Chenna (Daughter-in-Law) Graduation With Flying Colours

Yesterday, I was at my mother-in-law's Ramadan reception. Usually I feel horribly inadequate due to my poor Arabic, proper dara'a choosing ability and amnesia - when it comes to remembering names even though they remember mine, my child and my husband's name. So yesterday was full of fore-boding. I dashed out at 11.00AM to buy dara'as (I know crazy), got lucky that in the first shop I found some we liked, hit the jackpot when the shop assistant could adjust them immediately, found accessories and shoes for both my daughter and I - all in 3 hours. Always a good omen.

Got to my mother-in-law's at 9PM and was the only chenna (daughter-in-law) there. Sprang into action, making chit-chat with guests, having the maid to get a new battery for my mother-in-law's hearing aid when I realized she couldn't hear one of the guests, offering sweets and coffee, plumping cushions, re-adjusting rugs, picking fluff off the floor and having the maids clear cups between the waves of guests. A smallish affair this year as my mother-in-law is frail and we had a death in the family a few months ago. Felt pleased that my sisters-in-law knew they could depend on me until they arrived after visiting their own mother-in-laws.

Tried hard to get my daughter off her phone and trained up on Kuwaiti etiquette. I had a lovely chat with one of the young extended family members who had passed by. I won't be forgetting her name. She was telling me how she goes off before iftar to areas in Kuwait to distribute food to the needy. She, and a few friends, are going into areas that I would be terrified to go to; Abbasiya, Jleeb Al Shouk. I so wanted to hug her.

I feel so lucky to meet kind, compassionate, good-hearted Kuwaitis. They will touch your heart, leave a wonderful impression and change you for the better. It reminds me of why I fell in love with Kuwait in the first place. God bless Kuwait and those that truly love the country. Ramadan kareem, inshallah.

And after 10 years of being a chenna I think I've graduated. I love my family they are so awesome. Thank you for all your love, support, kindness and great sense of humour.

My advice to any new chenna would be: Be kind, patient, forgiving, understanding, accepting, try to learn some Arabic, learn from them and return their hospitality and, in time, they will accept you and make you feel as if you belong. Of course, it helps to win the mother-in-law lottery - and I, most certainly, did. Moma Sheikha, you are truly one of the most incredible people I have ever met. I love you so much.

Walk Five Laps of AlHamra Tower and Boubyan Bank Will Donate KD 1 to Hayatt Breast Cancer Foundation

Anyone Got a Cute Retort for This One?

LWDLIK - Love it. My attempt at a witty retort
might be, "NO ONE can eat just 'a' Pringle."

 
 

Ramadan Kids Soccer Club

Happy Ramadan

World Cup Finger Football Tournament Today 4.30PM at Costa Coffee Marina Crescent

Good afternoon!

The World Cup has kept you busy for the past few weeks but, fear not, the real event of the year is finally here - Costa's World Mug has arrived! 12 teams are going to battle it out in a game of finger football today for the chance to win a brand new PlayStation 4. If you'd like to check out Kuwait's first–ever finger football tournament, pass by our Costa Coffee branch in Marina Crescent today at 4.30pm. Our players will be gearing up for the first round, so you'll catch the games as they progress to the final.

We hope to see you there!

The Costa World Mug Committee

Congratulations to the Young Kuwaitis Off to La Fémis Movie School in Paris

Held in collaboration with Institut Français du Koweït. The winners will be announced at a press conference on 30th June. They are four young Kuwaiti cinema enthusiasts who will be given a springboard to advance their careers. Special thanks to Cinescape. 4 Kuwaitis, 3 UAEs and 1 Bahraini participated in the competition.

They winners leave for five weeks in Paris from August 8 to September 12. Training with French directors, professional material, personal monitors. At the end they will return to Kuwait with a small short film.

This is a great opportunity for youth. La Fémis movie is a school of excellence.

La Fémis:


· Supported by the French Ministry of Culture and Media and funded by the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée).


· International award-winning film director Raoul PECK has chaired the school since 2010 (Peck’s credits include Fatal Assistance selected in Berlin 2013, Cannes 1993 competition title The Man by the Shore, Directors’ Fortnight-player Lumumba and Moloch Tropical, which screened in Berlin and Toronto).


· Ranked 6th best school in the world by Hollywood Reporter in their last rankings. It is one of the most awarded schools in the world (through its alumni).

· La Fémis has become a reference in France and abroad, providing an excellent level of training, based on high standards regarding films, artistic expectations.
With thanks to http://institutfrancais-koweit.com/en/category/koweit-en/the-institute

Weight Loss Camp Ramadan Schedule

Dates: 5 -24 July

 Training twice a day, four days a week....

Camp goals: Losing Weight, Gaining Strength.

Training locations:
5:30 PM Cardio sessions are held (outdoor) either in Salmiya or Mishref Track

9:30 PM Army Training sessions are held (Indoor) in Dasman Model School

Fees:
Adult Season Ticket: KD 125
Adult Group of 3+ Season Ticket: KD 100 each
Kid Season Ticket: 65 KD (7 - 12 years old)

More info: www.LetsGoForward.com/Ramadan 

 info@letsgoforward


 

Dear Minister, A Few Ideas on How to Deal With the Huge Tire Mountains Growing in Kuwait

From this to...

