This made me laugh!

This really made me laugh this morning . It came in on eth ebottom of an email. I don't know who first said it, but enjoy it:

Save the Earth... it's the only planet with chocolate.

Ramadan Mubarak : Joy from Fasting to Feasting

Ramadan Mubarak to all the viewers!

Ramadan(ninth month of lunar Islamic Calendar) is the most joyous time for the muslims around the world. It was the month the last book of God,the Quran was revealed as guidance to mankind.
O you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint" [Quran 2: 183]
Once the Ramadan begins ,a typical day for a Muslim starts well before dawn,pancakes or Parathas to help get started.Next come predawn prayers. They won't be eating or drinking until sunset.
The spirit of Ramadan also requires compassionate behavior.If you are not patient and persevere, you break your fast, if you are not peaceful you break your fast. Ramadan gives Muslims a chance to really get down and practice the religion and the details of it. These observances encourage us to reflect towards relationship with God and behavior towards others and concern for the less fortunate.
After sunset its time to join other families in the community to break the fast. Then its special evening prayers(Tarawih). Each night Muslims follow their spiritual leader(Imam) as he recites the holy quran. Charity is also emphasized during Ramadan.

Ramadan helps me recharge my faith. Growling hungry stomach reminds me about the poor and less fortunate who eat just one meal a day for their entire lives. It teaches me self control and patience and brings me close to God by doing all the things He asked us to do.And continue the lessons learned after Ramadan. Interfaith and community Iftars gives me an opportunity to socialize.


Healthy eating is essential for good health throughout the fasting period. Eat lot of whole grains ,fruits,vegetables and take lot of fluids during Suhoor(Pre-Dawn meal) and Ifar(Break of fast after sunset).
I'll be posting some of my family favorite recipes for the entire month of Ramadan. Keep it posted here for the Joy of Ramadan.












Other blogs\Sites who have joined in the celebration are Kitchen Flavours, Zaiqa , Cheers to Easy cooking! , Arabic Bites ,Mammu's Kitchen,Ya Salaam cooking,Indian Spices,Food is Love,KedaiHamburg,TriedAndTrueEats,AappleMint,Mama fami,Organica,Homemades,Baking Haven,NYDelights,Ummel Banat,Rumah Manis,Giddy Gastronome,Happy Muslim Mama


"Ramadan is considered a visitor,comes once a year,you open your doors,let the visitor in and and basically take over your life." Afeefah Saeed

Continue >>
*Ramadan and Diet
* Ramadan and Charity
* SheerKhorma, An Eid Delicacy

Water for the Pima

A few months ago, I published a post about the Pima Indians (Akimel O'odham) of Arizona. The Pima are one of the most heart-wrenching examples of the disease of civilization afflicting a society after a nutrition transition. Traditionally a healthy agricultural people, they now have some of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world.

The trouble all started when their irrigation waters were diverted upstream in the late 19th century. Their traditional diet of corn, beans, squash, fish, game meats and gathered plant foods became impossible. They became dependent on government food programs, which provided them with white flour, sugar, lard and canned goods. Now they are the subjects of scientific research because of their staggering health problems.

I'm happy to report that after more than 30 years of activism, lawsuits and negotiation, the Pima and neighboring tribes have reached an agreement with the federal government that will restore a portion of their original water. Of the 2 million acre-feet of water the Pima were estimated to have used since before the 16th century, the settlement will restore 653,500. An acre-foot is approximately the personal water use of one household. The settlement also provides federal funds for reconstructing old irrigation canals.

Now we will see how the Pima will use it. Will they return to an agricultural lifestyle, perhaps with the advantages of modern technology? Or will they lease the water rights for money and continue to live off Western foods? Perhaps some of both. They are definitely aware that Western food is causing their health problems, and that they could regain their health by eating traditional foods. However, white flour "fry bread", sugar and canned meat have been around for so long they are also a cultural tradition at this point. Only time will tell which path they choose.