~I Am In Mourning~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

I am in mourning.  I am trudging through the waters of despair, and clinging onto hope that I may reach the other side of my sadness in one piece.

Okay, so I am exaggerating (a little) but honestly I have lost something near and dear to me forever, and it seems I may never find another to replace it.

I am, of course, referring to my Matisse "Emmy" clogs. 

They were beautiful!  My sisters- they matched anything, always looked fashionable while providing the utmost comfort to my tootsies, and I received compliments and admiring glances everywhere I wore them.

But, alas, they were viciously and violently gnawed to death by my Aunt and Uncle's dogs. (*sob!*)

The funny thing is- this is not the first item of mine that my Aunt and Uncle's dogs have murdered.  No, when I was about 8 years old they ate Chuck and Chiquita-my beautiful blue and yellow Budgies.  Believe me, I love animals, but I don't think I was as sad about losing those birds as I am about losing my clogs.  (I would think they were out for me, but these are a completely different set of dogs, so I'm not sure what the deal is with them eating things closest to me...could it be jealousy? hmmm... better watch out for my daughter!)

I love my Aunt and Uncle, and their dogs are adorable, funny, and sweet, but I don't know how quickly I will be able to get over this loss ladies.  I know you are probably thinking "Get real- they're just a pair of clogs." But I know for a fact that at least ONE of my readers out there (and you know who you are!) can sympathize with my plight.

I have composed and sent off a letter to the manufacturer of these magnificent mules begging for their assistance, and here it is:


Matisse Emmy Clog
Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:28 AM



From: (The Mujahada in Prada)
To: info@matissefootwear.com

To Whom It May Concern;
I purchased a pair of Matisse "Emmy" clogs in the white color (with turquoise detailing) about a year ago and they were my ALL TIME favorite pair of shoes. (and I honestly own about 50 pairs of shoes)


I wore them constantly, and got sooo many compliments on them. Two days ago while visiting my Aunt and Uncle they were savagely gnawed to death by their dogs. I honestly feel like I am mourning the passing of a dear friend.


I have searched the internet high and low trying to find another pair and cannot find them anywhere.


Please, is there anywhere there might be another pair of these beautiful clogs?? I honestly am a shoe fanatic, I blog about fashion (www.veiledcouture.blogspot.com) and on there have talked about my Emmy clogs and how I looooved them. I not only would remain a loyal fan of your company, but would sing your praises on my blog for as long as necessary if you could PLEASE find me another pair of these shoes. I believe mine were a size 9 (they were beyond repair and I could not bear to throw them away so my mom did before I could check out the size) but an 8.5 would probably work as well.


Thank you so much in advance for your reply. I truly appreciate you even taking the time out to read my email.

 Sincerely,
The Mujahada in Prada


So ladies...insh'Allah I will hear back from them.  I will be sure to update you if and when I do.  In the meantime if any sisters out there are able to come across a pair of these incredible clogs in white, please let me know.

Ma'Salaama and Sweet Dreams!

Fashionably Yours,
 The (desperate and devastated) Mujahada in Prada

~Pucker Up!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

As per a special request by one of my fabulous followers I want to chat a little bit about lip plumpers.  Whether lip plumping is permissible as part of a muslimah's beauty regime, or whether it's considered a haraam way of enhancing our beauty is debatable.  I, for one, have used a couple of lip glosses that had natural lip-plumping ingredients, but don't use it regularly (honestly mostly because I didn't see much result from them).  However you feel about the subject, full, pouty lips are the envy of many women, and there are many different treatments available to achieve them. 

 Women may have thin, or thinning, lips for a variety of reasons.  Some women have naturally thin lips throughout their life because it is hereditary in their family.  Many women experience thinning of their lips as they get older, as a natural part of the aging process. Regardless of the reason behind it, most women who desire to have more luscious lips, tend to choose between either cosmetic surgery, or topical treatments.

 

I am not going to discuss plastic surgery because, in my opinion, Muslimahs should not be turning to these superficial, and many times dangerous, procedures to achieve what society has determined to be true beauty.  This, of course, is just my personal opinion and I'm not one to judge any sister who believes otherwise.  Allahu Ahlem. So, instead of delving into the subject of plastic surgery, I'm going to share with you some of the best topical lip plumping products available, and discuss a little bit about how these treatments actually work.

 
Lip plumpers usually contain ingredients that stimulate the natural production of collagen, and regenerate skin cells more quickly than normal, in order to give the lips a smoother, fuller look.  More intense (and usually more expensive) products also use a mild stimulant that creates a tingling sensation, which causes instant plumping and increased coloration.
 
Some ingredients to look for in topical lip plumpers include Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Peptides, Cinnamon, Pepper Extracts, and Benzyl Nicotinate.  Hyaluronic Acid is used in the medical community to stimulate the natural healing process, and when used in topical lip plumping treatments encourages the production of new skin cells.  Peptides also do this, as well as encourage collagen production.  Cinnamon, Pepper Extracts, and Benzyl Nicotinate are all ingredients that are effective in producing instant plumping and increasing natural color.  It is also important to make sure that whatever product you use also has moisturizers like Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E so that lips stay soft and hydrated.
 
