» SILVER LINING
You know when you've had a bad day or been through a horrible situation, and you get that one phone call that changes your mood instantly and turns your frown upside down?
Well, that happened to me yesterday. That one phone call that made my increadibly happy - weirdly (and no, it wasn't a boy).
Bottom line is that there's a silver lining to every day and situation (some days more than others).
This would also make me happy.. #justsaying
Good night, beauties!
xox,
Laila
» BREAKFAST AT T
My day started early - really early. I woke up around seven to get ready to go to the dentist - yes, there is something about the dentist and me this month considering that I went to the dentist with my cousin last week, and today with my brother.
Thank God for the license - and car!
When we got home, I looked like a cave-man (not woman) - that's how tired I was.. And my brothers mouth looked like "plastic surgery gone wrong"..
Being the great sister I am, I went to get us freshly baked bread, croissants and donuts - among other things. Black coffee was also on todays breakfast menu, and I had breakfast with M.
Breakfast at T (Tiffany's? Not really..).
So what I am doing on this half-sunny day?
Definitely getting myself a new planner! (I am LOST without one!).
xox,
Laila
» THEY DON'T KNOW ME YET
A song I like? Well, I've kind of fallen in love with it, haha!
And with this song I say good night beautiful people!
xox,
Laila
» A BELATED EID MUBARAK
Eid mubarak, dear readers!
I'm a day late with the wishes, but hey, better late than never (LOL).
So, what did I do?
We had our traditional Eid breakfast, got ready (remember the 'being a girl post'? Need I say more..) and was late (!) (referring to the post again) for the Eid prayers. After that we rushed to the dentist (aka my cousin) because another cousin had a tooth ache, and had smoothies and chocolate afterwards (what a contrast, haha!) and had a mini get-together before a traditional Eid dinner (with the whole fam, of course!).
Lastly, we had an attempted movie night - note; attempted - and slept (no kidding, right?).
That's how my day went - briefly.
Since I'm horrible with uploading pictures, I'm uploading the Instagram ones - and I'll hopefully be working on a requested blog post tomorrow (hint: necklace + hijab). Just thought I'd throw it out there, haha!
Outfit details. (I don't believe that I took proper outfit pictures - unusual (and sarcasm on a high level LOL)).
Necklace - Iconic
Blazer/kimono - Zara
Scarf - Bianco (as if you can actually tell what I'm wearing from this very blurry picture haha!).
Our very traditional Eid breakfast with the family - and the cousins on a visit.
Calla lilies - in the memory of my beloved grandfather. They're graceful, beautiful and timeless - just
like him. ♥
What did you guys do for Eid?
xox,
Laila
» BEING A GIRL
'I've got nothing to wear' is a very common phrase among girls - or shall I say us? And I'm pretending - or at least - hoping that you're like me when it comes down to dressing. We go together, we fall together! (No?)
Don't get me wrong, I love playing around with different textures and colors (says the girl in black), but when I'm out of inspiration, I'm literally out of inspiration.. And that happens every time I go out with the family - never when I'm alone, ironically.
And having a complicated storage system doesn't make the dressing process any faster.. Clothes in boxes (the huge Ikea ones), book shelves, clothes racks, drawers, and I still end up with the same shirt(s) over and over again. Usually in black, should be added.
I should get rid of the items I'm not wearing, you say? Well, what if I need them someday? (That's another worn out phrase).
So what do I do, when my family is just about to hit the door and I'm standing in nothing but a tank top (blank canvas, anyone?) and pants?
I stress even more and end up looking like a child playing around with my moms clothes - insane..
You'd think that after asking every single family member about what to wear and ending up looking hideous, that I'd give up and leave - no, not me..
I change my outfit, and then change it again.. And lastly opt for the outfit I tried on first. Ironic, isn't it?
By this point, I'm always told to get ready multiple (!) hours before an event or family-thing.
Do I still change and re-change my outfit before heading out? Or let alone, does the time do?
Now that is something I'll never reveal..
Seriously girls, if Carrie Bradshaw can make it, so can we! (Er, say what..).
xox,
Laila
» NEW DESIGN
Since I couldn't sleep last night, I decided to work on the blog design.
I don't think that I'll ever be completely happy with it since there's always something that needs alternation or something like that.
Now I'll just try to figure out what kind of color etc. I want every post to be - and work on the social media bar (I only want Instagram, and I can't seem to find it...).
What do you lovelies think of the design so far?
xox,
Laila
» HAPPINESS ON ANOTHER LEVEL
With my hair tied up weirdly in a bun on the top of my head, because I can't for the life of me sleep with it falling onto my face. And let's face it, who would like to suffocate themselves with their hair while they're sleeping and on top of that waking up looking like Shreks offspring?
