Recorded: 12-14-2011

Audio Post Notes:

What do you do to build your children’s self-confidence and self-respect as Muslim kids?

Check out my 79 Ways to Volunteer in a Public School (America).

How we practice Islam and freedom of religion in America, a non-Muslim country, much, much better than here in a Muslim country.

Are you ever worried that your kids will die by a school bomb? Is that too severe of a worry, compared to bullying from a non-Muslim? Ironically, many more problems occur with bullying and poor practices of Muslims, especially here in a Muslim country.

Teaching my kids about humility and how to spend our time and energy wisely for Allah, rather than fear anything or anyone, except Allah’s wrath if we do not obey His commands—be it with non-Muslims, but more importantly non-practicing Muslims.

Be proud, honorable Mu’minym (true believers) always remembering Allah.

Check out our Audio Recording “Changing the Remembrance of Mama to Allah” to see how you can have your kids remember you and Allah, by implementing simple new routines.

Subhanallah, we NEVER faced any of the issues we face here by Muslims in a Muslim country, EVER in an American public school (non-Muslims). However, we did see many of these problems in multiple American Islamic schools, by working, attending or volunteering with four of them directly, and dozens indirectly.

So, what are your fears and worries? How to prevent these things–bullying or the lack of Islamic practice–from happening? How do you work with your kid(s) to live devoutly and humbly? How do you work with school administrations to allow your kids to practice proudly at school? Please share below. My girls and I are very curious to learn the issues your Muslim kid(s) are facing in a non-Muslim or Muslim country school system today. Together, we can discuss ways to help one another, inshaAllah Ta’ala.

Audio Post: What Are Your Fears & Worries When Your Kids Go To School? Bullies? Bombs? is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Layla Sabourian of Confessions of a Guilty Working Mom shares a new app she helped launch for parents called Recalls Plus. It helps busy moms by alerting them to any recalls of their kids’ stuff, including vital allergy alerts.

Here is the video she made:

The app is available for the iPod, iPad, and iPhone in the iTunes Store as well as as in the form of a Facebook app, and more recently, the Android market. The beauty of this app is that we as parents can create a custom list of items unique to us and our children. With this app, we will be alerted only when there is a relevant recall.  You can download the app here.

This app received very positive reviews across major media outlets such as About.com, Parenting Magazine, and Babble. It has also been featured by Apple in the “What’s Hot” and “New & Noteworthy” lists.

Have you downloaded Recalls Plus on your device to alert you on products for your children? As loving and caring parents, safety for our kids is of utmost concern. Leave us a comment below with your opinion of Layla’s app.

Recalls Plus – Alerting Parents of Recalls on Kids’ Products is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

This post outlines the reflections on the audio post originally recorded: 12-14-2011. Click the link for that audio post before reading below.

Making sure all the times my girls think of me, I want them to remember Allah (subhanallahu wa T’ala).

Whenever anyone makes du’a for us, we need to be humble and thankful to Allah for this.

Give thanks to Allah. Praise Allah. Ask for forgiveness from Allah. Make du’a to Allah. Ask for help from Allah.

For us, it’s taking my time to do a different hair-style for each daughter, just by combing and staring at a bag of colorful hair ties to creatively come up with something new each day.

Of course, my whole purpose is to keep my girls tidy, neat, and clean so their eyes aren’t irritated by hair falling or flying around, so they can study with ease.

Little did I know it would be a conversational-starting point to learn more Arabic and to gain du’as because others find out that our only purpose to learn Arabic is for the Qur’an and our deen (way of life) as Muslims, etc.

So, small things like intending to keep our kids clean and tidy and help them study better (which is all sunnah) can and will bring blessings throughout our days—so make sure our kids always remember Allah for their glorious blessings, inshaAllah Ta’ala.

So, we’re curious, what do you do so your kids remember you while they’re away from you each day? And, in turn, how have you changed or how can you change it to their remembrance of Allah? Please share these deep thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Reflections of the Audio Post: Changing the Remembrance of Mama to Allah is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

How would you like to co-author a Muslim marriage tip book with American Muslim Mom Ponn Sabra?

We are looking for 32 Muslim moms/wives with their three best tips (plus Ponn), totaling in 99 tips for a Muslim marriage tip ebook.

Through this online form, you have the opportunity to share three personal marriage tips. All tips cannot exceed 200 words, but should be more than 1-2 lines. Recommended is a viable tip plus an anecdote–a funny and personal story that showcases why or how the tip worked or works in your marriage.

Make your submission unique!

Personalized, personable tips make the difference in helping others take action in their lives. Simple tips, with no “storytelling”…even pains or struggles-to-success stories change people’s lives. One person’s 3 tips should be no more than 600-words in total so, 2-3 pages long. You can even add an ayat or hadith. Maybe include how you found out about this tip: Who recommended it? Who inspired you? What didn’t work and what turned around?

The form is your final draft.

Make sure to submit through this form, otherwise we can’t consider your contribution. Please reread and edit your submission, because it will be your final draft, so the less grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, the better. There is only one submission per person, so make sure you write your best tips, Insha’Allah.

Looking forward to those 3 tips! Submit them here.

Co-Author a Muslim Marriage Tip Book With Ponn Sabra! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Lately, I have been feeling extremely spiritually drained. It seems as though the majority of my time gets wasted, or at least not used to the fullest.

In high school, I was really involved with clubs–especially community service. The club did a lot to help the masjid, the school, and local shelters. Ever since I started college though, I’ve focused only on my schoolwork, meeting up occasionally with friends, and using the rest of my time to relax with YouTube videos. Frankly, I feel it’s been quite a selfish use of my time.

There are SO many opportunities to get involved, and I’ve overlooked them one by one. Some new friends have told me that it’s best to get involved. You know, help a person out. My new friends have enlightened me on how wonderfully fortunate I am to have family living next door to me and parents, six beautiful nieces and nephews, older and wiser siblings, opportunities to learn and DO something good with that knowledge, and still two years of college ahead of me InshaAllah.

So SubhanAllah, when I received the email from Khalto Ponn with regards to her American Muslim Mom Nonprofit Foundation, I couldn’t believe the perfect timing. I had decided to research this summer and figure out what I would get involved in to help the world. God has made the research easy for me, as He so often does. I have been presented with opportunities and answers on a silver platter time and time again, Alhamdulillah.