According to BeautyViewPoints.com, there are several topical lip plumping treatments that are both effective, and safe.  Although some of them are kind of expensive, they are all much cheaper, safer, and less invasive than cosmetic surgery, or even botox treatments.  Here are their top five picks, and why:
 

#1:  MaxoLip

 

Available at http://www.maxolip.com/, this product recieved a 5 out of 5 in the categories of Potential To Promote Plumper Looking Lips Instantly, Potential To Diminish Appearance Of Fine Lines Around Lips, and Quality Of Ingredients; and recieved a 4 out of 5 in Potential To Enhance Appearance Of Lips (Long-Term).

 
 

#2:  LipFusion XL

 

Available at http://www.sephora.com/, this one got a 5 out of 5 in Potential To Promote Plumper Looking Lips Instantly, and Quality Of Ingredients.  It recieved a 4 out of 5 in Potential To Enhance Appearance Of Lips (Long-Term), and Potential To Diminish Appearance Of Fine Lines Around Lips.

 

#3: Perricone MD Lip Plumper

 

Available at http://www.perriconemd.com/ his treatment has the same ratings as the LipFusion XL, but with about five times more ingredients.  It is supposed to have been developed by a doctor, but when checking around the internet I have found mixed reviews about this one.

#4: Freeze 24/7 Plump Lips

Available at http://www.freeze247.com/, this item received a 5 out of 5 in Potential To Promote Plumper Looking Lips Instantly, and a 4 out of 5 in the other categories of Potential To Enhance Appearance Of  Lips (Long-Term),  Potential To Diminish Appearance Of Fine Lines Around Lips, and Quality Of Ingredients.  This item is not recommended for use under lipstick or lipgloss, which may be something you want to take into consideration.

#5: Lips To Die For

 

 

This item by Peter Thomas Roth is available at http://www.skinstep.com/.  It received identical reviews as the previous treatment, but you apply this one more like a cream, than a lip gloss.  There is no applicator, so if you would prefer not to use your fingertips to apply, this may not be the item for you.

 

There are ten more topical lip plumping treatments reviewed on BeautyViewPoints.com, but I didn't feel it was necessary to talk about any more of them (and it's past my bed-time LOL)  If you are looking for the best value for the price, I would suggest taking a look at one of the five we chatted about.

 

So, for those sisters who are considering getting any plastic surgery or Botox treatments to achieve those (admittedly GORGEOUS) Angelina Jolie-type smackers, why don't you try out one of these items before taking the plunge?  Even if they don't work to the extent you want them to, you won't be out more than around $50.00, and better yet: you may just realize that you are perfectly beautiful the way you are.

If you want to read some more advice about how to achieve fuller looking lips you can check out this article at http://www.squidoo.com/.

For now, I am off to bed to insh'Allah catch my 8 hours before what I'm sure will be a long day tomorrow of shopping, eating, and spending time surrounded by my wonderful family and fabulous friends as we draw closer to the end of our travels. 

Ma'Salaama and Happy Plumping!!

Fashionably Yours,

The (Angelina Jolie-loving) Mujahada in Prada

~Cocktail Rings (Without The Cocktails)~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

Insh'Allah your week has started out productively.  I am still traveling westward, visiting good friends and family on the way.  Alhamdulillah my daughter and I are enjoying ourselves tremendously, and I'm loving the chance to experience all of the beautiful inspirations surrounding us here in the SouthWest.  Art runs in my family's veins, and many of my family members are artists of one form or another.  Insh'Allah once I have reached my destination I will share with you amazing Muslimahs some pictures of my uncle's gorgeous hand-made jewelry.

Speaking of jewelry, I wanted to chat a little bit about one of my favorite pieces of jewelry to wear.  It's only fitting that I blog about this, as at this moment I am sitting and sipping a 100% non-alcoholic Pina Colada. (yum!)  The chic little accessory I am talking about is the Cocktail Ring.

Personally I looooove oversized, slightly gaudy, and always fun cocktail rings.  Whether I am wearing jeans and a tunic, or a formal gown, a chunky cocktail ring adds just the bling that completes any outfit.

Cocktail rings don't have to actually BE expensive to look extravagant.  You can often find these oversized ornaments in a variety of metals, gems, and designs anywhere from the fashion jewelry store in your local mall, to Overstock.com .

Here are a few of my favorites:

  This beautiful bauble is available at Overstock.com.

This bit of bling is available at GoModest.com (it's almost sold out!)

 This ornate vintage ring is available at PerfectDetails.com.

