Thursday, September 23, 2010

Showing affection to your children

Showing affection to your children

Abu Hurairah narrated: "Al-Aqra bin Habis saw the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) kissing Al-Hasan and Al-Husain. So he said, 'I have ten children and I do not kiss any one of them.' So the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, 'Whoever shows no mercy, he will be shown no mercy.'" [Jami At-Tirmidhi - graded sahih]The feeling of love and affection towards one's children and kissing them when young is a proof of the person's having the quality of tenderness, love and affection in his heart.

Teaching self-control skills is one of the most important things that parents can do for their kids because these are some of the most important skills for success later in life.

Helping Kids Learn Self-Control

By learning self-control, kids can make appropriate decisions and respond to stressful situations in ways that can yield positive outcomes.

Up to Age 2

Infants and toddlers get frustrated by the large gap between the things they want to do and what they're able to do. They often respond with temper tantrums. Try to prevent outbursts by distracting your little one with toys or other activities.

Ages 3 to 5

You can continue to use timeouts, but rather than enforcing a specific time limit, end timeouts once your child has calmed down. This helps kids improve their sense of self-control. And praise your child for not losing control in frustrating or difficult situations.

Ages 6 to 9

Teach them how to pray. Narrated Abu Dawood, the Prophet(PBUH) said: " Three persons are exempt from responsibility: the sleeping person until he awakens, the boy until he reaches puberty, and the insane person ntil sanity is restored to him." Maturity is a condition for the obligation of prayer, not for its validity. Consequently, a boy who can realize what prayer is and knows how to recite, a prayer that is performed by him is valid.Not only this, his parents should also command him to perform prayer to familiarize  him with it even though i is not enjoined on him. As kids enter school, they're better able to understand the idea of consequences and that they can choose good or bad behavior. It may help your child to imagine a stop sign that must be obeyed and think about a situation before responding. Encourage your child to walk away from a frustrating situation for a few minutes to cool off instead of having an outburst.

Ages 10 to 12

Older kids usually better understand their feelings. Encourage them to think about what's causing them to lose control and then analyze it. Explain that sometimes the situations that are upsetting at first don't end up being so awful. Urge kids to take time to think before responding to a situation

Ages 13 to 17

The Prophet (Alayhi salatu Wa Salam) said : " Command your children to perform prayer when they become 7 years old, beat them them for neglecting it when they become 10 years old, and arrange their beds separately. "Narrated Ahamad and others. By now kids should be able to control most of their actions. But remind teens to think about long-term consequences. Urge them to pause to evaluate upsetting situations before responding and talk through problems rather than losing control, slamming doors, or yelling. If necessary, discipline your teen by taking away certain privileges to reinforce the message that self-control is an important skill.

Some pink and purple room suggestions

 




















When Kids Are Out of Control

As difficult as it may be, resist the urge to yell when you're disciplining your kids. Instead, be firm and matter of fact. During a child's meltdown, stay calm and explain that yelling, throwing a tantrum, and slamming doors are unacceptable behaviors that have consequences — and say what those consequences are.

And model good self-control yourself. If you're in an irritating situation and your kids are present, tell them why you're frustrated and then discuss the potential solutions to the problem. For example, if you've misplaced your keys, instead of getting upset, tell your kids the keys are missing and then search for them together. If they don't turn up, take the next constructive step (like retracing your steps when you last had the keys in-hand). Show that good emotional control and problem solving are the ways to deal with a difficult situation.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Palm Tree

 
The Palm Tree

Allah said: " So that man may have food, We pour down the rain in torrents and cleave the earth asunder; then We bring forth the corn, the grapes, and the fresh greens; the olive and the palm, the thickets, the fruit-trees and the green pasture, for you and for your cattle to delight in " ( surat "Abasa" [ "He Frowned, "] verses 24-32).

Once, upon returning from a journey and while scrutinizing the horizon up from Mount Uhud, the Prophet(PBUH) saw Al-Madina , the enlightened City, and he exclaimed: "Here is Taba, after after all, if not just a few houses, some loose stones some trees, and some sand ? Yet , the Muslim is bound to it by a love friendship, the same way he is bound to everything that surrounds him.

