30 Day Challenge: Day 10

There are a lot of styles out there that I like. I'm not big on trends. I like more classics, styles that will be around forever. There are a few trends that are starting to grow on me, but I don't go crazy with them. I may have 1 or 2 pieces of a certain trend that I like that is simple, and will fit into my wardrobe effortlessly.

Flowy/long skirts and dresses

 Well structured and classic trench coats

High waisted and structured pants

Cardigans 

A decent suit

Figure flattering jeans or pants

30 Day Challenge: Day 9

My favorite pair of shoes are of course vintage Steve Madden, but have a huge sentimental value to me. They were a graduation present to me from my dad. And my dad has really nice taste, but he only uses on him and my mom. So when I recieve an article of clothing from my dad, it always seems special. But, I have grown since then and they no longer fit my foot, so I have passed them on to someone else, who I hope will get better use out of them. I guess I'm just trying to spread the love, rather than holding on to them. But aren't they just devine?

Ramadan Mubarak!!!...

Hopefully you'll see this in the midst of my 30 day challenge. Ramadan Mubarak! Which means Happy Ramadan. Today marks the first day of this glorious month that we Muslims celebrate once a year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Muslim people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility, and patience. It is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on Allah (God), and put into practice selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of Allah (God) and to put forward more prayer than is customary.

In comparison to the solar calendar, the Ramadan dates differ, moving forward approximately ten days every year due to the fact that it is a moving holiday which is dependent on the moon. The lunar cycle determines the Islamic calendar, therefore the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month commences with a mixture of the sighting of the new moon as well as astronomical calculations. The precise time of Ramadan will at times vary from place to place because some depend a great deal on moon sightings, while others rely on science.

Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness among Muslims of all ages. Even though fasting is compulsory for adults alone, children as young as eight readily watch fasting with their elders. As a child, I looked forward to the thrill of the moon sighting and eating unique meals with my family. As an adult, I am grateful for the chance to double my rewards from Allah (God) and ask for forgiveness for my past sins. Ramadan highlights Muslim brotherhood and customs and brings about a special feeling of closeness.

This is why each Ramadan, instead of going to the Masjid (Mosque or religious center) every evening, I try an host an iftar (breaking of the fast) at least once amongst my friends so we can receive more rewards. Fasting is going to be tough with this Lubbock weather, but InshaAllah (God willing), we'll be able to make it. I welcome any questions you may have. 

30 Day Challenge: Day 8...

My favorite people in the world was a tough one. I could say my family, but I would feel like that was cheating. So I'm going to list who have always been there for me, in NO particular order. These people have been there for me through some of my toughest moments in life and I cherish their friendships. I would not trade them for the world.

Fatima Abdul- Bari
Absolutely love this girl. I've know her for ages, but we just recently became close.
She is absolutely stunning and so much fun to be around.
I make it a point to text her when I'm in Houston
 Definitely a friendship for life.
Twitter: @forevertima_
IG: itsfatimahhh

Asma Salem
One of my best friends in the entire world. We have our ups and downs, but we always seem to make it back to each other. I wouldn't trade her for the world. She's my little Asian, haha
(she's not really Asian. She's half Libyan, half Mexican).
But she's gorgeous, isn't she?
IG: asmaa_salem

Khairat Khadri
My ace boon goon. I love this girl right here. We have been friends since the beginning of time. We go way back till elementary school. I couldn't imagine life with out her. She is my sanity, my rock, and one of my best friends. Can you not go anywhere please? Okay, Thanks (=
Twitter: @b_nevolence
IG: b_nevolence

Bianca Le and Mathew Worede
I love these two right here. They are probably one my favorite couples in the world. I consider them family. They are both always there for me when I need them. And they are just the cutest thing in the world. I'm waiting for the day this kid pops the question so they can pop out some beautiful Habesha, Guyanese, and Vietnamese babies. But... no pressure Matt (=
Twitter: @biancaxjasmin ♥ @theycallmewordy
IG: biancaxjasmin ♥ theycallmewordy 

Khadijah Muhammad
Oh this beauty queen right here. I love Khadijah. She is so compassionate, caring, and understanding. I always have a good time when I'm with her. I remember the first day I met her.
 My life hasn't been the same since.
Twitter: @dijahM
IG: smilingdijah

