Source: Behind The Blog featuring Nihaad from Little Blog of Stuff…
I’ve moved!!
Hi everyone!
I do apologise (once again) for my sudden disappearance from my little space in the clouds; but there is a very good reason for my absence. For the past two weeks I’ve been working on something that I am incredibly excited about sharing with everyone who has been a regular visitor on my blog.
Yes, you guessed it! After months of overthinking and excuses, I finally took the leap and moved my blog to its very own domain.
I have done a lot of thinking and planning for the space I have created, and decided to be more focused on what I put up there. So after moving house, changing addresses and having fun choosing the colours for the newly renovated walls (and after long strings of cuss words directed at PayPal) I would like to present to you my brand new blog.
Unfortunately this decision has brought about its own set of changes, one of them being the name of the blog. I was really sad about this fact since The Little Blog of STUFF has been my outlet for the past few months and it was real hard to say goodbye. But I am excited about the new path I am journeying on and I am so happy about the new possibilities to be found down this road.
Like I said, I have decided to be more focused and dedicated to this blog that I have been neglecting lately. I have big plans for the future and I do hope you will make the change so that we can continue to share this journey.
This new space will be dedicated to my life long passion of reading and seeking answers to the ever growing list of questions I have about my place and purpose in this beautiful world. You can also expect to find the odd post of fun activities that the husband and I have managed to tick off our bucket list.
I do hope that you will give me a visit soon at Read & Seek.
– Nihaad
Newlands Forest Hike
Hey everyone! I trust you had an amazing weekend doing everything you day dreamed of doing during the hectic work week. I am back with another little picture post showing what I’ve been up to this weekend…
It was my Aunt’s birthday on Saturday which meant that she could go up Table Mountain for free. The husband and I dropped her, the Mom and Sister at the cable car station and spent the few hours admiring the sites from below, since we’re hella broke (LOL!)
Table Mountain from below
Some of the indigenous plants known as Fynbos
Signal Hill
Lion’s Head
City Center
We waited for about 3 hours for them to return; and those 3 hours were probably the highlight of my weekend. Taufeeq and I had some ice cream, walked around admiring the beauty of our city and sang along to songs playing on the radio. We talked and laughed and acted like total idiots together, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
On Sunday morning we headed out for a hike at Newlands Forest. It was overcast and there was a light drizzle the whole way through; but even so the weather was perfect for hiking.
Creepy abandoned house
At the start of the trail there is an abandoned cottage which looks super creepy. I am really eager to know the history behind it because it looks very old.
Me enjoying the drizzle
Misty view of the city
This trail was not as hard as the one we did a couple of weeks back. The trees provides lots of shade so it is an ideal hiking trail for the hot summer days headed our way. The change of scenery gives you an idea of why Cape Town is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world – and believe me these pictures do absolutely no justice.
Despite SA losing to the All Blacks on Sunday and being kicked out of the Rugby World Cup; it was a fun filled weekend which made me long for the Summer break!
What have you been up to this past weekend?
– Nihaad
Book Fangirling Blog Award
I’ve been nominated by Abdeah from Under the Midnight Sky for the Book Fangirling Blog Award! Thank you so much for the nomination Abdeah! I enjoy spending time reading your posts, and it is always lovely to come by book bloggers from my home town – Cape Town.
The Rules:
- Create a post to accept your award.
- Add the blog award button into your post and put it on the side of your blog as a widget. Visit fangirling for the award button.
- Answer the questions I have below.
- Nominate between 5-10 book bloggers who you think also deserve this award.
- Come up with your own 5 questions for your nominees.
WHAT BOOK DID EVERYONE LIKE AND YOU HATED?
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
I know, I know, this is a firm favourite of so many readers around the world, but I was so disappointed by it. I actually started reading this book before the movie came out and it became all the rage; but I never finished it. Then when I read the write up on the movie, it sounded so familiar, and when I finally realised why it was so familiar I struggled to understand why it was such a big hit. I felt that John Green’s characters were unrealistic and pretentious, so I could not connect with them and it held me back from really enjoying it.