For sisters who prefer a more modern style, this gorgeous Pop Culture ring is a available at Forever21.com

Believe it or not, this fabulous filigree ring is from Target.com

For those sisters who can afford it, here is a fanciful little frog ring from Emitations.com.  They also have a flying pig, and fish cocktail rings that are adorable.

Before I started to wear hijab I loved to wear funky, chunky necklaces, but with a scarf usually covering them I have gotten absolutely addicted to cocktail rings.  Whether fun and oversized, or sophisticated and chic, they are the perfect accessory to add pizazz to any outfit.  Personally, I love the juxtaposition of my favorite pair of casual jeans with a flowing top, and a huge, slightly obnoxious, piece of bling.  Available anywhere from $5.00 to $500.00, any sister can use these bold baubles as a statement piece.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Blinging!

Fashionably Yours,

The (Jewelry Junky) Mujahada in Prada

~Makeup At Any Age~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

I decided it was high time for me to do an entry about makeup.  I have hesitated to blog much about makeup before now for a couple of reasons. 
#1) As Muslimahs it is recommended we don't wear makeup much outside of the home and
#2) I don't have as much experience in Makeup as I do in other aspects of fashion.

Don't get me wrong, I have a great admiration for makeup and for those ladies who are true artists of this medium.  I used to wear a fair amount of makeup, and especially had a passion for all of the amazing colors that MAC eyeshadows come in, but in more recent years have chosen to slowly cut back on using makeup, until now I wear only a bit of concealor, and khol and mascara. (if any)  On special occasions I do enjoy getting dolled up for my husband, though, and I feel that makeup can be a wonderful tool for ladies when worn appropriately.  Sometimes makeup can be true art, like in the amazing ads that always grace the MAC makeup counters of Nordstrom, or window ads in their stores.

One way makeup must be worn appropriately is according to your age.  I can think of few worse fashion faux pas than a forty or fifty-something year old woman wearing bright blue eyeshadow and fuschia lipstick.  (except maybe a forty or fifty-something year old woman wearing a leopard print miniskirt)

When choosing to wear makeup one of the first things you must consider is choosing the appropriate colors for your skin tone, your hair and eye color, and your personal style.  I am not a big fan of the whole "Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter" color wheel, and instead believe that there are many different types of colors that look good on a woman, as long as they are worn appropriately and moderately. 

I came across a really helpful video on YouTube about color theory and how to choose the best makeup colors according to your natural pigmentation.  Some of it is pretty basic, but I think having a good understanding of colors in general and how they blend, is an important first step to choosing the most flattering colors of makeup.

How To Use A Color Wheel To Choose Your Makeup And Fashion

Once you have chosen the colors you feel best suit your skin tone, eye and hair color, and personal style, you must also consider your age and lifestyle when deciding upon the most appropriate makeup for you.  Here are some good, age-appropriate suggestions:

Twenty-Somethings:

At this age, oily skin and breakouts lingering from adolescence may be your primary skin concerns. So opting for a foundation or concealer with salicylic acid or other acne-healing properties is a good idea. When applying makeup, you want the look to be as sheer and natural as possible. Youthful skin is often already pretty rosy, so use a light hand when applying blush. That said, feel free to have fun with colors and shimmery accents. Go ahead and try that electric blue eyeliner, bubble-gum-pink lipstick, or glittery gold eye shadow — in your 20s, almost anything goes!

Thirty-Somethings:

Women in their 30s can still play with their makeup looks. This is a time when it’s acceptable to wear heavier makeup. Think cat eyes — à la Audrey Hepburn or the more dramatic version worn by Sophia Loren. To achieve the look, use liquid liner along the edge of your upper eyelids and extend the line just past the outer corner of your eyes.  Many people suggest experimenting with false eyelashes, but I personally am totally against this.  They usually appear fake, they are a hard habit to break once you have gotten used to using them, and they damage your natural eyelashes.  Take advantage of the fullness of your eyebrows; hair growth tends to slow in your 40s, so you don’t want to be left with skimpy brows years down the line. You may need to use a brightener to minimize undereye shadows and give your cheeks an extra stroke of color if you’ve lost that rosy glow. Add subtle color to your lips in the daytime with a tinted lip balm. At night, go for the glamour — experiment with reds, corals, and terracotta hues.  Many of us are moms by now, so if you are a sister who wears makeup outside of the house, try to experiment with different simple, yet flattering looks.  For those of us who choose to wear makeup only within our homes for our husbands, it is important not to let the exhaustion and stress of running a home (and working outside as well) get in the way of us putting on a beautiful face for our husband now and again.  No matter how loving and reassuring our husbands are, underneath it all they are still men and I can guarantee they appreciate us getting dolled up for them once in a while.

