Happy New Year 2012

Wanted to wish all my readers and followers a happy new year! InshaAllah this year will be better than 2011 and I hope that everyone makes the best of it =]

Incase anyone is wondering, my resolutions for the new year are:
- Keep up to date with uni work (no last minute coursework!)
- Write regular blog posts
- Finalise plans for the PGCE course I'll inshaAllah be starting next September
- Graduate uni with a atleast a 2nd class degree

What are your plans for 2012?



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Blog-versary giveaway winners

Thanks to those who entered the giveaway and hopefully I'll be blogging for many years to come =)

The two winners for the blog-versary giveaway (courtesy of random.org) are:

pyaribeauty (entry #7) and fisiwoman (entry #4) =D

Congratulations!  (you should be receiving an email from me soon)

Be on the lookout for more giveaways in the future =)



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Blogger Meet-up

Last Sunday (18th December 2011), there was a beauty blogger meet-up at Westfield White City. I hadn't met any of the bloggers before but I was following/reading a few of their blogs. We had a late lunch at Jom Makan, a Malaysian restaurant which served some delicious food! Whilst we were eating, we got to know each other a little although because there were eleven of us, it was a bit hard. We also had a sneak peak at a few products that Hafsa (Muslimah Beauty) had created and I'm looking forward to seeing what other products she has up her sleeve!

Yummy food!

After we'd finished dessert, we found a coffee shop to sit at and ordered drinks before actually starting the beauty product swap. All of us had bought products with us, things we didn't use and products which didn't suit us. It started off rather organised and then everyone just spread out the items over the two tables and we began swapping.

enjoying a mocktail during the beauty product swap

All of us at the end of the day =)

[photo credit to frootibeauty]

From left to right: Aaliyah (Pyari Beauty); Abeer (blog-a-beaute); Fatima (Evoke Modesty); Safiya (Simply Muslimah2); Nilufa (Mango Whirl); Safiyah (Frooti Beauty); Sam (Sam Ram); Numera (Hommes de Femmes); Hafsa (Muslimah Beauty); Aalia (Hijabi With Style) & Me (chocoholic-hijabi).

Read and follow all the amazing bloggers that I had the chance to meet! Hopefully we shall be able to organise another meet-up in the future =)

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Christmas Plans

I don't celebrate Christmas, but this year my friend had the idea to have a 'not-so-secret' santa (she is probably reading this too!), so I've bought her a gift (plus another that is handmade) and currently painting a canvas for her sister =)

This may sound a bit dorky/geeky, but on Sunday we are planning to have a Harry Potter movie marathon. I pre-ordered the 8-disk set from HMV at the end of last month (and they have arrived!), so we're going to have an 18 hour (probably longer though) marathon, starting on Christmas day. I didn't realise that the total running time for all 8 movies would actually end up being 18 hours long!

source

What are your plans for Christmas this year? (even if you don't celebrate it)




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P.S don't forget to enter the blog-versary giveaway which ends on Saturday =)

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Wishlist 2011

It's that time of year again when there are plenty of pre-Christmas sales going on, and the post-Christmas sales are just over a week away. Last year's wishlist only contained two items, in comparison to this one which will be quite a bit longer.


So first is the Lush Ultrabalm. I asked for sample when I last went into Lush and have been using it on the eczema around my ears. So far it's working well and is less greasier/oily than the product I was previously using (High Moisture Hemp Balm) which is definitely a good thing, seeing as I'm applying it near my hair line.

Next on the wishlist is the Black and Brown Ruffle Abaya, or the Black Long Sleeve Maxi Dress from Sophia Jennah. I've been looking for a long sleeve maxi dress for absolutely ages, and I think either one of the two designs will be perfect for wearing on a daily basis. Also, there is currently 15% off everything until 2nd January so what reason is there not to buy it (apart from the fact that I am on a student budget and currently broke).

