A HINT OF HAPPINESS

Hey guys it's Neda here with another blogpost, hehehe. I've been thinking about writing about this topic for a while but I couldn't find the right words to put explain it until about 10 minutes ago when I was reading my old journal entries and just a lot of things that have led me here Alhamdulilah. I've always known I wanted to help people one way or another, be it one person or 100 people, I wanted to make a difference so here I am. This is gonna be a little different than my normal blogposts, but I hope you stick around to read. Without further a do, I hope you enjoy:

When you feel down and it seems as if the path you are on in your life is shaky, turn to Allah.
When you feel mad because something in your life wasn't what you wanted, thank Allah.
When you feel happy because you got exactly what you dreamt of, praise Allah.
When you feel as if there is no hope for you and you want to give up know "Verily with Hardship comes Ease" (94:6).

A couple months ago when I was journaling and was writing exactly what I wanted this blogpost to say, so I thought it would only be appropriate to just give the raw version so,
"I want to try to help anyone going through something and tell them I'm there for them and if for some reason I can't be, Allah(swt) ALWAYS is. He knows what we are going through and gives His strongest soilders the hardest tests. If we ever feel helpless we should turn to Him(swt) and without even having to say anything, we just have to think it because "He known what is in the hearts." But it's our job to take the initiative and ask Him for help because "Allah never changed the condition of a people unless they strive to change themselves." I also want to make a new mindset to always see the bright side of things because it's all about "Perspective". Why be sad when you can be happy and why add hate when you can spread love?"

So that was a little entrance into what's in my mind and it's true, if you need anything don't be afraid to hmu but before you talk to people, talk to Your Creator because even though He already knows how you are feeling He will still ALWAYS be there to listen. There's a saying that "The greater the struggle the greater the results" and it's true - with every test you have the opportunity to increase your rank in Jannah iA.

Because after all that is the goal. Jannah. Everything is temporary - Happiness and Sadness alike. So, enjoy the moment and before doing something ask yourself, "Will this please Allah(swt)" and if the answer is yes you're good to go. Islam is very clear Black and White, if you see any gray and have to question the answer there might be other factors in the equation. I am by no means perfect and we are all after the same goal. "We shouldn't be upset about people trying to pull us down, we should let them be the reason we are so high up."

With all that being said, I think I've expressed all the things I planned and am content Alhamdulilah. If you liked this make sure to let me know and who knows, maybe I'll make a pt.2 if you want. Thank you so much for making it this far and I appreciate you. Have an amazing day, sweet heart.

-xoxo,
Neda Girl

Insta: @neda_hamood         Twitter: @neda_hamood       Youtube: Neda Hamood

I N D I A T R A V E L

Hey guys, it's Neda Again. I'm here with another blogpost for you guys, this time about my recent trip to India. If you didn't know, my dad is from India so in order to form me into a well rounded, non-spoiled, cultured individual; my parents like to let me visit the mother land from time to time. Here's a rundown of my trip:

The main purpose for this trip was to go for my cousin's wedding and to have a little vacation time before I begin a part in my life where frequent travel won't really be possible because college can take up a lot of time and hard work iA. So before my trip to India, I spent about 5 days in Ireland with my aunt and her family and we did super adventurous things like going to the mountains, shopping and more touristy things (see below).

 

Then I was off again - to the mother land. So the first week of the trip was basic, I was trying to get used to the routine. Then the second week was the wedding which was exciting. Then week three and four were basically living in India. A typical day would look like this: wake up, eat, hang around, eat, take a nap, hang around, eat, sleep. It was really living the life of luxury. My hands down favorite thing we did in India was playing on the roof when it would rain and my cousins and I would just really have the time of our lives. I learned some urdu, how to make roti, and how to live simply. Overall it was a great experience and I'm thankful for the opportunity and the time I got to spend with my family. Now before I get back home iA I have some more time in Ireland so that means more experiences I'd love to share with you. Stay tuned for more exciting things coming up iA.

 

 

Thanks for reading - xoxo,
Neda Girl

SUHOOR IDEAS

Hey guys, it's Neda again. I'm here because it's nearing the middle of Ramadan Alhamdulilah and around this time is when we start waking up at 5am eating a date, chugging water, praying fajr and going back to sleep. But, suhoor could be so much more exciting with these recipes I'm going to be showing you in this blogpost today. Hope you enjoy, let's begin:

*PRO TIP* DRINK A FULL WATER BOTTLE AT IFTAR, A FULL WATER BOTTLE BEFORE YOU SLEEP (two if you can manage) AND A FULL WATER BOTTLE AT SUHOOR.

