Saturday, December 27, 2014

International Day of People With Disability




Hi Family Flavours family,

Did you know that December 3, 2014, was the International Day of People With Disability (IDPwD)?

This month, I had the chance to sit down with members of the Jasmine Society for Children With Down Syndrome’s Forum for Young Adults. The Forum, a relatively new programme started by the Society, aims to develop the abilities of young adults with Down Syndrome through educational, awareness, athletic, and entertainment activities.

The Forum meets Sunday through Thursday from nine to one o’clock, and each day features different activities geared towards promoting the development of different skills.  Led by Linda Imad Al-Din Jaber, a special education teacher with almost two decades of experience in the field and across the Middle East, the Forum’s daily attendance fluctuates somewhat, but Yara (28) and Samar (17), along with Osama (21) and a few others, are all regulars.

During our conversation, we chat about music, which holds a special significance for many of my companions. With characteristic eloquence and joy, Samar describes music as part of her dreams and part of her identity. But, she doesn’t think she’d want to be a singer. “I’d be a singer!” Osama exclaims, which surprises Jaber at first, perhaps given Osama’s quiet nature. But then on second thought, she agrees he has a very nice voice. Osama smiles quietly, perhaps imagining himself onstage someday.

Inclusive education and accessible employment are two of the major issues that all people with disabilities face in Jordan, and there are numerous social and infrastructural barriers to achieving this goal. A comprehensive legislative framework exists in Jordan to try and secure these rights, but the gap between the law and its successful implementation remains substantial. 

While The Jasmine Society is focused on early intervention and securing both the readiness of children with Down Syndrome to enter mainstream schooling as well as their right to do so, the Forum emerged out of the need to address the educational, emotional and psychological needs of their older members. It is a place, one of too few, where people with Down Syndrome are appreciated as individuals with personalities, talents and potential.

To read this article in full, please go to http://familyflavours.com/familyflavours/public/DefaultDetails.aspx?id=452&type=article

For more information on the Society, check out their facebook page @ www.facebook.com/yasmeen.jo 

For more information on the rights of people with disabilities in Jordan, check out the Higher Council For Affairs Of Persons With Disabilities (HCD) @ http://hcd.gov.jo

To learn more about the IDPwD visit @www.un.org/disabilities 
 

Thursday, December 25, 2014

7arakeh - get moving in the New Year!

Hi Family Flavours family!


Are you hoping to introduce more activity into your life after the New Year? Or are you just plain bored of hopping on the elliptical for 30 minutes with limited results? Check out 7arakeh - an innovative Arabic-language fitness program. 

7arakeh (which means "movement" in Arabic; the 7 represents the Arabic letter ح) draws from many of the popular fitness approaches today and utilizes four major routines within the approximately one hour-long programme. 

Qafzeh (Arabic for jump) starts the class off to get hearts pumping and consists of aerobic moves, such as lots of jumping and familiar dance-like moves. There are also three different quwwa (strength) sections that focus on lower body, upper body and abs interspersed with rakleh (kicking), which incorporates moves from mixed martial arts. The dabkeh portion, of course, refers to the traditional Arab dance form.

Founder Rima Amer was inspired to develop the 7arakeh program after she was told that her English was not strong enough for master's level certification in popular English-language alternatives. Somewhat stunned at first, she bounced back and decided, “Okay. If my English is weak, khalas. I’ll do my own Arabic programme with my Arabic language!” 

What does the average 7arakeh class entail? Imagine exercisers of all shapes, sizes and ages rocking out at their appropriate fitness level. There is lots of encouragement and shared whooping, shouting, and laughter. 

For more information, check out our full article @:
http://familyflavours.com/familyflavours/public/DefaultDetails.aspx?id=453&type=article 

Additionally, check out the program itself at:
www.gxgym.com
 

Saturday, December 20, 2014

HIV/AIDS in the Middle East



Hey there Family Flavours family.

