bag of treats

Cinnamon Cake

2012-02-16T14:09:00.000+10:00

I came across this recipe for Cinnamon Cake during my search for inspiration for a cake I want to make for a school fair baking competition. It's not till next month, so I figured I could find a few inspiring recipes & images, then try them out and pick out my favorite to enter into the competition.

What can I say about this cake? It was light, fluffy and extremely tasty! I was sure it was going to become a hit in my house when the smell of cinnamon took over my house while this beauty was baking in the oven. Besides using less sugar, and a mix of vegetable oil and butter as opposed to 180g of butter, I stuck to the recipe as it is.

I think I have found what I want to enter into the baking competition!Just a few things to add and it will be perfect, inshaAllah!

Do you bake? What do you usually make, or wish you could make?

Pretty Things

2012-02-15T22:18:00.001+10:00

I recently entered a giveaway on Gary Pepper Vintage and even though I don't expect to win (I don't have a great competition winning streak :p) it was the perfect excuse to go online and look at pretty clothes, bags and shoes!

If by some miracle(ha!) I won, I would pick something of the following:

1. Cream Tibi Tuxedo Jacket

2. Alexander McQueen Tuxedo Jacket

3. Burberry Brit Olive Green Parka Coat

4. Carven Twist Waist Top

5. See By Chloe Pink Poplin Daisy Devon Print Top

6. Project D by Dannii and Tabitha Print Tunic

7. See By Chloe Doctor Bag

8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote

9. Cala & Jade Tote Bag

That right there, is wishful thinking! It doesn't hurt to admire those beautiful clothes and bags though, does ?

If you were given $1000 to spend, what would you get? Let me know in the comment box!

Tagged

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000+10:00

I was tagged by the fabulous UmmSultana from Lifestyle of a Furiously Fab Muslim.

The question is What kind of shopper are you?

Here is the scenario:

You walk into the store and you see a scarf or dress in multiple colors. Which color do you choose and why? You can choose based on 3 motivations:

I choose because I love the color!
I choose because this particular color looks good on me!
I choose because this color is in season now and is really trendy!

My answer:

My reasons for buying things vary. Some days, I buy things I've been wanting for a long time and other days I buy things for the sake of buying them. But the main reasons I buy things is because they look good on me, the color, cut, style it all factors in when I'm clothes shopping. Once upon a time, I lived in black clothes, black scarfs, black dresses, black everything, but slowly I've been moving towards colors. Nowadays, pinks, greens, blues and yellows reign supreme on my clothes rack.

I'm not one to follow trends, if something is new and I like it, I'll buy it. If it's 2 years old and I like it, I will still buy it. A few clothes I own I actually bought a few years ago, and only wore once or twice since. My dress sense lately can be summarized into one word; Comfort. I don't like wearing all my bangles at once anymore, necklaces make rare appearances and I've forgotten what most of my rings look like. For now, I like the change. Who knows, maybe I'll go back to being over-accessorized and I'll probably like it too.

Edit: I forgot to tag people.

I tag Shahirah, Aisha, SaLuff and anyone else who wants to participate!

Signal Hill

2012-02-05T19:11:00.000+10:00

Last weekend, my family and I drove up to Signal Hill. This is where you can get some of the best city views, and also it's where the Muslim folk in my city go to sight the moon for Ramadan and Eid.

Currently Reading

2012-02-02T19:39:00.002+10:00

When I was picking these books up from the public library, I was like a child in a candy shop.

~~Butterfly Mosque~~

Eating Animals

Cutting For Stone {recommended by a friend}

Weekend Snapshots

2012-01-30T08:59:00.000+10:00

One fabulous day spent at a beautiful beach with incredible people makes up for all the mundane summer days.

How beautiful are the views! One of the things that stand out about New Zealand are the beautiful natural scenery that is available to us in abundance. I may always wish I lived somewhere else, but NZ is home and I would love to grow old here rather than in some dark, grey city with hardly any nature to enjoy!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Tribal Inspired

2012-01-27T21:56:00.001+10:00

Lately, I've been leaning more towards the comfortable pieces in my wardrobe. My days of dressing up and accessorizing are long gone. For now, I'm really enjoying the change. Although my accessorize collection is gathering quite a lot of dust. Lol.

Thanks to the sudden cold snap in the air, my trench coat has had to make an appearance while my winter coat sits in a bag in Australia. All my winter clothes are still in Australia, and I'm finding it quite difficult to dress suitably on the cold days Dunedin has been experiencing.

The scarf is actually cut from a piece from a Somali dress set. They're always so colorful and easy to wear. Needless to say, I love the print on this material, reminds me of native Navajo, Aztec and African prints.

Trench: Forever 21

Top: Dotti

Skirt: Supre

Shoes: EziBuy

Scarf: Non Branded

Ring: Lovisa

Simple Pleasures

2012-01-21T20:56:00.001+10:00

There's something very special about having ice-cream on a sunny day. And something even more special when it is had with dear friends.

Hope you're all having a good weekend!

Giveaway on Trendy Melbourne

2012-01-14T11:58:00.003+10:00

To be in to win one of these two gorgeous scarves and much more, head on over to Trendy Melbourne and enter her fabulous giveaway! You do not want to miss out!

Striped

2012-01-12T15:38:00.000+10:00

This is my favorite top. It's the one I throw on when I have "nothing" to wear, or when I'm running errands. It's also my can-find-a-way-to-match-with-everything top.

Scarf: Scarf Queen

Top: Glassons

White Top: Cotton On

Skirt: Max

Bag: Aldo

Shoes: Ezibuy

Hello Two Thousand and Twelve

2012-01-01T13:57:00.000+10:00

2011 was a year of many achievements for myself as well as family and friends. Albeit, I could have done without some parts, but it's the hardest times that make us stronger!

As hard as it is for me to bid farewell to 2011, I look forward to 2012. I look forward to making changes, and taking the steps needed to realize my goals.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all my followers, friends and family who have been with me on this blog as well as in my life this past year! I appreciate the love and support you all give me, and hope I can do the same for you.

I wish you all a very happy new year! May Allah's blessings descend upon you, and may it be filled with positivity, happiness and lots of laughter!

My Graduation!

2011-12-16T21:00:00.000+10:00

As I said in my previous post, no words could describe the roller coaster of emotions I felt on my graduation day. Alhamdulillah I had my mother, sisters and aunt to celebrate with but it would have been a thousand times better had my other siblings and friends been there! I guess this is what I get for moving cities on a whim and graduating from a different varsity.

This is going to be a wordy and picture heavy post, so bear with me. It was a LONG day, and warranted taking lots of pictures!

My biggest worry on the day was definitely the weather. Wellington (and New Zealand in general) is known to have quite the weather changes. The weather forecast the night before told us to brace ourselves for lots of rain and winds. I don't know if I've mentioned this before on the blog, but I hate, with a passion, getting wet. I refuse going to the beach or taking part in water activities because of the whole getting wet part. It's not like I've ever had a bad experience or anything, it's just something that I realized about myself a few years ago. So you can imagine how worried I was. Thankfully though, the weather held up, and we even had clear skies for the first part of our ceremony!

The graduation ceremony started with a procession from the Government Building, located opposite the national parliament buildings and went through the city's CBD and ended in the Civic Square where the Town Hall is located. It was a long walk, took almost 40minutes to complete, but to see people lined on the side of the street, clapping and cheering friends, family and strangers was a highlight for me. I found myself tearing up several times throughout the parade, and was wishing more of my loved ones were there to share this special day with me. InshaAllah the next time.

When the almost 1000 graduands, their famiiesy and friends filled the Civic Square, we were welcomed by the Mayor of Wellington; Celia Wade-Brown. Her short speech was followed by lots of cheering, picture taking and chatting.

Before I continue, I have to say, this graduation ceremony was by far the best I've ever been to! I've previously attended the graduations of friends and my sister from the University of Otago, but this surpassed all my expectations and preconceived notions about graduations. It might have been because this time, I was the graduand, or simply because it was a different university and a different city. Whatever it as, it was incredible!

Anyway, the graduation ceremony itself was quite nice. We were welcomed into the hall by a Haka performance. The Haka is a traditional Maori war-dance performed for various reasons: for amusement, as a hearty welcome to distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievements or occasions. Leading my fellow graduands into the hall was a great honor for me, and I will forever cherish he memory! The performance was then followed by a few words by the university's Pro Vice Chancellor which led to the most important part of the whole day. The Chancellor officially declared us graduates and we were finally allowed to wear our caps! The next two hours were spent listening to speeches by various people, the 2011 valedictorian and nearly 350 student crossing the stage. Off course, I was the first in my faculty(thanks to my last name!) and I was surprisingly not as nervous as I thought I might have been.

All in all, it was a fantastic day, spent with people I love, and began and ended with a bang.

This post is an ode to all the sleepless, stress-filled, emotional nights I spent as an undergraduate student. For all the nights spent nearly OD-ing on caffeine, crying and cursing. For all the nights wasted on the internet. For all the love, support and encouragement I received from my family and friends, and for all the things I accomplished by pushing myself more and more. Also, for the coming days that are filled with uncertainty, and the excitement of waiting and hope.

Now, onto the next phase of my life. So far, it looks like I'm going back for more studies, but nothing is for certain except that the last 3 and half years were among the best and worst years of my life.

Sneak Peak: Graduation

2011-12-15T21:41:00.002+10:00

So I have finally graduated varsity! I am now a graduate with a BCA in Marketing.

