I am sitting in my flat in the kinda Muscat aria. That is all I am going to say. The net here is not that grate, 99% dew to the fact that we do not have net and just a little stick from nawras that is 2OR for 48 hours of unlimited internet. Sweet eh, but its kinda (meaning really) slow dew to the flat I am in. My old cell I would have to sit by the front door of the flat to get decent reception hahaha. Lucky that on Eid I got a new one. I think this Eid was the best one i have ever had. It was my first one in Oman, and I hope it will not be my last. Oman is a really nice country. The food is a meat lovers paradise, I have never eaten so much meat as I have here. Oh my gosh the Eids. I was eating the best lamb shuwa for like one week striate for every meal (no joke, the flat fridge is tinny and all we could fit in was the meat and rice) . We would have eaten it longer but friends noticed that my flat mate and I where only eating that so they tuck us out to eat something ells to brake it up. So can anyone guess what it was? Anyone? Yep you guessed it! It was Shawarma~ Anyone in Oman will tell you the thing to get for fast food is shawarma. I have eaten so much shawarma that we now have a running inside joke at the flat. Shaworma is said in a tone between "I once upon a time remembered liking this" and "I wonder if I add up all the shaworma I have eaten, how many lambs that would be?". At summer camp one year a long way back some consular added up how much bacon was ingested that summer. The answer was Two and a half Bob's of bacon (Bob is a 300+ pound cook with a temper and big knife). Where was I? Ah yes Eid. It was grate. The weather was cooling down and feels like it is starting to pick up a little just as I had gotten used to wherein little sweaters under my abaya. Not so bad, the way I see it that means I can start swimming in the ocean again soon. There is this one beach I have been wanting to try out for so long. There is even a big crater that is filled with water that seeped into it from the ocean that looks cool. So much to try and see and do in the next month. I hope I can fit it all in.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Love this - Asos Wiggle Hem Dress
Taking inspiration from the Spring 2010 Couture runways of Givenchy and Armani Prive (below), structured ruffles are a lovely, chic addition to Spring dresses.
photos courtesy style.com
However, it can be very difficult to find clothing with avant garde details that won't completely break the bank. The gorgeous Asos Wiggle Hem Dress below is such a beautiful, budget-friendly alternative that will be an amazing statement piece for stylish Spring wardrobes.
It's fun, fresh, flirty and feminine. It has a simple, comfortable stretch-cotton body with a fashion-forward, structured ruffle fabric hem.
The bold blue will be perfect for the warmer months to come but it's also available in black for those who prefer a more classic colour palette.
This amazing dress can be used to achieve a couture designer look that amounts to much less than even a quarter of the couture price tag.
photos courtesy style.comHowever, it can be very difficult to find clothing with avant garde details that won't completely break the bank. The gorgeous Asos Wiggle Hem Dress below is such a beautiful, budget-friendly alternative that will be an amazing statement piece for stylish Spring wardrobes.
It's fun, fresh, flirty and feminine. It has a simple, comfortable stretch-cotton body with a fashion-forward, structured ruffle fabric hem.
The bold blue will be perfect for the warmer months to come but it's also available in black for those who prefer a more classic colour palette.
This amazing dress can be used to achieve a couture designer look that amounts to much less than even a quarter of the couture price tag.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
QUT Fashion
The fashion highlight this week in Brisbane, was the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Fashion Design Graduate Show. I attended the second show of three, which was a packed house at QUT’s creative industries precinct in “The Block” at Kelvin Grove. The events started on November 22 and conclude on the 24th. If you wish to find out more information about attending the last event, get more information here. View the Fashion Photography photos I took here.This event is a showcase of the work of students from the only Fashion degree in QLD. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Fashion) program has had great success over the years where some students having gone on to win renowned competitions nationally and internationally.There was a combination of Womenswear, Menswear and Swimwear on show. The highlight for me in terms of presentation was the Oliver Twist theme shown by one of the students, where the models/actors put on a bit of a show for the audience.
I got myself a cosy spot at the back left in front of the catwalk, where I was shooting from an elevated position to try and shoot over the heads of those in the front row. Once again I shot without a flash, using an 85mm on Canon 20D. This gave me an effective reach of about 136mm which was ideal. The down lights over the stage caused some shadow to occur in the model’s eye sockets. Not much I can do about this besides use a flash, which I rarely want to do. Feel free to check out the photos in my Fashion Photo Gallery.There were a few models working that night I had done photoshoots with, they included Kristin Parkinson (whom also modelled at the Swimwear from Oz launch party), Diana Rodriquez and Carmen James, all of who are part of the Vivien’s Models agency.
