World Challenge trip to INDIA!

Hey guys!

My exams are coming to an end (woohoo!) and it's getting closer for me to leave to India on the World Challenge trip. It's basically an organization that allows students all over the world to go to India and treck and explore the country and also learn some skills and work as a team and we also get to do some fund raising prior going on the trip to help fund a project we would like to start in India. Over the past years my school has been taking lots of trips to India and  they've been busy re-vamping a school. And now since it's our time to shine we will be re visiting the school and finishing off anything else that needs to be done at the school. But before we start re-vamping the school we do have to trek for 3-4 days. We will be camping and also will have to try and communicate with the locals and budget our day to day expenditure. It's an amazing opportunity and I can't wait for this adventure to start! Since this is such an amazing adventure I don't want to go on it alone so I have come up with a plan! I'm going to VLOG everyday in India and keep a video diary and once I'm back at my humble abode I shall post these daily VLOGS on here for you to see! I hope you guys are now as excited as I am and I sincerely hope this works! ;) My adventure to India starts on the 2nd of July and ends on the 17th! I promise I shall try and capture as much of the fun as I possibly can!


 Until next time Amigos,

From the other side of the rainbow, 

xxx

Summer Essentials.

Hello again,

I hope everyone is having a good time in the summer sun! I'm doing something a little different today and  hope you don't mind. This might not be everyone's cup of tea but I thought it would be fun to do anyway! Since the sun is blazing down on us currently, I thought this would be an appropriate time to mention some products that have already become my summer must haves. Living in the middle east for the majority of my life has unfortunately not helped my skin adapt to the harsh sun so, I've been using a couple of products for more than a couple of years and some are a few new ones that I've found. I will show you each product and give a mini review. I hope this helps anyone else out there who has difficulties coping with summer weather and trends. :) I have separated the products by type so  you can skip to the sections you would prefer to read about. Enjoy...

So I'm first going to start with cleansers:

1. One cleansing product that I've been using for quite a while now is something that I was introduced to by cousins. And this mysterious magical product is 'Rose Water'. It's basically rose extract and purified water. The one I use is by 'Flavor Mate' and is Natural so it doesn't contain any alcohol or chemicals and such. I just soak a cotton ball with it and rub it all over my face. It does tend to dry out my skin a little and would probably be too harsh for me to use it everyday so I use it once a week. It smells like roses (obviously) and is not too strong or sickly sweet.
2. The next cleansing product I use is one by MAC. It's an 'Active softening lotion' or in layman terms a toner. This is fragrance free and very light and watery so it's very refreshing. I try to use this everyday before I put on anything else but I tend to get lazy and just skip it sometimes so I probably end up using it 3 times a week. It works really well and soaks into your skin very fast, so it's super easy to clean your face with. It's probably one of the priciest cleansing products I own, but because it works really well and leaves my skin feeling really refreshed and clean, I will probably end up repurchasing it.  
3. Next on the list is the 'Neutrogena - deep clean makeup removing wet wipes'. It's oil free and has a non-greasy formula so it doesn't clog up your pores and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean and makeup free. It also does a really good job of removing waterproof makeup. One packet contains 25 wipes which I feel is is a bit of a shame, but I do keep repurchasing this product so it must be good. 
4. Next up is a face wash. I never tend to stick with one face wash for long because I like to try new ones and because if I use one face wash for long I tend to find I stop seeing results so I like to switch 'em up often. The one I've been using recently is from Boots and it's one of Boots' products. It's their 'Tea tree + Witch Hazel???? exfoliating face scrub'. I use this one every morning because it's really refreshing and immediately wakes you up. It also leaves my skin looking a lot brighter so that's also a plus point. I have really dry skin so this is a good product for me because even though it cleanses really well it doesn't leave my skin feeling raw and extremely dry. 

