Hello dear readers,
It feels so strange to finally be typing words on to the pages of this treasured blog that I have to say, I have missed oh so very much.
I know that the age of TikTok and video content means that fans of the written word are dwindling – but I plan to continue regardless. Alongside cooking, expressing myself on paper is one of my deepest passions and I hope it continues to spark serious joy and serenity as it always has.
To say that a lot has happened over the last two years would be an understatement. My life has taken many twists and turns over the last 24 months. As with most of us, I have endured some hardships and challenges but I’ve also been supremely blessed. I’m grateful for it all – the wonderful gamut that is life.
I return to the virtual pages of this blog with my soul nourished, feeling ready to start an exciting new chapter.
Earlier this year, I made the bold decision to leave the corporate world behind to pursue my passion.
It was by no stretch of the imagination an easy decision. Those who know me professionally know, not only how hard I have worked to build my career over the last decade, but also how much I genuinely loved working in public relations and communications. I was also incredibly lucky to work with alongside a team for six years who are more like family than just colleagues.
In any case, I digress. I laboured over the pros and cons for weeks, had countless late-night discussions with my incredibly supportive husband and drew up about 1000 different scenarios of just how brilliantly I might fail before I eventually bit the bullet. With bated breath, I submitted an application for a short course at culinary school and told myself I would let fate decide. If I received an acceptance, it would be a ‘sign’ in the right direction.
Surely enough, the acceptance came in a matter of weeks – and with that the wheels were in motion. Fast forward about six months and I find myself here, sipping my herbal tea in a quaint apartment in London, about to embark on an exciting journey.
While my course is just a short one (focused on plant-based culinary arts, in case you were wondering), I plan to savour the next few months and really make the most of this experience. I also plan to document this venture, both via the blog and my social media channels – in the hope that my experience may serve as some sort of inspiration to others.
Where will the road lead after, you may ask? The answer is quite simply – I don’t know yet – but I am so excited for the journey that lies ahead.
Until next time, dear readers.
Ps. I promise, new recipes are coming soon, too!
Nada, I’m so excited to hear this and so happy for you. Also happy for us readers as we accompany you (and cheer you on!) and I’m sure, get to try your recipes 🙂 Best of luck and well done!
Congratulations! I’m very happy for you. I was pleasantly surprised to find this email notification in my inbox this morning, this is very exciting news!!
Huge congrats for your courage and best of luck for this new, exciting phase of your life! I’m still new to your blog, but thoroughly enjoying it.. Especially love the Za’atar Spiced Tofu. It’s beyond delicious and something I now do often. All the very best and keep following your dreams and passions. xx
Congratulations!!! So excited for you and us!! 🎉
Wonderful to have you back and looking forward to following your culinary adventures 🙂
Nada I am so proud and thrilled that you took this brave step. I’m sure you’ll accomplish your dreams and goals where I look forward to seeing your name on the same level of Gordon Ramsey but with a focus on vegan food. I wish you the best of luck!
So proud of u nadoosh
Yay Nada!! Such a courageous and exciting move. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
It is so nice to get a notification from this blog. Congrats to your exiting life changes. This sounds like a really brave step you’ve taken. I am happy for you. I am looking forward to hear more from you!
Thank you so much Michaela!
It was fun to receive an email from you, even though I don’t know you, because I found your blog about a year ago and loved all the recipes. I have a book on Lebanese vegetarian cooking/recipes that I really enjoy.
Good luck on your decisions for the future. Here are two links that have inspired me recently:
https://foodforestabundance.com/
Greening the desert
Whats the name of this book please?
Hi Nada,
what a surprise! Nice to find you back in my inbox!
Cheers from Holland,
Enric
Good for you. I’ve missed your posts but can now look forward to some new ones. I hope it goes well back at school!
Nada, so good to receive a message from you! I am looking forward to seeing your posting about your new adventure. Wishing you the best of luck 🍀
Thank you so much Ana-Paula!
Wonderful surprise, ya Nada. I used to follow you on Instagram. Good luck for you new path and best wishes for new beginnings! Love from Australia.
Thank you so much Constance!
That’s wonderful!!! Good for you! I’m looking forward to seeing life recipes from you!! 💖
So wonderful to hear about what you are doing! I’m thankful to be on your mailing list! Looking forward to more news and recipes from you. Thank you, Glenn
Congratulations! This is exciting news. Have a wonderful time. I’m sure you’ll learn so much.
What a dream come true! Have a wonderful time in London. I look forward to new recipes and stories of your adventures.
Welcome back! I hope you love culinary school.
This old Sitto (Grammy) is so grateful for your return to blogging as she continues her move from vegetarian to vegan. What joy you have given me as I am still able to enjoy the foods of my heritage and learn some delicious new recipes.
Almost forty years ago I made the same choice to leave a flourishing career in banking to write a novel. My novel was a disaster, but the choice was so good. It led me, at mid-life, to my wonderful husband and the miracle of two sons, one of whom insists I become a TikTok Grammy. Who knows?
I am certain that your voyage into the future will be a brilliant one.
Jane – your comment made me smile so much. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!
Good to see you back again. I can’t wait for your recipes. Best of luck in everything.
I’m so excited for you. congratulations on having the courage to take this bold step. I look forward to hearing how your journey goes. Best of luck.
Nice to hear from you again – you’ve been missed!
Congratulations on pursuing your passion! You will be great!!I have followed you intermittently and love how your approach things in an authentic way and the recipes you make. Looking forward to seeing you grow in your journey and the recipes you make
So happy for you. I wish you all the best!
Congrats!
When we have our eyes open, opportunities present themselves. Believe! As you meditate and focus where life takes you.
You sound like a rested soul, follow your food dreams!
Best of luck from Kansas City!
Thank you, Odai!
This is great! Life changes such as this are always scary and exciting but it’s great to trust our guts sometimes. Wish you luck!
PS. Yes some of us definitely still like reading blogs, even with tiktok and all 🙂
Emma – thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad I’m not the only one who still appreciates long-form content.
so good to hear from you again Nada, my very best wishes to you and I wish you success in all you do. I loved all your recipes.