Meet Rasha Hamdan from Yislamoo: Arabesque Greetings, Art & Collectibles

Move over Hallmark, we have something far more kitcsh and Arabesque, proudly conceptualized and nurtured in our region. Today I am introducing to you a beautiful home-grown concept by a talented young lady in Amman, Jordan.

Meet Rasha Hamdan, the founder of Yislamoo. Processed with VSCOcam with t2 presetWhat started off as a greeting cards concept has now expanded to all things art with collaborations with local artists and a firm base in the capital of all things fashionable; Dubai ofcourse! Do have a browse through their gorgeous website www.yislamoo.com From greeting cards to wall art, mugs, canvas bags and more, this upcoming brand is taking the fashion-forward into a frenzy! Here’s what Rasha has to say…

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Ajmal Perfumes: The Origins of Oudh and the Making of the Middle East’s Biggest Fragrance Icon

In a market submerged with brands, only a few stand the test of time. And then there are those that manifest a sense of patriotism by embedding themselves into their adopted home of the Middle East. Such brands are as rare as precious gems, and the one that tops my list has to be Ajmal Perfumes.

With a history dating back to 1950, I have a special connection with this brand as like me, Ajmal Perfumes roots back to Assam, the North Eastern state of India. 

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Iftar at Layali Zaman (Le Meridien, Airport Road Dubai)

How can Ramadan be complete without having an Iftar in one of the elaborately decorated tents? I missed the Layali Zaman Iftar Tent at Le Meridien (Airport Road, Dubai) last year and had to try it out for myself this time round.

Le Meridien on Airport Road Dubai houses arguably the largest number of award-winning restaurants under its belt, and the hotel also happens to be one of the oldest institutions in the city, conveniently located a few minutes away from the airport.

It is therefore not surprising to see the magnitude of grandeur that goes into creating their Ramadan Tent. The ‘tent’, essentially the grand Falcon Ballroom of Le Meridien Hotel, has been transformed into a  majlis-style abode. formal yet exotic, and very spacious allowing for large crowds to entertain together, the ambiance is perfect for reliving a bygone Middle Eastern past.

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The Body Shop ElderFlower Unperfumed Eye Gel Review

Whenever I happen to browse the isles of The Body Shop, I am hit by a sense of nostalgia. This British brand has been around for ages, and was my go-to destination as a teen. My very first lipstick (the now discontinued vanilla-scented peach pencil), my first proper bottled scent (the heady hit of Vanilla Body Mist that takes me back to the high-school corridors of my youth) were all treasured milestones in my beauty journey, all from The Body Shop.

The lipstick may be discontinued (and replaced with a rainbow of brand new formulations), and I might have grown out of over-sweet vanilla, but I recently picked up something I had discovered almost 2 decades ago… The Body Shop ElderFlower Unperfumed Eye Gel.

Th Body Sop ElderFlower Unperfumed Eye Gel Review Beauty Blog Dubai Blogger The Tezzy Files

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A Contemporary Emirati Iftar at Logma

Logma, the contemporary Emirati restaurant chain, has made its mark in the Dubai foodie scene for its exceptionally good Chai Karak and Logma Fries. I’ve made pit-stops for this enticing combo right after work on several occasions, and as back at Logma last week to try out their Iftar spread.

Logma BoxPark Dubai Review The Tezzy Files Dubai Food Blog UAE Blogger Contemporary Emirati Cuisine (6)

 

Unlike most places, Logma does not have a set Iftar menu. Great news I’d say! More variety to pick from, and their menu has a whole lineup of brand new dishes to try.

I broke my fasting with a handful of dates, followed by a steaming hot, frothy glass of Chai Karak. My friend went for the Iced Chai Karak; the same hit of chai but decadently cold and perfect for this summer season.

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Face Scrubs that Double Up as Masks (Tezzy’s Top 3 Picks)

Exfoliation is key. The skincare gurus have drilled on about this for ages, and for good reason too. A good scrub eliminates dead skin cells, rejuvenates the blood circulation, and gives you that pinked up glow of newfound youth.

However, its just as important not to overdo it as all too often can strip the sensitive skin on the face of essential moisture. Try incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regime twice a week.

I love a good multi-tasking product, and lately I’ve seen quite a few exfoliating scrubs that also double up as face masks. Today I am sharing my top 3 favorites with you…

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Meet Lana Ghandour (Founder of The BlowOut Bar)

My very first encounter with The BlowOut Bar was at the Namshi Spring/Summer launch event, and I have been raving about them ever since. Check out my Khaleesi-worthy braids and salon visit by clicking here and here. Lana

Today I would like to introduce you to the very vivacious Lana Ghandour, the glamorous woman behind The BlowOut Bar concept. How does it differ from other salons? What are the key styles of the season, and what does a founder of one of Dubai’s most upcoming salons use on her own hair? Read on for more! 

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DIY Earl Grey & Rose Face and Body Mist

When it comes to skincare, I am a huge fan of natural ingredients and love to whip up all-natural concoctions of my own. Given the temperatures are only crawling higher and higher, I decided to experiment with creating a face and body mist.

I recently bought a bag full of premium dried rose buds from Carrefour (mainly because they look so pretty, and boy do they smell divine!), and as I was pondering over what I’d do with them, a warm cup of Earl Grey tea in hand, the scent combination of the two hit me right there and then… and Tezzy’s DIY Earl Grey Tea & Rose Mist was born.

DIY Natural Face and Body Spray Earl Grey Rose Essential Oils.jpg

Making this mist is so ridiculously simple, that I doubt you’d want to use store-bought ever again. And given you are making it from scratch, you know its free of any nasties and brimming with natural skin-loving goodness. Here is what you will need:

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Give the Gift of Blood this Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of giving, and the conglomerated feeling of generosity that has embedded the city is contagious regardless of faith, age or ethnicity. FMCG giant OMO has created charity bins at prominent malls (Deira City Centre, MOE and City Centre Mirdif) and even tied up with Uber for free pickups from home. Well-meaning residents have installed refrigerators that can be filled with fresh food and drink for the needy, and Iftar tents have popped up in every nook and cranny installing a sense of brotherhood that is so in line with the teachings of Islam.

Islamic quote the best among you are those who bring the greatest benefits to many others blog

 

How have you been giving back this Ramadan?

With shorter work hours, I’ve taken the time to clear out the wardrobe and used the Uber service to send off 3 big piles of clothes to the OMO initiative. I’ve also sent a home-cooked meal to my building watchmen (more on that in a separate post), yet there is one more thing I am planning to add to the list… give blood.

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