As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I actually managed to finish making an Eid card for this year!! Every year the idea comes and then I have no idea where it goes, but it leaves no print. I decided I wanted it a little different (because I like different!) so I went with a whimsical look (kind of).. which you never find for Eid greetings, and I decided to make it a Postcard. Now what happens when the printers print it on light weight card stock.. you have a floppyyyy card *yaaay*. Ah well.. I am happy with the picture.. it actually makes me smile every time I see it. And I am not good and therefore don't really like water paint, but this was fun to paint..and now I think I like water paint..hehe



I know a few others were going to make some Eid cards this year. How did it go?? Hijabi Apprentice? *grin*

UmmLayla you going to get to see it :) insha'Allah.

I think I should start next years, this year ... and make them real cards! not pretty flop!

Labels: art, paper

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Well well.. look what I have been busy making. Hijab pins!! A little time consuming, but pretty in any scarf :) The purple one (which looks black in the picture - sorry for the bad picture, you'd be amazed how much they shy away from the camera *modest pins..hehe*) is for my sister, and I think I shall keep the pink one. I have made a good number of them to date but have only kept one for myself so far.. they make great gifts, because they are practical and anything handmade is good.. right? (I know some people are shaking their head.. wait till I send you a handmade lint keeper :P ..hehe)


If sisters would like a hijab pin, I'd be happy to make one for you, I only ask that you donate some money to The Muslimah Centre of Pattani (Thailand).

:: Name of organisation: The Muslimah Centre of Pattani
:: Address: 45 Moo 1, Bana subdistrict, Mueng District, Pattani 94000
:: Contact person: Mrs Maryam Samoh
:: Tel: (073) 333-837
:: Savings Account: 2670615844, Bangkok Bank, Pattani branch.

Email me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) if you would like one, and what colour, etc.

Labels: ideas, jewelry

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Ramadaan Kareem my dear brothers and sisters,

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

With few days left for Ramadaan, insha'Allah.. I managed to more or less finish any last minute shopping, so I can make the most of the blessed month. Today I had to opportunity to taste fresh dates (yellow and still on the stem)!



I know, I know.. doesn't sound very exciting.. but I do like trying new things..and every new experience opens a new window in life. I personally really enjoyed the dates, and if anyone else can find them, pick up a few.. and let me know what you think.

A little something I learned recently about this noble tree:
Shaykh al Islam Muhammad Abul Huda As Sayyaadi mentions on the hadith that Islam is built on five pillars that, ‘this good word is like a good tree whose roots are deep and whose branches reach out to the sky - the good word is La illaha illa Allah – which is deeply rooted in the heart of the believer and whose fruits are manifested on the limbs of the believer. The date palm tree is rather unique in that it only grows on pure soil. Similarly, the meaning of La illaha illa Allah only grows and gives fruit in a pure heart. As for a filthy heart that has either been completely blackened by disbelieve or is darkened by sin and heedlessness to the commands of Allah, this tree is stunted.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

After bumping into The Egyptian's Wife post on the wonderful Ramadaan Surprise Box she made for her dear children, I decided to try one out for my nephews, Abdullah and Umar.

An excellent tutorial can be found at Islamic Parenting.
A few tips I'd like to share: If you cut the squares out with a utility knife you get a nice clean edge, use double sided tape to make your own stickers to fit your theme if you can't find stickers you like, and to fit my theme I just painted my box instead of using wrapping paper.

Although they are both young, (3 years old and 1.5 years old) I hope it would still be a means of them to learn a little about Ramadaan and make it a special month for them, as it is for us insha'Allah.



I decided to make the box look like a masjid since it is something Abdullah is familiar with and loves. Each box is filled with dates, a written message, and a little something, like lollipops, prayer beads, mini toys, lip balm (they love lip balm), and other things they like. The last two days have balloons and streamers in, which they can decorate the house with, for Eid insha'Allah.

Here are a few of the written messages I used that Abdullah should be able to understand. But you can change them to suit the age.

:: Muslims fast in Ramadaan.
:: After Ramadaan we celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
:: We should make lots of dua' in Ramadaan.
:: It is good to give money in Ramadaan to the poor people.
:: On Eid day we say, "Eid Mubarak!" to everyone, which means "Have a blessed Eid!"
:: In Ramadaan we should pray "laa'ilaha illallah" a lot.
:: When we break our fast it is called 'Iftar'.
:: When we break our fast we should say "Thank you" to Allah for giving us food to break our fast.
:: Allah gave us the Qur'an in Ramadaan.