Allah's Messenger (PBUH) has established a correspondence between man and made the most useful tree a symbol of excellence for the  Muslim to follow. With regards to this, Ibn Omar(RA) narrated the following: " Once, we were gathered ath the Prophet's house(PBUH) when he brought out a palm core, and said to us: "Of all the trees on earth, there is one tree that never sheds its leaves and resembles the Muslim. Tell me, which tree is that ?' Everybody thought of the dessert trees, and Abdallah said: ' I think it is the palm-tree, but I dare not say so.' They asked Allah's Messenger(PBUH) to tell them which tree that was, and he answered them: It is the palm-tree.

Everything about the palm-tree is beneficial.The palm-tree does not harm any other plant, and it requires little sustenance:,so does the Muslim.Plump, black fruits, about 1 inch in diameter are borne in great sprays on the trees. The pleasant sweet taste is somewhat like dates.

The palms have no major pests,diseases or physiological problems.The fruits are picked as they are ripened.They can be eaten fresh, or made into jams or puddings.Under refrigeration they can be stored, for a month or more.I still have it in my ref,until now which my hubby brought it from Madinah since last year ^_^.Alhamdulillah, still taste good and SubhanAllah taste fresh as ever.

LOVELY , SWEET AND HOT PEPPERS

LOVELY , SWEET AND HOT PEPPERS

Almost every gardener has pepper planted in their gardens.The right time to grow them is late winter to late March. Watering of the peppers needs to be done daily. If they are thirsty, there will be some wilting of the leaves, so if you notice this, just water the peppers.There are many types of peppers used in ethnic dishes from Mexico, the American Southwest, India and Asia all have local varieties to compliment their national cuisine.
All peppers are rich in vitamins A,C,and K.but red peppers are simply bursting with them.Antioxidant vitamins A and C help to prevent cell damage,cancer and diseases related to aging and they support immune function. They also reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma.Vitamin K promotes proper blood clotting, strenghten bones, and helps protect cells from oxidative damage. 


Long Green Pepper
 These large (5 to 8 inches long, 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide, tapering to a point), mild chiles have a thick skin, and are usually a bright, shiny green. Available year-round in most supermarkets, they're best in the summer. The flavor ranges from mild and sweet to moderate hot,they can vary greatly from pepper to pepper. They are perfect for chiles rellenos, dice or purée them for sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Sweet Banana Pepper
A banana-shaped pepper that changes from pale to deep yellow or orange as they mature. These are easily confused with hotter yellow wax peppers. Sample before using. Sweet banana peppers are sweet, long, tapered, yellow and banana-shaped, hence the name. Sweet Banana peppers may be fried or sautéed, used raw on relish platters, in salads, sandwiches or stuffed.

Cayenne Pepper
A wrinkled, very pungent thick fleshed fruit, 6 inches long and 1-1/4 inches in diameter, they are often used in Cajun recipes. . Very pungent, even when small. The Cayenne derived its name from the Cayenne district of French Guiana. Used for sauces, dried, pickled or in salsas. Green cayennes appear in the summer, while hotter red cayennes come out in the fall. A wrinkled, very pungent thick fleshed fruit, 6 inches long and 1-1/4 inches in diameter, they are often used in Cajun recipes. . Very pungent, even when small. The Cayenne derived its name from the Cayenne district of French Guiana. Used for sauces, dried, pickled or in salsas. Green cayennes appear in the summer, while hotter red cayennes come out in the fall.

Cherry Pepper
Cherry peppers measure about 1 3/4 inch in diameter. The heat ranges from moderately mild to medium heat with traces of sweetness. Peppers are fleshy and heavily seeded. It matures from green to red.

 Fresno Pepper
Bright green, changing to orange and red when fully matured, Fresno chilies have a conical shape - about 2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter at the stem end. Similar to jalapeno peppers, but with thinner walls, they're great in salsas.
Fresnos are available in the summer. the hotter red ones come out in the fall.  

