A Day In The Lalz: December 2015

December 30, 2015

December Birchbox

A Day In The Lalz; Birchbox; December 2015 Birchbox; Beauty; Subscription Box; Beauty blog; Fashion Blogger;

The final Birchbox of 2015 has arrived! This month's theme is All Wrapped Up - very fitting for the holidays. In addition to this month's box I added the completion perfection sampler to my box for an addition $20. I received a ton of fabulous goodies that are targeted to put my best face forward. The sampler included the beautyblender, Benefit Cosmetics Primer, Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow, The Beauty Crop Highlighting Cream, and W3LL People Invisible Powder.

My December Birchbox included;

Malin + Gotez - clarifying clay mask
Benefit Cosmetics - they're real! Tinted Primer
Catherine Malandrino - Romance de Provence
Coastal Scents - styleEYES Eyeshadow Palette
Darphin - INTRAL Redness Relief Soothing Serum

Check out all my Birchbox posts of 2015 (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, and November)

If you are interested in trying out Birchbox you can sign up here - I promise you will LOVE it!

December 29, 2015

Pomegranate Cheesecake

Pomegranate Cheesecake is one my favorite desserts to make during the holidays! It's festive, delicious, and super easy to make! My sister is the master mind for researching and putting various recipes together for this delicious dessert. Ultimately the recipe was adapted from this blog. Today I'm sharing my version on how to make this super east and divine dessert which is perfect for the holiday gatherings - especially NYE!
The first step is to bake your favorite cheesecake recipe. If you are not into that, have no fear, I suggest buying the New York Deli Style Cheesecake from Trader Joe's (found in the frozen dessert aisle). If you bake the cheesecake make sure it is completely cool before starting the pomegranate topping steps. If you go the Trader Joe's route then make sure the cheesecake is completely thawed and at room temperature.

Ingredients

3/4 cup pomegranate juice (Pom Wonderful)

1 pack unflavored gelatin powder

2 Tbsp Sugar

1.5 cups seeds of one Pomegranate

Directions

1. Place pomegranate juice in a small sauce pan, sprinkle in unflavored gelatin powder. Let stand 1 minute to soften gelatin before putting it on the heat.

2. Whisk in 2 Tbsp sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves and mixture is steaming.

3. Remove from heat then set the saucepan into a larger bowl of ice water, stirring gently and constantly until it is cold and slightly thickened but not set approximately 5-10 minutes.

4. Once thickened consistency, stir in pomegranate seeds and immediately spoon topping onto the cheesecake. Refrigerate for 1-2 hour before serving.

Enjoy!

December 24, 2015

Holiday Classics

A little holiday outfit inspiration. You can't go wrong with these classic looks!

May this Joyous Season bring you peace, health, and happiness throughout the coming year!

December 22, 2015

Masquerade

Skirt: Anthropologie (Identical skirt here) | Blouse: Everlane | Masquerade Mask | Shoes: Ralph Lauren (similar) | Necklace: BaubleBar | Bracelet: BaubleBar | Watch: Michael Kors | Lips: Stila Aria

Holiday parties are in full swing and I'm loving all the festivities. Last week was the holiday party at my work and the theme was Masquerade! It was a great excuse for me to pull out my beautiful blue mask that my brother got me from New Orleans. I planned my entire outfit around this unique mask. I paired it with my favorite midi skirt from Anthropolgie and pearl strand necklace from BaubleBar. I finished off the look with some blue pumps to tie in the look with the mask.
I've linked below to a ton of wonderful midi skirt options that are great for the holidays!

December 21, 2015

Yalda | Winter Solstice

A Day In The Lalz; Winter Solstice; Shab-e-Yalda; Persian Tradition; Yalda; Pomegranate Cheesecake; Recipe: Persian Yalda Tradition

Happy first day of winter!

Yaldā is a Persian tradition celebrated on the eve the Winter Solstice also known as Shab-e-Yalda which translates to the night of Yalda. This night signifies the longest night of the year. Yalda is celebrated on the eve of the winter solstice which is December 21. There are many traditions tied in with Yalda - including eating pomegranate, watermelon, fruits and nuts, and reading poems of Hafiz and much more!

I found this site to give the perfect description of Yalda.

