The Triangle Hijab Essentials launch happened with zero marketing budget and zero expectations of selling out. No ads, no hype machine, just me and this scarf I believed in.

And you showed up.

You claimed the triangle hijab as what it always was: an everyday essential, not a trend. Watching that happen in real time has been humbling. Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT allowed me to be at the forefront of bringing this piece back, and your response has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Because of you, we’re restocking. Only a few of the original colors made the cut this round, plus one surprise essential we know you’ve been asking for: white.

You, The Fifth Layer newsletter family, are the first to know. My social platforms won’t hear about this restock for another 24 hours, that’s how much I value this community.

Right after this restock, I’m moving straight into planning our fall colors. And I want you in on it from the start: comment on tomorrow’s post with your top 3 picks for fall. This process has been so collaborative with all of you, and I want to keep it that way.

Thank you for trusting this scarf, this shop, and this journey with me. This is just the beginning.

May the triangle hijab bring us the ease we need in our every day lives! May your purchase have immense barakah, BUY HERE:

The Triangle Hijab RESTOCK

You Sister,

Ascia Sahar

Our family, our friends, our routines, our intentions, all gently pulled back into alignment. It’s a month that brings noor and barakah into our lives, yes, but also into our home. And my hope every year is that what enters our home during Ramadan doesn’t quietly leave when the month ends, but lingers long after.

Of course, Ramadan centers our hearts in the essentials: reading more Qur’an, reconnecting with our prayers, increasing dhikr, slowing down enough to be present with Allah swt. These are the pillars we return to again and again.

But as a mother of four, raising children in the West, I’ve learned that faith is also taught in the everyday, in the rhythms, the participation, the feeling that this month matters.

One of the traditions that has brought us closer as a family is something very simple: a 30-day good deeds calendar. Nothing complicated. Just a conscious way for the kids to practice kindness, intention, and service each day of Ramadan. Some days it’s helping someone else, other days it’s working on patience, gratitude, or generosity. It gives them something tangible to hold onto, a way to live Ramadan, not just observe it.

We also assign each child a Ramadan “role.” One puts out the prayer rugs. One brings the hijabs. One helps set the table. One stays close to me while I’m preparing iftar. The tasks shift with age and ability, but the goal stays the same: everyone contributes, everyone belongs, everyone serves one another. It’s amazing how something so small can quietly build responsibility, pride, and closeness.

And yes, we absolutely decorate our home.

Not in an over-the-top way, but intentionally. Soft lights. A few decor pieces that come out year after year. Pieces that signal to our children: something special is coming. That Ramadan is not only a month of discipline and devotion, but also a month of joy, anticipation, and fulfillment.

Decorating helps them feel the season before they fully understand it.

We also begin preparing for Eid toward the end of the month—talking about it, planning it, letting the excitement build slowly instead of rushing through Ramadan just to “get to” Eid. That balance matters to me.

I want my children to remember Ramadan as a month that felt warm. Anchored. Sacred, but also full of life.

Every year when I share glimpses of our home during Ramadan, I get messages from mothers asking where things are from. So I decided to finally gather it all in one place, for you, and honestly, for myself too.

I’ve put together a list that lives here on Substack: decor pieces we’ve loved year after year, from trusted brands and Muslim-owned brands whenever possible. I’ve always believed in quality over quantity, investing in Ramadan decor pieces that don’t feel disposable, that can grow with your family, and that can live in your home beyond Ramadan.

I love decor that feels faith-infused, items that don’t just come out once a year, but quietly remind us of what matters all year long.

ramadan decor we’ve loved are here: ramdan links and MORE ramdan links! most importantly, faith related books are linked here.

Some families decorate. Some don’t. Both are valid. This is simply what we’ve chosen in our home, and what has helped Ramadan feel rooted, joyful, and shared, for us.

If anything here inspires you to start a new tradition, simplify one you already have, or just feel a little less alone in figuring out Ramadan with children, then it’s done its job.

Ramadan Mubarak—from our home to yours.

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Days 1–10: A Spiritual Reset
Focus: Clearing the heart and building a baseline

This is about returning to the essentials.

Make up missed fasts
If you owe days from last Ramadan and are able, this is a beautiful time to prioritize them, without guilt, just intention.

Daily istighfar
Set aside 5–10 quiet minutes after Fajr or before bed to sincerely seek forgiveness. Istighfar has a way of softening the heart, removing that invisible heaviness we sometimes carry without realizing it.

Begin with sunnah prayers
If praying all the rawatib feels like too much, start with just two extra rak’ahs a day. Consistency matters more than quantity.