Something that I have been looking at for an absolute age is the Philosophy 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath. The scent that really appeals to me at the moment is the Vanilla Birthday Cake (unfortunately they don't have one that smells like chocolate!). Currently priced at £14 (480ml), I have decided that I'm going use up any bath products that I already have before purchasing this one.

Another item on the wishlist that I am on the lookout for is a pair of wedge boots. As you probably know by now, I cannot walk in heels to save my life. So I thought maybe a wedge heel would be better suited, as it gives a little extra height but stays flat on the ground. Not sure exactly what kind of style/colour I am looking for, but I'm sure I'll have fun looking around.

A product I am still in two minds about is the Urban Decay Naked Palette. I know that this palette has been out for quite some time, and I'm not sure I want to buy it because I have numerous neutral/brown eyeshadows which look similar to the ones in the palette. Having said that, I think it would be ideal for travelling because all the colours are in one palette and can easily fit into a small space. Do you think the Naked palette is a necessary purchase?


So that's all for this year's wishlist, although I'm sure that I'll think of a few more things (and maybe edit this post later on). Have you got anything on your wishlist at the moment?



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HFW Nov 2011 - Day 7

Out With Friends
Final outfit for Hijabi Fashion Week 2011. When I'm out with friends I like to dress casual but be a creative at the same time, be it with the hijab style or jewellery or makeup. Mostly when I go out with friends, we go out to eat! We all love trying different food and aren't really fussy about what we eat (as long as it's halal/vegetarian). And of course, we manage to fit in some shopping before or after we eat!

Jilbab - Queens Market, Green Street

Cardigan - H&M

Hijab - H&M

Necklace - Asda

Ring - Primark

Bag - New Look

Shoes - Graceland at Deichmann

This is a standard going out with friends outfit (which can be dressed up if the occasion calls for it!).
Brown is one of the few colours that I have plenty of in my wardrobe. It goes with pretty much anything and is a great alternative to black. In this outfit I loike how the necklace isn't obvious but the beads stand out against the printed hijab. (psst! mixing patterns with stripes and leopard prints).

Hope you enjoyed Hijabi Fashion Week! I know I definitely did and look forward to next year =)

Check out other HFW day 7 outfits here =)



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Project 10 Pan #3, #4 & #5

I'm glad I started P10P, because now I can record which products I'm finishing and try and use up products which I'm not too keen on! These three products have been finished for quite some time, but I just haven't been able to find the time to blog about them.

First, we have The Body Shop Hemp moisture high balm. I used this for my eczema when it was particularly dry and flaky. The texture is similar to Vaseline, and it can get quite greasy so I would only recommend this if you have extremely dry skin. I'm not going to be repurchasing as I'm hoping to try out a different product which may work better at reducing/calming the eczema.

The next product on this post is the Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream (75ml tube). This is a great body moisturiser and I've been using it on both arms and legs. I've always loved the smell of Nivea products, but didn't like the texture of the Nivea Creme (the one in a blue tub). This one has a light texture but still moisturises pretty well, and the tube was the perfect size to fit into my uni bag!

Final product which is finished is the No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator. This is an exfoliator which I have had for ages (bought from Boots clearance) and it leaves my face smooth and feeling clean. I definitely didn't get as many spots when using this product on a regular basis. However if I wasn't light handed when exfoliating, I would end up with a red face (because it can be quite harsh and irritate the skin). I used minimal amounts of the product once or twice a month to avoid over-exfoliating. Not sure if I'll be repurchasing as I'm on the look out for an exfoliator which is not as harsh on the skin. Definately would not recommend for sensitive skin! This is an alternative method to having a microdermabrasion facial rather than going to a salon.



Halfway through P10P already! Let's see what products I manage to finish next =)



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HFW Nov 2011 - Day 6

Date Night

I'm not married, so this is an outfit that I imagine I would wear in the future (although my style/preferences may have changed by then).