The thing is, I'm doing everything but sleeping.. Looking through random peoples Instagram - literally picking out a victim and snooping through their pictures.. But I came to my senses; after posting some very hard-to-explain comments on their pictures (more than one victim; I can assure you of that).
So with my hair having a life of its own and feeling like a mom in my PJ's - yes, I am obsessed with PJ's - I thought that I should share my joy with you guys. What joy, you might ask. Well, I got my drivers license!
Not feeling overly excited compared to my sisters excitement of adding a new chauffeur to her list of drivers - imagine her joy.
To sum this post up; I'm posting a picture of me - trying my best to look sane while smiling in the car (after driving for six hours - I need a new hobby).
Good night (or early morning), lovelies!
xox,
Laila
» FOOD THROUGH INSTAGRAM OR INSTAGRAM THROUGH FOOD?
What can I say? I've developed an addiction to baking, this week..
And chocolate is the main ingrediense.
Healthy indeed.
Not very fond of the fudge from the fudge company (?). Oh-so-English.
Cheescake with nutella and strawberries. Hey! Strawberries are healthy!
Cheescake with nougat-chocolate and blueberries; also healthy, haha!
What have you lovelies been up to?
xox
/Laila
PS. I might shut this blog down and start up with another one - what do you guys think?
» TWO DAYS AND ONE YEAR AGO
Guess who's back?
Since I asked, you're obviously guessing on me, so that's where the fun went..
We got home about three hours ago, exhausted!
Overall, it wasn't a productive trip, but somehow it ended up feeling very spiritual - will have to explain that part when I've had more than one hours sleep.
For now, I'm going to organize my life, get chocolate and catch up on Pretty Little Liars and other tv shows.
Take care, beauties!
xox,
Laila
At Dubai International Airport (oh-so-proper, typing it all down)..
» AT STARBUCKS
After driving from a place to another, on a beauty-salon hunt, we finally settled for one - two (?) hours later!
Because of us being late, I had just about enough time to get a hair treatment, something with oils and that old lady thing you put on your head that gives away heat (applauses if you got me, LOL!).
I left the salon (with my mom, sister and another family - old friends) with shinier, smoother hair - woop woop at that!
Because it was still early (keep in mind that early here is about 1 am), we went to Starbucks (not my number one priority because of some reasons) and had drinks and cake.
Since they're basically kicking us out - I'm gonna blog later.
XX
/Laila
» THE U A AND E
I am currently in the UAE, in between Sharjah and Dubai.
With very poor, or hardly any, Internet connection, I haven't been able to update you guys - at all.
And with five percent left, my phone is about to die - well done Laila! Haha!
I will update you all with pictures soon - or when I'm home (in a couple weeks).
Take care lovelies and don't forget sunscreen.
Xox
Laila
» THIS SUMMER
Travelling, parties (not the types you're thinking about), surprises and project - they're all on the summer-to-happen list (is that even a list?).
UAE on saturday.
Missing out a BIG day on saturday.
Project(s) to finalize this summer.
Big things happening this week.
Hectic summer!
For now?
I will enjoy the not-so-awesome weather while doing what I do best (updates soon!), and start packing since I'm always last minute with that.
Picture by me (last year or two (?) years ago).. A-mazing..
What are your plans for this summer?
xox
/Laila
» DESTRUCTION
"Even our best plans may lead us to destruction."
UPDATE: deleted the previous post for obvious reasons..
XOX,
Laila
» MOONLIGHT SONATA
I like symphonies.. In fact, I actually love them!
That is something I wouldn't proudly have confessed three years ago.. But now, it's different.
People grow, change - and so did I.
This particular symphony, by Beethoven, is very soothing but sad - or shall I say expressive?
I could go on and on and write about how it makes me feel and what I think he was trying to tell us - but I won't since I don't consider myself well-learned when it comes to symphonies (and music in general), which might result in wrong or not-so-right assumptions (wrong and not-so-right? that's the same thing, isn't it?)..
Bottom line is that there is a time for everything - even not-so-embarrassing confessions.
Now I will head to dream land (reminds me of a childhood memory - Dream Land; water park).
Last exam tomorrow - then I'm on summer vacation! :D
Happiness times thousandsmillionsbillionstrillionsquadrillions (what comes next?).
XOX
/Laila
» GRADUATION SURVIVAL KIT
Tomorrow, a year ago, I was one of the very happy, increadibly nervous high school graduate students.
Although the day was fun, it was very stressful..
Everything from the party (that I, thankfully, left my family to handle - before making any assumptions; I'll do the same for them!), to the graduation breakfast, what to pack in my purse, stressed me out..
A year later, I can proudly tell you what you will need to make it through the day - picture perfect and blister-free!
Gum - no bad breath on this day..
Band aid - to avoid blisters (if you chose to wear uncomfortable shoes - something I'm happy I didn't do!), but even if you are wearing comfortable shoes - they'll be handy!