This project is the exact stepping stone I needed to reform my way of life, and Alhamdulillah, I feel truly blessed to InshaAllah be a part of it.

What do you do to get yourself and your kids involved with the local masjid, school, and community? We’d love to read your stories in the comments!

Being A Part of Something Greater is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

While we don’t believe in fantasy, this title should grab your attention right away! But, the deep emotional ride in reading every word my dear, dear colleague of many years and moons ago (back in my Empowering Women Entrepreneurs days), Ann, takes us on a harsh reality shock.

Moms never seem to grasp the true meaning, let alone, the application of mastering quality time management skills, so please emphasize with Ann here on her passionate guest post.

This Fantasy Called Time Management

Like so many mothers, I wanted the flexibility and time to enjoy my daughter while she grew up–something the corporate world didn’t offer. So, I quit my job to start my business.

I didn’t start my business so my young daughter could watch her mother collapse on the floor from exhaustion. But that’s exactly what happened.

My business experienced phenomenal profit growth in less than 3 years.

I worked hard… real hard…working 16 to 18-hour days…hardly any sleep…7 days a week… to create this 6 figure business. No sleep! Within 3 years I could barely move… every joint ached. I felt constantly exhausted with very little energy left. My health and immune system ruined.

Then it happen… one morning, I collapsed on the kitchen floor… terrifying my daughter.

Yes, I took several time management classes, and my bookshelf is filled with several dog eared highlighted time management books. Yet, they didn’t solve the problem of not enough time to get everything done.

Time Management is a Fantasy

It’s something created by the corporate world to measure the productivity and efficiency of their employees. It meant business could turn time into money. Managers looked at how they could “save time” through measuring and controlling how long a worker took to complete any task.

The more an employee could output in a time frame, the more money a company could make. Workers soon found themselves performing under the pressure of the clock. Scheduling each hour in the day to take advantage of every minute. Squeezing more and more activities into a jam packed day.

Traditional time management actually works against the business owner. The invention of time management is for the benefit of the business–created to control employees. It doesn’t deal with the most time draining, pressing issue every successful business owner experiences…Multiplicity of Stuff

What is Multiplicity of Stuff?

First, it’s a sign of a successful business.

Second, it occurs naturally in every successful business.

With each sale and each new customer creates more work, more details, and more paperwork–many of the tasks you don’t have the skills or experience to do.

And you keep putting in more and more hours to keep up with the “stuff” of your business.

When “multiplicity of stuff” hits your business, you tackle it like an employee. Our education system trains and conditions us to become good little employees, to work under the pressure of the clock. The clock controls our lives from the moment of birth. Unfortunately, the employee mindset works against you once your business experiences success.

Traditional time management focuses on squeezing in more and more activities. There are only so many hours in a day, and you can only squeeze so much in it. Time management works against the entrepreneur and keeps you trapped in the “Multiplicity of Stuff” Syndrome. That’s why all those books and classes don’t solve your time issue.

You can see time management has nothing to do with managing your time…

It’s about clock control. You can control the clock.

You, the business owner, have freedom, flexibility, and power over the clock–an option not afforded to the employee. You can decide what activities you want to do and when you want to do them.

Forget time management… think clock management.

We’re so curious of your thoughts and reactions to this post. Please share your a-ha moments. You’re parallel life’s experiences. Your questions and concerns. Just share what it means to You to become a Time-Diva!

Ann Rusnak, The Time Diva, exposes the 3 biggest time management myths that traps your time and profits in her new book Thinking Outside the Clock. Get your free copy for a limited time at www.ThinkingOutsideTheClock.com

This Fantasy Called Time Management is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

If you’re a mom, chances are there’s never a dull moment in your world. Between taking care of the kids, husband, maintaining the home, work and all those errands that keep you on the move, you barely have enough time – let alone energy – to breathe. And that’s a real problem. When it comes to priorities, women tend to place themselves pretty low on their lists. We nurture and care for everyone else assuming that once the kids are older, your husband gets that promotion or when you retire that you’ll find have some spare time to take care of yourself.

So many women feel guilty for wanting to take time out for themselves. Everyone deserves some downtime. You need a chance to rejuvenate and recharge your batteries regularly, otherwise you could find yourself running on empty toward total burnout; and how would that benefit your loved ones? The best thing you can do for your family is make sure you’re at your best mentally, physically and spiritually.

Get Enough Sleep

I’m as guilty as anyone of staying up late to clean, fold laundry or put away the dishes after a busy day; but constant sleep deprivation can predispose you to some very serious risks including weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and other illnesses. Bottom line: you need 7-10 hours a sleep each night.

Avoid Stress

Did you know that chronic stress can make you fat? It triggers the release of cortisol into the bloodstream which causes fat to accumulate around your waist. This in turn increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Chronic stress is also related to high blood pressure.

In today’s world, avoiding stress can seem virtually impossible when you’re constantly worrying about job stability, your children’s well-being, paying bills, etc. Perhaps the first step is to recognize that Allah t’ala is in control of all things, and that He alone knows what is best for us. Sometimes a stressful period is simply a trial, and it needs to be met with patience and understanding that Allah provides ease after difficulty.

You can also find something you enjoy doing that relaxes you, and make time to do it – even if you have to schedule it. For some people, it’s reading or gardening. For others, it may be hiking, martial arts or yoga. Maybe you enjoy painting, knitting or crafting. Allow yourself time to regularly indulge in activities that bring you the most peace.

Delegate

The old saying, “no man is an island” is so true. We all need help from time to time. Unfortunately, it’s not easy for some o to ask for help – even when we know we need it.

Stop trying to carry the load alone. Not only will you end up overloaded with responsibility, but you also assume those around you are completely incapable, and that’s just insulting. Let your husband handle watching the kids while you visit with friends. Trust the kids to fold and put away their own laundry. Assign chores for everyone in the house. Make the next sisters’ luncheon a potluck by delegating dishes and other organizational tasks.

Exercise

Regular workouts strengthen your heart, condition your body, keep your weight under control, reduce stress and improve sleep quality. It also significantly increases energy and creativity. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day – even if it’s just a brisk walk around the block.

Even though you’re a wife, mother, employee or business owner, you have individual needs. Paying attention to those needs means you can do a better job of taking care of those you love.