 

 

Perfect seats and tables

 

Bags

Stain proof tables

Fond memories of these

Plant pots

Walls; how about some of these along the roads here.

And if anyone out there cares enough to google recycled tires you'll find 1000's of ways to deal with those huge tire mountains in Amghara, Kuwait. The same tire mountains that catch fire and cause horrendous toxic smog.



 

Movie Review: Reformed Ear-Biter Mike Tyson's 'Undisputed Truth' :O)

I saw the whole one-man show on OSN a while ago and it is quite impressive and well worth watching. I found him to be surprisingly eloquent, funny, humble, inspiring and wise (a wisdom that comes from a helluva lot of hard knocks).  Well done Mike Tyson. There's still hope for Suarez yet.

Jon Stewart on The Iran, Saudi, ISIS Thingy

Movie Review: The Fault In Our Stars :O)

The sweetest, wittiest, smartest, most heartbreaking movie of the year; in my humble opinion. 
Hazel and Gus are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them - and us - on an unforgettable journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. Many brilliant lines from the movie but I loved Anne Frank's words, “Where there's hope, there's life" and the continuation from Anne Frank's Diary-  "It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again." 

Great movie, a must see.

I took a pair of 11 year olds, who loved it. Although I was quite relieved some parts were cut but didn't feel it impinged on the story line. I did wonder if the many young ladies present would be be curious to try champagne after the quote attributed to Dom Pérignon —"Come quickly, I am drinking the stars!"

Little Leaders Preparation Courses @Betterbooksq8

Vile Nasty Runaway Maid Instagram Account Outed

Kuwaiti domestic workers are being named and shamed on an Instagram account called Mn7asha, or "runaway". 
The account description reads, "An account to display pictures of servants fleeing in Kuwait, together to put an end to this phenomenon." The account lists a number to send photos to via the mobile messenger Whatsapp and says, "Hand in hand we can make a difference, even a small one."
The Kuwait Society for Human Rights estimates 600,000 domestic workers contribute to the country's migrant labour force. Foreigners make up the vast majority of Kuwait's private workforce.
As in other Gulf countries that use the kafala  (sponsorship) system, migrant workers are tied to the employer sponsoring their visas. Most cannot leave the country without their employer's permission. Foreign workers trying to escape employers in Kuwait can face  criminal charges for "absconding".

LWDLIK - Kudos to the many bloggers who were all over this like flies and to Al Jazeera English and Al Akhbar English.



 

Iraq, ISIS and Syria Simply Explained in 5 Minute Video

 

American Football U19 World Cup in Kuwait

Kuwait Paintball Tournament

Brazilian Summer Vibes with Music, Food, Hair Braiding and Exclusive Offers at L'Occitane Store @the_Avenues

Friday, 20th June from 4-7PM

 

 

 

Facebook is Down

 

Watch World Cup 2014 Live Free Online

Click here http://www.kuwaitup2date.com/fifa2014/

Where Does ISIS Get Its Funding? According to CNN It's Saudi, Kuwait and Qatar

Arts and Crafts Summer Camp 2014 @BetterBooksq8 in Salmiya

Happy Father's Day Free Meal for Dads @SmashburgerQ8

Queen's Birthday Honours List Includes Madam Vera Al Mutawa, Founder & Director of British School of Kuwait

Madam Vera Al Mutawa - Vera has lived in Kuwait since 1969. She founded the original Sunshine School in 1978 and was the driving force behind its successful expansion through TSK up to British School of Kuwait. Vera has extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern cultures and educational systems and provides the school with a fund of local knowledge and contacts in the educational, commercial and diplomatic worlds. She is chairperson of British International, BAIA, BAS and one of the founder members of the British Ladies Society in Kuwait.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) will be presented by Queen Elizabeth II to Madam Vera Al Mutawa at Buckingham Palace. The award citation reads: "For services to British education and to the community in Kuwait."

Many, many congratulations to my dear friend, Vera. So very well deserved. You are a shining inspiration to many of us.

Also, congratulations to Pete McCarrick, Assistant Defence Attache at the British Embassy in Kuwait who will also be receiving an MBE from the queen.

Wish you both a fabulous day with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.



LWDLIK -  Nothing less than I predicted way back [link] ;O)


 



  

Emirati Woman Becomes First Female Fighter Pilot in UAE

Mariam Hassan Salem al-Mansouri has become the first Emirati woman to hold the rank of fighter pilot in the UAE Air Force and may be the first Gulf woman to enjoy the title.
Captain Mansouri, 35, pilots an F-16 Fighting Falcon, a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft, and is a squadron commander.
With backing from her family, Mansouri, who had always wanted to fly fighter jets for her country, joined the UAE Air Force in 2007 when authorities first announced they were accepting volunteers.
During her career, Mansouri has taken part in a significant number of the aerial maneuvers both inside and outside the UAE alongside allied and friendly states.
Emirati Vice President and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashed al-Maktoum honored Mansouri for her achievement and presented her with a medal as well as the Mohamed Bin Rashed award for distinguished governmental performance.