HFW Nov 2011 Day 6 by chocoholic-hijabi

I would keep things simple wearing a pale coloured abaya with a silver hijab. I love lace because to me it just represents elegance and femininity, so this lace cardigan/jacket is great and matches with the cute lace clutch. Girly glittery ballet flats (assuming I haven't learnt to walk in heels by then!) and accessorised with a statement flower ring. Perfect for a (future) date night =)

Date night outfits from HFW participating sisters can be found here =)



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HFW Nov 2011 - Day 5

Eid & Formal

So this is an outfit I wore for Eid last year (see this previous blog post for what I wore this year for Eid-ul-Fitr). I also wore this outfit for a wedding (or some kind of formal gathering) so this is one that best represents what I wear for occasions =) (and it's one of my favourite!)

Abaya - Cuckoo Fashions

Black Hijab - Green Street

Shoes - Unze

Bangles - Green Street

Ring - (unknown)

It's a two piece abaya with a plain abaya underneath and a (sort of) beaded overcoat (for lack of better word) in a purple colour (but it's more of a red toned purple) with silver beadwork. I love the little beaded paisley motifs =)

Check out the formal/eid outfits from other sisters here =)

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HFW Nov 2011 - Day 4

Vacation/Destination: Malaysia

I would love to go on holiday to Malaysia! I think the scenery alone would be my reason to go (green everywhere - such a contrast to London!), but authentic Malaysian food is definitely something I would love to try. Also, Malaysian women always seem to look great no matter what they wear =)

Maxi Dress: Risky

Cardigan: New Look

Shoes: New Look

Bag: New Look (seems to be a trend here)

Hijab and Lace headband: Green Street

Bracelet (on the right): Queens Market, Green Street

Bracelets (on the left): handmade by me

Ring: Gift

I paired a cardigan with the maxi dress so I wouldn't have to wear a long sleeve top underneath. Also, as the cardigan sleeves are a bit wide, I wore the bracelets over the sleeve so my arms wouldn't be exposed (also means that the bracelets can be seen!). This bag is one that I use when I'm going out and don't want to carry a lot of things. Perfect for a small coin purse and camera =)

See vacation outfits from other HFW sisters here =)



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HFW Nov 2011 - Day 3

Break the Rules: Abaya + Trainers

Actually, I was going to 'break' a different fashion rule, until I realised that it has become a fashion trend itself. Nevertheless, I have still incorporated this 'not-so-broken' rule into my outfit =)

Abaya and trainers are not really a good combination (in my opinion). Especially when you're wearing a fancy, blinged-out abaya (but I didn't wear mine for Today's theme). However, seeing as I can't walk in heels, and there are some days when I can't be bothered to wear flat shoes/boots, trainers are the only footwear option available (did I mention I hate showing my feet? That rules out sandals!). Anyways, here's my outfit for HFW day 3 =)

Also, the other not-so-broken rule is the mixing/clashing of colours and patterns. But like I said before, it's becoming the norm to wear different colours/patterns in an outfit.

(click image for a bigger picture)

Abaya: Green Street (can't remember store name)

Hijab: Bella Maxi Hoojab (Pearl Daisy)

Trainers: Nike (JD Sports)

Bag: Accessorize

Bracelet and Pearl Hijab Pin: handmade by me

Yay for actual photographs!

Outfits from everyone else who is participating can be seen here =)



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HFW Nov 2011 - Day 2

Hobby/Recreation: Too many to name

Reading, Canvas Painting, Scrapbooking, Jewellery Making, Henna, Baking Cupcakes just to list a few! Basically all things creative =)

Here's a few of my current craft projects:

Decorated 'A' monogram

Mini Canvas

Scrapbooking my 18th birthday (a few years late!)

Recreational time for me means to relax and de-stress. This translates to a comfortable and casual outfit, which I don't mind getting a bit messy.

