Yeah... I know.... went missing again!

Salaam Alaikum everyone!

Yea.... I know.... it's been a LONG while but I've been incredibly busy with daily life and all my babies. And I've also found it much easier to jot a quick blurb on Facebook... with life being the way it is, I only have a quick sec to post something and keep moving!

But I must tell you, I've been pretty much up to date with info on the daily lives of some of the sisters here on Blogger since they post daily on Facebook as well: some have added new additions to their families, others have had their first arrival (MashaAllah!) while others are dealing with family issues and some are still battling their demons, psychologically speaking.

Egypt has improved immensely since my last post- I have basically surrounded myself with expats and I have 2 really good Egyptian friends so my inner circle is tight and I'm in a good place right now, Alhumdulillah. After all that initial drama, I finally have some relief, some peace of mind about my state of "being".... so overall, I feel like my old self again!

My Papito is 3 months old now- yes. Three months have flown by and the Naughty Princess and Big Papi started school the beginning of October but since this past Sunday, school has been shut down until December 1st (alledgely) since a few boys in the primary area have been diagnosed with swine flu... we're supposed to have a meeting next week at the school to discuss how we're to handle their work load while they're out.... so I guess we'll receive a complete lesson plan to follow until school resumes. Gotta keep them busy.... especially since both of them are doing exceptionally well, MashaAllah! :)

Planning a trip home, InshaAllah, while they're out- hopefully, I'll be successful in finding some decent fares- and I plan to use my frequent flyer points to purchase at least one ticket .... I gotta buy more than a few! Thank goodness, I only have taxes to pay on Little Papi and Papito!

My family and friends are eagerly awaiting the actual arrival news so I need to get crackin' with my ticket search.... and this is the start of the busy holiday season so tickets won't be cheap- but just landing in New York and being able to smell my city is worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY! Must haves when I get home: Junior's cheesecake from Brooklyn, a bacon & egg sandwich from Al-Noor halal deli on 4th Avenue in Brooklyn, a FEW containers of Haagen-Dazs (well, gotta make up for ALL those months I wanted and couldn't get it!), a Nathan's hot dog with some fries and a REAL Pepsi down in Coney Island, have some delectable orange beef with fried rice and yummy spring rolls from my favorite Chinese restaurant and consume enough pizza at my favorite spot, Gino's, to last me for a year...... LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL.... but I'm not kidding! And a visit to my nail salon for a SERIOUS manicure/pedicure and an elaborate hands, legs and feet henna job at my favorite Indian henna palace! NO ONE does it like this sista........ unless your name is Ashkumar (professional world reknown artist)!

Okay.... gotta run as it's lunch time for the rugrats.... and I'm waiting for the Olympic man to come service my washer/dryer for the 2nd day in a row: he checked it yesterday, it started to work with no problem.... as soon as he left, it had an error message! So much for expensive, state of the art machinery.... oy!

Everyone be good and safe.... take care of yourselves and remember to love each other... even if someone doesn't love you back!

Forever grateful.......

Salaam Alaikum, my sisters!

Just wanted to give everyone a "heads up" that baby Papito came along on Wednesday, August 5th..... alhumdulillah, all went VERY smoothly- like 1 push smooth..... I could never complain about my deliveries!!!

With all my running around, not eating or taking care of myself as good as I would've if I was home in New York, Papito was my smallest one yet! But I can't complain as he is healthy and as cute as a button, MASHA ALLAH!!!! He's resembes Big Papi but time will tell if his face changes into something totally different.... all of my kids look different from each other but you could tell that they're related.....

And the hubby made it here JUST in time- he arrived Monday evening and by Wednesday afternoon, I was heading to the hospital! I kept telling Papito to hang in there and wait for his Baba and like a good boy, he listened! I was ready to come home the same day but the doctor had already left the hospital and when the staff called him, he said just stay- as usual, I felt like I didn't even give birth! Ready to go home to my own place and relax with the clan around me... but he and I had the chance to bond overnight as we spent the night smelling each other and him sleeping on my chest- this is my process with all of them and it does create a tighter, closer feeling bond between you..... and when they smell you and kinda sigh, you know they recognize you!

Well, always when you proclaim that you would never do something, something usually happens to make you eat your words- I said repeatedly while pregnant, that this one would more than likely be the last but now that he's here, talk about crazy but I think I wouldn't mind another!!! ;p

The troops are loving him like crazy.... my family thought that Little Papi might "flip out" since he's attached to me like glue (literally sometimes) but he's the main one kissing him and rubbing his head! Alhumdulillah, I'm glad I don't have to worry about the hitting, biting and scratching that usually happens when the youngest meets the newborn.... oy! And Little Papi just turned 1 a few days ago..... Alhumdulillah, my life has been blessed by yet another addition to the clan- Allah (SWT) is merciful and I am forever thankful for ALL that He has given me in this life..... please make dua for us!!!

Okay, break time over.... back to Momma duties.... time to make din din! ;)

the Barefoot Empress Beauty Emporium is open for a limited time...

Ladies in the Cairo area!!!

I have some items in my home I need to clear out if I can... Victoria Secret bras and other style bras, panties, organic scented bath salt and a few home-made brown sugar scrubs I made in New York before I left... the lovely folks in customs here turned them all upside down so the labels were ruined with the oil from the container.

I also have superb hair colors and relaxers for those looking to spruce up their look!!! :)

I brought these things from New York and looking to get rid of least some of what I have left- customs help themselves to most of it....

If anyone is interested, let me know.....

Did ya miss me???

Salaam 'Alaikum sisters!!!

