Ayesha Recommends: How I Travel, Where I've Been Eating & Butternut Squash Brownies
Coming to you from Morocco!!
A question I get asked a lot is “How do you afford to travel so much?”.
Let me give y’all some insight cause as much as I wish I was a secret billionaire heiress, I regret to inform you that I am not. Here’s a dose of my reality:
Age: My friends. I’M NOT 20 YEARS OLD. I’m in my 30’s. Which means I did my time crying under studio desks, working several jobs since I immigrated to the US, and realizing in my late 20’s that a typical 8-5 isn’t cutting it for me. I’ve lived several lives, in several countries and I’m not afraid to restart when I need to.
Work: Believe it or not, just like everyone, I work. I kept my architecture job part time while doing some social media work until only earlier this year is when I fully went freelance. Do I earn as much as I did at my full time gig (which realistically, being architecture, wasn’t a huge sum… )? No, not yet. But I was prepared to take a cut this year because savings!!!! Y’all best pray that I earn a whole lot more cause it’ll allow me to give more to you guys. A win win!
Savings: In the years I worked a “regular” job, I was also freelancing and taking on whatever side gigs I could. All those earnings went straight into my savings. Also, the pause in student loans have been helpful. I use that money to travel and have ZERO regrets because the American student loan system is a scam.
Sacrifice: I had a pretty nice life built up before I realized it wasn’t working for me. I gave up my beautiful apartment in Austin. My stable job. My angel cat, Mantu (he’s with my sister). Breaking away from my usual crew. And many more sacrifices that I’m still debating the worthiness of but hey, you live and you learn.
Living rent free (mostly): I moved to where my parents were, which was the suburbs of Dallas. I had never lived there before, but saw no point renting a flat in Austin anymore. I loved having my own space, but blessed to have a healthy relationship with my family to be able to move and stay as long as I need to.
Going to affordable countries: Japan was my most expensive trip and I knew it would be because I was doing it solo, no paid work was involved and I was not staying at a friends. What’s expensive there is accommodation and transport, but the food was more affordable than London and New York. Most of my recent travels have been to places where I can stay with someone or can rent somewhere within a reasonable budget. If I’m going somewhere spend-y, I don’t stay there long or it’s with a group so it helps offset costs.
Card Points/ Work Travels: You need a good travel credit card and know how to use it properly. I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred If I’m traveling for work, I expect that at least my flight and accommodation will be paid for. Another perk is that my brother recently became a pilot and occasionally, I get to use his flight benefits. So get you a pilot relative or friend. Or become a air hostess! I’ve considered it ngl.
Stacking Travels: Traveling outside of the US (let’s face it, inside too) is expensive. Which is why I usually travel back to back. Here’s an example: My flight to Japan cost me $500, which was a deal I bagged. Then from Japan I flew to Singapore, which cost around $200. Then the rest of the flights were all less than that because I was traveling within the SEA region. Flying out of Europe, if you’re already there, is generally cheaper.
Sparse Luxury: If I have to crash on a couch to not spend $200 a night on a hotel room, I’ll do it (shout out to my friends who let me, y’all are the goat). To keep traveling, comfort doesn’t always come first. As much as I’d love to rent my own place everywhere I travel, sometime it’s just not something I can freely spend on (looking at you, New York).
Spending: I spend less in general now. I shop less than I did. I think twice before splurging on anything unnecessary, even a daily iced coffee (it really adds up btw). And while that’s not really fun, it’s a part of why I can do what I’m doing. Don’t @ me if you’re like “I wish I could do what you’re doing but I can’t afford to” and just bought yourself a $1,800 bag. No hate to that, but it is a choice.
Flexibility: Now this is a tough one, but a real one. Because I make my own schedule, I can travel in off seasons. I can book the flight that’s way cheaper if I wait a few days. I can change up plans and go somewhere where I’ll get paid, making it a work trip.
Things I Recommend:
Trains: Planes have gone rogue and keep cancelling. Just take a train when you can.
Hair: If you want an excellent haircut in London, I recommend TAJ Hair Studios. Tarik gave me one of my favorite haircuts I’ve had in a long time and this is going to be my hair spot. Let him know I sent y’all!
Workout Tips: Many of you asked workout questions, so I’m replugging in the app I’ve been using this year, Ladder. It’s helped me keep a routine even amidst my travelings. Also, sharing my workout playlist because I heavily rely on music to get me motivated!
