Winter Delights

Though weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful!!

As winter approaches "MY FAVORITE SEASON" I figured I shall delight you with all my favorite winter goodies && must haves! <3!!

From Music, to an awesome keep warm outfit, to how I get my winged eye liner alla Amy Winehouse, to winter skin care! Its all here! && so much more. Everything you need to make winter lovable && Warm!!!



Lets start with an awesome outfit that will not only keep you warm but have you looking HOT! lols! This time of year we tend to pack on layers of clothing! But I have found a way to look good && warm at the same time.

Have a look....

#WhiteCoat #Red_Babydoll_Dress
 #Tights #LongBoots
 #Cross #GoldHoops

To complete this adorable winter look here is a picture tutorial on how to get the perfect winged eye liner! This is exactly how I do it! 

PS: Practice makes perfect!!

As it is winter there are a few things I think are essential to make the cold weather bearable.

A Survival kit !

1. A beanie! to keep your hair dry from rain!

2. Labello or Lip ice! To keep those winter lips at bay 

3. Coffee!!! okay that one I need pretty much all the time! 

4. Boots! They look good anyway you wear them & it helps keep your feet & jeans dry #Rain_Puddles

5. Gloves! Cold hands are the worst! 

6. Hot water bottle. It saves electricity & it will keep you warm on those winter nights!  

7. Cardigans! they are my absolute favourite. They keep you warm, they aren't as bulky as a coat && you get them in many colors! 

To get you warm on the inside I found this amazing recipe for the best Homemade hot cocoa! It is really really good!!

Here is how... 

How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa

Yields 5 cups
Ingredients
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup hot water
⅛ tsp salt
4 cups milk (Dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Combine the cocoa, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Over medium heat, stir constantly until the mixture boils. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
Stir in the milk and heat, but do not boil.
Remove from the heat and add vanilla; stir well. Serve immediately.

My Winter playlist, Songs that will get you dancing!! Songs that will warm your heart&Soul! 

TOP 10 Keep Warm Songs 

 No No No_Pumping Blood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j4I0PqNzKE

Toni Braxton & Baby Face_Hurt you:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnyav7pbBbk

Bon Iver_Holocene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWcyIpul8OE

Ben Howard_The Fear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnxCxHLAqn8

Coldplay_Magic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtb11P1FWnc

Paloma Faith Feat. Pharrell_Cant Rely on you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imi9Smkt_cI

John Legend_You & I (Nobody in the World):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5TMPEfH2eg

Bruno Mars_Moonshine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7yFkCMGrLY

The Cranberries_Linger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Kspj3OO0s

Ellie Goulding_Explosions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miOEmyjpLkU

During this season it is very important to take care of our skin. 

Winter can be really harsh on us. Here's something that could help! all natural && you can make in the comfort of your warm home! 

Home Made Face Mask For Winter Skin Care 

Mash the Flesh of Avocado, adding a spoon or 2 of Olive oil to create a paste && apply this to your face. 

This nourishing mask will supply your skin with a whole range of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and softening agents  to fight winter dryness. 

This winter lets us not only be mindful of ourselves & making sure we are healthy & warm. But lets think of those less fortunate! Go out && get a few blankets from your neighbors, family members & friends, as well as non-perishable foods & take it down to your local church, shelter or any one you find on the street. Let us bless a few people. That will really warm their hearts as well as yours!

Have a Beautiful Winter 

With Love 
ABBY GIA LOON 

Follow me on Twitter/Instagram: LUN9A 

or 

Right here @ Abbygialoon.blogspot.com

Women Empowerment... Its A "GAME OF THRONES

"if I look back I am Lost" 

~ Khaleesi Daenaerys Targaryen ~

Take a listen to my empowerment Jam : 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTCDVfMz15M 

~ Try by Pink ~

Game of Thrones, one of the highest rated fantasy shows on Television right now has become a POP CULTURE PHENOMENON. Since it's release in 2011, it has commanded an amazing following, like other HBO shows such as the Soprano's. With its 4th Season running this year I say this show is brilliant & worth watching, with many characters we all can connect to && relate to. 

Especially women! GIRL POWER ALL THE WAY among 100's of Men!