Yeah.... I know it's been awhile but believe it or not, I JUST finished up my last bit of settling in and down business here on last Sunday. It's been a long haul but now, I can finally stay home in my apartment and relax and wait for the hubby to arrive (which is in about 2 weeks) and count down the final days til my bundle make his or her appearance!!! :)

I wanted to let everyone know all is well, children are good, Alhumdulillah.... apartment is FINALLY finished, have everything I need for the new arrival, InshaAllah.... met more cool Muslimahs which is always a blessing, the hubby is due to arrive soon (Wooo Hooo), still trying to adjust to some of the local yocals but my new but old approach to this tiresome, daily problem: "let it roll of my back, let's not care too much about it" attitude will get me through!!! (InshaAllah)

Okay, I don't know if I'll have the opportunity to log in again anytime soon.... Queen, I miss ya- haven't had the chance to read your blog in awhile... hope you and your family are doing okay!!! And I miss communicating with everyone so much but my life has been consumed with getting it all together here so I can start to "live" again.....

Next time you might hear from me, I'll have arrival news to share!!! I love you all for the pleasure of Allah.... please make dua for me and my family!!! Smooches!!!

In need of an English and Math tutor.....

Assalaam 'Alaikum sisters!

Quick post... do any of you sisters here in Cairo have a GREAT, reliable English/Math tutor? I would like to hire one ASAP for my kids who will be 3 and 5. I believe in being proactive and I'm not in the place to devote much time to them right now (meaning being totally consistant with everything) with all I have going on in this house! They'll both start school in the fall and I like to be ahead of the game.... especially since the educational system here in this country is lacking greatly. I've heard many, many wonderful things about the school they'll attend but I need to know they'll at least to "up to snuff" with their classmates. I brought alot of workbooks with me from New York but I don't want to start to stop... because of stuff coming up and the likes, ya know what I mean? And with my Little Papi who requires a great deal of time, I know a tutor would do them better justice than me at this point! And I feel with someone else in the house, they'll pay closer attention than with me.

I'm looking for someone as soon as 2 weeks to start- I'm finishing up my house and I need to go away for a breather before the hubby arrives... so we're looking for someone twice to three times a week indefinitely... I will ask some of the many sisters here but I wanted to get the word out there.... let me know!

This evening I met a sweet sister, MashaAllah.....

I had the pleasure of finally meeting my sweet sister, Molly from over at " The Sandbox Confessions of a Multicultural Muslimah" ( to check out her blog, click here). She such a sweet, warm Muslimah.... we chatted, ordered dinner (whose cooking in this heat???) and had a great time!

It's a blessing to be able to see a sister and warm up to one other like you known each other for years... you can't get that with alot of people but you can experience it with a down-to-earth person which I found her to be! We went from sitting on the couch to lounging in the bedrooms... how's that for just meeting someone? When it's real, ya know it! (smooches)

I'm grateful to have met her and hope we link up often.... I love you, my sista!

Thinking about my daughter's wedding......?????

I dunno what's with me lately but as I watch my little Hijabi Princess run around, screaming and making all sorts of weird noises with Big Papi, my mind starts to drift off thinking about when it'll be her turn to get married, InshaAllah. I start to think about the many things involved: wedding location, the massive families to coordinate that are scattered all over the world, bridal clothing, cake, amount of gold jewerly bought for her and the list goes on. Now, I'm not psycho since my Mami is only 4 going on 5 but since she's my only girl who will be the eldest with three siblings, I wonder how her Baba and I will handle it all when the day comes?

I dream about the type of wedding I would LIKE which will not necessarily be of her taste... to which I'll probably get upset but she's kinda like me when it comes to stuff- I dunno if it'll last but if so, we might be okay with planning! ;) Her Baba will have his own set of ideas for sure... I think it'll be interesting!

I watch her run around, care free and laughing while I sit and think about her education and future... what will she do? What will she like? How might she change in the years to come? I don't know if other Mothers dream of their daughter's wedding but I have been thinking about it alot and I don't know why! She's just a baby and she will not be getting married any time soon but I guess maybe because I know she's my only girl? And I told her Baba start saving that money NOW for the event... and you know Pakistani families usually don't do small weddings and since she's definitely "the Princess", it won't be something taken lightly!

I've thought of fancy cakes.... you know, the kind that don't even LOOK like cakes (like the one above that look like pillows... definitely, my style)? The amount of family and friends from all the world- my family is huge and my hubby's family is massive so it would be a spectacle to see (hence the reason to start saving NOW... lol). Her wedding will more than likely be nothing like mine: very small, right after Friday kuttbah with an average sized walimah the next day...

Anyhoo, just thinking aloud... we have many, many, many years ahead of us to think about the event, InshaAllah- I guess I'm just being a Mommy right now... watching my little Hijabi Princess grow up before my eyes..... sigh.

Now, all we need is the right boy: practising, religious and from a good family...hmmm......

Sisters are makin it happen... would you like to join us?

Assalaam Alaikum, my beautiful sisters!

Just a moment to give all the sisters here in Cairo the info on that meeting I mentioned in my last post... it's all about sisterly support for us expats, remembering Allah (SWT) and coming together to learn from one another with classes, workshops and the sorts... children included!

The next meeting will be this Thursday, June 4th at the Global Net Cafe located at 25 Hassan Haamid St. in Hayatul Ashr (sic) from 10AM-1PM. Hassan Haamid St, is located 2 streets BEHIND Eltaweed & Nour store- it's on the 1st floor in a pink and blue building... hope that's enough info!!!

For sisters living inside Rehab, there is a bus that can take you to the meeting but you must notify the sister, Umm Layla if you need a spot- first come, first serve.... I actually didn't get her permission to post her cell so please send me a line in comments and I can pass along the message- please include your mobile number for contact. Fee for the bus I believe is 10 LE to cover the cost and the price of admission to the meeting is 5 LE which is to cover the cost of using the facility.

They do send out info reguarly via email so those who are interested in receiving the info already shared, send me your email addresses and I can forward it to you- when you attend the meeting, the sisters will take all your contact info for future updates and contact.

