Outtakes!

As you guys know I try and keep about 8 to 10 pictures per post. And these 8 to 10 are about of the 50-60 pictures my photographer takes. Yep. It’s hard having to deselect and all. Sometimes such beautiful images are captured and I don’t post them on the blog as I don’t want to make them picture heavy!

Today I decided I’d post a few out-takes from over the past few months from various shoots! Can you guys believe it’s been a year already since I started this blog?
OK I am completely blank today and have nothing to type about. Whats up with you guys? :)

P.S: The last image is of one of my photographers and also BFF!  

Who gives a ... ?

It's been a good Eid this year. I can definitely say so because exactly a year back I was in a phase where I was still discovering myself. Not to say that I have completely, but it's much better now. Every day I discover something new about myself. Yes. I'm weird like that.
There comes a point in life when you'll feel your world is crashing down around you and you cant do anything to fix it. You'll feel a hole being burned through your chest, You'll feel pain and guilt and want to just try and pick up the pieces, but you'll fail. Let me tell you a secret. If something's falling apart, it's only because  it wasn't meant to be and there's greater things meant for you. You weren't born to be confined in walls and stay safe and protected. You were put on this earth for a reason. We all have a purpose in life and you're the only one who knows what you truly desire.
So the next time you're going through a bad phase and surrounded by people who make you feel guilty and simply like to magnify your flaws, have the courage to walk away.Be who you are. Be what you want to be and no one has the right to tell you otherwise. Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer makes you smile.

Moving on to a style note, I used a jersey dipped hem skirt to create this asymmetrical skirt! No cutting or stitching, I simply took the back and tucked it in neatly at the side. That's the best thing about viscose-jersey. You can do so much with such a fine fabric!

Top:Mango, Shoes :F21, Skirt: Stradivarius, Bag:Monsoon, Necklace: Thrifted, Cuffs: Mango, Aldo

Kurta with a twist

Who says you've got to wear your kurta with a pair of leggings and flat kohlapuris? That's old school. It's always fun to take an item of clothing- be it a tee shirt, a skirt, a pair of jeans or even a scarf for that matter, and create your own unique style.

I love mixing and matching and adding in weird separates to my outfit. It's always good to be a little daring, a little different. You might feel uncomfortable breaking from the norms, but trust me, that is where all the magic happens.Outside your comfort zone. What's the point of splurging on a gorgeous scarf when you might run into another woman wearing the same thing around her neck? Wear it as a belt. Wear it as a head band and yes, around the neck occasionally, but make sure you make the best out of it!

So be bold. Be daring. Be different from the others. Create your own style. Work with pieces in your wardrobe you've never dared to wear. And after it all, wear a smile and wear your confidence. That is all a woman needs to look and feel beautiful.

Kurta: Fabindia, Bangles, Jeans and Blazer: Mango, Shoes:Miss Selfridge, Bag:Thrifted, Necklace:Goodwill

Favourite Products update!

 Its been a while since I updated you guys about products I've been loving. Every month, without fail, I get introduced to new products- Either by my blogger friends, family , my BFF or just word of mouth. And with every product that I buy, I've either hated them , felt they were a waste of money (product now on my dressing table collecting dust) or I've loved them and they've become part of my routine and I'd actually go back and buy more.

So to start with, Lets say hello to my new lipstick. Now, you guys know I love my reds. I have about 6 shades of red, but that will never stop me from buying another one. This Chanel lipstick from the velvet collection was an unplanned buy. I had time to kill after work so I quickly popped into Sephora and tried on a few lipsticks. As I tried on the velvet range, and how great it felt on application and how sexy it looked after application, I knew it had to be mine. So obviously, I had to pick it up. Ladies, trust me. These are great and are long lasting even after you've downed a few cosmos!

 Ok now, these are two oils I'm LOVING at the moment. Both serve completely different purposes so lets start with Green Bar Inc's Hazelnut and lavender oil. Its baby oil and leaves my skin feeling super soft! I only have to apply a coin sized amount on both hands and although its slightly oily at first, after massaging the product in, it quickly vanishes and you'll just want to keep touching your hands. Bonus if you have someone else who wants to touch your hands ;)
I'm obsessed with long lashes and so I've been applying a mixture of castor oil and Vitamin E oil on my lashes with a mascara wand every night before I sleep. Its been a month now and I can safely say that this product has definitely helped. Its also a good thing to add in aloe vera gel to the mixture as it has thickening properties. Who doesn't want long lashes? So yeah, I highly recommend this and I highly recommend adding aloe vera gel while applying.

 I can't say enough good things about Benefit's "Hello Flawless" powder. The best thing about it is that it comes with a sponge and a brush so after your foundation you can either put the product on with the brush for a sheer finish or pat on with the sponge for extra coverage! This one is definitely a product that I don't think I'd ever change, Just like my MUFE foundation I raved about in my previous product update post.

 I received a sample of Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill mascara at a Saks blogger event and ever since,any other mascara I've used has just failed in front of this one.I actually went back and bought one. That's the power of a good product!
Now I'm not the one to spend 21 BD on a mascara but this one is definitely worth it! There's "Eyes to kill" and "Eyes to kill Excess" I love and recommend both if you want long, super dramatic eyes. I also love that it kinda smells like honey.