Do you make regular self-care a priority? What are some things you do for some personal “me” time?

4 Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Ponn Sabra shares numerous tips, resources & experiences in the article “Overscheduled Families: When is It Enough?” Page 51-53, in the “Islamic Horizons” magazine, written by Kiran Ansari.

Kiran directs readers back to these resources:

• Free Museums, Parks, Field Trips in your state – How to find them
• Free Internet Safety Software and Add-Ons – Keeping Your Kids Safe Online.
• Kids Building a Cocktail (Passion Fruit) Canopy.

She even touches upon the girls’ post in that last link!

We’d love to hear your input regarding the debate of what’s considered “too much”? Do you overschedule your kids’ after-school and weekend hours? Or, do you do nothing at all and let them run free? As you know, everything in Islam should be done in moderation; so finding your family’s sweet-middle-spot is most important.

Extracurricular Exhaustion & Overscheduled Families: When Is It Enough? is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

As-salamu alaykum my dear! Peace be upon you.

Alhumdulilah, Praise be to God, this is a glorioustime for me personally and as the Founder and Owner of American Muslim Mom! And, I need your help to make my (and I pray you see it as “our”) next dream come true: Establishing the American Muslim Mom Foundation, a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

First, I lived my first dream of going to Hajj this past fall (Hajj Mabrur, Ya Rabb, Hajj Mabrur. Oh Lord, May You Accept My Completed Hajj). Then, my girls nand I lived in the oppressed, depressed lands during the cold winter months with limited electricity, running water, sewage, or heat, with regular bombings in Gaza. Only to have hubby pick us all us so I can live my next dream of returning to Mecca to make Umrah with my girls, Subhan Allah (Glory be to God)! May Allah accept
our Umrah. Ameen!

[Yes, I was successfully able to run an online business, maintain steady growth in my absence for 6-months, alhumdulilah. Insha Allah, God willing, You can too.]

NONE of this was possible, without clear dedication to staying “Focused on Faith, Family and Financial Freedom” – the company’s new, more appropriate tagline.

I returned determined, focused, and feel destined to show you that ALL these dreams can come true for you and your family. It IS reachable, and it is affordable, but it is NOT easy. It’s filled with tests, trials and tribulations–but, it IS possible. I want nothing more than every Mu’min (true believer) to go to our one and only home: Meccah! Remember, Allah tests those who He loves the most.

Remember, you can only go to Hajj if you are healthy and wealthy. Did you know I was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder in 2005, had more surgeries I can’t count, and even had partial paralysis for nearly a year!? No, because I never whine about it. But, I went to Hajj!

Did you know that we struggled when we left a very handsome, highly successful 2-income lifestyle, so I can homeschool my girls (after a car accident). I was the youngest appointed public health official in the country, at 25 years old, I had a city car, phone, laptop, gas, so much time off, one would wonder why I had such a huge annual salary when I choose to use all my personal time off–since no one else takes time off. But, I went to Hajj…then, Umrah with my 3 girls 5 months later! MashaAllah, God willed, us to return to the States with
HUGE rewards that assure me it’s time, we’re ready…

I KNEW the next step for the American Muslim Mom brand was to open our nonprofit foundation! To grow our already #1 ranked online community and blog network of Muslim moms (and dads) in the world to levels only Allah will allow.

We’ll offer much-needed, much-demanded educational resources affordable to those here in the West, in which 100% of the profits will be used to subsidize our needy sisters throughout the world.

We will continue all annual charitable programs (such as the 4th Annual Summer Islamic Reading Program & 4th Annual Ramadan Qur’an-a-thon Sadaqah Drive) and add new charities to support as we grow (like the Mekani Institute, Tanzania Orphanage).

Also, I didn’t want any pretenses as I begin to “sell” my products and services; because money is NOT my goal.

It hit first (though I didn’t know it) right after we finished the 2nd of 3 Umrahs. I mentioned that with the additional big discount we received for a particular hotel, I said, let’s tell X (our dearest and best friends) so their whole family could make Umrah…I’m sure both parties will be happy to give me 10% of the “finder’s fee”.

Hubby’s extremely adamant reply was,

“No! WE do not profit off of Hajj or Umrah. WE do NOT need the money. WE need the hasanats (good deeds)!

Long pause…which I thought was of possible disgust or embarassment…

He continued with a genuinely nice calm smile, as my girls eagerly awaited his next words…

“Tell them because it’s the right thing to do. Tell them, so WE gain the only reward we want in this life…To go to Jennah (Heaven).”

“Insha Allah” (God willing) my girls and I chimed in. [Sign #1]

While it took me one more Umrah, and about a week of being on home safely in the States. After what seemed like a very passionate night (no, I was alone; it was the first night after hubby returned to work–out of state).

Anyways, I woke up for fajr completely refreshed, excited, with a very CLEAR message: “Open a nonprofit.” That’s it. [Sign #3]

As if I prayed istikarah (prayer of guidance)…I had a definite decision and the blueprint was written out for me in my head. Within days, I secured the DBA (Doing Business As), and EIN (Employee Identification Number) for the Foundation, and received incredible legal advice.
Such great consul, that the nonprofit business adviser AND attorney, not only were ecstatic to see I was WAY ahead of the game–but they both were cheering me on, anticipating all the great things I have planned!

And, No, they are not Muslim. They are simply convinced but my past professional and business achievements, and the amount of preparation I completed on my own as a “layperson”. I will not fail, they insisted, insha Allah, God willing!

So, I need your help! For 3 years, I volunteered all my time, energy, and money into growing this company. I paid my nearly-dozen outsourcers, and never taking a single penny. Alhumdulilah, every time I gave a little to Allah’s cause, He multiplied my family’s rewards in ways we Never could imagine. Ya Rabb, May we always remain Your humble servants. Ameen!

It’s time to call for your help to bring us to the next level.

The next 12-months are already set with a business coach to assure we launch all the products and services you’ve been requesting of me for the past 3 years. We have a committed “staff” of 7 (a couple have auxiliary assistance as well). So, will you commit to this journey too?

We are hosting a Help Build Our American Muslim Mom Foundation GoFundMe Campaign here.

Nearly 50% off “49 Daily Du’a for the Muslim Mom” ebook

If you and the entire online community members donates $7, we WILL reach our goal. By sponsoring at the Pewter Level, you will also get my upcoming “49 Daily Du’a for the Muslim Mom” ebook to launch later this month, valued at $12. So, that’s nearly 50% off!

