Pakistani Mom Blogger, Mamoona Zahid, Brings More Than
Tasty Fried Chicken To The Table
One of the most wonderful realizations I continue to be reminded of everytime I receive a request to review a blog from a mom blogger new to me and living across the world is how “like” we, moms, actually are. Despite differing customs, continents or languages spoken, ‘motherhood’ incites commonalities between women that help close the gaps and improve understanding -- positive steps towards achieving global peace… and in the case of Mamoona Zahid and myself, conquering the elusive skill of making the best fried chicken in the world.
You would think that a woman who spent half her youth growing up on a farm in the United States would have mastered the ability to make even a “passable” fried chicken meal by the age of forty-nine. Sadly, this hasn’t been the case. My inability to make an edible fried chicken has followed me all the way into mid-life and my stubborn nature has kept me from allowing this failing to roll off my back! It also set me on a course of staring down the image of Colonel Sanders’ face on every bucket of KFC chicken I bought when my next rigorous attempt proved disappointing.
Thankfully, a mom living in Pakistan finally put an end to my “chicken frying” woes and came up with an easy and indescribably delicious fried chicken recipe that even I could master. The author of Spicemylife, Mamoona Zahid has made my life as well as inspired numerous satisfied and satiated smiles through her delectable fried chicken recipe and I am certain she will continue to do the same through her interview below.
What is your full name?
Mamoona Zahid.
Where do you live?
Faisalabad, Pakistan
How many children do you have?
Three
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Passionate
What is your personal mantra?
Be thankful to Allah for everything.
Tell us about you and your life.
I am a mother of two girls and a boy. I am from a large Pakistani family, lots of aunts and uncles. Full time hyperactivity! Living together in a large family has its own highs and lows. As much as we are nosey and pry in each other's business, we also help each other in all aspects of life.
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a mom is _____.”
Being able to get lots of hugs and kisses.
How long have you been blogging for? Do you blog for any group blogs or websites beyond your own?
I have been blogging for four months now. I don’t blog for any other blogs or sites.
What is the name of your blog? When was it launched?
Spicemylife. It was launched in March 2016.
Share with us the significance of the name of your blog to you. How did you come up with it?
I wanted to pick a name which showed my passion about food -- one that was also related to the crazy life I have. Spicemylife was perfect for this. My father-in-law, actually, suggested it.
What is the primary focus of your blog and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
The primary focus of my blog is food and parenting. I hope to help others rise above their daily grind and be able to have a good laugh about it.
What social media outlets work best for you?
I love Facebook and Pinterest. You can also find me on Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to moms who may be interested in beginning a blog?
Go for it! Don't give up very quickly. It is a lot of work and you might get a few hiccups at the start but all the effort is worth it in the end.
Are you an entrepreneur or professional beyond your blog (and outside of being a mom)? Please share.
I am a mother and that’s it!
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
I love to cook food in huge amounts and distribute it to the less privileged in our society.
When all is said and done, what is the one thing you hope your loved ones and those who knew you remember about you?
I hope they remember me as a good person with a kind heart.
No doubt, when it comes to motherhood, what’s cooking a world away seems a whole lot more similar to what’s cooking in our own pots when presented through blogs like Spicemylife. Many times, the only way to learn this, however, is to remove the cover. I urge you to continue to do so by following Mamoona Zahid beyond the kitchen and into a place of greater understanding that will not only ‘spice’ your life but expand it as well.