I got myself a cosy spot at the back left in front of the catwalk, where I was shooting from an elevated position to try and shoot over the heads of those in the front row. Once again I shot without a flash, using an 85mm on Canon 20D. This gave me an effective reach of about 136mm which was ideal. The down lights over the stage caused some shadow to occur in the model’s eye sockets. Not much I can do about this besides use a flash, which I rarely want to do. Feel free to check out the photos in my Fashion Photo Gallery.There were a few models working that night I had done photoshoots with, they included Kristin Parkinson (whom also modelled at the Swimwear from Oz launch party), Diana Rodriquez and Carmen James, all of who are part of the Vivien’s Models agency.
Fashion-era
Denim never goes out of fashion, and now woman choose to have whole denim wardrobes with a selection of various leg styles in denim. Styles come round so fast from skinny to cropped to flared that girls can keep their old jeans for that rainy day when a style is hot again. Read about denim jeans fashion history.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Omanis love to picnic---anywhere
Omanis love to picnic, anywhere. Once I left my house and there were two women picnicing at the foot of my driveway in the shade of the car parked there.Saturday, January 9, 2010
Male Friends in Oman
article taken from http://ilovehishmatheblog.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-07-17T08%3A39%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7 . A good reminer for myelf!!!!!!ARE MALE FRIENDS HALAL?
Today's topic is going to be friendships/relations between Muslim women and non-maharam men. One of the questions I recently got paged with, was, "is it halaal for me to hug my male friends?" This question disheartened me because I could not in good conscience, just say, no, it is not halal for you to touch non-maharam male for a social or even Islamic purpose (the only purpose being, accidental touch from crowds, or a medical reason for contact such one or the other of you is tending to the wounds or condition of the other) because that still would leave this sister in a state she is obviously trying to avoid, but I will answer her question first:
Question: Is it halal for me to hug [/touch] a male friend? as a Muslim woman?
Question: Is it halal for me to hug [/touch] a male friend? as a Muslim woman?
Answer: Even with the best intentions, and the purest hearts, the answer is no. The Prophet sallalahu alahi wa salaam said: "It is better for one of you to be pierced by a steel pin in his head than to touch the hand of a non-maharam woman." [Al-Mundhiri mentions that all the narrators of this hadith are trustworthy. Al-Albani classifies it as a good hadith in Ghayah al-Maram (no. 403).] The same goes for women touching non-maharam men, other than tending fatal wounds or in conditions in cases of emergancy, which other ahadith allow, such as in the battles of Jihad against the Quraysh. Even for Islamic instructions and occasions, men and women did not touch. The Prophet sallalahu alahi wa salaam never shook hands with an unrelated woman. Umaymah b. Raqiqah said: "I came to the Prophet sallalahu alahi wa salaam with a group of the women of Madinah to swear fealty for Islam. The women informed Allah's Messenger sallalahu alahi wa salaam that they wished to swear fealty to him. The Prophet sallalahu alahi wa salaam said: 'I do not shake hands with women. The way I accept the pledge from one woman is the same as with one hundred women [which was documented to be verbally]." [al-Muwatta', Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Nasa'i and Sunan Ibn Majah]. It is known that when men wanted to enter into Islam, they used to do bay'ah with the Prophet where they agree to abide by his commands and avoid anything he prohibits. Then they used to seal this by shaking hands with the Prophet. However, with women, the Prophet used to never shake their hand and simply complete the bay'ah with words. And who can have a more pure heart than Prophet Mohammad sallalahu alahi wa salaam, who said "I do not shake hands with women"? The Prophet's wife Aisha also said: "No, by Allah, Prophet Mohammad's hand never touched a women at all, and he used to take bay'ah from them by words". May Allah subhanhu wa ta'ala make the answer apparent to one who seeks it, and easy to obey, ameen.
The person asking the question mentioned male friends. A Muslim woman does not share her personal life with non-maharam men, as mixing of men in women in Islam is in most cases haraam (sinful/harmful to mankind), and the rest makruh (disliked). The Holy Qu'ran describes the role of men and women like this, "The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another" [Holy Qu'ran 9:71]. It also states that women and men were created to be spouses of one another, but I'll admit, I am too lazy too look that ayah up cuz I'd have to make wudu to get my Qu'ran out, lol. I'll try and add it later, inshaAllah or someone else can try and beat me and add it in the comments section:D It does not say anywhere in ahadith or Qu'ran that men and women's role towards eachother should be anything more than as protectors, or if married or related, caregivers and providers. Friendship between spouses was cherished in the forms of being playful with one another, confiding in one another, pleasing eachother, and physically taking care of one another. Unmarried men and women who played the role of protectors in society, were discouraged from entering on the private places of one another:
Narrated by 'Uqba bin 'Amir: Allah's Apostle said, "Beware of entering homes or rooms in which non-maharam ladies are." A man from the Ansar said, "Allah's Apostle! What about (Al-Hamu) the in-laws of the wife (the brothers of her husband or his nephews etc.)?" The Prophet replied: The in-laws of the wife are death itself.” In this hadith we see that men were told not to purposefully go to the same places as non-maharam women. This also applies to women, as explained after the next hadith.
