Recipe - World's Easiest Keema Pulao (Mince and Spicy Rice)

One thing you'll notice over time is my obsession with Mince and Rice. Before writing this post as I was going through the previous recipes I had posted, I realized almost all of them featured one of the two in one way or the other... My Naano (Maternal Grandmother) insists its the Kashmiri in me (Kashmiris are famed for eating rice with just about everything under the sky) and given her larger than life personality I'm not surprised that particular 25% gene pool would have dominated the rest :) Infact my Khaloo (Aunt's Husband) considers us Siddiqui women (my mothers maiden name) both by birth and by association a phenomenon unto ourselves, I wouldn't disagree...

Naano, Mama and I - 1987

Naano for me has been the funnest grandparent one can ever have. When we were young it meant a fridge loaded with all sorts of goodies you could only dream of at home, slightly older she was the grandparent in charge of grooming, wardrobe and generally all growing up related issues including being my first driving instructor and eventually now an ear for possibly everything life has to offer... On a dining table Naano is lethal!! Not only does she cook the meanest Curry's known to mankind, she also NEVER lets me put the food in my own plate. When you're on her table she decides how hungry you are (VERY), what you'll eat (EVERYTHING) and how much (ALL)... I dedicate this particular recipe to Naush... I know she'd have a thing or two to add to it, but in my defense, it tastes spectacular!! lol.

Winner of First Ever SiddySays.com Giveaway!!

CONGRATULATIONS RITA!

Rita from 'Healthy Mom, Sexy Wife' Blog is the Winner of the 'First Ever SiddySays.com' Giveaway!!

Rita, please contact at: me[at]siddysays[dot]com - So I can have the Amazon.com Gift Voucher on its way ASAP!! Thank you SO much for supporting www.siddysays.com... It means the WORLD to me xx

The 'Somewhat Daily' Diary - Eid Mubarak

Tomorrow is Eid ul Fitr, my absolutely hands down most favorite Religious festival ever!! (To draw a parallel, its like the Muslim Christmas - presents and all :)) And while it's still ten days to go before I head back home to Pakistan and to my go-kart crazy Husband (who by the way has broken all sorts of personal and track records while I have been here), I want to showcase a collage of Eid images to give you a glimpse of the festivities back home... 'Bling' clothes, Bangles, Henna Filled Hands, Sweets, Moon Sighting, Charity and Prayers!!

Elan Outfit, Scenes from Eid Prayers, Bangles, Henna, Jalebis and Vermicelli 

J'aime Paris - Chapter 1

How and where does one start talking about Paris?? I honestly couldn't figure out... So I decided to divide our four days in Paris into a 4 Part Series of Blog Entries in hope that I can share with your all that I saw and loved and then a few special features...

Fashion Feature - 'Follow-able Fashion' DKNY Fall Winter 2011.

Donna Karen's DKNY for New York Fashion Week which debuted in February 2011 showcased 70s inspired Camel Suit... Easy to replicate, the layered power suit can be any working girls dream. I personally love layering and this is JUST SO do-able!!

Happy Weekend :))

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Taking lead from some of the more Seasoned and Experienced Fellow Bloggers, I have hereby decided to discipline myself just a little bit and actually start taking Weekend Breaks from Blogging :) 

Have a lovely two Days, I'll see you again come Monday...

Fashion Feature - Quirky Holiday Mash Up

Quirky Holiday Mash Up by siddysays 

I for one LOVE my comfort, without compromising too much on fun! So On holiday's I usually carry along a comfortable pair of shoes which can work with anything. While converse is not necessarily my answer to everything I have to say they come in pretty handy! 

Inspiring Spaces

I have a dream house :) For a long time I have been collecting images of spaces I find inspiring... the result is a huge folder in my hard drive that consists of pictures from all over the world, from all sorts of sources, from all sorts of people - that I have just fallen in love with... I guess through this particularly chapter of my blog, I am slowly showing you around that vision. Do stay from a cup of tea... 

NOTE: I started following blogs pretty much around the same time I started toying with the idea of creating a blog... It was then I started collecting images of inspiring interiors I saw on blogs for nothing else but keeping a record and using them as inspiration for someday when I'd make my own house *sigh* Unfortunately, till now since there were for my personal consumption, I hadn't filed the sources... and therefore initially in this post series, I will not be able to quote sources :(( 

If you see any image that you feel should not be displayed or you know sources of, please email me. In the meantime, the future images I collect will reflect sources to the best of my ability.

Fashion Feature - Going Brogue

Going Brogue by siddysays 

The shoes traditionally characterized by multi-piece sturdy leather upper with brogue-ing designs (decorative perforations) were a staple in a gentleman's wardrobe till a few years ago. This was before they went ballistic! Today, Brogues are an A list accessory in any fashionable lady's shoe closet in addition to expanding their audience to the more daring metrosexual man with an array of colours, fabrics and designs.

