A few weeks ago, I won the @southaustralia’s Great State Voucher to be availed in Adelaide City. We were not too excited to be honest, because we live quite close to the city and visit it every month for shopping. Half-heartedly we booked a hotel choosing a rainy day because all we intended to do was to spend a day off at the hotel and the weather did not matter much. But, as the day approached close, I started feeling a little excited. I packed a bag for the night’s stay and realised that finally my travel toiletry pouch and praying mat would be used. I thought about what needs t ..read more

I grew up in Rawalpindi, a small town of Pakistan. The biggest recreation in my childhood was trip to the nearest hill station, Murree. I remember the thrill and excitement we felt as our car drove through the winding roads lined with pine trees. A walk on the Mall Road, cherishing poorly made cup of roadside coffee, enjoying the soft ice cream cones and candy floss. In that age this was the height of joy, complete happiness and in those blissful moments, I romanticized that all my perfect and best days in the future would be made of these ingredients.  For my birthday on the weekend ..read more

  There is nothing better than the joy of getting ‘the parcel’ from Pakistan. Love letters as I like to call them, are these beautiful clothes that my mother and bhabi pick for me. A lot of thought and care goes into the selection... mostly I get to see what is coming but, there is always a small surprise that my mum adds .... a surprise that she also struggles to keep ?....  Once sent.. the tracking of parcel starts... and finally ultimate joy of receiving these love notes followed by a trial parade and detailed discussion on every piece from every aspect. For me, it becomes almo ..read more

  I am always in search of places with a casual feel where I can fully enjoy my food. One place that has become a frequent spot to visit for us is @mkburgerjoint. A casual, well designed burger place that is ideal for hanging out with family and friends. It is not only our ‘Go to’ place but also our ‘Take to’ place whenever we need to treat someone.  My husband who is a burger fan has tried all the burgers from their menu. I being a chicken lover, love the Spicy Chicken Burger with jalapeños and chipotle mayo. Yes, I know that beef burger is the real deal... although there ..read more

This Ramzan was really special for me. This was the first time in the longest while that I was not working during this month. I thoroughly enjoyed my predawn meals, enjoyed my prayers, finished recitation of Quran, experimented with cooking, had most iftars at home… immensely enjoyed this slow but extremely fulfilling routine. I don’t know when I will get another chance to experience Ramzan like this because even this was not planned by me. Last year when I walked out from my workplace for the last time, I was filled with fears. My husband’s photography business was not doing well bec ..read more

I am all in for easy and uncomplicated recipes and if they are healthy... even better! These are balls made with date and almonds. Perfect for Iftaar starter or just as a healthy snack for those cravings any day! I chose to make these as part of a collaboration with five other bloggers and we were to make a dish using only 5 ingredients. Hop on my Instagram to see what others have done. I have shared the full recipe here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNwBIBxBzQH ..read more

When I moved to Adelaide, I was granted a conditional visa that required me to work one year full-time to get permanent resident status. At that time, it seemed like the most daunting task. And those with similar visa conditions would agree. I was told that landing a full-time job is not easy especially without any Australian experience. I had just left a job that I absolutely loved and to imagine myself working in any difficult environment was petrifying. Even though, we made this migration decision keeping in mind our finances, the job still was a big requirement. I heard some terrible sto ..read more

IT WAS CRAZY! Perhaps crazy is not even enough for the amount of love we received during our three weeks at @adelcentralmarket . We set up the first ever Pakistani Street Food stall under Producer In Residence program which allows new food businesses and ideas to test their food. The whole experience lets you observe response of the public plus it also lets you experience the amount of hard work that goes into food business helping you decide if it is something you could do in the long run. Usually it is for 3 weeks.  My husband is a cooking enthusiast and more than that he lo ..read more

The hissing sound of a pressure cooker, the rattling of the weight or wobbler on its lid and the much anticipated whistle is quite nostalgia inducing because it reminds me of the long meals and their preps that used to take place in my childhood especially when I lived in my grandparent’s house. But, I have always been scared of using a conventional one. Once I was inches away from where the pot landed when it exploded and once I witnessed the aftermath in my neighbor’s house with ingredients all over the walls and roof. Cleaning nightmare! Before I got this, I avoided making anything that ne ..read more

Whenever I visit a new place I am filled with gratitude. It reminds me of how incredibly blessed I am to be able to walk on this piece of earth so far away from where I was born. But I did not get here by just luck. It has been a result of decisions and actions that made me uncomfortable at times. Breaking out of comfort zones, taking risks, facing the consequences of those risks, doing what I'd never imagined. I missed out on so much, felt lonely and helpless at times. Cried. Celebrated tiniest of wins. All for this life that hubby and I visioned for us. Even if our dream does not appeal ..read more