Be mindful of what you consume
Not just food, but conversations, content, and noise. Try to consciously step away from what doesn’t benefit your soul.

Days 11–20: Qur’an & Discipline
Focus: Reconnecting with the Word of Allah and building stamina

This is where familiarity returns.

Open the mushaf again
Don’t wait for Ramadan. Even 15 minutes a day is enough to reawaken that connection, letting your eyes and heart remember the verses.

I have gathered a few of my favorite faith-related books: Ascia’s fav books

Fast Mondays and Thursdays (if you can)
These fasts gently wake up your body and help rebuild your “fasting muscle,” so Ramadan doesn’t feel like a shock to the system.

Introduce tahajjud
Wake up just 15 minutes before Fajr. Pray two rak’ahs. Make du’a. This small habit creates space for suhoor time later and deepens your reliance on Allah.

Daily sadaqah
Give something each day, even a dollar, a smile, a kind word, or a quiet intention. Charity doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.

Sha’ban isn’t about doing everything perfectly.

It’s about showing up.
It’s about intention.
It’s about preparing your heart before preparing your schedule.

Wherever you are right now, that’s enough to simply begin.

May Allah allow our deeds to be raised in a state He loves, and may He carry us into Ramadan softened, ready, and sincere.

Share the above guideline with your loved ones as a beautiful way to increase the goodness meant for you, and them.

With love,
Ascia

What did this year give me?

What did it take?

And what stayed, shaping how I move forward?

how the year began

2025 began for us just after returning from Umrah. There’s something about pilgrimage that rearranges your inner world. It simplifies you. Softens you. It gently pulls your attention back to what matters most.

What lingered with me long after we returned home wasn’t only my own experience, but our children’s. Watching them move through Umrah — their emotions, their questions, their sensitivity — taught us something important: our children need us emotionally in deeper, more present ways than we sometimes realize.

It became the first lesson of the year.

Slow down. Listen more. Be fully there.

the gifts that stretched us

One of the most formative experiences of the year was traveling to Turkey with our children for two weeks. Four kids, unfamiliar places, long days, and very full moments.

We explored parts of Turkey we had never seen before, spending time outside of Istanbul, moving through places like Antalya and Fethiye. Traveling as a family at that pace pushed us, emotionally, mentally, and relationally. There were moments of exhaustion and overwhelm, moments where patience felt thin.

But there was also so much growth.

We learned new rhythms with our children. We learned how each of them processes change, fatigue, joy, and uncertainty. My husband and I learned more about each other too, how we support one another under pressure, how we recalibrate when things feel heavy, and how much stronger we are when we move slowly and intentionally.

We returned home tired, but deeply grateful. Changed in small, meaningful ways that don’t always show up in photos or videos.

what the year took

This year also brought loss.

We lost my cousin, younger than me, the baby of the family, someone whose presence felt quietly permanent until it wasn’t. Grief has a way of entering without permission and rearranging everything in its path.

Losing him brought a lot into perspective. It forced a recalibration of priorities, a deeper awareness of time, and a renewed understanding that nothing, and no one, should ever be taken for granted.

Some lessons arrive gently.

Others arrive through heartbreak.

This was one of those moments that changed how we hold life.

what stayed

If I’m honest, what stayed with me most this year wasn’t a single event, but a way of being.

A deeper commitment to presence, with my children, my husband, my faith, and myself. A willingness to pause instead of push. To reflect instead of rush. To choose intention over noise.

This year reminded me that growth doesn’t always look like progress on the outside. Sometimes it looks like softer mornings. More honest prayers. Longer walks. Fewer distractions. A quieter confidence in knowing what truly matters.

moving forward

As I step into the year ahead, I’m carrying less urgency and more intention. Less striving, more alignment. A deeper desire to live in a way that feels rooted — spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for sharing this space with me. I’m grateful for the ability to reflect openly, and I’m excited to continue this journey with more depth and intention in the year ahead.

I’ll be sharing a separate post soon with the habits and things that genuinely supported our life this year, things i’ve recommended to the ones I love, the things that earned their place and became part of our everyday rhythms.

Until then,

with gratitude,

Ascia

watch my reel on how I styled my favorite finds here:

borrowed + styled!

I’ve always believed that style should evolve with us. The truth is, our lives move through so many different chapters:

• pregnancy and postpartum,

• starting a new job,

• transitioning into modest wear,

• or simply rediscovering ourselves after a big life change.

Each chapter requires a little readjusting, and sometimes that means experimenting with silhouettes, fabrics, or colors we haven’t tried before. Buying new pieces for every shift can be expensive and overwhelming, not to mention wasteful. SO SO SO wasteful!