No words are enough to describe the roller coaster of emotions I felt on the day! It truly was the best and worst day simultaneously.

I'm still pretty tired from the day. I will be posting more pictures along with commentary in the days to come. Till then, have a good weekend where ever you may be. Xx

Yislamoo

2011-12-06T22:53:00.000+10:00

For someone who has never celebrated Halloween, I'm quite the fan of the once-pagan-festival. I don't care much about the dressing up in costumes part, or using the day as an excuse to get out of school/uni/work (shame on you if you've ever used Halloween as an excuse!), what I love about Halloween (and Easter, but that's a story for another day) is the crazy amounts of sweets and chocolates stores have to get rid of the days and months after Halloween night. I am sure I am not the only one who loves this seriously disturbing day for all-the-wrong-reasons! LOL.

Anyway, this past Halloween, Yislamoo were hosting a competition. It was short and simple, name the scariest film you've ever seen. Mine was and still is Child's Play. I was 6 when I saw it, and had me frightened for many nights after! Honestly, sometimes I wonder what my parents were thinking letting me watch it.

For the first time in my life, I won. The competition. Yes, I know it's sad, but I have never won anything before. Anyway, I got to choose 5 cards from their current collection. Let me just tell you, choosing just 5 cards was not easy because I love every single one of their cards! I am eagerly waiting for their website to be up and running to order some more!

I chose:

{Translates to: I Like You}

{Translates to: 1% I Love You, 99% I Love you to death}

{A very funny way of saying: Get Well Soon}

The remaining 2 are part of a surprise for a dear friend, and since I know she reads my blog, i'd rather leave it a surprise!

Go and checkout Yislamoo's cards, and definitely order a few. The quality of the postcards is great, each one's got that Arab sense of humor that we all know and love(!) and it will sure get a few chuckles from whoever you send them to. Trust, me, you will not be disappointed.

I plan to save mine and hopefully order a few more to give to family and friends once they're able to ship internationally!

Thanks a bunch Yislamoo Team!

Taupe

2011-12-01T14:12:00.000+10:00

I am in love with this color! Earlier in the year, I found a great pair of taupe flats from Aldo and have been hooked ever since. Unfortunately, I wore the shoes out a little too much and are now at some dump yard in Brisbane; Australia. Le sigh.

Skirt: Gifted, Max
Singlet:Borrowed
Jacket: Tempt
Scarf: Van Hausen
Shoes: Gifted, Ezi Buy

Out and About: Wellington City

2011-11-27T11:17:00.000+10:00

I am back in Windy Wellington waiting on my graduation. There's not much I have to say. My sister and I spent our Saturday walking around the city and ended it with a much needed bagel at Wholly Bagels and Pizza in the city.

I absolutely love this city, there's always a new place to discover, and older places to visit again! I cannot wait for my mother and younger sister to come here in just over 2 weeks to show around this lovely city! It was my home for a good 8 months last year which is why it will always have a special place in my heart!

[All photos taken by my sister and I]

My Future Listography- All I Hope To Do In Lists

2011-11-21T21:45:00.001+10:00

One of the gifts I got for my 24th birthday which was about a week ago. Love it! Anyone who knows me well knows how perfect this is for me. Lol.

Eid-ing

2011-11-16T23:30:00.000+10:00

I hope you all had a beautiful first day of Eid ul-Adha! It was a pretty standard day for us, except for the fact that I spent the entirety of the previous night on a skype call with my mum, who only let me go when she was ready to go to sleep, so you can imagine the state I was in at the Eid prayers, lol. It actually wasn't bad, until I sat under the sun, then sleep took over and I started to doze off. I hope people didn't notice!

Since we prayed at a local park, we spent a good part of the morning at a fair that was organized for the Muslim community. There were lots of food, games and a big sense of community in the place. I loved it!

What I wore:

Edit: So I wrote this post on the first day of eid, published it, took it down and decided to fill in the void by publishing it again. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging lately, between travelling, and moving houses I hardly have anytime to do anything for myself, so no posts. But I will be travelling back to New Zealand over the weekend, and hopefully will resume posting.

Till then, take care my lovelies! Xoxo

Eid Mubarak & كل عام وأنتم بخير

2011-11-06T18:17:00.000+10:00

Source: flickr.com via Amina on Pinterest

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Eid Al Adha!

I pray that Allah SWT accepts all your prayers and dua's (suplications) and that you all spend wonderful times with your families and friends at this blessed time! Xx

Discoveries

2011-11-02T21:25:00.000+10:00

Every once in a while, in the world wide web, I come across something so amazing I feel like it would almost be a sin not to share. Lately, I've been listening to the kind of music that isn't usually played at your best friend's party, music I wouldn't have stumbled across had I not been bored out of my mind(!). The talents behind this music are arab artists who are so passionate about their music, the cheap-vulgar-nonesense of today's arab pop would not stand a chance against if the people listened with their ears rather than with their desires.

Tonight I came across an artist who ventured on finding his sensational talent at playing one of my favorite instruments after reaching a pretty low point in his life. To learn more about Khyam Allami and how he set on the journey to mastering the 'Oud, go here.

For now, let's just enjoy the music.

Wake Up Call

2011-10-07T22:42:00.001+10:00

Last night, my aunt and I were in a pretty serious car crash. Alhamdulillah neither one of us was seriously harmed, and Alhamdulillah we both got home safe, alebit a little bruised and battered.

The car didn't share a similar fate, and unfortunately it had to be written off the road. I didn't realise the seriousness of the crash until this morning when we went to the tow-yard to take some things from the car. The passenger's side was a complete wreck, last night i knew it had rammed into me, but seeing the damage in broad daylight showed how much more damage could have happened at the crash scene. Alhamdulillah, my aunt and I walked out alive when people have been killed in less serious crashes.

All night, one thing was on mind; I was literally scared of the thought of dying. It made me realize that I am not, in any way, shape or form ready to meet Allah SWT. I'm not ready because I don't feel like I've put enough effort in proving myself for a spot in paradise. I realized, I've got so many things to reflect on, so much to work on within myself and in terms of my imaan which is at an all-time low at the moment. I think all in all, I want to reach a stage where if faced with such a situation, I'm not afraid, or thinking about this duniyah (world) and rather accept my fate as it is.

Today, I woke up and the first thing that came to mind was this ayah:

Allah Almighty says, "Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the Garden, has triumphed. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of delusion," (3:185)

It is only by the grace of Allah SWT that I am here tonight, telling you all of this. It is only by the grace of Allah SWT that I was able to speak to my mum again tonight. And inshaAllah, it will be by the grace of Allah SWT that i will work on my spiritual self, on rekindling my relationship with Him and inshaAllah on trying to become a better Muslimah in this duniyah in preparation for the aakhira (hereafter), bi 'ithniLlah.

Electric Blue

2011-09-28T17:05:00.000+10:00

Lately, I've been leaning more and more towards brighter, and more colorful clothes. With spring definitely here in Australia, and the weather being unbearably hot, black is not an option of clothing. Even my go-to black maxi dress hasn't been worn out much.

I love this shirt! It was an impulse buy during my week in Sydney and I can safely say that it is fast becoming my favorite shirt. I think I might get one or two made in the same style for the upcoming summer back in New Zealand.

Blueberry Breakfast Cake

2011-09-12T13:00:00.000+10:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE summer fruits! And what I love about being in Brisbane, is that summer fruits are available almost all-year round!

This inspired me to make this Blueberry Breakfast Cake that I found via pinterest. Two words: Out of this World! Okay, that was more than two, but who cares. The cake was delicious with a capital D and the family loved it. Mission accomplished.

Lessons Learned

2011-09-11T05:50:00.001+10:00

A few things I learnt tonight at the Brisbane Broncos vs. NZ Warriors game:

1. It doesn't matter if you only know the name of one player in a team, you will still get riled up when they come out.

2. People don't like to talk when they're watching the game, especially when you ask "What happened?" every 2 minutes.

3. You will become weirdly defensive during the match. You won't accept anyone saying anything about your team.

4. You will over cheer. Those cheerleaders ain't got nothing on you.

5. You will connect with anyone and everyone supporting the same team as you. Small-chat isn't so awkward in these situations.

6. You will have a good time no matter what.

7. If as you leave your home you think you need a jacket for later, listen to your brain and take one!

Definitely looking forward to the next live game!

Spring @ Country Road

2011-09-07T02:03:00.000+10:00

[Photo credit: Country Road]

The beautiful, colored and oh-so-springy skirts have finally arrived down-under.

I want them all!

New Yorkers Say Something Nice

2011-08-24T19:09:00.000+10:00

Given the opportunity, what would you say into a megaphone?

#ZodiacFacts

2011-08-16T22:51:00.000+10:00

I've always been a sucker for Zodiac Facts, albeit I don't always agree nor believe what they say, I just get a kick out of what "The Experts" think I, and other Scorpios are like or what our our day will turn into. I am an optimistic by nature and reading my daily horoscope just gives me that extra bit of boost at the start of each day.

Sometimes, The Experts get it right. For example, this was tweeted by none other than the bearer of the name of the post; ZodiacFacts on twitter.

As a #Scorpio, you may be far more restrained than you want.

However, you may not even realize how guarded and closed you act.

Not too long ago, I came to the realization that I am indeed more reserved and closed off than I would like. As much as I've tried to change, I am still the same. I don't think my nearest and dearest have ever realized this about me. Heck, I've hated almost all of my friends before I let my guard down and spoke to them.I don't know why I am the way I am, but it is something that's constantly on my mind and surely something I would like to change about myself.

