Giveaway time!!! It's almost the end of the year and what better way to celebrate then get a FREE henna session OR FREE SMhennadesigns product! Giveaway ends December 31st at 11:59pm, open to US residents only, ages 18+. See Rafflecopter's Terms and Conditions to enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

UPDATE ON SMHENNADESIGNS!

I have made several changes to SMhennadesigns in the past few weeks and i'm excited to share! 

First, I would like to share a few words. I'm not very good at writing about myself but feel like its important for me to express myself. For as long as I can remember, I envisioned having a well settled business doing something I LOVE, something that I always have been passionate about, something that would always take my mind off of things. That is of course, Henna (well, one of the things, at least).  For those that don't know already, I have never taken any sorts of classes to learn Henna. I was self taught, and used my friends/family as canvases for my art.  

I dream of being the next Ash Kumar, or the next Paval Ahluvalia (SUCCESS WISE). I want to someday share my knowledge and secrets of my success (When I do get there).  I want for people to see my art, and recognize it. I want to inspire and be inspired by everyone I come across. Slowly, BUT surely I will get there one day. I have learned to believe in myself, and in my skills.  I have learned that I am a lot closer to reaching my goal, than I was yesterday. I have learned to never give up.  

There were/are many people who tried to bring me down in the past, but that gives me a better reason to keep going. Not only to prove them wrong, but to prove myself right. Luckily, Alhamdulilah I have many people who support me now and the number one are my parents! I would never, ever, ever be where I am today if it weren't for their love and support. and I still have a long way to go, InshAllah 

I am happy that they don't push me to only focus on my Nursing career, but that they have an open mind to my Henna business as well (and all the other crazy things I come up with). I am also happy that I DO have some close friends/loved ones who support me with even the tiniest things. That really means a lot because that is what keeps me going!  There have been many times when I felt overwhelmed with my job, Nursing career, personal life and my business. I would tell myself, that is it! I can't do this anymore (YIKES! that doesn't seem like an option at the moment, no no no!) Alhamdulilah, every single time I feel that way, something good always comes my way. I believe that my passion will lead to persistence and success! and that ONE day, I will reach my goals.

Ok, I am done, I think =) 

As for the update, here it goes. Please let me know what you think: 

                                                               Big Banner:

Flyers:

New Business Cards:

Sorry for the poor quality pic! will post GOOD pics of it once they are printed!

So, I was extremely bored of my previous design, and all the other templates from the website I was using (Vistaprint). I decided to create my own design, from scratch. Something that was original and something that I can live with! Hence, I created the floral boarder, which I used for everything above and designed it to my taste. I wanted something very simple, yet professional. Something that reflected my work and taste. Of course there had to be the color purple involved, because everyone knows my obsession with the color (:

Feel free to let me know what you think. Any suggestions, comments, questions are appreciated 

Update on SMhennadesigns Aug2012

I'm working on another website at the moment, can't wait until it is published! I honestly hated the old one, it was so boring (although purple is my favorite color). I hated the layout, hated that I couldn't do more to it, basically it wasn't ME. Hopefully I will have the website published fairly soon.The downside is that I can't use my old domain name (www.smhennadesigns.com) since Vistaprint wants me to pay to use that domain name now :/  Any suggestions on what I can use for my new one?
*UPDATE 8/16/12* MOST OF MY WEBSITE HAS BEEN DONE-CHECK IT OUT. ALSO, I WILL BE KEEPING SMHENNADESIGNS.COM YEY!! FIGURED THINGS OUT JUST HAVE TO PAY MORE THOUGH =( OH WELL. 

Next, is my logo. A wonderful, patient, creative friend of mine helped me with my logo (or watermark) for my pictures. It is so much better than what I had originally created. I am thankful that she had helped me out because I love the new one better. What do you think? (see below of my old and new one)

Old: (you may not see smhennadesigns.com written on top since it will blend in with background)

New:

It looks so much more uniformed and simple, and looks great on my pics =) check it out: 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.153154228148513.32489.152581648205771&type=1

Unfortunately, if I do end up changing my domain name, my logo needs to be changed as well! ugh...

Still working on changing my business cards because i'm bored of those too now lol. It was just to get started, and I didn't like it SO much to begin with as well. *sigh* It's a lot of work to do on my own along with work and school, promoting my business, managing it, expanding AND creating new items/ideas/designs quickly.  

