*...chasing Rainbow

Chasing Rainbow: Unschooling & Diversity Reading Club

2012-10-28T12:46:00.001-04:00

Bismillah...

The biggest goal that I had this year regarding developing Rainbow's reading and love of books was building his multicultural library. Unschooling is dear to my heart, and I take it seriously. I was very apprehensive about buying "baby" books ONLY, because I want his library to be something that he grows with, inshaAllah. Sometimes, I see Amira and Iman quietly reading some of Rainbow's books without him, so I know that the variations (titles, multicultural content, and themes) are beyond just small children. These are books he will grow with.

One of Rainbow's bucket-list items was to read 100 books in a year...not only did Rainbow read over 100 books, but we had a great number of books that are now on my favorites list, and we met some new authors that we love like Mem Fox,Ginger Foglesong Guy, Trish Cooke, and Karen Baicker (to name a few), and we continued to read from some of our favorite authors like Karen Katz, and David McKee (Elmer books).

...with themes about family, fun, language, diversity, creativity, and depths of emotions that even young children can connect with on some level, we just couldn't get enough of these stories. Here is Rainbow's top 21 picks from 2011-12...

*roll over pic of book to see what it's about...

Did you read any good books this year?

Chasing Rainbow: Bucketlist

2012-10-28T12:20:00.002-04:00

A'ouzo billahi min-aash-shaitan-ir-rajeem. Bismillah...

Rainbow had much to do before he was 2. While we did not update our bucket list here..he was very busy keeping us on our toes, and crossing off his bucket-list What did Rainbow do all year?

~~Learn Quran/Islam with ummi~~
~~Pray (perform al salat with ummi ...did it with baba))~~
Visit grandma & grandpa in Egypt
~~Visit the zoo - May 2012~~
~~Bake cookies with ummi~~ 12.28.12
~~Read 100 books in one year~~
~~Say French words consistently~~
~~Say Arabic words consistently~~
~~Make Ramadan crafts with ummi~~
~~Make Eid crafts with ummi~~
Go to Banff with ummi, baba, Iman & Amira
Make and fly a kite
~~Jump in a big puddle~~ 3.16.12
~~Create art outside with ummi~~
Make a snow angel
Make finger paint with ummi
Wear big boy underwear ALL DAY
Visit a farm/petting zoo
Make papier mache with ummi
~~Go swimming with baba~~
~~Discover nature~~
Make a snowman
Make fruit kababs with Iman & Amira
~~Play soccer in the park~~
~~Go for a walk in the snow~~ 1. 12.12
~~Speak with grandma & grandpa on Messenger~~
~~Go fishing with baba~~
~~Swing in the park~~
Make mud pies
~~Sleep in a big boy bed~~
~~Go to Mother-Goose story-time with ummi~~
~~Join bookclub at the library~~ 1.5.12
~~be nice to Amira...no beating up my big sister :)~~
~~dress myself~~
~~Have a "boys" day with baba~~
~~Enjoy Story-time in rhyme with ummi & baba at the library~~ 1. 22.12
~~brush/comb my hair~~ 1.16.12

What did you do in 2012?

Chasing Rainbow: 2 years old

2012-10-28T12:06:00.005-04:00

Bismillah...

Rainbow is 24 months old mashaAllah...lots to share...

his favorite words are"mama"..."car"..."les fleurs"..."la"..."book"..."aiwa..." ..."kitty cat..."..."egg"...
he is persistent and stubborn
he loves to share- unless you touch, think about touching, look at or go near his cars
he has been weaned for 2 months, and has had a huge growth spurt
he loves reading and banging on the computer
(don't even know what to say...he's just happy and healthy, mashaAllah- can't ask for more.)

Stay tuned for more posts about Rainbow's 2nd year...inshaAllah.

Honestly

2012-09-16T23:46:00.000-04:00

Bismillah...

the blog is empty and boring- yes- i know it is but my life has been anything but
i've been down more than up lately
but i keep on going
i see the light at the end of the tunnel
but i don't know how far i have to go to get to the other side
on the upside- far on the other end of the spectrum
i have a lot of blessings so i don't dwell on it
i do what i do

many words never get pass my lips
i try to keep it all in perspective
i don't know how much i will write here
for now
please visit my personal blog

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Back to School with Petralingua

2012-08-13T09:56:00.002-04:00

Bismillah...

It's almost that time again. In fact, I think some of you parents are already seeing your kids off to school. I can't believe how fast the Summer holidays went. This summer, Rainbow is not in daycare- he is staying home with the girls. There were small and great adventures- and it's not over yet. Trying to keep the kids busy, with all their likes and dislikes (more dislikes than likes), I had to adjust schedules, routines, and of course, unschooling. Honestly, unschooling suffered a great deal since March, and I didn't expect it to get better over the holidays.