Narrated by Abu Huraira: A group of women came to Allah’s Prophet and said to him: “We cannot attend your majlis (gathering) of men, so, appoint us a day to come to you (alone).” He said: “We will meet at the house of so and so.” He went to them on the specified date and place. Among what he said at that day to the present women was “any woman who rises up three children for the sake of Allah will enter paradise.” One woman said: “And two?” “And two,” the Prophet said. This hadith illuustrates that is was known to the women of the Sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them) that they also should not purposefully enter into the company of non-maharam men. They also knew not to speak uneccessarily in the presence of non-maharam men. Narrated by Abu Huraira : The Prophet said, "The saying 'Sub Han Allah' is for men and clapping is for women i.e." (If something happens during the prayer talking is not allowed, except the men can invite the attention of the Imam by saying "Sub Han Allah (i.e. Glorified be Allah )", and women, by clapping their hands). But saying that exchange of asalaam alaykom may be given between men and women when there is not fear of temptation, and conversation may occur with good intention. Narrated by Asmaa: Allah’s Apostle passed by a group of women near the mosque. He waved his hand to them in salutation and said: "Beware of being ungrateful to your husbands, beware of being ungrateful to your husbands.” And, Narrated by Anas bin Malik: The Prophet passed by a woman who was sitting and weeping beside a grave and said to her, "Fear Allah and be patient." So we may socially inform, question, and Islamically greet and advice our non-maharam brothers and sisters in Islam, but this is the extent of the mixing between men and women in Islam. It certainly was NOTHING like a "platonic" relationship between a man and a woman popular outside of Islam.
When scholars warn against the free mixing of men and women, they are not talking about the mere presence of men and women together in the same place. This is something that is definitely not prohibited by Islamic Law. Men and women gathered in the same place at the time of the Prophet sallalahu alahi wa salaam in the mosque and in the marketplace. They walked down the same roads and public thoroughfares. The mere presence of men and women in the same area is not a great cause for temptation. It would be wrong to treat this as unlawful mixing, since the reason for prohibiting free mixing does not exist in such circumstances. If someone were to prohibit men and women from frequenting the same public places under the pretext of preventing temptation, this would be taking matters to an extreme and imposing a restriction that is unduly severe. Such a policy is, moreover, unnatural and would impose great hardships on people's lives.
We cannot compare situations like these to the general presence of men and women at shops and other open public places, especially when women are accompanied by their family. In such cases, there is no intimacy, no crowding, and no reason for suspicion. Preventing women from public places frequented by men in order to prevent temptation would be taking things to an extreme. A woman is commanded in Islam not to come too close to men. She is not, however, prohibited from going to places where men are present as long as she does not approach them or place herself in a position where she is alone with them. There can be no doubt that preventative legislation is an important part of Islamic Law. There are numerous rulings in Islam that are preventative in nature. However, this does not mean that we can legislate against every remote possibility of wrongdoing that we can think of. Doing so would be a violation of Islam's tolerance and magnanimity and its ease of application. It would place too great a burden upon the believers.
People might differ as to the degree of mixing that is prohibited. We can, nonetheless, get a good approximation of proper limits by reviewing the laws of Islam that govern the relationship between men and women. The sacred texts provides ample evidence about how and when men and women can meet, how women should dress and conduct themselves when they go outside, and many other pertinent matters. It is impossible for free mixing between men and women to occur if Islamic Law is properly observed. (the last bit was taken word for word from here http://www.islamcan.com/youth/prohibition-of-free-mixing-between-men-and-women.shtml). As I felt it was a good explaination, and contains more evidences than I have provided. Just think about it (I know it can be hard, being a non-muslim with male friends in the past myself) but in the Holy Qu'ran Allah subhanu wa ta'ala says "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them." and says: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty." [Surah al-Nur: 30-31]. This shows us how men and women are to conduct themselves. So how I am going to bestest best platonic budies, with a man I am not supposed to be looking at, and who I am speaking to only in a modest manner (speech not soft and informal on the basis of subject---I am not speaking to him unecessarily, only to inform, teach, help/do a job I must/ give dawah, greet, ect)? I am not. I am going to be his protector in the public sphere. Only if I am married to him, or his sister of daughter or neice, ect... am I going to by pleasing and easing and playful. He, the same to me.
