Umm Alkhyr Eats

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أختي   مرحباً  Memories stay with us—even when time fades, and people and places change and grow. They linger, quietly weaving themselves into our lives. Last summer, I found myself reliving a piece of my childhood. I was out for a bike ride through my neighborhood, and for a brief moment, I felt like a carefree kid again. The air was warm, the night calm, and bedtime? Not even a thought. My bike was too cool to walk away from. Riding through the suburbs of Pennsylvania—just a few miles from the city—I couldn’t help but notice the occasional stares. As a niqabi in full jilbaab, that’s something I’ve grown used to. It’s just part of being who I am: a Muslimah in America. Still, I felt safe. The night sky was beautiful, and joy flowed through me freely. But let's be real—riding a traditional bike while wearing an abaya is no easy task. The fabric tangles, and the motion can feel awkward. That’s when I remembered something I saw a few years...

  السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أختي   مرحباً Morning Walks by the Water: A Journey Back to Myself There’s something incredibly peaceful about morning walks by the water. The way the light dances on the surface, the stillness, the quiet—it reminds me that each day is a new chance to begin again. Recently, my daily routine has shifted to better match the woman I am becoming. I’ve been working hard to shape a version of myself that is not only stronger, but more gentle with her needs. And one of the biggest shifts has been how I care for my health—especially my physical health. For years, food was my comfort. It was how I showed love, how I connected with others, how I coped when life got too heavy. In many ways, food felt like a friend. But as much as it gave me warmth, it also became something that held me back. The truth is, the little things do matter. They add up quietly, and before I knew it, those late-night cravings and oversized portions began to show. The weight...

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أختي   مرحباً Lately, I’ve been seriously craving a seafood boil. If you’ve never had one before, let me break it down for you. A seafood boil is a delicious mix of your favorite seafood—like crab, shrimp, or lobster—steamed together with hearty sides like potatoes, corn, and sometimes extras like boiled eggs, sausage, or even broccoli. Everything gets cooked in a steamy bag, then drenched in a buttery, garlicky, spicy Cajun sauce that’s full of bold, rich flavor. My go-to combo is snow crab legs and shrimp. Lobster? I know people love it, but the texture just doesn’t do it for me—it’s a little too chewy. I also usually skip the boiled eggs and sausage, but I’m definitely open to trying them one day. Let’s talk flavor. The way those tender crab legs soak up all that spicy, buttery garlic sauce? It’s pure joy. Every bite is juicy, rich, and deeply satisfying. The potatoes and corn? A match made in heaven. The soft, seasoned potatoes and swee...

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أختي   مرحباً What’s In My Makeup Bag Well, let me tell you... I love makeup. It’s not just about the glam—it’s about the vibe. I love how creative I can be with it. Mixing and matching bold lipsticks and colorful eyeshadows? That’s my kind of art. When I’m not feeling my best, doing my makeup always lifts my mood. It’s my personal little therapy and my favorite way to express myself. My Signature Style I’ve always been drawn to warm, rich shades—browns, golds, fiery reds, and deep greens are forever my go-tos. But sometimes I like to turn up the fun with bright, bold eyeliner looks. Think pink, orange, or a juicy maroon. Lately, I’ve been fully into that classic 90s lip combo—a smooth brown liner paired with a glossy clear or nude lip, or sometimes a velvety matte nude lipstick. It's giving throwback glam in the best way. The Bag That Holds It All First things first, major shoutout to my sweet friend who gifted me the ultimate tra...

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أختي   مرحباً It’s summertime—the season of sun and bold flavors. For me, summer always brings back a special memory from my childhood. I grew up near a popular Jamaican restaurant that was known throughout the neighborhood. You could smell it before you even saw it—rich, smoky spices floating through the air like a warm hug. The scent of jerk chicken, grilled to perfection, would wrap itself around you, teasing your nose and stirring your appetite. That restaurant was alive with flavor and energy. I had never been to Jamaica, but I imagined it must feel just like this place. The sounds, the people, the food—it was always buzzing with life. The smell of jerk chicken mixed with oxtails, curried shrimp, and fried snapper fish created a rhythm of its own. Every visit felt like stepping into another world. I still remember the woman behind the counter. Her voice was thick with a Jamaican accent, strong and welcoming. “Wha’ you wan today?” she’d ask ...