Food & Recipes

Cold Pasta Salad

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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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.

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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.


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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.

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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:

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

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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…!!

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.

  1. I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. I have completed my Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Karachi.
  2. I have 4 sisters and one elder brother and a set of loving and caring parents.
  3. I married a loving husband in 2004 and it was total arranged marriage.
  4. 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!
  5. I have three munchkins,1 girl who is going to be 12 and 2 boys(5&10).
  6. My kids are my strength and at the same time, they are my weakness.
  7. 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.
  8. I learn every day no matter what but I learned a lot from my own mistakes.
  9. I love simple food and  I love to cook for people I love!!.
  10. 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!

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.

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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!!

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

 

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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!!

 

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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!!

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!

 

 

Food & Recipes

Fruity Alaska

I just love cooking and do enjoy creating new recipes.A couple of days ago I created a super easy recipe and everyone just loves it.Actually, I had some leftover and near to expired ingredients and I hate to waste anything especially food.Creating a new recipe is a risky fun but if Its a hit, I feel like Hit a Bingo!!

20171005_191343.jpg I sent pics and recipe to my younger sister, she named it “Fruity Alaska”…interesting name right? It’s very healthy and you can serve at any occasion.Birthday or potluck or any casual dinner even Its a hit at breakfast.Let’s Start!!

Ingredients:

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Cinnamon Bun Dough: 1 pkt

Eggs: 2-3r

Cream Cheese: 1 Pkt (8 oz)

Fresh Cream: 1 cup/can (Optional otherwise use Milk)

Condense milk / Sugar: according to Taste

Peaches: 3-4

Blue Berry: 1 hand full

Walnut: 1/2 cup

Method:

I used my hand blender and Blend Cream cheese and cream/milk at medium speed.Add eggs and condensed milk, I  used almost more than a can, blend everything on high speed. 20171005_180712.jpg

In a baking dish put pieces of cinnamon bun dough (You can Use any fruit bread instead), peach slices and blueberries. Carefully add the Cream cheese and egg mixture and settle it down for 10 mins.Add walnuts chunks.

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Bake at 375°F for 30-40 mins, check in between with toothpick as soon it comes clean take it out.Do not over bake it.

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I poured glaze that comes along with cinnamon bun dough.I served hot with ice cream and chocolate topping.  It’s very healthy and perfect for breakfast. Your kid will love it, I bet you…Enjoy!

 

Home Decor / DIY

Laundry Folder (DIY)

I always used to hate laundry when I  was back home.Here, we have automatic machines fortunately but still…I am lazy….. folding and ironing both are time taking tasks.A family with three active kids, My laundry basket is always full even a minute after I finished my last load.

I was looking for the laundry folder but couldn’t find in store anywhere affordable.I checked online and it’s almost $20 plus shipping. After watching some tutorials online, I made one…A simple and cheap…Let’s start!

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I got sink Mats from the dollar store and make one under 10 (Less).I bought 6 sink mats and duct tape.The size of the mat is approximately 9 inches x 12 inches.

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Place sink mats in order to 2×3, I attached the duct tape in order like the picture below.Make sure you tape individually so the mat can be foldable, follow the number and directions.

23905645_10155616280630791_4817123211244701827_nIt’s really easy to make, just use a strong tape and that’s it, your very own laundry folder is ready.

 

Place shirt in the middle of the mat, then fold right side first. Now flip the left side, and finally the 5th mat to complete the fold.Its so easy even your kids can do it.My 5-year-old Bilal love to help.

You can make with card boxes, you need 6 same sized cardboards.Cut the desired equal size and that’s it.

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See how easy to fold shirts in seconds, It took almost less than half time I normally spent without it.Make one and ask your kids to fold their own.20171121_133910.jpgI am sure you will love and have a huge relief after.Make one and Enjoy your most hated chores (Like me).

Home Decor / DIY

Tie & Dyed Tangerine Cushion

I admit It was one of my wish to have a “Tie and Dyed” custom piece in my home.I had so many Tie and Dyed dupattas even Saree in my Jehaz and I just love to have them.It was done by professional  Rungraz back home (sadly we don’t have such services here).I couldn’t wear plain Dupatay/ scarf, and no clue why I am like that!

I am so excited! I’ve made my very own Tie and Dyed cushion, and yes it is a great success!! Are you ready!!

20171118_130336.jpgI used powdered Dye in “Tangerine Orange”, it’s a small pack of 50 gm.Liquid dye is easy to use but it’s expensive so I thought let’s try this small packet first if it gets fail I will stop dreaming about it…make sense right!

let’s start!

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Fabric Dye (Liquid /powdered)

Fabric( cotton/canvas )

Stainless steel Bowl/Bucket

Rubber Bands

Gloves

Salt

Prepare your fabric first, I was making two 12×20 pillows so I cut the fabric accordingly.Fold the fabric and start tying it with a rubber band.Tie and until the end of the fabric.

