February 22, 2026
Hi friends,
The first week of Ramadan is already done, which feels wild. How does time move this fast?
This Ramadan looks a little different for us. I didn’t get around to decorating like I normally do. I’ve been fighting off a cold, work has been extra busy, and I just couldn't get to it :( I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the whole festive setup moment. But we’re still making it special in our own way.
The boys have been helping a little with iftar prep, which has been chaotic and adorable. Eesa helped me make a traditional Pakistani iftar food, dahi baras, which he has been calling ala balas. We’re also doing a little Ramadan related reading together every day, and honestly those small things have felt really sweet. It may not look picture-perfect, but it feels real and meaningful.
In a couple of weeks, my in-laws are coming to stay with us and we’re so excited. My mother-in-law can’t do stairs, so Hassaan and I are moving upstairs to the guest bedroom while they’re here. I’m kind of treating it like a mini staycation. New room, fresh bedding, and getting to use the pretty guest bathroom for a few weeks. I’m not mad about it.
This week was also a big one for the book. We had to finalize the cover and I don’t think I’ve overthought something more in my life. The timeline moved quickly and there wasn’t a ton of time to sit on it, which is just how publishing works. After a lot of back and forth, we locked one in. It feels surreal that we’re at this stage already and soon it'll be going for test prints!
The primary bathroom and closet remodel is officially on pause until after my in-laws leave, which honestly gives me more breathing room to finalize finishes and tile. I reached out to a contractor for a quote and I’m… mentally preparing myself for that number. I’ve never done a remodel this big without DIYing at least part of it, so this feels like a big step. I’m narrowing down shower tile options and I’m definitely using my Handloom Stripe Wallpaper in the water closet. I’m also carrying it onto the closet ceiling for continuity, which I’m super excited about. I know I keep talking about this project but we haven't made any tangible progress - but that's how it actually unfolds in real time, guys, home takes time and we often forget that in the fast-paced, Reels-driven world of Instagram.
Things I'm Loving:
