Share My thoughts On Day To Day challanges!

New craft , jewellery making

2011-06-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, recently I decided to give it a go. I have started out with phone charms, bag/key charms and charm bracelets.
I still have pictures to share in my phone and promise to upload soon, her is a little peek.

Random Pictures

2011-06-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

A local dolls house shop..I just love dolls houses.

a paper fairy cafe, given to me as a gift.

A new jewellery box

Inside my box of Earl Gray Tea.

My 9 year old work on a project about ancient Egypt throws up this wonderful piece of work mashaAllah, I liked it so much I had it framed.

A trip to town and some nice pictures by the river

Had my bedroom finally decorated before the arrival of Itty Bitty, the paper for the feature wall.

Cross Stitch i purchased a few years ago with the hope to be able to complete but counted cross stitch is not easy. a dear friend is doing it for me now and I cant wait mashaAllah

crafting for baby

2011-06-12T01:26:00.000-07:00

I have not been crafting for almost 1 year now :( simple fact I was so unwell with the pregnancy. I have a tradition where I have always crocheted a blanket for each child I gave birth to, a baby blanket......in past years the blankets were not done properly as I could not do increasing stitches, so I just did a pathetic attempt but it worked alhamduilah. now for Itty Bitty I was so ill, this tradition nearly passed by without adhering to it. Instead I forced myself to produce something even if it was a simple effort and here it is,

Back in January 2011....

2011-06-12T01:20:00.000-07:00

a rare social gathering with sisters, meeting a certain sister who now lives in Algeria for the first time at her mothers London residence, this is what unfolded. We opted for bring a dish for lunch and tea to share.

world number day

2011-06-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

1st March , my teen dd school held a fun day raising money for the maths department, Fancy dress and we made some cakes to sell.The number moulds I got from here I often use this place for my cake moulds, fantastic quality and great service.

Can you see the algebra sum, more to the point can you work it out?

The Aquiqah

2011-06-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

In all communities around the world the birth of a child is considered a blessing and ceremonies are held to celebrate this event. Besides being a natural expression of joy, it also serves a special purpose, that is, making it known in a suitable and dignified manner. As soon as your child is born, they are under attack from Satan. The Prophet said,

"When any human being is born, Satan pinches the body with his two fingers, except 'Isa, the son of Maryam, whom Satan tried to pinch but failed, for he touched the placenta instead".
Sahih Bukhari 4:506

This is why the child cries at birth; Satan never leaves his enemy without harming it. To protect the faith and Islam of the newborn baby, who is now under attack by mankind's greatest enemy, the Messenger of Allah taught us about various things that we can do. Some are well known others not so well known.

The following brief points are intended to remind all people of what the Prophet did when a child was born.

Tahneek

When a child was born to one of the families of the Sahaba (the Companions of the Prophet) they would take it to the Prophet so that he would bless it, and apply the pulp of a date, chewed by him, to its palate. This 'tahneek' as it is known in 'Arabic', was to keep the child safe from evil. Therefore, similarly when a child is born into a Muslim family, it should be taken to a virtuous, pious person, so that this person may supplicate for the child and perform the tahneek. Tahneek is among those Sunan whose practice has become rare.

Aisha (RA) narrates that "the people used to bring their newborn children to the Prophet and he would bless them and perform the tahneek"
Sahih Muslim 1:560
Aqeeqah & shaving the head

The Aqeeqah ceremony essentially consists the sacrifice of an animal. An animal is then sacrificed as a mark of celebration and distributed amongst friends, family, the poor and a portion is kept for ones own consumption.

Ali (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah slaughtered a goat on the occasion of Hasan's birth, the son of Fatimha (RA) and Ali (RA) .
Sahih Sunan at-Tirmithee 2:1226

It is reported by Abdullah bin al-As that the Prophet said, "To whomsoever a child is born and he wants to perform a sacrifice of Aqeeqah on behalf of it, he should sacrifice two goats for a boy and one goat for a girl".
Sunan Abu Dawood 2:2836
we had already sent money to Algeria for the Aquiqah during the week Itty Bitty was born. I always try to do something here at home to mark such ceremonial functions, so that the children can feel part of celebrating and see the celebrations of Islam. I hosted a little tea party, sadly I never got hardly any pictures, just some of the cup cakes and bunting.

There is something so cute ......

2011-06-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

about baby feet, don't you think? those tiny chubby feet and hand, so yummy.

I just want someone to listen

2011-06-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

Every felt surrounded by people, yet you have no one to talk too? I just want to say a few lines, somewhere to someone, to get it of my chest, for someone to share my load. Knowing this revelation is not for everyone and not every one can carry this load. Who to trust, who to consider, its a private matter so not to break someones trust. in the end I walk alone, caring this burden alone and will deal with it alone. I am not alone though am I? I know no one has the answers this burden I carry alone, I find comfort in my greatest and everlasting friend Allah, its the only friend who can truly help me right now.

its been too long

2011-05-09T02:53:00.000-07:00

I need to get back into gear and get back blogging as I have missed blog world and blogging. I do not find much time to sit at the PC these days and just use phone for quick updates and checking in on Facebook. Also i don't know how to upload pictures from my phone to the PC and this has held me back posting as i have loads to share. soon inshaAllah i will be back!
Alhamduilah I have been ajusting to beeing a mother again to a new born after 10 uears and it has been no easy ride, night feeds are hardest and baby has colic, time is no longer my own and it will be like this for the next ...............how many years? alhamduilah!

Its all change

2011-03-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

Alhamduilah ,mashaAllah , my princess arrived, we are both at home doing well alhamduilah!

Before big changes

2011-03-01T04:25:00.000-08:00

Really just updating everywhere before Thursday, I am going into hospital for delivery of baby at 37 weeks by c-section. While i have been worrying so much and keep thinking every possible scenario that could go wrong is going to go wrong for me. I am over it now and have realized i need to place my trust in Allah and what is written for me will avail inshaAllah.

I just wanted you all to know and i hope to be back updating in due time with good news inshaAllah.
Please remember me in your prayers.

The local hospital has had a new maternity wing re-vamp after almost 20 years in January, and I am so happy to be one of the first to be using it before it gets trashed as all things public do. Its a real treat for us in this borough of London that ranks on of the poorest in the whole of UK. I took a few pictures as I was very impressed, shame the care and attitude by nurses has not changed over 20 years, still rude and uncaring, making me feel like I am a burden, uffing and puffing, over having to do what they are paid to do.

The waiting area of the maternity day care

taken from my bed, my very own samsung flat screen with remote.

No regrets

2011-01-20T03:39:00.000-08:00

I am someone who try's to go through life with no regrets as I firmly believe if its meant to be then it will be and choices I make/made they may not have been the right ones but at least I tried. I always stood alone in life and stood tall as I learnt from a very young age, it was never coming to me on a silver platter. Maybe I made some serious errors along the way but I have always been content with what I have and if I didn't have it then alhamduilah Allah never destined it for me.

life not so smooth at the momenta

2011-01-19T01:19:00.000-08:00

Life at home has been far from a bed of roses but then again when is it ever meant to be smooth non stop? Rather than go into details and tell you all my personal problems, I am going to focus on the emotions. I feel sadness because others are making me sad, I want to cry and cry and realise some of the sadness but the eyes remain dry. I am unsupported and made to feel worthless by the very ones I gave my love too and natured with kindness. I am blamed for their hard times and hardships. I feel like its give me give me give me, who is looking out for me? I hate to be stuck in this rut, surely there is more to life in a family unit, surely there is more to it than pain? Dark times bring dark emotions , I hope things will get better soon inshaAllah.
and this is just a passing phases as close relationships in close space feel strain from time to time too.

more pregnancy news

2011-01-10T01:40:00.000-08:00

I had an appointment with my diabetic nurse on Friday, she noted my blood sugars have been a little high for the past week or so and said I may need to go in Insulin drugs for the reminder of the pregnancy (about 10 weeks). I have been trying so hard as well with diet control and I felt I was doing really well but the nurse told me its the pregnancy and not me making them high. They have asked me to call them this morning with the readings snce Friday and if high then most likely drugs. This upset me a little as I don't want to go on drugs but now it looks like its something I can control.

On another note baby is moving much more and I can feel the movements and they can be quite hard sometimes. I have started having nightmare dreams about baby, perhaps its just my anxieties playing out at night. I still have some much baby stuff to buy, I got a crib Friday but still need to decorate my bedroom and with only 10 weeks to go insha Allah and me feeling the weight and aches it is all a bit worrying.

At long last here I am

2011-01-06T02:12:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry I have neglect this blog and its readers for so long. Again a combination of factors kept me away for so long. In November it was illness, I was admitted to hospital for 8 days and then had to take things easy, appears I have developed asmatha during pregnancy and it was giving me breathing problems, then 3 chest infections did not help matters but alhamduilah all is well now and I am managing the asthmatic side.

