Excerpted from the new book Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business

The right boards, beautifully named, won’t do you much good if they aren’t housing winning pins. And let’s face it: the pics (and videos) you post are what will make or break your Pinterest reputation and determine how far you can go.

Not all pins are created equal. Just posting any old photo or video won’t get visitors to follow your boards or find out more about you. In general, you want answer these 7 questions before you pin.

1. Is it Appropriate?

Be sure to think before you pin anything that might violate another’s privacy or your own. A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t want the image or information to appear on the front page of The New York Times, then it doesn’t belong on Pinterest.

2. Is it Interesting, Cute, Unique, Beautiful, and/or Funny?

The only thing a visitor to your Pinterest account may use to determine whether they want to stay is their first glance at the pictures you post.

Anyone who has ever read a Match.com profile knows that certain attributes are highly desirable in a potential date. The same goes for Pinterest pins. Pins that are interesting, funny, cute, beautiful, or unique stand a better chance of getting repinned and asked out on a second date.

If visitors aren’t intrigued enough by the image to go further, they may never get to your bio, click through to your website, or even read the description of the pin.

3. Is It on Brand, Message, and Target?

A high-end cosmetic dentist’s Pinterest boards probably won’t feature photos of cute little bunnies lying in the sun—but a veterinarian’s site just might.

Whatever images you end up pinning, they won’t move your marketing forward if they aren’t congruent with your brand and on message and on target for your audience. Likewise, spending your efforts posting things that help craft an accurate and powerful picture of who you are as a business and brand makes viewers want to further engage with you.

For example: GoGirl Finance (http://pinterest.com/ gogirlfinance/) has a board called “Personal Finance,” which offers a host of “how-to” pins on how to handle your money, including one on “5 Ways to Help (or Hurt) Your Credit Score.”

4. Does it move and/or inspire? Check out the “Happiness” board pin from Passion and Positivity (http://pinterest.com/positiveiquotes/), which focuses on aspirational messages and images.

5. Does it show us how to do something better, faster, cheaper, etc?

 Fitness Magazine (http://pinterest.com/fitnessmagsa/) has a whole board titled “Work Those Abs,” with pins showing ways to get tight and toned.

6. Does it educate, enlighten, or entertain? Dr. Mehmet Oz, (http://pinterest.com/ doctoroz/) of Oprah fame, has a strong presence on Pinterest, with over 100,000 followers. His “Oz Lists” board offers educational information on healthy foods such as the “100 Foods Dr. Oz Wants in Your Grocery Cart” pin.

7. Does it tell a Story, with Feeling?

A picture is worth a thousand words. Photos that evoke a strong emotion, tell a story, or communicate a clear message make great pins. One way to evaluate whether your image has the right stuff is to think of a single word that expresses the idea, meaning, story, or message you want to convey. Then take that word and find images that match.

Keep in mind that even pins that meet these criteria are subject to size limitations. While Pinterest doesn’t limit the vertical size of the image you can post, it only allows for a horizontal width of 600 pixels. Anything wider will be resized. However, it’s best to avoid a long vertical that requires visitors to scroll down to view the entire image. Instead, keep your vertical size to under 5,000 pixels. On the other side of the coin, images that are too small (under 250 pixels wide or deep) end up looking teeny-tiny and don’t catch the eye.

Karen Leland is the bestselling author of 8 business books including the recently released Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Pinterest For Business, which can be purchased at Amazon as a hard copy or kindle version. She is the president of Sterling Marketing Group, where she works with small businesses and Fortune 500 on building stronger personal brands for leaders and entrepreneurs and business and team brands for organizations. She writes the Modern Marketing Blog at www.karenleland.com.

Haven’t even thought of all these questions…did you? Which one do you value most?

Thursday May 16 –  Educational Information for Pinterest – Reviews From Educators on American Muslim Mom Homeschool channel

Tuesday, May 21 – Does Your Profile Make a Good Impression on Kid Bloggers Club

Wednesday, May 22 – 7 Questions to Consider Before You Pin on American Muslim Mom

Thursday, May 23 – 10 Pinterest boards every business on Publicity Spark

Tuesday, May 28 – 5 Ways Authors Can Expand Their Pinterest Audience on Ebook Bestseller Journey

7 Questions To Consider Before You Pin on Pinterest is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post 7 Questions To Consider Before You Pin on Pinterest appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

I touched on very briefly some issues we had here regarding a couple of hateful situations when we first moved to L.A. , and the success of it never occurring again came from our actively doing most of the tips shared in this well-researched guest post. We actually know the local officers responsible for our neighborhood, we live is an extremely low crime area, and got to know our neighbors better who are always watching out for us–even as we stroll the streets as we love taking the metro and public transportation here. So, if you’ve ever been concerned about creating a safer neighborhood it first starts with you! Enjoy this great post.

Peace of mind is possible when a neighborhood is safe for the entire family. How can you relax when you’re constantly worried about your children being harmed? Making a neighborhood safe is the responsibility of every person in the area, and you can make a difference where you live.

Identify the Dangers

According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), it’s important you know the facts about your neighborhood. Look up the statistics related to crime in your area. Find out which crimes occur most often, and talk to your neighbors about their perceptions on crime in the area. Knowledge is a powerful tool when aiming to make a neighborhood as safe as possible. You need to know what the neighborhood requires before you can take real action to improve the situation.

Talk to Your Neighbors

According to the City of Green Bay, you should know as many as 20-30 of your closest neighbors. The more neighbors you know, the better you are able to impact your community. Get involved and talk to your neighbors. Use the facts you’ve discovered about crime rates in the area to open the lines of communication. Ask their opinion about what’s normal in the area and what is not.

Consider organizing a block party, or invite your nearest neighbors over for an afternoon gathering during the summer months. You’ll be able to learn more about them and vice versa, and you can discuss getting the entire community involved in an effort to make the neighborhood safer.

Set Up a Neighborhood Watch

The NCPC reports that the neighborhood watch started during the Colonial Era, and it’s still a powerful tool for preventing crime. Talk to your neighbors about setting up a Neighborhood Watch and get the sheriff’s office involved in the process.

Ask neighbors who stay home regularly to watch for crime and report any suspicious activity to the police. Also consider setting up a security system to protect your family from break-ins and similar problems. You can explore different monitoring systems at http://www.securitycompanies.com.

With a neighborhood watch and a security system in place, your home is a less-likely target.

Clean Up Your Neighborhood

A neighborhood watch helps, but according to the NCPC, vacant lots, abandoned cars and similar conditions contribute to a neighborhood’s crime rate. You need to take measures to make your locality less tempting.

Make arrangements with the entire family and your neighbors to clean up the neighborhood. Children can help by picking up trash in public areas and helping to organize bake sales to fund beautification projects.

Keep Track of Your Children

Even if you have take all these measures to help protect your children, you still need to keep up with their activities and interests. The NCPC recommends you set limits for your children and know where they are when they’re spending time with friends. Make sure they have the phone numbers of trusted family members, friends and neighbors when you aren’t home.

Every neighborhood has the potential to reduce crime. The key is getting involved in your local community and setting up programs that can keep all of the children in the community safe.

What do you think of these wise tips? Do you have successful solutions to share? Please share below!

How to Create a Safer Neighborhood for Everyone is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post How to Create a Safer Neighborhood for Everyone appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

SubhanAllah, Glory be to Allah, I’m so happy I asked my email list what are the top issues preventing our Muslim moms from staying motivated. What are their hardest areas in life to remain faithful to Allah, maintain health (religious, mental, emotional, physical, etc.) in our roles as mothers, and how we can explore our critical roles as financial managers to our household’s wealth (money, property, investments, saving, etc.)

By asking these questions I can better prioritize what issues to discuss first.

Procrastination Tips for Muslim Moms

Procrastination Tip #1 for Muslim Moms

The first thing response was “don’t put off for tomorrow, what can be done today.”

The conclusion of this particular fatwa regarding procrastination shares

If you start to do something, then hasten to do it and do not slow down or neglect it. Hastening to do such things is a praiseworthy action:

“And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord…” [Qur'an: Aal ‘Imraan 3:133]. If you start to do something, then stick to it, even if it is only a little, for the most beloved of deeds to Allaah are those that are continuous, even if they are little.

If you have time to read the fatwa, I highly recommend it since it talks in great detail how we should always prioritize Allah, subhana Allahu wa Ta’al, May He be Glorified, in all that we do, even if it’s as small as many dhkir (remembrance of Allah).

Procrastination Tip #2 for Muslim Moms

I wanted to start with the topic of procrastination because this sister shared, “I’d rather have a routine with regard to schooling and the Islamic learning and In Shaa Allah, it looks like in another couple of months…”. She that they are an extremely mobile family due to her husband’s work schedule, different timezones, etc.

Yes, it’s easier said then done, but you’re asking a mom of 3 girls who for 4 years was in a different city, state or country no longer than 4-months at one time. We were never in the same time zone, flying, driving, even on boats and ferries across timezones.

Establish a routine with the pillars of Islam guiding your day,  and most appropriate for your own family and present circumstances–NO one else’s.

Our only routine was our daily five prayers, ibadah (acts of worship), healthy meals, and the girls getting 9-12 hours of sleep at night.

Routines can and should be ANY routine that meets your present situation; not a “routine” defined by anyone else.

Procrastination Tip #3 for Muslim Moms

Act now, speak now, learn now, and seek assistance now!

SubhanAllah, since we home/car/airplane-school; we obviously take every opportunity to educate our girls in their religious and secular studies.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allaah in his du’aa’s (supplications) from feeling helpless and laziness, and he taught us to strive to do things which will benefit us in this world and in the Hereafter. He told us: “Strive to do that which will benefit you, and seek the help of Allaah, and do not feel helpless.” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 4816). Always be conscious of Allaah, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Fear Allaah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. (Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always,) and die not except in a state of Islam [as Muslims (with complete submission to Allaah)].” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:102]

To remain conscious that death can be upon us all, all the time; we’re forced to Pray as if it’s our last prayer, fast as it’s our last day of fasting, speak righteously as it’s our last time we speak to this person, learn as much as we can as if cannot learn anymore, and ask forgiveness as a devout Muslim, as if we’ll never wake up for another day.

It’s not a morbid way of living, it’s a liberating one! We teach our girls that we should act as if there’s no second-chances. It forces us to act with taqwa (God consciousness), have no regrets, and remain humble as servants to Allah.

Now, to some practical tips:

Procrastination Tip #4 for Muslim Moms

Access Your Duties and Time, Then Eliminate Distractions

You need to find where you’re most productive and when you’re most distracted. Apply the 80-20 Rule to your daily activities. Do more of your productive duties during your most productive hours in your day; and eliminate or at least wean out the distractions and even block times in your day to take care of these distractions.

For example, if you’re writing a school or work assignment, close down your emailbox completely. I love gmail so much because I use it for google voice, google docs, google drive, google+, youtube, gchat, etc. However, just writing all these google products, there’s obviously a dozen distractions just by having gmail opened in one tab. So, I close that tab completely when I’m working. I train my girls to do the same, since we use these products for homeschool assignments too.

My girls and I get the most hard-core homeschool subjects like Chemistry and Algebras/Trigonometry after lunch. So, I don’t pick up the phone. However, I know I get a ton of housework, sweeping, dusting, preparing salad and dinner when I’m on the phone. So, I typically call back once the girls’ studies are done.

Procrastination Tip #5 for Muslim Moms

Organize your workspace…even your desktop!

 Lynette Chandler has been my go-to-tech-chick since I came online in 2005, and when JuJu and I saw this wallpaper last week, we were so excited! We immediately downloaded it, and while it has only been a couple days, I LOVE it!

I crave organization…though I’ m not the best by any means. I basically have 3-4 piles on my desk at any given day which is pretty high, but I ALWAYS know what the piles are: (1) MOST important things I’m using right now (2) To Do pile: To read, to review, to call, to mail. (3) I know I need to do it sometime soon…I’ll search here when I really need to do it…but, it’s there nonetheless.

The additional piles are when they get so high, I have to divide them to “work” or “school” or “hubby”, but typically they’re all in 3-piles:

1. Most important/Current

2. Important/On-going

3. Slightly important/Pending deadline to do IF I have time.

That’s why I love this wallpaper! It’s the very first wallpaper I’ve ever downloaded online after all these years. Click on the Image to Download Your FREE Productivity Wallpaper!

Post It Notes: “Working On” = My #1 Desk pile. “Delegated/Waiting On” = My #2 Desk pile. And, a 3rd post it note is really unnecessary, but I’ll ultimately slide it over to Post It #1 or #2, right?

The shelves are “Toolbox”, “WordPress” and “Learning”.

I always hated looking for the right desktop folder: downloads, Mama 2013 or Computer. Then, “Where’s the trash!?” Now, ti’s all organized in order.

I put a Notepad for my “Learning” articles, listing them in order that I need to read and apply for my business. Since it’s Sunday, I didn’t put up my Notepad in “Delegate” which will be schoolwork for the girls and assignments to my outsourcers.

I see this wallpaper staying with me for a long time!

Procrastination Tip #6 for Muslim Moms

Celebrate Small Successes and Stay Focused on Realistic Goals

At the time of emailing my list, my girls and I had nearly 2-dozen blogs and websites, and just last week, I added another two:

1) A sales page to one of the biggest projects I’ve ever invested my time and money into: Online Press Release Success – The Ultimate Online PR Kit. It was always on the back-burner…it never made my 3rd or 4th desk pile, but I’m glad my Tip #7 (Accountability partners) encouraged me to spend some time on this project, because I’m making some of the top sales in our 10 Day May Madness $7 deals. Until May 15th, you can also get this product regularly $47 for only $7!

2) We launched EBook Bestseller Journey – and the very night we launched, we received the biggest compliment to “Celebrating Small Successes” while “Staying Focused on Realistic Goals“; our kindle book coach called my girls and I “A shining example for all kindle publishers” mashaAllah, God has willed.

By setting realistic goals, it should also cut down on perfectionism. In all honesty, once I adopted the title of “Mom” I lost all desire for perfectionism…it’s about doing our best, and allowing ourselves to be human and let others see us as the imperfect mortal and infallible people that we are!

Procrastination Tip #7 for Muslim Moms

Have an Accountability Partner or Community

I have one business partner who we brainstorm, share our news, ideas, woes and successes. We share all our resources and grow our networks. We split anything and everything we can, and grown our businesses because of our partnership.

