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Become a Lifelong Learner

Posted on March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“I am a lifelong learner and I love history. I believe that my drive for knowledge keeps my mind young and my zest for life at its highest levels.”

–Nabila Khashoggi

Being a lifelong learner and endlessly curious is why I have such a passion for literature, promoting my children’s books, art, and travel. Some may think I’m a bit whimsical, and, well, that’s because I am! Get curious and creative! You’ll see just how much there is to keep you endlessly fascinated and sharp.

Some tips for staying abreast of history, art, literature, etc.

“Learning never exhausts the mind.” –Leonardo da Vinci

Read, read, and then read some more! Visit your public library. Your library card may be the most valuable piece of plastic you own! Saul Bellow said, “People can lose their lives in libraries. They ought to be warned.”
Use your smartphone to find interesting, educational, fascinating content! We are so inundated with information—most of it useless and probably untrue. If we use our phones in an intelligent way to actually learn about things, they can be indispensable If you’re not sure of an event in history or person, when they lived, etc., look it up!
Engage with your friends. Ask them what they’re reading, what films they’re watching, etc. If you can go to a revival house, do so. Everything is streaming now and we can view great old films from the comfort of our homes but make a habit of going out with friends and watching films or seeing plays and then discussing them. History and art happen when intelligent people talk about ideas and things they’ve witnessed.
Travel if you can. One of the great pleasures of my life has been traveling extensively. This is partly why I wrote the series of children’s books, “Spartan and the Green Egg.” Travel also informs the creative process when I’m thinking of new ideas for my line of skincare and makeup, Nabila K. Certain fragrances from around the world are especially intriguing because of their exotic nature. For example, the damask rose is a favorite scent with an incredible past. If we can use an ancient Middle Eastern scent that adorned princes and princesses in our everyday lives, that’s true luxury!

For History Lovers

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

–Mahatma Gandhi

As a lover of history, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that you must find out about the world, important key events, and how they shape people. It can be mind-boggling just thinking about the history of the world, how old and vast it is, etc. This is why I think everyone should regularly visit The Museum of Natural History (in NYC). The exhibits on extinct mammals, the evolution of man, and the incredible dinosaur bones really humbles me and are sure to make anyone who sees them feel very small in the scheme of things! Learning about our awesome natural world makes me feel vital and alive.

As a lover of art (especially photography), one should also regularly visit The Met in New York City. Having a sense of the history of art, important artists, and movements is fundamental to being an educated individual. Where would we be without art? Wherever you are in the world, try to visit great art museums (if you’re in Paris, spend an afternoon in the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay; in London, go to the Tate).

Philanthropy

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

–Pablo Picasso

Another reason to stay abreast of what’s happening in the world is so that you can help bring about change where change is needed. Awareness is essential, and so is philanthropy. The Children for Peace (ONLUS) is a charity that means a great deal to me and one I try to stay as involved with as possible.

To read more about Spartan and the Green Egg, Nabila K, and The Children for Peace, visit the sites below:

https://www.spartanandthegreenegg.com

www.nabilak.com

www.thechildrenforpeace.org

To read more of a recent interview with Al Sharkiah magazine, check out their website.

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MAKE THE MOSY OF YOUR SPACE

Posted on March 5, 2023March 5, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

Make the Most of your Space

If you’ve ever been to Paris, you’ll soon realize that mirrors are a recurring theme. Not only do they look great, but they immediately maximize any pied-à-terre. Small spaces are ideal for creating a cozy aesthetic. Here are some easy ways to make any space—no matter the size—comfy and practical:

Lush textiles, comfortable seating, soft fabrics, etc. Make every possible place to sit plush!
Express yourself: build a gallery wall. Lots of family photographs, art prints, and paintings make any room special.
Storage (shelves): Think vertical! Bookshelves are very important and make any room a cozy library. We all could use more storage so try and install shelves and utilize beautiful dressers and other bits of furniture with lots of drawers.
Use a daybed. Not only are they adorable, but you’ll have a lot more room than if you opt for a larger one. Trundle beds also come in handy for overnight guests.
Soft lighting options (especially on a dimmer) are practical and healthier than bright overhead lighting, which can be jarring and disruptive to sleep patterns. No one likes being in a fluorescent-lit space for too long.
Plants and flowers make any nook so much cheerier and more attractive.

