Who Knew Red Split Lentils Could Do THIS?! 😲✨

Hey guys, welcome to Maryam’s Joyful Life blog!

Today is a beautiful day, and I’m excited to share a post with you that’s filled with family, food, fun—and a little surprise ingredient that blew my mind.

So… Red Split Lentils. Who knew they existed and could make such amazing akara?

At least not me. I know, right? You might be thinking, “Maryam, how could you not know that?” But honestly, I didn’t—until a few weeks ago when I came to London to visit my amazing big sister.

Now, let me tell you something about my sister—she knows her food. Like, really knows her food. I’m convinced she could be a top-tier taste tester if she ever decided to change careers. She’s not a professional chef, though. She’s a businesswoman, a true BAWSE lady, making big moves and doing big things. But even with her busy schedule, she still finds time to throw down in the kitchen like nobody’s business.

She introduced me to akara made with red split lentils, and whew—mind blown. It’s light, crispy, fluffy, and everything akara dreams are made of. She taught me her recipe (thank you, sis!), and I’m definitely bringing it back to America. My Sweetman has already dropped hints that he’d love to try my version, and even the kids have been loving it. I’ve posted a picture of the red lentils here on the blog so you’ll know exactly which kind to get. Keep an eye out—I’ll be dropping her secret recipe soon, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Now onto another delightful surprise—oatmeal, but not just any oatmeal. This one is made by none other than my nephew Showers—yes, Showers with an S! As in Showers of Blessings (and believe me, he lives up to his name!).

Let me tell you, Showers’ oatmeal has the kids raving. And I mean raving. The kind of raving that makes you question your own cooking skills as a mom. 😂 I had to pull him aside and ask, “Okay, what is this magic you’re doing?”

Here’s how he makes it:

1. Start by boiling milk on the stovetop.
2. Add a little sugar—just enough to sweeten the deal.
3. Then stir in your oats and mix until it becomes a creamy, dreamy, heavenly mixture.

The result? Perfection. Creamy, warm, comforting, and kid-approved. I’ve already made it twice for the kids here in the UK, and all I hear is “Oooh!” and “Aaah!” followed by empty bowls. It’s THAT good. I promise to post a quick recipe for that too, and I’m sure Showers won’t mind… Right, Showers? 😂

I feel so grateful for this sweet time with my family. Being here in London has not only filled my heart but also expanded my recipe book—and tastebuds—in the best way possible. It’s a joy learning new things, especially from the people I love.

If you want to give Showers’ creamy oatmeal a try or start prepping to make the red lentil akara, stay tuned to the blog.

And while you’re here, remember to check out MaryamsJoyfulLifeLuxuryVacation.com for all your travel planning needs. We’re creating unforgettable travel experiences for families like yours!

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Until next time,

Keep smiling, stay joyful, and never stop learning in the kitchen or in life!

With love,

Maryam 💕

The Gift in the Garbage: Finding Joy in the Overflow

 

Hey friends,

Thank you for stopping by Maryam’s Joyful Life today. I want to share a little perspective shift with you—one that caught me off guard in the most beautiful way.

You know those moments when the trash is full and no one wants to take it out? The grumbling begins, the finger-pointing starts, and suddenly, something as simple as a bin bag becomes the battleground for frustration.

But recently, as I stood there looking at our overflowing trash, I smiled.

Yes, smiled.

Because that full bin? It’s not just trash. It’s a sign of prosperity.

It means there was food to eat—plates filled, bellies nourished.

It means community was present—laughter around the table, stories shared, even if the kids were loud or the kitchen messy.

It means family—whether by blood or by bond—gathered, connected, and lived life together.

A full trash can is evidence that something good happened. That prayers were answered. That provision showed up. That life—messy, beautiful, loud, and real—was lived.

So the next time the bin is full, I challenge you (and myself) to take it out not with a sigh, but with joy and gratitude.

Gratitude for the meals we didn’t go without.

Gratitude for the people around the table—even when things weren’t perfect.

Gratitude for the noise, the crumbs, the wrappers, and the love that made the mess worth it.

Taking out the trash becomes sacred when you realize what filled it.

