Localtrotting: Dark Sugars

As I am no longer a London girl and instead situated in a beautiful market town in the East Midlands where the abundance of scenic nature marks the shortage of desserts places (holding back tears), I couldn’t help but reminiscence over one of the BEST hot chocolates I have ever had. This is the stuff of legends – pure indulgent liquid cocoa. What you envision the chocolate fountain in Willy Wonka’s factory tasting of!

 Behold, I present to you Dark Sugars of Brick Lane.

Contemplations: Seeking My Worth From Others

My recent article for Amaliah

How many times does the approval of others make you feel good about yourself?

I wouldn’t have to think twice before responding with a defiant “No way!”, but, deep down I know well and truly that a well-placed compliment puts a spring in my step. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the appreciation, admiration and confirmation from those around me are often what drives me. When I’m without this, I feel my self-worth slowly slipping away from between my fingers, leaving me abandoned in my own cave of self-loathing.

Too many times I’ve felt let down by those around me – under appreciated and undervalued, resulting in a deep-rooted bitterness. But are the people around me really to blame? Sure, our Deen encourages us to value other people’s feeling so much so that showing gratitude to those around us is an extension of showing gratitude to Allah SWT.

“He has not thanked Allah who has not thanked people.” (Hadith, Abu Dawud 4811)

Image from Amaliah

Unicorn Party: Akeekah Shenanigans 2

Bestie had another pretty little princess around two months ago Allahuma barik laha and where there's a princess involved, there has to be a party brimmed with unicorns, sweet treats, frosting fights, and tassel garlands doubling up as teatowels!

It seems like only a few months ago when we were welcoming bestie's first little princess into the world and now, nearly two years later, she has grown into the cutest interactive toddler-turned-teenager with a teeny tiny pretty sister in tow!

This time round, with unicorns blowing up on social media, we decided to adopt this fun pastel theme for the Akeekah party and create a Pinterest-worthy evening complete with a dessert table, unicorn cake and plenty of DIY decorations to welcome new bebe to friends and family. Although new bebe wasn't too well aware of what was going on and probably won't until she gets older, we 'grown ups' certainly enjoyed the unicorn party on her behalf!

Street Eats – Halal Gems 2017

Being a lover of all things food related, I was so excited when I discovered Street Eats 2017 organised by Halal Gems #StreetEatsFest whilst browsing social media hard at work. Street food is all the scene in London at the moment, and although it isn't too difficult to find halal street food, there's nothing better than having all these vendors under one roof at Spitalfields Market.

After pestering the little brothers to join me from Luton, we embarked on an afternoon of feasting, munching, slurping and plenty of...... queuing. Sadly, there wasn't a shortage of that!

Before committing to any of the 30min+ queues, we deemed it wise to scour the stalls to see what type of delicious treats were on offer. From Khao Suey and adorable mini-Dutch pancakes to 12-hour smoked brisket and Indian fish and chips, there was something for everyone! 

Localtrotting: Picnic in the Park

There is no easy way to say this, but I am truly, utterly and wholeheartedly ashamed of my blogging writing habits. I really don't know how to justify the absence of posts over the last three months; however, the lack of exciting content is certainly not the case, I assure you! I put it down to discipline and self-control, something I am currently reading up on, which may be able to account for this post in particular! 

So much has happened over the last year, so we have a lot to catch up on. But the best way I see this working is recounting recent events and working backwards (let's hope I've finished reading The Marshmallow Test by then to see this ambitious goal put into practice).

As part of my Eid gift stash (A one-month late Eid Mubarak! Better late than never, hey?), my parents and brothers gifted me with the most precious picnic basket ever. Now, if you've read my previous posts, you'll know I adore all things vintage, dainty and quaint, with a nod to quintessential English countrysides and cottages, so when I peeked through the packaging and saw the beautiful ash willow, I knew for certain that my picnicking-in-style-dreams had finally come true! 

Contemplations: Forget planning the fairytale wedding and start preparing more for married life

My recent article for the Muslim Vibe

As a young girl, I always dreamed of my perfect wedding day – the non-traditional big white dress, the pretty flowers, the carefully co-ordinated cake, background drapes and bridesmaids, but most importantly, I dreamed of the day where I would feel like a queen with all eyes on me!     

Throughout my teenage years right to my early 20s my fantasy evolved, and with each wedding I attended, be it a cousin’s, friend’s or a complete random stranger’s, my plans solidified, and I had put together the exact blueprints for my big day. All I needed now was a husband in order to execute my dream wedding.

And when the time came for marriage, try as I might, no matter how hard I tried to prevent myself from getting completely engrossed with wedding preparations, all I could think about was that one day, those few hours sitting on a stage in my white dress and my long-anticipated fantasy turning into a reality.

It’s only now, six months into marriage, that I realise how easily sidetracked I had become with all the wedding preparations.

Image from the Muslim Vibe

Localtrotting: Tea on the Thames

The great thing about living in London, or what I mean to say is that in the four months that I've come to live in this road rage capital, there is so much to experience aside from the reckless half-wit drivers you encounter every passing day who are determined to hospitalise you as you drive!

 On a lighter note, as part of our Eid together as a married couple (yup, more details on the wedding to come!), my family gifted us with an afternoon tea for two on the Thames! Now, me being me, I love my cottages, remote countrysides, period dramas, Louisa May Alcott, china teacups, homemade lemonade, Wuthering Heights and most importantly....CAKES. Call me pretentious all you like, but secretly (to the knowledge of most people) I love the idea of living in a picturesque cottage in Cornwall or Devon, fishing on the weekends and running my own vintage tea shop. I often joke with my friends that I was born in the wrong era.

So, on a sunny, slightly blustery day, the hubby and I decided to take the trek to Tower Bridge and embark on our tea for two! I've always loved the concept of afternoon tea, way before it became on-trend, and always thought of it as a very delicate and appropriate way to consume treats. Taking the hubs along, I was very interested in how he, being a consumer of large 'manly' portions, would take to this, and to my amusement as our platter emptied away, he looked around casually, trying to catch the attention of one of the waiters: "Time for a re-fill," he announced!

Review: Moon Boutik- Urban Chic Abaya

As much as I love loath wedding shopping. Or what I really mean to say, as much as my family: mum, grandma, aunts, bestie and all enjoy wedding shopping, I cherish the moments when I can enjoy everyday 'normal' shopping. Be it buying bread from Tescos or socks from Primark, normality is a relief when you're plunged into wedding frenzy!

So it's time out from wedding shenanigans and onto an abaya review!

 Following on from my Marina maxi dress purchase from Moon Boutik, I was curious as to what else the online shop stocked. I'm always on the lookout for a good everyday abaya that's smart enough for work but still casual enough for the weekend.

Contemplations: "My worst enemy was living between my very own ears..."

My recent article for Sisters Magazine

When I graduated from uni in 2014, like many other graduates, I struggled to get into the job market, and this bought me really down. I wrote this article at the time to fully explore my attitudes and emotions and figure out how to turn this negative into a positive! Now it serves as a reminder whenever I think life is not going to plan!

Image from Sisters Magazine

I’ve always thought of failure as the biggest flaw in life. I saw a lack of success as breaking down your credibility and exposing you to the dark underbelly of misery. Yes, my perception of failure was extremely simplistic, to the point that failure to pass my first driving test resembled a funeral procession in my mind on the way home and a B in my mock GCSE’s resulted in a classroom meltdown. But having failed my 11 Plus (primary school exam) as a child, I always felt that I had to constantly prove myself, and any failure led me back to that dark time in my personal history, when I opened that brown envelope to reveal that I would not be joining my friends at grammar school.

Wedding Diaries: Dress Shopping - Part 1

Because no wedding is complete without a BIG dress!

What big day is complete without a ginormous 4 figure wedding dress encrusted with enough bling to make your eyes water and a 10 ft train long enough to drag all 20 bridesmaids in tow?
  

To be honest,  I've been dreaming about my wedding dress as a little girl. But seriously which girl doesn't? I've prowled the internet meticulously saving images of glorious designer gowns dripping with everything  but the kitchen sink.

