غطاوي

قوي جسمه

أكلاته دسمه

من بغاه يحسمه

ملك أسمه

دعاء

ربنا امنا فاغفر لنا وارحمنا وأنت خير الراحمين

Warning this is a Food Post!

Bolognaise Spaghetti

Rocket & White Bean Salad My own home made chewy gooey brownies

Mixed Berries

Meringue topped with chocolate ganche almonds or berries

Wisdom Of the Week

"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her marriage, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies & enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of $hit" Thank you Fulla :*

My Maglouba

My Maglouba was a success! Fahad ate only from it!!! and warmed my heart of course by doing so :) I didn't follow the recipe as it is written in the book ( I got it from Senses 2 the KFMB cook book for this Ramadan), I had to add my touch to it and from what I remember of the Maglouba I used to have at my parents home. The extra ingredients in bold is what I added to the recipe. 2 eggplant cut into round slices. ( I used only 1) 2 1/2 cup of Basmati rice washed and soaked 2 medium onions chopped 1/3 cup of oil, you can add more if needed 1/2 kilo of lamb stew meat. (I sliced off the extra fat and sliced the meat into smaller pieces) 1 tsp of sweet spice 1/2 tsp of black pepper 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder 1 can of green peas 4 1/2 cups of hot water 1 can of chopped tomatoe in juice (Del Monte) 2 tbsp of tomatoe paste 4 garlic chopped 2 maggi chicken stock cube (which I put in everything I cook ;p) extra salt to taste - Mix spices with meat and set aside - Fry eggplants until browned and set aside. Remove excess oil, just keep a little. - Fry onions and garlic until soft. Add the meat cook for a couple of minutes, then add 1/2 cup of hot water with maggie cube. let it simmer on low heat for 3o minutes. -Add tomatoe paste and canned tomatoe and peas, let it cook for 5min then add the eggplants. -Add the rice on top of the meat & eggplant mixture, slowly add 2 cups of water, let it cook until the water gets low, then add 1 cup at a time or until the rice is cooked. I advise that you check on the rice regularly. Have a bowl of yogurt with chopped Cucumbers on the side as sauce with the rice ;)

Next time I will try a chicken Maglouba ;)

Oh!!! On my way out I passed by AlMu3alem to buy a Qancha. I saw one of my relatives, an old lady allah yehadeeha, and she peeked into the trolly I was pushing and was confused to find a round stainless steel Qancha. She looks up at me.

"7ag shino hathi?"

"I'm making Maglouba today for fotur."

"Mashallah 3alaich! yegoloon 6aba'7a! "I give her big grin, but then she continues, "Basich bal3a yal ba6a! la te9eereen mithl yaditich allah yer7amha!"

My whole expression crumbles. Ba6a! Ba6a??? ana Ba6a??? My grandmother allah yer7amha, who passed away before I was born, was obese.

"Mshkoora! Hatha min thouqich!" Humph!

However I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

I got it!

I don't like scales. They depress me and put me down when I'm not losing much weight. I passed by a pharmacy which sells the same kind of scale as my nutrutionist use. As soon as I reached home I got on it… Yeah… the numbers on the scale are not too encouraging from the last time I weighed at my nutritionist clinic. I gained 4Kg. However, I don't feel much depressed, at least not yet. It is less than two weeks to Eid, and I now know my dress pants will not fit me :s unless I make drastic changes. I am exercising, but it isn't doing much. I naturally bloat during Ramadan :( - Give up Vimto - Give up soup, sambosa, kuba or whatever fried appetizers there is if I'm having a heavy meal. - Give up ice cream - Give up desserts - Give up on carbs - Why not just shoot me and give up on life altogether ;p Nah! Really. I have to be serious. I don't want to end up where I used to be. Besides I have major events and lots of travel coming up in few months and have to be physically ready for them, etha allah a7yana, and I don't have to forget my bet with Fahad and one of my friends that I'll participate in a Triathlon inshallah. My friend is still teasing me about it.