So instead of fighting over it, maybe just take it out. Take it out with joy, knowing you’re living in the very blessing you once hoped for.

Thank you for reading my blog today. And hey, don’t let anyone steal your joy—not even a trash bag.

With love,

Maryam

Our Magical Adventure to Stonehenge – A UNESCO Wonder

Hello wonderful, sweet, amazing, and lovely people!

Thank you so much for checking out MaryamsJoyfulLife blog today. I hope you’re not letting anyone or anything steal your joy—remember, your peace is precious!

Today’s post is all about our unforgettable adventure to the legendary Stonehenge, one of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.

We started our journey from Milton Keynes, and the drive took about 2 hours and 20 minutes. We decided to take the scenic route and boy, was it worth it! The English countryside is breathtaking—rolling hills, open fields, and winding roads lined with trees. It reminded us a bit of the back roads in America, especially when we passed a few roadkills (yes, even the UK has wildlife mishaps along the road!).

As we got closer—about two miles away—we caught our first glimpse of Stonehenge in the distance. Even from afar, it was awe-inspiring. When we arrived at the visitor center, the staff kindly told us we had two options: take the shuttle or enjoy a scenic walk to the stones. Naturally, we chose the walk—it felt more adventurous and personal.

On our way, we passed through a peaceful sheep pasture where a herd of sheep were happily grazing. At one point, we veered slightly off course, but with a quick check of the path, we found our way back (it was all part of the fun!).

As we approached the monument, we were surrounded by tourists from all over the world, each one just as amazed as we were. The energy was electric. We soaked in the wonder, snapped pictures, and even filmed a vlog for our YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out at YouTube.com/MaryamsJoyfulLife!

After spending some quality time there, we took the shuttle back to the car park, browsed the gift shop, and couldn’t resist grabbing some sweets to bring home.

This experience was definitely a 10 out of 10 for us. It was magical, refreshing, and deeply memorable.

Thinking of planning your own visit to Stonehenge or any other breathtaking destination? Let MaryamsJoyfulLife Luxury Vacation help you out. Visit Maryamsjoyfullifeluxuryvacation.com or give us a call at 470-765-2745. We’re here to make your dream travels stress-free and joy-filled!

Until next time, stay joyful and keep adventuring!

With love,

Maryam 💛

A Day Out at Willen Lake (a.k.a. Willy Lake) in Milton Keynes 🌞

 

Hey beautiful souls!

Thanks for stopping by MaryamsJoyfulLife today. I’m so excited to share a little slice of our summer adventures here in the UK. Recently, my sweetman and I, along with the kids and family, took a day trip to Willen Lake—also lovingly known as Willy Lake—in Milton Keynes, and it was quite the experience!

Willen Lake is absolutely stunning. The lake stretches nearly 2 miles wide and is surrounded by lush, plush trees and a peaceful hiking trail. It really is a picturesque spot to enjoy a scenic walk or simply soak in the beauty of nature.

We were especially impressed with the water sports area, which features fun slides, a floating castle, and lots of exciting activities for the more adventurous. For little ones, there’s a splash pad, but just a heads-up—you’ll need to pay to access it. (Also, parking at the lake isn’t free, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.)

As we walked around the lake, we spotted swans and ducks gracefully swimming by—such a calming sight. The heat was definitely real that day (hot MK sun, anyone?), and my nephew Shower made sure we knew how he felt about it, haha! The kids weren’t the biggest fans of the heat either, but my sweetman and I really enjoyed the stroll and the views.

There’s a hotel nestled right in the lake village, and if you’re feeling peckish or just want to relax, there’s also a pub where you can grab a pint and a bite to eat. Super convenient and charming!

The baby slept through the whole adventure in her stroller (mama win!), only waking up right at the end—just in time for her feed. 😊

If I had to rate the whole experience, I’d give it a solid 7 out of 10. It was a beautiful place, even if the heat made things a bit tricky for the kids. We’re still having a great time in the UK, and honestly, my sister has been the best host ever—so grateful!

Until next time,

Don’t let anyone steal your joy! 💛

Love always,

Maryam