But, I REALLY need your help in spreading the word. We have multiple levels of sponsorship geared to home-based business moms and small business owners. So, please use your social media power, and forward this email to other sisters in Islam, Facebook, Tweet, Pin It and bookmark! Please be sure to tag or mention me, so I can thank or ReTweet you for your efforts!

It’s because I read just about every email, comment, tweet, DM, PM, IM_messages I get; that I can assure you I’m listening. It’s with your assistance, I can give you answers and solutions to your most pressing concerns of raising true believers, here in the West, AND more importantly in Muslim countries! I tell you, we have it SO much better in America. Don’t believe me!?

Donate Now, so I can focus my time writing, talking, sharing and launching all the real truths of living a devout life Focused on Faith  (Islam), Family (wifehood and mommyhood) and Financial Freedom (living debt-free, using only cash, and going to Hajj and Umrah with a large family with no mortgage, interest-bearing accounts, while not depleting any of our savings)!*

* My claims are real…Lying is Haram! However, I bear no responsibility nor promise that if you follow my advice, you will or can achieve equivalent success. These proven strategies are dependent on many personal factors, such as support, desire, tenacity, application of new
knowledge, etc.

**Yet, I assure I’m not only dead-honest, and straight-talking; but I’m MORE determined than ever to expose the misinformation,  misguidance that Muslim Moms worldwide are receiving today by so-called “scholars” in Islam. And, I spice everything up with my odd-humor and definitive tone of experience.

Helping You Stay Focused on Faith, Family and
Financial Freedom, I leave you now
Fe amani Allah, In the trust of God,
Your sister in Islam Ponn

P.S. For your information, 51% of our traffic comes from the U.S., but 49% come from 123 other countries. And, 1 single IP can account
for entire masjids, Islamic schools and dozens of parents. How do I know?

Can you believe? After our 2nd Umrah, we traveled to Madinah to Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet’s sallalahu alayhi wa salem, peace and blessing be upon him, masjid). In the millions of Muslim families we can possibly pray next to, a Pakistani-Brit now living in Qatar, opened a Islamic after-school and weekend program simply to help her own kids.

My girls were chatting with her 2 daughters between magrib and ishaa. Three years later, the program has over 130 kids, 100s of parents; and is housed in the masjid now. When talking about available, reliable, Islamic resources for kids and moms in English–American Muslim Mom was on HER list to recommend to me!

Subhan Allah! Glory be to God! My girls were stunned! I was floored!

She continued to explain, that her one computer in Qatar (I noticed 3 IPs the next time I got online) accounts for 100s of parents, and spans farther than their one masjid; because she prints, copies, and passes out tons of my Our stuff.

So, no, I purposefully forget [Sign #2].

All things for Allah, comes in odd-numbers, and I believe these were my 3 Signs to move forward. Leaving one always dedicated to Allah, subhan Allahu wa T’ala (May He be Glorified).

Subhan Allah. Alhumdulilah. Allahu Akhbar.
Glory be to God. Praise be to God. God is the Greatest.

If you’ve made to the very end of this letter, jazaka Allahu khayrun (May Allah grant you goodness)…I’m SO pleased you felt it was worth your investment in time. Having made it this far, won’t you share it with all your family, friends, and following?

Please Facebook Like @americanmuslimmom, Tweet @ponnsabra, or Pin It @amuslimmom Today!
Again, please don’t forget to mention or tag us, so we can thank you!

Oh, and make sure we become friends as well. Personal comments and notes grab my attention. Blank requests just stay in my inbox as
forgettable spam, and often just deleted.

As-salamu alaykum my dear sister (brother) in Islam.
Peace be upon you.

Alhumdulilah, Praise be to God, this is a glorious time for me personally and as the Founder and Owner of American Muslim Mom! And, I need your help to make my (and I pray you see it as “our”) next dream come true: Establishing the American Muslim Mom Foundation, a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

First, I lived my first dream of going to Hajj this past fall (Hajj Mabrur, Ya Rabb, Hajj Mabrur. Oh Lord, May You Accept My Completed Hajj). Then, my girls and I lived in the oppressed, depressed lands during the cold winter months with limited electricity, running water,
sewage, or heat, with regular bombings in Gaza. Only to have hubby pick us all us so I can live my next dream of returning to Mecca to make Umrah with my girls, Subhan Allah (Glory be to God)! May Allah accept our Umrah. Ameen!

Check out our new Foundation page here!

Or, donate at least your $7; so you get our upcoming ebook, “49 Daily Du’a for the Muslim Mom” which will launch later this month for $12. Nearly 50% off.

Helping You Stay Focused on Faith, Family and Financial Freedom, I leave you now
Fe amani Allah, In the trust of God,
Your sister in Islam Ponn

Help Build Our American Muslim Mom Nonprofit Foundation! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Please make sure to read Part 1 of this post first.

Last post, I told you about another dream of mine that came true–taking my girls with me to Umrah, Alhamdulillah.

What’s Our Dream Now?

So now, what’s my dream? To return to Mecca and Medina over and over again! To go to the ONLY real home of the Mu’minun. To renew my life, to weep, to beg for forgiveness, to thank Allah subhanallahu wa Ta’ala for ALL the many blessings He bestowed on my humble family, and to help as many Muslim moms and their families do the same.

I’m driven, determined, and feel destined to help you achieve this in the most economical way possible. This is so you can rush to fulfill your 5th most grueling, yet most incredible (which is an understatement) pillar of Islam. We must ALL rush to Hajj–think it’s only dream while sleeping!?

No! Plan, pray, work wisely, and plan and pray some more. Allah WILL make it possible.

When awed by Allah’s presence in His House, you don’t want to leave. Honestly, there’s NO better place I want to die then in sujood in Masjid al-Haram! Ya Rabb, May I be of the most righteous and pious to be at such peace to serve You in such an honorable way. Ameen!

What about Consumerism?

I’m a HUGE advocate for tapping into the American Muslim Consumer Market–$200 billion. See my past posts below:

• The American Muslim Market is Rich, Educated, Growing Fast
• Thanks Western Union – Targeted American Muslim Consumer Marketing
• Muslim Consumers are Young, Innovative, Well-Connected and Extremely Loyal too
• Atlanta Post Urges U.S. Companies to Tap Into the American Muslim Consumer Market

But, KNOW that I’m against and feel the exploitation of our dollars is haram!

