Saleme Fayad Blog

Yalla, Let's Eat Cookbook Shoot

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:38:09 GMT

God is good! My dream to shoot a cookbook came true

“What if I fail?” was the first question I repeatedly asked myself when this opportunity fell into my lap… well, guess what?! Amazing things can happen when you take chances, believe in yourself, and work hard.

I checked a box on my bucket list and PHOTOGRAPHED & STYLED AN ENTIRE COOKBOOK !!!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I have a deep love and appreciation for cookbooks, and this has been some thing I’ve been wanting to do very badly, but honestly didn’t even know where to begin.

When Maha from @makedelicioushappen contacted me I was feeling all sorts of emotions after that first phone call! Giddy, nervous, excited, scared- long story short I did it. I believed in myself enough that I would figure out everything that came with this along the way. It was no easy journey, I spent almost 3 months working on this project. Hard work paid off and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the outcome. This book turned out absolutely beautiful!

I sampled almost every dish in this cookbook and let me tell you, you need to buy it for yourself, and as a gift! It’s available for pre-order on Amazon- the link is in my bio .

I hope my kids hold this book one day and feel proud of me. They watched me get knocked down and get right back up alot along the way. If you’ve read this far, don’t ever give up on your dreams! When unexpected doors open, walk through them.

Maha, I’m proud of you and the legacy you’ve left behind for your kids. May Allah (swt) put some much barakah and blessing into this launch- you deserve it!

xo Sal

Food Styling: Sahtein Collection

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:37:16 GMT

Food Styling & Photography for Modern Eid: sahtein collection

"You need something to be excited about when you wake up in the morning... something that you're doing that has a purpose, and if you do something that you love, and you have this amazing energy behind it, it makes life so much better, and you can develop something and create a career for yourself out of something you love to do." -withlovebykree

Coming from a Middle Eastern background I have a deep appreciation for food and culture. This collection of servewear nods to Arab tradition but with modern style.

" Sahtein" in Arabic means "double health" and is a cultural expression for someone to enjoy their meal. By saying "Sahtein" you are wishing someone not just one, but a double dose of good health with words that carry a great amount of love and hospitality" -Jomana Siddiqi, Modern Eid

Jomana and I met through Instagram years ago and started working together in 2015. I was just starting out at the time so she sent me a few pieces to shoot just for fun... WELL, the internet loved those images so much that they were stolen multiple times and used by other companies! (more on that another time) Needless to say, we love working together. When she reached out in 2022 to shoot and style this collection with no more than "I trust your creative vision" it was music to my ears! I'm in love with how these turned out!

xo Sal

Sumac Chicken

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:36:28 GMT

This meal just tastes like "home"

Add this to your dinner rotation and thank me later! It’s quick, easy, and delicious! I usually serve it with a side of rice & salad.

Sumac Chicken (Sal’s Way)

Since I love leftovers, I spread this dish between two sheet pans. You will need two bowls, one for chicken and one for your veggies. The original recipe shows the exact portions, this is the portion That works for us.

Seasoning base: (I double this for both the chicken & veggies)

6 tablespoons Olive oil

1 tablespoon sumac

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp ground red pepper (optional)

________

14-16 chicken drumsticks and or thighs

1 Cauliflower (less if it’s a large one)

8 Heirloom Carrots

1/2 of a Red Onion

4-6 Garlic cloves

6 Lemon slices

Chopped parsley for garnish

________

The original recipe ends with a topping of garlic, parsley, lemon, cilantro and salt. I omit that completely and toss chopped up garlic, lemon wedges, and red onion along with my veggies, then add some chopped up parsley for garnish before serving.

Coat chicken and veggies in seasoning rub. Spread on foil or parchment lined pans. Bake at 425 for about 40 minutes.

Enjoy! or as we say in Arabic, " Sahtein" meaning "double health" and is a cultural expression for someone to enjoy their meal.

xo Sal

Tags: Healthy Recipes, Chicken Recipes, Healthy Eats, Family Dinner

Camping Themed Party

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:36:05 GMT

Life is better when you add fresh air, a warm campfire, bright starts and s'mores.

