Physique: Hair Food Recipe!

I have tried a great natural blend to feed my hair, and that's my major field of experiment!


Here is a great Luminous recipe for healthy shiny strands!

Ingredients:
1. one egg
2. 2 tea spoons of olive oil
3.1 tea spoon of vinegar
4. 1 tea spoon of honey
5. half cup of yogurt
Steps:
Blend well to a creamy consistency, warm it up 20 sec in the microwave or in hot water pool.
Brush your hair and distribute the blend on your hair, put it up with a clip then wrap your head with clinging film:) yes it will help your hair absorb it better.
After 40 minutes wash your hair thoroughly until you are sure it's completely clean, dry as usual!
This recipe is great specially for thin, fine or dry hair. you will notice immediately the increase in volume and shine!

My Soul: Happy Eid. Peace & Blessings

Being away from home during the holidays and specially during Eid in Egypt is quite disappointing. I usually start my first day of Eid very early to get ready to pack the bundles of lamb to give to the poor and needy and put aside a thigh to cook for a family gathering. It's such a great feeling of fulfilment when I drive up and down the block for those who missed knocking at our door for their rightful share of Eid blessings. I miss that... a lot... I miss their grateful prayers of thanks that charge me with humbleness for I have done nothing but being chosen to do so. Happy Eid and Blessings to Every living being whether seen or unseen.

The Eye: Driving in UAE

Can you imagine the time and money required to get a driver's license in the UAE? Well, that's another issue, In Egypt dr iving was a piece of cake fo r me:) there is no safe distance between you and your neighbor ly cars we literally snuggle all the way. If you get to third gear that's your lucky day! Dubai is something els e! I've been here for three months now I can hardly find my way home! I failed my first test but that's the trend they say lol! so wish me luck I'm heading for my 2nd try ,I should worry about finding my way when I get to the photo booth for that flash of approval!

Physique: Perfect Bodies & Photoshop

The only reason I'm posting this is that it may help a little in making us, women over 30, understand that seeking the perfect body within reasonable limits is an ok goal. seeking that unattainable touched celebs' bods, is not far from achieving with the brush of skilled digital artists, so no need to torture ourselves:). I think women and little girls are in a desperate need to separate between the real and the ideal images of beauty so as to not reach that state of out of control the video is pointing at. To be thin and to look young is an unavoidable cultural demand that needs to be approached with wisdom and awareness.

(Read Toni Morrison's Tar Baby it deals with this crazed pursuit for artificial beauty at the expence of the natural).

My Soul: Change

It's really outstanding how sometimes our perspectives and goals in life might take a complete turn. a few months ago I was extremely stressed doing what I have been doing for ages since graduation back in 1993, which is teaching literature and elementary ESL courses for both teens and adults. I was working on my PhD proposal in order to pursue an academic career at private universities in Cairo/Egypt. One day, I chatted with a student of mine who is a movie critic about publishing some personal articles that I wrote out of fun and love for writing critiques on life and film. She offered me the chance to show my work to her editor in chief at a small local film magazine in Arabic. He happened to be looking for someone who masters Arabic/English to fill in for the western film critiques section. My articles got published in three consecutive editions and there was two more getting ready for print while I was moving with my family to Dubai and leaving everything behind. I'm writing about this because now I only want to write professionally and I have no clue where to start. Ironically enough, I started discovering the pleasure of blogging and it's my soul's satisfaction at the moment. Soon, I should try and find a way to accomplish my new goals. Now, I must settle for the practice until the real thing.

Creation: Megan Fox Charcoal Sketch

Thanks Nourhan for sending this my way, just lovely!

Creation: Nothing Compares

I received this beautiful short promo about Egypt my home country and all I could think about was how a positive outlook can bring out the beauty and essence of any given place. People can choose the pictures they want others to see. They can create messages of hate & decay or be messengers of love and progress. This promo doesn't cover the realm of Egypt but it does show what lies underneath the piles of sand and aimless camels. enjoy:)

The Eye: Correcting Misconceptions

It's always astonishing to me how racial concepts get deeply rooted to the extent that it becomes illogically accepted & nonnegotiable. Ben Affleck touches on this with a smart argument about the negative connotations now associated with being "Arab." Speaking of the way such remarks fuel intolerance, Affleck's speaks a simple word of logic and truth.

