We live very simple, green, as-natural-as-possible lives, and I’m happy to share more articles about sustainability for all of us to learn from. Tom’s tips below are designed to get you and your kids to enjoy the process as a way of life, rather than a drudgery. I’m so happy to read, that my family and I do everything listed below.

My greenest-daughter, our soon-to-be 9 year-old “baby” particularly LOVES shopping in the organic section of the grocery store with me.

When I read the article with the girls, the other two yelled, “We love doing that too…but, you always have us running around the store picking up other food.” They continued to share that the organic foods are always the best, so picking the sales, or trying new products is always the best part. Who would’ve known that a guest post would remind me not to leave anyone out of the organic aisles ever again!?

As for the community garden, that was our very first garden, and my girls remember it fondly…and as the article shares, it’s entirely different than our successive home gardens. So, please try them both.

Last, when we introduced 1-day meatless dinners about 5-6 years ago, it has brought more cultural dishes, new flavors, and a big savings to our budget!

Teaching Your Child About Sustainability

If you want your children to grow up to contribute to protecting the environment, you need to teach them about sustainability from a young age. There are lots of activities you can do to help your children learn about why it is important to protect the environment and how they can do so.

Plant a Garden

Children often enjoy working in the garden during spring and summer months, and this activity can help teach them a lot about sustainability. Planting a garden teaches children that gardening is both hard work and something to be proud of. When your children see all the work that goes into growing food, they are more likely to be grateful for the food on their plates and to treat it respectfully by not overeating and not wasting food.

When you plant your garden, make sure you use organic planting processes so that your children can learn about organic, natural gardening. Give your children age-appropriate tasks to do in the garden each day such as watering the plants or spraying natural pest repellents on their plants. Allow them to choose which plants they want to grow and teach them how to grow those plants. These activities will help your children feel more responsible towards the Earth and towards nature because they play such a large role in producing food for themselves and the rest of the family.

Join a Community Garden

In addition to gardening on your own, it’s important that you and your children join a community garden. Community gardens require members to help one another produce food for the entire community. Your children will learn more about sustainability as a way of life when they participate in community gardening activities; they will also learn about the value of cooperation and about sharing and giving back to the community.

Community gardens are often good resources for things you don’t have the room to teach about at home. For example, if you would like to teach your children to use food waste as compost but don’t have enough room in your garden for a compost heap, you can often do this activity at a community garden.

Choose Organic Foods With Your Children

Take your children to the organic section of your supermarket, or better yet, to the local farmer’s market to pick out organic fruits and vegetables. Let your children pick the produce that they are most attracted to and involve them in cooking it. While you are buying food and cooking it, you can also teach your children about the nutrients in different types of fruits and vegetables.

Going to the local farmer’s market has several other advantages if you want to teach your children about sustainability. You can talk with your children about the differences between farmer’s markets and supermarkets such as price, being able to talk directly to the people growing and selling the food, and being able to buy exactly what you need. You can also teach your children the value of supporting local organic farming if you shop with them at farmer’s markets.

Teach Your Children About Recycling

Avoid using disposable products such as disposable diapers or plastic utensils if at all possible. Talk to your children about what happens after you throw away these types of products. Visit a recycling plant with your children so that you can learn as a family the best way to recycle and institute new rules at home for recycling.

Go Meatless At Least Once a Week

Since the meat industry contributes greatly to greenhouse emissions, you can help teach your kids about sustainability by going meatless at least once a week. Find fun vegetarian recipes to make with your kids, and let your children help plan the menu for vegetarian meals. As your children get used to vegetarian meals, consider increasing the number of meatless days.

So, we’re curious…are you implementing some or all the sustainability tips above with your kids? If not, aren’t they simple enough to start today? Have other tips to share? We’ll be writing more on being green, not just for the environment, but for Islam. InshaAllah, not sure what I mean by that, then you obviously haven’t read my free “Balancing Life as a Muslim Mom” yet; so please download it by subscribing below today!

Author Bio: Tom writes for Heating Oil Shopper, a leading source of information on a range of topics related to oil prices.

photo credit: martin…T

Teaching Your Child About Sustainability is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

After spending nearly 6-months in oppressed land, no dedicated electricity, and hardships beyond acceptable limits, we returned home determined to keep our habits of living without electricity and apply it to the consumer-driven lives here in America. Conservation goes FAR beyond saving dollars on the electricity bill, or saving the Earth; it’s about appreciating Allah’s creations (people & all living things) SO much that we don’t want to be wasteful in anything: our lives, time, money, and natural resources! Living simple & more green has to come from the core of wanting to worship and praise Allah subhana wa Ta’ala first and foremost. We’ll sustain together!

Jakob details some awesome ways for the entire family to start saving electricity right now, and every day forward!

10 Electricity-Saving Tips

If electricity was like water, it could be collected in buckets and used for various chores around the house, but anyone who pays the bills knows it’s not that simple. That’s why being more conscious about how we use power can help save significant dollars throughout the year. Doing so will also help the environment because the less electricity that needs to be generated by power plants, the less pollution they will spew into the air.

That being the case, there are two main things to keep in mind when trying to start cutting back on household electrical usage. One is to understand a bit more about what machines and devices around the household are energy vultures. The second is simply having a greater awareness of when to flip the switch and turn something off.

The following are a few tips that incorporate both ideas and can lead us towards better savings on home electrical usage.

1. Lights: The standard incandescent bulb is slowly being faded out for better energy saving bulbs called compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). The difference is that CFLs produce less pollution when manufactured and can last hundreds, sometimes thousands of hours longer. If you’re still using an incandescent bulb, switching to CFLs makes sense. Otherwise, as most electricians will suggest, when it comes to lighting, timers and motion sensors are a smart way of cutting down on electrical usage. Utilizing natural sunlight during the day can be another positive factor.
2. Small appliances: Believe it or not, many small appliances in your home like coffee makers, microwaves, and mixers still use low levels of voltage when attached to electricity but not in use. For this reason it’s important to unplug them whenever they are idle.
3. Refrigerators: Refrigerators run 24/7 and attempt to keep food fresh with a constant temperature, yet every time the door opens and as long as it stays open, it loses degrees and must work hard to bring it back up to speed. To prevent extra energy usage, open the door as little as possible and for short moments. Replacing old appliances with newer energy saving ones will also contribute to better efficiency.
4. Stove tops: If you use an electric stove top (even if you use gas), covering pots when boiling water speeds up the process. It’s also beneficial to keep in mind that depending on the situation, boiled water can often be immediately reused before it cools. For example, if you were steaming green beans, use that water for boiling eggs. It takes a little planning but will save some time and most of all energy.
5. Laundry: Do full loads and line dry, or at least hang wet clothing on a drying rack inside your home.
6. In the yard: Instead of using electric lawnmowers, weed whackers, and trimmers, try manual yard equipment. It may require a little extra push, but you’ll be saving in the bank. Also, pick up some solar powered lights for the yard and walkway.
7. HVAC systems: Drafts are the bane of heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems because the loss or infiltration of air forces them to work harder upping the energy usage. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, try to only heat or cool rooms being used, and change or clean HVAC filters every few months for better efficiency. To make a further difference, dress accordingly in the summer and have extra blankets readily available in the winter. That way, you’ll touch the thermostat less frequently.
8. Ceiling fans: If you have a choice between installing an HVAC system or ceiling fans, know that the latter uses little electricity, and when set in reverse, blows warm air down. Another simple way to achieve a more comfortable room temperature is utilizing the sun–letting more in when it’s cold and less in when it’s too hot.
9. Computers: Computers not in use should be turned off or put to sleep for the night. To micromanage hard drives, monitors, and other related devices like printers in unison plug them all into one electrical strip that simultaneously turns power on and off.
10. Voltage converters: If you have to use a converter, make sure it’s not left plugged in. Keeping it in the wall can increase energy usage.

Aren’t all of Jakob’s tips doable? What do you find hard, easy or fair? Do you do everything already as an All-Natural-Mama? If so, please share additional tips in the comments below as well.

Jakob Barry is a home improvement journalist for Networx.com. He also blogs for pros across the U.S. like electrical contractors in Cincinnati, OH and Dallas, TX electricians.

photo credit: Nioxxe

Daily Tips for Saving on Electricity is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

In an effort to avoid dependence on chemical and synthetic pesticides, more and more gardeners these days are looking to natural and biological solutions for help in reducing the damage that pests cause to their gardens. There are many plants that can be utilized in this manner, and doing so will not only save you money but will also reduce the harm that may come to your garden, your family and the local environment when using chemicals. Many of the following flowers can be easily obtained from local garden shops or you can have the flowers delivered to you. Here are a few great examples of plants that can work for you to help you achieve a healthy, safe and flourishing garden this year.

Chrysanthemums

You can use the flower itself, or even a type of natural pesticide made by steeping chrysanthemum petals like a tea, to ward off a variety of pests. Cockroaches, ticks, fleas, bedbugs, silverfish and lice are a few examples of critters that are repelled by the essence of this flower. The tea can also be applied directly to the roots of plants to stave off root nematodes and the Japanese beetle.

Lavender

This prevalent plant is not only pretty and sweet smelling but it also works hard in your garden as a general pest repellent. It is most effective at repelling fleas and moths and can protect other plants that are nearby from whiteflies.

Four O’clock

These bright and cheerful flowers make great garden additions as they come in a variety of colors and are also very effective at running interference from the pesky Japanese beetle. The beetles love eating Four O’clocks even though it is poisonous to them and kills them before they can even finish their meal. Be careful, however, as these plants are also poisonous to humans and our furry friends.

Nasturtiums

These pretty little flowers are most useful when planted in your vegetable garden, especially near tomatoes and cucumbers. They are very effective at fighting off aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs and cucumber beetles. If aphids are your biggest problem, make sure to plant plenty of the yellow variety of Nasturtiums, as these are the best at combating them.

