The lines scripted and the idea how to cast this video review was produced by our 9 year old. Even after half-a-dozen shootings, I still messed up my lines–leave it to us moms to mess up a great thing! hee hee

And, the frustration in my voice over the mess was not me acting. Because, that’s not the only mess in my house after this very long week.

Nonetheless, everything shared in the video is true. I saw immediate results after only one wash with the hair products. The gel didn’t leave any white flakes, and tamed my fly away hair. It even makes my ‘hijab hair’ shine with so much body.

As for my face glowing. In my monthly visits to two of my doctors, that was the very first thing they said to me which my girls witnessed, “Ponn, your face is glowing!” MashaAllah. God has willed. Despite the fact that my eyes (pupils) not the the skin around were tired. I even feel a tightness and smoothness of my face all day and night.

Oh, and I’m acne-free too! I even reduced from using my prescription acne cleansing pads from twice a day to only once in the morning. How’s that for great results!?

So, if you want to receive your prize package and try this new nature and science designed products, please enter today!

Win New Beauty Products That Combines Nature and Science: Mirra

Judging will be based on creativity of your comment, and your need for trying this new innovative facial and hair product line. You may post your entry on your blog as well, but you must comment below with your link and share this article as well.

*Deadline for all entries is 12 midnight EST, Monday, March 22, 2010. 18 years of age or older, U.S. residents only.

Miraa Prize Package

The Mirra facial and hair products prize package includes:

MIRRA RENEW REMODELING CREAM, 1.7 oz: $12.99*

MIRRA RENEW WRINKLE REDUCTION EYE CREAM, 0.5 oz: $12.99*

MIRRA RENEW EXFOLIATING & DETOXIFYING CLEANSER, 5 oz: $6.99*

MIRRA RENEW HYDRATING NIGHT TREATMENT, 1.7 oz: $12.99*

MIRRA HARD HOLD GEL, 8 OZ: $5.99*

MIRRA SMOOTHING Shampoo, 14 OZ: $3.99*

MIRRA SMOOTHING Condition, 14 OZ: $3.99*

* Suggested retail values. Total suggested value: $59.93.

More about Mirra:

In addition to its own consumer research, mirra recently conducted an online survey of over 500 women asking a variety of questions about beauty care products and regimens. Here’s what women said:

• 77 percent said products that have both natural ingredients and proven technologies, work best. Only nine percent said products with all natural ingredients, alone, were best; and 14 percent said the same of science only products.

• 71 percent chose “Take 10” as the best description of their beauty style and routine. They said they don’t have a lot of time and don’t spend a lot of time on their beauty routine – 10 minutes at most. Other options included “soak and savor,” “60 minutes,” and “beat the clock.”

• Their description of a “bad hair day” was evenly split between “flat” (37 percent) and “frizzy” (35 percent). (15 percent said fly-away; 13 percent said oily).

Launching now, mirra products include shampoos and conditioners; hair styling products; body washes and mists; facial and skin care lotions, cleansers and cleansing cloths; eye firming and age defying creams; and cosmetic brushes.

mirra products are made with natural ingredients, such as olive oil, aloe leaf juice, and cranberry, bamboo, honey and chicory root extracts. Proven technologies are used for many of the products too. For example, the revolutionary oleosome emulsion technology is used in skin care products to deliver long lasting moisture that keeps protecting and nourishing skin long after application.

mirra products can be found in the beauty care aisles exclusively at all stores that are part of the Kroger Co. family.
“The mirra products are available at all stores that are part of Kroger – Ralph’s, Fred Meyer, QFC, Dillon’s, King Soopers, and more. Full list is available here.

For a limited time, mirra is offering $5 off when you purchase any two mirra products. To download the coupon visit here.

We thank the Kroger Company for providing the mirra product line for our review, and Global Influence Network for introducing this opportunity to host this giveaway to our readers.

A Gallup poll of Muslims in the United States has found that they are far more likely than people in Muslim countries to see themselves as thriving…Yet, within the United States, Muslims are the least content religious group, when compared with Jews, Mormons, Protestants and Roman Catholics.

American Muslim women, contrary to stereotype, are more likely than American Muslim men to have college and post-graduate degrees. They are more highly educated than women in every other religious group except Jews. American Muslim women also report incomes more nearly equal to men, compared with women and men of other faiths.