If anyone else decides to make one, let me know all about it! I'd love to see pictures of it, and hear any ideas you might have.


While on the topic of Masjids, I am hoping to paint one for my parents, insha'Allah. Help me out here, what painting would be more appealing to you, a Masjid that already exists, or a totally different Masjid? I look forward to any feedback, insha'Allah.

NOTE: above tutorial link no longer works... please visit this page: Ramadaan Surprise Masjid

Labels: crafts, paper, ramadaan

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I don't think there is anything more pleasing when trying out a new project, to see that the end result turned out perfect!

I just finished cleaning my room (we can now see the floor *grin*)... be warned new crafters: what is junk to others will follow you around like stink on a warthog! Anyway, I was attempting to tackle my closet when I got side tracked.. throwing away my favourite puke green shirt and 'boxing' t-shirt. So (light bulb moment) I decided to cut them up and make a pattern from them.

Today I sewed one of the patterns, (the 'boxing' t-shirt) and I also managed to make two hair scrunchies out of the left-over fabric.


The shirt turned out excellent, I'm so happy with it.. that it might just be safer if I don't end up cleaning out my closet.

Anyone who ever has not tried making a pattern like this before, go for it! It's really easy.. just be sure to take seams into consideration.

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

That's what I spent my long weekend doing.. checking out the Canadian National Exhibition! I manage to go every year, and always have a wonderful time. There is sooo much to see and do, that you don't even get to see it all. They have a Craft and Art area, rides, games, different shows, etc.,

And my favourite (which is why I go) is the International Show/Bazaar.


Where vendors from all over the world come and sell things. Some places included, Germany, Russia, Thailand, Iran, Kenya, Egypt, China, India, Peru, Cuba, Cambodia, etc.

I however, didn't buy anything for myself... but managed to find a tasty treat for my swap partner, insha'Allah. But it was still fun.

My second favourite is checking out the animals... from goats to ostriches!


And for any sisters (and brothers) who don't know this.. when someone says salaam to you, it is your Islamic duty to reply! Isn't that one of the many wonderful things about being a Muslim. When you see another sister you can say salaam to her, even though you have no idea who she is, and may never ever see her again. Anyway, it just surprised me how many people (at the show) lack such manners, that's all.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I have been cooking up a storm, much thanx to Hijabi Apprentice for sharing her wonderful Sweet Potato Pie recipe with me! The recipe is easy to follow, easy to make, and tastes very yummmyyy! (I shall be making this again, insha'Allah) Reminds me a little of pumpkin pie. I decided to add a graham cracker crust, and I found a recipe for Maple Cream to add to the top (anyone lucky enough to have Maple flavouring will know how good this is!!!)


My dear sister, here is your slice... smiling at you!



Here is the recipe from Hijabi Apprentice.


Makes 1 Pie

2 cups (16oz/450ml) mashed sweet potato (the orange kind)
1/4 cup (2oz/4tblsp) butter
1 egg
1/4 cup (2oz/59ml) milk
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 cup (2oz/4tblsp) brown sugar
1/4 cup (2oz/4tblsp) cane sugar
1/4 cup (2oz/4tblsp/56.8g) flour
1 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
1/2 tsp nutmeg (or to taste)

:: Peel potatoes, cube and boil until fork tender.
:: Place hot potatoes and butter in a bowl blend on medium speed until combined.
:: Add egg, milk and essence one at a time, blending until combined.
:: Combine sugars, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in seperate boil.
:: Slowly add to potato mix, and blend well.
:: Pour into pie shell, or prepared Graham Cracker Crust.
:: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for an hour.
:: Once cool, pipe whipped cream or Maple Cream on.


Graham Cracker Crust
2 1/2 cups (20oz/568g) crushed graham crackers
butter - melted

:: Add enough butter to combine cracker crumbs.
:: Pat into pie dish.


Maple Cream
1 cup (8oz/16tblsp/237ml) whipping cream
1/4 tsp maple flavouring
2 tblsp powdered sugar - sifted

:: Whip cream until soft peaks.
:: Beat in (SLOWLY) flavouring and sugar until stiff, but still soft.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It has been a quiet, lazy day today... but lovely!
I'd like to share a beautiful paragraph with you from a book called "Don't Be Sad" by Shaykh 'Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni. I'm not close to finishing the book, but so far I have gained so much from it.. and you don't even have to be sad to read it..hehe (alhumduliLlah)



A righteous person was once thrown into a lion's cage, and Allah then saved him from its claws. He was later asked, "What were you thinking about at the time?" He said, "I was considering the saliva of a lion - whether it is considered by scholars to be pure or impure (i.e. whether, when I die, I will be in a state of purity or not)."

Allah described those who were with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa-salaam) according to their intentions:

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Someone, some where, did you a favour.. and you really were going to send them a thank-you card, but you know... family came over, and then you had to bath your fish, and well.. then you were being deported... whatever the excuse, you just missed out on something much bigger; a way to purify the soul, to build a more loving relationship, maybe a prayer (dua') from the one receiving the card, and ultimately a reward from the Most Merciful.

I only brought this up because this morning when I went down for breakfast their was a beautiful thank-you card waiting for me. Whether the sister sent it to me or not, I'd love her the same (unless there is space to love her more) ... but you can't help but to remember her in every prayer, after all, she took the time to remember me. Jazak'Allah khayr, May Allah reward you for your kindness and give you success in this world and the next. Ameen.


That was in the morning, and the afternoon only brought more joy.. when someone specially picked tomatoes from his garden for me. Such wonderful people. May Allah, Most High grant him and his family a garden in Jannah. Ameen.


I love tomatoes, and these are soooo yummy, I don't think I have tasted a better tomato!

It just goes to show, sometimes those little things in life, like a tomato, or a card go a long way. I hope I can be more like the people here, insha'Allah.. and maybe someone will keep me in their prayers.


"…..Whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and enter the garden should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day and should treat the people as he wishes to be treated by them…"

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I felt like baking today, and I am sure glad I did! Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes, a little moist, a little dense, a little fudgy, a little crumb left for the lucky person who gets to try it.

Here is the recipe for anyone who would like to try it.. let me know how it goes.




Makes 24 medium cupcakes

Cupcakes:
3/4 cup (6oz/175g) unsalted butter
6 ounces (175g/12 tblsp) semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup (6oz/175g/12 tblsp) sugar
4 eggs, separated
1/2 cup (4oz/114g/8 tblsp) flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar


Frosting:
6 ounces (175g/12 tblsp) semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons whipping cream
white chocolate to garnish


Directions For Cupcakes:
:: Heat oven to 325°F (160°C).
:: Grease 12-cup muffin pan or line with baking cups.
:: Place metal bowl over medium saucepan of barely simmering water (bowl should not touch water).
:: Add butter and 6 oz chocolate.
:: Let stand until melted; stir until smooth.
:: Cool to room temperature.
:: Whisk in sugar and egg yolks.
:: Stir in flour and baking powder.
:: Add cooled chocolate mix, and stir.
:: In large bowl, beat egg whites at medium speed until frothy.
:: Add cream of tartar.
:: Beat at medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
:: Fold one-fourth of the whites into chocolate mixture.
:: Gently fold in remaining whites until mixed.
:: Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling two-thirds full.
:: Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
:: Cool on wire rack 10 minutes.
:: Remove from pan; cool completely.

Directions For Frosting:
:: In medium saucepan, combine semisweet chocolate and whipping cream.
:: Heat over low heat until melted and smooth, stirring frequently.
:: Spread each cupcake with frosting; let cupcakes stand until frosting is cool but not set.
:: Using vegetable peeler, make curls out of white chocolate over cupcake.
:: (Optional) Sprinkle coloured sugar on and add a cherry.

Enjoy!

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Baraktuhu

An update on the Mural... which I started all over again. It is/was well worth it. I've attached all the canvas squares that I have received, can you believe I am still waiting for a few more. Anyway, it is looking so beautiful! Insha'Allah the Welfare Center will be pleased with it.

AlhumduliLlah that is turning out well, and Fabric Land had a sale.. that's good news too!! So I bought some fun pink fabric which I have plans for. I won't give it away, incase it turns out to be a big flop. Tomorrow I hope to work on that, and if all goes well, insha'Allah I shall post some pics.


I gave crocheting a try over the weekend. Humm well, I think I'm actually getting the hang of it.. not enough to show anyone..hehe But I usually learn better when I know I'll end up with something other than a crooked little square *grin*, so I'm going to look for an easy pattern and take a stab at it. Crooked or not, it was fun!

Labels: crochet, sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Well.. hum.. my attempt to put the Unity Mural together didn't work out so well. I know I'm not that great at math.. but this is pathetic!.. my calculation for something went somewhere..hehe. Insha'Allah tomorrow I shall give it another try. I am definitely going to try and get it as perfect as I can, especially since so many sisters have put so much time and effort into each beautiful canvas square, and are patiently waiting to see the outcome. Jazak'Allah Khayr for your patience.

While we are on about murals, has anyone tried painting a mural on canvas? I'd be very interested in hearing about it, please and thank you. Insha'Allah I shall tell you how things go tomorrow..

On a happier note, is there a bigger compliment than someone actually offering to buy a 'creation'!!..nooo there is not. A sister made my day when she asked if she could purchase my floral bag. (Thank you)

Ahh.. the joy of making things is endless I tell ya!!... even after it goes to someone else, it's a happy memory *smile*

Labels: ideas

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I know with all the disturbing events happening around the world at this very moment, the last thing we have time for is boycotting anything for seals... and I'm not going to go into a whole Islamic lecture over how harming innocent animals is unIslamic. But I am going to beg you to sign the petition... pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee, pretty pleaseeeeeeeeee, with zee strawberry on top.

Poster Design By: Yu-Tzu Chung

It's a pledge to stay away from seafood products such as snow crabs, cod, scallops, and shrimp until Canada ends its commercial seal hunt for good.... not to difficult huh. (vegetables are good for you)

In 2006 alone, Canadian fishermen killed 330,000 baby seals for their fur, a shocking number of whom were still alive and able to feel pain. Sign the petition!!! (please and thank you)

Sign Me

May Allah reward you for your kindness to His creation. Ameen!

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I don't think there is anything more fun to sew than a bag!

The pattern I started out with was pretty plain but I decided to add some pockets, inside and outside. Mom also has an embroidery machine, so I got to add a little more detail to the strap.. I love the way it turned out!

Inside of bag.

I made the button out of clay, sorry I couldn't get a clear picture of it. It's very easy to make. I used Premo clay. Make the shape of the button as you wish out of white or ivory clay. Make indents in the button using a pin (length wise) so you have long grooves, poke a few holes and bake. Once cool, rub some 'burnt brown' acrylic paint into the grooves.

There you go. Insha'Allah I would like to try out another bag.. hopefully in a beautiful green!!

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Today was a busy day. My first garage sale I have ever been part of... very interesting to say the least. This was a Charity Garage Sale, and all proceeds are to help those in Africa, like building wells for them, etc. Overall, it went really well, AlhumduliLlah! And thank you to all those that helped, I pray your reward for your effort and intention are in the Hereafter, insha'Allah.

If anyone is interested in donating funds for this project, in particular building wells in Kenya, please let me know, I'd be more than happy to send you further information on it, or direct you to someone who can help.

I know, I know.. it's not normal to shop at your own garage sale, but we did have good stuff (donated from others), so I also managed to get some books for the Welfare Centre, I'm very happy about this. Books make me smile. Hopefully I can get some recent pictures up of how the library at the Centre is looking.

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Baraktuhu

Loooook at what dear Pa sent me! All the way from Thailand. She sent lots of other wonderful things, but I can't get over how beautiful these are. They are one of those things that I would have bought had I seen them in a store.
Thank you sooo very much Pa, I do appreciate it all. Maybe one day I can return the kindness, insha'Allah.

My new mission is to find things exclusive to Canada... they make wonderful gifts for those that don't get them. So far this is what I have come up with: Mint Chocolate Aero, Coffee Crisp, Red Rose Tea, Smarties, Maple Roasted Peanuts, Pure Maple Syrup, Twizzlers, Nesquik Chocolate Syrup, Tim Horton's Coffee, Poutine, Crispy Crunch... humm, that seems to be a lot of 'food'.
If others know of any products (or more food), please let me know.

Labels: love

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I finally finished my scarf! I'm a beginner knitter, this being my second scarf.. so maybe it took me a little longer than it should have, but I had fun making it, and it was a great way to kill time (ie: long car rides). Since it is made for my sister it's so much nicer knowing it's going to someone who will appreciate it, and use it. I love making stuff, but sometimes it's difficult to find people who will use it.

I think my next knitted project will be bag, I have always wanted to try that.

Labels: knitting