1) Whole Wheat Waffle with Blueberries and Bananas

This is a super simple one. You stick two whole wheat waffles in the toaster and when they are done you top off with fresh blueberries and a sliced banana. Maple syrup if you want -  which I always include - and enjoy.

2) Cornflakes with Bananas and Dates

This is your simple "Yikes!I woke up late gotta eat now" kind of day meal. You make your normal cereal ya know: bowl, cereal, milk - you know the drill. Then, add some banana (I really like bananas) and eat some dates on the side (I like to eat 3) and that's it.

3) Avocado Toast

This has to be one of the most basic eats out there and there's no way I couldn't include it due to my affinity to avocados. Again you're gonna go ahead and toast 2 pieces of bread, white or whole wheat it's your choice. Then when it's toasted, lather it with cream cheese, gently place the avocados, and squeeze with lemon juice and hot sauce. This is better if you want something savory because it's easy and very flavorful.

4) Baby Egg Omelet

This is another super simple one as all of these are because honestly at 5 in the morning I'm not trying to put a lot of effort into whatever I'm gonna eat in 5 minutes so.... Basically heat a small pan I like to use one that is about 5 inches in diameter and put a little splash of olive oil in there and heat on medium high. Take two eggs (or three egg whites) and mix in a bowl. Then just pour into the pan then about every 30 seconds push in the 2 sides and let the excess egg fill the void. Then repeat until there is no runny egg left. After about 15 seconds GENTLY flip the little egg pie and continue to cook for about 30 seconds. You can then top with cheese and tomatoes. Another really good thing would be to add spinach while you are whisking the eggs for a little more nutrients. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

^So imagine this picture but like not all sad looking and together and just pretend it looks yummy because it is

5) Acai Bowls

*WARNING* THIS REQUIRES USE OF A BLENDER SO MAKE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK

Basically, unless everyone in your house is already awake and they don't mind having a blender on at 5 in the morning then have at it and make this acai bowl but, definitely ask for permission. I've talked about acai bowls previously in blog posts but I couldn't not include them here today. It's as simple as throwing a 1/2 of a banana, 1 cup of frozen berries, and 1/2 a cup of milk into a blender (you may need a little more milk). Then top with the other 1/2 of a banana, strawberries, blueberries, granola, coconut flakes, or really anything your heart desires. If you did want to make this in advance then you could add a little sweetened condensed milk or greek yogurt put in a bowl and cover with foil or plastic wrap then put in freezer. You might have to let it thaw for a little and then it will basically be eating ice cream for suhoor but no judgement from me.

6) Oatmeal with Berries

Okay so when I first started eating oatmeal after I started liking it a little while ago I kind of made up my own recipe because regular oatmeal can be kind of bland. So the steps that I make it: I mix 4 tbs of old fashioned oats with water to cover it and 1/2 a sliced a banana, then I microwave for          1min 30sec. And when it's done I take it out and stir it until it cools a bit then I add a ton of cinnamon, blueberries, the other 1/2 of a banana, and strawberries but feel free to add what you want and enjoy.

7) 2 Ingredient Banana Pancakes

So these took the internet by storm a couple years ago when I first got into enjoying cooking and this is a super simple recipe. A smart thing to do would be make the batter in advance but basically in a blender  (I like to use my single serve ninja cup) combine 1 banana and 2 eggs and blend until smooth. Then heat a pan on medium high and spray with cooking oil then pour the batter. Top with any fresh fruit you want and syrup if you'd like. This serves about one but if you want to be your family's hero then feel free to make it for everyone by doubling or tripling the recipe.

*NOTE* IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN THE KITCHEN WHAT SO EVER MAKE SURE TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF AND HAVE MERCY ON YOUR MAMA, DON'T LEAVE HER A MESS.