One thing that has been great is language learning with Petralingua®. Many of you know that no matter what I do, or how busy I am, I alway try to learn with Rainbow (and) the girls). Learning with Petralingua® has been a fun activity for the whole family. The funny thing about teaching is the process of learning as well, so we have all been able to learn a few new words in different languages. While the online multimedia language courses are designed for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years, age really doesn't matter- only learning matters.

The girls are interested in Spanish, and mandarin, and I have been promised that there will be new additions, like Arabic added soon, inshaAllah. The games are interactive and simple enough that they are engaging to a child even as young as Rainbow's age (21 months).

The contents of the language courses that Petralingua® offers include:
• 500 basic words
• 20 everyday topics
• 11 songs
• 80 animated videos
• 140 interactive exercises
• talking picture dictionary for kids
• Activity Books to download
There are also some new downloads, so check them out.

FREE Trial & Guarantee
Petralingua® offers a 30 Day Money back Guarantee. Not only does this guarantee give your child time to try the program, but with all the options (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, German & Russian), you will find something interesting and fun at Petralingua® .
You can also try a FREE lesson preview in various languages without making any commitment.

Tech Savvy?
Did you know that PetraLingua® foreign language courses for children are supported on all major current browsers and platforms including Windows, MAC, iPad®, iPhone® and Android® tablets and phones?
Petralingua offers the opportunity to learn anywhere, at anytime, so just go over and see what it's all about.

Follow Petralingua on Twitter, and FB.

***All new users receive 15% discount -promotion code: petralingua_welcome ***

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Okay, so this is what it has been like..

2012-08-03T14:09:00.001-04:00

Bismillah...

Hello lovely ladies and readers. I am writing at World Moms Blog today. If you want to know what I really think about moving across the country with hubs, read about it here. Okay, if you don't want to know, still read my article, lol.

xxo

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Any Advice on Fasting & Nursing an older child?

2012-08-02T09:48:00.002-04:00

Bismillah...

Salam ladies, as you all know from here, Rainbow is 21 months and I am still nursing.

I have a quick question...

Fasting the month of Ramadan has been great so far, except that I literally feel nauseous from excess thirst. I feel parched from morning til I break the fast- has anyone else ever felt like this with fasting & nursing?

Some background:
The weather where I live is decent for this time of year- quite cool actually. I don't do manual labour, so lose very little energy during the day. I'm away from home 6AM to 5:30 PM. I nurse Rainbow before I leave, and then when I return it seems I nurse every hour after that, even into the night when he wakes up for feedings.

We break fast close to 9:30 PM. Suhoor is at /around 4 am (when I get up). I don't eat a lot of salty foods, or sodas, and drink one glass of juice in the evenings and then water (as much as possible). I do like jalapeno peppers though :) I never drink coffee, and never take sugar in my tea- NEVER. I do however, like a sweet treat sometimes, like a cupcake. I cut out rice and most carbs out of my diet for Ramadan...I do eat carbs, but very little, so mostly MY iftar meal is loaded with veggies and chicken, fish or meat (beef).

I don't always wake up for suhoor, and I thought this made a difference, but the days are all pretty much the same whether I eat in the morning or not (eating in the morning has been light cherries, grapes, or a granola bar, and a glass of water- nothing fancy).
Has anyone else who nurses noticed an extreme level of thirst as early as just after sunrise? I know it is connected to nursing, because I feel extremely drained after I breastfeed. But then I have changed my diet a bit, and I'm not sure if it's just a transition...

Any thoughts or experiences? I would like to hear.

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"stuff"

2012-08-01T09:43:00.003-04:00

Salam all,

Lately, I truly enjoy just giving updates and ranting about nothing in particular. There's lots going on, but as always, I am guarded about writing every little thing on Rainbow's blog (not that it's bad or anything).
Do visit my personal blog for more Ramadan stories and other "stuff".
I don't have a "followers" button there, nor do I accept comments- I love your comments but just wanted a simple page to spit out my thoughts.

If you don't have the link, just let me know.

Happy Wednesday?

xxo

Ramadan is not without trials

2012-07-31T13:00:00.001-04:00

Salam dear sisters. I hope that your second week of Ramadan is going well, inshaAllah.