Jalapeno Pepper

These popular chiles have a good amount of heat and rich flavor. Green jalapenos are best in the late summer, while red jalapenos appear in the fall. Canned jalapenos aren't as fiery as fresh.




Mirasol Pepper
 This thin-skinned pepper can vary more than any other chile in looks, and therefore may be hard to recognize. Sometimes small, sometimes large, smooth or wrinkled, it is quite inconsistent. Known for its distinct berry like, fruity flavor that enhances potatoes  and chicken. Spices up hot salsas, stews, and mole sauces.









Pasilla

The pasilla pepper is a long, thin pepper 7 to 12 inches long by 1 inch in diameter. Pasillas turn from dark green to dark brown as they mature.

 Serrano Pepper
A small, rich, waxy green peppers change to orange and red as they mature. They are about 1 ½” long with thin walls and the smaller they are, the more kick they have. Substitutes: jalapeno (not as hot).)A small, rich, waxy green peppers change to orange and red as they mature. They are about 1 ½” long with thin walls and the smaller they are, the more kick they have. Substitutes: jalapeno (not as hot).)

Thai Chile Bird Pepper
For such a small chile, it packs an incredibly fiery punch. Thai chiles range in color from red to green when fully mature. They are often used in Asian curries. Thai peppers should be used sparingly.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Car body care tips

Car body care tips

Wash your Car

Wash your car regularly - I'd recommend to do this at least once a month. Things like bugs, bird's dropping, or limestone dripping damage the paint leaving permanent stains if not washed off in time. When the car is clean, all the moisture dries up quickly, but when it's dirty, the moisture accumulates in dirty areas causing corrosion. At least once in a while use pressure wash (pressure wash can be found at coin car wash stations) - it removes the dirt from difficult to reach areas. Don't hold the pressure wash jet too close to the painted surfaces, it can peel off the loose paint. Wash off all the places where the dirt and salt could be accumulated; for example, behind moldings, inside wheel arches, under the bumpers, etc. It's particularly helpful after winter season - to wash out all the salt accumulations that speed up the corrosion process. Don't forget to wash all the dirt from the windshield. The sand that left out on the windshield gets caught by the windshield wipers blades and scratches the windshield when the wipers are operating.

Wax your Car
If a car hasn't been waxed in a very long time, first, it make sense to take it to a local detailing shop, or you can visit your dealer (e.g. for an oil change) and ask for one of those detailing packages they offer. What they do, they buff the car with electrical buffer using special polishing compound containing a mild abrasive to remove light scratches, hard stains and other impurities on the paint, then they wax it. After your car has been detailed, you can simply reapply wax every three months or so to keep it shiny.

Waxing gives your car natural shine and helps to protect the paint from harsh environment. When applied, the wax forms a thin transparent layer over the car paint. This layer covers minor scratches, stone chips and other damages, making them less visible. The wax also 'seals' the paint, preventing water from contacting the bare metal exposed in deep chips and scratches, slowing down the corrosion process.
For best results, a wax needs to be reapplied regularly - none of the available car wax products will stay permanently on your car. From my observations, a good-quality car wax stays on the car for about three-four months, so if you wax your car at least every three months using a good product, you'll be OK. 

To wax your car you will need some good quality wax (e.g. Carnauba wax), a small soft sponge and a clean soft cloth towel. Your car must be very clean and dry.


** Make sure to choose the right product - you need the wax with no abrasives. Read the directions on the package for any specific product and test it on some small area first.
Park your car somewhere in the shadow - usually it works better when the car surface is cool to the touch. Work on one section at the time, for example, on one fender or door.

** If you use liquid wax, shake the bottle well before use. Apply small amount of wax to the sponge and spread it evenly on one section of the car. It's good idea to start from the top and do the bottom panels last because there is always some dirt left at the bottom.

