The Best Of 2017

Its been a year since I am writing this blog, literally had some Roller coaster days and other hand I was enjoying my Merry Go Rounds.Ups and Downs are part of life and it’s so good to have a Blessed life in my Nest. Allhumdillah for everything I have, I Cant be thankful enough.

This year is going to be over in few days and it would be fun to take a look back at top Five posts of the year 2017 together.

My year started with the biggest Renovation so far, My kitchen renovation was one of the projects I still feel proud to share. It took almost 2 months to do my budget Kitchen Make Over….Reveal!and got so many compliments and it definitely a turning point in my blog life.

An organized home is always been my dream home.I always want to have things organized, it means to de-clutter and makes a system to put things back where they belong in a fraction of the time.I made the Toys Organizer and I just love to have it because I don’t need a hand if I want to move around.

My blog is actually my DIY diary and I rarely post other than my DIY/ projects.I DIY Hairpin Legs Bench from scratch and I love, how it turns out.

If you have a passion to have indoor plants like me than this still one of easiest DIY Hanging Plant Shelf I have ever made so far.

I don’t post recipes much but trust me I love cooking.This Fruity Alaska Is one of my favorite and most popular post of 2017.

Just in case I missed any of Your favorites, feel free to leave a note in comments.Any suggestion, critics nice words/ bad words (huh…?)…I would love to hear all.Thanks for being here!

This year is going to end in few days, I wish you all A very Happy New Year.Hope You have a wonderful Year ahead…..I have so many exciting projects and works are in for 2018…so Keep Reading!!

Check out the best of 2017 from some of Muslimah Fellow Bloggers.

Home Decor / DIY

DIY Wall Hanging

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Yarn love continues….Yes, I admit, I wanted to knit like my mom and I tried and got failed. After, I thought( or should I say wanted )to make/ DIY a wall hanging or tapestry with the yarn I already have!!

It’s cheap and easy but a time taking project.Let’s start!!

I used,

A Dowel(From any craft / Home Hardware store)

Yarn of your choice colors( I used off-white, Orange, and Green)

Brass Rings.

Scissors

Start with the base color I used off-white and cut it to the desired size. Now fold 4 equal lengths in half and drape it over the dowel.Pull the knot and make it tighten /secured.I made almost 26 equal lengths of base colored yarn.

Step 2 is little tricky, I used two gold ring and hang it with a string of yarn in the middle.I used orange yarn and tied the same four strings of (shorter ) length and make a knot with the same I did with base color.

Make a side knot to attach both rings and continue till You fill the space.I used almost same 10 knots with same (4×2)method.

I Finished the project by using Green yarn, cut the excess length. You can even cut diagonal, not a hard and fast measuring rule.

Viola!!!love how it turns out.I used the yarn according to my decor, you can use colors of your choice.It easy and affordable but definitely a statement piece in my living room.

Mid Week Fave!

Mid Week Fave!!

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This year December starts with lots of snow.We went to Ontario Science center last weekend, its nice indoor place to go with kids to learn and explore science and nature that’s definitely different and better than Indoor game zones.

I bought this 18 – piece Rotating craft scissors caddy online.Every scissor has a different design and Bilal loves using them.If You are concerned about your child Fine Motor Skills(Grasp and Holding) than encourage him/her to cut paper.Holding and cutting make his grasp stronger.

I asked my sister to send me embroidered lace and look what pretty thing I got along with some other stuff.I love the traditional Pakistani stuff and let’s see how I will use this…I am open to ideas, share if you have any!!

Oh Yes.Few days left for winter vacations, kids are having winter fun and concerts. I am making Teacher’s Gifts with kids along with a Thank you note.If you want to know here are some Teacher’s gift ideas I shared Here.

So Far no plans for holidays..just some family get-togethers and stay home activities with kids.what you guys are doing??

Food & Recipes

Cold Pasta Salad

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I love salads and its easy way to get your daily fruits and vegetable intake in a single bowl.I am sharing an easy and healthy salad recipe that’s perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, and picnics but I do love to have it while we go for a long drive/route.It is so rich and creamy and fills you up without being into junk food.

Ingredients

Cream: 1 Pack

Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup

Yogurt: 1/2 cup

Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (optional )

Sugar: 3-4 Tbs

Boiled pasta:1 cup

Boiled Potato: 1 medium (cut into cubes )

Boiled Chick Pea:1/2 cup

Boiled Red beans:1/2 cup

Apple: 1 peeled and cut into cube

Walnut: 1/4 cup chopped

Salt and Pepper: To Taste

Method:

Whip cream, yogurt, mayonnaise and sour cream together.

Now mix Boiled Potato, pasta, kidney beans, ChickPeas, and apples.Add walnut chunks(You may add pecans if you like).

Add sugar, salt, and pepper.Fold everything well, that’s it!..served cold.

This the easiest thing I have ever made.You can add any fruit/vegetables but I love this recipe and so do my kids too …Try it and let me know …Enjoy!

life style

Deodorize Your Home!

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Desi food is no doubt delicious but the strong smell of food even with kitchen exhaust on never welcome your guest to step in.Even I don’t have party or guest invited I always made some DIY or light up scented candles as soon as I finish cooking especially during winter when all windows need to be closed, zero ventilation because we have our heating on almost six months or over.

