Link Loving: My favorite Nasheeds

Here are my absolutely favorite anasheed and religious songs! Let me know if you have listened to any of these and any recommendations you have for moi!

The Sultaness: Soldering techniques

Featured Events: Sister Swap Event!

Peace and blessings folks!

I always ALWAYS wanted to attend a swap event and yesterday alhamdoolilah I got my chance! I met up with a few other NYC sisters at Cafe Bene near Time square. 

First of all let me mention that Times square is not fun for me anymore. There are too many people, too much stimulation, (I sound like a grandma) and no one seems to know where they are going!

Tips for a Better Life Tag: Eco friendly and money saving tips that anyone can do!

Peace, love, blessings, and good health to all of you reading this!

Ok so I created a tag! I have no idea why, maybe just to spice things up a bit and to hear some practical tips we can all share between us.

My favorite new blog: Markers and Thread

Peace and Blessings folks!

I am very happy to share with you a new love of my life. 

My Style: High Tea Fashion Show Outfit and Markers and Thread BLoggy!

Peace and Blessings to all my dear readers!

Welcome to all the newbies and veterans! Its been foreversville since I had outfit posts. Last Friday, I attended the sisters only fashion show at St. Johns University. It was featuring Nida Mirza from IslamicGems and her new clothing line. 

I don't know if it's because I barely get out of the house, or because everyone was so nice,but I had an awesome time! I even got to meet the amazing Sadeel Allam from Sweet Modesty blog! Not only is she beautiful but she is sweet too (go figure!) 

I hope one day to host sisters-only events too (as you can really let loose) but for now I am very excited about the opening we will be having in NYC. Inglot Cosmetics (producer of the water permeable nail polish/found to be wudu permissable by many) will be launching the Sultaness (fb page, website)at their studios in Chelsea Square. 

This is a big deal. 

Life Updates and Biz Updates

Salam and peace and lots of love folks! 

To the regulars and the newbies, I have neglected you indeed! 

Gratitude List: Happy Friday April 5th 2013!

Hello Folks!

Salamz, peace, blessings, love and forgiveness and all the awesomeness to you! 

Was a bit stressed last night but after talking with my friend J I feel like a boulder lifted off me.

I am rising again and I can breath...

My Business Planning Chapter 8: the Sultaness Spring 2013 Photos!

Salam folks! 

Ok I got a stomach flu not too long ago which wasn't much fun. I  slinked around the house like a witch afraid of the sunlight. It definitely threw me off. You can bet that whenever I am not updating this blog I am either extremely busy, or extremely slow and probably sick.

Alhamdoolilah for everything. Don't you think sunlight makes a difference?

Last year, I lived in a basement for many months and barely had sunlight so whenever I get the sun peeking through in my room I just feel so much happier. I sit in front of my window to work because of how much I love it. 

Can I also brag about how I can smell the sea?

Oh lets throw something else in there....late at night if I listen, I can hear it! 

Alright, enough bragging! 

Basically I am doing a thousand things at once:

1. Working with a sewing contractor for the pin cushions
2. Going back and forth with our amazing photographer and web designer from Mirror51 who is in the process of starting our website.
3. Recruiting possible future empoloyees
4. Applying for our wholesale certification in NY
5. Reading, researching, and writing.

If you are ever bored and you want to be stupid busy, start a business of some sorts.

I swear, its just the beginning but this is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. It is so exciting :)

Here are the lovely finished photos from our photoshoot.

Please note: You can take these and re-post anywhere you like!!!!

Company info:

The Sultaness, meaning "Empress" in Arabic will make its debut at Inglot makeup studios June 29th in NYC!

We feature handcrafted luxury jewelry and accessories inspired by Persian, Indian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern art and architecture. Each of our pieces are handmade and undergo a vigorous design and quality control process making beloved pieces by all those who own them.

We use lots of spring inspired colors, gold, crystals, animal motifs, ornate styling, floral and geometric patterns. Our pieces are for the fearless woman who is proud to celebrate her identity.

