Project Wedding: Here I go!

Now that I am past that ' more than a year left' mark on the wedding planning ship, I seem to be in a weird overdrive to have anything ready and done by the end of this year. I am (IA) getting married in May of 2016 and of course, having a lot of DIY elements to my event. Since this is the case, I don't think that's the right timeline.

I plan on continuing this series until next year in order to share and post all my wedding-related projects on my blog. It's likely that a lot of it may get posted after the wedding since I do want to keep some things a surprise for my guests!

Below, I have listed all the things I know I am going to be making, but I would love to hear if you guys have any questions on other DIY projects that you may want answered or even shared on here.

So far, I know I am making:

• A Floral crown for my e-shoot
• Kim Kardashian-esque flower wall/backdrop. I will be likely keeping this for myself and my new home which is why I decided to make it vs. rent it via a decorator
• Invitations
• Menu cards, place cards, program cards etc.
• Wedding favours for guests (I will keep what they are a surprise until after the wedding) 
• Centerpieces 

I will also be sharing some great advice with Nikah.ca over on their blog as well as hosting a fun DIY workshop for brides and their wedding party. I can't wait to attend the convention this October. Are there any brides/grooms-to-be or bridesmaids/groomsmen attending?

I would love to meet you there and hope you get a chance to attend by FREE workshop! Keep an eye out on their website and my Facebook page for an announcement and additional details! 

Last minute Eid Shopping + Free Printable!

With Eid only a few days away, I've been surrounded by bits of paper, gift wrap, tape, tags - you name it! I also have this wishlist of baking to get to and feel like I should have done this SO much earlier, but you know - life.

I am also helping my parents prepare envelopes for Eidie and thought to create some fun stickers to seal the envelopes with. Alternatively, you can also just print directly onto the envelope. I am sharing the graphic you can use in Microsoft word or any design program for download. I have created a sample #10 envelope Microsoft word document here and the png of the graphic here. Calligraphy graphic source.

To make it easier for other last-minuters, I've rounded up a list of easy, ready-to-pickup products that you can gift for this year's Eid. These are based on pickup from various GTA locations. I've also included a preview of my gift pile to spark some inspiration! My favourite part of this pile is the Blossom and Bean S'mores gift pack, it's pretty much packaged and ready to enjoy on someone's backyard grill after a nice Eid feast!

What do you plan on giving? Share your gifts by tagging me on social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Enjoy!

1. S'mores Kit from Blossom & Bean found at Modah
2. Customizable halal gummy gift packs from Blossom & Bean found at Modah
3. My Fresh Kitchen mason jar chutney available for pickup from various locations in the GTA
4. Mugs from Hafsa Creates found at Kaamilah Boutique
5. Holiday cookie cutter set from With Spin ready to purchase at Salam Shop
6. Ilm Kids subscription box available at the Salam Shop
7. Jewelry treasure box from Silk of Paradise, available for pickup in the GTA
8. T-shirts from Muzlyfe available for pickup in the GTA

Iftaar & Eid Dinner Inspiration

I always like hosting dinner parties - it's just something I always get really excited about, so long as I have a small group of people to entertain. Having a smaller group of friends or family at a time means I can pay more attention to the details, offer better food and also enjoy myself.

A few weeks ago I hosted my friends to a dinner party for Iftaar and had a blast setting everything up, paying attention to the little details and getting really festive. I got some great ideas from a new blog I came across called Hello Holy Days. I discovered the blog when they followed me on Twitter and I am so glad they did! It's a great resource to get DIY ideas for Muslim holidays like Ramadan, Eid and Hajj while offering wonderful free printables on the site. 

I used the free lantern printable which was originally for this great lantern streamer DIY  and did a little Photoshop magic to use the template to create my menu cards instead. I also used this cute place card idea to make my own version. I will definitely be using some of these fab ideas for fun and creative Eid dinner or Eid party decor.

I served my guests a creamy tomato Basil Soup, home made Crudites bread with brie and chipotle goat cheese, quiche and ended with watermelon slices and a cookie butter mousse in chocolate cups for dessert. I've shared a few recipes for the iftaar below the images.

What do you like to eat during Ramadan, Iftaar or Eid? Follow me on on Instagram or Twitter for more fun Eid decorating ideas! 

My Fresh Kitchen Collab

Hi all!

I shared a quick blog post yesterday with a great idea for an Eid gift from My Fresh Kitchen. I have collaborated with the brand to create beautiful gift baskets that are ready to go for Eid gifting this year.

These are great Eid gift ideas for your mom, mother-in-law, and anyone else in your family that loves to eat cook! Think of all the BBQ grilling that will happen post-Ramadan.

Get more info on the gift baskets below and order online here.

What are your go-to gifts? I'd love to hear!