Put an end to stigmatizing any given race or ethnicity, become one with humanity at large, these are the values I embrace & respect. -L.

Cinematic: Surregates

Surrogates is the latest movie I have watched. It's a Sci-Fi film by Bruce Willis who gets to play both a futuristic & human cop controlling an advanced surrogate body that's connected to his nerve system along with humanity at large. Every person gets the luxury of a custom made human robot that gets to deal with the outside world while he/she lies comfortably at the convenience of their living room. As surrogates vanquish and get replaced, humans remain safe & sheltered from danger until an unprecedented occurrence of brutal deaths, while being connected, threatens the lives of users and the purpose of the product. The heightened action scenes, visual effects & make up give the movie its unique features. It's a thriller that's worth watching as it raises questions about man/ machine & the advances of science at the expense of human values.

Physique: Idole by Armani

I'm a one perfume woman :) when I pick a perfume, I stay with it until it's drained or broken! My last one Brit Sheer from Burburry fell under the category of broken! so I usually get the smallest bottle to give it maximum protection. Anyways, after a depressing while with no perfume & after accidentally buying DKNY apple for MEN!(they all look alike & I'm stupid) I finally, got a new one that I'm proud of & it smells yummy, Idole d'Armani!

My Soul: Finding a comfort zone

As much as I like people and enjoy gatherings, I have learned to enjoy my quality time with myself. I'm always talking inside my head to the point of driving myself crazy sometimes! Analyzing and observing is usually stressful, but it gets truly rewarding when I infer something valid, worthy and comprehensible. I enjoy creating art forms, keep busy blogging and writing, can't wait to get me a pack of decent chalk pastels to resume drawing. I'm taking a forced break from work since I came to Dubai with no prospects of driving soon. I'm in tech-savvy- house wive-mom mode:) now! which is a great time out from the buzzing world. Live streaming with God is a major comfort zone, thanking Him for the little things such as watching a white sailboat passing or some colorful fireworks touching the roofs of the night , little affectionate poodles that rub themselves at my feet out of no where, or dancing water fountains. Finding a comfort zone is essential to keep one whole. -L.

The Eye: New Pop Culture Morality

Marriage, Abstinence and good girl vs. hot girl are current subjects for some of the most acclaimed pop culture songs, literature and movies in the US. I must admit that I've always observed since I was a child how the entertainment business has shaped most of our moral concepts, particularly the relationship between men and women. In a conscious or a subconscious attempt to fill our free time with some fun and our free brains with some BS, excuse my french:), many moral lines have been crossed, distorted and even became the accepted norm. However, lately I've noticed a distinct change in some forms of pop culture songs, clips, literature and film!

These are the lyrics for All The Single Ladies by Beyonce Knowels; the song is a bold statement for men who reject marriage. These are some lines:

Single Ladies Lyrics

All the single ladies (7x)

Now put your hands up
Up in the club, we just broke up
I’m doing my own little thing
you Decided to dip but now you wanna trip
cuz i cried my tears, GAVE three good years
Ya can’t be mad at me

[Chorus]
Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
*************

Don’t treat me to the things of this world
I’m not that kind of girl
Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve
Is a man that makes me,
And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond
Pull me into your arms
Say I’m the one you want
If you don’t, you’ll be alone
And like a ghost I’ll be gone

All the single ladies
Now put your hands up
woo oh ooh oh oh ooh oh oh ooh
oh oh oh

Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

Is that a call for marriage or what?!

Abstinence and resisting temptation is the main theme for the Twilight Saga a deeply Romantic teen story, written by a Mormon mom, that hits the roof with sales and popularity among the junior and adult women. Stephenie Meyer's portrayal of Edward Cullen has brought women all over the world out of their mind because he is everything that men aren't today. As an angelically beautiful 108 year old vampire who looks eternally 17, Edward doesn't yield to his natural desires to kill and quench his thirst for human blood. He must resist the urge to be with his beloved human Bella out of fear for her safety. These are concepts that revolutionize the moral beliefs and boundaries of today's young generation common beliefs regarding the intersection between sexuality and romance.