My girls and I weep and had our stomachs ache in pain to see the poor suffering in the oppressed lands of Gaza, even more so in the poor of the rich, rich land of Saudi Arabia. You think Hollywood is bad, but have you ever driven in Detroit and wondered who’s driving the Aston Martins & Lamborghinis? They are Saudi college students, and typically those are their very first cars. We witnessed people shopping in brand name stores that only millionaires and billionaires shop at…DURING Hajj, while they were “strolling” between Mina & Mecca!

I’m against this. I prefer to be frugal, educated, and wise…not extravagant and wasteful.

Ask me your questions. Share your concerns.

• Are you fed up with empty promises, outrageous use of “halal” this or that?
• Or, do you feel there are not enough halal services?
• Ever witness abuse of affluence in Muslims and think it makes Hollywood movie stars look like bargain shoppers?
• What are you doing to make your dreams come true?
• Are your and your kids’ dreams to go to Mecca?

My girls and I have traveled all over the world, and our only dream was Mecca…now, it’s still Mecca…but, we have a HUGE list of Muslim and non-Muslim countries we want to visit because we saw Muslims in Saudi from these countries. Hundreds of countries really. The cultural and geography lesson alone for visiting Mecca is another post in and of itself. Oh, and the architecture & engineering lessons for building in, on, and around mountains–amazing! God-inspired, really

So, please share away. My girls and I intend, InshaAllah, to share posts, audios, pictures and more. Your comments will help us prioritize what to focus on first, InshaAllah.

May All Mu’minun fulfill their 5th pillar of Hajj. Ameen!

Another Dream Came True – Part 2 is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I’ve been so overwhelmed, and there’s so little time. I have so many pictures, audio, and video, but don’t know what to share or send first! We’ve made three umrahs with the girls so far, Alhamdulillah, and my hubby made two additional ones. We visited MANY sacred lands that Muslims only dream about stepping on as our blessed Rasul salallahu alayhi wa sallam stepped on 1400 years ago.

I just know that I’m ever so humbled by ALL of Allah’s blessings, Alhamdulillah.

Umrah with the Kids, Another Dream Come True

First my dream to go to Hajj was fulfilled with my husband. Then I returned to the girls two weeks later, and all three with eager eyes and ears awaited my answer to their question: So, what’s your dream now Mama?

My answer: To return to Mecca and make umrah with you!

After being SO drained from the over-exhausting and difficult, life we lived in the oppressed lands of Gaza, little did I ever believe that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala would bless my family so handsomely to have us return together to His most sacred land just five months later!

I cannot go into details, as I have yet to even share the wealth of knowledge, humility, blessings, and gratitude I gained, learned, and felt from experiencing Hajj. But, umrah with kids–what a blessing! SO different, SO rewarding, and SO challenging in many, many ways. Hard, yet easy. Exhausting, yet invigorating!

But, rest assured, my family is eager to share our many tips, so you and your family can make umrah, too, in an affordable way. I mean without a travel agent, so you can experience much more than an agent can EVER arrange for you and your family to experience as much as your umrah visit allows.

We walked and hiked the streets and mountain tops from all the locations of Hajj, to all the places of Hajj. Some were closed off or too crowded, and pilgrims actually died this year (and all previous years, Allahu hamil, May Allah bless them).

• Masjid Nimarah in Mount Arafat
• Mountain Rahmah in Mount Arafat
• Mountain Noor to the Cave Herah where the revelations of Angel Gibrel alayhi salam where made
• Then to Medina, such as Masjid Qubaa where 2-rakas equals an umrah (sunnah)
• Mountain Uhud
• All the graveyards in Medina, Uhud, and Badr, though the girls and I did not look at them–only hubby and our boy cousins
• Masjid Aresh in Bader

We attended the masajid or drove to visit all six of the miqaat (destinations to make ihraam). I know there are many more places I’m forgetting but we learned SO much Islamic history, geography, and of course renewed our eman (faith) to always have taqwa (God-consciousness).

Heaven on Earth

Oh! How could I forget?! I brought my girls (as I did it myself during Hajj) to Rawdah! The only place on Earth that’s a part of Jennah, the place between the Rasul’s (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) house & his minbar (where he gave his khutbah). As the adventurous homeschooling, inquiring, and curious mom that I am, I got one of the scholarly workers to tour me and my girls to see the details of the Rawdah. We even got to see the place where Sahabah Bilal radiallahu anhu made the adhan. The tour guide even let us stay until the mu’adhin himself climbed to call Asr’s adhan ending the women’s visitation time for men-only!

Hubby (as it was not conducive or safe for women) individually took each girl to pray IN the Ka’bah, inside the Hijri, and touch/look in Miqam Ibrahim. They were four feet away from the door as he touched it while he made our precious du’a for dunya and akhira. We all made tawaf almost every day in Mecca, and got so close to the black stone.  Many times we saw it, but it wasn’t worth going to touch it, as men were literally fighting, kicking, yelling, swearing, pulling, (haram) just to get to it.

I’m still in awe, and my extended family both Muslim (hubby’s side) and non-Muslim (my side) are overwhelmed by my change in demeanor, attitude, and sense of peace to live more profoundly and deeply for Allah’s sake, approval, pleasure, and His alone. MashaAllah, I’m the first woman in my generation to be so fortunate to make Hajj, let alone umrah…and our girls the same. I want SO much for all my brothers and sisters, the Mu’minun to accomplish the same dream, Insha’Allah.

Why do you think Hajj & Umrah with kids is an impossible dream? Ask me what concerns you most! Money? Savings? Where do kids stay during Hajj? Will kids enjoy, understand, and appreciate umrah?

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog post, Insha’Allah. Thanks for reading.

Another Dream Came True – Part 1 is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

• As A Muslim Mom, What Are Your Biggest Problems?: Have you downloaded, read, taken notes, and applied the many t… http://t.co/kb0Vv3um #
• http://t.co/Aag0KyQp The Prophet sallah Allahu alayhi wa salem interpreting dreams… #
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• Had a BBQ lunch, planning a BBQ dinner, watching @kidbloggersclub climb trees as I type my book. No complaints here #
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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-05 is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Do you have a question for American Muslim Mom, Ponn Sabra? She wants to answer!