This show represent women in a strong light && our ability to take our fate into our own hands. With many examples of women who can hold power as men do. That is a message I strive to teach young girls. That we can be head of industry && make a difference in society today. Even in South Africa today we see women that hold great responsibility in government and in corporations, && its amazing to see how they valiantly fight for their causes. Today I am Proud to call myself a WOMEN.  So lets get behind them && be apart of the movement.

As a women today I take my life into my own hands! Never shall a Man strike me, dictate me or stop me from achieving my goals! We are all Khaleesi's (Queens) let us take up our thrones! =)

Here is a Game of Thrones inspired look as well as Make up && Hair Tutorials

White & Gold Dress #Satin_Skirt #Sequence #Sandals #Medallion 

How to Contour your foundation in order to highlight your face && get the perfect eyebrow's  

What you will need :

A foundation Brush
Blending Sponge
Foundation
1 darker than your skin tone
1 lighter than your skin tone.

Step 1: Apply the lighter foundation using the brush. Apply underneath the eyes, around the eye brow, around the mouth, the chin and lower cheek bones as well as the bridge of your nose.

Step 2: Apply the darker foundation using the brush. Apply on the side of your nose, underneath the apply of your cheek && around the your hair line.

Step 3: Blend carefully around those parameters with the blending sponge.



This is what the end result will look like >>>>>>








For the Perfect Eye brows, you will need the follow 

Brow Brush
Angel Brush
Shading Brush
Foundation
Matt Eye Shadow (same color as your hair)
Eye Pencil (same shade as the shadow you have chosen)

Step 1: Tweez/Thread/Wax eyebrows into your desired shape. Brush them flat using the brow brush.

Step 2: Using the pencil draw a line shaping the brow underneath. Make sure that the line is just a trace && not too thick. You should barely be able to see the line. Make sure the pencil is the same shade as the eye shadow you are going to use.


Step 3: Taking your angel brush using a bit of eye shadow fill in your brow with light strokes making sure it looks as natural as possible && not as if it was drawn in.

Step 4: Take the shading brush with a bit of foundation to clean along the line at the bottom && top of your eye brow.

&& there! Perfectly shaped brows!

This is one of my new favorite hairstyles! So glad I could share it with you! Here's what you will need: 

A Brush
A Comb
Bobby Pins
Head band. Any one you desire.

Step 1: Part your hair from behind your eye on both sides and down the middle. Braid all four parts. With the Front sections you may make more than one braid.

Step 2: Take your front braid && pin them on opposite sides of your head. Sort of making a braided band around your head.




Step 3: Take the two back braids && pin them up on either sides underneath the other braids. Always fold in your ends before pinning them so they do not stick out.

Step 4: Put on your desired head band to complete the hairstyle.

An Alternative to this hairstyle would be just to braid the hair in front && leave the hair loose at back.

PS: This look is better when the hair has a natural looking curls.






Hope you all feel empowered by today's post... PS: If you love fantasy I suggest you check out Game of Thrones! you will not be disappointed! 

With LOVE
Khaleesi Abby Gia Loon 

Follow me on Twitter/Instagram: LUN9A

or 

@ Abbygialoon.blogspot.com 

Every Mon_Wed_Friday 

I Love ROCK n ROLL

"I love Rock N Roll, so put another dime in the JukeBox baby"

~ Joan Jett && The BlackHearts ~

Take a listen: 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3T_xeoGES8‎

I love love love today's post!!! We are going to dig deep && get out our inner 
ROCK STAR!! 
yes they say Rock n Roll is dead! 
but I Totally Disagree!!! lets take a page from the Rolling Stones who have been
touring since 1962 && are still doing so!! Rock n Roll never dies nor ages!!
  Lets get our MID WEEK MADNESS ON!!! this post in filled with Air Guitars! Smokey eyes && Loads of Leather!!... So lets have some fun!! 

First of All we need some killer Music!!! so have a listen to a few of my Fave! classic Rock bands!! 

Living on Prayer by Bon Jovi: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk‎

I've Been Waiting for a Girl by Foreigner: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrzzR-3PPqw‎

Cant always get what you want by The Rolling Stones: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S94ohyErSw‎

Dude (looks like a lady) by Aerosmith: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf0oXY4nDxE‎

I hate myself for loving you by Joan Jett:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPkTGm4RtVM&feature=kp

My inspiration for this post non other than the DUCHESS OF ROCK n ROLL, Joan Jett. See her life story in the movie the Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart & Dakota Fanning. Joan Jett, the founder of the First Commercially Successful all women rock band "the Runaways" she paved the way for all Bad-ass chicks that just wanna take a six string && kill it!