Petunias

These delicate flowers are easy to grow and are useful for warding off asparagus beetle, leafhoppers, aphids and tomato worms, just to name a few.

Marigolds

Marigolds are perhaps one of the best-known pest controlling flowers. There are many different varieties of marigold, and each type has its pest-fighting specialty, such as deterring moles, mosquitoes, whiteflies, bad nematodes and even larger mammals such as rabbits and other browsers. Make sure you choose the variety that will best serve your purpose, and only choose ones that are fragrant.

Remember that not everything will work in just any type of garden. Your garden will have a specific microclimate, soil type and pest issues that need to be taken into account when deciding which plants to use. Choosing plants that are native to your area is also wise, as these will be better at controlling local pests, will attract beneficial insects faster, and will be easy to grow.

Which flower are you going to plant in your garden to control pests? Share in the comments below!

Flowers that Help to Control Garden Pests is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Natural Storage

Baskets are a great opportunity to introduce a natural storage element into your home.  Storage doesn’t need to be ugly and hidden.  Baskets come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are available in nearly every home store, so you’re bound to find one that suits your budget and style.  Here are some tips to include baskets in your home. 

10 Ways to Use Baskets

1. Entry catch-all.  Set a small basket on an entry table or small shelf close to your front door to hold incoming mail, written messages and reminders, car keys, and your cell phone.  This way you’re ready to get in and out of the house efficiently.
2. Bathroom necessities. A basket set on a bathroom counter is a great place to store rolled up hand towels, bars of soap, or extra rolls of toilet paper. This frees up storage space under the sink. 
3. Toy storage.  Designated playrooms are a luxury for many families.  To give toys a special place in the communal parts of the home such as a living room or family room, house the toys in nice large baskets.  The baskets can be placed under the coffee table, behind a sofa, or simply in plain view.  Cleaning up toys becomes easy when you can bring the basket right to the toys.
4. Extra comforts.  There just isn’t enough space on a sofa for all the pillows I would like to use.  I store additional pillows and comfy throws in a basket that I can dip into whenever I feel like lounging on the couch needs an extra cozy touch. 
5. Craft control.  Some hobbies and crafts require many  pieces and some equipment to complete a single project.  I like to store current projects in a small basket to corral all of the necessary items in one place.  When I need to put away my project, I can simply place the basket on a shelf, then pull it out when time allows with everything I need right at my fingertips.  I also keep a basket of art supplies right on our kitchen table for my girls to use whenever they’d like.
6. All together now.  Some pantries can become disorganized quickly with the amount of food and supplies we store.  House similar items in baskets to quickly find what you’re looking for.  Most used spices, baking ingredients, snacks, and different pasta shapes are all perfect examples of sets that can benefit from basket storage.
7. Breathing room. Potatoes and onions shouldn’t be stored in the plastic bags they come in.  This can produce mold and encourage sprouting.  Instead, I use metal bins to store them in a pantry.  This allows air to circulate and keep your veggies fresh.
8. Accessorize with ease.  Keep your favorite and most used accessories close at hand by setting them out in a shallow basket on your dresser.  A sectioned basket will help sort them and keep order to all your bling.
9. Pray with me.  Praying five times a day, you’re bound to have guests at some point or another at the time of prayer.  Keep prayer clothes and rugs neatly contained in a basket and close by in order to quickly access anything your guest may need.
10. Laundry hamper.  I personally do not have the time to do laundry every day.  Until laundry day rolls around, our laundry is kept out of sight in a tall, lined basket by our dresser.  It keeps dirty socks off of the floor and adds a natural touch to our bedroom.

Do you use baskets in your home? What’s your favorite way to utilize them? Leave us a comment!

10 Tips to Utilize Baskets In Your Home is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Renting an apartment or home can sometimes weigh heavy on a person dreaming of home ownership.  With today’s economy and housing market the way it is, owning a home is a very distant reality for many of us.  Here are some tips to make our rentals feel more personal, even if it is only temporarily our home sweet home.

10 Tips to Decorate Your Rental Home

1. Paint.  If your landlord allows, paint a few select rooms in the color of your choice.  Paint is the simplest way to bring life and change to a room.  Understand that you will most likely have to repaint the walls prior to moving out, so try to avoid bold colors which can be a hassle to bring back to neutral.  If you will be in your rental long term, painting the walls is well worth the $25 spent on the gallon of paint.
2. Can’t paint? Or perhaps you’d rather not?  Bring in color through lovely patterned rugs, pillows, window treatments, and throws.  Even stapling vibrant fabric to plain canvases that can be hung on the wall will add nice splashes of color.
3. Bring in houseplants.  Personally, I can’t keep a plant alive long enough to see its one year birthday, but I just simply cannot imagine my house without them.  They bring so much life into a room.  Let’s not forget the beautiful green color it adds.  Some plant species even work to clean the air in your home.
4. Upgrade.  Updating fixtures in a home is something typically reserved for an actual home owner.  However, if your budget allows it – and you’ll be renting long term – consider replacing some fixtures yourself if your landlord isn’t willing to fork over the cash.  Simple things like bathroom faucets or dated light fixtures can be updated for a relatively small price.  Be sure to get your landlord’s permission before, but they usually don’t object to free upgrades.
5. Make it work.   Some things just cannot be changed.  You can’t add square footage, and you’re going to have to learn to love, or at least live with, the ugly flooring.   To make more space in my daughters’ room, I simply removed the closet doors.  I safely stored away the closet doors in the garage to replace once we move out.  That simple task dramatically opened up the room allowing me to position their dresser inside of the once closed off closet.  I now had room for a twin bed, crib, dresser, and rocking chair all in that itty-bitty room.
6. Display your favorite art.  Adding art to the walls makes a rental feel more homey and personal.  It will add color, style, and personality.  If you can’t paint but you can decorate your walls, I highly suggest that you do.  Be sure to repair any holes or damage to the walls prior to moving out.
7. Consider decals.  Removable sticker decals are the ideal decorating tool for a renter that may not be allowed to hang anything on the walls.  They come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, so you’re bound to find some that fit your style.  Many are intended to be removed and reused so they won’t damage the walls.  Decals can be used on walls, windows, doors, mirrors, or any other smooth surface.  If used in a consecutive pattern over a large wall, you can achieve the look of wallpaper.
8. A welcome feeling.  Does your front door look like everyone else’s in your apartment complex? Or do your homeowner neighbors have pretty,  spruced up entrances?  Just because you’re renting, doesn’t mean that you can’t add some life to your front step.  A pretty doormat, adding a small plant or hanging a wreath, and/or a fun decal on the door or adjacent window are easy, non-permanent ways to make for a nice welcome and set the mood for the rest of the house.
9. Smells good. Scented candles and scent diffusers may not provide a lot of visual presence, but they pack a big punch in how you and others feel about your home.  A nice light scent can boost your mood and definitely make the home feel more personal.  Upon stepping into your home, your guests will be distracted by the scent of gardenia or fresh linen instead of noticing your out-of-date flooring.
10. Accessorize.  Don’t keep your prized possessions or trinkets boxed up waiting for the day you own your first home.  Display them now and enjoy them.  They’ll add personality to the home making it feel like your own place.

What have you done to your rental home or apartment to make it feel more like home? Share in the comments!

10 Tips for Decorating a Rental Home or Apartment is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Old News?

If you live in a household that still likes to get its 411 the old-fashioned way, chances are you’ve got a pile of newspaper ready and waiting to rendezvous with the blue box by the end of every week. Before you relinquish it, consider reusing the newspaper in your home. Here are 10 ways to do so.

10 Ways to Reuse Newspaper

1. Glass Cleaner: Newspaper is perfect for polishing glass or chrome surfaces. It cleans without streaking!
2. Absorb Odor: Newspaper has an uncanny ability to suck odor out of any given surface. Use it to line garbage pails, the inside of sneakers and boots.
3. Drawer Liner: Place sheets of newspaper at the bottom of cabinets, drawers, under the kitchen sink, in closets and garage shelves. The paper helps to protect surfaces from stains and scratches. It also reduces dust buildup.
4. Ripen Fruit: Wrap each individual piece of fruit in your fridge with half a sheet of newspaper, and watch it ripen to perfection.
5. Vegetable Protector: Placing newspaper under potatoes and onions in your pantry helps protect them from bugs. It also reduces odors and prevents stains in the pantry.
6. Weed Warrior: Place newspaper in between the layers of mulch in your garden to prevent the weeds from springing up.
7. Stuffing: No, not in your turkey! Use newspaper to stuff shoes, purses, and any other object whose shape you want to maintain.
8. Package cushioning: Use shredded newspaper to cushion objects in a box to be mailed. Fragile objects can be wrapped in sheets of newspaper before being placed in boxes. This also works great when you’re moving!
9. Kitty Comforter: Line the bottom of litter boxes with shredded newspaper to keep them clean. Make sure you change it frequently.
10. Art mat: tape newspapers on the floor (or table) for kids to sit on when doing a particularly messy art project. This is great for protecting hard wood and tile from paint, marker, and clay.

Don’t Forget to Recycle

Can you think of any other uses for already read newspapers? Share in the comments below!

Paper for Later: 10 Great Ways to Reuse Newspaper at Home is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

If you are a Muslim woman, it is likely that you are like me and have many scarves, underscarves and pins. Whether you are a hijabi or not many of us have amassed quite the collection for all the seasons. I know for me I have beautiful scarves and some days I can’t find the one I really want to wear…have you ever been there? So, for me it was time to organize the storage of my scarves.

How are we store and organize that collection? There are several ways to store scarfs, and underscarves that are quite frugal.

My own storage solution for my personal collection all comes from Dollarama ( a Canadian dollar store) and cost me $5.25.