They have a buddy system here within Rehab- you are assigned a buddy which is someone who lives close to you and you exchange personal info between yourselves just in case the sister needs to care for you or your children if you fall ill or need other assistance and vice versa... it's a great concept and it's already very much in effect! I wasn't feeling well and my buddy visited and met me for the 1st time over a week ago- just to say hello, introduce herself and offer her assistance! And we linked up again last night since I suffered from a mishap here in my flat, she made dinner for me and brought it by! What more can you ask for? The sisters here REALLY look out for each other and it feels great to be associated with them!

For those sisters living in Nasr City, Umm Layla mentioned the buddy system can be created for you as well- this is definitely a wonderful thing, MashaAllah!!!

Okay.... duty calls with the kids... hope to see all of you there.... I love you all, for the pleasure of Allah!

There's NO place like home....

Well, I have about 3 minutes to sit at the moment and I've been thinking about my beloved home for the last few days... and I started to look at pics and the mind started to drift away- thinking about normalcy, family life, friends, GOOD food, cleanliness, wide open spaces, fresh air, the beautiful ocean, the vast cultures all co-existing in that huge melting pot called New York!

Eventually, most of us can learn to adapt to our surroundings at some point and time, while others may NEVER be able to adapt at all- this is LIFE and we're all built differently. What I can take and make a joke out of it, some may feel bitter resentment and hate things even more- and no one behavior is right or wrong- how we cope is part of who we are..... I must tell you the obvious: visiting is one thing but when you're forced to live the day-to-day in this forsaken place called Egypt, it's not easy. The biggest problem I feel is how people put their "culture" before religion- to most of them, this is what it's all about. We're ALL to be the same, regardless of where we come from... and this is what we as Muslims are taught and THOUGHT... be here, this is not necessarily the case- you are the OUTSIDER and most will NOT let you forget it. Forget about being brothers and sisters in the most glorious religion on this earth: you're from where YOU are and we're EGYPTIAN- so stupid. And if I could speak a lick of the local slang dialect, I would ask: what exactly IS IT to be EGYPTIAN??? Not to rant, but most feel for some really odd reason that they're better than us... and how so do I ask? Is it the ancient culture that have absolutely nothing to do with you nowdays... or is it the country that you so disgustingly neglect in almost every way imaginable??? I must tell you, I have had alot of contact with some very nice Egyptian people here and even they agree: their people have some serious issues.... and alot of them don't even like us, Muslim or not- but if you stop and think, if people like us from ALL over this world didn't come here for one reason or another whether it be to live indefinitely, study for a period of time, vacation, buy property,etc. what ELSE EXACTLY WOULD BE GOING ON HERE??? I will tell you... nothing.

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In my lifetime, I have mixed and mingled in many different circles: rich, poor, middle class, no class, super highly educated, no education whatsoever, average education, morons and uber-intelligent so I know HOW to hang with the good, the bad and the indifferent. I have tried to immerse myself somewhat with understanding the mentality of the locals to which some things I have figured WHY they do what they do but still again, most stuff you just can't understand WHY... and even their own have said so- to me! But I think the biggest problem is all the boisterous pride, the blatant ignorance and the moronic arrogance and the REAL belly buster: the huge aire of SUPERIORITY that they try to "flaunt" in your face (this one I really laugh at) but I ask you, WHY? Maybe some Egyptian sisters care to comment so maybe people like myself living here can get a better handle on what we're dealing with or HOW to deal with the natives. I truly want to understand since I do plan to stay, InshaAllah, but to co-exist like this IS NOT condusive. I can honestly say, I wouldn't advise anyone to come here UNLESS you've been here and know what you might be facing in the long run. I want to make it bearable not perfect- to be able to look at the natives and feel like I belong here and they ARE my brothers and sisters... not the things that run through my mind when I'm faced with the uncalled-for idiotic behavior (Astagfiruallah)- you're not hurting me but you're making yourself and your people look bad... think about it. Because I know, at the end of the day, I CAN pack my bags and hop a flight back to my native land- no questions asked... but is this the solution? WHY shouldn't I be able to stay and feel like one of them? A person, a sister, a Muslim and still yet know I am a foreigner? I've heard MANY things over the years about what people think about the people here and I said to myself, they shouldn't say things like that: they ARE people just like us- but until you have to walk a mile in someone else's shoes, don't judge- living here for 3 months have put things into perspective as to WHY they've said what they have- and I can't fault them. But I don't want negative feelings and total resentment be my memory of living in this country- I want to walk away whenever I leave, with a positive experience and be able to say, I lived amongst my brothers and sisters and it was good! I don't want to report that the experiences were all bad: they're HUGE liars, thieves, arrogant, ignorant and such- even writing that doesn't look NOR feel good- but this has been most of the interactions here so far- I can totally relate to Umm Travis's gripe. For those who might think she complains- life here everyday is like this... imagine this being your daily fight... would YOU feel good or even remotely "appreciate" the people? I think not. I want to understand the mode of thinking- someone "enlighten" me, please!!!

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So, even though this place will be my home for some time to come, InshaAllah, I can't help but miss my beloved New York... I might be biased but it's one of the most beautiful places in the world! NO PLACE can EVER compare to it whether it be the wide open spaces, huge homes, friendly neighbors, landscaped lawns and uber-clean parks in Long Island or the hussle and bussle in one of the greatest cities that NEVER sleeps- New York has it all!

Maybe, if I close my eyes and click my heels three times, I might find myself in my old neighborhood: there's no place like home... there's no place like home... there's no place like home....

Just here... for the moment.....

I've received sooooo many emails from people telling me to "come back!" and "I miss your posts!" and "I miss you!!!".... and I thank you all from the depths of my heart for not forgetting me! Well, my story is the same- but thank Allah, I've finally gotten the new flat to where everything I have is in it's right place- still waiting for my bloody boxes from Alex, though... but that is a whole other diaster. The good folks here decided in customs that I shipped too many things and that ALL of it couldn't be for me and my kids- like I brought my entire life here to sell! The nerve! The guts! The gall! And they charged me a HUGE HUGE fine as a penalty for sending my things here to set up my life- soooo very nice of them- a few THOUSAND US dollars.... thank you, Egypt. pfft..........