That’s where Nuuly has been such a game-changer for me.

Financially Savvy, Environmentally Smart

Instead of splurging on items we may only wear a few times, you can rent them, enjoy them, and send them back guilt-free. It keeps a budget in check and cuts down on clutter. Renting also reduces the environmental impact of overproduction and overconsumption in fashion, which is something I think about more and more. It feels good knowing that my choices are not just about personal style, but also about sustainability.

Experimenting Without Commitment

Another thing I love: renting gives me permission to play with style. I can try on pieces I wouldn’t necessarily commit to buying. Maybe it’s a bolder coat for fall, or a dress that’s perfect for one event, or even a modest silhouette from a brand I haven’t tried yet. It’s like shopping without the pressure of “forever.”

I’ve discovered countless new brands through Nuuly! I’ve also curated four closets filled with modest friendly + chic pieces, find it here:

modestly chic closet

Refreshing Without Starting Over

Nuuly makes it possible to refresh your wardrobe seasonally without feeling like you need to start from scratch. This fall, I’ve been able to rotate in cozy knits, tailored layers, and easy modest-friendly pieces that feel new and exciting, without overcrowding my closet or draining my wallet thanks to Nuuly!

nuuly sign up

It’s not just about having more clothes, it’s about having the right clothes, at the right time, for the season of life you’re in. And Nuuly has become such a helpful tool in that journey.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your wardrobe, unsure of how to make changes without overbuying, I can’t recommend renting enough. Whether it’s through Nuuly or another service, it’s worth exploring. Fashion should be fun, flexible, and thoughtful—and renting is such a smart way to keep it that way.

For Fall specifically I’ve curated a cozy curation of coats + knits for you!

fall fits + cozy knits

As always, I would appreciate any feedback, thoughts or ideas for my next newsletter or even a reshare of this newsletter with your friends/substack community!

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a short glimpse into Antalya’s history

Antalya has roots that go back over 2,000 years. founded by King Attalus II of Pergamon, it was once called Attaleia, a bustling port city coveted by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. each left behind something remarkable: Hadrian’s Gate still marks the entrance to the Old Town, while ancient stone towers keep watch over the harbor. I loved the feeling of walking through Kaleiçi and realizing that these same cobblestones had carried generations before us.

three family-friendly things to do in Antalya

1. Karaalioğlu Park and the Old Castle Walls

this was one of our favorite stops. the park stretches out along the cliffs, with palm-lined paths, playgrounds for kids, and the Roman-era Hıdırlık Tower overlooking the sea. the views of the Mediterranean are breathtaking, you can see the waves crash against the rocks below while the mountains frame the horizon. it’s the kind of spot where history and everyday life meet, and where kids can burn energy while parents pause to take it all in.

2. Wandering Kaleiçi (Old Town)

there’s something magical about getting lost in Kaleiçi’s narrow streets. the wooden Ottoman houses lean in close, bougainvillea spills over stone walls, and little shops tempt you with Turkish delights and handmade souvenirs. the kids loved peeking into courtyards and spotting cats sunbathing on rooftops. tt’s one of those places where time slows down, and every corner feels like a postcard.

3. Antalya Aquarium

sometimes kids just need a change of pace, and the aquarium delivered. it’s one of the largest in the world, with a tunnel that makes you feel like you’re walking under the sea. there’s even a snow-themed area (which was a huge hit with the little ones). it was such a fun way to balance out the history and sightseeing with something interactive and kid-friendly.

why Antalya stays with you

what I loved most about Antalya was how it offered something for each of us. my husband and I could soak up the history and views, while the kids had space to explore, play, and learn. the city feels both ancient and alive, timeless and family-friendly.

if you ever find yourself planning a trip to Türkiye, don’t skip Antalya. It’s not just a stop on the map,

it’s an experience that leaves your heart a little fuller and your memories a little richer.

P.S. there are two other newsletters on turkiye, feel free to read, reshare or leave a comment for feedback! i would be happy to know what to cover next, let me know.

