The New York Nest

a mother's memoir of style, home and travel

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Long Island’s Most Instagram-able spots!

October 28, 2019

When you think of New York, you don’t think of sunny beaches and sunsets. You don’t think of calm and serene summers. You don’t think of autumns on the beach or wineries and orchards. There is so much more to New York than just the city. We are extremely fortunate to experience them both.

Here is a list of some places our adventures have taken us, worth visiting any time of year :

  • Sunflower Fields, Mattituck
  • Jones Beach, Wantagh
  • Montauk Lighthouse, Montauk
  • Avalon Park and Reserve, Stony Brook
  • Sunken Forest, Fire Island.
  • Stonybrook Pond, Stonybrook
  • Port Jefferson Harbor
  • Lavender By the Bay, East Marion
  • Oheka Castle (they will not allow you to shoot on the property unless you have accommodations with them, but they do serve brunch on weekends and give tours!)
  • Old Westbury Gardens

Below is a photo gallery of some of our favorite captures, tagged with the exact location of the photograph.

If you have any questions regarding any of the places below, I’d be happy to share details. Shoot me an email at thenewyorknest@gmail.com

Schmitt Farms, Riverhead. Beautiful during the summer!
Sandpiper Horse Farm located in Riverhead
Fresh flower and fruit stands line your trip out East!
Sunflower fields of Riverhead. A must-see during spring and summer.
Fall foliage at Stonybrook Pond, Long Island
Summers riding bikes in Greenport, Long Island
Our stay in Greenport at the Soundview Inn
View from the Soundview Inn, Greenport
The Greenport Carousel
Bar inside Soundview Inn
Our view from Soundview Inn
Harmony Vineyards located in St James. This vineyard offers live music, food and outdoor movie night for the kids during the summer.
Our view from our hotel. Gurneys in Montauk
Gurneys, Montauk
Winter walks on the beach, Montauk
Visiting Cooperstown, New York
Visiting Cooperstown, New York
Photo taken in Cherry Valley, New York
Photo taken in Cherry Valley, New York
Port Jefferson Harbor, Long Island
Stonybrook Town, Long Island
Wineries in the Fall are still open, some even serve apple cider and hot cocoa! This is Harmony Vineyards during the winter.

· Labels: Lifestyle

Hello! I’m Zaynab, wife, mommy and your virtual older sis! Here, you can expect to find my personal reflections, with an eye towards style, home, and motherhood.