HFW 2011 Day 2 by chocoholic-hijabi

Here I've gone for a long sleeve t-shirt dress, dark wide-leg jeans and a pair of converse, paired with a polka dot hijab and woven friendship bracelets to accessorise. The outfit is also in one of my favourite colours, pink!

Check out the rest of the outfit entries for Day 2 here =)



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HFW Nov 2011 - Day 1

HFW Nov 2011 has started! =)

Leaders in Hijab: (future) Teacher

I'm an undergraduate Psychology student at the moment, but inshaAllah I am hoping to do a PGCE course which will allow me to to teach Psychology to 14-19 year olds. A teacher's outfit depends on the students that they are teaching. For example, you would not wear heels if you're a teacher in a primary school. I think the outfit should be comfortable enough to move around in, but still be professional (no jeans allowed!).

HFW 2011 Day 1 by chocoholic-hijabi

I created this look in Polyvore, an outfit I would wear as a teacher (if I wasn't wearing an abaya). Includes a flowy tunic dress, wide-leg trousers, smart heels, and a purple hijab (to add a splash of colour. Accessorised with a purple satchel style bag and long gold necklace. Simple yet effective. (and don't forget the much needed post-it notes!)

Check out the outfits from other participants here and look out for the HFW Day 2 outfit tomorrow =)



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Hijabi Fashion Week

Incase you haven't noticed the addition of the HFW button to the right of this post, I'll be taking part in Hijabi Fashion Week which is starting on Sunday 27th November (tomorrow!). HFW is a bi-annual event where each of the 7 days has a different theme and participants have to share an outfit that represents the theme of the day.

The themes this time around are:
Day 1 -- Leaders in Hijab: what leadership roles do you have or want to try? (President, teacher, mother, Volunteer Leader, CEO etc.).

Day 2 -- Hobby/Recreation: What do you do when you have free time? (hike, sail, write, paint, etc.)
Day 3 -- Break the Rules: A stylish hijabi can look good in anything, even when she's breaking the rules! Pick a fashion/style rule you always follow, and show us how you'd break it in style! (Any style rule may be broken, except the Islamic criteria for hijab).

Day 4 -- Vacation/Destination: Where would you go, if you could go anywhere in the world? What outfits would you wear?

Day 5 -- Eid & Formal: It's Friday! Dress up! What did you wear for Eid? What do you wear to formal events/parties?

Day 6 -- Date Night: Yesterday you dressed up for you, today dress up for your man! What do you wear when going out with your (future) husband?

Day 7 -- Out with Friends: Finish off the week by hanging out with friends! Where do you usually go? What do you usually do?

If you would like more information about HFW, want to see what's been shared in the past, or would even like to participate yourself, check out the HFW website by clicking the image below =)

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1st Blog-versary Giveaway (closed)

24/11/2011

I can't believe that I have actually been blogging for a whole year now! I never actually thought that I would still be blogging a year later! How time flies by =D

Anyways, to celebrate my first blog-versary, I have a giveaway open internationally to all my followers/readers to say thank you for reading =)
There will be two giveaway winners, so check out the 2 sets of prizes below.

# 1

Chilli Pepper Powder Eyeshadow Kit - Cool

E.L.F Studio Cream Eyeliner (Black)

E.L.F Studio Angled Eyeliner Brush

# 2

3 x Rimmel Eyeshadow Duos

E.L.F Studio Blush (Blushing Rose)

To enter you simply have to:
* Be a follower of my blog (via GFC)
* Post a comment about something you'd like to see in a future blog post
* Leave your email address (so I can contact you)
* Follow me via twitter (@asmaamangera) for an extra chance to win - leave your twitter name in the comment too =)

note: If you are aged under 16, please ask for parental permission (just incase you do have to give your postal address)

and that's pretty much it!

Deadline for entry will be on the 24th December 2011 at 3pm GMT (exactly one month), after which I will post the winners on the blog, and contact them for postal addresses.

Here's to another year of blogging!



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