Book Review: 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in this Strange World

After a long time, I got a book that I read in one go... 

Elif Şafak / Elif Shafak’s ’10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in this Strange World’ is a nonlinear narration of Leila’s life that she recalls after her death when her mind refuses to die. 

Quick Review: The Desi Wonder Woman X India Trend Jewelry Collection

On my first birthday, I was dressed as a fairy. My dress, wings and the magic wand was made by my mum. There were homemade cat shaped cake and Swiss rolls in a variety of flavours. It is still one of the best ‘first birthday' ever done in the family. Thereon, my birthday was always celebrated with a grand party for friends and family until I entered the phase where I just wanted to party with my close friends. I would take them out for my birthday treat and spend all the birthday money that I used to ask my family to gift me instead of presents! 

Six Things I Love About Adelaide

It has been two years since our move to Adelaide. I strongly believe that it takes you up to a minimum of 2 years to understand a new place. So, if you are new here and things do not make sense... don't worry they eventually will and if you have been here two years and things still do not make sense, do not worry - just know that it is absolutely normal to take time when you migrate. 

But, in all honesty, Adelaide is a great place to start your life as a new immigrant. Migration comes with its set of issues and while job and income are one of the major concerns but, quality of life, security, a strong community, ease of movement and peace of mind are also very important factors. In Adelaide, you can tick off many boxes. I might have found myself struggling harder in a fast-paced city trying to find an identity and stability compared to the ease with which my husband and I were accepted by Adelaide, in fact, South Australia. 

We have come a long way in these two years and I can now say that it feels home. 

Here are six things that make Adelaide a good choice:

Heart Talk: Birthday

My dad was posted in a small city when I was born. The nurses in the hospital believed that having a girl was not the best thing in the world. Also, in some confusion, they thought that my mother already had three girls (when it was 3 boys) and I was the fourth one. So, when I was born my mum says that the nurses were hesitant to reveal the gender. Finally, after seeing my mum’s desperation who was cooking all kinds of scenarios in her head at the nurses’ strange secrecy, she was informed with much regret that a girl was born. Mum who was prepared for the worst took a sigh of relief and asked the news to be delivered to the father. My anxious dad was pacing the corridors outside the labour room. All the guesses, symptoms and prophecies before my birth had prepared everyone for a boy but he was still secretly hoping for a baby GIRL.

Giveaway - Celebrating 2 Years in Adelaide

***Giveaway Time!*** 💥🎉🎊

This June it will be 2 years to our move to Adelaide. I believe it calls for a little celebration with all my friends from Adelaide! 

Heart Talk: An Unforgettable Taste

Hospitality is a BIG thing in my culture. There is always this one cabinet full of snacks and biscuits to be served to guests in every household. I remember as soon as the guests would settle in my mum would signal me to go to the kitchen and start setting up ‘the trolley’. Biscuits, cakes, savoury snacks, kebabs, sandwiches were typical items set in the best dishes. 

Heart Talk: A Fulfilling Weekend

Do you know that Pakistan and Malaysia rank 4th and 5th on the list of top 10 countries with most public holidays? I am very sure that it does not record the ones that are announced when matches are won. 

Australia has the lowest number of Public holidays!