I was able to find a trio shelf that attaches to the rod in my closet for $2.00 and the bin that I use for my underscarves cost me another $2.

For my pins in the craft section I found a storage container that has many small parts and I use that for my pins which I have in color coded groups. That cost me $1.25.

Now, I have friends who use different storage solutions for their pins and scarves.

My best girlfriend makes her hijab pins. She then stores those clay pins in a little glass containers that she got from recycling. They once contained her jam–how eco-friendly and frugal! She has several jars all on a small shelf, and she, like me, is a color coder. Other frugal possibilities include:

• mason jars
• a small box
• recyling a pill bottle
• using felt and an old picture frame to create a place to display and store them on the wall

Can you think of others? or Do you use others that are frugal?

For her scarves, she  likes to be able to see them so she hangs hers on hooks. She was able to find a simple rack that had 12 hooks at the dollar store similiar to this one that costs just $2. With 2 of those she gets to she her scarves.

Other  frugal storage solutions that I have seen:

• a triple over the door towel holder which can hold about 9 of your favorite scarves
• a shoe storage container that hangs over the door or in your closet, usually with these you can fit about 20 scarves.
• One friend found a old trunk for hers, but her only complaint that means they are out of sight and she has to iron them before wearing
• an under the bed storage container, again here there is ironing when you want to wear one
• a pant hanger meant for multiple pairs of pants

Now for the underscarves. I must admit until I started to organize my own collection I didn’t realize how many I had. So, here’s some tips how to store those. I choose a simple bin that fit in the top of my tiered closet system. Other frugal solutions include:

• a large ziploc baggie
• a shoe box
• a small basket
• a plastic ice-cream container
• a clear large plastic container or drawer system.

As I think of frugal scarf and pin solutions many different solutions will work in different environments. So, how do you store your scarves and pins? And, how frugal was it to get it organized?

Frugal Scarf and Pin Storage Solutions is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

As we introduced NoorVitamins to the American Muslim Mom community during Ramadan, we’re excited to debut their monthly health column today by their esteemed doctors, mashaAllah. A wonderful introduction to their column is sharing quick little tips for you to make small little changes in your daily lifestyle so these small new habits in your day will ultimately, inshaAllah God willing, add up to a bigger long-term goal of losing weight and keeping that weight off for good.

Just like anything in life “Slow & Steady Wins the Race”!

1. Start with a healthy breakfast, such as oatmeal and whole grain cereals. This may prevent you from overeating later.
2. Keep a food diary. Knowing how much you consumed in a day can help you understand your eating habits.
3. Turn off the tube. You don’t burn many calories sitting on the couch. Watching television can be a great time to add extra pounds.
4. Weigh yourself often, at least once a week.
5. Cut calories by consuming smaller portions, skipping seconds, and asking restaurants to bag half your meals to-go.
6. Become more active. Physical activity helps you burn calories and stay fit. A great time to sneak in some exercise is during TV time!

So, are these small changes small enough to get you motivated to reach your weight lost goals? If not, why. If so, please share your journey with us and let us know what else you want to learn about weight lose and maintenance by the NoorVitamins doctors. This column will also discuss diabetes, smoking cessation, heart health, staying active and general nutrition. Please comment below letting us know which topics you’d like us to focus on next inshaAllah.

 

Small Changes that Add Up to Losing Weight is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Perfect for our family travels, these machine washable, waterproof, dishwasher-safe, sturdy kid labels are so great! My girls were having fun, so they took the one metal label and put it around her stud earring just because “I can!” my daughter replied. Well, okay then…the girls insist that no one else would have this picture, so “Why not?” So, Mabel’s Labels…is this the first?
The girls and I enjoyed our time figuring out the exact color theme, and image to display on our labels, and well, as you can imagine with 3 girls, we picked the pinks and purples with hearts. Also, we choose the generic “The Sabra Girls” as their “name” rather than choosing one girl’s name. After all, we’re always together as homeschoolers, and the idea is to identify our things as opposed to another family’s, not necessary which girl the things belong too. So, here’s a quick video review to show you how we’re using the Mabel’s Labels in our travels.

The Ultimate back-to-School Combo! The combo includes 108 personalized labels. Mabel’s Labels help identify clothing, school supplies, shoes, backpacks and more. Dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe.

As a mompreneur with 3 girlpreneurs, reading the founders’ story was a great example, how moms are working to make a difference for their own family and friends, and turning their problem-solving craft, skills and abilities into a successful business model…Kudos to Mabel’s Labels’ Moms!

Order Your Mabel’s Labels Ultimate Back to School Today

Order Your Mabel’s Labels Today and Purchase the Ultimate back-to-School Combo!

Enter to win a Mabel’s Labels Back to School Pack (Value $42)

Deadline date: Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time.

Contest Rules

• You must adhere to all the rules as stated. Shall a winner be chosen who did not complete these rules, he/she will not be eligible to win.

You must visit Mabel’s Labels comment below telling us what color theme or image would you choose.

To view the color & design options click on the pink “Buy Now” button and it will take you to our label builder.  There you will be able to see a big picture of what your labels will look like. Check it out and let me know what design you would like.

To be eligible to win you must be a U.S. resident, and 18 years of age or older.

For Additional Entries

For additional entries, you may chose to complete any one, or all of the below actions. You must write a separate comment for each additional entry you complete below. (A winner is chosen by the number of comments, not the number of actions taken.)

• Follow American Muslim Mom on Twitter @PonnSabra
• Become an American Muslim Mom Facebook Fan.
• Subscribe to our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed. To sign up with your RSS feed reader, click here; or click here to subscribe by email.
• Subscribe to our iTunes RSS feed with one-click subscription here.
• Subscribe to the American Muslim Mom YouTube Channel.
• Follow American Muslim Mom on Google Connect.
• “Like” this page on Facebook with the “Like” button below.
• Share this page on Facebook with the “Share” button below adding a personal note. Leave a comment below with the timestamped url.
• Join the Muslim Mom Media Network. While it’s not exclusive to Muslim Moms, we will only be promoting Muslim and halal-specific products and services.
• Tweet about this contest with @ponnsabra Tweet this message, but don’t forget to comment below with the new tweet link.

SAMPLE TWEET. ENTER UP TO TWICE DAILY.

RT @ponnsabra #BacktoSchool #GIVEAWAY Mabel’s Labels @mabelhood (Value $42) http://ow.ly/6ICvy Please Enter & RT

• Add our button on your site, code available on the right sidebar.
• List on our your blogroll with the following text link:

<a href=”http://americanmuslimmom.com” title=”American Muslim Mom Blog” target=”_blank”>American Muslim Mom Blog</a>

• Bookmark American Muslim Mom on your browser or your favorite bookmarking site, suchas reddit, delicious, or google bookmarks. You can use one of the “Sharing is Caring” buttons below. [For each action, make separate comments below.]
• Share this post with your favorite social networking site, such as yahoo buzz, stumbleupon, or kirsty. You can use one of the “Sharing is Caring” buttons below as well. [For each action, make separate comments below.]

Determining a Winner

Each comment below designates an entry number. We will use And the Winner Is… plugin to pick a random winner from the total number of comments below. The winner will be contacted by email. If no response is received in 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Confirmed winners will be announced on our

Contest Winners Page, where you may refer to at anytime.

Disclosure: We received products for free to review as part of a blogger series organized by Global Influence Network. We were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

Mabel’s Labels for Kids’ Clothes & Belongings – Review & Giveaway is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Wednesday night is National Family Game Night, and in preparation for the event, Hasbro & RecycleBank partnered up for this cool Trade-In Opportunity!

Details made available from Hasbro below, and check out Alison Deyette’s Game Closet Organizational Tips here.

GREAT GAMES TRADE-IN

Is your game of Sorry! looking, well, a little sorry? Or maybe the Cavity Sam in your game of Operation looks like he needs to take a trip to the ER. Whether you’re missing some money in your Monopoly game or letter tiles from the Scrabble game, it may be time to replace that worn and well-loved game with a brand new one.

Fortunately for you and your family, the Great Games Trade-In is here to make recycling and upgrading games as easy as can be! We’re looking forward to trading-in our “Game of Life”.

Throughout the month of September, visit FamilyGameNight.com to print up to $83 in coupons, as well as prepaid shipping labels to easily recycle your old games. Deadline: September 30, 2011.

You’ll learn how to recycle your old, worn-out games with Recyclebank to make plenty of room in your freshly cleaned game closet for brand spankin’ new games–tips available here!

The 22 Great Games Trade-In coupon offers can be redeemed at mass merchandise retailers nationwide through October 9. And with all of these savings, you’ll even have extra spending money for treats and decorations for your big National Family Game Night celebration!

RECYCLEBANK

Cleaning out your game closet is sure to unearth some games that are ready to be replaced, such as the Candy Land game that Mom and Dad played growing up, or the Monopoly game missing the racecar and shoe tokens. The Great Games Trade-In is a great way for families to adopt green habits by sending in old games to be recycled.

By teaming up with Recyclebank, the company that rewards people for taking everyday green actions with discounts and deals from local businesses and national brands, Hasbro makes it easy for families to get a fresh, new board game for National Family Game Night while keeping their wallets full and their environmental footprints small.

Most board games include components that are easy to recycle, like cardboard and plastic. By printing a prepaid shipping label from FamilyGameNight.com during the Great Games Trade-In and pledging to recycle your old game, you can earn points with Recyclebank and eventually cash in these green points for retail rewards.

Recyclebank has partnered with a materials recovery center to ensure everything received will be disposed of in a professional manner by qualified personnel and in accordance with industry standards. If it’s recyclable, Recyclebank will do right by it.

For more information on recycling and how you can make it an everyday part of your family’s life, please visit www.Recyclebank.com.

NATIONAL FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Want to put those brand new games from the Great Games Trade-In to use? National Family Game Night is the perfect occasion!