Were you aware that December 1st was World Aids Day? According to the World Health Organization, in 2013 there were approximately 35 million people around the world living with HIV. Think this doesn't affect the Middle East?

Well, in reality, our region possesses two contradictory sets of statistics. On the one hand, it has one of the smallest populations of people living with HIV. At the same time, however, it has one of the fastest growing rates of infections.

Why is the infection rate increasing here, when much of the world is witnessing a decrease? There are three major causes:

1) Lack of information - It is very difficult to do research on this topic or collect sound quantitative data (see reason #3), which is especially problematic for tracking transmission routes, an essential aspect of effective intervention

2) Lack of available treatment - UNICEF HIV/AIDS Regional Advisor Samir Anouti explains that, “although significant progress has been made, overall treatment coverage in the MENA remains unacceptably low at 11 per cent.”

3) Stigma, discrimination and fear - The taboo nature of the subject prevents effective community outreach, sensitisation, information campaigns and screening drives

Want to learn more? Please check out our Family Flavours article @ 
http://www.familyflavours.com/familyflavours/public/DefaultDetails.aspx?id=458&type=article 

Other informative links:
http://www.who.int/campaigns/aids-day/2014/en/
http://www.unaids.org/
http://www.unicef.org/aids/

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Hey Family Flavours readers! Be sure to check back in with this blog on Saturday to learn more about the current state of HIV/AIDS in the Middle East.



Saturday, September 13, 2014

Me Time


 
 One of our team members shares with us a recent experience of hers which we thought of  sharing with you.

“I’m scared of needles, yet have been feeling, for some time, that I needed to give by tired face a boost. I had heard about Mesotherapy treatment, so off I went to Solace Skin Care Center to try it out as it was time to give myself some "Me Time."

The Mesotherapy Refresh treatment was a painless way to get my skin rejuvenated. I saw and felt the effects 45 minutes later and after my first session; my skin felt firm, soft and looked radiant-no kidding!

Lying on a comfortable and clean spa bed, the female therapist massaged in a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants and materials to hydrate and stimulate my skin. It was so relaxing that I actually dozed off!

When googling this treatment, I found that this French technology has been tried and tested for over half a century and that it also treats skin pigmentation-something I suffered from after my first pregnancy.

I also read that when used on the body, Mesotherapy is claimed to improve the appearance of stretch marks, works on fat reduction and hair re-growth-something to plan for after finishing my sessions.
I further research Meso Hair: This is a blend of vitamin B and copper peptide (which works against hair loss) that act in synergy to stimulate hair growth and improve hair quality. After having delivered so many children and leading a stressful life style, my hair is in dire need of this treatment!

 Refreshed and radiant and on my way out, I asked the therapist about different Mesotherapy treatments offered at Solace Skin Care Center. Here is the list she shared:
Face treatments: 
·      Meso Shine: This treatment uses a mixture of ingredients of Vitamin C, antioxidants and Vitamin B5  which brighten the skin and remove pigmentation for radiant skin. 
·      Meso Tight : A mixture of firming and antioxidant ingredients that targets the slackening of the skin and neck to restore skin firmness and plumpness and protect it from future damage.

There is also a complete line for body treatments:
·      Meso Slim: This is a fat dissolving formula designed to address body re-contouring by encouraging your body cells to release fat allowing it to be burned as fuel. It also improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage of targeted areas. Meso Slim provides you with an alternative to liposuction targeting your thighs, abdomen, arms, hips and double chin--interesting!
·      Meso Firm: This mixture of firming ingredients tightens the skin and retracts collagen fibers. It has a positive effect on firming the skin and improving the appearance of stretch marks-I guess a must-have for every mama!

Looking forward to my next visit to Solace Skin Center and Meso Hair!



Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Time for Some Parenting Research

In times like these when so much chaos is shaping the countries that surround us, how do we talk to our  kids about what is going on? Do we explain political issues that they may be too young to understand? Do we teach them that having a voice is crucial? Do we take them along when participating is political and social events that support our opinions.

