tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41541372812858351372024-02-19T19:15:39.960+04:00The Style CradleThe Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-68224376596111098022015-06-08T09:43:00.000+04:002015-06-08T09:43:12.594+04:00Homemade Almond Milk <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What do they say about the silence and stealth of a cat around milk? Never mind. I was that cat at Carrefour every other day in my previous life, wanting and showing up to wrench the last almond milk off the fleeting non-dairy rack. Then the day arrived that revolutionized my grocery runs, the day I decided to make almond milk at home. It is so ridiculously easy, ‘clean’ as it gets, mess-free unless you are me and a whole lot cheaper than the store bought competitor. There are tons of recipes online that show you how to milk almonds, or just try mine to do the same thing. <br />
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<i>What </i><br />
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Raw whole almonds (preferably organic) - 1 cup // click <a href="https://www.dovesfarm.co.uk/resources/conversion-tables/us-cups-conversion-table/" target="_blank">here</a> for US cup conversion table //<br />
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Water - 3 cups <br />
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High speed blender <br />
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cheese cloth or fine mesh bag<br />
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Mason jars or glass bottles to store <br />
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<i>Optional </i><br />
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Cinnamon, vanilla bean or both for flavor<br />
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Honey, soaked dates or stevia for sweetening <br />
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<i>How </i><br />
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Soak the raw whole almonds in a large bowl of water overnight (at least 12 hours) at room temperature, with a pinch of unrefined sea salt. Once the wait is over, you will see that your almonds have doubled in size and the water has turned cloudy. <br />
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//Click <a href="http://wholelifestylenutrition.com/recipes/appetizers-snacks/is-soaking-nuts-necessary-how-to-properly-soak-your-organic-raw-nuts/" target="_blank">here</a> to read about why and how to soak different nuts, Phytic acids and enzyme inhibitors// <br />
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Rinse the almonds until the water runs clear. <br />
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Add the almonds and water to your high speed blender. <br />
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Blend for 1-2 minutes (depending on your blender) on the highest speed setting, or until creamy.<br />
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Strain the milk through the cheese cloth into a large bowl (I used a pitcher and it wasn’t a genius idea with the mess I made. So, don’t do what I do, do what I say) and squeeze till you get the most milk out. <br />
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Stir in your favorite flavor or sweetener, or both at this point.<br />
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Pour into bottles and refrigerate for use within the next three days.<br />
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The leftover almond pulp makes a great flour-less (gluten free) flour alternative. To make almond flour, spread out the pulp evenly on a sheet of parchment paper and bake at the lowest setting till it’s completely dehydrated. Then grind it till you achieve a flour-like consistency. Use this instead of wheat flour in your pancakes and bakes, or even as a garnish for your carb-free <a href="https://youtu.be/q3LgmyV4dqs" target="_blank">Zoodles</a> . <br />
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<i>Why </i><br />
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Vegan<br />
Naturally lactose free<br />
Low glycemic index <br />
Heart healthy<br />
Great for skin <br />
High in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (1 cup of almonds has around 378 mg of calcium)<br />
50 percent fewer calories than in cow’s milk <br />
<br />
However, unlike almonds, the milk is not a substantial source of protein because it’s watered down. But unless you are an infant or completely relying on this for your protein needs, almond milk is a safe bet.<br />
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I’m not lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy or completely vegan. It’s the long term cons of lactose (like the ones researchers talk about <a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g6015" target="_blank">here</a>) and the taste of conventional dairy that is unsettling to me. In fair comparison of all the other plant-based milk alternatives that I have tried yet, like rice, oat, soy, flax, coconut, hazelnut - I like almond the best. It has a very crisp but non-overpowering nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness that makes it highly versatile for smoothies, breakfast bowls or bakes.<br />
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And if I were to let you in on a little secret, this is a man-pleaser, mine for sure. <br />
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Have you tried almond milk? <br />
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<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-70738314430237045722015-05-26T22:17:00.000+04:002015-05-27T11:59:30.466+04:00More is More - More Cafe, OmanHands up if you love <a href="http://oman.morecafe.co/" target="_blank">More Cafe, Oman</a>.
I'm not a pancake traditionalist and I couldn't care less about 'em for
the longest. Then, a little over a year ago I tried More's <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannekoek" target="_blank">Pannenkoek</a></i>
on a Friday brunch at Royal Opera Galleria and went through a rite of
passage. Since, whenever I was in the mood for some 'breakfast of
champions' or whatever you wanna call it, I knew where to go,
veraciously! So, the specific <i>Pannenkoek</i> in question is a Dutch pancake
loaded with green apples, cinnamon spirited and teemed with <i>crème
anglaise</i>. Some of those times are positively logged on my <a href="https://instagram.com/thestylecradle/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.
That hangout of theirs has since been packed away (and the Wave outlet
is quite a stretch when I'm hungry) but a brand new one is underway, at a
nonchalant distance from my attic. Come august, I'm walking there,
pulling up a chair and waiting to be impressed, once again.<br />
<br />
But this post is not about that. It's quintessentially about the ‘more’ that More Cafe at <a href="http://www.thewavemuscat.com/" target="_blank">The Wave</a>
is now offering, their new palatable catering menu that I was
introduced to recently at their catering event. I, my husband and some
great people from the living-for-a-share community gathered around a table
eating, documenting and playing food. Major appreciation for More for
organizing these very unconventional and thoughtful (personalized place
cards, what?) shenanigans, where we learned about their new catering
concoct, got to sample some fine finger food, whacked each other out at a blindfolded
food tasting game, took the food pictionary darn seriously and put our
largely non-existent coffee foaming skills to test with a l<strike>ittle</strike>
lot of help from their barista. It was such a reveling, learning and
entertaining experience. I think how I felt was the equivalent of how
my three year old feels when she dresses up in tulle and fairy wings with her
favorite sparkly friend. We walked away with food babies, smiles and
goodie bags. <br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileSKrZEXvbJnFfifRIyRgn343h6ifR1LadJ4C3RSPybKyRoS0LTvVVM1lRCDATwc8EiQRz7AsxiQTV8VVTaNEQC-6gRRnM9f8gi_WACRweCjK6mOnSH9bNnzaFow7IUFfeiLzYf7r-wQ/s640/Q16A4585.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF6yaKeCoQ45G2676wcPxgSAzagLiyIJDnr_BrBRdZRegME0n_GMTN2xMg85LBcVlaMnHXoZdP7gwY3qkJK_ahaVsXrk1dHgM1R43E9QVO94F4kWjxHoT0rN8w0y_9P4YrS81zIelNC8/s1600/Q16A4564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="961" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF6yaKeCoQ45G2676wcPxgSAzagLiyIJDnr_BrBRdZRegME0n_GMTN2xMg85LBcVlaMnHXoZdP7gwY3qkJK_ahaVsXrk1dHgM1R43E9QVO94F4kWjxHoT0rN8w0y_9P4YrS81zIelNC8/s640/Q16A4564.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The Spread</div>
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Mini Beef Burger<br />
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Chicken Tikka Wrap<br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YPc26PkpZgXbg3h7LpJPX7eSjAwz9bRfHFw0ccbg6U0i1oPrIseMTTedg0m7KGwR7-Hty_pXFNOwN7nkQKRhgfwK4XRoDFDL2IEqvj4vtkyVAsUJ5NDsVL3QP01DzC7R1k8u1hgd2nI/s640/Q16A4579.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Mini carrot cake<br />
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Fresh seasonal fruits platter</div>
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And then, the games began..........<br />
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The boys in purple eye masks face off. They were blindfolded and told to guess the ingredients of a mini Shrimp and Dill sandwich. Shrimps, according to my husband (on the right) are also called 'big crabby things' on a hot day. So much for relying completely on olfactory nerves and taste buds. We all took turns and it was a whole lot of fun. </div>
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Watching the barista whip out things like leaf, flower and even a bear, effortlessly. Those faces meant 'this is not easy and we take back all those times we thought it was'. </div>
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And here, I was trying to recreate a leaf. Trying.</div>
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From left to right : Ayshe (<a href="http://lifeoutsidethem25.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">lifeoutsidethem25</a>), Me, Alexandra Barbu (Assistant Manager/ Event Organizer), Susan (<a href="http://www.heyfatsu.com/" target="_blank">heyfatsu</a>), Heather (<a href="http://www.theduncanadventures.com/" target="_blank">theduncanadventures</a>), Maurizio, Freddie (<a href="http://www.muscatmutterings.com/" target="_blank">muscatmutterings</a>), Max (the very supportive husband), Dahlia (<a href="http://aishelaqtta.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">aishelaqtta</a>) and Medina (<a href="http://www.ub-cool.com/en/" target="_blank">UB-Cool</a>).<br />
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Appetizing gourmet sandwiches, wraps, mini quiches, sweet and savory
pastries, skewers, dipping sauces, crudités, salads, mini cakes,
sugar-free desserts and so much more is on their sweeping scrumptious catering menu
which you can find <a href="http://oman.morecafe.co/Oman/EN/catering.html" target="_blank">here</a>.