 As my friends and cousins started to get hitched, nothing bought me more joy than going bridal shopping and pulling out the heavy arm-wrenching yet undeniably gorgeous lenghas and dresses, knowing one day in the distant future it would be me trying them on!

A Beautiful Beginning to a Beautiful New Year

Ah yes, all have guessed. One has officially become two!

 This mention is long overdue, and as the first month of 2016 comes to an end, it also signals 1 month since this Miss became, dare I say it, a Mrs. 

Yes, I've relinquished my singleton and acquired a husband or as I really say it...hoosband (don't ask but it always comes out that way). Although we've had our Nikah - Muslim ceremony (more on that later), we've still got the big main wedding party/Walimah to look forward to.

So beware, I'll warn you in advance, as you're in for one bumpy ride, as I tackle wedding planning, husband managing, trousseau packing, honeymoon foraging all while carefully preserving my very sanity!

Akeekah Party Shenanigans

Yesterday, I attended the Akeekah Party of my bestie's first-born! Me and the bestie go way back..to the days of jelly shoes, Capri suns and Barbie dolls. We've known each other as kids and went to the same nursery and primary school. Even after my family moved away from our hometown when I was a teen, we managed to stay in contact and our friendship has gone from strength to strength since alhamdulilah. 

It was amazing and a little emotional celebrating the birth of her daughter in the same room that we had celebrated bestie's fifth birthday around two decades ago! Funny enough, we somehow ended up wearing the same colours that we had worn at our first party together! Talk about fate! 

Localtrotting: Barton Hills, Bedfordshire

There's something really refreshing about being surrounded by sun and the great outdoors, and with the downpour of rain these last few days, it's time to look at the glorious rolling hills of England! 

With it being so easy to jet off to exotic locations these days, it's easy to dismiss the beautiful landscapes that are so close to home.

Globetrotting: Casablanca, Morocco

Let's pretend it hasn't been around 6 months since I last blogged (utterly shameful!) Well, what can I say? I got a job. Not really much of an excuse! So anyway, before I can think of another feeble excuse to pardon my extreme tardiness in blogging, let's take a trip back to Morocco to visit the ever-so charming city of Casablanca.

During our family vacation to Rabat, Morocco last year, we decided to make a day trip down south to Casablanca. Casablanca is probably one of the most well-known cities in Morocco. Well in my case, I knew of 'Casablanca' but not exactly of its location! It's one of those places like Timbuktu. Everyone knows of Timbuktu, but as soon as you ask the location...utter despair. So, prior to my trip to Rabat, I alluded Casablanca as one of those mythical places like Timbuktu, Madagascar, Atlantis etc.

Review: Moon Boutik- Marina Maxi Dress

Being a dedicated abaya gal, I rarely go for maxi dresses; although technically speaking abayas do kind of count as maxi dresses? Yes? No? Maybe? I always find it easier sticking with abayas, as you are guaranteed the perfect fit without having to fuss whether something is too clingy or transparent. However, a while ago, when I was shopping for holiday essentials,  I saw this gorgeous all in one top and skirt look by Moon Boutik and thought how fabulous it would look with some large oversized sunnies, a bright scarf and golden tan on holiday in sunny side Rabat.  

The dress consists of a stripey black and white top with an elasticated attached skirt, which is- available in 6 different colours. I have to admit I wasn't too keen on the whole elasticated waistband or the fact that the dress was only available in one for all size. Elasticated waistbands are great for cinching you in at the waist, but unfortunately the same effect is not always achieved elsewhere- aka upside down muffin tops. But admits these concerns, I decided to go for the standard black Marina dress, as holidaying in Rabat did not seem the same with an alternative.    

 

   

Globetrotting: Rabat, Morocco

Ahoy there!

Apologies for the long absence. No I haven't forgotten about blogging (ok so maybe I did)
Anyway, I'm back! And it only seems appropriate to reminiscent about sun drenched family holidays (sigh) while we enter the thick of the winter here in the UK.