And I'm extremely exhausted still from the initial move, the move again and all the unpacking... and with my little hijabi Princess, Big Papi and Little Papi in tow, things haven't really slowed down much. And for those who don't know (only those who were closest to me have been privvy to the details) I'm expecting.... again! So, there's the other reason for all my tiredness- came here with my troops, alone and pregnant and trying to make it all work- even my ob/gyn here has told me he's in complete awe of me! Foreign land, no help, no hubby here at the moment, came alone with small children, moved, moved again... and all while very much pregnant and not feeling well. Well, me, I believe you do what you gotta do- at any cost so, there it is in a nutshell. If you see me, I look about 2-3 months OVERDUE but I'm not due until sometime this summer.... it's funny how much bigger the belly gets with each baby! Just to give you an idea: when I was pregnant with my first, the Hijabi Princess, everyone thought I was having twins and I even heard triplets... and you know how the belly expands with each one- so imagine what I look like now??? :)

The looks before when I wasn't so big was like "Maybe she's still carrying that baby belly from that baby on her hip" but now people just look at me like "???" and some are like "MashaAllah...." yes, I AM carrying a baby on my hip and VERY much pregnant- again.... HA!

I will try to post more now that things have calmed down some- take my new camera out the box finally so I can take some pics of some sites soon... I promise to post them- don't expect anything fancy... just random shots of stuff and life around Cairo.

Please make dua for me and all my babies... we're here and making it by Allah's (SWT) mercy- and I feel we just might be able to make it work here. I've found some good people, Alhumdulillah, to be in my camp so I think with my new network, I just might elect to stick around for awhile... not to give up just because of the sometime crazy culture that exists here and the extremely rude, arrogant people- and let's not forget the lot that feel that they have bigger, smarter brains than the rest of us but are very HIGHLY uneducated- makes me chuckle. Gotta take the bad with the good- I've also met some fabulous Egyptian sisters, MashaAllah- the kind I wanna be around: good, practising sisters who have it together: Islam over culture! I've decided to do my usual- laugh at the rest mentioned above and keep moving... stupid is as stupid does.... and my girlfriend from England who is married to a nice Egyptian, has explained some of the customs here to me- she also used to think most stuff was crazy but when you do dig a little deeper, you realize WHY they do some of the things they do and it makes sense when you stand back... but other stuff, you're still like ??????????????????????????????????????????????????

Anyhoo, time for tea and put Little Papi down for his morning nap- maybe we'll get a chance to go out and enjoy the weather today! I love you all, for the pleasure of Allah!

UAE lifestyle- Part II

Well, since I posted the link to the original, disturbing story concerning the lives of foreign workers and other expats over in the UAE, our brother over at One Root has posted some more information in regards to this- and have included some video from the KSA.

I must say, my concern with the original story was the lives of the workers... not those who foolishly go over there and run up debt without common sense and are not "informed" of the laws of that country so let's be clear on that. Before anybody embarks on the quest to relocate anywhere, they should familiarize themselves with the laws of that country or at least be with people who can tell you the "dos" and "donts" of the land...

To read his new post, click here and to read his original post, click here.

Somebody! Please help!!!

I have come to realize within the past few weeks that I have an addiction.... yes, addicted to Haagen Dazs. I've tried to sub with the mall Carvel ice cream (which isn't tasty... more like some sort of ice milk) and nothing will satisfy my cravings for my favorite brand. I've checked all the markets already- including the biggest one around, Carrefour- there the ice cream selections are just plain weird and NOT very appealing... at all.

Can someone PLEASE tell me where to find my love in Cairo??? If I can't get to an actual store where the selections and toppings can NOT be compared, I'll settle most definitely for frozen...

It's gotten so bad that even when I look at my kids Hershey's chocolate sauce in the fridge, I start itching for ice cream... sick, right? All the "little" things we take for granted.... sigh. I need help..... please...... somebody! ;)

Mesmerized by the fab UAE lifestyle, aren't you???

Well, as we all know by now, I don't have much time to post lately.... and I really don't have much going on to post anything interesting but I did have the chance earlier today to sit down and read a few.... our brother over at One Root posted a mind-numbing story about the "real" lives over the in UAE. I know many people are sooooo fascinated by the sick wealth, glitz and glamour that most people especially alot of our Muslim brothers and sisters, can only talk about moving there... as if THAT place is the end-all, be-all.

If you read his post and STILL feel like you wanna pack your bags and go live amongst the masses in that desert oasis, then I personally feel you need some serious pyscho therapy... may Allah (SWT) bring relief to those suffering at the hands of their oppressors, InshaAllah (Ameen)

To read the stomach-churning post, click here

Random things....

Greetings all!

Just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know I haven't disappeared but just busy getting things sorted out here. I was feeling bettter but now coming down with something else... ugh. I HAVE to get some probiotics from home ASAP!

Moved into my apartment but not quite sorted yet- I found out today my vast shipment from New York has finally arrived in Alexandria so I'm assuming by this weekend I should be able to arrange to have the stuff brought down to Rehab... can't wait! Basically, my entire life is in those 30+ boxes!