Here are some great posts on the subject I enjoyed reading by others sister:
LET'S GET REAL ABOUT FORNICATION -what counts as fornication and adultery in Islam http://liveloveislam.blogspot.com/2009/04/original-post-by-sister-bint-halal.html
LET'S CHAT -adab between brothers and sisters online and outside
http://liveloveislam.blogspot.com/2009/05/lets-chat.html
Friday, January 8, 2010
Dumb things Omani men have said to me... Pt. 1
Cab driver: "I must give you a ride! You will ruin your complexion... Do you have any friends in Oman?" Creepily, "I can be your friend."Mutrah Souq stalker/guy: "Pretty lady..."
Pizza delivery guy: "Can I give you a ride home?" No. "Can I have you phone number?"
Random 40 yr old Omani in Sedan: "I want to practice my English." In perfectly good English: "Here's my card."
Another 40 yr old sedan guy: "I have seen you around before and have always wanted to talk to you, and now you are alone. You are very beautiful... Don't tell your mother!"
Some diplomat: "I will go to your father and offer to pay for your University and buy you a house, and one for your sister too. What do you say? Can you read palms?" WTH?!
Jordanian/Omani guy: "Do you know this person?" ...getting jealous of the other fool driving after me while I'm jogging. "Nevermind, I pulled over to talk to you. Mind if I walk with you?" Forgets about his car...
Monday, January 4, 2010
Fashion designers
Desperate times call for fabulous fashions, and designers paid heed to the call this spring. From glittery what-recession...? flapper frocks (Alberta Ferretti; Aquilano.Rimondi) to Ali Baba pants (Ralph Lauren), turbans (Dries Van Noten), 80s high glam (Balmain), and liquid mercury goddess gowns (YSL), despite dismal headlines, the show went on. Style.com just released their Spring 2009 Trend Report, highlighting the season's Top 6 trends
New York Fashion
New York Fashion Wars Spring 2009 has begun. Visit Fashion Wars each day throughout Fashion Week and vote for your favorite designers. We'll be adding new designers every day and announcing the winners and losers after fashion week. See who's Sold Out and Bargain Basement.
fashion designer
Dezeen podcasts: in this episode of our series of podcasts for the Design Museum in London, fashion designer Hussein Chalayan talks to Josephine Chanter at an exhibition of his work, on show at the museum.
Swedish fashion
Swedish fashion designer LiseLotte Westerlund opened the Stockholm Fashion Festival with her spring 2009 collection. She is known for a sophisticated, mature style that brings together classic chic and modern elegance.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Year's Resolutions
1.) S is right on the money. I need more than "love and fresh air" to survive.2.) Never touch a drink or be around somebody who does.
3.) Don't let myself get talked into anything more. Better adab, better hijab, more five pillar focus.
4.) He he, stop listening to county music. Or you will be disowned.
5.) Go horseback riding on the beach.
6.) Learn to drive, um, safely. And legally.
7.) Change one particular unjust law.
8.) Live. Living is NOT a state of being.
9.) Get a real kitchen. A hot plate does NOT a kitchen make.
10.) Help an old friend, but help self first.
And to take stock of last year, a post inspired by ANGRY IN OMAN http://angryinoman.blogspot.com/2009/12/2009-year-in-numbers-and-rant.html:
Number of posts I wrote - 43
Number of pounds lost - 11 (it was scary)
Number of pounds regained due to Christmas related eating-20 (alhamdulilah)
Number of car accidents - 0
Number of car accidents our fault - 0
Number of trips to the floor - 0
Number of jobs lost - 1
Number of blessings in disguise regarding jobs lost - cannot even begin to count.
Number of jobs offered -2( I have yet to decide)
Number of times appreared in local newspaper -1
Number of time appeared in local newspaper for good deeds - 1 (about wearing niqab)
Number of friends made - 25
Number of best friends lost and found - 1
Number of weddings attended - 1
Number of funerals attended - 0
Number of medical emergencies - 10 (other peoples' not mine!)
Number of sporting events attended - 1
Number of balls attended - 0
Number of times I lost my wedding ring - 1
Number of times found my wedding ring after losing it -NA
Number of times the houseboy nearly saw me naked - 0 (but 1 time if it how many times a male accidently saw one without hijab)
Number of loved ones who came to visit - 0
Number of trips to Western countries - 1
Number of times dissatisfied with local merchants - 1 (um, why does every pot you buy in Oman have a missing lid?!)
Number of near-misses on the road - 4
Number of coffee mornings attended with friends -2 Number of novels attempted to write - 1
and thank you Nadia and T.S Elliot, so true: " To make an end is to make a Beginning." -T. S. Eliot . I am ending my old life in this country, and seeking out a new life in Muscat.
Friday, January 1, 2010
