Entertainment

The One with the CokeFest - Islamabad Edition

10:49:00

As much as I love Islamabad with all my heart, it lacking in social events is no secret. My poor city is often termed as the 'dull' capital where everyone sleeps at 8pm! (on a side note, I would love to do that). But Isloo has upped its game by becoming 'the happening' place! Faizabad Dharna has definitely set the bar really high (all pun intended). 

Books

Book Review: Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge

10:47:00

Jane of Austin is a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility. Having only read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (guilty as charged!), this book was a novel story for me, having nothing to compare it with. To be honest, what encouraged me to pick up the book was the eye-catching and pleasant cover. 

Entertainment

Yet Another Review of "Jab Harry Met Sejal"

08:01:00

Slightly delayed but here goes. For those who have seen the movie, read on to see if we had similar thoughts; for those of you who are yet to watch it, this review might help you decide! I solemnly swear that this review will be as spoiler free as possible. 

Lifestyle

Dear Diary- June Edition

06:04:00

*stock photo from googles

Alright, so I have been MIA for exactly a month and the MAJOR reason behind that was of course, Ramadhan, followed by Eid and other family commitments ( for some reason I have always tried not to use the word commitments, it sounds too formal but in this case, it seems apt). 

Ramadhan was quite busy; especially the routine which I am desperately trying to shake off now: staying up all night and sleeping during the day till the afternoon prayers. As much as I tried to continue blogging on Instagram, I could not make time (or find a quiet spot) to sit and  blog blog. For anyone who missed me, YAY I am back, for those who didn't, I am still back. (lawls)

Lifestyle

Just Summer Things: Yas Waterworld

09:24:00


Going to a water park in the scorching heat of the UAE can be a puzzling decision. While it proves to be perfect to #beattheheat as they say, be prepared to be tanned and/or sunburnt. Knowing the pros and cons, I visited Yas Waterworld (for the third time) last week! And apart from the very apparent tan lines around my ankles and arms, I got some much needed unwinding.

Travel

10 Everyday Phrases in Different Languages

08:07:00

This post was originally written for Travelwings.com and was published here first. 


Summer is just starting and we all know what that means: it’s time to pack our bags and set off on a much needed vacation! Communicating in a foreign land is not as difficult as it used to be once upon a time. In fact, with the numerous language apps and Google itself, it’s become quite easy to translate something within seconds! Nonetheless, there’s no harm in knowing a few basic every day phrases at the tip of your tongue. Also, it’s a great way to win the hearts and respect of the locals of any country by speaking in their native language!

Beauty

A Glimpse of my Lipstick Hoard

08:40:00

It just randomly hit me this morning that I must write about my not-so-known but always-go-to lipsticks! I am slowly becoming a lipstick hoarder but I have come to realize that the five that I mention below are my partners in crime for sure! 

Lo and behold: 

Here are my five over-used and abused lippies that I refuse to part with!

Food

Let's Celebrate Mother's Day with Capital Delights

08:43:00

I am back with another post in appreciation of female entrepreneurs. Capital Delights has become a household favourite in Islamabad over the past few years. 


I used to order from Capital Delights when I had long working days at school back in Islamabad and I loved their pizzas and brownies (yumm). Following I reached out to them and had the pleasure of conducting a short interview with the team of Capital Delights along with a small surprise for Mother's Day (at the end of the post)! 

Humour

The Curse of the Friendshippers

12:30:00

I feel like I am going to spark a debate here along the lines of stereotyping and 'live and let live' but I am still going to go ahead because I have had enough, as I am sure have all of you.

Books

Book Review: It Ends With Us

10:25:00

This is my first Colleen Hoover book and I am already in love with her writing style. So much so that I have instantly picked up a second title by her, "Ugly Love". I wonder how I missed out on her work all these years!

It Ends With Us had been on my TBR* since a long time. My cousin happened to have a digital copy and hesitantly (I am not fond of e-books), I picked it up. Following is my spoiler-free review of the book:

Beauty

Product Review: Pure Aloe Hair Oil

17:32:00

I am not a beauty-conscious individual, as in, I don't have a daily skin care routine nor do I indulge in buying a billion beauty products that serve similar purposes) but I try to stick to the essentials (brushing my teeth every morning and even occasional showers -- just kidding)!

Food

Mady's Foodcapades: The Islamabad Edition-II

11:51:00


In my previous post, I wrote about my favourite breakfast and dessert spots in Islamabad (that I had the pleasure of discovering on my short trip back home and I am reminiscing about now that I am back in the UAE). If you haven't read it yet, you can read it here now. 



Today's post is all about the maiiiiiinnn courses that you MUST try when you're in the capital. From fast food to fine dining, here's my pick for an avid Pakistani foodie. 

Food

Mady's Foodcapades: The Islamabad Edition-I

11:55:00

I'm back from Islamabad (bhaaaaaaa, take me back!!) after a short yet super memorable trip filled with babies, BFFs and of course lots and lots of FOOD!

This picture is taken from The Nutella Spot's Facebook Page.

 Anyone who knows me, knows what food means to me.  I've been trying to update my Instagram with the backlog of food pictures and it hit me that I should share my best culinary experiences in Islamabad with you all.

Lots of new places have opened up in the last one year and the Islamabad food scene is becoming extremely cool shool. I was actually very impressed. 

Books

Book Review: The Undomestic Goddess

04:07:00


Before I begin, let me tell you that I am an avid fan of Sophie Kinsella, of the Shopaholic fame. I’ve read (and loved) almost all of the titles from that series and I was very excited when I stumbled upon “The Undomestic Goddess”. Similar to her previous writings, Sophie Kinsella has kept a comic undertone throughout the story, even when describing some serious dilemmas.

Lifestyle

The Desi Maid-of-Honour's Checklist

08:01:00


I don't know if it's the age we are in or the times in general but long story short, there are weddings happening right, left, center. Weddings mean a plethora of emotions, non-stop planning & preparations, bookings, shopping and of course dances (which, in my personal opinion, should be the least of our worries but oh well). All focus is on the bride (and if it's not, you shall face her wrath). On the other hand, the groom's female family members overshadow him so he only comes in the picture when it's absolutely necessary, e.g. signing the nikkah papers. 

 There is one person, however, who doesn't always get due attention or credit in our desi weddings when she really, truly deserves it and that is: The Maid of Honour! 

Beauty

Bath and Body Works: Latest MUST HAVES

08:25:00

When it comes to shopping, I have a very different mindset as compared to my friends and family. I am not a shopaholic but I am not someone who hates shopping. You know? I am just somewhere in the middle and that's hard to digest for most people I know because conveniently they lie on the two extremes of the shopaholic graph. I am someone who can be in a mall for an eternity and not buy anything and just be content with window shopping and eating (of course). I like shopping and all but the problem is I am so indecisive I like to make sure I have checked out ALL alternative options! Some of the thoughts that cause this indecisiveness are: do I need it? Will I use it often? Don't I already have something similar? Is this colour better than the other? Should I try another size? Etc etc.. 

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