Today is Malaysia's 57th year of independence.

 I thought I'd honor my new home by sharing with you what has drawn me into this 

tropical concrete jungle. 

When we were first presented with the idea of moving to Kuala Lumpur for work, I jumped at the idea of being able to live abroad. After all I've only ever lived in the USA and the lure of something different for a little while sounded too good to pass up. 

It was only a three year contract, so it's not like we were committing to anything long term. 

So we rented out our house and packed up. 

The kids started at a school, one of many that we would go through, the husband got settled at work and I began the process of figuring out the new life I was presented with. Time was at my disposal. Life here moved at a slower pace and although frustrating at first, later became one of the many charms of life here in KL. 

I knew these would be magical years and it would all fly by. 

What I didn't expect was how Malaysia and Malaysians would slowly seep into the 

crevices of my heart. 

Malaysians have an unspoken way about them that draws you in. They have a kindness about their nature that is immeasurable. Their generosity is unparalleled with anything I've ever experienced. And at their core their hearts are pure. 

You can't help but want to become a better more generous person. 

You can find my KL top and KL skyline scarf over at FashionValet

I met all kinds of people here, many have had lasting impressions on me and taught me things I can never express fully. My heart is indebted to many of them for sharing so much with me and allowing me to learn the true meaning of friendship, love, and faith. 

It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone by and all the life experiences our family has gone through in this short time. As the end of our three years was coming to a close, we were recently presented with extending our stay, and it didn't take more than a heartbeat to say yes!  

I don't know if I'll ever be able to explain what draws me so deeply into this country. 

All I know is there is a love here that is hard to let go of. 

+Happy Merdeka Day+

Forgiveness has the power to heal all wounds. 

It's a breath of fresh air when you have been forgiven or you give forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. It has the ability to transform us in ways we couldn't have imagined. 

Healing ways, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. 

It's a healing process that we each should adopt at some point in our lives. 

I know that it's often hard to forgive someone who hurt or wronged you. 

Let it go! 

Forgiveness is a true Mercy from God. 

Time and time again He reiterates that His mercy and forgiveness are over flowing. 

He sent a perfect example in His Prophet, in that he was a mercy to mankind. 

You can't get any cooler than that. 

We are at the tail end of the Islamic month of Rajab. 

Rajab for those who don't know, is that dope month where your repentance is accepted with open arms, it's the month to seek forgiveness. 

Not to say that you can't seek forgiveness any other time of the year, 

 Rajab is just cool like that. 

It's in the examples and stories I grew up hearing about our Prophet 

that helped shape me into the person I am today. 

I try hard to hold onto his teachings and the traditions he left behind.

 I'm not the type to hold a grudge, I don't intentionally hurt people, and I don't  judge others in the slightest. It takes a whole lot for me to get offended and even then, I probably wouldn't care. 

You see, 

I know what it's like for people to judge you, cause I've been judged before, it doesn't feel good. 

I know what it's like for people to hold a grudge against you, it's pretty lame. 

I know what it feels like when someone hurts you, it sucks. 

And I know how easily it is for people to get offended by the slightest thing. 

I also know how it feels to be shown mercy and forgiveness and it's those feelings that I keep close. When needed I'll pass that shiz out like there is no tomorrow! 

To be completely honest with you guys,

 in the end, 

I know myself and I know that I need more forgiveness than can ever be given to me by a human soul. Hopefully in my being good to others it will cause God to remember me in a good light and

 forgive me for my wrongs. 

I sat down to write this as a reminder to myself first and foremost, but if you find it of any benefit,
then I kindly ask that you remember me in your prayers. 

+

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."

For those who seek...

The beauty of life is we are constantly in a state of change. 

Just like the seasons that come in and out of life we too are constantly changing. 

Parts of us die off and new things grow in its place.

Hopefully for the better. 

As a Muslim, I'm constantly striving to be a better version of myself.

 I say a better version of myself cause, I am me, and I like me! 

But I can always change and grow for the better.

I remember growing up, I always tried to be like others.
I either admired what I saw in them that I lacked or thought they were really cool. 

Now as an adult I realize I can only be who I am, take it or leave it, what you see is what you get. 

 I'm finally okay with that.

So people might think I'm too loud and sarcastic, they might think I procrastinate too much, I don't take life too seriously, I laugh too much...

Well those are just a few of the things that I actually like about myself...

except the procrastinating thing...an ugly trait to have. 

In our seeking change, we usually already realize the obvious things that we'd like to tackle first. 

But more often we overlook some of the most crucial things that need us to change the most. 

Matters of the heart, the mind...these emotional changes can lead to a freedom of chaos that has built itself in our body and has caused deep emotional and physical damage. 

How do you know and realize that this is the case? 

Well...take time to breathe, to reflect, and to feel. 

Scarf: Inayah, Necklace: Zara, Elephant top: Mango, 

White button down: Gap, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Coach.

For those who seek...

Dian Pelangi is the sweet giant taking fashion by storm. 

She's from Indonesia but is poised to launch worldwide soon. 

Her life is very colorful and that is expressed in her designs. 

Check her out and be inspired. 

I was pleasantly surprised this morning to find I was featured on Vogue.com! 

You can see the whole feature here.
I'm number five out of fifteen. 

Check it Yo! 

I got this top in three different colors cause I loved the cut so much! 

I ordered it last year while I was visiting the states. 

I found it on Piperlime and it's still available! 

Plus it's on sale :)

Top; Piperlime, Pants; Gap, Bracelet; Stella&Dot

Necklace; Antonia Ghazlan

I was recently introduced to a beautiful lady that sells antique jewelry. 

This is not a good thing!

I have a serious addiction.

I love the act of browsing antique stores and vintage shops. 

This bracelet caught my eye immediately. 

It's so unique and can be easily dressed up or down. 

And how cute is the collar on this top!

Top; Target, Scarf; TJmaxx, Pants; Zara.

Bracelet; Antonia Ghazlan

 Scarf, Vela. 

Lace top and shoes, Forever 21

Top:Zara, Pants:Gap, Shoes:Franco Sarto (old), Necklace: Mall kiosk find ;)

Scarf: Simply Zeena

Top:Zara (old) 

Wide leg pants: Local bazaar

You can see the fluid skirt here.

Excuse the quality of the pics, taken with my iphone courtesy of my son.