Ideas from traveling

Imagine you’re in an old-fashioned train carriage with luggage covered in vintage travel decals. If you’re in the dining compartment, the tables are, hopefully, covered with white linen and fresh flowers (or is this just in the movies?). When we travel, we put ourselves in lots of small, overly crowded places (most notably airplanes). A room that resembles a vintage-inspired ship’s cabin is very much out of a Wes Anderson film, and this aesthetic is getting increasingly popular. There’s nothing cuter than a room with a porthole or a maritime theme. If you’ve ever traveled to certain faraway places where one must sleep with a mosquito net, you’ll know how handy these are and that a safari-themed bungalow with a hammock can be very exotic.

Irresistible tiny places:

Maybe it stems back to that childhood wish of finding a place of one’s own where you can be independent and read comics for hours, draw, make up stories, or simply daydream, but small places have always seemed more cozy than claustrophobic. This is probably why playhouses will never go out of style, and dollhouses are simply magical.

Tree houses are, for instance, amazing places for play and wonder. If you’re surrounded by nature (in a tree, no less), then you always have a beautiful vista and bird’s eye view.
Parisian apartments are dreamy because, well, isn’t everything in Paris charming and elegant? High ceilings, French doors, lots of mirrors ,and, if you’re lucky, a terrace all make for an enchanting place to live or visit.
Any reading nook has its charms. Curling up beneath the covers with a flashlight is such a fun childhood activity, and as we get older, we still like to retreat to a place of our own where it’s quiet, and we can let our minds wander.
A cabana or pool house is an ideal hangout! If you’re near the ocean and can leave the doors and windows open, do! This is preferable to constant air conditioning and will fill your lodging with the wonderful scent of salty sea breezes.
Attic rooms (especially at night with a lamp burning) are wonderful for artists and writers because they’re tucked away, undisturbed.
A cabin in the woods or ski chalet is an idyllic place to relax, sip hot chocolate and watch the world go by. It’s also perfect for getting lots of work done (for some). Henry David Thoreau lived a solitary life in the woods, in a small cabin, and wrote about it extensively in his book “Walden” (1854).

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg #makethemostofyourspace #tinyplaces #interiordesign #lifestylehacks

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HOW BEAUTY HAS CHANGED

Posted on February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“I will not retire while I’ve still got my legs and my makeup box.” –Bette Davis

Let’s face it: beauty has evolved. Of course, perceptions of beauty, the products available, and the way they are represented in media have all changed drastically over the years, but one thing remains the same: beauty is always in demand. It’s also always sought after and appreciated in a myriad of ways.

Today, thankfully, we see all types of women –and men—depicted in beauty ads. There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing people of different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds represented.

A couple of other things that have drastically improved when it comes to beauty—makeup, hair, and nails—are the variety and quality of products.

Long before shopping on the Internet (so, very recently), beauty products were harder to come by, and people simply didn’t shop as they do now. First of all, the sheer amount of different products now was unthinkable then. There wasn’t much diversity in beauty wares. For example, women shampoo their hair far more now than they used to. If we’re going to go way back, the question of water was an issue. Without indoor plumbing, people bathed a lot less, and a good shampooing was quite the luxury! To even think of washing one’s hair every day was a foreign concept (and we know that it’s actually better not to shampoo every single day: let those natural oils work their magic).

Hair: Before the 1920s, women mostly wore their hair long. During the day, they usually styled it piled on their heads into a bun (think of a Gibson girl) and, at night, would let it fall, brush it out, and put it in braids with a nightcap.

Before portable hair dryers, women were less willing to get their hair wet. Swimming without a rubber cap, are you crazy? Going to the beauty parlor once a week to have their hair set (in curlers) and styled for the entire week was very popular. A beauty parlor has always been thought of as a place of necessity—for the most basic maintenance—as well as a community hot spot. If you heard any gossip (especially in small towns), it was at the beauty salon.

Then, in the 1920s, when flappers were all the rage, women started bobbing their hair. How revolutionary!

Soft curls have always been an incredibly feminine, lovely look. Long before electric curlers, women wore hard plastic ones to bed (can you imagine sleeping on those things?). Now, with heated rollers and sophisticated curling wands, one doesn’t have to sacrifice a good night’s sleep for voluminous hair. Thank goodness for hairspray and dry shampoo!

Hair dye has, over the years, become much more sophisticated. Women (and men) still use Clairol at home and, gasp, peroxide to achieve a platinum blonde look. Now there are so many more colors from which to choose, and it’s not considered risqué to dye your hair. One hundred years ago, it was all the rage (and pretty sassy) to put a henna rinse on one’s hair for a flame-red effect.

Makeup

“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” –Coco Chanel

Women in small towns who wanted to bring a little glamour into their lives and some extra money started selling Avon and Mary Kay products. Avon—founded in the late 19^th century—was the first beauty brand to be sold door to door by representatives. This made beauty much more accessible! This way of shopping has gone out of fashion because, as we know, beauty supply shops like Sephora have taken over, and, of course, there’s online shopping.

