About!

Welcome to Miss Anthropist’s Kitchen!

Here is a picture of me on my second birthday:

There are 2 things you should have noticed about this picture:

1. My mom really liked dressing me up.
2. I have cake smeared all over my mouth and hands.

16 years later, I still tend to have cake smeared all over my hands because of all the baking I do…fortunately for my horrible metabolism, I enjoy baking sweets much more than I enjoy eating them and exercise just enough to keep the unwanted weight off. I have fallen in love with the process of baking, and just recently, cooking.

I call myself a misanthropist, not because I hate people (that is the definition of a misanthropist in case you don’t know), but because baking is my retreat when my hormone levels are high and I want to get away from everyone around me (you know you’re a misanthropist when one of your New Years resolutions is to be more social with your friends).
I don’t look very misanthropist-like in pictures, because I like smiling. There are no emo poses, nor “I hate the world” T-shirts. In fact, I almost look friendly.

I’m Egyptian but was raised in both America (during my childhood) and Egypt (during my teen years). My real name is probably weird to someone who isn’t from the Middle East. It’s Nourhan, pronounced Nor-han. Turkish for “sunlight” Light of the Sun (sounds cooler that way, right?) I won’t even bother telling you my last name…I’m not even sure how to pronounce it sometimes when someone asks me. I believe it’s a last name that originated in Iraq. You can say I’m fairly diverse.

I love writing. In 11th grade, we had to write a 50-page story by the end of the year, and I ended up writing 250 pages. I might have gotten carried away.

I also love drawing, particularly cartoons. I have so much fun when I draw things for the blog.

As of now, I am 18 and a pharmacy/ premed student. I’m pretty good at it (got in the top 5% of the class in my second year of university! I skipped two grades, in case you’re wondering) and hope to get into medical school one day, but baking is my real love. Currently, due to a family situation, I am taking the year off. I want to use this time to explore the things I love. I want to do more things like cake and cookie decorating, learn more about photography, and just explore creative things in general. This blog will hopefully help me do that.

The rest of this About Me will be in Q&A form, because it’s funner that way and probably easier on your eyes.

What’s that thing on your head?
That would be a headscarf. It’s called a hijab. Muslim women should wear it.

Gasp! You’re Muslim?!
Gasp, yes! Throughout my blog, you will probably see things like “Insha’Allah” (If God wills) “Alhamdullilah” (Thank God) and holidays such as “Ramadan” and “Eid”. You won’t see alcohol or pork.
Don’t worry, I don’t bite.
I don’t blow stuff up, either.

So…do you like, really bake in a hijab at home?
Nope! Contrary to popular belief, they are not attached to our heads. At home I’m as free as a birdie.
If you’re feeling curious and have any religion-related questions, feel free to email me.

Are all the pictures on the blog really taken by you?
Yup!

What camera do you use?
I used to have a Nikon Coolpix for my older pictures but now I use my Canon Rebel XS. It’s professional, but I’m not.

How often do you update your blog?
As of December 2010, I will try to update it at least every 2-3 days. It’s really hard for me to keep a routine, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Who designed your blog?
That would be moi! Don’t ask me how…it’s a miracle I was able to figure anything out.

Your favorite thing about blogging?
So many things. Trying new recipes, taking pictures, getting to know other food bloggers, and sharing with everyone. I also love reading other people’s comments and knowing that they tried making some of my recipes. Makes my day. :)

Well that’s all you “knead” to know for now! *rib-nudge*

Oh, I suppose that’s another thing you should know about me… I’m corny and I love puns. :)