In September of this year (ehem last year), I was fortunate enough to visit the capital of Morocco- Rabat for a a family holiday. Yes, I know you're thinking the same. Rabat, what's Rabat? Rabbits? NOO, Rabat! Isn't Marrakesh the capital? I'm afraid not. Not to worry, let's take a minutes to blame our geography teachers and tourist brochures for misleading us into thinking that the souk filled, vibrant city of Marrakesh was actually the capital. Shameful.

Haul: Smoky Not Smudgy 2014

So....onto the haul!

I have to say I find it a little puzzling that I only have two main purchases to share from SnS! It's always the case that when I empty my purse on a shopping splurge, I cannot pinpoint for the life of me what I actually bought. Well let me see...if you add everything up: a scarf, bottle of olive oil, jade bracelet, maxi cardigan, a crusty cupcake, biryani, sweeties and a calligraphy class, it does actually equate to a nice enough sum.

Before we decided to part with our cash, my chums and I made an executive decision to scour the entire bazar section of SnS meticulously in order to find the best picks of the day ( hey, no judging! We're students/recent graduates, we don't wanna be fobbed off!). I was constantly drawn to a sweet little stall selling beautiful silk bouquets, Cherry Blossom Bouquets, and had to resist the urge of actually buying my own little bouquet. Forget jilbabs, scarfs and sweets... its a bouquet that I actually want! The owner also sold handmade jewellery, Romeesa London, with semi-precious stones, and although I knew I could not possibly return home with a bridal bouquet in tow, the same couldn't be said about the jewellery pieces!

 

Smoky Not Smudgy 2014

This is an overview of my experience at the 2014 annual Smoky Not Smudgy charity event at Imperial College London. Inshallah I will be uploading more pictures of the fashion show and all the goodies that I somehow accumulated later on. So keep an eye out for more upcoming details!

So, last Sunday I hopped onto a train with some chums and headed to the extremely well-known Smoky Not Smudgy event in Kensington. This was my first time at Smoky Not Smudgy, and leading up to the event I was really excited as it's built quite a reputation for itself, being promoted on various hijab blogs and vlogs, and featuring a great mix of stalls, bloggers, workshops and fashion shows,  showcasing modest yet stylish clothing. I've been following the event for a few years now and have been impressed with the commitment of the volunteers and the variety of stalls and activities that the event itself offers.

  

Let's Bake: Candlelight Caramel Cake

This is the perfect cake if you're looking for a real winter warmer pud. It's a really straightforward cake to make and doesn't take long to bake. Two layers of super light caramel pecan cake sandwich a creamy caramel buttercream before being draped in a flourish of more caramel buttercream and a garnish (or mindless scattering) of pecans and chocolate bits. Caramel cake has been on my mind for a while now, and after an endless struggle to find a recipe that didn't contain an ounce of salt (i'm afraid salted caramel doesn't quite cut it for me) I ended up adapting a fabulous recipe from The Pink Whisk and added pecans to give the cake more substance. 

In terms of decorating, I tried to go for effortless chic, but to be honest I just really wanted to eat the cake so I quickly slathered on some buttercream, aimlessly threw on some pecans and chocolate, and dribbled some caramel on the side. My peeps seems to like the whole look, but to be honest I think they were just grateful that a cake had been baked, so I  went with the whole messy-but-so-totally-2014-vibe. I've seen this look a lot recently, where the poor cake is left to fend for itself beneath a pile of sweets, fruits or whatever else may lurking in the kitchen cupboards.  

The Shackles are Released

In the name of God, most Gracious, most Merciful

I’ve been meaning to write a blog for a while now, having silently scoured the blogging scene for a jolly good few years and since the last time I shared  my personal musings were back in the uniform days (aka school...eek). So with the encouragement of a few special people, you know who you are, I’ve  finally managed to park myself down and compile this long overdue blog crammed with my over-zealous thoughts, passions and a few snazzy photographs courtesy of moi. And so the shackles of my very stubborn self have been prised open, allowing me, and anyone else hovering around, to indulge in the small treasures of life that I have encountered along the way. Whether it’s travelling the globe, stuffing your face with cake or hijabi fashion, I hope to reignite my love for writing and explore the wondrous delights of this world.

Welcome to A Traveller’s Treasurebox