I've also watched Taylor Swift's music video where she plays two different characters the hottie and the serious. Taylor is an adorable 19 year-old country music singer loved by the young generation. The song (You belong with me) sends a message supporting smart, polite moderately dressed girls. These values are shaping concepts which redefine male/female relationships and call for new moral values. (this video is displayed on my i pod on the right)

Corruption might still dominate, but some artists are trying to make a luminous difference that the world definitely needs. -L.

Cinematic: Pick a team!

Upon the request of my bff Manoosha I had to post something about Kivanc Tatlitug, aka Muhanad in the Turkish romance Noor. The hype for the Turkish invader of Egyptian screen and women's heart's in the Arab world can only be compared to the hype surrounding Rob Pattinson around the globe. I must say that Egypt is a breeder of hunks too! I vote for Ahmed Ezz in support of local merchandise ;P
-L.

The Eye: Toni Morrison a gorgeous woman/author

If there is some one that I owe the knowledge and a deep understanding of the complexity of life other than my beloved grandma, it would be Toni Morrison. Morrison's first five novels where literally my companions for five years I've spent away from home as an expat in sister middle eastern countries. Studying her novels for my MA thesis was not merely an academic research, it shaped a lot of my views, judgment, how I perceive difference in a world full of injustice, discrimination, assumptions and oppression. The richness of the human concepts and unique experiences of the African American woman that Morrison tackles are still applicable and universal. I've researched the problem of beauty standards and how physical attributes of Africans have acquired negative moral connotations due to racial discrimination. This is one of zillion issues that you can explore through reading works by a Noble Prize awarded African American woman author.
Review Morrison's biography here.

Creation: New Template & Twilight Blog!

Hey! everyone I guess loneliness is the mother of creation at least in my case lol! Well, I found my way through posting Youtube vids. and that required changing my layout for the video to appear without distorting my side posts! So, this a new one!
Also, my crazed Twilight obsession found it's way to this supposedly neutral and twilight free zone ;) so I decided the more the merrier.. A Twilight blog for the Egyptian fans, aka, me lol. I had to find a release without imposing it on innocent nontwilight addicts...being such a sensitive person, I made a new blog & called it: Apotamkin: The Cold One of Egypt! you can say it's the first Egyptian Twilight fan site!! I googled it and it wasn't common lol. You can find the link in Luminous fix in case you are interested. We should shout out the Egyptian presence in Twilight. Special thanks to Stephenie Meyer; she covered all areas in her Saga including us Apotamkins, yay!
-L.

Creation: Arab Stand Up Comedians LOLs

Love the Axis of Evil Stand Up Comedy! They are the only ones I know of who are genuinely trying to improve the image of Muslims to the outside world, and they are doing an absolutely hilarious job!! If you are not familiar with the names Ahmed Ahmed, Dean Obaid Allah, Maz Jubrani and Aron Kader, you are missing a tearful lol!
-L.

My Soul: Blogging Frenzy!

How did my blogging frenzy begin? I have found great pleasure in all the aspects that constructed Twilight, saga/movie, ever since I've read and watched it (God only knows how many times!) early this year. The movie and it's gorgeous cast simply sucked the remains of any brain space I had before they completely took control. Twilight's mysterious effect on it's readers, young and old takes really a lot of strength to resist or simply ignore.
It brought me to a special friend that I've met through Spunk Ransom on facebook and we couldn't shut up about it. Though we were oceans apart, we came up with the idea to share a blog and called it Robstenation & all things twilight. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep up and we had conflicting approaches so she took over and is doing an absolutely wonderful effort to make it a top twilight site. If it weren't for that experience, I wouldn't have had a clue about running my own blog. I guess, the Lord works in mysterious ways! So this is a special thank you to my friend Shaui from Manila, we dream about watching Breaking Dawn together:) may God fulfill our wish.