I also give a TON of credit to my professional and personal growth and the online successes of my girls to Kelly McCausey and Solomasterminds. If it wasn’t for the 10 Day May Madness deadline to submit an infoproduct, I would’ve never launched my sales page which I hired a copywriter over a year ago to write. I actually never seven read the persuasive, humbling story she wrote that sells our products even before you hit the “Buy Now” button. Kelly partnered the with incredibly successful Melissa Ingold two months ago, and they launched a $7/month membership level–which is simply spectacular. It won’t stay that low forever though, so if you’re remotely interested, sing up today!

While these are both business-related, it’s important to my personal and religious growth because (1) I’ve learned to integrate online business principles into the girls’ homeschool education, and (2) I’m incredibly more efficient with my time and resources so I can better prioritize my lifestyle which means:

Waking up at fajr, praying 5 times a day, reading Qur’an, volunteering whenever I want, traveling to be with family whenever we want, fasting and more Qiyal al-Lail, and much more.

Also, with much guidance, American Muslim Mom continues to grow year after year, and I can prioritize helping our ummah by answering critical concerns of YOU–my loyal, dedicated readers…working all for the sake of Allah and His pleasure. I’m working for His acceptance, with my husband’s approval, and my girls’ great motivation. Don’t forget, it was MY girls who wouldn’t let me sell because this is and will forever be our humble act of building sadaqah jariyah–on-going charity, inshaAllah, God willing!

InshaAllah, God willing, these few tips will keep you procrastinate less. I’d love to read your tips as well!

Beware of Procrastination As It Prevents You From Doing Good Deeds – Tips For Muslim Moms is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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Note: GiGi, mom and I enjoyed a great sponsored dinner with SITS Girls and met Invisalign dentists, staff and clients. Update May 22, 2013. JuJu received a gift cared for her awesome post! Yay!

First off, I want to quickly let you know; for some reason, my sisters and I always wanted glasses and braces. Everything considered “dorky”, “nerdy” and “geeky”, besides the actual “smarts”. “Why?” we often ask ourselves, and I’m not quite sure myself.

Our 5 year old boy cousin also dreams of glasses. When asked why, he confidently answers “It’ll make me look smart”. At least he has a reason.

I’ll also never forget meeting some homeschoolers. As we approached, one of the daughters took of her glasses. As a conversation starter, I asked “are you near- or far-sighted?”. She answered neither, and I immediately explained how my sisters and I always wanted “fake glasses”. Now, that must have been a first for her, she shared!

Long story short, GiGi got glasses (just like mom), but hardly ever wears them.

Anyways, back to braces.

GiGi and I need braces, yay! Well, actually, we’re getting braces. And, then, we heard of Invisalign. It’s practically invisible and aligns your teeth just as well as braces! Minus a few of the downsides, which we’ll explain in a bit.

I never knew how annoying braces were…and, painful! We watched youtube videos of kids complaining about braces, poking wires, broken brackets (the metal pieces cemented to your teeth). GiGi and I immediately turned to mom asking “Is this true?” In her matter of fact tone, “of course” and we let it go.

Yes, I never knew how annoying and painful regular, metal braces can be. I mean, I know the tightening can be a bit of a pain, but not actually having braces. I mean, I know plenty of people with braces and they seem just fine. I guess it never comes up as a topic between kids with braces and those without it, because it’s just a given–if you have crocked teeth you need braces, so you just grin and bear it–literally!

Invisalign took a large leap from metal braces, to create their own product by skipping the “clear” and “white” braces. I like that, a lot. Participating in this live demonstration, mom was very convinced too.

And, what’s up with the food restrictions?

Yes, I never noticed it’s actually hard, and/or painful to eat with braces! I mean, I’ve heard of the classic no gum and popcorn, but my sisters and I cleared that up with my mom. Yes, she had braces, and ate gum with them…maybe that’s why she hates gum so much now…just kidding!

So, what’s “Invisalign”?

Well, actually, I’ll be focusing on Invisalign Teen, Invisalign’s Teen line. I’m not a teen (well, at least not until next month), but “Teen” just means you have all your adult teeth. The orthodontist we got to ask questions said she’s treated as young as 11, because they had all their adult teeth.

Our newest homeschool friend is already on her Invisalign retainers after having her braces, and she’s 2 days older than me. We didn’t even know she had Invisalign retainer until her mom saw our Invisalign pamphlets coming out of her purse when we saw them last week…talk about invisible, huh?

Why haven’t I heard about Invisalign until our introduction from SITSGirls?

Well, you might of heard about it previously, as it’s been around since 1999 (for adults), and treated 3 million cases since! Invisalign Teen has been around for four years and treated about 150,000.

We asked the orthodontist about her experience and what she believes is the percentage of kids that get traditional braces (which the presentation made look horrible), versus Invisalign Teen. It’s definitely not 50/50, and the breaking barrier is? The parents think the kids will lose it!

The orthodontist explained how the parents said their kids have lost 3, 4 iPhones and couldn’t trust them with removable braces! Especially invisible ones!

The orthodontist even shared that Invisalign Teen covers up to 6 (six) replacement trays! This is not even offered to adults.

Also, 90% of the time, kids are more motivated so the time for Invisalign Teen is typically the same amount of time or shorter than metal braces…how cool is that!? She explained that she does not have any kids who don’t love Invisalign, how can you not!? Just look at all like the advantages!

We found out that they’re basically the same price as metal braces, and if you have dental insurance it’s covered to. So, it all comes down to the responsibility of us kids/teens. For the same price, less pain, faster and invisible–I would totally work hard to be responsible. Wouldn’t you?

Actually, you get less visits to the orthodontist office, which is a money and time saver for parents…can you tell I’m trying to help kids convince their parents, too. The reason is because you’re given 2-3 different 2-week trays so you don’t have to go to the orthodontist every month to tighten your braces. The orthodontist even explained that she advises her clients to keep all trays because it can be used later if anything happens in your life to kind of self-diagnose the tray that fits the best and get your teeth straight again–after all, everyone’s teeth moves throughout our whole lives!

We saw 2 Teen clients and their before pictures weren’t as bad as GiGi and my teeth. So we weren’t that impressed. But, then they showed us a man’s before pictures which comparably make our teeth look straight! We tried to get the worse picture, but the one to the right is just Okay, compared to the guy we saw!

So, will we be getting Invisalign Teen?

Well, with all the helpful additions and new updates, Invisalign Teen just isn’t for me. I have a tooth lost in the midst of my gums, and I really want it. We spoke to the orthodontist, and I know this for sure. I’ll need a little chain attached to the tooth so it can be pulled down. That sounds great, doesn’t it? :-/ It does sound cool, tough.

I also remember that when we spoke with our orthodontist, when going to sleep I’ll need to add and extra “thingy” (I forget what it’s called) when going to sleep to push my wisdom teeth back since they’re pushing in, towards all my other teeth.

GiGi’s case is way simpler, she’s just needs to wait until her last tooth comes out…completely…I think. I’m not 100% sure actually. I think we need to make another evaluation with our orthodontist focusing on “Can GiGi get Invisalign Teen?”. I’m pretty sure she can.

For now, I just took the Smile Assessment. And, I think you should, too.

Invisalign Smile Assessment

Here’s an interesting fact: There are more than 2 million Invisalign cases in treatment or completed worldwide. From very simple to very challenging, Invisalign offers a full spectrum of clear straightening treatments for most types of orthodontic issues. Take the Invisalign Smile Assessment to find out if Invisalign is right for you or your child.

I just played around and it was pretty cool, but you need to be over thirteen to take the assessment, so you’ll need a “parent taking the Smile Assessment for my Teen”. Don’t lie, just watch over your parents shoulder. Anyways, you might play around a bit as you try to make your teeth look better, or worse.

Invisalign is just amazing! No doubt about it!

No, I didn’t get to try it, but we got little packets with “examples” of the old version. Examples. They don’t fit anyone. They’re too small for all of us, except JoJo. It has too many molars for her, she’s only going to enter the double digits at the end of this month.

Anyways, it’s so light! The new version is more flexible, and supposed to be more comfortable. So cool, don’t you agree!?

Learn more or connect with Invisalign

• Invisalign Website: http://shout.lt/gmt1
• Invisalign on Twitter: http://shout.lt/gmtX
• Invisalign on Facebook: http://shout.lt/gmYK
• Invisalign Fan Appreciation Month Sweepstakes: http://shout.lt/hgC0
• How Invisalign Works: http://shout.lt/ggfH

What are your thoughts about Invisalign Teen?

We’d love to hear your experiences or desires to get Invisalign Teen? Do you know anyone with them? What’s their experiences? Do you think your parents will agree to Invisalign Teen? Why or why not? We’ll keep you posted as to what happens…it’s all up to our orthodontist and parents. Daddy isn’t really convinced about Invisalign since it’s so new for kids, and it wasn’t a surprise that he immediately told GiGi “You loose everything!” We’re still going to try though. Wouldn’t you!?

Here’s a very interesting First Impressions Are Everything Infographic. Just click on it to enlarge! Please share your thoughts from this interesting stats below.

Disclosure: We’re grateful for the fun and educational experience to meet Invisalign. All opinions and experiences are our own. Update: May 22nd. We received a gift in exchange for this post after the fact.

The Future Of Braces – Invisalign for Teens? is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post The Future Of Braces – Invisalign for Teens? appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

As you know, I’m a mom of 3 girls; and often I get questions specific to raising boys. While I’m an extremely active mom to my nephews and two of my dearest friends actually turn to me for trusted feedback or advise in raising their only-boy crew; I’m always curious to hear experiences and tips from moms with sons to share their opinions and views. Sara is just one example.

Raising tween girls undergoing many physical changes, appropriate privacy is such a big topic and issue now at our home. Alhumdulilah, praise be to God, we have not had any problems; due in part because we are an extremely open family who discusses everything. So, while they have their “own” space and time, it does not mean behind closed doors, or closed Internet usage. Even bathrooms doors can never be locked; and no one has ever ventured passed a closed door. So, it’s all about establishing open relationships girls OR boys. So, without further ado, I’ll have Sara share her advice in this post about

4 Ways to Have a Great Relationship with Your Teenage Son

Navigating relationships with teenagers is rarely an easy task. And many times, parents take actions that they think will have positive effects, but sometimes they end up causing quite the opposite of the intended purpose to happen. These tips will help you navigate through some of the rough stuff you may encounter during those tumultuous teenage years.

Treat him like a young adult. One of the hardest things mothers have to do is allow their little boy to grow up. It’s not easy, but every single little boy becomes a teenage and then an adult someday. Part of the reason this is hard for some mothers is because there’s danger in the world and they want to protect their sons. Be careful not to trap your son in a bubble, though. Forcing your son to see the world through rose-colored glasses and never allowing him to get hurt or make mistakes might keep him safe, but it might also make him want to seek out some of the dangers in the world.

Give him privacy. All teenagers seek out their own space. As you surely remember, the teenage years are a time of big changes and strange happenings in young adult’s life. Allowing your son his privacy will give him the space and time he needs to deal with and navigate these changes at his own pace.

Keep communication open. One of the biggest misconceptions most parents have about their teenage son (or daughter, even) is that just because he doesn’t communicate well, it means he doesn’t want to communicate. This simply is not true. As humans, we crave companionship and communication. It’s your job as a parent to keep the lines of communication open during your son’s rough transitional teenage years.

One of the easiest ways to let him know the line is open is with a small gift and a note. Something that lets him know you’re there for him. Don’t pay retail, either. A quick search will score you some at coupons at NerdWallet—both are great for those quick online shopping sessions. Either is going to contribute to the saving a few bucks when looking for that special, “I care” gift that shows him you’re thinking about him. In the note, tell him that if there’s ever anything he needs or wants to talk about, that you’re there for him.

When he acts up, do not get mad. Sometimes, teenagers act up. It’s just part of the territory. If and when you teenage son misbehaves, no matter that severity of the action, there is a best way to approach discipline. The punishment should always match the deed, and this is for you to decide. The trick to effective discipline is to, as is discussed above, communicate and treat your son like a young adult, because he is one.

Remember, that the teenage years are about sons and parents finding balance—the sons in their lives and the parents with their sons. Each of the above tips are about finding balance too—giving and taking. These tips will not guarantee a smooth ride by any means, but they will help you to skip over some of the big pot holes in the road before you.

Sara is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships, and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids.

4 Ways to Have a Great Relationship with Your Teenage Son is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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[This is a product review post, all opinions are my own.] What mommy doesn’t have a pain in her body that she’d like to pamper with heat or cold pack or intense vibrating massage!?

Well, I’m sure glad I got mine!

Hot/Cold Therapy Massaging Gel Pack available by www.WahlMassagers.com – This one-part massager, one-part hot/cold pack is the latest in a series of new pain management products from Wahl. Unlike conventional hot/cold packs, this first-of-its-kind product combines two of the most common treatments–temperature therapy and massage– to offer a new level of pain relief. It also offers Velcro straps for hands-free use. MSRP 24.99

In a rush to get it to work I asked who’s turn was it to open the package AND read the directions to get it to work.

It was GiGi’s turn…which quickly turned into a real-life Math and Science lesson.

We’ve been converting metric system in our Chemistry studies, so when she had to figure out how many Watts our microwave was, her discovery process began. She found 1.58 kW (kiloWatts) = 1580 kiloWatts.

But, she needed trial and error since the heating chart ended with 1300 Watt microwaves. So, we tried 10 seconds. However, it wasn’t warm enough…simply because we put the belt strap AND the gel pack in the microwave. We took the picture to show you how tight the velcro closure was making it hard to find the gel pack on its own.

The obvious warning NOT to put the massaging disc in the microwave or freezer made common sense. So, we took the other picture showing you where you insert the gel pack and massaging disc into the belt strap.

It took a bit to get used to getting a massage in one area, since my day’s pain was my lower back and shoulders. I sat on the coach and the girls thought it was cool and “powerful” of the tiny massaging disc to actually vibrate the couch for them to fill the motion. Since I wanted to just take care of my lower back I wouldn’t sit with my back against the couch, which was a bit uncomfortable, because the vibrating couch and sound was giving be a head. It was also mid-day when I’m always on the run, so sitting down for the maximum recommended 20 minutes was nearly an impossible feat. However, my girls insisted that I outlive the time limitation and actually “pampered” me to just sit this one out. MashaAllah. God has willed, truly blessed daughters. They do give me more breaks; however I’m the one who’s typically pushing away the opportunity. My time is after dawn and when they’re asleep…but this pampered detour from my typical schedule was nice.

