Tag Archives: Alhamdulillah

A Letter To My Nephew on His Birthday

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My Dearest Salem,

I remember coming home from Qatar to see you for the first time, holding you at the airport and having you giggle rather than cry. I just can’t even explain all the emotions that rushed through me at that moment.

I praise God every day for bringing the joy that is you into my life. As I watch you grow into the smartest, funniest and cutest human, I’m in awe. I can’t believe you are already turning five years old. Where has the time gone?

On your birthday today, I want you to know a few things…

  • You are loved beyond words.
  • Your smile is contagious, keep smiling.
  • I’m extremely proud of your awesomeness.
  • You are amazing, never doubt yourself.
  • You will achieve greatness, just put your mind to it.
  • There are no stupid questions, so ask away.
  • Kindness and respect are universal currencies to be splurged.
  • You can be anything you want to be when you grow up.
  • Just don’t grow up too fast, enjoy being a kid.

Happiest of birthdays to my cartoon watching buddy, my funny tickles, my little blonde monster, my beautiful nephew.

I will always love you this much times infinity!

Love, Auntie Hala
xoxoxo

Foodie Farewell – a Snapchat Story

Flashback to two weeks ago when Kamal and myself (aka foodie royalty) got a magnificent send off! Can’t thank the team at Nisantasi Baskose and my foodie friends enough for this lovely, unforgettable afternoon.

Happy Eating peeps!

Treat Yourself on Your Birthday!

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When my family called me from back home to wish me a happy birthday, I was either on the plane or half asleep on the beach. We got to talking about how we don’t treat ourselves enough and how happy they were that I was treating myself with this trip to Muscat, Oman.
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I had a pattern of always working or studying on my birthday. Moving to Qatar and celebrating my first birthday alone in the midst of the roughest year of my adult life put a lot of things in perspective.

I started treating myself as often as possible, especially on my birthday. Every year, I’ve taken my birthday off from work (paid or otherwise) to enjoy a spa day, shopping spree, fancy meals, complete utter laziness and this year, headed on my first semi solo trip.

I took a short trip to Muscat, Oman where the first two days was spent between getting pampered or sitting on a private beach basking in the glory that God created. When my gal pals landed, we head off to a full day of sight seeing villages, beaches, sink holes and canyon walk/climb. When the hell have I ever freaking walk up a canyon peeps? That was exhausting so we ended our long weekend on the beach and a birthday cake filled lunch before we said “ma elsalama Oman”.
Treat yourself peeps because you deserve it… Alhamdulillah.
I promise my Italy rants are coming up as well as my birthday weekend in Oman to follow soon after. =)

A Prayer for 2016

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Has 2015 come to an end already?

Alhamdulillah, this year was an interesting one for me but may not have been for others around the world. Back home, this year was a violent one in the US. The refugee crisis struck a cord with many of us around the world. The GCC saw a dip in the economy that made us say “good bye” to many of our expat friends. We’ve also had to say too many “good byes” to family and friends whom departed us for the heavens.

Praying for some form of peace and calm back home in the US. Praying for some form of stability for those trying to escape these unnecessary wars. Praying for some form of unity for those with many miles between us. Praying for God’s eternal peace and light upon out loved ones that have left this life. Ameen.

I pray that your year was good and that the next year only gets better. I pray that your year was full of knowledge and that the next year only gets better. I pray that your year was full of compassion and that the next year only gets better. I pray that you found your path, your place, your peace and that the next year only gets better. Ameen.

May you and yours have a blessed and rewarding 2016.

Image c/o Revista

Pictures of the Day

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7Dec2013

Alhamdulillah for the angels in my life for making my (32nd) birthday in the office great & my #InLivingQatar the wonderful life it is!

Words can not express how grateful and blessed I am at this very moment. I had a great year and it can only get greater from here Insha’Allah!! For all those that sent me birthday wishes from near and far, know that I’m grateful to the Almighty everyday for having your blessings in my life, Alhamdulillah! THANK YOU!! =)