The community’s top questions will be answered in future articles, podcasts, cinch tips, and more Insha’Allah. Whatever your question is–whether it’s sustaining a strong relationship with our Lord, being a devout Muslim mom/wife/daughter, succeeding as a social media blogger, halal affordable trips with the kids, homeschooling…anything–ask your one question today!

Submit your question through the form by clicking here.

Ask American Muslim Mom! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Wordless Wednesday

 Which picture is your favorite? Please share with us in the comments.

Life in Gaza: Our Best Day Yet is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I love a good muffin.  Life as a busy mama to three kiddos doesn’t always allow time to sit down for a leisurely breakfast.  Muffins are a great way to grab breakfast on the go.  With a cup of coffee, milk, or juice, it gives me just enough energy to get through my hectic mornings without feeling starved.

This pumpkin version came together from a recipe I make often.  I found myself without bananas and was able to substitute pumpkin puree with super yummy results.  These were a hit at my daughter’s Girl Scout meeting.

‘Good Morning Pumpkin’ Muffins

Slightly adapted from Wake Up Muffins

Ingredients

• 1  cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 2  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1  8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2  cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4  cups sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup pumpkin puree, canned or fresh
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  cup semisweet chocolate chips or pieces

Directions

1. Line 24 regular muffin cups with paper cups. In a small bowl, combine chopped nuts, the 3 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar with an electric mixer until well combined.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the bananas, coffee powder, and vanilla.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda.  Gradually beat the flour mixture into the cream cheese mixture on low speed until combined. Stir in the chocolate pieces.
5. Stir in half of the nut mixture into the batter.  Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full. I measured out 1/4 cup per cup. Made exactly 24. Sprinkle with remaining pecan mixture. I used about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of topping for each muffin.
6. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Remove muffins from pan and serve warm.

 Have you ever tried making your own muffins? How did they turn out? Leave us a comment below!

Recipe: ‘Good Morning Pumpkin’ Muffins is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-28 is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Have you downloaded, read, taken notes, and applied the many tips in my FREE 23-page ebook, “Balancing Life as a Muslim Mom” yet? I conquer the top priorities to being a Muslim Mom: Challenges of Marriage, Motherhood & Money, based on the incredibly supportive feedback I’ve received.

I’m honored and humbled that at least three Imams have used my ebook for khutbah topics, discussions, halaqahs. Plus, dozens and dozens of personal emails co-written by husbands and wives sharing that  the hubby downloaded the ebook and read it first to “approve” its content, only to find themselves the biggest supporters. Husbands rave they’ll have all their wives, sisters, daughters, mothers, mother-in-laws…all the women in their lives read it. MashAllah!

I’ve read dozens and dozens of emails, comments, and social media posts asking for more–more tips and more practical and DO-able advice.

I have handwritten 49 Daily Du’a for the Muslim Mom all designed as expected, not arrogantly or scholarly, nor in a way that talks down to you like a man telling you you’re wrong. It’s profound and deep, but I think also hysterical, even  stomach-wrenching at times for the very a-ha’s I gained in the process that gave me some guilt for my mistakes I often admit in the book. But, I want to make sure I didn’t leave out a single pressing problem that’s a priority in Your Life!

Did I tackle your most pressing concerns? Issues? Fears? Worries? Faults? Weaknesses?

I also praise you quite a bit…no guilt-trips here. You’re sure to laugh at my own harsh realization that I’m by far NOT close to perfection…rather a fallible, sinful, mortal. Being dedicated humbly to serving our Lord, eager to please only Him is the primary goal. But often we let the perils of our long exhausting day as Mom…let alone the added pressure uniqueness of being a Muslim Mom living in America.

So, lay it on me…please comment openly, honestly…and, kindly, of course below!

As A Muslim Mom, What Are Your Biggest Problems? is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

We live very simple, green, as-natural-as-possible lives, and I’m happy to share more articles about sustainability for all of us to learn from. Tom’s tips below are designed to get you and your kids to enjoy the process as a way of life, rather than a drudgery. I’m so happy to read, that my family and I do everything listed below.

My greenest-daughter, our soon-to-be 9 year-old “baby” particularly LOVES shopping in the organic section of the grocery store with me.

When I read the article with the girls, the other two yelled, “We love doing that too…but, you always have us running around the store picking up other food.” They continued to share that the organic foods are always the best, so picking the sales, or trying new products is always the best part. Who would’ve known that a guest post would remind me not to leave anyone out of the organic aisles ever again!?

As for the community garden, that was our very first garden, and my girls remember it fondly…and as the article shares, it’s entirely different than our successive home gardens. So, please try them both.

Last, when we introduced 1-day meatless dinners about 5-6 years ago, it has brought more cultural dishes, new flavors, and a big savings to our budget!

Teaching Your Child About Sustainability

If you want your children to grow up to contribute to protecting the environment, you need to teach them about sustainability from a young age. There are lots of activities you can do to help your children learn about why it is important to protect the environment and how they can do so.

Plant a Garden

Children often enjoy working in the garden during spring and summer months, and this activity can help teach them a lot about sustainability. Planting a garden teaches children that gardening is both hard work and something to be proud of. When your children see all the work that goes into growing food, they are more likely to be grateful for the food on their plates and to treat it respectfully by not overeating and not wasting food.

When you plant your garden, make sure you use organic planting processes so that your children can learn about organic, natural gardening. Give your children age-appropriate tasks to do in the garden each day such as watering the plants or spraying natural pest repellents on their plants. Allow them to choose which plants they want to grow and teach them how to grow those plants. These activities will help your children feel more responsible towards the Earth and towards nature because they play such a large role in producing food for themselves and the rest of the family.

Join a Community Garden

In addition to gardening on your own, it’s important that you and your children join a community garden. Community gardens require members to help one another produce food for the entire community. Your children will learn more about sustainability as a way of life when they participate in community gardening activities; they will also learn about the value of cooperation and about sharing and giving back to the community.

Community gardens are often good resources for things you don’t have the room to teach about at home. For example, if you would like to teach your children to use food waste as compost but don’t have enough room in your garden for a compost heap, you can often do this activity at a community garden.