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for our family, Fethiye offered the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. if you’re planning a trip, here are five must-do experiences that capture the magic of this coastal town, with plenty of options that kids can enjoy too.

use this map as a guide when planning travel:

1. rent a Private Boat from Fethiye Harbor Marina

this was the highlight of our trip. we all enjoyed our day at sea, discovering one family friendly beach or swim at a time. at the marina, you can rent a private boat for the day, our captain doubled as our chef, grilling the most deliciously seasoned chicken (best i’ve had in all of my time in Turkey) and preparing homemade Turkish mezes right on board. the real treat? he took us to quiet, private beaches and coves we’d never find on our own. for families, it means the kids can swim safely away from crowds while you soak in the view of crystal-blue water. if you’d like to book with the captain we went with:

Captain Tom on WhatsAPP: +90 532 766 94 01

2. spend a day at Sea Me Beach or SO Beach

if your family loves the beach, these are two local favorites where the water is calm and the sand stretches endlessly. they’re perfect for kids who just want to play without worrying about waves, and parents who want to lounge nearby with Turkish tea in hand. the food here is a bit on the pricer side but delicious! get there early or after the heat of the sun goes down. we went towards the end of the day, but could’ve spent more time there. also, for couples theres an adult only section at both. they don”t charge for kids!

3. explore the Ghost Village of Kayaköy

a short drive from Fethiye brings you to Kayaköy, a hauntingly beautiful abandoned Greek village. the stone houses and crumbling chapels tell stories of lives once lived here. with kids, it’s best to keep this a shorter stop if they’re young, our kids loved stepping back in time! t it’s unforgettable and offers a powerful glimpse into Turkey’s layered history. the drive to the village itself is a treat. there are boutiquey hotels + cafes you’ll pass. a great place to stay for a day or two if its only adults traveling.

4. make half a day out of the parks

Fethiye has charming parks dotted along the waterfront where kids can play while you take in the mountain-meets-sea views. pack a picnic, sip Turkish coffee from a nearby café, and just enjoy the slower pace of Mediterranean life. sometimes, the simplest days are the most memorable. we spent two mornings by the waterfront area, it doesn’t get crowded and is truly a treat.

5. take in the views (Even Without Hiking Boots)

while the Lycian Way is famous among hikers, you don’t have to be an adventurer to enjoy Fethiye’s landscapes. short walks along the coastline or scenic drives into the hills offer breathtaking views without exhausting the kids. sunset here feels like the entire sky is painted in watercolor.

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final thoughts

Fethiye is one of those rare destinations that feels both adventurous and family-friendly. whether you’re cruising to private beaches, wandering through history, or simply relaxing at a seaside park, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and take it all in.

for our family, it was a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be rushed — sometimes the best memories come from the quiet moments, the salty air, and the sound of waves against the shore.

lastly, if you’ve made it this far it means you’re serious about truly discovering this part of the meditterean coastline and there is a travel guide i purchased that gave me all the hidden gems of this area!! its from a woman who lives in fethiye, Diana Faralya ( shes on instagram! ) here is the link to her guide : travel guide

i would be so grateful to hear from you either by leaving a comment on this or liking/restacking this article :) love to hear your feedback!

for me, Istanbul will always be special because this is where my husband + i honeymooned 15 years ago. i’t’s a place that wraps you in its energy, the sound of the call to prayer echoing across the Bosphorus, the warmth of shopkeepers offering Turkish tea, + the sheer beauty of wandering streets that have seen empires rise + fall.

if you’re planning your first trip to Turkey, i can promise you this: Istanbul is the perfect beginning.

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were to stay in Istanbul

finding the right area to stay can completely shape your trip, whether you’re coming as a couple or as a family with kids in tow.

for couples:
Istanbul is a city of quiet courtyards, rooftop views, and hidden gems. if you’re traveling as a couple, i’d recommend staying at RIXOS, a stylish + modern boutique option that makes exploring effortless while giving you a cozy place to unwind at night. its on the pricier side of hotels, its new, + the restaurants on site are phenomenal!

another boutique hotel i love (+ have witnessed its remodel from the last time we were there) is Barnathan its in the heart of Galata tower, with the chic coffee shops, walkable to istikal street + rooftop restaurants.

for families:
first-timers, especially families, will love being in the Galata Tower area. the reason we LOVE this area so much is, it’s central, walkable, + packed with history! a perfect base for exploring without getting overwhelmed. i also have this apartment recommendation we stayed in this last time, one thing to keep in mind, majority of apts in this area don’t have elevators:

apartment we stayed in: message Merve on WhatsAPP: +90 538 095 07 69 or on IG : @uyanmerve feel free to let her know i sent you!

five family-friendly things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul has so much to offer + here are my five favorite experiences that both adults + kids can enjoy together:

1. cruise the Bosphorus River
   there’s nothing quite like seeing the city from the water. a Bosphorus cruise is magical at sunset, with palaces, mosques, + neighborhoods stretching out on both the European + Asian sides. kids love the open air + boats, while parents soak up the views. we have done both the ferries which leave by the Galata bridge + also a private yacht rental for our anniversary dinner. if you’re looking to celebrate something special, highly recommend a private boat rental!