On September 28, we invite you to join families across the nation to unplug and unwind as you spend quality time together playing a new game. Between the pressures and demands of work, school and activities, it can be hard to find time to reconnect as a family. Hasbro wants to help everyone in America create this special and important time, and is supplying great savings on new games to ensure this year’s National Family Game Night is a success in every home!

Check out their Facebook Fan Page here too!

How cool is this partnership? What board games are your trading in? Please share your experiences below!

Great Games Trade-In Hasbro & Recyclebank Partner Up is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Eid-ul-fitr, one of the two major Muslim festivals, marks the completion of fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan. It is a time to rejoice and celebrate by wearing brand new clothes, attending the Eid prayer and wishing each other “Eid Mubarak” or “Have a blessed Eid.” Eid is a sweet time for Muslims, quite literally! While numerous meat dishes are prepared for the main feast, there is no compromise when it comes to desserts on such a special occasion. Kheer is one of the traditional desserts that are prepared on the day of Eid. It is a common South Asian sweet dish, made by boiling rice with milk, sugar, dry fruits and cardamom. This quick and easy recipe is sure to leave everyone with sweet memories of the Eid day (pun intended).

Dish: PALPAYSAM or KHEER

YIELD: 4 Portions

Recommended conversion chart, click here.

Method:

1. Wash and soak rice in cold water for 15-20 minutes.
2. Cook rice in water with half the milk until soft (usually takes 15-20 minutes).
3. Add remaining milk and sugar and cook till it becomes thick and mix well.
4. Fry raisins and cashews in ghee for 5 minutes.
5. Remove seeds from cardamom pods, add to the above and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Garnish with toasted sunflower seeds and serve hot or cold.

I pray you and your families have a joyous Eid. Please tell us what you are doing to celebrate the spirit of Eid this year?

Eid Mubarak from Learn Indian Cooking and American Muslim Mom!

Author Bio:

Kanika has a diploma in Indian Cooking and offers classes in Indian Cuisine in Chicagoland Area. Through her cooking classes she teaches women the secrets of using Indian spices and techniques to cook all their (or their families’) Indian restaurant favorites. Get in touch with her through Learn Indian Cooking to schedule a cooking class with her soon!

Eid Dessert Recipe: Wishing your Eid is filled with sweet memories is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Clever Girls on behalf of Dannon. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program but my opinions are my own.

For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.oikosyogurt.com or www.Facebook.com/oikos. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

When I told the girls we’re going to try another Greek Yogurt, I heard whines so loud, followed with the “Do we have too!?” But, I told them that “Dannon® Oikos® 0% Fat Berry Flavors beat Chobani 2-1 in a taste test!*”

Not convinced, then they saw the commercial Saturday…”Well…that’s interesting…” the 2 whiners shared, with a grin, still hoping not to have to try it. When the youngest ran to get the mail, there was our package…”but, Mama…”

I truly believe that they were both SO relieved they were fasting, subhanallah!

So, they tried to turn the attention away from themselves as they said “but…JuJu doesn’t have to try it!”…because she’s the one and only non-yogurt eater in our family…”Oh yes she does!” I replied.

So, we picked them out yesterday, and I had them ready for suhoor. Of course I tried first. “Hmm…not bad…it’s actually not inedible”. They looked at me oddly, so I insisted “really!” So, our top yogurt-lover joined me, and well…”not bad”. The little one, said “nope, it still has that creamy-think taste”, which we both agreed upon. It wasn’t as difficult to make it through the whole one cup…interestingly we didn’t even noticed that JuJu was taking her time eating, that by the time the adhan called, we noticed that her 3-spoonfuls were still in the cup. Hmm…she’ll have her taste test in about 2.5 more hours.

“Dannon® Oikos® is created through an authentic Greek straining process which gives it a rich and creamy-thick texture.” I think it’s the creamy-thick texture, that we haven’t yet acquired a test for, but with 3 more cups in our fridge, inshaAllah, we should be able to finish this set unlike the other brand.

We’re not a fruit-on-the-bottom type of yogurt family, so we tried the traditional blended strawberry. However, we got the traditional raspberry, another traditional-strawberry, and one strawberry-fruit-on-the-bottom as well.

Disclosure: This post is part of a partnership with Dannon to help promote the Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt Series. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. We were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

Dannon Oikos – The First Greek Yogurt We Actually Liked! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Blogging has brought me a lot of new opportunities that had never crossed my mind in “life before blogging”.  One of these ideas was publishing a cookbook.  On my website I blog about food, specifically but not limited to Moroccan food.  All of my recipes are halal though I do not market the site as a “halal” blog.  In May, I was able to attend my first blogging conference; Eat, Write, Retreat in Washington DC and had one of the best experiences I could hope for.  I heard many of my fellow bloggers express their hopes of one day publishing a cookbook.  Suffice to say this had never crossed my mind.

Fast forward to late June and I am in the early planning stages of posts for August on my blog.  It’s Ramadan and I begin searching for recipes in my archives and around the web for this blessed month.  I then realized that there are not any Ramadan specific cookbooks (none at least that I’ve been able to find!) So, instead of lamenting that nothing existed in this niche, I decided to create my own!  Ramadan Nights: Iftar Ideas for Busy Moms and Dads sprung to life just like that! Each country and culture has specific recipes that make Ramadan special and I had already blogged about many of the Moroccan staple recipes.  I wanted the cookbook to be a mix of traditional Moroccan recipes, and other quick and easy recipes from around the world.

There are a few recipes that are more time consuming and are probably better to prepare ahead of time and freeze until needed.  However the majority are very fast and easy.  The recipes included span the Islamic world, from the greater Middle East, the Maghreb and Southeast Asia. I’ve also included some of my favorite family recipes.   (We really don’t eat Moroccan 100% of the time!) The recipes are divided into Sweet, Savory and Soup categories.

This project started out as simply a single, small e-cookbook.  However, I have gotten so much feedback and appreciation for this book that I am hoping I will be able to expand the idea.  My ultimate goal is to publish a full length cookbook in print focusing on Ramadan recipes from around the world.  My experiences writing, organizing, editing and ultimately publishing this e-cookbook in what truly was a very short time (less than two weeks), was a whirlwind to say the least!  For anyone considering writing their own e-cookbook my advice would be just do it! If I would have sat on this idea and hashed it through in my mind – I probably wouldn’t have done it.  Digging in my heels and just doing it provided a huge sense of accomplishment and pride at completion!

If you have questions about writing an e-book leave a comment, I’d be happy to share my experience more in depth with you.  If you’re interested in picking up a copy of my e-cookbook you can right here!

Ramadan and Moroccan American Cuisine is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Although I was born and raised in America, my parents (and all three of my siblings, actually) were born in India, and lived there for some time in their lives.  I’ve been to the country only once, when I was three, so the memories are quite blurred. However, I do have a taste of my culture when it comes to food, clothing, and language.

Special foods are made on certain occasions in my South Indian culture–a unique Hyderabadi biryani at weddings, daal (a soupy dish made of lentils) as a side almost every night, and of course Ramadan comes with its own cookbook of snacks and foods.

Today, I’d like to share my mom’s recipe for aloo bhajya, a deep-fried food with potatoes my family eats at Iftar time during the month of Ramadan.

Aloo Bhajya/Deep-Fried Food with Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 cup basin (lentil flour)
• A pinch of baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 green chili peppers finely chopped
• 2 tablespoon coriander leaves finely chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup oil to deep fry
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced

Instructions

1. Mix the basin, baking soda, salt, red chili powder, turmeric, green chili peppers, coriander together in a bowl, adding water slowly until the mixture becomes like pancake batter.
2. Dip each slice of potato in the batter, and carefully drop into a frying pan with hot oil.
3. Fry both sides until golden brown.
4. Take out of the pan, letting excess oil drip off, and place onto a plate with a paper towel (to absorb more oil).
5. Once Iftar time roles in, enjoy (after the Sunnah dates and water, of course!)

I hope this recipe works out well for everyone, InshaAllah. Please share in the comments what special foods your family eats in Ramadan.

Ramadan and Indian Cuisine is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Before Ramadan began, I sorted through my recipes looking for quick and easy, yet healthful, recipes; as I’m looking for ways to shake up the line up.  I find that a lot of the recipes I find online for Ramadan are Middle Eastern or Indian and while there is nothing wrong with that, I am only familiar with a dozen or so Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.  Certainly not enough to make a month worth of meals without destroying my kitchen, and my budget, in the process.

So, I came up with the idea to treat my Iftar dinners the way I do with our large family gatherings.  Simply.  While we do lots of side dishes, there is usually only one protein at our family gatherings.  Now, I can talk about how to do turkey or chicken until the cows come home!  But the recipe I want to share today is my favorite side dish.  A very common dish here in the south, but with my own little twist.  Collard Greens.

Most folks here in the south make collards with bacon or ham hocks.  I substitute that out with turkey kielbasa.  This is the longest cooking of my side dishes, but boy oh boy is it worth it!  This dish is sure to add a little something extra to your Iftar dinner.  It’s sweet and salty, and quite honestly a meal by itself!  Just spoon over rice to make this a main dish instead of a side.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped, longer bits of stem removed
• 2 vidalia (or any sweet) onions, diced
• 1 package turkey kielbasa (2 large links), halved and sliced into bite sized pieces
• 1 cube of Beef stock and a cup of water
• 1 tblspn extra virgin olive oil
• 1 can of coconut milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large deep stock pot sauté the kielbasa in the olive oil until browned, add the onions and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.  Put half of this in a bowl and set aside.
2. Crush up the cube of beef stock and add with the water to the pot.  Layer the chopped collards on top of the onion and kielbasa in the pot.   Put the lid on the pot and let the collards wilt for about 5 min over a medium heat.  Give it a good stir to mix in the onions and kielbasa.
3. When the collards are completely wilted check the level of the stock, you don’t want to boil the collards into a soup but you don’t want to worry about the pot going dry either.  Add more water if you need to, if they seem too wet leave the lid off for a little while to cook off some of the extra water.
4. Let the collards cook down, about 45 min – 1 hr.   Collards should be tender and not at all chewy or bitter when done.
5. About 5-10 min before serving, add in the remaining kielbasa and onions and the can of coconut milk and stir to mix well.