The gel pack has been in the freezer for the past couple of days and wow it’s not the filmsy gel packs–it’s hard as ice! Haven’t tried it yet…but, looking forward to it. Are you!? If so…

Wahl Hot/Cold Therapy Massaging Gel Pack #ShareYourPain Giveaway Contest (Value $24.99)

Deadline date: Tuesday, March 5 at 11:59pm PST.

Entries: In the comments below, please #ShareYourPain and WHY you think you desire a Massaging Gel Pack.

* Entries must be in the U.S. and 18 years of age.

Winner Selection: The top most creative, fun, inspirational, funny or truly painful comment will win. Your dedication to spreading the world about this Review and Giveaway will also help us in selecting the seriousness of the entrant to win this product. For example, you can

• Tweet this blogpost tagging @WahlHome and @ponnsabra so we can RT you!

Sample Tweet: #ShareYourPain for a chance to win @WahlHome Hot/Cold Massaging Gel Pack (Value $24.99) at @PonnSabra http://ow.ly/kH30j Pls RT

• Follow @WahlHome on Twitter
• Follow @ponnsabra on Twitter
• Share on Facebook tagging  WahlHome
• Become a @AmericanMuslimMom Facebook Fan
• Become a WahlHome Facebook Fan
• Pin on Pinterest tag @AMuslimMom
• Bookmark or share on your favorite social networking site, like Stumble Upon.
• TIP: Use the adorable sharability icons at the bottom of this blogpost.

For every action you take, please comment below with your links!

Can’t wait to hear you #ShareYourPain in the comments below. Beyond this contest, we can share lessons to relieve such pains too, inshaAllah, God willing.

Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received a Wahl Hot/Cold Massager for the purpose of this review.

Mommy Needs A Hot/Cold Therapy Massaging Gel Pack – Review and Giveaway (Value $24.99) is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post Mommy Needs A Hot/Cold Therapy Massaging Gel Pack – Review and Giveaway (Value $24.99) appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

I know my readers appreciate my opinions, and I should be writing more about these kinds of subjects, because quite honestly there’s not enough of us standing against what is NOT permissible or haraam in Islam. It’s more commonplace for Muslims to just let things slide, go with the flow, walk by, and simply be complacent.

I cannot say any of those are my excuses for not blogging about these subjects, it’s simply a time issue for me.

Honestly, many injustices I see in Islam I can actually have the most open, educated and passionate (not heated) discussions (not debates) with my non-Muslim family, friends and colleagues. It’s truly unfortunate that most of our daily heartaches and woes come from within our own ummah (community).

SubhanAllah, Glory be to God, many sisters, specifically Muslim moms, email me day after day asking me to blog more, and plea with me “please set them/US straight” as one so passionately wrote recently.

But, I’m tired…I’m exhausted…I often feel lifeless and less energized by standing up for what is right to the very people who asked for my thoughts on the issues in the first place.

Everyone you knows me personally and professionally, knows I am NOT a lazy person at all…but, I am VERY private.

So, I retreat to my husband and my girls.

I put all my energy in my research and actions. This way I can share educated views and actually ACT according to the things my husband and I stand for. This alone takes a lot of energy, time and effort. But, to me it’s ALL worth it! Why!? Because, I am accountable to Allah subhana wa Ta’ala (May He Be Glorified) for my girls’ upbringing. For their ability and desire to stay on the straight path of Islam. To remain Muslims as their parents conceived them, bore them, and are now raising them.

But, I know in the privacy of my own emailbox, phone lines and often in the huge social media buzz and tracking of comments, and bookmarks that my more passionate blogposts are what stands the test of time…there are Muslim Moms wanting, seeking, aching to just live the life according to the Qur’an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet, may the peace and blessings be upon him. These are the women I resonate with, so while I may get the occasional hateful comment, email or even review–one of my business coaches simply said, “we just have to accept that 1/3 of the world hates us for whatever reason”. My reply, “As a Muslim in America, it’s MUCH higher for me!”

The other coach said “they’re ignorant, don’t respond”.

Yet, both reminded me that “you know you’re doing something right when you get that first, second, 100th hateful, ignorant, disturbing message…IF you’re not getting any, that you’re simply not big enough because you’re only attracting anyone outside your inner circle of family and friends”.

But, I replied, “I love my inner circle of family and friends”…which both questioned back, “Aren’t you more concerned about doing the “right” thing, regardless what others think!?”

…things that make you go hmm…

We all go through the struggles of raising Mu’minyn, pious righteous believers, and know that that Is more important than to be named “Muslim” (servant of Allah). It takes courage, bravery and belief to be a Mu’min more than a Muslim. Quite the introduction to this subject’s title, huh?

Well, I’m already falling short in my number of blogs, and so if I’m going to write it has to be from a passionate state, right!?

PLEASE, STOP Celebrating Mother’s Day! Stop following others! Stand up and stand against being a follower!

I hear it now the voice in your head…but, it’s SO hard in school….the same excuses about Christmas, Easter…my kids are different!

Well, instead of justifying to others why you don’t do it, we need to stand together to build our children why THEY (the kids) should NOT EVER want to be like others.

Yes, I homeschool.

However, the girls went to public school, Muslim schools in America and in Muslim countries–and in each place, being in an American non-Muslim public school was the easiest place for them to be self-confident, self-loving, proud Muslim girls who prayed during the day, who didn’t participate in Music class, OR participate in any birthdays of holidays.

STOP making excuses…because it’s complacency that our kids are learning from our inability and lack of interest to stand for what makes us different and unique individuals as Muslims. It’s how we act, or NOT act that our kids learn lessons in what we feel is important and not important. So, it’s our excuses, and our “following the (non-Muslim) leader” that gives our children the wrong message!

So, I can hear it now…but, I like being pampered once a year.

Girl–that is NOT Islam. We ARE to be pampered every single day in Islam. We are their Mothers. If your hubby and kids are not allowing you the space, time, attention, love, or PAMPERING you deserve all the time…that’s NOT their fault, it’s ours!

If our husbands and kids need reminders from greeting card companies, newspapers, and hyped-up commercialized stores (online & offline) to tell us that we mean so much to them; it’s our fault!

I’ll never forget a colleague many years ago asking, ‘Why be a doormat, when you can be a diva?’ Now, I’m FAR from the diva-type, but I’m MUCH, MUCH farther from ever being a doormat! Especially in my own home, by the very kids I’ve put all my heart, mind, body pleasurably and achingly to!

I read many years ago (as a Muslim) the story how Muslims even started celebrating Mother’s Day because many Arab Muslims in the states (particularly Egyptians) were VERY adamant in trying to prove to me that celebrating acceptable! Then, we actually lived in Egypt during the time…and it was much worse!

When you read the story of Muslim brothers deserting their mother, and then their mother writing them to tell them, then the boys repenting by declaring a “Mother’s Day” is NOT a story worth emulating! It’s NOT a story worth me saying “Oh, oh…I want to be like that mom…or that son…or, THAT Muslim!” by any means.

Come on! For those who are or did celebrate Mother’s Day, do you even know about this story!? And, why all the Arab countries (Muslim majority) have fallen suit!?

If we stand together and research WHY certain holidays (derived by holy-days) started in the first place, you AND your kids would be REPULSED and NEVER want to celebrate these days.

My girls know the true stories of behind certain holidays and many are so incredibly nonsensical that even as babies the girls smirked, asking “Why!?” “That does NOT make sense!” “How could ANY one believe in THAT!?” “Isn’t it obvious?” “So, parents Lie to their kids?” “Why is X with Y?” “How come Z is celebrated with A?”

Now, this is how we should be bonding with our kids. Showing them how much Islam makes sense, how we don’t follow others, we don’t mimic others, we don’t create things just because others are doing it.

Well, that’s my take on this subject.

I highly recommend that every Muslim Mom (and their extended family and kids) read this highly-detailed fatwa specific to Mother’s Day (which shares how it started in the Arab world) and why it’s NOT permissible in Islam. But, I think this sums it best:

It is not permissible to celebrate the so-called Mother’s Day and similar innovated festivals because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected.” He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not celebrate Mother’s Day and neither did any of his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) or the salaf (earliest generations) of this ummah. Rather it is an innovation (bid’ah) and imitation of the kuffaar (disbelievers).

It Is NOT permissible for Muslims to celebrate Mother’s Day or other holy-day = holidays is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post It Is NOT permissible for Muslims to celebrate Mother’s Day or other holy-day = holidays appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

Click Here For More Details

I had the pleasure of working with Blake Stelle, and Amelia D’Entrone, the Executive Producer of Punched in the Head Productions, Inc. They are working on a 8-week, 2-family per episode docu-series that has already secured about half of all their families and will be filming shortly for a winter release. They are eager to get a diverse showing of families from all over the country, and particularly interested in casting an American Muslim Family as soon as possible.

What’s Your Parenting Style? Flyer states

What’s your parenting style? TV Docu-series

Have the secret to parenting all figured out? Are you an attachment parent? Tiger Mom? A green parent? Free range? Authoritative? Permissive? Or, do you have a style that’s all your own?

You could be featured on a new cable series.

Award winning production company Punched in the Head is looking for families with unique perspective for families with unique perspective on parenting for a new series on a top-rated national cable network. Please send your name, phone number, e-mail address; a description of your family/parenting style, and a photo to casting@punchedinthehead.com

Casting For Families Taking Place Now!

NO Travel Necessary.

The casting process is on-going and they’re currently in the later stage of collecting as much information as they can from prospective parents, and confirming families.

Instructions:

STEP 1:

Email Blake with the following information as soon as possible to: casting@punchedinthehead.com

• NAMES (You and the Children)
• CONTACT INFO (Phone, Email, Skype handle, etc)
• LOCATION (City and State)
• PARENTING STYLE
• :: Examples of your parenting style
• :: Is anyone giving any push-back to your style?
• PHOTOGRAPH

I am in direct communication with Blake and Amelia. So, if I know you personally or professionally and want my endorsement and/or consideration of a recommendation, feel free email me at contact<at>americanmuslimmom.com However, I cannot guarantee any results!

STEP 2:

If they are interested, your family will be invited for a skype interview

Interesting Details To Help You Decide If This Is For Your Family

Updates made in blue:

• Casting and skype interviews are taking place now! So, don’t wait if you’re interested. Apply Now!
• Production will start taking place this summer throughout early autumn
• They will not follow families or kids to any privatesettings
   (We will be filming in people’s homes, and possibly in public with them as well. It will be dependent on their story, and what is agreed upon.)
• They will not even follow kids to school  (It would not be LIKELY that we would follow kids to school, but it may be a possibility if it is important to the story, and everyone including the school is in agreement)
• Filming will be a total of 5-10 days over three months. (These days can be consecutive or staggered depending on the story and what is agreed upon.)
• Filming may be consecutive days and would be ideal if it is arranged this way with a minimum of three consecutive days.
• Participating families will receive small compensation for their time.

They Want Diversity in Geography, Religion & Parenting Styles

• Need Geographic Diversity: Presently, they secured a family in Boston, FL, and GA. I know they don’t have any Californians of West Coasters (is that even a phrase?) yet. Born and raised in the North East and now a proud SoCal, Los Angeles resident I can attest that LA-SoCal–or West Coast people, parents and families in general are SO incredibly different! So, start applying dear L.A. moms!
• Seeking All Religions: Like duh…I’m a religious mommy blogger. Anyways, I truly appreciate that they took the time and interest to listen to me rattle off stats sharing that American Muslims are truly diverse in income, race/ethnic groups, educational levels and backgrounds (immigrant, 1st, 2nd generation, combination). I shared that the stats of the typical Muslim American family is FAR from the typical Muslim parent featured in the news. I also shared that many mom bloggers (and avid readers here) are Mormon moms–and I know they don’t have a Mormon family yet. I also have Chinese moms, strict Catholics, and even non-believers who read this blog. So, if you want the spotlight on your religious parenting styles, Apply!
• Seeking ALL Types of Parenting Especially If You Have Your Own Style With No Particular “Title” To Call Your Own. Hey, I’m proudly a multi-facted kind of mom with a hard to define style; and depending on the day, hour, setting or environment, I can be any of the different parenting types that the producers are searching for–but, if your a frequent reader to my blog, you can rest assured you won’t be seeing my family in this series. Hey–they called me. I could’ve taken the American Muslim Family slot easily–but, hey…that would totally be out of character for me and my family; so I wouldn’t be true to “My Style”…right!?

Whatever your parenting style, the true success comes from being genuine! To stand by your convictions and prioritizesyour time, efforts and projects according. Mine are to Allah (God, May He Be Glorified), our Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings be upon him), Hubby, The Girls, Extended Family, Friends, Ummah, Acquaintances, and the World; in that order.

So, what’s your parenting style? Who do you stay genuine to? Where do your convictions and priorities lie? I’m SO curious. Keep in mind, we’d love to flood Blake’s email box and give them a truly diverse group to select from, but they only need less than 10 families now. So, let’s keep the dialogue open! Please comment, share, like, or tweet this post generously!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own. After all, lying is haraam (prohibited).

What’s Your Parenting Style – TV Docu-Series Casting Families Now! Searching For American Muslims and Diverse Parents! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post What’s Your Parenting Style – TV Docu-Series Casting Families Now! Searching For American Muslims and Diverse Parents! appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

The setup was simple, and the Watch-Bot is even simpler to use! That’s definitely a top feature, for everyone! Having sat in its box for a couple days, because mom was (is always) busy, I asked if I could set up our much anticipated Watch-Bot. Daddy got two over the past year, but we returned them both because they were expensive and didn’t do what we wanted.

Anyways, you can control your Watch-Bot wireless… well not completely, you still need the one wire for the power, and that’s it!

Easy Watch-Bot Setup – A 9 Year Old Did It!

I installed the software, attached the wi-fi antenna, plugged the camera in to an outlet and then connected the camera to a spare port on my network router, using the network cable provided.  You can take that out after the Watch-Bot is connected  After that, you’ll need to set it up on your LAN.  Then just double click on the camera listing shown in the Watch-Bot Camera Tool software.

After setting up your Watch-Bot you can either install the program via CD, but you don’t have to. All you simply need is your IP key, type it into your browser and login with username: admin, and no password…you can change this all once logged in. If you have your IP key handy, can access then access it from any Mac, PC, or mobile device. That means practically all computers and internet-enabled tablets and cellphones! How cool is that!?

