The term I use in this title probably sounds silly, but I am sure every mum must experience it at some time. Some days it’s just the fact that most shops have their aisles and racks so close the pram can’t get through without knocking half of the contents of the shop to the floor. […]

It has been quite some time since I found a good thrifty haul (like this, this, this or this amazing craft haul), especially as the boot fairs I enjoy so much don’t start until near the end of March. So instead I made do with a trip to my local charity shop to hang out […]

I hope I don’t sound like a complete git trying to give anyone party tips, but I thought I would pass on some of the ideas I have used and some of the things that have helped me money.The basket of bangles is basically full of bangles that I and my sisters don’t use. I […]

In Sandcastles and Snowmen, Sahar El-Nadi tells the story of how she grew up in Muslim countries but truly found her religion as an adult through her travels, life experiences and subsequent deep reflection.  The book starts with an accessible introduction to the key tenets of Islam which is straightforward enough to make sense to […]

It was my cousins wedding last week and an absolute pleasure to get dolled up, turn up like guests and enjoy the food them come home.  No hassle, no preparation, no to-do lists and no trauma or drama, which Pakistani weddings can be great for. It was segregated as some of the sisters wore niqab, […]

I often get asked to review apps, so when a friend asked me to recommend some good app, especially Islamic themed Apps, I thought I would start reviewing them now and again.  The first one is Muslim Quiz & Games PRO – Islamic Academy by Tentacle Solutions. I don’t have an ipad or tablet and […]

When I think of the abayh, the long, loose dress that many Muslim women wear, I think of how elegant it looks: image source or how chic: image source or how smart and conservative: When I see sisters wearing it, I usually think the same, especially some of the younger sisters who really know how […]

I usually plan trips with my children to places I think they will learn something from as well as enjoy: museums, the zoo, castles, somewhere that has beautiful scenery. In recent timers, my older children have mutinied and decided they would rather stay at home than see one more old house or castle. This half […]

I wrote quite some time ago about planning for our half term and end of term breaks in a way that makes the most of our time off of school or work but also includes the children in the process.  The example below was where I let the kids fill the activities out in the […]

Alhamdulillah Eid day was lovely, with family gatherings, meals together and lots of presents for the babies.  I was so busy I didn’t get many photos, so these are a mix of mine and Shutterbug Sisters pictures. I started the day early by beginning preparation for lunch and cooking a traditional sweet breakfast of vermicelli […]

I am debating whether to turn this post into a full on rant, but I think it’s sometimes more useful to be reflective than angry. We are more than half way through the holidays and the refrain of “we are bored” and “what do we do when you’re not at home” has been ongoing. I […]

My garden is very small but I love it to bits.  I love being creative with it, trying out new things, watching things grow and gardening with my children.  It’s a buzz to see things grow and then to bring them into your kitchen and use them. I have been looking for a small cherry […]

What a horrid morning. I woke up feeling so miserable today and spent the whole morning veering between rage and sadness, with everyone feeling the brunt of it. The house is still being refurbished and we are still living in two rooms. Everyone has colds and coughs and keeping everyone organised and with a routine […]

One of the things that I and my best friend do when either of us is down is ask the question “Tell me 10 things that make you happy right now?” I thought I would have fun with this prompt and give myself some things to feel good about. We are also just passing half […]