still here ... but in algeria!

I've been away from this space for a while for various reasons. Life has kept me busy. We picked up and carted ourselves over to North Africa. I was hormonal. I was a stranger in a strange land (or so I thought). I watched my children take it all in and adapt to school here, language and new friends and family too. I was blessed with another little bundle of joy (ma sha Allah) and my parents came over to Algeria for the very first time. It's a very different place. But I think (and hope!) they left knowing that I'm ok here. My mojo had taken a flying leap somewhere and I think it's starting to make an appearance again! Alhamdulillah. I haven't completely found my feet here ... but every little step helps ... and it can be that "strange" if ...

I'm still crocheting for my baby ...

I'm still admiring intricate Algerian sweets (but now I get to help make them before a family wedding)

I'm still having fun with instagram @fruitfulfusion :)

while I discover more of the city I'm in

I'm still noticing different architectural styles ...

I'm still enjoying flowers

I'm still baking

I'm still by the sea 

but I'm not far from lakes

and mountains that have the last bits of snow on them

and I'm enjoying fresh, local produce

and I've found wonderful friends Allahumma baarik 

and I've been busy with something new and exciting!!! 

So STAY TUNED!!!

But in the meantime, do head over and check out THE CREATIVES! "Like" us! Go on, you know want to! And don't forget to follow @almubdiaatdz on instagram! We NEED you to cheer us on! 

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2. make lists

I love lists! And not only To Do lists. I love lists of things I like so that I can gain inspiration from them or just a feel good factor. I love pinterest and flickr for these visual lists. 

Here's my list of things I'm loving at the moment:

Kashida Design - a fusion of arabic type and product design!

source

This mug bag with crochet trim.

Click over to see how it unfolds. I love the idea!


Crocheting With Lucy Loop - a great little book for kids that are learning to crochet.

Seen here!

This great little pattern.

These teeny tiny flowers the boys picked for me on their early morning walk because I was a little under the weather!

This post is a part of #amonthof #mycreativespace

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my creative space - trying

Yes, I couldn't keep up with blogtoberfest. But it's ok. I tried. I enjoyed. I learnt.

This week, while I was knitting an amari shawl I ran out of yarn! What's new, eh? I don't want to go and get some more. And it breaks my heart to frog it ...

... but I started another one anyway! I have missed leisurely crochet, but since my crochet and plastic escapades began, I've turned to knitting for comfort crafting!

Of course there is more plastic on the scene as we have a few other ideas coming along!

My head has been occupied with a lot lately, so I've been taking pleasure from the simple things in my life that can often get overlooked.

Yes, the first Marks and Spencers food hall I've seen in Jeddah. It's teeny but it's there!

Window shopping with my family.

Letting the girls take over the kitchen. 

Going for walks. 

Today I stepped out with my 9 year old son. It was one-to-one time and much needed. With four children and now homeschooling them, they tend to get lumped together all too often. 

I loved that we could talk about Hajj, as today is a special day, being the main day of Hajj, when pilgrims gather in Arafah, near Makkah. 

I loved that he could talk my ear off about football and I have to catch myself when I've said "hmm" too often and actually engage with him on his favourite topic. 

I savour these moments with each of my children ma sha Allah.

While my energy levels are a bit low, all manners of zestiness are at a trough too, today is a special day for us of reflection, fasting, supplication, worship, charity, goodness, preparations for a simple meal today and celebration of 'Eid al Adha, stemming from the traditions of Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem 'alayhis salaam) tomorrow.

I wish you all well and Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid).

Check out more creative spaces here and #amonthof #mycreativespace! Will I or won't I? 

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made by me monday

I just thought I'd join in with Skip To My Lou's Made By You Monday ...

since it's Monday and I'm making stuff.

Some more mini cards!!!

Card designing, then cutting, folding, crocheting and darning in ends ... times 30! They're really mini!

I need to make more amongst a few other things! But there are lots of other Monday Makes here!

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i was fortunate enough ...

to receive flowers a few months ago. 

Lillies. I love lillies. That lovely, warm, strong scent.

The roses were a bonus. But the ones we get here don't carry any sort of scent.

I'm sure the ones from Taif do.

But nothing can beat the flowers that my little "gentleman" picks for me on his way in to or out of our building. Ma sha Allah.

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2011 is almost over

It's hard to believe that another year is over so quickly. There were a bunch of things I wanted to do, like actually list stuff on my etsy shop (Yes, there is an etsy shop, but nothing on sale yet.) and to get on with more graphic design work. I had ideas that I just didn't have time to work through! I had some personal goals and some spiritual goals too, that were only partially met. It was a year of ups and downs, but then, aren't they all? And it was a year of discovery, of various types. There was a vacation of new experiences that we took six, yes SIX months ago. It deserves it's own post though. So, let me leave you with some visuals of what has been going in our space (be they beautiful or mundane). And a thanks to all you followers. I know there are different types, but I can see that there 94 on the side bar. I appreciate that! 

A beautiful wedding.

Going au naturel with goat ghee! 

It's that expat life again, where people get married and move away, to far away lands. I miss her friendly chatter and warm hugs.

Time with good company (and simple pretty things) is priceless!

My babies have started cooking!

I'm not in to making resolutions. But goals that help me stay focussed are great. Umm Salihah shared this video and it's great. I love TED talks!


Do YOU want to do a thirty-day challenge?

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