Pens - to write inside peoples hats and vice versa. Tip: bring multiple pens that WRITE on fabric because you WILL lose them during the day..
Face mist - to refresh your face and keep your makeup put..
Blush, concealer, eyeliner(s), lipstick, powder + brush - you WILL definitely need to pop on some lipstick before the graduation picture, powder your face before running out the doors and put a color on your face with the blush.. The concealer will also be handy.. I only brought one brush and used it for both the blush and powder.
Perfume - it speaks for it self..
Scissors - or nail scissors is always good to have in your purse.. For graduation? In case you have to cut off tags, a broken nail, etc..
Vaseline - soft lips are nice!
Sunglasses - in case the sun is shining. But be sure to bring a pair of sunnies that won't leave a mark on your nose!
Hair pins, safety pins (thread?) - in case your hair/scarf needs more pinning or your dress rips.. ANYTHING is possible..
Camera - to document the day! I left my 'system' camera with my family - so they'd snap pictures when I was "running" out the doors of my school, and brought a small digital camera with me.
1. It fits in my purse.
2. My friend brought her system camera.
Umbrella - I packed my umbrella last minute and I was very thankful for it.. Why? It started raining while we were walking around town!
My hair was kept in place and my makeup wasn't ruined (and thankfully it wasn't a heavy rain).
Lastly; don't bring two purses or paper bags with you. ONE purse is enough - you don't want to worry about your bags/purses during the day.. So one is easier to handle!
And don't forget to have fun.
They day passes by too quickly..
So take the time to appreciate your friends, classmates, family and the day.
Is anyone graduating this year?
xox
/Laila
» THREE BOTTLES LATER
I managed to purchase a couple makeup items during all the studying-for-finals/exams (since every exam is a final)..
Ironic, isn't it? Considering that I have barely had time to do anything these past two weeks.. BUT in two days, hell will be over and I will be able to get rid of the hideous black bags under my eyes..
I wish all of you exam-studying beauties a happy study day!
For now, let's get into the "haul", shall we?
Three bottles later, I discovered that my concealer was a shade darker and VERY pink..
From NW20 to NC15 - and it still doesn't feel like my 'actual' skin color.. Perhaps the current one is
a shade too light.. Mixing them? It turns out more pink than yellow - and I'm as yellow as the sun
(or as the sun appears to be).
Pro longwear concealer, studio fix, and 116 brush from MAC.
I've tried my fair share of concealers, but this one stays put ALL day (mostly) and it's very pigmented!
I ran out of moisturizer (and Bioderma that I have yet to re-purchase)..
My favorite moisturizers from the Body Shop. The people that works there are always generous;
this time I got a water bottle and a full size (!) hand cream (it just happened to be one of my favorites).
Or maybe I go a bit crazy there with products, which qualifies me to get free products..
Sirenes are increadibly beautiful;so I put some in a 'vase'.
This is a funny story..
Me and my sister went out for a walk, and somehow our feet took us to a "mall" (because it's more of
a centre).. Shocking, isn't it?
When the shops closed, about 20 minutes after our arrival, we thought that we should see what they
have in the food shop (?)..
Thirty minutes later, we came out with these lipsticks.. For 10 SEK!
Do I like it? I haven't tried it yet..
xox
/Laila
» A THOUSAND YEARS
A thousand years might not bring you the happiness in the same way a single day can..
People make me happy.
The other day, while I was studying, a random person came up and started talking about courses, life, exams and so on. And this never happens at my uni (or very rarely)..
It made my day.
And yesterday, a random girl commented my nailpolish (Essie's Lilacism - woop woop) and then started talking about work (she's a chemical engineer), travel, language - even politics!
It made my day.
The reason for writing this not-so-very-structured post?
To remind you - and myself - to appriciate people around us.. They are the reason to the smile on our lips - most of the time.
I'm not saying that life is a dance on roses, but it's not a dance on needles either..
It's somewhere in between..
Happy studying, fellow students!
xx
/Laila
» BEST YOU EVER HAD
His face is going to tear me up. His voice? That would make a whole list..
Definition of a beautiful (yes, I just called him beautiful) man? John Legend.
Shall we dream, ladies?
Straight from the study break-ing,
xox
/Laila
» 25
"The joy
of life comes from our encounters with
new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy
than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for
each day to have a new and different sun.”
I wish you all a lovely day,
xox
/Laila
» HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY SISTER
"Sisters don't need words. They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief. Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you're telling."
- Pam Brown
That's our story. What's dreams, good news, sorrow or joy if you don't have a sister to share it with?
And I have the most amazing one - literally.
So here's to my gorgeous long-legged baby sister, who turned sixteen two days ago - woop woop woop.
Happy birthday, M! ♥
What's a birthday without ice-cream, makeup and cake?
xox
/Laila