While I haven't quite developed an appetite for Neon just as yet, I couldn't help but love these conventional yet creative ways the 'Sartorialist' Ladies boast their Brogues.

here and here

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The 'Somewhat Daily' Diary - Aller à Paris

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By the time you get this, I will already be in Paris. Perhaps a little to enthusiastic you think? Well, it's been the one place I have wanted to go for the longest time and it's finally happening :)) I won't be able to respond to the emails, comments till Friday. Please bear with me, I assure you I'll come back with lethal blogging enthusiasm... xx 

POSTCARD - Bright Bright Brighton!

Harry and I recently spent a nice Sunny (yet spectacularly Windy) Sunday in Brighton. Walking around the most characterful High Street I have seen in the recent times, Sitting on the Pebbly Beach, Amusing ourselves at the Pier and absorbing the Sights and Sounds... It was a Sunday well spent.


While everything was Bright and Brilliant in Brighton, one shop I'd highly recommend stopping over if your're ever in Brighton is ChoccyWoccyDooDah. Honestly, I have NEVER EVER in my life been as floored by Baked Creativity as I was passing by this one! Imagination runs wild here....

Fashion Feature - Summer 'Up' Do's

Ok, so Summer is slowly coming to an end... And while I don't see this trend continuing in fall, the High Up Bun was one of my favorites this Summer. Personally, I love the 'really not trying hard but still managing to get your attention' look :) and I think the High Buns do just that!!

Images Courtesy: (from top left clockwise) heitor magno, musings of feminity, fuckyeah hair, look book, simple lovely blog, self inspiration

Note to Self - Drop of Wisdom: Episode 6

The 'Somewhat Daily' Diary - Paris, I Prevailed!

Image Courtesy: The Constant Gatherer

What started a year ago as Ali and My 'Romantic European Getaway' now finally seems to be materializing as my 'Time off with Friends' (insert a happy sad, mixed feeling kind of face here). It seems like Zub, Harry and I will be meeting up at Nord de Paris on the afternoon of the 21st of August for a short but sweet 5 Day Paris Holiday... More to come, Follow this space for my 'Three Peeps, Small Budget, Most of Paris' Trip.

View The Paris Trip in a larger map

Simply Delightful - Birdie Paper Clips

Image Courtesy: WeLoveFairground

Being an absolute sucker for Stationery, It's not surprising for me that the last 2 entries in my 'Simply Delightful' Section have been pretty much to that theme. This one is no different. Imagine these lil' Birdies sitting a top boring old documents. Surely worth a chirp. xx

Recipe - Saman's Dum Kebabs

I don't know at what point in our lives Saman, Tashi, Umber and I decided we are cousins, but we have been cousins for as long as I can remember. Yes, this does mean that we are technically not actually cousins... but for all practical and non practical reasons we have been that for each other all our lives. 

A hazy old photograph of all of us.

I guess the credit would go to our parents - My Baba and their Father (Mahin Chachu) have been the bestest of friends for the longest time and then when Mahin Chachu married Shaheen Phupho she practically adopted Baba changing the general introduction to 'Phupho's Family (paternal Aunt's) as opposed to Chachu's Family (paternal Uncle's). So knowing through out my life that their parents and my parents weren't actually siblings Saman, Tashi and Umber have been the cousins who's visit to Pakistan was eagerly awaited, who we always stayed in touch with, who we turned to if we needed anything from abroad and who we took for granted enough to the point that when I came to London to study, it was just assumed that I would live with them and who are my eternal BlackBerry chat buddies now. 

So, this time being in London and not staying with them (I'm staying with my brother) is a new phenomenon  however, true to their tradition they are being wonderful and feeding me to the nth whenever they get a chance :) It was just the other day visiting Saman that I discovered these delicious Dam Kebabs I am about to undertake.

Here goes nothing...

Ingredients:

Beef Mince 0.5 Kg

Onions 2 Medium Sized Chopped, 2 Medium Sliced

Garlic 4 Cloves Chopped

Ginger to Taste also Chopped (you can always replace this with the Ginger Garlic paste as I normally do)

Green Chillies 4 Chopped

Tomatoes 2 Large Chopped, 2 Large Sliced

Fresh Coriander a fist full, chopped

Eggs 2

Laziza Chapli Kebab Masala as per taste (if you're Lucky) alternatively:

         Red Chilly Powder 1 Teaspoon

         Salt 2 Teaspoon
         Dried Coriander Powder 1 Teaspoon
         Black Pepper 0.5 Teaspoon
         Cumin Seeds Powder 1 Teaspoon