This is just in time for our sweltering Middle Eastern summah when you
won’t brave the heat to eat, have uninvited (or invited) company over, a
little soiree with your friends or simply because you like to have
substantial food choices on your on lazy day inventory. <br />
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What do you think...... Is it is up your alley? Try it at home or swing by over the weekend or both. <br />
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I'm on Facebook. Go <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thestylecradle?fref=ts" target="_blank">here</a> and hit the like button to never miss a story :)<br />
<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-48375684562669558292015-05-22T09:58:00.000+04:002015-05-22T16:03:13.541+04:00Outfit of the day - Mommy and Baby<br />
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Can you believe this is happening? The last time I posted an Ootd was in 2013 and that suffered a sudden death when I carelessly purged it while editing the glitches with my previous freebie template. Basically, don't half a** anything. <br />
<br />
This time around I'm being more diligent. But I gotta say this frivolous looking activity involving a camera and clothes is a lot of work, especially when you add a strong willed little human to the equation. I wish the temperatures I live in had bragging rights and I were spoilt for choices when it came to places I could mundanely walk (not drive) to, just to pick up some fresh flowers. And while I did that, my mystery man would snap my wind swept face and billowed shirt endlessly. But that ain't happening here. This is me in my air conditioned habitat posing for a camera mounted on a tripod. And my little sidekick, who very kindly took some time off from caring for her babies when I asked. <br />
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A couple of weeks ago, she and I went on a field trip to Zara and both found something that was cha-ching-worthy and complimented our picks. We like doing the matchy-matchy thing a lot, mostly with colors. Every time I buy something for her, a narrow portion of my consciousness is already racing through my closet to find a matching piece.<br />
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It looks like our summer is going to be ever so slightly bohemian. So, we picked up this jumpsuit for her that has a free range handmade feel (it's really not) and beautiful colors in the eclectic Moroccan print setting. I personally find jumpsuits super adorable meets functional. C’mon, look at this one that looks like a dress but works like shorts through cartwheels and somersaults keeping the modesty intact. The only time you might feel otherwise is when you are out and your kid's gotta go to the bathroom. So, yeah! <br />
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And I found this super wide, floaty, swingy contraption. Though I have a fall color palette - dark and warm - this deep shade of orange has always felt disingenuous to me, but not anymore. Out of nowhere, I'm blown away by the certain <i>je ne sais quoi</i> it does for my skin. This is 'the' top if you are a member of the shrinking assets club like me, because the mix of fabrics adds a bit of volume and the deep neckline adds a lot of interest. And I like that. <br />
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on Me: <br />
Top - Zara Trafaluc - <a href="http://www.zara.com/om/en/woman/tops/view-all-c719021.html" target="_blank">http://www.zara.com/om/en/woman/tops </a><br />
Wide leg pants - Zara - last season <br />
Bag - LV Tivoli GM - <a href="http://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/tivoli-gm-monogram-000486" target="_blank">http://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products</a><br />
Coin Necklace - Forever 21<br />
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Face <br />
Make up forever HD foundation in 153 <br />
Naked palette - 'half baked' all over the lid and 'creep' in the crease<br />
Mac powerpoint eye pencil - Engraved<br />
Essence eyebrow designer - 02 Brown <br />
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Lips <br />
Mac lipstick - Morange <br />
Mac lip pencil - Ablaze <br />
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on Her :<br />
Jumpsuit - Zara - <a href="http://www.zara.com/om/en/kids/girl-%283-14-years%29/dresses/jumpsuits/printed-jumpsuit-with-border-c720520p2670048.html?sharedProduct=true#utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2F%3Fgo%3Dhttp%253A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fshare%2Fkids%2Fgirl-%2525283-14-years%252529%2Fdresses%2Fjumpsuits%2Fprinted-jumpsuit-with-border-c720520p2670048.html" target="_blank"> http://www.zara.com/om/en/kids/girl-3-14-years/dresses/jumpsuits/printed-jumpsuit-with-border</a><br />
Sandals - Birkenstock <br />
And a ton of sass :)<br />
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Hope you enjoyed our quick and easy (tchu kidding?) Ootd. Thank you for coming here. I did a lousy job at ducking the remote, did you see it? <br />
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<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-2059424978230472572015-05-17T19:01:00.000+04:002015-05-25T23:30:36.363+04:00 Inglot AMC Mousse Foundation <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So <span style="font-family: inherit;">a </span>few weeks ago I was searching for a new BB creme and jaywalked into <i><a href="http://inglotcosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Inglot</a></i> on my grocery run *eye roll*. I inconspicuously sneaked into the make-up swatching female squad in there but this petite sales assistant came straight for me. Her face lit up with the warmest smile as she greeted me and offered to help. Mac, take notes! Don’t you love it when that happens at make-up counters, when somebody who is trying to tell, not pushing to sell, finds you. She patiently gave me a run down of their face products, explained to me the jargon that they roll with for foundations according to type and corresponding packaging, and left me alone with my biz.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So the backstory is :</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>AMC Mousse Foundation</i> -
transparent round glass jar - foundation alternative - sheer coverage -
velvetty matte finish - normal to oily skin </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>AMC Cream
Foundation</i> - transparent glass bottle with a very handy pump - natural
coverage - dewy finish - normal to dry/ mature skin </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cream Foundation</i> - Sleek white tube - strong coverage - smooth finish - all skin types </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cream
Powder Foundation</i> - black mirrored compact - strrrrrong coverage -
cream to powder finish which is buildable - normal to dry skin </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>YSM Cream Foundation</i> - not so sleek transparent tube - lightweight natural coverage - matte finish - normal to oily skin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">L - light, F - fair, M - medium and D - Dark for skin color // W - Warm , C- cool for undertones </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was looking for something super light, airy and soft focus-y for summer with minimal coverage.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The skin I'm dealing with here is pretty normal but sensitive and prone to redness. I do not have enlarged pores or acne to combat. But, I do <span style="font-family: inherit;">have some </span>flakiness when I fail to drink enough or do not exfoliate for too long. After much deliberation and swatching as you do at these places (it's all fun and games till you slop your white jeans with some long lasting, transfer resistant crap, gulp), I decided on the <i>AMC Mousse Foundation</i> in Medium Warm 700.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My skin color is medium deep, almost tan with yellow undertones. I matched my jaw to MW700 and this is the closest shade to my skin that they offer, probably a bit darker at the moment but that's totally fine by me over something too pink. And, I'm positively going a shade or two <span style="font-family: inherit;">up </span>come July. Cue<span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span> tropical vacation. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I like</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is not a 'foundation', I give it that! It just about evens out your skin color like a good ol' tinted moisturizer, and <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">smoothens </span></span>like a primer. Coverage is sheer, very sheer. Good for me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The air-whipped texture blends in <span style="font-family: inherit;">effortlessly</span> and wears comfortably all day, every day.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The finish is <span style="font-family: inherit;">matte </span>yet velvety</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You do not need a brush. Works better with fingers or a damp beauty sponge and both of those take a little bit, a long way as compared to a dense product ingesting foundation brush. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looks great in pictures. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vegan (<span style="font-family: inherit;">this and </span>most of the line is but not <span style="font-family: inherit;">en<span style="font-family: inherit;">tirely</span></span>), not tested on animals and Paraben-free </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Availability - unlike many other <span style="font-family: inherit;">brands</span> that never make it to Muscat or cost a limb to be shipped from elsewhere, this is can be acquired at a whim from <i>Inglot's </i>stand alone stores in Qurum City Center and Grand Mall, Muscat.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What I don't like</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The shade selection is limited to seven and three in Muscat. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is not the most reasonably price<span style="font-family: inherit;">d</span> tinted balm out there. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This product does nothing for dry patches, if you have any - other than making them stand out like on a roll call. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <span style="font-family: inherit;">names and jargon</span> that the brand is playing with in general are a bit too overwhelming, confusing and borderline gimmicky if I'm being totally real, especially if you are relatively new to it like me or you just wanna pick one thing and get going. Fortunately, most of their products do not disappoint according to the <span style="font-family: inherit;">i</span>nterwebs. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My impression </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Does what it says. It<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> might not be </span></span>a scalding hot romance yet,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>but I most likely will repurchase it once I run out<span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The cool gibberish that many cosmetic companies throw
around as a marketing ploy to cash in on misplaced consumer perception is getting a little under my skin. And that rant warrants a post just to itself. <i>AMC Mousse</i> has Paraben-free and cruelty free status, but that alone ain't ground breaking to
me. It<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> does contain<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at</span> </span></span>least three silicon based polymers that work for the conditioning/ anti-foaming properties of the product, and other chemical ingredients. So, if you are prone to eczema, dermatitis,
skin allergies or flare ups, this might not be your safest pick. To
be fair, my skin has handled it quite well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like always, this <span style="font-family: inherit;">product is </span>working great for me but your mileage may or may not be different. There is nothing known to mankind other than a Nutella Jar that could make almost everybody happy and we women are a demanding bunch :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope this was helpful and insightful if you are also looking into a 'no make-up' summer. I'm off to drink my water and you should too. But before you go, let me in on your thoughts. </span></span><br />
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<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-69549339884842269642015-05-11T11:39:00.001+04:002015-05-12T23:10:27.424+04:00Happy Mother's Day - The Dandelion Diary #1<div style="text-align: left;">
