I LOVE LUSH- Review of products and service

Asalam waliykum,

We are in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Subhanallah the month passed too quickly. 

I want to share with you yet more lush goodies from my last trip to Lush. 

Cute bags, Still going strong with the campaign against animal testing mashallah. 
I went to the Branch in Bristol, did not have a very good experience compared to the Branch in Portsmouth and Kingston upon Thames. I don't think I would go there again, if it had been my first experience at Lush I would most likely not return again. 

Blessings of Suhur

Asalam Waliykum, 

We are now over one third of the way through Ramadan, Subhanallah the days have rolled by extremely quickly. Some say this is one of the signs of Al-youm Qiyama (Day of reckoning). I hope everyone is keeping up the Ramadan spirit and not hit the "slump" too hard. I have been busy filling in my Ramadan Booster, which I did a little review of last week, click Here! to read about it. It has really helped me keep on track and focused. 

BBQ Weekend with an Arab family

Asalam waliykum, 

Had a wonderful BBQ the last weekend before Ramadan, with all the family. Alhamdulillah got to see most of my family, beautiful hot weather and lots and lots of jokes and laughter. Alhamdulillah, we had an opportunity to spend such an enjoyable day together and I thank Allah for those few days a year we can all get together, now we are all off married and living far away from our parents, these occasions are rare.
I just wanted to share with you guys the lovely day I had. I know many people are having BBQ for Iftar and I think that is such a good idea. 

***Warning lots of photos of food*** You have been warned. 

****'Smile Again W5' Special offer!!****

Special charity launch offer

Teeth whitening only £99

All proceeds go to Smile Again

If you live in or around London or anywhere in the UK and wish to help out the charity while getting your chompers whitened then please contact:

South Ealing Dental Practice,

81 South Ealing Road,

London,

W5 4QR.

Tel: 0845 491 8694

ALL PROCEEDS TO CHARITY!

http://www.smile-again.org.uk/special-offer

'Smile Again W5' Charity Fundraiser Event!

Asalam Waliykum, 

(Registered Charity Number 1148336 SMILE AGAIN)

Hope your Ramadan has been going well.
Just want to share the Charity I have been helping out, one that is close to my heart. We have been working really hard to get the charity kick started, and get as much support as we can. I did a post on this charity previously, do check it out Here!

Now, this is where you guys can help. The charity is holding a fundraiser, details to come below and we need donations so that Mr Ghassan and the other dentists who have helped set up this charity; equip his Mobile dental van, with all the medical devices, and medicines etc so he can drive it to Morocco in October this year. This way the kids will get to experience the proper dental care in the correct environment. It means that the van can go to other parts of Morocco and treat many more kids. This all costs, and we do need funds, the more we raise the more kids we can treat! 

So if you can come to the fundraiser and support us then please do, would love to see you all, those of you who are in the UK. It will also be nice to meet some of my readers who will be able to get their Henna done by me (Prices start from £3) and every penny goes to the charity. Also you will get the chance to buy my exclusive hand made Quilled greeting cards. 

The fundraiser will be held at Asda, Gosport. click on the MAP to check the location. 

16th & 17th August 2013

9am- 6pm 

Asda, Gosport, 

Dock Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1SH

Front of the store near Pharmacy 

Remember All proceeds go to charity!!!

List of things to enjoy at the stall:

- Smile Again leaflets
-Smile Again T-shirts
- Henna
- Home made cards
- Arabic Calligraphy
- Moroccan Atay/Tea
- Moroccan Sweets
- Iraqi Kebabs
- Home made Jewelry
- Dress as a Moroccan and have your photo taken!
and much, much more...

SmileAgainW5- Have their own website, please do check it out HERE!. You can make donations via paypal from that website or the Facebook Page which can be found HERE!

I will be adding a chip in app to the blog, so check it out on the right panel along the side, please do support and donate as much as you can even if it is as little as as £1! 
Below is a break down of the cost of equipment and what we need to raise!
Mr Ghassan has the Dental van but now needs to raise funds for the other things listed below. 