For more information, sign up for our newsletter at http://thesultaness.com/

the Sultaness Facebook Company Page

the Sultaness Website

the Sultaness Twitter Page

the Sultaness Instagram Page

the Sultaness Pinterest Page 
the Sultaness on Stumbled Upon

What do u guys think!!!\?

Dear Readers...

Adventures with Sou sou!

Its about almost 2 am. I am looking over at my daughter lying sideways with her shirt flipped up and her stuffed camel propped up on her belly. 

Not using the word "Hijab" in my blog title and Sheryl Sandberg

She cites data showing positive correlations between success and likability for men, and negative correlations between success and likability for women. "That means that as a man gets more successful, he is better liked by men and women, and as a woman gets more successful, she is less liked by men and women," Sandberg explains. "But I want to be clear: I am not saying that men are too self-confident. That's not the problem. The problem is that women aren't self-confident enough."  source

What is self-confidence to you? 

DONT DO THIS! (funny story)

Peace and Blessings my dear readers! 

Here is a story I have for you (yes it is true).

On Monday I was sitting in the living room with sis (aka roomy/business partner/best friend) and I HEARD HER SAY:

112 Days until our Opening!!!

Empress Elite Hijab Pins! 

Visit us Here! 

Happy International Women's Day!

Have a beautiful day today! But don't forget our sisters who do not feel as if they can celebrate anything. Say a kind word, help them out, donate your love, time, money and energy. Be a part of the solution. Or else, for what other purpose is it worth being here???

Habits to Live by: Utilizing the Law of Attraction (Part 2)

Catch up on Part 1 Here

In the last post I ranted and complained about single-servitude motherhood. I also talked about how I wanted that to change.

Habits to Live by: Utilizing the Law of Attraction (Part 1)

Yesterday I almost had a breakdown. Late last evening, Sultana finally cooperated and fell asleep. I looked around my home and saw the chaos piled before me. Dirty clothes that have yet to be washed (most of the nearby laundromats were flooded from Sandy),     three different types of trash cans (because we follow a strict recycling regime in the neighborhood),  broken and mangled toys and food sprinklings on the floor, a sink full of dishes...etc.

Do you WANT IT ENOUGH?

In the name of the Almighty, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Sometimes when I meet people for the first time, the question I always end up asking them is not what they do, but

Photoshoot Updates!!! (Part 2)

Salams folks! 

Have you read my earlier post? Look Here. 

 The business will officially launch on June 29th inshallah! I am so excited to bring you behind the scenes with what happened yesterday at our first historical company photo shoot. 

Photoshoot Updates! (Part 1)

Salaams to all my beautiful readers,

Before I begin my post...

 انا لله وانا اليه راجعون

Inna lilahi wa inaa ilayhi raaj3oon

Truly, to Allah to we belong and truly, to Him we shall return (al Qur'an 2:156)

Please send your duas for the family and friends of Mr. Inglot. Please send them for himself as well. When we walked into the studio,

Gratitude List: Happy Friday February 15th 2013!!

Salams to all my readers!!

I went away for about a week to Texas because my 83 year old nani (grandmother) has been getting ill lately. As soon as I received a call about her health I felt sick inside because I knew she had always wanted to see sou sou. My daughter is the youngest member of my whole family at this point...the only great grand daughter.

They met, and Sultana gave her some dirty looks. Nani returned them, and soon they were shouting and playing and poking each other. 

My daughter has a good heart alhamdoolilah

Business Planning Chapter 7: Its Official!!!

Salams folks! 

A few weeks ago, I received a special letter in the mail. I opened it and there it was.....

My official Certificate of Registration! 

Gratitude List: Happy Friday January 25th 2013!

Salams my dear readers!

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend. I am very excited for his particular weekend as my life is set to change dramatically, inshallah I see this as a blessing from Allah swt coming to my life. 

A lot of people are depending on me to fulfill my dream and I know I have this year to do it.