Any volunteers ? :D feel free to help a friend out if you can help with any one of those things. I'd love  you forever! ok...well, maybe I'd love you enough to share my reeses with you! (and you might know how much I love my reeses!) 

I came across a post on facebook about a craft event in the city. I checked it out, visited the site, facebook page and really liked what I came across. I was so inspired and excited by it and found such great crafts to collaborate with my own crafty side. So I decided to attend. It's something I wanted to do for ME. Something I always wanted to take time out for but never really got the chance to. And so I went. At first I was a bit hesitant, since I walked in there by myself but as I looked around I became more comfortable because of the setting and the crafty people! The place was called LOVE SHINE (http://www.loveshinenyc.com/servlet/StoreFront)  and the amazing event was The Crafty Chica's visit to NYC (check out her site:http://www.craftychica.com/) . There was great live music, cupcakes and crafts!! whats not to like. I was so ecstatic to meet her because I was already so inspired by her work. It just gave me reassurance and opened up my mind to so many possibilities. I would love to make art my full time job, because I love it passionately, more than most of you may know.  If I could do something I love, AND make money doing it, this is one of the things I would do. 

Since then, I gave myself a little push with my Henna business. Although I work a full time job, am still continuing my education, I always make time for my art. I have to, for me.  I hope to one day be an inspiration to someone, anyone. Whether they be right down the corner from me, or from across the globe. I want to touch someones life, and one way is through art. I want people to remember me, know me and my work. I want them to see how much of my passion is put into it and I know one day, I will get there. InshAllah. Until then, I will keep climbing the ladder until I reach to the top.

For now, that is all. and I haven't blogged for a WHILE, I know. It's something I did for me, whether someone read it or not.  but I'm back and want/need to share my thoughts!

I would like some feedback from YOU! Usually I just write to just vent and lay out my thoughts so I can work them out better when I have them in front of me. But I don't know what my blog readers like to read about. I would like to know what topics you would like to read about more? my QOTW's? my jewelry making? my Henna? a lil more about my crazy/busy life? about my religion, Islam? or culture? idk.


Is there anything you would like to ask? If so, leave a [decent] question in the comment section below and ill be sure to answer them =)

SMhennadesigns Update

Gift Certificates now available!!!

Perfect gift for any age, and any occasion! 

A flyer I made

Rack Cards: Since I get a lot of questions about Henna, I thought I'd have these out at my events. All your Henna Questions Answered!

 Back Side

Another Flier I made, Idk which one I like better!

Please tell me what you guys think! I would really really like some feedback so I know what my clients like best and what I can add/change/fix all that good stuff! Just for you guys!

Ban on sugary drinks, Hell yes!

So I was extremely excited to read in the paper this morning about Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to ban large size sugary drinks in their ambitious effort to combat raising obesity! The ban is to take place by next March and it would affect restaurants, delis, movie theaters, and bodegas. This wouldn't apply to grocery, drug or convenience stores. 


According to metro NY- not all soda and sweet drinks would fall under this ban. The list of drinks that fall under the proposed ban are:

• Coke
• Pepsi
• Sprite, etc
• sweetened cofee or tea
• energy drinks(ex redbull)

The 16 o.z. drinks that do not fall under the proposed ban are:

• diet soda
• milkshakes and other dairy based drinks
• alcoholic beverages
• lattes
• cappuccinos
• fruit juices (with at least 70% real juice)

I think this is a great start! When people are forced to buy smaller drinks, for example-they're not gonna carry 2 16 o.z. bottles to the theater. That is the goal, but obviously people make their own choices and those that are addicted to soda and other sugary drinks will do what they have to do.  Our society needs to start somewhere due to the rise in obesity, and in the future years I hope for this 'drug' to decrease its addicts!

Tough decisions

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


I'm in a tight spot at the moment. You know when you went through something in the past more than once and initially you have that intuition [that I now learned to follow] and you're in the same situation again?! ugh, I hate that feeling of having to be in that position again, where I must make a tough decision and I cant help but to think of the previous outcome.  They say, you shouldn't hold on to negative experiences from the past because each situation and time is different from the next, but I just have this spaced out feeling inside. I'm trying to weigh out the good and the bad, but I just can't seem to decide :/ 


Do you think people should let go of past [negative]experiences? because hey, not everyone/everything is the same the next time around? 

Update on SMhennadesigns

Here is an update on my website:
http://www.smhennadesigns.com/default.html


Please let me know what you think. I have made a lot of changes to it. I would like to know if there is anything you think I should add, take out, etc. 