Max Factor was probably the first big name in quality makeup (of course, quality has changed and gotten exponentially better, more ethical, organic, etc. over the years). Founded in 1909 by Maksymilian Faktorowicz, this brand specialized in movie makeup and really had a monopoly on the business. This is where the Pan Stik (or pancake makeup) began. Liquid foundation, imagine that!

Elizabeth Arden and Revlon were also the go-to brands, but the range of colors and shades was limited early on: in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, red was all the rage. Classic, bright red lipstick and fingernail polish were pretty much the only options, and this is what women wore when they wanted to dress up and feel beautiful. Some of the vintage Revlon lipsticks that are still widely available include “Cherries in the Snow” (a pinkish red loved by Marilyn Monroe), “Fire and Ice” and, believe it or not, one of the early pinks worn by Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” called “Pink in the Afternoon.”

The glamour goddesses of stage and screen have always used false eyelashes and press-on fingernails (think of Marlene Dietrich), but today, these things are much more refined and available to the general public. Mascara has changed a lot, too. It used to come in a compact cake, and you’d have to wet it and apply it with a little brush. Now there are so many types of brushes, colors, and brands of mascara and false eyelashes can be purchased just about anywhere.

Skincare

Paul McCartney said that he wrote “Eleanor Rigby” about his mother; he thought of her pot of Nivea cream (thus the lyric). This was the staple when it came to skincare: Nivea or, of course, cold cream. A jar of Pond’s Cold Cream immediately evokes a great sense of nostalgia!

For a little bit of color or “bloom” (if rouge wasn’t readily available), women and girls pinched their cheeks. This is still a great secret if you’re out and about without your blush!

Skincare has gotten so much more sophisticated over the years: now we have exfoliants, toners, facial wash for every skin type, anti-aging serums, and masks…just about everything you can think of! Although, people have been using the bare basics (such as mud) for centuries on their skin. Rose water has also always been a beauty necessity—for cleansing and adding a hint of perfume.

Shapewear

Long before Spanx and Skims, women had to rely on painful corsets, girdles, and control top pantyhose. Now it’s okay for bare legs to show beneath a skirt or dress, but it used to be thought of as unseemly! Still, stockings with seams held in place by garters are incredibly sexy and romantic. Today they are thought of as more of a novelty rather than a necessity.

For everything you need to know about sustainable, organic, inclusive, and high-quality beauty products, check out Nabila K Cosmetics (for skincare and makeup)!

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg #naturalbeautyproducts #gettingrealwithbeauty #nabilakcosmetics #nabilak #nabilaKcosmetics #OnTheBlog #vintagebeauty #howbeautyhaschanged #cleanbeauty #makeup #skincare #shapewear #hair

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FOR THE LOVE OF DRESSING UP

Posted on February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” –Edith Head

There’s nothing that transports us like wonderful clothes—costumes, even—and getting all dolled up. Sometimes, getting ready for a party is the most fun of all. Even before you arrive, feeling like Cinderella at the ball is a truly whimsical experience.

Always a fan of flamboyant fun, dressing up is something I’ve always loved, whether I’m actually going out or reading my favorite Fairy Tales from childhood.

Having a theme is always helpful because you have an idea of where to begin when planning your attire. Seeing the Met’s Costume exhibit each year is always an artistic highlight.

Lots of hair, jewels, makeup, and an evening gown make any woman feel like a princess. The amount of time, artistry, and detail that go into creating a certain hairdo, makeup, look, or piece of couture is staggering.

(The photo above was taken at the Monaco Red Cross Ball.)

In Praise of the Masquerade

It’s rare that one really gets to dress up in finery galore, so when the opportunity arises, take advantage! Why not look and feel like a goddess?

Some truly spectacular galas:

The Rothschild’s 1972 “Surrealist Ball” was the ultimate in over-the-top glamour and definitely one of those moments where it’d be fascinating to be a fly on the wall, observing in absolute anonymity.
The Black and White Ball hosted by Truman Capote at the Plaza Hotel in 1966 was complete with guests Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra wearing masks to resemble a black cat and white butterfly (other guests included Lee Radziwill, Ladybird Johnson, and Gloria Vanderbilt).

The Best Period Costume Film Moments

A love for fantasy and dressing up goes back to my love of movies, especially old films.

