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Cherry Cross

by Shaheen Rajan

Food Experiments

Recipe: Perfectly cooked rice for Biryani

Posted on 4th December 20204th December 2020 by Shaheen Rajan
Recipe: Perfectly cooked rice for Biryani
Posted In Food Experiments, Pakistani ThingsTagged In Karachi biryani, recipes

As someone who was born and raised in world’s capital of Biryani, aka Karachi, let me in you on a little secret. Roasted potatoes, perfectly cooked rice and layering maketh Continue Reading

Suji ka Halwa with German Ingredients

Posted on 8th July 20208th July 2020 by Shaheen Rajan
Suji ka Halwa with German Ingredients
Posted In Food Experiments, My BerlinTagged In Pakistani Desserts, Semolina Halwa, Sooji Halwa, Suji Halwa in Germany

The first time I made suji ka halwa (semolina dessert) was in Cologne. I found out that N loved it, and broke the cardinal rule of never making desserts (because Continue Reading

Recipe: Keto Beef Shami Kebab

Posted on 8th April 20208th April 2020 by Shaheen Rajan
Recipe: Keto Beef Shami Kebab
Posted In Food ExperimentsTagged In Keto Beef Shami Kebab, Low carb recipes, Recipe

I made my first edible shami kebabs last weekend, and they were so good that I decided to share the recipe here. However, they are not your ordinary shami kebabs. Continue Reading

Recipe: Oatmeal, 3 ways

Posted on 15th June 201915th June 2019 by Shaheen Rajan
Recipe: Oatmeal, 3 ways
Posted In Eating Out, Food Experiments

I have oatmeal for breakfast more than half of the week. It is quick, filling and healthy. In fact, they are one of the healthiest grains on earth. They’re gluten-free, whole Continue Reading

Recipe: Keto Shami Kebab

Posted on 28th March 201928th March 2019 by Shaheen Rajan
Recipe: Keto Shami Kebab
Posted In Eating Out, Food ExperimentsTagged In beef kebab, Keto beef kebab, Ketogenic diet, Recipe

Shami kebabs are one of the most convenient meal options for me. They are ready in a jiffy, and always delicious. I puppy-eyed Nasira Ali (my flatmate) into making them Continue Reading

Recipe: Spicy Garlic Shrimps with Cabbage Steaks (Keto Friendly)

Posted on 1st May 20189th February 2019 by Shaheen Rajan
Recipe: Spicy Garlic Shrimps with Cabbage Steaks (Keto Friendly)
Posted In Food ExperimentsTagged In cabbage steaks, keto, Ketogenic diet, lchf, Low Carb, Low carb recipes, recipes, spicy garlic shrimps

When you are pinched for time, and need a filling, protein-rich dinner, spicy shrimps with cabbage steaks are a great option. It takes about 30 minutes, and requires only a Continue Reading

Recipe: Keto Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Posted on 1st May 20189th February 2019 by Shaheen Rajan
Recipe: Keto Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Posted In Food ExperimentsTagged In keto, Keto pancakes, lchf, Low carb recipes, Recipe

Pancakes are one of my favourite breakfasts options, so it was only natural for me to find alternatives that work with ketogenic lifestyle. I have tried a few recipes and Continue Reading

5 websites you need to bookmark before starting Keto WOE

Posted on 25th January 20189th February 2019 by Shaheen Rajan
5 websites you need to bookmark before starting Keto WOE
Posted In Food ExperimentsTagged In DITCH THE CARBS, HEADBANGER'S KITCHEN, I BREATHE I'M HUNGRY, keto, Ketogenic diet, LAZY LOW CARB, lchf, Low Carb, Low Carb Diet, LOW CARB YUM

Your success with an sustainable keto diet depends largely on how well you can meal prep. For example, I work crazy hours, and the last thing I want to do Continue Reading

We broke up.

Posted on 4th January 20189th February 2019 by Shaheen Rajan
We broke up.
Posted In Food Experiments, Personal EssaysTagged In breakup, food, Love

Like most failed relationships, I don’t know exactly where and when did the downfall start. It was a long time coming. It was an addiction, an obsession that was eating Continue Reading

Simply Keto – a 100% Keto cafe in Berlin

Posted on 29th October 201729th July 2019 by Shaheen Rajan
Simply Keto – a 100% Keto cafe in Berlin
Posted In Eating Out, Food Experiments, My BerlinTagged In Keto cafe in Berlin, lchf, Simply Keto Berlin

I have been on and off the keto wagon for some weeks now. I need to get disciplined and follow it religiously (at least until sari-wearing season is over), but Continue Reading

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Cherry Cross

by Shaheen Rajan

About Me:

Hi.