Now onto creams and lotions:

1. First up is my daily facial sunscreen. The one I use is by MAC and it's a 'Hydro-charged moisturizer hydratant with spf 30 /PA++' (Whatever that means...) I use this everyday on my face and on my neck, even if I'm staying at home all day and have no intention to put anything else on. It's really hydrating and tends to dissolve into your skin very very fast. The bottle I have is quite small and contains 50ML and it has lasted me probably 2-3 years now because just a pea sized amount goes a long way. I'm not sure if they sell it in a larger size and I'm not sure about the price (though I'm sure it's a bit pricey) but it's definitely worth it!  Unfortunately, I've just found out that they don't sell this MAC product worldwide so I won't be able to make a repurchase, however I have found an alternative and this alternative is just as good. It's the 'Neutrogena - oil free moisture with SPF15'. It's extremely light weight and doesn't clog my pores which is good and bonus point ... IT'S HYPOALLERGENIC!One bottle contains 118ml and this product is a hell of a lot cheaper than the MAC one so I suppose it's for the better. 
2. Next is my body moisturizer. I use the 'Vaseline - healthy white SPF24 triple lightening'. It comes in a bottle with a pumping mechanism at the top and contains 350ml. I try to use it everyday and apply all over my body but most days I get lazy and just tend to apply it only on my arms and feet. :S It's moisturizing and isn't thick so it doesn't have that gross sunscreen texture that's sticky and makes you feel gross. (I just read the back of the bottle and it says it has UVB protection:SPF24, UVA protection:PA++ and Vitamin B3). * did you know that Vitamin B3 deficiency can cause Pellagra (at least something good came out of all that Biology revision (; ) And trust me you don't want pellagra! Go type it into google images - it's gross! :S 
3. Next is a tinted moisturizer which was introduced to me by one of my friends. The one I have is by 'Avene'. Where I live they don't have the different shades so I was stuck buying the only shade they had, which unfortunately is way way way too dark for me. So in order to use it I mix it with my daily facial sunscreen (look above: #1) and then apply it all over my face. This gives me minimal coverage but it's super lightweight and makes my face feel really breathable so it's great for summer time. 

Lip products:

1. My lips are dry and peel all year round (but tends to get really bad during summer) so I'm constantly using lip balms. The first one which is my absolute favorite is by a UK brand called 'Molton Brown' and it's their 'Vitamin lipsaver'. It's typically for men but I use it anyway (who can tell?). I found this in one of my dad's drawers along with other samples my parents had collected. I found two and stole them and have been using them ever since! Since I'm using the samples they're small and only contain 7ml but as soon as I've used up every last drop in the samples you can bet I'll be ordering the full sized ones (even though they're quite pricey at £12 for 15ml). I highly recommend this product! On the back of the tube it says 'intense protection for the vulnerable lip area with honey, beeswax and vitamin E to soothe sensitivity and smooth away fine lines.' And I can assure you it does exactly that! 
2. Next lip balm I use is by 'Labello'. It's the fruity shine, pomegranate flavor. It tastes and smells amazing and has the prettiest packaging! It's super moisturizing and has a reddish tint to it so it's good if you're looking for some colour. It's easy to build up the colour to an intense red and, since it's a lip balm it's so much easier than a lipstick because you can just reapply throughout the day without worrying about your lips drying out or the colour fading. Labello  has a good range of lip balms and I've tried a lot of them. They do have a lip balm that comes in a tube and is a lipgloss which is really clever and is great to use over lipsticks when you're having a bad lip day ;). I've also tried their sun protecting one but unfortunately didn't like that one because it made my lips look white and made the cracks in my lips evident. 
3. The most recent addition to my lip balm collection is the 'Neutrogena - 6 hour protection lip balm.' It says 6 hour but I find I have to reapply a lot sooner than 6 hours :S But it's a really good lip balm. I don't however like the taste so I don't think this lip balm is one of my favorites. 
4. Last but not least is a Lip stick! This is my favorite lipstick to use during spring and summer because it's lively and bold and brightens up my look. :) It a MAC lipstick in the colour 'Vegas Volt' and it has an amplified finish, which means it's super super super pigmented and the colour you see on the stick is what you get. I like this lipstick a lot because unlike some other lipsticks this doesn't dry out my lips and I just love the colour! It's a beautiful coral pink. 