Starting something new here that I've been piecing together in my
head and memory book for a really long time - the dandelion diary. It's
my effort at documenting pure unsullied stories of triumphs (mostly) and trials
of motherhood in real time. I'm reaching out to other practising moms so we
revel in sisterhood by learning from each other and affording room for
mistakes as we continue to raise humans without a manual.</div>
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Motherhood
is my forte said no mom ever. This is a gig that keeps you grounded
like no other. The minute you start to swell with delirious thoughts of
having it all together, it takes you along slippery slopes of
anxiety you didn't even know existed. But when you look at the fortune
that sits safe in your lap, the tantrums on the floor and snarls in the
hair seem inconsequential and darn rightly so.</div>
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A happy and fuzzy mother's day to my fellow egg keepers.</div>
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Let's cherish these little humans and their tenaciously transforming world as hard as it might get every other minute. </div>
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Let's live to learn and learn to live vicariously through them between these crazy yet comforting pages of life.</div>
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Let's
log our journeys because each day is a disguised milestone and one day
when they are all grown up and away, these stories are gonna be the best
balm we could <strike>buy</strike> have at hands to soothe our aching spirits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnmJQ9QXIhKXXIC2C3koBZFm5hn1fmMJifXwf6XTKf8VVnWgTuP6sVehuJRMxbPECf2WELCLIn0d2OVPGFQMgOessxqVCIiCXxLxRJycHbAN4D5df3mKUiDTwpNdYx1LsVfoVh4ppHFI/s1600/IMG_1090_Fotor+edited+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnmJQ9QXIhKXXIC2C3koBZFm5hn1fmMJifXwf6XTKf8VVnWgTuP6sVehuJRMxbPECf2WELCLIn0d2OVPGFQMgOessxqVCIiCXxLxRJycHbAN4D5df3mKUiDTwpNdYx1LsVfoVh4ppHFI/s640/IMG_1090_Fotor+edited+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Changing rooms are for aerial yoga, demonstrated here by my threenager. Or maybe she just wanted to be carried in the middle of shopping, who knows! :)</div>
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Back in a minute</div>
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xo Renee</div>
The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-31996702519443986912015-04-26T21:17:00.001+04:002015-05-12T22:41:50.799+04:00Pray for Nepal <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life is fragile. And scary reminders like these only reinforce this truth. Images of loss and destruction from quake wrenched Nepal sent me to a knee-jerk. This could have been me, my family was my first thought.....we all lucked out but these people didn't. Many were buried in the <strike>safety</strike> solitarity of their mud brick homes that they built themselves and others lost their lives on the streets. Cries of pain and grief weakens the air that the survivors breathe. Resources were severed and hope was stolen in a wink. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's support, uplift and say a little prayer for them as they try to stand the wobbly ground and slowly find a new normal. The road to recovery that lays ahead is a long one but also one that will whisper weighty tales of Nepalese resilience for years to come. This calamity might have claimed thousands of lives and brought boundless suffering but the soul of Nepal is unscathed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sending love and light to my warm wounded neighbors across the frontiers </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">x o Renee</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image source : Omar Havana/ Getty Images </span></span></div>
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<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-70436313935648596672015-04-21T15:10:00.004+04:002015-04-22T09:23:44.449+04:00'What I Eat'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This time around I'm coming at you with a little 'what I eat’ because that seems to the conversation starter of the season. Processed food and people, both wreck my zen and that is the reason why I don't give them free reign very often. My lifestyle is pretty attainable and making informed choices for my family is a priority. I do not wanna be insulated into any trending health label. My choices are conscious, deliberate, far-sighted and most importantly, functional. A healthier lifestyle in practice is way less intimidating than in thought. I base mine primarily on raw greens, fruits, nuts and lentils, secondarily on lean meats, complex carbohydrates and inappreciable dairy. A lot has changed since I first started this 'clean' intuitive eating journey. I have evolved for better, and so has my food. I'm selective about where and how I source my food and the whole process that brings it to my platter is becoming increasingly relevant to me. Now I cook a lot more wholesome vegetarian meals. Partly because I've grown sentient to the moral, rational and ecological repercussions of meat-eating. However, I also gotta think about how a complete and permanent overhaul of animal products could impact my health given the sparsity of local sustainable food options where I live. Also, it would be totally hollow to trail a certain path like <i>Veganism</i> dogmatically but continue to shop for leather handbags and jackets (which I still do). I've seen people do both, but I cannot become that person who loses integrity in the midst of comfort. Hence, it's work in progress for now.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />And for peers asking about easy ways to lose weight and stay fit, you could do that by eating Cheetos and drinking diet Coke as long as they are in a sufficient caloric deficit. But that would be counter productive and gravely detrimental to your health. Start small and celebrate tiny victories, aim for moderation not deprivation and try limitation and portion control before you set out to eliminate. Chose a lifestyle that's worth growing old with. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sharing a few breakfast ideas here that I have been Instagraming lately. Hope you got to know me and my ways a bit better. Another time, when time is in a better supply, I'll muse a bit more on it. Until then come find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thestylecradle" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/thestylecradle/" target="_blank">Instagram @thestylecradle</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frozen strawberries and banana, flax seeds, bee pollen, walnuts and homemade oat milk yogurt smoothie</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frozen spinach, strawberries and banana, pear, cacao nibs, chia seeds, pistachio and homemade oat milk yogurt smoothie </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhPwV3ZFc8lGuc97fbaVYUHdojETS570oTIHxgtIIXbDa1SEMJIES7aIPgmSDZRKPGvY2O85yZB6AJz_V9Raw4zSGOqg24m-_ordtPpKfKd0IUKJjCvrlHCvWOVu3FAAaubV8VzbpUdI/s1600/IMG_0393_Fotor_Collage_Fotor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhPwV3ZFc8lGuc97fbaVYUHdojETS570oTIHxgtIIXbDa1SEMJIES7aIPgmSDZRKPGvY2O85yZB6AJz_V9Raw4zSGOqg24m-_ordtPpKfKd0IUKJjCvrlHCvWOVu3FAAaubV8VzbpUdI/s1600/IMG_0393_Fotor_Collage_Fotor2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frozen kale and banana, green apple, almonds, chia and flax seeds, spoonful of homemade muesli and vegan dark chocolate bark smoothie</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crunchy natural peanut butter, amaranth and pumpkin seeds on a multigrain (Norlander from Al Fair) toastie. Fresh-pressed beet and ginger juice.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oat milk yogurt and fresh mango drink topped with flax seeds and almonds</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Acai almond meal bowl with dark chocolate and sunflower seeds</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9kFrJwYgIjqtQ7-ZjRBa7QPvrMt7i6x9YpQzlYsd0fRjux2A2ETm1vW5MrhFrG8CY0RJfFAF_1SDzvAW1zb7MKefB3qoZBuVkPcN6cAF2Lv_Q79yGHymUcYAFA2WYO8bh-4l8O5qGOM/s1600/IMG_0396_Fotor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9kFrJwYgIjqtQ7-ZjRBa7QPvrMt7i6x9YpQzlYsd0fRjux2A2ETm1vW5MrhFrG8CY0RJfFAF_1SDzvAW1zb7MKefB3qoZBuVkPcN6cAF2Lv_Q79yGHymUcYAFA2WYO8bh-4l8O5qGOM/s1600/IMG_0396_Fotor+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blueberries, banana, almond milk, chia and hemp seeds smoothie</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2SSO6Fs9Rlwzc6ydfXOhYW6oEDVQKCNKd1HBq8ofwgG40Hkfw5n060E8w1Bloi1ytn-gC-DCw8n6mp6pouhjIKj4z5mfES0TWw1VTL1RfpRk2SGqoIG7babsnyUWlZuSDs9q3FJ46Rw/s1600/IMG_0390_Fotor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2SSO6Fs9Rlwzc6ydfXOhYW6oEDVQKCNKd1HBq8ofwgG40Hkfw5n060E8w1Bloi1ytn-gC-DCw8n6mp6pouhjIKj4z5mfES0TWw1VTL1RfpRk2SGqoIG7babsnyUWlZuSDs9q3FJ46Rw/s1600/IMG_0390_Fotor+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Homemade muesli and rawnola over oat milk in a melon bowl</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Homebaked granola, hard boiled egg and rooibos tea</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Homemade no-bake chewy protein bars</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAkU_B0QBbEO6r2cpsulPQhAW5Ah-IuxcYq1ycrkAciWrOaJ4Yde2AyekFev4xiWMFTS3S2uxmyEqk7KGfwxSI2-WHeJ1wxUPk4GV0bcQNh0mgur4JjD8AKH64CGfIE0heoO8mCGJDSw/s1600/IMG_0397_Fotor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAkU_B0QBbEO6r2cpsulPQhAW5Ah-IuxcYq1ycrkAciWrOaJ4Yde2AyekFev4xiWMFTS3S2uxmyEqk7KGfwxSI2-WHeJ1wxUPk4GV0bcQNh0mgur4JjD8AKH64CGfIE0heoO8mCGJDSw/s1600/IMG_0397_Fotor+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">K</span>ale, banana, almond milk and hemp seeds smoothie</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for sticking around if you've been here for a while and welcome to my nook if you are new.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">xo Renee</span></span>The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-19590514180420064812014-12-30T10:56:00.002+04:002015-05-16T14:36:39.105+04:00Christmas, Pie and beyond.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPQNDm1E_1vUu7h5ZTKZq2zItCJBwIOeORSxAZgA_2L8JzKyaT7R8Hc2nW14k7vP29jPeqRkvecBOUQ-aznGZYf-q3lWpYnNDEKXlicYfe6zG6MhdZXxqhVgV5SjowcN5dEIUbNpef5Q/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPQNDm1E_1vUu7h5ZTKZq2zItCJBwIOeORSxAZgA_2L8JzKyaT7R8Hc2nW14k7vP29jPeqRkvecBOUQ-aznGZYf-q3lWpYnNDEKXlicYfe6zG6MhdZXxqhVgV5SjowcN5dEIUbNpef5Q/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Come fall and I become a kid again that won’t grow up untill a few days after Christmas. And now that the ‘magic’ is slowly but surely disappearing I feel ridiculously gutted and almost a bit sad. How old am I, five? Don’t ask! . This happens all the time that this strange feeling of disconnect takes over me post Christmas, like it’s the very end of a sad but achingly beautiful story……. I always wish December lasted a bit longer! <br /><br />I hope you and yours had a warm and loved-up Christmas. Mine was as low-key as low-key could be. I did nothing, but stayed-in <strike>chowing</strike> chilling with my family all day in my plaid ‘Lumber Jane’ number (one that I wear - too often, too non-strategically). Given my husband-diagnosed hyperactivity, it takes me more effort to chill than not to. But this time I felt unapologetically good while I was at it. Although, I’m convinced that it’s humanly impossible to have a stress free holiday season. No, seriously. <br /><br /> At the end of the day, I felt so ambitious that I attempted a Banoffee Pie from scratch. To be honest, the whole thing was nothing but contrived because I had scoured <i>teh interwebs</i> for weeks and canonized those perfect no-bake pies on Pinterest. I should have known that I’m not there, yet. Long story short, the Pie odds weren’t in my favor and mine turned out nothing like them. I think I got the taste down though because the men swung by for seconds. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And thirds, I swear</span>!</span> Silver lining - I can now whip up some legit <i>Dulce de</i> <i>Leche</i> if you will. Not everything has to be perfect and everybody should know that. Me first. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So anyway, I was fed, kissed, spoilt and appreciated. And that was good enough. What more could I possibly want, when <i>enough</i> contained so much wealth (and wrapping paper:))))))). It was a great Christmas! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />A void might still exist between saying and doing but I AM looking forward to a <i>laissez-faire</i> start to the new year too. My state of togetherness tells me that there are beautiful things on the horizon and but I am ready to wait. <br /><br /><i>There are times when you might feel aimless<br />You can't see the places where you belong<br />But you will find that there is a purpose<br />It's been there within you all along and when you're near it<br />You can almost hear it <br /> - Meet the Mormons </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i><br />Thank you for stopping by. Until next time, come find me on <i><a href="http://instagram.com/thestylecradle" target="_blank">Instagram</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thestylecradle" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>xo Renee</i></span></span><br />
