Fashionista...!

I’m defiantly not a fashionista but I can assure you my two best friends are. I’m actually fortunate to have them in my life or else I would be a tomboy... hmm, maybe not! lol

But on a serious note, they are by far more creative and open to try new things and create their own style … like who wears converses with Moroccan Kiftan? Only my friend would do it and she knows how to pull it off with confidence.

All a side, I have noticed a growing number of new generation of Muslim fashionistas, all competing to make their statement of fashion while having their hijabs (scarf) beautifully wrapped around their heads. Some of them hold my breath at the first glance, I would be ecstatic to see them looking stunningly hijabed up. I would usually be thinking like ‘omg, isn’t she beautiful and yet proud to have her hijab on’!

Obviously wearing hijab and being fashion addict will always be a hard thing to juggle at the same time. You would be thinking if what you wear is modest enough, are you actually giving the hijab the title it deserves or are you disrespect it? … and ultimately not representing the hijabis who are very fond of their hijabs and what it represent and stands for. I can almost imagine it as if it is walking on a hot coal and only tip toeing around matters.  

Whatever it might be, this is a big responsibility especially for those who design or portray themselves as the 21^st century Muslimah, and be careful ladies!  

But I like www.hijabscarf.blogspot.com collection, why can’t it be as simple as that?!

Blessing in disguise

Since I woke up this morning and I have been feeling awesomely energetic. I don’t know whether it was due to the little trip I have planned with the ladies or just the mere fact that I was going to see their beautiful faces; either ways I was and still happy.

It was going to be a quick catch up and we decided to meet in central London, where the buzz of the city at. We first decided to either go to MoMos (North African café) or just have a chit chat at Starbucks. But fate decided otherwise and we ended up in Yumchaa a little gem, dear Leyla has suggested.

The idea of going to herbal tea shop was quite daunting at the beginning. I was anxious that our little gathering will be spoiled by a tasteless and expensive, flavoured hot water. I was wrong, very wrong!

Mango Rise flavoured tea  & the ripples of <3



Macaroons <3 <3 <3



The whole vintage atmosphere and recycled furniture has given the room a warm feeling and extra edge to it. It’s beautiful knowing that what you use is environmentally friendly and everything you eat is organic. Guilt free! I think since I have took the initiative to slowly cut down on branded cafés I have become attracted to little gems like Yumchaa <3

Obviously the day wouldn’t have been great with out my ladies, the two Sagals. We have laughed our hearts out and made this Sunday another memorable one.

          




I want this wallpaper on my room's wall  too     

 

After we left Yumchaa, we ate some waffles as we strolled the streets of W1 and ended up going to Mamas & Papas and this where the drama started. Even before we stepped in Sagal went all broody on us … it is normal because she totally falls in  love when it comes to children. She will be a great mother no doubts and my babysitter and the funniest aunty they can ever have.  



         

        

I wont lie, I felt broody too, but it just goes against what I feel towards children and how annoying they can be..!

I miss spring

The path of mossy ground nestled
In between maternal hedgerows,
That overgrew atop, dimming out
The brilliance of the day.
Embosomed, a calm-cool vision –
Abstract takes of nature, in
Leaf-spattered green shades;
Stem-speckled brown hues;
Shards of sunlight percolating
Through the random flaws to
Up glittering sprites upon the leaves..!

- Mark R Slaughter

Can X and O tie the knot?

I like to debate a lot especially on things that I have strong beliefs on or things which I’m so passionate about. This includes my view on interracial marriages and I know where my feet are rooted.  

From a young age and I'm open to new ideas and anything which provoks my mind. When the topic of marriage surfaces in any conversation I like to know what's the other person views on interacial marriages? I always rooted for it and even thought is best to marry outside my cast, country or even race. I was very naïve, very naïve. I looked at the world with its fully blown rosy perspective.

                    

To cut a long story short, I was pro interracial marriages till I changed my mind 180 degrees. Don’t get me wrong, it’s such a beautiful thing to mix races and different backgrounds into one unique marriage. Especially when it’s evident that it eliminates many negative aspects such as racism, prejudice & stereotypes. I also understand that everything has its pros and cons but with such sensitive topic I have come to the conclusions that its cons outweighs its pros. How?