Muslim women in the United States attend mosque as frequently as Muslim men — a contrast with many Muslim countries where the mosques are primarily for men. American Muslims are generally very religious, saying that religion is an important part of their daily lives (80 percent), more than any other group except Mormons (85 percent). The figure for Americans in general is 65 percent.

“There is still a sense among American Muslims of being excluded from the mainstream,” Mr. Younis said, “and among young people that’s more acute.”

But the perception is far worse among Muslims in England and France, the study found.

Mr. Younis said the finding “reinforces the proposition that the integration process for American Muslims is, on the whole, a much more successful endeavor than it is for European Muslims.”

Alhumdulilah, Praise be to Allah, American Muslims are one of the most well-educated, wealthiest subsets of America who are growing at record pace–yet, we’re not “content”!?

We’re definitely not being Mu’miniyn (true believers) if we are not grateful for our good fortune and well-being.

Aren’t we being hypocrites when we chose to be disappointed because we “perceive” that the majority of Americans are misled by mass media’s depiction of a stereotypical Muslim American, therefore we can’t be proud of ourselves?

By choosing to sit discontent and idle on the side-lines, rather then choosing to do something constructive or even rejoice in our blessings, we’re not being Mu’miniyn.

Are we purposefully preventing ourselves from being proud simply because we’re not confident enough to know that pride is a good thing?

Honestly, I was greatly disappointed when I read this article because I believe that we are NOT being Proud Muslims…Americans, if we fail to be content when we are fortunate enough to have the freedoms and liberties to practice our faith, receive higher education, and assume wealth from our hard work and efforts. Astagfuillah (May Allah forgive us all).

Having traveled in France last year, my family and I witnessed numerous situations which were not favorable to native Muslim French brothers and sisters.

One instance, my then 8 year old daughter and I will never forget.

She asked, “Mama, why are they treating us so differently? We’re Muslim too…” (as she motioned to the Muslims waiting in line).

I replied, “Yes we are; but, they see us as Americans first…” She looked confused. So, I continued, “They see money, mashaAllah”.

Still confused, I continued, “They’re talking to us in English…They see our clothes…(Yes, in full hijab, I’m still obviously very American ). They see how we walk” (We trained our girls to walk tall with confidence. Unfortunately, every Muslim mom and their children that night walked sheepishly, embarrassed or even ashamed.) “We’re Americans”. [I didn't hold a tone of arrogance, I was just stating a fact. Yar Rabb, forgive me if I did not. Ameen].

So, we made du’a for our brothers and sisters who were sitting at the back corner of the restaurant closest to the bathrooms, as we were seated and served. We were sad that they did not even turn our way as my girls were eagerly trying to make salam. Even when we took a bathroom break, not a head (even the children) motioned our ways as the girls were trying to get one toddler’s attention.

I praised Allah, and explained to the girls “MashaAllah, see they are even more humble then us…we should learn to lower our gaze as they are.”

I no longer saw it as embarrassed hunching over away from attention. They were simply enjoying their meals with their families not bothered by anyone else, and present to teach us a lesson too; subhanallah.

The girls still didn’t like that we were we getting food to go, we were attended to before the French Muslims in line. Even when my husband said that they were ahead of us, the French brother said “no, no, no…” and motioned to the worker to go ahead. We said “Merci, Shukran, JazakaAllahkhir, Thank You”, unaware which they’d understand best.

We thanked Allah for all these lessons learned, and asked that He protect us and assure that we were accepting their treatment humbly.

Alhumdulilah, we had an opportunity to give all our left overs to a homeless non-Muslim man sitting outside the door, as everyone else walked by. My eldest was most proud, and before she took a bite of her juicy red apple, she smiled and offered her dessert to him as well. She looked up at me, “That was good, right Mama?…I shared our fortune.” “MashaAllah”, I remarked proudly.

As for England, mashaAllah, the treatment of Muslims as described by my brother and sister-in-law is not great either. Yet, Muslim Brits, mashaAllah, are one of the most dedicated, proud, productive Mu’mininyn in this world, despite living in a non-Muslim country.