42Kg? I wish! That is Abdulaziz.

The lowest weight I've been to for my 1.63 frame was 55Kg and that

was before I got married and had babies ;p

Maglouba

No…I didn't do this, I found the picture on the net (I just hope the owners don't mind me using it as an example). I'm trying to do something similar like this Maglouba today. So wish me luck ;p I had a hard time trying to explain to Fahad I want that round plate what you call it? The one where we put the rice on it?

Fahad shakes his head and gives me "Are you sure you're a Kuwaiti?" look ;p "Qancha! Qanch ya mara!" "Oooh! Yes Qancha. I want a round old fashioned Qancha for my Maglouba" ;p

I just hope he gets me one on his way home :)

And if it works out I'll post the recipe inshallah :)

دعاء

لا اله الا أنت سبحانك اني كنت من الظالمين,فاغفر لي و ارحمني وكل المسلمين , و اجعلنا من المقربين واجعلنا من اصحاب اليمين

غطاوي

طاسه ببطن طاسه داخل لولو, ومن بره نحاسه

For Your Dessert Table

We bring you some of the Ramadan flavors in a different way.

Ice cream Rolls! In this picture, Milk & Mistika covered with pistachio ice cream

with rosewater (the pink one)

and with orange blossom water (the green one)

There is a wide selection to choose from.

Stop by our store at Ahmed AlJaber St. Gaz Tower

Gelato Italiano

Tel. 22434434 ;)

(I took the green one, tastes like Muhalabia)

Tired of Water?

You already know that drinking water is key to your health. Downing at least six cups of water daily can minimize bloating, prevent headaches, help prevent you from getting sick and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. It may even temporarily rev your metabolism, if you drink it on the cool side (72 degrees). That's a lot of benefit from a beverage you don't even have to pay for! But H20 isn't the only sip that can safeguard your health. Coffee, which some people accuse me of being addicted to, is basically liquid gold. It may lower your risk for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, breast cancer, skin cancer, diabetes, gallstones, even oral cancer. P.S., java drinkers make half as many errors in daily life compared with decaf fans, according to a study from Cardiff University in Wales, because caffeine helps you process information quickly. It's also linked to a reduced risk for depression. Those pit stops at Starbucks aren't just perking me up—they're protecting every part of me! Not a java junkie? Read on to learn the hidden health bennies of your favorite bevy: Orange juice guards against heart disease. Antioxidants in OJ help protect your ticker by fighting the inflammation that can cause blood vessel damage. Consider this: People who ate fast food with a glass of orange juice had fewer artery-harming free radicals in their blood afterward than those who had their burger and fries with water, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates. Isn't that a great reason to choose juice? Just watch the sugars—one cup contains 21 grams and 122 calories. Chamomile tea can keep you calm. People who downed chamomile extract daily for two months felt significantly less anxious, a study from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia reports. Ease into mellow mode at night with a cup of chamomile tea. Cranberry juice may prevent gum disease and urinary tract infections. Natural compounds in the juice may ward off gum disease by preventing bacteria from adhering to the teeth below the gum line. Cranberry juice also delivers 39 percent of the daily value for vitamin C per 8 ounces, raises levels of good cholesterol and keeps your urinary tract tip-top. A berry smart sip indeed! Chocolate milk keeps your abs flat. A glass of skim chocolate milk delivers a great combo of carbs and protein, helping you recover after a workout. Athletes who drank it post-workout had lower levels of muscle damage after four days of intense exercising than those who guzzled water or other recovery drinks, according to findings presented at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting in Seattle. That translates to less soreness and fatigue, so you can get back to the gym and those tummy-toning planks sooner. Simply stir 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or syrup that has less than 20 g sugar into your milk and sip. Green tea may keep your weight steady. Mice that exercised and drank green tea were 22 percent less likely to gain weight than those who only exercised or only had tea, according to a study in the International Journal of Obesity. Polyphenols in the drink may rev your metabolism and make it easier for your body to fry fat. Plus, the tea's plentiful stash of antioxidants slashes your risk for cancer and heart disease. Try it iced in summer! Tomato juice may lower your cancer risk! The scarlet sip is loaded with vitamins and lycopene, which protect you against cancer. Try it with spices, a celery stalk and no vodka for a cocktail any time of day! Black tea may help fend off skin cancer. The classic brew is loaded with flavonoids, antioxidants that carry anticancer perks. Research suggests that downing a cup or more of tea a day may lower risk for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by 30 percent. Hot or iced, black tea is a delicious addition to your skin care regimen—and a lovely way to wake up thanks to its caffeine content—so put on the kettle each morning! by Lucy Danziger, the Editor-in-Chief of SELF magazine. I've ditched the Vimto last week. It just bloats me and I never learn my lesson until I become extremly uncomfortable. Chocolate milk!!! Here I come! My favorite bev which I had to give up. ;p and Cranbury Juice is always there in my fridge.

