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  • This is What a Suicidal Person Might Look Like, And Here is What You Need to Know
  • 12 Tips On How To Prepare For Ramadan, Weeks In Advance
  • The Magnificent Motherhood

Latest RECIPES

  • Aloo Kay Kabab (Pakistani Style Potato Kebabs)
  • Pakistani Style Dalia With Chicken (Cracked Wheat with Chicken)
  • Extremely Easy No Cook, Authentic Pakistani Kulfi Recipe

Skylar Bowker, Designer

Welcome Y’all!

I am Sana, and I love to create & share wholesome & indulgent recipes of various cuisines. I think quite often about how and why, and don’t hesitate to put my thoughts in words about topics such as Motherhood, Womanhood, Mental & Physical Wellness. If you love cooking, yet also like to be mindful of how your body is fueled. Do you love being a woman, but would also like to see society change its standards about what’s “appropriate & normal” for us and our fellow human beings. Then come on in.

This is the place where we “Defy cultural norms, one thought at a time.”

Learn more about me →

Find Your Favorite Recipes

The Instagram Life

🌙✨Ramadan Blessings INTERNATIONAL CASH GIVEA 🌙✨Ramadan Blessings INTERNATIONAL CASH GIVEAWAY 🌙✨

And, just like that first "Jummah" (Friday) of Ramadan is here.

To continue celebrating this beautiful month. I have collaborated with eight blogger friends and a beautiful jewelry business to give two of you cash to celebrate Ramadan in its full glory. 

1st prize: 200 USD
2nd prize: 70 USD

To enter:

✅ Like this post

✅ Follow:

1. @blushstyleandtea

2. @drjamasi

3. @kinzaac

4. @maharanidiaries

5. @maharanijewelz

6. @officiallyinheels

7. @taymoorsmama

8. @theunmodernwoman

9. @twotraveluvers

✅ Tag as many friends as you want in separate comments. Each tag counts as one entry if they follow back. 

✨Bonus Entries:✨

EXTRA entry if you share this post on your Instagram story and tag all the accounts.

[Entrant must follow all nine accounts. Will be verified].

This GIVEAWAY is open to a worldwide audience. Monies will be delivered through PayPal / Xoom/ Venmo.

All of the pages mentioned above inspire me in one way or another. Check them out & you will know why : )

The giveaway ends on FRIDAY, April 23rd, 2021, at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be announced on Sunday, April 25th,  2021. 

Disclaimer:

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. Void where prohibited by law.

Winners will be drawn randomly through an app. 

❌[Entries tagging celebrity/brand/business accounts will automatically disqualify. Entries tagging fake accounts will be permanently blocked.]

Jummah Mubarak (Happy Friday)!

Good luck everyone 💙
See those unruly strands of hair? This was me at See those unruly strands of hair? 

This was me attempting to take a "perfect" picture. But, the beautiful breeze kept on flowing my hair in the opposite direction of where I would have loved them to go. 

Did that stop me from sharing this image? 

Heck, no. 

Because I can either hide in my attempts to find perfection or embrace this "not so perfect" image and be content with it. 

Life is like that too. Unpredictable. 

Ready to punch you in the face when you least expect it. But also give you joy and happiness when you are not anticipating it. 

In light of recent events in Dallas, TX, I want you to take a moment and remember why Allah (God) created you. Out of millions of tiny sperm, you were the one who made it. 

Against all odds, that is.

Indeed there is more to you than what others see in you. 

And, why does it matter anyway. As long as you see it. Embrace yourself. Embrace every negative thought too, and know that it is normal sometimes to feel sadness or despair. Our Prophets (Peace be on them) went through it too. 

While they prayed, they also sought counseling in various forms. Do that when the despair continues to loom. It gets better. That is my promise to you. 

Whether you are a mother or not. A student at college or not. A seemingly successful individual or not.

Know that seeking help for mental illness does not make you weak in any shape or form. It makes you stronger, my friend. It shows you have courage. If we don't mind seeking professional help for when our body hurts or bleeds. Then why be hesitant to take care of our mind. Right?

This is our last weekend before Ramadan starts. Let's all take a breath and embrace the good and bad. Hug your parents if you are a child. And, hug your child if you are a parent. 

Jummah Mubarak (Happy Friday)!