Since my children were very little I've always put tents up inside our home for them to enjoy. It was and still is their favourite pastime. Their tents served as play forts, reading nooks, napping spots, doll houses, nerf huts, change rooms, movie nights, time out corners, and always made for the best sleep overs!

We often visit a gem of a campsite called Fisherman's Cove in Kincardine, ON. The kids have amazing memories there. When Madena asked for a camping party for her 6th birthday (2018) I was giddy with excitement! "You are our greatest adventure" felt fitting at her age. Attaching her sign to the teepee structure turned it into the centrepiece.

My favorite part about this party was the cake. The details were everything! Like seriously how stinking adorable did this turn out? Her and I made it together. We melted lifesavers in the oven to make the flames, rock candy around the border, Oreo crumbs as dirt, chocolate wafers as logs and mini skewers for our structure. Mini smore pudding cups, "campfire snacks", and rock bingo adding to the rustic cozy vibe.

Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate for me to have tents set up outdoors and stores over the fire- however the oven did just fine! The kids had a blast!

xo Sal

Stovetop Potpourri

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:35:30 GMT

HOw to make your home smell like fall

Stovetop Potpourri

A versatile, non toxic and low waste way to make your home smell great and feel cozy! The beauty of this method is that you adjust seasonally and we generally have most of these ingredients on hand. A follower shared with me that she freezes her peelings/scraps and uses as needed. I will no longer toss my apple or citrus peels!

Fall Vibes

- Fill a pot with about 4 cups of water

- Add apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fresh mint, rosemary and a spoon of vanilla.

- Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat. Top up water as needed.

xo Sal

Tags:Stovetop Potpourri, Simmer Pot, Cozy Home Vibes, Fall Scents

Backyard Ramadan Iftar

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:30:19 GMT

Backyard Iftar: spring 2018.a core memory that makes me smile every time

This was our outdoor Iftar summer of 2018. We love the way it all came together and the memories that came with it!

The morning of our gathering I decided to set up outdoors last minute. I’ve always wanted to host a Outdoor Ramadan Iftar Party. Considering that Ramadan changes each year with the lunar moon, I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy a backyard gathering.

I worked with what I had on hand and kept it simple with disposable plates and tableclothes. As Iftar takes place at sundown, I set the ambiance with lanterns and twinkle lights placed throughout the table and patio. Pretty napkins and simple touches of greenery elevated the table setting. As the sun was setting we began with an outdoor group prayer followed by our meal under the stars. It was honestly the perfect night and the memory makes me smile everytime!

When I have a large crowd I like to keep things simple. However, I have no chill and had to make everything pretty! Let these photos inspire you with how easy it is to make entertaining with disposables look good!

Here are some tips for easy and affordable entertaining:

-Generally, if I’m only hosting 1 to 2 families, I like to use my nice platters, glass dishes, and good tableware. Larger crowds, paper plates and foil containers for food all the way for quick and easy clean up!! I want to sit down and enjoy my guests instead of spending my evening in front of the sink!

-Next pick a theme. Here I was going for the cozy Ramadan nights feel. These glass lanterns filled with fairy lights instantly added an element of style to the table. Next I added a framed print from @bloomsandbubbles1 , some greenery, citronella candles, and a couple bowls of dates. Love these hammered bowls from @preschoice @realcanadiansuperstore

I like to use the Square @royalchinet plates, they instantly make things look nicer. I added pretty napkins to each plate, as well as a bag of chocolate covered dates from @chocodate . The tags I used are my favorite from @inmystudio_

-Seating: Everyone should have a folding table. They come in handy and are easy to store. I rented chairs from a local company, and was surprised at how affordable they were at under $2 a chair. Matching chairs keep everything nice and streamlined. I had a couple little picnic tables on hand for the kids. Wrapping paper was used as a runner to jazz it up! No kids table no problem! Children love a picnic style meal on the ground. I love the flannel backed wipeable table clothes from the dollar store and always have some on hand.