2. mosque hopping
   Istanbul’s mosques aren’t just places of prayer, they’re living art + history. all are incredible to visit but my top three favorites are:

   • Sultanahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque): iconic, serene, + breathtaking inside.

   • Süleymaniye Mosque: perched high above the city with sweeping views.

   • Ortaköy Mosque: right on the Bosphorus, with its picture-perfect backdrop.

   watch me visit my favorite mosques

3. explore the Grand Bazaar
   if you’re first time, you must visit one of the oldest + largest covered markets in the world, it’s a sensory overload in the best way. from lanterns + carpets to sweets + trinkets, it’s an adventure for kids to wander (with supervision!) + parents. prices have adjusted to european/us markets, 15 yrs ago every vendor was open to haggling, it was somewhat fun! now, dont expect to find STEALS! everything has a set price, buy handmade soaps, spices, + items you couldn’t easily find elsewhere.

4. take a stroll through Topkapi Palace
   once home to Ottoman sultans, this palace feels like stepping into a storybook. the courtyards, treasures, + tiled halls are fascinating for adults, while children are captivated by the sheer scale + stories of royalty. not to mention, the hall that holds historic islamic items has live Quran recitation echoing throughout the rooms! make sure you have your camera ready, this palace is stunning for photos!

5. indulge in Turkish treats on Istiklal Street
   between historic architecture + street performers, Istiklal Avenue is full of energy. families can grab simit (sesame bread rings, grab them from a vendor that is able to heat it up for you, + spread cream cheese + nutella on it, its the best way to enjoy a simit IMO) Turkish ice cream (with the playful vendors who make kids laugh, a bit pricey but worth it at least once), or stop for fresh juice while exploring one of Istanbul’s busiest streets.

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what you should pack

if you followed my stories on instagram (saved in ‘turkiye’ highlight) you’ll notice most of my outfits for istanbul were styled around comfort first. theres plenty of walking involved, cobble stone, stairs, hills, all of it. comfortable sneakers are a must, oversized button downs, your fave pair of jeans, think casual chic. of course, for special dinners or outings, you must pack your not so ordinary outfits too! i’ve gathered my recent fave comfortable, yet chic pieces for you here: shop faves!

why Istanbul stays with you

istanbul is a city you feel, not to only visit. the blend of history + modern life, the call of the muezzin alongside the hum of trams, the smell of roasted chestnuts mixed with sea air… it all lingers long after you’ve gone home.

for couples, it can be a city of romance, fine dining, sightseeing. for families, it can be a city of discovery, adventure + living through history. + for anyone, it’s always a city of wonder + re-connecting with prayer within the historic mosques.

if you enjoy any of the content i create, tell a friend or two! it would mean the world.

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salaam, hi friends!

if you’ve been with me on Instagram or TikTok, you already know I love sharing pieces of my life, modest fashion, faith, family, and the everyday beauty in between. buy I’ve been craving a space where I can show up a little more openly, more honestly, and without the pressure of algorithms or outside noise.

that’s why I created this newsletter.

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here, I’ll be sharing the parts of my journey that don’t always make it into a 30-second reel, the behind-the-scenes of motherhood and modesty, the ups and downs of my hijab journey, and the deeper reflections on faith and life that I often keep tucked away.

This will be our cozy corner of the internet, a slower, more intentional space.

What You Can Expect

• hijab styling tips and modest fashion breakdowns (capsule wardrobes, layering, outfit inspiration)

• reflections on my hijab and modesty journey, the struggles and the beauty

• faith + family insights: what grounds me in motherhood and womanhood

• behind-the-scenes glimpses of my home and an upcoming home project, that I don’t always share elsewhere

• occasional Zoom sessions or lives, where we can connect more personally AND hijab tutorials with Q+A

a safe community built on encouragement, not judgment!

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Why This Space Matters

social media is beautiful, but it can feel fast, curated, and at times, limiting. this newsletter is a chance for me to share with you more freely, in my own words, at my own pace. think of it as a conversation at my kitchen island, not just another post you scroll past.

my hope is that this space will not only inspire, but also remind us that modesty, faith, and style can be woven into everyday life with ease and intention.

What’s Next

this is just the beginning. in the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing my first reflections on how modesty has shaped not just my style, but my sense of self. i will upload my jersey hijab tutorial here, with step by step guide. i’ll also be putting together some practical styling notes for fall, the kind of tips I’d share with a friend.

if this feels like the kind of space you’ve been looking for, I’d love for you to subscribe and come along. i’m so excited to have you here, and I can’t wait to see what we build together, insha’Allah.

with gratitude,

Ascia

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