The cold weather this season does not help as it triggers the chest infection. Just as I was discharged and recovering my dd became very ill and i nursed her for weeks with no improvement, she was diagnosed with pneumonia in the left lung and was in bed for 6 weeks, missing her mock exams. Testing times for us all alhamduilah , mashaAllah we are all recovered now. Then my bump has grown and I more tired and can not place a lap top on my lap comfortable and find it hard to sit at the desk top to type a post without getting back pain. While I have been ill university is suffering and trying to keep up with dead lines for essays have kept me busy too.I have started my university module but am feeling the pressure with the pregnancy and its added problems so I seriously thinking about deferring yet again as my health and baby are my priority at present. Also I am not enjoying it as I was once and I did only choose to return to studies as I had the time and energy to give but Allah has other plans for me.

So what happened in those months? Ed Ul Adha came and went, we didn't make a fuss due to illness but it was nice anyhow I could not manage any cakes or special dinner so we had a Eid day brunch and the children wanted Indian food.

A dear friend came to stay with us for about 1 week and she took care of me while my dh traveled to visit his family in Algeria.

It snowed subhanallah it sure snowed and lasted weeks cold cold snow, it was pretty when fresh, my children build their first snow person. I had my baby scan and decided to go against our family norm of not knowing the sex of the baby until birth, we asked this time and its a girl we have been told. I was expecting a boy for some reason but I am not disappointed as any child is welcomed into our family and health of mother and baby out weight the sex. Now we have been having name wars at home, I gave naming the baby responsibility to my dh and children and guess what they can't agree. I am trying not to get involved as the idea was so I would have to be stressed about it but its turning out to be more stressful this way. I have been favoring Facebook during this time but now I feel I have become a little addicted over there and need to ween myself away back here I think.
I have started my university module but am feeling the pressure with the pregnancy and its added problems so I seriously thinking about deferring yet again as my health and baby are my priority at present. Also I am not enjoying it as I was once and I did only choose to return to studies as I had the time and energy to give but Allah has other plans for me.
I have not been crafting at all almost just the odd quick project here and there but nothing major, I have not even made anything for baby. This was made for me, a vintage granny square blanket for baby.

Me and DD9 did a little decoupage , an apple

We made some felt cats, one evening before I knew it everyone wanted one.

Time to reclaim and update

2010-10-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

I am back yes so it feels that way its been way too long. I have not been feeling very energetic of late . I have some baby news .YES I am pregnant after 6 1/2 years of trying we have been blessed. I am 18 weeks at present, it has been hard with all the vomiting and smells. Yesterday I received the news I have Gestational Diabetes (GD) in Pregnancy. At first I was concerned as i am generally a healthy person and now its just not my health its baby too. I have been invited to the Specialist GD clinic for tomorrow for an education , so I will have more news on that after tomorrow. A sister who also blog's had a simillar expierence and she wrote about it here . she experienced GD twice and managed to battle the odds mashaAllah. More updates as and when they happen inshaAllah ( God willing).

I am Back

2010-10-12T01:57:00.000-07:00

It's actually been a few months , perhaps the longest blogger absence for me , I have a good reason and I bring good news.
Update will have to be in pictures

A lovely Thai meal that was cooked for me by an equally lovely sister in Islam and dear friend.
Ramandan came and went.............sadly I didn't gain what I had set out to and hoped. Some cakes shared in Ramandan Algerian of course.

My Eid cakes for friends and neighbours to share

Evening Eid meal as requested by the family ....was very nice i must add. Buryani with baby lamb, chicken tikka , salad and Natural yoghurt.

Flowers on a rainy day in September in my garden.

Hot cakes topped with banana and home made caramel sauce. Random treat.

my son got me this single flower its so pretty.

just before Ramandan update

2010-08-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have been a bit poorly and totaly lost my daily mojo. Not in the least bit intrested to do anything. I hope I regain better days soon especially with Ramandan just a few days away inshaAllah. The school hols have been hard for the kids so far, with no break away planned due to lack of cash funds. They are lumped at home, I have told them, just makethe best of it and occupy yourselves. With my health not so good. I have not been able to take them out and about London Town. I did however invest in a big trampoline for the kids and its now set up in the garden, they love it. I myself have been out at least once per week so far,invited to lunch and even managed to host a lunch at mine with about 9 ladies. It was Italian food, I did not manage to take any pictures sorry.

Now with Ramandan only days away inshaAllah, the pace is changing slightly in the home. Goals are being openly dissuced and targets are being set. We are all aiming for a spirtual uplift and a good gain of good deeds inshaAllah.

I have not done no new crafting for some weeks now, I wanted this summer to be about finishing of WIP. Then I want to try some blankets in bright colours.

My oven is still broken, cakes have been off the menu for months now. I do miss baking and hope a new cooker is on the horizen soon inshaAllah.

Flowers in the garden this year

2010-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

I did not go full on with the gardening this year, I didn't want the responsibility yo be honest. just some flowers to share.

My projects

2010-07-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

Who remembers this post? Well its all finished

I am really pleased with how this project turned out , the quality yarn makes the difference but at a price!

other Items I have been busy with

Granny Square Cushion

Butterfly's I had made for me , then used them to make brooch's to sell at a charity bazaar to raise money for orphans.

cup cakes

This is the scarf finished knitted work , really you need to see it in real ife as a picture does no justice to its elegance.

Visiting an friend after 8 years

2010-07-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today was an early start for me, I headed into Sussex to visit an old friend who came into my live 8 years ago and stopped for 2 years and then moved cities then countries. We remained in touch best we could, by telephone, email, shortly by face book. Every time we spoke it was like had never left each other for so long mashaAllah.

This lady came into my life when I was expecting my 3rd child, at a time when the rejection of my family was still very raw. At a time I longed for a true sisterhood, a friend that really cared. My dear friend filled this description and more mashaAllah.

I recall the happy days hanging out together at her flat, the endless cups of tea we drank, the social lunch's we organised for other sisters, the Islamic talks, the fundraising, the laughter and tears we shared will remain in my memory for time to come. The support this sister showed me when I gave birth to my daughter, she made sure I had an endless stream of visitors and cooked meals mashaAllah. She never let me feel the void of my family, its almost like she replaced it in other ways. She soon became my family. Then a chance came for here to make hijrah and off she went, we cried as we parted, exchanged gift and words of wisdom but her love never left my heart. So today after 8 years I headed out of London to visit her, I got the added bonus to meet her mother and sisters mashaAllah. She had talked about them so much during those years and now they were all here in the same room. Gentle and kind mashaAllah. We were treated to a special lunch on a lovely table presented just for us mashaAllah. It was lovely to meet my friend’s family and all her new additions, 3 new children who have inherited the very kind nature of their lovely mother mashaAllah.

We exchanged stories and descriptions of our host countries of hijrah (emigration). On another note the area of Sussex was a breath of fresh air for me compared to London, its greenery, cool breeze and village like feel. Roads seemed deserted compared to London's bumper to bumper traffic. We parted on the note ''when will we meet again?'' Holding back my tears I said I don't know another 8 years?
There was a resident henna artist and my daughter had her henna done.

Italian themed bread rolls

2010-07-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

I really thought these rolls where already on here. A many a request I had a lot and realised they are not. These are my own recipe although I amsure someone somewhere else makes them too. As i use my eyes to measure, my own account of recpie writting maybe vauge, if you have any questions please ask in the comment section and I will by the will of Allah try to help you produce these yummy rolls. For me these are Italian themed hence the name.

I used half a bag of 1kg flour
1 jar of sun dried tomatoes in olive oil, cut up the tomatoes in smaller strips. Add the tomatoes and olive oil to the flour.
1 bunch of fresh spinach washed and chopped.
1 tub of ricotta cheese
1 table spoon of yeast (I use instant)
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon of oregano or you can use rosemary.

Now using warm water bind with hands togehter slowly adding the water at intervals , a little at a time. Now once it has formed into a ball, cover and leave to rise.

Once risen , knock back and kneed a little. Oil a tray and roll balls in your hands or any shape you want. Make one big plait or loaf shape if you wish. Place onto the tray with a little gap between each roll, brush with egg and sprinkle with pine nuts as I never had any I used sesame seeds.
Bake in a pre-heated oven until risen and golden (about 15 mins).

These rolls are great as a snack on thier own and with soups.

will post pictures soon inshaAllah.

why have I not been blogging?

2010-07-26T07:16:00.001-07:00

I have not blogged for a long time, this has been due to a number of reasons.
1. My desk top has beenout of action
2. I felt the need to shy away as I feel privacy has become a concern
3. General busy life, work load ect
4. Have not been in the mood to much lately
5. Have a heep of pic's somewhere that need uploading to here

just to mention a few with the desk top all fixed by a lovely sister mashaAllah yesterday I will be back soon.

Its been too long , catch up in pictures

2010-06-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

Spotted at the tube station , reads, A throne is only a bench covered in velvet.

My WIP ''Decopatch chair''

Crochet Rings

New Scarf WIP knitted.

A gift ,a sun flower

My herb garden

All things cake

2010-06-01T03:51:00.000-07:00

Some new recent cakes I have made or were made for me will be back to update post soon but 'droll' over opps I mean enjoy the pictures for now!