This was also constantly on my mind at my last job, and on my way home yesterday I thought maybe I am more suited for a desk/office job. Sigh.

Middle Eastern Parents

2011-07-24T03:03:00.000+10:00

I've always loved those "You know you're_____ when.." lists because most of the time, most things apply to me except for one or two crazy facts. So it's no wonder I love the "You know you're Arab when.." list because let's face it, us Arabs are a crazy bunch of people. That's crazy in a good way! No need to get angry!

So when I saw this linked on a friend's wall on facebook (ahh, good ol' Facebook) I had to click, just because of the title. I mean, c'mon, if you're Middle Eastern, you have more than enough experience dealing with parents. There's none of that "Come here darling" sort of treatment, our parents are firm but hilarious in their own ways, and this vid shows the non M.Es just that.

A simple Google search will bring up the list, but before I sign off this is a much needed addition to the list, by a friend:
63. Your father calls you calmly to come downstairs. You're scared. Did he see the text message one of your friends left? Damn it, did you leave your facebook open? You go downstairs. You make a quick duaa. You say ''Yes, baba?''
He wants the controller 3 feet away from him.

Gotta love our Mammas and Babas!

Incredible Night

2011-07-20T16:47:00.000+10:00

Last week, I had the fortune of attending a very special event. Three very talented brothers were in town for a one-off show and boy was I glad I found out about it. You see, these lads were supposed to make an appearance in New Zealand, which unfortunately didn't happen. BUT, seeing them in Australia is definitely one of the highlights of my stay here!

Okay, I won't stall any longer, if you've heard of The Strangers' Tour then you know who I'm talking about. Yes, the super talented brothers were non-other than Boona Mohammed (whom I blogged about here), the famous Youtuber; Baba Ali, and the very well-spoken Sh. Navaid Aziz.
I was so star-struck once they came into the hall, I was jumping and clapping on the inside. Off course, I had to stay composed and not come across as the ~~stalker~~ fan I truly am. LOL. I didn't have a camera with me so didn't take any pictures to show you, I did however take LOADS of mental pictures. I don't sound like a stalker now, do I? Hehe

Anyway, the night, despite starting on Muslim time, i.e 1 hour late, was a hit! Boona's words, though serious and heavy, were a good reminder as we prepare for the holiest of months. Sh. Navaid followed up with a beautiful example of what an Islamic lecture aimed at a relatively young crowd should be like, on-point, entertaining and most importantly relevant! MashaAllah, there was no fault in the way these two brothers delivered their message on the relationship with Almighty Allah. Baba Ali, being the Youtube sensation that he is, didn't fail to make the room roar with laughter. His segment dealt with the relationship between a husband and wife and how each one must work at understanding their better half rather than whinging about the differences.

This was Boona Mohammed's first piece and coincidentally one of my favorites

Some of the material Baba Ali talked about: Communication

In an ideal world, the night would have been longer, the speakers would have been given unlimited speaking time, and I would have had a better form of transport to-and-from the event. Alas, the night was short, each brother had a short amount of time in which to dazzle us, and my 2 companions and I had to leave during the Q&A session to catch our bus back into the city.

Oh well, at least I got to go. Aye?!

The Wedding

2011-07-15T18:57:00.000+10:00

It's finally here. This post is not going to be as picture heavy as I'd hoped it would be thanks to my laptop crashing. Our friend, Parisa's wedding was such an incredible affair. Being back with her, and her sister, and having a couple of the girls come down from Malaysia and Indonesia via Melbourn was oh-so-amazing. We haven't had all the girls together for about 2 years now, and this wedding was the perfect way to bring us, or most of us back together under the same roof. I've missed these girls so much!

Now onto some pictures.

The Arrangement on the Bridal Table.

With the Beautiful Bride.

The Whole Gang.

Yours Truly, at the End of a Long Day.

I opted for a traditional Somali dress, called a Dira'. It's a three piece dress made up of the dress, a petticoat and a dupatta-like material to either wear as a head-scarf or to drape on the shoulder. This specific style is called Ba' Wayney, which roughly translates to 'Big Bag'. Lol.

[photocredit: Sumayyah and Lamya]

A Sneak Preview: The Wedding

2011-07-06T22:42:00.001+10:00

[Photocredit: Lamya]

Never Too Many

2011-06-18T11:33:00.002+10:00

This year is proving to be a good one for me, alhamdulillah. I completed my undergraduate degree in February, travelled to the US and Canada in April/May and now, I'm getting ready for an even more special getaway with my girlfriends. Oh and in between all of that, I've spent an AWESOME time with the girls, who btw, are all graduating varsity this year also, inshaAllah. Yup, 2011 is a kick-ass year so far!

Below are some of the accessorize that I'm packing for the trip. Tbh, I totally suck at packing clothes, let alone accessorize so taking as little of my collection is going to be a challenge. I'll let you know how that goes in future, trip-related posts.

If you're one of the many people still sitting exams, wish you all the best in them. May Allah give you the results you're hoping for. But if you're one of the lucky ones who've started your summer vacation, PARTY ON!

Hope you all have a great summer wherever you are. Make the most of it, take lots of pictures and most importantly, RELAX!

Xoxo
Amina

Dubai Night Skies

2011-06-08T22:09:00.000+10:00

Sky from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

One of my ultimate goals is to create a time lapse video from a great location. Dubai is on my list.

HFW: Day 7-Party Hostess

2011-06-05T11:38:00.000+10:00

This is the last day of the May Hijab Fashion Week. It was great being part of this AMAZING event. Through it, I discovered a large group of fabulous bloggers, who have inspired me to dress more modestly and get out of my comfort-zone every once in a while and try something new.

I hope you, my readers, have enjoyed my contribution to this HFW and that I was able to show you all a little bit more of my personality through my personal style of dress.

Today's theme is pretty self explanatory. The top is what I really love about this look. The color is not too bright, which is something I am always wary about when putting a look together, and it's perfect for an outdoors party by the bbq or an indoors shindig with your closest family and friends.

Have a look at the final looks for this HFW over at the official event site. And if you haven't already enter fabulous giveaways!

HFW: Day 6- Vacation/Travel

2011-06-04T10:07:00.000+10:00

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I love exploring new places, meeting new people and experiencing a place different from where I live in New Zealand.

Travel wear usually translates to comfy and light to me. Most of the time, this means my comfiest jeans and a loose, colorful top to keep things casual. Over accessorizing and over dressing isn't something I do on holiday because I feel it sometimes stops me from going out and having fun on my often short trips.

This dress is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and will surely be seen on the blog in the coming months. It's very light-weight which makes it ideal for the summer, and also versatile to wear during the day and evening. And the color is simply beautiful. I love it!

Scarf: Susan {Borrowed from sister}

Dress: JayJays

Cardigan: Glassons

Going on a holiday soon? Take a cue from this fashionable ladies and click on the badge below!

HFW: Day 5- Jummah

2011-06-03T10:03:00.001+10:00

As a student, I went to Jummah in whatever I was wearing to class in the morning. I never made special arrangements for Jummah simply because I didn't have the time. It was always grab and go. But now that I am no longer a student (and yet employed) I am able to put more thought and effort in my Jummah outfit. Which is why i usually go for a simple maxi-dress, cardigan and a matching-ish scarf to pull things together. Nothing special, nothing too over the top. Same goes for my makeup.

Scarf: Witchery

Maxi: Glassons

Cardigan: Cotton On

Click on the badge to see what the other girls are wearing.

HFW: Day 4-Date Night

2011-06-02T12:41:00.001+10:00

Coming up with a look for this category wasn't too hard. Mind you, I am not engaged nor married, but i had a clear idea of what i'd wear in the future when that special man asks to take me out. Simple and slightly more dressed up than usual was the plan, and that usually means a black skirt.

I've paired my go-to black skirt with a shirt which I have to say is one of my favorites, but which also doesn't see much time out of the closet because I can never get it to look right with my jeans. Oh well.

Scarf: Unbranded

Top: Camaieu

Cardigan: Forever 21

Skirt: The Warehouse

Shoes: Aldo

Ring: Diva

Take a look at what the other beautiful girls are wearing out on their date nights!

HFW: Day 3-Workout Wear

2011-06-01T10:03:00.003+10:00

Having recently gone back to walking on a regular basis, and eating more healthy and generally trying to stay fit, choosing a Workout outfit to show you all wasn't too hard.

I usually opt for a regular fit top/singlet, tracks and a hoodie to keep me warm. And on rainy days, I just add a rain jacket to keep me dry.

This 'ghostly' picture was the first attempt at taking a decent running picture. I personally like the effect.

Run along (pun intended) to HFW to see how the other bloggers dress for Sports!

HFW: Day 2-Formal Attire

2011-05-31T10:41:00.000+10:00

Formal wear usually means overdressing for me. Living in a small town, there aren't many occasions where i can wear out my many Somali dresses (dira'), which is usually elaborately embellished, and comes in an array of colors.

For those who do not know, the Somali dress is a 3 piece dress. The main dress is usually made of silk and is accompanied by a petticoat of a matching color and a dupatta like material to wear as a head scarf.

For a more toned down formal look, i'll usually pair a dira' with a blazer or cardigan.

{Upclose detail}

{Yours Truly}

Head over to loveHFW to see what the other fabulous bloggers are wearing today!

Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!

2011-05-30T22:34:00.000+10:00

While sitting, and trying to distract myself on the world wide web from my utterly boring day, it dawned on me, this past May marked the (unofficial) 2nd birthday of Bag Of Treats!

