“I mean to do something grand. I don’t know what, yet; but when I’m grown up I shall find out. Perhaps, it will be rowing out in boats, and saving lives, like that girl in the book. Or perhaps, I shall go and nurse in the hospital, like Miss Nightingale. Or else I’ll head a crusade and carry a sacred flag. Or if I don’t do that, I’ll paint pictures, or sing, or scalp — sculp — what is it? You know – make figures in marble. Anyhow it shall be something.”

Katy Carr (eldest child of six in the Carr Family)

from What Katy Did (Carr Family, #1)
by Susan Coolidge

Hello and welcome to my blog, What Leena Did! This blog is inspired by this quote above from one of my most favorite classics growing up. If you LOVE cooking, baking delicious desserts, throwing parties, entertaining, holidays, and just creative and fun stuff in general, you’re in the right place!

I’m a Pakistani-American who grew up in Saudi Arabia. I have also lived in Dubai, Chicago, and now reside in Philadelphia. I’m the eldest of five girls, a wife, a mother, a foodie, a food photographer, and a makeup enthusiast. I’m a stay-at-home mom to two adorable kids and the wife of an amazing husband who is the love of my life. They’re my inspiration and support.

I have a BSc in Economics and Management, but after embracing motherhood, cooking quickly became a newfound creative outlet for me. With limited cooking experience before getting married, I didn’t know that it would become my hobby and my passion. My husband, my biggest supporter (and guinea pig for my food experiments), encouraged me to experiment and delve deeper into this delicious world. Having traveled extensively and tried different foods, I love mixing Pakistani/Indian spices with different cuisines to create delicious, “East meets West” concoctions. I cook with real ingredients.

When it came time to start throwing my kids’ birthday parties, I realized I also really enjoyed planning and organizing creative, beautiful events. During this time, I also started dabbling in baking — especially birthday cakes — and now even bake for special orders every so often.

I absolutely LOVE glitter, the color pink, and can eat chicken tikka everyday! I struggle to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water daily and try to stay active — yes, I’m human, too 😉

I started this blog as a creative outlet for myself and as a way to share my ideas with the world. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy sharing it with you!

Welcome and happy reading!