I finally made a fan page, it is on the top right of my page, but here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SMhennadesigns/152581648205771

Please 'Like' and support me, I would really appreciate it =) 


FB profile for Henna: 
https://www.facebook.com/smhennadesigns12 Add me =)


Also, I am now accepting Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover! :D 






Thanks <3 

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


So, as most of you may know, in my culture marriages arranged by the parents/elders are more common as opposed to picking  your own spouse. I feel like I am in the middle when it comes to this topic. I have seen arranged marriages work out extremely well, and those that turn out terrible. I have seen love marriages that turn out in a disaster, but have also seen some successful ones.  It is really hard to say which one is 'better' because I really think it varies from person to person and from family to family.  I feel like there are problems in every single marriage, it wouldn't be normal not to have any at all. It is human nature, we all are different, have different opinions, there are no 2 people that are alike in every single aspect.  
I just want to make it clear though, that I am not for parents who don't give their children any choice what-so-ever or who just force their decision on their children! Neither am I for children who completely don't listen to their parents opinion or at least consider it. After all, they are only trying to protect their children. 




Arranged marriage VS. Love marriage, what is your opinion and why?

Feelin some type of way :/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7zV80EdWc

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


Its so sad to see what this world has come to.  It seems like people become heartless by the minute. Each step of life, we learn things that change us as a person, inside and out.  This week has definitely been one of those weeks.   My grandfather passed away Monday night in Pakistan (May Allah SWT grant him a place in Jannah, Ameen).  I feel like I've learned so much about life, but know I still have a lot more to learn.  I still have that feeling that I will see him again, and that he will come back to the US and live with us, but unfortunately that isnt possible. I think this is the first death I've experienced of someone close to me, or someone who I actually spent time with and have grown to love. 


From what I've seen/heard during this whole time I'm pretty hurt at the fact that people don't respect their elders, whether its their own kids even.  I would like to share a few details of a Hadith:


In a final ḥadīth:  A man came to the Prophet (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said, “O Messenger of Allāh, my father has died, is there anything I can do to bring him benefit?”  If your parents are alive, you need to do as much as you can physically and financially, be in touch with them, call them, have good relations with them, and visit them as frequently as possible.  If one or both of them have gone on, the rights of the parents don’t end even after they have left this earth.  The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Of course, there is so much you can do.  You can make du‘ā’ and istighfār for them and seek forgiveness for them – O Allāh, make their qabr a vast place, O Allāh increase their ranks in Jannah and O Allāh forgive their sins, O Allāh put away any evil they have done’ – and you can give ṣadaqah on their behalf and you can give udhiyah on their behalf and you can go for Hajj on behalf of your parents (this is one of the best things you can do for them as long as you have done Hajj for yourself), and you can do ‘umrah on behalf of them.  Visit the relatives and friends your parents had who you do not have much relationship with but you resurrect those relationships and friendships in order to bring about the memory of your parents.”  One of the things we can do is if your parents had distant relatives or friends who are not a part of your circle of friends, visit them for the sake of birr of your parents.


See link for more wonderful info: (http://navedz.wordpress.com/tag/parents/)

Do you ever think about how you treat your elders? What are your fears/concerns about when you will get "old"?

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


So I missed one week of my QOTW! did u miss me? I hope so! =)  I've just been so busy with my final and with my Henna stuff. Trying to book events and prepare for them mostly!  Well here it goes,


I find it quite offensive when people try to underpay me for my Henna work.  It requires a lot of time, skill and passion. What annoys me is when people don't complain about going to a beauty parlor for example-to get their henna, makeup, hair,e tc done or shopping at brand stores for ridiculous prices, but when it comes to a freelance artist/craft (any kind) you don't think they're worth THAT much?! smh.  It is just like any other job, and we expect at least some appreciation.  

If you are an artist, what is one of the most bizarre things a customer has said to you or asked for? 
If you fit in the 'customer' category, please feel free to give your opinion about this and if you shop with local artists in your area.