** You want to make a thin, even layer of wax. Try not to touch the surfaces like black window trim, rubber door seals and black matte plastic - the wax will leave white stains on them. Work on one section at the time.

** Allow the wax to haze (takes about a minute or two). Then buff it to a perfect shine with clean soft towel, rotating it frequently - clean part of the towel works best.

** After the whole car is done, clean the wax from matte unpainted surfaces (e.g. plastic mouldings, unpainted bumper, rubber door seals). Window spray cleaner will work well for this purpose.

** I recommend to wax your car regularly, for example, once in every three months. I tried many products and non of them stays permanently. Any car wax needs to be reapplied regularly.

A beautiful Japanese Maple Bonsai

A beautiful Japanese Maple Bonsai

Bonsai gives a decorative looks to outdoors as well as indoors, offices, terraces, etc. One has to have a great love and care for plants coupled with little creativity in order to carry along with bonsai odyssey. Amongst all the forms of bonsai the maple bonsai is one the most famous. Though Trident Maple is pollution resident it needs due care. 


* Trident Maple bonsai requires sufficient sunlight exposure preferably as much as possible. Trident Maple bonsai roots have a fairly high moisture content, hence are vulnerable to frost which can be troublesome during winters .hence during winters it is better off to keep Trident Maple bonsai in a sunny place with bouts of shades in afternoons or green house .For Trident Maple bonsai it is generally better to use bonsai potting soil along with some percentage of organic material mixed with it. 

* The Japanese maple bonsai has a very susceptible foliage pattern however it has produces varied colors of gold, green, burgundy and red depending on seasons. 

* In order to take proper care you should prune your new shoots within three to five nodes and pinch off unwanted shoots during springs.

* During summers Japanese maple has to be kept in slightly shady regions .Japanese maple is to be exposed to sunlight for the rest part of year but protected from wind. As far as soil is concerned a normal bonsai potting soil with some amount of organic stuff would be good. Japanese maple soil needs to be repotted and fertilized during the later winter and early springs. Japanese maple pot soil is to be watered in a requisite manner in such a way that a tradeoff is maintained between overwatering it and maintaining sufficient moisture. Hence if these things are taken into consideration while maintaining the maple bonsai you will have your dream bonsai.

Attracting Birds to your Backyard

 Attracting Birds to your Backyard

Attain a birdbath. Birds are attracted to the birdbaths as they come for the water and the glistening of the sunlight on the water will attract them. 

Provide shelter and camouflage. It is more likely than not that you already have a backyard that possesses sufficient greenery for birds to feel comfortable. This is important as all birds need a place to rest and scope out your yard. Place a feeder, and place a good quality of seeds.
Most of the cheap seeds on the market today is filled with filler seed. IF you put out just a little more and get black oil sunflowers seeds this will serve you well. There are many bird species that are attracted by this seed type.Once your setup is set in place there will be an instant increase in the number of birds attracted. Many birds will fill your backyard and convert it into a paradise filled with feathered friends.

Monday, September 20, 2010

THE HIDDEN BEAUTY

Caring one's skin in summer
  *In summer the skin becomes patchy due to the damage cause by sun rays. To make your skin spotless you can use this remedy. Soak rice in milk for an hour then make it into a paste and apply it on your face, massaging into a circular motion. Let it dry. This will help to remove the dead skin and make it soft and supple.