So, yes as Muslim Americans we have it much better than our brothers and sisters in France and England; yet they are choosing to their lives completely devoted to Allah, in a state of happiness and pride. So, why are we choosing to be discontent?!

Shame on us, for not choosing happiness. It’s time to stop whining.

We need to do something about our situations and get involved.

Okay, so we’re more educated…big deal if we’re not happy!

We’re making money…so what if we’re not even enjoying the provisions we have for our families.

We’re even more religious than others (so the research says, based on masjid attendance)…Yet, we’re not even at peace with ourselves.

If we were we were practicing our deen (way of life) proudly; when surveyed in a Gallup pool we’d answered in a state of happiness not discontent. Which did not happen.

While I may be stretching what I read to deduce that we’re a bunch of whiners and cry-babies; I’m simply trying to shade light to these information.

But, it did not take my reading this article to prove to me the overall discontent in the Muslim American ummah (community) because if one just steps itno a masajid, Islamic school, or any Islamic institution in America one would witness somewhere state of discontent.

Many times I have to take my girls away from Muslim Americans because all they do is whine and cry usually very loudly, passionately, and unnecessarily. Actually, un-Islamically in many cases too. My non-Muslim parents witnessed unhappiness at their first Eid prayer, my late mother’s first visit to a masjid for our girls Sunday Islamic school. It was and still is very sad to see how miserable Muslim Americans choose to live their lives.

In the Glorious Qur’an, regarding happiness

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and work righteousness, Tuba (all kinds of happiness or name of a tree in Paradise) is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return.  (Surah ar-Rad, Chapter #13, Verse #29)

But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient – and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world. ( Surah Fussilat, Chapter #41, Verse #35)

Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. ( SurahAz-Zukhruf, Chapter #43, Verse #70)

“Eat and drink with happiness because of what you used to do.” ( Surah At-tur, Chapter #52, Verse #19)

So, what do I propose!?

• We must let your educated, passionate, believing, positive, happy voices be heard.
• Participate. Volunteer. Offer to help your brothers and sisters in distress.
• Offer to listen, counsel and advise our unhappy brothers and sisters.
• Allow yourself to complain *only* if you follow-through with action steps to change the issues causing you distress.
• Make dawaa (the invitation to Islam) first to our brothers and sisters in Islam, and then to others (non-Muslims). We have an obligation to help our brothers and sisters stay on the straight path by practicing Islam based solely on the Qur’an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him).
• STOP using the lack of time, energy, resources, etc. as an excuse!

So, am I angry? No.

Am I discouraged? No.

Have I lost hope? Never!

Do I believe? Forevermore.

So, don’t stop believing either.

Even during times of distress (from the page):

It is by Allah’s grace that you have dealt gently with them. Had you been harsh and hard- hearted, they would surely have broken away from you. Therefore pardon them and pray for forgiveness for them and consult with them in the conduct of public affairs. When you have resolved about a course of action, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (Surah Aal-`Imran 3:159)

…People always need compassion, care, a cheerful face, and patient forbearance which is not exhausted by people’s ignorance and weaknesses. People need someone with a big heart to give them all it can and ask them nothing, to share with them their worries, without burdening them with its own worries. They need someone whom they always expect to be caring, sympathetic, loving, content, and forbearing. Allah’s Messenger had all these characteristics, and these were the distinctive aspects of his life among his Companions. He never took for himself anything of the enjoyments of this world; on the contrary, he gave them all that he possessed with a smile and a cheerful heart. His forbearance, compassion, care, and sympathy were extended to all. Everyone of those who came in contact with the Prophet was full of love to him, because of what the Prophet generously gave him of his love….

Now, knowing we are not having a time of distress…it is our duty to put our trust in Allah, choose to smile with a cheerful heart, filled with love for whatever situation may pass us–even humbly accept our good fortune, and give back for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.

What better time to do this then during the last 10 days of Ramadan?

As always, please share your kind thoughts and opinions in the comments area below.

Also during September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend. For every “T-mail” sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. [I just sent one of each of my daughters in less than 2-minutes ]You can also purchase a limited-edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.

Alhumdulilah (Praise be to Allah), while my To-Do List is extra huge for the next 48-hours due to anticipated family visitations and Ramadan preparations, I feel blessed that the below article was in my inbox for us all to read and reflect. I found Shaikh Mishary’s video recording of Sister Zohra’s first tip, and just covered my desk with tissues.