When I was growing up, my parents did none of the above; I had no clue of the breaking news that was going on. I knew only of historical events from history classes at school and only what the books wanted to mention.

When I went abroad to complete my studies, I was embarrassed when asked about facts, events and political views. I did not know how to respond and could not argue something that sounded wrong to me. That is why, as an adult, I am conducting my own research as needed.

I want to spare my kids that confusion by constantly talking to them about world news, by thinking out side the box when it comes to other cultures and by keeping them informed of their surrounding that go beyond the borders of their own country. BUT, I don't know how :)

Time for some parenting research!

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Flavour Of The Day Noora

Tips for Choosing the Right
School

Looking for the right school for your children is one of the most difficult decisions you will come across as a parent. This decision is filled with questions, uncertainties, and details you may not be aware of at this point in your parenting journey.

For that reason, I spoke with the experts at Amman Academy to understand the best way to go about your school hunting experience:

1. List the type of degree or programmes that are offered at each school. Even though MYP, IB, 
A- Levels and other degrees seem far away for first-time parents, choosing the right foundation
from the beginning is crucial. Test results are a great indication of a school's competence in the degrees
they offer, these results demonstrate the school’s ability to engage the student even at an early stage.

2. Look into a school's facilities, safety measures, social events and extra-curricular activities. While
academics are important, so are sports and other activities which help develop children's emotional,
physical and mental well-being.

3. And finally, the most important of all, is conducting proper research through schools' websites and
site visits. Talk to the staff, watch them in action, and interact with the people your child will be
interacting with for years to come. As school experiences differ from one child and parent to another,
the best research is your own research. 


By taking informed, well-researched steps, finding the right school for your child can be an exciting experience for the entire family. Once you have decided, it might also help to take your child to visit her new school before the start of the new school year. If she can see the school at her own pace, the shift from nursery to the "big kids' school" might be easier-check out what subscribers will receive in August, 2014 with their issue of Family Flavours or Nakahat 'Ailiyeh.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Talking and Listening Skills for the Entire Family

Trying to talk to your child who seems to be on a different wave length all together can be frustrating, and this is true regardless of the age.

Teaching your child to express feelings in a healthy way is a must, but as parenthood soon proves, is a difficult task to achieve, especially with older children.

So, after months of getting nowhere with my toddler, I went out on a hunt for help and came across a book, "How to Talk to Kids So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk," by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. So far, and I am barely through the first chapter, it has proved to be very promising. It is filled with exercises and practices so it needs a parent's full attention and you will find yourself completely submerged in the practices.

One of the main things I got from it, is when a child comes to you with a problem, avoid your impulse to ask questions or give advice right away, use encouraging phrases like: I see or  mmm, and you will find your child will continue talking and maybe even find a solution for herself. I tried this one with my 10-year-old and found it really works.

If you are struggling for productive communication, try this book!


Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

 Easy To Make, Yummy Dessert


Pineapple Upside-down Individuals and Chocolate Chip cookies in a jar, get them now by following the link:

http://familyflavours.com/wordpress/?p=3552

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

As a working mama, it is especially important for me to feel that my kids are in good hands and being productive while I am at the office; as apposed to lazying around in front of the TV, making a mess, or my toddler's favourite activity of all, drawing with her crayons on the couches and floor.

That is one way of looking at things, the other is thinking that children need a little down time for themselves (just like us adults) and that they are entitled to some laziness every now and then.

How much planned activity is too much? As I was growing up, my parents never encouraged sports or activities, it was more our call, if we didn't want to, we didn't have to. So, in comparison to my friends, I cannot play an instrument and I am not good at any sport.

If it is obvious (through your own parental observation as well as teachers' and other caregivers' observations) that your child is clearly talented in an area but would rather stay at home watching TV rather than pursue it, do you as a parent insist that they professionally grow this talent through lessons, or do you leave your child to decide for himself?