Well we all know that normal marriage has its own problems and there are far too many hurdles to overcome. But when someone takes the well to marry from someone with a complete mindset and who holds different beliefs whether it is culture or religion based then it’s a different story. Not only both couple would need to overcome their own marriage problems but also a host of other issues they might have been oblivious too.

Such couples usually tie the knot under the name of love and because they complete each other, which is fair. But during their pre-marriage period I can bet all they thought about is how marvellous their interacial marriage is going to be and how cute their X & O children are going to be. It's usually the younger generation who fall in this trap.

What they don’t understand is that you not only marrying an individual, you also marrying his/her family, culture, country and even religion if they’re not from similar religious background. This is where difficulties arise  because you need to have a balance in everything you do in the future. Ever thought that your traditional outfit might spark a problem in your wedding night?

Of course other issues that worry me the most are the children of those who racially inter-marry each other. Would they ever have identity crisis? if yes, who's fault is it?

You might think I’m exaggerating but all I know is that it takes two strong individuals to take on this type of journey. It takes two open minded family in law. It takes couples who are neutral from any cultural prejudice. It takes a welcoming society. It takes two couples who absolutely adopt their religion [Islam] as a way of life. Only then all my assumptions will go down the drain. But do every two who marry interracially have all it takes? No. If they do are all these qualities all controllable? No. Which is why three quarter of these marriage are not successful. I think it only works with Muslim reverts because they’re totally out of the box. They’re neutral.

I would rather marry someone who is Somali; who understands me and values me; someone who would appreciate our culture and language, someone who would have the same interest as me for our future off-spring.

I admire every X and O who make through this together, they’re a source of inspiration. I encourage those who think they have what it takes to make a grass root changes in their society. I get demoralised when I see those who marry each other blindly and end up picking up the shattred dreams of their broken marriage.

Rageh Omaar & us!

So last night I and my Elays team were privileged to meet the notorious Rageh Omaar. A simple guy who captivates you with the magic of his words and mind. Rageh is a journalist who shone in his career; he worked for the BBC and recently joined Al-Jazeera News Channel.

Rageh came to support Elays role in the community as a youth group who aim to inspire, empower and build other youth in their communities.

What intrigued me the most about him is his unfussiness with how he looks, acts or even talks in front strangers like us, who only just met him for the first time. He took a seat and immediately acted like he was in the comfort of his own house. He apologised for being late and he wore the startling smile of his. It made me feel more relaxed and geared up to absolutely give my 5 senses the full attention to what he got to say. He inspired us by giving a brief introduction about his life; from the day he was born until this day. Then we had a Q&A session where we discussed various topics, from his life, his view in politics, Somalia, community, youth and what can be done to improve the stereotypical misconceptions about youth in general.

All I know is that time went by so quickly, it almost felt like we only been there for an hour. Nevertheless we covered a lot of things and we were fuelled with a whole lot of enthusiasm, passion, self-assurance to go out there and do more for the youth.

Then *drum rolls* it was photography time. The guy is absolutely photogenic and his smile is a million dollar one. It just comes naturally to him. I really don’t know if this is because he is used to taking endless photographs with the public or it’s just natural. Either ways he looked awesome in all his photos with Elays apart from mine. My turn came and it was the moment I was waiting for. What I didn’t realise is how I looked, mind you I’m totally fussy with my photos. It seemed like I had double chin, Hijab not fixed in the way I like it either. After the photograph was taken I checked it and Oh My God it looked like a mug shot photograph. I’m not exaggerating even if you don’t agree with me (to those who’ve seen it). I was disappointed and of course I wont share it here *smirky face*  

But but but what I will share is his photograph holding Elmi Magazine. The magazine I edit along side with Sadiya and Mahmoud; my co-editors. I tell you looking at this photograph it gives me the oomph to do a much better 3^rd edition of Elmi Magazine Inshallah.