6 Stress-Busters

In today’s society of fast paced living, who isn’t stressed? Everything must be done in a rush, and there is no time to just sit and relax. We feel we must do more and in a hurry to keep up with the world around us. We also find it hard to refuse people and can’t say no to their requests, which adds more stress to our already stressful life. I have to tell you, if you’re stressed you must continue to read and take action to lower your stress levels, insha’Allaah. The following are some tips to help you insha’Allaah:

1. Listen to the Qur’aan, paying attention to the meaning. This is the most soothing part of my stressful day; I will listen to Surah Ar-Rahmaan; sometimes I will even cry as I am listening to this surah, to let everything out, and yet remember, “Which of His favors can we ever deny”. It just humbles me, and reminds me of my blessings and it calms me down tremendously alhamdulillaah.

*

2. Pray 2 rakaah nafl. Sometimes we need to stop everything when we’re stressed, make wudhoo, and pray 2 rakaah nafl, and cry it out to Allaah (SWT). It is only He that can relieve us of our stress. Go to Him, and tell Him, and ask Him for mercy and help.3. Make sure you are not dehydrated. Drink lots of water, or green tea. Have at least 8 cups to make sure you’re hydrated through out the day; this alone has been a major stress reducer. Dehydration is also the cause of many headaches. We often forget to take care of ourselves, and water is one drink that many of us do not drink enough of; put sticky notes up everywhere to drink 8 cups a day, to remind you, insha’Allaah.4. Say “No” to extra work. You have to set boundaries. Just let people know kindly that you can’t do certain things, and that you already have enough on your plate. Learn to say “NO”. This has been one of the hardest things for me to do. So I know it can be tough, but after awhile you will realize it’s not so bad, insha’Allaah.5. Stop procrastinating and get things done. De-cluttering helps the mind relax, while mess causes the mind stress As a mom I hate my house to be messy. Seeing it that way stresses me out. When I see it messy I must leave my work and take out 15 minutes to clean it up, and then go back to what I was doing. The hard part is doing it, yet, after I have cleaned the mess I feel relieved, and happy to be back at work.6. 5 times a day. Usually our day is so jam-packed that we forget to enjoy it. We’re always in a hurry to do one thing and then the next. Stop for a moment, and relax. Think of something funny, or go online and sign up for the joke of the day. This way you make sure you smile at least once every day. You know it only takes 17 muscles in our face to smile, and 41 to frown.

   “They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: ‘Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travelers in need. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.’” –

   -The Holy Quran, 2:215

Having a hectic Monday? Did this article help you regain focus and clarity? Please share your experiences below.

Boost Metabolism  by Walking Every Day

Every time you get your heart pumping your metabolism kicks up a notch. Walking a half mile per day or a mile per day is better for you than walking 2 ½ to 5 miles per week. When you walk every day, your heart takes action and your increase in metabolism will help work off calories. You will burn more fat by doing short daily workouts than by doing longer ones once per week. Short bursts of activity periodically will keep your fat burning at a higher level, even when at rest.

Walk 20 Minutes For More Energy

People who are physically active on a regular basis have more energy all day long. Take a 20 minute walk and you will find that you have more energy after wards. Your body releases hormones during exercise. Even moderate exercise will boost your mood and reduce stress, as well as give you more energy.

Fight Food Cravings-Take A Walk

Research shows that the more time you spend sitting, the more prone you are to overeating and snacking. Exercise helps to control your appetite. Studies have shown that even chocoholics have been better able to resist temptation after a 20 minute walk!

Walking Makes You Healthier

A walk every day will boost your metabolism and also lower your risk of heart attack. Physical activity protects your heart from disease because walking increases the capacity of your heart and blood vessels for pumping blood for several hours after activity. Consistent daily walkers have a higher metabolism, stronger heart, fewer food cravings and in general are healthier. Add walking to your daily routine and make it as important as brushing your teeth to maintain life long good health.

So, are you a walker? A walker-wanna-be? Did this awesome article encourage you to start walking? Most cellphones these days have a pedometer on it, so its really convenient to keep track of how active you are in and out of the house. So, why not start today? Please share your thoughts, experience, and/or questions in the comments section below.