I had over the last few months thought of ways to celebrate.

And when the day came, it completely slipped my mind. How ironic!

Anyway, I will not let this occassion go by without some sort of celebration.

And what better way to celebrate than with YOU, my readers!

You know what this means!? Bag Of Treat's FIRST giveaway!

So, my lovely readers, SAVE THIS DATE: 6TH JUNE!

Next Monday, I will announce how you can enter, and what the prize(s) will be!

Till then, let's just imagine I've set free a bunch of balloons similar to these.

[photocredit:weheartit]

HFW: Day 1-Work Wear

2011-05-30T10:48:00.000+10:00

As i prepare for the next stage of my life after Varsity, I imagine my future workplace to be laid-back, casual and a whole lot of fun, and that is what I wanted to portray in my outfit.

Everything i'm wearing in the pictures, I absolutely adore. The shoes and scarf I found during my recent trip to the United States. The rest is from New Zealand, and bought on sale. I love bargain hunting, i mean, why pay $90 for a blazer when I know I can get it for $40 or less in a month or two?!

Blazer: Dotti

Tops: Glassons

Pants: Susan

Scarf: Van Hausen

Shoes: Aldo

Bangles: Diva

Want to see what are bloggers are wearing to work?

Click on the badge below!

Live A Creative Life

2011-05-28T17:38:00.000+10:00

[photocredit:pinterest]

Eman: Timeless Beauty

2011-05-17T14:25:00.000+10:00

I found this beautiful picture of Supermodel Eman while doing research for an upcoming post. I am in love with the picture! Eman definitely makes the picture what it is.

Getaway (Part 3: Toronto)

2011-05-14T14:44:00.000+10:00

So this is the final entry of my getaway. I feel a little sad writing about Toronto in particular because a) we only spent 4 days there, and b) I got to meet 4 wonderful young ladies one of whom is blogger Fae from BreatheHijab and I wish I could have seen them more than once during my visit. This calls for another trip there!

Toronto, at first did not impress me. The first day there, the weather resembled the gloomy weather we were going to come home to, and though a trip up the CN Tower was enjoyable it would have been a tad bit better had we seen a better view of the city. Oh well, another year, another visit.

Onto the pictures, below is a collage of my favourite snaps from each day spent there. And I reckon this ought to go on record, Air Canada was by far the best, and smoothest flight i have ever been on! I would totally take it again!

Toronto is definitely a city i'd like to visit again! Hopefully during the summer as it seems to have a lot going on then.

Till then, thanks for a wonderful day girls, and insha'Allah you found my company as enjoyable as I yours.

Xoxo

Getaway (Part 2: Capital City)

2011-05-09T19:24:00.001+10:00

So this is the sequel to my Getaway (Part 1: Sleepless in Seattle) post. I had a great 3 week trip with my mum and sister. We visited so many amazing spots, monuments AND I finally met a few dear friends (that's another post).

Onto the second week. We spent it in... Washington D.C.(!) Though we didn't have as much time to explore the city as we did during our last visit, we still managed to visit the main monuments in the city, with the exception of the White House. After 5 1/2 hours of walking, we'd had it and opted to walk back to the subway station and head back to where we were staying instead of walking to the White House. Another year, aye.

Now, brace yourselves, this is a some-what picture heavy post. Commentary will follow each 'set' of pictures.

The first stop on our day out was the Smithsonian Mall. It is home to all the major museums (African Arts, Air & Space, Natural History Museum et al.) and serves at the gateway to all the major attractions in D.C.

The Washington Memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial has over the years, witnessed many important events. In 1963(?) it was the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his ever-so-famous 'I Have A Dream' speech in front of thousands of Americans. And not too long ago (Jan 2009) it was the very spot where the first African American president of the United States of America was sworn into office while millions of people stood witness on the grounds of the monument, the smithsonian mall and around the globe. Now that's a story to tell when we're old and grey!

Last but certainly not least, 5 hours of walking came to an end here:

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Situated along the Potomac River, it is home to the statue of one of the founding fathers of America. With great views of the Washington Memorial, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, it was the perfect place to end a very busy and fun day with my favorite travel companions.

I started to miss the city as soon as we left it. My visits there have been among the best trips i've been on in my 23 years. I certainly look forward to going there again, and taking in more of the city's sites.

Until my final 'Getaway' post, wishing you all a marvelous week!

Xoxo

Hijab Fashion Week: May 30- June 5

2011-05-09T04:19:00.001+10:00

You are cordially invited to attend the 2nd Hijab Fashion Week.

As per the first HFW, it will be filled with Hijab inspirations, fashion and sisterly bonding!

Insha'Allah, I will be taking part in the May HFW.

For information regarding this HFWs categories, participants and the much anticipated announcement of the special guest, visit the official loveHFW page and facebook. Be sure to click 'attending' and invite your friends to the facebook event!

Getaway (Part 1: Sleepless in Seatle)

2011-04-30T10:02:00.003+10:00

One of my passions in life is traveling and exploring new places. Even though I am not a very social person (don't get me started on talking to randoms... Awkward!) I would be more than happy to stop someone and ask for directions and such. You see, readers, I don't travel by maps. I just go wherever my feet take me and try to find my way around. I think that's how you'll be able to see more of a city and truly take it in. Otherwise, you miss out on the intimate parts of a city, the hidden alleyways and quirky corners.

If you've read this post, you'll know I've been traveling in the States and insha'Allah will be heading to Canada for 4 days.

The first stop on our trip was Seattle. Boy, am I in love with that city! It felt so much like home, but on a grander scale. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see much of the downtown area as we were spending alot of time visiting family (and off course shopping). There were a lot of family members to see and catch up with. Too many for a one week stay, I reckon.

Ahh, i'll end all this talk, and leave you with some pictures from our stay there.

The Seattle Space Needle

Downtown Seattle by night.

This, my friends, is the FIRST EVER STARBUCKS! If you're ever in the downtown Seattle area, it's located in the Pike Place Market.

The city was littered with Starbucks café. Needless to say, i LOVED it!

It's only been a few days since we've left it, but i already miss it. I miss the places we frequented, and most of all our family members who we've met for the first time. It's really strange, not knowing someone and then a few days later becoming very saddened at the prospects of leaving them. I definitely look forward to visiting the city again, and spending more time in it.

Till the next getaway post.

Xoxo

24+ Hours Later

2011-04-20T18:54:00.000+10:00

Hello my lovely readers! I haven't posted in a while, and i apologize for that. I was actually supposed to schedule a few posts before leaving Dunedin, but I didn't have the time to sit down and work on any.

My mum, sister and I have alhamdulillah made it to Seattle safely, though not without a few bumps.

Tonight, I am reporting from Seattle. So far, we did a little sightseeing, visited family (mum's relatives are more than I had first expected. And to make matters even better, we met a woman who is my great-grandmother!). And off course, no trip is complete without shopping, but i won't bore you with the details.

A view of downtown Seattle from the viewing deck at the Space Needle (think Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle(!))

Good Company, Good Food and a Great Farewell.

2011-04-13T21:36:00.002+10:00

Sometimes I wonder if my girlfriends and I deliberately make up excuses to meet up. It seems that we see each other at least 3-4 times a week, and when that does not happen, we make sure to make up for it the following week.

According to my mum, my time off hasn't been spent wisely. I spend my days at home lounging around, YouTubing, watching some of the 150+ films on my hard-drive and discovering quirky websites and blogs that make me read 10+ pages in one sitting (I am currently in LOVE with Ruffled).

You see, I spent the greater part of 2010 living alone in Wellington. I was limited to the outings, access to close-friends and spent the majority of my time there over-worked, over-stressed and in a constant state of tire. So i see this ample free time that I am FINALLY presented with as the time to make up for lost time. My girls, alhamdulillah, never fail to make me laugh. They truly know how to get me out of a funk. Well, except in the morning, I refuse to speak to anyone. My mornings are my alone time and i am adamant on keeping them that way, much to every body else's dismay.

We went to ~~one of~~ my favorite restaurant in town, The Reef for a mini farewell/last outing before i head of on a three week medical trip/vacation with my mother and younger sister. There really is no fault to be found in the restaurant; the ambiance, people and food make a good afternoon or evening great. It's no wonder i love it so much! Not to mention, they have some of the best seafood dishes in town.

What I ordered:Crispy Fried Calamari rings with Salad, Chips and Mayonnaise

This was the perfect end to a more than perfect few weeks. Spend the coming 3 weeks wisely girls!

Will miss you loads!

Akira Isogawa @ The Dunedin Public Art Gallery

2011-04-04T18:47:00.000+10:00

The acclaimed Australian fashion designer is the iD Dunedin Fashion Week International Guest Judge, and will be in conversation at the Public Art Gallery with Simon Swale, Fashion Design lecturer at The School of Design, Otago Polytechnic.

If you know anyone who'd be interested, it's on Thursday 7 April at 12.10 p.m. It's a gold coin entry and all proceeds to iD Dunedin.

I am super excited about the event as I've been a fan of Isogawa's work for a number of years now (all thanks to Marie Claire-Australia for introducing me to his label & designs!). Now, what to wear to an event hosted by the Fashion School & starring this genius of a designer?

Akira Isogawa, Spring/Summer 2010/11

Akira Isogawa, Winter 2011

Detail

2011-04-01T13:23:00.000+10:00

Awkward Moments with Elio

2011-03-31T21:56:00.000+10:00

Elio from Rob Díaz on Vimeo.