Rageh Omaar

                   

Ps: if you want a copy of the magazine, contact me.

The key to my escape is a simple smile

When I’m constantly shadowed by my stress triggering lifestyle it’s quite hard to reminisce on things that once made me smile. I’m a very simple person inside, very simple. Little things can make me enormously happy. The one thing that never fails me is the rays of the golden ball. My mood can instantly change from an awful to a cheerful and jolly one. Regardless of the process, all I know is that I need to move out of this country. Britain as much as it seems like everyone’s dream destination, a train away from Paris and a plane away from the rest of Europe; it’s not the case for me. I need sun, I need to escape from the 9 to 5 routine, I need to be free and enjoy what life got in store for me. But I will continue smiling in a hope that one day I will get what my heart, soul and mind desires.

Brain on standby!

I’m literally waiting for ideas to trickle down in my brain. I’ve been sitting here for more than 4 hours. I don’t have as many distractions as I would usually have. Here I’m in a big office with a cosy atmosphere. In less than 48 hours I’m required to present a presentation on role conflict in inter-professional healthcare. I have all the materials I need from scattered journals to text books. I even thought some food may stimulate my brain cells. But no LUCK! 

I’ve realised that I work best under immense pressure. It’s almost as if my brain cells are being squeezed like a lemon. I can promise you tomorrow, same time I will be furiously typing on my laptop. I wont even have a second to spare … I lied, maybe a second or two to tweet! : )  

 

I think I should get off now … wish me sleek mayhem tomorrow.  

The 3 musketeers’

Who? Yes, us the three musketeers. Moi, Hiba and Hanaa. Isn’t it so sweet to have friends who you share the same initial with?!

It was on the 4^th of Jan when Hanaa text me with “girls do you want to go to China Town on Thursday?”  I instantly texted back with “I’m on it. Sounds fantabloussssss!”… However I only realised after that the message wasn’t delivered. Such a mood killer but hey she got it afterwards. Guess what? I have been in London for nearly 10 years and I haven’t stepped a foot in China Town ever *gasps*.

Knowing that I went out the night before with the beautiful Sagal and Amal, I was guilt conscious about the time I’m spending on socialising. Mind you I have a long to-do-list for my university deadlines. But this was a must or else I won’t be part of the musketeers.

It was a cold, wet and gloomy day and anyone with their right mind would rather stay in the comfort of their own house. I battled my temptation to stay home and wrapped up with my newly bought jacket, I was wholly hugged by it. I caught the bus and luckily my commuting was smooth. Hiba & Hanaa were in their way to Piccadilly Circus to meet me there and as predicted they got there before me. I got of the bus and after several attempts to explain where I’m exactly I met them as they were wearing the prettiest smile in such weather.

I tweeted about my location and asked if there’re any recommendation as to where is best to eat and checkout in China Town, but it seemed not a lot of my London follower’s are familiar with this location. Except of course Miss WaAniga; who declared China Town as her favourite place.

In route to China Town we popped in Costa, I had to drink something hot. My feet were about to go numb in the so un-cosy wellington boots I bought recently. I feel guilty because I promised myself to not drink from branded café.

We’re in China Town and all I can smell is roasted or fried duck or I assumed it to be. It actually felt like I was a tourist in China. The place is dominated by restaurants I think the Chinese are foodies. Can you believe that everything is nearly written in Mandarin? Even HSBC Bank. Walaaaaaa! I even got myself their newspaper in hope to learn a word or two.

Checked many Chinese corner shops and we were fascinated by it. Of course as we roamed the area I snapped couple of photos and the iphoneography challenge was in mind. Here are couple photos!

Then it was about time we search for Halal Chinese restaurant. But we failed miserably. Quoting Hanaa ‘Omg I can’t believe this. We’re in cosmopolitan London and in China Town there are no Halal restaurants!!!’ .. We even asked the corner shop keeper if there is any and bless her, she pronounced halal like a Muslim!

So I suggested Vapiano. Don’t judge me it was only around the corner and I promised to take them one day. I guess I had to hit two birds with one stone. The experience was a great one and as usual I took more pics. Eeeeeek!

Amal and the birth of iphoneography

It was on the 4th of January when I and my friend Sagal aka Assiyya met the beautiful Amal from Canada. I had the pleasure to meet Amal through twitter and this was our first encounter. I got to know about Amal before and even had her on my flickr account but we've become a little close through twitter. I look forward to knowing her more!

Amal came to visit her family in London; so me and Sagal thought, this is the best opportunity to get together and have a hearty meeting. This is what happened exactly. We've decided to go to the one and only Vapiano, an Italian restaurant I was introduced to via Sagal and Shakur again through twitter and this was our second visit with Amal. Beautiful place with a captivating ambiance and of course the food is mouth-watering and yummy!

I think we've talked about everything and anything; it was a night full of food, laughter and great memory. Around 6ish Amal left us to commute back home. Till now I admire how she commuted alone in this big city. If this was me in Ottawa I doubt I would’ve had the guts to commute alone. I and Sagal decided to hang around in Oxford Circus and it was a must to take her to Momo's cafe. A place my friend Hanaa introduced me to last year, absolutely where you would want to sip a traditional North African mint tea in. Let me not forget about the aroma, oh dear, oh dear! The interior is amazing with a ceiling full of lanterns looking lamps.

 

The room is almost dim and the candle light shines on your face and masks your features with a golden glow. The seats are so soft and let you sink in comfortably. The tables are oak brown and big circler golden trays are placed on top of it to compliment the design. The background music is totally African, I even once heard Maryam Mursal's songs played and at the time I was furious because I thought they claimed it as North African artist. In fact Maryam is from the horn of Africa; specifically Somalia. Of course they didn't because in this visit they even had one of Fela Kuti's songs playing; you should've seen the big smile on Sagal's face. Totally in love with the guy!

After me and Sagal had a heart filing conversation we left Momo and made our way to the underground station and as we walked I couldn’t resist myself from capturing photographs with my Iphone 4. London looks best at night especially with wet floors due to rain which reflects the city's light amusingly. It was then when Sagal suggested that I join Leyla and Ahmed 365 days photography challenge. I wasn't too keen on a whole year round challenge since I don’t have the time and commitment it requires. But as usual Sagal knows how to make the hardest thing sound so easy to do. After a long bus ride contemplating I decided to join them and also threaten them *grins*. I mean you have to scar your competitors so that they keep in mind you're not an easy target *double grins*.

Now it has been 3 nights and the competition is heating. Everyone is producing a gobsmacking iphonegraphy and Mr Ahmed is raising the bar by adding a commentary with each photograph. All I know I need to step up my game. I'm against two passionate competitors and I'm not here to give up on what I'm fond of the most.

- ps: all photos are iphoneographed and edited!

My six senses!

I want to escape from reality, not because it’s a bitter one I’m living; no it’s not. I just want to live what I feel and feel what I live. I want to be lost in my wistful thoughts, to be transferred to a world of my own, where my soul smiles and my eyes shed the tears of happiness.

I often look into photographs which happened to complete my thoughts. Photographs which make me appreciate life and the little details it holds into dearly.

Colours activate my bliss receptors without a shadow of a doubt … I want to touch, smell, feel, hear the whole lot and do it all again in immense contentment.

 

I love it when I’m absolutely random; it makes me who I’m. I’m random!

I’m happy now or maybe pretending to be!



1-1-2011

I've never been a fan of odd numbers, here I'm starting a new year to what suppose to be arbitrary numbers & resolutions. I decided to not fool myself again and make a wishful thinking based on numbers. Yes, numbers is what makes us and what made something of us whether we like it or not. I guess it is a new way of thinking. I'm already contradicting myself. *shrugs*


On a positive note, I bought a new diary. For the sake of my studies and general life. I love it and this time it is a little too girly whirly. A bit too pinkish inside a little lovey dovey on the outside. I promise myself everyday that I will be more organised & this beautiful diary should kick start things for me; or so I hope!

It's true when they said keep a diary, and someday it'll keep you.

ps: this blog will follow suit.