Anxiety is characterized as extreme reactions to fearful situations. When someone follows you into a dark alley, those anxious feelings of a racing heartbeat and sweaty palms gives way to heightened senses and a rush of adrenalin that can save your life. This is the fight or flight syndrome.

In the case of frequent anxiety, the fearful feelings are dread of a particular situation and not the situation itself. Getting caught in traffic can cause an anxiety attack over what might happen when you get to work late. Starting a new job can bring on anxiety attacks. You don’t know anyone and fear of that unknown can send you into a panic.

Everyone experiences panic or anxiety in small ways. Like the fight or flight example, it can save your life. In new situations, we get panicky but when the outcome we fear fails to materialize, the anxiety stops. For someone with chronic anxiety, this is not the case.

Every situation that brings anxiety is not life-threatening. More than likely it is an extremely stressful situation that has brought on the anxiety as a way of dealing with it. Unchecked anxiety of this type can lead to depression.

If you suffer from anxiety attacks on occasion or a more frequent anxiety disorder, there are steps you can take to keep your anxiety under control.

8 Effective Steps to Manage Anxiety

1. See a professional. This is always a good first step. Self-diagnosis of any type of physical or mental condition is unwise and can be dangerous. A professional psychologist can help you understand your anxiety and prescribe medication or other effective techniques.

2. Get a good night’s sleep. During the sleep cycle, your body repairs itself. You feel more rested after several hours of restorative sleep, reaching the REM stage. Most people need eight hours a night which varies within an hour or two each way.

3. Exercise on a consistent basis. Exercise helps you to use oxygen more efficiently. It helps to get more oxygen to the brain. It also increases focus which may help you see solutions to problems rather than simply worrying about them.

4. Meditated breathing. Yoga is an exercise that involves quieting the mind and controlling your breathing. As Muslims, we should not say mantras. One should only remember Allah (May He be Glorified). Simple mediation such as taking 5 minutes to clear your mind everyday can work wonders in the fight against anxiety.

5. Manage the worry. When you feel your pulse start to quicken, count backwards from ten. As you count, focus on the situation. What has actually happened? Resist the urge to read anything more into the situation.

6. Don’t use alcohol. First, it’s haram (prohibited). Second, while one might think that the glass of wine can relax tension, alcohol is a depressant. In anxious situations some rely too heavily on it and gain many other problems in the process.

7. Find some relaxing activities. Stress can strip you of your energy. On a regular basis, do something you like such as gardening, journaling, reading, crafts, or listening to the Qur’an.

8. Pray all 5 prayers at their prescribed time. We saved the most important, and easiest, for last. By maintaining regular, consistent, humble, sincere and focused awareness to Our Creator, He will alleviate any and all anxieties.

Anxiety can come into your life at any time. It’s normal. When the anxiety becomes frequent you could be at risk for more serious conditions. If you feel your anxiety is starting to take over your life or increasingly causing you problems, seek professional help immediately. There is no need to suffer this terrible condition in silence.

they knew it’d make them laugh!

Even at the growing age of 9 years, our “babies” can still share some classic laughs.

My dear friend Jen shared a cute “Tiny Talk” episode this week, and when this happened to us the other day, I just had to share our “Tiny Talk” episode too.

Our eldest had to draw blood yesterday, because our doctor is trying to rule out Lyme Disease. Even though she witnessed her youngest sister draw blood with courage and patience for years now she was still hesitant and a bit weary.

Then, as I sat beside her–together we said “Bismillah” (In the name of God). Subhanallah (Only God works in perfect ways) she said,

it’s making my armpits tickle!

We all started laughing so hard. The phlebotomist said that was a first…and that

if that happened to every kid; no one would ever be afraid of me

Our daughter continued to laugh as she put a neon pink bandaid on her, and while she gave her a “I drew blood today” sticker, she continued,

I have to make a sticker and pass it out to every kid “I laughed when I drew blood today“.

None of us will ever forget a that moment

I’d love to hear any of your cute kids’ wise words, funny remarks, classic opinions, and more. Feel free to share them below.

Thanks Holly for a magnificent find:

One Free one-hour yoga workout each week by Yoga Today!