My.Worst.Nightmare.

Try This: Original Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-03-30T15:43:00.000+10:00

I absolutely love this recipe. I've always bought Chocolate Chip cookies from shops, and i've never been 100% satisfied with the taste and/or quality. I've found most of them to be a little too dry.

These little beauties are just right! They're soft and moist on the inside and hard on the outside. Not only that, but they're also quick and easy to make and quite cost effective ( the recipe makes 30-35 cookies) which would be perfect as a daily school/office snack.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons desicated coconuts {optional}
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
2 cups hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped {optional}

1. Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.

2. Sift the flour and baking powder, then add the coconut, chocolate chips and hazelnuts tot he butter mixture and mix to combine.

3. Drop tablespoons of the mixture onto greased baking trays and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the buiscits are golden. Leave to cool for a few minutes then transfer to wire racks to further cool.

Oven temperature 180°C, 350°F, Gas 4

In this recipe, i stuck to the original recipe and didn't add any coconut or hazelnut. You could always tweak this recipe as you please and add/delete ingredients according to what you and your family like.

Make this and let me know how they turn our for you! Bon appetite!

What Do You Want Me To Say?

2011-03-26T23:40:00.000+10:00

Spoken poetry is a great way to get a message across. In recent years, we've seen a surge in the numbers of Spoken Word poets. I've featured Boona Mohamed previously on the blog, and it is my pleasure to introduce Hersi Shirwa, a Somali American artist.

A little bit about the poet: Hersi is a former US Marine and veteran of Iraq. He is also a Somali Muslim. In this Video he recounts his experience as a Muslim in the American school system and the US military.

I hope you enjoy the work of this artist as much as i did. Also, head over here for more videos by young, Somali artists.

Fabulous Footwear Friday: Winter Essentials

2011-03-25T06:02:00.000+10:00

I am in love with the new season boots. I was never one for boots, i'm not too fond of the shoes over pants look, but these are just too good to miss! Flat or in heels, they are a great way to stay warm, and add a flare to any look you rock. Casual or dressed up, they look good in all ocassions.

Can't wait to get my hands on one or two of these beauties.

Find these @ Wildpair and Hannahs stores across the country.

Continue reading for suggestions on how to wear them!

Like Elvira, wear them with a large coat and fitted jeans to for a stand-out effect!

Go comfy and casual, and follow Karolin's look.

Dress the boots up with a camel coat for a more sophisticated day-to-night look.

A Spring in my Step

2011-03-23T12:25:00.000+10:00

The weather lately has been less than perfect. Our Autumn season has begun and has brought with it cold and rain. This morning, as i was getting dressed to head to town with my mum, i decided to dress for summer. I know that sounds a little bizarre, but since Dunedin hasn't hadn't the best of summers, it shouldn't be surprising that we (or rather, I) mourn that loss.

I chose my favorite summer top which i wore once thanks to the aforementioned situation. The cardigan i bought about 2 years ago, but also haven't worn much. I'm not very fond of the color white so this little beauty managed to stay as good as new since.

Blue is one of my favorite colors, but i don't have many pieces in that color in my wardrobe. The heart ring i bought from an Asian store in Abu-Dhabi in the UAE during my last trip there and the necklace is an Equip bargain buy from just under two years ago. I am loving rediscovering new pieces of clothing and jewelry in my wardrobe.

Morning Glory

2011-03-11T18:09:00.002+10:00

World, i have a confession, i am not a morning person. I think i've mentioned it once or twice on the blog, but i feel like i have to mention it again for the new followers (Hi!). However, this summer, i've been waking up at about 6 am 3 or 4 times a week to go on my morning walk. And to make matters worse, i've been waking up and going about my business each day on less than 6 hours of sleep(!). It was torture during Summer School because the two courses i did required a lot of attention and the work was tedious for each, but alhamdulillah, I managed to get that over and done with; as Borat would say, "great success".

So when some friends and I spent last night at Mya's, I was alright with the idea of waking early to go to a bakery at 7 am, i was just unsure of how my day would pan out. Usually, I crash on the couch after my walk, watch some Arabic t.v then spend time on the internet before making a royal mess in the kitchen. That is what I call a productive day (don't judge! I'm on a break). But today, after our walk to and from the bakery, i felt rather refreshed which for me isn't how i describe my mornings, especially when it's raining; or in this case drizzling. It was nice being out and about with my friends. Actually, it was a rather beautiful morning after a fun filled evening with my best friends. So the walk was the icing on the cake! My day turned out pretty relaxed, i spent more time at Mya's before coming back home and parking my behind on our couch for some more t.v time. I am loving this break. Honestly, since enrolling at varsity, i haven't had this much down-time, and it's something that requires a little getting used to.

Oh and the bakery, everything, and i mean everything looked ah-mazing! And to think i've been up every Friday at 6 am and haven't ventured down to this fantastic shop. That's it, next Friday, i'm going for more goodies.

Presenting, a.k.a the Friday Shop

We stopped on the way for some photos (=p), this is the view from the Stuart Street over bridge. On a sunny day, you'd be able to see the city more clearly, but there's something about this picture that i really like.

If you follow Shahirah Elaiza's blog, you've probably read this post on The Friday Shop.

Hope you all have a great weekend! Xoxo

I Look Forward To

2011-03-03T18:52:00.000+10:00

* Making everyday a lazy Sunday.
* Reading all my favourite books, and some new ones too.
* Baking. I want to become a pro at making cupcakes. And yes, i shall blog about my attempts!
* (Re/)Watching old & new films.
* Taking more photos. I cannot wait for my new Canon to come (all thanks to my cousin, it's my graduation gift)

(Reading photo: my own, all other photos via weheartit)

The World Is My Oyster

2011-03-03T18:27:00.001+10:00

First, i apologize for being absent from blogging lately. I had few problems with my laptop then home computer then summer school finals rolled in... gah! Alhamdulillah, that's all over, except for my laptop issue, that's still present (the life of a student is Hard!). To make a long story short, I'm back! And insha'Allah i'll be blogging as per usual from now on. Maybe a little more, actually.

Alhamdulillah, summer school went better than I'd expected, and this blogger's gonna be graduating in May! I am beyond happy. For the past week, i've been checking our results portal three times a day; on my phone when i woke up, after lunchtime and at night before bed, and every day I remained anxious. I thought I didn't do well in one paper and was quite worried about that because it would have set me back a whole year! But by Allah's grace, i've passed everything and i'll be walking down the main street in Wellington, and across the Town Hall stage on the 19th of May. I cannot wait!

You know, i've never understood the phrase that now sits as my post title. I first heard it from my 5th grade Maths teacher, Mr. Dattoo. He was a strange man, and when he walked into our class off 11 years olds, and proceeded to explain to us the complexities of the big bad world, and how one day we'd be part of said big bad world, he ended things with "Class, the world is your oyster". Off course, being the naive 11 year olds that we were, the phrase flew right over our heads, and no sooner were we all engrossed in out notebooks trying to solve mathematical problems. Ah, primary school.
Fast forward a few years, another teacher busted this phrase out, and also proceeded to explain how one day we'll be part of the big bad world. Off course, i didn't get it then and frankly, if someone had said this to me last year, i would have ignored them.

But today, i sit here, so close to the ceremony i've been thinking of for the past 4 years and i finally get it. I may be a Marketing student (and soon to be VUW graduate) but i can mould and shape my life into whatever i want. I could finally focus on my writing, i could delve deeper into baking or i could work in the marketing field. My life is mine to shape.

If Mr. Dattoo had explained things so simply, perhaps i would have tried out more things in order to 'pick-and-choose' the path of my life, regardless, i am happy with the choices i have now. Who knows, i might be doing something completely different next year. After all, the world is MY oyster.

Christchurch Rocked by Another Earthquake

2011-02-24T16:18:00.000+10:00

Those of you who follow Shahirah's Colours of My Life would have read about the earthquake that shook the city of Christchurch here in NZ back in September .

On the afternoon of the 22nd, Christchurch residents faced another, much stronger earthquake. It shook the city during one of the day's busiest times; lunch time. Although it only registered at 6.3 on the Richter Scale, it was shallower and closer to the city than the last one which measured 7.1. I'm sure most of you've heard about the devastation that has gripped our country as almost all the International news channels have been running stories from the affected city.

A collapsed building in Central Christchurch

Unlike the last earthquake this one has resulted in fatalities and 226 people are still reported missing. It's really heart wrenching to see the city, which had just began to regain a sense of normalcy be hit by another, more destructive natural disaster. The first time round, i didn't realize the severity of it as i was in Wellington, which is on a different Island all together. But this time, it's much closer to home and the rising number of deaths, casualties and missing persons is worrying as no one really knows how to react to the situation.

For sure this is a reminder for us all to not get too occupied with THIS life and to rather think of our 'Akhira as we never know when we might be tested or when our time is.

I ask you all to please make Dua' for the people of Christchurch. They all need Sabr and Iman to be able to get over this trying time.

You can read more about the ongoing situation here.

A Quick Update

2011-02-19T15:54:00.001+10:00

What exams will do to you. Notice the dark under-eye circles? :(

I'm sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I'm currently preparing for finals that i'll be sitting this Monday & Tuesday and with both the home computer and my laptop out of order, posting will be scarce for a few more days. Till then, i will try to schedule as many posts as possible.