thenewyorknest

I’m Zee, your fun mom friend! Working on our 100+ yr old home while sharing style, beauty and travel
📧 thenewyorknest@gmail.com
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All your life you're yellow. Then one day you brus All your life you're yellow. Then one day you brush up against something blue, the barest touch, and voila, the rest of your life you're green. 🌿🍃🖼️ I’ve been saving this quote for months, and this photo series seemed like the perfect time to share it. 🦢
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If you’ve been looking for the absolute perfect pink/nude nail color, head to slide 5! After months of walking out with nails that were either too pink or too white, I finally got the nail color I’ve always wanted. It’s *the* most perfect nude! I was so happy with it that I made my nail tech hold the exact color and took a picture of it! (sharing the exact products/color in the LAST slide) It’s a powder gel, show this to your nail tech if you wanna twin with me! 💅🤗⁣
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We’re having an insane heat wave in New York so i had to break the “no white after Labor Day” rule and take this gorgeous white dress for a spin, I paired it with the most stunning wicker bag by @rodofirenze - it’s called the “Willow Paris Bag” it’s such a sophisticated yet understated piece. I almost splurged on another designer wicker bag, until someone introduced me to this one! Sitting at the junction of beauty, quality and attainability, it’s a bag I’ll be wearing for years to come. ⁣
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Any questions about the bag, nails or just wanna say hi, I’ll meet you below in the comments 👇🏼
[ SAVE & SHARE!] After years of living with blank [ SAVE & SHARE!] After years of living with blank walls, unable to find art pieces that truly represented our story, we finally have an art collection! Breaking down each print and it’s significance below 👇🏼 ⁣
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🖼️ The Holy Quran printed in Arabic (a beautiful reminder of our Muslim faith, the vibrant colors look majestic, paired with the wooden frame this piece is truly so special). ⁣
🖼️ Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Sheikh to Kings, C. 1618 (the Mughal Emperor favors visitation with a holy man over an audience with kings, this is visually stunning piece with intricate florals and whimsical characters which holds great meaning. I would encourage you to Google it, you’ll find it’s rich history.) ⁣
🖼️ A 19th Century Persian Calligraphic Inscription in the Shape of a Falcon (the intricate calligraphy beautifully shapes the majestic bird of prey. Combining elements of religious symbolism with decorative techniques, this manuscript exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of Middle Eastern art). ⁣
🖼️ Seashore VII (symbolizing the seashores, waters and beaches of the place we so lovingly call home - Long Island, NY. My son chose this piece, he loves the water and is a true “Long Island” boy!) ⁣
🖼️ Apples and blue bowl still life by Cristiana Angelini (I love a good still life moment, this one in particular truly spoke to me with its colors and depth. It goes so well with the marble in our kitchen and looks like it’s been here for years). ⁣
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All of these pieces are from @artdotcom com and came fully framed ✨I HAVE LINKED THEM FOR YOU ON MY @shop.ltk IN MY BIO✨ I was able to customize the sizes, glass and frames. This is the easiest way I have ever ordered art and I’m so excited for you to explore their endless catalogue of prints and find things that are equally meaningful to you! In the meantime I will link all of my pieces for you in my story! ⁣
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Which one was your fav? 🤗🖼️❤️⁣
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 #artdotcom #arttour #ad #betterwithart #antiquehome #oldhomelove ⁣
As women, as mothers, we often feel guilty putting As women, as mothers, we often feel guilty putting ourselves first, but have you ever thought about how noble of an example you’re setting for your children by simply taking care of yourself? They see you rest, they see you groom yourself - they learn how important it is for them to do the same. I’ve always said, fill your own cup first so you can show up as the best caregiver, partner and friend for those you love. ⁣
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A few ways I place emphasis on my well being is to ensure I stay consistent with my skincare.⁣ As a thirty-something I’ve started noticing natural signs of aging around the delicate eye area, for which I’ve started using @reviveskincare Peau Magnifique Eye Concentrate Nightly Youth Renewal. It’s a night time treatment that hyper targets the eye area, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet etc. Packed with @reviveskincare Signature Bio-Renewal, Bio-Firming and Bio-Volumizing peptides, caffeine and daisy extract along with other key ingredients - it helps improve puffiness, evens skin tone and helps your eye area appear firmer and smoother. ⁣
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Taking care of yourself shouldn’t trigger guilt, it should be encouraged and celebrated. I’m here to both encourage… and celebrate you. When was the last time you did something for yourself guilt free? Let me know below! ⁣#skincare #skincaretips #selfcare #beautytips #nycinfluencer #nycblogger 
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Moments at home ❤️ - I recently spoke about ho Moments at home ❤️ - I recently spoke about how lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m back in control of my days. Life feels predictable in the best way and everything is on auto pilot. My son is independent and I feel like less of a caretaker and more of a friend. We are a team but we can operate separately. 🫶🏼🤗⁣
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This season of life is a by-product of my own decisions. Standing firm in what I wanted my future to look and feel like. I’m here, I’m living it. It’s sweet, and it’s wonderful. 🙏🏼⁣
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For those of you in the trenches of motherhood, with multiples or knee deep in balancing it all, it gets better. Oh man, it gets soooo much better. ☺️🥹✨ ⁣
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It’s our last week of summer break before back to school - it’s usually this time of year I always realize that we are the last school district to open. Lol, our backpack and first day of school outfit is READY! Who else is STILL waiting for schools to open? 🙈🎒👟✏️📚📓🏫🚸#backtoschool #1stgrade
Let’s talk about my favorite topic in the world, Let’s talk about my favorite topic in the world, MY HAIR - some might say I’m too obsessed, but I’ll shout it from the rooftops, I’m never ever changing my hairstyle in this lifetime! The confidence this hairstyle has given me is proof that a haircut can change the trajectory of your life! ⁣
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With that said, keeping it healthy and in place is something I care about deeply! Due to the nature of my sleek look, I brush my hair more often than usual, which is why using a hairbrush that helps reduce breakage, gently glides over any knots and doesn’t tug or damage my hair is a priority. I’ve been using @tangleteezerus brushes this summer and they have proven to be a great solution to all of my concerns. Their patented technology sees the longer teeth flex over knots without tugging. I also love that they can be used in the shower, I deep condition my hair often and the plastic body of the brush is SO good for even distribution right within the shower! ⁣
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My personal favorite is their Ultimate Detangler Mini - which is the perfect size to throw into any purse, helps refresh my hairstyle anytime I need and the tiny size is also so perfect to use on my son’s hair! It’s tiny but MIGHTY! ⁣
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If you’ve been thinking about updating your hairbrush, I’d highly recommend trying @tangleteezerus brushes. It’s not often I use a product DAILY, but my @tangleteezerus and I are best friends! Have you ever heard/tried them? Let me know in the comments!⁣ #haircare #beautytips #nycinfluencer #nycblogger
After soccer practice or before school, @chobani F After soccer practice or before school, @chobani Flip® Greek Yogurt is a family favorite!  #ad Noah absolutely loves Chobani Flips for snack time. Not only are they delicious and easy to pack, they’re also made of only natural ingredients and are a great source of protein! ⚽️👦🏻☀️