Nails:

I instagram-ed a picture with the yellow one on, if you'd like to
see how it looks on the nail. (I used two coats).

1. I love painting my nails and so I change my nail colour very often! I love changing the colours I use according to the season and the two nail polishes that I'm loving for the summer are both by 'The face shop'. The first one is PK108 and it is a browney pink? 
2. And the second one is colour YL702 and it's a bright sunshine-y yellow.

Perfume:

1. I have a collection of perfumes that I like to choose from, depending on my mood and the weather. The one perfume that I've been loving for the summer weather is 'Someday-Justin Bieber'. It's has a really floral scent and it's not heavy. It's light and refreshing and is great! And the packaging rocks too! :) 

That's it for my Summer essentials! I hope you enjoyed this post. I know it's quite long but I hope it didn't bore you. Don't forget to look for me on Instagram and Twitter.  Enjoy the sun! Until next time Amigos, 

From the other side of the rainbow 

xxx 

Friend Tag with Taylor from 'A pinch of Serendipity'

Hello everyone,
Today I'm doing the friend tag with my friend Taylor from A pinch of Serendipity. We both will be answering a series of questions about each other. Also, we won't be looking at each other's answers prior to posting (we promise). I'll be posting my answers about Taylor here so to check out her answers about me go over to her blog which I've linked above. (but here it is again : A pinch of Serendipity).

Here goes :

•  How and when did you meet?

-I met Taylor at school, last year. She had transferred from the bahrain school. And ... she moved here (Bahrain) from the US.

• What's your favorite memory together?

- Playing Just Dance for the first time on my birthday.

• Describe each other in one word.

-This is really hard, but I'd have to go with 'Caring' because that's her one trait that I find defines her

• What's your dream job?

-I don't know :S So I'm going to make something up! I'm going to go with a famous writer who travels constantly between Paris and New York and other beautiful places. 

• What is something that annoys you about the other person?

-Nothing annoys me about her but there is one thing I wish she was more confident about and that is her appearance. I think Taylor is beautiful no matter what but like any other teenager she finds things about herself that she doesn't like and it brings her down sometimes. :( 

• If you could go anywhere in the world together, where would it be and why?

-I would say Paris but she just went. So next on the list I'd say is New York? or Italy?

• Favorite inside joke?

- the main one that comes to mind is 'at least you've got potato chips' 

• Who takes longer to get ready in the morning?

-I don't know for a fact. But It's probably me. 

• Favorite season?

-Summer? I know she likes to tan :P

• Favorite song?

-I don't know. I'm sure it changes with time?

• What is it like being best friends with someone who is a fellow blogger

-It's cool. I have someone to talk to about my ideas for posts. :)

• Heels or flats?

-Flats but heels on occasions. 

• Pants or dresses?

-both? but dresses mostly?

• Favorite animal?

-Monkeys :)

• If your house was burning down, and your entire family was sure to be okay, what would you save and why?

-She would save her Violin, Laptop, Elf DVD (hahahaha) ???

• Comedy, horror, or chick-flick?

-Comedy/Chick flick

• Blackberry or iPhone?

- iPhone - how else would she play temple run or doodle jump? 

• Favorite movie?

-Elf ...

• What is something weird that you eat?

-I wouldn't call it weird but something I didn't think to try before I saw her do it : Apples with Nutella.

• Do you guys have anything matching?

-I don't think so. Maybe books? does that count?

• What's your favorite TV show?

-New Girl/Glee :S 

So that's all the questions for the Friend tag. I hope you enjoyed it and now I'm going to Taylor's blog to check out her answers about me. :) Until next time Amigos! 

From the other side of the rainbow

xxx

I live on Procrastination street.

Hello everyone,


Since my GCSEs are coming up I've found that it's actually really hard to sit and study. I've been procrastinating so much that I'm now an expert procrastinator, so I thought 'why not share my vast knowledge on procrastination?'
For the sake of getting things done we're all advised to banish procrastination from our lives but we've never acknowledged all the good it's done. All our best ideas and best work are done in times of procrastination. With no pre planning or preempting, procrastination can be very effective and a great way to get your creative juices flowing.