I feel extremely good about crafting! Doing my Henna to be exact (Or photography, and all the other crafty things I love). It honestly makes me feel SO good and I definitely see it getting somewhere in the near future. I just wish I focused more on it before but I had a lot to accomplish then. I guess it is all happening when its the right time! I don't know if it might seem weird, but deep down I feel so passionate about these things. I hope the passion shows in my work because every single piece I do, I make sure it satisfies ME 100% first.  If it touches my heart, then I feel good about passing it on to others (the things that I do sell).  If I had the money, I would definitely quit everything else and choose this as my career. With the nursing career I chose, I would like to try my best to squeeze the craft in somewhere. I refuse to leave it behind.


Here is an update of my new works =) 


Please give me some feedback, as it helps me decide which colors,designs,products are liked more! Thanks !! 


My new logo:

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


We all know eating in the city can be quite expensive. Especially if you work around there and like commuting back and fourth doesn't kick our ass already! To begin with, it is hard to find a place that is healthy, delicious, AND cheap. Also, you especially get tired of eating the same thing, once you've tried it all. 


There are a few wonderful and reasonably priced places that I recommend:

• Kati Rolls on 39th between 5th and 6th Ave - delicious Indian rolls in a variety of fillings Veg and Non Veg. My favorite of them all is the Aloo masala roll.  2 for only $8, not bad =) http://www.thekatirollcompany.com/menu.html

• Kashmir Grill $1 Burger spot btwn 38th and 39th on 8th ave- awesome burgers for $1 and some change , double and triple deckers for only a few bucks more

• Who can forget the $1 pizza! there just about everywhere now. My favorite around the midtown area is on 7th ave between 39th and 38th Ave

• Gyro Cart on 39th Street between Madison and 5th Ave

What places do you recommend in the Midtown area? What is your favorite spot to eat in the city, that is inexpensive? 

Weight loss goal

Lets see how many days it takes me to lose 15 lbs!
Day 1 of working out :


My, this is harder than I thought! Got one whole hour of exercise today nd I'm extremely exhausted.felt like my legs were gonna break. Hope to lose at least something by the end of next week :) can't wait to reach my weight goal of about 115 !


(I feel guilty cuz i'm eating a bag of chips while writing this :x lol need to work on my diet as well! only then will I be able to lose it) 

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


When it comes to friendship, I try my best to give it my 100%.  One part of friendship, to me, is being able to express my opinions to them whether it is in their favor or not. I feel obligated to, as their friend to look out for them even when they are not looking out for themselves. Sometimes people are not aware of the situation they are in, and a third person can see the whole issue better.  Which is when good friends come in.   I have been struggling with something in my head for the past few days and don't know how to let it out. When I see a good friend of mine doing something which I perceive will have a nasty outcome, I can't help myself but to express my honest opinion to them because I don't want to see them getting hurt again and again. Especially when you know all that they've been through and they're just making a stupid decision once again. Whether they will listen to me or not, is simply out of the question. Because I feel like one has to go through something on their own to learn from their mistakes, no matter how much you can tell them otherwise.  I would still take the chance and express myself, even if my friends would be upset with me. In the long run, I would hope for them to realize their mistake and see that I meant the best for them in my heart. 


How would you give advice to a friend who you know won't take it?  or how do you even address an issue to them, with them thinking you know nothing about it (or that you "won't understand")? 

I finally managed to work on my website! I will be trying it for about a month and depending on how it goes I will either keep it or close it! Let me know what you guys think! Please =) I need some kind of feedback, I would appreciate it <3 


http://smhennadesigns.vpweb.com/

Here are some more interesting facts that I came across and that I'd like to share!

WATER or COKE - Can you believe this....?

WATER

#1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (also applies to half the world population)

#2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger.
#3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as 3%.
#4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.
#5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
#6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
#7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
#8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water you should drink every day?

COKE
#1. In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.
#2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days.
#3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the 'real thing' sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
#4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
#5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion. Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
#7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
#8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into the load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.


FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
#1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid also leaches
calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase of osteoporosis.
#2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup! (the concentrate) the commercial trucks must use a hazardous Material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.
#3. The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean engines of the trucks for about 20 years!

So the question is, are you ready to drink this multi-purpose cleaner?!

For people who learn visually here are a few interesting pics =)

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


Sometimes you just need to appreciate yourself for all that you are inside AND out.   Self love is most important because it reflects how well you treat others.  If we feel good about ourselves, only then are we able to open heartedly accept others. There are enough critiques out there, for both women and men and we must not be one of them for ourselves.  Were always plagued about how a 'perfect' woman should be like, thin, tall, pretty,young etc. and how a 'perfect' man should be, tall, handsome,nice body, no bald spots, etc.  We need to let go of those stereotypes because no one is perfect nor will they ever be. There is always one flaw we can point out in ourselves only because of this "image" that society creates and our need to meet it. 