We’re almost at the finish line of our kitchen remodel, and the first thing we’re stocking up in our new fridge are our favorite @chobani Flip® Greek Yogurt flavors from @stopandshop! Ours are cookie dough, key lime pie and mango, duh. What about you? #backtoschool
Who said we only have 18 summers with our children Who said we only have 18 summers with our children? I’d like to have a word with them. It’s such an odd concept to ask your kids to move out once they turn 18. As someone who lived at home all throughout her 20s, yes there are pros and cons. Learning to navigate the world on your own and being independent is SO important, but attaching harsh deadlines to anything in life is so unfair. Each child, each circumstance and each family is different. Although this isn’t about when it’s appropriate to let your children go, it IS about maintaining an open door policy at all stages of parenthood so you NEVER have to think you ONLY have 18 summers together. 🥹☀️💔⁣
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May we always spend our summers together earth-side until Allah has written, and may we reunite and spend summers together in the heavens until eternity. Ameen. 🤲🏼🫶🏼❤️⁣
Some of us are so lucky to have a linear life expe Some of us are so lucky to have a linear life experience, where friends and opportunities are in abundance! For someone like me, I’ve spent so much of my young adulthood chasing people and opportunities that weren’t meant for me. Trying to find a seat at tables that didn’t hold space for my name. ⁣
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It wasn’t until I put my head down and put on blinders like a race horse, cutting out the noise and focusing solely on myself that God started opening doors for me. My path became clearer. ⁣
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I’m living proof that you attract what you become. It might take some time, a few hard lessons, but slowly, you’ll see the world is a mirror, a reflection of the energy you put into it. ⁣
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May you always walk into rooms with your head high, may you discover your passions and may you be blessed with helpful amazing people along the way - I’m rooting for you! BTW - did you catch the lightning bolt!? 😳⚡️that was real! 
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Thank you @naturopathica for an incredible trip! Thank you for bringing so many wonderful women together, and thank you for all the hard work and love you pour into your products. Will share a few of my faves soon! #brandtrip #skincare #beautybloggers #skincarecommunity
*HORSIES!* - now that I’ve gotten your attention *HORSIES!* - now that I’ve gotten your attention, there are so many new faces here and I thought it would be sweet to do a quick hello! ⁣⁣⁣
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My name is Zaynab, a 30-something Pakistani American. I live in New York with my husband and 6yr old son, Noah. He’s my greatest joy and inspiration. It wasn’t until I became a mother that The New York Nest was also born. Through motherhood I found my community, and through that I gained the courage to show up for you daily. ⁣
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I’m a storyteller in every sense of the word. I like to think that through my lens, through my eyes and with my heart, I can make something out of nothing. This might not make sense, but it does to me. I’m very passionate about my work, not in an egotistical way, haha disclaimer. I just find it so fulfilling! Before my blog, I harnessed my creativity in other ways, for example I owned/operated an online boutique. At any stage in my life, I have always had a creative corner - without one, I’d go crazy! ⁣⁣⁣
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I used to think I wanted to inspire others by being relatable and well received, but now I just want to live my life truly and purely, not caring if it sells. I’m here to show you I exist, in the world of thousands of creators, I’m here to take up my space. ⁣⁣⁣
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I’ve had my fair share of life’s challenges, and this chapter that you are witnessing right now, has been many years of prayer and hard work rewarded. The peace I feel inside is a direct result of the internal work I’ve done which I’m so proud of. ⁣⁣⁣
