One of my intentions when I started writing for this blog was to fill a gap I had found for comment and advice for Muslim mothers who also worked . Although all three of these areas have plenty of literature and media attention available, I could find very little where the three intersected. I am […]

I got home today to find that the computer had crashed again. Having no TV and the hubby being at work for the evning, I could not work out what to do with myself. After sulking for 20 minutes during which time even the kids got bored of me and wandered off, I decided to […]

I really enjoyed making Eid decorations this year with my youngest two. The older ones have lost interest a little as they become teens, or so I thought until last Ramadan, when I decided to keep things simple and not to bother and my oldest asked hopefully if I would be putting Ramadan decorations up […]

Just over two weeks to go to Ramadan!!! I usually love this time of the year and try to make the most of it, but this year for some reason I was feeling a little fearful. Next week my four-year old (little lady) starts school, last week my two year old (little man) started with […]

The kids had last week off school with half term, so thought I would take them somewhere easy and cheap. Our first choice was Epping Forest. This has a few visitor centres, but we opted for the one at High Beach, Loughton which has a small animal feeding area which attracts forest creatures which you […]

I am sure I am not the only one whose spirit is raised by the greenery, new flowers and better weather of spring.  I am loving the blossoms everywhere on trees, the flower bulbs pushing through including the ones I planted with my youngest two with our gardening group in various spots across the park […]

When my older children were quite small, I used to buy them books with an Islamic theme, not necessary just instructional, but often something to motivate and inspire: colourful picture books with stories from the lives of the Prophets (peace be upon them) and the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet – may Allah be pleased […]

Somehow ended up at Dunton again on Sunday morning despite knowing there would be mud everywhere. I was right. The sun was out and we still got covered in mud (my mother-in-law in her heeled sling-backs!!). Managed to pick up a few things though.These cushion covers were £1 each. I have been thinking about the […]

Last weekend we visited the Vintage Fair at Valentines Mansion.  My experience of vintage has been a lot of junk and some really cool stuff that is usually really expensive, but always some interesting bits to spot, so I was curious enough to go and have a look. Shutterbug sister came with me and as […]

My mum called early yesterday morning waking me up, and asked if I wanted to go to a boot fair with her and my dad. I was up like a shot and asked the boys if they wanted to come too, thinking the walking around and fresh air would get the “I’m boooored” out of […]

I have been toying with my Word of the Year for 2021 for the last few day and struggling to settle on one word. My word for 2020 was belief – I wrote here about recognising the need to have greater self-belief in myself: “Belief in my good intentions, in my capability, in my competence. […]

After all the effort my sisters put into my surprise baby shower last weekend and all of the lovely gifts I received, I wanted to send thank you notes to everyone.  As I have just started to make cards again after a very long time, I decided to cheat and customise some printed cards.  These small cards […]

After the last few days I had really hoped for a quiet evening, so after getting dinner on the hob (courgette with chana daal) I settled down to do some work on my blog and barely switched the computer on when I got a phone call. It was my friend: “Can you come round to […]

My in-laws have been here for about two weeks now. Usually one will come to stay with us for a few months in the summer and the other will stay behind in Lahore to keep an eye on the household there.  This time we thought it best they come together as it didn’t seem right […]