BOOK/S THAT PUT YOU IN A RIDICULOUS READING SLUMP?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief is one of my all time favourite books, ever! I adored the writing style, the characters, the setting, the plot – pretty much everything that there is to love about a book, I loved about this one. But after reading it, I fell into a massive reading slump because every other book after seemed meaningless. It took me a while to get over the heartbreak and let it all sink in.
NAME A BOOK YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT
Someone Knows My Name aka The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
I wrote a review about this book which you can read here. This book actually took me out of the reading slump which I was left with after reading The Book Thief.
NAME A BOOK/S YOU WISH TURNED INTO A MOVIE
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
I am sure many bookworms will agree with me when I say that I am not a fan of books being made into movies. A movie takes away so much from a good book, especially if you haven’t read it. But for the sake of this challenge, I will say that I wouldn’t mind Jodi Picoult’s masterpiece, Leaving Time, being made into a movie. It contains everything that in my opinion makes a terrific blockbuster.
FAVORITE BOOKTUBER/S
Blue Eyed Biblio
Unfortunately I don’t have much time to watch YouTube videos, but I have watched some by Blue Eyed Biblio and really enjoyed it. She is so cute, and her book collection is something from out of this world!
I hereby nominate these fellow book bloggers to completed this challenge:
Poppie Tee
Barefoot Meds
Books and Messy Buns
Page by Paige
Twins Turning Pages
And anyone else who would like to complete it too!
And the questions are:
1. What book did everyone like and you hated?
2. A book that put you in a ridiculous reading slump
3. Name a book you wish more people knew about
4. A book whose movie you liked more
5. Your favourite booktuber
I really enjoyed completing this challenge, hope you enjoyed reading it!
– Nihaad
Why no form of education is a waste
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
― Dr. Seuss
Ever since I can remember, my parents always drilled it into me that I needed to educate myself. I was brought up to seek answers for all the questions I may have, and because of this I have developed a love for learning and improving my understanding on the world around me. My Mother is a teacher (by nature and profession) who has this hunger to acquire knowledge like no one I have ever known; and it definitely rubbed off onto me.
After I graduated and started working, I became increasingly frustrated because I wanted more. I know I want to further my studies and it is something I would love to pursue for as long as I can – even if it is outside of the field I am currently working in. I realise this may sound ridiculous to some people because in their minds if I study something else then everything I worked for over the past few years would go to waste. This thinking bothers me…
Maybe it was the way I was raised but I believe that any knowledge you gain can never be a waste. We live in a world so vast and extraordinary that our minds cannot begin to comprehend the complexity of it all! And I believe that anything you learn builds a better understanding of the world.
If I ever decide to further my studies in a different field, all the knowledge I have gained up until then would not be in vain. I have improved my perception in a certain part of the world which ultimately means that I have a better view of things than what I had before I studied. Even more so, I have gained skills that would help me in the long run.
In this world we try to put a price on everything. And since we have to pay for furthering our education, we immediately put a price tag on our qualifications. Instead of looking at it as improving ourselves, and answering questions about the world we may have; we think of the experience as a commodity. And if we don’t use our qualifications then it automatically means that we wasted our time and money on something we “wont be using”.
However, I regard by knowledge and education as a key which I use to better myself. It is my tool which I can use to give back to the world in some way or another. And above all else it makes me appreciate the world I live in and the life I am living…
As my late grandfather Sheikh Shakier Gamieldien said:
“Your knowledge should make you humble; because the more you know, the more you realise you don’t know.”
– Nihaad
Read-a-thon
My very ambitious TBR pile
I am three hours into the read-a-thon and I am being dragged down by a terrible headache. So I am taking a short break to get this post up and then I will dive nose first back into the book I am currently reading. I know this post was supposed to go up before the read-a-thon started, but rules are there to be broken right? This is the pre-party post which just requires me to answer some questions:
1.What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
I am reading from the town famous for its white sand beaches and the majestic Table Mountain; Cape Town, South Africa!
