Spring Lookbook

Hiya lovely reader,

I hope you are well and enjoying Spring so far. Unlike many bloggers, I don't identify as a fashion blogger whatsoever, however I enjoy doing lookbooks or OOTDs every now and then (as you can see through some of my Tumblr posts and YouTube videos! Links below!)

In Spring, the weather is generally warmer yet there's still a chill in the air, even on sunny days. Therefore, I typically stick to wearing more than one layer; with cardigans being my best friend haha (as you will be able to tell in my videos).

A further 'fashion' point to make is the fact that I am trying to get back into wearing skirts more than trousers. Although I enjoy wearing trousers and jeans, I am trying to go down a more 'modest' route regarding my clothing. I won't be eliminating trousers completely as I think they're necessary! (How am I meant to cycle or hike in a skirt y'know?)

Basically, I'm going with the flow fashion-wise and wearing things I like. Like everyone else I find myself wearing the same things repeatedly, so I've been making a conscious effort to wear all of the lovely clothes I own - and not.simply.what.is.conveniently.on.top.of.my.pile.of.clothes! Additionally, any clothes I don't wear often and am unlikely to wear, I give to charity - someone else may love it better than me :)

Leave a comment on my video saying which outfit is your favourite and if you found the link through here - I'm simply curious :P Haha!

http://ohhsohana.tumblr.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm7amez4U_eVJxBbDDJlBKQ

Take care,

Hana x

Unpopular Opinion: Make-up & Cosmetics

Hello lovelies,

Today's post is one that may be slightly odd, especially due to the fact that my make-up skills are probably less that Ron's "emotional range of a teaspoon" (Harry Potter references are sometimes a must!) In other words, I'm not a make-up or beauty guru. However, in my latest video, I give a brief history on make-up and then my personal opinion or 'relationship' with it. I could have gone into depth and had a massive debate about whether businesses simply steal our money or if in fact it is a way to empower women, but I decided to keep it short and simple (and also confusing...sorry!)

If you would like to watch it, I'll leave the link below! If the three minutes of me talking may bore you :P then here is the overall idea:

If make-up and cosmetics make you feel happier, and it works for you, then that's great! However, if you feel pressured to wear make-up or look a certain way, don't be ashamed to be outside of the stereotypical definition of beauty. As the cliche' saying goes, 'Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful!' 
P.S. Don't ever shame people for their choices (!!!!) - whether they decide to wear make-up and use cosmetics, or decide it isn't for them.

Take care,

Hana :) x

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWo9HebDag

Yasmin Mogahed

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening lovelies,

Today I am going to briefly discuss Yasmin Mogahed. She is titled as a 'Public Figure' on her Facebook page, and I'm sure you'll find that you've read a quote by her before. So, without further-a-do I shall talk about the reason behind this blog post.

A couple of years back I attended several 'Islamic Lectures', to which started off well! However, overtime the lectures felt more intense less helpful, but instead quite frightening. Needless to say it messed with my head! This is why I value Yasmin's talks so much. The way she speaks/writes show her wisdom and the true beauty of Islam, without coming across as harsh.

Here I'll copy a piece of writing from her book 'Reclaim Your Heart'! And I think you'll be able to see why I like her talks so much! Enjoy! Hana x

'And yet, in society, there is another prevalent “master” which has defined for women their worth. And that is the so-called standard of beauty. Since the time we were little, we as women, have been taught a very clear message by society. And that message is: “Be thin. Be sexy. Be attractive. Or…be nothing.”

So we were told to put on their make-up and wear their short skirts. Instructed to give our lives, our bodies, our dignity for the cause of being pretty. We came to believe that no matter what we did, we were worthy only to the degree that we could please and be beautiful for men. So we spent our lives on the cover of Cosmo and we gave our bodies for advertisers to sell.

We were slaves, but they taught us we were free. We were their object, but they swore it was success. Because they taught you that the purpose of your life was to be on display, to attract and be beautiful for men. They had you believe that your body was created to market their cars.

But they lied.

Your body, your soul was created for something higher. Something so much higher.'

My Ramadan Tips

Happy Wednesday :)

I filmed a Ramadan special the other day where I suggested some things to alter in your everyday life in order to hopefully benefit you!

As a reminder, this is a reminder to myself first and foremost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU41AZR4mLk

If you don't have the time to watch the 5 minute video, then I'll quickly bullet point some of the points that I mentioned:

• Smile and give more 'Salam'.
• Wear less make-up (therefore, focusing on your inner self).
• Cook for your family.
• Read Quran.
• Teach a sibling, friend, etc., something valuable, i.e. Quran.
• Gift someone something meaningful, such as a prayer mat.

Have a happy Ramadan!

Ramadan Kareem x