Hope you're all keeping well! Xoxo

Things I Want To Do Soon

2011-02-13T21:55:00.003+10:00

* Join a gym and actually go to it! And not just use the machines, but attend classes too.
* Take up painting again.
* Make my own hijabs.
* Perfect the art of baking.
* Go on a road-trip. A second NZ road-trip would be nice, but somewhere new would be even better.
* Memorize more of the Qur'an.
* Learn to make the more 'complex' dishes.
* Buy more shoes.
* Listen to more Islamic Lectures.
* Blog more often.
* Read more books.
* Try eating Chicken or red Meat again. Try!
* Drastically change my hairstyle. (Go short?)
* Invest in a new camera.

Fabulous Footwear Friday: Ooh... I feel Brown!

2011-02-12T21:14:00.003+10:00

Brown sandals were a big hit last summer {May-August}, and we saw quite a few shops selling them this New Zealand summer season. They are a great pair for the day or evening, and work well with any personal style. Flats and brogues are also great in brown!

The ones above are from Zara, but you'll surely find a likable pair at your local shoe retailers and department stores.

Blair; The Lost Gypsy

2011-02-11T23:42:00.002+10:00

Yesterday (Thursday) was the sort of day where with ever step taken, you were reminded of Allah (SWT)'s Greatness, and the blessings He's bestowed upon us. Most of my day was spent around greenery, we trekked from one rain forest to the other taking in the grandness of the area, and marveling at trees that were 200, 400 and even 1000 years old! Subhan'Allah!

I won't bore you with pictures of trees, because trees are trees. But towards the end of our trip, we went to a little one-man craft shop by the name of The Lost Gypsy. Blair, the shop owner, creates little automotive (i think that's a right description) figures that move when a lever is turned. We were introduced to it by our very lovely tour guide for the day, a gentle giant man by the name of Ferg Sutherland.

The shop, is Blair's old caravan house. Though very small in size it had a big character. It was covered from door to back window with little nick-knacks which he'd made and/or collected over the years. Certainly a pleasure to see!

I'll leave you with some pictures from his shop and property. It's definitely a place to visit if you're ever in the Catlins region.

I want my Whale Mail!

The ceiling of the shop. Quirky or what?!

{Some of Blair's collected things}

{Some of Blair's hand-made gizmo's}

LOL at the captions.

This is a shop i definitely look forward to visiting next time I'm in The Catlins. And hopefully, next time, i walk our with more than a few pictures to remind me of The Lost Gypsy.

Read a previous post I'd written about another part of The Catlins before, here.

Hope you all are having a great Friday! Xoxo

Fabulous Footwear Friday: Understated Elegance

2011-02-05T22:58:00.001+10:00

(I know it's technically Saturday, but i've been writing an important essay for one of my Summer courses and just couldn't get this done on time. Sorry! )

Creams, tans and neutrals are perfect for the upcoming Spring and Autumn seasons. Paired with simple basics or strong evening looks, they can create an added element of simple elegance to any outfit.

The year of the Rabbit

2011-02-04T05:18:00.001+10:00

As you all know, we've just entered the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. If, like me, you were born in 1987, then this is our year!

The celebrations in our city coincided with a dinner/outing we had planned to farewell a couple of friends who are returning to Australia today. Each summer, this is the time we dread the most. We don't get to see each other lots during the year, and 2 months in the summer period isn't enough to catch up and exhaust all topics of conversation.

As per usual, we took heaps of pictures, and when i looked through them after i'd gotten home, i discovered more than half were of our dinner. LOL. We sure do love our food! We went to our favorite Japanese joint, The Jitsu.

And now, some pictures from the night:

Inside the Lan Yuan Garden (Dunedin Chinese Garden)

There were red lanterns everywhere!

How cute is this?!

[photosource: Craig Baxter for the ODT]

Culinary Adventures: Red Velvet Cupcakes

2011-01-31T04:55:00.000+10:00

I made these for a girl's gathering that i attended over the weekend. I used Gourmet-Chick's recipe and they were divine!

Try them out! You won't be sorry!

Fabulous Footwear Friday: Fiery Red

2011-01-28T15:01:00.001+10:00

I'm currently thinking up ways to bring more life and personality into the blog, and this morning, while watching tele, i thought 'Why not a shoe post?!'

I'm a huge Footwear aficionado, but unfortunately because i'd rather frolic around in super comfortable flats, heels are bought to look at and/or are starred at through a computer screen. And since i have hundreds of Shoe pictures saved on my laptop, i decided to share with you all my huge love for the always fabulous, but not always practical closet staple.

To begin with, what i reckon every girl should have in her shoe cupboard: Red Heels.

The Jimmy Choo's are the perfect statement shoe. Wear it with a neutral look, or with an LBD at your next girl's only party and let you shoes do the talking!

For a relaxed, day out in the town, luncheon or even a quick shopping spree, these Giuseppe Zanotti's are sure to turn heads and will take your overall look from ordinary to va va voom!

Some college-student-friendly alternatives:
TopShop
Asos
Zara

A Burst of Colour

2011-01-28T04:20:00.000+10:00

I love the vibrant hue of the purple! It adds lots of colour to our neutral living room.

Sorry for not posting lately, i've just gotten busy with studies. InshaAllah i'll be back soon.

In the meantime, you could find me on bag of treat's 30 Day Photo Challenge.

Xoxo

Home- Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros Acoustic Cover (Jorge & Alexa Narvaez)

2011-01-15T08:24:00.000+10:00

My latest Youtube obsession.

Brings a smile to my face everytime i hear it!

'Home is where ever i'm with you'

Weekend Snapshots

2011-01-09T22:04:00.002+10:00

We went on a picnic to Aramoana with some family friends. The area is absolutely gorgeous, tranquil and its dark history does not taint it's beauty at all.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-01-05T13:23:00.003+10:00

Amalia over at 7 Days In The Sun suggested we do this. This photo competition has been doing the rounds on Facebook and i think it would be quite a fun thing to do, collectively as bloggers.

Spread the word and join in. We'll start on Saturday 15th January inshaAllah!

Here's what you need to do:
Day 1 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts
Day 2 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 3 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 4 - A picture of something you'd like to do again
Day 5 - A picture of something you love
Day 6 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 7 - A picture of the person you do the silliest things with
Day 8 - A picture of your night (or hero/knight/heroine)
Day 9 - A picture of you and the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14- A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your favourite day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28- A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Try This: Caramel Apple Puffs

2011-01-03T17:35:00.001+10:00

This is a very easy and quick recipe i watched on a NZ cooking show.

Ingredients: {Serves 4}

1-1.5 Apples Per Person {For best results, use Gala Apples or any apple that's not too juicy/mushy}

100g Sugar

70ml Water

20g Butter

100g Heavy Cream

1 Puff Pastry Sheet. {You couldmake your own, but ready made frozen ones work just fine}

Method:

1. Cut Puff Pastry Sheet into 4, and scour as in the picture on the right. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes or untill golden brown.

2. Slice apples into even size pieces. Set asidefor later use.

3.In a saucepan, place suga and water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and allow the syrup to caramelize.

4. Add butter and sugar to caramel and mix well.

5. Add apple slices to the caramel.

6. In serving plates, place caramel apples ontop of the puff pastry. Drizzle excess caramel over the puffs. Serve.

Bon Appetite!

Out With The Old, In With The New: Hello 2011!

2010-12-31T23:08:00.002+10:00

May Allah (SWT) make this new year a happy, blessed year for you all. Ameen.

A massive Thank you to all my followers, family, friends and blog hoppers for the love, support and kind words. I hope you've enjoyed 2010 on bagoftreats and inshaAllah (if Allah Wills) i will continue to publish posts which you will enjoy.

Lots of Love,

Amina

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Year's Eve Look: Pretty girly!

Dress: Glassons {Borrowed from Sister}
Cardigan: Just Jeans
Jeans: Jeans West
Scarf: Equip
Shoes: Mi Piaci {Thrifted}
Ring: Lovisa
Bracelet: Valley Girl {Borrowed from Sister}

A Visit to The Catlins

2010-12-30T21:08:00.000+10:00

Every summer, my family goes on a day trip to see the sights of the other regions. Last year we didn't get the chance to go as my mother was in the Emirates for family reasons. So in the spirit of the holidays, we decided to refresh this family tradition and take a trip to The Catlins region, more precisely to a place called Nugget Point situated about 2 hours from Dunedin.

It is a very touristy area, covered with lush, green mountains and ah-amazing sea views. Although I'd seen such views on a previous cross-country trip (i went with a couple of friends on a trip that took us from Dunedin to Auckland) it was exhilarating being out of the house, and out of Dunedin. I'll quit the rambling here and allow you to marvel at the views. After all, this is what the whole trip was about.

{The view from our picnic spot}

{The breathtaking views on the drive up to Nugget Point}

{Our destination: the Nugget point Lighthouse & Lookout}

{The beginning of the track to the Lighthouse}

{Gorgeous scenery on the way to the Lighthouse}

{At the Lighthouse}

{Some admiration was due, we absolutely loved it up there}

{Part of the quintessential Kiwi summer, Cherries}

Pictures do not do the area justice, but till you can all come and see for yourselves, this should suffice.

What's a Summer tradition you have in your family?

The 24 Hour Photo Challenge

2010-12-24T12:36:00.001+10:00

A few weeks ago, the lovely Mama Mona published a post about the 24 Hour Photo Challenge that was being held on facebook by Mustafa Davis and Peter Gould.

As the title implies, participants were given a 24 Hour window in which to shoot, edit and submit their photographs. This was accompanied by a very strict set of requirements which was to ensure the pictures taken were take for the contest rather than retrieved from one's files.