I have been on mode 'overide'

2010-05-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

Oh dear not quite sure how it happened but it did! I got very over loaded with life and all that comes with it , all at once! I am no complaining just telling as its left me little time for anything else alhamduillah........more details soon. Just passing by to let you know I will be back with updates soon.

This is for Emma who is looking on me regular and wants a new post

It's coming soon inshaAllah.

Joining the Eco revolution and gaining reward

2010-04-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

perhaps I am late but I have invested in some composting equipment. Something I have been thinking about for a very long time now, a few years to be exact.

A kitchen top composter ( already half full I may add!).

This is new to me, so all very exciting...............will post pictures once my compost is formed inshaAllah. Anyone compost here? Got any tips for me? My council are doing a specail promotion and I got the bigger out door one at a whopping 90% off.

A dear friend also pointed out to me that this is an Islamic way (showing concern for the environment and waste) and a good way to top up good deeds.

Desi Hash Browns?

2010-04-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

A quick and easy breakfast, some sauted potatoes spiced to tasted and eaten with bread yummy. some mornings I wake late more likely on weekends and need I bigger breakfast or more fuller if you like. Not always having much in. I find a potato , a very tasy, filling, cheep breakfast.

I simply dice up a potato, add a little oil to the pan and some water, I begin bycovering up the frying pan and allowing the small pieces of potato to cook a little, then remove the lid and add spices, anything to your taste...........I used garam masla and chilli powder, along with salt and a little cummin powder. Now the water should have evporated and start to brown the potato pieces. When they are cooked through , serve with bread.

Feta & Spinach Mini Pizza

2010-04-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Quick & Easy Meal

2010-04-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

A very quick and easy meal, I had little in and the kids were hungry so look what I did. I found 3 halal sausages in the frezzer and half a packet of lingune.

Made a garlic based tomato sauce

Busy busy busy

2010-04-21T03:44:00.000-07:00

I have been busy at my Monday's craft class , getting the ladies ready to sell there hand made crafts at forth coming events.

and trying to catch up on my own unfinished projects too.

Chaana chaat

2010-04-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

This is a Desi dish, a cold dish eaten as a starter with samosa or pakora. This is my version although there are many recipes on line for this.
I chopped and steamed some potato's

Added chick peas , diced onion, coriander and mint frsh , chopped small, spices, salt, garam masla, cummin powder and red chilli powder all to taste. Some fresh green chillis taste and juice of 1 lemon or to taste.

Add natural yoghurt and give it a good mix

Enjoy

Key Lime Pie

2010-04-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

I made this desert for my guest as it was her favourite , I have never had this before let alone cooked it up. I used a recipe from the back of the tin of confessed milk, it was a Jamaican brand so the pie was a little different to what my friend had eaten before , still yummy.

The piping bag went in the bin as it was rubbish!

Enchilada (vegetarian)

2010-04-21T03:29:00.000-07:00

Another recipe from Ree's book A Mexican dish ''Enchilada'' again it was my first time having this dish. I had a friend over for a few days and we shared the cooking so she made the main meal and I made desert. Oh her being a vegetarian we used soya mince.

Corn Bread and Pinto Beans

2010-04-21T03:22:00.000-07:00

I tried out some Sothern Food from Ree book. It was my first experience of Southern food if I be honest.

Corn Bread and Pinto Beans

A very simple and delicious meal ..........spicy too. you can find the recipe for this in Ree's book.

Spring break and all things new

2010-04-21T03:17:00.000-07:00

The children have had school holidays for spring, the weather picked up a little but still chilly cold at times, I have managed to mow the lawn (if you can call it that, that's my bald patchy grass I am taking about and not my skill of mowing) and part furnish the garden but still have not been able to sit outside and soak up the sun as of yet, soon I am hoping. I erected the outdoor airer so maybe I may just hang the washing outside today, I will see how the day unfolds.
We finally took part in the earth hour a few weeks ago but I forgot to photograph as I was too busy having fun. The children liked it and we told a one word story and had some chocolate treats during it.

It's been a while since I started writing that post and only just back to finish it. The last few weeks and more have been testing to say the least but alhamduilah, I am still here to tell the tale. Sometimes in life we have that comfy chair that has a soft cushion and when we sit in it daily we feel secure and safe. Content and happier sitting each day out with this comfort. Then one day the cushion is taken away and our comfort and security are no longer the same. We feel down , we feel stressed and times are going to be a little hard on that chair until one day we will be able to get that comfy cushion again.

Random Pictures in the form of gifts

2010-04-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

WIP crochet

2010-04-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

I have not been doing as much crochet just lately as I would like too. Since starting University my time is divided even more alhamduilah.
Here is a little look at what I am working on right now,

I decided to buy some of the sturdy looking yarn recommended, Debbie Bliss Eco Cotton but then i was knocked back by the price of these yarns. I wanted to make the trio but could not manage the cost of 8 balls of 50g Eco Cotton so i purchased 2 from ebay , still much more than i would normally spend on yarn. I am making the medium sized one.

I made a grey rose brooch for a friend

I sewed some beads onto it , can you see them?

This was an experiment using multi colours to see if the layers of petals showed better?

The pattern for this rose can be found here

Lemon Meringue Tarts

2010-04-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to try to make meringues and lemon tart as I know my dh is a great fan of tarts (the edible type that is!). So when I saw this and knowing I had lemons in my fruit bowl I headed for the kitchen.

I have never really been a fan off lemon tart or pie as it is always to citrus and tangy. Now once I had made mine and it was hot out of the oven I had two naughty slices right away. What a delight to my taste buds, tantalizingly tangy but not over bearing. You have got to try it inshaAllah!

I did not have the mini tart cases for baking so I made a big one and my meringue needs some work................it really took ages to whisk but it looks like it needed more but this didn't effect the taste at all.

‘Chrik Constantinois’

2010-04-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

A very interesting , bursting of flavour kinda treat. I saw this first here which lead me to here

Which then lead me to produce these

The only thing I did different was to add orange essence as I did not have any fresh oranges at home.

Thank you Heni and Umm Ibrahim for these delights!

can you help

2010-03-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

I have lost that recent commet thingy that goes in my sidebar so i can see where recent comments are published to which post. I want it back does anyone know how?

Chocolate pancakes

2010-03-12T06:27:00.001-08:00

My daughter had exams and to get her set off for the day, brain food. She told me her teacher at ''eat lots of chocolate'' at 10pm Sunday evening and i said, ''Why did you not tell me soon i could have got some in?'' In Algeria they tell you to take a spoonful of sugar on the morning of the exam so sweetness and a link to brain activity seems evident. Well i was not about to let my dd go deprived so i thought up the perfect

Exam Breakfast

Just your basic pancake recipe and add some cocoa powder or as in my case some drinking chocolate.
For the pancake mixture:
110g/4oz plain flour, sifted
pinch of salt
2 eggs
200ml/7fl oz milk mixed with 75ml/3fl oz water
50g/2oz butter
To serve:
icing sugar (powdered)

and the results are this , everyone had breakfast that morning!

Kerla Curry

2010-03-12T06:26:00.000-08:00

Bitter Gourds otherwise know as Kerla

I will update the recipe soon.

Inspired

2010-03-11T01:04:00.000-08:00

by Ines and Cindi and most importantly The pioneer woman i invested in her book myself too and have been inspired to make some dishes from there not quite following the recipes word for word but inspired to try my own.

Have a look

Egg in the hole This one is easy and a real confort food the kids love it. Reminds me of the old British ''runny egg and soldiers'' with half the hassle.

Meat balls

Paella (sort of)

2010-03-11T01:00:00.001-08:00

There was two types of fish in the bag , so i decided to make a paella with the these and whatever i had at home so a kinda paella but maybe not as you know it. On top of all that i forgot to add the saffron.

here is a recipe similar to my own

Fish in Batter

2010-03-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago dh walks in with some lovely cleaned fish someone has given him , all i had to do was cook it. I am not very confident with fish but willing to give it a ago and her it is.

I got the recipe from here

Everything was ok but i needed to deeper fry the fish in batter , this effect the outcome but still edible and the batter was lovely.

The Crochet Teacher

2010-03-10T02:19:00.000-08:00

Who remembers this post ? and my promise of photo's?

Well i have some

my class

we are making flower brooch's for a women's event to display work we have been doing and also if anyone want to buy then they can. Bare in mind these are ladies who could not crochet and this is what we have been learning together.

this is some work the group have been working on before my arrival, patchwork blankets , knitted by various women to give to families who need them but they are still a work in progress and i am happy to bring some homework home for myself and muck in , we hope to sell some and give some away inshaAllah as there are many. Different squares have been knitted by different women and sewn together.
yesterday we had our stall at the event

can you see the brooch's? We sold 3 while i was there so half as there are 6 , i was ecstatic and the ones we sold are the ones my students made mashaAllah. This made me even more happy as it gave my ladies confidence and a sense of achievement and my one didn't sell. I made sure i pointed this out to them but i left early so i will find out next week if they all went or not!
I gave a tutorial on the day on making 5 petal flowers and leaves. Also i spoke to many women who wanted to come to my classes so hopefully new students as well.