Heather Holland
I consider this one my mini me. She always brings a smile to my face with her quirkiness.
She has a lot to learn about the world, but I promise I'll be there
every step of the way baby girl. Bust she seriously has issues.
(Disclaimer: I am not responsible for what sits on the top of her head.)
IG: heatherhollando

Kareemat Olusesi
My baby. She has accomplished so much and she grew up right before my eyes. First prom, then she walked across the stage, and in a few short weeks, she'll be headed off to college. I am so proud of you. And I know you'll continue to make me proud (or else).
Twitter: @YellowAfricannn
IG: kays0ul

Ayo Ogunlowo and Efosa Iredia
Another one of my favotire couples. These two bring so much joy to my life. I love talking to them. They are the epitome of the hashtag #PowerCouple. I cannot wait to see the amazing things they accomplish together. I would also like for you two to make a ravishingly single aunty who spoils your kids any chance I get... Okay, Thanks (=
Twitter:
IG: aye_itsefe

Tosin Alagun
My twin, my other half, and my confidant. I love me some Tosin. The only person I trust with everything. We keep no secrets.  Never have I met someone that understands me completely and can figure me out so well. Plus, he's just one beautiful piece of man. I cannot wait to meet the amazing woman who gets to spend the rest of her life with him. Because she will truly be blessed.
Twitter: @OhhTosin
IG: tosinn

Rukayat Kazeem
Everyone knows how I feel about this girl right here. We drive each other insane, but the love we have for each other out weights no other. I would cut for her in a heart beat. She is so precious, considerate, and as my mom says, just as sweet as can be. Hopefully nothing ever changes that.
Twitter: @mojis_abimbo
IG: abimbo

If you are not listed, please do not be upset. All of these people have been around for a while, and we have gone through a lot together. That's all.

30 Day Challenge: Day 7...

My beauty muse would have to be my boss, Tiffany Parsley. This woman is amazing when it comes to make up, and knowing what works for who. She is an independent Mary Kay consultant. She is the one who got me into wearing make up and knowing what works best for my facial features and skin tone. Allah (God) gave me natural beauty, but Tiffany taught me how to play it up. Check her out here.

Her everyday make is subtle, but beautiful, but my favorite look of hers is the pictures of her on her wedding day. She looked absolutely stunning. And everything she did made her gorgeous blue eyes stand out. Trust me, you could learn a thing or two from this girl. And her and her husband Drew are super cute

30 Day Challenge: Day 6...

My biggest inspiration is my mommy. Her name is Aretha, after the wonderful and talented Aretha Franklin (and my aunt is named after Tina Turner). Every single day, she reminds me of the reasons I have to get up the next day. She instilled in me the incredible values that I have today. She taught me how to be charitable, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, intelligent, articulate, charismatic, passionate, driven, dedicated, among a host of other things. Without her in my life, I would not be where I am today, nor would I have so much ambition to go where I want to go tomorrow.

She is an amazing woman, and I can truly say she is one of my best friends. She is my confidant, partner in crime, my rock, and my inspiration to keep moving forward. So many times, I have wanted to give up, but she wouldn't let me. She always said, "I didn't raise any quitters." So I cannot stop until she is retired in Nigeria with her successful businesses, and a house of her own where she doesn't have to lift a finger. InshaAllah (God willing), I will get her there one day... And I guess my dad can come too.

30 Day Challenge: Day 5...

At first I didn't think I had a favorite blog. But as I sorted through my long list of favorited blogs, I have to say, FashionHippieLove is the one, hands down. The only downside to it, is that her blog is in Russian I believe. And even though I translate the page, some of the text doesn't make sense. But I love it anyway. This girl has an amazing sense of style and a dream wardrobe. If I could trade closets with anyone, it would be her.

As I continued to scroll down the list of pages I favorited, I knew I had to include www.meek-n-mild.com. I absolutely love Shirley. She is also one of my favorite YouTubers. Her channel, Shirley B. Eniang, is a beauty and style channel. I love all the tips, ideas, and inspiration she provides. Plus she's also half Nigerian like me! I get excited about that, even though she's British.

30 Day Challenge: Day 4...

I could be cliche Muslim and say that the Quran is my favorite book, which it is. I believe that it has all the answers that you will ever need. It gives you guidance, it tells stories, and it teaches you lessons all in one. But most importantly, it the Book of Allah. And for that, I do absolutely love it. I don't read it as often as I should, but InshaAllah (God willing), i'm going to work on that this Ramadan (which is right around the corner).

But for those if us who are more worldly, I would have to say my favorite book is Eat, Pray, Love. It is a beautiful story about a woman's search for everything across Italy, India, and Indonesia. It is a brilliant account of her pursuit of worldly pleasure, spiritual devotion, and figuring out what she really wanted out of life. Which is something that I have always been in search of. Who knows, maybe after graduation I might take one of those trips.

And for those of us who don't care for reading, it was made into a movie. Not as good, but a really decent film. The leading lady is played by one of my favorite actresses, Julia Roberts.

Happy 4th of July...

I may be half Nigerian, but I am full blood American and I have pride in my country. So on this lovely holiday, from me to you and your family, I just want to say Happy 4th of July. Turn up responsibly. (=

30 Day Challenge: Day 3...

My favorite color is green. There are an infinite reasons why I love this color, but i'll choose the top 5. One, it's simply beautiful. Two, it was the Prophet (S) favorite color. Three, it's the color of Islam. Four, it's the most amazing color in nature. And five, because the color represents balance, harmony, and growth. It's one of the calming colors. I don't have much of it in my closet, but I still love it.

30 Day Challenge: Day 2...

My favorite place in the entire world is my grandmothers house. Growing up there, I always had a good time with my family. Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, and especially Memorial day which is pictured here. We always pull out all the stops for Memorial day. We first began having it to show appreciation to my grandparents customers and to the community for their support, but now it has turned into a family tradition. I have yet to miss a Memorial day since we started doing them.

Being at my grandparents house is even more special to me now, because that's how I remember my grandfather the most. He passed away 3 days after my 17th birthday and being there really gives me the best memories of him. He always got me every New Years. He would come out of his room and say "Man, I haven't seen you since last year." Without fail, I would reply "You saw me yesterday Papa." And he would say, "Yeah, but I still haven't seen you since last year."

But I think one of the reason I truly love going there is because of how free I get to be. Sometimes wearing my hijab is a struggle, but when I am there, I can walk outside without my hijab. The last time I was home, I had my hair out and it was the first time I had ever felt my hair blowing in the wind. I was so excited because it was something I had never experienced before, or maybe I had never truly appreciated it. I have so many memories growing up in this house. I wouldn't trade them for the world.

30 Day Challenge: Day 1...

EYE SHADOW

I use to be one of those crazies that would spend hours in different stores looking at make up, and buying different eye shadows, eye liners, mascaras, and blush. I am so glad those days are over. 

I finally found my one stop shop for eye shadow. I fell in love with this ELF eye shadow palette. I have not really needed to buy another eye shadow single I bought this about a year ago. I have yet to hit pan on any of the colors because there are so many to chose from. A lot of people say that they don't like it because the colors do not last long, but if you combine it with their eye shadow primer or any other primer, it last's me all day. Check it out here. 

I also really enjoy Mary Kay's cream eye shadows that they recently came out with. They last all day, and are very pigmented. They are easy to apply, and makes it seem as though you spent more time on your make up than you actually did. Check it out here. 

EYE LINER

I am very picky when it comes to eyeliner. Most people go for the cheapest thing that can find, but not me. Even if I don't want to wear any other make up, eyeliner is something I always reach for. My line has to be straight, and the tips have to be on point. So I have to have the perfect eyeliner to achieve this. 

I do not care for liquid eyeliner but I love the finished product, so I settled for a felt tip eye liner. Maybelline's  Eye Studio Master Precise eyeliner is my go to. I love it's precision and how easily it glides on. And it never runs. Check it out here. 

Sometimes I want a nice smoky eye and you can't achieve that with a liquid eyeliner or a felt tip pen. So I always turn to Revlon'd ColorStay Crayon pencil. It has a retractable head, glides on amazingly, and stays put all day. And it really adds definition to a smoky eye. Check it out here.