At a parenting workshop I once attended, the specialist noted that all talents need discipline in training and practice until they earn the reputation of being "talented", do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora



Read this article for tips on how to make use of some of the best oils for your skin, just click on the below link!

 http://familyflavours.com/wordpress/?p=3479

Friday, May 9, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

The International Community School's annual food fair is a great event for the entire family. Visit our booth and subscribe for great prizes! See you there starting 11am! 




Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Win a trip to Disneyland Paris!


Get ready this summer for a magical experience at Disneyland Paris. Gymboree, the official fashion sponsor of childhood, is giving you the chance to win a trip with your child to Disneyland Paris with every purchase of JD80.

The trip includes plane tickets to Paris, a three-night stay and tickets to Disneyland Park in partnership with travelsheikh.com, sheikh it up.

Hurry and visit Gymboree at City Mall and Taj Mall to enter the draw to be a lucky winner!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

A great event for the whole family, see you there!



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora






Ever since I started working at the office, I have gained a few kilos. Instead of me running around, going to the gym, completing my errands, and doing some house chores, here I am, sitting behind my desk, going from one snack to the other, and drinking one caffeine-loaded drink after the other. Whatever time I had allocated to staing fit has vanished and it feels like I lost all that hard work of being fit, energetic and athletic.

If you are like me, follow the link below for inspiration on what to do when time isn't on your side!

http://familyflavours.com/wordpress/?p=2273

Monday, April 14, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Caprese Salad on a Stick & Mimosa


Try out our refreshing and healthy treats when hosting gatherings or when in the mood for something new and different!

http://familyflavours.com/wordpress/?p=3408


Thursday, April 10, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Solace's LPG Endermologie

Hitting my 30s, it suddenly daunted on me that, well, I am in my thirties now! Sadly however, for the past 20 years I have been awful to my skin and body. Maximum sun exposure with zero protection, little hydration and treatments, and complete neglect. I hated the snobbish sales women who would bug me with comments like "you really don't use any kind of age defying products?", "I can tell your skin needs help".

But if you are anything like me, you have realised that good skins is CRUCIAL but it is oh so confusing. With so many treatments and products, how are we to know good from bad?

Lately, I have been happily introduced to Solace Skin Care Center and have come to trust them as the experts in all my skin-care needs; that is why I just have to recommend their LPG Endermolgie treatments. 

Doing my homework of course, Solace's LPG Endermologie uses anti-ageing technology for cell stimulation, which is crucial for healthy, nourished looking skin.  The Solace Skin Care expert helps you target different areas of your face and body that need attention, and in a non-aggressive mechanical technique, sets out on her mission for cell stimulation. Solace's LPG Endermologie targets different ages and skin needs making it more relevant to many.

From what I have seen with my friend's before/after treatment, IT WORKS!

So in total solidarity, I am sharing my new favourite skin- care pick. Call Solace Skin Care Center on 0797125555 and see for yourself. 


Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

It's funny how every child is born with his/her personality. This is something you don't truly appreciate until you have your own kids.

But with life being so hectic, I find myself wishing for a one size fits all kind of parenting technique. And while that is failing miserably, I remember that my parents never had the issue of taking each individually. With six kids, there was just one way to do things, the right way!

I must have researched tens of parenting books, each advocating a parenting style, none of which work for all three of my kids simultaneously. This is making me wonder, are we becoming too obsessed as parents? Are we complicating an already challenging situation by trying to be too specific? And if I don't agree with what the books and articles are saying, does that mean my children will grow up to be less successful, less emotionally adjusted, and less of what they could have been?

What could possibly be the right answer? 


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Mother's Day Glory 

As my three year old is in Nursery level 2, he has become aware of what Mother's Day is. With a party at the nursery and then more explanation from his baba , Yousef has successfully grasped the concept.

