5 Minute Snack, Extremely Parfait

Wednesday afternoon. My childhood friend and I haven’t seen each other in a long time. We decide to hang out for a while, and catch up on everything. Both of us are fed up with malls and restaurants and so, for our afternoon reunion, we decide to prepare a little snack together. I immediately think of parfaits: easy, fast, and delicious. At 4, I take the car and pick up my friend. We go grocery shopping, a first for her. We get a basket of fresh strawberries, 2 small boxes of corn flakes, 2 small bags of mini-marshmallows, and jelly beans. We also add a passion fruit/ peach yoghurt for me and a chocolate crème for her. Then, we get back to her house and start layering all the ingredients. That’s how I made mine: crushed corn flakes, yoghurt, strawberry and banana slices, corn flakes again, and finally jelly beans plus marshmallows. As for her, she put some corn flakes, chocolate crème, marshmallows and jelly beans, chocolate crème, and finally jelly beans again… They both turned out well, sufficient for a last minute snack that will surely satisfy your sugary desire. I definitely invite you to try this dessert. Anyone can do it, even a debutant, and it can have any kind of fruit, corn flakes, toppings or yoghurt that you might want.
 

Enjoy :D

                                                                                                            -Xoxo,

                                                                                                                T

Feminist-at-heart: Chantalle Azzi, couture designer

I have been a feminist my whole life. As a woman, I have always wanted to be independent, especially from men, and to be successful and happy on my own. One day, I may consider changing my lifestyle. But for now, I am sticking to who I am. That’s why I went to meet some other women who, like me, struggle to achieve their dreams and to be on their own in this male-dominated society.

Every once in a while, I will try to bring you, readers, the profile of a women activist/writer/stylist/nutritionist etc. who was brave enough to go after her dreams and to realize her vision in a country where she barely has some rights, where she can be beaten to death with no law to protect her, where she can give birth to many children without being able to give them her own nationality.

 

Chantalle Azzi – Owner of “Chantalle Azzi Haute Couture” and “The Little Designer”

 

When I decided to work on this post, I thought that I wanted to meet women who live in my local community and who make a difference in my region. I didn’t want to go down to the capital city, where it’s more likely to find a woman who has her own shop of handmade bags, shoes, or clothes. I wanted to portray the women next door, the lady from the small Man’ouché shop, the girl behind the new concept store, the teacher who works at the public school, etc. and so, I did. I went and met all these beautiful, charming, warrior women who, on a daily basis, get closer and closer to becoming the next “women entrepreneur”.

Today, I bring you the story of a very talented couture designer named Chantalle Azzi who was “stubborn” enough to go after her dreams and to launch her own fashion line at a very young age (She is just 20-years-old!).

As her mother and brother told me when I sat down with them, Chantalle has loved arts since she was a teenager. In grade 8, during math hours, she used to scratch some designs on her notebooks. Seeing that, her mother encouraged her and made her take painting and private fashion design lessons every day of the week during her last 3 years at school. When she graduated, Chantalle chose fashion design as a major and was accepted in a Parisian university to pursue her career.

Almost a year ago, she came back to Lebanon and she recently opened her own shops: “Chantalle Azzi Couture Designer” and “The Little Designer”. Two different shops, two different concepts. The first one carries her name and is mainly the “fashion atelier” where she unleashes her imagination and creates on-demand evening gowns. The second one is totally different. It’s home for her own casual designs and for other designers’ collections as well. “I introduced a new concept when I opened “The Little Designer” shop”, she says. “People are usually used to customizing their eveningwear, but not the outfits they wear on a daily basis. What makes my shop different is that customers come in during the week and ask me to customize the outfits they’re going to wear on the weekend”.

When asked about what her future plans for the brands are, Chantalle said: “I want to have a boutique in every region of Lebanon. More importantly, I always dream of having a charity work where I can join power with other local Lebanese designers to do something good for our community, something good in a fashionable way”.

 

Well, I wish you the best of luck Ms. Azzi and I hope that you will spread your beautiful spirit wherever you can!

 

That’s it for today, my dear readers. Stay tuned for more “feminist-at-heart” profiles.

-Xoxo,

Tala

March's Book Review by Yasmina Haroun: Looking for Alaska

Miles Halter, a boring, socially disabled teenage boy fascinated with people’s last words. Alaska Young, a funny, socially enriched teenage girl who loves adventures. How could these two opposite characters be related?

When Miles falls in love with Alaska, his world is turned upside down. With the help of his new love interest, along with a couple of new mischievous friends, he starts discovering life’s true meaning.  Love, happiness, sadness, mystery are all part of life, but tragedy is too. Will Miles be able to face his own tragedy when the love of his life is in the middle of it? Would you?

More sleep, please !