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On my page you’ll find me blurring the lines between my dreams and reality. You’ll see how I don’t take life too seriously. You’ll surely see me miss some school closures (IYKYK LOL) You’ll see me struggle with (and on some days, conquer!) my insecurities. If you read between the lines you’ll see we are probably more alike than we are different. You’ll see me extend a hand to you as a friend if you ever need one. Take what you need from my page… fashion, food, family, travel, laughter…⁣take what you need, friend.⁣⁣⁣
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If you’re new, where are you from? I’d love to know! 👇🏼 if you’re an oldie, I’d love to hear why you’ve stuck around 🫶🏼👇🏼⁣⁣⁣
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shop my look in bio! ✨
📍 SAVE & SHARE - day trip itinerary to the Hamp 📍 SAVE & SHARE - day trip itinerary to the Hamptons ⁣
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We’re luckily about an hour from the Hamptons here on Long Island, so by default we’ve spent many summers here. Here’s what our family friendly day trip itinerary usually looks like👇🏼⁣
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Start the day early in Bridgehampton, we had brunch at @pierresbridgehampton and grabbed coffee at @goldenpearcafe 
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Then we headed to East Hampton, this is a great place for strolling, killing some time - and my personal favorite hobby, people watching. This is also where you’ll find luxury boutiques, local shops, ice cream parlors and cute little corners for you to relax in. We grabbed ice cream at @dylanscandybar and found some shade in the @ralphlauren courtyard. Then we grabbed lemonade from @tuttoilgiorno (love this place!) and did some shopping and walked around. ⁣
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Then we decided to head towards Montauk to try our luck at getting an early dinner reservation at @duryeasmontauk. This is one of our favorite Hamptons restaurants but their biggest downside is that they don’t take reservations! Luckily, since we got there around 5pm (PRO TIP - get there between 4-5pm for an early dinner unless you want to be waiting forever!) we were able to get a table with a 45 min wait (lol that’s surprisingly not bad for this place). Although we would’ve loved to catch the sunset here, this place gets extremely crowded for sunset and tables have ridiculous wait times. ⁣
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We easily visited 3 towns, spent enough time in each location, grabbed brunch, snacks, coffee and dinner all by 8pm! A day truly well spent! ⁣
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I have so many other places to share, @mobysny for the best pizza, @gurneysresorts for their spa, @wyldblue.store for the ultimate Hamptons consignment shopping! My list is never ended lol! Have you visited yet? If so, what are your favorite places or things to do here? Let me know below 👇🏼 ⁣
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(Also on my itinerary was cos-playing a family of 4 with @remoknows and @ayes__ha little munchkin 😂 not gonna lie, the baby fever was definitely reignited 🙈👀😭) ⁣
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My outfit ⁣
The best summer tote @demellierlondon 
Dress @zimmermann 
Slides @amazonfashion 
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Noah’s outfit ⁣
Shirt @oldnavy 
Trousers & sandals @hm_kids
On July 8th, we celebrated the union of my brother On July 8th, we celebrated the union of my brother and his beautiful new wife in an evening that can only be described as, unforgettable. ⁣
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Two families, two cultures, became one. I thank God for bringing these two together, I thank God for allowing us to celebrate a couple that brings so much good into this world. I thank God for family. ⁣
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Thank you for being so giving of your kindness these past few days as I’ve shared this momentous moment with you. It’s not often I share my family, but the joy has over spilled far beyond what I can hold in. I ask Allah for his protection and His guidance. I pray that the blessings you send my family, find their way back to you - tenfold. Ameen. #PakistaniWedding #GermanWedding #multiculturalfamily #multiculturalwedding
No because this is MY SONG! What song makes YOU ru No because this is MY SONG! What song makes YOU run back to the dance floor? 💃🏻🪩 (I posted this to tiktok and it popped off all over IG 🥁😂 thank you for all the tags and shares!) 