I am Shaheen.

I have loads to say, and some say that I can be a great listener. So let’s chat in comments?

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thecherrycross

thecherrycross
A couple of weeks ago, I met a recently wedded wom A couple of weeks ago, I met a recently wedded woman in one of the small towns in interior Sindh, who's husband I was in business with. He invited me into his home, and introduced me to his wife. Knowing that I was into handicrafts, she took me to her bedroom and showed me clothes from her trousseau that she had embroidered herself, using gold and silver thread.  A girl of about 21, who had met me for the first time, and spoke little to no Urdu, allowed me into her personal life and showed me snippets from her wedding. The pride she had, the excitement in her voice, the zest - it was both humbling and enlightening.  Often we assume that women in rural parts of Pakistan are somehow ‘underprivileged’. Oppressed even. They do not have access to opportunities and resources that women in cities do, and are often trapped in clutches of stifling traditions and customs. All of it may be true for some, yet they make the best of their situation and find a way to make it work. Find peace and purpose within constraints.  I am not justifying their circumstance or choices, most of which are made for them. What I want to focus on is their resilience and choosing to remain productive. Positive. Honing their craft. Creating apparels so beautiful that it would make your heart sing.  “For embroidery like this, there is no sketch or stencil. I do it all on my own. If I were to recreate it, it will never be the exact same embroidery” she told me. I will never forget that pride. The sound of her voice. The confidence in it.  The experience of meeting artisans and their stories will forever stay with me. I learnt so much, both about craft as well as life. A life very different from my own, with contrasting circumstances and outlook on life. But what we shared was passion for crafts, appreciation for beautiful traditions and handmade treasures, and an unspoken sisterhood.  QOTD: Should I share more stories from the trip*?  The trip I am referring to is the one I took for @buntemarkhor to meet artisans in interior Sindh. The trip was also while I was off social media.  #adayinmylife #berlinblogger #buntemarkhor #pakistanigirlingermany #storytime #writersofinstagram #artisansofpakistan
Raise your hand if your amma also categorically di Raise your hand if your amma also categorically disapproves of all 'bahar ka khana' 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️  So can you imagine my surprise when she approved of chocolate crossaints from @kakesbykarimi? Not only did she approve, she also initiated the request to reorder!! Is she possessed? Should I call jharu wale baba?  Okay, they were actually good, yes. Probably the best croissants I have had in Karachi. Flaky on the inside, crispy on the outside, and lots of chocolate filling too (no dhoka here, esp recommended for people with trust issues).  A family member got it delivered to our place (yes, they do home deliveries too), and the box included chocolate and rocher tarts, and butter crossaints. Everything was great. Crossaints were the absolute best.  Sharing to immortalise Mother India’s seal of approval for something that she didn't cook. Bahar ka khana as they call it 😁 And giving my blessings to Karachi folk(ses) to order away from @kakesbykarimi 🥮  #berlinblogger #kakesbykarimi #motherindiaapproved #crossaint #chocolatecrossaint #buttercrossaint #chocolatetart #karachi #stayhomestaysweet #karachifoodies
What you are going through today will make you str What you are going through today will make you stronger tomorrow. Just keep going. Don't give up. Not just yet. You have what it takes to see this through.  I have done about a 100 different things for the first time in the last 3 months. Out of those 100, about 87 were 'what the heck is that?!' kind. Not only did I not know that such a situation/circumstance could block my way, I also had zero inkling on how to get my way out of or conquer it. I am but just a girl trying to do my thing. Why is this all happening to me? Actually, I don't have time to lick my wounds or indulge in self-pity. I have got work to do.  And in all this madness, with highs that made my heart so full that I could cry, and lows so terrible that I just wanted to wrap it up and move to Thailand, there is one thing I have come to believe with ALL MY HEART - asking for help saves you so much unwarranted anguish. Family, friends, acquaintances, government organisations, Google..someone, somewhere has the answer. Or an advise that could get you started in the right direction. Or can offer a safe space to voice your thoughts and find your own answers. Say what you are afraid to say, face your insecurities, and then drag out the solution that was hiding under layers of fear.  And if you live in Germany, you are blessed to have access to institutional support. I would have never sought it out had I not felt cornered and helpless. Just picking up that phone and sending out that email had me running in the opposite direction. But listen, these institutions WILL help if they can. So seek them out, send that email. What do you have to lose?  So, say it with me - I will seek out help if I need it. I will mobilise the power that comes with being part of a system. I got this.  #writersofinstagram #powerfultogether #itsokaytoaskforhelp #yougotthis #fridayvibes #doingthejummathing #pakistanigirlingermany #berlinblogger
How to get tested for free for Covid'19 in Berlin: How to get tested for free for Covid'19 in Berlin:  As per the latest government regulations, Berliners can now get a rapid test for corona virus once a week free of charge. Details in the pictures (swipe for it).  THE DAY OF THE TEST
- Arrive at least 5-10 minutes early. There will be clear directions to the information desk. At the desk, you will be asked for the QR code. After scanning it, you will be handed a number and ask to proceed either directly for testing or to join the queue.  - The test is standard. A long stick, which resembles a swizzle stick in my head, is inserted into your mouth and pushed to the back of your throat gently for a sample. A few turns and then it's pulled out. Then the same stick is inserted into your nose and it goes wayyyy in. Again a few turns and that's about it.  - Neither of the steps are painful. Just uncomfortable. If you don't fret too much, it would be okay. Don't focus too much on where it's going and how deep. Instead, focus on breathing.  - Results for the test come in anywhere between 15 minutes to 2 hours, and delivered to you via email.  Tadaaaaa..that's about it. Hopefully you are virus free, safe and healthy!  Save for later, and share to help the Susan in your life.  #covidtestingberlin #berlinblogger #corona #gettested #getvaccinated #staysafe #maintainsocialdistance #iamcoronafree #berlin
Issa NEGATIVE! Hello Berlin 🌟 #quarantineover Issa NEGATIVE! Hello Berlin 🌟  #quarantineover #schnelltest #coronafree #postrraveltest #pcrtest #berlinblogger #pakistanigirlingermany #immaback #plussizeblogger #plussizeblogger_de #froheostern #froheostern2021
A few days ago, on 23rd March, I saw fireworks nea A few days ago, on 23rd March, I saw fireworks near Karachi Expo Centre. I was so uncomfortable at the sight of them because:  1.Just the day before I had seen a few posters around Expo about DALFA Cattle Show from 21 to 23rd March. It was evening, probably 9:30pm, and my first thought was WHAT IF ANIMALS FROM THE EXHIBITION ARE STILL INSIDE?? The show had cattle (like cows) and other animals (like ostriches, birds like parrots, snakes, peacocks, dogs, something akin lama, and many more) on display.  Fireworks really upset animals, and cause harm that ranges from anxiety, panic, freezing, paralysis, uncontrolled attempts to escape and hide and tremors to gastrointestinal disorders and loss of hearing. Then there are fumes…  The show was scheduled to go until 10pm, so I hope with all my heart that @dalfacattleshow employed special measures to ensure sound proofing for animals (in case they weren’t evacuated before fireworks began).  P.S those animals were absolutely stunning!! Such magnificent cows…truly magnificent!  2. It was on the side of a busy road, and sparks were flying wild. Could a wayward spark possibly torch a vehicle? I don’t know, but as I sat in a car and passed it by, it felt like a real possibility.  The point of this post is to request authorities and remind civilians to be careful when it comes to fireworks. People who have four-legged family are usually careful about these things; if your neighbours have pets or you live close to a zoo, please please please be considerate for their welfare. They can’t communicate their fear or stop you like a human can, but they feel fear and panic just the same (if not more).  Tonight is Shab-e-barat (28.3) and a few will light fireworks. Let’s have this conversation, esp with our young ones, so this civic sense is instilled early. There will be many many more occasions for fireworks in the year ahead; let's be mindful of our four-legged friends while we are at it.  And now presenting some really beautiful cows from Dalfa Cattle Show 2021 (swipe to see)  #whatshappening #whatsnow #karachievents #writersofinstagram #karachiblogger #berlinblogger #Karachiexpocentre​ #Expocentre​
#Dalfacattleshow​​ #karachiexpo
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