This was not my first Photography contest as I'd taken part in one on a Muslim forum which i frequent. However, this was the first time I'd felt truly restricted due to the tight guidelines. One of the main requirements was the presence of a Person, a Shoe and a Book in the shot.
When i went out to take the picture, i was strapped for time as is, and the requirements made it all the more frustrating and i felt like the only way to go with the photograph was to take a literal route. I did enjoy the process though as it allowed me to do something i love and in a place i love very much also. The library to me is a sanctuary and i thoroughly enjoyed photographing from different angles, and asking my model (and sister) to pose again, and again and again.

I hope they repeat the competition as it was a very enjoyable experience, but hopefully the second time round, they give us more room to be creative.

{A lover of books}

Comments and critiques are most welcome! How else will i learn, aye.

The Perfect Chocolate Icing

2010-12-19T18:01:00.003+10:00

Everyone who knows me, and especially my family, knows that i am an utter disaster in the kitchen. When it comes to cooking, i'll spend hours making a mess and come out having made something that's barely edible. I'm not kidding.

But, sometimes out of a disaster comes something heavenly. Not to toot my own horn, but i'm a surprisingly good baker. Baking to me is like a day at the spa, it's relaxing, it's fun and as an added bonus, you can eat whatever you've made at the end!

So, in my quest to perfecting my baking i stumbled upon this page which i can say with lots of confidence, has the best Chocolate icing recipe! It is light, glossy and has got the right amount of sweetness.

I'd definitely recommend trying this recipe out, i'm sure you won't regret it.

Move away Aunty Betty, Amina is on her way!

Celebrating Z

2010-12-12T16:39:00.002+10:00

Yesterday was a very special day for our family, but especially for my sister Zainab. Yesterday, we celebrated the graduation of my sister from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Oral health with focus on Hygiene and Therapy.

She has worked exceptionally hard the past three years. We, the family, have seen her at her best and her worst (when she'd had a horrible day at the clinic with a patient). We've stressed, panicked and cheered with her these past 3years. And when a few weeks her final grades came out, and we were certain she's graduating we were all very happy for her.

The past few weeks, she was in a frenzy, as expected. She was running around like a head-less chicken looking for an outfit to wear. Every store in town we'd visited more than once, so many times we looked at a item and thought "This is the one", and of course, none of them turned out to be "The One". Only a week to go, and she was still unsure what she was going to wear. But, Alhamdulilah she found an outfit, and a few days ago, became all set and ready to make the march from the University Dental School to the Dunedin Town Hall.

Saturday morning was spent taking pictures around the University campus with the family and friends. We then attended a luncheon held by the Dental school, which was then followed by the much anticipated parade through the city.

{BOH Graduate, Zainab}

{Mother and daughter}

{BOH Grads: Sam, Zainab and Suzan}

{With fellow BOH grad; Rue}

{Yours truly with my brother; Abdalla}

The ceremony itself was a bitter sweet one. It was nice seeing Zainab and the rest of our friends finally graduate from their courses, but it also reminded me of the fact that they would all be leaving us and that there were no longer going to be visits to the Dental school to see the girls, i was no longer going to get rides to/from varsity form my sister, and Dunedin wouldn't be the same again.

Nonetheless, we are all extremely proud of Zainab, she's definitely earned this degree and could not have looked any better on the day. From myself, mum, dad and the rest of the gang, alf mabrook, hambalyo and congratulations Zeze!

Xoxo

For the love of: Heels!

2010-12-10T17:40:00.002+10:00

For a very long time, my mum had been telling me to buy a pair of heels. I, on the other hand LOVE my flats. I wear them everywhere. I mean, c'mon, they are extremely comfortable and oh-so-cute! But, during my semester 2 exam period at varsity, i was so stressed out, i found my release by walking through the stores on Lambton Quay in Wellington, and trying on things i knew i wouldn't buy cause a) i was not in the mood, and b) i couldn't afford most of them.

But one afternoon, as i was walking home from my exam, i saw these babies on a stand in a shoe store, so i went in, tried them on in another color and i fell in love instantly. Since then, I've been dreaming of these beauties, and every time i went to the mall i tried them on (this is not an obsession!). A week ago, my sister went into the shop to try on a pair of heels she wanted for herself, and lo-and-behold, they were on sale!! I put them on hold, and the very next day my sister went in and got them for me!

Off course, they will have to wait a while to be worn, I'm still a flats girl, and i need to *ahem* practice walking in them *ahem* Till then, they will sit in their beautiful black box, waiting for an occasion to be worn out and about.

Oh, and these are my first pair in 5 years. I don't think i'll be stopping now.

Culinary Adventures: Cilantro, Mint & Cream Cheese spread/dip

2010-11-28T22:19:00.000+10:00

Entertaining guests isn't something i like to do often. Just the thought of being in the kitchen for long, and having to make foods that everyone would like seems like such a hassle to me. If it was up to me entirely, i would stick to one-pot meals, mind you, i'm no good at that either.

My mum being the great cook she is, suggested we serve this simple dish as an hors d'oeuvre. She'd gotten the idea out of a food magazine, but when doing our shopping for evening, she decided to take a different route with the dish all-together; et viola!

What you'll need:

250g Cream Cheese

2-3 cloves of garlic

1/4 Cup Cilantro { Roughly Chopped}

1/4 Cup Mint Leaves { Roughly Chopped}

1 Avocado

Lemon Juice

Salt

*French bread, chopped and made crisp in oven.

How:

In a mortar and pestle, crush garlic with a few drops of lemon juice (only used to hasten the process). Add mint leaves, cilantro and pinch of salt, crush ingredients together until soft.

Transfer into a bowl. Add cream cheese and avocados, mix well until combined. Add salt and lemon juice to taste.

Place a teaspoon of the spread/dip on each piece of bread. Serve.

You could also use this recipe as a dip, add tomatoes (fresh or sundried), capsicum and chilli as you like.

* I chopped up the bread, drizzled extra virgin olive oil and baked at 190 Degrees for about 8-10 minutes.

Up and Coming: Sumayyah K. Lafraie

2010-11-26T15:57:00.003+10:00

A few Thursdays ago (11/11), I hurried after my last exam for the year back to my apartment, finished packing my things, made sure y place was clean as a whistle and called my aunt to pick up a few of my things to keep at her place over the summer.

I was excited to leave Wellington for 2 reasons, 1) I was going home after 7 months, and 2) I was attending my dear friend Sumayyah's graduation fashion event. She's been studying towards her Graduate Diploma in Fashion Studies this year, and this event would showcase the work of all the students enrolled in the school of fashion at the institute.

I'd seen her designs a few months back on a previous visit, and had known that what she was making would be special. At the time, she'd made the prototype of one dress and i had pretty much fallen in love with it then and there, and i couldn't wait for the real things to be made and showcased.

My dear readers, this is one designer you have to keep an eye out for. She is very talented, mashaAllah, she's dedicated and is one of the most amazing people I know. Her work is impeccable, thanks to her very close attention to detail.

I'll let her three dresses speak on her behalf, presenting her first collection:

InterTwine

{Please do not copy any of these pictures without permission}

InshaAllah, we will see more and better from this young and bright designer. She's definitely a force to reckon with. And my dear readers, i shall keep you updated with information regarding her endeavours in the future inshaAllah.

The name to remember is Sumayyah K Lafraie

You've Go Mail!

2010-11-18T18:28:00.002+10:00

I was woken up this morning by my mother telling me i received a package from India. I had known for a while that my friend S, whom i'd met on Maniac Muslim, a forum that i frequent; had sent me a package, but i was excited to see what the contents were going to be.

I had a goofy smile as i was looking through the items she'd sent and all i could think of was 'I love that girl!'. My mum (who used to hate the amount of hours i spent on the website :p) couldn't believe i'd made such a good friend on an online forum and that she'd send me something so pretty and thoughtful.

Shahi, if you read this, THANK YOU so much! I love every piece, especially the scarves.

Here's what i got:

2 Silk scraves, 2 hijab pins (I'm telling you that girl can read minds because i was in desperate need of some), a pretty underscarf, an anklet and a sweet card.

Now, what do i get her?

End of another year.

2010-11-12T12:05:00.004+10:00

I woke up this morning with a lighter heart. I didn't bolt out of bed to get dressed and leave for uni, i didn't start my day panicking about studies. Instead i woke up, washed up and sat on the couch at my friend's place and patiently waited for my breakfast.
These past 4 weeks were filled with anxiety, stress, i got little sleep and spent my days juggling an intensive study schedule and work all the while trying to stay positive, and to top things off i had to pack and clean up my apartment. Only when i laid everything out did i realize I'd amassed a lot of stuff during my 8 months in my studio apartment, and that meant a lot of stuff had to be thrown out in order to fit my stuff in my small-ish suitcase and 2 carry bags.

I am looking forward to a relaxing summer. I miss sitting at the beach with an ice cream in hand with my sisters. I've missed my family and certainly the city i call home.
Expect a lot more blogging from now on my lovely followers, and keep your eyes peeled for a little summer giveaway. More details will be given later.

Caiou for now my lovelies :)

[photocredit: weheartit]

TopShop

2010-10-18T11:24:00.002+10:00

In the Thursday paper, i read what i thought was the coolest thing ever and just what i needed to lift my spirits, hidden in the arts&lifestyle magazine was an article about Karen Walker selling TopShop items at her store which she hand picked all weekend. To be frank, that news made my day, i couldn't stop thinking about it, and i was glad i'd saved money from my last paycheck to spend over the weekend.