Watch-Bot Features

The device has lots of awesome features. Like, a LARGE monitoring area with pan/tilt and wide rotation  range!

My two favorites is night-vision! And, motion-sensor. When you’re logged into your “IP  address”, you can/have to setup and email for the admin. If the Watch-Bot “sees” any odd movement, the admin will be emailed, and recording will be activated? Is that cool, or what!?

A few other noticeable features include high-quality sound and video. There’s also two-way recording! The two-way audio lets you listen, and talk to, the camera’s surroundings. Cool!

If you’re using the program (the link) on Microsoft Internet Explorer (which we don’t “really” use), footage from the camera’s recording can be saved as an .AVI file for offline viewing. I don’t know a lot about videos, but I know .AVI a pretty good video format, and YouTube accepts it! We gave this a try, JuJu and I made a video and it’s in there somewhere, I think 00:00 and 00:00.

VIDEO: Controlling Your WatchBot

We haven’t actually used the Watch-Bot outside. We’ve used it inside, near windows, open doors, etc. I’ve heard people use it as a baby monitor, and to watch their kids (with a babysitter, and not)—sounds cool!

Anyways, (from mom) This robot is really simple to use overall, from setup, to actual use. We can use it anyway we chose, wirelessly and wired, and view from any and all devices we own, which is a huge bonus. This robot is really “cool”, but I think the biggest bonus is the wide and pan/tilt, you can see more than just “some” of the area, you can basically see “all” that’s around the WatchBot.

WatchBot March 50% Coupon Code

#WatchBot – Security Camera Review & 50% March Only Coupon Code is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post #WatchBot – Security Camera Review & 50% March Only Coupon Code appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

Small in Size. Big in Sound! may be the tagline, but I think it should be Small in Size. Big in BOOM! It’s more fitting and totally true. This speaker does exactly that, and proves that size doesn’t matter!

This tiny speaker dances as it delivers high quality sound, whether it be for music, videos, or even full-length movies. On your laptop, tablet, cell phone or nearly any other bluetooth enabled device, but plugs are still provided, of course.

While we were excited about receiving BassBuds as we were mistaken, we received a BassBoomz in a near-equally nice package. Then, it hit us that it’s better for us, since our “main” laptop sometimes always has sound-issues. Actually, ALL laptops have sound issues, wouldn’t you agree?

Anyways, how would we share it (BassBuds)!? We would give it to mom, right? Since she really wanted it, and deserves it.

Once we opened the box up, there was a bit of a quarrel who would get to use and try it first. Then, I jumped to the chance of being the first to use the bluetooth…way cooler.

I first tested the bluetooth out on my mom’s cell phone. Awesome!!! It’s a pretty simple process, and I’m sure anyone can do it. I’ll have to see if my 3yo baby cousin can do it when we see her next…that’d be pretty cool, huh? I’ll be sure to videotape that experience.

BassBoomz Setup

So, the device setup is really as simple as, well, “POP!”, “Ding!”, and, plugin or bluetooth. Literally. Here’s my short-video:

I made this video for fun, and for the concept, I don’t think I took that long. Oh, also, read the Credits, etc. They’ll make you laugh!

Anyways, the setup is featured in my video, since it was a bit hard to figure out. There was a little bit of text in the pamphlet, but no pictures. It was also a bit tough to do. Now it’s so simple and practically common sense.

BassBoomz Design

This device is still under 2.5” short when expanded, which is how it is received in it’s package. When closed, it’s about 2” tall for ultra-portability. Of course, it’s only suppose to work when expanded. So, beware, as it’s muffled when closed.

The cylinder is made out of metal and feels really nice and sleek. The speaker on top is finished nicely with some black paint.

Although, we noticed a flaw. When we were watching a show on our laptop and we couldn’t hear anything except the higher-pitched voices. It was odd, as it worked with everything else. We still haven’t figured out why these voices didn’t register…maybe it was that particular video clip.

And, not that it matters much to me, but it’s cute, too. We got the original electric blue. There’s lots of other colors, and versions, available to pick from though.

BassBoomz Portability

I think that these speakers are just perfect for us as we’re usually on the run (always out of the house), traveling, and moving. We wouldn’t, and probably couldn’t, carry a huge, expensive BOSE speaker set overseas, again and again. The best part is that this speaker isn’t just “small”, but it’s tiny. We can’t just fit it into a bag, but into our pockets, and my sisters’ and mom’s pocketbooks!

It’s a bit hefty on the wallet, around 100USD, but worth it if you match the above. Or, if you just don’t want to buy a huge set. Don’t you think?

March Only Coupon Code:

• Gives £30.00 off retail price which is $46.00

To claim your coupon, go to:

• http://www.bassbuds.net/usa/bassboomz
• Use coupon code: BBZ017530

Note: The voucher code discount is  for the rest of the month of March 2013.

BassBoomz Pronunciation Tip

For some odd reason, mom can’t seem to get it straight. She keeps saying BassBomb…it’s so funny. She insists it’s easier to say and remember than BassBoomz. She tells us “it’s da bomb!” which is what she says to anything and everything really cool and awesome. Every once in awhile she actually corrects herself before 1 or all 3 of us do.

Last, BassBoomz has become a home and travel necessity. It’s FAR louder than our PC’s speakers, and is small enough to have it with us on our various laptops in the house or on the road.

BassBoomz Tip

TIP: Always make sure to charge it…because we use it so much, this is our only complaint…it dies often from our over-use. But, it’s advertised to have 5-6 hour battery at 70% sound, which we definitely exceed.

Have any questions for us? Please comment below, I’m sure it’ll be my girls answering you!

#BassBoomz is The BOMB with An Extra BOOM! Review & March Only Coupon Code is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post #BassBoomz is The BOMB with An Extra BOOM! Review & March Only Coupon Code appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

Author Jason Harter is a military father who knows the importance of educating his children on gun control. He also enjoys blogging and is a contributing writer for http://www.militarydegreeprograms.org

A Guide to Educating Your Children About Gun Safety and Control is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post A Guide to Educating Your Children About Gun Safety and Control appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

Whenever given the opportunity to shave with a straight blade hubby always opt for this very simple, more accurate and easy-to-him razor blade. It went on and off for many years–mostly because we always had the blade holder and never the right sized blade to fit it. However, hubby reverted back once and for all when he went to Hajj (Hajj Maboor, InshaAllah, Ya Rabb) back in 2009. He came home with boxes and dozens of straight razor blades…you can imagine how readily accessible and CHEAP it is to get them overseas, right?

It should be NO surprise that he’s still drawing from his personal stash today.

Now, I recently shared his rubbing alcohol after-shave, so following-up on what types of blades he uses seems only natural, right?

Well, we (my girls and I) pray this unintentional series helps our dear brothers…though the thoughtfulness, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and much-needed TACK of our beloved Muslim moms, sisters, daughters, wives, grandmothers or aunts to help spread the word.

It is truly one of my girls BIGGEST pet-peeves…Nasty, Dirty, Straggly Beards on Muslim brothers, who should know that cleanliness is half our religion.

Now, having traveled around the whole in the richest of lands and homes to the poorest, oppressed lands and homes, we wholeheartedly believe it is clearly not a socioeconomic issue.

Having been to Hajj and umrah, we witnessed brothers from all edges of this beautiful world, so I know it’s not a racial or ethnic thing either.

We never even thought to ask poor brothers, or dessert Bedouins how they are able to keep their beard cleans…

So, it’s extremely hard to justify to kids that it is “acceptable” for a brother who has obvious financial, religious, academic, and physical means to take care of themselves AND their beards; yet they choose not too.

It’s extremely disturbing to them to see a well-groomed suited brother from shined shoes, until to get up to the mess covering his entire head back and front…how can we explain this to kids?

That cleanliness and purity is defined differently to some people? That personal hygiene is less important than outward attire!?

It’s not hard to clean your faces and necklines, since those areas do not comprise of the mandatory beard in Islam. Also, long mustache whiskers covering one’s lips is prohibited in Islam and must be trimmed.

The only thing we can accept, is, that it is OUR duties as Muslim moms, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, etc. to educate and even teach our brothers to be clean and pure for the sake of Allah and His pleasure alone. So, it doesn’t matter if he chooses a straight razor blade or not…just use some kind of razor or blade period.

Always curious of your opinions and views…keeping it kind, always, of course!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All experiences and opinions are my own.

Old Fashioned Straight Razor Blade Beard Shaving – Another Option For Our Muslim Brothers is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post Old Fashioned Straight Razor Blade Beard Shaving – Another Option For Our Muslim Brothers appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

Well…actually podcasters or vloggers, but both have blogs they host their podcasts or vlogs, so the title still makes sense, right?

Subhan Allah, Glory be to Allah, I can’t believe it’s over 3 years since I launched our podcast! We reached nearly a dozen “official” shows, and followed-up with informal podcast audios during my travels to Hajj and back to Umrah. It was always in my plans to transcribe these shows to offer you another medium to access all the great content that was shared in their podcast audios. So, I finally hired a transcriptionist (something similar to transcription San Diego) late last summer…but, that’s only 1-piece of the pie.

Being a non-Muslim, I provided her with a list of common Arabic/Muslim greetings and salutations; and I always knew I’d have to edit, review, and format the text. So, it just sat on my Google Drive all these months. Actually, it took a few online searches because apparently we didn’t use obvious titles to help me get to it easily.

TIP #1: Make Long Titles for your Google docs, so they’re easily searchable via Google-Drive or Gmail.

For example: Transcription – American Muslim Mom Podcast Show #2 – Zohra Sawari. Need To Edit, Format & Publish PONN!

Anyways, subhan Allah, Glory be to Allah, perfection of time only comes from His Greatness and Omnipotence!

My girls and I are creating our very first book of the Children Can Cook Cookbook Kindle series! We’ve been compiling, organizing all these fun, unique recipes the majority the girls concocted themselves…we hired our illustrator, because Yes, it’s a Kids Book and we’re having a TON of fun!

Well, since we have to format that Kindle, it’s time to format more than one…so, that’s how I came about searching for my one and only transcription job! To take this podcast transcript and continue on with the American Muslim Mom Kindle book series!

Can you believe it, it was that VERY same day an sponsored opportunity asking me, “How have you used transcription services?” Talk about perfect timing from Allah–staying motivated and focused on next steps and moving along the charter plan…that may have started as an idea years ago…baby steps taken months ago to make it happen…but, ONLY when Allah creed…the time to ACT and make it happen when He ordains it!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Come on…haram! All experiences (hence, my content) is all my own…the perfect timing however was from Allah!

Transcription Services Can Be Helpful For Bloggers Too – Blessed Timing From Allah is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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I’m working hard to keep my promises here on the blog, so here are some fun pictures to share in our adventures to go see ONE LIFE documentary.

First, I was pleasantly surprised to give my girls a “classic theatre” experience at Laemmles Town Center 5 in Encino, CA. Quiet and quaint…yes, only 5 movies…with the long dark, short hallways lit only by dim lights using slider-letters to display the films’ title. Nothing like the digital, bright flashy lights all the big theatres have these days.

As I walked in, it had the familiar “old” smell too. The girls didn’t notice, and it subsided minutes later, but it reminded me of sharing movies next to my late mommy, and laughing along with daddy’s smart jokes at parts mommy would quiet “yell” with stern faces (of “I can’t yell at you here!”) “THAT’s not funny!”

Oh, the memories…

Anyways, we actually arrived 10-minutes late, so we didn’t get to see the gorgeous Wedell Seal Pup pictured below…but, it did not ruin the show at all!

Amazing is an understatement to describe this documentary…and, yes, watching on the big-screen was fantastic! One daughter said she read a review saying that ONE LIFE doesn’t need to be 3-D because the footage is so spectacular…we ALL agree wholeheartedly. Actually, I was glad it was NOT 3D…sometimes I get quite annoyed by all the hype.

So, the imagery is fantastic…but the commentary makes all the experiences that much more worthwhile! It’s educational, fun, and surprisingly FUN-NY!

There were no more than 20 people in the theatre, and it was like we were sharing a similar bond with everyone there, because some oldies (like me) got the jokes…some really oldies (reminding me of my dad) yelling “What!? What did he say? What did I miss?” and little girls of my girls and a few other kids cheering at the marvels unrolling before us.

I madly took notes (like the reporters at other previews, my girls said), but I took it mostly to mark down the countries and all the cool animals we were now exposed too. The girls and I couldn’t wait to learn more about these magnificant creatures, some debuted on the big-screen or any documentary for the first time. “This is ground-breaking!” I kept saying, and the girls nudging me, “We know…did you write X’s name down?” or whispers “It’s in America!…WOW! So close to home!”

So here’s the list of countries I was able to decipher from my list:

• Kenya, Argentina, Ethiopia, Brazil, Isreal, Madagascar, USA (Florida Bay, North Carolina, Oregon), Indonesia, Venezula, Belize, Canada, Chile and more!

Here are some of the cool animal facts we learned:

• A baby elephant can and will have to walk 5+ miles when it’s only one-day old just to get to water. And, if the newbie-mommy can’t figure out how to save her newborn from a mud whole, grandma will be there to save them both!
• Grass cutter ants ingeniously figured out how to feed a fungus, while ventilate the poisonous CO2 from their homes to live!
• Bearded vultures only eat the bone marrow and will babies will TRY….TRY…and TRY Again until they figure out how to get it out of the bone.
• It’ll take Brazilian monkeys eight years to become a Master-Nut-Cracker. You have to see the film to laugh real hard and this funny and adorable line.
• Kenya’s infamous “cheetah-brothers” learned to change the rules of land; especially when hunting its prey.
• Aerial views and underwater views of the fantastic Florida Bay dolphins ingenious way they “catch fish out of water” to enjoy a family meal together!
• My girls first trip now is to get to North Carolina just to watch venus fly traps in action…but, for now, this film will have to suffice.
• Comoto dragons only need to bit once to patiently bring down an entire buffalo.
• An amazingly agile, speedy, tiny animal in Kenya (I must of spelled it wrong, and will have the girls research more “sengay” “sengee”) who weaves intricate mazes to protect its baby and can “out run, out wit” a lizard trying to eat either one of them!
• “Pebble” Toad of Venezula. “It’s all in it’s name!”