Forty-Somethings:When you hit 40, you may need to add more warmth to your skin tone. Tinted moisturizers and cream blushes will add a healthy glow. Choose products like Tarte Natural Beauty Cheek Stain, which give the appearance of color coming from within. If you’ve got fine lines, avoid heavy makeup, which tends to settle into creases. Since you may start seeing sun spots, it’ll be especially important to wear sunblock every day (if you’re not, start today!). Age also changes the shape of your eyes, so concentrate on defining them. Always use an eyelash curler and try a long-lasting liner in navy (this color makes any eye color pop). Opt for a natural lip color, and nix shimmery or frosted makeup, which will also settle into lines. To help bring out any shadows on your face, use illuminating concealers, such as Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen and Prescriptives Site Unseen Brightening Concealer SPF 15.

Fifty-Somethings:

At 50 the primary goal is to use color wisely. Have beautiful honey-colored skin? Use a tinted moisturizer with warm undertones to give it a nice overall glow. Stila and Laura Mercier have tinted moisturizers with just the right amount of shimmer (the key is to blend them into your regular moisturizer). If you’ve got great lips, accentuate them with a bright lip color. But if you have many wrinkles around your mouth, don’t go there — or else you’ll bring attention to those lines. Emphasize beautiful brows by filling them in with a brow pencil. Before applying foundation, fill in creases and smooth out skin with a serum base moisturizer or foundation primer. Use a slanted brush to contour spots that need extra attention, like the area along your cheekbones and jawline, with a product like Kevyn Aucoin’s The Sculpting Powder in Medium or Nars Pressed Powder in Heat. When you need a touch-up, use blotting papers instead of adding more powder to avoid a cakey appearance.

Sixty-Somethings And Beyond:
If you’re in this age bracket, you’ll want to use wrinkle fillers and plumping products as much as possible (look for makeup containing hyaluronic acid). Because your blood circulation changes later in life, you’ll need blush to help restore the flush you had when you were younger. Skin also gets drier as you age, so stick with creamier products. If your eyes need definition, use a long-lasting gel or liquid liner in a soft brown or gray (black is too harsh) at your lash line. Fill in sparse brows with a brow pencil in a taupe-y color. To reduce redness in and around the eyes, use an eye-brightening pencil, such as Three Custom Color Specialists Clarifier pencils, on the inner rim of the eye. Before adding color to your lips, use a lip-smoothing liner like Bare Escentuals Lip Rev-er Upper to give your lipstick staying power and prevent it from bleeding into fine lines.

Personally, I think wayyyy too much emphasis is placed on trying to remain as young as possible, for as long as possible.  I strongly feel it is important for us to embrace our maturity and to feel confident in our skin no matter what age we are.  I don't think there is anything wrong with us using a bit of makeup here and there to help us feel better about ourselves or to look our best for our husbands.  That being said, we should never use makeup as a way to look like someone other than who we are, or to hide our true selves from others.  We are all amazing Muslimahs, nurturing mothers, wonderful wives, and compassionate sisters.  If we choose to wear makeup, no matter where it is or who sees it, we must keep in mind that what really matters is the strength of our imaan, and not so much the color of our eyeshadow.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Blending!

Fashionably Yours,
The (Mascara-Wearing) Mujahada in Prada

P.S. I must give credit where credit is due: Age Appropriate Makeup

~Weaving Peace One Basket At A Time~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Afternoon My Stylish Sisters!

As I'm sure all of you amazing Muslimahs know, fashion entails much more than wearing the latest styles and following the recent trends.  In order to be a true fashionista Muslimah we must always hold compassion,  awareness and empathy in our hearts, for our brothers and sisters throughout the world.  We must, of course, look out for our fellow Muslims first and foremost, but I strongly feel that it is also our responsibility to support the health and well-being of our brothers and sisters in humanity as well, whether Muslim or not.

It is rare that we see a large corporation within the fashion industry get involved in humanitarian efforts, but alhamdulillah this is becoming more and more commonplace.  There are a few smaller brand names that make concentrated efforts to donate a portion of their profits to different charities here and there, but I think one of the greatest examples of fashion and compassion working hand in hand, is Macy's Baskets from Rwanda.

To give history of the violence and upheaval that Rwanda has experienced in the past 20 years would require much more room than my modest blog allows, but I will give a brief summary for those sisters who may not be so familiar with the situation there.  Insh'Allah any sisters who are better educated than I am with this, please feel free to correct me or add any pertinant information in the comments.

Rwanda is largely occupied by two different (yet very similar) tribes called the Tutsis and the Hutus.  According to BBC.co.uk, in 1957 the Hutus issued a manifesto calling for formation of a Hutu government in an attempt to give them more power due to their majority numbers, and shortly thereafter force the Tutsi King Kigeri V along with tens of thousands of Tutsis into exile.  In 1961 Rwanda was declared a republic, and was subsequently ruled by a Hutu president.  In 1963 Tutsi rebels killed around 20,000 Hutus in an uprising based out of Burundi, and ten years later the Hutu president was ousted and replaced by Juvenal Habyarimana who was elected president five years later.  From 1978 there is sporatic civil unrest, until in 1993 a power sharing agreement is signed with the Tutsis in Tanzania, claiming (fruitlessly) to end this fighting; UN mission sent to monitor the peace agreement.