Drop a ❤️ if you think we can and should do more for mental health awareness. 
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#theunmodernwoman 
#muslimmom
#jummahmubarak #happyfriday
#pakistanibloggers #pakistaniblogger 
#muslimahblogger #muslimblogger #mentalhealth #muslimmentalhealth
#americanmuslims
#htxblogger #houstonmuslims #momblogger #houstonblogger #pakistaniamericanblogger #mentalhealthbloggers #pakistani #photooftheday
Preparing for Ramadan Yet? Here is a reminder to Preparing for Ramadan Yet?

Here is a reminder to take it easy and remember why you are doing it. 

It's so easy to get caught up in the whirlpool of Ramadan prep. It's the food, and for some, it's the decor, and for some, it's the outfits. This year as we continue to battle Covid realities. Let's remember to do what we can and make peace with what we can't. 

Make peace with the idea that some of our loved ones won't sit at the table with us.  Make peace with the idea that we will reunite with them in "Jannah" (heaven), InshaAllah. 

Make peace with the idea that we can continue to be "Sadaqa e jaariya" (long-term charity) for them if they were our parents. Or share our love for them if they were friends/cousins/colleagues and siblings by caring for their children and families or donating to causes and charities they cared about. 

Make peace with the fact that they might not be present in this "Duniya" (world) with you, but they still want you to continue life and live it to the fullest. 

And, if you are the few lucky ones who didn't lose anyone, then look around you and make this Ramadan count even more by figuring out ways to support someone who did go through a loss. 

It can be life or financial loss. Help them in whatever way you can, and make the most of this year's Ramadan. 

We got this! 

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#theunmodernwoman 
#ramadanpreparation
#mindfulness #tawakul #sabr #coviddiaries 
#muslimmom
#pakistanibloggers #pakistaniblogger 
#ramadanpreparation #muslimblogger 
#americanmuslims
#htxblogger #houstonmuslims #momblogger #houstonblogger #pakistaniamericanblogger #bloggersofinstagram #pakistani #photooftheday #sunset #wonderful_places #instalike #instafashion
Anyone up for some Aloo Kay Kabab? This mom pulle Anyone up for some Aloo Kay Kabab?

This mom pulled an all-nighter for this one yesterday. And, was it worth it? 

I don't know. You will tell me once you try this less than ten ingredient recipe. 

As I deal with a slight headache this morning, I'll say it was slightly worth it to me. If you view my IG stories regularly, then you know that I referred to this particular blog post as my baby last night. That's because while the three stooges are growing up, MashAllah (all praise to God) & Mr. "A" has started school full time. This woman is working hard on her fourth baby - the website. 

Since Ramadan is not too far away, I want to share these Aloo Kababs (Potato Kebabs). They are easy to make, and they freeze well. That myth about not freezing potatoes. 

Well, I am here to tell you that it is not valid. Head on over to the blog for tips on how to fry frozen Aloo kay Kabab.

There is an unusual secret ingredient in these Kababs, and I can not wait for you to try it. 

Have a wonderful rest of the week, everyone! 

Recipe Link: https://www.theunmodernwoman.com/pakistani-style-aloo-kay-kabab-potato-kebabs/

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#theunmodernwoman #alookaykabab #ramadanrecipes #ramadan2021 #forkyeah  #pakistanirecipes 

#freezerfriendly
#foodphotography📷
#foodartblog
#pakistanifoodbloggers

 #pakistanifoodblogger #houstonfoodblogger #houstonfoodbloggers #houstonfoodies
#pakistanibloggers #pakistaniblogger #pakistanicuisine #Pakistanifood #pakistanirecipes
#pakistanicooking #southasianrecipes
#desirecipes #desifood #alootikki
I am standing here thinking what to say when there I am standing here thinking what to say when there is just so much to say. 

Share. That's what I want to do. Tell you all so much. And, then, hear from all of you. 

It's been a while since I have been here, and the truth is, I have always felt a connection with every one of you that follows me. Welcome to the newcomers. 💙 

I miss our DM conversations as well as your comments.

How we would talk a little about me, and I would hear a little about you. Did you know patiently listening to someone as they express themselves is art too? 

It requires a certain amount of patience. 

The patience that we have lost over decades. Especially since the pandemic started, some of us got so isolated that all we want to do is meet others and listen to them talk. 