Claudia Cardinale in “The Leopard”: wears possibly one of the most beautiful gowns ever shot for the screen.
Elizabeth Taylor in “Dr. Faustus”: no one quite does cinematic beauty and spectacle like La Liz in all her various outfits and wigs. She’s even painted entirely silver at one point.
Marisa Berenson in “Barry Lyndon” is one of the finest examples of an actress used for her supreme modeling capabilities. In order to inhabit the role, she had to simply sit and stand while wearing the most ornate 18^th-century costumes, complete with wigs, bonnets with plumes, corsets, white makeup, an enormous beauty mark, and elaborately complicated gowns. At times, she’s like a wonderful Georgian painting come to life.

“Eye of the Widow”—a film I did in the early ’90s (alongside the great Mel Ferrer and F. Murray Abraham of recent White Lotus fame)—called for a great deal of costuming, complete with a corset, hoop skirt, and hair in corkscrews curls.

18^th Century fashions were especially over-the-top—elaborate powdered wigs, ruffles and bows, bustles, gowns with a million layers and petticoats, etc.—and completely fascinating. There definitely is an art to dressing up, and the history of fashion is endless!

Paintings!

Goya’s portraits are so hypnotic; one can get lost in them. Painting the aristocracy—lords and ladies, dukes and duchesses—employed Goya, so he was able to work and wow us with his wonderfully dark and more complex pieces later on. His “Black Duchess” (1797) has always been a great source of inspiration.
Women known for dressing up, like Luisa, Marchesa Casati Stampa di Soncino (the heiress who wowed Europe in the early 20^th century), are supreme muses and influence painters, sculptors, poets, and, of course, couturiers and fashion designers.

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg #nabilak #dressingup #artofcostume #fashiondesign #greatpainters #georgianstyle #fairytales #periodfilms #portraits

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MAKE VALENTINES DAY EXTRA SPECIAL

Posted on February 9, 2023February 9, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” –Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Valentine’s Day has always been a favorite holiday (if nothing else, the candy and flowers will always lure you in). A romantic ambiance complete with a bubble bath, rose petals and candlelight are a sure way to anyone’s heart! Go ahead and give in: make this Valentine’s Day extra special for yourself and that special someone with all the charming bits and bobs.

The phrases “Lovecore” and “Heartcore” have taken over the lexicon and are intended to describe décor and aesthetics that rely heavily on a romantic theme.

Romantic and passionate love are always ideal on Valentine’s Day, but so is the love of friends, girlfriends (i.e., “GALentine’s day”), and one’s self. Self-love and self-care are incredibly important, and, now more than ever, we’re actually talking about how to nurture ourselves as well as others. This means taking time to be alone and, like Miley Cyrus’s recent siren song, buying yourself flowers. This is not selfish or even a wee bit sad (even on Valentine’s Day); it’s liberating!

What you’ll need to win hearts and/or treat just yourself:

Bubble baths, oils, and organic salts (all rose-scented, of course) are must-have items for the most romantic day—and night—of the year. Even if you’re simply soaking by yourself and not coupled up, taking a hot bath is one of the most relaxing, practical forms of self-care in which to indulge. Fill the tub to the rim (but watch for overflow; your neighbors downstairs will complain when water drips ruin their V-Day plans), fill it with Nabila K Rose Garden bubble bath, organic rose bath salts (with actual rose petals), and just a tad of bath oil. What could be more luxurious?

Candles are absolutely necessary for conjuring romance. If you’re not one who goes for a lot of frills, fake it till you make it: there’s nothing like a candle flame to ignite passion. If you’re on a budget, try Nabila K’s small soy-based candles (these are perfect for fitting onto the corners and edges of a bathtub). Take your bubble bath game to the next level with light emanating only from Nabila K Rose Garden candles.

Oil Diffusers are a chic flame-free option for perfuming large spaces (try Nabila K’s Rose Garden scented option).
Red lipstick (or gloss) is a Valentine’s Day essential. How else are you going to leave red prints on his cheek, collar, and, most of all, seal your love letters? Make sure to mark them “SWAK.” Nabila K has the perfect red lipstick in the shade called aptly called “Vixen.”

Perfume is necessary for evoking passion and is one of those things we always remember: long after memories have faded, a special scent remains. Fragrances even have the power to unlock memory.

The perfect love letter is, of course, sealed with a kiss. More than that, it has to be written from the heart. Whether you make your own heart-shaped paper Valentines or purchase a greeting card, make sure that the message is heartfelt and filled with a bit of poetry. Nabila K’s unique stationery is a great idea for the occasion (especially the Rose Garden design) and is blank, so you can choose the perfect, one-of-a-kind sentiment.
Of course, champagne is the beverage of choice! Like Oscar Wilde said, “Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking champagne.”
Plush toys—especially teddy bears—have always been a favorite and always make for sweet, cuddly presents.