Saturday rolled around, i had work in the morning, and when i came back and after speaking to Shahirah over the phone, i dozed off and when i woke up, i didn't have the energy to get changed into presentable clothing and walk down to Wakefield Street, so i postponed my trip to Sunday.

Sunday, i woke up, looked outside my windown and lo and behold, it is raining cats and dogs. Did that dampen my spirits? No way! I wore the most weather inappropriate thing i had in my closet (and the only clean clothes i had); my black maxi dress and walked out. Although 2 minutes into the trip i was drenched as if i'd taken a dip in a pool, i was determined to keep going. So off i went.

I got to the shop on Wakefield Street, and it wasn't too full, though walking around was a bit tricky cause it is a small-ish shop. After looking around i was totally and utterly bummdr. I love Karen Walker as a designer, i respect and understand her design aesthetic but as my mum said, to each his own style. The items she got, though pretty were more suited for older women mostly. And if that wasn't enough, the prices were way out of my price-range, as a lover of clothes i am happy to fork out 100 bucks for a jacket, but out of the entire store only 2 things caught my eyes and they were both way over 100, i really wanted to cry then and there. I usually go to the KW store to relax, i like the layout, her clothes and absolutely adore her accessorize but this visit just made me slightly depressed.

I loved, loved, loved these two items, they're definitely on my wish list:

Sigh, if only my CC wasn't so overused. I guess i'm just going to have to wait a while, here hoping these 2 items remain in the store, i heard she's only keeping a few clothing items along with the shoes and bags.

Hijab Finds

2010-09-19T14:09:00.001+10:00

With spring ~~almost~~ definitely here, the stores have started stocking beautiful scarves, all perfect for the mixed weather we are experiencing now and the bright summer we are going to start in November, inshaAllah. This all means one thing, shopping! I've begun hunting for new scarves as the ones i own now have lost their pretty-ness.

In my search for non-black scarves ( I've been trying to stay away from it as much as possible, i've been black-scarf-less for nearly two months now. Yay!), I've been falling in love with the more colourful ones even though i still feel anxious sometimes.

So presenting, my two newest hijab buys:

I think i've found a new obsession. It doesn't help that i walk through town everyday on my way to and from uni. Oh well.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Street Conversations

2010-09-17T09:39:00.001+10:00

I was walking with a friend to class when she suddenly asked me-

A: Why is it that when a girl says i need to go to the toilet, her girlfriend(s) will say me too, but when a guy says the same his guy mate(s) will say something nonchalant like 'ok'?

Me: I don't know about the guy thing, but if i do it coz a) i realise i need the toilet, or b) just to go look at myself in the mirror.

A: That's vain.

(We then proceeded to run across the street trying not get ourselves killed; though it would make for a riveting story in the Dom. Post don't you think?)

The Perfect Lift Me Up

2010-09-12T00:08:00.006+10:00

Hope you all had a marvelous first and Second day of Eid!

My Friday was o-kay. When all my family and friends were celebrating and enjoying their morning, i was in a lecture theatre writing a test. So to lift my spirits and in an effort to distract myself from the exam that i hadn't studied for that morning, i stood in front of my wardrobe and said to myself "Today i wear the things i usually ignore". And so i came up with this look:

Trench: Forever21 {Dubai}
Shirt: Portmans
Scarf: Max
Bracelets: Diva

I finished the look with my favourite pair of straight-leg jeans and flats.

With spring here, i am looking forward to the array of colors. I desperately need to get out of the blacks and greys i've been living in this past winter.

A Ramadan Treat

2010-09-06T13:40:00.002+10:00

Every Ramadan, mum makes all our favourite sweets, Zainab's Fingers; a Omani Sweet, Ligaimat; Khaleeji Sweet and a few more. This year, being away from home, i missed the international selection of foods mum makes for iftar, and i missed her sweets even mre. So i decided to take things into my own hand, and make something myself. I present to you, from India:

Gulab Jamun- Makes 18 portions

Ingredients:

1 Cup Milk Powder

½ Cup Flour

½ Teaspoon Baking Soda

2 Tablespoon Melted butter

Milk [enough to make dough]

For Syrup:

2 Cups Sugar

1 Cup Water

Method:

1. Place milk powder, flour, bs and melted butter in a large bowl.

2. Slowly add milk to make firm dough.

3. Shape into 18 even sized balls.

4. Heat oil, watch for small bubbles rising from the bottom of your fry pan. Add balls 3-4 at a time.

5. Roll balls in oil until golden in colour. Remove from oil and place in syrup. Leave for a few minutes then transfer into serving dish. Drizzle syrup over them. Serve warm or cold. (Are also good with ice cream!)

Let me know how they turn out for you.

Xoxo

Sale = Evil?

2010-09-03T13:52:00.001+10:00

Like Kryptonite to Superman, Sales are a weakening force. Not to us though, our poor wallets and bank accounts are the ones that get it. But honestly, how can you not give in when shops brandish gorgeous signs on shop windows?

Weekend Snapshots

2010-08-28T20:03:00.001+10:00

I've travelled up north to visit some friends this weekend, and we decided to go to another city about an hour away for a spot of shopping. The views on the way were incredible, the sun was out and it was exceptionally warm too. It's sights like these that make me grateful for living in New Zealand.

Mon plus mauvais cauchemar.

2010-08-12T13:49:00.001+10:00

I woke up this morning with a massive toothache. I don't know what is up with that tooth, it started to have problems about 2 months ago. Maybe i should get it checked out. If only November would come soon, i don't think i can take the pain for another 2 months. Nurofen = my hero! Last time the tooth acted up, i took 2 tablets and it knocked me out for 2 hours, lol.

In other news, i have an Social Marketing essay due tomorrow. I've yet to write up a first draft. I see an all-nighter in my future!

Enough nonsense for now. Ciaou!

Pour le mois béni

2010-08-11T19:19:00.001+10:00

[photocredit:deviantart]

Wishing you all a very Happy Ramadan. May Allah accept all our dua's. May His blessings fall amongst us all, and may He give those suffering in all parts of the word Sabr(patience) and Iman(faith) to get them through their hardships. Ameen.

Où voulez-vous aller ?

2010-08-11T14:09:00.002+10:00

As a child, I spent many afternoons engrossed in a world atlas. It was my way of passing time. So as I grew older, and learnt about more and more countries, my travel wish list grew and grew. So my lovely readers, here is a shortened version of that list, and in no particular order:

1. Russia

2. Macedonia

3. New Caledonia

4. Syria

5. Turkey

6. South America {I know it’s large, but an intrepid journey through it would be a hoot and a hat}

7. Somalia {a proper trip where I’m not forced to drive home as soon as i land}

8. The Netherlands

9. Scotland
10.Australia

Now you tell me, where do YOU want to travel?

Tomber amoureux

2010-08-03T15:41:00.001+10:00

These are 2 of my favourite pieces from Kate Sylvester's Autumn/Winter Collection. Her designs are sleek and girly but practical at the same time. She is quickly becoming one of my favourite New Zealand designers, and her Wellington store is a beautiful place to stop by on an equally beautiful afternoon or stroll through town. Have a gander at her website and let me know what you think.

Gone too far?

2010-07-26T14:06:00.001+10:00

I was shopping for groceries yesterday when i walked by the magazines section and saw this. I don't know about you but i am SICK of hearing this kid's name and hearing his songs blasted at shops, cafe's and from cars on the street. I think it's about time people get over the JB hype and focus on something important, like say; environmental sustainability.

Besides, the screaming, crying, celebrity obsessed tweens certainly do not need an entire magazine about JB. Hasn't the media supplied them with enough information and gossip already? Seriously!!

Un Désir d'Anniversaire spécial

2010-07-11T23:00:00.010+10:00

Happy Birthday Princess!

Amira, you truley are the most wonderful 12year old i know. I love you, i miss you and i hope the new year brings you more happiness and joy than the last. 11 was a rad year, but trust me, 12 is even better. Xoxo

Good things come in small doses

2010-07-08T16:53:00.000+10:00

photocredit: weheartit

This is truley a well deserved feeling after 2 and a half weeks of little sleep, stress, and dark under-eye cirlces. Only 4 papers left to end my university life.

Weekend Snapshots

2010-07-05T14:53:00.002+10:00

Took these pictures while on a stroll down at the Queens Wharf just before sunset yesterday.

J'adore Dior

2010-07-01T15:41:00.001+10:00

I remember as a little girl walking behind my mum as she made her way out of the house. She always smelled so beautiful, i wanted to bathe in whatever she used. Sometimes i'd sneak into her room, and spray some of it on myself.

As i grew a little older, and could distinguish smells, i knew that her perfume would be my favourite. It was strong, yet not over-powering, and it faded into the most beautiful musky-flowery smell.

Now in my early twenties, i make regular trips to the Dior counter just to relive those childhood moments. Truthfully, Dior's Poisson is my all time favourite fragrance. It reminds me of a simpler time, of my mother, of her influence on me. She is an inspiration to me. From her i get my love for life, my vivaciousness. From her i get my love of travel, fashion and the finer things in life.

What's your favourite childhood scent? Do you still use it? What is you current signature scent?

Une mise à jour rapide

2010-06-30T18:58:00.000+10:00

2 quick updates:

1. For the foreseable future, my post titles will be in French. Just cause i feel like it, lol, and
2. the blog's undergoing some changes. I'm not sure how long that's gonna take, but please bare with us (the Sum. and Amina team) till it's all done and dusted.