Chocolate Cheese Cake

Chocolate and Cheese.... Cheese and Chocolate! my two favorite ingredients in dessert. I have few of them which have this delicious combination. This recipe is very easy to make. It took me less than twenty minutes to do it.

Crust

150g oreo cookies, grind

50g butter, melted

Filling

400g cream cheese

150g sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp Vanilla essence

150ml double cream (gaimar)

250g cadbury's chocolate, broken into pieces and melted.

- pour the melted butter over the crushed biscuits and mix well. Press the mixture into the base of 20cm spring form cake pan.

-Beat the cream cheese, the sugar, the eggs, the vanilla and cream until combined. Spoon about 2/3 of the mixture into the melted chocolate and mix well until combined.

-Pour the cheese mixture in cake pan, then place spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture over it and twirl with a knife, swirling the mixture together.

-Bake in a preheated oven of 150 for 30-40 minutes.

Simply divine! The sweet aroma filled the room. Everyone loved it! Even picky Abdulaziz.

It is delicious, moist and full of flavor. The Chocolate is there, not lost by its combination with the cheese.

Yum! Bon Appetite!

Tidbits Here & There

I've been very lazy…no Super lazy! I'm hardly sleeping… I stay up until Fajer prayer and then wake up around 8 am, if I do go back to sleep, I get very cranky. By 1pm I'm walking around like a zombie, and I make plans about doing this and doing that and in the end do nothing. After fotuor…is tetne7 o tese6el in front of the TV… I walk around the house during commercials. My way of exercising and killing the guilt that is eating me from the inside because I haven't got on the treadmill since the first two days of Ramadan. I was watching a show yesterday about a spa which specializes in detoxing. Do we have this here? I really need a three day break just to detox after Ramadan ;p Are you experiencing short memory loss? I am. I can't remember one thing or the other. Is it the fasting and the overeating? Lack of exercise? Or is it something really serious and I really need to get a checkup. Food! Food! Food!!! What did I say about this Ramadan? Salad and soups? Yeah sure! The initial craziness of the first week has passed. But I'm still not stopping. With the short memory loss, I don't remember what I ate or when I ate it ;p the only thing I know is I'm bloated and can't move!!! ;p We're planning to eat out next week... but I still haven't decided where to go.

Gergai3an! I did nothing this year for gergai3an… I planned to do it. I was planning to do something with my cousin Ghanouma (allah yer7amha eb ra7meta). We were talking about it and then the next day I got the news of her passing away. I'm still in shock and mourning her loss. I dressed the boys and sent them to a party at the club, then the next day at the family home, the third day at my parents home. Tonight Abdulaziz wants to go with his friends. I'm a bit hesitant to send him out alone. He doesn’t want the nanny with him, he is growing up and gets frustrated with me when I send someone with him. I just don't know what to do. As for Ahmed I'll send him yegarge3 with his cousins.