In the picture are other crafts ladies make in the group with sewing.

Random pictures

2010-03-10T02:13:00.000-08:00

have a few to share

New crafts to share

2010-03-10T01:58:00.000-08:00

As a result of the craft fair we did attempt some new crafts and here are our attempts. I must what started out as crafts for just me all the kids have taken over and i have hardly had a look in............keep them busy and they do it as a relaxation hobby in their spare time..............rather crafts than TV or PC any day alhamduilah , so i am not really complaining!
Handbag card making for dd age 8

First attempts. Do let us know what you think?

Felting with needles look what i made

i didn't really take to this craft and don't think i will be developing it.
Now my fav and the families Decoupage...be warned its addictive! It's the recycling and re-vamping that appeals to me a lot thrifty craft really!

my son and his cousin made this lamp for his bedroom
my work

I should have used a brighter colour

A coaster

A piece of rock from the sea that i used for tayumn but not any more opps!

some drawers before and now
ta da...........

at work
re-vamp an old food jar

letter for F

Eldest has taken over my big project of the coffee table .mashaAllah its coming along lovely.no pictures yet sorry!

The craft fair ''London''

2010-03-10T01:43:00.000-08:00

A very exciting day for me , as it was my first ever fair of this kind and also my first time to the Excel Centre London mashaAllah and a CRAFT fair on top of it wow how could i contain myself?

I decided to treat myself a few months ago when i first saw the add in the local paper , i purchased my tickets right away and took along youngest dd(age 8) with me as she is a crafter as well mashaAllah.

Stitch & Creative Craft Show-
here are some and i am afraid a very few pictures i took on the day ...too busy spending :)

Needle felting , a new craft for me , i did buy some bits to get us started on this but after a while now i am not to keen on this one, apart from the fact the kids keep breaking the needles.

It is really worth a visit to these such fairs as prices are much cheaper than anywhere i have seen. The cross stitch was very cheep and brand names.
yarn/wool galore and i didn't buy any! I asserted self control as i have a fair stash at home already awaiting production. I still had a look though.

Make contact with a group that meet in East London every first Sunday of the month in Romford.a crochet group.

Decoupage now this stall took my breath right away and i invest in this one without hesitation.

A great day out!

1001 Inventions - Discover The Muslim Heritage In Our World

2010-03-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

For a thousand years, Muslim civilisation stretched from southern Spain as far as China. From the 7th century onwards, scholars of many faiths built on the ancient knowledge of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, making breakthroughs that paved the way for the Renaissance.
The discoveries made by men and women in Muslim civilisation have left their mark on the way we live today. 1001 Inventions uncovers a thousand years of science and technology that had a huge but hidden impact on the modern world.

What is the secret behind the way we write numbers?
When did scientists first discover how we see?
Who drew the oldest surviving map showing America?
What is the hidden meaning of the Elephant Clock?

The exhibition Features a diverse range of exhibits, interactive displays and dramatisation, the exhibition shows how many modern inventions, spanning fields such as engineering, medicine and design, can trace their roots back to Muslim civilisation.

Way back in the half term i took my children along with their cousin to the exhibition. We had a fantastic time really interesting and informative. My children loved the whole experience .

There is still time for you to visit if you are in the UK
DATES: 21 January till 30th June 2010 (temporary closure 25 Feb to 12 March 2010)
TIMES: 10am till 6pm every day. Entrance is FREE of charge.
LOCATION: Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London.

Get a preview of what its all about with this clip
Here are my pictures of the day only my dh's nephew A took charge of the camera and took all the pictures , he is 10yrs old. So some are not quite at an angle i would have liked but mashaAllah he adores photography.

Olympic Site London 2010

2010-03-02T02:06:00.000-08:00

As promised the much awaited picture sorry it took me so long!

As we entered the site security checks took place, a sniffer dog, security personal searched our bags and ID checks too.

Cement mixers

The tour guide on the tour bus, we were not allowed to leave the bus and all pictures were taken from inside the bus.

This is the main Olympic stadium , what will be featured on TV , this will be the main focus of games.

We were told this stadium will have 25,000 seats surrounded by 55,000 demountable seats that will be removed after the Olympics 2012. Leaving 25,000 capacity,Athletics stadium.

The Aquatics Centre, my personal favourite.

This will act as a gateway to the Olympic park. The venue will house two 50m swimming pools and a diving pool. Seating up to 175,000 during the games.
After the games it will be used by the public and elite athletes, family friendly changing facilities and cafe amenities alongside a new public plaza. I will be visiting once open.

A picture of it when complete

It is shaped like a sting ray fish

This is part of the river Lea, that had to be cleaned m we all know how polluted the rivers are in London but get this: 2,000 newts had to be relocated from the river. It had so many supermarket trolley in there but looks pretty clean to me now. Also along here tree were planted and one by the Queen herself as she has already visited the site some time ago, i wonder if she took the tour bus too?

This is the media centre

The Olympic Village , were participants will stay after the games will be sold as affordable housing to the public but some will be reserved. 1 bedroom, 2 and 3 flats over looking the site.

All the soil had to be washed as it was contaminated with petrol and other impurities, they used giant washing machines to clean it ........they had there own SOIL HOSPITAL

This is the velodrome BMX circuit. Velopark
more soil

sign for the soil hospital

There is so much more about this development , i was impressed that a look of recycling was going on , also that it will be a car free zone, people attending the games will have to walk , cycle or use public transport. Only one car park for the media and disabled.
If you want to read more visit here I would like to attend the games once complete.

Where do I start?

2010-03-02T01:25:00.000-08:00

Opps...............it has been so long , sorry! I have heaps of photos to add here to new blogs that tell me so. I will have to do it in stages. I must admit i have missed you ladies.

What has kept me away ? This time a combination of everything , there have been days over the past month when i just wanted a ME PC day but never got it! I have a teen who has so much course work its coming out of her ears. My PC time is not the only one suffering, other stuff in my life has too.

I have started my degree programme towards finishing my studies inshaAllah. This was very daunting at first and i was very worried about not having time to be honest. I have been reading away , that's academic reading. I am to write my first piece of written work soon. I must admit i am enjoying the whole process and learning . Your prayers for my success would be greatly appreciated.

I have had some illness in the home , alhamduilah the regular or irregular seasonal sniffs and coughs.

We have had a half term recently , that was great fun for all mashaAllah , with some outings (will blog ).

New crafts to try after a visit to the craft fair not so long ago.

feel like sharing

2010-02-05T03:23:00.001-08:00

The skill used for this piece of crochet is truly amazing , no not my work but i hope inshaAllah to be just as skilled one day . .
I felt the need to put out a post today. No particular reason just have not been cyber active for some weeks now and felt a need.

The world has evolved to a cyber revolution. Sometimes i feel everything is happening here and we are loosing aspects of the real world slowly.

I am feeling rather content and happy today alhamdulah , thanking Allah for all the blessings i have been blessed with and those that i have not .

I cupped (hijamah) 2 lovely Somali ladies this morning. They left very happy mashaAllah.

I went to visit an elderly lady from Morocco yesterday , who feels isolated and lonely having left her native land just 4years ago due to personal reasons. This situation is hard , hard for me to see and even harder for this dear old lady to live Allah Al Must'aan. The west can be a very lonely place, lack of community for that generation makes it not the right place to be at that point in your lives.

I am reading ''Anne Frank's Diary'' , I have never actually read her diary but knew of her for so long. It's really very interesting, the hardships endured and her relationship with her mother. Also an insight into life for a Jew at that time. I am only half way through.

My son has damaged my memory card so no pictures but i am of to tour the Olympic site and will be taking a camera along. Hope to have some nice pictures to share.

Watch this space.....................

My first day teaching crochet

2010-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

I was addressed as the crochet teacher today. The class was a great success mashaallah. I had 3 practical students and as many on lookers. I am very happy to say the students were very keen and we worked through a lot in 1 /1/2 hours.
1) holding the hook
2) holding the yarn
3) slip knot
4) making a foundation chain
5) Counting the stitches
6) Slip Stitch (2 types)
7) Double Crochet

My students have now started scarf's as their first WIP's using double crochet.

I thought to take pictures but became so engrossed , i forgot next lesson i promise.

A very positive and productive day alhamduilah.

Haiti Devistated

2010-01-18T02:15:00.000-08:00

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has suffered a number of recent disasters, including four hurricanes and storms in 2008 that killed hundreds.

I urge you to donate if you have not already, so much sadness and destruction for theses people.

Muslim Mamma has details of Aid agencies here This could have easily have been you. We just don't know when do we? Images i saw of bodies piled up reminded me of the holocaust. A country in need truly.

"All of a sudden everything was just falling apart ... there was no place to hide"

seasonal in pictures

2010-01-18T02:12:00.000-08:00

It's cold outside..............