2. Which book in your book stack are most looking forward to?
Well apart from my current read which I am thoroughly enjoying, The Young Elites, I am really looking forward to reading Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire!!
3. Which snack are you most looking forward to?
My husband has appointed himself as my cheerleader and snack provider, so I am looking forward to endless cups of tea and a surprise meal he is cooking up in the kitchen (it smells yummy!!)
4. Tell us something about yourself!
I have the heart of a little bookworm, but I crave adventure – I think you could call me an adrenaline junkie. If I am not losing myself in a good book, then I can be found day dreaming of my next blood pumping, thrill inducing activity to cross off my bucket list!
5. If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s the one thing you’ll do differently? Or if this is your first time, what are you most looking forward to?
This would be my first time taking part in this challenge, and I am most looking forward to connecting with people across the world who are also participating in this read-a-thon.
I was planning to make use of all my social media platforms, but it seems I am paying more attention to Instagram. So if you are interested in following me, or if you feel like giving me a cheer for motivation; then please check out my Instagram account:
Instagram : The Little Blog of STUFF
– Nihaad
September and October Combined Book Haul
My laundry is hanging out to dry and I have narrowed down the books I plan to read for the 24 hour read-a-thon. I got some cleaning done around the house and managed to catch up on some series, patiently waiting for 14:00 to roll by so that I can get stuck into my reading and be deemed “annoying” on my social media platforms. I have about an hour to go so I thought I could do a quick post showing off the books I picked up during September and October.
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Can we just take a moment to admire the beauty of these Harry Potter covers? They are SO beautiful and I am really excited to be collecting these for my bookshelf. I have read The Tales of Beedle the Bard, The Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban already as I am sure you have seen here.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
I cannot express how much I loved this book. It was filled with so much history that I cannot begin to wrap my head around. I have written an in depth review of this book over here if you are interested in knowing a little bit more about this hauntingly beautiful novel, which was based on a true story.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
My apologies for sounding like a broken record, but I adore Patrick Ness’ writing style! This book was such an easy read yet it held so much meaning to it that I find truly special. I have written a short review on this book over here
I am Number Four by Pattacus Lore
This book has been compared to Harry Potter so I had to get it when I saw it on sale at a local bookstore. I loved the cover, which admittedly was the deciding factor on whether or not I should buy it. I haven’t read it yet but I plan to start it real soon.
Cress by Marissa Meyer
I have read Cinder and Scarlet, which I have written reviews on here and here. To me Scarlet was a build up to Cress, so I am really keen to get into this book.
The Pact by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite authors, probably because my first “big person book” (you know, thick books, with big words and no pictures?) was written by her. Most of the books I’ve read by her was either borrowed from someone else, or is an e-book version; so I really want to get more of her books for my shelf. I have always wanted to read The Pact because it seems like a typical Jodi Picoult story.
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
I have read SO many amazing reviews about this book, so when I saw it was available on The Readers Warehouse I immediately added it to my shopping cart. It was dropped off by the couriers early Monday morning, so you can imagine how slowly the day went by with me so excited to get home and see my precious! ( I said ‘so’ SO many times there, sorry! I am in a rush because I have about 15 minutes left until the read-a-thon begins!!) Anyways, as I was saying, I got home and tore the packaging apart like a pit-bull! I read a few pages and could not put it down! The writing is beautiful, the characters are amazing and the story line is epic!!
Dracula, The Scarlet Letter and Frankenstein
I consider these my lucky buys from last month because I picked them up at a sale for R49 each! These are classics which I have been meaning to read for the longest time, AND they are hardbacks!! I want to get into reading more classics so hopefully this will be a good start for me once I bring myself to pick them up and start reading!
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
Another book I bought from The Readers Warehouse because it was a steal for R49! I didn’t know how massive this book was so I was a bit shocked when I opened the package and found it. I am a major fan of historical fiction and this book has been on my radar for quite some time; so I plan to get straight into it after The Young Elites.
