Long time no hear!

Salaams and hello all,

I haven't written my blog since September 2013. I am trying to think why - and I know. I wasn't 'well' at that point. Then I finally managed to get a decent job in February 2014 and well - life.

So here we are. My friend who also has returned to blogging finally went back to it and it got me thinking. What happened to this blog? I have had a little read over my last posts and I enjoyed writing them. Consistency is key. This I know because I have taken up fiction writing and have actually finished one story, 17 chapters! Yes I am proud!

I do know I faltered a bit because female muslim bloggers tend to fall into two categories:

• Young MUA/Fashionista types who look gorgeous and have lots of fun
• Women my age who have children/homeschool, craft or are super religious

I am neither!  I am currently 34 (boohoo!) and fashion has never been my thing. I like to co-ordinate and look presentable but really comfort takes priority.  Makeup is actually something I am starting to get into. I have developed rosacea and it's made me really have to research cosmetics more than I ever used to,  For years BB cream, eyeliner and mascara did it. I am branching out into concealers, primers, different foundations and learning about brushes. So yes - I will share a bit about that.

I don't have children. It may happen one day, but yeah for now I am in the limbo world of still having lie ins and not knowing about sleepless nights. Nor do I worry about homeschooling versus regular school. If you're interested I personally lean towards homeschooling. But its not something I particularly give much though to!

So because I don't fall into said categories I do wonder would my blog appeal to anyone? Maybe - maybe not. But hey ho, like my writing the joy is in the creating and if someone enjoys my work then that's an amazing bonus!

I am not super religious either - however I think the non-muslims in my life may disagree with that!  I practise, I pray, I fast etc etc etc. But I am not spiritual and have my own struggles like everyone else. I tend to keep these things to myself as people do get judgey.  I know I need to read Quran more, I cannot read Arabic etc etc.  Ah well. 

Anyways- so I am back and inshallah hope to post more

Regrets in Life - we all have them....

So we all have regrets - and one thing I have always regretted was my choice to not take art at university level.

My choice for this was because of the belief that doing Art would not get me a job. Which was silly because back when I was a graduate jobs were so easily come by (ah yes the good old days!). I ended up taking English and Psychology.....and I have no idea why!

I did not enjoy English at A-Level - apart from the novels we read - I wasn't brilliant at writing essays and I was never cut out for Academia. However I loved Art at A-level. I spent hours willingly on my work - and gained an A - through sheer love the work came easily. Anyone who really knows me will know I loathe hard work of any kind!

Its something that drives me mad every so often.

I hated university. I had zero passion for the subjects I chose and focused on my social life rather than doing any serious studying. You can't pass university exams with half-assed studying - unless you are a genius....I am not! I never 'got' university. I never understood independent study - simply because I had no interest. I think had I done Art I would have done well.

So now all these years on I keep Art as my hobby....and we will never know what I could have gone on to do.

an example of one of my current paintings

Husna Abaya's review

salaam alikoum all :)

I rarely buy many products online, simply cos money is a tad tight right now and when it comes to abaya shopping I am happy to browse!  I last got my abaya fix in late December when I popped down to London......and got to go to one of my fave abaya shops ever - that's another review altogether!

But for some time Husna Abayas has been popping up on my newsfeed. My friend has bought about 6 abayas - and counting from her! It set me thinking. These must be good.....why is half my friends list (seemingly) buying from this seller???

So on Sunday night a pic popped up of the new stock - see below:

I was immediately tempted by the purple. I have one beloved purple abaya - that sadly got some grease stains on hajj. I have yet to throw it away - but its not really fit for wearing anymore.  I always knew in the back of my mind that I was hunting for a replacement. This looked like it.  

I have an abaya (one I bought in December) very similar - its black and the lace is black but the sleeves are coloured beige.  I like that abaya so I felt I was not taking too much of a gamble purchasing the purple.

I messaged the sister Sunday night - paid £29 including postage (always a plus when postage is free) and my abaya arrived today - Tuesday morning. The postie helpfully popped it behind the shed....lol. I was happy about that as it meant no long trek to the sorting office!

I have tried it on and really like it. At the bottom of the abaya they have sewn a sort of band finish which affects the way it drapes - in a good way.  I am a larger sister - and I think the flow would be even better on a slimmer sister - but it was fine for me - I am a realist! 

The quality of the material is actually nicer than the black equivalent - and the above pics kind of downplay how nice it looks in real life.

I would definitely purchase from this sister again - fast and friendly service and a lovely product = happy me :)

Strange things cats do - part one

I love cats, I sadly only own one. I quietly crave a kitten, for so many reasons:

1) to flood my facebook and instagram with cute pics
2) because I want another cat
3) because I want another cat - see where I am going with this?!

My one cat displays some odd behaviour and some of it is downright annoying.

Take for example today. I was rushing about - I can never leave the house on time for anything. And I had tried on an abaya - and discarded it on my bed. At that point this thought popped up in my head the cat will sleep on this. I dismissed the thought. To make sure I pushed the abaya into a tiny corner of the bed. And off I went.

Returning home I went upstairs to change and lo and behold....the cat was indeed snoozing on my abaya. This is a king size bed with pillows! But he chose the curl himself up in a small corner where my clothing lay. Why?! 

Another time I had ironed an abaya - decided I didn't want to wear it and again - was in such a hurry I left the board out and the abaya on it. I thought to myself my abaya will be safe. The cat won't sleep on an ironing board. Hmmm. Felix thought - challenge accepted, I came home and saw my abaya was absolutely covered in fur!

I don't get it. 

I live in a house- not a studio flat. The cat has free range of the whole house - but he chooses to sleep in the oddest of places. 

He goes through phases. For a few months he slept on the arm chair  - no matter how many clothes I piled on this chair he slept on it. 

Another phase was the bed. Now at night he will sometimes sleep away from me, or right up next to my face.

His other spot of choice is on top of the wardrobe in the spare room, snuggled on a suitcase. Thats quite a consistent spot. And he always returns to it.

If anyone reading this understands why cats do this - drop me a comment please!