I miss Karam. He is our driver. He has been with us for eight years. He is away this summer for his vacation and will be back by the first week of September. I trust him with my boys. He practically brought them up! And my boys mind their manners when they're out with him. I just can't wait for him to get back.

Wainich Yuma Munera!!! Shoufee Banatich Shemsaween!

Very Sassy, Catty

& extremely Zexy!!!

If Only Yuma Munera Knew!!!

Ramadan 2010 Collection

by Hind AlFayez & Sausan AlKadi

Hind AlFayez & Sausan AlKadi are two best friends sharing the same fashion obsession. From the heart of Saudi Arabia, "Envy" by Sausan Al Kadi with the collaboration of "Overdressed" by Hind Al Fayez would like to introduce to you our Ramadhan Collection'10 "If Only Yuma Munera Knew".Mixing different textures and fabrics with one of a kind vintage embellishments pieces. Including (jalabeyas Harem pants, jumpsuits, graphical shirts and embellished tanks)

Facebook link for Overdressed: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Overdressed/141071782599733

Facebook link for Envy:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Envy/197052573391?ref=ts

دعاء

ربنا لا تجعلنا فتنه للقوم الظالمين ونجنا من القوم الكافرين

What I'm Watching?

Why do I like watching….

Bab Al7ara? A very fascinating drama, which is about courage, honor and love. I strongly believe that we should have something similar in Kuwaiti/Khaleeji series. Saher il Lail? It takes place during the "Age of Innocence". No computers and internet, no mobiles and BBs. Only love letters and Abdulhaleem Hafth ;) When was the last time you wrote a letter on paper? 3awza Atgawez? Hilarious! Haven't laughed as much as when I'm watching Hind Sabri's quirkiness. I've heard the series is based on a blog written by a young pharmacist. Does anyone have any idea about it? Kings (on OSN every Friday & Saturday)? Do you know the story of David and Goliath? Well this series is inspired by it which takes place in the present. A very intriguing story about Politics, conspiracies love and hope.

غطاوي

يشوف من بعيد

مطاردجي وعنيد

شاطر بالصيد

وينصاد ويصيد

دعاء

اسأل الذي سجدت له الجباه .. وترطبت بكلماته الشفاه ..وتجلى سبحانه في علاه ....وأجاب في هذا اليوم من دعاه .. إن يسعدك في هذه الحياة و يمنحك الجنة ورضاه ..جمعة مباركة

This do3aa is borrowed from a friend ;)

غطاوي

ناعم يعرفوني

ومربع يشوفوني

أبيض ياخذوني

حلو يلقوني

Ground Zero Mosque

Saw it on 4th Ring Road and wanted to share it with all of you. I grew up in an International community. I've learned to understand and respect diffrent ethnic backgrounds and religions. Its just a shame those fanatics and retards have destroyed our Peaceful Religion in the eyes of the world.

دعاء

ربنا أفرغ علينا صبراً وثبت أقدامنا وانصرنا على القوم الكافرين

Fudgy Chocolate Cake

I've read about this cake mix on Danderma's blog few weeks ago...

I was at M&S the other day so I picked up a box out of curiosity

It is very easy to make by following the instructions at the back.

I chose to bake it in a larger than was recommended cake pan The cake layer was thin which was good for me ;) The icing was enough to cover the whole top. It is very delicious... dark and very fudgy I liked the chocolate icing a lot!

Ramadan Calender

One of my favorite Ramadan Greetings I've received is this day to day Ramadan Calender from my friend Mimi. I adore it!!! Each day there is a verse from the Quaran, A Hadith Shareef, a short story, some wisdom, a short prayer and a thought! I just love it!!! It has become the highlight of the kids evening when I put them to bed. I read to them the whole page and to my surprise they really enjoy it!