  *Lime Juice Formula
Squeeze lime into a bowl.Add aglass of boiled whole milk.Then add a tsp. of glycerin to it.stir well and leave for 30 minutes. Apply on face, hands and feet before going to bed @ night.cure pimples too!
*Oily Skin
Squeeze lemon juice in a bowl of iced water. splash this over the face, massage for 5 minutes then wash off with water.
*To improve dull and greasy complexion
Mix 1/2 tsp of lime juice and 1 tsp of cucumber juice .then add few drops of rose water. apply on face and neck.
*To improve dry and rough skin
Take an egg yolk and mix in a few drops of lime and olive oil.spread on the face and leave it till the skin feels dry.wash off with ordinary water and splash on cold water.
*To remove freckles
Blanch and grind 2 almonds. mix it with egg white to which 1/2 tsp of lime juice has been added. spread on face until the skin feels dry. then wash off with warm water then cold water.
*Peach Treatment
Gently massage the inside of peach peelings on the face every night for few minutes. don't rub off the moisture afterwards.
*Anti-wrinkle cream
mix a tsp of olive oil with an egg. smoothen the facend neck with it. let it remain till the skin gets dry. To remove the cream, add a tsp of bicarbonate soda to hot water. dip a piece of cotton-wool to this mixture and use it to remove the cream.
*Natural Beauty Mask
1 tbsp of gram flour
1/4 tsp orange peel powder
1 tsp yogurt
1 tsp olive oil
mix all then apply on your face.
*To improve a dark and dull complexion
1 tsp of gram flour
pinch of turmeric powder
few drops oflime juice
1/2 tsp of olive oil
1/2 tsp of milk
apply the mixture to face and leave for 30 minutes.
*Tomato tonic
2 tsp of tomato juice. add 4 tbsp of buttermilk. apply on face or any part of your body. remove after 1 hour . Excellent for sunburns.
*Cucumber
grate or blend a cucumber. apply this over the face, eyes,and neck for 15-20 minutes. Prevents pimples ,  blackheads, wrinkles, and dryness of the face.
*Whitening Lotion
1 tbsp of cucumber juice. stir in a few drops of lime juice and a dash of turmeric powder. apply on face and neck and wash off after half an hour.
*Cucumber Lotion
1 tbsp of cucumber juice. then add 1 tbsp of milk plus a few drops of rose water. apply on face and neck for 15 minutes.
*Yogurt

apply on the face every morning. wash it off  after a few minutes with  cold water.                        

Cool Drinks Corner

Cool Drinks Corner

Guava Fruit Juice

Popularly known as the superfruit, the apple shaped delicacy-- Guava is a tropical fruit. Cultivated in the shades of yellow and green, it offers a flavorful tasty burst that reminds of pears and strawberries. Guava juice is known to be a great thirst quencher as well as an extremely rich source of vitamin C and iron. It is believed that this tropical fruit was originally cultivated in the current day Mexico or Central America. Today the highly nutritious guava juice is enjoyed around the world. The major producers of guava in the world are Philippines,India, Brazil, and Mexico.

Benefits of The Multi-Purpose Healer 

Guava juice is an extremely rich blend of Vitamin C (the skin of guava contains more than 5 times Vit. C than that of an orange), Vitamin A and B, Calcium, Nicotinic Acid, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Folic Acid and Fibers. Owing to such an amazingly benefecial profile, the juice is advantageous for:
  • Constipation treatment
  • Prolonged menstruation
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol level
  • Poor circulation (strengthen the heart)
  • Congestion of the lungs
  • Acidosis
  • Asthma
  • Catarrh
  • Obesity
  • Scurvy
  • Beauty treatment: The juice has skin-smoothing, moisturizing properties as it contains carotenoids—powerful antioxidants that aid in skin renewal and protect against environmental toxins. It is a valuable component for anti-aging skin care as it contains moisture retaining B vitamins which help prevent the oxidation process of the cell.
  • Dengue fever: Guava juice helps with dengue fever to purify your blood. It helps to keep the parasites out of your blood so that the blood platelets do not drop, with lower chance of getting malaria.

  • Guava is an important source of vitamin C, which stimulates production of collagen and is involved in the building and health of cartilage, joints, skin, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also aids in neutralizing pollutants and has natural antihistamine properties which protect skin from skin diseases like hives, eczema, psoriasis, etc. 
Guava Juice

Ingredients:

4 medium ripe guava
         1/2 glass of sugar
         1 glass of non-fat milk
         3 glasses of cold water

Preparation :

1. cut guavas into halves.
 2.mix the guava and the other engredients and blend in  food processor.
3.strain the juice and discard the remaining seeds.
4. Pour over the glass and add crushed ice.makes 5 glasses.
3