Give yourself a break! There is no need to please anyone but yourself. Get comfortable with WHO you are as a person. Set goals for yourself that you must meet in order to feel achievement. Lose a couple of pounds to maintain a healthy weight, NOT because people tell you that you need to lose it.   Do something nice for yourself, its ok to give yourself a treat whatever it may be.  Be kind to others and to yourself. Take responsibility of YOUR life, don't let others take it for you. You are more than capable enough to do so =) 


It seems a bit hypocritical of me to write this, because I judge myself a lot as well. BUT I thought i'd share my personal goals perhaps for some encouragement (for myself and YOU).  I always put others before me and I am conscious about what other people think (certain times, not all). 


What I would like to work on is my weight.  I was never self conscious about my weight, ever. but recently, this is one thing I have been wanting to do for myself. To get to my ideal weight 120lbs!  It would definitely help me love myself more, as well as boost my self esteem up!


How do you 'love yourself' ? I'd love to hear what you do to look/feel good about yourself. OR what your goals are to do so.

New projects!

So far I have been keeping up with my goals! Below, are pics of my new projects I've been working on. After going through SEVERAL glue seals, I finally found the right one! I've tried about 3-4 different seals, and finally with the right one I can bang out these crafts in a jiffy.

The first is a photo frame.

• Fits a 4x6 picture
• Wooden frame
• Decorated with Henna patterns 
• Sealed with a glossy and glittery finish

Second, A Jewelry box

• Wooden hinge box
• Decorated with Henna patterns
• It is unfinished, still working out the design in my head =) will post up pics of the finished box in a few days

Third, A candle

• Scented medium sized purple candle
• Decorated with Henna patterns
• Sealed with a glossy and glittery finish

The other 2 candles are not sealed with a finish yet, still working on it =) I have more exciting projects in my mind (hint: has to do with henna as well!)

If anyone would like these items customized with names/text, different sizes,colors,designs  please do let me know. They are great personalized gifts for birthdays,baby showers,weddings,centerpieces for events(candles), and almost everything! 

Follow up on my no soda diet: 


So the last time I had any soda in my system was this past Friday(3/30/12).  I had only 2 sips and I couldn't drink any more. It was extremely sweet and had a nasty taste. YES! I'm getting somewhere. I'm proud of myself because I used to drink it every single day and now I have withdrawals about once a month or so or the max twice! I've been drinking plenty of water, more than usual and of course my new fav drink, Vitamin Water! It tastes awesome and the labels are quite entertaining =)  My favorite flavors are dragonfruit, and the kiwi strawberry!

Contest 1200 Winner!

We have a winner!! Congrats to Cicely C. (http://singlemomtrepeneur.blogspot.com/) I'd like to thank you for participating and would ask that you just send me a message answering the 2 questions below: 

• Mailing address where you would like the gift to be sent to:
• Your favorite color:

Spring 2012 Goals!

My goal for the next few weeks: 

• Organize a Henna Party! I'm deciding on a date to have a little henna picnic which will include henna, photo-shoots by me, and snacks! Deciding the location at the moment, most likely Central park or a park in New Jersey.  There will be a fee of only $5 per person to come to the picnic OR only $10 to get your henna and pictures.
• Focus on my Henna and Bangles page. This includes, coming up with new ideas to promote it, new items to put up, etc
• Work on some henna candle centerpieces for my friends baby shower
• Work on my website for the Henna page
• Have fun :D 

If anyone has any suggestions for a nice place (preferably somewhere with flowers and trees) Please do let me know as well as if you would like to be a part of the picnic!   

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


There are times in my life where I feel completely stuck. Like I don't know which way to go. I feel like i'm juggling way too many things at once. There is so much I wish and plan to do, but while working on one, I either completely let go of the other task or its very minimal.  I'm always trying to think positive and do positive things! I feel the lack of support sometimes, even though I have many loved ones who always support me.  Even though those people are physically there, I still feel alone. I dislike being so independent sometimes, but I guess it has its pros and cons. I've been extra sensitive for the past few days, lacking self confidence, self worth, and feel plain old 'shitty'. I don't necessarily feel stressed, but more like lost and trying to figure out what to do next .
My resolution to clear my cloudy mind: Photography, Henna, Jewelry making, just keeping myself as busy as I can be. Trying to find positive things in myself, FOR myself. Wearing my favorite shirt, or scarf, or socks, or jewelry, or undergarment ,or wearing my favorite color, that makes me feel beautiful. 