When I make collards for special occasions I serve them just like this.  The coconut milk gives them a little sweetness and a Caribbean flare.  I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does!  Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan and Southern Cuisine is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I have a small cookbook fetish and I’m not afraid to admit that.  I love the feel of cookbooks, the touch, the pictures and the inspiration they offer cooks like me.  But I don’t generally follow a specific recipe out of any of my cookbooks.  I am very comfortable in the kitchen and often find myself making things up as I go.  It’s easy for me to do this, but I have so many friends who really struggle when it comes to cooking easy, healthy, and tasty recipes.

Chef Jeff’s dinneRevolution is a great e-cookbook for said friends.  This recipe-packed e-book (over 200 pages!) is perfect for the novice cook, the parent looking for a quick dinner, a new college student out on their own or anyone in search of an easy and fast lunch or dinner.

dinneRevolution eCookbook Features

• All recipes use less than 10 ingredients
• They take 30 minutes or less to prepare
• It includes recipes for beef, chicken, pork and vegetarian options
• dinneRevolution also includes a section on fast and easy side dishes
• There is a nutritional breakdown of each recipe and easy to follow directions
• Ingredients are not unique or hard to find items
• The e-cookbook also comes with a Grocery Store Savings Guide and Dinner Menu Planner

Personally I like this book for several different reasons.  Even though I cook often and use a variety of different recipes, I was able to find several new recipes in this book that were appealing.  I love the concept of this book.  Especially for busy, working moms.  Getting dinner on the table at a reasonable hour after working a full day is difficult.  With this book and menu planner in hand you’ll be able to keep your family well fed for several weeks without repeating the same meals!  It’s also economical.  Most of the items in these recipes are on anyone’s grocery list.  But the number one reason I like dinneRevolution is that so many novice cooks would benefit greatly from a copy!  If you’re living on take-out or repeating the same handful of recipes, this book will help you become a more confident cook.

During Ramadan I find it difficult at times to come up with great, tasty recipes that I know will turn out well.  When it’s time for iftar the last thing you want is to be stuck with food that tastes bad.  With a lot of different recipes and ingredients this cookbook will help you make iftars much easier!

Halal substitutes for a Muslim’s Kitchen

• some of the recipes do call for alcohol – but this doesn’t mean you have to avoid them all together.  You can usually substitute something else for the alcohol.  This handy webpage can help you out.
• There is a pork section of the cookbook.  You can avoid this section or you can swap out the pork for chicken or turkey.  Also there are a lot of products on the market now that can be used in place of pork.  Turkey or beef bacon for example is an easy substitution for the pork version.

Even with these few alterations there are so many recipes in this cookbook you won’t be at a loss for halal, healthy cooking!

Grocery Guide & Menu Plan

I also looked through the grocery guide and menu plan.  If the grocery store is a scary or dreaded place, the grocery guide from Chef Jeff will help you understand how to navigate and save a lot of money when getting groceries.  The dinner menu planner is a simple one page sheet in two columns; one side for days of the week and the other for your grocery list.  Fill in your meals on one side and list ingredients in their respective categories on the other and you will be ready for your grocery store visit and your week of cooking ahead.

My vegetarian test

I made sure to test one of the recipes in this cookbook.  I decided on the Pineapple Fried Rice in the Vegetarian section of this cookbook, making sure to follow the recipe precisely.  I was very pleased with the results both taste-wise and clarity of instructions.  I am looking forward to trying even more recipes during Ramadan for evening dinners. Overall I give this e-cookbook a thumbs up for recipe ease and diversity!

Grab Your Copy for Free Today!

Want your own copy?  Chef Jeff is offering this e-cookbook, Grocery Store Savings Guide and Dinner Menu Planner for free! Get yours today!

Free 30-Minute eCookbook Giveaway- A Muslim’s Perspective is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to spend  hours preparing for Ramadan iftars (or every day meals, as a matter of fact). Being a working, full-time graduate student, I have found and experimented with several meals, snacks and drinks that are simple and fast to make. These are great for Ramadan as well.

Try These Quick, Easy, and Healthy Ideas

• Smoothies. I made the most delicious, easiest mango smoothie the other day. Smoothies are great for Ramadan because you can have them for suhoor (the meal before sunrise to fill you up for the day’s fast), break your fast with them, or for a little snack after you come from taraweeh. I usually use frozen fruits, milk and ice. You can add a little sugar for some extra sweetness. If you want to have this for suhoor, add some whey protein and peanut butter to make you feel fuller.Sometimes I add a tablespoon of chocolate powder if I want a chocolate-flavored smoothie.

• Salads. I used to make the most boring salads in the world: lettuce and tomatoes. However, after experimenting one day with fresh vegetables from the grocery stores, I realized that salads can be really tasty, healthy and zesty. I now add: asparagus, cilantro, oregano, peppers, onions, mushrooms and dill. You won’t even need salad dressing—just salt and pepper (and some cheese if you want some more flavor).

• Chicken Kabobs. These are fun and easy to make and you don’t need a grill! Marinate some chicken (I like to use vinegar, olive oil, salt paper, and a whole bunch of spices in your cabinet), add the chicken with vegetables you like (zucchini, onions, peppers, mushrooms) to the skewers.  You want to make sure you soak the skewers for a couple of hours so they don’t burn in the oven. Now you want to put your beautiful skewer creation in the oven for maybe 20 minutes and then change the settings to broil for another 15-20 minutes. Delicious!

• Dates and milk. My lovely mom used to always make this for us when we were young and we use to love them! She still makes it for us often when we are all together in Ramadan. This is very easy and so refreshing and delicious to break your fast with. Grab some dates, cut them in halves and take the pit out. Put them in a large bowl and add low fat milk and put in the refrigerator for several hours so the dates soften and make the milk sweet. You can then pour a couple of servings in personal bowls for everyone.

• Yogurt. I love having yogurt in Ramadan for suhoor or a snack. I love Greek yogurt, 100 calories flavored Yoplait yogurt and also adding fresh fruit like strawberries and berries to low-fat plain yogurt. These are great for snacking on after taraweeh or for suhoor. Ponn: Easy homemade plain yogurt recipe: 1 gallon milk boiled until it starts to rise. Set aside and cover to cool until you can put your clean figure in for 10-seconds (approximately 30-45 minutes depending on your kitchen’s temperature, maybe 60-minutes). Add 8 tablespoons of “starter yogurt”, plain yogurt. Let side covered with thick towel or cloth overnight. It’s ready to be put in the fridge when it’s a nice thick yummy yogurt! Put aside 8 tablespoons in small container, which you will use for the next gallon of yogurt. I made a gallon the day before Ramadan, and use for dips for meat, or breakfast with fresh chopped fruit and powdered sugar to taste. The girls like making their own yogurt.

• Garlic bread. My husband occasionally buys the frozen garlic break from the store and heats it up in the oven as a side. I learned that homemade garlic bread is easier, healthier, and cheaper to make at home! Grab some bread (baguette or toast), and then blend some garlic, butter (or Parkay spray if you are watching calories), Italian seasoning, a little bit of olive oil and salt. Spread the mixture on the bread of your choice and stick it in the oven or toaster oven. Great side!

• Cheesecake. I know what you’re thinking “cheesecake is not healthy or easy to make.” Well here is what I like to do for a delicious, low-fat easy dessert. I purchase the graham cracker pie crust (there is a low fat one) and low-fat powder pudding in vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavors. I follow the directions on the back of the pudding mix and add some cream cheese to the mix and pour in the crust. You can then top it off with fresh fruit and some whipped cream. Tada!

• Sweet Potato. This is a very simple and healthy Ramadan treat. Peel two sweet potatoes and cut them into cubes and put them in a pot with a little water, on the stove. Keep mixing and add some water if the sweet potatoes get dry. When they are tender enough, take them out and mash them up (either a blender or a regular fork will do). You can add some mashed bananas in them also. Add a a teaspoon or two of stevia or brown sugar, whipped cream, and you got yourself a scrumptious dessert!

Those are some of my favorite, easy, pretty healthy Ramadan food items. What are yours? What are your favorite food to eat at Ramadan?

Quick, Easy and Healthy Food Ideas for Ramadan is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The following is an interview with Yvonne Maffei, a Chicago-based Food Writer and the Publisher of MyHalalKitchen.com, a popular food blog focused on halal cooking, eating and halal food topics. She is also a Culinary Consultant to Schools and Businesses.  She can be found offering cooking tips and more on her Facebook page and on Twitter @myhalalkitchen.

Interview with Yvonne Maffei of My Halal Kitchen

[American Muslim Mom] As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu dear sister Yvonne (via Lisa Mabe).

[Yvonne] Wa’alaikum as salaam Ponn, thank you for taking the time to conduct this interview.

[American Muslim Mom] One of the biggest problems and complaints in a halal kitchen during Ramadan is the how much food is wasted after iftar.

Never has Ramadan passed in which this one topic has not been discussed a dozen times with a dozen different Muslim sisters. However, no improvements are made year after year, because they let habit overcome them, even though the great amount of food wasted simply defeats the purpose of fasting, then preparing and eating in moderation.