<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-57597175657384182732014-11-15T09:25:00.001+04:002014-11-15T21:12:53.921+04:00Taking Stock - Fall memories......Howdy partner? It's been a minute since I've been here.....and I missed it. It's also been also a while since I've been contemplating on a picture-saturated <i>entre nous</i> and letting you know where my life was at while I was away. This is it.....<br />
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At the end of September I found myself flying on a jet with my tribe. Eight hours and several decadent food choices later I was home in <a href="http://www.marburg.de/en/24695">Marburg</a>. If you know me then it's no secret that I'm a sucker for fairy tales, folksy things and dreamy pictures and Marburg is where they all come to life. I never miss an opportunity that comes along to be there, to be swaddled in love. I spent the next six weeks taking it all in, and then decided to lock my pretty darling treasures up in a <strike>bottle</strike> <a href="http://dictionary.reverso.net/german-english/Koffer">Koffer</a> and flew back to Muscat. This time around I have had so many whimsy pinch-me-worthies that it makes my heart float with happiness and gratitude. The more I see, the less I know for sure......Making an effort at zooming in at them gently as they continue to multiply......<br />
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A cobweb that wasn't short of a magical kingdom // some handmade keepsakes, better known as <i>Schutzengel</i> (guardian angels) in Germany // My bubba and her bubbles :)))) // Christmas cookies that made an early appearance all the way from the town of Aachen and a book about it's historically and architecturally intriguing <i>'Kaiserdom' </i>(Imperial Cathedral) which also is a world heritage site. Who knew? Not me! I gonna hit up that town someday. <br />
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This ultra adorable train is the newest touristie favorite... toots folks around downtown where all the action happens, all the way up to the Marburg Castle of Landgraves where Gothic stories unfold. The driver even has a perma smile, love it! // Ever heard of a Pirate's Schnitzel? This cafe had it covered // Cozy slippers and comfy knits //That Shearling backpack though<br />
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That one time when I saw a lone white swan in the woods // The light at the end of the tunnel is what I want you to take away from this picture // <a href="http://www.bueckingsgarten-marburg.de/">Bückingsgarten</a>, the grub - bringing happy hours since 1708 // And there we toasted to another happy year to my boyishly devilishly handsome husband. <br />
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I love bringing to life a seasonal table....this was our Fall décor this year in Muscat. The foliage in Oman looks far from it but we can always look past that, can't we? I feel it for sure // Goulash - to warm the inside when it's cold outside. My spin is very unconventional but ridiculously healthy // I've been baking like never before, hashtag Stepford Wife :) On this occassion it was the Banana Almond Loaf. Dang! that was good // We had the little Red Riding Hood over at Halloween and she couldn't get any cuter.<br />
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I never could decide what I am most drawn to when it comes to Fall - the rustling reddened leaves on the sidewalks, the pumpkins that scream soup-or-décor, the sweater weather, soul-soothing foods, a home that smells like baked goods because I'm actually baking or everything in between. It's all I dream of in a festive season with my birthday and sweet surprises thrown in for good measure. This year I've been more than lucky with fine opportunities making their way to me, more than once. To be completely honest, as I grow older I find the word 'coincidence' more and more meaningless. Things that have come about to shape the kind of life I live or the people I share it with are too special to be random. And random has no place here. It's perpetually reassuring that it's all part of a grande cosmic arrangement because I believe in it. <br />
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Hope you had a great festive start too. Ready for Thanksgiving? Oh and it's only 40 days till Christmas!!!!! Exciting times.<br />
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Thank you for stopping by. Until next time come find me on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/thestylecradle">instagram.com/thestylecradle</a>) because that is where I post the most.<br />
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xo Renee <br />
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<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-75115705062350854912014-07-26T10:33:00.004+04:002014-07-26T17:55:42.572+04:00// Mango Chia Smoothie //So the big word of the moment is <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/03/chia-seed-benefits-_n_3379831.html" target="_blank">Chia</a>. Let's face it, I'm not that achingly regular person at breakfast, especially in the summertime. So to over-compensate, I have been swinging by my kitchen to fix this smoothie that I'm gonna show you how to throw in together (literally). It's super fun to make and tastes so good that you won't be losing interest in it anytime soon, promise! All credits go to Pinterest for enabling Chia drinks in general, this however is my spin on the 'super healthy-super cool' drink:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQoqjYbA1WgmdtpqqCK4Z8iDlZl-l7E6FceXf5s2dJneQt1J-pTgaCMtSvq_ogNsJLKfL5ngzynUT765fm3TJXKuWzNKfj5iOwz6A-dCPFGFHUHeTjty0vDuFuT1cq97jQuAfFszHXjc/s1600/IMG_3850_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQoqjYbA1WgmdtpqqCK4Z8iDlZl-l7E6FceXf5s2dJneQt1J-pTgaCMtSvq_ogNsJLKfL5ngzynUT765fm3TJXKuWzNKfj5iOwz6A-dCPFGFHUHeTjty0vDuFuT1cq97jQuAfFszHXjc/s1600/IMG_3850_Fotor.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A mason jar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chia seeds (white looks better/ black tastes better in my books) - 2 tablespoons</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dairy, almond or rice milk - one part or half the jar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fresh mango juice - one part or half the jar </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shredded coconut (totally optional, if you like a more tropical version like myself) - 1 tablespoon </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stevia or agave (optional again, if you're a sweetie:)).</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7KnOnPrHvIX6ID9aVP2LZ7ZocI715uvHvud_wFXgPrahIAHFeXcTbU7PQwjlNfw-GgvGWODfFu6HXBYzMrRBml4NKd0dQ8V0pEqDB34yFnQQrwrEolYBpTOmiNjPeXrjsunAPoBktps/s1600/IMG_3841_Fotor+for+blog_Fotor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7KnOnPrHvIX6ID9aVP2LZ7ZocI715uvHvud_wFXgPrahIAHFeXcTbU7PQwjlNfw-GgvGWODfFu6HXBYzMrRBml4NKd0dQ8V0pEqDB34yFnQQrwrEolYBpTOmiNjPeXrjsunAPoBktps/s1600/IMG_3841_Fotor+for+blog_Fotor2.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toss the ingredients in your mason jar and give a good stir. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, preferably 3-4 (I leave it overnight). The wait is important because <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Chia seeds have an outer layer that swells up when mixed with liquid and make the drink gelatinous, almost like a pudding. </span></span></span> </li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring it out, stir again and enjoy. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">One finished drink (400ml) contains approximately 300 calories: 70 from milk (low fat), 110 from mango juice and 120 from the Chia seeds .</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">15 grams of protein, 10 grams fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm yet to find a better and longer filling pick-me-up. Brekkie, snack or dessert, one for all - all for one! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Give this a try, will you?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">xo Renee</span></span></span></div>
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The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-66084955371818999342014-06-13T21:18:00.000+04:002014-08-11T22:45:48.191+04:00A little Heart to Heart in the calm before the storm<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Hey lovers...... Yeah, it's been a minute. Well, you guys I'm back....and like that she blogged happily ever after. While getting myself ready this morning, I glanced on this heart mirrored trinket that I have had forever, and it occurred to me that this was the perfect day to piece my feelings together and let you know that I am doing <strike>okay</strike> great. So we have a mean tropical storm - Nanauk - brewing on the horizon, peeps are busy stocking up on supplies & safety and, yours truly is dropping a note. Go me! Actually, we went on our grocery adventure yesterday and it looked like humanity with her spilling shopping carts was running a race against time. To be honest, I am a wee anxious to see how nurture holds up against nature, come tomorrow when Nanauk lashes against our doors. This little heart to heart is me being a renegade to the tempests both inside and outside of me. </div>
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<i>I want you to know</i> that this long blogging hiatus was not nonchalant. If you haven't noticed the elephant in the room already, I finally got around to re-designing my blog. Some major kinks with my previous blogger template frazzled me so much that I did not wanna write more until I knew I had the option to salvage my posts through the process of creating a new space. Luckily, it went down pretty well. I wanted - minimal, airy and a bit grown up 'shabby' if you will. I think I have it (thank you, Lisa). I spent several caffeine-heavy evenings fixing the previous posts and customizations. However, do tell if you were to still come across any snags with this or older narratives of mine. Cyber kisses coming at you in advance.</div>
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<i>I want you to know</i> that I share about the things and people I am passionate about, and will continue to do so. The content is nothing but true, but the extent of things that I choose to unwrap off their emotional bubble wrap is very carefully thought of, for the sake of stakes, sanity and safety of my loved ones. You could even say thestylecradle is a sliver of me but not all of me or my life because it's edited. Most blogs are. Some more, some less. And if you ever thought your favorite blogger woke up with beachy waves just to have a pink macron in a little cafe in the south of France while some mystery man snapped her most flatteringly then whoa Nelly, I'm sorry!</div>
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<i>I want you to know</i> that I was feeling a little out of sync when it came to blending both my real and virtual worlds. There was something beyond the cognitive process, focus and the ability to multi-task that was bothering me. It was how to both live a meaningful life and document it meaningfully as a blogger at the same time, and spontaneously. The answer is you <i>cannot</i>. The only way to live life is to take it all in at the time, and if you get to chronicle it somehow, it's a frosting on the cake. This does involve a lot of practice and self reflection but is incredibly liberating in the end, who knew? I'm not there yet but lately, I've been occasionally doing things just because I truly enjoy them and make only a mental note of them, no technology whatsoever. Not that my life is not exciting anymore or I love writing here any less, but my real life is too special not to live it in real time. My moments are worth everything. I blog when I want, I blog when I can. This is me being honest and hope you understand.</div>