Thank You MIMI :*****

Cheesy Ravioli

So what have I been cooking since Ramadan started? Actually nothing from scratch ;p I'm just being plain lazy.

I got some frozen ravioli from Marks & Spencers.

Put them in boiling water for 5 minutes and they're ready

Slice some mushrooms and onions, cooking them with a little bit of heated oil until soft, and then added Ragu's cheesy Sauce, a little bit of pepper and a tiny pinch of salt et Voila!!! Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley Honestly? Divine!!! It was gone! gone! gone!!!

Hidden Warrior - Book Review

Hidden Warrior, by Lynn Flewelling (one of my favorite fantasy authors), takes readers back into the magical world of Prince Tobin, Skala and the prophecy of a warrior queen. An engaging tale of sorcery, murder and treason.

Prince Tobin has a secret even he doesn't know. He's not really a boy.

Tobin's uncle, King Erius usurped the throne from the rightful queen and murdered any potential female rival.

In order to save Tobin from the same fate, the oracle told the wizard, Iya, that she must perform a horrendous task: she must murder Tobin's newborn twin brother in order to disguise her as a boy until the time comes for her to take her rightful place as queen of Skala.The change is made and Tobin must live a life of lies. To make matters worse, she's falling in love with her best friend and squire, Ki, but she can't tell him or anyone else the truth.

The king hasn't stopped looking for rivals real or imagined since Tobin's birth. With the wizard Niryn corrupting his mind and organizing a systematic destruction of the free wizards of Skala the country is slipping even deeper into chaos. Using the country's internal problems to their advantage, the Plenimar army attacks.

The only way for Tobin to save her country is to somehow find the courage to stand against King Erius and reveal her true identity. If she breaks the spell, Brother's vengeful ghost will be set free and Ki will know that she's not the boy he grew up with. If she fails, Skala will fall.

This isn't a new book, but a reread. One of my favorite dark fantasy books. Like the first time I read it I couldn't put it down. It comes in three parts. It starts with Bone Doll Twin, very chilling! It made my skin crawl. Hidden Warrior, where many unanswered questions in the first book comes to a conclusion in this second part, and the third part Oracle Queen Tobin, who has become Tamir, comes to accepting and finding herself as a woman and a Queen. And saving her land from their enemy.

1st Anniversary!!!

I just realized my blog is 1 year old!!!

Can't believe how fast time has passed.

Happy Birthday to my blog!

I just hope you're enjoying my posts ;)

Donem

Last week I was honored to get a Ramadan greeting from Donem. Thank You so much w kil 3am w ento eb'7air. I personally don't know Mr. Ahmad Al Baghli, but I heard so much about him from my friend Mr. Mohammed Al Dubaib owner of Melenzane, who Mr. Ahmed Al Baghli has designed the extraordinary interior for them.

Now what is Donem? Donem was born in 2010 by the hands of the passionate and talented architect Mr. Ahmad Al Baghli. Where did the name come from? When Ahmad started his business with his projects of 1000 Km2, he was inspired by the number 1000. This is how he came up with the name "Donem" which means 1000 square meters in the Ottoman Empire days.

At Donem they provide creativeness and indescribable designs that exceed all of our clients expectations and where dream designs become a reality.

I've tried to get the pictures from the file they sent me, unfortunately I'm not that computer savvy :( where is my geeky brother when I need him ;p

Those of you who dined at Melenzane Restaurant, and Ladies, who did their nails at 24K Nail Spa, would have seen the artistic work of Mr. Ahmad Al Baghli designs.

