Blink, and you may have missed the month that was. Surprise, it's August!
On the edge of spring, we spotlight content creator and model Ilaaf Hammoud. The August-born Virgo holds true to her stipulated traits, so let's call her analytical, detail-oriented, hardworking and practical. Here's how she celebrates and gets inspired.
Give us a rundown of your perfect birthday.
There are two perfect ways that I would love to spend my birthday. One of them would be on a tropical island or roaming the streets of Italy or Spain. Or having an intimate get-together celebrating with my friends, family and loved ones.
Do you have any birthday rituals or traditions?
My birthday tradition is to be 'surprised' with a cake by my family. It's safe to say, I love this tradition. It wouldn't feel like my birthday without it.
What is the most treasured gift you have ever received? And what are you hoping to receive this year?
This is a hard question to answer – I feel like there are different types of gifts. Some are sentimental, and some are material. I love receiving both! But I can't think of my most treasured gift.
This year will be such a different experience for me because I'll be celebrating with my fiancé for the first time, so maybe he's keeping note of all the things I've said I want.
The August birthstone is Peridot: how do you choose to wear the gem?
The Peridot stone is such a beautiful shade of green, and it would be best worn as a necklace – that way it would be a beautiful feature in any outfit.
What gets you most excited for the year ahead?
I love being excited about doing new things, having new experiences and also reaching new milestones. I feel like I thrive off doing more and doing better, so I always get myself excited.
On my birthday, I always like to think of the last birthday and the emotional, mental and physical state I was in and compare it to this year's birthday. Asking myself questions like, "Am I happier?", "What needs to change?", "Why?"
Can you give us your top three:
Current sources of inspiration -
Generational wealth fashion
The Barbie movie
Things to read -
The last 3 books I read were:
It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover
A Good Girls Guide To Murder – Holly Jackson
A Muslim Woman's Diary – Sumaya Amiri
Things to listen to -
(I really am a podcast girlie these days)
Winter activities -
Anything that includes food!
Staying in for a movie night
Games night
The August Birthstone: Peridot
Gorgeous in its yellow-green colour, the Peridot is an intriguing and other-worldly stone – quite literally, as the "sun gem" is found in hardened lava from the Earth's depths or fallen meteorites. Believed to hold protective powers, it promotes calmness, compassion and restful sleep. A deeply appropriate gift for all our August-born proud Leos and deep-thinking Virgos. Find comfort and peace here, with a hint of lustre hanging from your neck and ears.