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<i>I want you to know</i> that post-production photography is stirring me like never before. So the backstory goes like this... I used to be so Iphone snappy (snap & happy) that I contentedly neglected my 20lbs SLR equipment that was thoughtfully bought for my artistic juices by the ever encouraging husband a few years ago. This did not feel like a compromise for comfort when I had reminders like 'throw-in Sultana snack in the handbag for Sara' crowding my imagination. Photo filters kept me going. Also, the clichèd claims of some overnight out-of-nowhere photographers cringed me out. Not so long ago not many knew what a DSLR meant and today everyone around is a photographer! That's all good but I am not a <i>photographer</i> and did not wanna contribute towards random photo junk on the interwebs. Then one night in the beginning of February 2014, while reading about the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, I came past a picture that blew my mind and it's detachment away. A picture by the Turkish Photographer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mustafadenizseven?fref=ts">Mustafa Seven</a> that left me intrigued, impressed and most importantly inspired to take the bull by it's horns. I was fueled to learn to create content, content that contains magic. Post-Editing is a long road and obviously, involves taking pictures but am glad to be on it. Over the past 60 days or so I went on the longest vay-cay with my little family and captured quite a few pinch-me worthies through my lenses. If you are interested in my baby steps at the after-picture craft then go check thestylecradle@Instagram. </div>
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<i>I want you to know</i> that my skin and I are having a serious break-up right now. Don't remember the last time we fell out like this and I had this colorful of a caricature to brag about. Feels like the skin Gods are rudely reminding me that they are unhappy with my experiments with their endowment #dontfixwhenitaintbroke. This too shall pass but it's constantly on my mind and has made me empathize with the 'real' acne sufferers on a totally different level. Goes to show how much more grateful one should of be of things or people that/who seem like the run of the mill when they are not - whether it's your nearly age perfect skin, your partner's unconditional love, a tantrum free toddler or the fact that you can still rock your jean from high school like a spring chicken. Some say lucky, some blessed!</div>
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<i>I want you to know</i> that I'm beyond thankful for you sticking it out with me. You who read, follow, write, support and believe in me have completely refreshed my perspective on friendship. And if you are a hater, then I thank you too for making me the center of your world. Yes you! In the past few months, both acts of kindness by complete strangers and insecurities of 'fake' friends kept surfacing every now and then. One wanted me to embrace raw optimism, and the other made me feel sorry for some who I once cared about turn into jealous minions because they can't seem to handle happiness. If only they knew that this little cloud of negativity they breathe under only affects them. More sooner than later, it's time for me to let go of those ambivalent relationships to make space for new uplifting ones. I'm gonna continue to do 'whatsoevermany' things that make ME happy and won't let anyone tell me otherwise. </div>
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More from me on the other side of storm. Till then come find me at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thestylecradle" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/stylecradle/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/thestylecradle#" target="_blank">Instagram</a> . </div>
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xo Renee<br />
<br />The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-36006281449183275112014-02-13T19:18:00.000+04:002014-06-20T14:40:44.079+04:00The Snow Dream<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Howdy...All well I hope. So it might even be safe to say that I have settled in a bit after my first fly out of the year in January. I might be doing this a bit late, but I must because it was just too dang good not to share.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although any travel of mine borders a bit on excitement and unease, this time I really wanted to embrace the cloud and cold. I really did. That could be the reason I've been incessantly daydreaming of snow since fall last year. We arrived in <a href="http://www.deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com/en/your-journey/destinations/members-and-partners-at-the-german-fairy-tale-route/view/marburg" target="_blank">Marburg</a> for our little vay-cay and days flew by but the talk/sight of snow evaded us. I was almost coming around to deal with <i>it's not gonna happen, is it?</i> Then one night husband and I decided to dress warm, horse around downtown and get high like the in pre-Sara days while grandparents babysat, happily. We did all that and while walking home later (much later) I look up and catch these massive snowflakes making their way down, claiming us, trees and everything around pretty quick as if they were on some paint 'em white mission. All that I've been wanting was happening for me right there - the expected, unexpectedly. In that moment, as I stood there with snowflakes in my hair, all I could think of was the law of attraction - Did my thoughts just create reality? Did I just bring about what I've been thinking about? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe yes, maybe no, but that night I had a pretty snowy reason to believe I did. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Woke up next morning to a blanketed quiet and a very excited husband tells me that there is more. I open the door and I promise I almost cried. The snow had fallen! Huge trees now looked like canopies waiting to be walked under and the smaller ones like leaves in a giant salad bowl with generous shavings of parmesan on them, the Castle of Landgraves in the backyard looked as if it was dressed just enough for the occasion, street outside was like a long slushy river from feet making their way to work, even school and the air smelled like it should be only thing one should ever breathe - clean and crisp if you will. It was ah-mazing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I bundled the li'l thing up and we ran out to make sure that it was not an optical illusion. This was her first time in snow so I didn't know what to expect... Luckily, girlfriend was beyond thrilled with the whole experience. We touched, played with, made things, wrote on, fell over and even tasted some of what she called </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">'the white one'</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I snapped some pictures for my memory wall and watched Sara, quite the character become the meaning of my snow dream. Looked like the slightest mention of going back home hurt more than fingers being numb. Although the trooper did whimper a few times when it got a bit too cold for her to handle. Another time when we are in Marburg and there is lots of it, I would love to take her sledding. I better get dreaming, huh! Chicken soup with glass noodles was the other highlight of that day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Renee</span></div>
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The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-82740764089064993102014-01-06T15:32:00.001+04:002014-07-21T16:36:55.445+04:002014 - the year of endless possibilities ....<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you know how much a Polar bear weighs? I think just enough to break the ice....Seriously, it was about time I checked in. I hope from the bottom of my heart you and yours had a magical holiday season and an awesome start to 2014. I did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the past, before any year began I was all business with mammoth expectations and never ending resolutions. Some worked out and many failed. Later, I found myself gnawing on the disappointments more than being happy about the good fortunes that did decide to fall in my basket. And if one were to believe in luck, 2013 was anything but lucky for me. Anyway, that's all behind us for good like Miley's twerks. 2014 is gonna be a very positive swap in so many ways for me.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> To start with, this year I have zero clichéd resolutions but a few very attainable benchmarks - these are there purely for inspiration and motivation, no sleep loss if none materialize. I think when the fear/anxiety/pressure of the outcome wears off all you are left with is freedom, endless freedom to imagine and improve at your own pace. One of mine this year is as lame as not forgetting to drink water. But then again it's not that lame when the husband is sometimes worried that I might forget to breathe because I have other things to care about!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanna lay off expectations. A tiny fibre of my being hurts when I say this because it's easier to have them than to not. I'm gonna try nonetheless to expect less from the universe to give me all that I wish for, the husband to read my mind all the time, my parents to check on me everyday, our baby to come to bed when I summon, my friends to like the pictures I post on Facebook, the lady who rings the register at Carrefour to smile or even you to find what I write worth your time - basically everyone and everything. All I wanna do is to be happy and be ready to be surprised. I think I had forgotten for a while that the best things in my life happened when I least expected them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have reached a point in my life where positivity is more paramount than ever. It might seem impossible when you are battling the elements of nature. I'm the first one to raise my hand up and say that for the longest time I thought that this worked only for monks living in ice laden mountains, flamboyant poets who do nothing but fantasize about women all day and holistic healers who are all about placebo. The truth, however, is that they were leaps and bounds ahead of me in this game. Today I know better...that if there is anything that can get one through rough sledding then its's positivity and conviction, or whatever is your name for it.....that I'm way stronger than I could have ever imagined. It's your attitude that makes or breaks you. And I feel compelled to share this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the New Year's Eve, we went out for a cozy dinner at Kargeen, shared some Bateel for good measure, took a very sleepy Sara to bed, snuggled up watching some good ol' TV on the couch and told each other that this is gonna be our year just before the clock struck midnight. Even though we <strike>couldn't</strike> didn't make it to the 'it' party, countdown or fireworks, this year somehow feels like my year, our year, one that is self contained yet has endless possibilities......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What about you? How to you feel about the brand new 2014? Share now.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">xo Renee</span></div>
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The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-43404574264836498072013-12-12T20:45:00.000+04:002014-06-20T14:44:49.909+04:00Taking Stock - December 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">I have always wished December lasted longer because I'm super stoked about what it brings.... my little heart desires to live in the ho ho ho spirit forever</span><span style="text-align: left;">. This year even more because I'm not the only kid in the house - they make everything more meaningful and fulfilling, don't they? So this is me sharing the pinch-me worthies of the season before it's over.... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Making</i>: room for a few more things in my <i>koffer</i>...if that is even possible. Yes, I'm hopping on a jet, yet again. It's time to visit my parents for the holidays...can't wait to kiss my dad and wolf all my mom's dope food down..... fully expect a food baby!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cooking</i>: grilled Chicken and green bean mash. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Drinking</i>: water, I know...borrrring. The ever-so popular festive spiced lattes are too sweet for me to handle.They make me nauseous, no joke. This lightweight has been doing some Glühwein for good measure though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Reading</i>: In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms - Dr Laura Schlessinger. Great read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Wanting</i>: sniffles to go away and never come back *sniff*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Looking</i>: for a new pair of riding boots. My imagination of the perfect one might be a touch too good to be true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Playing</i>: hide and seek with Sara. Also toying with the idea of redesigning the blog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Wasting</i>: a cauliflower </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sewing</i>: what's that?