Anyhoo, I have a lovely big flat here, MashaAllah, but I WILL be moving... sounds crazy? Well, after being here for about 3 1/2 weeks now, I can't deal with my other tenants I found out I had sharing my kitchen.... yup, roaches. I CAN NOT do the roach thing. I'm totally crazy when it comes to this... I start to imagine that the damn things have crawled all over everything, leaving masses of germs for us to consume in some sort of way. So how have I been dealing with my psychosis??? Washing everything in the bleach-laden egyptian water (this stuff is beyond horrible- just think putting bleach water mixed with acid in your mouth... that what I felt like the first time I came here and made wudu) and then use my Nestle delivered bottled water to sterilize everything... I sit and boil, boil, boil. So you can imagine it's costing me a pretty penny to keep using my drinking water but I have no choice- I can't consciously give my kids their cups or fix food in a plate where one MIGHT have been. Now, don't get me wrong- the place isn't crawling with them at all- one here and there on occassion.... but I KNOW they're there. We just can't co-exist. And they don't venture out of the kitchen either... so the rest of the place is totally okay but I won't wait around to see if they opt to broaden their living quarters. When I told the hubby, he laughed... he KNOWS me when it comes to this issue: had a wonderful, fabulous apartment we moved into after we first married- everything a girl could ask for but about after a week or so, I saw my first roach there. I can't kill them- don't want carcass on my slippers or anything else for that matter so I usually just cringe (sound like a baby, I know). Then I saw another, then another, then another- so I started to cry- my hubby thought that was the funniest thing! A big womanl like you, crying over seeing roaches... needless to say, he didn't think it was hilarious when I demanded we move.... ;)

So, next month I'll have another flat to fix up- this one I rented is furnished- or semi furnished really... so if you know anything about Egypt, you have to buy EVERYTHING: light fixtures, cabinets for your kitchen walls, closets, sometime a bath tub (some only come with very small stand up showers)- basically, the places only come with bathroom and kitchen sinks and toilets! But it'll be nice to fix it up the way I like and make things comfy for the babies....

Haven't seen any sights as of yet- and since I'll be moving, everything for pleasure will be on hold until that project is complete. An associate of mine have an apartment down by the Red Sea so I might take the kiddies over with some friends one weekend when it's a little warmer to play in the sand... they'll love that.

Oh yes, if any of you sisters have a RELIABLE house cleaner looking for extra work, please let me know- the one I had was a good cleaner but lazy so her last day was yesterday... me, I don't have the patience right now to argue with people- they want money but don't wanna work... go figure. And no, I wasn't slaving her- this seems to be the Egyptian way- my friends DID warn me- first they all start out wonderful, on time and clean like you wouldn't believe. Then they start to show up late (like I'm talking hours late), miss days (without calling mind you)(just happpened to me over the weekend) and then come to clean and clean whatever they want, not what you tell them and expect to be paid- mind boggling to me. One of my girlfriends told me most Egyptians just don't value your time so expect to be waiting, waiting and waiting- if you want to have something done you can't accomplish yourself- this is the way it is. Looking to make my life as easy as possible right now so I need reliable people in my camp since I'm flying solo at the moment..... can't wait for the hubby to get here!

I promise, InshaAllah, more interesting updates with pics when the craziness of adjusting has slowed down- I miss my random entries but just no time to share at the moment. It's ALOT to be in a new land, don't speak the language (at all), with 3 very small children by yourself and have to set up your life again... my poor hubby worries everyday and he's totally stressed since he's not here yet but I tell him I can manage which I'm trying like hell to... most days are good but some days you're like, "Just where can I purchase an automatic weapon complete with silencer???"....

Anyhoo, extremely tired- have another health issue I'm dealing with right now but we'll save that for a later time... gotta go get some sleep while the troops are knocked out! :)

P.S. Just wanted to thank Umm Travis for stopping by the other day and spending the morning and early afternoon with me and the bambinos... it was nice to actually sit down and chat- we had the chance to really talk about ourselves- and even discuss how we both came to embrace Islam, Alhumdulillah. She's a beautiful sister, MashaAllah... I'm glad I've had the opportunity to have met her!

Finally... greetings from Al Rehab, New Cairo!

Well.... we finally made it, Alhumdulillah! Been in Rehab since the 27th of February, waiting for an internet connection (to which I was told was already in my flat) so I was literally cut off from the REAL world until yesterday when I met the fab Umm Travis! She called me since my other sister, Umm Ismail, has been in constant contact with me and knew I wasn't feeling so great since arriving (another wonderful perk about living here- constantly sick) so she reached out to my sister- and she called!

We met at one of the most popular malls here and it was great... I can honestly say, I felt like I knew her forever! I developed an instant love and bond with her in my heart- InshaAllah, I hope it grows ever so stronger! (hugs)

So, getting back to this internet thingy, you know, I wouldn't have been soooo pissed if people would just actually be forthcoming with info. Don't tell me the guy is coming tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow never comes. If you tell me, "Hey, Anisa, can't have internet for 3 weeks", I can accept that but to keep blantantly lying to me is NOT cool. Quickest way to my bad side? Do just that... things will go sour in NO TIME...

So no more waiting for a stupid DSL connection as my fab sister told me about the store where I already hooked up my mobile service thru, that they offered a wireless modem (and I didn't know anything about this- not very computer savvy at all) so when we went in to check it out, I was sold! At bit more than I was looking to spend for the internet but at this point, I would pay almost any amount to be in touch with my friends and family! They all are going bonkers in New York (and the rest of America for that matter) wondering what the heck is going with me and my kids over here- most didn't want me to leave anyway so you KNOW the imagination is running wild with all sorts of weird stuff. People in their right mind wouldn't pack up their very small children and willingly fly them to a 3rd world country to live... lol

So... we are here.... dealing with the arrogance that is the way of the locals, and feeling like I've been placed in a time warp- dragged back about 100 years but I knew about all of this before I came so I can't complain by acting like I didn't know- just takes some getting used to. Having almost everything in life at your finger tips to going back to a "one horse town" like Umm Travis said in her post (more like donkey cart town)(lol) is alot to deal with at once- and I don't care HOW modern they seem, it's just NOT when u look closer... oh well.

Not feeling great today at all, went to bed shivering from chills like my poor daughter the night before so I'm coming down with something. So I think we'll be in the house for the next few days until I can feel up to snuff and the children are okay- they still have some lingering congestion and stuff going on.