And that’s is my combined book haul for September and October! See anything you enjoyed? Drop a comment and let me know!
Don’t forget to follow me for the next 24 hours on these social media platforms as I will be updating regularly on my progress for the 24 hour reading challenge!
Instagram : The Little Blog of STUFF
Twitter : NihaadG
Facebook : The Little Blog of STUFF
Goodreads : Nihaad
– Nihaad
Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon
Hey guys!
This is just a little post to let you know about the read-a-thon I plan on participating in on Saturday, 17 October. I only came across it a couple of minutes ago so I do apologize for this rather rushed post.
A 24 hour read-a-thon is a reading challenge where everyone participates at the same time. For 24 hours, people from around the world read books, and post it on their blogs and various social media platforms; as well as visit other participants’ virtual online homes in order to encourage and motivate one another to read.
I have never participated in a read-a-thon before, so I am extremely excited to take part in this challenge. I don’t want to commit to a full 24 hours, but I will do my best to cram in as much reading and blogging as I can considering that a Saturday is after-all my day to get house chores done that I unfortunately neglect during the week.
Please check out Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon for more information, or better yet, sign up and join me in this challenge. This is a great way to get some reading done to boost your Goodreads reading challenge if you have fallen behind like I have.
If you would like to follow me as I take part in this challenge, you will find me on these social media platforms:
Instagram : The Little Blog of STUFF
Twitter : NihaadG
Facebook : The Little Blog of STUFF
Goodreads : Nihaad
To find out what time it begins in your part of the world follow this link. For the Capetonians, it starts at 14:00 and ends at 13:55 on Sunday afternoon.
Until then, have a great Friday!
P.S. Jumuaa and Muharram Mubarak to all Muslim readers.
– Nihaad
Wheel of Excellence Experience
I left off my last post saying that I will write a separate blog post on what else I managed to do on Sunday. As I mentioned, we went for a morning hike which left me feeling with this incredible zest for life – a great way to start off a new week, I must say. After resting a bit to recuperate, the husband and I set off to the V&A Waterfront for a little date on the Wheel of Excellence. We bought a ticket off Groupon which gave us 50% off and since I always wanted to catch a ride on this beauty of a structure, we took advantage of the deal.
Table Mountain
Taufeeq watching the Jolly Rodger Pirate Boat
Signal Hill
The SA Rugby Museum
My husband and best friend
I know that going out these days, especially with the economical climate here in South Africa, can be really tough. Petrol is a big consideration where ever you want to go because it costs so darn much. But I refuse to accept this as an excuse to not be able to explore. I love adventure and it is my dream to travel more, which is why I am starting in my own city. Hopefully this will encourage you to get out more too, I tell you, it makes Mondays a lot less blue.
– Nihaad
Sunday Morning Hike
After writing my last post, I’ve been more motivated to explore this beautiful city that I call home. Summer is headed our way and it feels like a long lost friend that we are welcoming with arms wide open. I want to start writing more about Cape Town with all that it has to offer, and to record the places I have seen. Hopefully this would inspire me to do more so that I can combat the FOMO.
Sunday morning we went for a hike with some of the cousins. I have seen so many pictures of the Cecilia Forest and I just had to get out there to see this beautiful piece of Cape Town that up until recently I never knew existed. Even though I am feeling the after effects now, it was amazing to get out of bed on a beautiful sunny morning and be outdoors.
The start of the hiking trail
My sister in law and fellow book worm
The cousins and one dog
A kiss under the water fall
When we reached the waterfall I was blown away. Believe me these pictures do absolutely no justice to the beauty of it.
It was wonderful to get in touch with nature and enjoy the fresh morning air. The hike made me feel like I’ve done something productive for the day with so much time left to spare. But I am keeping that for a separate post… So this is it for now – I hope you take advantage of the beautiful weather we are having here in Cape Town. And if you are reading from a different part of this beautiful world, then I hope you stop the FOMO by being a tourist in your home town.
– Nihaad
the little blog of STUFF 