Lush Haul- November Edition

Asalam Waliykum, 

Haven't raved about Lush in a while, and recently received a Large order of my favorite products. Thought I would share with you guys and also turn this into a recommendation type of post and another shout out to the company. They never cease to impress me. I have a few reviews up on the blog already so do check those out to, Here, Here and Here oh and one more Here! 

One reason why I love Lush, and I'm not sure if I made this clear from the start, but  they are ethical and not some blood sucking super power company such as the likes of Unilever, Sara lee, Nestle, Danone, Este Lauder, Disney, L'oreal, Starbucks, Intel, M&S, Johnson & Johnson, Mc'D  etc, etc that dominate the shelves in most shops. Why do I have a problem with these blood sucking giants, well most are proud supporters of Zionism and IsraHell and are supporting zionists causes and charities, this information is readily available online you only need to investigate and you will see for yourselves.  I believe that  boycotting is an effective way to get the message across especially as Muslimahs,  women are the main consumers of beauty products. We can make an impact if we stop being so lazy and start shopping ethically. Small changes in our shopping habits make a difference. Just look at the back of your products and you will see who the 'mother' company is, you will find if you search long enough you can trace all products back to 6 major companies some are listed above. 

Anyway, with that rant over and onto the Lush goodies I purchased this Month. 

Signs of youm qiyama, already fullfilled....

Asalam Waliykum,

I watched this Video a few days ago and really wanted to share it with you all, please spend the 5 mins to watch this very informative clip. This is a wake up call for us all. 

"Surely these are signs for those who reflect" 

Say (unto the disbelievers): Travel in the land, and see the nature of the consequence for the rejecters!

I love to Henna!!

Asalam Waliykum,

One of my Favorite hobbies is hennaing, if that is a word not to sure, any-who I will use it anyway. I do it randomly in the year, not just for the Eids, but any time I feel like it. I just wanted to share some of the henna I have done recently in the last  few months. Just like with my other hobbies I want to be able to share this with you guys, and even inspire some sisters. There are many halal hobbies us sisters can pursue, and doing henna is an old traditional hobby, with lots of benefits. One being you always get asked to do peoples henna! Below is a series of my latest creations, do read on....

(4) Quilled Handmade Greeting Cards- Flowers

Asalam Waliykum,

Subhana Allah I have tried to write this post for the last 4 weeks, each time I start something comes up and I get distracted. The usual Life and all that stuff, so sorry for the long hiatus. Insha Allah back to normal this week. 
So back to the post, again more of my artsy stuff,  this time with a slightly different design. Bright flowers on black card stock. Also tried a new quilling technique for the flowers and leaves. It is a little complicated to explain. Hoping to purchase a camera to record some proper tutorials on Quilling in the near future, so stay tuned for that!

I really like the new technique, looks effective and looks intricate, it takes longer to do, so I decided to stick to a simpler design of a flower and a few leaves. 

I used a lovely thick card stock that I could only find online, and made the cards into C6 size using my own equipment at home. The envelopes I purchased in bulk it works out far cheaper to buy in bulk online then to make my own.

The strips are from online store of JJQuiling, I have now purchased my own shredder so I can now make my own strips. At the moment I make some strips but now I have a great nifty machine that is made for the job I will be able to save a lot more money and get any colour stripes I want in consistent size.  

This card can be altered to suit any occasion by changing the colour of the card stock  the petals and the design. I went for something simple initially and something that takes a reasonable amount of time to make. Some of more complicated designs can take up to 6/7 hours and if i was to sell those they would be pretty pricey. 

Do stay tuned for another post out this week, another card design I have done this summer.

Jazaka Allah khier for reading. Please feel free to share this post, just be sure as always to link my blog. Do not forget to follow and like my Facebook page HERE!!! 


(Remember when I reach 1,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook and on my blog I will be doing a giveaway of my handmade creations)

Wasalam -x- 

Hijab Styles for Different Face Shapes

Asalam Waliykum, 

Over the years sisters have asked for my opinion on what Hijab style suits different face shapes. So I decided recently that I would dedicate one post to this subject, although I realise the purpose of wearing the hijab is not to look "nice" or "Attractive", however it is something we should wear in a presentable manner and in a way that we feel comfortable in. The last thing we want to do is wear a style that makes us feel uncomfortable and isn't practical, where we spend most of the day playing around with it and constantly fidgeting. Not to say that if the Hijab style doesn't "suit" your face shape then you should not wear the hijab, not at all. In Sha Allah we realise the purpose of the Hijab is for Allah and we wear it regardless of if it "suits" us. So when we leave the house each day we look in the mirror to be sure the Hijab is presentable and pleasing to who? Pleasing to the Creator and not His creation. 