Add some smooth jazz, jewelry, and lingerie and you’re all set for a perfect Valentine’s Day! Even if you’re sleeping alone, cozy pajamas are sometimes the cutest and, clearly, the most comfortable! As for jewelry, costume is just as fun as real gems; try something with a heart charm to feel exceptionally cute.

Chocolates (in a heart-shaped box, no less) are always welcome, and Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without them. An old-fashioned box complete with satin pleats and a big bow is the ultimate treat.

For more information on the Nabila K products mentioned above that will make your day—and night—as lovely as possible, check out the links below:

https://nabilak.com/product/rose-garden-bubble-bath-roses/

https://nabilak.com/product-category/makeup/lips/lipsticks/

https://nabilak.com/product/organic-rose-bath-salts-product/

https://nabilak.com/product/rose-garden-candle/

https://nabilak.com/product/rose-garden-diffuser/

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg #nabilak #lovecore #heartcore #valentinesday #selfcare #romance #candles #rosegarden #bubblebath #redroses #buyyourselfflowers #candles #redlipstick #valentines #loveletter

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How to Live a Mediterranean Lifestyle

Posted on January 26, 2023January 26, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“I’m glad I am a woman who once danced naked in the Mediterranean Sea at midnight.”

-Mercedes McCambridge

When people hear the phrase “Mediterranean lifestyle,” most will probably think of diet, but it’s so much more than that. What we consume is what constitutes our lives, but it’s not just about food and drink: it can be culture, beauty, poetry, architecture, and that irresistible Mediterranean sunlight that drenches everything white.

Maybe it’s the sheer beauty of the landscape that makes inhabitants of Mediterranean countries happier and healthier. These countries of Europe, North Africa, and Asia in the west are almost achingly beautiful; everything is old and kept in beautiful shape (they actually appreciate their culture and want to keep it intact). History is very important; old buildings are preserved and cherished, and monuments and statues are revered. Architecture and art are a way of life, and beauty is extremely important!

Europe especially reveres its artists. People can be seen dancing and singing in the streets; there are actual troubadours who will serenade you in the town plazas of Spain!

Greece, Italy, Spain, and France, oh my! These are some of my favorite places in the entire world (and I don’t think I’m the only one).

Some tips on how to live like a local and reap that glow that only these countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea can offer.

“I love Spanish food. My diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is good food. I eat well.”

–Penelope Cruz

Indulge in food and drink (the Mediterranean diet): olives, olive oil (which is called “liquid gold” for a reason: it offers not only culinary greatness but is beneficial for silky, shiny skin and hair), freshly caught seafood, oranges, herbs and spices, whole grains, vegetables, paella, tapas, etc. Eat fresh! Go to the market every day and see what looks ripe and delicious (never eat processed food if you can help it, and everything in moderation). Take your time to really enjoy the flavors. Of course, France, Italy, Spain, and Greece are known for their little outdoor cafes that are so charming, and we all know more time spent outdoors is very good for our mental and physical health. Because the Mediterranean diet focuses heavily on fruits and vegetables and is low in saturated fats, it’s heart-healthy. It’s a way of life, not a fad diet.

Bathe in the sea, go for a boat ride, smell the lavender and rosemary, literally take time to smell the roses, so to speak. We all know that Spanish is the loving tongue, the French have a “joie de vivre” sort of attitude, and the Greeks are culturally steeped in the beauty of gods and goddesses, so it’s no surprise that they’re very sensual people. Living by the sea is also very calming and tranquil.
The Mediterranean light is so captivating and, because it gets very hot and arid during the summer, it’s customary for shops to close in the afternoon so everyone can take a little siesta. Then, in the evening, around nine o’clock, restaurants and cafes reopen so townspeople can enjoy dinner until late. Meals can last for hours. Enjoy wine or an Aperol Spritz and laugh easily and often. Try to take it easy so you, too, can live a laid-back life.

Community and family are very important. People actually talk to each other in the streets; meeting friends for coffee seems easier in these parts of the world.

Generosity and hospitality. Go somewhere where things aren’t mass-produced: try a tiny French bakery and see how much love goes into the sweet delights.
Walk a lot! Move freely. Don’t think of exercise as a chore but a way of life. If you do something daily, it becomes much easier.
Adopt a zest for life, for conversation, and for meeting new people.
The décor is sublime, especially with colorful tiles everywhere.

Artists who have captured this Mediterranean feeling…

Isn’t it amazing that so many of the greatest fine artists the world has ever known are from Mediterranean countries?

(Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “The Farm at Les Collettes,” 1914)

Some of our favorite painters—from Baroque to Impressionist—include:

Van Gogh (especially his paintings of Arles and Avignon)
Velázquez
Goya
Cézanne
Gauguin
Monet
Renoir
Matisse

For more tips and musings on life and beauty, see what’s on the blog.

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg #nabilak #lifestylehacks #lifestyletips #mediterraneancountries #mediterraneandiet

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THE MAIN DESIGN AESTHETICS: WHAT THEY MEAN

Posted on January 18, 2023January 19, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“A Room of One’s Own”

Virginia Woolf wrote of a feminist freedom in her 1929 novel, A Room of One’s Own; she was way ahead of her time and said, “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” How you wish to furnish that room is another story.

What do your design preferences reveal of your personality? Are you into minimalism: monochromatic rooms filled with sparse furniture and blank walls? Or maybe the baroque, slightly tacky vintage aesthetic (Tiffany lamps, lots of velvet, fainting couches, heavy drapes)? Perhaps you’re a bohemian at heart with a fun-loving spirit (with beaded doorways, a lava lamp, yoga cushions, and succulents) or simply an overgrown college student (bean bag chair, anyone?).

“All I want is a room somewhere

Far away from the cold night air

With one enormous chair

Oh, wouldn’t it be lovely?”

–Lerner and Loewe, My Fair Lady (1956)

(Ingmar Bergman’s bedroom in Fårö, W Magazine)

Modernist, Minimalism: Hello, Ikea! When it comes to functionality (and monochromatic color schemes), the Swedes are revered. Simple, modern, monochromatic: do you prefer solid white or beige? Most minimalists are, of course, very neat, organized, and efficient. They also enjoy space! The “Less is More” aesthetic is all about clearing out the clutter and only having maybe one throw pillow on the sofa. Also, you probably have a twig of eucalyptus in your bathroom somewhere.

(Gloria Vanderbilt and Diana Vreeland photographed by Horst P. Horst in their over-the-top NYC apartments)

Vintage: What about a chenille bedspread? If you’re into antiquing and thrifting, you probably have an old handmade quilt somewhere (at the foot of your bed) and gewgaws and tchotchkes everywhere. If you love kitschy décor, you’re probably an old soul who is very thoughtful, playful, and into the fun in life. Your drapes are probably a funky color, and there are definitely feathers and/or dried flowers somewhere to be found. The furniture (and tub) has claw feet, and the dining room table is made from Formica. You have a tiled bathroom and a percolator on the stove. There are also lots of picture frames filled with loving faces, art on the walls, and maybe even a sculpture or two.

(Eudora Welty’s simple, light-filled Southern kitchen, photographed by William Eggleston)

“Shabby Chic,” Classic/Traditional Farmhouse: Are you interested in repurposing old items? If you see a piece of sturdy craftsmanship on the curb you probably take it in, clean it, wax it, paint it, etc. Sound familiar? This means that you’re very much into quality and well-made furnishings. Furniture used to be made to last and families passed down pieces through the generations. Do you own a family heirloom, something that belonged to your grandparents or even great-grandparents? If your old grandfather clock is what makes your heart go pitter-pat when it comes to décor, well, you’re obviously into antiques and keeping memories alive. You have reverence for the past. You also probably have hardwood floors, a butcher block table, an Oriental carpet, mason jars filled with flowers, and a kerosene lamp.

(Frida Kahlo’s kitchen, “La Casa Azul” in Mexico City: Note the traditional Mexican clay pots and unexpected splashes of color)

Bohemian: What does your sofa look like? Is it covered in layers of throw blankets and decorative pillows of all shapes and sizes? Do you have contrasting patterns, fuzzy rugs, plants galore, bright paint schemes, a Buddha statue and some incense on the coffee table? Well, you are most definitely a free spirit! Don’t forget that all bohemian style aesthetics include candles on just about every surface and an altar complete with personal effects.

#nabilakhashoggi #khashoggi #lifestyle #explore #habits #nabilaK #spartanandthegreenegg #interiordesign

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MAKE WINTER YOUR FAVORITE SEASON

Posted on January 9, 2023January 9, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” -William Blake

Winter—despite the shorter hours, less sunlight, and colder temperatures—is a magical time of year and, with the right perspective, a great season to embrace. Instead of dreading winter, enjoy all it has to offer!

Winter Holidays

Winter is, of course, the season that brings us the most wonderful time of the year. With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and ringing in the New Year, there’s a seemingly endless barrage of festivities. This can seem daunting to many of us, so why not, this year, focus less on consuming and more on living in the moment and enjoying life? Instead of fretting over presents and getting the decorations just right, spend time with one another and do what makes you happy. If you enjoy flowers the most, make sure that garlands, holly, and poinsettias are the standout décor. If you enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas, string popcorn and cranberries, and don’t hesitate to let the children in the family trim the tree as well (haphazard ornament placement and all), you can tweak it later.

