Summer is finally hereeeeee! I totally have a love/hate relationship with this season. I love the beach, dresses, ice cream, carnivals and the list can go on. I do however hate the super hot weather and humidity that comes along with it. This is why I have made a list of my top summer dresses for this season!! When it's this hot, I do not want to wear multiple layers. I always try to find one piece dresses that are long sleeves and floor length or at least midi length! Here are my top 8 favs!

1. Stripes Floral (Zara)

This is my favorite out of all of them. Zara always has the best long sleeve maxi's. They are a little steep in price but always worth it. I wore it to a bridal shower and plan on wearing it this summer. You can wear it as a dress, a cardigan or even with jeans. 

2. Beach Stripes (She In) 

I'm in love with this stripes trend this seasons. Wear it with this belt or your own funky belt. Pair it with a fun hat and you're ready for the beach!

3.  Bohemian Green (She In)

 

This is perfect for a night out. Comfortable especially for those hot summer nights. Pair it with heels and bold lip!

4.  Floral Fun (Zara)

 

Another Zara favorite. I really love all their dresses. Can never go wrong!

5. Abstract White (Forever 21)

I recently saw this and Forever and almost bought it of myself. I then realized I have similar pieces so I held off. If you don't have a white bohemian dress, definitely invest in this one!

6. Ruffle Wrap (Target)

 

I'm really tempted to get this and I just might. This is super classy and would look amaze with simple strap heels, black hijab and a red lip!

7. Beach Blue (Target)

 

I've had this for a while and finally will be able to wear this at the beach this coming weekend. Look out for it on my insta;)

8. Flowy Floral (Windsor)

 

Lastly, my sis rocked this beautiful dress. This is perfect for any bridal or baby shower you have to attend this weekend!

Hope you liked my picks! Can't wait to see everyones looks!

<3 sania

1. Start Young

This is the most important way to get kids, even toddlers in the Ramadan spirit. If you don't start young, you can't expect kids to just know how to fast, pray or know their Deen. Expose them to Quran as soon as they are born. When you pray, lay them down in front of you. As they get older, they will be already familiar with it. I know sometimes it is tough especially for us moms to focus on our prayer if there is this super cute baby in front of you. Sometimes my husband and I would take turns so we could focus on our prayer. Honestly, after a while you just get used to it. Safa only at 18 months old will take out her small prayer rug and stand and even do the hand motions when saying Allahu Akbar. She's learned how to say Ameen and make dua. And whats one of her favorite fruits? Dates! She loves them and asks for them all the time. We didn't start in Ramadan though, we started as soon as she was able to chew them. As a child I did not like dates because I wasn't exposed to them till Ramadan so it was really unfamiliar. I wanted to change that for Safa. We didn't do anything special. We just exposed her since she was a baby!

2. Read

Find as many Islamic books as you can and read to them! Again, from a very young age. Last year we got many books as gifts for Ramadan and Eid and those are her favorite ones. Especially the Golden Lanterns. She's memorized every page. My favorite part about reading this book is when Safa points to the page with a mom wearing hijab and says "Mama!" It's so heartwarming that she can find herself and her family in a book. Something, that we didn't have as children. Here are the books we have so far! 

The Shapes of Eid, According to Me

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors

It's Ramadan, Curious George!

Rashad's Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr!

Lailah's Lunchbox

The Little Girl says Alhamdulillah

3. Decorate the House

During Ramadan and Eid, decorate the house! Get them excited for Ramadan and Eid. As a child, I always loved how pretty Christmas time was because of all the beautiful decor everywhere. I'm sure we all secretly wanted a tree to decorate. I definitely see families now decorating for Ramadan and Eid. There are more companies now that have specifically decor for Ramadan and Eid. Safa is a little young to get excited for Ramadan but I still love to decorate. As she gets older I'll definitely be adding a 30 day calendar with rewards to encourage her to fasts. But we have a while for that!

    

Some of my favorite companies: 

Hafsa Creates, Karama Company, Norisa Designs 

4. Take them to the Masjid

My parents made sure to bring me to the masjid since I can remember. Quran classes, Sunday school and Jum'ah are all a part of my childhood memories. When we moved form New York to New Jersey, the first thing I did was go to the local Masjid and find YM. It was my safe place, it's where I made my first friends in NJ and who, I still hang out with 12 years later! You want to make the masjid your childs' community. You can't take them when they "have to go" and expect them to love it. Like I said, start young!

5. Be a Role Model. 

 

The most important tip of all. Be a role model. Kids learn all through example. No matter what you say or how many times you say it, they will follow exactly what you do. If you show your love for Ramadan and worship, your kids will too. Always remember though, they are kids. Make it light and easy for them. You want them to want to pray and fast because they love to not out of fear of being punished. 

Hope these tips were helpful. 

Ramadan Mubarak!!

