Dubai Diaries - Going to Abu Dhabi

So whilst we were in Dubai, we took a mini road trip to Abu Dhabi. We took off straight after breakfast on a Friday so we could make to the Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque for Friday (jummah) prayer. It was probably the best experience of my life so far and the highlight of my year in 2013 ( as stated in this instagram post ). The mosque was the purist of whites set of against the bluest of skys. The architecture and structure was just amazing and I was totally in awe of its beauty. We also visited the Emirates Palace Hotel which was full of decadence and sheer opulence. Of course I took loads of picture and a vlog as well so here they are. 

Love these flower motifs on the ceiling 

So beautiful

A miniature model of the mosque

Through the key hole 

There were these floral tiles around the walls

The hustle and bustle after prayer 

Love these gold palm leave on the pillars 

Basking in the sun

Me

Mini domes 

Basking in the sun 

The ceiling of the Emirates Palace hotel

Surrounding buildings 

The Emirates Palace hotel 

Oooohhhh fountains 

Water steps

This is the last of the Dubai Diaries series, I hope you have enjoyed it :) 

Ramadan gifts

As many of you know the holy month of Ramadan is in full swing now. In this month of Muslim's will fast from sunrise to sunset. Also in this month Muslim's increase their worship (through praying and reciting the Qur'an etc) to the all might Allah and increase their good deeds. Doing all of this helps Muslim's build their patience, be grateful for what we have that others around the world may not have, and most importantly to get closer to Allah in our hearts and on a spiritual level. The month of Ramadan was also the month in which the Qur'an was revealed and sent down to the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It is custom in Ramadan to take gifts when visiting  loved ones and neighbours, and normally these gifts include a box or tray of dates (which many Muslim's open their fast with at sunset). However I wanted to try something different with dates this year. I made mini almond date truffles and mini coconut macaroons instead. I saw the recipe for almond date truffles about a year ago and thought they would make perfect Ramadan gifts, and my recent love for making coconut macaroons can be read about here. In the recipe for the truffles it does ask for medjol dates (which are quite sweet) however I didn't have any at the time so I used the dates I had and the added a bit of honey for some sweetness. I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of the process of making them but I did take a picture of the finished product.

Finished product tied up with ribbon and a home made gift tag

Close up  

The tags I made using parchment paper and washi tape for the decoration. On the other side of the tag I wrote a sentimental message, 'May this Ramadan bring you peace, prosperity, good health and brighten your life forever Ameen xx'. For your Ramadan gifts you can put whatever message you want, whatever feels right. Hope you all have a blessed month and may this Ramadan bring you peace, prosperity, good health and bright your life forever, Ameen xx