London Restaurants: My favorite restaurants I’ve been to in London this last month have been:
Bake Street London: This spot was a trek for me but I don’t joke when I say I will travel for good food. Phenomenal sandwiches, delicious coffee and delightful pastries and sweets, including soft serve. I enjoyed everything I had. You need to go if you haven’t been or I’ll drag you with me.
Plaza Khao Gaeng: This spot. Wow. Southern Thai food that is SPICEY. Not toned down. And I loved that. The interiors and details down to the napkins are designed thoughtfully so as to feel like you’re back in a plaza in Thailand, but in the heart of London.
Qima Cafe: A Yemeni coffee shop run by the kindest folks. I’ve been here a few times and I’m always impressed by their pastry selections.
Dina’s Supper club: Dina is a friend of mine and hosted an Omani Zanzibari meal with Soho House and it was decadent. The fish dishes!! Definitely check out her work and attend any future events she’s putting on.
Bilmonte: The best gelato. Sea salt dark chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream. You’re welcome.
Kuma Korean & Japanese: Kuma does Korean food really well compared to what I’ve had. The agedashi aubergine was insane! I’d go back just for it.
Fairuz: Delicious and fresh Lebanese spot in Marleybone, an area I usually don’t find the best food so good to keep bookmarked.
Bun House: If you can’t decide where to go in China Town, Bun House never misses. It’s a busy spot but I’ve always found a seat, and if not, to-go a bun while strolling around.
Rambutan: One of my favorite meals I’ve had in London lately was this Sri Lankan spot by Chef Cynthia Shanmugalingam. The roti! So good. The flavors of each dish were very well balanced. I’m not as familiar with Sri Lankan food but this was a very good intro for me and can’t wait to eat at Rambutan again.
Kuro: I was already a fan of their bakery and matcha, so knew I’d love their cafe. Well worth a pop in!
Toba: This was a spot I went to in August but it has to make the list. Pino from Pino’s Warung, which was a beloved spot in Camden Market opened up an Indonesian restaraunt that doesn’t shy from the array of rich flavors of his moms home cooking. The interiors are stunning as well - with elements from Pino’s mothers hometown, Toba.
Milk Cafe: Another spot I went to in August that I’m obsessed with. Please come here for brunch, you’ll not regret it. I loved how they added where they source their ingredients from on their menu - wonderful way to support community
Lols: OK not a recommendation but I here are videos that made me laugh out loud obnoxiously and I want you to too:
Butternut Squash Brownies:
I developed this recipe because I wanted brownies but I also needed to use a butternut squash I mentally blocked into cooking normally. These turned out great. Enjoy!
1.5 cup butternut squash puree (you can roast or steam and mash the squash or use canned puree. I roasted mine in the oven and pureed it)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter, smooth
1/4 cup dutch processed cocoa powder, unsweetened (can use regular, but dutch processed has a richer taste)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt, plus additional for sprinkling on top
Optional, but recommended: dark chocolate chips or chunks
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
If you're making your own butternut squash puree, peel and dice a fresh butternut squash, steam until soft, and then blend or mash until smooth. Another option, which I prefer, is to roast the squash in the oven at 430°F (220°C) until it’s soft. Then scoop out the squash and puree in a processor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash puree, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid any lumps. Then, add baking soda and salt. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to over mix.
If you're using chocolate chips or chunks, fold them into the batter. Reserve some to sprinkle on top.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Place dollops of the peanut butter in sections throughout the pan. Take a knife and swirl through the batter - you want to incorporate the peanut butter, but not mix as the chunks of peanut butter are really nice separately.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). Don’t over bake! It’s actually better to underbake since the fudge texture firms up.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt. Once cooled, slice into squares.
Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or 1 week in the refrigerator.
Upcoming Travels + Events:
Currently in Morocco until September 29th, hosting with Trova Trip.
Toronto: September 30th - October 3rd (for a wedding)
Atlanta: October 13th - 15th (for a wedding)
Pakistan: End of Oct - End of Nov (you guessed it, for three weddings)
Dubai: December
In between these I’ll be in Dallas/Austin or London (my bases). Give a shout if you’re about! Events will be posted on here if happening, so make sure to turn on notification for first dibs.
ps. Here’s the neck pillow I’m using. The fact that it straps behind the seat is a game changer!!!
Thanks for reading,
❤️ Ayesha
WOW.I am guessing how do you address each question with so much detail and at the same time keeping it light hearted.Love your writing and yes obviously everything that you do.
Adore you habibi 💓