BONUS SUPER SIMPLE NO MESS RECIPES

If you don't feel like turning on a blender or a toaster so early in the morning here are some more ideas, these could also be side dishes to some of these mains^:

• Poptarts
• Honeycomb cereal
• Fruits (prob leftover from iftar)(grapes, berries, bananas)
• Almonds, Raisins, Walnuts (personally I'm allergic to nuts but it's all you)
• Pre-made energy balls (blend 10 dates, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/4 cup coconut flakes then blend)
• Boiled eggs

GOALS FOR RAMADAN 2017

Hey buddy, how ya been? Hope you've been well. So today happens to be the 10th day of Ramadan which is basically the 15th day and there are 30 days in a month so basically ramadan is 1/2 of the way done. In this blessed month it's nice to see it as a fresh start, a time to initiate any things you might want to do to better yourself. So at the beginning of the month I like to write a list of things I might want to do during the month. Many of the things are more of a change in mindset as opposed to change in action. Without further ado I bring to you My Goals for Ramadan 2017:

1) Read the Quran at least once, I find that this could be a time to fine new inspiration for things all around.

2) Memorize/Review Quran, Depending on you and your memorization skills it's nice to set a goal to memorize or review Quran.

3) Free the negativity from your mind, this sounds kinda like something a hippie would say but hey, no hate. Basically, just keep positive thoughts in your mind only, why burden yourself with worrying.

4) Don't be lazy - this can be hard when you're hungry and tired and want to wake up at noon if you have the luxury to but work for that feeling of being productive each day. There are 11 other months of the year to sleep to noon don't make Ramadan one of them.

5) Forgive. Try to make this the month where you go over events from the past and encounter with other and just forgive them. You wouldn't want to be the reason that someone doesn't enter Jannah.

6) Disconnect. Whether it be from people, social media, worldly affairs. Try to disconnect from this Dunya and connect with Allah(swt).

7) Make it permanent. Yes, it is nice to have this month to feel like a real refresher and even half way through the effects of this month are already sinking in but try to maintain that fresh feeling. Think of Ramadan as a way to kickstart this way of life and it might be hard at first but everything will pay off in the end Insha'Allah.

So, I hope you all enjoyed this blogpost and benefited something from it. I have another Ramadan themed blogpost coming soon iA so you can look forward to that and my graduation vlog will be going up soon because your girl was class of 2017 Alhamdulilah. Anyway, I hope you liked this blogpost and I'll see you guys soon. Have a blessed Ramadan.

xoxo,
Neda Girl

~ S E N I O R Y E A R ~

So I'm gonna save you guys my excuses and just get into the blogpost

If you didn't already know, I'm a senior this year. Another thing you might not know is that I'm 15 so that's exciting and cool I guess. So this year has been a sorta eventful year and I'm still in disbelief that I am a senior Alhamdulilah. I learned a ton of stuff this year I though you might enjoy with tips, tricks, advice. So here they are:

1) Make school the second most important thing you do obviously the first thing being your deen. You can't just walk into school and expect to know stuff, it takes hours of studying and research but it'll all pay off in the end.

2) Keep a clear mind. It can be hard to do school if you have a million things on your mind and on your to-do list. Think of it this way -  you're gonna have to do the thing eventually so the sooner the better. Another way to keep your thoughts organized is to get a planner and get into the habit of writing stuff down.

3) This is just the beginning, High school isn't anything like the movies. I would suggest just getting your work done and getting out lol you can rest after.

4) Make sure you are learning not just aiming for an 'A', it might be working now but once it's time to go and take the SAT or ACT it's gonna come and bite you in the behind.

5) Speaking of Standardized Exams study for the SAT and ACT early on, I wouldn't say start when you are in middle school maybe in 8th grade get some information on the grading and stuff but once you're ready and know the stuff start doing practice. Practice makes perfect.

6) Stay motivated and treat yourself. It can be hard sometimes when you just wanna be like ya know what McDonald's cashier doesn't seem like too bad of an option but you can accomplish so much more. Don't overthink things, like I said get your work done and graduate after that the world is your oyster.

7) Make sure to focus on your deen. Ya the success in this life is cool, being a doctor or engineer or Olympian but you gotta remember this life is just a temporary thing and if you don't do your best to get to Jannah did you really accomplish anything at all?

8) Remember to Thank, thank everyone; Allah(swt), your parents, your teachers, your supporters, your advisors. Always be thankful

9) Pick up a hobby, don't make this hobby your life but you should always have something when you want to get away and escape the horror of the real world. I personally like piano and basketball.

10) Last but not least Enjoy it, before you know it, it's gonna be over and it's gonna be graduation day and you're gonna be walking across that stage with all your friends cheering you on. So have fun, live a little, hang with ur friends on weekends, everything will pay off.

*INSERT SENIOR PICTURES WHERE I LOOK DECENT*

Links:

Insta : @neda_hamood

Twitter : @neda_hamood

Youtube: Neda Hamood 

Until next time, xoxo <3