If you find yourself with some sudden downtime or if you have too much time on your hands, Raheel and Areej offer their picks to keep you busy and entertained. Here are some suggested reads, binge-worthy shows and a couple of movies worth the two hour commitment, should you have the time to spare.

There is a reason why most travel advisories state that essential travel only is recommended. Needless to say, travelling during COVID times is complicated. Raheel and Areej talk about the preparations involved with travelling these days (mostly Canadian context) and why with all the planning, you should expect anything to happen!…

When we move away, we have lofty goals of keeping in touch often with our friends and family with promises of frequent face-times, virtual birthday parties and even being pen-pals. But in reality, it is often easier said than done. Between busy schedules and time zones, keeping in touch is a challenge and we can often feel even more disconnected fr…

From cultural attractions and amazing London parks, Raheel and Areej talk about the best spots in London for a very local staycation. The everyday things to do around London, the abundance of green spaces and of course the food options are impressive! There are so many museums that offer different experiences and collections to enjoy, the variety a…

Raheel and Areej talk about staycation ideas just outside of London. For most of us that is all the travelling we can do this year (or will bother to do because its SO complicated to travel right now!). Whether you want a seaside vibe, a bit of nature and agriculture on a farm, or visiting some amazing castles, as much as there is a lot to do in Lo…

There are some things in particular that Raheel and Areej miss about being home - Tim Hortons and dill pickle chips top that list. This is their chance to bring some stuff back from Canada when they finally visit this summer. They also chat about the things they will gift their family and friends that will hopefully bring a taste of Britain to them…

Dreadful things like getting a pap smear (aka smear test) that end up being surprisingly pleasant? Sometimes its worthwhile to talk through your discomfort in advance and laying it all out on the table. When is a new interest a child has border on obsession? Frankly, it sometimes feels like listening to a record on repeat, of one song over and over…

We have grown accustomed, and yes, quite attached to throwing on those sweats! But as we are all out and about more these days, beyond the grocery store, we want to put a little bit more effort into what we wear and help to make ourselves feel good. Raheel and Areej talk about the fashion aesthetic they see around London, and what looks they are in…

As most of us know, it is really hard to get to know new people and put yourself out there. For many, it causes real anxiety, similar to public speaking. Raheel and Areej talk through their social fears and ways they try to overcome them. Socializing and making friends in general comes a bit easier to Raheel and she shares why creating connections …

Ahh that question that we all ask, and have been asked at several points in our lives "What do you do?" Areej and Raheel talk about the complexity of this question and how we define our careers. This goes back to when they had conventional (paying) jobs before moving to the UK, and careers they are exploring here as expats. They have jobs, the most…

Raheel and Areej talk about the emotional and sometimes physical cost of a night out. The girls are going on mini-holidays with their families, which makes the temptation of staying in their host country much stronger. This comes after several moments when packing up and going home seems like the best option. A little self-care can go a long way bu…

For months, all we could do was dream about it. Sitting at a table other than our own, having a meal prepared, other than banana bread by our bored children, while sipping on whatever beverage of your choosing - it didn't really matter as long as someone else was making it....while wearing their masks of course. While not out of the woods yet nor t…

Lockdown DIYs in all its different forms such as various from home projects, minor and major renovations, and at-home colour kits. As London faces another stretch of homeschooling, Raheel and Areej discuss their new attitude and approach to homeschooling this time around.بقلم Raheel Shaharyar and Areej Hasso

The impact of lockdown is real, but for introverts and extroverts the experience is challenging (and even sometimes welcomed) in different ways. Raheel and Areej talk about creating and building networks and the often daunting task of making new friends in an unfamiliar place and not to mention, during a pandemic. Tips on the best ways to put yours…

So you have decided to do the expat thing and move to a new country but how do you choose what neighbourhood to live in? What are your starting points, the non-negotiables and why move again once you have arrived and settled? Areej and Raheel talk about what factors they considered in choosing the neighbourhoods they finally moved to and settled in…

Christmas, or Crimbo as the British call it, looked very different for everyone this year. It was the year and incidentally the holiday that was spent in lock down. Most of us were thankful for good health, baking, and of course the release of Bridgerton for some much needed escapism and yes, lots of eye candy. Raheel and Areej talk about how they …

Our very first Pants Not Trousers episode!! We introduce ourselves and the podcast in this episode. We are two expat women (originally Canadian) who became friends during the start of our expat journey in London UK. We had so much in common but very different experiences, and lots of laughs when sharing these with each other. We thought it would be…