Fashion

Let’s face it: winter is a time for serving looks! If you’re not lucky enough to be living it up in a tropical climate, take advantage of it and, of course, keep warm with stylish layers. Whether you’re breaking in a new pair of chic leather boots, rocking an essential black turtleneck, or keeping cozy in cashmere and wool blends, you’re bound to find fashions to enjoy. Cute sweaters, cardigans, scarves, leggings, gloves, and a matching pom pom hat, oh my! Now, I know most people will shirk at the idea of real fur, so make sure it’s either vintage or faux. There’s nothing more stylish (or warm) than a shearling coat, and if you’re feeling really cute, take a cue from Ali MacGraw in “Love Story” and try crocheted knits as your new winter gear. Also, remember that winter white is always a good idea: it’s simple, understated, and always looks luxurious.

Nature

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

– John Steinbeck

There’s nothing more beautiful or peaceful than freshly fallen snow. A walk in the woods in winter is one of the loveliest, most tranquil things a person can do. Listening to snow crunch underfoot while observing animal tracks on an otherwise untouched blanket of snow is any nature lover’s dream and also pretty irresistible. Watching the sun glint off of snow, through pine and cedar trees, illuminating snowflakes (none of which is alike) is pure poetry. Go ahead and look for the beauty in winter this upcoming season because, after all, there’s so much to find.

Time Spent Indoors

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” -Edith Sitwell

Winter is the time for spending more time indoors. Not only does it get dark early, but the days and nights are cold, so there’s nothing better than cozying up by a crackling fire with a good book, a cup of cocoa or mulled wine, and relaxing with loved ones. Winter is also the season for comfort food! Hot, hearty meals and favorite desserts are one of the best things about winter: when your kitchen is filled with the aromas of nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves, it’s undoubtedly enticing and extremely inviting. Now is the time to start baking!

Sport

Whether you’re usually into sporting or not, winter is always a good opportunity to at least observe others frolicking! If you don’t feel like skiing or snowboarding, sit back in the chalet and sip your hot chocolate. The same goes for ice skating: it’s just as fun to watch the couples at Rockefeller Center as it is to actually put on a pair of skates. If it’s a winter wonderland, you can always build a snowman, go sledding or have a snowball fight (especially if you have children in your family; they’ll absolutely love it, and you’ll feel like a kid again).

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MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS AND KEEPING THEM

Posted on December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”

–L.M. Montgomery

We’re all guilty of making New Year’s resolutions and breaking them, but the important thing is to declare affirmations and plan for the future. These little rituals are hopeful and help make life a little easier. If you have a goal to work towards and something to look forward to, that’s all you need to give life meaning.

Make Affirmations

“Not knowing when the dawn will come I open every door.”-Emily Dickinson

To make resolutions for a new year is to believe in tomorrow. When we want to mend our ways or simply be a bit better, we turn over a new leaf. It’s also incredibly helpful to literally think of a clean slate: to see everything as blank and brand new is very refreshing.

The most common resolutions are, of course, to lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, drink less, exercise more, etc. It may be time to rework these ideas. Of course, we all want to be healthier, but sometimes it helps to be less specific with goals. Instead of just losing pounds, think of the new year as an opportunity to begin new, better routines. Fad diets usually don’t work very well; it’s about changing habits and lifestyles. If you can cultivate a healthier routine, it’ll gradually take effect, and, most likely, you’ll see long-term results.

Good New Year’s resolutions are all about intention. If you sincerely want to be more patient, loving, kind, and less anxious, it’s the desire that works as a driving force. It doesn’t really matter if you mess up one day and indulge too much in your vices, for every day is a new opportunity, a fresh start!

Inspiration from the Greats

We celebrate New Year’s Eve with champagne, fireworks, funny hats, balloons, confetti, and streamers. It is thought that whomever we kiss at the stroke of midnight is who we’ll love and be within the coming months. Kiss any loved one; it doesn’t matter who! We say goodbye to the previous year and let go of old disappointments.

“Each age has deemed the new-born year the fittest time for festal cheer.” – Sir Walter Scott

Mark Twain was a bit more pessimistic (but certainly realistic) than some of the other great writers and wits we’ve quoted in this blog. Saying that “Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever.” Let us hope that, by the end of January, we keep the hopeful, cheerful spirit of the New Year alive and well!