And since it is the first year I feel his awareness, it made my day to get attention for him for the sake of wanting to make me feel special.

In the past year of being a mama, so much has happened. My daughter took her first steps, my son went up a grade, my step daughter changed schools, I went back to working from the office, and I have made mama friends which I never had before. The thing that struck me most however,was how attached a mama gets to the life her and baba have and still are creating for their family.

At a single thought or worry that something might disturb the harmony, a mama's heart sinks and races, while her brain springs to action. The need to protect and shelter is innate. It is progrmmed in our genetic making and it is surely sensed by every child we care for. 

That, with every Mother's Day over the past three years since becoming a mama, has grown stonger and stronger just as it has for every other mama.

So, we can have careers bigger than ever, we can rule countries if we wish, we might need to fight our way to getting what others get by default, but one thing is for sure, the look of trust, sense of security, and complete belonging we get from our young, and I hope older children, is the most precious look we will ever get! 

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

An Objective Lens

In a book I am reading, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,  Stephen Covey talks about our views and acceptance of our children, which in many cases prohibits our children from being all they can be.

Reflecting on this notion for the past two days, I have started to wonder, how many of us, truly accept our children for who they are. How many of us are satisfied with our children's achievements? How many of us tell our children that they are perfect just the way they are? And how many of us don't push our children to be "more of" something?

Acceptance, is by far, one of the hardest things to practice. It goes against our human instincts, I think, of always wanting "more" or "different". And with our innate desire to want the best for our children, it is easy to get lost in the practice and lose sight of what is in their best interest.

So I have put this challenge upon myself, I want to really get to know my children for what they are, and accept what I know is their best

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

The Importance of Earth

On our website http://nakahat-ailiyeh.com, we are asking you if you teach your children to care for the environment. While the poll is still ongoing, I hope the majority of the answers are yes.

I for one, are somewhat anxious about where our planet is headed. And I mean this not just in terms of pollution, but the respect humans have for animals.

A few months ago, I was visiting a zoo in a neighbouring country. And there, I was confronted with a chance to teach my kids one of the most valuable lessons they can learn: respecting all of god's creatures!

While my step daughter (9), son (3) and I were visiting the gorilla zone, we found a mother pushing her child (about 7) to throw a plastic bottle to the gorilla. While the son was hesitant, she reassured him that it would be ok, by throwing the gorilla a paper cup full of soda; which the gorilla was now eating!

Two minutes later, she was telling her other son (a teen) "splash the gorilla with water, let's see how he will react."And that is when I lost it; I opened my mouth and the only thing that came out were words of anger. The more I spoke, the more that woman tried to explain to me that he is "just a gorilla" and "could not possibly understand."

Meanwhile, my kids were watching and listening closely to every word I said, and while my conversation with the woman was leading nowhere, I decided to move on. But to my kids, I was right, and we spent the next 15 minutes talking about the importance of respecting animals and in turn, our environment.

What do you think? Visit http://nakahat-ailiyeh.com and vote


Friday, March 7, 2014

Flavor Of The Day With Noora


                                                          
A Tribute
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I wish to recognise Hind-Lara Mango’s positive contribution to society as publisher and director 
of Jordan’s parenting magazines Family Flavours and Nakahat 'Ailiyeh. Nearly eight years ago, she founded the magazines to help empower families in the Middle East to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

I’ve seen publishers who could care less about magazine content and quality as long as ads get sold. While Hind does throw the best marketing pitch I’ve ever seen, what makes me proud to work with her is her unwavering vision and staunch commitment to high standards 
of excellence.

Magazines locally and internationally subscribe to conventional notions of perfection, but Hind is all about breaking the mould. She meets with heads of companies and dines with ambassadors but directs the same energy to ensuring public sector representation in articles, that subscribers in Hashmi Shamali and Abdoun are given the same priority and that the fashion editor looks for bargains. Hind supported the cancer survivor who graced the cover bald and the father of three who opened up about his depression after being diagnosed with diabetes.

While magazines typically Photoshop images to erase wrinkles, bulges and scars, Hind promotes a culture that embraces diversity. When one fashion label expressed discontent over having their clothes worn by children with special needs in a photo shoot, Hind remained steadfast in championing people with disabilities as equals. She embraces her convictions rather than live by popular consensus.

Unlike many professionals who lack initiative, accountability and ownership (it’s always someone else’s job)Hind has an uncanny ability to convert mistakes into lessons and pressure into productivity. Despite the juggling act involved in owning a business and parenting four children, Hind keeps focused on the big picture (vision and strategy) while overseeing the details required to keep the team moving forward. She stays late with her team, washes her own mug in the office kitchen and acknowledges the creative outputs of others. And when we disagree, we do so with respect and move on.

This IWD, I encourage men and women everywhere to recognise a female mentor or role model who’s making a difference. Go see a female artist’s exhibit, attend an event promoting women’s health, donate to an organisation providing leadership opportunities for girls or simply watch a movie with strong female characters. Whatever you do, let it be an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women!

Laura Haddad
Amman


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Flavour of the Day With Noora

Disconnecting

While I always blame my husband for being too occupied with his phone, it slapped me right in the face the other day when I realized I am exactly the same when it comes to my kids, I am usually too occupied with my phone.
When we sit down to do some art, I am right there at the table with them, but in most cases flipping from one social media platform to another. Same goes for when we are watching TV, when I attend my son's football practice and the list just goes on and on!

I was so disappointed with myself when I realized that in that specific conversation, my 3 year-old had better communication skills than me, he was waiting for eye contact while I just answered with my head buried in the phone!

Technology has truly taken over!!  How does it make sense that I try to limit my kids' TV and tablet time, to encourage interaction when I myself am a bad role model!

The next time  you are with your kids, notice your tendency to grab your phone or tablet, you will be surprised!

Share your thoughts!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Only One Child At A Time


Do you ever feel guilty about not spending enough time with your youngest child? I have recently realized that all my time and effort are directed at my son Yousef, with little attention directed at my younger daughter.

The activities, play dates, quality time, and even the shopping for toys and clothing, are more directed at him.

I don't think that any mama loves one child more than the other, it' s just that when you have two babies that are close in age, you barely have enough time for one, so you might focus on the eldest feeling that he will understand and appreciate the efforts more.

Is that fair though
? Surely not, but how can I change it? Every time we sit to color, read, eat, watch TV or even go to the park, it's such a struggle juggling the both of them that I always end up choosing. And since my son is harder to deal with than her, I stick with him and she goes off to whoever is with us with no complaints or problems.

Will this thing stay this way forever? For both our sakes I hope not, but for now, how can I make things right?




Saturday, February 8, 2014

Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Choosing the Right School

Peer pressure for moms in schools is just as bad as it is for children. As a mamas, you can sometimes feel pressured to do what the other mamas are doing, even if you don't necessarily think it is the best thing for your situation.

The next major phase in our life is my 3 year old enrolling in "big boys'" school this September. And if you have ever had to go through the struggles of choosing the right school for your child, you know it is far from a picnic.

Some schools, teachers, and parents alike are pushing their very young children into systems that focus so much on academia at young ages, forgetting that these children are still very young. They try to convince you that extreme academics is the way, that one size really does fit all.

However, you can't help but doubt, what is right and what is wrong? Is my child doing math at age 5 a good thing? Or is it robbing him of his childhood like other opinions say?

Should I go for the school that had a somewhat extensive entry exam for three-year olds, or go for the one who played and spoke with him, focusing only on the concern of developmental delays?

Should we as parents, opt for having our children's brains stuffed with information, because it can take it? Or do we say, no, this isn't the way it should be, and my child can still be a successful person 15 years down the line?