Just yesterday at the library, my girls found 2 Beginners’ Yoga DVDs for me to get started again.

Unfortunately, I’m undergoing yet another 3-day a week physical therapy schedule for my back, neck and shoulders (all due to my rare brain disorder). Fortunately, I always get out safely if I get into a good low-impact physical activity schedule. The last two times, I got into a wonderful yoga routine, my problem is sticking to it without the one-on-one attention of my physical therapist.

Destined, inshaAllah/God willing, NOT to ever return to the physical therapist after this session ends–I’m committed to 4-5 days a week of yoga for the rest of my life!

I’m definitely reaching for the sky; but here are a few reasons why I’m destined, inshaAllah to make it my lifelong habit:

• Yoga plays a positive impact in my physical, emotional, neurological life,
• Having free, professional, different workouts in the convenience of our own homes make this workout acceptable and unescapable of excuses not to workout, and
• Yoga brings great happiness, peace, balance, organization, time-management (through our daily routine), healthier lifestyle (healthier eatting, sleeping, etc.) and much more to my home and family, because my girls always do the workouts with me and hubby always encouages, supports and loves anything good for our family.

Never tried yoga? Well, here’s your chance.

Love yoga? Then, join me. How long do you think we can keep our yoga routine going?

We have no excuse–It’s Free!

So, let’s motivate each other to a healthier, happier body and mind. If you’re in for the challenge, comment below.

Now, that it’s summer swimming season, we’re putting it every night they spend time in the chlorine-filled pool water.

I was actually nervous putting it on the girls’ eyes the first time, but now I’m a pro

• Sit down in a chair, bed,etc.
• Have the girls kneel-up straight up, like you’re fixing their hair, with their backs towards you, in between my knees.
• Do not tilt their heads at all. Pretend you’re putting it in your own eyes, and touch only their eyes
• Hold the eye lids apart, tilting the bottom one upward towards you, so you get a clean-swipe with the kohl.
• Hold the kohl stick with your right-hand and make one quick swipe.

It takes a bit of practice doing their left-eye, but with 3 girls I got a lot of practice…especially since they like how it looks on them So, just be patient.

How to preform hijaamah/cupping

• Video: with glass cups, fire, and the release of blood (in Arabic) based on Sunnah

Cupping Therapy (not necessarily Sunnah)

• Video interview and demonstration using fire and glass, bamboo or plastic cups with air-suction (an alternative to massage therapy)

• More Cupping videos using different cupping sets

We’ve always known about the below ahadeeth regarding recommended & permissible sports in Islam, and I’ve been researching any place economical to get our girls into lessons: specifically Archery & Horseback Riding…

Allah Ta’ala says, And (He created) horses, mules, and donkeys for you to
ride and as adornment….(16:8),

and the Prophet (peace be on him) said, “There is blessing in the forelocks of horses.” (Reported by Ahmad.)

He also said, “Practice archery and horseback riding.” (Reported by Muslim.)

And again, Any action without the remembrance of Allah is either a diversion or heedlessness excepting four acts: walking from target to target (during archery practice), training a horse, playing with one’s family, and learning to swim. (Reported by al-Tabarani on good authority.)

Said ‘Umar, “Teach your children swimming and archery, and tell them to jump on the horse’s back.”

Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Prophet (peace be on him) organized horse races and gave a prize to the winner. (Reported by Ahmad.) All this was done by the Prophet (peace be on him) to encourage competition in sports involving physical exercise and
discipline.

Viola!

1. Introducation to Horseback Riding

Horse Is A Horse [Ages 8+. So we'll start off with our eldest daughter].
Learn the basics of horsemanship with a very interactive learning environment provided by Rosehaven Stabes located at 31 Valley View Drive off East Main Street in Meriden. Learn about horse breeds, riding disciplines as well as how to groom, tack and ride a horse. Rosehave will offer an introductory five week clinic for beginners. Each Child will need her own trasportation to and from Rosehaven Stables.

*Introductory 5 week clinic Session 1. Every Thursday. [We just missed the 1st session last Thursday]. $50 + annual membership to Girls Inc. ($30/year. May – May. They’ll include April for us ]

Click here for more details ==> Girls Inc. of Meriden

2. Archery & Air Rifle
at the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden.

They have clinics & drop-in sessions for 8-9 yo+. So, our eldest will start now too!