Hope you have fun trying out this look!! I Sure LOVE IT!!!

#Crop_Top_Skulls #Leather_Leggings #Skull_Belt #Studded_Boots
#Leather_Jacket #Gloves #Bangles #Chains #Black! 

Lets finish this bad boy off with some Smokey Eyes && Messy Hair, shall we?? 

To get the perfect Smokey Eye you will need:

Tan Colour Eye Shadow

White Eye Shadow

Dark Blue Shadow (Any Dark Colour) 

Eye Pencil 

Blending Blush 

Shadow Applicator 

Mascara 

Step 1: Apply the tan Colour on your eye as a base. 

Step 2: Apply eye pencil to the bottom & top rim of the eye 

Step 3: Apply the dark shadow above the eye pencil line take the blending brush and smudging the dark shadow over the pencil line. 

Step 4: Using the shadow applicator with a bit of white shadow, apply it on the outside and inside corners of they. 

Step 5: Apply Mascara and Clean off any access shadow around the eyes. 

Time for some 80's hair!! what you will need: 

Curling Iron or Straightener

Comb/Brush 

Hairspray/Silicon Serum 

Scarf or Bandanna 

Step 1: Comb out any knots 

Step 2: Taking Tiny pieces of hair, curl them leaving a few pieces straight to get that messy effect. 

Step 3: After curling most of your hair, run your fingers through it with a bit of hairspray or Silicon Serum. Teasing your hair as much as possible while still maintain the curls. 

Step 4: Take your scarf or bandanna tie it around your head as desired! 

They're were really big on the MASSIVE BOWS back then! LOLS #ThankYouMadonna

There you have it! An awesome Rock n Roll 80's look! <3 who said Rock was dead! #Psssssh!!! 

Awhooo LA LA 

Abby Gia Loon =)

Follow me on Twitter/Instagram : Lun9a 

or 

Right here @ AbbyGiaLoon.blogspot.com

Every Mon_Wed_Friday

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Soul!

 “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”  ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Take a listen to Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uizQVriWp8M

Our feelings towards the way we treat our bodies is a subject frequently spoken about however we are reluctant to do anything about it. Being self-aware has become coupled with being called "vain" and "conceited". Today I would like to say, MY PERSONAL OPINION, there is nothing wrong with being conscious about your body & even your mental state. There is nothing wrong with looking after yourself, making sure that you are healthy!

We need to take note of these things & treat ourselves with respect. After all it is our well being at stake. So today I grant you the permission to take hold of your life as far as your health is concerned. 

Lets start with a Healthy BODY!, you look good, you feel good. I swear by this! 

Here are few easy exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. Joining a Gym is brilliant but if you're scared of that like I am, this is what you could do for just 30 minutes a day or 15min in the morning and 15min in the evening.

 Jumping Jacks: Do them for 2 Minutes

Side Lunge: Stand holding 5 to 8 Pound dumbbells. Step leg out to side and bend knee to 90 degrees, reaching hands down on either side of your right foot. Push off right foot to return to standing with right foot directly in front of left foot, arms sweeping with palms facing in. Repeat on left side. Do 24 Reps, and then switch legs.

Dancing Squat: Stand with right foot forward, a 5 to 8 pound weight in left hand. Squat; touch weight to floor as right hand lifts.  Do 24 reps and then switch sides.

Line Hops: step or hop sideways over a stretched-out jump rope for 2 minutes

Tipsy Bridge and Lift: Lie on your back, feet hip-width apart, flexed left foot on a yoga block or thick book, right foot on the floor. Keeping shoulders and head neutral and abs tight, lift hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulder to knees. Lower down then lift right foot, bring knee in toward chest and the return foot to the floor. Repeat for 24 Reps and then switch sides.

Biceps and arm circles: Stand with legs slightly wider than hip-width, a 5 to 8 pound dumbbell in each hand, elbows bend and palms up. Keeping spin straight, squat and circle left hand up and in toward your shoulder in a circular motion (as if calling someone towards you), reverse to lower hand. Do 16 reps and then switch sides.

Fast feet: Step quickly forward and backward over a stretched-out jump rope for 20 minutes

Triceps with a twist: lie on back with knees bent, a 5 to 8 pound dumbbell in right hand lifted so weight is over shoulder, let knees fall left while bending right elbow until end of weight touches floor near ear. Straighten right arm while lifting hips, legs head and shoulders. Lower gently down. Do 24 Reps and switch sides.

Roll over and sit up: Start lying on stomach, chest lifted, arms stretched overhead and legs straight. Roll to right onto your back, bending knees slightly and bringing arms halfway down; curl up to sitting position with arms move back overhead. Do 16 Reps and then switch direction.

Cross Crawl: Raise your arms, then lift left knee and bring right elbow down to meet it. Repeat on opposite side, alternate for 2 minutes moving as quickly as possible.

& YOU'RE DONE!! do a few light stretches && drink loads of WATER!!!!!!

Now that we have taken care of our physical well being, lets consider what we put in & on our bodies. 

All natural recipes that will help take care of our SKIN, as well as a healthy alternative MEAL to the fatty foods we tend to eat these days. 

Broccoli, Red Bell Pepper & Chickpea Salad

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

-          1 Can of Chickpeas

-          2 Green Onions Chopped

-          1 Red pepper chopped

-          2 Cups of Broccoli

-          ½ Cup Fresh parsley, chopped

-          ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil

-          1 garlic clove, minced or 1 Tsp chopped

-          Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

•  In a large bowl, whisk together the oil , mustard, salt & pepper
•  Add the remaining ingredients & stir to combine.
• Let it marinade in the fridge for a few hours. Keeps well several days in the refrigerator. 

THIS IS THE YUMMIEST HEALTHY THING I HAVE EVEN EATEN!!! #TrustMe!

Homemade Exfoliating Facial Mask:

Ingredients:

-          1 Tablespoon honey

-          1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions:

Mix the 2 ingredients well until it forms a paste like texture. Wet face with lukewarm water and apply the taste. Making sure it is evenly distributed. Avoid putting on your eyes of near your eyes. Keep mask on for 2-4 minutes. Remove with lukewarm water. Apply desired moisturizer immediately after.

This mask should be used twice a week as it removes all blackheads and cleanses the paws 

Lets look at our Mind, something usually taken for grated as we cannot physically see the affects our minds experiences. These are steps I try & live by...so happy to share them with you. 

10 Tips for staying mentally healthy.

1. Connect with others. Develop and maintain strong relationships with people around you who will support and enrich your life.
2. Take time to enjoy. Set aside time for activities, hobbies and projects you enjoy. Let yourself be spontaneous and creative when the urge takes you. LIKE ME DOING THIS BLOG =)
3. Participate and share interests. Join a club or group of people who share your interests. Being around people who share in and love what you love gives us a sense of community and family.
4. Contribute to your community. Volunteer your time for a cause or issue that you care about.
5. Take care of yourself. Be active and eat well – these help maintain a healthy body. Physical and mental health is closely linked.
6. Challenge yourself. Learn a new skill or take on a challenge to meet a goal.
7. Deal with stress. Be aware of what triggers your stress and how you react. You may be able to avoid some of the triggers and learn to prepare for or manage others. Working Smart is something my family “the Groepe’s” live by. Doing things in advance, not leaving it to the last minute can help you avoid stress.  Facing your stress can help more than you ignoring it.
8. Rest and refresh. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed at a regular time each day and practice good habits to get better sleep. Sleep restores both your mind and body.
9. Notice the here and now. Take a moment to notice each of your senses each day. Simply ‘be’ in the moment – feel the sun and wind on your face and notice the air you are breathing. As Christian this is where prayer plays a big role for me. It allows me to take in the day, the moment and also gives me a chance to thank God.
10. Ask for help!  You are never alone. You could even speak to me by commenting.  I am always up for a listen. Sometimes that’s all we really need. Someone to just listen, no judgement, and no strings attached. 

Our beauty comes from God, the inner beauty as well as the outer beauty. It is our responsibility to take care of it. Lets take a minute, away from our busy lives, & think about what we do that harms our well being. I promise it is the best thing you could ever do for yourself. 

With Love 
Abby Gia Loon 

Follow me on Twitter/Instagram: LUN9a
Share your comments here or Facebook: Luna Gabriella Groepe

Keep your eyes on: AbbyGiaLoon.blogspot.com 

Every Mon_Wed_Friday