Creation: Class 3b project pure fun!

This is a special post for a fun project I did with my students at MNS. Unfortunately, the rehearsals' vid. is in Cairo:/ one day will post to remember and share the fun:)
-L.

Cinematic: Rob as Ian in The Host?

Ever since I've read Stephanie Meyer's The Host, I've been unable to imagine someone other than Rob playing Ian in a cinematic adaptation. Now that The Host's casting is being chosen by Meyer & the producers (posted earlier, review here), I'm shouting out Rob for Ian pleaaaaase! dark hair fits Rob too:( come squeal with me, lol.
-L.

Creation: Egyptian Boy Vid

This is the Egyptian version of American boy, featuring someone we know hush, hush!
-L.

Creation: Junior Art - Rob Pattinson

Another sketch by Heba! this time it's the man himself! Rob Pattinson:) I love watching how Twilight have touched & inspired the masses. Sometimes I wonder if Stephenie Meyer put a love spell on her phenomenal project and bewitched us all! In case you missed Taylor's sketch click here.
-L.

The Eye: Michel Jakson dies a Muslim

With the mysterious death of Michel Jackson, dies the truth about his conversion to Islam. The King of Pop has moved to Bahrain with his Muslim big brother Jermaine after his infamous accusations of child molestation. Jermaine is supposedly the reason behind Michel's conversion; he says: "I wanted him to get out of America and just go somewhere peaceful and quiet, where people pray five times a day. It's a beautiful thing," source . Michel is said to have changed his name to Mikaeel (the Arabic name for Michel the angel of God). Among other things, prayer beads were found on MJ's death bed; this rosary or chain of beads is generally used by Muslims for praising Allah, source. When I listen to Heal the World, Earth Song, They Don't Care about Us and Black or White, I see them as remarkable good deeds that would send any human straight to heaven. R.I.P Mikaeel.
-L.

Creation: Junior fan art - Taylor Lautner

A cute sketch of Taylor Lautner by Heba, obviously team Taylor. Great art by a special student of mine. Keep it up sweetie:) Can I order a Robsten special?
I'll be more than happy to post all your art work, you are so talented. Heba also plays the piano and the guitar you should hear her play River Flows in You. Awesome!
-L.

Physique: Olay's Classic Beauty Fluid

I'm laughing with myself for this post:) it feels like I'm advertising for this product but I'm actually referring to a personal fondness for Olay, Classic Beauty Fluid. Out of the the old as time brand products of Olay, this fluid does wonders to my skin. Its color, scent and consistency are just right for a morning moisturizer. It's perfect for dry to normal skin, try it!
-L.

Creation: Twilight by talented Alicexz

My love for painting and for twilight and the leads Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart is always central to things I tend to appreciate. Alicexz is a Chinese talented young artist who absolutely touched my heart with her twilight inspired collection,(view her entire gallery here).
-L.

My Soul: Dealing with my anger

I hate those days when I have to deal with my anger...I don't get angry you won't see me angry, actually you're going to "like me when I'm angry" , to the outside world I'm a very calm and serene person. I was once told "you are cold!" by co-worker! ...that was nice to know, because I hate to live with the burden of guilt...hurting others is not my talent... what I'm really good at is hiding my anger and when I mean hiding I mean people sometimes realize that something is wrong with me but nothing else...on the inside I get to feel what Bella Swan calls "a big hole punched in my chest"... severe headaches and a strong desire to just not deal with the so called humans until I'm bored with loneliness. What I really need to deal with is the magical transformation of what should be anger to overwhelming sadness. Trying to figure out how.
-L.

Cinematic: "The Host" is becoming a movie!

If you are Twilight saga freak like me this would be exciting news! Stephenie Meyer's The Host is to become a movie. "Producers Nick Wechsler, Steve and Paula Mae Schwartz have used their own money to acquire screen rights to “The Host,” the first adult novel written by Stephenie Meyer, author of the “Twilight” series." read here. The Host is a sci-fi thriller that I found as outstanding & as hooking as Twilight though nothing can measure up to Edward Cullen even if Meyer herself tries.
-L.
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