I have 3 more pages of notes…but, I think you get the idea how much we want you to see this film. We’d love to keep the conversations going on too. This is not part of the #BBCEarth campaign…we’re just blogging because we loved it so much! Truly all a blessing from Allah.

By the way, the girls informed me this WAS their first big-screen documentary, and hope it occurs more often. We’re so excited that hubby is home now to fix our DVD for our home-big-screen which we can opt for 3D to watch more of AFRICA together tonight! Don’t forget, there’s still time to enter and be 1 of 3 winners to win the AFRICA DVD set here.

Wedell Seal Pup - One Life BBC Documentary. Image source: The SITS girls

ONE LIFE BBC Documentary Review – A Must-Watch Family Film! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post ONE LIFE BBC Documentary Review – A Must-Watch Family Film! appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

A Healthy Educational Family Fun Night - AFRICA documentary & matching vegetable smoothies - Yummy!

As part of the #BBCEarth campaign, we’re sharing with you today: AFRICA. This documentary became available on DVD and Blu-ray starting  today February 26, 2013. This documentary just finished airing on Discovery Channel (premiered January 8), which was a Discovery Channel/BBC co-production.

Like One Life, this took 4 years to make, featuring 27 countries. The crew used 553 cameras, spent 100 days on horseback and 601 nights in tents, and consumed 6,526 anti-malarial tablets! How exciting, huh!?

Of the 553 cameras used, only 8 were harmed in the making of Africa: 1 chargrilled, 2 eaten (by a lion and an elephant), 2 mini-helicam crashes & 3 drowned! Wow! Can you imagine!?

“Filming firsts” included the first footage of lizards hunting for flies on the backs of sleeping lions, as well as a new hunting behavior in chimpanzees (hunting for honey using 4 different tools).

3-Disc Set

Kalahari is the first section of the first DVD. We’re going to take our time watching this series, as there’s so much to gain one-section which is about an hour (yes, not even one-Disc at a time).

Here are some cool highlights for Kalahari:

• Using trickery to gain trust, then using them for food, but only in the Winter.
• Giraffes fighting for the one female, and the green lush land with water.
• Rhinos surprise night socialization.
• The fantastic golden “wheel” spider.
• The hidden cave water, Dragon’s Breathe, and their inhabitants: catfish.
• Leopard’s mom leaving her 2 sons after 1-year, since it’s hard enough to find food for herself and the two of them their first year…hard lessons to learn.
• Billion birds’ 5-week cycle to mate and raise babies.
• Canable beetles uses its blood to spray into the bird’s eyes to protect itself, but when injured its blood attracts its own kind to feed on it even while still alive.

Truly Fascinating Stuff!

Picathartes of AFRICA Episode 3. BBC Documentary. Image source: The SITS Girls

AFRICA Giveaway Contest: 3 Winners!

Deadline date: Tuesday, March 5 at 11:59pm PST.

Entries: In the comments below, please state the following 3-things:

1. Which format you’d like to receive, if you win: DVD or Blu-ray.

2. Why you want to win this documentary for your family.

3. What was most interesting to our review. More specifically, how did my family help you become interested in AFRICA?

Winner Selection: The top 3 most creative, fun, inspirational or funny comments will win. Your dedication to spreading the world about this Review and Giveaway will also help us in selecting the winners. For example, you can

• Tweet this blogpost @ponnsabra so we can RT you!
• Share on Facebook tag @AmericanMuslimMom
• Pin on Pinterest tag @AMuslimMom
• Bookmark or share on your favorite social networking site, like Stumble Upon.
• TIP: Use the sharability icons at the bottom of this blogpost.

For every action you take, please comment below with your links!

* Entries must be in the U.S. and 18 years of age.

A family of elephants in AFRICA. Savannah Episode. BBC Documentary. Image source: The SITS Girls

20% Discount code for AFRICA DVD

Coupon code: AFR213

Valid dates: Thursday, February 27 to Friday, March 1

eRetailers: Amazon or the BBC America Shop. Can be redeemed in the U.S. only.

While I promised a full review of ONE LIFE, I didn’t want to crowd up and create confusion in this particular post, so I’ll do another follow-up later this week. Stay tuned! Now, enter to win this great DVD set!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of BBC Worldwide.

AFRICA DVD Review and Giveaway 3 Winners + Limited Time Only Coupon Code is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post AFRICA DVD Review and Giveaway 3 Winners + Limited Time Only Coupon Code appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

Snow Monkey - One Life BBC Documentary. Image source: The SITS Girls.

As you may know, we’re our family LOVES documentaries! We can never get enough of them. So, when we were presented with the opportunity to participate in the #BBCEarth campaign, reviewing and previewing 2 of their latest projects, we were ecstatic! More on the second film on Tuesday…we’ll have giveaway prizes and coupon codes, so hop back here then!

One Life opened on February 21, 2013 in over 450 theaters across the nation for a limited showing. It’s narrated by Daniel Craig, being his first time lending his voice to a documentary feature. It took more than 4 years to make this film, with over 3,000 days in every continue and in every habitat.

It includes 15 “filming firsts”. For example, the first complete sequence (including aerials, underwater and topside shots) of humpback whale mating contest, “the heat run,” 3 cheetahs hunting cooperatively (they generally hunt independently), and the first use of new camera tracking system “yogi cam” to track elephants.

Check out this amazing movie clip below, and find out more about the film on this One Life’s main page here.

We’re still getting accumulated to our new home, after all Los Angeles is a huge metropolitan area. So, the opportunity to visit new districts is really awesome. We’re so excited that there will be a matinee today, so we can walk the pretty streets of Encino before hand. We have some big plans that night, so I won’t be able to follow-up with our full review until later this week.

But, you don’t have to wait too long for a full review, because I’ll be one of the panelists promoting the One Life movie premier in a quick 30-minute Twitter Party Monday night!

#BBCEarth Twitter Party

Everyone is welcomed to join us!

Time: Monday, February 25 from 6:00-6:30 PM PST.

Hashtag: #BBCEarth

The images and movie clip are so inviting, aren’t they?

Find A Local Screening Today!

A full list of times and locations are available here.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a documentary on the big screen. So, this should be absolutely incredible!

So, will you be taking your family to watch this documentary feature? Let’s us know below. At least come tweet with us Monday night, okay!?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of BBC Worldwide.

One Life – BBC Documentary Review and #BBCEarth Twitter Party is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post One Life – BBC Documentary Review and #BBCEarth Twitter Party appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

As you know, I’ve been blessed to be able to homeschool my girls and work from home. I had no problems leaving my high-profile secured government position and career. I wanted to put my girls first, and my husband has supported my decision all these years, alhumdulilah, praise be to God. It hasn’t always been easy, and that’s how I learned to be more frugal, resourceful, and committed to living a more natural, green life. However, I believe it’s my duty and obligation to prioritize my girls and home, so I’ve never viewed this as a sacrifice, but a form of ibadah, act of worship.

However, I respect and understand that many moms may not be in the position to make these kinds of choices due to one’s lack of financial stability, support system, etc. So, even though I’m often asked what are my view of day care, home day care or nannies (in-home or live-in), regardless of my opinions; at the end these moms just want to know what are the Pros & Cons of Nannies versus Day Care. So, I’m grateful that Ken was able to offer this comprehensive list of points to consider.

When it comes to caring for your child you want the very best. Unfortunately it is not always possible for you to stay home with your child. That is where childcare options like day cares and nannies come in. But is one better than the other? Here is a comparison between these two options. Only you can decide which option would be best for your child.

1. Cost – First of all let’s talk about the cost. Day cares have a wide variety of costs from one hundred dollars a week to a thousand or more per child. You should also know that you get what you pay for. Low cost day cares usually offer little in the way of interaction or learning for your child. They are just there to make sure your child does not get hurt. Additionally, when you have multiple children the prices really start to go up. There are usually no group discounts at a day care. That is why if you have two or more children it might be better to consider a nanny. Although a nanny may cost you more than you would pay a daycare to watch one child, she likely will cost less than the price for two or more children. Nannies also save you on gas and travel costs as they come to your home instead of you having to take your child somewhere else. The initial investment of finding a nanny through a service or agency can be daunting, but like the day care you get what you pay for.
2. Hours –While there are some twenty four hour day cares, most day cares have a limited amount of hours in which they operate. That means that if you have a work schedule that is during odd hours a day care may not be able to accommodate you. This is also true if you work nights or weekends. However a nanny is more flexible. If you hire one that knows the hours they will be expected to work there should be no problem. There are even live in nannies that can be available any time you need them.
3. Education –Even the youngest children need to learn things. Some higher priced day cares offer things like preschool education, but that is rare. However nannies are not like that. They love to teach children the alphabet, basic math, colors and so on. They do crafts and create activities for your child to have fun and learn at the same time. Nannies can even take your child to the park or other places for hands on learning.
4. Control – At a day care you cannot control what they feed or teach your child. You have to pick one that matches your needs as much as possible and then just hope things turn out well. However, you have much more control over a nanny. You can tell a nanny what to feed your child and provide the ingredients yourself, assuring their quality. You can also ask the nanny to teach the child things like religious basics and to only allow the child exposure to certain shows on television or outdoor activities. Some nannies can even drive your child to and from activities and events like sports or worship.
5. Safety –Another aspect of child care is safety. You want your child to be safe and secure wherever they are. With a day care you can do some research and find reviews online. You can also talk to other parents who use the day care and see what they think about it. You usually do not know who your child’s actually interactions will be with though. With a nanny though you can do much more. Things like background checks and reference checks allow you insight into the nanny’s history. Do her previous families miss her? Why did she leave? Does she have a criminal record? These questions should be answered before you hire. An agency will do most of the research for you, but if you are hiring online or by word of mouth you will have to run your own searches. Taking the time to check up on a child care worker is worth it. Additionally, a nanny takes care of your child in your home. Instead of an environment you can’t control that may be unsafe or dirty, your child stays in the comfort and safety of his or her own home. This is also a good thing because you are aware of people nearby that can help, like friends and neighbors, and you can leave numbers for the nanny to contact in case of emergency that can get to your home quickly.
6. Health –Keeping your child happy and well is of utmost importance. A day care is full of children. All those children are full of germs. As hard as the day care may try, keeping things clean in that environment is not easy. Children often suffer through illness after illness in a day care setting, passing it around. However, care through a nanny means that your child stays home and away from germs. While exposure to some illness may still occur due to normal activities like going to the park or playing with the neighbors, the illnesses will not be never ending. There is nothing worse than a sick child!
7. Sociability – In day care your child will be exposed to many other children. This exposure at a young age can help children to be more social and better adjusted to working in groups and with teams. However, it can also lead to being bullied or feeling left out. While a nanny care situation usually means the child is not around many other children, it does not always have to be that way. Nannies can take your child to the park to play with others. They can also join activities like sports to gain sociability. One good thing about nanny care is the one on one attention. This attention by an adult who is not a family member helps the child to learn how to interact with other adults in the proper way and also helps them to be more confident talking to adults as they grow up.

As you can see, there are many benefits to both of these child care methods. You just have to figure out which one works best for your child and your family’s financial situation. There are times in life where we can’t be there for our children. Choosing someone to take our place during those times is difficult, but we have to do the best we can.

I’m curious what you feel after reading this article. Are you leaning toward day care or having a nanny to care for your kid(s)?

Ken Myers is an expert advisor on in-home care & related family safety issues to many websites and groups. He is a regular contributor to www.gonannies.com. You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.

Nannies versus Day Care – The Pros and Cons is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post Nannies versus Day Care – The Pros and Cons appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

Studio Arabiya classroom. Click Here for FREE Trial. Use Promo Code: AMM10 for a 10% Discount

Our journey to find the best, most affordable live distance learning or in-person Qur’an and Arabic Programs have lasted for MANY years, as seen in great detail here and here. Subhan Allah, Glory be to Allah, Studio Arabiya connected us. If you’re a loyal reader, you know I only give detailed critical reviews, and it is a big compliment is if my family and I choose to work with any company long-term. However, the biggest compliment, is when my husband and I choose to invest or purchase a product or service based on our review. Well, Studio Arabiya received that highest level of approval!

After our free trial, we are now proudly investing in our girls’ continued Qur’an AND Arabic classes with Studio Arabiya. To show how much I believe in their products and services, I asked and Studio Arabiya agreed to giving a 10% special discount for all American Muslim Mom subscribers, if you, too, decide to invest in your or your kids’ education beyond their Free Trial.

Personal Blessings We Experienced With Studio Arabiya

The 3 girls have 2 different Qur’an teachers and 1 shared Arabic teacher. All are females, and both Qur’an instructors have their ijaza, mashaAllah. We started with 50-minute Qur’an classes for me and my 2 older girls, and 30-minutes for my 9 year old 3-days a week. By the 2nd class, our 9 year old asked for longer time, and more homework because she wanted to learn more Qur’an like her sisters. This was HUGE news for us, because our youngest never could sit through an entire Qur’an class, and 30-minutes one-on-one seemed to be her max. She has always been gifted in memorizing, mashaAllah, but class time has never been as productive as it could be because her interest level was never truly piqued. So, we typically hire instructors simply to test and correct her, but repeating back and forth to learn always bored her. She’s much better at memorizing by herself.

My husband and I are most grateful for her instructor’s ability to bring a whole new dimension of Qur’an in our daughter’s life, and pray for her and her family every day. Alhumdulilah!

According to my daughter, she said her instructor “is very patient and nice, and she knows English”…simple, little words…she wouldn’t talk about her dozens of past instructors, but my other daughters and I asked a few times just now “Being, very patient, nice and knowing English are the ONLY reasons you’re able to sit through doubled-the-length of Qur’an class and memorize more?” Trying to get her to be more descriptive.  She agreed in the affirmative with a polite grin each time. Questioning our disbelief, she asked; “What!?”

These are the times when I hear my late mommy say, “From the mouths of babes…”

Ya Rabb, May all teachers, instructors, and especially those teaching our most Glorious Book, The Qur’an teach nicely with patience. Ameen!

After two-weeks, I stopped taking Qur’an classes for the girls to share 60-minutes (20-minutes/each) of Arabic studies 3-days per week.

I will always have Instructor Safiyah and her family in my du’a, mashaAllah.

During my 2-weeks, I accomplished more in my 50-mins with her than I ever had with any other Qur’an teacher ever before, mashaAllah. I am extremely encouraged, and I’m reading more Qur’an every single day more than I’ve ever in my life! mashaAllah! I feel a closeness with Allah’s words that I never did before. I practiced so much between by 1st assessment with sister Saffiyah and my first class and it showed–my heart is still pounding in pure delight. May Allah accept all our intentions, and ibadah. Ameen!