Fully operational mobile dental unit, (incl petrol and servicing dental/mechanical).	£42000
Instruments, (incl. Handpieces, forceps, examination equipment etc).	£12000
Sundries, (incl gloves, masks, filling materials, anaesthetics).	£12000
Administration staff, managing the day to day itinerary, dealing with the local authorities.	£6000
Driver	£6000
Rental of lock up garage, (storing mobile unit and equipment).	£2500
TOTAL	£80,500

Jazakallah khier!

Please, please do share this on your own blogs, on your facebook, google+, You tube, tweet, Instagram ect etc and spread it like wild fire. We really do need a lot of support, without it we can not help these kids and put a Smile back on their face. In Sha Allah you will be rewarded immensely and get the same rewards as Mr Ghassan. 

Again, Please share and donate to this wonderful charity.

I hope you continue to have a blessed Ramadan

Wasalam -x- 

Healthy Ramadan- Body, Mind and Soul

Asalam waliykum Sisters, It is Day 2 of fasting Alhamdulillah. 

I know there are plenty of blog posts on this subject already and there is plenty of advice out there. I just wanted to put out my healthy tips with Moroccan food. Last year I started to enforce in my mind the idea of making everything from scratch and having more Moroccan themed meals. Out with the Pasta, Spaghetti  curries and stir fries, I made these myself but they would not be suitable for Ramadan too heavy and too much cholesterol. Out with the Junk food and sweets and in with nutritional and healthy food. 

It took a while for my body to get used to, I loved having curries twice a week and my Italian food too. I did try to have these in previous Ramadans and it made me feel awful, sluggish, fatigue and was unable to do anything apart from crash out on the sofa. Alhamdulillah, I started the new healthy diet in Ramadan and I felt so much better within a few days, no more over eaten, now being able to pray properly, having lots of energy that I can go out for a walk, so many benefits I had seen and decided to stick with it. 

Everything I was used to eating from Morocco is healthy because it is made with the best ingredients and seasoning and spices that are good for you such as Ginger, cinnamon, coriander etc. 

***Update!!! Ramadan Wednesday 10th July***

Asalam waliykum, 

Just a quick update for you beautiful people. The majority of the world will begin Ramadan and fasting on Wednesday In Sha Allah. I do not have a list of all the countries, I do know France is fasting tomorrow. 

Whatever day you are fasting, have a great Ramadan. Please do continue to visit my blog throughout the month with reviews, reminders and more on my trip to Saudia Arabia for umrah last year. 

"Ramadan 2013

Official Decision and Announcement of the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia:

Just a short time ago it was announced by the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia that since the moon of Ramadan was not sighted this evening, here in Saudi Arabia, we shall be completing thirty (30) days of Sha'baan (1434 A.H.), in accordance with the hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):

“Fast when you see the crescent. If it is obscured to you, then complete thirty days of Sha'baan. And break your fast when you see the crescent. If it is obscured to you then fast thirty days” [Bukhari and Muslim].

Subsequently, we shall be starting our tarawih prayers tomorrow (Tuesday 9 July 2013) after the 'Isha. prayer, in preparation for the first fast of Ramadan on Wednesday 10 July 2013. In shaa Allah, ameen!"

Jazakallah khier

Wasalam -x- 

Siratt Product Review- Ramadan Edition!

Asalam waliykum, 

Firstly, Sorry I have been so behind on blog posts lately, been enjoying all this lovely weather we are having in the UK. 

On with the show, I will be reviewing a few products I purchased a month ago for Ramadan from the Muslim company Siratt. 

About Siratt: 

Assalaamu Alaykum,

Siratt's determined and dedicated team is driven by a desire to provide our customers with the very best InshaAllah!

We aim to cater for each and every individuals need to obtain high quality Islamic products, which are both exciting, educational and aesthetically pleasing.

Our select product range illustrates our ambition to specialise in the production of totally unique Islamic merchandise.

We have designed each product with a view to increasing and refreshing ones knowledge of Islam hence our slogan - designed to remind.

I will be reviewing 3 products, the Ramadan Booster (£7.95) the Productive Muslim Life Book (13.95) and the Wudu Water bottle (£3.95). 

Ramadan Kareem 1434/2013

Asalam Waliykum Sisters- Ramadan Kareem, Only a few days left now!

