I Left My Heart in Dubai

Hey everyone!! I'm sorry for not blogging in so long, I've been busy with finals and hanging out with friends for the last few weeks that I'll be living in the DMV. I thought I'd do an update on my amazing trip to Duabi over winter break. Dubai shopping is like none other, although it is relatively expensive, I found some great deals. The great part about the UAE is that their clothing has a lot of modest styles since it is a heavily Muslim populated country. I was able to buy a lot of long skirts and my main goal was to find my graduation dress there, which I did. You will see that after I graduate Insha'Allah (God Willing). Here are some of my favorite shots:

These shots were at the Jumeirah Beach next to where we were staying.

Burj Al Arab

My brother and I at the airport

My dad and I waiting for the fountain show

My favorite night in Duabi at an amazing Thai restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah

My brother at my favorite coffee shop called Shakespeare, the inside was so cute

Inside Burj Al Arab

I wanted this so bad! This store had the cutest jewelry and clothes!

I loved this ring but it was about $300.. way too expensive!

The view from Al Muntaha, the restaurant at the top of Burj Al Arab

I hope you enjoyed these pics, Dubai is such a beautiful place and the shopping was ridiculous! God Bless my brother for enduring so many hours of shopping with me! I was happy to find my graduation dress finally, and I can't wait to wear it!

OOTD: Mustard

Hey all! I just got in from a run around the harbor and I'm exhausted so I decided to relax and blog! Classes are coming to an end this week and finals are starting next week. I still can't believe it! My outfit from today had a mustard theme. I love the mustard color but for a long time I couldn't find something that I really liked. I finally found this dress and fell in love with the detail on the neck. I love dresses because I can easily wear them with my over the knee boots and it's hijabified. The weather is still a little chilly so I was able to break out the boots one last time!

Dress: Target!

Boots: Bakers

Leggings & Turtle Neck: H&M

Watch: Men's Omega

 Purse: Michael Kors

This dress was such a great find at Target under $20! It came in other cute colors and prints as well!

OOTD: Color Blocking

Good afternoon everyone! It's such a beautiful day in the DMV MashaAllah (God has willed It). It is bright and sunny outside so I decided to dress bright and sunny to match! Here is my version of color blocking. I also tried this outfit on with green pants and loved it, but then I decided to wear jeans. Either way color blocking is tons of fun!

Sweater: Gap

Shirt: Charlotte Russe

Jeans: Peoples Liberation

Flats: Lucky

Necklace: J. Crew

Long ring: H&M

Watch: Versace

Here are some similar color blocking by celebs:

Don't be afraid to color block!!!

OOTD: Polka Dots

As promised, here is my outfit from today. I had two presentations so I went business casual (not including the shoes). The blazer and pants are navy blue even though it's difficult to see in the pictures. I could have worn a white shirt underneath since the polka dots are white, but I wanted to add some color so I wore a light pink/peach shirt/scarf. 

Pants, Jacket, Tank, Necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: Sperry Top-sider from Journey's

Below are some blazers and pants I like from Forever 21. The pants I'm wearing are also in the layout below. Click on the items to be directed to the site.

Casual Pants
Blazers

My Week in Food

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I did a food post, so here is the food I've been eating the past few weeks:

 

Here I made green curry chicken with brown rice. I rarely eat rice but I try to eat brown rice when I do. This picture doesn't do justice to how good it was! I used green curry spice with coconut milk instead of the ready store bought sauce because it tastes much better.

Pineapple shrimp fried rice. Recipe: Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

I added more veggies than the recipe calls for.

 

Here I made broccoli, cheese, roasted red peppers and salsa stuffed chicken breasts with Brussels sprouts and sweet potato fries. I never liked sweet potatoes before but recently I've gained a taste for them and they are a great super food containing vitamins, iron and magnesium.

 

Amazing chicken shawerma made by the one and only Riham. We both ate ours in wheat pita pockets while everyone else had white.

 

Here comes the not so healthy foods. This was fried chicken in mushroom gravy and lamb ribs in bbq sauce from RJ cafe in Beltsville, MD. This was my first time trying this amazing halal place. The portions were big so we all shared which was good so I didn't over eat. I did go home and go straight to the gym though!

 

This was a pesto walnut tilapia sandwich from Tackle Box in DC. It was my first time going there and this sandwich was amazing! I didn't know what to expect but now I know next time to tell them not to butter the bread.

  

Here is my plate from Shamshiry, my family's favorite Persian restaurant in VA. I got the soltani which has one skewer of boneless chicken and one skewer kabob and it comes with rice. They give bread on the side so I eat the meat with bread. As you can see my rice was untouched. Their portions are so big I usually only eat half of each skewer and take the rest home.

 

 Here is a snack I took to work. 1 Cup plain greek yogurt with honey, almonds, oats, flax and craisins. 

  

 My indulgence: Home made double chocolate swirl chips cookies.

Needless to say, my stomach has been quite satisfied. Always remember you shouldn't deprive yourself of the foods you like, just maintain portion control and be conscious of what you are eating. If I know I'm going to eat out for dinner, I'll eat lighter throughout the day. Skinny Taste is a great website to use for healthy recipes that still taste great. I like to use recipes from this website and add my own twist which makes cooking more fun. 

InshaAllah (God Willing), I'll do an outfit post later today!

Gym Alternative: Hiking

Good afternoon! It's pouring rain here in the DMV which means its a perfect time to blog while snuggled under a blanket! Yesterday, I went hiking in Great Falls, VA. It's such a beautiful place and I had such a good time. We did a 5 mile hike which even involved climbing rocks. It was a great alternative to working out at the gym and much more exciting! I wish I lived closer to the falls so I could hike there all the time. The scenery is so beautiful and there are so many different trails you can take. I wore my new running shoes which I shouldn't have because the trail was a bit ruff for them but next time I'll wear my old gym shoes instead.

Driving with the top down on the way to Great Falls. It was such a beautiful day, mA.