What is the one thing you wear or do, when you feel lost? How do you lift your own spirits up, without the help of anyone?

LUSH HAUL!!!

Okay, so being a girl, I've never had a fetish for any kind of facial products/cleansers. That is, until I discovered LUSH! It started off with trying a sample of the "Fresh Farmacy" face cleanser, as recommended by a friend. It has worked SO well for me. I have been using that for about 4 months now and it had me on the first day. 


As soon as I washed my face, I literally saw the difference. My small pimples dried up on the spot and were gone! my face felt so clean, it got rid of my blackheads, excess dirt/oils, dead skin and all that yucky stuff. what more can a girl ask for?! on the spot acne treatment that actually works, where do you find that now-a-days? I forget to mention the most important and best thing: Lush products are fresh and organic! It contains chamomile extract, calamine, tea tree, rose, and lavender essential oils which helps to calm your skin. So its a great antibacterial soap for blemishes and redness ! 

I would say about 4 out of 5 of my friends have tried it and it worked for them.  So it also depends on what kind of skin you have. My skin is oily, and acne prone and it works great for me. If your skin is extremely dry, I suggest you try something else because it does dry out your skin a bit. I'm sure LUSH has other great cleansers that might work better for your skin. (This isn't meant to be used daily, I think because it might dry out your skin too much, so I just use it after about a 2-3 day gap or if I see some blemishes forming)


Another great cleanser that I have tried is Herbalism.  This is also awesome and has worked well for me. It is a preservative free, clay based herbal cleanser that is designed to absorb the excess oils and and making it look less shiny. The great this about this is that it gives you a gentle exfoliation and also contains rose and chamomile 
so it doesn't leave your pores completely 'naked'. I actually like this a teeny bit better than fresh farmacy only because it didn't leave my skin AS dry. 

I've also tried Dark Angels, which is a black sugar and powdered charcoal based cleanser. It is also a great scrub with avocado oil, sandalwood and rose. I didn't find myself using this one as much because I was in love with Herbalism and Fresh Farmacy. Those 2 combined really helped my skin to look and feel better. So good, that I stopped using my topical creams prescribed by my dermatologist =) why not use the chemical free ones if they work! 


A few days ago I had got a sample of the Cosmetic Warrior fresh face mask. I haven't tried it yet, but will let  you know how that turns out!

P.S. This is a MUCH better version/review of my LUSH experience than my YouTube video :/ lol I think i'm going to stick to blogging! YouTube is just not the thing for me, for now =)

Update on Contest 1200:
Only 74 more views to reach 1200!


Don't forget to participate! Here's what you have to do:


1-Subscribe to my blog
2-Comment on one QOTW blog post (Question of the week)
3-Comment on one other blog post from 2012


Prize: One handmade bracelet by me

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


I'm sure we've all heard about Trayvon Martin's killing, which is absolutely horrible. It just makes me extremely upset because this could be any of us, from any racial stereotype. Whether you are Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Middle eastern, , etc  there will always be people who are too ignorant, racist towards you. It's totally wrong to judge someone like George Zimmerman did with Trayvon, just because of his appearance. and yea we all might say, "oh I know that, or believe that" but what are we really doing to change that perspective? What are we teaching the younger generations to come? Are we standing up for it when we see it? Most likely not. and I am definitely not implying that I'm perfect in that sense either. But what I do know is that I have a clean heart towards anyone, regardless of what racial background they come from. When I get into arguments with a specific person associated with that background, I never judge everyone else as the same. I do stand up for things when I see it, and would never ever teach my future kids to think a certain way about a race.  I've been contemplating writing about the topic of racism/hatred for a while now, but I have so much to say about it, and just didn't know where to start.
Being a Muslim woman, I've experienced plenty of racism towards me as well, no doubt. I still remember how differently I was treated since DAY ONE of when I started to wear my Hijab, which was about 2-3 years ago. I remember how everyone looked at me differently while riding the train, or while walking down the street, especially after 9/11.  I've had several racial phrases thrown at me, "terrorist", "go back to your own country", "go hide your face somewhere" "go home and be abused by your husband" blah blah the list goes on! My family members get treated like this as well, when going to hospitals for example not only once but twice, being seated while everyone in the whole waiting area got called-seen-and went home (regardless of whether they arrived before or after my parents) and my parents still sat there waiting! I could go on forever and give one example after another. 
My point is, there will always be someone who will treat you negatively because of your race, but you can't let that get to you  or try and take revenge for it. If there is change within yourself, of our views towards other races, only then will there be changes in the rest of the world.  It all starts with one individual who then influences those around them by his/her actions.


