Before I became Muslim, I wondered why Muslims fast during Ramadan. I wanted to know what the point of it was and why Muslims would want to abstain from food and drink during daylight hours for a whole month. I must admit, it seemed like a pretty crazy thing to do! So, before I became Muslim, I just had to find this out for myself.
Weaning your baby can be an anxious and exciting time. There are so many
different methods out there and differing information about the dos and don'ts
of starting your baby on solid food, so it can be hard to know what to do. Some
say start at 4 months and some say 6 months. Some say to start with purees and
others say to give them what you are eating. As a mother of four, currently
weaning my fourth baby, a mixture of both methods has worked really well for us
and this is where Sainsbury's Little
Ones baby food has come in handy.
When I first became Muslim, just over 10 years ago, I did not have any traditions for celebrating Ramadan and Eid. I was used to the fancy decorations used at Christmas and wondered if there was something similar available for Eid as well. I remember being crestfallen at how bland Eid seemed to be in comparison to Christmas, which was full of lights, colour and sparkle. I searched for products to help Eid feel more exciting but I was disappointed with the choices available. The only option was to make my own.
Ramadan is a beautiful and blessed month full of excitement and wonder. We spend the days abstaining from food and drink and the long days of fasting can take their toll on our mind and body. If you are anything like me, you may not have the energy to follow your usual routine. You might not have the energy to take the children out so much or do so much housework. This can cause some anxiety and guilt but do not be too hard on yourself. As the days go on and your body becomes used to fasting, it becomes easier.
If you have read about our homeschool curriculum or follow my instagram account, you will know we are following a nature curriculum this year called 'Exploring Nature With Children'. It is a wonderful curriculum that covers different topics each week of the year. For each week, there are activities to do, recommended reading, poetry and a piece of art to study. The curriculum incorporates science, English, art and nature studies so it is really varied. You can check out the curriculum here.
The Great British Bake Off is a favourite programme in our house as well as many other households across the country. As a family we look forward to it every year and it inspires us to get baking at home. From savoury pies to sugary cupcakes, there are a myriad things to bake and enjoy.