Ramadan is a great time to reflect and connect with our spirituality. It (like any other time in our lives) come with tests and rewards. A few days ago, my dear friend K received a great gift and an incredible test simultaneously. K is a wonderful friend and sister that many of you know well. She has been trying for years to conceive a child, and finally even though she did not know it- she did, mashaAllah. Unfortunately, she had an ectopic pregnancy, and had to have surgery.

By the grace of Allah...Alhamdullelah, she made it through and she is recovering. What was a near-death experience has made her realize the fragility of life, because while she lived, she saw another woman die (May she find rest in jannah, ameen). SubhanAllah, my dear sister's faith has not been swayed, instead she is even more strong in her belief that Allah is merciful.

My friend, has always been a rock. She stood by me for many years, as we both hoped for children, and when I lost my son, she was the kindest and most sincere. When Rainbow was born, she was overjoyed. Even though she had her own pain, she would always take the time to check in with me, and ask about my family; she is a true sister in Islam.

I love her and know many others who do as well. I am asking that you make dua for her that she will recover, and inshaAllah, that Allah will bless her with a child, and if nothing else, that she will always be a strong woman of faith.

Thanks ladies.

Ramadan & Nursing (one year later...wow)

2012-07-27T17:09:00.002-04:00

Salam dear readers, and friends, or both, lol. I hope the first week of fasting has been good inshaAllah.

The post is going to be a little update on Rainbow (who is now 21 months old,mashaAllah), but more focused on nursing, and the difference between Ramadan 2011 & 2012. I'll also touch on something that confused me last year about nursing and reading the Quran (at the same time). Then I 'll finish off by sharing how I educate and interact with Rainbow when he is nursing.

Breastfeeding in the Holy Quran
Breastfeeding is a gift. There are so many benefits (nutritional, Immunological, prevention of asthma and allergies, and even bonding mother and baby) the list is long.
Firstly, I'm not here to tout breastfeeding, or not. Breastfeeding is not always easy, and depending on circumstances, it can be impossible. It is a woman's prerogative if she does it and how long she is able to do it, and it is something that should be decided with her husband. Breastfeeding is mentioned in the Holy Quran because it is important. It says:

"The mothers shall give such to their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be Treated unfairly on account of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear God and know that God sees well what ye do. (The Noble Quran, 2:233)".

There is no questioning what Allah intends for the mother and the child after reading this verse, however, as with anything in life there are many challenges. In the first week of Rainbow's life he was in the NICU. I was not even allowed to go down to the NICU and see him for the first day. I felt overwhelmed and I was in physical pain, so breastfeeding was the last thing on my mind. On day 3, when the nurse dropped off the breast pump in my room and left I felt defeated- can you believe it? I was already willing to give up. Luckily I didn't have to use it, because I got to go and nurse him, but the pain and fever from engorgement had me set to run for the door (probably would have if I could).

Working moms can have difficulties, especially if they must return to work early post-birth. In Canada, we get a whole year off alhamdullelah, so in my case it was very very easy to nurse Rainbow all day, everyday- believe me-he nurses all day even now.
Some women are unable to produce enough milk to really nourish the baby, and this can be frustrating and painful. Last Ramadan Rainbow was 7/8 months and for some reason I had a milk supply issue. I tried a few things, but subhanAllah, I think it just got better on its own. Anyways, with Allah's help, I did, and 21 months later, I am still doing it.

Weaning (or) trying to
Weaning has been a bit difficult or me. I have a hard time saying no- so I don't. I think I last all of one day in my weaning efforts. I know that 90% of the time when Rainbow comes to sit on my lap, he is not hungry, but there is only one thought in my head "...he will not be nursing after 2 years, so just let him now...". Okay, this is not the best way to go, I am guilty. Having Rainbow in his own bed, did make a bit of a difference, but guess what? He is now back in our bed since Ramadan, lol.

So Rainbow is 21 months old, and I will go until his birthday, inshaAllah, and I pray that Allah will make weaning very easy when I care to stick to my word.

Can you read the Quran while nursing?

This was a very important question for me last year, as Rainbow was nursing about 20 x a day. In Ramadan I really wanted to read and learn more, and I felt sometimes that I was wasting time (I know it's not good, but that's how I felt). The answer is Yes. There is no prohibition to recite and or read the Holy Qur'an while nursing. There are however conditions, and this is pretty general- as in performing al salat, you must have a wudhu before you touch the Quran. Allah makes it easy for those who strive in his name.

Things that Rainbow and I do to bond & learn that you can do with your child:
islamic
repeat surahs to him ( he remembers them)
read him stories
let him listen to the adhan (he loves this) and surahs
show him short videos

for bonding
massage his feet (he's so long now, but it used to be easy)
massage his back
massage his hands
brush his hair (very soothing)
massage his scalp
speak to him
sing with/to him
let him mimic you
play games to teach him body parts (head & shoulders etc)
clean his fingernails (lol, probably one of the only times he will let me do it)

Any thoughts or stories on breastfeeding? How do you bond with your baby/toddler while nursing?
Any thoughts/stories on weaning an older child?