Have you ever felt so tired that you could fall asleep anywhere but got to bed and suddenly became the most hyper-active person ever? I have been feeling that way for a while. I am waking up early every day to get to university and every night, I feel extremely tired… but, as soon as I get into bed, I remember tasks I have to do or get ideas for the blog or feel that the room is really messy and needs to be organized… and therefore, I end up doing everything I have to do at 11 in the evening… not really a good idea when you have a long week ahead of you.

I can’t handle this insomnia anymore and my body is asking each and every day for additional sleep hours. That’s why, most of the days, I get back from university, have lunch and take a nap. A nap is very efficient way to take some energy when needed but it definitely isn’t a long-term solution… So, I decided to search for some tips to help me sleep better and get my internal clock to work properly… Here are the sleep resolutions that I’ve taken according to what I have found… (I thought that I would share them with you)

1-      Creating a pre-sleep routine

Creating a pre-sleep routine can help establish a direct link between certain activities and sleep. For example, if you like to read before going to sleep, your body will be able to know that reading at night = sleep time is near. Therefore, your body will be able to relax and prepare to “shut down”.

 

2-      Creating the proper ambiance

In order to help the body get ready to sleep, you must establish the proper environment (dark room – no bright lights that keep your brain active- , adequate temperature –not too cold, not too hot-, calm atmosphere – no noise -).

 

3-      Cleaning up your space

A messy room, a pile of clothes to iron, an unfinished homework can all cause stress that will consequently keep you worrying and prevent you from sleeping. That’s why it is better to make a list, in the morning, of all the things that need to be done during the day and to gradually check them off that list. With your tasks behind you, your mind will have no excuse to keep thinking and will rest sooner than usual.

 

4-      Staying away from large meals

This one is a total classic. Everybody has heard it at least once in their lifetime. But, being Lebanese, we can’t help but break this golden rule. We like to eat and drink till late hours of the night, especially on weekends. My advice for you would be to avoid eating large and heavy meals and to favor lighter ones. Most importantly, try to stop eating and drinking at least 2 hours before you go to bed. That will spare you night trips to the bathroom and will help you sleep better.

 

5-      Ban Blue lights

“Insomnia feeds on the minor details of modern life, like the soft blue glow from a cell phone, PDA, or digital clock resting on your bedside table. The short waves of blue light may interfere with sleep.” To improve your sleep, turn off all electronic gadgets in the bedroom.

 

I hope that those tips will help you sleep better… I will try them starting tonight…

Take care my precious readers and sleep tight

 

 

 

P.S: for more tips about how to sleep better, you can check those three sources that I used for my blogpost:

-  http://psychcentral.com/lib/12-ways-to-shut-off-your-brain-before-bedtime/0006577

- http://www.sleepybed.com/sleeping-tips/25-tips-for-a-better-pre-sleep-ritual/

- http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-benefits-10/slideshow-sleep-tips

 

-Xoxo,

 

T

DIY Glitter Candle Holders

About a year and a half ago, I felt like getting my bedroom a makeover. It hasn’t been touched since I was a kid, and with my teenage years (and my butterfly obsession) behind me, the room was plain and white.  So, I prepared everything: I got some colorful wallpaper, one color/design for each wall in my room (fuchsia, pistachio, and lips impression wallpaper). Then, I changed my bed side tables and lights and got some new bed linen to match the new colors. Since that summer, I have constantly been changing some elements, adding some others, and DIY-ing some too!! Those are my latest additions: DIY candle holders, simple, easy and budget-friendly.

For this DIY, you will need:

-          See-through candle holders ( I got 2 small ones, and one big one from Home Market Mtayleb)

-          White glue

-          Glitter

-          Paintbrush

-          Acrylic paint + thinner paintbrush

First, start by painting the inside of one candle holder with white glue in a regular vertical pattern. Then pour some of the glitter inside the recipient and start shaking it so that the glitter will stick to the different sides. Be careful not to spread the glitter all over the room. To avoid this, spread some newspaper on your work station.

After you’ve made sure that the inside of the candle holder is well covered with glitter, put it aside to dry, and move to another one. Repeat the same steps.

Wait for a few hours before getting back to the candleholders after you’ve finished painting their inside. Use a thin paintbrush to write on the outer surface of the recipient any word that comes to your mind. I chose to write “Love”, “Hope”, and “Peace”. You can try the famous trio “Live. Laugh. Love” or “Think Happy, Be Happy”.

This DIY is a great gift idea. You can give it to a friend for his/her birthday, or take it as a thank-you present for a lunch invitation. It only takes a few minutes to do, but the result is quite satisfying.

