How amazing is it that Raluca lives in Dubai ! She’s a beautiful mother,wife & a cover model!

I love social media, especially because I get to connect with inspiring women all over the world. I am so grateful that Raluca took the time out of her busy life to do an interview with me 🙂

Enjoy!

Please give us a little bio for those of us who don’t know who Raluca Rebedea Zenga is.

Hi! I’m a blessed mommy of two, living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (although Romanian-born and married to a famous Italian goalkeeper!). I love photography and art, the Oriental culture, creative writing and modeling, my house on the beach- I can be mundane but what I love best is spending my time with my family:  this is what truly nurtures my spirit and gives meaning to life.

 

 What are some of you favorite quotes? 

“Be thankful for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow.”
“Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress.”
“Be the person you want your children to be.”
 

Any anti-aging advice for the lovely ladies reading this?

Besides choosing natural skincare (without harsh ingredients), nurture your complexion from inside: eat plenty of youth-promoting healthy fats and superfoods yielding antioxidant properties. Coconut oil, avocados, egg yolks, raw honey, chia seeds, pomegranate and wild berries. Cut down on refined sugar, pasteurized dairy and processed foods, your skin will thank you! A good diet reduces overall inflammation in your body and it will show in a renewed radiance on your face!

 

 Do you have any beauty rituals?

I use an oil-based cleanser to get rid of the impurities on my skin (argan oil, coconut oil or raw shea butter), use a calming rosewater and witch-hazel toner, followed by a hyaluronic-acid serum, eye-contur cream with fruit stem-cells and the final step…a collagen-rich moisturizer. My skin feels quite grateful, especially because I choose only creams and facial serums that are free of parabens, mineral oils, SLS and synthetic fragrances.

 

 Any advice for the mommy’s that are trying to get back in shape after having a baby?

Oh, this is a favourite. My strongest advice is “give yourself time!”. All those celebrities promoting a picture-perfect body days after delivering a baby…it’s simply unrealistic. Enjoy your baby, think about bonding with him in those precious early weeks, breastfeed if you can…and let your body heal gently. Rebalance your hormones and eat nutrient-dense foods, ditch the junk, the artificial sweeteners, the low-fat-everything, the sugar-caffeine combo. Squeeze in some yoga when you have the time and the energy, start exercising at home. Even 20 minutes do wonders in time. There is no quick fix, be patient with your amazing body that has just brought a child into the world. Give yourself the luxury of a massage once in a while…and don’t be too harsh on your “flabby bits”: they’re part of that amazing time in your life when you had your baby!

 
 Who is your beauty icon?

I love the looks of Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch, Monica Bellucci…timeless beauties that will inspire us forever.

 

 What is your favorite mascara?

I’ve been using the Lancome range for a few years, Hypnose in Noir is my favourite. Been experimenting with eyelash extensions to give that extra-oomph when you want some “drama” in your looks! Never underestimate the power of a good mascara to enhance your eyes!

 What is your favorite hair tool?

GHD hair curling iron, to achieve beachy salt-spray waves…for a natural, supermodel off-duty look…or easier, for a surfer girl vibe! Oh, if only we could all be supermodels!!!

 

 Finish this sentence “Wouldn’t it be great if”

“I could raise my children in a better world, where justice is not the exception, where awareness replaces ignorance, and humanity and kindness prevail upon all evil.”