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Ramadan: Surah Cards & Menstruation

2012-07-23T08:51:00.000-04:00

Bismillah...

Surah cards are not necessarily related to Ramadan. Years ago, my husband used to write short surahs on sticky notes to help me in my memorization. I could take the sticky notes and stick them to any surface (in a book, or on the wall). As I washed dishes or completed other chores, or ride the train, I would learn with ease.

Surahs are written on the back of doilies and placed in a bowl next to the Quran as a reminder

About the Surah Cards
I began making surah cards years ago when I needed inspiration to- you guessed it- learn surahs. Since I am a Read/Write, Visual & Kinetic learner, I often find ways to study or memorized things that involve all of these strategies.

I often carry around little fancy cards with verses written on the back, and study wherever I go- and it has worked so far. Baba has memorized most of the Quran, mashaAllah, but for me it's pretty much baby steps still, so along with reading the Quran in Ramadan, I have taken up the challenge of learning and teaching at least 2 surahs for the month. This year, for the first time, I made Surah Cards with the girls.
There is no right or wrong way to make the cards...as long as the whole family gets involved. The only thing that is important is that young kids don't get a hold of them and throw them or tear them.

Carrying & Disposing of my Cards
I carry my little cards in a small Ziploc bag- I think anything that prevent them from being damaged is fine.
Over the years, I have actually kept all the little note cards that hubby wrote for me, as wells as my own creations. However, there are many ways that you can get rid of them. Find out how to here and here about the rulings of disposing of papers with the name of Allah written on it.

The Menstruating Woman/Girl & Worship (especially in Ramadan)
By now we know that touching the Quran in a no-no when in a state of impurity (ie. menstruation). I have also read some fatwas against reciting verses of the Quran as well. Although many will disagree, I do not follow any specific madhab. Still new to my faith, I have confronted the issue of aligning myself with a certain school of thought, and so far I have not - maybe this is a post for another day. Allaahu Alim!

Whatever the case, Ramadan is the hardest time for me when it comes to worship and participating in the ritual of fasting in the same way that my husband or other friends do. For example, last week, I wanted to take Rainbow to the mosque. I was almost prepared and then I realized that I could not go. As Ramadan began, I felt out of touch with the spiritual part of it.

Because Surah cards hold partial verses of the Quran memorizing verses can be tricky. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Only a pure person may touch the Quran.” [Abu Dawud; al-Bayhaqi]. I didn't always have the knowledge about such matters, so while I would not touch the Quran, I touched other material with written verses. Touching pieces of paper with verses written on it in state of impurity (ie. menstruation) is always an issue that comes up in my household. On one hand, it is so easy to forget ( we do make mistakes), and on the other hand, it becomes too easy for a woman to neglect her worship in the 4 or 5 days (in my case up to 11 days sometimes) of menstruation because it seems everything is out of reach.

The fact is that we Muslimahs want to worship, and we just have to find other ways to do so...
Here are some ways that my dear sister Fatemah passed on to me- to worship and participate.

A menstruating woman can:
1. Listen to the Quran
2. Attend religious lectures
3. Make dhikr
4. Do Islamic activities with children (&) or spouse
5. Make dua
6. Volunteer
7. Watch Islamic lectures
8. Gather with sisters and their children for the sake of Allah
9. Reflect on her relationship with Allah

Disclaimer: It goes without saying; I am NOT a scholar. I seek guidance in all matters, and try to follow the right path. If you have questions about any matter in Islam, you should also search for those answers.
May Allah bless us and reward our intentions.

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Ramadan Recipe # 3: Skillet Cornbread

2012-07-21T12:41:00.003-04:00

Bismillah...

Here's another Ramadan recipe that is healthy and delicious. This is the kind of recipe that you can use when you are breaking fast with friends and relatives, or if you want to bring a different type of dish to an iftar invite.
This year, instead of the typical Middle Eastern and Jamaican foods that we are used to, I have sworn to make and try different foods, and already began experimenting a few months back to see if I could actually create these dishes :)

I made a few modifications (highlighted in red), they are personal additions, but not necessary. Enjoy!

just off the stove

Source: Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 zucchini
1 red bell pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Whisk together egg and buttermilk.
Slice zucchini and cut peppers... brown/roast them for about 2 minutes and set aside.
Stir eggs, buttermilk, zucchini and peppers into flour mixture.
Melt butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a 2-quart baking dish in oven. Remove skillet; swirl to coat bottom. Pour in batter. Bake until a tester comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into wedges.
Enjoy!