See you soon for more DIYs

                                                                                                                        -Xoxo,

                                                                                                                             T

 

Recipe of the week: Olive Artisan Bread

I’ve been really busy lately, preparing my 20^th birthday cakes (I made two yes :P) … So I didn’y have time to prepare a real post to you my dear readers… But I will share with you one of my favorite bread recipes…I tried it and added a little twist to the traditional bread recipe...

 

Ingredients:

 

-          3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, plus more for dusting

-          1/4 teaspoon instant yeast

-          1 1/4 teaspoon salt

-          1 1/2 cups water and more to get sticky dough

-          1 1/2 cups chopped olives

Directions:

 

-          In a large bowl combine flour, yeast, salt, and chocolate.  Add 1 1/2 cups water and stir with a wooden spoon until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap.  Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably 18, at room temperature.

-          Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles.  Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.

-          Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball.  Generously coat a flour sack towel with flour, put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour.  Fold towel over and let rise for about 2 hours.  When it is ready, dough will be more than doubled in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

-           At least half an hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees.  Put a 6 to 8 quart heavy covered pot in oven as it heats.  When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven.  Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but don't worry.  Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes.  Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 10-15 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a cooling rack.

 

Enjoy!

P.S: This recipe can vary endlessly! You can replace the olives by cheese or ham cubes, or even try a sweet version by replacing olives with chocolate chunks or chocolate chips.

Enjoy!

                                                                                                                        -Xoxo,

                                                                                                                            T

Recipe adapted from “Chocolate Chunk Artisan Bread” in Breanna’s Recipe Box published on Wednesday September 26, 2012; retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://breannasrecipebox.blogspot.com/2012/09/chocolate-chunk-artisan-bread.html?showComment=1391440142420#c6856311078340011814

7 days, 7 ways

Today is going to be all about fashion. This weekend, I decided to post some outfit suggestions. I felt like mixing and matching some pieces to create some end of winter/beginning of spring looks. That is the result of the stylish afternoon I spent with my cousin…  

Look #1: Monday

 

Oh Monday… Here we go again. The weekend is over and we have to go back to our usual, boring life. But, hey, Monday doesn’t have to be so hard, especially outfit wise. You can easily sport a comfortable and laid-back look with this Onesie jumpsuit from One Piece. Its electric blue color will definitely spark things up a little bit and help you kick off your week on a happier tone.  

Look #2: Tuesday

 

Tuesday is here! Time to add some color to your day with this American Eagle Outfitters Sweater paired with an American Eagle button down shirt and Jack Wills jeans that never looked so stylish along with Ash Shoes from “Jeffrey Campbell”.

P.S: My cousin’s first reaction when I assembled her outfit was: “What? Checks shirt underneath a red sweater???” “But they really go together!” Don’t be afraid to mix and match checks and colors. It can be a really fun combination.

Look #3: Wednesday

 

Wednesday never looked so good and nor did you without this colorful Aztec printed and hooded coatigan (coat/cardigan) from Mags and Pye worn above a plain grey Abercrombie and Fitch t-shirt with Jack Wills jeans and classic white Converse.

Look #4: Thursday

The weekend is just around the corner. But, before that you still have 2 days to study and/or work. Try to wear something comfortable yet stylish. Don’t be afraid to spark things up a little by adding some color to a monochrome look. You can try to pair some black leggings or a pair of Jeans (Jack Wills) with a black Rolling stones top (from Bershka) and Strategia leather ankle boots.

Look #5: Friday

 

Friday fun day! The weekend is finally starting! If you’re happy and you know it, show it in your outfit of the day. Go for a fun and boyfriend chic look with those flower-printed Superdry leggings paired with a Lacoste plain white t-shirt and Armani Jeans jacket. Accessorize with an ombré scarf (like this one from American Eagle Outfitters), an electric silver Longchamp tote, and classic white Converse.

Look #6: Saturday

Whether it’s for a lunch at the mall or a night out with your friends, this look will definitely keep some people staring! To nail it, you can recycle Friday’s leggings (if the Dutchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton recycles her clothes, then you can do it too!) and pair them with this striped black and silver top from Springfield to get a new look. In addition to that, and because accessories are a great personal touch, add a classic black hat and Strategia ankle boots.

Look #7: Sunday

 

Sunday is here! Most probably, you’ll be escaping the city for a while to have lunch with your family in a traditional Lebanese restaurant hidden somewhere in the mountains. You may have to keep warm, but you don’t have to sacrifice your style for that. You can be warm and stylish at the same time. Try combining those Bershka Jeans with this Ralph Lauren blue sweater. Accessorize with this white beanie from Alcott Space and the matching white converse sneakers. Perfect for a Sunday family day out!

Sadly, the week is over and so are the looks I chose for you.

I hope that they somehow inspired you for your upcoming week’s outfits.  

-Xoxo,

T