Quotes for Contentment

Ever feel as if things are not going your way? Remember that Allah knows what is best for you and everything is from His will.

“Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will more likely remind you of Allah’s favors bestowed on you.” (Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim)

“There is no Muslim servant who says in the morning and the evening three times: I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as my Prophet, except that it will be a right upon Allah to please him on the Day of Judgment.” (Ahmad)

“Know that even if the whole community were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded against you.” (At-Tirmidhi)

"You shall surely be tried in your possessions, and your persons, and you shall surely hear many hurtful things from those who were given the Book before you, and from those who set up equals to Allah. But if you show patience and fortitude and act righteously, that indeed is a matter of high resolve."  (Surah Al-`Imran: 18)

Mini MUA Haul

Last month Make Up Academy (MUA) had 30% off off their items online to celebrate reaching 30,000 FB followers (or something like that).

Anyhoo, I purchased a few things as can be seen from the pics.

Clockwise from left: MUA  Mystical Glitter Nail Polish in Starfish & Jellyfish, Undressed Eyeshadow palette, 2 x Extreme Felt Liners, Extreme Curl Mascara.

You can see the glitter in the Mystical Glitter Nail polish a little better.

I read that the undressed palette is a very good dupe of Urban Decay's Naked palette and the only main difference being the price so I can't wait to test this out.

So how much did this all cost after the 30% off? Under a tenner! (£9.75 to be precise).

Are you a MUA fan? What are your must haves?

Update

Salaam,

Source

Sorry for not posting recently...have been busy. I also had an interview (didn't get it) and a cold. The interview was sooo long it took the whole day as it was a selection process so we had a few tasks to do, by the end of I was knackered and couldn't wait to get home.

Anyway, I am off work for a bit so will Insha Allah be posting.
How have you all been anyway? Need to catch up with your blogs/youtube channels!!

50 Quotes to Help You Live Like You Were Dying

Salaam! Long time I know. Hope you are all well and not too cold (if you are in the UK) Brrr!

Just thought I'd share some inspirational quotes that reminds us life is too precious to spend on unnecessary things.A lot of the quotes are on making the most of your time.

I've posted some of my faves and you can see the rest on the link


♦ Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. ~Wayne Dyer

♦ Every man dies. Not every man really lives. ~Braveheart

 ♦ Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways. ~Stephen Vincent Benét

♦ As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott

♦ You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted. ~Ruth E. Renkl

♦ If you wait, all that happens is that you get older. ~Larry McMurtry, Some Can Whistle

 ♦ If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance. ~Andrea Boydston

♦ Lost time is never found again. ~Benjamin Franklin

♦ You only live once; but if you live it right, once is enough. ~Adam Marshall

♦ The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours. No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always doesn't, matters not a jot. The possibility is always there. ~Monica Baldwin

♦ Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion. ~Author Unknown

Also, from an Islamic viewpoint, remember the following: "O my people! This life of the present is nothing but (temporary) convenience: it is the Hereafter that is the Home that will last." (Surah Mu'min: 39)

Which ones were your favourite?

Lahmacun Recipe

Some time ago I mentioned that I will post the recipe for Lahmacun,

Turkish Pizza Dough Ingredients

6 cups of all purpose flour	2 1/2 tbsp of dry yeast
1 cup of warm water	350 ml of warm water
1 tsp sugar	1 tsp salt

 

The Lahmacun Topping Ingredients

500 gr of lamb mince	1 1/2 large tomato, skinned and finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped	1 tsp crushed black pepper
1 1/2 tsp of cumin	1 heaped tbsp of tomato paste
1 heaped tbsp of pepper paste	1 small bunch of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp of Marash pepper (use flaked chilli as an alternative)	2 tbsp of Olive oil
1/6 cup of water

 

Making the Flat Bread Dough

1. In a bowl, mix the yeast, 1 cup of water and sugar and set aside until it froths.
2. Sift the flour in a large mixing bowl, forming a well in the middle.
3. Pour the frothing yeast mixture in the well.
4. Slowly add 350ml warm water to the flour mixture and continue to mix well until you have a soft dough.
5. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a mix master with a bread hook attachment.
6. Leave the dough covered with a tea towel in a warm place to rise and double in size.

Preparing the Turkish Pizza Topping and Dough

1.  Place the topping ingredients in a bowl and with wet hands mix well.
2. Adding a little water at a time, mix the mince until it becomes a wet paste.
3. Place in the fridge until you need it.
4. Once the dough has risen, knead it a few times to remove the gas and air.
5. Divide into 6 equal pieces. 
6. Roll each portion into little balls and place on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cover with a moist towel over the top to stop them from drying out.
8. Take 1 bread roll at a time, and using a rolling pin, roll them out into a flat thin round and stretch with your hands as you go.

Lahmacun Final Steps

1. Pre heat the oven to 180 degrees Celcius.
2. Break up the mince into 6 equal portions and spread it right to the edges of the pizza base.
3. Bake in the oven on a pizza tray or stone for approx 15-20 minutes, until the meat has browned and cooked.
4. Sprinkle with a parsley and tomato salad, squeeze some lemon over them.
5. Enjoy.

Recipe from: http://www.turkishthymecooking.com.au/turkish-recipes/breads/lahmacun.html
 
Or if you don't have the time/are too lazy to be kneading the dough, just use tortilla wraps as a base!

Also, I like to cook the meat a little beforehand so that it's not undercooked.

This is what mine turned out like:

Lahmacun: Delish with parsley and tomato.

Lahmacun: Up close and personal!

A Little Dua....

Happy New (Islamic) Year!

Mini Bling Haul

Salaams, just a few pieces I picked up the other day when I went shopping with my mum. I love emerald green, so this ring was perfect. My mum chose the bracelet! Let me know what you think!

An emerald ring (in the same style of the sapphire K-Middy one also purchased from Primark which I have posted before), a set of 4 rings consisting of a diamante band, Diamante butterfly, bird, white & silver flower.

Rings as above, plus white/silver floral clasp bracelet.

I will post a proper pic of the henna another time along with a few tips insha Allah.

Henna at Your Fingertips!

As the (cheesy) title suggests, this post is of a simple yet stylish henna design that anyone can do on their own fingers. Great for when you don't have enough time/for last minute wedding/party invites etc. I found the design by googling 'Henna Fingers' and this was my adaptation.

Simple, elegant finger mehndi design.

Shortbread Recipe

The shortbread was made using the BBC recipe as follows:

Ingredients:
    125g/4oz butter
    55g/2oz caster sugar
    180g/6oz plain flour

Method:
   1)  Heat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.
    2) Beat the butter and the sugar together until smooth.
    3) Stir in the flour to get a smooth paste. Turn on to a work surface and gently roll out until the paste is 1cm/½in thick.
    4) Cut into rounds or fingers and place onto a baking tray. Prick each round with a fork. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
    5)Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.
    6) Dust with icing sugar.

Yummy Shortbread

Eid Outfit

Moroccan style kaftan. It was basically a long sleeveless jacket, worn with a long sleeve black top and jersey maxi skirt underneath. The belt around the waist was tied at the back.

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak readers!! Hope you have a great one x

Freebies (3) Benefit InStyle Mag + Eid Souk 2012

As-salaamu alaykum readers!

This seemed too good an offer for me not to post - The November issue of Instyle magazine (featuring Naomi Harris) contains a free Benefit gift. You can choose from Sunbeam, a golden bronze complexion highlighter; Cha Cha Tint, (mango tinted lip and cheek stain) or; Benetint; (original rose-tinted stain).

This offer is not to be missed if you are make up junkies/benefit fans as for £3.80 or £2.50 from Tesco, you can get a deluxe 4ml sized version of these products which would otherwise cost between £8-10 each for this size or between £18.50-£24.50 for the full size which is 12.5ml-13ml. Do the math!
I have managed to get the Cha Cha Tint and Benetint, but not seen Sunbeam yet.

Review of Benefit Cha Cha Tint:
The cha cha tint is a peach/coral shade which is flattering on warm skin tones.  It can be worn under or over foundation and you can build up the colour. It doesn't dry too quickly so you don't have to rush madly to blend it once it's on your skin. I would recommend it to anyone.

Free 4ml size Benefit Benetint, Cha cha tinit or Sunbeam in November 2012 issue of Instyle Magazine.

Oh yeah, before I forget, I attended the Eid Souk 2012 held in Waterlily banqueting suite in E1. Errm, it wasn't as good as last year namely because the suite wasn't being enough/there weren't as many stalls as last year which was held in Tobacco Docks (Wapping). There was nothing new on offer and you were lucky to get a look in as it was a little cramped. Anyhoo, that's my view on it. Don't know if anyone else went and what they made of it? Do let me know.

QOTD:

 

Pic from:

http://shawncartwrightdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/two-doors_snapseed.jpg

Beware: Know that the hearing and sight are two open doors; whatever enters through them then touches the heart 

[Imam al Haddad]

Whats for Lunch?

This lahmacun was lovely with a salad of lettuce, parsely, tomato and cucumber. I have also made it at home and will post the recipe some day.

Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza) a light lunch option.

OOTD - Beige /Pink Print Blouse

Salaam,
Just a quick snippet of an outfit...

Beige and pink printed sleeveless blouse from Primark (£12) worn with a black long sleeved Primark top underneath and a maxi skirt.

QOTD

My heart is so small
it’s almost invisible.
How can You place
such big sorrows in it?

“Look,” He answered,
“your eyes are even smaller,
yet they behold the world.”

~ Rumi 

Nail Art - Leopard

I completed this leopard effect look using Nail Inc's Coral as a base, along with Gabrini's Multivitamin Nail Art polishes which have a fine brush. I used no 4 (gold) for the spots and 12 (black) for the outline. It was really easy to do however, the Gabrini polishes tend to get gloopy as you work your way across your nails especially the gold one.

Coral, gold and black leopard nail art using Gabrini Multivitamin Nail Art polish in 4 and 12, and Nails inc Coral.

10 Simple Ways to Find Happiness

1) Be with others who make you smile.

2)  Hold on to your values.

3) Accept the good.  

4) Imagine the best.

5) Do things you love.

6) Find purpose.

7) Listen to your heart.

8) Push yourself, not others.

9) Be open to change.

10) Bask in the simple pleasures.


From: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emotional-fitness/201204/10-simple-ways-find-happiness
Published on April 27, 2012 by Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D. in Emotional Fitness

Regents Park Mosque Post Eid Family Fun Day

Salaam! Hope you all had a magnificent Eid.

Just got back from RPM's Fun Day and it was packed! (Not surprising, the weather was good).

Entrance was free and there were many stalls, mainly catering for us ladies and some for children too. You could pick up hijabs, abayas, long skirts, maxi dresses, kaftans, shalwar kameez, hijab accessories, perfume, rings etc. There were toys, activities and cakes/sweetsfor kids (and adults!) too. They had stalls in the courtyard as well as inside. The event lasted from 11am-8pm. They were supposed to have calligraphy learning sessions according to the poster, but I never saw that :(

I ended up purchasing one hijaab, and homemade chocolate cake and mango/cream milkshake from Moreish drinks (don't have a website). I also got a henna design done on my hand for £5!

Henna from Regents Park Mosque Fun Day 2012 (By Fiza Mehndi)

The lady who did the henna had a banner which said Fiza Mendhi and this is the website I found when I googled it. It says she is "currently the world's fastest henna artist", don't know if that is still valid, but it took just over 5 mins for her to do this design - it would take me like 1 hour + haha!

All in all it was a good family day out.

Eid Mubarak + request!

Eid Mubarak readers! I can NOT believe how fast Ramadhan came and went.

I  wish you and your families a joyous Eid.

REQUEST: If you are reading this message, please follow my blog!!!

QOTD: Laylat-ul Qadr

“Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]

Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.''

"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" 

 (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

Chicken Biyrani

Just a few pics of biryani I made a few days ago. It had boneless chicken pieces, potatoes and crisp golden-brown fried onions.

MMmmmmmMmmMM

OOTD: Nautical Inspired

Salaam, thought I'd show you an outfit of the day as I have not posted any for a long time!

Dress: Primark

Scarf: From a funday event

Bag (featured on a haul post) and Bracelets: Primark, Ring:

 Market

Anyone know how to write captions in a list form, please let me know, above format with the big white block around the pic looks horrid!

What Your Dark Circles and Acne Are Trying To Tell You!

That pimple on your forehead - what does it mean? According to dermatologists who specialize in the ancient art of face mapping, it could tell you more about your health than you know.

Where is your "pimple zone" :p

Zone 1 & 3: Bladder & Digestive System — Improve your diet and drink more water.

Zone 2: Liver — Try cutting back on alcohol, heavy food or dairy. This area can also indicate a food allergy.

Zone 4 & 10: Kidneys — Make sure you’re keeping yourself hydrated with water and cut back on liquids that dehydrate you. This means nix the soda, coffee and/or alcohol.

Zone 5 & 9: Respiratory system — Those who smoke or have allergies tend to have acne here.

Zone 6 & 8: Kidneys — Dark circles are usually a result of dehydration. Drink up!

Zone 7: Heart — Check your blood pressure and make sure you’re not using makeup that irritates your skin.

Zone 12: Stomach — Consider a detox or adding more fibre to your diet to help with digestion.

Zone 11 & 13: Hormones — Stress and hormonal changes can sometimes be alleviated with more water and a few extra servings of dark, leafy greens but if breakouts in this area persistent, make an appointment with your doctor to look into a possible hormonal imbalance. Additionally, breakouts in this area also indicate when you are ovulating (and which side).

Zone 14: Illness — Can be a sign of your body fighting bacteria to avoid illness. Take a breather and drink plenty of fluids.

Article by  Sarah Jio

Spinach & Feta Cannelloni

Filling recipe:
500g frozen spinach
300g feta
1 onion
2 clove garlic
chilli flakes - half a teaspoon or more if desired
paprika - half to 3 quarters of a teaspoon
small pinch of salt and pepper
half teaspoon chili powder
cannelloni tubes - 250g pack (it's easier if you use lasagne sheets, cook them, place filling and wrap around)




Sauce recipe:
Can of tinned plum tomatoes
onion
garlic
spices - whichever you prefer. I used paprika, chilli flakes and a bit of salt
OR, you could pour a tub of dolmio stir in sauce.
1 ball of mozzarella grated over the top

Method:
Cook the onion and garlic, add spices then spinach, put in a bowl and cut up the feta and chuck that in too
Fill the tubes with the filling. I used a plastic syringe from the bakery section of wilkinsons! It does take patience filling each tube which is why I'd recommend using lasagna sheets, just fill and wrap!
Then make the tomato sauce - cook onion, garlic, then add spices and then add the tinned plummed tomatoes until reduced (around 15 mins)

Pour sauce over the top, sprinkle grated mozzarella ontop and place in oven for around 25 mins on a medium setting until cheese has melted. Enjoy :)

QOTD: Qur'an and Ramadhan

“The fast and the Qur’an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: ‘O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.’ The Qur’an will say: ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.’ And their intercession will be accepted.” (Ahmad)


‘It will be said to the companion of the Qur'an after he has entered Paradise, 'Recite, and rise!' For every verse he recites he will rise one level (in Paradise), until he recites the last verse with him.’ (Abu Dawud)

Daily Ramadhan Recipes from Nestlé!

Salaams all, inshaAllah ramadhan is going well for you all thus far.

I just stumbled across this Nestlé site (see link below) that has iftar ideas for every day of ramadhan! You get ideas for starters, salads, main course and dessert! Recipes include eggplant moussaka, date cake, chocolate cake, fattoush, tabbouleh, Kuwaiti biryani, meat and vegatable rolls/pastries.
They also have tips and nutritional information on one of the ingredients featured for that day.

Eggplant Lasagna from Nestlé website

Berry Cheesecake (Nestlé)

Watermelon Milshake (Nestlé)

http://www.nestle-family.com/my-ramadan/english/recipes.aspx

Wishing you and your family the blessings of Ramadhan.

Ramadhan Mubarak !

Nail Art - Gold Pen

Salaams,

I used a gold nail art polish that has a skinny brush and only cost £1 over Nails Inc New York.

The first design is 3 diagonal lines with dots added to the thumb, and the second design has curves going along the nail.

Top 10 Foods for Perfect Skin

1) Almonds contain vitamin E which can help protect the skin from UV light. They are also low in saturated fats and contain calcium and magnesium for strong bones.

2) Carrots improve the eye sight, contain cancer fighting properties as well as the vitamin A being excellent for clearing up skin prone to break outs.

3) Dark chocolate contains flavanols (antioxidants) which can contribute to smooth skin and help to protect against/absorb UV light. It also increases blood flow to the skin as well as improving your mood :)

4) Flaxseeds contain omega-3 which plumps the skin making it look younger, hydrated, clearer and fine lines less visible. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Try a flaxseed oil supplement and increase foods with omega3 such as nuts and fish.

5) Green Tea is naturally rich in antioxidants helping your body against free radicals.Some research suggests that drinking 2-6 cups a day can reverse the effetcs of sun damage. Read here for green tea beauty recipes such as facial spritzers and face masks.

6) Safflower oil is great for those with dry, itchy skin or eczema as it contains omega-6. 9 and vitamin E. Can be used for cooking or directly applied to skin to help keep skin supple.

7) Spinach contains vitamin C and is great for those with iron deficeincies. It is packed with lutein, which keeps eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B and E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that people who ate the most leafy greens actually had half as many skin tumors over 11 years as those who ate the least. It is believed that the folate in these veggies may help repair and maintain DNA — basically strengthening cells' ability to renew themselves.

8) Sweet potatoes are a nutritious alternative to regular potatoes. They contain vitamin A for eye health, reducing wrinkles, protecting against aging and dark spots. Vit A also helps to cure skin conditions like acne, sunburns, eczema, cold sores, psoriasis, sun damage, etc. Vitamin C (essential for collagen production), folate and Vitamin B6 contained in sweet potatoes are also beneficial for skin health. Health benefits include stress, asthma and bronchitis.

9) Tomatoes contain lycopene - a UV ray fighting chemical. You can use it directly on your skin as it soothes sun burnt skin and contains vitamins A and C. Cure acne with tomato pulp, shrink pores with tomato and lime and get glowing skin with tomato juice and honey here!

10) Tuna has the nutrient selenium which helps to preserve elastin- keeping skin smooth and firm. Just half a can a day can help, or if you're not a fan of tuna try a handful of brazil nuts.

Cinnamon Buns!

As-salaamualaikum,
This is a recipe post for lovely sticky cinnamon buns as seen on the Muslim-Wife-Kitchen blog and The Pioneer Woman's webpage.

I have taken step by step pics to show you guys, but the recipe is on the links above.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy, and let me know if you attempt this.

Banoffee Pie

This Banoffee Pie is scrumptious and easy to assemble. The banana with the crunchy biscuit and sweet caramel, plus shavings of dark chocolate make it the perfect treat.

 All you need is:

• 100g butter, melted
• 250g digestive biscuits, crushed
• A tin of caramel
• For the top:
• 4 small bananas
• 300ml carton whipping cream, lightly whipped
• Grated dark chocolate

1) Place biscuits in a bag and bash with a rolling pin (good therapy eh?) (or you could put it in a food processor, but be sure not to let it resemble powder).
2)Add the melted butter and mix.
3) Place into a baking tin and press down with a glass to compact it a little.
4) Pour the caramel.
5) Layer the choppped bananas.
6) Spread the whipped cream (you can fold some chopped bananas in the cream too).
7) Grate dark chocolate on top
8) Enjoy ;)

QOTD

You may not be where you want to be in life, but you're exactly where Allah wants you to be.

OOTD: Pink Floral Spring look

A daytime or weekend look perfect for the spring weather now the sun has gone!

Scarf - £5 Whitechapel market, Pink across the body bag - Saturday market £5 , Bangles - £2 Prinark. Worn with homemade jersey abaya and a grey boyfriend cardigan.

Magazine Freebies (2)

Salaam,

The magazines for July 2012 have a range of decent freebies so thought we would share with you lovely ladies :)

Glamour mag has benefit a choice of 3 freebies - "That Gal" brightening primer, The POREfessional" pore minimising primer, or "badgal" mascara.

InStyle has a choice of two Body Shop freebies, either 2 eyeliners (one navy and one black) OR a curling mascara.

Marie Claire has a choice of 3 nail polishes from Ciate. I went for the fuchsia pink shade named jellybean.