Umm Trav, sorry for not such a fab first meeting (which is TOTALLY not me) (LOL) with all the running around shopping but I PROMISE, InshaAllAh, to make it up to you! Even my daughter took an instant liking to her- when she realized when we were getting in the cab that Umm Travis was missing, she said "Mommy, where's Auntie? We left her inside the store!" (meaning the mall). Yes, you left an impression with her. And my Big Papi was trying to pull up her niqab to see her face in the store.... always him, my little sourpuss! lol

Oh yes, Umm Trav.... met yet another character from Blogger? I know I'm pretty much very animated but THAT much? LOL LOL LOL

To all the sisters here in Cairo, looking to link up so send me your mobiles and home phone numbers, InshaAllah, so we can get together in the near future. And to all those who have my New York number- just give me a little time to figure stuff out here as how to connect everything and set it all up- then, InshaAllah, we'll be chatting like I never left!

Signing off to lay down for a hot minute- feeling rather yucky. More post to come, InshaAllah, about our adventures and the sorts here in the land of the pyramids!

A DiStUrBiNg Post Every Mother Should Read

I was catching up last night on my daily blog readings and I came across this post (click here) by our gracious sister, Habayeb, over at A Learning Muslimah.

Her post included this link that I feel ALL MOTHERS should click and read- carefully and slowly... this could affect ANY of our children and what some of us may learn, could mean the difference between harm or intervention.

As a current Mother of three, I know this has to be one of the most feared thing by many parents... I know it plays heavily on my brain, especially when your offspring is VERY young like mine. We could NEVER be too cautious- let's all be diligent in protecting our children from evil, InshaAllah (Ameen).

Mom of the Year Award!

I just received what I deem to be, one of the coolest honors to be bestowed upon a woman... a Mom of the Year Award! My lovely sister Mona over at Mama Mona nominated ME as one of her choices- thanks sis!

Here are the rules of this tag:

1. Admit one thing you feel awful about (involving being a mom). Once you have written it down, you are no longer allowed to feel bad. Remember you are a good mom!

2. Remind yourself that you ARE a good mom, list 7 things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you.

3. Send this to 5 other moms of the year that deserve a reminder that they too are the best moms that they can be.

Remember to send them a note letting them know you have selected them, and also add a link to your post that directs people back to the person who nominated you!


My Number One peeve about myself....

1.) Well, my number 1 is basically the same as Mona's: I yell.... ALOT. So much so, sometimes I get irritated hearing myself. But let me give you an inside idea of my house: my kids are 4, 2 and 6 months and when the bigger two are playing, you can hear them throughout the house! Then they start to fight, bite each other, scream and when they're done abusing each other, one tries to outrun the other to come and tell me... and I'm usually somewhere in the vicinity of the bedroom where the 6 month old is sleeping... can you guess what happens next??? Exactly, couple their screaming with the high pitch, agitated baby and you've got total chaos- especially when you're trying to pack, wash dishes, vacuum and keep your sanity ALL at the same time. Geesh, never told anyone that one... felt good.

And to boot, everyone is on their BEST behavior when the hubby comes in.... sweet and smiling while playing NICELY. Then he says "WHY is Mommy always complaining you two are bad? My little darlings..."- yeah, right.


My 7 things I love about my little terrors (MashaAllah!):

1.) The simplest things make them happy- give them a new batch of crayons and watch their little faces light up!

2.) I love to watch them in the park- there's one park they love most of all- down by the water so they play on the rides and then we go watch people fish, watch the boats sail by and watch the birds fly around. They especially love the geese and the ducks when they're around!

3.) I love that they ALWAYS tell me they love me- especially my Big Papi. Not a day goes by when he doesn't say at least once, "I love you, Mommy!" My Princess says it too but not quite as often as he does- she's definitely her Baba's girl....

4.) I love that they are very social kids- they make friends very easily. Some kids have hang-ups and don't play with other kids especially when there's a difference in skin tone, race and/or ethnic background. Mine will run up to ANY kid and start blabbering and playing- and I like it. My kids are exposed to ALL kind of people- and it shows!

5.) I love that they never forget about each other- when they are out and some one gives one of them something, each will ALWAYS look for the same for their sibling... I didn't exactly teach them that but I always tell them what you have, you share with your brother/sister- what is yours belong to them also... always share. So when they get anything, they look to collect for the other one too! And now, they include my Little Papi too...

6.) MashaAllah, at this very young age, both are quite bright for their ages... I hope their love of books continue! My daughter and her "constellations" and my son tells everyone he wants to be an astronaut... and he look sooooo serious when he says it too- he's only 2. Who knows, too early to tell- my husband tells him, "No, you're going to be a hafiz!" And I always chime in, "Well, he can be a hafiz astronaut who gives dawah in space!".... HA! My daughter pretends to be a doctor on a regular and she says her name when she gets big will be "Dr. Ben"- it's from one of their cartoons... InshaAllah!

7.) I love that they watch out for each other- THAT one I taught them. I tell them always, "Never leave your brother/sister... always look out for each other, let no one hurt you!" Even though they're young, they get the picture. I remember when they were playing in the park and someone knocked into my daughter, and my Big Papi said, "Hey! watch out for my Nana! (that's my Princess's nick name) She my friend!!!" He calls her his friend- see, he totally understands at the tender age of 2.

Now... I nominate the following AWESOME women to receive this prestigious award:
Umm Ismail over at Umm Ismail's World

Umm Khadijah over at The Striving Muslimah

Queen over at The Life of a Bangladeshii Wife

Sis. Najea over at Hijabi Couture

Desert over at Desert Monsoon

Boring life???