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Wishing</i>: for 2014 to be a better one, one where I'm gonna assume nothing, do more, want less, dream bigger, hold on to hope and realize how lucky I am. Try, anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Enjoying</i> : settling temperatures and our perfectly holiday curated home. If you believe in christmas magic, then it's brewing non stop from our living room</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Waiting</i>: of course for Chistmas and to unwrap presents with Sara under the tree</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Liking</i> : my new monochrome striped shirt #jailbird swag </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Wondering</i>: If I'm doing enough today so that my daughter could have a trust filled relationship with me tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Loving</i>: the hubster, still heart over heels. This boy always has his arms free to wrap me over and ears for my stories. He is my happy, he is my home! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Hoping</i>: to see some snow in January 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Marvelling</i>: at my little ball of energy singing to her gold fish crackers. Adorabubble! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Needing</i>: to plan our next vacation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Smelling: nothing, my nose is stuffed like a stocking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Wearing</i>: leggins, tank and fuzzy socks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Following</i>: Indie folk/ folk pop, especially when Mindy Gledhill does it. Her <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygO7uG7Zpfg" target="_blank">Little Soldier</a> </i>and <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxFZDNn2Hjs" target="_blank">Winter Moon</a> </i>have been warming my soul like firewood. Festive freak, huh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Noticing</i>: the laundry that won't wash itself and might need a little help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>knowing</i>: that my life is close to a masterpiece and<i> </i>I was chosen to live it for a reason not coincidence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thinking</i>: about what I read today -`you don't have a soul, you are a soul and you have a body´. So darn true</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Feeling</i>: restless</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Bookmarking</i>: fur scarves (tons of them <-- the husband) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Opening</i>: his stash of <a href="http://www.niederegger.de/en_GB" target="_blank">Marzipan</a> and stealing some, ha ha</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Giggling</i>: every morning when it's time for Sara to open the Advent calendar window.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel free to share your highlights. I'm all about Christmas/winter fuzzies....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for sharing and inspiring me to do this <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/category/uncategorized/" target="_blank">Pip</a>, you are amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="text-align: justify;"> </i><i style="text-align: justify;"> xo Renee</i></span>The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-75806235964697071632013-11-24T08:03:00.000+04:002015-05-26T12:47:04.873+04:00Wander, Weather and Wine<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey home girl, hope you are well. I just wanted to touch base real quick and let you know what I've been up to. Well, the big words for me at the moment are jet lagged, winded, under the weather but mostly <b><i>thankful</i></b>. A nasty ass flu took possession of me<span style="font-family: inherit;"> three</span> weeks ago and it just won't exorcise ....completely anyway. It's going in circles between the three of us for quite some time now. To make the status quo not any better, I also had to deal with an annoying tooth situation for a while before I could do something to fix/heal/recover. I'm usually not this fragile but life is throwing me some curves right now. But this too shall pass....Welp!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was also on an unprecedented yet welcome trip home (<a href="http://www.deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com/en/your-journey/destinations/members-and-partners-at-the-german-fairy-tale-route/view/marburg" target="_blank">Marburg</a>, Germany) with Sara. My wanders and travels, for whatever reason have always taught me new things and skills. Not all who wander are lost, right? This time I learn<span style="font-family: inherit;">t</span> the art of survival on a long haul with a toddler. To be honest, it was quite fun sans aarrgghhh-inducing for the most part. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you have your homework down and follow the checklist then you are good to go. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was perfect weather - cold (just above freezing) but not the spine chilling variety of it. Fall almost sauntering into winter, imbuing chunky knits, fluffy scarves, oversized wool coats and knee high boots, the oh-so-Christmassy spirit in the air, stores & kiosks overflowing with holiday decor, decals, ornaments, chocolates, calendars and wines, winds that are reminiscent of firewood and coffee beans ....you get the picture. It was hard leaving all that behind so soon. Although, I did bring back some goodies<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">and</span></span> memories to inspire me for the remainder of this year. In Muscat, finally and ready to log a few infographic posts, for both you and me </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you are having or did have an awesome weekend. We are sipping on some home made <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulled_wine" target="_blank">Glühwein</a> (the German-Austrian holiday drink) to kick the season off right, dreaming of Christmas markets and cuddling on the couch. Sweet!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As always......thanks for reading.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i> </i><i> xo Renee</i></span></span></div>
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The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-86417996322970348462013-11-08T20:16:00.000+04:002014-07-07T17:06:46.623+04:00D. I. Y - Winter Scrub<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every once in a while I take a little time off for pampering. As much as I love my family and spending time with them, my 'Me<b>'</b> time is also one of the 'non- negotiables' in my life. It can become quite a rare event because there is always something or someone more important. But some days I just channel my inner suffragette and take care of myself. Lately, I've been feeling abundantly creative. So I swung by my kitchen and found the ingredients to make an all natural body scrub from scratch. Not sure if I'm the first to think of this concoction but not a care in the world. I'm really excited to share my rendition with you - drumroll please - The Winter Scrub ! This is as an excellent exfoliator that preps your skin for the brewing cold by leaving it softer, cleaner and refreshed. And the smell is just so exotic....woot woot. I think if Princess Jasmin wore a fragrance, this is what it would have most likely smelled like, ha ha. Thumbs up for Disney. It's also a very thoughtful and interesting gift idea for family/ friends for the holiday season. Let's get started.....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients : Ground Coffee // Ground Cardamom // Ground Almonds // Brown Sugar // Cold Pressed Olive Oil // Vitamin E Oil( totally optional - <i>only</i> if u wanna extend the shelf life beyond 2 weeks) .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">* Here I'm using Arabic Coffee which already has Cardamom in it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">* You can also switch up the olive oil with any other oil of your choice. Macadamia nut oil and Argan oil are great alternatives. Just steer clear of anything that sets or hardens at room temperature. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I just eyeballed (you can measure if you like) and mixed everything up well and Voila ! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One important tip to keep in mind is that the texture of Coffee = texture of your scrub. So mill the coffee beans fine or coarse depending on your preference. I personally like my scrub to be quite gritty but not abrasive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then I went ahead and transferred the finished product into a mason's jar and decorated it for a more festive and farmhouse chic feel. Isn't this the cutest scrub on the planet? </span></span></div>
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Now Smooth those shins and elbows friend ......</span></span></div>
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Any fans? Let me know if u get a chance to make this and leave me a link or comment below .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> xo Renee</i></span></span></div>
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The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-37407034778508134152013-11-04T11:27:00.000+04:002014-06-20T14:50:30.650+04:00 Haul - Beauty, Skin Care & Make-up <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: start;">As I told you earlier, I was in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai" target="_blank">Dubai</a> for little less than a week recently. And no trip to this world city is complete without some damage, nothing ridiculous! Now that I have recovered a bit from over stimulation and a nasty flu, I thought I would share with you some of the Beauty/ Skin Care hotshots that I hauled gracefully all the way back home, to Oman. I'm not always consumption driven and hardly shop for momentary feel-good buzz, but I don't really see the point in lusting over something for ages and holding back from owing it when it right before your eyes, if you are not on a budget. I won't even know what a 'wish list' is because my determination is stronger than that.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: start;">Many of these products are newbies who have made the cut to my vanity. So, I will do a 'touch and go' on those for now and harp out a detailed review on the best of the bunch, once the verdict is reached. And </span>others are repurchases of 'oldies but goodies' that have withstood the test of time and expectations. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvv241fTfwj-6eIHbvqSGrj7EVMM05h4vZG0UbEACYjkg3p3rBSSP0PXjcShHJToKLWjOzQUvHIS7kB9EeCRBxYv-PgjKaavjaosOBg_bCb1UCK998MBA3zTC580qXzGQCQ-M2BjoF6o/s1600/Q16A3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvv241fTfwj-6eIHbvqSGrj7EVMM05h4vZG0UbEACYjkg3p3rBSSP0PXjcShHJToKLWjOzQUvHIS7kB9EeCRBxYv-PgjKaavjaosOBg_bCb1UCK998MBA3zTC580qXzGQCQ-M2BjoF6o/s640/Q16A3004.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">My Beauty and the boost story:)))</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">The candle in the picture is Winter Hiver from Bath and Body Works. I'm a bit over zealous when it comes to fall/winter, can u tell? Why not, Christmas is just 51 days away and all I need is a festive </span><i style="text-align: left;">ugly jumper</i><span style="text-align: left;"> fro</span><span style="text-align: left;">m </span><a href="http://www.rustyzipper.com/uglychristmassweaters/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Rusty Zipper</a><span style="text-align: left;"> !!!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnmHVSuu7H8/UnY4FZ8vvNI/AAAAAAAAAZU/kxNNNudjw5s/s1600/Q16A3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnmHVSuu7H8/UnY4FZ8vvNI/AAAAAAAAAZU/kxNNNudjw5s/s640/Q16A3012.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">L'occitane <i>Ultra Rich</i> Face Cream</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJVnX4wQYLImSGVWBr_yNRYw8FgIdJbVY176RrFCRraD84GCZyNKRFZs7QoN5QStA-EuHwhka7WTADOROg6nvzwGiIU3TVg8YX-ZMjTSQamq2EDd0zTc_ZSFOap8ndbxyqf-QTbSJLbY/s1600/Q16A3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJVnX4wQYLImSGVWBr_yNRYw8FgIdJbVY176RrFCRraD84GCZyNKRFZs7QoN5QStA-EuHwhka7WTADOROg6nvzwGiIU3TVg8YX-ZMjTSQamq2EDd0zTc_ZSFOap8ndbxyqf-QTbSJLbY/s640/Q16A3017.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Body Shop - Nutriganics - <i>Drops Of Youth</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VlAK6PacRDP_mkvolMCo22NmlArZXNgMlTcbifY5J6jMqRoxjHP3TkKX7sUTiRJ00Hh8kntgd641QoC0DIkV9OEEHrA3KrPDjXa1LGcbRGswhbvwhy1XogD3dvSaFDOCG7dbV_Wk1NY/s1600/Q16A3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VlAK6PacRDP_mkvolMCo22NmlArZXNgMlTcbifY5J6jMqRoxjHP3TkKX7sUTiRJ00Hh8kntgd641QoC0DIkV9OEEHrA3KrPDjXa1LGcbRGswhbvwhy1XogD3dvSaFDOCG7dbV_Wk1NY/s640/Q16A3020.