20171116_112504.jpgwear your gloves and cover the surface.Boil water now pour the hottest water to any stainless(spare) steel bowl Since the dye is not food grade so you won’t be able to use it for food after. Mix hand full of salt, I would say about 3-4 Tbs and Dye powder to water mix well.

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Now Dip the tied fabric into the Dye and dip it with the help of a tong.Leave fabric about 40 mins, rotate fabric in meantime.

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Rinse fabric until the water clears out, now add salt to cold water and dip this fabric for 20 mins to fix the dye.Now untie the fabric and remove the rubber band.

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Let it air dry it, It was so cold outside that’s why I hang fabric in my laundry room overnight.I ironed it and made cushions similar to this one.Its simple and required basic sewing skills.

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This Tie and Dyed cushions are perfect for  Accent chairs I bought recently from Target USA for my living room.

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Isn’t look good? It’s so easy and so much fun DIY. Now I am more confident to try some new things/Projects… Stay tuned!!

Home Decor / DIY

DIY Pom-Pom Bracelet

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I have a crush on pom-pom and tussles nowadays, I made and used them around my house.I bought ready-made assorted sized pom-pom(You can also DIY them from yarn) from the craft store for Bilal for his JK activities.

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I am going share this cute DIY bracelet and It brings me back to my teenage life… I wish I did the video tutorial or go live.It’s really hard to explain but I captured everything so you will see how easy it is, so be ready for lots of pictures.

Let’s start!!

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You will need

Gold /Silver chain

Pom-Pom(I used small-sized)

Eye-Pins/Thread

Pillars

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I opened the chain and cut the desired size( almost 18 cm) out and add Jump/End ring .Now separate few segments from the chain.

 

Take a pom-pom and insert an Eye-pin and carefully lock it down from the sharp side with the help of pillars.

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Attach the Pom-pom with the help of chain segment to that(inserted) Eye-pin.Use any color or pattern.I used some funky colored pom-pom.You can always mix and match.

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It’s so much fun to wear it, I would definitely make more for my self and to give as a gift.If you don’t find Eye-pins, You can easily attach it to matching color thread.


 

 


I did one to explain to you how to with thread.All you need to stitch /attach the segment with help of thread to the pom-pom and then attach that segment to the chain.

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Isn’t simple and cute DIY that can be shared with your Best Friend.Make two identical and give one to your BFF/Sister etc (I made one for Aleeza as well ).It’s so much fun to DIY and I love wearing it, reminds me I am still young..brings back to me in my student’s life…lol

Food & Recipes

Weekend Special : Yakhni Pulao

I just realized its been ages I shared any recipe here with you guys, it doesn’t mean I am off to cook but usually, I cook and completely forget to take pictures, after all this is something me and you doing as a routine.So, it’s me back to my kitchen with a popular Pakistani recipe Pulao (Pilaf).

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Desi dawat is incomplete without Biryani or Pulao, personally, I love pulao.Less spice, easy(less mess) and kids friendly (kind of Favourite ).My mom used to make it almost every Friday, I miss that aroma and taste.Ammi!!Your pulao is the best.

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I am sharing authentic Yakhni Pulao recipe with you guys, let’s start!!

INGREDIENTS

Meat:1 kg (veal/Chicken /Mutton)

For Yakhni :

Onion:1 medium

Garlic:1 whole Bunch

Whole Red Pepper:6-7

Whole Garam Masala:1/2 tsp each

Cumin (Zeera) :1Tsp

coriander whole (sabut Dhaniya):1 Tbs

Saunf  (Aniseed)1 Tbs

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In a cooking pot boiled meat with all above ingredients with 4 cup of water till meat tender and water becomes half.Separate meat and save this yakhni (I used stainer).

For Pulao Rice:

Onion:1 medium sliced

Whole garam masala:1 Tbs

Ginger and garlic paste: 1 tbs

Oil: 1/4 cup

Rice:1 kg (Soaked in water at least 30 mins)

Yogurt:1 cup

Yogurt Masala:

Green Cardamom (Sabz Ilaichi): 1 Tsp

Cumin (Zeera): 1 Tbs

Nutmeg (Jaifal) & Mace (Javitri):1/2 tsp

whole spice ( Sabut Garam Masala)= 1/2 tsp each

Grind the above ingredients in a coffee grinder, mix it with 1 cup yogurt, set aside

Method:

Heat oil, fry onion add whole spice, saute for few mins. Add boiled meat, ginger garlic paste.Now add the yogurt mixture and fry the meat for few minutes.

 

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Add soaked rice, mix them together gently, now add prepared yakhni in it.Yakhni should be 1 inch above from the meat and rice. Continue reading “Weekend Special : Yakhni Pulao”