Recipe Corner

Recipe Corner

 

Feteer Meshaltet "Arabic Pie"

 

Ingredients

4¾ cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 cups water

Method

• Put flour, salt and water in a mixer and blend well until the dough becomes one smooth and elastic piece (knead for 15 minutes by machine or 45 minutes by hand).
• Divide the dough into equal parts and press by hand to remove the air. Shape into balls and grease with melted butter, set aside for at least 15 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 500 °C.
• Grease four or five pieces with oil.
• Spread the dough pieces on a marble surface and roll out with a rolling pin until they become very thin.
• Pull from all sides and fold from four directions until you get a square shape. Leave the last piece rolled out for the base.
• Put the folded pieces in the middle of the base piece.
• Fold the four sides toward the middle to make a square with the other pieces inside.
• Bring the corners around the filling to make a circle.
• Place on a tray greased with oil.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
The dough can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 days after it is greased with butter.

Chef Osama Video (Table Setting)

Mango, The King of the Fruit !

Mango, The King of the Fruit !

A comfort food. Mangos really can make you feel better! Beyond being delicious and rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, mangos contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties similar to papain found in papayas. These comforting enzymes act as a digestive aid and can be held partially responsible for that feeling of contentment we experience during and after our daily mango ritual. Yes, it is quite natural to crave those mangos!


*May help prevent certain types of cancer, as well as lowering blood cholesterol levels.

*For those of you who are physically active, whether working out or constantly on the go, mangos are also a great way to replenish that lost potassium. Deliciously rich in anti-oxidants, potassium and fiber - the mango is the perfect fruit! Truly 'the king of fruit'.

~~HOW TO SELECT AND STORE MANGOES~~

A ripe mango can be determined by either smelling  or squeezing. When stored properly a mango should have a shelf life of 1 to 2 weeks. We have found that the best way to ripen a mango is at room temperature, on the kitchen counter and if you wish to accelerate the process place in a paper bag overnight (some folks place an apple with the mango in the bag to create more natural ethylene gas and further decrease the ripening time). Once ripened the mango can be refrigerated for a few days, but should be used shortly thereafter.I store the green ones in my deep freezer for my juices during winter. since the country where I live in , mangoes are seldom found in the market.

Health benefits of Mint


Health benefits of Mint

Mint is widely used in commercially manufactured products, cooking and medicine for its aromatic and flavoursome qualities. Peppermint, one of the most popular species of the mint plant, can be found in toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash, soaps, sweets, balms or creams and cough medicine.

There are many other types of mint including, applemint, water mint, horsemint, pineapple mint, orange mint, pennyroyal and spearmint. Pennyroyal is toxic if taken internally, causing severe liver damage, but it can be rubbed onto the skin to repel insects and prevent them from biting.

Apart from peppermint, spearmint is probably the most widely used species of mint. It is not as strong as peppermint in flavour and is therefore used in cooking and added to sauces, dressings, cakes and can be added as a garnish to dishes.

comfortable colourful bedroom design


Comfortable Colourful Bedroom Design

You want your bedroom looks like not only comfortable and want to form a welcoming space, a place that surrounds you with its warm atmosphere and protective. To achieve this effect should pay attention to fabrics. Use rich materials, fumes, soft, such as velvet, silk, satin curtain, pillow cases, blankets. Fluffy carpets also contribute to maintaining this atmosphere, providing a familiarity effect.
But you know what can make you feel relaxed, you who decide which colors soothe you and that those who fret. Do not hesitate to experiment decorated your room with various accessories, color schemes and various miscellaneous items. As long as priorities are your own feelings, personal preferences and their own intuition certainly will not fail

How to transform a wall attraction?

How to transform a wall attraction?

Did you know that not only a piece of furniture but a wall can become the center of attraction of a room? Whether you think of a more vivid color or a combination of wood and paint or a brick wall based on a nice fireplace, all these ideas can transform your home dramatically. Why not improvise a bit and by unusual combinations of colors and objects of art to create something spectacular and original?