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Body Shop - <i>Tobacco Flower</i> Body Mist </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6u4TOd3cn8/UnZqNiRtnlI/AAAAAAAAAdc/iWzk8FZJa4M/s1600/Q16A3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6u4TOd3cn8/UnZqNiRtnlI/AAAAAAAAAdc/iWzk8FZJa4M/s640/Q16A3026.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hermès Pure Perfume - <i>Voyage d' </i><i>Hermès</i> - Unisex (repurchase)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-xh5iND_KpXldJOcavwChFkW-BHQrfrO0X5rtmz9irvu3aF26uUfvN4iQZa7CRI8166mA4zqpovkjR18emAfFcw66lW4JEDLg60M3KdiJfaONzo-vAt4nvBen2pUD1QO-cCdz4ihGuI/s1600/Q16A3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-xh5iND_KpXldJOcavwChFkW-BHQrfrO0X5rtmz9irvu3aF26uUfvN4iQZa7CRI8166mA4zqpovkjR18emAfFcw66lW4JEDLg60M3KdiJfaONzo-vAt4nvBen2pUD1QO-cCdz4ihGuI/s640/Q16A3034.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All things Make up</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e-TUhH45_t7kIoH3QTA7HVt7KjDzJirlnF2SIA-jcjWg17HXyxadgpQpYKXEb8XqvuN-NJcgbAY8GS9oC7-ozbm4RnAnx1sRzkLuYlLyaCTL9oH0uEMzIEQdPVyy6EkjiBzgfsQTTuA/s1600/Q16A3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e-TUhH45_t7kIoH3QTA7HVt7KjDzJirlnF2SIA-jcjWg17HXyxadgpQpYKXEb8XqvuN-NJcgbAY8GS9oC7-ozbm4RnAnx1sRzkLuYlLyaCTL9oH0uEMzIEQdPVyy6EkjiBzgfsQTTuA/s640/Q16A3042.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">M.A.C Lipstick - Russian Red - Matte</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBehEqLcePSJudCS26qv5xZ4kBZL3hhT8RDvjsCiBKOJJn4Zxo-9O8T61E9CjAAQ2xGhnN7tRWZgwt03u3kgvKCtuvShWDGGJgOLW5LkuA-_xY06-WLiNETTm5_z6w_syvPJSNJA_Uth4/s1600/Q16A3045-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBehEqLcePSJudCS26qv5xZ4kBZL3hhT8RDvjsCiBKOJJn4Zxo-9O8T61E9CjAAQ2xGhnN7tRWZgwt03u3kgvKCtuvShWDGGJgOLW5LkuA-_xY06-WLiNETTm5_z6w_syvPJSNJA_Uth4/s640/Q16A3045-001.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nouba.it/index.php" target="_blank">Nouba</a> Lipstick #169 - Metallic</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i0YtYIJoqpHkqMUg9Cty4_dVnViBq_vb17m8NSdsZKzlOFzndgHQ_uq7D3U-lNg9fEJ2qR5qS7921kltd9wpB4dXudKeorUr7X7yK54WQLN2RSQWRVbJRRRyy1TETIdjg81zJLkLk3g/s1600/Q16A3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i0YtYIJoqpHkqMUg9Cty4_dVnViBq_vb17m8NSdsZKzlOFzndgHQ_uq7D3U-lNg9fEJ2qR5qS7921kltd9wpB4dXudKeorUr7X7yK54WQLN2RSQWRVbJRRRyy1TETIdjg81zJLkLk3g/s640/Q16A3046.JPG" height="502" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">L'oreal Paris Color Riche Lipstick - Made for Me Naturals #235 (repurchase)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rYeynzCM2b6uJhxyBiRVO9Lgb8926flO8jUagDh-XgXsHgjS6ax8WoUGYBp8Hoj5dnr8SlSF35FRQqhaynZ2_0bY_fqB3nFrai-xqAm6S7iVSieA1O67jyj3yF9koEIzhldqv_nmrCk/s1600/Q16A3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rYeynzCM2b6uJhxyBiRVO9Lgb8926flO8jUagDh-XgXsHgjS6ax8WoUGYBp8Hoj5dnr8SlSF35FRQqhaynZ2_0bY_fqB3nFrai-xqAm6S7iVSieA1O67jyj3yF9koEIzhldqv_nmrCk/s640/Q16A3037.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Revlon - Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains - Sweetheart, Honey, Rendezvous (left to right)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIheW5iDLt2aOVA5CaANHPogjQ7WlaVHEyPvEGdTiStlu56eWU58iP7ga-7_kVvfkRtxEZPhCaGiO5wxR_uOs93milVbDIiEyUE83aIFIUX9oLJGpFJ21fIabztyXJiZ8xneuN2jKRxnY/s1600/Q16A3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIheW5iDLt2aOVA5CaANHPogjQ7WlaVHEyPvEGdTiStlu56eWU58iP7ga-7_kVvfkRtxEZPhCaGiO5wxR_uOs93milVbDIiEyUE83aIFIUX9oLJGpFJ21fIabztyXJiZ8xneuN2jKRxnY/s640/Q16A3052.JPG" height="342" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> M.A.C - <i>Engraved</i> Powerpoint Eye Pencil // <i>Smoulder</i> Eye Kohl ( repurchases and must-haves)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKmjZ7uvftLB8-tOeTepRcnTD4mK0L8TnVVmBBd5hUY05NX_ZEC8zvf9v082dq-ZyhYGdZiTOgDG29Fm9Ozv4g3874jVwEAz1qCf16po7fPATj4kqstsOgAJtKj_UmzU2m-RDozZq__s/s1600/Q16A3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKmjZ7uvftLB8-tOeTepRcnTD4mK0L8TnVVmBBd5hUY05NX_ZEC8zvf9v082dq-ZyhYGdZiTOgDG29Fm9Ozv4g3874jVwEAz1qCf16po7fPATj4kqstsOgAJtKj_UmzU2m-RDozZq__s/s640/Q16A3056.JPG" height="640" width="622" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rimmel London - <i>Exaggerate</i> Eye Definer - 261 Noir - Waterproof- repurchase </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1x7VQnbyFnlnQRosBh-uMMe4XaqvKIMGewTgqUpALmRB3aIbCPQay63yp8G7BZogVFKntqLoUggezyEORlzo_ZyBahLZogS0mZx1qh3Xd9mhRvbMUyemKlxL4Jc5VoGtIvU4E9Qh7xo/s1600/Q16A3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1x7VQnbyFnlnQRosBh-uMMe4XaqvKIMGewTgqUpALmRB3aIbCPQay63yp8G7BZogVFKntqLoUggezyEORlzo_ZyBahLZogS0mZx1qh3Xd9mhRvbMUyemKlxL4Jc5VoGtIvU4E9Qh7xo/s640/Q16A3057.JPG" height="516" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rimmel London - <i>Scandaleyes</i> Kohl Kajal - 001 Black - Waterproof</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVin9TndqwCmAO-j_gkKCesFjEUyFhWpezZrHFkPO3B1qxNYRMLfJA5Hk4mlDE7ecQecEAroZQ_-U7CupdSmQKNK5krZHIRlnYApuA6amxzQAatpYcTUN9NKGWWGj76dPoiOW9awVI4U/s1600/Q16A3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVin9TndqwCmAO-j_gkKCesFjEUyFhWpezZrHFkPO3B1qxNYRMLfJA5Hk4mlDE7ecQecEAroZQ_-U7CupdSmQKNK5krZHIRlnYApuA6amxzQAatpYcTUN9NKGWWGj76dPoiOW9awVI4U/s640/Q16A3051.JPG" height="576" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rimmel London - <i>Scandaleyes </i>Retro Glam Mascara - 001 Black </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Revlon - Photo Ready Foundations # 008 <i>Golden Beige</i> # 010 <i>Caramel</i>. The mix of both should give me a close to perfect color match.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Hope you enjoyed this quick haul. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for reading. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> xo Renee</i></span></span></div>
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The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-47315008762776520922013-10-19T15:00:00.000+04:002015-05-24T13:32:44.109+04:00Au Naturel Skin Care Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmPJ_RV6DLN7BLmgRMS4cNUO20IEqdXdIdN1i8tFoxcO4QEahoTAHSeBki0E54ijjlrvzUB_Kf0et94deBv6zoVfMYfZa9t9GzghAXXU98HOlhZtrddYV7aTv0Gpy9gtx6ZYKgG2NFTQ/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmPJ_RV6DLN7BLmgRMS4cNUO20IEqdXdIdN1i8tFoxcO4QEahoTAHSeBki0E54ijjlrvzUB_Kf0et94deBv6zoVfMYfZa9t9GzghAXXU98HOlhZtrddYV7aTv0Gpy9gtx6ZYKgG2NFTQ/s640/IMG_1390.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Peeps, lets talk Dermis - Skin - Peau - Haut today. In awe of the biggest organ in our body and an ode to every woman who has lost some sleep over it at some point in life. Coming to think of it, most women, including myself, are constantly in search of the fountain of eternal beauty and it somehow evades us with reckless abandon or so it seems. Although I fully support this quest, there is also no impasse about the truth that<span style="color: magenta;"> </span>beauty is way beyond skin deep. This is so <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">cliché,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span> but a reminder is always in order to tell self and women around that we all are beautiful. The power and aura of a beautiful soul is unbounded. But one should also be able talk freely about the exponential joy of make up and skin care, efforts at looking or staying pretty on the outside without being judged as vain, lame or privileged. It does not make you a shallow narcissist for wanting to look awesome, and it's never '<i>too much</i>', no matter what they tell you. </span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I have always loved dolling up. To me it's more than just slapping on powder and calling it a day. I enjoy every swatch and every stroke - a little bit of make up and a whole lot of imagination - the whole process that brings out the best in me. It's my effort not to hide but to enhance. To me it's self expression, freedom, balance, therapy and on stormy days a safe haven. As much as I love confessing my love for le maquillage and playing the beauty doctor, I'm also the first one to admit not being the keenest on skin care for the longest time. This was very deliberate, just because I never felt the need or had the dedication to fiddle with lotions <span style="font-family: inherit;">and</span> potions. <span style="font-family: inherit;">And</span> if your partner <span style="font-family: inherit;">has hyperosmia<span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span></span>these things work<span style="font-family: inherit;"> as</span> potent MAN repellants before anything else, seriously. I think it's better not to try and fix something when it ain't broken. I'm pretty lucky with my skin, have no serious issues to report. Excuse me, while I knock on wood! But there is always room for MORE - better, clearer, softer, <i>younger</i>. I think now is a good time for me to start because I've been thinking a lot about<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>gravity <span style="font-family: inherit;">lately</span>, ha ha. Hence, the decision to switch out my happy-go-lucky routine for a more time consuming pampering sessions. I hear some people in my crib complaining, oh well! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have been seasoned to acquire lipsticks that makes the lips pucker, eyeliners that makes the eyes wider, mascaras that give you wings not lashes to fly with, night creams that erase wrinkles and panda eyes overnight and what have you. It can be overwhelming and gratuitous at times to chose a product that actually works for you or does more help than harm when every cosmetic brand claims to be the aesthetic fairy godmother. Some of my amateur experiments with my sensitive skin in the past, have been quite bitter to say the least. Going through the never-ending list of ingredients on the back of these good-for-you emulsifiers scares me a bit too. Since I was unsure of the direction to steer in safely, I decided to give the natural route a chance. So this is how I'm attempting my skin care 'nirvana' these days : </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.<b> <i>Argan oil</i></b> - commonly known as Moroccan oil and in recent times celebrated as Liquid Gold. This spectacular potion just came out of nowhere into my life and has become the holy grail. In reality, it comes from the Argan nuts that grow almost exclusively in Morocco and is produced laboriously in small female - run cooperatives. The berber women have enjoyed for this for centuries and now it's fast becoming the hip beauty balm, even in the Hollywood. Celebrity patrons like Eva Mendes and Marion Cotillard have applauded it to be their secret weapon for that red carpet radiance. The nauseating blog-sphere rave also played a massive role in flaming the desire to argan-spoil my skin. After months of lusting over <a href="http://www.sephora.com/100-percent-pure-argan-oil-P218700" target="_blank">Josie Maran Argan Oil</a> and all futile attempts at owning it without spending an arm and a leg for shipping it to where I live, I finally got my little grubby hand on it on Amazon.de. from Naissance, UK. Let me tell you - it totally lives up to all the hype. This head to toe elixir works great for dry skin conditions, wrinkles, eczema and even acne because of its high vitamin E and essential fatty acid content. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXj337Ts5PvaCKXgiyyZoPXqfHCBK4T56nKcBVZJRAMF7xWyNeack0daHSB3A-v_G7L8x0RCmyRAw7F1SYj-ZMqP3_mZZeAzU7c7iXl1plVoD10TKo-FKsAmA4PD8EtxYPgvcjraWh5I0/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXj337Ts5PvaCKXgiyyZoPXqfHCBK4T56nKcBVZJRAMF7xWyNeack0daHSB3A-v_G7L8x0RCmyRAw7F1SYj-ZMqP3_mZZeAzU7c7iXl1plVoD10TKo-FKsAmA4PD8EtxYPgvcjraWh5I0/s640/IMG_1359.JPG" width="412" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">100 % Organic Cold Pressed Argan Oil - has my name written all over it .</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Use - As my night time face and <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">décolleté</span> (everything sounds fancy in French, doesn't it ?) moisturizer. It's unbelievably lightweight and does not leave me feeling like a grease ball. The results are extremely positive and I do feel/see a difference in my skin - replenished and dewy. The smell is smoky nutty as expected and I really do not mind. Splurge away girlfriend !!!