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Our Dua Jar

2012-07-20T14:34:00.000-04:00

Bismillah...

Salam alaikum dear readers and Ramadan Kareem to you. Do you remember my post/Ramadan list here?
Well, one of the things that my family was working on was a "personal dua jar". I didn't always know the importance of dua- in fact, I didn't even know about making dua for the first 2 years after I became a Muslim.
I also thought after finding out about making dua that you had to make dua in Arabic- silly, I know. If only we Muslim sisters would educate each other on more than just hijab and finding husbands...

I taped some of the slips of paper to leaves that Rainbow picked up outside

Often we go through the daily ritual of prayer, but neglect to truly speak to Allah about what is in and on our hearts. A dua is a conversation with Allah. Even before we ask, he knows what is on and in our hearts. He speaks no language, but all languages. He neither slumbers nor sleeps- and never grows wary of us. He does not favor rich or poor, young or old; he is merciful and just in all things. Who better to bring our thoughts and hopes to than Allah?!

I searched high and low and found the lovely Zakia Usmani's Ramadan dua list on her blog, alhamdullelah.
It covers everything, mashaAllah. If you are going to share the dua project with your family then having everyone write out about 4 or 5 is better than printing them out from the computer. Why? Because, as they write, each member of the family will become familiar with the duas. In addition, it's a fun way to get the family together.

Here is her dua list.

O Allah bless us with strong emaan, taqwa, piety, pure heart and good ikhlaq.

O Allah bless us with beneficial knowledge and help us to act upon it.

O Allah forgive all our sins, the hidden, the open, the kaba’ir and the saghair, the ones done of ignorance and the ones done out of evil intent.

O Allah keep us safe from the hell fire, the torment of grave and the terror of Day of Judgment.

O Allah guide us to the straight path and give us istiqamah.

O Allah make us amongst the sabireen, sadiqeen, sabiqeen, mu’mineen, mutawakkaleen, muttaqeen and mutaqarrebeen.

O Allah remove from us all the hardships, difficulties, anxiety, depression and sadness of this world and the akhirah. O Allah increase us in sabr and perseverance.

O Allah help those who wants to memorize Qur’an and let them complete the hifz within two years.

O Allah heal us from all kinds of diseases and grant shifa kamil to all the sick around the world.

O Allah bless our unmarried brothers and sisters with the righteous and loving spouses before the end of this year.

O Allah bless us with righteous daughters and sons and make them leaders of the mutaqeen.

O Allah make us strong against evil and make our nafs righteous and make our will power stronger to repel the evil deeds. O Allah do not raise us as a MUFLIS on the day of Qayamah.

O Allah help us, our parents, our spouses and our children to perform 5 daily salah in time with khushoo.

O Allah bless us with the knowledge of Qur’an and help us to understand it and implement its teachings. O Allah make us among the people of Qur’an.

O Allah make our best day the day we meet You and our last words La ilaha ilallah. O Allah take us from this world when we are in highest in our Imaan.

O Allah grant us the best character, softness of speech, and gentleness.

O Allah provide us with halah rizq, put blessings in our businesses and keep us safe from haram.

O Allah grant us Jannatul Firdous and make it easy for us to achieve it.

O Allah protect us and our children from evil of Shaytan and evil of our ownsleves.

O Allah grant us the best in this life and the next. And make all our intentions to seek Your pleasure first and foremost. O Allah accept our good deeds and efforts.

O Allah remove from our hearts all types of hatred, malice, jealousy, pride, anger, envy, miserliness, and all the other disease of the hearts and replace it with love, joy, contentment, sincerity, compassion and steadfastness.

O Allah help all our brothers and sisters around the world in difficulty and help us to help them. O Allah remove all the sorrow and sadness faced by them and increase them in patience.

O Allah grant our hearts whatever it desires on condition that it pleases you.

O Allah make all our task and affairs easy for us and remove all the obstacles.

O Allah protect us and our children from jealousy, magic and evil eye.

O Allah help us to forgive those who hurt us and wronged us and transgressed us and forgive us if we have hurt others, wronged others and transgressed others.

O Allah remove all the financial burdens from us and free us from debts and interest.

O Allah give us the words to reach the hearts of people and turn their hearts towards YOU.

O Allah give us the opportunity and means to perform Hajj and Umrah within one year.

O Allah forgive our parents, grandparents, relatives and those who passed away. O Allah have mercy on our parents and grant them patience and strength to go through any test or trials they may have.