And there you have it! Please let me know if you have any other tips or easy hacks to add in the comments

xo Sal

Strawberry Party

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:29:16 GMT

A strawberry themed summer party is ideal for kids or adults

Today I'm sharing with you a few of my fave shots from Madena's 5th birthday from 2017. We had so much fun putting this little party together for her. She's so appreciative of every little detail. The kids had a lot of fun walking the aisles of bulk barn shopping for anything strawberry related!

I often get asked for advice about putting a party together. The best advice I can give is just have fun with it and don't strive for perfection! (Pay attention to all my eraser marks on the chalkboard) If you can, do some of your own baking, and try not to get caught up in the picture perfect world of Pinterest. Parties don't need to cost a ton to make kids happy!

Now to the good stuff! I'm super happy that my colourful cake plates were put to good use with this theme. The cake came together by adding in a couple spoons of jam to the buttercream. I garnished it with fresh thyme and more berries and love the overall minimalist feel. For drinks, we infused water with fresh strawberries and mint. The mini mason jars added a cute touch!

Each child received a wooden basket full of strawberry flavoured goodies such as lipgloss, bubble, gum and mini sanitizers!

I made mini cheesecakes in a jar, mini angel food cakes (store bought) with whipped cream, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Definitely one of my favourite memories!

xo Sal

Graduation Party

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:26:28 GMT

THIS IS MY LOVE LANGUAGE. DOCUMENTING MEMORIES, GOOD FOOD, GATHERING & MAKING IT BEAUTIFUL.

When my oldest daughter graduated I knew I wanted to do something special to celebrate. We enjoyed a a lunch with her close friends and their mothers. We prepared a beautiful spread of lunch items as well as some her favourite desserts! The Ferro Roche graduation favours were an absolute hit! Check out how I made them here.

I opted for mostly store bought desserts and I wanted to focus my efforts on a homemade lunch. I did manage to whip up a batch of Samia's favourite No Bake Lime Cheesecake cups! My go to desserts when I'm in a pinch are: Costco's Cheesecake, M & M Meatshops Buttercream Bars, and their White Chocolate Lemon Shortbread Bars.

The lunch menu included easy make ahead options such as: croissant and egg salad sandwiches, roast beef and turkey wraps, a berry vinaigrette spring summer salad, veggies and dip, tomato basil skewers, pasta salad , quinoa salad, hummus, labneh and a olive tapenade.

I try to choose foods that can be prepped the night before or morning of a large gathering. My number one tip for hosting is preparation. Organization leading up to a event is key! Here is how I prepare for a gathering:

1. plan out your menu (ask guests about allergies ahead of time)

2. make a grocery list

3. grocery shop 1-2 days prior

4. prep what you can the night before

5. tidy your space and your fridge the night before

6. make a timeline for the day of to ensure everything and YOU are ready before guests arrive

Happy Hosting!

xo Sal

Tags: Graduation Party, Brunch Ideas, Lunch Party, Creative mama, Entertaining at home

Popcorn Bar Party

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:25:58 GMT

A party that is fun, easy, and affordable!

Madena turns 11. My simple pleasure loving girl just wanted an evening at home with her besties! Along with the popcorn bar, the girls enjoyed a good old-fashioned dance party and movie night in their PJs �� Safe to say, this one goes down as one of our favourites!

I started out with a big bag of popcorn from Farm boy. From there I filled different containers and bowls with a mixture of candy, chocolates, and jelly beans for variety.

The paper cones were easy to make and I nice way to infuse a pop of color on your table. I grabbed a 6x6 cardstock paper pad from Micheals, twisted each piece into a cone shape by taking the bottom corner of the paper and twisting it upward once until my desired shape was formed. I then adhered the edges using a glue gun. If I was to do it again I would use a 8x8 size cardstock as it gives you a bigger cone.

Once I set everything up, I wasn't sold on my Party Poppin print in a frame, so in typical Sal fashion I created my own on a whim! I took a piece of Bristol board and cut it in half. I drew two arches at varying heights. I then added dollops of paint on a paper plate and started dabbing with a sponge. Then I trimmed the corners of my Etsy sign into a arch shape, glued it down and there you go! Instant backdrop for under $6 and it only took me 20 minutes to make.