For example:

• Over-cooking extravagant meals, only to let it sit around, spoil and ultimately be thrown away because one is so stuffed that they never clean the kitchen right after a big iftar,
• The desire to make fresh new robust meals every night, with no desire to eat left-overs because “we didn’t fast all day *just* to eat left-overs”, and
• Having eyes bigger than our stomachs, so when cooking iftar, they easily over-cook out of perceived desire rather than actual need.

What are your top tips to cook efficiently and/or re-purpose certain parts of previous meals so left-overs are not wasted?

[Yvonne] I plan ahead of each Ramadan so that I know pretty much what I’m cooking at every suhoor and every iftar. I may change things according to what I have on hand or what’s easiest, but that’s ok because I’d rather not waste any food than stick to a plan just for the sake of it. A plan is more for helping you to organize your kitchen and helping you have on your radar an idea of what you can put on the table. When shopping in advance, this is such a big help and huge time and food saver.

I make less food than I do for the rest of the year because I’ve learned that we simply cannot eat as much as when we’re not fasting. I freeze leftovers as much as possible and re-heat things that I know we’re most likely to finish. I tell people to use the freezer to their advantage!

[American Muslim Mom] You’re partnering the entire month of Ramadan on an interesting and interactive online campaign with Whole Foods and Saffron Roads. Can you please share details about the campaign and how our readers can get involved?

[Yvonne] It’s a very exciting time for the halal consumer and I’m enjoying being part of such a unique collaboration. I’ve partnered with Saffron Road to help increase awareness of their amazing halal, vegetarian-fed and antibiotic-free frozen entrees, chicken products and broths which are available in Whole Foods Markets.

Whole Foods is partnering with Saffron Road during the month of Ramadan to recognize the Muslim consumer and to show awareness for our month of fasting. They’ve asked me to be a guest blogger on the Whole Story blog where I was able to talk about Ramadan and share an iftar recipe.  Both companies have gone further to sponsor giveaways on the Whole Story blog and five giveaways on MyHalalKitchen.com where they are generously offering a $100 Whole Foods gift card plus 5 coupons for FREE Saffron Road entrees to a random winner throughout Ramadan. Readers can check out my Facebook page, Saffron Road’s Facebook page, or myhalalkitchen.com for the latest giveaways. We also tweet about it quite a bit!

[American Muslim Mom] You recently launched your debut book, “Clean Your Kitchen Green,” can you please share why you wrote this and what it’s about?

[Yvonne] I wrote the book because I felt that I had a lot to share about how I’ve developed cleaning my home, especially my kitchen, without the use of toxic products. I have very sensitive skin, so over the years I’ve developed a plethora of products that I favor as being not only easy on my skin, but also on the environment and happen to clean my kitchen really well. Additionally, I learned that many products contain gels derived from pork by-products and I just didn’t want to use those to wash my dishes, counters, tables or floors. I wanted products that met all of my needs and requirements.  As a result, I developed my own homemade cleaning recipes after much experimentation to see what does or doesn’t work and I’ve shared those recipes along with a list of resources for the products I use.  Your skin is your largest organ and what you put on it matters- just like what you put on your body.

[American Muslim Mom] Sounds like a great Ramadan or Eid gift for Green Halal Chefs [such as professionals by title, and self-proclaimed by their kids, like me, mashaAllah ]. Where can our readers purchase it?

[Yvonne] The book is available on Amazon.com and on MyHalalKitche.com/products.

[American Muslim Mom] Excellent tips that you’ve been sharing so far this Ramadan season are:

• Let Your Freezer Help You This Ramadan
• Kitchen Efficiency During Ramadan
• 4 Tips to Organize Your Ramadan Cooking

[Yvonne] Thank you, and there’s more to come, insha’Allah!

[American Muslim Mom] Besides your blog, how can our readers stay in touch with you?

[Yvonne] Alhamdullilah, I’m really active on my Facebook page and on Twitter. Insha’Allah, I’ll  be conducting a LIVE web chat on my Facebook page wall this Thursday from 12-1pm CT called ‘Keep Cooking Simple During Ramadan’. There are more events listed on my Facebook page where I’ll be doing radio interviews and more this month, but readers can always email me: contact@myhalalkitchen.com. I love to get mail J.

[American Muslim Mom] Jazaka Allahu Khayrun dear sister Yvonne.

[Yvonne] Wa’iyyaki sister Ponn. Thank you for having me.

If you have specific questions for sister Yvonne, about her tips, book, Ramadan campaign, etc., please kindly comment below.

Cooking Efficiently in a Halal Green Home is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Image creator: Suat Eman

While fasting only takes place during daylight hours, it is still important to eat healthy, nutritious meals the 30 day observance to avoid fatigue and potential medical issues due to vitamin and diet deficiency.

Drink Plenty of Water

Proper hydration is essential during Ramadan. Drink plenty of fruit juice and water during Suhoor and bedtime to maintain proper fluid levels. This helps avoid common health problems associated with dehydration such as headache and fatigue.

Replace Sugar with Fruit

Sugar absorbs necessary vitamins and minerals from our bodies. During Ramadan, it is important to retain as many vitamins and minerals as possible. White rice and bread act in the same way sugars do in our bodies. Whole wheat and unpolished rice are a good substitute.

Avoid Overeating

It’s a sad truth that the majority of Muslims gain weight during Ramadan, but there is no need to consume excess food at suhoor or iftaar. This may result in indigestion, bloating, upset stomach or lack of sleep. There is no reason to vary your diet too much from your normal diet before fasting. During a period of fasting, our bodies are able to compensate so there is no reason to eat more than normal.

Ramadan Diet Suggestions

Soup

Soup is a quick and easy way to get the nourishment your body needs. Soup provides two basic needs during a fast: nourishment and water. It is an excellent choice for iftar.

Dates/Almonds

Dates are an excellent source of fiber, sugar, potassium , magnesium and carbohydrates (Sunnah). Almonds are low in fat and a good source of protein and fiber.

Fruit

Bananas are a good source of carbohydrates, magnesium and potassium. Other fruits, such as pears, nectarines, oranges, plums and apples are a good sources of natural sugar.

Foods to Avoid During Ramadan

Avoid fatty and fried foods as they will make you feel sluggish and possibly cause indigestion. You should also avoid foods with too much sugar, which is why fruits are a preferred option. Avoid tea and opt for water instead. Tea passes quickly through the digestive system and takes valuable mineral salts with it that the body needs to function properly during the day.

Recommended Ramadan Diet

Ramadan Meal Options

• Bread, rice, cereal, pasta, biscuits (6-11 servings per day)
• Meat, beans, nuts (2-3 servings per day)
• Milk/milk products (2-3 servings per day)
• Vegetables (3-5 servings per day)
• Fruits (2-4 servings per day)
• Added sugar (sparingly)
• Added fat, polyunsaturated oil (4-7 tablespoons)

Eat the Prophet (sallahi wa layhi wa selam)’s favorite’s foods which are dates, milk, honey, cucumbers, beats, pumpkin, olive oil, vinegar, meat (though he did not eat it daily), watermelon, and bread.

Pre-dawn Meal (Suhoor)

Suhoor should be a light nutritious meal. Suggestions includes
• Bread, rice, cereal, pasta (1-2 servings)
• Meat, beans, legumes (1 serving)
• Milk Group: Milk, butter-milk, yogurt, cottage cheese (choose one, one cup)
• Fruit (1-2 servings)
• Juice (1 4 oz. serving)
• Fiber, 3 dates (sunnah) + 1 serving leafy green (molokhia, parsley)
• Water (3 8 oz. servings)

Dates and juices help maintain blood sugar levels and are good sources of natural sugars. Avoid sweet rolls and other pastries. They are empty calories.

Honey is sunnah. It is narrated in Sahih Bukhari that the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Honey is a remedy for every illness, and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and honey.”

[For pregnant and nursing moms, note additional nutritional recommendations here.]

Breakfast (Iftar)/Dinner after the fast

• Fiber, 3 dates
• Water (1 8 oz. serving)

Pray Maghirb

Then, continue with dinner:

• Vegetable soup with pasta or graham crackers (1 cup)
• Meat Group: Chicken, beef, goat, fish, lamb (choose one, 1-2 servings)
• Green pea, chickpea, lentil, beans (half cup)
• Bread/Cereals: Whole wheat bread (1 oz.)
• Cooked rice (one cup)
• Vegetable Group: Mixed vegetable salad (one cup) [Lettuce, carrot, parsley, cucumber, broccoli or other similar vegetables (add 2 teaspoons olive oil or vinegar if desired)]
• Cooked vegetables and beans for dietary fiber and some vitamins such as carotene and vitamin A
• Juice (1 4 oz. serving)

Snacks or Dessert

• Fruits Group: Citrus and other fruits to provide a source of vitamin C (1-2 servings)
• Mixed nuts and fruits may be consumed as a snack following dinner or before bed.

Blood cholesterol and uric acid levels may be elevated during Ramadan. It is important to balance dietary needs during the entire period to ensure proper energy levels and functioning. We recommend that you see your doctor if you have additional questions or concerns. This is the beginning of the Food & Recipe section of the 35-day Ramadan & Eid blog series. If you have food and recipe recommendations, please share with us in the comments section below.

Wendy Bailey is a contributing writer at probiotics.org.

Recommended Ramadan Diet is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Please welcome Dr. Mohammed Issa, the President of NoorVitamins.

[American Muslim Mom] How did the Noor Vitamins idea come about?

[Noor Vitamins] First of all thanks for having us Ponn! The idea of Noor Vitamins actually came from our patients Alhamdulillah. The Noor Vitamins team are all either Muslim physicians or pharmacists and we all experienced first hand patients specifically asking us if we can recommend halal alternatives to the supplements they were taking. As we looked into it, we did not find a brand that met the scientific quality we would be comfortable recommending and the Halal certification we needed. Given that, we recognized a need in our community and by Allah’s grace we put together a team which has extensive clinical experience with research and development as well as business backgrounds to develop this much needed alternative for the Muslim consumer.