Instructor Safiyah was instrumental in helping be establish a good Qur’an studying routine. As you may remember, routines and steady progress is critical to staying motivated and reaching our goals. Undoubtedly, my 4-months of near-daily Qur’anic lessons in Gaza between Hajj & Umrah last year set an extremely strong foundation in my Tajweed rules and ability to read; but being able to bring good habits away from that kind of intense studies is critical for any busy Muslim mom living in a non-Muslim country.

Top 29 Reasons Why We LOVE Studio Arabiya

In no particular order

FREE initial, detailed, formal assessments were scheduled in 24-hours! My girls and I were highly impressed by the execution, the formality, the ease, thoroughness, and joy it was to participate in these detailed assessments. With separate instructors for the Qur’an and Arabic classes.

1. FREE Class Trials and Instructor assignments were  scheduled in 24-hours! They used email, phone and skype to expedite the request. Balancing 4 students with 10-hour time zone difference is not easy, and has never been accommodated with much ease and perfections except with Studio Arabiya.
2. Private Online Classroom. White Board accessible by both the instructor and student, Shared documents, Qur’an, books, Superb sound quality, and we rarely loose down time due to poor Internet connection or Skype’s not reliable services.
3. Ability to Record Classes – This is an awesome capability, because one of my biggest complaints of distant learning programs is not having access to the school work, curriculum, assignments, etc.
   

4. 

   Studio Arabiya classroom screenshot

5. Homework Assignments. They are ALWAYS challenging and my girls prefer this; which of course my husband and I agree.
   
6. 24-Hour cancel and reschedule policy is adhered too. When we had emergency medical appointments, all our classes were immediately rescheduled.
   
7. Live Chat 24-7 Customer Service. It was fantastic for numerous reasons, if we were running late, the instructor, or the classroom needed assistance. Live support to troubleshoot technical issues, happened only once. Tech support helped us and the one instructor live. It was awesome! It shows the kind of expert support they offer their employees, their instructors too.
   
8. 24-Hour Customer Service. Every single request has ALWAYS been attended to immediately, within minutes, rarely within few hours! Not a single Middle East company my family and I have EVERY worked with ever had this kind of Customer Service. Personal phone calls when we were late for class by 5-minutes. We were delayed in opening the class, and when we were in class it was GREAT to receive a call asking where we were.
9. Ideal Timing and Accommodations to Make Sure You Know You Are The Customer They Are Serving. Often Muslims in Muslim countries are self-righteous, condensing, and make you feel like they’re doing a favor for serving us, even though we’re their customers. They make excuses why they can’t serve us, even if their marketing materials and written agreements say otherwise…yes, haram, I know. But, Studio Arabiya never once did this to us. They know we have 4 people, with 4 different levels/ages in 2 different classes who live in different timezones. They accommodated us, welcomed us, and serviced us to keep our business.
   
10. Lively Interactive Arabic Classes and Lessons. Their Arabic instructor even introduced herself the first few lessons with her friendly adorable hand-puppet. My girls are always challenged and well-paced.
    
11. Skilled, Patient, Loving Instructors Who Are Muslims At Heart and In Practice. Yes, it’s sad I have to write this, alluding to the fact that other Muslim companies who hire Muslims don’t have the same, but it’s true, subhan Allah. 
12. Female Instructors with ijaza who may give ijaza. This is incredible news, since we’re a happy of all maturing young Muslimahs.
    
13. Extremely Affordable – Last I checked, many months ago, I know Studio Arabiya was less than many other programs. I have no interest to look to compare them to their competitors now, but last I knew they were one of the least, if not the least expensive program in the Internet today. Yet, NO ONE offers one-fraction of their products and services.
14. Committed Muslim Founders Who Developed This Program Out Of Their Own Personal Experience. As American reverts, the founders built this program because he successfully studied with a shaikh in Egypt remotely. The couple moved to Egypt to complete his studies to become an Imam, at which time they created Studio Arabiya from their own experiences, knowing first hand  what works and what does not.
15. Founders are Practicing Muslims who do not compromise business over Islam. MashaAllah, as American business entrepreneurs, the founders have extremely strong work ethics and principles. Add their innocent, pure love for Allah subhanna wa T’ala, there’s no surprise that they are building an incredible business for all the right reasons. May Allah reward them handsomely in this dunya and akhira. Ameen!
    

    Click Here to download your FREE Arabic Learning Flash Cards

16. Founders focused first on curriculum, the distance learning experience, and THEN business growth – Priority: Students embracing and excelling in their Qur’anic and Arabic studies. As a result, mashaAllah, this is already a self-sustainable, profitable business. May Allah continue to bless the founders and all involved with Studio Arabiya in this dunya and the akhira. Ameen!
17. Long-Term Clientele – One family of 3 kids have been with them since the very beginning month-after-month.
18. Determined to grow at a steady pace. Now, 300+ students and 50+ instructors. Steady growth allows both the staff and the students can adjust to make the best teaching/learning experience for the pair.
19. Highly Professional FREE Resources – Studio Arabiya offers incomparable resources we’ve never seen in one single place for Arabic and Qur’anic resources. Downloadable Arabic Learning Flash Cards, New Games & Puzzles, breath-taking Pinterest boards, extremely active Facebook fan page, steadily growing Twitter account, and fantastic 30 Du’a in 30 Days of Ramadan Youtube series.
20. Solid Arabic & Qur’an curriculum which all the instructors use.
21. Qur’an: (1) Read the Qur’an (2) Tajweed rules (3) Recite the Qur’an (4) Memorize the Qur’an (5) Shares appropriate tafseer or stories of the sunnah to help conceptualize the surah/ayats to deepen the girls’ understanding to aid in memorizing better.
    
    My oldest was extremely pleased the very first class, because the teacher broke up their time up equally for all the different sections of learning the Qur’an. This is what she always envisioned as the best use of her class time, but no teacher was willing or capable to be so personalized in their teaching methods. Willing to accommodate personal requests. Last week, I requested to have the two older girls read the Qur’an from the beginning, they added it easily.
22. Arabic: (1) Read (2) Write Spelling & Grammar (3) Comprehension with tests and assessments (4) Conversational speech (5) Homework (6) Class recordings. Personalize curriculum to work with age-appropriateness, level of education, and individual strengths and weaknesses. Their one Arabic teachers paces her classes and teaches to all three of the girls, because of the difference in their personalities and level of understanding.
23. Self-directed classes between the girls and the instructors. This was a major problem with their competitors because the instructors had such poor English skills, or the instructor or organization did not have a set academic system or curriculum in place. Due to my frustrated girls and my desire to protect my investment of money, I would have to sit by my girls’ side during every single class. It was hours of wasted time. While I was learning, I wasn’t paying someone so I would have to babysit the instructors to make sure they’re teaching their classes. I only sat with my older girls for a few minutes, and 1-2 classes with my youngest. My youngest quickly asked that I not be present at all, because she enjoyed developing a relationship with her instructors herself…another reason why her Qur’anic studies have been increasing dramatically. Instructors know enough English to get through the classes just in case we need to talk in English.
    
24. Progress Reports. Excellent communications among the instructors, customer service and myself to get periodic informal progress reports. The founders shared that they are presently working on making progress reports a more formal process, but at this time I don’t have a single complaint, because I know exactly where they are and what they’re doing in each of their classes…it’s made quite obvious with their homework.
25. Daily Schedule and Calendar in Private Secure Online Family Account. As seen to the right==>

Sample of our Studio Arabiya Weekly Schedule and Calendar

1. Easy and Multiple Payment Systems via Paypal, Direct Withdrawal from bank account, credit card, Western Union, or bank transfer.
2. I Never had to involve my husband once...except to pay While this may sound extremely odd reason, in many cases of dealing with Arab Muslims in Arab countries, in order to get things done I’d have to involve my husband, which is EXTREMELY annoying and…well…I am the primary educator and care giver to my girls, having traveled to Muslim lands even without my husband–but, often out of frustration, or extremely poor communication skills (they’re inability to understand my Arabic AND English), I would have to resort to getting my husband involved. Which, if I did, my husband would already be extremely annoyed. He depends on my to take care of these simple things, such as their education. Please note that while I had many communications with the Founder it was mostly regarding publicity. All customer service, classes, instructors, every thing to do with taking care of the girls’ classes were taken care by the Muslim staff in Eygpt.
3. Open for suggestions and recommendations. Since the beginning, I’ve been listened to, cared for, and appreciated for my feedback; so much that flash cards were made based on our requests, and other little things to improve our experiences as an end-user. Nothing beats that!

10% Discount American Muslim Mom Special Discount

Disclosure: We are organizing this campaign on behalf of the American Muslim Mom Media Network. If you’d like to be considered for future campaigns, apply today–it’s free to join! We may have received products free of charge or sponsorship towards the GoFundMe American Muslim Mom (AMM) Foundation campaign. 100% of all profits are reinvested into the growth of the AMM community and educational reasons, please check out AmericanMuslimMom.org for details. We are never influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited).  You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

Studio Arabiya – The Best, Most Affordable, Online Qur’an and Arabic Program – FREE Trial & Special Discounts is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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Unfortunately, many think cardiovascular health, heart attacks, or anything related to the heart are men-problems. However, numerous studies and have shown that heart health is NOT just a “guy thing” at all. Women need to be concerned about their cardiovascular health as well. In fact, some sources say that heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States!

This is a VERY dear subject to me, because I lost my mom suddenly to a massive heart attack. She was what many thought one of the healthiest 64 year old Asian tiny, beautiful women around. No one thought she was over 43 years old…no one dared to tip the 44 or 45 year number, because she looked and sounded THAT young!

She fast walked a mile each day, whether it was raining, sleet, snow, or boiling hot. She ate incredibly healthy, natural…ALL the good stuff! She was what we all believed destined to live the long lives of her family, youngest grandfather as 83 years old. Most of our Asian family members died between 88 -98 years old…then, again, all back home. Anyways, one night…1 heart pain…she didn’t make it to the hospital.

The only blessings my family found from her death were these facts I discovered once I reached the hospital and talked to the surgeon:

1. Had she lived, she would’ve been a vegetable, because it was THAT massive a heart attack…and they were trying to revive her for nearly 20 minutes (upon Daddy’s hysterical disbelief)

2. It was her time. It was sudden and so massive, she took her last breathe mostly in peace. She did not suffer long prolonged hardship, pain or suffering like other diseases.

3. She lived a fulfilling life with her partner, Daddy. In the car ride to the hospital, she turned to Daddy saying “Pol, I love you.” Then, tilted her head back for her last breath.

As tears fill up my eyes, it’s best that we turn now to some interesting and typically unknown facts that should help you appreciate how important Heart Health is for Women.

Women’s Heart Health – What You Need To Know

Contraceptive Use

Studies have shown that the use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some sources share that in younger women, the risk is lower than in older women. So, if you are over the age of 35, it would behoove you to look into a different forms of birth control, if possible.

Risk Factors

Who’s at risk? You may think you’re not at risk because you’re not overweight, or you don’t smoke, or you exercise regularly. This was exactly the case for my mom…

While having more than one risk factor certainly raises your risk, according to experts, having even one of the risk factors – such as smoking or being overweight – increases your risk of heart disease significantly. Here are some of the lifestyle choices that may raise your risk for developing heart disease:

* Smoking
* Inactivity or not enough exercise
* Poor diet, especially one high in saturated fat and low on fresh, whole foods
* Overweight
* Diabetes
* Ethnicity (According to experts, African American and Hispanic women are at particular risk for heart disease)
* High blood pressure
* High cholesterol

[Interestingly, both sides of my otherwise healthy Asian family, have either high blood pressure or high cholesterol...or "controlled levels"]

Low Vitamin D

The more this vitamin gets researched, the more important it seems. Studies have shown that women over 30 with low levels of vitamin D were 25% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Getting plenty of safe sun exposure through smart sunbathing boosts vitamin D levels, as does taking oral supplements.

This is particularly important for Muslim women to take note, because of lack direct sun exposure since we dress modestly and cover most, if not all, our bodies with hijab. Research has shown that Muslims have low Vitamin D.

Time to Get Tested

Listed below are some specific tests that will provide important information about your risk of heart attack.

* Lipoprotein levels – Getting tested for your lipoprotein levels means you’re getting tested for cholesterol (both the “good” and “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides. The levels of these substances in your blood affect your risk for heart disease.

* Blood pressure – Getting your blood pressure taken can show you not only if you have hypertension, but also if you are at risk for developing it. Sources recommend getting your blood pressure checked at least every other year. Hey, with free tests at local pharmacies or grocery stores, when waiting for your next prescription, sit down and check…it’s a fun thing my girls always enjoy doing.

* BMI (Body Mass Index) – A BMI test helps determine your weight in relation to your height, as well as waist measurement. Tummy fat can raise your risk of heart disease, as can an imbalanced fat-to-height ratio. If you have a Wii Fit balance board, the Wii Fit Plus game shares your BMI. We do this often.

MOMentumNation Heart Health Month

Holly and the gang are hosting numerous Hearth Health Month activities; such as a Twitter party tomorrow, to 28-days of Heart Health Tips. Find out all the details here.

Women’s Heart Health – What You Need to Know: Heart Health Month at MOMentumNation is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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In order to get done what needs to be done today, we MUST Stop Worrying about Tomorrow!

The time, energy, effort and head-space it takes to worry about tomorrow, causes many mommies to procrastinate in the things that need to be done today. And, the act of procrastinating itself causes even more worry, anxiety, and unnecessary frustration.

Rather than writing huge To Do Lists that only upsets us because at the end of the day we were only able to cross out a couple things off that unrealistic list, why not opt to write ONLY 3-Things To Do Today!?

Then, commit to add  1 more…or 2…but, no more than 3 things (depending on the time of the day it is), ONLY when you complete your realistic 3-Things.

This way you’re always working with an Advantage–something to be proud of, something to cheer about, something to be happy! Rather than feel the drudgery of your deficit or being at a disadvantage. Be Realistic with your tasks and obligations each day, and stop worrying about tomorrow.

So, what goes on your list Today? Anything that must be done Today.

Just take baby steps…1,2,3. Get that far, and THEN add 1, 2, 3 more steps.