I ♥ Etsy - Leather Handmade Ballerinas

In life, I think I have generally outgrown heels. I love and adore them on women who have the stamina to wear them but I have become an absolutely flats person (with exception to evening wear) which is why, I absolutely fell in love when I saw this number from Ele Handmade on Etsy. 

images courtesy: citified, originally: ele handmade

'These leather handmade ballerinas are really so soft, light and comfortable, absolutely essential to welcome spring and summer! The flats are suitable both for outdoor and indoor, you will look gorgeous when wearing them!! The upper leather is in pale pink and features an amazing texture! This Italian leather has been hand cut to simulate snake pattern! The fine leather insole is embellished with an elegant detail, all sewn with a thin gold lurex thread.These flats are available with or without organza lace. Outsole is in genuine leather; outsoles thickness is 3 mm, the edge looks thinner as has been bevelled to give a nicer look and more comfy fitting.'

Fashion Feature - Only ONE Kate.

I do adore Kate Middleton, I really do. I love her grounded, almost conservative style... I love how effortless she is. But make no mistake, then there is another Kate who has ruled London (and the world) for way longer...

This is way more edgier that the usual siddysays style, but I just HAD to share this for the fact that in addition to just absolutely loving the wedding, the last picture bought an instant smile to my face...

images courtesy: vogue

AND IN THE END...

inage courtesy:  anOther

Inspiring Spaces

I have a 'beyond serious' fascination with white walls and sun light... I guess you will realize it over the coming weeks as I share more images. The reason I chose this image over any other in my collection is that it showcases the almost perfect living space for me - A place to lie down, a place to sit comfortable, a place to work - enough greens and sun light to feel full of life and while embodying most modern comforts manages to retain an extremely rustic, earthy feel.

NOTE: I started following blogs pretty much around the same time I started toying with the idea of creating a blog... It was then I started collecting images of inspiring interiors I saw on blogs for nothing else but keeping a record and using them as inspiration for someday when I'd make my own house *sigh* Unfortunately, till now since there were for my personal consumption, I hadn't filed the sources... and therefore initially in this post series, I will not be able to quote sources :(( 

If you see any image that you feel should not be displayed, please email me. In the meantime, the future images I collect will reflect sources to the best of my ability.

The 'Somewhat Daily' Dairy - Not all is Ugly

For anyone who hasn't ever seen Pakistan up close, I'm sure you've heard of the many problems our nation faces... However this 14th August I wanted to share some wonderful Sights and Sounds of Pakistan, Courtesy Payaam Trust - Do have a look, I could write more but each one of these pictures is worth a thousand words and I do urge you to click the image or this link >> 'Peeping into Pakistan' << to see the entire collection.

Enjoy.

Blog Tips - Widgets I CAN'T live without...

So as my blog evolves, I thought I would compile a list of Widgets I just absolutely adore. I have to say, this is an ever evolving list so I would recommend repeat visits to this entry however, for now behold...

1. Comment Luv
Giving you more interactive and personalized interaction with your Commentators... This plugin actually encourages interactions between blogs by enabling links to latest posts, twitter etc.

2. LinkWithin
Some of the most active browsing I get through my blog is courtesy this plugin. When a reader lands on an entry, LinkWithin recommends past entries that could be of interests and keeps Readers surfing on the blog longer.

3. Twitter Widget
Hello, Social Networks need to be linked! It's as simple as that! So while I personally I'm new to both Twitter and Blogging its fun to be on both!

4. Facebook Plugins
Some of my most regular readers come in from my existing Facebook troupe! So... Facebook has an array of plug ins available that link your profile to your blog and vice versa.

5. Live Traffic Feed
I personally love knowing where my readers are coming from, and while this is not the most rocket science of all plugins but its fun nonetheless

6. Recent Posts
I never liked displaying too many posts on my main landing page so Recent Posts Widget is good to show what all have you been upto without flaunting pasting it all over your blog.

7. Featured Content
Dying to use this one!! It seems super-complicated at first site, but i promise a simple tutorial as soon as I crack this one.

8. Followers Widget
Ok, so while this may seem unncessary, it's good to see your blog community slowly and steadily grow... I personally love it and it's a great way to entice people to follow you!

As I get along blogging, I am sure there will be more to come....
Stay Posted.

The 'Somewhat Daily' Diary - Murphy came to Dinner!

Photo Credit: lisamariemiles.blogspot.com

Have you ever had one of those days when you're expecting some very special guests and Murphy comes to visit instead?? You know the kind of day when you think you have everything under control but fate is about to take you for a spin? Well, if you still don't get it... I must illustrate this with an example.

Saman and Tashi with Agha Jan

With Agha Jan visiting London, two of my closest cousins decided to pop in and say hello, you know the kind of cousins who are always the most loving caring and perfect hosts?? Anyway, so I decided to make Pakoras and Channa Chaat two of the very few recipes I have actually almost mastered over time, in addition to some fresh fruit salad and yum yums from the local bakery.... Everything seemed to be set till...

1. The local Tesco was out of Chickpeas (the main ingredient)
2. We got home too late to replace the simple and quick Channa Chaat with anything else
3. I decided to add a bit of twist to the Pakoras

As a consequence, there was no Chaat, my cousin ended up fixing and frying my Pakoras and we ended up ordering takeaway! Oh yeah, I proactively ordered grilled lamb only to realise she didn't eat Lamb and the Yum Yums just were NOT what they usually are. SIGH. Thank God blood is thicker than water! Because I ended up entertaining Murphy more than my cousins!!

Fashion Feature - Urban Jungle

I cannot believe that it has taken me so long to discover 'Polyvore' Honestly!! Where was I?? What was I thinking??? Anyway, so having discovered it, this is my first 'test' attempt :) Needless to say, so so many more will follow.

Urban Jungle by siddysays featuring mini handbags

Recipe - Chicken Salan (Curry) with Boiled White Rice

Agha Jan, as we fondly call my 89 year old grandfather is arriving in London today breaking his journey here for 3 days before heading out to Baltimore to visit my Uncle and Harrawal and I have pretty much spent the day planning his arrival... While Harrawal scrubbed and cleaned the flat, I undertook the impossible - COOKING and while it may seem like one mean feat for me (if you've been following this blog you will I know how absolutely untalented I am when it comes to Cooking), it's really nothing compared to all I can and cannot recall Agha Jan having done for me over the years.

My grandparents were always the most interesting couple I thought, defying all sorts of stuffy social norms in their times from a supposed mismatched marriage (my Dado was a Lahori and Agha Jan a Pathan, Dado was 5 years older to him) to both of them being progressive enough to be practicing Doctors back in the early 1940s and actually pursuing their careers to the furthest corners of the subcontinent together and separately...

Despite spending almost her entire life working, Dado was an ardent cook... And while she didn't really meddle with the day on day goings on in the kitchen, her Chutnis, Jams, Achars and Pickles, Kaanjis, Squashes and my personal Favorite Besan ki Burfi were well known among family and friends. She owned containers in all shapes and sizes, some to make the goodies in, others to store them and mostly the medium sized containers to spread the love. As I type, I am making a mental note to sit down with Ammo Phupho (Ammo - a variation of Mother and Phupho - paternal aunt) the last bearer in our family of delicious homemade jams and therefore the inheritor of Dado's fabulous recipes and see if I can actually learn something.

Lovely Chutney Image Courtesy: blog.craftzine.com

For now, as Agha Jan arrives, I am attempting the most basic of all basic's yet an absolute 'at least once a week staple' in Dado Agha Jan's house... Chicken Curry with Plain White rice. Here is How:

Ingredients:

Chicken 1/2 KG 

Tomatoes 5-6 Medium - Large Sized ones

Onion 1 Medium Chopped

Ginger a table spoon if you're using the paste

Garlic two cloves

Salt 1.5 Teaspoon

Red Chilli Powder 1 Teaspoon

Turmeric Powder 1 Teaspoon

Water 1.5 Cups

Oil 4 tablespoons give or take some

Simply Delightful - Wamon Masking Tape

I am absolutely amazed at the simplicity of this product and am in lurveeee with the Japanese aesthetic. Wamon MT is one of the many Masking Tapes designed by Kamoi Kakoshi Company Limited and while all of them are equally delightful, this one in particular catches my fancy. Made from Rice Paper, this tape leaves no residue, you can write ON it and it can be used to Decorating, Packaging and Personalizing for wrapping suckers like me!

I spotted the item first on a Brilliant blog/shop called None Such Things, if you're craving a purchase, it can be ordered for roughly 20GBP.

First Ever SiddySays.com Giveaway.

POSTCARD - In the Neighbourhood

The Grand Union Canal leaves the River Thames at Brentford and climbs over fifty locks up into the Chiltern hills. It descends then climbs again to a new summit in Birmingham, 137 miles and 166 locks. Boatmen used to claim to do it in five days but allow well over a week if you want to get any sleep! The image shows Grand Union Canal passing at about 10 minutes’ walk from where I'm staying… 

Simply Delightful - Pearl & Ivy Headbands

Not exactly sure what the 'upper age limit' to flaunt such gorgeous ornate headbands might be but I am in love with these Pearl and Ivy Creations. You can explore the entire collection at the Pearl and Ivy webpage and do share your thoughts on what you might be seen wearing them with :)