I encourage you to think outside the box and just let yourself get creative! Perfectly Imperfect.

xo Sal

Print your memories Part:3

salemefayad@gmail.com (Saleme Fayad) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:22:04 GMT

Part 3/3: Staying on top of it all

Now that you’re all caught up and organized how do we keep it like that?! I made a goal for myself to have this project completed at the beginning of this year so that I had a fresh start in 2021. This is my approach moving forward to help me stay on top of my photos.

1. Set a reminder for the 1st of every month and take 20 minutes to delete anything unnecessary from the previous month. (Screenshots, selfies, videos, downsize special occasions

2. Set a reminder either every 3 months or at the end of every season to send photos off to print. Doing this will help with the accumulation and feeling of overwhelm.

3. Back up, back up, back up. Technology fails. Back your photos up either to dropbox, icloud, or an external hard drive. Keep your memories safe ��

xo Sal

Tags: Photo Storage, Photo Organizing, Photography, Simplify Your Life, Print Your Photos

Print your memories Part:2

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 20:23:17 GMT

Part 2/3: organizing desktop photos

How to get your photos off your phone and into your home!

First and foremost go into this project with an open mind. Depending on how far behind you are, The task can feel overwhelming. Take it day by day, small steps. The system is simple. I find it is best to work CHRONOLOGICALLY and break things down into YEARS first, then months.

1. Create a folder for each YEAR.

2. Within that same folder year, create SEPARATE folders for each month of the year.

3. Feel free to create folders for separate occasions such as weddings or family photos.

Printing Organization:

1. Create a NEW folder called “Photos to print”.

2. WITHIN that folder, create folders for each year. Ex: “2020 photos to print” , “2019 Photos to print”

3. Go back into your “2020 folder”, select the photos that you want to print, and copy and paste them over to your “2020 photos to print” folder

By keeping your folders organized chronologically, printing is a breeze. When sending in online orders, send each year as a separate order to keep things organized once printed.

Find a visual reel on my instagram page @salemefayad_photography

xo Sal

#photostorage #photoorganizing #photography #simplify #simplifyyourlife #organization #organizedhome #organizingtips #organizingideas #printyourphotos #documentyourdays #makingmemories #letthembelittle #neatmethod #photobox #photoorganizing

Print your memories Part:1

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:28:23 GMT

Part 1/3: how to get photos off your phone and into your home

As most of you know by now, I finally completed this project that has been weighing on my shoulders over the last few years. I find it is best to work CHRONOLOGICALLY and break things down into YEARS first, then months. More on this in the next post. This method is what worked well for me personally, and really helped me get my phone images organized1

1. Click on the “search icon” on the bottom right corner of your iPhone. Type in the year that you want to work on in the search bar. Ex: 2020. All the photos for that year will come up on your screen.

2. ect. This makes the selection process moving forward easier.

3. Once you have minimized the amount photos, it is time to create a new album on your phone. Name that album “2020 phone prints” for example.

4. Go back to the “search icon” and type in 2020. Click SEE ALL. Click SELECT and select all the photos in 2020 that you want to print.

5. Once that’s done, click the arrow on the bottom left-hand side of your screen and select “ADD TO ALBUM” then select your album “2020 phone prints”

6. Repeat again for each year.

7. When sending in online orders, send each year as a separate order to keep things organized once printed.

xo Sal

90's Inspired Birthday Party

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:06:32 GMT

The 90's. Often Replicated but never duplicated!

I was born in the 80's and raised in the 90's. I'm SO thankful to have been raised in one of the best generations ever! I love that I had a taste of life before the internet and smart phones. Our childhood was rich in memories of awesome hangouts, good music and simple pleasures! My husband and I aren't too far in age so naturally we enjoyed a lot of the same music growing up. 90's on 9 is always on our radio! I love that our kids sing can sing along to our favourites that transport us right back into our younger years.

Madena's 10th birthday (2022) was one for the books! A roller skating party with touches of 90’s nostalgia & music = a blast! We created an epic playlist while the girls skated and danced together under neon lights!

The backdrop theme came to me while folding laundry and watching Clueless �� It was so much fun, affordable, and easy to do! I laid a white flat sheet down and splattered fabric paints all over it. Once dry I adhered to paper letters using a glue gun. I found fun neon photo props at Party City for the girls to take pictures with.