Then recall the hadith

The Prophet used to say, “O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by (other) men.” (Sahih Bukhari, 75:328)

Please let me know how your 1st 3 baby steps of Today worked out for you!

Click Here To Learn More About the Year of Motivation & Why You Should Join Today!

Muslim Mommy Motivation Tip: Stop Worrying About Tomorrow is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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Rushed for time and without any after shave, my husband was scrabbling in the cabinets one day, and I was helping to find some solution to freshen his cheeks…Hey, why not use rubbing alcohol?

We know kids (yes, and the seldom times us mommies and daddies who still get random spots) use alcohol to dab a infrequent pimple. No, I’m not advocating using alcohol as an acne treatment, nor to rub your face to prevent it…but, I’m just sayin’ alcohol is in everyone’s medicine cabinets (typically in our bathroom cabinets)…so, what harm can it really have?

In thinking while blogging, I just ran a quick search if there are any real benefits of rubbing alcohol for acne and here’s an interesting take on the subject, combine alcohol with tea tree oil…oh, we have that too! So, I digress…

Anyways, back to after shave options, hubby just threw some rubbing alcohol in the palms of his hands and Voila! Quick sting, but the most refreshing feeling he said he ever had! He didn’t rub or scrub with it. He just kind of washed with it, in our typical wuduu style. Once, and that was it!

After just a couple times using this cheap alternative, he says and it was true–his skin was glowing, his beard was unaffected…hey, it’s rubbing alcohol…who wants that near any hair!?

So, here I am thinking we came up with some fantastic alternative to expensive, smelly, probably completely unhealthy after shaves…then, again I ran a quick search, and we’re not that ingenious at all. At least not according to this eHow tutorial “How to Use Rubbing Alcohol for Your Face as an Aftershave.”

From the article,

Aftershave can serve three different purposes: moisturizing the skin, soothing any stinging from microscopic cuts and preventing razor burn. Rubbing alcohol can act as an antiseptic for the skin, cleansing tiny cuts and preventing ingrown hairs.

As for alternatives, one can try witch hazel, peroxide, tea tree oil or any combination of them with rubbing alcohol. One or all these antiseptics are in everyone’s cabinets, so it’s worth a try, right? Oh, and we use only 70% not the 90% isopropyl alcohol. Curious if you have any after shave alternatives that your hubbies enjoy rather than store-bought brands. Please comment below.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own. How can I lie  (Haram!) about our own experiences, anyways? Just sayin’…

Accidental After Shave Discovery: Alcohol is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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In keeping with “Keeping Things Simple”, it’s important that we exert at the very least the 80-20 rule in everything we do. Why? Because truth lies in the facts. 80-20 works in almost every situation in life, like 80% of the work gets done by 20% of the workers. 80% of our time is wasted, while 20% of our time is productive.

But, in our economy less than 1% makes the majority of money (the millionaires) so in that case it’s <99-1 rule.

To maintain peace of mind and be productive, it’s critical that you review any quantitative data that you can objectively look at. That is why some of the best hackers in life say you should spend your some time, just documenting what you do all day. Then, evaluate where you spend and waste time…surprising results will be, at the very least 80-20 but if you can decrease the gap to 90-10, 95-5 or 98-2 you can run into a gold mine of motivation to continue to do the right things during the right times with the right people.

Am I talking gibberish!?

Well, here’s a perfect example of using stats and data to evaluate ones productivity and how to best move forward with these discoveries.

Curious as to selling, partnering, managing, keeping, American Muslim Mom we had to evaluate how important was I, Ponn Sabra, to the American Muslim Mom brand. After all, I only posted a handful of times during all of 2012.

So, this is what we discovered:

• 95% of our traffic came from 5% of our blogposts. Of 963 articles, 95% of the traffic came from 47 blogposts.
• 89% of those articles were written by me. 42 of the 47 blogposts were written by me.
• 96% of those articles were not written in 2012. Only 2 of the 42 blogposts were written in 2012. #6 was written in 2008 and #20 written in 2009.
• 100% of all 42 blogposts have a ton of linkbacks (linked to from other bloggers or websites), social media activity (facebook likes, comments, tweets, social bookmarks) and comments.

From the objective observers, the ones considering buying or partnering know they want need me as the preeminent American Muslim Mom voice…but, was I willing to sell and go on someone’s payroll? No way!

We further discovered that it’s how the interactions took place between me and my readers that made a critical difference…meaning, I hit a cord, I made you think, I caused you to say “hey, I’m proud to be an American Muslim Mom” and in many cases “proud to be a Muslim Mom” who search critical issues that are timeless.

So, where do we go from here?

Thanking Critical Contributors

First, I need to acknowledge the 5 articles and their contributors for making the top 47 blogposts of all time:

#7: Five Fun Tips to Teach Kids Arabic by Aya Khalil of Aya Khalil

#8: 3 Legitimate Work-at-Home Money Making Opportunities by Kimberly Ben of Muslimahs Working At Home

Yes #10-30 We’re all written by me, masha Allah.

#31:  Top 7 iPhone Apps Every Muslim Should Have for Ramadan also by Aya Khalil

#45: Frugal Scarf and Pin Storage Solutions by Hanane Pollard of Common Cents Mom

#46: Tutorial: How to Create a Time Card to Track Work Hours with Google Docs by Habeeba Husein of  H2 Hoops

Second, I must write at the very least 80% of the time! Do you see the circle here? Why I need Motivation too!?

Click Here To Learn More About the Year of Motivation & Why You Should Join Today!

I must continue with regular contributors because I love them all for the sake of Allah and appreciate their voices; but, I’m really curious what you think! While I may not be able to reply to every email, I do read the ones I get; so if you don’t want to make live comments, please use my Contact Page, that gets to me better than email from unexpected senders because Contact Page is marked as Priority mail.

However, one colleague reviewed his feedback and traffic sources for 2012, and experienced somewhat the same thing. So, he’s choosing to write all high-quality posts 1-2 a week himself, with no other contributors or guests which is a DRASTIC move since last year, when he had contributors and guests blogs up nearly daily! He said his traffic was best in 2012, but he received multiple emails about the difference in tone and voice and that they wanted him. Interestingly, he shared his experiment for 2013 to not have any contributors and the comments were fascinating!

So, I’m curious about what you think? My dilemma lies in my lack of time, versus 2 optional partnerships. One is all about bringing on dozenS of writers to build the American Muslim Mom brand and a huge network of writers while keeping me on to lead it all…OR, keep most of it myself and experiment with getting back to the basics, less is more.

I know I can give at least 99% (or at the very least 80%) of effort into whatever way I decide to go…because I AM Motivated. But, I’m really curious, what do you think?

Applying the 80-20 Rule To Your Life

So, what areas of your life do you need to take notes (collect some data), evaluate your effectiveness or productivity level, and make critical changes?

Is it cleaning windows? I know it’s on my list! One tip was to clean one window each day so doing 20% of work everyday to help). However, for this big job, I’m more than I’ll do 80-100% of them in 1-2 days. What kind of house cleaner are you?

What about buying, cooking, serving and eating 80% more healthy meals with your family? What are you doing now? How can you change these habits?

What about spending less? So, saving 80% more than you usually do for the next 2-months, so we can have a bigger vacation together? Or even umrah with the kids?

Share your 80-20 discoveries below, so we can keep each other motivated and accountable to getting the job done!

Muslim Mommy Motivation Tip: At Least Use the 80-20 Rule is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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If you’re on my email list (and if you’re not, get on it now–after all, you’ll get my free ebook “Balancing Life as a Muslim Mom“), you would’ve finally gotten an update where I’ve been…but, I must continue the story here since most of my readers are still focused on the blog.

Surgery Update

As for my surgeries, mashaAllah, God has willed, many complications unseen by my surgeon of 30-years, but after much unexpected pain and suffering, Allah granted us a successful outcome and I’m on the road to recovery. Allahu akhbar, God is great! Being a pro at surgeries, even getting 2 in one-day since they were outpatient seem like a cake-walk…but, I choose only local anesthesia and being awake was…well…alhumdulilah done and over with!

So, rather than extend your du’a to me, I respectfully ask that you make du’a for my 12 yo who witnessed all the trauma with much maturity and steadfastness beyond her years!

All the medical staff thought she was at least 16 years old, as she prayed over my forehead, handed my medical card (allergies and medications), and answered questions repetitively to multiple medical professionals, while watching my body react terribly to the medications causing them to strap me down in front of her. May Allah continue to keep her on the straight path. Ameen!

You can imagine, I’m on a continued path to simplify my family’s life, and that was the opening Muslim Mommy Motivation Tip yesterday.

An outpouring of unexpected du’a via email

I made a pack with myself when I launched American Muslim Mom in 2009, that I wasn’t going to share my physical and neurological issues publicly on my blog. I’m extremely personal and private…and when I held my women entrepreneur, syndicated, columnist freelance writer and blogging business very professional, when I was diagnosed with my rare brain disorder I faced many absences that my virtual staff would update my blog and explain things because my absences were abrupt and unexpected.

The prayers, gifts, and even flowers starting rolling in…while much humbled by it and greatly appreciated…whenever I took a little break online, I’d get worried phone calls, emails to family members asking if I was still alive.

So, selfish as I was, I decided to start American Muslim Mom differently. My colleagues, all authors, freelance writers, publicists, professional bloggers, everyone in PR advised against it–after all, you’re Mommy-Blogging now…it should be “personal”.

No, but I can’t and couldn’t bare the worries, fears, and I just wanted to move on. Oh, yes–my health was improving so I didn’t see any major breaks to occur…

Then, the natural breaks happened, such as living in oppressed land with no electricity, water, heat,…let alone Internet!

Click Here To Learn More About the Year of Motivation & Why You Should Join Today!

And, the most recent and longest break: 2012…My personal decision to prioritize my life outside of American Muslim Mom. Too much was personal, too painful, too well…emotional; more so than the physical things I deal with daily.

Those who REALLY know me (like a couple friends, and my family) know that I NEVER allow excuses! I’m partically intolerant to excuses--geez, I was partially paralyzed for 9 months before and still raised a family, business…and NEVER lost faith!

But, these are the things my colleagues insisted I share. So, honestly, I dripped a bit in my Year of Motivation post, more for my therapy and never thought anyone let alone A LOT of you would read it…all!

You read the fine print, all little things I put out there to protect myself. Just as I replied to my first commenter, I didn’t think people would take my post well…possibly even turning people away enough that it’d be easier for me to let alone, give up and even sell American Muslim Mom…

Allahu Alam. Allah knows best! That was never my intention, I wrote from the heart what I was willing to share and what I was not…and those who love me back for the sake of Allah, came to be by my side when I needed it most…Now!

NOW, THAT IS Motivating!

But, What REALLY prompted the change in the first place?

My girls! They yelled not to sell, and negotiated ways to keep it alive and active. They reminded me that this is “ours”. This is “our” sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), “our” words, not just yours mom/Mommy/Mama! We’ll be the next American Muslim Mom, insha Allah, they insisted…thankfully, it WILL live on…because of them!

My only priority was m health, wifehood and motherhood responsibilities which meant homeschooling. Really, being stationary for the first time, exploring the West Coast has always been something I wanted to do…I love my home, I love all the time I have my with my girls and I pleaded,

IF I sell, I won’t have as many regrets, as IF I lost any time with you growing up!

They reminded me that I don’t use the word “regrets”, it’s “lessons learned” quoting me…of course.

They shared, that we’ll grow up WITH American Muslim Mom.

Well, they’ve demonstrated that life CAN be simplified with massive teamwork; and, together the girls launched and relaunched 3 websites practically by themselves in 1-week! By doing this, they’re “proving to me” they can take over American Muslim Mom to a greater extent. [BTW, they didn't have to prove anything to me...they chose too!]

I’m not techie at all, I hate administrative work, and I outsource everything possible. However, they were determined to keep everything in-house and taught themselves how to do things most bloggers don’t know how to do. That’s the difference between hobby bloggers and professional money-making bloggers…my girls are so frugal they don’t want
me to outsource anymore so they can reap the benefits. Now, that’s enterprising!

So, here are their websites:

Kid Bloggers Club – Helping Kids Make Money Online with Blogging.

Grab JuJu’s free ebook “How to start a blog for fun and profit” while you’re there, because it’s for sale in Kindle for 99-cents.

Even though I’m asked a LOT, I don’t have time to teach Muslim mommy bloggers who want to learn how to make $ online–but my girls are committed to get more kids blogging; so I’ll be referring all interested bloggers to my girls’ products.

And, they are real pros. They’ve been making money since 2010!

They even “rocked the socks off” their business coach! She stated that my 12 yo accomplished more than any of her clients all year! MashaAllah, God has willed. JuJu is her only kid client,  because she “proved” herself to Kelly herself.

STEMOLOGIST – Learning, Loving, Living STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math).

For one-week, their traffic is soaring! U.S. traffic is larger than #2-50 in our Top Muslim Mom Blogger list!

STEM Education is a hot topic for our country right now. Fortunately, we were STEMologists well before it was hip to be one! So, come see all our tips & resources.

There’s a fun STEM-Monday: STEM Trivia Everyone Must-Know challenge fun for any kid aged 2-18 yo here. Not a single comment yet…
Can it be the questions are too hard!?
You be the judge.

Sabra Sisters – They’re Working Towards Keeping Their Fire Lit!

Based on these 2 quotes:

1) Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. ~William Butlet Yeats (The beauty of homeschooling).

2) Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles around to watch you burn! ~John Wesley. (The beauty of Self & Crowd-Motivation!)

A Fourth…?

The really fire-y news is that we’re launching a fourth right now, and creating our very first infoproduct. The girls are doing ALL this before I ever did, and I’ve been professionally
blogging since 2004! Can you feel the flame burning!?

Kid Authors

Also, our 12 yo’s final manuscript is already with the publisher. While our 11 and 9 yo’s final manuscripts are due next Thursday for their upcoming children’s history book series. If you’re a History buff or educator, or actually made it this far down this blogpost, we’d love to have you review them and we’ll acknowledge your assistance in the books!

The children’s book series is called, “Making History Fun!”

JuJu (12yo)’s is “25 Fun Facts of FDR” already with the publisher

GiGi (11 yo)’s is “25 Fun Facts of Abe Lincoln”

JoJo (9 yo)’s is “25 Fun Facts of JFK”

Just email via the Contact Page (it makes it a priority mail), with Abe & JFK in the subject. Then, state why you’d like to review the books! A title, one-liner. Can be as simple as

Jane, homeschool mom of 9, 5 and 3 yo.