Ramadan is here and I have the perfect--well 5 perfect abayas for you! Ramadan is really about focusing on yourself and your connection with God. So needless to say you don't really have time to dress up and think about what to wear. I have found 5 amazing abayas and dresses that combine comfort and style and are both wearable and durable. They are all catered to a different type of women of all styles and ages! I personally love all of them. 

1. Inayah's Side Split

Dress: Inayah // Scarf: Inayah // Jeans: Forever 21 // Bag: Forever 21 // Shoes: Nine West // 

This is by far my favorite! There is not one article of clothing from Inayah I do not like. If I could, I would buy out the whole website! This dress above with slits is comfortable and really light. With Ramadan in the summer, lightweight material is on the top of my list. Inayah also has more stylish abayas if you have any events you need to attend. 

Some of my other favorites:

Mink Abaya // Kimono Abaya

2. Sootarra's Flowy Elegance

Top & Hijab: Sootarra // Sandals: TJ Maxx / Bag: Zara 

Hi Lo Top
This dress is definitely carries more style then anything else, however, it is perfect for those Ramadan iftars! Definitely throw this on for an iftar party at a friends house and it can easily transition for tarawih at the masjid. It is a statement piece by itself that you don't need to add much to it. Check out more of their amazing pieces. Andddd it has pockets!

Another favorite: Maxi Dress

3. BulBul's Traditional Abayah

We all need a traditional black abaya. I've had this one for years from BulBul Clothing. This is more of a local gem in NJ owned by my dear friend Khadijah. If you're even in the area, definitely check out her charming store in Somerset, NJ! This is my go to abayah on those super lazy nights. The site is currently under construction but will be back shortly!

4. Ahfif's Chic Cover Up

Cover Up

I just bought this beautiful abaya cover up from Ahfif but haven't got a chance to wear it. You'll definitely be seeing this on my insta soon! Sometimes when going to the masjid, I like being simple and covering those dressy desi clothes. This is the perfect cover up instead having to throw a close abaya on top.

5. Aabideen's Pocketed Classic

This last abaya is modern yet functional! It actually has pockets. I usually hate bringing my purse to tarawih so this is ideal for my phone and keys. It's really comfortable and nursing friendly too! They don't have this print anymore but they have many in similar styles! Check them out.

Hope you liked my picks!
What are some of your favorites?

<3 Sania

Spring is finally around the corner! I'm definitely really excited for this weeks warmer weather. I love living on the east coast with four seasons but it's definitely difficult to keep transitioning every few months. Also..not wanting to give in to all the latest trends! I'm definitely trying to shop less and use what I have from season to season by just adding some staple pieces. We definitely have been consumed by fast fashion by just wanting to buy buy and buy! After watching the runway and this years spring collections, I put together 5 things that are trending this spring but are already in your closet! And if they're not, they are good basics to have for the future. 

1. Sneakers

Dress: H&M // Coat: Boohoo // Scarf & Shoes: Zara // Bag: H&M

You've probably seen this trending everywhere. We all had a white pair of converse, kids or adidas in our closet somewhere. I did buy these during the winter. I usually wait a season or so to see if trends are here to stay and sneakers definitely are! You can invest in good ones such as adidas or nike but if you don't have the budget for it then definitely get these from Zara. H&M also have similar ones. They're comfy and my favorite part--super versatile. You can wear them on joggers, jeans and even dresses like I did here. 

2. Denim Love

Top & Shoes: Target // Coat: Boohoo // Purse: Zara

I know you have a denim or chambray top in your closet. This is a spring staple that comes back every year. This year I was able to get in a much longer form. I prefer not to wear short tops so you know I was really excited when I found this at Target. Again, this dress is also really versatile.

3. Romantic Feels

Dress & Jeans: Forever 21 // Scarf & Bag: Zara // Shoes: Steve Madden

My go-to piece for spring summer is a maxi dress. And the fact how easy it is to find long sleeve maxi dresses is quite amazing. Do you remember the days we wore sleeveless maxi dresses with cardigans? Wow--I do not want to look at those pictures! This spring, its all about the romantic-victorian feels. Maxi dresses, lace, bell sleeves and so on. If you don't want to buy, just pull out last seasons flow maxi dresses!

4. White Out

Top: Forever 21 // Jeans & Bag: H&M // Shoes: Zara // Necklace: Aldo

White Button ups, tunics, long shirts were a common scene on the runway. We all definitely have some form of a white top. Pair it with some cute accessories and prints and you're ready to go!

5. 90s Sporty

Skirt & Bag & Shoes: Zara // Bomber Jacket: H&M

Lastly, the sporty look was everywhere! The tomboy inside of me is beyond ecstatic. This is one of my few purchases for this season. Short or long bomber jackets are everywhere and easy to find. I personally love long ones so it covers the behind ;) Mine is from H&M!