O Allah make us sadqa jariya for our parents and teachers and make our children sadqa jariya for us.

O Allah grant us good health, abundance of wealth and excellent memory. And bless our time and make it productive.

O Allah make all the matters in our businesses, jobs and studies successful and make them easy for us. O Allah protect us from evil and envious hearts of men and the shayateen.

O Allah make us leaders in this dunya so that we be just and help others by providing with meaningful jobs and an enriching environment to work.

O Allah unite all the children with their parents and make them coolness of their eyes.

O Allah have mercy upon each and every Muslim in this world and keep us on the straight path, the path on which our beloved Prophet sallallahu alaihe wassallam has tread his entire life. This path which he moulded for us with his beautiful teachings.

O Allah! Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the great Throne, suffice u in every difficulty and solve them, as You desire and wherever You desire.

May Allah bless our efforts.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this post is to share our Ramadan activities. You don't have to follow any list or website to make dua.

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Ramadan Recipe # 2: Creme caramel and chocolate cake

2012-07-19T10:53:00.004-04:00

Bismillah...

My husband loves 2 desserts- crème caramel and chocolate cake. I was over the moon when I found the recipe for a creme caramel and chocolate cake. Yes, you heard me, a crème caramel and chocolate cake in one. I was even happier when I tried it and it worked. Honestly, when I first started making creme caramel I sucked at it. I just couldn't get it to look and feel like I saw in the dessert shops. A little patience and persistence paid off, but the main thing was making it from scratch instead of buying the pre-made package in the store. Of course, having a few packages on hand in case you have to make a quick dessert is not a bad idea.

According to Nady, this cake is from the Mediterranean cuisine. It’s called “kudrit kader”, which means made by a miracle. It got that name because you mix the crème caramel and the cake ingredients in one dish and somehow the crème caramel goes on bottom and the cake goes on top. Delicious.

Ingredients for Sugar Syrup:
¾ cup (145g) sugar

Method for Sugar Syrup:

At a low temperature put sugar in a medium size aluminum cake pan, and heat it up until it’s completely melted.

Put it away to cool. Eventually it’s going to get hard.

Ingredients for Crème Caramel:
3 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (230 g) powdered milk
2 cups (470 g) water
1 cup (192 g) sugar

Method for Crème Caramel:

1. In a electric mixer add all ingredients and mix until well mixed.
2. Add the mix on top of the sugar syrup.

Ingredients for Cake:
3 eggs
½ cup (96 g) sugar
½ cup (105 g) vegetable oil
½ cup (118 g) water
1 cup (90 g) flour
3 teaspoon (11 g) baking powder
3 tablespoon (21 g) cocoa powder/ or 2 tablespoon instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method for Cake:
1. With an electric mixer beat eggs, sugar and vanilla.
2. Add flour and baking powder.
3. Add vegetable oil, water and cocoa. Keep beating until batter well-blended.
4. Add batter on top of sugar and crème caramel mix.
5. In a bigger aluminum cake pan put boiled water , don’t fill it up. Put the smaller aluminum pan that has the batter in the bigger pan. Make sure water doesn’t get to batter.
6. In a preheated oven to 350 degrees F put the pans. Bake between 45 to 60 minutes or if a wooden pick inserted in center should come out with just a few moist crumbs on it.
7. Leave cake to cool. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

On a serving plate turn the cake pan upside down so it would come down on the plate.
Enjoy!
---
Thank you Nady for sharing the recipe :)

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Ramadan Recipe # 1: Thai Carrot and Ginger Soup

2012-07-18T10:37:00.001-04:00

Bismillah...

Ramadan is so close. I am too excited. We've been going over our list, and everyone has something to do. Rainbow knows that there's something going on, but he's just not sure what it is. He has also found a new way to keep us on our toes- tearing down our decorations, lol.

Anyways, I've going through some of my favorite recipes and making Ramadan plans (as you can see from my last post), and I thought I would share a few recipes here. Some of these are recipes are new to me (like the one below), while others are family favorites.
This is my friend B's favorite soup recipe. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to in the second week of Ramadan, inshaAllah.

Here it is:
Source: Bonnie Stern's Essentials of Home Cooking, page 40.

Ingredients
1 TB olive oil
1 TB honey
1 onion, chopped
1 TB lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 TB chopped fresh ginger
¼ tsp. pepper
2 tsp. red Thai curry paste
¾ c. coconut milk
6 large carrots, grated or thinly sliced
2 Tb chopped fresh cilantro
4 c. chicken or veggie stock
¼ c. shredded coconut, toasted

Directions
Heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add onion, garlic and ginger. Cook gently until very fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add curry paste and cook for 30 seconds.