In 1994 the Rwandan and Burundian presidents were shot down while their plane was flying over Kigali, and the Hutu militia and elements of the Rwandan military began the systematic slaughter of the Tutsis.  Within 100 days roughly 800,000 Tutsis, and their Hutu sympathizers were massacred.  This continued on, with very little to no intervention by any outside forces, despite the fact that Belgian, French, and American forces were stationed there with vague intentions of keeping peace.  The situation became so distorted that refugee camps in Zaire designed to protect the Tutsis were actually placed in Hutu control, and in 1995 extremist Hutu militias and Zairean government forces attacked local Zairean Banyamulenge Tutsis; Zaire attempted to force refugees back into Rwanda.

Much of this mob mentality was initiated and encouraged by local Rwandan media outlets, who referred to the Tutsis as "Cockroaches" and actually praised those Hutus who were participating in these brutalities.
In 2001, after President Paul Kagame was elected as Rwanda's new president, the new government undertook the overwhelming task of attempting to bring these mass murderers to justice.  Due to overwhelming prison populations, and the inability to try all of the thousands of suspects who participated in these massacres, roughly 60,000 prisoners were released between 2001 and 2007, including the former president after a formal Presidential Pardon was issued.

Today, these Hutus and Tutsis live side by side, sometimes with killers living right next door to family members of people they slaughtered.  According to CNN.com such is the case of Iphigenia Mukantabana who is friends with the wife of, and lives right next door to, the man who murdered her husband and five of her children in 1994.  She says, "In my heart, the dead are dead, and they cannot come back again.  So I have to get on with the others and forget what has happened."

One way she has worked through the horror and grief of that day over 15 years ago is by weaving baskets with the Rwandan Path To Peace Project in cooperation with Macys Department Store.  This project was started by Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), and businesswoman Willa Shalit (learn more here).  Rwandan women wove these gorgeous baskets for a full year before introducing the modest line of beautiful and intricately woven baskets in 2005 on Macys.com.  Now there are over 40 different styles of these amazing baskets in all shapes and sizes available on the Macys website and at their flagship Herald Square location.  You can read more about the amazing women who have made this project possible here, and learn about the impact these jobs have had n these women, and their children who were devastated by the massacres in Rwanda by going here

From a fashion standpoint, one look at these baskets and you will see the time, effort, and skill that is required to complete even one small basket.  The colors are vibrant, the patterns all varied and ornate.  Add a beautiful touch of culture and flash of color to any room in your house, and every time you look at that basket you can feel the connection that you have with a woman not so different than yourself, who is working hard to overcome the dark ghosts of a past that has been quickly forgotten by much of the world.

Here are a few of my absolute favorites:

Rwanda "Day" Peace Basket

 

Rwanda "New Africa" Bowl

Rwanda "Uphold" Box With Bracelets

Rwanda "Rare Earth" Fruit Bowl

Some of the baskets can be quite pricey, but when you consider that you are helping a woman to earn an income, to take pride in her skills, and to have hope in her future it is well worth it.  Insh'Allah there will soon be a similar effort to help our sisters in Gaza who are living through the oppression and violence there, as well as our sisters in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and throughout the world.  It only takes one very strong, and very persistant voice to stand up and do something to make the world take notice.  Now that Macys has chosen to take a stand and do something beneficial for humankind, insh'Allah other leaders within the fashion industry will do the same. 

Because truly, there is nothing more fashionable than helping our sisters in humanity.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Basket Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

The (Peace Loving) Mujahada in Prada

  

~No Bones About It~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Amazing Muslimahs!
 (thought I'd change that up a bit-what do ya think?)

First of all Jummah Mubarak! Insh'Allah you all had a wonderful week, full of love, laughter, and all the happiness your hearts could contain.  May Allah swt bless you with what is best for you and your families and keep you safe and healthy.  Ameen....

Well, we are still in the middle of our travels across country.  Having taken a little detour to visit some family members in the SouthWest, we are taking our time and enjoying ourselves along the way.  The southwestern states have a beauty that is so totally unique from the rest of the United States, with their turquoise colored rocks contrasting with bright pink sunsets.  There is a sense of solitude here that one very rarely feels on the West and East Coasts.  The desert is a beautiful, but also foreboding place that can be spectacular, and a little scary all at the same time.  I am planning to insh'Allah do a post about our trip and all of the beautiful inspirations from nature and the people of the southwest and Mexico as soon as I reach my destination insh'Allah.  It is something I would like to plan, and share some pictures of our adventures, so insh'Allah it will be worth the wait.

Tonight, though I wanted to share with you some tips that I received in an email about something that is a very sensitive, and important topic for us sisters.  It is something that people don't discuss much when discussing women's health, but is very important to our well-being as we mature.  This subject is Osteoporosis.  (I can hear the yawns eminating through my computer screen LOL)

Please don't stop reading now: Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that causes bones to become fragile and eventually fracture, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists.  These fractures are most serious in the hip and spine areas because they can cause debilitating conditions that make the victim unable to walk, and create horrible pain and deformity.  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women are FOUR TIMES more likely to develop Osteoporosis so it is absolutely vital that we take every measure possible to prevent this from happening to us and to our sisters.

So...What Can We Do?

Well, one of the easiest things we can do to avoid getting Osteoporosis is something we've been talking about a lot lately, and that is to simply eat a healthier, more balanced diet.  Preventing Osteoporosis, and treating it includes eating diets that are, "...very much the same and largely involve calcium and vitamin D, and getting a lot of fruit and veggies in the diet as well,” says Felicia Cosman, MD, clinical director for the National Osteoporosis Foundation.  If you are experiencing age-related bone loss, then simply eating a bone-healthy diet alone may not help to rebuild your bones, but if you are diagnosed when you are young (or simply want to take precautions to avoid a diagnosis) then changing your diet can be very effective.

A bone-healthy diet does not just include Calcium but also requires a healthy intake of Vitamin D.  For those sisters who are not the biggest fan of drinking milk (I must admit I am one of them) never fear: there are many other foods you can eat in order to reach your recommended daily dose of 1,000 mg of Calcium.  These foods include:
Ricotta Cheese
Cottage Cheese
Canned Sardines
Dark, Leafy Green Vegetables
Various Foods and Juices that are Calcium Fortified

Also for those cheese-loving sisters (I am one of these as well) you can add a serving of cheese to just about any meal or side dish to increase your calcium intake.  Add a slice of melted cheese on top of a side of cauliflower or broccoli, or have a cup of yogurt with your breakfast to instantly boost your daily calcium dose.

In order to get your recommended daily serving of Vitamin D (400-800 IU) you can eat:
Salmon
Mackerel
Tuna
Sardines
Egg Yolks

Although any of these foods can be a great source of Vitamin D, the best way to get your Vitamin D fix is 15 minutes of direct sunlight without sunscreen.  As long as you keep your exposure to 15-20 minutes, you'll be okay not wearing sunscreen, and will also boost your Vitamin D levels.

There are a few other suggestions to help prevent the development of Osteoporosis.  Most of these are simply common-sense measures to ensure a healthy lifestyle, like we've discussed before.  They include:

Eat Fresh Produce:
Maintaining healthy bones requires eating a varied diet of your essential vitamins and minerals.  This is easy to accomplish by simply eating a rainbow of different colored fruits and veggies.  By making a range of fruits and veggies a regular staple of your diet your body will also be able to retain more calcium, which (as we discussed before) is a vital part of a bone-healthy diet.

Don't Drink Alcohol:
As Muslimahs we have a huge advantage in this department.  Alhamdulillah as Muslims, Allah swt has already instructed us not to consume alcohol, but just in case any of us needed another reason (and we DON'T), or in case anyone reading this blog is not Muslim (and mash'Allah I'm happy you're joining us!) then this is it.  Alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb calcium, so it's best to keep your consumption to a minimum.  (or better yet: don't drink at all)

Limit Your Caffeine Intake:
Now, this opinion varies between sources.  According to http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/osteoporosis/amount-of-calcium-in-foods.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthHealthyLiving_20100304 it is best for us to limit caffeinated beverages as they "have a negative impact on bone health", but when I researched this further (because let's face it: Diet Coke is my best friend) according to The Beverage Institue For Health and Wellness the National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements has stated that "the effect of dietary phosphorous on calcium is minimal" and that "some researchers speculate that the detrimental effects of consuming foods high in phosphate such as carbonated soft drinks is due to the replacement of milk with soda rather than the phosphate level itself."  So, for the time being Diet Coke will continue being my best friend, but if any sisters find any additional information regarding this: please share with the rest of us insh'Allah.

Please Pass The Salt:
And keep passing it right on by.  According to NutritionMD.org it has been proven that eating too much salt can literally leach the calcium from otherwise healthy bones.  Try to change your favorite snack foods to lower sodium options, and don't add any salt to your meals.  It may take some getting used to at first, but eventually you will realize that often times when you skip the salt you can taste the actual food much better.  Most foods are available in low sodium options, and by taking this precaution you will be looking out for your bone's health in the long run.

So there you have it.  By making a few simple changes to your diet you can easily help to maintain your bones' strength.  Because let's face it.  Without our bones we are little more than a quivering pile of Jell-O, and I have NEVER seen a pile of Jell-O look good in a pair of Manolos...I don't care what flavor it is.

For some great bone-healthy recipes you can go here: Recipes For Healthy Bones

Ma'Salaama and Happy Snacking!