Whereas some of us were caged, yes, I did use the word "caged" in relation to staying home constantly with our loved ones. It has been hard for the ones with minor children or family members who are at high risk. Never mind the ones who also lost family members and friends. In our attempt to be extremely cautious. Some of us have been stuck inside for just too long. 

I can write paragraphs after paragraphs on this experience which I am sure we all can. But, today on this Friday, I want to remind you that we are almost there. 

The most challenging part is almost over. Let's not forget to make a special dua (prayer) today. Prayer fatigue is real, too, so make that Dua count. Open your heart and ask Him to guide us through this and bring back lives to normal. The normal will be a new normal. But, it will be normal none the less right?

Happy Friday, folks! 

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#theunmodernwoman #pandemicfatigue
#wegotthis #makethatduacount
When you are not smiling but smiling because it ma When you are not smiling but smiling because it may seem like time is slipping away as you are busy being you. But it's not. 

It is not. 

The role of a mother, wife, daughter, sister, boss, colleague, community member you have been playing and continue to play is essential. Even more than that is the role you don't "dress up" for, the part of being you, yourself. Being a human, that is.

It requires no planning. It comes naturally, and it's always flowing. It's that true calling of yours. That only your soul knows about. It could be doing nothing. And, I literally mean nothing. Or it could be doing critical thinking at work, school, or the critical thinking we do "staying at home." 

It could be planting trees and herbs. It could be getting handy with the screwdriver and saw. It could be creating new recipes. It could be volunteering at your favorite nonprofit. It could be creating art in its various forms. It could be the last client you served or the last patient you tended to. Or it could be pushing yourself athletically. 

Point being. Whatever it is. Save a bit of a smile for that too—that one act that you do purely for yourself and no one else. Ask Allah (God) to put many blessings in that also, just like you ask Him to add benefits in other aspects of your life. 

Life will become more beautiful. I promise you it will. 

Just be brave and embrace your soul's calling too. It's there. Waiting.

Just for you!

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#theunmodernwoman #embraceyourself #wednesdaywisdom #dontquit
Anyone up for some Dalia (cracked wheat) with Chic Anyone up for some Dalia (cracked wheat) with Chicken? 

After the ordeal we had two weeks ago, and the kind of cold weather that is back again. This warm, nutritious meal is just the thing me & the kids have been craving. 

The best part is that it is very easy to make, and it gives us a nice break from our usual heavy-duty meals. Recipe is on the blog linked in my bio @theunmodernwoman

How is everyone's Monday going? 

I have to admit. Finding time for writing is not as easy as I thought it will be. It took me a good week to realize why I was able to come back here and post for a couple of days in a row. 

We were in between a winter storm. Everyone was off from school & work. Life was disrupted. Our "rhythms" didn't need to be aligned. Which SubhanAllah (all praise to God) meant that instead of doing one task after another. I got to write in between. 

So when it came to sharing another recipe. It automatically came down to comfort food. If you are of South Asian origin, then you know that Daal Chawal (lentils and Basmati rice) & Kichri (lentil & Basmati rice Pilaf) are the ultimate comfort food. But, for this family Dalia with Chicken falls in the same category. I haven't just grown up eating this. But, during my post surgery period as well as postpartum period. Ammi Jaan (my mom) made this many times as well. 

I would love for you all to try this, and tell me how you like it. Again the link is at www.theunmodernwoman.com

And, while we are it. I also want to know what your ultimate comfort food is. 

It might be cold outside. But, the sun is shining. Let's shine with it : )

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#theunmodernwoman #daliawithchicken #heartymeals  #comfortfood #letsgetcooking
"A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better "A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah." 

- Ibn Taymiyyah (7th century Islamic scholar and theologian)

It's been more than 24 hours since our power came back. Everything feels surreal. The house is still pretty cold because as adviced by our energy company, we are keeping the thermostat under 68 F which actually makes some parts of our house way colder. Still not running any appliances except our fridge and freezers.

At least there is no more "smoke" coming out of our mouth as my 4 year old calls it. I will be lying if I said me & Mr. "M" along many others I know don't have PTSD from the events that occured Monday onwards.

This picture was taken on Monday in 28 F. Mind you, I had pulled my balaclava down just for this picture. 

Our power had gone out 7 hours prior to this moment. And, while we attempted this selfie, our kids who had very excitedly come out for snow had starting rushing back into the house. As amusing as the snow was to the kids. None of us lasted long enough outside to even build a snowman.