So without further ado here are a few tips on how to procrastinate:

1. Visit a social networking site: No notifications or mail? Never fear - there's always someone out there you'd like to check up on. 
2. Choose a different screen saver for your Laptop/Computer: This task can take quite a while (especially if you want your screen saver to be a picture of your favorite boy band, or whatever) ;)
3. Get organized: there’s no better way to feel productive (while avoiding the inevitable) than organizing the environment around you. Without procrastination my drawers would be disgusting and all my laundry would be piled around the room instead of in the laundry basket. 
4. Outings: If you're not going to be productive, you might as well take everyone else down with you. :) 
5. Plan ahead: There's only one thing better than doing something, and that's thinking about doing something. It makes yourself feel well organized. So, take the time to make a list or a mental note of all your tasks. (Don't forget to leave the most important for last.)
6.  Play a game: this could be a board game with a sibling/friend or something online or on your phone. (My personal favorites:  fruit ninja and temple run :S) 
7. Assist others: if you can't be productive then help someone else be productive. Or you can deliver on the help you promised your mum a month ago :P
8. Read: this could be a book, magazine, blog, takeout menu, the back of a shampoo bottle ... anything you want! 
9. Food:  Bake or cook something, but only if you're good at it! If not then raid the fridge! Or go out for some lunch or coffee. Whatever floats your boat.
10. Take a hike: Venture outside! There's nothing like some fresh air! Bring along your iPod or mp3 player. It's at times like these -when you're alone with your thoughts-when you come up with your best stuff. If walking is not your thing then exercise or bike.
11. Poolside: Go for a swim or sunbathe. 
12. Youtube/9GAG: Look up something funny. This could be funny pictures on 9Gag or a funny video on youtube. 
13. DIY: DIY projects can be a lot of fun and you always feel so good about yourself after. 
14. Shop till you drop: Got some moolah on-hand? Then go spend it! Stimulate the economy baby!
15. Take a nap: (not for too long) always leaves me feeling so refreshed afterwards!
16. Take a trip down GUILT lane: Take out all the projects or assignments or studying you need to do and just look at it. Then put it away again until you're ready to do it. (you may repeat, if you'd like). 

And there you are! 16 great ways to procrastinate. Of course these are just a couple ideas that I find work for me. If you have any useful ways to procrastinate that you would like to share then go ahead and do so in the comments below or do a post of your own and link it below. Until next time Amigos! 

From the other side of the rainbow,

xxx

Drama

Why hello there!

It's certainly been a while hasn't it! And i'm sorry for that. If I'm going to be completely honest i've been away for a while because *dramatic pause* I don't have anything interesting to write about. Believe it or not my life is boooooring. And that's just the way the cookie crumbles. What cookie you ask? I have no idea. It's just a phrase I've heard before. So .... Today's post is going to be about ... DRAMA! I'm going to split this post into two parts. So enjoy!

1)For those few of you who read my blog and don't live in Bahrain - every season we have something going on organised by the government? or some ministry or other. And so during this glorious spring period the 'Spring of Culture' started. One of the events going on was Princess Bari. An asian theatre piece performed with music and dancing and elaborate, colorful costumes. Being a drama student I was offered a ticket to watch Princess Bari - for free, free, free! (I'm sorry, I really couldn't resist). I was so excited that I momentarily 'misplaced' my ticket - but of course I found it in the depths of the black hole that is my school backpack. So I went to  Princess Bari and it was really cool. It's probably not everyones cup of tea but let me tell you this ... I was highly entertained. But then of course you get those people who don't appreciate the arts and it's versatile ways? I know there's no point getting worked about it. But... They were leaving! During the performance!!!!!! Isn't that rude? I thought it was worth sitting outside in freezing weather-without proper attire - might I add. The whole thing was very asian! From the clothes to the music. I didn't fully understand the story, but I made my own version up and that suited me just fine.  Overall I had a great time, my friends had a great time and it was an evening well spent.