[American Muslim Mom] Please share the mission, vision and goals of Noor Vitamins.

[Noor Vitamins] Our mission is to provide the Muslim community with the highest quality Halal vitamins and supplements in order to promote a healthy and Halal lifestyle. We are committed to ensuring that our products meet the highest possible scientific and Halal standards and that our business practices fulfill the highest Islamic principles.

[American Muslim Mom] What makes a vitamin non-halal?

[Noor Vitamins] As Muslims, we all know to look for Gelatin on any package labeling and avoid products with this ingredient, knowing that it probably comes from pork sources. Several vitamin brands contain gelatin which is used to make different types of capsules. Surprisingly however, it is more than just gelatin. Many other ingredients like mono and di glycerides which are used to coat tablets, and even some vitamins themselves (Vitamins A,B, D,E,K) can come from non-halal sources.

[American Muslim Mom] How do you insure that all your vitamins are halal?

[Noor Vitamins] We work with a Halal certifying agency (Islamic Services of America) to ensure all of our sources for our products are certified Halal, this is more than just using Veggie sources, we actually go out and get the certification. In addition our manufacturing facilities are certified Halal which ensures that the machinery used to produce our products are not contaminated with non-halal ingredients. Even further to that, we are really proud to use only Sharia compliant business practices which ensures our entire organization is Halal alhamdullilah.

[American Muslim Mom] Are Halal vitamins lacking any vitamins that a traditional brand has?

[Noor Vitamins] I’m glad you asked that question Ponn! At Noor Pharmaceuticals we have gone through great lengths to ensure that all of our products are comparable if not more complete than the most popular vitamin brands on the market. Being health care professionals, we take our formulations very seriously and ensure that they meet the highest scientific quality and manufactured in FDA GMP (good manufacturing practices) certified facilities. At Noor, we pride our self on bringing the best of the science with Islam Alhamdulillah.

[American Muslim Mom] How long did it take you to develop these products? Why did it take you so long? or short? (Compared to industry norms for other pharmaceutical companies).

[Noor Vitamins] We have been working on this project for a very long time now. We didn’t want to rush the introduction of our products as we wanted to establish the best possible scientific and business foundation. We wanted to make sure our products, manufacturing and ingredients met the highest quality scientific quality and we operated with the highest possible Islamic standards. In addition, we worked extensively on the business process to ensure we would be able to provide our products to our customers for the long term and be a long term solution for the Muslim consumer not just a short term fix insha’Allah.

[American Muslim Mom] How did you prioritize which products to develop first? Nutritional/Health needs specific to general public or Muslims specifically? Or, the vitamins you discovered to have mostly haram by-products as their ingredients?

[Noor Vitamins] We prioritize the vitamins we introduce using all of what you just mentioned. We did extensive research to identify one, which vitamins were used and are needed most by the Muslim consumer and two, which vitamins are most likely to contain non-halal ingredients. We used that information to introduce the Noor Vitamins five products marketed now and we are currently working on introducing more than 10 additional products in the near future insha’Allah.

[American Muslim Mom] Do you plan to ever launch anything besides Noor Vitamins through NoorPharmaceuticals?

[Noor Vitamins] Insha’Allah.  We are currently working on developing pharmaceutical products, and since that process requires significant resources and time we pray that Allah makes it easy for us so we can continue to serve our Muslim consumers insha’Allah.

[American Muslim Mom] Typically high-specialty items, such as Noor Vitamins, cost more simply because the production costs are greatly inflated due to the extra protocols, staffing, certification-processes, etc. Comparably, I find your prices are extremely economical. How is this possible?

[Noor Vitamins] Alhamdulillah, I appreciate you noticing that. While the production, protocols and certification costs are multiplied in producing our products, we wanted to make sure that our products are accessible to as many Muslims as possible regardless of economic status. We take this very seriously since the last thing we wanted was to inform the Muslim consumer that the vitamins they are taking may not be appropriate since they may contain non-halal ingredients then realize that the products that WOULD BE appropriate are not within an acceptable price range. We do this by being as operationally efficient as possible and lowering our profit margins in hopes that as many Muslims as possible would have access to Noor Vitamins.

[American Muslim Mom] When did you start making them available to the public? Where can we buy them? (bricks & mortar & online).

[Noor Vitamins] Right now, all of our products are available and can be purchased online at www.Noor Vitamins.com. In addition we are in several pharmacies in the northeast and plan to be in the DC and Chicago area in the next few months and ultimately nationwide in early 2012. In an effort to make our products even more accessible, we are offering free shipping anywhere in the US on orders of more than three bottles when customers join the “Noor Community” on our website insha’Allah.

The Ummah Project – Ramadan 2011 Fundraiser

[American Muslim Mom] Please share with us about the Ummah Project. What is it? Who should be involved? How can we get involved? Who is already involved (or, how many are already involved).

[Noor Vitamins] We are very excited about the Ummah Project Alahmdulillah. Being from and apart of the Muslim community, the Noor founders understand the importance of many Muslim oragnizations fundraising efforts in Ramadan. To do our part in this, we designed the Ummah Project. During the program Noor assigns participating Muslim non-profit organizations including Masajid across the US a unique promotional code; 100% of the profit margin on any purchases made on www.Noor Vitamins.com using an organization’s code during Ramadan 2011 is donated to that respective organization. Any Muslim non-profit organization including schools and masajid can particpate in the program by e-mailing info@Noor Vitamins.com their name, non-profit ID, address, phone number and a contact person. The sooner an organization registered the more they can benefit from the program insha’Allah.

[American Muslim Mom] MashaAllah, 100% of the profits going to sadaqah during the month of Ramadan!

May Allah multiply your rewards for offering and encouraging sadaqah during our blessed month of Ramadan. May Allah bless you handsomely in this dunya and the akhira for your efforts to work in His cause. Ameen.

As always, we welcome your kind feedback and questions. However, we’d love to know if you’re equally excited about having halal vitamins in the market to satisfy our specific health and nutritional needs as Muslims! Please comment below.

Halal Vitamins & Suhoor + Ramadan Fundraiser Opportunity is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I recently had a fun opportunity to review fun women’s aprons by FlirtyAprons.com. I was initially disappointed that they are so popular, because I was only able to get my 6th Top choice as my first Top 5 picks were all sold out. And, #7,8 & 9 were also sold out too! So, please note that this review is based on the one particular apron I received and may not be representative of all their aprons.

Disclosure: We received products for free to review and were compensated via Broadcast Bloggers. However, we were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

Flirty Aprons – Dressing Up for our Domestic Duties During Ramadan is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Okay, now, 2 of my daughters and I are huge oatmeal fans, the 3rd will eat oatmeal cookies or snacks–but, we’ve never been able to entice hubby with oatmeal–anything. Actually, I even made an oatmeal bread and well–saying it’s one of my non-white breads…that loaf did not go very well for anyone except me. All the girls cringed at the fact they couldn’t drink milk with a slice of bread!

Needless to say, we didn’t think about having oatmeal without milk. So, when we opened the Apple Seneca Farms Oatmeal and Fruit and saw it was based in apple juice we all kind of said…ohh…

Now, living without a microwave for months, hubby forced me to buy a mini-microwave a few weeks ago, simply to heat his food up more quickly. When he’s tired from a long day at work, so long that he missed dinner, he couldn’t stomach waiting the 3-7-10 minutes it took me to heat up with a stove or oven…so, I digress…

Anyways, while we waited for this breakfast microwave dish to heat up, we can convince ourselves, this more looks like a healthy warm snack. So, we all took our spoonfuls and gave it our best shot. Hmm…smells and tastes something like the inside of an apple pie….apple fritter…some kind of dessert.

Actually the juice was rather sweet for all our liking. So, finally after all four of us were slowly trying to get through this one cup, my non-oatmeal lover suggested happily “why don’t you guys try it with milk!?” We all replied simultaneously….”YOU try it!”, as in no-way the thought only made it worse. She backed down of course….then as hubby walked in the door she chimed with a smile “Let Baba try it. He LOVES apple pie!”…Immediately we all replied “No way!” and left it at that.

Now, I’m not completely against it, as I read through the interesting information regarding kids and breakfast stats below. I have to admit, my family is VERY spoiled for breakfast, subhanallah, after all it’s the most important meal of the day–so I go all out most of our days!

Here are some important stats about families skipping breakfast:

It’s not groundbreaking news that breakfast provides us and our kids with the nutrition and fuel our bodies need.  And we all know that eating oatmeal and other whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet and promote overall good health.  But, busy mornings and finicky kids can make it hard to find the time to make something that is both nutritious and delicious.

Did you know that*…

• Nearly 60% of U.S. parents of children ages 3-17 admit that their child skips breakfast, with more than half of U.S. Moms wishing their child ate a more nutritious breakfast.
• 58% of U.S. Moms say they skip breakfast regularly. 46% of Moms who skip breakfast say they do so because they do not have enough time to prepare or eat it.
• 57% of single adults say the number one reason they skip breakfast is that they don’t have enough time to prepare it.
• While 71% of U.S. adults agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, 67% of those admit to skipping breakfast.

*Results of 2011 Children’s Nutrition Survey, conducted by Harris Interactive for Seneca Farms

Enter to win a 2-pack of each flavor of Seneca Farms Oatmeal & Fruit

Deadline date: Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time.

Contest Rules

• You must adhere to all the rules as stated. Shall a winner be chosen who did not complete these rules, he/she will not be eligible to win.

You must visit the Seneca Farms website comment below telling us what are your kids’ favorite breakfast food.

To be eligible to win you must be a U.S. resident, and 18 years of age or older.

For Additional Entries

For additional entries, you may chose to complete any one, or all of the below actions. You must write a separate comment for each additional entry you complete below. (A winner is chosen by the number of comments, not the number of actions taken.)