Let’s discuss, what I do!!

Method: 1

Home Made Stove Pot Pourri

Stovetop Pot-pourri is my favorite DIY to deodorized my kitchen, Its absorb all the aroma of the strong smell of fish, spices/Turmeric etc.

I do make it often but need to change every week as fresh fruit gets rotten.It’s easy and budget-friendly, all you need following ingredients in Mason Jar.

Lime and Lemon: 1 each

Cinnamon stick: 2

Bay Leaves: 1-2

Rosemary leaves: 3-4

Mint Leaves:1/2 Bunch

Star Anise ( Badiyan )

Cut all citrus fruits into thick slices.Take any mason/glass jar, Remove lid from the cap of the Mason jar with the ring on.

Set All dry ingredient inside, Add fruit slices.Place this jar near the stove, you all set to go!!I love the aroma of citrus Rosemary near my stove, it helps eliminate the strong smell.

If you don’t have Mason Jar, take any glass jar and drill small holes or even take the lid out.Change your potpourri every other week and enjoy Citrus Rosemary while you cook.

Method: 2

Scented Candles:

I love lightening up Candles, easy and affordable.If you remember I DIY one Here.

It’s easy to make but if you don’t have ingredients, store-bought also a hit.I love to buy candles and I have them around my house.

life style

GET TO KNOW ME…!!

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Its been a year since I am sharing stuff with you guys and I want to say a BIG thank you for all the support and encouragement I got after writing here on my blog.My blog followers are growing Allhumdillah and I am learning new things and explore myself every single day.

So it’s Anniversary time…I will be going to a recap later but the fact is I love to have you guys with me so its perfect time to let you guys know a bit about myself.People often ask me who am I, where do I live etc.

I thought to share some random fact or FAQs with you guys, as I am still too shy to post Pics /personal stuff.

Ten Random Facts About Me.

I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. I have completed my Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Karachi.
I have 4 sisters and one elder brother and a set of loving and caring parents.
I married a loving husband in 2004 and it was total arranged marriage.
Currently living in Ontario, Canada and its been almost 13 years to be living as a permanent resident/Citizen in this awesome land.I hate Canadian Extreme cold winter but I do love this country A lot!
I have three munchkins,1 girl who is going to be 12 and 2 boys(5&10).
My kids are my strength and at the same time, they are my weakness.
I am proud to be a junky, I love to shop cheap/ sale and believe To make it beautiful (customized).At my home, 60% stuff is either DIY or repainted.
I learn every day no matter what but I learned a lot from my own mistakes.
I love simple food and I love to cook for people I love!!.
I miss my country, my family, and friends, Pakistani street /Karachi University food, And yes Desi wedding vibes almost every other day.

So that’s all for me now If I skip something just leave a note…Thank You, guys…Love Ya!!

Home Decor / DIY · life style

From Drab to Fab!

December 8, 2017 My Blessed NestLeave a comment

Winter brings dry fruits, dry skin and sweaters.I don’t like Canadian winter much but love sweaters,shawls and cardigans. I am OK to go for neutral and warm tones for myself but for kids, A Big NO!!!I always want bright and fun colors for them, but it’s really hard to find winter stuff if your kid is tween.

This Turtle neck sweater was so boring and dull for a Tween girl..I thought to give it a quick lift and make it trendy.You can update your outdated boring outfit/ sweatshirt by adding some colorful pom-pom in just 10 minutes.so You can say its a “10 minute Challenge”…so Get ,set and GO!!

If you remember I used these pom-pom here.I thought lets give this boring turtle neck sweater into fun and colorful make over.

It’s so easy ,I would suggest you to stitch them.You may use glue but personally I don’t waste time that comes out after a use.Her sleeves were little bit bigger than her size so I folded and over lapped it.Now stitch a pompom with matching needle and thread.Make a pattern and that’s it!!

Isn’t it so easy ,make a pattern of your choice .Use some funky or sober or even fluorescent pom-pom , make to love it more.

Mid Week Fave!

Mid-Week Fave!!

December 1, 2017January 8, 2018 My Blessed Nest1 Comment

I want to write this post every week but don’t why I always skip weeks without any reason.Nothing much happening here and the weather is not cold as expected so Life is good Allhumdillah. Enjoying my morning tea and writing this post (since 2 days that’s why it’s not mid-week anymore)..sorry!

Welcome to Nemo to our home!!..My little one wanted to have a pet and this is the only pet I can afford to take care of..lol…Bilal named it.. Nemo..its good to have and enjoy Nemo’s less bothered company while my kids at school and I am home alone.

I bought Nail art pen for Aleeza as a surprise, She has craze nowadays for nails.Sally Hansen “Neon Pink, kind of Bubble Gum color.Its cute, just shake and easy to use.

Can you leave this beauty at $2 (almost 90% off yes..I am not kidding)…if You haven’t stopped by my favorite store yet, Urban Planet having the great sale on nowadays.

A good read at Reader’s Digest (an old edition) while I was at Dr appointment.A very close family friend, who is really close to my heart and like sister to me is battling with Cancer nowadays.Please Take a moment and pray for her complete and speedy recovery…Ameen!!