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Holidays

Winter Vibes For All: How Our Muslim American Family Celebrates The Holidays

December 16, 2018April 23, 2019

Decorating evergreen trees, exchanging gifts, and adorning your home in winter vibes did not originate with Christmas, but rather ancient traditions celebrating the winter solstice. Last year I wrote an 800-word essay on “Why My Muslim Family Celebrates Christmas”. That … Continue reading Winter Vibes For All: How Our Muslim American Family Celebrates The Holidays

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Have you ever had a rival? In my 20’s I had one. In my mind, I was constantly competing with her to dress better, look better, succeed more. And constantly wondering if I was falling short. I came to a revelation recently. She was never my rival. The competition was an illusion. I was using her as an actor, an antagonist, a character for the negative dialogue I had streaming 24/7 in my head. It wasn’t she who made me feel inferior, I was doing it to myself. “The antagonist” was making me feel how I thought I deserved to feel. The antagonist was my own ego. (Wait, did I just describe the plot from “Fight Club”?) Fast forward, new city, new age, but I still find myself letting my mind drift to the negative space (I am not enough). There are so many things that can happen in life that can make someone feel unworthy. I am sure we all have our stories. It is a constant battle. I am on a mission to internalize love and compassion, and stop elevating my own self doubt. One of my tools is the book“ The 4 Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. These agreements might seem obvious, but during difficult times, it provides simple clarity. I created this cheat sheet for my planner and you can download it in the bio link. 💜 #fouragreements #thefouragreements #hennatulip #melaninmagic #wordstoliveby #stylingtheseasons #flatlaystyle #flatlayphotography

Scrolling through my IG feed, a photo caught my attention. A woman in a stylish tee, championing a beautiful message, "keep our sea plastic-free." The ad from @WholesomeCulture got me. I clicked on their IG page, and the marketing nerd in me fell in love with their brand mission. After scrolling for several seconds, my enthusiasm started to fade. The confident, beautiful women on their feed did not look like me. Me, with brown skin, freckles, and eastern features. 2009 Natasha would have ignored it, and filed it under everything that makes me feel "other," but 2019 Natasha had hope that people want to do better if given a chance. So I left a comment, "Love your message, but wish your feed promoted more diversity. I don't see myself in the women that you are posting." Their response floored me. WC responded immediately. They offered to send me product so that I could take photos. They also quickly updated their content calendar to include more women of color. They lived their mantra, "Be kind." When I clicked on the @WholesomeCulture ad, I wanted to learn how I could be a better, environmentally conscience citizen. What I learned is, "Empathy is the path to a better world. " The empathy we have for each other and all living beings. And brands can be a part of that conversation. 💜 #beekind #bloomwhereyouareplanted #empathy #ethicalfashion #melaninmagic

Zayn turned 4 this month and we celebrated with Stitch and a luau. I was all in for this theme. The movie (Lilo & Stitch) is beautiful and so is the island it’s inspired by, Kauai. Kids seem to always be on “island time”. They take in this world in a way that I wish I remembered how to: a wonderment, an appreciation, a slower pace. Maybe that’s why I love planning my kids parties, they are easy to please and receive everything with joy. The crafter in me went bananas at Michaels and Oriental Trading creating the decor, but the experience is thanks to these vendors: Food: @criticschoicecatering , @kianakaishaveice @susiecakesbakery Entertainment: @corneroftheskyart & @darlenasjumpers #liloandstitch #stitchlovers #kidspartyideas #kidsbirthdayparty #makeitwithmichaels #papercrafts #orientaltrading #nationalsonday

The first time I was told “go back to where you came from” I was 6 years old. A group of newly wed Bangladeshi immigrants (which included my parents) had decided to take a trip to Houston. The women had separated from the men to take a stroll near the water. Their hair in long braids, dressed in modest salwars, and me trailing behind them curious of my new surroundings. When suddenly, I saw a man speaking to us, he shouted “go back to where you came from”. Without missing a beat my mother replied, “go back to where you came from.” Her brown skinned squad erupting in laughter. He shared some expletives (which were then added to my new English vocabulary) and walked away. Since that day, I’ve heard that statement said to me, time and time again. The default comeback of racists with no creativity. An attempt to diminish me, my worth as a citizen, based on my ancestry. Every time I hear those words, I think of my mom in 1988, refusing to be diminished. Knowing she was worthy of her dreams, worthy of the American dream. I have been a citizen of Bangladesh, Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California. What I know for sure: we all want the same things: safety, prosperity, and a better future for our children. Yet, 70% of the nation's wealth will be in the hands of millionaires and billionaires by 2021. As I approach this newest political season, I do it with an open mind that everyone is worthy of being heard, America is worthy of civilized debate, and all people are worthy of the American dream. #americandream #muslimgirl #immigrantsmakeamericagreat #gobacktowhereyoucamefrom #sendherback

About Natasha

This is a simple blog of things that bring joy to my family. I hope it will inspire yours!

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