• Became a Seneca Farms Facebook Fan Page
• Follow Seneca on Twitter @SenecaFarms
• Follow American Muslim Mom on Twitter @PonnSabra
• Become an American Muslim Mom Facebook Fan.
• Subscribe to our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed. To sign up with your RSS feed reader, click here; or click here to subscribe by email.
• Subscribe to our iTunes RSS feed with one-click subscription here.
• Subscribe to the American Muslim Mom YouTube Channel.
• Follow American Muslim Mom on Google Connect.
• “Like” this page on Facebook with the “Like” button below.
• Share this page on Facebook with the “Share” button below adding a personal note. Leave a comment below with the timestamped url.
• Join the Muslim Mom Media Network. While it’s not exclusive to Muslim Moms, we will only be promoting Muslim and halal-specific products and services.
• Tweet about this contest with @ponnsabra Tweet this message, but don’t forget to comment below with the new tweet link.

SAMPLE TWEET. ENTER UP TO TWICE DAILY.

RT @ponnsabra #GIVEAWAY @SenecaFarms Oatmeal & Fruit! http://ow.ly/5Ll9t LOW ENTRIES! Pls RT

• Add our button on your site, code available on the right sidebar.
• List on our your blogroll with the following text link:

<a href=”http://americanmuslimmom.com” title=”American Muslim Mom Blog” target=”_blank”>American Muslim Mom Blog</a>

• Bookmark American Muslim Mom on your browser or your favorite bookmarking site, suchas reddit, delicious, or google bookmarks. You can use one of the “Sharing is Caring” buttons below. [For each action, make separate comments below.]
• Share this post with your favorite social networking site, such as yahoo buzz, stumbleupon, or kirsty. You can use one of the “Sharing is Caring” buttons below as well. [For each action, make separate comments below.]

Determining a Winner

Each comment below designates an entry number. We will use And the Winner Is… plugin to pick a random winner from the total number of comments below. The winner will be contacted by email. If no response is received in 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Confirmed winners will be announced on our

Contest Winners Page

, where you may refer to at anytime.

Disclosure: We received products for review free of charge as active members in Mom Spark Media–I love this community. If you decide to join, please write PONNSABRA (in caps-one-word) referred you, thanks! We were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

Seneca Farms Oatmeal and Fruit: Review & Giveaway is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Disclosure: This post is part of a blogger campaign organized by Bucks2Blog. Check out my review here, and Join Today to get paid to blog! If you get a gig, please let them know I referred you, thanks! We were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

Want Natural Beef? Then, Eat Halal Meat is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

If you’re facing foreclosure, you may have heard the term “short sale”. If not, you should definitely look into this option because a short sale is a selling real property “short” of what is owed to the lien holders, such as your first, second mortgage companies, IRS, city water, sewage, etc.

One of my many past lives, I was a top-producing real estate agent, and I was known as a Short Sales Specialist. There were only 3 of the nearly 1800 Realtors (R) in our county that bought and sold primarily foreclosure properties, but I was the only one that mastered and enjoyed servicing short sales. One of the first things I share with those was

Don’t be ashamed of pending foreclosure

3 of 4 foreclosures are are life issues typically out of your control such as:

1. Divorce
2. Death, Estate
3. Loss of job, Unemployment
4. Poor money management

Start Fresh with a Short Sale

Granted as a Muslim, my family and I do not enter into interest-bearing accounts, such as mortgages, and so, alhumdulilah, I’ve rarely had to service this sad reality of over-borrowed monies for “owning” a house, and I felt it was my duty, obligation to get my clients back on their feet financially, which often included starting from “cash”–not “scratch”. By relieving themselves of their house when their lien holders are considering a short sale, it’s basically an opportunity to start fresh!

Many of my colleagues thought I was nuts because I worked so closely with my clients, especially when I actually sold a house for $2000 once and everyone wondered why I’d invest my time with such little commissions. My heart was is always in whatever I do, and I felt it was my duty to help the less fortunate, the forgotten, the abandoned and most importantly, the un-informed!

Advantages of Hiring a Short Sales Specialist

• They know the banks personally. I knew bank employees by their first names at many mortgage companies. I had a track record of successfully closing multiple short sales.
• They’re experienced in the short sale process. I knew different processes for different banks. I developed my own “forms” that I knew collected all critical information necessary for every stage of the process. It involves much more than a listing agreement!
• They know critical player to complete the action, such as title companies, lawyers, etc. They can expedite the process for you the seller, but more importantly, the “real” seller: your lien holders.
• They know the lingo. I once closed a house with nearly a dozen lien holders and because I knew the lingo, I was able to get them all to sign-off. While I know MANY “specialists” claim that only the 1st and 2nd mortgage company will ever “sign-off”.
• They know this is an emotional process. Regardless what anyone says, it takes a “special” Specialist to actually stomach all the emotions that goes through this process. I sympathized for my suffering clients of divorce, death, and unemployment; I walked through their aches & pains of seeing their “American dream” (their home) become dilapidated over the years due to financial hardship, not careless neglect. I listened to many, many tears and witnessed great heartbreak. All of this through the depressing process of writing their hardship letters then justifying the true value of the damages and costs of repaid. Yet, I offered them shining future to look forward too as well!
• They’ll do everything they can to close the sale. If not, you enter into foreclosure. So why take the risk!?

Why go to anyone with less than a proven track record. Short sales can be as quick as a 30-days (literally unheard of) to 18-months. I’ve last closed in 2005, so I don’t know the average time now, but the range is the same. I will say the longest I ever closed was 8 or 9-months.

It’s a grueling process for the seller and a heart-less process for the bank who owns it, so why suffer any longer by hiring anyone less than a specialist? Curious, as always of your thoughts. Please kindly share below.

Disclosure: This post is part of a Las Vegas short sale blogger campaign organized by Bucks2Blog. Check out our review here, and Join Today to get paid to blog! If you get a gig, please let them know Ponn Sabra/American Muslim Mom referred you, thanks! We were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.
photo credit: Kevin Krejci

Hire a Short Sale Specialist – Avoid Foreclosure is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Wouldn’t love to receive this huge well-packaged sampler of WhoNu a cookie could be delicious *and* nutritious cookies? Well, 2 winners can win them along with a $25 Walmart Gift Certificate!

I was so impressed with the packaging. It reminded me back in the day when I was a kid with the big fundraising boxes to go door-to-door for our school. Wow, those were the days when kids were safe to do  fun things like that!

Now, we’re not a huge-cookie-family. We basically love 1 big-brand cookie (hint: it’s like the chocolate and white cream cookie), otherwise I bake all the cookies in this house.

Well, it’s unanimous–we now have a 2nd brand, and actually like all 4 cookies! Each one of us have our favorites and least favorites, but I don’t expect all 4 boxes to stay long in this house, because as the name implies “WhoNu?”…a tasty cookie could be so nutritious!?

Honestly, we were all terribly surprised that each of the 4 cookies a equal if not better than their competitors. For example, I hard chocolate chip cookie was much better than their competitor, as I don’t like chocoalte chip cookies, let alone hard ones and I had 3-4 (I lost count) because I just wanted more, and more!

Enter to win 4 Boxes of WhoNu? Cookies & $25 Walmart Gift Card

Deadline date: Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Contest Rules

• You must adhere to all the rules as stated. Shall a winner be chosen who did not complete these rules, he/she will not be eligible to win.

You must visit the WhoNu? website comment below telling us what order your 4 cookies.

To be eligible to win you must be a U.S. resident, and 18 years of age or older.

For Additional Entries

For additional entries, you may chose to complete any one, or all of the below actions. You must write a separate comment for each additional entry you complete below. (A winner is chosen by the number of comments, not the number of actions taken.)

• Follow American Muslim Mom on Twitter @PonnSabra
• Become an American Muslim Mom Facebook Fan.
• Subscribe to our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed. To sign up with your RSS feed reader, click here; or click here to subscribe by email.
• Subscribe to our iTunes RSS feed with one-click subscription here.
• Subscribe to the American Muslim Mom YouTube Channel.
• Follow American Muslim Mom on Google Connect.
• “Like” this page on Facebook with the “Like” button below.
• Share this page on Facebook with the “Share” button below adding a personal note. Leave a comment below with the timestamped url.
• Join the Muslim Mom Media Network. While it’s not exclusive to Muslim Moms, we will only be promoting Muslim and halal-specific products and services.
• Tweet about this contest with @ponnsabra Tweet this message, but don’t forget to comment below with the new tweet link.

SAMPLE TWEET. ENTER UP TO TWICE DAILY.

RT @ponnsabra #GIVEAWAY Win 4 Boxes of WhoNu Cookies + $25 Walmart Gift Card! http://ow.ly/5jGeG Pls RT #dddiva

• Add our button on your site, code available on the right sidebar.
• List on our your blogroll with the following text link:

<a href=”http://americanmuslimmom.com” title=”American Muslim Mom Blog” target=”_blank”>American Muslim Mom Blog</a>

• Bookmark American Muslim Mom on your browser or your favorite bookmarking site, suchas reddit, delicious, or google bookmarks. You can use one of the “Sharing is Caring” buttons below. [For each action, make separate comments below.]
• Share this post with your favorite social networking site, such as yahoo buzz, stumbleupon, or kirsty. You can use one of the “Sharing is Caring” buttons below as well. [For each action, make separate comments below.]

Determining a Winner

Each comment below designates an entry number. We will use And the Winner Is… plugin to pick a random winner from the total number of comments below. The winner will be contacted by email. If no response is received in 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Confirmed winners will be announced on our Contest Winners Page, where you may refer to at anytime. 

Disclosure: We received payment and these delicious and nutritious cookies for our review. However, we were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

WhoNu? Cookies Review & Giveaway is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog