~The Prophet Liked Pumpkin~

Anas b. Malik reported: A tailor invited Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) to a meal which he had prepared. Anas b. Malik said: I went along with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) to that feast. He presented to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) barley bread and soup containing pumpkin, and sliced pieces of meat. Anas said: I saw Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) going after the pumpkin round the dish, so I have always liked the pumpkin since that day.

Sahih Muslim ,Book 023, Number 5067

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!

Ever since I was little, one of my favorite things about this time of year were all of the different flavors that no one seemed to cook any other time.  Pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are used in abundance to make delicious cookies, pies, cakes and soups.  In fact, I believe I was munching away on a piece of pumpkin pie last time I posted on here.  :)

My most recent issue of 'Better Homes and Gardens' magazine (which I loooove) has a whole spread about the hottest holiday dessert this year: Trifles.  Yes, trifles!  Gone are the days that they are reserved for stuffy, royal luncheons and formal holiday dinners.  They are delicious, beautiful, and very easy to make; which definitely appeals to me.

When making a dessert that I am presenting to someone else, or serving to a large group of people I feel that presentation MUST be taken into consideration when choosing a recipe.  That's why I thought I would share a recent recipe that I whipped up last time I was baking pies, because I'm pretty sure if you ladies are pumpkin lovers like I am, that you will find it just as drool worthy as I do.

I came upon this recipe totally by mistake.  As any baker knows, there tends to be a sizeable amount of the pumpkin filling left over after filling the pie crusts when using canned pumpkin paste ( I recommend Libby's).  So, this year, instead of pouring the leftovers down the drain, I poured them into a cupcake pan, sprinkled the tops with a bit of cinnamon sugar and nutmeg, and baked it right alongside the pans.  (be sure to use heavy duty cupcake liners, because the filling is quite runny before baking)

Here's how they looked once I pulled them out:

They look yummy, already, don't they?  The cinnamon sugar and nutmeg that I sprinkled on top made a nice little crispy crust.  Don't worry if your pumpkin cupcakes have a little hole in each one, that is caused by the excess moisture in the filling which is usually drawn into the crust when baking a pie.

Here's a closeup:

  Now, in a trifle there are at least three parts: A fruity part, A bread-y part, A creamy part.  So, at this point you need to decide for yourself what you would like to do for your bread-y part.  I would suggest either whipping up a bit of extra pie crust and baking it separately, or if you don't have time to bake your own pie crust you can just buy one extra pre-made pie crust.  Also, I would personally recommend making your own whipped cream, so that you can add a flavor to it like almond or vanilla, but there is no shame in buying Cool Whip or some other type of whipped cream instead.

Now that you have your three parts, you are ready to assemble.  Because we are using small pumpkin cupcakes, this trifle will look best if served in individual serving glasses.  You can use wine or champagne glasses for a more formal look, or if you are keeping it more casual, small glass bowls work well too.  Just make sure that whatever you use is see-through glass so that you can enjoy the beautiful aesthetics of your delicious trifle.

Start layering your three ingredients, starting with a small amount of crumbled crust on the bottom, followed by the pumpkin filling, then some whipped cream.  Continue layering until you've made as many layers as you want, making sure you finish with whipped cream on top.  Throw a small sprig of mint on top, or garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon and you're finished.  It looks beautiful, and people will think you spent hours on it (which always helps to gain points with the in-laws, your boss at work, or your hubby!)

I wish I could show you a finished picture of the trifles that I made, but unfortunately they were all eaten before I had a chance to take pictures.  So, here are a couple of pictures of other trifles so you can get an idea of the beauty that a good trifle holds:

So, there you have it, my amazing Muslimahs.  Although pumpkin pies, and fancy trifles are traditionally served at fancy holiday parties around this time of year, you don't HAVE to celebrate Christmas or Thanksgiving to enjoy these decadent desserts. 

Even our Prophet saws liked pumpkin...and served in one of these desserts, I'm pretty sure you will too.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Baking!

Fashionably Yours,

The (you can call me Martha Stewart!) Mujahada in Prada

~Every Day is Thanksgiving~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Happy Thanksgiving My Stylish Sisters!

I know, I know I'm late.  I'm sorry.  Yesterday was a totally hectic, yet totally abnormal Thanksgiving.  As I sit here eating wayyyy too much leftover pumpkin pie with an enormous dollop of Cool Whip, it occurs to me that in reality, I am blessed enough to celebrate Thanksgiving almost every day with my husband and my wonderful in-laws.

Okay, so technically we are not celebrating the day of a peaceful feast occurring between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, but really....do we even know for sure if or when that day ever happened?  The pictures of 'The First Thanksgiving' that fill our textbooks as children, or hang on classroom walls in the fall seems so staged.  There is always one Native American greatfully accepting a plate of food from a Pilgrim woman, even though it was the Native Americans who knew how to grow the food needed to survive...NOT the other way around.  And the pilgrims are always sitting around, plumply satisfied with a huge feast of turkey, sweet potatoes and other veggies, even though I'm pretty sure they were close to starving and miserable in their new surroundings.  But...as usual, I digress.

Although we're not celebrating Thanksgiving....we ARE celebrating thanks giving.

You see, the average American loves this day because it's a day that families come from far and wide, to simply sit down and enjoy a meal.  To tell stories of the past, share memories, pay tribute to those no longer with us, and celebrate the accomplishments of those who are.  It's usually a day of laughter, love, and gratitude for all of the blessings bestowed on us.

Do you know what that sounds like to me?

It sounds like an average lunch at my mother in law's house. 

Alhamdulillah I married a man whose family feels it is so important to stay close to eachother, that up until a year ago we ALL lived in the same apartment complex!  We have an amazing grandma who loves nothing more than cooking a huge meal, and sitting with us and a cup of tea, sharing stories from times long gone.  My mother in law's door is always wide open for us to come in and eat, and her ear is always available to hear what is troubling us.  A small, weekday lunch at my mother in laws is usually between 15-20 people, and any special occasion that we can use as an excuse to have Mensaf, or Grape Leaves, or a Kharouf usually hosts upwards of 35!  We have days of laughter, love, and showing our gratitude at least three times a week alhamdulillah!

Thanksgiving does not need to consist of an oversized bird, with specified sides and pumpkin pie (although pumpkin pie is absolutely delicious!) all it needs to consist of is giving thanks.  And you can do that any day.

Ma'Salaama and Happy Thanks Giving

Thankfully Yours,
The (who wants another slice of pie?) Mujahada in Prada

P.S.  One thing I am deeply thankful for is all of my customers on my website http://www.lovenyla.com/.  To show my deep thanks, I am having a two day only sale! 25-26 of November.  Check it out, and use coupon code FREESHIP25 in order to get free shipping on top of the amazing discounts I'm already offering.

~Love Nyla's Blog is Up!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters...

I just wanted to stop in quickly to let you know that I have (finally) launched my other blog for Love Nyla Designs (my handmade jewelry line).

It's been a long time coming, but I decided that it was necessary to have a nice place for customers, potential customers, and even critics to get together and address any questions, comments, or critiques they have for me or my merchandise.

I will also (and here comes the fun part) be giving you amazing Muslimahs some helpful hints about things like cleaning your sterling silver jewelry with normal, everyday household goods as well as fun ways to use my handmade hijab pins, interesting facts about the different materials that I use, and random jewelry related anecdotes.

I'm hoping insh'Allah that you ladies will join me on my other blog and help to support a fledgling, muslimah owned small business.  In return I will make sure that whenever I have coupon codes, special sales, or contests, YOU sisters will be the first to know!

Click Here To Check Out Love Nyla's Blog

Ma'Salaama and Happy Blogging!

Lovingly Yours,
The (thanks for the support!) Mujahada in Prada 

~It Came From My Imaan~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Night My Stylish Sisters...

The weirdest thing happened to me today.  As I mentioned previously, I have been struggling with some anxiety and stress lately, so my wonderful husband suggested I take the day to venture out on my own and spend some time relaxing for a change.  Of course this "day" turned into an afternoon and eventually dwindled down to a couple of hours, but nonetheless the thought was there on his part alhamdulillah, I just lacked the execution.

Well, I chose to spend my precious hours of peace and tranquility by going and getting a mani/pedi done at a new nail salon/spa that I saw a couple of weeks ago while running errands.  The ambiance is peaceful and elegant, the chairs are oversized with massage options, and the service is fantastic.  So, no problem there.  The problem lied with the woman who they sat me next to.

When I first walked into the spa I immediately recognized that this woman was of Middle Eastern descent, and so (incorrectly) sensing an ally I flashed her a genuine smile.  *crickets* I received a death glare in response. 

I shook it off as a mistake, or a mis-interpretation on my part and went about choosing the color of nail polish, selecting the newest magazines they had, and waiting my turn for a seat in those luxurious chairs.  Of course, as luck would have it, I was seated right next to Mrs. Mean Face.

Aformentioned glare out of my head, and with a strong determination to enjoy my time of silence and solitude I began leafing through the magazines I had selected, filling my brain with nonsense about Kim K's divorce, Jen's new romance, and who wore what where.  Then, Mrs. Mean Face's voice overtook my gossip filled conscience as I overheard her starting to bash Islam, her home country, and everything remotely related to either one to the lady who was doing her nails.

:O   *jaw drop*  AstaghferAllah I was seriously shocked.  I won't go into details about what she said, but it was definitely cringe-worthy and the poor lady who was working on my pedicure kept bonking me on the knee telling me to stop curling my toes.  I couldn't help it.  She was sitting here defacing my beautiful religion and the one True and Complete Book to some lady who didn't know any better, and probably believed everything she said.

I wanted to yell at her "I'm sorry if you've had such horrible experiences with people who claimed to be Muslim, but that was CULTURE....it was NOT true Islam, and it is wrong and inhumane and just plain haraam for you to be lying to this lady about our beautiful Islam and all of the Truth that it holds!"  I wanted to jump up and defend Our Prophet and offer to help her see the other side of Islam.  The side free from the influences of greedy men who use it in their own twisted ways to fill their social agendas.

But....of course....I didn't.  I chose to sit still, and keep quiet because I knew in my heart she was saying these things to get under my skin.  And I knew that the best way to prove that she was wrong, and to get under her skin in return was to simply be myself.  To be kind, and nice, and show her an example of how a true Muslimah acts.

In short...I forgave her.

There is a part of me who feels guilty that I didn't do more to stand up for Islam.  But in my heart I know I did the right thing, because only Allah swt will guide those who are meant to follow the straight path.  She was so determined to believe what she believed that no matter what I said she would have twisted it around and it would have just solidified what she already felt to be true.

So, instead, I caught her eye.  I gave a her a smile that came from deeper than my mouth, deeper still than my heart even.  It came from my imaan.

And you know what?  She smiled back.  As I turned to grab my things and come home to my beautiful daughters and my loving husband she even called goodbye out to me, and I could feel her watching me as I walked to my car.

And at that point, the only thing I felt was pity for her.  Pity that she had been through such horrible experiences, and pity that she had strayed so far from the Straight Path.  Instead of yelling at her for what she said, I will instead make du'a for her.

And insh'Allah you will all make du'a as well.

Ma'Salaama and Allah Ma'aku.

Fashionably Yours,
The (newly painted) Mujahada in Prada

~So Happy To See You Again!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!

Let me pour you a cup of coffee and plump a pillow for you, it's been far too long since we've chatted and I've missed you terribly.  Insh'Allah everything has been more than wonderful for each and every one of you faithful followers and for your families as well.

As usual my life has been busy busy busy.  Alhamdulillah both of the girls are getting bigger by the day, I have been struggling to keep up with them and their hilarious tactics, and my husband has been struggling to keep up with all of us. 

I love this time of the year.  Even though we don't actually celebrate Christmas, here in the United States the time between Halloween and New Years is one that just has a certain electricity in the air.  The mall is bustling and full of wonderful smells and even more wonderful sales.  I love the Christmas lights that people hang around on trees and their houses, and I love how people (in general) seem to get just a bit kinder to eachother.

One of the reasons that I have been so busy lately is because alhamdulillah my business http://www.lovenyla.com/ has gotten super busy lately.  My husband is amazing at marketing my product, and always encouraging me when I'm starting to lose hope.  I have a brand new and soooo beautiful collection coming out that is much more in tune with my personality than the previous one was.  I will be starting another blog dedicated solely to my jewelry and my jewelry-making adventures, so insh'Allah once it is up and running I will invite all of you to follow me there as well.

I also do have to admit that recently I have been struggling a bit with some stress and anxiety issues.  I would never normally share something like that, and I only am sharing it with you with the plea that you will keep my in your du'a and prayers because THAT, my friends, is our most powerful weapon.  The power of positive thinking, fear of Allah swt, and collective prayer.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Anywho, enough of the blah blah blah.  Insh'Allah I will be back posting up a storm and blabbing your ears off with lots of irrelevant stories and irreverant advice.

Ma'Salaama and Happy to see you again!

Fashionably Yours,
The (timidly optimistic) Mujahada in Prada

~My Favorite Scarf of All~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters,

I wanted to let you all know I've added another beautiful scarf to the collection I'm selling on ebay....

and this on is my favorite one yet!

Check it out insh'Allah.  I had to keep one for me because it's so nice.  I know it's going to go fast so I had to let you ladies know.

Gold Designer Look Scarf

Ma'Salaama and Happy Bidding!

Fashionably Yours,
The (Good Luck!)  Mujahada in Prada

~There is nothing better than beautiful jewelry....unless it's free beautiful jewelry!~

aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters...


Insh'Allah I will continue telling you all about my latest home improvement projects and recent going-ons in my next post, but right now I have to share this amazing contest that Love Nyla is having. What is Love Nyla? Well it's a little company, Muslimah owned and operated, that sells handmade sterling silver and Swarovski crystal hijab pins, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and charms. They have some adorable things on their website, and in order for them to make room for the new stuff they're coming out with soon, they are having a contest.

The first prize winner will get a $75.00 coupon code, second prize is a $35.00 coupon code, and third prize is a $15.00 coupon code along with free shipping for life on anything on their website.

All you have to do is log into Facebook (I KNOW you have a FB account!), find Love Nyla (the business) and make a post on their wall letting them know you want to participate. They have the full instructions on their home page, but the gist of it is this:

                      After you let them know you want to participate in their contest, they will send you a code word. You contact all of your FB friends and let them know that you are taking part in a contest, and you have them "Like" Love Nyla's page and post a sentence that uses the code word you gave them.

I think whoever refers the most people to Love Nyla's page will also win a prize for the friends they referred, so it's worth their while to participate!

Anyways, just had to share the great news with you amazing Muslimah! Should be fun reading all those silly sentences people will come up with!


Ma'Salaama and Good Luck!

Fashionably Yours,
The (may the best sister win!) Mujahada in Prada