 Another hair oil apart from my fav TBS strawberry seed dry oil, is Kerastase's Elixir Ultime. I use two pumps on damp hair before blow drying  and it leaves my hair super shiny, soft and smelling absolutely DIVINE. I need to top up my buy on this.

 Who needs extractions when you can treat black heads at home? I don't have many blackheads but I use this because along with black heads and white heads, these babies pull out any impurities that's clogging your pores. I love how smooth my nose and forehead feel after I've pulled out the patch. I recommend the Nivea Refining clear up strips to any one who has a problem with black heads or whiteheads. You can even see all the impurities after you've pulled the patch out! It also pulls out hair so brownie points for that!

Have any favorite products? I'd love to try them! Go on and leave a comment. xxoo

Can we move on already?

A friend of mine got me this gorgeous skirt from Bombay recently and I absolutely love it. Because I am who I am, obviously I didn't wear it as a skirt right away.

It's getting a little cooler on the island at the moment so I decided to throw on a denim jacket as well. I love the combination of denim and a bright yellow. Makes me feel cheery, even on days when I'm not.Also I'm starting to hate wearing jeans. I'm on a cropped trouser phase now. That and ponte leggings.
Moving on, it's that time again. The search for the perfect new year's eve dress has begun. Yes I know it's only October, but i'm still a woman.My bestie and I have started scourging the malls already, looking for it. Last new year's ever was such a disaster and I've learned from my mistakes.It was by far THE WORST and I'm only hoping this coming one will be better. A lot of good things have happened this past weekend. The highlight? My sister getting engaged!

Jacket: Forever21, Skirt, Footwear:Gifted, Leggings:Zara, Bag:Monsoon

Turkish Hammam at Pure Spa, Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel

Pure Spa- Waiting Area

We all know how great it feels to step into the shower after a long stressful day at work . The minute those first few drops of warm water run down your back, all you want to do is sit there and soak up the steam and relax. Know the feeling? Love it? Yeah so do I ! But wait, there’s something even better.

Yesterday, I got the chance to experience the Turkish Hammam, which, by the way, is the biggest in Bahrain, at Pure Spa in Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain City Center.

Upon arriving, I didn't know what to expect. I expected something similar to a Moroccan bath but I ended up being pampered for a good 45 minutes, and it was a whole lot better than a Moroccan bath.

The friendly staff greeted me and showed me into the changing room, well equipped with individual lockers containing a few bath and hygiene essentials, a spa robe and super comfy spa slippers.

Eager to check out the Hammam, I quickly changed and went in. The spa offers disposable underwear for the treatment, but you may bring your own bikini if you like. Note that it has to be a two piece and not a swimsuit. Also, If you’re wearing any makeup, you will want to take it off before the treatment.

I was welcomed into the treatment room by my therapist named Huda, who was extremely friendly and kind. She guided me into the Hammam’s wet lounge, consisting of 4 mini pools, each set to a certain temperature. I relaxed in a pool of beautiful warm water. It was right then I could feel all my stress melt away. Just like that. And this was only the beginning!

After 10 minutes, I was escorted into the Hammam. It was a huge room that accommodated a large, heated marble stone bed in the center, where the treatment is performed. The room is set at 45 degrees so it’s like being in a giant sauna while being scrubbed and massaged at the same time. After the first 20 minutes while I was being scrubbed squeaky clean with the traditional kese mitt, Huda then, with all her expertise, creates a blanket of foam to envelope me in and I’m not kidding when I say, the way the foam is created is something you guys have to see! (Don’t try it at home. You cant, even if you wanted to.) All your stress will completely disown you as you're being pampered on a hot stone bed.A very soothing foam massage and a quick hair wash later, I was taken back out into the wet lounge again, and this time I was asked to immerse myself in a mini pool, set to 12* C. I was hesitant at first but Huda made it so easy on me and asked me to be quick at it, so the cold water doesn't hit me that hard.

The feeling of spending 45 minutes in a steam room and then dipping into a chilled pool is really something else and completely makes you feel de-stressed, rejuvenated and fresh!

Back in the changing room, I dried my hair and took my time getting dressed whilst sipping on some hot ginger tea.

Now apart from the traditional Turkish hammam, you can choose from a variety of treatments* in the hammam, like the Royal hammam, where you're being soaked in a honey mask or an Arabic Coffee hammam, where coffee beans are ground and used on the body to enhance the ancient experience through time. You can also book yourself the Private hammam or the Luxurious treatment , both promising to awaken your senses and let your mind wander to the tranquility of the ancient Ottomans.

* All the hammam treatments range from BD 30 to BD 60.

My first time experiencing a traditional Turkish Hammam where all the products used are 100% authentic from Turkey, and it was simply wonderful. I highly recommend this to any one who’s looking to pamper themselves or a loved one. The hammam is open to both men and women but there are fixed timings for men only and women only.

My suggestion? Book in an appointment with your close friends or family and take a day off to relax and unwind at Pure Spa! What are you waiting for? Your weekend looks wide open folks.

The Hammam Wet lounge

The Hammam Wet Lounge

Inside the Hammam

Massage room at Pure Spa

For more information or to book your appointment, feel free to call Pure Spa on +973 1717 1122 or email spa.bahrain@kempinski.com

You can even follow Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain on their official Facebook page by simply clicking HERE.