Fashionably Yours,
The (Cheese-Loving, Diet Coke-Drinking, Healthy Bone-Having) Mujahada in Prada

~Traveling In Style~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

Insh'Allah you amazing Muslimahs have all been healthy and in high imaan.  I hope you haven't missed me toooo much during my brief hiatus; I missed you ladies terribly, but I was honestly quite overwhelmed with getting myself ready for the Big Move.  Alhamdulillah our bags are packed, we have donated lots of nice things that I felt someone else would have better use for, and my beautiful daughter is sound asleep before our long flight tomorrow.

I thought this would be the perfect time to insh'Allah share with my sisters some pointers I have picked up throughout my many years (and many miles) of traveling.  I am no expert, but I have racked up those frequent flyer miles, learned a lot through trial and error, and have a good system pretty much down pat.  Insh'Allah you can take some tips and use them next time you travel to help to alleviate some of the stress that inevitably comes with traveling.

Jet-Setting Tip #1: Preparation Is Key

Now, it doesn't matter if you are planning a quick weekend rendezvous, or a three week vacation in the tropics, there is absolutely NO reason whatsoever that you should wait until the night before to start packing.  No matter how well you plan ahead, there will always be "last minute" things that pop up, the trick is to make sure those last minute items are the ONLY things you have to worry about the day before you leave.  So my suggestion (and please hold your laughter until I'm finished) is to write a list of every single thing you need to take with you.  Yes this may seem tedious, or a little unnecessary at first but I have found that if I carefully write down every item I will need on a trip, I very rarely forget anything.  Jot down a list (complete with check boxes) about a week before your scheduled departure.  I guarantee every day you will realize something that should be added, or something that can be omitted.  By doing this you will not carry un-needed items with you, nor will you get to your destination only to realize you have all brown, tan, and beige outfits and have only brought black shoes. (oh the humiliation!)  Another fabulous thing about listing your clothing beforehand is that you will have time to visualize the outfits you are planning to take.  This will enable you to mix and match, accessorize, and plan your outfits according to the activities you will be participating in.  Remember a true fashionista always dresses accordingly!

Jet-Setting Tip #2: Love Your Luggage

Does a surgeon hate her scalpal? No.  Does a teacher hate her students? Let's hope not.  Does a policewoman hate her uniform? Okay, bad example.  But you get my point.  To be good at anything you must, Must, MUST like the tools of your trade.  Believe me, I know luggage is not cheap.  Especially any half-way durable suitcases that don't look like they were made from left-over 1970's polyester.  BUT it is possible to find some that are cute, and reasonable.  Often times Ross has incredible deals on luggage, that are brand name, and quite fashionable.  I would highly advise that you look for three various sized, coordinating bags that have pull up handles, and 360 degree wheels.  This may seem like an unnecessary extravagance, but believe me- there is nothing unnecessary about good wheels and a handle when traveling.  Another thing you should look for in a bag is its weight.  Under NO circumstances should you buy a bag that weighs over 10-12 pounds empty (i don't care HOW cute it is).  Any lighter than 10 pounds, and you run the risk of having a bag with NO frame, so your items will not be protected.  Here is a nice set of bags, in a very classy and neutral color scheme that are light weight, and a great price for a three piece set: Luggage Pros.  There is no excuse to be halfway to your destination, cursing yourself because you despise the luggage you are forced to drag along.  If you travel often, then put aside a savings fund and do some research online to find yourself a quality, decent looking set of bags.  Believe me, you will be grateful you did.

Jet-Setting Tip #3: It's All About the Weight

Don't get self-conscious ladies.  I'm talking about your bags, not you.  With prices going up almost daily for checked baggage, you have to get the most out of each bag you are carrying.  In order to make sure you don't go even one ounce over that 50 pound mark (75 pounds on international flights) it is always a good idea to either buy small bottles of your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, or to buy a cosmetics case that includes plastic bottles you can fill yourself.  There is no reason to lug along your 72 ounce bottle of shampoo when you'll only be gone a week, and you will more than make up the cost of buying an extra bottle, because you will be able to pack other things you actually need without having to pay an overage charge.  If you are going away for over a month I highly suggest you plan on just buying the shampoo and conditioner you will need at your destination instead of bringing it from home.   Also, if you are only planning on carrying one bag onto the plane, why not also carry on a small satchel that contains only your shoes?  Shoes, after all, are usually the heaviest thing in your suitcase, so by carrying them on you are freeing up more room in your checked luggage for that extra jacket, or fancy abaya in case you decide to go out for a formal dinner. 