My color scheme was inspired by these ombre pastel plates that I LOVE! Each place setting had a 90's inspired colouring sheet, jelly bracelets, twirly straws, dunkaroos, and Jones pop. Sooo fun!

I have to admit this party was a little for me too. I was beyond excited to find a pink MTV shirt to wear!

What’s your favorite part?

xo Sal

Sal's Apple Crisp Recipe

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:06:31 GMT

Here’s one to save! A classic that can be adapted using seasonal fruit. My favourite way to enjoy is serving it warm alongside vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm....

| Apple Crisp |

Ingredients:

10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced

1 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup water

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degree C).

Place the sliced apples in a 9x13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.

Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45 minutes.

*Tip: For a sweeter crisp use a Honeycrisp Apple, otherwise I love using Golden Delicious or Zestars

I can't wait you to try this! Please let me know what you think!

xo Sal

Tags: Apple Crisp, Apple Crumble, Fall Baking, Dessert

Toffee Crunch Bars

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:06:30 GMT

These are my go to bars and a crowd favorite! I’VE BEEN MAKING THEM FOR YEARS, AND KNOW YOU WILL LOVE THEM !

| Toffee Crunch Bars |

•Preheat oven to 350 and line a 13 x 9 pan with parchment paper.

•Base:

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup butter

•Middle layer:

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 tbsp butter

•Topping:

1 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I use milk chocolate)

1 cup Skor bits

• Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut in butter with two knives until crumbly. Press down evenly in pan and bake for 15 minutes.

• Heat condensed milk and butter over medium low heat. Stir for 5-8 minutes. Spread over base and bake for another 12-15 minutes longer.

• Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the base and return pan to the oven for about another minute until chocolate is shiny. Spread evenly over the top, then sprinkle with Skor bits. Using your hand, press down lightly. Cool & enjoy!

*These bars freeze really well

xo Sal

Tags: holiday treats, Easy Recipes, Skor Bars

Saleme Fayad Blog

Yalla, Let's Eat Cookbook Shoot

God is good! My dream to shoot a cookbook came true

xo Sal

Food Styling: Sahtein Collection

Food Styling & Photography for Modern Eid: sahtein collection

xo Sal

Sumac Chicken

This meal just tastes like "home"

Sumac Chicken (Sal’s Way)

xo Sal

Camping Themed Party

Life is better when you add fresh air, a warm campfire, bright starts and s'mores.

xo Sal

Stovetop Potpourri

HOw to make your home smell like fall

Stovetop Potpourri

xo Sal

Backyard Ramadan Iftar

Backyard Iftar: spring 2018.a core memory that makes me smile every time

xo Sal

Strawberry Party

A strawberry themed summer party is ideal for kids or adults

xo Sal

Graduation Party

THIS IS MY LOVE LANGUAGE. DOCUMENTING MEMORIES, GOOD FOOD, GATHERING & MAKING IT BEAUTIFUL. ﻿

xo Sal

﻿

Popcorn Bar Party

A party that is fun, easy, and affordable!

xo Sal

Print your memories Part:3

Part 3/3: Staying on top of it all

xo Sal

Print your memories Part:2

Part 2/3: organizing desktop photos

xo Sal

Print your memories Part:1

Part 1/3: how to get photos off your phone and into your home

xo Sal

90's Inspired Birthday Party

The 90's. Often Replicated but never duplicated!

xo Sal

Sal's Apple Crisp Recipe

Here’s one to save! A classic that can be adapted using seasonal fruit. My favourite way to enjoy is serving it warm alongside vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm....

| Apple Crisp |

xo Sal

Toffee Crunch Bars

These are my go to bars and a crowd favorite! I’VE BEEN MAKING THEM FOR YEARS, AND KNOW YOU WILL LOVE THEM !

| Toffee Crunch Bars |

xo Sal

THIS IS MY LOVE LANGUAGE. DOCUMENTING MEMORIES, GOOD FOOD, GATHERING & MAKING IT BEAUTIFUL.