I'm going crazy over a newly discovered site called pinterest. It's an online pinboard that allows you to "pin" your personal favorites and share with the online community. You can pick your favorite photos from fashion, to home decorating, to photography, food, weddings, and so many others to collate in your pinboard.
It's been a regular thing for me to sit in the computer for hours and check out other people's pinboards. It's a good source of inspiration if you are looking for a visual guide to help you with maybe planning a party, decorating your house, or just some photography ideas. It's funny that I don't have an account so I don't exactly know how you go about "pinning." I mean, managing a blog is already time-consuming so I'll just settle for this one.
See for yourrself and maybe you'll get hooked like me.
I'm beginning to enjoy the hijab. I used to find it difficult to incorporate with my daily wear, but through the help of many Malaysian fashionista's blogs, I don't find it as hard anymore. These Malaysian girls are amazing when it comes to their fashion. They are never left out with the trends, and what's even great is that it is up to par with Islamic standards.
Here are some girls whose fashion sense I really love. They are so cuuuuute and so modest! These are taken from the blogs of shaelaiza and Hana Tajima of stylecovered.
I have been checking out their blogs for some time now, enough to conclude that Islamic fashion need not be boring or outdated. For these girls, the hijab is a must and rather than seeing it an an obstruction, they use it as the main focal point of their ensemble.
Seeing this, I did a little shopping of my own today. A Muslimah can never have too many hijabs, you know. There's an increasing number of them in my closet now, Alhamdulillah.
Yes, I just turned 1! Last October 3, 2010, I accepted Islam and declared my belief in the One True God, Allah SWT. I still have vivid memories of that very special day, and the events that led up to it. The internal struggle, the uncertainty, the fear, the denial, and most importantly, the acceptance of the truth - that no matter how I evade it, I still cannot deny that Islam is the Truth and this is the Right religion of mankind.
Islam was revealed to me in bits and pieces. Maybe Allah knew that I wouldn't able to absorb everything in one sitting. But as my knowledge of it grew, the more that my faith was tried. The more I knew, the more I pulled back, for fear of the unknown. Why Islam? What happens when I become a Muslim? What will people say when I become one? I was having an internal tug-of-war, and the push and pull was becoming hard to handle. As the days passed, my fear of being unwanted by society and family turned to fear of Allah. I was developing taqwa because I was strengthening my iman. If there's anything to be feared, it is Allah. If there is anybody to please, it is Allah. This urged me to proceed without uncertainty or fear.
For starters, I wanted a Muslim community to turn to. I wasn't going to do this alone and I know that I had to seek the guidance of other Muslims. So what started out with a single Muslim friend, I now have the most loving husband in the world plus a fine collection of brothers and sisters who are always pleased to teach me more about Islam. These are a good mix of born Muslims and reverts, or balik Islam as we call it. It's amazing how Allah put us all together to learn from each other and understand the ways of our deen.
Truly, and without a doubt, Allah is the best of planners...
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:26)
"Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient..."
Here are some memorable photos during my shahada last year:
All smiles
Another sister does her shahada using the same muqna I used on me
Life throws us many surprises, and whether we like it or not, we are not in total control of our lives. If we all realize this, then I know that every single one of us will be in submission to God and we will all be Muslims, insha Allah.
Manila is a hodgepodge of people from different cultures, backgrounds and social classes. Right smack in the heart of the city, remnants of the colonial past are still ever present in the city's buildings and architectural structures. While some are completely run down like those beautiful Spanish houses in Intramuros, others still serve its purpose like the Manila City Hall. However, rich as the city is in history and interesting sights, I was never fond of visiting Manila due to the traffic and some unnavigable roads. But recently, I've been frequenting Manila, more particularly the Muslim area of Quiapo, Manila.
The first time I was there was last year, few months after I became Muslim. I needed a wardrobe change and what better way than to start shopping in the streets of Quiapo. I was turned off at first because the area is not exactly a shopper's paradise in that it didn't have air-conditioning, clean walkways, or fitting rooms... disorganized fashion is what it is, because Alhamdullilah, despite all the clutter and untidiness, I was able to buy some lovely hijabs, tunics, malongs, and muqnas.
