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Ramadan is coming to an end, I’m thankful for being able to experience the holy month for yet another year (El7). At the same time, I’m also excited to have breakfast (& coffee) again! It’s tough trying to get back into the swing of things - between job interviews, starting a new job, and trying to still post outfits/write on this blog, but I love the process. These last few weeks in NYC have been a whirlwind of changes, time with family, and a few fun events. I have to say, Elhamdulliah (Thank you God), it’s been a blessed month.

SG’s First Brand Dinner

Forever thankful for all the goals I can check off my list and for all the wonderful support I receive.

A first Brand Dinner marks another accomplishment on a list of 2019 goals I set for myself in regards to this blog and I truly hope you all enjoyed the videos and photos from the event. Last week’s dinner was hosted by Man Repeller x Fresh Beauty for a new Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash, which I wrote a short post on.

The first Man Repeller event for Spring and they picked a location with the most spectacular view - North Brooklyn Farms in Williamsburg. Plus, if you know me, then you know I love a good table setting and the photos speak for themselves!

So like most of these events, I didn’t know anyone and just had to socialize and network, with some pretty amazing women. Which can seem awkward at first, but it’s something I’m trying to work on. The girls were more than welcoming when it came to making conversation over cocktails and sunset views. (not that I could eat or drink anything at the time, since it’s Ramadan!)

Fresh Beauty Sugar Strawberry Face Wash on: Sephora / Fresh Beauty

How to attend Brand events

I went to this event through Man Repeller, while I was there I met Katie (head of Fresh Beauty PR) and a few other great women. It’s all about networking and being your true self, which I sometimes struggle with, especially on Instagram, where I don’t know how to fully be myself. For pointers on getting into future events is to 1. Network at free events! You never know who you will meet, so socialize, smile, and have a great time. 2. Don’t be shy to reach out to those you connected with. 3. Reach out to brands you’d love to work with/attend events to learn more about them.

Network at Events

I say follow people and brands you admire on Instagram and look for opportunities to meet up. Start by going to free events in your area that are open to the public, make an account of Eventbrite and find some free events or follow Man Repeller for their networking events, and (of course) network! Be friendly. Talk to people. Post about the event on your social media channels. Be sure to use the hashtag so people looking back over the event photos see your pics / videos. The best way to get on a mailing list for events is to network and make those connections.

Don’t be shy

I wasn’t asked to write a post on the Fresh Beauty product, to post photos/stories, or in any way promote their new line. But, if you really like it, why not just do it anyway. I sent my post to the Head of Fresh Beauty PR, which may or may not work out to anything, but at least she responded and now has my email! It’s better to have the experience, so in the future you can explain to other brands what you could do for them. Tell them you'd love to attend and take pics to post/write about them. Offer to help in some way with promoting the event. It’s more a give-and-take.

Reach out

There's no sense in networking if you can't give people your contact info. Make it easy for them. Have a card or a sticker or something with your information on it that you can hand out as you meet people. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get in contact with PR companies, Social Media teams, or DM brands, etc… If they cant’t help in the moment, (like I said) at least they’ll have your email and info on file. Important step is to reach out and try to make a connection.

For everyone else who isn’t interested in blogging or attending influencer events, I do hope I am able to talk/post/show enough to still make you feel a part of the community. I love to include everyone and feel like we’re together!

When it comes to my skin, I’m a bit jumpy. What do I mean by that? Well, I tend to overreact, namely in my own head, about the current state of my skin and how certain foods/products/environmental issues will affect it. And while things have significantly cleared up these last few months since using Curology (and maintaining a somewhat healthy diet), I still need to wash the makeup off at the end of the day. I’ve used Fresh Beauty’s Soy Face Cleanser before and loved it, but their new Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Wash combined with the cleanser has my face feeling baby smooth!

I don’t usually like products with fragrances, I’m an “all-natural” kinda gal, but I have to say it smells like actual strawberry puree. Which may or may not resonate with everyone else, but I like it, especially since it’s summertime so I’m loving the fresh smell.

“This exfoliating cleanser is the experience of putting fresh strawberries on your face, with a helping of sugar to gently micro-polish while you wash.”

— Lev Glazman, fresh co-founder

About Fresh Beauty

By combining potent natural ingredients, ancient rituals, and modern science, Fresh creates products that perform with experiences that transform. Discovery drives innovation. Fresh’s Founders travel the world uncovering the highest quality natural ingredients and time-honored cultural traditions. But the real journey is using science to harness and heighten nature—developing effective formulas that look, smell, and feel as good as they work—to bring you the most beautiful skin and sensations.

Fresh Beauty / Sephora

Overall

I was impressed by how well this cleanser/ exfoliator works. The strawberry smell doesn't smell artificial. The sugar crystals in the formula are very small, aren’t too abrasive, and dissolve well into the skin. Since it’s an exfoliator, I would only use it 2-3 times a week, but I love it. It leaves my face feeling baby smooth and smelling freshly sweet.

Fresh Sugar Strawberry Face Wash - Sephora / Fresh Beauty

The Magic City - With its melting pot of diversity, Miami is like no other party city in America. It’s the perfect blend of a beach town and dynamic metropolitan city, with the best of the day and nightlife. The Miami culture is in the music, food, fashion and art.  If you're visiting and want to see a bit of everything, here is a curated list of my top picks to give a glimpse of Miami.

Simply Gharib Travel Guide To:

Miami, FL

Living in Miami for a few years, I’ve learned a thing or two about where to go and what to do here. I call it the 6th borough, since to me it feels like an extension of New York.

There a so many things to do in Miami – from beaches to parties to art – I personally love Miami’s art culture and food scene.

Miami, FL

WHERE TO GO OUT: 

• Wynwood Walls: unique outdoor street murals by artists

• Perez Art Museum: contemporary (20th and 21st century) art.

• Basement: club lounge with a bowling alley and ice-skating rink.

• Lagniappe: chill bar, with beer and wine, live music, and patio furniture.

• LIV: the as-seen-in-music-videos atmosphere of your club dreams.

Where to shop:

• Miami Design District – upscale designers

• Lincoln Road

• Brickell City Centre – central outdoor mall

BEST CAFE:

• Small Tea

• Panther Coffee

• OTL

• Dr. Smood

WHERE TO EAT:

• Drunken Dragon: hidden restaurant with Korean BBQ (family-style).

• Komodo: southeast Asian cuisine with a South Florida vibes

• Seaspice: perfect spot for brunch on Miami River.

• Beaker & Grey: trendy Wynwood place with amazing cocktails/ food.

• Coyo: delicious tacos (home base in Wynwood).

Over the years (since Miami is such an awesome vacation spot) I’ve suggested all my favorite restaurants, places to visit, and nightlife I love, to friends who visit Miami. So now I’ve decided to include a Miami post (of all my personal suggestions) to share will all!