I have read lately and have listened to more than a few people complain about being bored... their lives are boring... what they do is boring... the people they know are boring... their everyday surroundings are boring... blah blah blah. I'm one for self-motivation so when I read that people lives need " a shake up" I think you have many options to turn to such as articles, books and lectures in order to feel and/or remain "on track"... with that being said, I came across this wonderful article for those who need to break out of the rut:

If you feel like you are living a boring life, that there is more to life, and are willing to do something about it, you have just made the first step to creating a great life. You see, most people want a great life but are not willing to do what is necessary to get it. So how do you create a great life once you know you want it?

First of all, if you feel that you are living a boring life it’s because you are not living to your life potential. I believe that you were born to live a great life full of excitement. Begin to do some brainstorming and figure out what things would make you feel like you are living a great life.

Once you have come up with these things, it’s time to start doing some of them. I know that many of the things you came up with might be a bit scary for you but you are just going to have to get past the fear if you want to live great. Fear is the number one reason why people don’t live the lives they are meant to live. Don’t become another casualty of fear.

After you have started to turn your life from boring to great, make a decision that you will never let your life become boring and mundane again. This means that as soon as you feel yourself slipping into a rut, you immediately begin to find ways to liven up that area of your life again.

Is there greatness on the inside of you but you don't know how to achieve it?

Sisterhood

Just felt the urge to post about sisters... was chatting with one of the funniest and coolest, MashaAllah, Muslimahs I know, Umm Ismail!

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.
- Isadora James

A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added.
- Chris Montaigne

A true sister is a friend who listens with her heart.
- Author Unknown

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.
- Amy Li

Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood.
- Louisa May Alcott

Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister.
- Alice Walker

Sisterhood is powerful.
- Robin Morgan

Sisterly love is, of all sentiments, the most abstract. Nature does not grant it any functions.
- Ugo Betti

Sisters don't need words. They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief. Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you're telling.
- Pam Brown

Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.
- Carol Saline

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?
- Pam Brown

Some benefits of cinnamon & honey

I had received some great health information from my beautiful sister, Umm Ismail, over at Blaque Queen, in regards to some of the wonderful benefits of cinnamon and honey....

It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients... Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged... honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

TOOTHACHE:
Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied three times a day until the tooth stops aching.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient were found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol. By the way, if you're taking cholesterol medicine, STOP! They all contain STATIN which weaken your muscles...including YOUR HEART and none has been shown to stop heart attacks or strokes!!!!

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant Use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and Saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:

Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTION:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts, cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.

I'm sure some of us NEED to implement a few of these things in our lives for better health... I know I do and will, InshaAllah! Just some food for thought......

High Expectations

Lately, I've basically been having the same conversation with people in regards to personalities and our expectations. When I was younger, I used to "dismiss" people who couldn't "rise to the occasion" or "make things happen" from their will to achieve or they "let go" of their dream or end goal because they suddenly felt weak or felt they "just couldn't do it" . I believed that, it was totally, another sign of weakness like laziness. Self-doubt and pity are our worse enemies! I totally STILL believe that...

Needless to say, those who know me, know I have a very strong personality- not one to succumb to situations but I search out alternative options (which I usually have already put in place) and look to meet those goals or tasks. I've always lived my life around Plan A, B and C. Of course, Plan "A" is the ultimate goal and the direct route to achieve it... Plan "B" is the same outcome but a different course taken to achieve the same end result... and Plan "C" is the option when all else fails- I don't know how to live my life without this scenario. Some may see it as sick or too rigid but you know what, all my life it has worked for me. I know I do possess an "Alpha" personality, and to understand WHICH type of Alpha I am (for those who know what I'm talking about) I need to tell you that I'm about 30% Alpha 5 and 70% Alpha 7- this is who I am. I've tried to deviate from this in the past but I couldn't... I can't... this is me.

I have learned over the course of my life NOT to dismiss people but try to help them achieve their goals with my, should I say, "steps to success". I tell people that for one, I'm not a crier- on rare occasion when the struggles of life REALLY get to me and it seems like the whole world is about to cave in, I break into tears. When this happens, I lay down and give myself the ultimate pep-talk, "You're not weak... crying is for others, not you", "you're better than this situation", "get over yourself", "rise above it OR lay down and succumb to your failure", "find a way to make it happen", "self pity is a sign of weakness", "WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO???". Usually at this point, I cease crying, wash my face, I sometimes pray and then I relax. I clear my head and tell myself, "What's the next course of action?". I then assess the situation at hand and revise my immediate goals and the put in place the new outline of Plan A, B and C.

Over the years, my husband and I have to come to crossroads where he has said on numerous occassions that he doesn't understand me or my mode of thinking... but with knowning how I am and my personality, I have come to realize that you can not explain your attempt or end result to him as he sees it as thinking too far ahead or sometimes too abstract... but I think most can agree that men tend to see with "tunnel vision" or like I sometimes like to say, "they can only see to the tip of their nose" while most women tend to look at the broader picture and keep the end goal in mind. There have been times when situations have taken days, weeks and even a few months before the end goal was achieved... and he would say things to me like I'm not working on getting something in order or making any effort to get things cleared up (not realizing that things have been working in the background) and then when it all comes together, the hubby would just look at me and I at him and say, "Exactly...."- enough said!

As our lives evolve, so do our plans and/or goals so we are ever modifying, changing or tweeking our outline in order to achieve our desired end results... it's to pray to Allah and seek his guidance... and USE the brain Allah (SWT) gave you- that's why we all have one (well, most of us anyways). ;)

We must learn to rise above the petty everyday sorrows and the misery it usually brings in order to get through this world... you have to learn to pick yourself up and dust off the issue(s) at hand and work towards making the situation favorable if not totally better. If you don't know who you are and what you want out of life, and don't have a general idea as to how to achieve your goal(s), you could easily be swallowed up by this mean, unforgiving, disgusting world and forever lost in the dark abyss of doubt and self pity. That's definitely NOT an option for me... is that an option for you???