Now, this blog is looking more like a food blog because I am about to share a fantastic Halal restaurant that I discovered in that area. It's called Moud Halal Chicken, and they serve an array of Halal dishes, but the topper is the roast chicken served with Kabsa rice. Yum-oh! Had a superb lunch! This is by far, the best roast chicken I've tasted, with it's well-seasoned crust and juicy meat, and best of all, it's Halal! Alhamdulillah for great food like this :) It's very near the mosque by the way. Just ask for directions from the people around, in case you get lost or can't find it.
Moud Halal Chicken seasoned to perfection
for sidings, though it didn't go well with the main dish, was laing or gabi leaves with coconut milk
The Masjid Ad Dahab in Quiapo, Manila
So after lunch, didn't plan on going elsewhere, but because I made a wrong turn in Taft Avenue, we ended up in Chinatown. The weather was pretty bad and had been raining for days, but it didn't stop me and my husband from exploring Chinatown. We let spontaneity kick in and so we ended up walking the alleys of Chinatown, and took home some very interesting finds.
I love the look on Rashid's face when it lights up with excitement when he discovers new things, especially those related to food. So there he was, overtaken with joy when we got to Eng Bee Tin. It's a pioneer in the bakery scene in Chinatown and known for their unique take on Hopia. I remember this place as a kid, and they just keep adding more and more products throughout the years. Now they've got more than the usual Hopia Ube or Hopia Mongo. Here, you'll also find novel additions like Mochipia or Hopia with mochi, and Hopia with Salted egg. Oh, so many Hopias with so little time (and money). So we just left off with Hopia Mongo and Ube Mochi Balls, which is just heavenly, I swear!!!
Hopia-land
Hopia with Mochi - will come back for yah
heaven in a bite - soft, chewy and sweet
Mr. Ube. He's a person now?
some Chinese noodles
Not in Eng Bee Tin but bought it because Sate King wanted to taste this version of dried fish satay. Not my type.
I love days like this! Hope I can do this more often. We will plan out our next adventure, insha Allah, on a good sunny day. So, before I hit the sack, let me leave you with this video of the Ed and Moe tandem, about Ramadhan coz it's been cracking us up like crazy! This bunch is funny, but the Arab dude is funnier (and there's a close resemblance between him and Rashid... LOL) Goodnight evary-body (in Arab accent)...
I haven't updated this blog since my last post in August due to so many things going on. First, there's the experience of my first Ramdadhan and Eid-ul Fitr, then there's the indefinite closing down of our food stall, Baba Rashid's Sate-han, my recent work re-assignment to another department, and most importantly, me becoming a full time Hijabi. So many things happening in a month put blogging in my least priority.
But Alhamdulillah, everything comes to pass and so with this free time, I'd like to tell you about my Ramadhan experience and some new things I discovered about our deen (religion).
1) Prayer is an essential part of every Muslim's life, but during Ramadhan especially the last 10 days, prayers are more frequent and longer. The usual 10-minute prayer can go for several hours and this is a true test of patience, concentration, devotion and faith, especially for first-timers like me, and even long-time Muslims.
2) Iftar, or breaking of the fast, is observed by all Muslims at the same time (depends on your time zone). The masjid is bustling with so much activity this whole month. All these in a tiny nook in the Greenhills Shopping Area.
Donner/Shawarma seller
Pater, pansit and other Halal Iftar delights
Grilled items on show
A shy sister selling sweets
Little brother just can't wait 'til Maghrib
Maranao food at Southern Halal Deli
Noralyn and her Iftar meal of rice and squid cooked in its own ink
Cute Nadia ready to munch on Ikhlas dates from Saudi Arabia
the pre-Iftar frenzy
3) Whoever said that fasting during Ramadhan will make you lose weight is definitely wrong! I have never eaten so much in my life than this time. You could say that my appetite doubled and with so much food around, it's impossible to resist.
4) Eid ul Fitr is a grand celebration for all Muslims. It's a special time where we gather and remember the Holy Month. This year, my husband and I had our "little" friends over in the afternoon for a swimming party. Then in the evening, he whipped up a special Malay dinner for everybody.
Our Little friends - Noralyn, Jamila, Shariff, Nadia & Abdullah
we all look like kids, don't we?
Abdullah holding a keris (with adult supervision)
my sisters - Ana, Jannah, Asiah, Marwah, Mashel & Jam
My suami with bros Khalid and Yahya
Our Eid get-up - Baju melayu for Rashid and Baju Kebaya for moi
