonds and will leave your skin hydrated while ridding you of dead cells. It’s also soft enough to use daily, which I need since my skin has been excessively dry as of lately. But if you plan to show a lot of skin this summer, then you can add this Supple Skin Oil after post-shower daily, also made up of almond oil which is rich in Omega 6, this one can be massaged onto skin for a satin feel and lovely shine. I love body butter but I find oils a special treat when I have the time to pamper myself.

6. Bioderma Photoderm Autobronzant Moisturizing Tanning Spray

Of course nothing beats the real thing, I’m not even going to try to convince you of that, but I’ll tell you this, when you have a baby and lots of deadlines, nobody’s got time for the beach no more. Now, Bioderma Photoderm Autobronzant Moisturizing Tanning Spray is not new, but I am to this whole spray tan thing, so here are my thoughts thus far; first it’s CLEAR, yes, isn’t that a surprise? That means no mess in the bathroom. The tan is very buildable and although self-application can be quite challenging I was surprised to see how little the product streaked or left blotches. And finally the shade is just a lovely one, no too orangutanish and more bronzish, which I liked. So if you’re looking for a quick tan solution this is your product, just be sure to apply generously.

7. Inner Highlighter By Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics

You know how you usually dab a small amount of shimmery eyes shadow to the corner of your eyes to make them pop? Well Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics have recently released this set of four frosty neutral inner rim highlighter liners just for that, they can be also used on the lower eye rim to get bigger brighter eyes. They come in Acid Yellow, Aged White, Desert Sand and Desert Rose shades and the formula is super creamy so you can even apply it as an eye shadow base, at least that’s what I do. If you’re not in the mood for too much makeup this summer, but still want that luminous finish, then this set is definitely one you would appreciate.

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!

Mugler Les Exceptions Has Arrived

June 20, 2016 - Leave a Comment

Remember the 90’s when everyone smelled like sweet chocolate and patchouli? And then again in 2005 the rest of us smelled like spicy cinnamon and Jasmine? If Angel and Alien come to mind then you know I’m talking about Thierry Mugler Fragrances.

The design house does nothing conventional when it comes to scents, having been widely credited with introducing a new fragrance trend or category—gourmand—in the 1990s. And although those fragrances have earned their ranks amongst some of the bestselling iconic perfumes of all times, this hasn’t stopped satisfied Mugler from shaking things up with a new line that is bound to once again tip the balance in his favor this time with Mugler; Les Exceptions, the house’s own new modern take on the classics we’ve come to love, with bold, maybe even controversial combinations that are bound to get some major attention in the fragrance and beauty industry.

I had the pleasure of attending the exclusive presentation in the Middle East and meet the nose behind the scent in person Jean-Christophe Herault who walked us through the inspiration and formulas of the 7 different fragrances that make up the Les Exceptions Collection.

The scents are strong, and versatile, likely to satisfy a wide range of tastes, but most definitely not for the faint of heart, though I have to admit compared to Angel and Alien, they’re restrained- hence the name- Les Exceptions. Still they will (literally) leave a long lasting impression.

I was immediately drawn to Oriental Express, a warm fresh new take on the legendary sandalwood-vanilla accord with spices , carrot seed and basil. It’s rare that I try a unisex perfume and think “I could wear this…” usually the masculine notes takes over, but they really don’t in this case, it really just depends on the context. It reminds me a little of Oud, though surprisingly it has none. And if the scent is enough to draw you in then the faceted bottle design will surely make you want to add as a piece on your beauty counter. And if like me you like to collect, then you this is a piece that will make you proud.

You can discover the full range of Mugler Les Exceptions and experience the perfume bar now available at the ABC Dbayeh.

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Petite Promesse by Baume & Mercier, An Exclusive Feature

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