Dhu Al-Hajja Welcome/Marhaba

Asalam Waliykum, 

"The One of Pilgrimage" or the Month of Pilgrimage is now upon us. Last night the last month in the Hijri Calender Arrived to bless us once more.  

The Month is so special and important to us Muslims, that Allah Swears an Oath by it, when He says in the Quran "By the Dawn; by the ten nights" (Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2) Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit. 

Proper Hijab- Jilbab/Khimar/Abaya..??

Asalam Waliykum, 

I have been wanting to write about this topic for such a long time. It has been something I have put off for obvious reasons, I have done something similar on Facebook before and have been under attack by my fellow Muslim sisters and brothers which is sad. However, in the end I have decided it is my duty to give dawah, and although the truth hurts it needs to be said. I have been inspired by the sister who owns the One Chinese Muslimah blog. This sisters blog posts are always straight to the point, honest and truthful and she supports all her points with Hadith and Quran and views from valuable scholars and Sheikhs. Allah bless her and may she continue this good work, I recommend you do have a look at her blog.

(3) Quilled Handmade Greeting Cards- Baby Feet!

Asalam Waliykum, 

I am back after what seems a long time, with more of my cards, Yes! still with the baby theme. Lots and lots of tiny, ickle, cute baby feet! I have seen this design the quilled baby feet a lot online. So here is my version, and I redesigned the card to match the quilled feet. This has to be my favourite design. Very tricky to master the technique and getting the perfect shape consistently each time. Lots and lots of practice and managed to get some perfect little feet on my hands!

Company Feature: Emoshe Boutique

Asalam Waliykum, 

One thing I want to do more of on my blog is interviewing and promoting Muslim women who are getting started in the business world. I think it is very important to show support to sisters and give our customs to them. I personally only buy hijabs and clothing from Islamic stores online, when possible. People often have worries about quality, and security but most companies allow customers to review items and blog about it, record a YT video and reccomend through other social media. So good stores are always recommended and well reviewed.  

One of these companies is the delightful Emoshe Boutique, a company owned by the lovely Sister Sana.

DIY- Moroccan Hammam in your own home!

Asalam waliykum,

I never thought of doing a post on this before, only after seeing a few sisters speak about their Hammam experiences did I think to do this. This is a sort of continuation of my last post, the Moroccan Haul which can be found Here!!

Moroccan Haul- Moroccan goodies

Asalam waliykum 

I was not to sure what to call this post, it is not really a haul, more of recommendation of certain products I received, used and love. My intention for this post it not to boast what I have, or to show off. My intention is to reccomend products that may be of benefit to sisters that are also affordable (apart from the Argan oil) for anyone and most are 100% natural!

(2) Quilled Handmade Greeting Cards: Baby Prams!!!!

Asalam waliykum 

I was inspired to make these cards after seeing something with a similar design in the shops. I love unique designs that are not the usual boring themed cards. I got a lot of positive feedback on this design, and it is now one of my favourite cards to make!

The first time I made these I didn't have a proper quiliing slotted tool and so you can say it was a little rough at the edges.

Hijab For Men... To veil or not to veil?

Asalam waliykum, 

**Excuse the title, I am not promoting mean to wear the headscarf in this post.**

One of the biggest misconception about Islam is in regards to Hijab. In this post I will be focusing more on the clothing for men. We are forever hearing and read about the Hijab of the woman in the media, in the blogging world, you tube etc. I have hardly come across anyone speak about the Hijab for men. This is a great injustice being done here, Islam is about equity and although Hijab may not look exactly the same for men as it does for women, they still have to wear another form of hijab which is Fard/obligatory for them.