Tight deadline though. We need things into the publisher by Thursday, but we’d need to adjust your reviews/edits, before then…and well, we’re not done. Praying for Monday at latest…and yes, if I wasn’t blogging this long, maybe be done with one them already!

As they say “it’s a working weekend” ahead of us. Thankfully, work is SO much fun! After all, how often does a kid become an author?

Okay, I think it’s time to sign off…Looking forward to your active dialogue on whatever site you find your comfort level! We’d love your kids to interact with my girls…InshaAllah, maybe even start blogging for profit too!

Jazaka Allahu Khayr again for your du’a…I am glad I blogged, and mostly happy for your motivation too! Fe amani Allah, in the trust of Allah!

My Girls and Your Du’a Are My Motivation! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post My Girls and Your Du’a Are My Motivation! appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.

To start our year of Motivation, my first set of tips are geared specifically to clearing our heads, turning off the chatter, and focusing on what’s most important to us, as Muslim Moms! Only until we put the very important things at the forefront of our views, will we be able to STOP PROCRASTINATING and MAKING EXCUSES as to why we’re  not being as productive as we want and therefore need  motivation to complete our assigned or obliged tasks from beginning to end.

So, today’s tip is: Just Keep It Simple!

And, today we’re solely going to focus on what’s going to keep us away from hellfire: Shirk! Taking partnership or association to Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

rival: a :one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess. b : one striving for competitive advantage

And they set up rivals to Allah, to mislead (men) from His Path! Say: “Enjoy (your brief life)! But certainly, your destination is the (Hell) Fire!”
(Qur’an 14: 30)

And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else). If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is Severe in punishment.
(Qur’an 2: 165)

Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshiped).
(Qur’an 2:22)

As Muslim moms, we have a tendency to make simple things complex. We drown in the details. We let emotions consume us. We get frustrated by what’s supposed to happen, what has happened, and what is happening. We worry. We get anxious. We get flustered. Let it go! Give into the simplicities of life. For example,

Click Here To Learn More About the Year of Motivation & Why You Should Join Today!

If we just remember the one sin that will assure us Hellfire (shirk) then inshaAllah (God willing) we’ll be able to:

a. Be proud of ourselves, first and foremost for being Muslim!

b. Maintain our humility, be thankful to Allah for our deen, and praise Him and only Him as often as possible.

c. Stop thinking life is about all the details, emotions, events, A,B,C or X,Y,Z.

d. Acknowledge that life can and IS THIS SIMPLE! Just stay away from shirk, and I’m not talking about the haram shirk like alcohol, pork, dating; but the hidden daily extravagances that keeps us away from living a simple life for Allah and dedicated to the worship of Allah like:

• money (complaining we never have enough),
• food (desiring to have the best, most expensive, often wasteful foods in our kitchens),
• household items (getting the next best thing that only sits in a cabinet only to be used for “special occassions” once-twice a year),
• electronics (getting the newest thing when your 5-month old item works perfectly fine…who needs faster, faster, faster, anyways?)
• cars (having it much bigger then the family really needs),
• clothes (too much of it), and
• everything else we’re so caught up in “keeping with the Joneses”.

I can go on and on…but, the point is we need to “Just Keep It Simple for Allah!” Stay Away From Shirk (period).

After returning from the oppressed lands of Gaza, then the extravagance of Saudi Arabia, and moving to the glit and glam of L.A. and Hollywood down our street, my husband and I made HUGE simplicity in life strides with our girls in every single category listed above. It has made us closer to Allah, and closer to one another as a close-knit family. It forced us to really find purpose and truly define the difference between “wants” and “needs”.

Insha Allah, I want you to ponder deeply all the benefits of Keeping Life and Things in Life Simple yourself. Because it is Your personal journey that you take yourself that allows you to better your life…to Keep It Simple and Stay Motivated to please our Only One Creator, Allah.

Everything else is life can just wait, because really…NOTHING else is more important than staying away from shirk. Please share any personal discoveries you embarked upon below!

Muslim Mommy Motivation Tip: Just Keep It Simple is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

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When I reflect on my past years collectively in my personal, professional and spiritual lives, I can see an overwhelming themes:

2009: Rebirth.

Personal: Lost my mommy. Finding my daughterhood, wifehood, mommyhood deeply! Living for today, with no regrets.
Professional: Got fired for all the right reasons. My new voice was born: The American Muslim Mom voice; hence, its official launch!
Spiritual: Living Islam freely and not defensively especially with those I love most, my non-Muslim family. Living Islam purely for Allah’s pleasure and His alone. Finding humility. Accepting mortality.

2010: Acceptance.

Personal: Accepting 4 surgeries, and accepting that someone else can educate my girls, like public school; at least for four-months. Accepting that hubby can and does a lot for us, in my absence.
Professional: I can’t work as much; but its high quality posts that makes the biggest personal/professional impact so we achieved massive growth here at American Muslim Mom.
Spiritual: Memorized the most Qur’an ever. In between all my down-time of pre & post-surgeries by myself…I accepted myself.

2011: Endurance.

Personal: Regaining physical strength and mobility that I haven’t had since being diagnosed with brain disorder 2005. Not allowing excuses, enduring HARD work.
Professional: Massive growth of American Muslim Mom with critical team-building, strategic HARD work.
Spiritual: Fasting more year-round. Qiyam al-Layl year round. Learning how to read the Qur’an with Tajweed. Granted by the grace of Allah alone my dream come true: Hajj! Hajj Mabroor, Insha Allah! Ya Rabb! Ameen!

2012: Peace.

Personal: After four years never living in one city, state or country for more than 4-months in a row and much of it apart from hubby; for 6-straight months we settled down in Los Angeles, CA (Southeast) from Connecticut (Northeast). Slowed down dramatically! Finding peace in my much loved homemaking, wifehood, and massive mommy time on my terms. Peace with my highly-sensitive health issues, hardships in leaving family, peace with difficult family members; the hardest being with Muslim family and friends; and peace that my extended family needs me and I must be there for them because that’s what family is all about!

Professional: While I was practically not present for American Muslim Mom, data, stats, and income, all settled at a peaceful level. Coming to peace with both the worries that I’m not returning (thank you kindly for noticing!) and disappointments from total strangers who actually allow them to hurt me personally and caused me to even consider selling the the American Muslim Mom brand! Fortunately, my girls yelled at me for even considering giving up something that’s partially their’s!

Finding peace that the majority means more to me in the minority! The mere minority who does not know me professionally, let alone personally, has NO place in my life period. So, peace that my numbers and community believe in me and what the American Muslim Mom brand stands for. THIS is what is worth working for–not the few haters.

Unfortunately, the haters that hurt me the most were NOT ignorant, hateful, non-Muslims, they were actually the self-righteous, opinionated Muslims (whether they knew me and my family personally or not).

Comping to peace that I did let some down; but the beauty of being a solopreneur is that I can and I did choose my Spiritual and Personal life before my Professional.

Couldn’t Reach the American Muslim Mom in 2012? This is why…

Oh, I forgot to add that I had to increase my bandwidth just 3-weeks ago, only to find out that 1000s of my emails did not get forwarded to my gmail account. I’m still catching up and forwarding, replying to 14,000+ emails that didn’t reach my gmail, while my gmail still has 1,500+ (350+ priority) unread.

So, if you never got a reply from me, please resend or use contact{at}americanmuslimmom.com It caused us MANY missed emails from my book publisher, so if they were accepting of this technical mishap; I’d assume others (especially those who I wasn’t expecting an email from, such as a strangers soliciting my attention), would be equally as accepting. Yes, there’s still have a tint of anger, so I need to bring some peace into 2013 too.

Spiritual: Fasting even more year-round. Even more Qiyam al-Layl year round. Learning how to read the Qur’an with Tajweed and memorize! TOO many hardships to come to peace with as an American Muslim: hate mail and harassment in public by non-Muslims, but nothing compared to the hardships, sadness, disappointment, frustration of dealing with Muslims in Muslim countries and America. But, add all the bad, we found single-digit fabulous Muslims scattered sporadically throughout this world…so I came to Peace that the minority actually makes the difference in this dunya and akhira.

Peace that we endured our fair share of hardships that my family was granted my second dream come true: Umrah with our girls. May Allah accept our umrahs! Ameen!

Peace that there is no better place on this Earth, accept Mecca with my family; and therefore Allah granted my family the time to be together as one. Traveling is great, don’t get me wrong; it’s our lifestyle, but the Peace gained by being stationary for once is…well, Peaceful!

2013: The Year of Motivation!

Personal Motivation: Maintaining 3-digit weight (first-time in 18 years…believe me: gaining weight is as hard as those who who work to lose weight), and achieving 90th percentile in a particular fitness challenge. Motivating myself through my next two scheduled surgeries (tomorrow), but because I’m in the best physical and spiritual shape in years I am bouncing back faster, more energetic, and more powerful than ever before. In 30-days I’ve already achieved massive goals. So, I’m motivating myself for maintenance.

Personal Motivation: For my girls. We have HUGE Milestones to reach this year, academically, physically, and spiritually. I’m staying motivated in motivating them to achieve the goals that they set for themselves.

Professional Motivation: Staying Motivated Through My Brand Bust! I’m faced with HUGE opportunities that does not include selling, but massive partnering. I’m motivated to oversee these changes for optimal expansion. Staying motivated to blog more consistently, and regularly…my major downfall in 2012.

Planning for “my desire not to work” by outsourcing even more. In reviewing what posts gets the most traction its those in which I internalize my experiences and use them as lessons or motivators for me and YOU my loyal readers/sisters in Islam. So, I am sharing relevant motivational tips.

Spiritual Motivation: I memorized more Qur’an in 3-weeks than in my 14+ years of being a Muslim, mashaAllah. I’m reading, reviewing and memorizing every day, which includes translation and tafseer. I’m staying motivated to keep this up! In memorizing Surah Dhuha (Daylight), I read the tafsir and there was a beautiful hadith

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah sallalahi alayhi wa salem directed me to fast three days of each month, and to observe two Rak`ah Duha (optional prayer) at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim].

For the past 2 years, as shone above, I’ve been fasting and praying more, etc. but its inconsistent. Also, having monthly breaks always messes up my schedule or motivation to regain the momentum. But, this hadith came at I time that I needed to read “You Must Do It, Ponn!”. I already had a break and I found new ways to deal with the lack of motivation, like, making dhikr and du’a during prayer times instead, or using my digital Qur’an, mobile, and teaching books to continue with the Qur’anic studies, etc. These are examples of relevant motivational tips.

Muslims Need More Motivation!

Another drawing factor was according to this survey report, Muslims need some Major Motivation, especially mothers for themselves their husbands and kids. I’m Motivated to Help Myself, Are You?

Like they say, you cannot help others fully unless you help yourself first.

So, there you have it. This Year is My Year of Motivation. Is it for you too!? Or, something else?

How to Create a Themed-Year

The theme should be broad enough to cover ALL areas of your life, not just business (think business, personal and spiritual)

Make the theme short and sweet: 1-2 words MAX

The theme should be consistent with your values, mission and purpose. Here are more details and here if this simple explanation is too short.

I reviewed my list of Milestones (our Tasks assigned, Goals set, Milestone deadline dates to achieve), and my girls’s list and the overwhelming theme we noticed is that it all lies on My Motivation to get myself and them through it all. I’m the motivator of this household, I put everyone to sleep, wake everyone up to pray, get hubby out the door for work, and much more. I’m a Massive Motivator–and this year I’ll need even more.

In reflecting with my dearest colleagues and friends regarding my life (personal and business) the same theme came up: What’s motivating you Ponn? It’s obviously not money or status. I’ve been thinking about this a lot the past couple months, because I kept telling everyone its hubby & the girls. I love being a wife and mother. I want them to succeed in their goals…and they actually cannot do it without MY Motivation!

I love being able to be my brother’s sister…I was motivated by motivating him!

YOU need my tips, so I’m motivated to share what motivates me!

There are even more deeper very personal reasons beyond what I’m willing to share, but one of my best friends said it succinctly the other day to me “You’re probably my dearest and best friends in my life right now…yet, you’re the MOST mysterious person I know. I know, I know you…but, there’s A LOT I don’t know about you; and I’ve come to grasps with that.”

I have my fair share of secrets, with my husband, with my girls, with others, and most importantly with myself and Allah.

So, if there’s anything that motivates me right now, it’s to make my secret goals a reality–because I’m motivated to do so.

So, what’s your motivation today? Are you motivated to set your own themed-year? Or, do you want to jump on my Motivation-wagon?

I’m known for my high-level of productivity, and people always inquire how I do it all

1. Review and Reflect on your past year…I wrote past years since the inception of American Muslim Mom because it just clicked for me.
2. Create Your Theme.

Using The Active Voice in Your 2013 Theme

Did you notice the ACTIVE voice in my 2013 Theme? I purposefully did not write in the future “I will do this or that”, or “I want to do this or that”, I’m writing as if I’m doing it now, achieving it now.

It’s all about semantics, using the right words to get the job done. Using your mental strength to get the physical done. It’s more than Mind-Over-Matter, because let’s face it, as Muslims we can intend all we want, we have ALL the right intentions, which is all positive things and counted as good deeds. BUT, the ACTION of getting it done, the strength of that good deed is in fact measured by the its ability to get done.

For example, I intend to give money to the poor is one good deed. But, if you give money to the poor, you get another good deed…but the very action of doing it increases to an unknown amount of good deeds, for example, you established new habits for the entire family to spend less, save more, give more money, not be wasteful with money, etc. The long-term affects of your action can not be taken for granted, because the ACTION is so much harder to do!

So, rather than intend or speak to the future, write it out in the present “I give more money to the poor each week.” You’re envisioning the ACTION already done, and you’re working towards that end, rather then goal-setting and letting yourself down with an unanswered intention.

Keep in mind, here’s another way to look at Intentions and Actions.

If a bad intention comes up, like “I intend to yell at my kid”, do not ACT upon it! Follow-through with a Good Action, talk to them in nice tones = ACTION done.

Or, keep your intentions pure with “I speak to my kids in nice tones always”. Follow-through and ACT. Surround yourself with Positive Intentions AND Even More Positive ACTIONS!

Are you motivated to act now? Comment below and weigh in!

The Year of Motivation! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The post The Year of Motivation! appeared first on American Muslim Mom Blog.