As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Thought it was about time I post an update on the orphanage in Zambia.
My brother has moved (back) there to help out with things (May Allah reward him for his good intentions. Ameen) so it's a little easier for me to get updated info and pictures.

The last of the books/sports equipment will insha'Allah be sent in December. It's working out kind of difficult to ship items from this end, so we are hoping to raise funds and purchase things at that end (maybe from South Africa). If anyone has fund raising ideas, please share some with me! or any other ideas to help out the children.


This is a boys orphanage. But girls living near by come by during the day for lessons.


Someone had donated some treat bags for the children for Eid-al-Adha. May Allah reward them. Ameen.


Children busy with class work.


This was taken during meal time.

I've only put a few pictures up here, more can be found on the FaceBook page (Zambian Orphanage).
Please keep them all in your prayers. And if you are able to help with fund raising, feel free to contact me.

Labels: zambia

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

On October 10th I ran a Qur'an Art Competition for children. I had many interested parents, a few joined..but by the due date only 2 boys submitted their art.

Insha'Allah they both benefited from the project.

They had to create a 3d art piece based on Surah An-Nahl verses 5 to 18. The verse are about the animals that Allah created for our benefit (like donkeys, cows and horses), and the rain and planets He has created for us. It also mentions the sea and the food and ornaments found in.

Interesting they both decided to do a farm scene. Both pieces look awesome, tabarak'Allah.


This is by the 7 year old. A farm, cow, some rocks and he said the blue is the rain (which Allah mentioned He sends down for us to drink, for the plants to grow and for our animals.)



This is by the 9 year old. The barn, .. a cool looking box cow! On the other side of the sanded path is the dessert with his palm trees (verse 11 mentions the olives, palm trees and grapevines).



Since they are only the two and they a different ages, I decided not to have a voting day and just send them both a prize. Insha'Allah they will receive this 142 piece art set to create more wonderful works of art. Great work guys!



Insha'Allah I hope to have another competition in the future, maybe next month. Hopefully more children will join, either way.. I'm happy even if one child benefits from this.

Labels: activities, giveaways

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

This weeks coloring page is about showing kindness to your elders.



Comment: Teach your child the importance of being kind to elders. Being more patient with them and respecting them. Insha'Allah if they treat the elders well Allah will one day send someone to do the same for them when they are older.

Labels: coloring

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu 

I finally finished the painting I mentioned in the last email. I had fun, even though the entire process was a learning experience.... especially the lettering.

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful."

AlhumduliLlah, Allah has blessed us with SO much. Prophet Dawud (alayhis salaam) used to say, "O Lord! How can I ever duly thank You, when my thanking You is also a favor from You to me?" Allah answered him, "Now, you have thanked Me sufficiently, O Dawud" - meaning: when he admitted that he will never be able to thank Allah.
.... something to really think about.


There you have it! My next painting insha'Allah is a mural (or as big as I can make it) for the orphanage in Zambia.

Labels: art, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I've been so busy, haven't had much time to post.. sorry.
I'm in the process of painting a picture!! It's for the kitchen, not that exciting, but it does feel nice to be painting again.... and definitely a wake up call on how much more I need to practice *sigh*
...anyway, I'm also taking sewing classes, but for drafting patterns! So far it's great.. something I've always wanted to learn. And I've finally finished crocheting my nephews 'football' kufis (skull caps) - will take pics soon.

In the meantime, here is this weeks hadith coloring page for the children. Another one I had fun with.


Comment: Teach your children that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) loved perfume/fragrances. And although he never refused this particular gift (as the hadith states) it is not part of Islam to refuse any gift from someone - even something small (and may 'seem' insignificant to you). It may be the only item that person could give, and Allah knows what's in their heart when they gave it to you.

Labels: coloring, reflection

Ah yes, so I'm very much on a roll here with these coloring pages. The kids love them, and they seem to remember the hadith better...so insha'Allah I'd like to continue sharing what I can with all the other children out there.

I think I like this one better than the last one (Angry Hadith) - but I'm alone on that thought according to my nephews.


Comment:
Teach your children the importance of being kind to animals (and all creatures). If a person isn't going to free an animal to allow it to find it's own food they need to make sure they feed it (i.e: making sure your pets are fed).


Happy coloring!!

Labels: coloring, lesson

 Here's an opportunity to get your children to reflect upon a few verses in the Qur'an, and have fun at the same time!




Details of competition: Each participant will read verses 5 to 18 from Surah An-Nahl (Chapter 16). They will then create a 3D art piece that reflects any part of those verses. A photograph must be emailed to me by the due date. Winner will receive a prize.

Participants allowed:  You will need to receive a confirmation email from me before beginning. This competition is only open to the first 20 participants I hear from.

Ages allowed: 7 to 12 years of age

Cost Limit: None. Should have a camera to send in a picture.

Rules:
1) Must send in only ONE photograph (I do not want more than one) by the due date.
2) Must be a 3 dimensional creation (i.e: not a drawing).
3) Must reflect some part of the verses above.


Sign up due date: Sunday October 14, 2012
Due date: Sunday October 28, 2012
Voting will be on: Wednesday October 31, 2012



If your child would like to participate, I will need to know the following information. (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of competition: Art Qur'an Competition
Child's real name:
Child's age:
Comment:

Labels: activities, reflection

All praise is due to Allah who gave us this opportunity to help others, gave us the resources and allowed us to complete this project.

Our goal was to raise $2,540. We managed to raise $2,865 for the month of Ramadaan.
Insha'Allah that money will be used towards 15 braille Qur'ans, 50 braille Yasins, 50 braille Muqaddams, and to help with the braille tafsir project.



If anyone would like to continue to help with this project, please join their FaceBook group: "Braille Quran Initiative"
You are also free to contact me anytime, if you need further details to donate fund.


 Insha'Allah I would like to run this project next year again, please keep checking here (this blog) for details, or sign-up here to know about future projects: Sign Up


Thank you so much to everyone who helped in whatever way they could. I appreciate it very much, and keep you all in my prayers. May Allah grant you the very best in this world and in the next. Ameen.

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I have been reading..but unfortunately haven't been posting any reviews, sorry. Here is my latest reads... which I'm very happy to share with you.


Title: The Adventures of the Salamander (Volume 1)
Author: Michael Klaus Schmidt
Available: Amazon (Kindle version here: Amazon)
Type: Children (ages 3 and up)

What is it about? The adventure of Slippy the salamander on a quest to save his village from the horrible lizards.

Is it worth reading? Definitely. I thoroughly enjoyed the story... and really want to know what happens in the end!

Is the book easy to understand? Yes. I'm just amazed at how many children's books I read that are NOT written for children. This one is excellent.
Added bonus is: each image has a snip of the story (telling a complete story by itself) .. this is great for younger children. I read this to my 3 year old niece who couldn't get enough of it. She's still talking about salamanders and thinks it's "disgusting to eat worm doodles" ..haha. 

Art work? I've known Michael for his work as an artist, so to see both his art and writing come together is incredible. The detail in the pictures are wonderful as well as the maps. - you know it's a real adventure when there are maps!

Notable pages? Well, not notable as such but I love the creativity behind the story (i.e: Mushroom houses, Bobcats that like cheese, etc.)

Recommended age? 3 and up. I would think a 7-8 year old (and older) could read this by themselves and enjoy it... (i.e: more like chapter books for them)

Out of 5: 5


I would love to hear what you thought of the book... or even what you are reading at the moment.

Labels: review

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Where do you find halal vanilla essence from? I get this question so often, it is about time I do a post about it. Sorry for not doing one sooner.

Before I start... let me state for the non-Muslims that visit my blog. Muslims are prohibited from consuming alcohol, this includes the amount you'll find in most vanilla essences. I'm sure you'll find someone who'll justify consuming it by saying it evaporates while baking, or the amount is not enough to intoxicate you - that's between them and God. I personally stay away from it.

This is mainly for Canadian readers, because it's much easier finding halal vanilla essence in the US.
You will need to read labels (even on the ones listed below - as some companies change things from time to time)


Brand: Guyanese Pride
Found: Most Caribbean stores
Price: $4 (approx.)
Note: Do not get "mixed essence" - the label is similar but it tastes different.
Taste: I like this one, it's one of my favorites.







Brand: Trader Joe's
Found: This is for the US people. You should find it at most Trader Joe's.
Price: ...not sure, someone bought it for me.
Taste: Pretty good.


PURE Vanilla - not the fake stuff listed above, for those special occasions
Brand: Pure Ground Vanilla beans Madagascar
Found: Canadian website: Vanilla Food Company
Price: listed on site
Taste: Like vanillaaaaaaaaaaaa....haha



I hope this helps some of you. If you have further questions or know of other brands in Canada please let me know, as yummy goodies are always being baked here!

Labels: help, recipes

I know, I should be doing better things on a Saturday... *grin*
Anyway, I felt like drawing but not coloring.. so I'll leave that up to your little ones to do.
You should be able to just click on the image  (to enlarge) and print, if not, email me and I'd be happy to send you the file.




Comment:
Teach children the importance of not getting mad and learning to be patient. It's such an important trait to control your anger, that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) repeated it several times to the man asking for advice.


Happy coloring!

Labels: art, coloring, lesson

One of the best gifts I've ever given my nephew is a "tickle trunk". A trunk filled with dress-up clothes. The beauty is I can add to it every year, other children enjoy it, they spend ours using their imagination and I get a kick out of making different outfits to add.


I've made this cowboy costumes four times. For these two guys, and the one in the tutorial were for two girls.


It's pretty simple to make, although you do need to know how to sew. They turned out better than expected.


It works best with a thick, stiff fabric... especially with the chaps. I used canvas since I have a never ending supply that I'm supposed to be painting..haha

Here is the tutorial:  Cowboy/girl Costume

Anyone who uses the tutorial, I'd love to get some feedback from you. I have a habit of condensing things.. so I'm not sure if there is enough info, etc.



I do not celebrate Halloween, before I get questions about that.  If anyone is interested is knowing more about why - this lecture is short and wonderful.

Labels: sewing, tutorials

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It's been a while since I've posted a recipe... erm.. I've had a kitchen allergy the last few months. But what to do when you run outta your cookie supply..haha

Anyway, I'm sure they are many versions of this recipe..but this is mine, tweaked to my liking.
It's a fairly easy recipe, doesn't use too many ingredients, and looks pretty enough to serve to guest. Oh..and of course it's tasty, I don't post any recipe disaster on my site.


Makes 32

1 cup butter
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp maple essence (or vanilla essence)

2 cups flour

: : Beat all the above ingredients.
: : Add in the flour to make a dough
: : Divide the dough in half. If it's too soft, put it in the refrigerator for 15 mins.
: : Roll each ball into a circle (about the size of a dinner plate)

1 cup walnuts chopped finely
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tblsp cinnamon powder

1 egg white

: : Mix the walnuts, sugar and cinnamon together
: : Brush the egg white on the dough rounds, and sprinkle with mix
: : Cut the dough in quarter, and then two more cuts in each quarter (i.e: so one round make 16)
: : Roll each piece - starting with the bigger side
: : Place on greased tray, egg tops of cookie and sprinkle with brown/white sugar (I used both)

: : Bake at 375 F .. for 15-20 minutes
: : Allow to cool and gobble them up - with some tea *swoon*

Labels: recipes

My a little overdue post on Eid!
Insha'Allah I hope you all enjoyed Eid and had a wonderful Ramadaan. What you are doing today will tell you how good your Ramadaan went. Are you a better person today than you were in June?

Those that read my blog know I have a theme every Eid, to make my job easier when it comes to decorating. This year we did "The Jungle Book" - but the old one, the kids haven't watched the Disney version.


The Eid banner I made that was featured in Sakyna magazine with a tutorial.


Bageerah the panther being silly. This is what nine year olds do best! Tabarak'Allah.


I managed to purchase a 'jungle' background from the States..which saved me SO much work. It's huge and covered the family room walls. We added green streamers (in different shades) to represent vines.


 Mowgli chocolate cake! Not too complicated. Using only a 12" round cake.


 Of course we had to have some animals  (besides me being Shere khan). Here is Kaa the snake.


We also made some vines using this awesome tutorial, "Jungle Vines" - the only change I made was to use the large leaf/compost bags because I wanted them really long. From one bag we managed to get approximately 13 vines.


Hathi the elephant. The 'grass' is just cardboard painted. Leave a flap at the bottom (so a box cut in the right shape works well). Paint it all dark green, add a few highlights with light green. Simple, and can be placed around the room for the 'animals' to hide behind.


 Bagheera and Akela the wolf. The costumes are very simple to make if you have some sewing skills. Pants (with a tail), and make a shirt with a hood to add on ears  (or try something like this for the hood: "Wild Things Hat" ).


I made crocodile pies too - which were very yummy. With just a hotdog filling (hotdogs cut in pieces plus herb & garlic cream cheese), which kids love. This image is NOT mine, and I have no idea who to give credit to. But I did use their idea, and thank you to whoever you are. I used raisins for the eyes. 



....and there you have it! There were other things but I didn't take enough pictures - this should give some ideas to anyone who plans a similar party.

Labels: ideas, paper, ramadaan

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu 

Labels: help, reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

In April, Our Little Book Keepers were running a project, to collect and distribute books to the rural areas in Malaysia. AlhumduliLlah it's SO wonderful to see the children receive the books.
Here are a few follow-up pictures of where the books you donated went.

Labels: help

I finally got around to making an ironing board cover! Yaaay... it desperately needed it!
This is a mini ironing board, that I use mainly for sewing.

.... I had to add it: "Iron Freak" ... anyone who really knows me, knows I heart bodybuilding  *cheesy grin* ..might just motivate me to drop the sewing and stay in the gym huh...


Uh huh..it really is very bright, makes the room look all happy.

I followed the tutorial found here: Sweet Verbana
She did an awesome job with the instructions.

....now to work on the big ironing board!


If anyone else is working on any projects, let me know... so I can come visit your page.

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu



Jazakum'Allahu khair for all those that participated. Insha'Allah I hope to have future giveaways, and hope you'll be part of those as well.

Labels: giveaways

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Earlier I mentioned I was working on a crochet project... here it is!
They turned out better than I expected, alhumduliLlah and I had a blast making them.
I'm still not sure whether to sell them or keep them for my niece.







Believe it or not, I got some direction from this book: Creepy Cute Crochet.
Book review:

Labels: crochet, review