NOt so nice

2010-01-18T02:01:00.000-08:00

I was blessed enough to dine out this week and i tried another local eatery that boasted Chinese food as well as Asian. The décor was lovely and soothing with neon alternate lights flashing gently. The food was not very nice too spicy , the Chinese food was not authentic much to my disappointment and the loud flat screen blaring B4U music didn't help. Why do these Desi places always have to ruin it with a flat screen blasting out Bollywood? I also dislike when they serve drinks in a restaurant in a can and sauces in there bottles, it really lowers the tone. This i expect at a fast food outlet but not a waiter service restaurant. The French have this service mastered , really they have to be the best at this. Anyhow have a look at my pictures , the Grilled panner dish was lovely.

crochet WIP

2010-01-18T01:42:00.000-08:00

Now i have been forced by my 8year old to finish her Hex's cushion. I am not allowed to start another piece until i have done so , so she demands ( i have manged a few sneaky projects here and there). Now the hex's i have fallen out with and could not no more but then i fell back in again and felt quite happy making them. Now joining them had become a chore ! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh this is one frustrating piece of work but when you look at the results, it's worth it really don't you think ? Not quite finished but nearly there!

It was really a clear out of WIP some dating as far back as Dec 2008 opps.

Remember this? I had a look thorough my blog post and no i didn't blog it. So why would you remember?

It was to be my first ever Afghan and i had to make 99 squares but i gave up at 15 and made it into a bag instead. At least that project is not lingering on!

I used an old tub of hot chocolate and made it into a charity collection box for my home and used my special yarn to cover it. I really like this glittery yarn fused with black as i have done here.

A small book sox for my books that get grubby in my hand bag , i sewed some beads on to the flap and used Velcro fastenings.

This is a felt flag my daughter aged 8 made

Can you guess which country ?

A scarf for dh (my first ever craft for him and he actually asked me yesterday ''where is my scarf?'')and i am hoping to make a skull cap to match it but now i feel the scarf is to thin in width , what do you think?

and finally ta daa...........................My first ever crocheted mittens , thank you Lucy

I have only made one at the moment and am working on the other.

The pattern is here and very easy i must add, go on give it a try you know you want too!

Iam here but not in the mood

2010-01-18T01:20:00.000-08:00

I have been around just not in the mood to post ...i can't and don't feel like forcing out a post! Its nice to collect my thoughts and blog, a meaningful post. Not to mention i have been busy in the real world not allowing me time for the cyber world.

My oven has finally given up on me after 13 faithful years of service, i feel lost with out it. Even while on its last flames it has not given up on me giving some heat in fact too much heat . So i have been doing what i call blast baking. It's better than no baking at all, it just mean it will get intense heat and cook uneven very quickly. Here are some things i made, edible i may add alhamduilah.

I discovered some lovely new flours by an organic company , spelt flour, barely corn flour and rye. I must say i am totally converted they are great and even better on my stomach as i am not handling wheat for a long time now.

I tryed to make some coconut biscuits but i went a little wrong somewhere and they were more like scones but yummy all the same. I was inspired from here

While on the topic of food , a friend of mine has introduced me to here family remedy for colds and general unwell being.............one sip of this and you will be awake if not anything else. A very powerful infusion with instant results mashaAllah!

Ginger and lemon. You boil up the ginger which has been peeled and cut into cubes for about 20 mins reducing it to a simmer. Adding sliced lemon at the end for about 5 mins. Sweeten with honey. Enjoy and get well soon!

Updates

2010-01-05T02:16:00.001-08:00

I have not been feeling to well recently a seemly tummy bug it would seem. This has kept me way. This week i have a sudden influx of Hijamah clients alhamduilah so they are all headed here end of the week , i do hope the predicted big freeze will allow this as it's the last sunnah day and some are coming from across town.

My daughters cushion is coming along nicely as you saw in the previous pictures but i will tell you this its so fiddly that i have lost heart and am having to really push myself and start again to finish it. I have come t the conclusion that i am not cut out for multiple colour change projects. I have agreed not to begin anything new until i finish this very project , its torture i tell you . Confessing i have sneaked in two quick fix projects.

Saturday last i was asked to help out at a fund raiser for HUGS but i could not find their link online to show you. Turn out was poor sadly but we still raised a fair amount and blessing is from Allah. So i am happy for the families of that will receive the funds.

I have been offered a job..something that came along but i am very excited about as its doing something i enjoy.yes cooking, crochet and chatting. I have been asked by a Women's Support Group (Beyond Borders) to join their committee and come on board as senior management. There are no wages but i am more than happy to help on a part time basis voluntary. I am looking forward to the new experience and the challenges it will bring for me. My first class starts on Monday and i will be teaching crochet to women.............so anyone in the East London area free 11am-2pm on a Monday do come and join me.

Seasonal hol's are officially over and all my children went back this week to school. The home is so quiet and i feel quite sad to be alone again as do enjoy the company of my children. Nevertheless i have many tasks to sieve through today , cooking, shopping, banking, housework, studying and i am hoping some me time within all this inshaallah. There is a predicted big freeze heading to Britain infact its already arrived in the North of England, i want to get enough veg for food over this period so i do not need to venture out to labourious chores while the roads are slippery with dangerous ice. Well i better get started , take care all and have a great week.

I have been listen to this talk ,

that a fellow blogger put up on her FB, it is how i have been feeling so much so recently , living in a consumer society really gets me down , with the amount of waste esp over the seasonal period just passeed.

Time Never Stands Still

2010-01-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

I have been on a bit of a cyber break really............not been to enthusiastic about coming on the PC. I get like that sometimes feel the need to get away for a bit and sit it out.
Just popped in to share my past weeks in pictures.

Catching up with my WIP

Seasonal Shopping Stresses

2009-12-23T00:27:00.000-08:00

I need to go shopping , just my regular shop , being away from the UK for some years i forgot the big shop out frenzy that takes place the Christmas week.

I shopped on-line on Monday only to find no delivery slots until the 28th when i needed it next day really! Disappointed i went to bed , yesterday just as i was about to leave with my faithfully trolley in tow for the supermarket DH turns up and says he will take me to the superstore. The vehicle que just to get into the car park was at least one mile long. Don't people realises that's telling you something? Its full , go away? We came back home as it was pretty much the same everywhere.
Now i was getting very stressed out as i just wanted my regular weekly shop, ensuring i had a least something to cook over the 4 days shops will be closed. I am shocked at how much people buy for the four day break, its like they think the world will end tomorrow!

I got home grab my faithfully trolley (who needs a car anyhow) and two keen helpers and headed to the local supermarket. Got my veg from the market as well and came home a happier person but still stressed out. I told my son ''that's it i am not coming out until all this is over !'' I am talking after the new year here. It's all to much for me , i dislike greed, over indulgence and over spending! Christmas in the west is mere consumerism, for some its just a culture with no relevance to religion. It's this type of player that annoy's me, i hate hypocrisy and this reminds me of futile pursuits in the name of cloning.

If you want to party and exchange gifts then just do it don't wait for a consumer based society to tell you to do so!

MOONG DAL VADA

2009-12-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

A South Indian snack made from lentils

Here is what you will need;
300 gms Moong Dal
25 gms Chopped Coriander
5 gms Cumin Seeds
1 Star anise
8 - 9 Green Chillies chopped
50 gms Onions
Salt to taste
Oil to fry

How to make moong dal vada :

Soak the moong dal in water for a couple of hours.
Grind it properly to form a smooth paste.
Blend it with chopped onions, chillies, corainder and cumin seed.
Check the salt seasoning and deep fry till golden in color.
Serve with green or any chutney of your choice.

Yummy Strawberries

2009-12-18T00:57:00.001-08:00

Look what i did to mine, they look and taste wonderful....try it next time!

you will need;
500 g plain chocolate, or milk chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp butter
500-600 g strawberries, fresh
method;
- Clean and wash strawberries. Insert a toothpick into each strawberry.
- Put chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Heat in a bath of hot water, stirring occasionally until chocolate and butter melt. Leave to cool slightly but not harden.
- Hold strawberries from toothpicks and dip each strawberry into molten chocolate mixture. Turn strawberries upside down from the toothpick until chocolate holds shape. Arrange on a baking sheet until chocolate hardens.

Cheese and Potato Pie

2009-12-18T00:53:00.000-08:00

An English tea time treat of mine although you could have it as a meal too. I learnt to cook this in Home Economics class at school. My first English Savoury dish i ever cooked. I don't cook it often if at all any more but i did last night, the family liked it!

Recipe can be found here only i don't use Mozzarella cheese i added double cream to my mash .

Garland

2009-12-18T00:50:00.000-08:00

I had to try it after most of my crochet bloggers did. My one looked too seasonal , i did 4 snow flakes at first , have a look , just playing around really!

It's snowing outside

2009-12-18T00:48:00.001-08:00

It's been snowing but not to thick laid on the ground............lets see if London town shuts down , as it is know too when it snows. It's the last day of school for my kiddies for the seasonal break.