Argan Oil - Liquid Gold

Asalam waliykum, 

I really wanted to write about this, sort of related to my Moroccan Haul post that I will be up in the next couple of days. I love Argan Oil and hopefully after reading this you will see how amazing this stuff really is. For the last couple of years I have been on a quest to only use natural products, as much as possible anyway. And I remembered Morocco is full of natural cosmetic products, that are reasonably priced and 100% natural, no chemicals no harmful nasties, and no preservatives etc. I initially started to use Extra virgin olive oil for my hair and skin and you can buy the top quality stuff from the shops and use it only for cosmetic use. It is great for removing makeup, on sensitive skin, heals scarring, has anti bacterial properties. So if you are not able to get your hands on Argan Oil I highly reccomend using extra virgin olive oil instead. 

Product Review- Hijab Obsessions (2)

Asalam waliykum sisters, 

Today I will be reviewing some hijabs from my favorite online Hijab store. I previously reviewed some hijabs from Hijab obsessions last year, click HERE to read that post. Below is a little bit about the company taken from their website: 

Lush Goodies- Lush review!

Asalam waliykum sisters, 

It has been a super long time! Really missed blogging, However, I am back with a fabulous Lush review to kick things off! 

My Lush collection has grown over the past year and a bit. I have now officially tried all the products, well all the products that best suit my skin type. 

I am loving Lush more and more, along with the on going campaign to stop animal testing. Lush have stepped things up and started a campaign against the use of drones. Their slogan used is "Welcome to the drone age". Please follow the link Here! to find out more.  

This review will be on 3 products that I have been using ongoing for the last few months and have become my firm favourites. 

The first product is the Honey Shampoo called "fair trade honey". A gentle moisturising Shampoo for all hair types. Basically this bottle is full of goodies for the hair and scalp. 

Hobbies: Quilled Handmade Greeting Cards- 1

Asalam waliykum,

Just a Quick post, introducing my favorite hobby. One of the reasons why I started blogging was to share with you all my favorite hobbies, Alhamdulillah I have always been creative. Allah didn't bless me with the thirst for Maths, English etc. My strength has always been art and being creative from painting, hennaing to cooking and poetry. 

Pearl Daisy- Review

Asalam waliykum, 

I have been so tied up with Ramadan, and Eid Alhamdulillah and needed a few days rest. Alhamdulillah, so now have more time to Blog and read. I have a few reviews that are pending and pilling up. I wanted to get all the work out the way before the last 10 days. Alhamdulillah managed to stick to the plan and now I am free. 

I want to take the chance to announce to you all, I have finally created a Muslimah In Solace Facebook page, I will be showing all my cards, and crafts and henna and photography on there more often then I do here. Please do check it out, like and share, so click HERE!

Anyway, on with the review! I will start with reviewing my purchase from Pearl daisy, I purchased 2 items from Amena from her online store, click on the link HERE! to check out the website. I have been wanting to get some hijabs from her store for such a long time. When she created the winged maxi 'hoojabs' I had to try get my hands on at least one. At the same time I purchased some Ali Baba trousers. If you do not know who Amena is, she is rather well known on you tube for her tutorials Here is a link to check out her videos. 

Taqabbalallaha Minna Wa Minkum- Eid Mubarak

Asalam waliykum, 

I would like to say to all my readers and my sisters in Islam: 

Taqabbalallaha minna wa minkum-

May Allah accept it from you and us!

Eid Mubarak cards

Asalam waliykum,

I wanted to share with you my Handmade Quilled cards. This is the first time I have uploaded them onto my blog. I have lots to share In Sha Allah in due time too many to show you right now.

Eid in Medina 2012

Asalam Waliykum,

As you may of read in my last post a few days ago, and if you are new to my blog check it out HERE!!. I was blessed to visit Mekkah and Medina last Ramadan, 2012. Alhamdulillah, I am so glad to have completed this journey and Allah invited me to be there during the last 10 days. 

**Smile Again Charity Event**

Asalam Waliykum,

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Ramadan and being extra productive in these last few precious nights we have left in Ramadan. 

The preparation for the event is going really well, we are nearly done with organising the final touches and getting everything ready. Including leaflets and the lovely banner above. It was created by my brothers friend for free, May Allah reward him. 

What do you think of it? It has a Moroccan theme to it. I am really impressed with it and will be printed out super size and hung behind us, where we will be set up on the days. 

Flash back to Mekkah

Asalam waliykum,

Flash back to a wonderful month in Saudia Arabia. Subhanallah this time last year I was in Mecca, praying in the Masjid Harram day and night. Above was my first night in Masjid Harram after completing Umrah. Click HERE to read and see more of my trip and also HERE. 

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