I look at my children’s good health and the kindness of my husband and say alhamdullilah, but there are times when it is hard to have this attitude.For me one of these times was when I had my youngest child. I have always been lucky in having a kind, helpful better half and a useful […]

Our social lives seem to revolve around food at the moment, especially with Mum- and Dad-in-law going to Pakistan this week.  We’ve had numerous dinner invites from friends and family to say goodbye, five in the last two weeks and the odd occasion where we have invited people to dinner. In itself this is rather lovely. […]

I came across some rave reviews for this book online, so decided to treat myself to it. I am a big fan of any kind of post-apocalyptic literature. I love the creation of a possible future world, whether positive or negative and the various scenarios played out in the new world and how humanity deals […]

I really wanted to get my henna done this Eid, but usually find myself too busy around Eid day or the night before to sit still for  the time it takes to apply and then dry.  This Eid, my very sweet neighbours invited us around the day before and applied it for us – myself, […]

We drive by this installation very often, it’s called the Lighted Lady of Barking (by Joost Van Santen). When she was tiny, Little Lady was convinced that mermaids lived in the sculpture and I never disabused her of the idea. I’ve been trying to get a decent picture for days and this is the best […]

I sit here at my desk, feeling bored and spaced out, with that underlying edge of panic that comes back sometimes. Nervous energy trapped in a body that’s trapped at a desk. Things to do, always more to do and get done. I take a deep breath and stare at my hands, the band my […]

This dish is usually prepared during Ramadan in Pakistani households, but can also be served as a healthy dessert or even as an appetizer. It’s a good way to clear out the fruit in the bowl which is getting a bit soft. I tend not to use apples or pears which are too firm as […]

I have been trying to prepare for Eid and also for the end of Ramadan.  It might sound strange to prepare for the end of Ramadan, but I have been thinking about what habits I will go back to: overeating?  Talking too much?  This Ramadan has certainly made me not want to talk to anyone […]

I have been feeling funny lately. Lethargic, anti-social, lazy, not very interested in anything.I start a hundred things and can’t seem to go anywhere near finishing any of them. Books I have read two chapters of are piling up on my bedside table, a pile of cards I have started and not finished and lots […]

Not really a book review because I haven’t read his books of short stories myself, but I have found that I enjoy them very much. My husband picked up a few of this writer’s books from our local library’s Urdu section and quickly found himself hooked. Usually when he finds something he likes he will […]

I am rather conscious I have been missing from action in blogland for a while. I just checked my dashboard and couldn’t believe how many comments there were to publish. I am struggling a little at the moment with severe nausea and exhaustion, interspersed with some rather nasty stomach pains. Everyone who hears this jumps […]

My dad came back from a trip to Saudi for Umrah (pilgrimage) and Pakistan to visit family.  He travelled with his two brothers, my awesome uncles who are also my friend’s alhamdulillah.  They had a great time and brought back exotic food for us. The tub of dates include the small dark ajwa dates which […]

My youngest two (collectively known as the Babies), remind me so much of my youngest two sisters: fashionista and Harlequin.  Not only do they look like them, they play and fight exactly as I remember they used to (and sometimes till do). When they are good together, they adore each other and play like friends.  […]

It was World Book Day yesterday and this year we decided we would create costumes from we had or could wear again rather than buy them. Little Lady goes to an Islamic school, so the girls took part but the school stipulated that there should be no witches or vampires – which probably rules out […]