Melenzane

You know when you day dream about your dream house? My first house I built was North African inspired. With all the arches, the colored tiles and the Zelige art work, and blown glass lighting. Never lived in it, though. Now I'm thinking about building a new house. I want it clean cut, modern with lots of large windows and natural light. I have an idea of what I wanted in my head, but not until I browsed through the little booklet in the box and I was ... "Yes! This is what I'm talking about!!!" and I pounce on my poor unsuspecting husband, terrified ten years off his life (allah ye5ali li w ye6awel eb3omrah). "Look! Look! This is how I want my house to be!" I point at one of the homes Mr. Ahmad Al Baghli designed for one of his clients. Fahad was very much impressed by the designs. I only wish I can find a way to post those pictures. I will inshallah as soon as I get them. Mr. Ahmad Al Baghil...3asa allah yewafegik w inshallah when we are ready for our new house I will certainly come to you :) Donem - Sharq- Shuhada'a St. - Building 24 - Store #4 Tel. 00965 22456352 Fax. 00965 22456354 Email: info@donem-kw.com

Pose at White Expo

Pose a new and innovative vision of design, offering unique one of a kind pieces capturing the essense of modern and classic art. Our services include custom made, one of a kind furniture and art pieces with a personalized touch. We also offer one-to-one design consultation to suit your lifestyle.

"Let your furniture define your posture."

Join us at the White Expo in 360 Mall on the 18/19/20 of August booth 29.

Contact: posedesigns.kw@gmail.com

Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=150441474973264&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=150441474973264&v=info&ref=ts

غطاوي

أسود ليل, وما هو بليل له جنحان, وما هو بطير له حوافر, له أرباط

و ما هو خيل...؟

الجواب: خيمه

Ramadan TV

So What TV Shows are you watching?

For the past 5 years, Fahad and I are loyal followers

of Bab Al Hara.

This year we're also watching, 3awza Atgawez....Hilarious!!!

Don't miss it!

Kids always say the truth...

"Why is it always so depressing?" Abdulaziz complained the other

evening, being a romantic like his mama, "Why don't they

make love stories like Noor? They are always crying

and crying and screaming these people!"

We're only watching Lailat 3eed because it is before 3awza Atgawez...

So Yes! Why don't we have a love story without the depressing moments?

I was chatting with my Friend, Glamourous Monmon, last night

and she told me Zwarat Khamees is nice.

So what are you watching and what do you recommend?

دعاء

اللهم اغفر لي ذنوبي وخطاياي كلها, اللهم أنعشني واجبرني واهديني لصالح الأعمال والأخلاق فانه لا يهدي لصالحها ولا يصرف سيئاتها إلا أنت

My Gelato Italiano

Even if I keep on telling you how good these flavors are... shahadti majroo7a... but they are really really good! Gelato Italiano's Ramadan flavors are: Chocolate Rahash, Kanafa, Rose water, Orange Blossom water, Rangina, Vimto and Qamardine & Pistachio.... Today after fotur, while watching Bab Al7ara.... jabalt the Chocolate Rahash and Kanafa...later on for Suhoor jabalt the Vimto and Rangina... they are just YUMMY!!! Everyday I have a favorite flavor depending on my mood ;)

Chocolate Rahash and Kanafa Rose water and Orange Blossom water Rangina and Vimto...

Other suggestions... : Saffron, Alomnds, Sicilian Pistachio and Lemon Mint (if you're feeling very thirsty ;p)

Gelato Italiano, Sharq, Ahmed AlJaber St., Gaz Tower (near Dar AlAwadi) Tel.22434434

Chalb Ermthan

"Chalb Ermthan" The term has been a joke in my family since we were kids. It's what my father calls us when didn't fast when we were kids. This is what I now call my kids when they do not fast. However this year, Abdulaziz is fasting and praying, al7amdallah. Yesterday I asked Ahmed, my baby. "Ahmed enta shino?" "Doggy Ramadan." And he giggles. "Enta chalb ermathan?" "eeee!" and he giggles again. Later in the evening as I was putting him in bed, he was between consciousness and sleep. "Ahmed, enta chalb ermathan?" "Laaa ana Ahmed." And he drifts into sleep.

Fruits & Passion

There are special offer on baskets for the holy month