Choose Organic Foods With Your Children

Take your children to the organic section of your supermarket, or better yet, to the local farmer’s market to pick out organic fruits and vegetables. Let your children pick the produce that they are most attracted to and involve them in cooking it. While you are buying food and cooking it, you can also teach your children about the nutrients in different types of fruits and vegetables.

Going to the local farmer’s market has several other advantages if you want to teach your children about sustainability. You can talk with your children about the differences between farmer’s markets and supermarkets such as price, being able to talk directly to the people growing and selling the food, and being able to buy exactly what you need. You can also teach your children the value of supporting local organic farming if you shop with them at farmer’s markets.

Teach Your Children About Recycling

Avoid using disposable products such as disposable diapers or plastic utensils if at all possible. Talk to your children about what happens after you throw away these types of products. Visit a recycling plant with your children so that you can learn as a family the best way to recycle and institute new rules at home for recycling.

Go Meatless At Least Once a Week

Since the meat industry contributes greatly to greenhouse emissions, you can help teach your kids about sustainability by going meatless at least once a week. Find fun vegetarian recipes to make with your kids, and let your children help plan the menu for vegetarian meals. As your children get used to vegetarian meals, consider increasing the number of meatless days.

So, we’re curious…are you implementing some or all the sustainability tips above with your kids? If not, aren’t they simple enough to start today? Have other tips to share? We’ll be writing more on being green, not just for the environment, but for Islam. InshaAllah, not sure what I mean by that, then you obviously haven’t read my free “Balancing Life as a Muslim Mom” yet; so please download it by subscribing below today!

Author Bio: Tom writes for Heating Oil Shopper, a leading source of information on a range of topics related to oil prices.

photo credit: martin…T

Teaching Your Child About Sustainability is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

After spending nearly 6-months in oppressed land, no dedicated electricity, and hardships beyond acceptable limits, we returned home determined to keep our habits of living without electricity and apply it to the consumer-driven lives here in America. Conservation goes FAR beyond saving dollars on the electricity bill, or saving the Earth; it’s about appreciating Allah’s creations (people & all living things) SO much that we don’t want to be wasteful in anything: our lives, time, money, and natural resources! Living simple & more green has to come from the core of wanting to worship and praise Allah subhana wa Ta’ala first and foremost. We’ll sustain together!

Jakob details some awesome ways for the entire family to start saving electricity right now, and every day forward!

10 Electricity-Saving Tips

If electricity was like water, it could be collected in buckets and used for various chores around the house, but anyone who pays the bills knows it’s not that simple. That’s why being more conscious about how we use power can help save significant dollars throughout the year. Doing so will also help the environment because the less electricity that needs to be generated by power plants, the less pollution they will spew into the air.

That being the case, there are two main things to keep in mind when trying to start cutting back on household electrical usage. One is to understand a bit more about what machines and devices around the household are energy vultures. The second is simply having a greater awareness of when to flip the switch and turn something off.

The following are a few tips that incorporate both ideas and can lead us towards better savings on home electrical usage.

1. Lights: The standard incandescent bulb is slowly being faded out for better energy saving bulbs called compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). The difference is that CFLs produce less pollution when manufactured and can last hundreds, sometimes thousands of hours longer. If you’re still using an incandescent bulb, switching to CFLs makes sense. Otherwise, as most electricians will suggest, when it comes to lighting, timers and motion sensors are a smart way of cutting down on electrical usage. Utilizing natural sunlight during the day can be another positive factor.
2. Small appliances: Believe it or not, many small appliances in your home like coffee makers, microwaves, and mixers still use low levels of voltage when attached to electricity but not in use. For this reason it’s important to unplug them whenever they are idle.
3. Refrigerators: Refrigerators run 24/7 and attempt to keep food fresh with a constant temperature, yet every time the door opens and as long as it stays open, it loses degrees and must work hard to bring it back up to speed. To prevent extra energy usage, open the door as little as possible and for short moments. Replacing old appliances with newer energy saving ones will also contribute to better efficiency.
4. Stove tops: If you use an electric stove top (even if you use gas), covering pots when boiling water speeds up the process. It’s also beneficial to keep in mind that depending on the situation, boiled water can often be immediately reused before it cools. For example, if you were steaming green beans, use that water for boiling eggs. It takes a little planning but will save some time and most of all energy.
5. Laundry: Do full loads and line dry, or at least hang wet clothing on a drying rack inside your home.
6. In the yard: Instead of using electric lawnmowers, weed whackers, and trimmers, try manual yard equipment. It may require a little extra push, but you’ll be saving in the bank. Also, pick up some solar powered lights for the yard and walkway.
7. HVAC systems: Drafts are the bane of heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems because the loss or infiltration of air forces them to work harder upping the energy usage. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, try to only heat or cool rooms being used, and change or clean HVAC filters every few months for better efficiency. To make a further difference, dress accordingly in the summer and have extra blankets readily available in the winter. That way, you’ll touch the thermostat less frequently.
8. Ceiling fans: If you have a choice between installing an HVAC system or ceiling fans, know that the latter uses little electricity, and when set in reverse, blows warm air down. Another simple way to achieve a more comfortable room temperature is utilizing the sun–letting more in when it’s cold and less in when it’s too hot.
9. Computers: Computers not in use should be turned off or put to sleep for the night. To micromanage hard drives, monitors, and other related devices like printers in unison plug them all into one electrical strip that simultaneously turns power on and off.
10. Voltage converters: If you have to use a converter, make sure it’s not left plugged in. Keeping it in the wall can increase energy usage.

Aren’t all of Jakob’s tips doable? What do you find hard, easy or fair? Do you do everything already as an All-Natural-Mama? If so, please share additional tips in the comments below as well.

Jakob Barry is a home improvement journalist for Networx.com. He also blogs for pros across the U.S. like electrical contractors in Cincinnati, OH and Dallas, TX electricians.

photo credit: Nioxxe

Daily Tips for Saving on Electricity is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-21 is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I’m always trying to improve the way my family eats.  I strive to serve meals using as many healthy ingredients as I can fit into a recipe.  I’ve attempted making brown rice in the past, but I have always had unappetizing results.  It would either be too mushy or crunchy–sometimes even a mixture of both.  I gave up and went back to cooking to more forgiving white rice.