2)As I mentioned above I'm a GCSE drama student, and just a couple of days ago I had my final performance. For this performance I was in a group of 5 with Amy, Taylor, Rebecca and Sahar! We took the play Leaves by Lucy Caldwell and shortened it to 25 minutes by cutting and chopping to fit. We were given about 6 weeks to prepare and it was the most hectic 6 weeks of my life! We held after school rehearsals almost everyday. And additional rehearsals on the weekends. Meaning, we had to say 'sayonara' to our social lives. When I think about it now , I realize it was all worth it. We had this amazing piece of drama that we were all so proud of. We performed amazingly, everything went smoothly and most importantly 'most' people liked our performance. I know I speak on behalf of everyone in my group when I say , we were all so nervous we could've peed our pants! :O And of course we hit some rough patches along the way, but we pulled through and  I am so proud. :) I could get the video of our performance and post it on here - but I'm not that good, and I'm not sure my amigas would appreciate that.

Don't we look like a happy family? 

Until next time Amigos!

From the other side of the rainbow. 

xxx

Sick, Friends, SSAT and JB

Welcome back everyone!

As I mentioned before I travelled to Kuwait over the weekend, last week. The main reason for this was to sit an exam so obviously I had to get sick just before the exam. But of course I didn't let it get me down because ... It was Justin Bieber's birthday. So I celebrated his birthday by showing the world my love for him, by wearing my uber-comfy 'I <3 Justin Bieber hoodie'. I also only listened to his songs for the whole day. :P (lame? - I know!)
Since I was there for the whole weekend I thought 'why not meet up with some old friends?' Coincidentally it was one of my friends' birthdays and she was nice enough to invite me to her birthday party! So on Friday (still fighting my terrible cold and sore throat) I dressed for the occasion and set off to the party. I got to see a lot of old faces and I really had a great time!
Next day , waking up  early and doing some last minute revision I set off to do my exam. It was long, tiring and boring. But it had to be done. So two hours later my parents , my sister, my uncle, my aunt and my cousins and I, all went out for some lunch and then sadly headed to the airport. Yes, it was time for me to leave.

My boarding pass

My sister and I - on the plane.

Natasha Cutting her birthday cake.

Our creation. :)

Casually riding Dinosaurs. 

Diviya and Sara. My two besties - Back when I was in Kuwait. 

He drew me a picture! If you can't see it clearly it says 'I love you' .

I found a Rainbow!!! :O

Until next time Amigos! 

From the other side of the rainbow. 

xxx

WE MADE IT!

I would like to start this post by saying - I can't believe it! I never thought Id be able to stick with this challenge and actually complete it! So thanks for sticking with me. And now lets move on to the last post of this challenge. Something/someone you miss: 'Being a kid'. I know I'm only 16 and legally I am still a kid - but let's face it, I'm not.

I miss being a kid. When everything was black or white. Where you could see the goodness in everything. When 'sorry' was meant something, and not just a word people used to get you out of their face. When 'please' and 'thank you' were enough. When school was fun and you looked forward to it. When people encouraged dreams and told you 'You can be anything you want.' When just a hug from your mum could cure anything at all. When everything was just a lot simpler.

I know I sound like a depressed teenager about now, but trust me when I say I'm actually in quite a good mood. I just miss being a kid, is all. :) I had a really fun childhood. I've met some amazing people. I've travelled and done some amazing stuff. I just wish I savored it more. But hey! - that's life.

Ancient greek day  - Year 4. 

Me and my asian friends - I still know most of them. Can you spot me? 

Now that this challenge is over I would like to tag anyone who would like to do this challenge. It's great fun, and is a great way to reminisce and reflect on everything. So if you decide to do this challenge let me know! I'll be sure read every post :)

Tomorrow night I'm going to Kuwait. So stay tuned to find out about my trip! Until next time Amigos!

From the other side of the rainbow.

xxx