Gratitude List: Happy Friday January 11th 2013!!!!

Salam folks! 

Me=Dying from the Cuteness! 

Best of Smiles, 

Best of Health,

Best of Happiness,

Best of Imaan (faith),

Best of all that I can wish for all my dear readers today! 

We received an AMAZING anonymous gratitude list! Mashallah and Alhamdoolilah! 

No matter how hard it gets (and it will) just try TRY to remember the good you still do have, because tomorrow is a new day. 

Please make dua for anonymous who took the time to write and reflect on their blessings and was so kind enough to let us read it. Let something like this bring us closer to our Creator and cherish every moment we have left in this short life.  Jazkallah Khayr!

1. That I have access to the internet so that I can get inspired by you.

2. That God has protected me thus far and kept my matters private.

3. That I can breathe.

4. I have food, running water, heat, clothing, and basic neccasities.

5. That I am not exposed to anything traumatizing, especially not on a daily basis.

6. For Allah SWT's help in helping me establish the habit of referring to his Quraan every day.

7. For a mother and father who love me and have raised me as well as they can.

8. For a supportive and religious family who has principles and values.

9. For the many privileges I have above others that I don't even always utilize.

10. For the opportunity to be involved in the social justice movement.

11. For people who have opened my mind and heart to reality.

12. For my sewing machine, that I love so dearly.

13. For my room, which is beautiful and comfortable and a luxury that SO many cannot afford.

14. For the ability to read, write, and process information.

15. For the ability to communicate.

16. For God's mercy and continuous lutf he has bestowed on me.

17. For having a laptop.

18. For owning a home.

19. For the ability to be close enough to God to pour out my vulnerabilities to Him.

20. For books that I can lose myself in.

21. For access to scholarship money for college.

22. For having options.

23. For living in a community of Muslims.

24. For siblings who care and especially ones who care to share experiences, clothes, love, etc.

25. For a food processor and good set of knives that make the tedious task of cooking much easier.

26. For having influential and inspiring people in my life.

27. For the space I have to be creative and create.

28. For a beautiful body.

29. For a strong sound understanding of Islam.

30. For the ability to grow this foundation.

31. For the hardships that have made me stronger (this one is SO hard to appreciate for me, especially right now, but it is vital).

32. For shoes that cover my feet.

33. For the ability, time, and motivation to exercise.

34. For the privilege of being able to eat healthy.

35. That I can see. And hear, and feel.

36. That I am not made of stone.

37. That I realize my self-worth.

38. That I have control of my emotions, most of the time.

39. That I have had the opportunity to meet different people and visit different places.

40. That I have extra money to donate and spend on myself for added luxury that others can't afford.

41. For living in a country where Hijab is not banned.

42. For having an attitude that embraces differences.

43. For being able to find God in watching the clouds or the moon.

44. For people who push me, sometimes by force, into doing good for Allah's sake.

45. For makeup and paint and pretty things that let me stream my creativity fixes.

46. For the fact that nothing in this world last forever.

47. For ice cream.

48. For people who have less than me and in turn force me to realize how blessed I am.

49. For a functioning heart, even if it has black in many areas.

50. For the chance to start over and over and over again. Thank you ya Rabbi.

Product Review: Amirah Couture Safari Hijab!!!

Salam folks! 

Let me take you a little step into my Hijab buying habits....I rarely buy hijabs from online Islamic retailers. If I do buy them online, it is always from nordstroms because they have exceptional quality (though a bit pricey) and they always display scarf measurements, which sometimes Islamic companies fail to do.

Ridiculous right?

Well, not too long ago I found a little gem on Facebook known as Amirah Couture. The first thing I noticed about their Facebook page, is that not only does it feature beautiful photography, but they sold hijabs and abayat inspired by the Arab spring countries such as Palestine, Syria, and Egypt! 

Check out their Freedom Collection! The Proceeds from their items go directly as sadaqa for the countries they represent! So creative mashallah! 

Filisteen!