What are some of your common practices to "making it happen"? Though my method of madness may seem extreme to some, your reply concerning your method might help someone who doesn't know how to achieve their end goal(s)...

Cherish

Do you realize for every breath that we take we are fortunate to be in this world? Many times, I take for granted the good health that I have, the love I received from my loved ones. I say "Thank you for Life".

There are many ways we can make the most out of our lives and cherish the people around us. We can start with a heart of gratitude for where we are in this moment. Our needs are taken care of and we are surrounded by people we love and who love us. When we have a heart of gratitude, we can thank God for everything. We can thank God for our physical needs being taken care of, our mental mind and our stable emotions. We can make the most out of life by being joyful in the moment. When we are joyful, even the taste of ice-cream delights us and brings us to the edge of heaven. When we are joyful, we just feel like singing and dancing. We smile and laugh and all these positive emotions are reflected from our inner beings and these positive emotions can charge another to feel better. We just hug the first baby that comes along be it from strangers or friends because the wonder of the world is reflected in a baby or a small child. The smile on the baby or child's face says it all.

When we are thankful for who we are, we are in a better position to make the most out of life. Even a walk in the evening is something to be thankful for as we appreciate our surroundings and our physical and mental faculties to appreciate what we can see, do or be. The green grass and the blue sky is ours to see and feel good about it if we so choose to do so and that's what Life has given to us, to cherish the moment of where we are. When we have people who make us laugh, understand us and cherish us, we have been given the greatest gift of love by being here. In this moment, when we realized that by loving the people around us, we are cherishing them for who they are and are grateful for them being in our lives.

Life is beautiful and it is how we look at it. Appreciate the beauty of our lives and when we appreciate the gift of life, we cannot but be thankful for the people in our lives and for being here in this moment. We can make our world a better place by encouraging another person and be with them when they need us. Life is meant to be lived with passion and when we forget that is what we need to do, remind ourselves that we are here for a reason. We want to live when the flame is lighting and when it is done, we know we have burn brightly and the warmth of the light has touched someone else.

A few simple things we can do to start to make the most out of life and cherish the people around us:
1. Show love and care to people we love
2. Be joyful
3. Appreciate others by telling them that we appreciate them
4. Simply say "I love you" to people we love and let us not assume they know we love them
5. A pat on the back or just listening to someone also indicate that we care
6. A note of love and appreciation to people we love

There are so many ways we can cherish the people around us and most importantly is to start with one way and then we will have more ideas to do so and let us just do it. It is never too late to tell someone you care. Live life and let your joy shine through.

-Helen Tays

I am sooo undeserving of this honor...

I was giving the award by my beautiful sister, Hijabee and I dunno if I exactly deserve such a thing- a newbie blogger like myself... but when I write, it comes straight from the heart. I can say she, being Hijabee, is an inspiration to me- she is well-spoken, appears to be even-keeled, insightful sister who writes with a passion that you can feel (anybody remember her short story?)... and I'm glad to have had the chance to know her. If anyone deserves this award, my sister, it's you! (hugs & kisses)

So... I must nominate 10 others out in our little blog world- the choices aren't easy as there are many great bloggers out there- some have been nominated already and some will appear as a repeat on my list:

Moma Mona: A very nice sister who lives in Egypt who reached out to me to inform me of what to expect there... and not to expect (and the loads of stuff to bring!). I love reading about her and her beautiful children, MashaAllah

Cool Guy Muslim blog: This brother has no nonsense posts... all about info on Islam and all quite insightful. You wanna learn something you might not have known? Check him out!

Desert Monsoon: I appreciate this sister's quirky style of writing- I get a good chuckle every time I read one of her passages. And we've chatted more than a few times... she's definitely a great sister to know!

Desert Veil: Her post are a good mixture of personal issues, world affairs and other random things... that's what I like about reading her blog, you can't guess what she'll write about next so it keeps things interesting

Hijabi Couture: This sister is TRULY one in a million! What a sweet, loving persona! We have chatted constantly back and forth thru email and I can tell you, she's a unique lady. Her sewing skills are definitely on point! She made a fabulous Eid outfit for me (which everyone loved!) and she just completed yet another nice order for me today... ladies, check out her things and give her a holla- you won't be disappointed! So what she's in Morocco!!! (its worth it) lol

My Baking Addiction: This blogger named Jamie has a beautiful site! The recipes are wonderful and she gives you the links to the actual site to make them yourself. For all those who enjoy baking, check her out

Inspired Muslimah: She's such a sweet sister... I don't know exactly what to say about her- I appreciate her honesty and she comes across as a truly genuine person. She's a new Muslimah- and she's got her head on right! Stay the course, my humble sister!

Seeking Serenity: Another sweet sister with her head on her shoulders right! Her blog is also a good mixture of personal issues, fashion and the sorts. Keep it up!

The Striving Muslimah: Umm Khadijah's blog is fabulous... another blog full of insightful, beneficial information for us sisters. A mixture of news, Islam, poems and personal posts. Definitely worth reading...

Umm Ismail: This no nonsense sister (lol) has 2 blogs but "Blaque Queen" is the latest... very informative (learned a few things I didn't know over there) and all about Islam- no fluff included. Issues covered range from dealing with husbands, to how to treat your children, Islamic books, Islamic stories, Islamic knowledge and beautiful poems. She's another sister I have had the pleasure of chatting with extensively- definitely a sister with a good heart, MashaAllah.

Even though I have listed my ten people, this list could NOT be complete without mentioning Umm Travis. I know she has been giving this honor twice today but her blog is full of passion... and even though, we both know we don't always agree on some issues, (*hugs*) at the end of the day, we have TOTAL understanding of each other- and that counts for everything! I love you, my sister, for the pleasure of Allah!

Remember to pass this honor onto 10 people of your own... would love to see how many other great blogs are out there we haven't had the pleasure of reading yet!