 

Athleisure

Midi Dress, Shoes & Bag: Zara // Scarf & Jeans: Forever 21

Sweats and sneakers for all occasions? Yes, please! This is probably what I'll be wearing most days. Let me say, now with a baby, it really is all about staying comfortable. Growing up, I was a major tomboy so you can imagine how excited I am for this trend. It came out last year and is definitely sticking around for a while--and I'm definitely going to take advanage! For this look I decided to wear it with a loose maxi and ankle jeans on a day out with my family. Can I say how tough it is to find jeans that actually aren't 10 inches long on me?! These jeans are perfect for Forever 21 and the only reason they fit is because they're meant to be ankle jeans, lol! During the week, I'd definitely wear this sneakers with sweats and the leather jacket. I got these super comfy sneakers from Zara for only 40 bucks. I also have my Nike Fly Knits that I wear when I'm going to the mall or grocery shopping. If you are going to pair a dress with sneakers, make sure the dress hits around the ankle  or else you may just look a little funny! I love a fitted dress with sneakers but obviously with Hijab that isn't possible but a maxi or midi dress can still look just as good! 

 Zara Dress
Ankle Jeans

Similar Sneakers, Sneakers 2

Long Button Downs

Button Down: Forever 21 // Pants: Zara // Coat: Boohoo // Shoes: TJ Maxx

These button downs are clutch especially for us moms who breastfeed. Sometimes, well most of the time, babies get hungry--specifically when you least want them to. I also am not where I want to be in terms of my weight and body so I love these long button ups with tights. As you can see, I'm again wearing comfy flats. I realized I'll have to save my heels for special events. It is not easy wearing heels while carrying a car seat! I love layering items so I chose to add a long beige coat.

Similar Top

Similar Coat, Coat 2

Similar Shoes, Shoes 2

Statement Shawl

Trench: Forever 21 // Scarf & Shawl: Zara // Shoes: TJ Maxx // Bag: Skip Hop Chelsea Bag

An easy way to make a bum outfit look good, is to add a statement shawl. Underneath, I'm just wearing a black shirt with black tights. This shawl really makes the outfit and adds the perfect pop. Another added bonus, its the perfect nursing shawl if you need to nurse in pubic. As you can see, the common theme--#momlife!

Similar Trench, Trench 2

Similar Shawl here, here

Similar Shoes

hope this gave you all some good ideas!

with love,

sania :)

This past weekend my friends and family helped me throw me the most amazing baby shower! I wanted a simple all white baby shower with some pops of greenery and light pink. I love the boho look and really wanted to incorporate that into the decor. I wanted a simple and clean look. We were originally supposed to have outside on the patio but due to the weather and possibly hurricane we decided to move it inside. We definitely made it work and brought the outside in!! They definitely helped made everything amazing!! Here are details of all the decor :)

Mommy to Be Backdrop

 

I originally wasn't going to have a backdrop since it was supposed to be outside. When we moved it inside we quickly had to DIY a backdrop area in my mom's living room. We decided to use the fire place. We covered it with white curtains and made a burlap backdrop with tissue paper flowers to cover the TV and fire place. It was really easy to make!! We took cardboard from a box and covered it with burlap. The tissue ball flowers my friend made. A tutorial to make those flower can be found here. We then pinned it onto the board and hung the burlap backdrop on the TV. We added some simple decor with vases and greenery. On the side we added this amazing diaper cake my cousin made for me! For the mommy to be sign we got printed card stock from target and hand wrote Mommy to Be. I loved the subtle hints of pink!

Centerpieces

 

For centerpieces, I wanted it mostly filled with natural greenery. But I also didn't want to spend too much money. I love the simplicity of baby's breath and thought it be a cute flower to have at a baby shower ;) I then got these long vases and succulent plants from IKEA to fill up the tables. Then we added a touch of pink with carnations in the vases. I love burlap and we used these burlap runners from my friends shower to add to the nature look of the event. 

Dessert Table

 

I love dessert tables!! I found this idea obviously on pinterest and decided to copy it exactly! We got the wooden plank from Michaels and my friend painted Sweet Love on it. We made the backdrop really simply with these white curtains (4.99 for 2!) from IKEA. For the actual dessert table I got these white crates, the bird cage and decor pieces from Michaels and IKEA. I then placed all the desserts on white or clean plates. For the cake, we ordered a simple flower design cake from Wegmans!

Cookies made by my talented friend Binita from @TopthatCookie www.topthatcookie.com

Activity Stations & Favors

Baby Shower games and activities are always so much fun. My friend, Sejuti found this amazing idea to make headbands for the baby. Everyone made headbands for the baby, inshAllah and put their name on a tag so inshAllah when she wears it, it'll be a small gift from the :) We also did guess how many honeycombs game for fun!! We also had the "don't say baby" game. That was definitely a lot of fun to hear everyone getting everyone else pins! For favors we purchased these honey jars from Amazon. Something simple and sweet :)

 

Really the best baby shower I could ever dream of. Now it's just the final stretch!! Keep us in your prayers. 

with love,

sania