$40/annual membership year ends August 31st.

But, look at ALL these Art, Educational, Gym Classes, Open Gym & Computer Lab! WOW! What a steal!

3. Swimming
Meriden Parks & Recreation
Click here for Program brochure.

INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS
pool on the following dates and times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from
6:30-7:45PM as-well-as Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2008 pool pass. Available for
purchase at the Parks and Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00
for children ages 17 and under. Potential recipients must come to the office inperson
and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.

They said they’ve been doing this for 15+ years.
Member pass valid calendar year: Jan. 1 – Dec. 31st.

Bummed, we didn’t know about this during the winter; but Subhanallah, excited to find it now because this will be the first Summer without our own pool

Insha’allah, anyone local–drop a note and come join us anytime!

Here’s our run-down:

Dress

David’s Bridal flower girl dresses, and Dillard’s Cinderella collection. Not to be too catty (well…), but our gown as much more gorgeous than any of the ones listed here. Ours had two tiers, ivory and white, mutliple pearls, then a big bow in the back with a minor train (very tasteful in length).

Shoes

Shoe Carnival’s white bow tie slipper shoes. [They have the best sales...we'll have to save a whole post just on "how to buy at Shoe Carnival" for late].

Hair accessories

Ringstone tiaras, hair combs with pearls and twirly ringstone hair ties from Claires.

Outerware – We love it! {In Weasey’s squeally voice from DragonTales}

David’s Bridal Faux fur muffs

Faux Fur Cape

Make-up

Lancome Starlette Illuminating Loose Powder Intense Sparkle: Light. [Body Powder glitter]

Victoria’s Secret – Beauty Rush Lip Gloss- clear, vanilla flavor.

Undergarments

We always get Hanes. Believe me we’ve tried all the brands, and Hanes has the best selection on characters, wonderful cotton–stains always come out, and it’s thick enough so the undershirts keep their shape. Most brands, as Hanes, are all tagless these days…but, with 3 girls, some undershirts have survived more than one chick. So, wearability is great!

Mama & all 3 chicks give: 3/4 stars because our outfits are not cheap! But, we give a full 5th star becuase we get originality, style, grace, and much more as we enter everywhere we go for the holidays.

So, “Dress like a Princess” gets a grand total of 4 stars!

Please share watcha think below!

At the very least, we can sign-up our children 6-18, and parents (details below). Do not start logging hours, just read the wealth of info available.

We will determine an official start date & week. At which time, we will all complete the “Active Lifestyle Prg” which is 6 full-weeks of 8 weeks where each participant will log online their own physical activities 60-mins. each day, 5 of 7 days a week 6 of 8 weeks for under 18 and 30-mins. For 18+ years.

The certificates of completion will cost us 25-75 cents for each participant.

After these 8 weeks, anyone can continue to participate in the Champions Prg. Which is accumulating points to gain Bronze, Silver & Gold medals.

My ultimate goal is to do the 5 activities one Park Day (starting day) and “train” the 6 of 8 weeks, and post-test to score them for the Presidential Fitness Challenge. 50th and 85th percentiles get awards; below 50th percentiles get participant certificates.

Anyone can order patches, pins, shirts, etc. for our participation too.

The major drawbacks are 8 weeks later brings us into end of Nov. So, we we’ll have to test in a “gym”, with at least a pull-up bar. I called 2 of the elementary schools participating in the prg., as recommended by the staff. But, a week later no one called back.

Also, I know we’ll be here at least until the end of October, but not for sure about Nov forward (trying to move back to the NorthEast). So, unless someone else wants to test all the kids, OR if we all decide to “test” our own children, all the calculators, rankings, etc. are available online and I can share the instructions. Also, regular schools post-test April-May. The Prg. Said it’ll take up to 2 months to get certificates out, but any other time like Winter, early Spring they’ll mail out the same day.

The Whitehouse gym would be a great alterative? We only need 1 day to test. Tam-o-Shanter will charge. BUT, as my girls are NOT doing gym this year, maybe we can get someone else to ask with me. For example, can the kids “test” as an activity on-day, as their activity??

I will bring all documentation (everything is online, details below) on Thursday’s mttg to share more.