the perfect dress to run in by @neminemi.official 

 #mehndi #mehndinight #bhangradance #pakistaniwedding
Over the weekend I was given the great blessing an Over the weekend I was given the great blessing and gift of a sister. We welcomed my brothers wife into our family with open arms and dancing feet. The energy created was a true reflection of the kindness, love and generosity both my brother and his beautiful wife bring into this world. ⁣
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To the left, the Washington Monument, to the right, the United States Capital… and in between the union of two cultures, two souls, two families. Writing a defining chapter of history in our family, one that our upcoming generations will reference often. Celebrating Pakistani and German culture, as one. The memories created will be ingrained in us forever. ⁣✨💖🫶🏼💛
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This was the pre-wedding Mehndhi Night, a colorful and joyous occasion that kicks off the wedding! I’m so excited to share the wedding with you, InshAllah. 🙏🏼✨
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Venue @spymuseum 
My dress @neminemi.official
Lately, I’ve been allowing my fear and audacity Lately, I’ve been allowing my fear and audacity to guide me. Take me by the hand and show me a side of life I’ve never experienced before. At times I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and freeze. Who am I becoming? This woman is the opposite of the wallflower she used to be. For now, I’m allowing myself to simply bloom. ⁣
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Celebrating myself in the new Fortuna Mini from the @senreve Fortuna collection. Available in different colors and sizes, it’s the perfect staple for all your summer looks! The optional matching chain allows you to style it many different ways. Senreve bags have been my obsession ever since I discovered them. Made in Italy, this brand continues to win me over with their classic and understated pieces. ⁣
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Let me know if any of you can relate to my caption, it’s fascinating to see how many of us are in the same season of life. Cheers to more unapologetic growth. #senreve #senrevepartner
Continue my skincare journey with me! I’m so exc Continue my skincare journey with me! I’m so excited to share @timelinenutrition new skin health line! Timeline is a science-first brand backed by over 10 years of clinical data. Powered by the breakthrough new ingredient called Mitopure, these products promote skin longevity by re-energizing your skin at the cellular level. ⁣⁣
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Products used ⁣⁣
✨The Serum ⁣⁣
✨Timeline Gua Sha ⁣⁣
✨The Night Cream ⁣⁣
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After applying The Serum, I love using a gua sha which helps my skin absorb the product. I do about 5-7 mins of gua sha exercises daily. I finish my evening routine with The Night Cream and wake up with skin that looks as re-energized it feels.⁣⁣
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Also - let me know if you have any questions regarding Mitopure or Timeline Skin health, I love sharing cutting edge products like these! #timelinepartner⁣⁣ #skincare #skincaretips #skinhealth
Today was the last day of kindergarten for us and Today was the last day of kindergarten for us and a perfect moment to reflect and quietly sob at old photos of how tiny our children once used to be. 🥹😭 My favorite age was 3 and 4 and I would do anything to experience it again. ⁣
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These feelings always remind me of the poem “your children are not your children, they came through you and not from you.” If you’re not familiar with it, I would recommend searching it. I would also recommend having some tissues handy. 🥹🫶🏼⁣
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Never thought I’d say this, but these photos are giving me baby fever. My favorite is #5 😆❤️ so tiny, so full of wonder, and also, rage. Wonder and rage. ⁣
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Summer camp starts in 4 weeks for us, are any of your kids in summer camp as well? #momofone #summerbreak #boymom
Every year on June 20, I’m reminded of Allah’s Every year on June 20, I’m reminded of Allah’s mercy on me. How he granted me a wonderful life partner and the wealth of being surrounded by family. How He answered my prayers, how He willed for me this life that at times still doesn’t feel like is mine. I am so grateful, from the deepest crevices of my heart, everyday I thank Allah. I thank Him for finding me worthy of the life He has given me. ⁣
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Happy Anniversary to my husband, 9 years have felt like 9 days with you. ⁣
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So grateful to have raw iPhone footage of me and my father. We also had a professional wedding video captured but tbh we rarely watch it. There’s something so nostalgic about shaky, imperfectly captured life moments that make them even sweeter. Would you agree? 🥹🫶🏼⁣
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#anniversary#pakistanibrides#pakistanibride#pakistaniwedding#pakistaniweddings
Repeat after me, there will always be more. THERE Repeat after me, there will always be more. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE MORE. For the first time in my life, I feel aligned to every single one of these signs. My glass will always be half full, never half empty. ⁣⁣
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I know if you win, I win 🫶🏼⁣⁣
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Wishing you all a restful Sunday. ⁣⁣
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Words inspired by @megan_rose_lane #abundance #abundancemindset #summervibes #motivation
I was looking through old covers of Vogue magazine I was looking through old covers of Vogue magazine last week and noticed a lot of the models wearing silk dresses with matching scarves around their neckline - very similar to a south asian dubbata (scarf). I immediately wanted to recreate it. There’s something so glamorous to me about a wide neckline draped with a dubbata (scarf). ✨⁣
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It’s giving Pooh from K3G, it’s giving Parisian girl, it’s giving glamour, it’s giving everything. 💅💁🏻‍♀️⁣
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If you saw someone at a south asian event wearing this, would you be amazed or would you question what goes on inside their head? 💀 Let me know in the comments! 👇🏼⁣
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P.S. please ignore my background! Our kitchen is still being worked on and I get the best sunlight in this room. Lol! #stylereels #voguestyle #dilawara #pakistanifashion #indianfashion #styleblogger #styleinspiration #modestfashion #modeststyle #pakistanistyle
Proof that you glow differently when you’re on a Proof that you glow differently when you’re on a kid - free vacation 😆💁🏻‍♀️ ⁣
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Celebrated my husbands birthday over Memorial Day weekend, using it as an excuse to share this dress that never made it to my feed ☀️ I still can’t believe I found it at @saksoff5th for 75% off a day before my flight! It was meant to be MINE! To be fair, it looked terrible on the hanger, but I saw the potential. Lol. ⁣
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How was your MDW? Is anyone else having the slowest week ever? 😴 #mdw #holidayweekend ⁣
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