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Best of 2017 on ‘by Shahira’
2017 started with big plans for my blog. I was at the peak of my blogging enthusiasm. Let’s say, I didn’t do as much as I wanted to due to some unforeseen circumstances. That being said, 2017 was still the best year for my blog, in terms of collaboration opportunities, networking with people and traffic on the blog. Some of the articles have been a big hit surprisingly, yet some of the articles where I have put in hours of research and reading has gone unnoticed. Here I am sharing some of my most read blog posts of the year. Most of the traffic for these blog posts are from…
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Dental health during pregnancy
(Disclaimer – These are general guidelines for pregnant women. Individual cases may vary depending on the overall general health and other factors. Please consult with your clinician if you are facing any difficulties related to your oral health) Pregnancy is a life-defining event for all women. Add to it, the physical changes that happen and the hormonal shift, maintaining good health should be a top priority for every pregnant mom. Good dental health during pregnancy is an important prerequisite for a good general health. Though the old-wives tale of ‘gain a baby, lose a tooth’ is not true in the respect that we do not lose calcium from our…
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Rules and laws of Toddler-ingdom
(First published on Ayeina, dated November 09, 2016) Rules and laws of Toddler-ingdom Parenting toddlers should come with its own manual and rule book. How many of you agree with this? From the time we become a teenager to the phase where we become a parent; we tend to be very focused, either with studies, work or household chores. Then suddenly we become a parent and our world changes. One of the best aspects of parenting is the funny and humorous situation and phrases we encounter as our children grow through those energy-oozing ones and terrible twos! As much as we do get exasperated with flour strewn all…
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Letters to my daughter #8
My little girl, it has been 24 months. 24 months. Alhamdulilah. (25 months by the time I posted this!) Some days I still find it hard to believe that I am a mom. I thought becoming a mom would make me different and “wise” and a multitude of other adult-characters, but for the most part, I feel I haven’t changed much. Now 24 months later, it is as though you have been with me always and since forever. I cannot remember the time before you were born. It looks as though, all this chatter, smiles and cries have always been a part of my life. Alhamdulilah. It is so true…
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How to prevent mom burnout?
My story: On a late night, last September, when our baby was asleep and I was mindlessly scrolling on my phone, I asked my husband, ‘What is your opinion about me buying a domain/hosting and getting serious about blogging?’ His instant reply was, ‘Go for it if that makes you happy. Maybe it might end up as your turning point.’ It had been a few months since I resigned from my job. I had fully immersed myself in diaper-changing and puree-feeding duties. Hobbies – I had no time or energy or both to indulge in one. It was impossible to read with a baby in tow. I was not continuing with…
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Surprise! : Author Interview with Zaheera Jina
(This is first in part of a new series on the blog called ‘Author Interview’ where I speak with authors of children’s books – books that reflect upon Muslim values, fosters family relations, talk against racism, inclusivity of all racial/ethnic groups and overall gives a positive message to our young children This post contains Amazon affiliate links) I was recently given the opportunity to read an exciting new children’s book called ‘Surprise!’ (Affiliate link) which revolves around a small family and their close relations with each other. I have been honoured to conduct an interview with the author of the book, Zaheera Jina. Without further delay, here is the exclusive interview conducted…
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Review : Hidden Pearls Hijab
Growing up in the Middle East of Indian origin, my hijabs have always been either Khaleeji Shaylas/Shawls or Indian Pashmina shawls. So imagine my excitement when I get to try two very different hijabs. (Yes, I am a hijab-hoarder-who-hoards-hijab-of-every-colour-but-wears-only- the-regular-few?) Hidden Pearls contacted me a couple of months back about a collaboration project and review of their products. This review has been at least 2 months in the making but with a long India trip, it got delayed. But then, better late than never. The hijab is a very personal subject to me. I have worn it since I was 11 or 12 and it is like second-skin to me. It…
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Book Review : Mommy, Who is Allah?
Name of the Book: Mommy, Who is Allah? Author: Zainab Jones Illustrations: Vicky Amrullah Publisher: Djarabi Kitabs Publishing Availability: (Affiliate link) Amazon Every Muslim parent comes across the question – Who is Allah? – from their child eventually. I had earlier reviewed another excellent book which help introduces to children the concept of different names and attributes of Allah. Similarly, this books talks about the name Al Khaliq and explain this attribute – The Creator. Review: Mommy, Who is Allah? This book is about a wise mother and her curious child who notices every thing that the mother is doing. He notices his mother doing Tasbeeh with her fingers after her Salaah…
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Quiet (busy) books + A tutorial
Guest Post by Haifa Thajudheen from Paper Batter Banter and Tutorial by Esha from Quiet Books, Canada Quiet books or busy books have become a rage now, a highly in-demand toy, for toddlers and preschoolers. Quiet books are made of a compressed fabric called FELT and these books contain many quiet activities to entertain young children. The activities can vary from shape/colour sorting, dressing up a doll, moving beads to develop fine motor skills, braiding hair, other activities to promote sensory development, creative thinking and imaginative play. The possibilities are endless with this crafty activity book. I was completely oblivious to the versatility that felt could be used for.…
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Book Review : Kamillah the Butterfly
Name of the Book: Kamillah the Butterfly Author: Shoohada Khanom Illustrations: Harriet Rodis Publisher: Djarabi Kitabs Publishing Availability: (Affiliate link) Amazon Review : Kamillah the Butterfly The minute I started reading this book, the first thought that crossed my mind was – ‘A Muslim version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ Yay. Though the initial two pages of the book – caterpillar eating everything in sight – is similar, rest of the story, thoughts, concepts and illustrations are very different and unique to this book. It talks about a caterpillar who is going through an immense change and is quite worried about all the alterations happening to her. She then asked her…
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Book Review – Tight Rope
Book review of Tight Rope Author: Sahar Abdul Aziz Availability: (Affiliate link) Amazon and Fofkys The story revolves around Nour, Maryam, Zaid, Shane, Eugene, Russell and the story finally culminates at a protest rally where they meet each other. Nour is a social activist and the main character. A hardworking young Black woman in modern America who undergoes vile racist reactions for her faith and her skin. Maryam is a new convert to the faith and a nurse by profession. Zaid works in his dad’s store. Without going into the details of the story, I’ll list some of the main concepts which the story talks about that is not usually portrayed…
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Breastfeeding during Ramadan
Islam gives great importance to breastfeeding. It is considered a right of the child to be breastfed. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an. “Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing (period). Upon the father is the mother’s provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable…” (2:233) Without going into the legal discussion, during Ramadan, breastfeeding mothers may or may not fast depending on their health and health of the baby. For those breastfeeding mothers who are fasting here are a few tips to make this month easier. Insha’Allah 1. Hydrate yourself. Drink lots of water in between Ifthar and Suhoor rather…
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7 tips for moms to improve their Ramadan experience + FREE Ramadan Planner
Ramadan after becoming a mother is very different – a version of Ramadan 2.0 with its own unique situations and obligation. Some days go great with everything done on time, the set number of pages recited from the Holy Qurán while the kids eat their food with no tantrums and no untoward incidents. Well, some days nothing goes as per plan and you just want to hit the bed at the earliest possible time. Mothers are an expert in handling nights of broken sleep but during Ramadan you are a broken-sleep-Ninja who survives on 2 hours sleep! I have already written about how Ramadan and motherhood can be balanced without…