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3kEvldVgugYa3W48VEVSKCDVP-AxUkH-6ePdQNi_I0r97DWtVmxgj2ZhbuDdjNYAm75VMZlm595aHBWa7p0RiFumiziOs6kn6J17UjtSIgndP0l_V37l4YRCq9qtUkcZZ1eEZYD3qY8/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3kEvldVgugYa3W48VEVSKCDVP-AxUkH-6ePdQNi_I0r97DWtVmxgj2ZhbuDdjNYAm75VMZlm595aHBWa7p0RiFumiziOs6kn6J17UjtSIgndP0l_V37l4YRCq9qtUkcZZ1eEZYD3qY8/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jayme Barrett tells you - <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6826/10-Simple-Beauty-Uses-for-Organic-Argan-Oil.html" target="_blank">10-Simple-Beauty-Uses-for-Organic-Argan-Oil</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Argan oil can be used for cooking too, nom nom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Vitamin E Oil</i> - The most powerful antioxidant known to womankind and the most coveted ingredient in the skin care pragmatism. This is responsible for protecting cells and tissues from damage from free radicals generated by chemicals and oxidised fats. I'm gonna call it the 'original sewing & repair kit' just because I'm cute like that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUShP02FWHUdzQGu8uSeiNR8JKL5aovvMycdipzklDXl4S1s0Mp-H28ym2kckx-j0uwnPsg9GaKQvUL_UwPew3v3lY01F3IkPqnLb9b5bLQhEfKeyXztTR2-To9475SCX2TC0wFDWXXw/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUShP02FWHUdzQGu8uSeiNR8JKL5aovvMycdipzklDXl4S1s0Mp-H28ym2kckx-j0uwnPsg9GaKQvUL_UwPew3v3lY01F3IkPqnLb9b5bLQhEfKeyXztTR2-To9475SCX2TC0wFDWXXw/s640/IMG_1365.JPG" width="454" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Natural Vitamin E, Tocopherol</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use - for the under eye area (mixed with lemon juice - ratio of 2:1 because vitamin E works the best with vitamin C), treating cuts, burns, scabs, scars, sore lips and insect bites. Smell wise its again mild and do-able.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5pP0D0gCKCAYQTmGIB6blxXFWvpCxkZWaKmTHc4y4deBrUuZF1FhPHSGljrUncHEE55ddoSEhO_E_zC9bN8LRrBX8UpEnWvSTv_hqOZ0v8OFaX11u2BP6r3SgTA0nfgctw7qBvcXb4Y/s1600/photo-1_Fotor_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5pP0D0gCKCAYQTmGIB6blxXFWvpCxkZWaKmTHc4y4deBrUuZF1FhPHSGljrUncHEE55ddoSEhO_E_zC9bN8LRrBX8UpEnWvSTv_hqOZ0v8OFaX11u2BP6r3SgTA0nfgctw7qBvcXb4Y/s640/photo-1_Fotor_Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is genius-in-a-bottle, have a look at how this healed my toddler's nasty hives and mosquito bites overnight. Don't you worry, the blue markings are from tincture of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_violet" target="_blank">Crystal Violet</a> to prevent festering - not child abuse.<br />
Can I just say</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m2cT1qbrpQlYiWc6Tgn0lLf8W9AEXfHZehyphenhyphen6JJWer1yoNtYX8bRW73L756LLkU_K-kseMWOQoGUcjC5D88Oie1Z3YIZz738JzqRDFNDuf3WwB1wE62TlktpEFMkbuyG8wkqG4Z1P_Y0/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m2cT1qbrpQlYiWc6Tgn0lLf8W9AEXfHZehyphenhyphen6JJWer1yoNtYX8bRW73L756LLkU_K-kseMWOQoGUcjC5D88Oie1Z3YIZz738JzqRDFNDuf3WwB1wE62TlktpEFMkbuyG8wkqG4Z1P_Y0/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<b style="font-style: italic;"> Shea Butter</b> - The exotic fat from the African Shea trees - rich in Vitamin A (soothing, hydrating and anti - ageing properties - think Collagen), E (balancing and normalising the skin, particularly beneficial if its dry or sun burnt) and F (skin protector & hair revitalizer) . </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR11UbSn_wDv_QcRaeD990yDSKon-irqC2PfOK20aIjM-5WXxK1bWdloFjn5UEgT_EHvp29Nf1HciVC_7-CxRbcR5HVXLgKNYpWnhu2frW_Ca3kPEOj-BWrslxgIjD6-Tsu7MacVs8RD4/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR11UbSn_wDv_QcRaeD990yDSKon-irqC2PfOK20aIjM-5WXxK1bWdloFjn5UEgT_EHvp29Nf1HciVC_7-CxRbcR5HVXLgKNYpWnhu2frW_Ca3kPEOj-BWrslxgIjD6-Tsu7MacVs8RD4/s640/IMG_1372.JPG" width="584" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">100% Organic, Unrefined Shea Butter</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZuu7oJ08UdyrPiXK_jNww0uUzOSpUASpkX6s7lTVFU28cEMH2ekT2b0nhppgOnssYaul6zBhYF-HK5i69o1KD3H6E4u4FgqJ47guUOp0FM4plZkprqTDZX8GrAR4-PtDV4lQldBw66w/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZuu7oJ08UdyrPiXK_jNww0uUzOSpUASpkX6s7lTVFU28cEMH2ekT2b0nhppgOnssYaul6zBhYF-HK5i69o1KD3H6E4u4FgqJ47guUOp0FM4plZkprqTDZX8GrAR4-PtDV4lQldBw66w/s640/IMG_1379.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is how Shea Butter looks like, if you were wondering. Because it is unprocessed / cold pressed the color can vary anywhere from light grey, ivory to light yellow. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Use - As a body moisturizer, I slather this all over like there is no tomorrow after every shower. I'm enjoying the results so far. But I must confess, I was not prepared for the smell. Don't wanna say it stinks but I could have done without it. Makes me feel like I'm chilling in some African elephant farm, is that bad? Blame the commercials for conditioning my brain cells to associate shea butter with cookies and cream flavor and then this. Lately, I've been adding a few drops of lavender oil to it and it does take the edge off. You can also melt Shea and whip it out before it completely solidifies with a hand blender to make your own whipped souffle version. Cool, huh?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncjoF8dzRb_RSCFq8DQ6WaONxgzUMSiq-2vDe3jmYc_5pVohJI4zHfP81JTqNSfabdi4qh5Zx3X_NHVhxm6liwt72huufInwaMeMKOhshdrm90SyfniJRe8yr7Hbwt9eAYiRJDd1H-bo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncjoF8dzRb_RSCFq8DQ6WaONxgzUMSiq-2vDe3jmYc_5pVohJI4zHfP81JTqNSfabdi4qh5Zx3X_NHVhxm6liwt72huufInwaMeMKOhshdrm90SyfniJRe8yr7Hbwt9eAYiRJDd1H-bo/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />There I spilled it, that is I all I use right now.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Healthy skin is not just about about appearance. It's also the reflection of your emotional and physical well-being. Take time to listen if there are any faint poignant pleas for help from within before you head out to fill those shelves and cabinets with oils and serums. And in the meantime, drink lots of water(note to self too), find ways to be happy and learn to embrace things that are beyond your control. Audrey Hepburn was not kidding when she said that <i>happy girls are the prettiest. </i></span></span><br />
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So what is your skin care like? What products should I be on the look out for when I'm out skin shopping next? What is your go-to fool-proof daily face cream? I'm in need of a good one.</span></span><br />
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Thanks for reading</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">xo Renee</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />All three products mentioned are purchased on Amazon.de. Please keep in mind that these worked great for me. This may or may not be the case with you. However, it's worth a try since they are all natural.</span></span></div>
The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4154137281285835137.post-75700037833827029782013-09-25T20:04:00.002+04:002015-05-27T11:59:02.153+04:00Liebeskind-Berlin - The newest handbag love<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all have our handbag favorites - Chanel, Herm</span>è<span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">s, Louis Vuitton, Celine, Prada and what not. I thought today I should share the newest favorite of mine called Liebeskind with you. It’s a German design house, probably new and unfamiliar to non-Europeans. I say this because I have never seen a Youtuber 'haulin' one or a blogger talk about them. Don't quote me, I could still be wrong on that.....Continuing my trend of conscious treats, these have been my bags of choice for the past 3 years. Slowly but surely, I´ve grown into a bag snob who will not consciously give her money to just any designer because it popular, makes a “statement” or tacky totes with this fat-shamer designer's name sprawled x100 over is the coolest thing right now. Also, just like your clothes your bags should flatter your silhouette,</span></span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"> not just be appeal to the eye.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Exhibit 1</i></span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> </i> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let´s christen this girl <i>"Twitterpated"</i>. </span></span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">She is three years old and for some reason I don´t seem to recall what the model name is. Probably can´t be brought home anymore too, if u were to like her (((((:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">I found her in Mainz, Germany. Story time people..... Mainz is a beautiful city located on the river Rhine in central Germany. I was highly (34 weeks!) pregnant and was visiting my sissy in law who studies medicine there. I remember holding mommy's hand and walking through busy sidewalks, beautiful weather, cafes and restaurants buzzing with loved up couples and students, past a local market selling cheese, fruits, sausages and other yum things from heaven... the smell of freshly brewed coffee, <i>Flammkuchen</i> (a thin french pizza with sour cream and bacon), <i>Apfel</i>(apple) <i>Strudel</i> and </span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Yves-Saint-Laurent/Opium-93.html" target="_blank">Opium</a></i> in the air and my daughter flexing her muscles in my belly<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> As I sipped my coffee and toured the independent boutiques in the area, m</span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">y eyes could not resist the last <span style="font-family: inherit;">bag</span> on the left through the window of a <span style="font-family: inherit;">tiny</span> glass showroom called Liebeskind (German for love child). Can the name be any more fitting to a preggo ? There she was - - this really amazing bag I laid my eyes on in a really long time. So unique that I knew that </span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had to bring her home<span style="font-family: inherit;">. The perforated smooth lea<span style="font-family: inherit;">ther</span></span> and a pocket on the front with snake skin detail just sealed the deal. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Exhibit 2 - Esther Vintag</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">This one was an early birthday/ push present from the hubster. We were overwhelmed by the arrival of our daughter sooner than expected but he was thoughtful enough to think in time of something that could transform into a diaper bag if I liked</span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">piece</span> is a part of their Vintage Collection. </span><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>the perfect handbag- versatile, timeless and classy with chunky silver hardware. I tend to reach for bags with shoulder straps when I'm out and about and this features a long and sturdy one. Plus, it has forearm handles if that’s your style. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>everything about this brand.... name and quality to start with. They also offer wallets, shoes, belts, scarves, accessories and more.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m posting the message from their design team to complete my rave :-))))</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“Let us introduce you to the lovely company LIEBESKIND (German for Love Child), from the heart of Berlin. Their time-tested buttery soft gorgeous quality leather handbags will be your fave season after season. There is nothing super smooth, sleek or superficial about them - Liebeskind wants every bag to have a structure, grain or imprint.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"The soul of the Liebeskind brand is situated right in the midst of Berlin. Almost all Liebeskind products are designed here in our creative department. We work round the clock in the heart of Kreuzberg to develop innovative bags, Individual shoes and accessories to go along with them.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>The Liebeskind collection is unique and trendy, being exclusive and affordable at the same time. "Casual elegance" is the key message of our brand!"</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>-The Liebeskind Berlin design team.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are interested , you can purchase them at </span><a href="http://www.liebeskind-berlin.com/int_en/shop.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.liebeskind-berlin.com/int_en/shop.html</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and/ or </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">www.amazon.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do u care for when it comes to handbags? Feel free to <span style="font-family: inherit;">add </span>your two cents !</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>xo Renee</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">F.T.C - I am in no way or form sponsored by Liebeskind Berlin to write this blog post. My opinions are true and personal. </span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both handbags were bought/gifted for the love of them.</span></span></div>
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The Style Cradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577737255217536345noreply@blogger.com0