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Eid traditions with children + Giveaway
(A collaboration with David Charles London) Growing up in Doha, one of the best parts about celebrating Eid and Ramadan was experiencing the entire country being illuminated and the spirit of the festival being publicly celebrated. We did not have to make it look like Eid at home because “Eid” was just everywhere – banners, lights and decorations, Eid sale, Eid entertainment for the kids in mall and park, fireworks etc. But we had these simple traditions at home which made it more exciting and helped me learn the spirit of the festival as a child. I want to continue the same with my children too. Some of the Eid traditions…
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Newborn Cloth Diapering with Bumpadum
One of the first baby stuff I brought as soon as I got to know I am pregnant is …cloth diapers. That too Bumpadum cloth diapers. I got to know about Bumpadum when we were almost at the end of our cloth diapering journey with our first-born. I had loved the prints back then and decided I would surely buy them for my next child. Later on, Bumpadum contacted me for a review opportunity of their products and I surely said yes! Newborn Cloth Diapering If there is one thing most moms are not comfortable with, it is the concept of cloth diapering a newborn. Because the reality is…we have…
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An ode to my daughter #2
Wednesday, 16th May 2018 09:08 AM Cries. Jubilation. Excitement “O my Lord, I actually delivered” Alhamdulilah.* Teaching me the power of Mind Over Body. Alhamdulilah. Helping me learn new skills. Breathing through the pain. Alhamdulilah. Succeeding through positivity Positive Affirmations. Alhamdulilah. Teaching me the power of ‘Informed Birthing’. Alhamdulilah. Helping me learn that ‘I can do this alone!’ Alhamdulilah. Succeeding through Duas. Direct calls to God. Alhamdulilah. The first sip of milk. A new bond was formed. Alhamdulilah. Being able to walk immediately. VBAC Alhamdulilah. ‘Momma, Babbyyyyy!’ Screams the toddler. Alhamdulilah. An instant best friend for life Sisters. Alhamdulilah. Four years. Two kids. Alhamdulilah. You are named After one of the best.…
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Book Review – The Ducktrinors
Book Review – The Ducktrinors ( Book 1 and Book2 of the Jihad Series) Author – Papatia Feauxzar Availability –Djarabi Kitabs, (Affiliate link) Amazon, Fofkys Muslim fiction scene is rapidly growing compared to what it was when we were growing up, especially books catering to children, teens and young adult. Of the different genres available, this is the first time I have come across a Muslim science fiction novel for Young Adults. SYNOPSIS OF THE STORY The book revolves around Hanifa Ducktrinor, a brave and ambitious young girl who is on a quest to find the cave in Tarsus, Turkey which houses the Ashabul Kahf – people who will aid Jesus Aleyhi Salam…
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Pregnancy resources for Muslim moms + Printable
This is the second blog post under Resources for Muslim moms. This section discusses videos, courses, books and a colouring booklet catering to Muslim pregnant women. Pregnancy is a life-changing and defining phase of one’s life and as practising Muslim women, we should be aware of the Islamic rules and practices to be mindful of during this period of our life. Here I am sharing some of the resources I have personally used whic have helped me. Pregnancy is a mind-body connection, the more aware and mindful we are of it, the better outcomes we often have. Educating ourselves about the physical strength of the human body and the resilient…
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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…