I am just contemplating going food shopping and stocking up with the holidays and not having to venture out too much theses next two weeks. I have some activities planned for the kids. so lets see what unfolds.

Mug Cosy

2009-12-14T04:12:00.001-08:00

Another great quick fix.makes a good gift to any tea lover! This one is for my DD the earl grey tea lover although its hot chocolate she has been drinking in it since.

I added sequins to this one , do you like?

Lap top Skin

2009-12-14T04:08:00.000-08:00

The much awaited lap top skin finished at last but not liked by my DD. she would much rather use it as a clutch bag i was told.....you decide?

Have a look!

As a clutch bag

As a lap top skin

Details, Velcro fastening

2009-12-14T03:49:00.000-08:00

Before the meeting i prepared myself over some lunch, letter in sight.

I tried out a local eatery that boast Mediterranean influence so i wanted to try. Here are some of my pictures.

My starter was delish but i felt the shawrma is better left to the Arabs and Turkish. I did like the décor , the tiles gave a great feel to the seating environment!

Another place i tried out this week with my younger two is a place called ''Afters'' I had heard a lot about its delights but it was the pink Cadillac , when i saw it, i just knew my younger two would love to dine here.

The set up is very spacious and retro in design with pink leather seating and black granite walls and tables. Hosting a vast range of delish ice cream and deserts. There is something for every one one the menu .The Italian Job being the most expensive at £25.
Here is what we had.

Girly sweet delight for DD

hot chocolate fudge cake with cream

Everything bubble gum for my DS

Over the past two weeks

2009-12-14T03:32:00.000-08:00

The past two weeks have been demanding and stressful to say the least but somehow by the grace of my creator alhamduilah , i made it through.

Sometimes life and what happens in it can be very overwhelming and mentally exhausting at the best of times.

These two week were such, with a leaking tank that had now spilled through to the ceiling and into the down stairs Wash room blowing out the electrics in the process. What exhausted me here was the incompetence of 4 plumbers, that it took to decide what to be done. After more delay and a leak that was getting faster by the day. Finally it was remediable and fixed much to my delight. Prompting a new heating system which now in hindsight was worth the stress and incompetence as the end result is desirable.

Just getting over the leak and the cluttered home, cleaning away the workmen's presence. My DD teenager , drops a bomb on me , so it felt at the time but had my brain not been overloaded with other stuff then perhaps it would not have seemed half as serious. The think is the matter could be resolved but it was the reaction it was having on DD that was so exhausting me.

To begin with it all started with a letter, that was not received with the sincerity it was written and instead hostility developed. I needed to conduct some of my own investigation's to make sure all was what it seemed.

I am so glad i went to discuss the mater with those concerned as nothing is ever black and white and you need to hear both sides. sometimes events become piousness by others assumptions and in maturity. honesty is a key factor and if you are dealing with dishonesty then your progress will be hindered.

After a 20 minute chat all was dealt with and the objective achieved and i am so glad i went to face this in person , otherwise i may have been sitting here still overloaded and encountering the migraine that appeared last week. Alhamduilah for honesty , alhamduilah for ability and most of all alhamduilah for the power of dua!

Seasonal colours

2009-12-10T00:47:00.000-08:00

In the UK at this time of year i notice a lot of red, i believe its to do with the pending Christmas season, all around me in the shops and high streets décor bursting with red. Sometimes glittery, i must say i like the prettiness of it all. I don't celebrate Christmas but living in the west you can not avoid it. So i just take advantage of all things seasonal at this time!
Here are some seasonal pictures of this colour around my kitchen by coincidence of course!

WIP updates

2009-12-10T00:26:00.000-08:00

I have been crafting a lot lately mashaallah and i have to say been loving it Alhamduiah ! What a blessing from my Lord that he has blessed me with hands and a sane mind to enable me this humble pleasure. What a lot to be grateful for and not take for advantage.

A friend and sister in Islam rings me Saturday mid morning and tells me she is at a Lidil Stores and they have lots and lots of pretty yarn at cheep cheep prices, did i want her to get me some? You bet i did , she told me all the different colours ect so i picked out some and here they are yummy yarn!

As i went to refund her the cost she then informs me its even yummier as its a gift for me from her . Jazak Allahu Khyrun Ukti (may Allah bless you sister).

A scarf for the sister, this pom pom yarn works well with knitting and as you may know not a great knitter but can do the basics!

A mug cosy, not finished here in the picture , i invented my own pattern here. I am getting some Velcro today to finish it off.

This is one of my 10 minute fixes ...................Sometimes i have the spontaneous earge to create , slip into the kitchen and a short time later a very rewarding piece is created alhamduilah, TabbarakAllah!

This was made for a dear friend in mind who told me she is a tea cosy type of person!

Next up is another 10 minuite fix , A USB holder soultion for the teen at school. I used the colours to match her uniform.

It holds 2 USB's and i used a popper fastener and embellished it with buttons and the ''made with care'' sew ons.

Brick Lane London

2009-12-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

Looking at Bangladeshi culture In the UK part of Cultural Inclusion Project at schools. I escorted my daughters class on a trip to Bangla Town In the UK to get a feel of the culture and see foods relating to the Bangladeshi culture. Here are my pictures ;

This place does the best Bagels in town esp after a night out!

Eid Al Adha 2009

2009-12-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

It felt like it was Eid Ul Fitr just yesterday. I didn't really have any plans as such . Prayers in the morning naturally to star the Eid day. I picked up these dates for breakfast
I cooked some different dishes for Eid day , treats mainly for the family.

I made Raffealo Truffles the recipe can be found here , thank you Henia!

Then there was the Kheer

I also decided to make Tripe to get into the spirit of Eid North African Arab style much to everyone's horror. No one else likes it so i made a big pot that took hours but worth every minute and i froze it in batches all for me!

Iused an Algeria recipe known by the name of Backbooka.
Next day for Eid i took the children to the Circus as a treat from me . We headed to Hyde Park , London where part of the park has been converted into a Winter Wonderland so we got a whole load more.

We was hoping to get some out door ice skating in but it was raining so we headed home.

WIP updates

2009-12-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

I finished the Pompom scarf

Granny Square pin Cushion

Hanging cushion

My DD said these red cushion were babyish meaning i am a bit old to be making them.i don't think so. I used crochet flowers, felt , ribbon and felted bead work.

North African Football Fever

2009-11-17T03:09:00.000-08:00

An Update to this post with some pictures my dh took in Cario, Egypt VS Algeria match 2009

In and around Cairo City!

This weekend we have been gripped with football fever in my life and home. My dh flew out to Egypt last week in support of his country and good for him mashaAllah. This trip soon turned in to terror for us at home, his family in France and Algeria.
All was well until this see all types of footage here.

It all became very worring for us for the safety of my dh who went there on a very happy note for a friendly match and we did not expect all this horror.

I had endless phone calls from his family abroad asking about his safety and well being , my children worried sick. This really ruined what was to be a happy occasion Allah Al Must'aan.

He was due to return later this week but i had to purchase a new ticket for him for today for his safety and alhamduilah he is on the flight back to London now as i type. I am not sure if he was attack at some point but all will be revealed soon.

Anyhow here are some pictures of our peaceful pre match party!

Despite all this madness we did have a pre-match party in my home , my children wanted to celebrate and we watched the match very peacefully at home masha Allah!

Iam dreading the re match tomorrow in Sudan , i can only pray for peace.

The Gambia

2009-11-17T02:25:00.000-08:00

We sat and chatted into the early hours about her expierences and thoughts while in The Gamiba.
Here are is a small selection of pictures she took that captured the mood for me. Also do you remember in the summer and this charity event i organised? Well the money we raised was for this very compound my friend visited.
First we can look at the poverty of The Gambia
At the school none of the children knew what a globe was , how was it possible to view the whole world , so the teacher drew one for the children to understand.

Quran stands that have been purchased with some of the money we raised.
The Orphanage

a nearby project that needs money to get it upright and finished.

Inside one of the class rooms where there are no blinds or protection against the scorching sun and the students move around to dodge the heat.

No tables just benches to sit on during class, no paper , no pencils nit even chalk and board.

some if not most falling apart

The roof of the class room and in the rainy season they get wet!

Now the natural beauty of The Gambia

This is a picture house in the town single screen complex!

Ricotta And Spinach Cannelloni

2009-11-17T01:32:00.000-08:00

My dear traveller friend returned from The Gambia. I was busting to hear all about her adventure and see her pictures. Also after 2 weeks of no electricity and no running water. Limited diet and a basic way of living, i guessed she was ready for a treat. I cooked some of her favourite food.
Ricotta And Spinach Cannelloni Recipe

I have never made Cannelloni but decided to try it and i use this recipe. The dish was fairly easy to make and very tasty, full of flavour.

I served it with steamed vegetables

For tea we had pineapple upside down cake and mint tea. Now i have made this cake before and thought it was on my blog , in fact i am sure it is but i could not find it . So i am going to add a recipe here

I threw away my silicone cake mould as its rubbish and it ruined my cakes on many occasions. Have a look and see what it did.

