This is my first granny square afghan. (I made a giant granny square afghan last year but this is my first time to make small grannies and then crochet them together.) 

I used a simple sunburst pattern for the inside of the granny squares in order to create a 'flower' effect but then finished it with double crochet on the outside. 

The blanket came out relatively small - more like a lapghan than an afghan - because I only used 24 squares. I then added a multi-round border using double crochet for the blue and single crochet for the other colors in order to emphasize the blue a bit. I deliberately chose vibrant, loud colors because my 2.5 year old tends to be a bit on the quiet/shy side and I wanted a bit of contrast. I used Excel yarn and a 5mm hook. 

Since this was my first granny afghan, I wanted to keep it small so that I could experiment. Some of the skills I learned in the making: how to randomize the colors, how to crochet the sunburst pattern, how to join grannies and how to complete a border. Though I really enjoyed the process of this, I will likely choose a more simpler color scheme next time and also try to more closely follow a pattern for the entire afghan (I am still not proficient in following patterns!)

Because we were raised to believe that if you didn't have something good to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. 

One of my favorite fruits is avocado. Creamy, low in natural sugar, great source of fiber, potassium and Vitamins B, C and E, the avocado is an very healthy, versatile food that's great for babies, children and moms. 

Avocado is a great first food for babies as it has a mild taste and a much higher nutritional value than most other fruits. They are also easy to mash up. You can take a ripe avocado and a spoon in your diaper bag for a quick baby snack that's fresh, healthy and easy to fix on the go.  

Guacamole is the most popular avocado dish but my kids won't eat it so instead I slice avocados or mix them in scrambled eggs or salads. 

Breakfast - dice it up and use it to make breakfast tacos. Add diced tomatoes, chilis, onion and avocado to hot pan with a bit of olive oil, pour in 2 or three beaten eggs and scramble. Serve on mini tortillas. 

Lunch - Avocado works great as a substitute for meat in sandwiches but I like it with chicken salad and ciabatta. I use half mayo/half yogurt in the chicken salad to reduce the calories. I also dice up the avocado and mix it with grapes or kiwi or apples and a wee bit of lemon juice for a healthy fruit salad. 

Dinner - Grilled chicken and avocado salad. We grill chicken breasts with a touch of olive oil and lemon and then for the salad use avocado, tomatoes, red onions, garlic, coriander, spinach and feta cheese. 

Avocados are high in fat so use them sparingly. As you can see none of the above are diet foods but all are healthy and yummy. Most avocados' growing season is August to October/November but the Hass variety, which can be found at local markets in Kuwait, is available all year round. 

Great news Moms - Issue #6 of the Kuwait Moms Guide Newsletter is in your inbox now. We hope you enjoy and we would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, questions or comments. 

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There really is nothing better for your child's future academic performance, not to mention understanding of the world, vocabulary, ability to think critically and to do research, empathy and simply entertaining themselves as encouraging them to read. Download a printable version here.

Thanks to April Greer for creating such a very useful infographic. 

There are dozens of small playgrounds around Kuwait, especially along the Corniche. This weekend we explored a few new ones that the girls hadn't played at before. 

There are several between the Scientific Center and the Marina Crescent but the two I liked the most are the ones almost directly across from the Amro bin al Ass Street (where the American University of Kuwait and the Kuwait Palace Hotel are located). 

There is a lovely fountain and water installation and just a few meters down is a little playground with climbing structure, slides and a climbing wall. There were swings there but they've been removed (not doubt vandalized). Keep walking toward the Scientific Center and you will find a lovely little tree-lined pathway with a 'creek' - my girls absolutely adored it and crossed back and forth on the stones and wanted to 'fish' in it. 

A little further down is another play area with a baby swing, exercise bars and a spinning triangle climbing thing (anyone know what to call this?). The kids loved it as they can climb up and then are pushed like on a merry-go-round. The baby swing is not meant for babies but would be suitable for toddlers. Both play areas were clean and well maintained (not counting the missing swings).

Since there are only a few more weeks left of comfortable weather before the summer begins, I suggest letting the kids spend as much time outside as possible. Check out our full list of great parks & playgrounds in Kuwait to plan your next adventure. 

To find it, you have to park at the Scientific Center and walk toward Marina Crescent for about 2km or you have to park just past the Amro bin al Assa Street red light (where they are building the new Prime and Toast) and walk back. 

Don't forget to sign up for the Kuwait Moms Guide Newsletter to receive regular updates, news, events and other useful information for moms in Kuwait. 

(Thanks to Veronika and family for the excursion!)

How do you carve out mommy alone time? 

Use plastic shower rings hung on a coat hanger to keep all your scarfs fresh and organized and not taking up too much space in your closet or slipping on the floor. 

Kids can learn to crochet a headband with the help of the kind ladies at Sadu House. For children 8+ years and taught in two sessions. 

I don't know the fee but if interested, call them at 2243-2395 or email them info@alsadu.org.kw