Jet-Setting Tip #4: Your Carry-On is Your Carry-All

I simply cannot tell you how many horror stories I have been told by friends who have traveled on their honeymoon, on a family vacation, or even on an overseas expedition who have had their luggage lost and had to spend the first three days of their trip in their hotel room because they had nothing to wear.  Consider your "carry on" to be another suitcase, and try to pack at least one pair of undies, socks, a brush, your toothbrush, deodorant and any other feminine essentials you may need.  That way if you do have your luggage misplaced by the airlines, at the very least your undies will be clean, even if you are wearing the same abaya for a couple of days in a row.  Also, don't be embarrassed to pack lots of things to keep you busy during the flight.  Sometimes I look at these people who fly with one copy of Vogue and I think to myself  "how many times can you read that in one 8 hour time period?"  It is especially vital to bring along a lot of goodies when traveling with kids.  Personally I have a HUGE hobo bag that serves as a diaper bag, filled with crackers, cookies, breakfast bars, a Doodle Pad, small stuffed animals, a coloring book and crayons, and a zip lock bag full to the brim of toys from Kinder Eggs.  Although it can get a bit burdensome to carry, when my daughter is the ONLY child on the plane who is quiet during the flight, and I actually have other moms commend me on her behavior I thank Allah swt that I had the sense to lug on this monstrosity.  (And believe me, your fellow passengers will be thankful too)

Jet-Setting Tip #5: A Healthy Routine Never Takes A Vacation

Okay, so you are going somewhere to relax.  To take long baths, and sleep in.  To order room service and forget what day of the week it is.  Or maybe you are on your way to a busy conference, a family gathering, or a weekend away with some of your closest sisters.  Whatever the case may be, just because YOU are on vacation does not mean those pesky pimples, or icky viruses are.  You should pack a small cosmetics bag for your carry on that includes some very good facial moisturizer, hand and body lotion, and makeup removing wipes and gently cleanse and hydrate your skin every 2-3 hours.  Depending on how long your flight is, you should try to get up and walk (even if it's just to the lav) at least once every hour to keep the circulation going in your legs and stave off spider veins.  It's also a good idea to take along with you some sanitizing wipes.  Although you may catch strange looks from your neighbors, they can be very useful in fending off any sickness that may be hanging around from the previous passenger.  Quickly wipe down the armrests, the head rest, and the tray table in front of you to kill any lingering germs.  You can also take Airborne to try to prevent catching a cold while flying, and always keep the fan above you OFF.  It may take some getting used to, but having that air circulating into your face can quickly cause you to catch an icky illness that may be floating around.

Jet-Setting Tip #6: Be Comfortable and Chic

Let the record show that this is the absolute ONLY time I will condone wearing a leisure suit outside of your home.  I am all for looking fabulous while traveling, but even I will not sacrifice my comfort during a six hour flight just so I can be the best dressed person on board.  I have learned it is very easy to be comfortable and fashionable while flying, as long as you pick a simple, basic outfit and accessorize it accordingly.  I would highly recommend always wearing shoes you can slip on and off while flying, especially because you will have to take them off to go through security.  If your toes are not in their best form, then wear a pair of light-weight socks or stockings underneath your shoes so you aren't mortified when walking barefoot through the security line.  I am a big fan of abayas when flying, although (as sad as it is) I have learned I don't get the best service from airline personnel, nor the friendliest reaction from my fellow passengers.  I prefer trousers to a skirt because I tend to get chilled on the airplane, but I always wear plenty of layers that I can peel off in case I happen to get hot while in the air.  I like to wear a scarf that I don't need an underscarf with because it is usually more comfortable, and easier to adjust if I need to in the middle of the flight, and I try to use as few pins as possible, because they do sometimes set of the TSA security wands.  (which can be both annoying, and embarrassing)

The bottom line is: Enjoy Yourself!  Just take the time to plan ahead, and take a few precautions to make sure you can relax and enjoy yourself once you arrive at your destination.  Remember getting there is half the fun!

Before I go, I would just like to remind myself, and all of you, of the most important thing to remember when we travel, and that is to make lots of du'a insh'Allah.  Here is one du'a to make when traveling, although there are a few that are appropriate:

للهم احفظني واحفظ ما معي وبلغني وبلغ ما معي ببلاغك الحسن ، بالله أستفتح وبالله أستنجح وبمحمد ( صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم ) أتوجه ، اللهم سهل لي كل حزونة وذلل لي كل صعوبة وأعطني من الخير كله أكثر مما أرجو ، واصرف عني من الشر أكثر مما أحذر في عافية يا أرحم الراحمين

“O Allah! Protect me and protect what is with me (my possessions), and deliver me (to my destination and delivery what is with me the best of your delivery.  By Allah I commence (my journey) and by Allah I seek to accomplish (the purpose of my journey) and by Muhammad (s.a.w.) I have set out (towards my destination). ‘O’ Allah make me overcome all (my grief); and make easy for me all difficulties; and give me more of goodness than I hope for; and keep away all evil of which I am apprehensive for my health.”  “O the most Merciful”. 

Ameen.

Here is a nice website mash'Allah with advice for the Muslim traveler: Travel Tips For Muslims



Ma'Salaama and Happy Traveling!

Fashionably Yours,
The (Trend-Setting, Jet-Setting) Mujahada in Prada