My question to you is, what experiences have you had with racism? and if there was one thing that you would want everyone to know about this, what would it be?

Greenport, NY Tall Ships Festival

I'm super excited and preparing to be a part of the Tall Ships Festival in Greenport, NY on Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-28)! 


It is basically a celebration of the Tall Ships coming to Greenport, and its focuses on the history of Tattoos & their significance during the war.  The celebration will also be about how Tattoos evolved from tribal rituals to today's mainstream.  There will henna tattoo artists, tattoo style arts & handicrafts, face painting, and much more! 


Here's the link for the Tall Ships Challenge: http://www.sailtraining.org/tallships/2012atlantic/index.php


Feel free to drop by and enjoy the celebration AND see me =) 

 Like every year I plan to do things in the summer but somehow never get to them! But i'm definitely taking some time out for myself and planning in advance! One of the things I would love to do this summer is go strawberry picking. I plan this with people almost every year but never get to it because i'm never the one taking the initiative to set a date and just go! So during this strawberry picking season (Around early may-Late June)  I am definitely going! 
Another place where I am planning on going is to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for the cherry blossom festival on April 28-29! I'm super excited ^_^ 
Jet Skiing is also on my list of things to do this summer. I'm kinda scared to do that because I don't know how to swim -_- but I know it will be a great experience. 


My list is just getting started!!! If anyone has any suggestions please do let me know! You might have tried something exciting, or went somewhere beautiful, or even ate something yummy that I never did!


Feel free to join me if you'd like..The more the merrier =)

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


Ahh, it was such a gorgeous day today! Hoping it stays like this! A little breezy, a lot of sunshine, not too humid, just perfect!  I think my favorite season is Spring. I'ts just beautiful with the good weather and the beautiful flowers especially! I can't wait till they fully bloom.  I totally believe that the weather has an effect on your mood. To me at least, when its crappy weather (cold, rainy,snowy, etc) I feel lazier and more depressed.  When the weather is nice, I feel better and therefore look better as well! There is definitely a correlation between these factors! 


What kind of weather makes you feel and look your greatest? and do you believe it indeed comes hand in hand?

CONTEST 1200

Here's an update on my latest handmade bracelets! I'd like some comments on this plz. Just to know which ones you guys like best. There's a reason for that =) 


As soon as I reach 1,200 views on my blog I will be doing a giveaway! Here are the rules:


1-Subscribe to my blog
2-Comment on one QOTW blog post (Question of the week)
3-Comment on one other blog post from 2012


PLEASE NOTE: 

• This contest is for U.S. participants only, sorry! (for now, I will think about this for future contests depending on the response) 
• The post must be with a valid name, cannot be anonymous!
• Any negative comments will be removed, and you will be immediately disqualified!
• The winner will be picked RANDOMLY (does not depend on the content or quantity of your comments, so feel free to express yourself)

PRIZE: One handmade bracelet by ME =D

Pet peeves

QOTW!

(Question Of The Week)


I can go on and on about my pet peeves because i'm annoyed with just about everything! LOL joke!
On a real note, one of the things that really annoy me are when women don't wash their hands after they go the bathroom!
Disgusting much?! 
So everyday at work, whenever I head to the restroom its always the same person I bump into whenever I go there. That's annoying itself lol. but what annoys me more is when you clearly know the person used the bathroom and they either don't wash their hands, OR just rinse it with just water for literally 2 seconds and leave!!! 
I find that very very annoying and disgusting (and I thought men were like that lol) 
I mean, what the hell is the soap for?! and how hard is it for people to take a minute and wash their hands properly???
This is one of the things that are killing us, I tell you. Germs being spread like that. You never know where someones hands have been!
I'm not a germ-a-phobe freak but strictly believe in hand washing when it comes to certain things. Even if I go to the bathroom to check out the mirror, I'd still wash my hands! because of people like that, who don't wash their hands and touch all the handles and doorknobs ! 


So my question to you is, what is your biggest pet peeve?