Maybe some other day. 

And, definitely not in Texas.

The boil water advisory continues.  So Houstonions keep an eye on that. 

One more night to go is what we told each other this morning. Last night was anxiety inducing as we prepared for a possibility of burst water pipes due to another freezing chill coming our way. Many of our neighbors actually turned their main water valve. We didn't. 

Just one more night to go. We did it this far, we will do it tonight. And, hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. 

For those of us who are blessed enough to stay warm and put all this behind. Let's look around. Within our neighbors, community, and social media groups. There are many who weren't as lucky. Let's find the ones who need help. Or the ones who are on the ground helping others. There is a reason we are here today. So we can help those who truly need it. Make that Friday count even more. 

#JummahMubarak (Happy Friday)!

We got this! 

#houstonstrong #texasstrong #winterstorm2021 #prayfortexas #texassnow #wegotthis
#theunmodernwoman
#houstonblogger #americanmuslims
Experience Arctic Freeze at least once in a life t Experience Arctic Freeze at least once in a life time. ✔️

Candid shot in more than a decade. ✔️✔️

Thanking Allah & asking for His forgiveness from cold weather ✔️✔️✔️. 

If you are still without power, hang in there. Ours came back after 40 plus hours, and we are praying that it doesn't go back again. After experiencing temperatures in the low 40s inside the house, it is safe to say this woman now understands what hell freezing over means. I believe that's what happened Monday night for some of us in West Houston. On a not so lighter note. Apparently, there is a place in hell that is so cold which is equally terrifying as the traditional hot hell we all know of. But, more on that another day. 

If you have running water then fill up your tubs if you haven't already. A lot of places in and around the greater houston area have a "Boil Water Advisory" in check. Before ingesting water, please check if your area falls under that advisory or not.

Still keep your heat at 68 F so the Texas grid is able to handle the load. More on that some other day too. 

Check my stories if you haven't already to see how you can prevent cold air seeping in through your doors and windows. Share below any tips that are helping you right now.

More than anything. Hang in there. 

Pray
Help those you can. But safely.
Try to stay warm. Pun intended. No, seriously stay warm. Stay in one area of the house and bounce off that human heat to each other. 

It works. I swear it works. Or, maybe just maybe my mind has finally gone numb from staying in frigid temps for too long. 

Either way.

We got this! 

#prayfortexas

#Winterstorm2021
Just like that he is five. The child who truly sh Just like that he is five.

The child who truly shaped the kind of woman I have become today. The one who made me question my own sanity,and everything I had ever believed in. But, who helped restore my faith in myself and Allah. The one who taught me that all is well that ends well.And, if it isn't well,then the ending is yet to come.

This one is for my sisters who are dealing with a high-risk pregnancy,or #postpartumdepression in any shape or form.

Mr. "E" had stopped receiving enough oxygen & blood from my placenta at 24 week mark. I was told that with every passing day our chance of having a stillborn baby was increasing. I had to have numerous ultrasounds & non stress tests done during my last trimester. Talk about being at the doctor's office first thing in the morning 3-4 times a week.

We somehow made it to 37 weeks, & I had to deliver with Labor & Delivery, entire NICU staff plus my mother & husband present in the room.18 people basically. Because no one knew what to expect once the baby came out. Kid had to be rushed to ER twice in his first three months of life. Once when he was only 50 hours old. He persisted though.

But, as you all know.Soon after I had severe PTSD, and PPD that even turned into Psychosis for two weeks. I am that woman who came very close to taking her life because she thought she wasn't a good enough mother. Thanks to those darn hormonal changes.

Yet, I am also a woman who is stronger than anything out there, & is not scared of anything anymore. We all have fears,I am sure you do too. I promise you that it does get better. You lose some friendships & people close to you in between, but even that ends up being a blessing in disguise.

If you are feeling blue, talk to someone, and remember no matter how hard it gets.He loves you & He is watching you.Even in times of despair.Sometimes it feels like He is not listening.But, He always is.Just like our mothers, sometimes He choses not to respond right away.But, He is always there when you truly need Him.

And, lastly there is absolutely no shame in getting help to take care of your mental health.

Please continue to keep me & my family in your duas ♥️. 📷 @_lezuphotography

 

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