I had to cut away the burnt top and sides to reveal a delicious cake!

Pom Pom Scarf

2009-11-17T01:17:00.000-08:00

Remember last week and the crarf shop ? Well i finished the black yarn and ta da here it is

I can only describe the yarn as very soft chenille like feel and warm. The scarf looks lovely and is very warm.

My girls liked it so much that i have ordered another colour from ebay it is a very easy project to make and very fast too. I am not really a knitter as you know but i casted on 12 and used a guard stitch , days later a lovely scarf mashaAllah.

I am also making a lap top skin for my daughters Red lap top. I am crochet this with a dc stitch and making a bobble . Can you see the bobbles? Its looking good so far but i had to tweak the bobble stitch a little to make it more firm and protruded.

A picture my DD made for me , she loves crafting and is learning to knit.

A week in Pictures

2009-11-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Random pictures from this week

Craft Shopping

2009-11-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

What a treat, i have been itching to get to this ALL the fun of the fair ever since i saw it advertised in one of my crochet magazines, they have a website. I like to look at wool/yarn and work in person; i like to feel the yarn to feel inspired. Visiting such places is an inspiration.
I saw so many lovely handmade pieces for sale, from the simple stuff to the more complicated skilled. I saw simple flower brooches for sale at £6.95, not nearly as lovely as mine. Granny Squares put together and made into a pin cushion costing £4.50. The collection of yarn on sale was very nice and luxurious. With knitted samples, the sales assistant was very helpful as someone who crafts she knew her stuff and help me make choices of yarn. The shop was small and a little crowded , i wished there had been more selection of yarn as its nice to be able to feel and see it before you buy, i am not expert but this little trendy shop had some very nice makes such as Rico and Fortissima Mexico really lovely soft yarns with not so nice price tags to match. I took some pictures, see for yourself.

The shop is located in the carnaby St area of London off Kingly St, i have not been here for some years and it was all change.

Little cute tags with ''hand made with love'' written on them.

I picked up some super soft yarns .couldn't resit i was busting with ideas after strolling around the tiny shop.they were fairly pricey but good yarn!

I was busting to get a hook to the yarn the whole way home

i started with the glittery red with a 3.5mm hook a lap top sock for my daughter inshaAllah.
The black Rico pom pom is for a knitting project i want to try for my younger daughter. The smaller 50g Rico cotton is for some luxury rose brooches coming to some bloggers soon!

A Child’s Innocence, lost?

2009-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Who decides? This week the school informed me it will be hosting meetings for parents who wish to know what will be taught during the Sexual Relations Education (SRE) classes at the school, for form classes 2, 5 and 6. My son is in year 6, having started state school for the first time last December, I am still learning. When my children started last year it was on the day the SRE classes were being taught as the permission slips and meetings had already taken place, I had missed out. So on their first day of school when the year 2 comes home. I asked, ‘’what did you learn today?’’

She replies:- ‘’ It was haram?! They showed us pictures of women’s private parts and men ones too!’’

‘’Authobillah! What do you mean?’’ (my worries manifesting before my very eyes on day one)

Son joins conversation ‘’yeah umi they did it for us too, they told us we have wet dreams and then he whispered... but girls are worse !?! :O they have blood coming out of their private parts.’’

My shock horror of their first day of school, all those years of home schooling and their innocence snatched in 6 hours! Robbed I tell you!?!

Yesterday was the SRE meeting for this year, I was shown the content of all 3 lessons and all I can say I was.. I was shocked, disgusted and angry. I cannot believe that ten year old children are ready for this revelation of this information that will scar their innocence at the tender age of ten. I feel it should be the parent’s choice to decide what age all she be revealed, there is no way my 10 year old son is ready for this amount of info, it also gives a incorrect impression on how sexual relationships can be formed, there was a video showing the actual acts and steps... first comes love. Then they actually make love! It showed sexual positions and promoted sexual relations before marriage. This here is what angered me severely, seeing as this contradicts our beliefs and way of life which is clearly Islam. The school my children attend is majority ethnic minorities namely Asian and African with the predominant religion being Islam. With this in mind i challenge the headmistress, enquiring why arrange marriages’ had not been mentioned. They have their own hidden agenda that they instil into our children Allah Al Must’aan. I felt it was a total saturation of Western values in relation to sex being in drenched on the minds of innocent children. Teaching them this is the way, in the video one of the characters was the aunt of the 10yr old, she was in relationship with a guy and she was expecting his baby. This aunt was very open to the 10yr olds telling them she enjoyed being touched by her lover and he enjoyed her touching him. She kept rubbing her breast whilst doing so , i think it was meant to look like she was rubbing her impregnated stomach but i clearly saw her touching her breast.

Some may think it’s an overreaction on my part but NO, my children are a trust, entrusted to me by Allah and i have a duty to ensure they are raised in accordance to Islam and good citizens to the society they inhabit. I noted not only Muslim parents at the meeting; there were English and Africans, Christian, Sikh, and atheist too. In fact the Sikh parent got up and left half way through the video. I myself wanted to leave during the video, I was disgusted. I feel this kind of exposure too early could lead to experimentation and unnecessary curiosity. I am not saying they should not know about their body parts and the functions. Reproduction and the like, it should be taught and can be taught minus the sexual content. It’s the amount to sexual promotion and sexual promotion outside marriage what ruined it. I have a 15yr old that i taught SRE to at the age of 10 as i feel in my experience girls mature much faster than boys. At ten she was ready for this input but i can see my son is not, in a year or so yes but not quite yet. It can be taught on a scientific level without so much emphasis on sexual relationship and positions. As one parent pointed out, ’’ you are showing them stage by stage the correct way to reproduce!’’

I decided to not have the school teach these lesions to my son and opted out alhamduilah we still have that right. I told him I will teach him 3 lesions covering this so he does not feel left out but I will use a scientific approach in addition will also use ayat from the Quran to explain relationships in this content and ayat related to reproduction.

Bearing in mind the UK is a country where teenage pregnancy is at its youngest in all of Europe, the headmistress argued that children knowing this information at 10 years old is deterrent to this. This is left open to debate...................what’s your opinion on this?

Islamic Garffiti

2009-11-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

some local graffiti i saw while shopping yesterday, great don't you think mashaallah?

Ammena's Henna Party

2009-11-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

It was not really planned as such as she had arranged a night out having a meal with friends but we decided she will have her bridal henna done at my home by my dear friend and neighbour. I said to her shall we invite a few of the local ladies, as everyone is so spread out all over the globe and i didn't want it to become a burden on anyone to travel to London. I will cook a meal and we can just have a girlie night thing. That was that! I had about two weeks to get myself into gear and i wanted to make it special for Ammena .

Ammena i befriend via the cyber world, with the question ''Please can you help me use my computor?'', Ammena is the forum owner of a forum for women with connections to Algeria. She was in Canada and i was in Algeria , years later i could not have dreamed of hosting such an important event for her subhanAllah!. It was Ammmena who got me into the blog world too she pestered and pestered me until i got my own! Anyhow lets keep to all things henna.

I did this for Ammena why? firstly for the sake of Allah, secondly beacause when i say i love for the sake of Allah its not a mere lip service and when i say sister in Islam then i mean sister! I wanted for my sister what i would for myself or anyone else i care for, i wanted her to feel she is not alone. I am so happy about so many choices of an halal nature that Ammena has made in her life mashaAllah! For this she deserves the best mashaAllah.

As the days came closer to the event , henna mania was on my mind day and night , the buzz , the excitement, i have never hosted such an event before. I want to mention here when you do things in a halal manner the blessings are abundant subhanAllah. While i was arranging this event i noted blessing after blessing subhanallah mashaAllah. On the actually day the amount of blessing, barakha i noted made me want to cry in gratefulness to my Lord Allah, as this young lady was truly blessed mashaAllah.

I enjoyed so much to do this for Ammena and the others who attended, i had a fantastic night and was so happy that everyone else was too masha Allah. The support from others was great mashaAllah. I could not have done this without the other ladies.

I also took this chance to invite Happy Muslim Mother a fellow blogger , what a good decision she was mashaAllah the best! She came with her daughter and it was a pleasure mashaAllah. Before she even met me she offered to do the banner, favour bags for all the guest and her wonderful hand made cards mashaAllah. A true gem, mashaAllah.

I also met Humble Muslimah as she is a friend of Ammena's and this was a total suprise to me , what a lovely lady too mashaAllah. Another blogger who attened was Princess who gave us a good laugh mashaAllah as she always does! She was the most driven women that night!

I asked others to put money in for a cake, this way everyone had a hand and we all share the reward inshaAllah!

I asked a dear friend of mine to do a short Islamic talk on marriage in Islam so we could have even more blessings on our gathering inshaAllah.

It was a top night and i pray for Ammena that she is very happy and blessed in her new life with her new companion ameen.

During the night we had a live feed going to Face book so the ladies world wide who could not join us could take part in a way. I recived a txt/sms from KSA from another blogger ...............with a Saudi accent Which i read out to all attending the party , thank you so much.

I want to mention Sonya who sadly was unable to make the party and i know she very much wanted to be a part of it. May Allah reward her for her efforts and she was missed and mentioned on the night!

I just want to thank all that attended the party was you and would not have been as it was without you all mashaAllah.

I had serious camera trouble on the night , was unable to picture so i have copied pictures from others but if you want to see more do check out Ameena's blog and Happy Muslim Mamma's blog's.
Now for the pictures :
The first surprise for the night was the table feature i put together for Ammena

I had personalised chocolate favors made for all and cones as gifts for all to take home.

The Banner Happy Muslim Mama (HMM) had made, its pictured better on her blog.

She had made cards too see them on her blog. Henna for the bride (the theme for this event), HMM is a henna artist too another talented lady mashaAllah! HMM brought a basket full of henna cones and books full of designs for all...........and many took up this opportunity to decorate mashaAllah. HMM also put together wonderful bright coloured boxes of delight favour's for all to take home mashaAllah.

My DD8yrs old made a gift for Ammena as she loves crafting , came you guess who its is meant to be?

A gift for me .............certainly brightened me up , i like it mashaAllah and thank you.

I had put together some items the bride to be had to wear all night, a veil

and a feathered boa

Which she dutifully adorned most of the night.

A keepsake book i had been compiling with the help of Sarah, i asked ladies globally to send messages for Ammena and i would print and paste them into the book.
I asked the Henna artist to do a page of henna with the desgin so when it fades from her hands she has the memory to look at!

We had fun and games , with blind folded food tasting game and a quizz.

Food! We had a table of starters that i didn't picture at the start and i cooked Indian dishes

This was the one and only disaster of the night , i burnt the mini pizza's while i went of to answer the door.

Oh the kheer came sloppy as i decided to use cream instead of condensed milk.that will teach me not to experiment on the actual event day.

Next up was the cake and sparkinging candles (fireworks i call them lool). It was so funny as it was my first time using them , i placed them into the cake first , so it was hard to light.taking time and then i decided to remove them and try and they went off straight away setting the smoke alarm off.............it was so funny.

A night of great memories alhamduilah!

A whole lot of something to make me smile!

2009-11-03T06:08:00.000-08:00

Shopping with the girls

2009-11-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

They are growning up esp the girls and the teen more than the others...........this last week was about shopping for an outfit for the henna party to come. Just made me realise they are growing into ladies subhan Allah!

Palak Panner

2009-11-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

Palak Paneer is a traditional North Indian delicacy and is an integral part of the Punjabi cuisine.
I had an idea of how to make this but used some tips from here

here is mine

On a downer today

2009-11-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

Don't ask me why...............i know but i am not telling. I just can't seem to shift this mood, its really making me feel low.

It is like i want to cry but can't seem to get the tears out! I hate feeling like this and alhamduilah don't often do but today i DO ! THERE i said it!

Updates

2009-11-02T00:40:00.001-08:00

I came here to blog . Sometimes i just can't or just don't want to share my personal with all sometimes i feel drawn away, to hide away, to keep away.

I have had a busy week with the younger two at home half term the first this academic year so far. The first day started with a trip to the Picture House ...second day a family learning festival.........the week flew by and today its far from bliss as they are still at home and don't go back until tomorrow. We was due another trip to the picture House today seeing its half price on Mondays but someone is being punished.

I have been very busy organising a Henna party for a fellow blogger , a true cyber friendship....my first ever in fact and now i am here arranging her henna party subhanAllah. I don't want to give away to many details but i want a mix of the Western, Asian (Desi) and Islamic , to reflect the bride to be and her circle of friends. I am also taking this oppurtunity to finally meet another fellow blogger Happy Muslim Mama another lovely lady who i have gotten to know online via her blog world. A few from the blog world are coming, also from the Forum that Ammena ownes indecently.

Don't worry Ammena its not your cake! I am cooking an Indian feast of food with vegetarian in mind although some chicken has sneaked in ...somehow!

Apple & Carnberry Pie

2009-10-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

My DH came home with a big bag of organic cooking apples and the Acidity was minimal making a great tasting pie.

My Apple pie did not turn out like i had hoped but it tasted great!

I overloaded it with too much filling, forgot to brush the pastry, used the wrong dish .............the list is endless but it TASTED divine mashaAllah!

You can use this recipe , i just made it up as i went along but this recipe is similar. We served it warm with custard.

Now have a look at my disaster

It's Never Too Late

2009-10-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday saw a turning point in my life. I decided to finally go back to University to finish the BA Hons degree i once started inshaAllah. It's never easy when you are a full time mum and home maker to follow your own pursuits. Mother do make a lot of sacrifices for their families , myself I don't regret a single moment but its nice to be able to do something for me for a change!

I was so nervous to attended the open day at the University, my DD offered to come along for moral support. It turned out to be a very informative day alhamduilah. I must admit i was hesitating but going there really helped me make my mind up!

I am just working through the forms and transfre of credit forms at the moment as the good news is i can transfre my old creidts from my unfished degree to the new one.........so less to study. iam really excited about this whole new adventure and look forward to the brain food to come.

Here are some pictures we took on the day

The open day was here

Near the Olympic site an unusual bad to find in London but hey London is the city where its all at!

On the DLR

Fuel after a day of fun.

Orange Cake

2009-10-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

A lovely moist cake full of flavour , the recipe is here do give it ago.

Kheer (Rice Pudding)

2009-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Not having had much of a sweet tooth most of my life...i never really went for the sweet foods! Recently i discovered Kheer although it had been there since my childhood. At My study class we had an Eid party and one of the elderly Pakistani ladies brought a bowl. I tell you never have i tasted such lovely kheer its even looked wonderful mashaAllah. I put it down to age and experience as there are mushy versions out there.

On Friday DD comes home with a take away and a take away container of kheer was in there , she loved it , savoured every creamy spoon. I told her i can make this i am sure and decided to try it this weekend. The results ? MashaAllah!

I used this simple recipe
I added grated carrots. you can see a recipe here

Okra & Patoto Curry

2009-10-14T05:32:00.001-07:00

Now Okra is something i remember well as a child and it was a dish often eaten in our home. I remember the Saturday afternoons spent in the kitchen with mum , me watching her cook, peel and slice (this is how i learnt to cook). Me and my brother used to mess around with the ends of the Okra sticking them on our faces and fingers, pretending to be scary with pointed fingers.

There is always a certain excitement when i see Okra in the market. There are different ways i cook it now but this is similar to my mothers recipe except she didn't add potatoes. I added potatoes for the children in my home as no one likes Okra not even DH! A lot of people moan about it being gluppy and sticky but i have a trick to avoid this as much as possible.
Here are mine i made this morning for my Iftar (fast breaking dish ) Latter on this evening inshaAllah!

Method

Slice one medium sized onion , allow to sweat in a non stick pan with a little oil, once it starts to brown remove the lid a little and add some caraway seeds or cumin (its up to you), after a further 5 mins add some minced ginger and garlic allow to brown. Then add some chopped tomatoes about 2 medium sized ones. Allow this all to simmer for about 7 mins stirring well on a low heat ...........add your spices salt, haldi, garm masla, chilli powder.

I thinly sliced some potatoes and added them first to the masla mix adding a little water and cooking covered until the potatoes were almost tender. Then i added the okra on top and 1 thinly sliced green chilli. Cover and cook until the okra is almost soft , then remove the heat , stir it once to incorporate the okra to the potatoes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander.

Enjoy with natural yougart and chappati's.

Cinnamon-Lemon Sweet Rolls

2009-10-14T01:18:00.000-07:00

I came across this recipe from a link i followed from Henia's blog i needed a quick fix last night after a hectic morning and was fasting and wanted something to go with my daily dose of Early Grey .

I found the recipe here This is a wonderful blog with great step by step pictures of Azerbaijan influenced foods!

i tweaked it a little to what i had at home , i didn't use cardamom or and egg but they came lovely all the same.

Harvested Gifts!

2009-10-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

Many of you may be harvesting your crops in the garden from last season , only now to enjoy them.
My mother sent me over this wonderful marrow she grew

My sister gave me these lovely organic sweet bell peppers

I cooked the peppers suffted with brown and white rice, chick peas and diced mushrooms........topped with grated red cheese.

I have made roasted stuffed peppers before the recipe is here

A tasty aniseed bread

2009-10-12T03:49:00.000-07:00

A very quick and easy aniseed flavoured bread!

Basic bread recipe i used pain flour and wholemeal . Sprinkled the top with aneeds after brushing with egg.

Oven baked Boreks

2009-10-12T03:42:00.000-07:00

I used to make these often when i was living in Algeria but frying them as the oven was out of action there for 1 1/2 yrs of my stay. After browsing about on Henia's blog , i saw these and felt inspired to try them again. Henia's dough is the same recipe i use. I instead added wholegrain flour (brown flour) and brushed them with egg and baked them instead. I filled them with mushrooms, shrimps, feta cheese and spinach.