Amira started off as an illustrator of Muslim holiday and special occasion cards, which is what grabbed my attention at first. She and I met in Tripoli, Libya, first on FB (of course), and then in person, when I invited her to be the featured artist at my Caterpillar Café, which she happily did, by hosting a monthly kids’ craft session. You can view some … Continue reading Amira
I recently wrote a post titled Why I’m not a Minimalist, and my dear sister commented on my FB page explaining that Minimalism isn’t just about getting rid of stuff, it’s about simplifying life so we have more time for loved ones, she also brought to my attention that there is at least one very well known family who practices and preaches minimalism: Leo Babauta‘s … Continue reading Am I a Minimalist After All?
Natascha is who I would choose to have as a sister if I could choose. She has been my bff for thirty years, and I literally knew the moment we met that we’d be forever tied. When I moved away from Switzerland I worried about missing her more than anything else, but despite the distance we’ve continued to be as close as ever. Even when … Continue reading Natascha
The only way to succeed is to acknowledge what you already have, as little as you might think it is, this step is essential. You won’t be going anywhere until you realize what you’ve got to work with, and with that comes the realization that you’ve got a lot more than you think. You might need to be very creative, resilient, imaginative, and persistent, but … Continue reading Gratitude
I guess Minimalism is the “West’s” attempt at a paradigmatic shift away from equating material possessions with wellbeing, and toward its obliteration: happiness = no clutter. Although I recognize that there tends to be a need for measurable and meaningful satisfaction, I’m not sure its all but complete elimination would necessarily bring about the result sought (happiness). In other words, we need to realize that … Continue reading Paradigm Shift
Although I grew up wearing hand-me-downs, shopping at thrift-shops, and searching for clearance deals, recycling, reusing and reducing like a pro (a must in most European cities), I have travelled and lived in parts of the world where the requirements and habits were much less rigorous. In North America for example, the cost of living is much lower than in most of Europe, there still … Continue reading Am I a Minimalist?
Want to know how to get unstuck? Finding yourself repeating old patterns and never advancing towards your goals? Keep reading! Continue reading Examining Success
Kids are not expected to fast during Ramadan, neither are the elderly, and other weaker or vulnerable people. But they are nevertheless excited about the month, as parents change their routine somewhat to accommodate meals, prayer, and extra charitable acts. Positive behavior is encouraged and all sorts of negative behaviors are discouraged. All the moral aspects of this special month are instilled in children from … Continue reading Ramadan with kids
I’m on a ketogenic diet, if you’d like to learn more about it you can watch The Magic Pill Movie on Netflix, I am therefore constantly on the lookout for recipes that include keto friendly ingredients, so I don’t have to deprive myself too much, and can trick my brain into thinking I’m having bread, or a delicious loaf, although there are no grains in … Continue reading Keto friendly loaf
Back home in Libya normally kids don’t go to school during Ramadan, that makes it a lot easier to be able to enjoy the month all together as a family, because we can stay up later and go back to sleep after fajr. But here (and in some Muslim countries now) kids go to school, and our work schedules don’t change much during Ramadan, so … Continue reading Salma’s Ramadan
Dear Sister 