I know, I am a little ahead of myself. But, it's just around the corner In Sha Allah, on Tuesday.  Soon nearly 2 Billion Muslims will begin fasting during Ramadan, Wow that's a lot of people...
Subhanallah, the year has flown by and the blessed month is upon us once again. Alhamdulillah, I and my family and loved ones have made it another year to see another Ramadan. In Sha Allah we make the most of this Ramadan, and we are permitted to be blessed by this blessed month. 

Muslimah now on Instagram!!

Asalam waliykum sisters,

I am now on Instagram! I decided to check out what all the fuss was about. It is a great app. I love to take photos and share my snaps, and instagram makes it effortlessly easy to do that. Also brilliant having the ability to enhance my photos and smarten them up a bit. I do post daily on Instagram! 

Please do check me out there and follow me, find me under the name of Muslimah In Solace. 

Hope to see you all there!! 

Wasalam -x 

What every Muslimah should take to Hajj/Umrah- Tips and Tricks

Asalam waliykum, 

In Sha Aallah, I hope to share with you a few tips and what a Muslimah should take when traveling for Hajj & Umrah. I was blessed to visit Mekkah and Medina and perform Umrah in the blessed month of Ramadan last year. Click Here to see my post on my travels there. 
As the blessed month is less then 20 days away I thought this would be a good time to share my experiences, tips and tricks. 
This will not be an exhaustive list, but just what I thought are vital to carry when in Mekkah or Medina. 

Before my trip, I searched online for tips and ideas for what a Muslimah should take with her. There were a few sites given advice to the brothers but not any for the sisters, that I could find anyway. So I did go a little crazy with the preparation and it took me a few days to decide what would be the key items to pack in my cross body bag. 
So, In sha allah this list will help sisters who are preparing to undertake the pilgrimage either for Ramadan to do Umrah or for Hajj. So lets begin! 

"Gamboo3as Revolution" Why, and WTFatwa?

Asalam waliykum sisters, 

Today is a rather controversial subject that I have been wanting to blog about for the last year. God knows I will have a few "polite" words sent my way from posting this. But, at the end of the day it is my Blog and I am free to post what I like, and post things which I believe need to be shared. This blog after all is another platform to express myself to the world and If people do not agree I am happy to engage in a rational debate, and exchange ideas and views in a nice calm way. I am the same in real life and do not cowardly hide behind my screen, I have had many conversations on this topic with sisters.
Also, If people wish to be rude and insulting then I do not entertain their comments and views, so please keep any rude comments to yourselves. 

FOOOOD! Amazing Cheese cake

Asalam Waliykum sisters,

A little post this afternoon, I just wanted to share some photos of a dessert my talented Khelty/Aunty made. Sorry this will not be a step by step as it is a secret family recipe as requested by my khelty, sorry.  

Cheese cake is by far, my favourite chilled dessert. This one is scrummy Oreo cookie base, with lemon filling covered in fresh blueberries and Raspberries  The flavours all compliment one another and because of the fresh fruit I felt a whole lot less guilty eating this. 

I just wanted to share this yummy dessert with you.... well just the photos. 

Now in for the Close up.... 

Islam NewsRoom Last Day Updates - TubeIslam - ShareIslam Video Site

Islam NewsRoom Last Day Updates - TubeIslam - ShareIslam Video Site

M.I.A

Asalam waliykum Sisters,


I hope you are all doing well. Firstly, Apologies for my absence.
Sadly, I have not blogged in 2 months and have missed it a lot and missed my readers. I had so many blog posts lined up. Everything has been put on hold for a while, my life was literally turned upside down within a matter of weeks.

I have been going through a lot of trials lately, both in my personal life and my work life. So I will not be blogging for another month or so. Inshallah things will then go back to normal with regular posts every other day.

Please keep me in your dua, and have sabr with my absence, I will return Inshallah.

Allah is the best of planners, and we can only accept the Qadeer of Allah, do the best we can and leave the rest to our Creator. Inshallah khier.

Wasalam

Salwa -x-

AlKauthar Institute - Home Sweet Home, London - UK

AlKauthar Institute - Home Sweet Home, London - UK

Who will be attending this course?

'Smile Again' Charity

Asalam waliykum sisters,

Charity, Zakat, Sadaqah; what do you think when you hear/read this?
Most peoples response is "giving to the poor".

There are various acts of Charity we can all do. It is not only about given to the poor. There are so many ways you can contribute to the betterment of society.

"Smile Again" is the charity I would like to share with my readers it is relatively new, and I hope Inshallah by promoting it and showing my support that it will flourish. Check out this link HERE to find out a little bit about the charity. Also there is a Facebook group and twitter that provides you with more detailed information on how to help the charity, fundraising being carried out and the its aims. 

"A charity that aims to provide dental care for children

 in rural Morocco who are unable to access health care 

services."

The charity was set up by my Sister in laws brother Ghassan on Sept 2012, he is a dentist working in London. He visited Morocco a few times and upon seeing how little health care is available to kids in rural parts of Morocco he felt inspired to volunteer his skills to help these children. Mashallah, and I would like to add that Ghassan is not Moroccan himself and shows so much compassion and drive that I unfortunately do not see from the Moroccan community. I do hope that this will inspire and kick start the community here to help their own communities back in Morocco.  

This charity means a lot to me for personal reasons, my aunt in Morocco passed away due to a dental condition that was not being treated and left unresolved which turned into something more sinister. Dental treatment and access to dental care is very difficult especially for those in rural parts of Morocco and those living below the poverty line. 

To find out more about the Smile Again charity please check out the Facebook page HERE and to follow on Twitter please click HERE. If you would like to get involved in the charity, volunteer or offer any services please feel free to contact Ghassan, contact details are available on the links mentioned above.

I have a few ideas to help promote the charity. I think a video with a nasheed and video footage of the project itself will help make more people aware, and try and make it viral on you tube . Every little helps. If you know anyone who would volunteer any of their skills; such as being able to make you tube videos, have a good singing voice or anything please do contact Smile Again charity.

Here are a few photos of Smile Again charity at work in Morocco. You can view there photos and more on the Facebook page. 

This is the man himself (Ghassan), at work with a very happy customer

Say aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

Another satisfied Customer

• Good deeds go beyond obligatory acts of worship
• Charity goes beyond wealth; even the poor can give in charity!
• Remembrance of God is the peak of goodness, since it sets the stage for other acts
• Helping others is an integral part of our faith: without it, our faith is incomplete.

I do ask you sisters to please, please Share by hitting the buttons below, like, and comment. Show your support for this amazing charity and Inshallah we can help more and more kids Smile Again.

Jazakallah khier

Wasalam -x- 

Want To See a Plane Go Down Your Street?

Asalam waliykum sisters,

This is just a quick and FUN post. Everyone I know, including myself have been suffering from the dreaded flue/cold for the last 2-3 weeks. I thought this would be a nice way to cheer everyone up.

Apparently a while ago, think back in the summer. BA had an advert on TV of a plane going through the streets of London.
Pretty cool eh?! Well if you go to the BA website HERE! you type in your postcode, and you can actually see the plane go down your street.
However, it's literally towards the end of the video for about 2-3 seconds. I tried it on my parents street and that didn't work too well. But when I tried it on my street in London it showed my flat completely and looked really good.

Give it a go, it's a bit of fun to cheer everyone up!

Jazakallah khier


Wasalam -x- 

Hijab Pin Storage

Asalam waliykum sisters, 

If you are a muslimah who wears hijab, I am sure you have experimented with different ways to store your pins. There are so many ways to store your pins and I wanted to share with you how I store mine and the most practical way for me. 

I am totally organised with everything in my home, and everything has its own place. My hijabs are organised and live in a specified place and the same with my pins. I had great difficulty at the start and just kept my pins in little a jewellery box. It was a total pain in the neck, and I had many injuries this way. 

I had a look online and came across different ways to store pins, and the best solution was using some sort of pin cushion. Below are photos of my pin storage methods:

I love henna!

Asalam waliykum sisters,

I want to do a post on one of my most love hobbies!! Apart from cooking, sewing, quilling, painting and photography I also love to henna!!! Firstly who loves henna? Who doesnt? Some dislike the smell, the texture, even the designs are not appealing to some. However, for me, I love everything about henna. I remember from a very young age I always loved henna, and associated it with Weddings, and Eids. Silly as it sounds I remember one Eid not having any henna on my hands and for me it ruined the Eid, I must of been 7-8 years old at the time.