Add carrots, stock, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until carrots are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Puree soup with an immersion blender or in a food processor or blender. Return to heat. Add coconut milk and heat for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

In a small bowl, combine cilantro and coconut. Sprinkle a bit of mixture on each serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes. Do you have any recipes to share?
Happy fasting & eating!

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Ramadan Plans?

2012-07-16T09:56:00.001-04:00

Salam ladies,

Can you believe Ramadan is almost here? I seriously cannot believe it, and I am running around trying to make preparations, hoping that everything will fall into place before the week ends. The funny thing is that I started Ramadan preparations at the end of May, but other things have gotten in the way of seriously getting things done.

I am trying to get back to blogging here, so inshaAllah I will be posting a lot about Ramadan activities and happenings in my house, and community.

Here's where I'm at...I printed a copy and I am crossing off as I go.

household stuff

*have family meeting & print out this list for family*
1. get craft supplies to make decos with the kids
2. baking- lots of flour for sweets and snack
3. ramadan menu (weekly) with the girls
4. weekly shopping list
5. ramadan iftar invites- make with girls
6. put together islamic area for quiet reading and reflection
7. teach hassan ramadan songs
8. get dates
9. choose netflix movies carefully
10. try to make instead of buying Eid gifts
11. empty rest of boxes from basement

family

1. write out intentions for the month & find way to stick to doing it
2. reflection/dua notes (especially when waking up)- make dua jar
3. which surahs to memorize--make list
4. pray obligatory prayers on time
5. give charity
6. make the recommended Dhikr after every prayer
7. read at least 1 page of the Quran daily to hassan
8. discover & read a new book about Islam & make reading list w/ kids
9. make a list of Islamic movies/videos to watch
10. learn more arabic---teach hassan more arabic by speaking to him in arabic
11. make list for girls (work on list with girls)
12. make a list of places we would like to visit
13. speak to girls about women & fasting
14. watch halal tube
15. repeat short surahs to hassan daily
16. set up efficient system to stay in contact with family abroad
17. take time off work
18. try to be more patient with the kids--ask Allah for guidance in this matter
19. hug girls more and have quiet time

community stuff

1. visit sisters in community
2. masjid as much as possible
3. keep up with volunteering & giving back to community
4. sponsor an orphan
5. zakat
6. email sisters & send e-cards
7. put together ramadan recipe list & share with friends

personal & marriage

1. perform al salat with hubby more
2. walks at sunrise
3. walks at sunset
4. spend time having discussions about islam
5. ask for forgiveness from those around me
6. start fasting mondays & thursdays
7. pray nights of Laitul-Qadr
8. attend islamic lecture
9. tell hubby i love him more

What are your plans?
Do you have any recipes/ Ramadan home decor/ crafty ideas to share?

Please share your thoughts!

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21 Houses

2012-07-01T17:00:00.003-04:00

Bismillah...

Hello and Salam alaikum ladies. Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians.

Some of you know that we were on the quest to find a new "house" to make a home for our family after leaving Toronto. Don't you want to read about it?

Here's my story about the 21 houses that we looked at, the inspiration to put together our new house, and the little tidbits that happened along the way.

Read here.

Aish?

2012-06-27T22:58:00.003-04:00

Bismillah...

Rainbow's favorite words lately...

"what this is...what is this...aish this is????????"

When one door closes...

2012-06-25T15:10:00.004-04:00

Bismillah...

Where Am I...WHY?

Hello and salam everyone, inshaAllah all is well with you and yours. I have not updated Rainbow's blog in what feels like forever, and I want to sincerely apologize to those readers who followed along the Book of the Week, or Bucket-list etc. I have also failed to reply to emails and visit blogs, but I know you will forgive me, inshaAllah. I don't know how long I will not be here (if you know what I mean), so please bear with me.

Just checking in to say that I am not really around much right now because to be honest, my family is in crisis. I know we all face "stuff", so I don't mean to stand, or sit here (lol), whining about the blah blah blahs of life. I know you get it. I figure, the truth behind the lives of bloggers is not always worth telling everywhere and anywhere, but to be as real as I can be, I am putting it out there that I need to make home right before I even think of breathing a word about "normalcy" and whatever...

As I write this I am not not in a dark mood or anything, alhamdullelah. I am just putting myself out there a bit, and saying, "hey, we're here, but we need some time to work on us...". Honestly, subhanAllah, a lot has been going very well for us, and I think the bad things are just little hiccups that are sent to prepare us for the future...inshaAllah.

So when one door closes, I try to find another to knock on or, or KICK down, lol. OR, I go around to the backdoor...climb through a window...I can even be like Spiderman and climb up buildings, or leap over skycrapers like Superman...who knows.

I am thankful and grateful for those of you who checked in on me....May Allah bless you all.

Care for some Candor?
If you want to read more of my thoughts, do visit my personal blog.

xxo

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Try a FREE Spanish Lesson!

2012-06-15T09:11:00.002-04:00

Bismillah...

Summer holidays are almost here. Have you signed up the kids for summer programs? How about Spanish lessons this summer?
At Petralingua, Spanish is just one of the many courses that you can learn with your child. Rainbow and I are learning French.

Petralingua® Spanish language course teaches kids as young as 3 years basic Spanish vocabulary the fun, efficient and interactive way!

The Petralingua® Spanish language course for kids consists of:

21 lessons
11 Spanish songs for kids
80 animated Spanish videos for kids
140 interactive Spanish exercises for kids
500 basic Spanish words
Spanish picture dictionary for kids
Spanish Activity Book to download

Online Interactive Spanish Exercises

Try a Free course preview!

Spanish Talking Picture Dictionary For Each Lesson

If you don't want to commit right away, that's okay, because you can try one course for FREE. There's lots to do and learn - just see for yourself.

Remember: ***All new users receive 15% discount -promotion code: petralingua_welcome ***

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2012-06-11T22:39:00.002-04:00

Bismillah...

Hello everyone. I hope that things have been going well for you and yours.
There have been some changes and I am kind of trying to figure things out right now.
I am hoping that this transition will be a short one, inshaAllah. I won't be sharing details here, but if you visit my personal blog you can read there.

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19 months & Bucketlist Update

2012-06-05T23:17:00.000-04:00

Bismillah...
Hello everyone, if you have been reading my other blog you will know that Rainbow has been keeping us very busy mashaAllah. You can check his bucketlist here to see what else he has crossed off the list.

Rainbow loves his new toothbrush

...he loves his new books (we are expanding our library with cultural books).

we read this book & started a rock collection

... & decorated Rainbow's favorite rock

Rainbow's rock

someone's been sleeping in his own bed

Rainbow went to the zoo

at the zoo

we discovered nature inspired by our book of the week here.

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Language Learning Update

2012-05-29T15:32:00.002-04:00

Bismillah...

Remember the post where I was telling you about me yelling at Rainbow in French, and the fact that I thought he would grow to hate French for that reason? Well, I have changed a lot since that time. Firstly, I am using more {spoken} Arabic with him now, because I have given up on baba's OPOL mis-adventure. Secondly, we've found a program that I plan, inshaAllah to grow with. We've been doing some French language learning with Petralingua.

PetraLingua^® courses are specially designed for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years. Rainbow is quite young, so I am getting him used to basic French vocabulary, and so far so good. While he doesn't speak much anymore (he used to say a lot of Arabic and English words) - I don't think he has EVER said a French word, lol , although he hears French on a daily basis.

Also, PetraLingua^® is a great learning tool for teens and adults. I even downloaded the French activity book so that I will have easy access, however, more importantly, other family members can also read and learn along.

Some of the features of the French program are:

21 lessons
11 French songs for kids
80 animated French videos for kids
140 interactive French exercises for kids
500 basic French words
French picture dictionary for kids

Now, we are quite new to the program, and at his age, there is a lot that Rainbow cannot do- yet. Our course marks still remain at zero, because he is only doing auditory learning with the program. InshaAllah as he grows, he will learn a lot.

If French is not your thing, PetraLingua^® courses also teach you the basics of English, German, Spanish, Russian and Chinese. There's something for everyone.

Remember: ***All new users receive 15% discount -promotion code: petralingua_welcome ***

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Is this where I take a break?

2012-05-29T10:13:00.000-04:00

Bismillah...

Hello everyone. How's your Tuesday going? Just sitting at my desk sending out a quick note to state the obvious - I am behind on my posts.
It's not that Rainbow and I are not reading; it's just that I am not here as much as I would like to be.
Lots going on- and it's all good, alhamdulleah.

I will try to keep up with our Book of the Week, and I will post Rainbow's Bucketlist updates very soon, inshaAllah.

...take care.

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Humbled...

2012-05-27T05:25:00.002-04:00

Bismillah...

I met someone who has made an impact
I was truly humbled
and
in awe
every day is a new beginning

*for those of you who don't know. We're MOVING. Please excuse my inability to blog and keep house at the same time.

have a great week-end!
xxox

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