I recently came across a recipe that called for baking the rice in the oven.  It was a technique I never considered, but I was willing to give it a shot.  It required a short list of ingredients and was a cinch to assemble.  I was pleasantly surprised when the rice was cooked thoroughly but still had a nice bite to it.  The texture was exactly as it should have been.  In one attempt, I was convinced that it was possible to make brown rice successfully.  The great part is that my family enjoyed it.  Yay for fiber!

Foolproof Baked Brown Rice via Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain, medium-grain, or short-grain brown rice
• 2 1/3 cups water
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter or vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 375 degrees.  Spread rice in 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Bring water and butter to a boil, covered, in a medium saucepan.  Once boiling, immediately stir in salt and pour water over rice in baking dish.  Cover baking dish tightly with 2 layers of aluminum foil.  Transfer baking dish to oven and bake rice until tender, about 1 hour.
3. Remove baking dish from oven and uncover.  Fluff rice with fork, then cover with kitchen towel and let rice stand for 5 minutes.  Uncover and let rice stand 5 minutes longer.  Serve immediately.

Variation: Curried Baked Brown Rice with Tomatoes and Peas

1. Increase amount of butter to 2 tablespoons and melt in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 minced small onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add one 14.5 ounce can drained diced tomatoes and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.  Set aside.
5. Substitute vegetable broth for water and reduce amount of salt to 1/8 teaspoon.  After pouring broth over rice, stir tomato mixture into even layer.
6. Bake as directed, increasing baking time to 70 minutes.  Before covering baking dish with kitchen towel, stir in 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas.

Note: I doubled this recipe and used a 9×13 baking dish. 

Have you ever tried cooking brown rice? How did it turn out?

Recipe: Foolproof Baked Brown Rice is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Remember our previous post, Life in Gaza: Produce. From Stand to Shelf? If you haven’t read it yet, click on the link to discover how the family and I managed to store fresh in Gaza without a refrigerator.

Subhanallah, just when I had finished writing that post, a friend shared this awesome blogpost, “How to Store Fresh Produce from Apple to Zucchini.” She made a handy printable too! Never let those fresh fruits and veggies spoil again, InshaAllah!

Do you have any tips to prevent produce from getting spoiled? If so, please share in the comments section.

 photo credit: William Ismael | Willpower LifeForce

How to Store Fresh Produce is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

When a woman is expecting, she eagerly anticipates the birth of her baby. For nine months she has dreamed about holding her infant, counting the tiny toes and examining every inch of the newest member of her family.  Most women can’t wait to get to know this precious, brand-new person. Whether a new mother is preparing for her first baby, or an experienced mother is trying to plan for how to balance a new baby with other children, the transition to motherhood is different with every baby.

Preparing for labor and delivery has probably consumed most of a mother’s time. Taking childbirth classes, planning for natural or medicated pain management and setting up a nursery are all common steps that consume much of a woman’s pregnancy. Although labor and delivery is a big event in a mother’s life, it is a small stepping stone on the journey to motherhood, so many preparations should be made for post-delivery as well.

Planning Ahead

Just like anything else, making a plan can help diminish worries.  A new mother should plan for the inevitable chaos that a new baby will bring to her usual schedule as much as possible.  An expectant mother may want to consider making a few casseroles for the freezer that will feed the family in the first few weeks of the baby’s life.  In the last few weeks of pregnancy, an expectant mother may want to make an effort to keep the house clean and the laundry caught up so she doesn’t have to worry about those chores when she returns home or when guests visit the new baby.

The postpartum period is not the time for a mother to try to do it all on her own. Mothers with a newborn should try to recruit help from family and friends in the first few weeks. However, a new mother should choose her helpers wisely; having trusted family and friends around will keep a mother comfortable. Mothers should not be embarrassed about taking advantage of friends who offer to help in the first few weeks.  Most of the time, people are eager to help and would gladly come watch the children while the new mother takes a nap or a shower.

Mental Adjustments

Motherhood changes the mindset of a woman, especially for first time mothers.  A woman who is accustomed to staying busy with work may chafe at staying home on her maternity leave.  Feeling too tired to get anything done can be frustrating to women used to having a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.  New mothers should understand that, although they may not get to household chores or workplace tasks each day, they are still accomplishing a lot by feeding, changing and holding their babies.  Women who are frustrated in the postpartum period should realize that this season of life is very short, and it will not be long before they are back to normal.

The postpartum period can seem a bit overwhelming, but by recruiting help and planning ahead, mothers can stay positive and enjoy this transient period of their lives. Although a new mother may be exhausted, the first few weeks of a baby’s life are a precious time that should be savored.

“This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche.  If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.”

As the trimesters quickly fly by, the last one is usually filled with mixed emotions: from excitement to anxiousness. Fortunately, Katie’s guest post is filled with great tips for New Moms or reminders for mothers expecting their 2nd, 3rd or even 11th baby!

 photo credit: kmroselle

Preparing for the Transition to Motherhood is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-14 is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Having three little girls ages five to newborn is very tiring.  My calories and time have to count. To get a bit of a recharge I bake a batch of biscotti.  It’s not as labor intensive as one may think.  I remember being quite intimidated by biscotti recipes in the past, but after making it the first time, I realized how simple the process actually is.  Just over 100 calories a piece, I get a good dose of healthy ingredients that come together in a tasty way.

It’s nice to briefly indulge in my hobby of baking and reap the reward of a healthy snack once it’s complete.  It’s a small boost that helps get me through my day of mom duties.

Power Biscotti 

via Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2001

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/4 wheat bran or wheat germ
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife.  Combine flour and next 7 ingredients in a large bowl.  Combine oil, extracts,  and eggs;  add to flour mixture, stirring until well blended (dough will be dry and crumbly).
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 7 to 8 times. Divide dough in half.  Shape each portion into an 8 inch long roll. Place rolls 6 inches apart on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; flatten each roll to a 1 inch thickness.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Remove rolls from baking sheet; cool 10 minutes on a wire rack.  Reduce temperature to 325 degrees.  Cut each roll diagonally into 15 (1/2 inch) slices. Place slices cut side down on baking sheet.  Bake 8 minutes. Turn cookies over, and bake an additional 8 minutes (cookies will be slightly soft in center but will harden as they cool).  Remove from baking sheet; cool completely on wire rack.

Try it out and leave us a comment on how it turned out! We’d love to hear your feedback, InshaAllah.

Recipe: Power Biscotti is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog