Have you ever felt so blue that Smurfs will make you the Queen of Smurf land? Yup! That was me a few weeks ago. So I got my remedy by visiting home, and after a few days spent, I was back to my bubbly self that i was mostly used to.

“I told you about my mums gift to my dad. Okay, this is my dad’s gift to my mum.“

Home truly is where my heart is. Going back to tend it with love and attention, I felt refreshed. You know, there’s this islamic (hadith) saying, “There lies within the body a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Verily, this piece is the heart.” Sahih al-Bukhari 52.

Oh well, being home gives me the privilege to do so many things like stroll round the compound, smell the flowers, play with the cats, and bond with family and friends. I’m glad my interior designer mother did a master piece outdoors and indoors.

So, you’ll see some of my perspective and favorite corners in the house.

This royal waiting room was an anniversary gift from my mum to my dad. He really adores that space. Also, it was changed and decorated in one day. He went out about his day only to get back to a fully set up waiting room with a mirror console set. The story behind it makes it my favorite.

This gazebo has hosted so many guests. From different parts of the world. Has held parties, personal time space, interview ground, intellectual conversations, breakfast, and even a place to nap, for me (yes, it is that comfortable sleeping in nature). It was built right in front of us. It went from a space my parents weren’t sure what to do with to a fully furnished cute building outdoors. It is furnished with chairs, flowers, side stools, and a pretty view to the garden all the way to the gate. Cons: Mosquitoes 🦟 😅

There is something about the light arrangement. The plants are branches and quite artsy. Coupled with a warm tone light, that bounces light at the right place at such a time: 11:53pm.

Yes, most books, because we still have book shelves around the house. These books took ages, discipline, and accountability to fill up this library space. Its book collection ranges from mills and boons to the Sydney Sheldon’s down to the islamic books. I told you about my mums gift to my dad. Okay, this is my dad’s gift to my mum. It includes magazines such as cosmo, Genevieve, ELLE, Oprah, True Love, Ebony and so much (she really supports the industry in her way), video cassettes for nostalgic purposes, and some ornaments. The little chair with an additional lamp makes it a great reading spot. As you relax your legs on the ottoman with a cup of tea and cookies, you are easily transported to another realm in the pages of these books under a warm lamp light and silence. I remember when I was 7, my favorite spot always included a lamp and comfortable chair for reading. I didn’t even care about the tea. 😅

Comfort is important, and we understand the art of comfort from Genesis. So lastly, because it’ll be the last space you would think I’d like in the house… is the cosy bathroom.

One of the places you can get privacy from anyone and everyone is the bathroom. For example, people hear you are in the bathroom, and they give you room to take your time.

With lush carpets, shower that comes with a radio, mirrors on both sides, and quite a collection of oil perfume, it’s always a joy just walking in and out.

I would want to credit my mother for her genius in taste and love for beautiful things. Very artsy, creative and quite the visualist. Like my friends will say, “mummy is the standard”. I agree.

Cheers to soft life.