And, of course, there’s no greater witticism than that of Oscar Wilde:

“Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account.”

Even with a good heaping of cynicism to keep us warm, it’s really never too late to change, to better yourself, to be the best version of yourself!

How to Keep Them

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and the days of auld lang syne?”

Little good luck traditions can’t hurt. After you’ve had your New Year’s Eve dinner of ham hocks, black-eyed peas, and collards (for wealth), you’ll be ready to stay up all night until a whole new year ascends upon us.

Most sing “Auld Lang Syne” (a Scottish poem from the late 18^th century that literally means “old long since”).
In Colombia, people run around with empty suitcases to ensure a year filled with travel and adventure.
Some people open all the windows and doors and even throw water out the window (in Puerto Rico to banish evil spirits).
In Denmark, people jump off chairs for luck.
Smash a plate and eat 12 grapes when the clock chimes midnight (to represent the 12 months of the year).
Some do the Polar Bear Plunge! Go swimming in ice-cold water. This has become a tradition but is a bit extreme! With all the germs and sickness floating around this year and most of us recovering from a bout of Covid, it might be wise to skip this one!
We all know that the Chinese Zodiac is very lucky; 2023 is the year of the rabbit.

“Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely, & with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day…is too dear with its hopes & invitations to waste a moment on the rotten yesterdays.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson

To help keep your resolutions,

Write them down. Either where you can see them or, if it’s a more personal wish, some people write them on a piece of paper and tuck it away in a box, sometimes forgetting about it until years later. Some people even get a little pagan and bury their wishes and resolutions in the ground beneath the moon. Making a wish on a star is always a nice touch!
Be open to change. If we don’t truly accept the natural progression of time and want to grow, it just makes it that much harder. This is why daily affirmations (all year) are good for the spirit and keep us focused.

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Take a cue from Emerson and live in the moment!

For more inspiration, life hacks, and information on all things beautiful, check out Nabila Khashoggi’s blog!

For more information on the topics mentioned in this blog, consult the links below:

https://www.openculture.com/2016/01/mark-twain-knocks-new-years-resolutions.html

https://www.invaluable.com/blog/new-years-traditions/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Auld-Lang-Syne

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Tips for Reading More

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” –Cicero

Set aside a half hour a day to start.
Have a stack of books to read on your bedside table. Make a list of books, authors, and topics of interest.
Read before bed. This will help you to doze off; a book is so much better than a screen.
Don’t be so hard on yourself; you don’t have to have read all the classics.
Encourage reading in your home. Set aside time for your spouse and children to gather in the den for some quiet relaxation and reflection. Put down your phones, turn off the television, fill the coffee table with books and see what happens.
Skip around. Skip entire chapters if you’re losing interest. You’re not going to be tested on the material!
Read several books at once. This way, you’re more likely to find something you really enjoy.

A comfy reading nook requires good light and a big, overstuffed chair with a throw blanket, an ottoman, and don’t forget your favorite snack. This is a great incentive to read more!
Carry a small paperback in your handbag, tote, or backpack. While you’re on public transportation, waiting in the queue, or simply waiting, refrain from answering those texts and emails and read.
Don’t make outlandish goals. Maybe don’t start with “War and Peace.”
Any reading is good reading! Don’t let people tell you that one book is more worthy than another or that “guilty pleasure” reading is silly. That’s ridiculous!
Magazines and tabloids count!
Try a new genre.
The more you read, the more you want to read. It’s like exercising a muscle. It becomes habitual.
Go to the library.
Visit rare and used bookstores. There’s nothing more charming than old books, and it’s so important to support small business.

Benefits of Being a Book Worm

“Reading brings us unknown friends.” –Honoré de Balzac

We live in a technology-fueled world, so the analog era is sometimes thought upon with nostalgia and longing. I’m not saying we should go back to using quill pens with a pot of ink but writing longhand, sending letters and postcards instead of texts and emails, and reading a book or magazine is so enjoyable and therapeutic. It’s calming and meditative to slow down, take a breath, and put down those screens.

You’ll sleep better if you engage in less screen time before bed. Put your phone or tablet away (and turn off the television) at the very least thirty minutes before bed. You may even have better dreams (depending on what you’re reading). No news right before bedtime, either!
Of course, your concentration will improve. You’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll absorb all sorts of new, wonderful information.
Think of starting a book club and, when you finish with a book, give it to a friend to lighten your load. There’s no greater gift than a good book, and this will help to cut down on clutter (even though shelves spilling over with books is a wonderful, cozy sight). Sharing ideas and stories is probably the highlight of a friendship so find a book you love and give the gift of literature.

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