I wanted to share a few snaps from my family's Yalda celebrations. As you can see many of the Yalda traditions revolve around food - which I LOVE! I made my special pomegranate cheesecake to mark the occasion! I will share the recipe on the blog this week - it's super easy and oh so delicious!

Hope everyone has a lovely Yalda and enjoy all the delicious pomegranate!

December 18, 2015

Holiday Glam

A Day In The Lalz; Holiday Party Look; Veilure Cotoure; Modest Fashion; Hijab Fashion; Fashion Blogger; Ball Gown Skirt; Holiday Outfit Ideas; Gold and Black

A classic ball gown skirt is timeless and always my go to for a glam holiday look. I always pull inspiration from Carolina Herrera for her impeccable ball gown looks. The look is perfect for a glamorous holiday party. I've linked a ton of beautiful ball gown skirts below that are just stunning for the holidays. I completed the look with pumps to match this beautiful Veilure Couture scarf that complete the glam look!

***Photos by Mo Aslani.

December 16, 2015

Holiday Gift Exchange for Coworkers

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I know, i know - another holiday guide. But there is a very good explanation for this one!

Majority of the posts on my blog are inspired by actual events in my real life (hence A Day In The Lalz). Last week at work my team decided on doing a White Elephant Gift Exchange at work for the holidays. Now the kicker is that the gifts have to be gender neutral because everyone is in on the gift exchange (guys and gals) and the budget is $20! At first I panicked because I didn't know what to get that would fit all the requirements but then I realized I can just google and find a ton of ideas, right?! WRONG. I spent a solid 45 minutes searching various ways to find articles, lists, ideas for "Holiday Gift Exchange for Coworkers Under $20 Gender Neutral" - my results were slim to none. Therefore I decided to take it upon myself to put a list together. ALL of these gifts fall under the category of under $20, works for both guys and girls, and are AWESOME gifts to give!

1. Humans of New York Book - you can't go wrong with such a wonderful uplifting, unique book.

2. Dylan's Candy Bar Santa Sweet Candy Tin - festive and delicious candy!

3. The New York Times 36 Hour Guide: USA & Canada Northeast - this book is filled with a ton of wonderful suggestions that offers a ton of inspiration and always a crowd favorite!

4. Mini Travel Steamer - one of those gifts that anyone would love to receive because it's extremely useful!

5. Selfie Stick - people may not admit it, but we all own at least one selfie stick!

6. Tea Infuser - a perfect holiday gift in a festive red shade that is just right and under budget!

7. Christmas Mason Jar Set - everyone loves a good mason jar set!

8. Record Coasters - a cute remix on a classic coaster gift.

9. 2016 Desk Calendar - a desk calendar that your coworker would love to get!

December 8, 2015

Work Holiday Party Look

A Day In The Lalz; Fashion Blogger; Modest Fashion; Modest Style; Holiday Party Look; Gold and Black; Bauble Bar Chain Kimmy Strands; Pearl Necklace; Hijab Fashion

Holiday parties are just around the corner and what to wear is on every one's mind. First order of business - office holiday parties! It's the time to socialize with coworkers and have a merry time. Some may find it intimating to dress for social work events - you don't want to be too revealing or wear something too over the top but you definitely don't want to wear a pant suit. My go to formula is a pair of matchstick dress pants, a shimmery top, statement necklace, fun heels, and a bold lip. This look gets into the holiday spirit by sticking to a neutral palette of black and gold with pops of color yet remaining work appropriate.

What will you be wearing to your office holiday party???

December 3, 2015

Pink x Burgundy

A Day In The Lalz; Burgundy Dress; Banana Republic Moto Jacket; Blush Pink Jacket; Karen Walker Sunglasses; Brown Booties; Blanket Scarf; Fashion Blogger; Hijab Fashion; Modest Style; Winter Look; Layers;

A quick look at what I wore to brunch with the fam this past weekend in the mitten!
I'm borderline obsessed with this pink moto jacket from Banana Republic (seen here and here) and blanket scarf from Nordstrom - therefore I merged the two and came up with this look. I pretty much wear these items at least once a week. Which goes to show you if you invest in classic pieces they never go out of style and are extremely versatile!

Thanks for stopping by!

***Photos by Mo Aslani