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/profiles/2014/06/11/Emirati-becomes-first-female-fighter-pilot.html


 

Canadian Indoor Kids Soccer Camp

Islamic Militants Marching Toward Baghdad The Iraqi Government Is Asking for U.S. Airstrikes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A desperate Baghdad is pleading for help as militant groups follow their an assault on major cities in northern Iraq by making their way towards the capital.

With Islamist militants marching toward Baghdad, the enfeebled Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has expressed a willingness to allow the U.S. to conduct airstrikes on the insurgents.

How to Make Almond Milk

The problem with store bought almond milk (even organic), is that it contains additives and preservatives like carrageenan, and doesn’t have nearly as many health benefits as fresh almond milk. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to make your own almond milk, you just need to have either a blender or a juicer.

 

Shakshooka @Shuwaikhmarket

Arts & Sports Kids Summer Camp 2014

Fitness Fun Summer Camp for Kids: Registration Tomorrow @Nutriactive_kw

 

Does your child suffer from overweight or obesity or has unhealthy eating habits? If so, enroll your child in Nutriactive, a 2 week summer camp that offers daily nutrition classes by a 

registered dietitian, health classes by health professionals, and daily exercise classes by a certified exercise trainer. We will put your kids in shape and put them on the right path for a healthy lifestyle in no time. 

Program Dates: June 15th-June 26th Age Groups: 8-12 yrs and 13-17 yrs To register please call: 96599668845 

Where are we located? Neon Fitness, Abdulla Almubarak Street, Alnafisi Tower, 11th floor, in front of Almaseel Parking and Kuwait Finance House Head Office site summer program: Neon Fitness, Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Al-Nafisi, Floor 11, against the Kuwait Finance House, Main Branch, next Souk Safat
  Http :/ / Goo.gl/maps/GcVy0  

Follow: @ Nutriactive_kw

Cozmic Summer Camp 2014

Cozmo's Cozmic Summer Camp is pack full of entertainment and learning activities for kids that will be sure to make their summer a memorable one. From 22nd June until 3rd July. Call 99057786 for registration or queries.

With Vodafone's Help, Two Old Grannies Take a Leap of Faith and Board Their #First Flight.

Parents and Kids Event @FSRI

Thursday, 12th June from 5-8pm. Contact 97666695 for more details.


LWDLIK - Love that no nannies are allowed.







 

Review: Ladurée, 360 Mall :O)

Had a little lunch with my sweet babygirl today at Ladurée in 360 Mall. I was planning on only having tea and the fabulous Ladurée Isphahan but decided on sharing a salmon club sandwich which was ample for two and tasted divine, came with a little green salad perfectly dressed and some big fat yummy chips which were delicious. Though an expensive pot of tea with milk for one at KD 2.700. My daughter loved her strawberry mille-feuille. Service excellent. Will go back and try the 3-course set lunch next time priced at KD 12.900. 

If you haven't tried the Isphahan (photo above) I can highly recommend it. It's one of the finest desserts I've ever had. 

I had to giggle at my daughter she behaved so grown up. Normally, I have to nag her about napkin, back straight, no talking with your mouth full, small bites, wipe mouth, etc,. Today she proved that she actually can behave like a fine young lady - very proud mumma.


9/10 - only because I think the tea a tad expensive and the big flashing billboard was off-putting from where I was sat. Maybe a canopy over the restaurant would eliminate that and make it cosier? But would return in a heartbeat regardless of these.

AWARE Center Diwaniya & Dinner Buffet: "Ramadan Tips: Dos & Don'ts"

How should I greet Muslims on the occasion of Ramadan? How should I reply if they greet me? Should my public behavior change in Ramadan? When and where can I eat during daylight hours? How should I handle food gifts from neighbors or colleagues? What should I expect if I accept an invitation to break the fast? What will happen on the roads? When is the best time to shop? Will my paperwork get done? And how should I look at non-productivity and excessiveness?
This lecture will be held at the AWARE Center on June 10 at 7pm and will be followed by a dinner buffet. Advance registration is required at info@aware.com.kw

Norma Al Kandari Finishes the London to Brighton 100KM Walk in Aid of Charity

Awesome! Very proud of you Norma. Your poor feet. 

Coca-Cola Hello Happiness Phone #Marketinggenius

To give labourers in the UAE a few extra minutes of happiness, Coca-Cola created the Hello Happiness Phone Booth -- a special phone booth that accepts Coca-Cola bottle caps instead of coins for a free 3-minute international phone call, helping them connect with their families back home more often.

Orient 499 & Iwan Maktabi's Joint Exhibition at Dar Al Funoon

 

Thought I'd google Iwan Maktabi and was glad I did. Some of the most stunning carpets I've ever seen.

 

 

 

Iwan Maktabi provides the possibility to custom-make any carpet, regardless of size, design, color, or material. Customers have access to a design studio with a wide selection of fabrics, textures, and colors. Their experts are able to replicate existing designs or create new ones that reflect the needs of the customer. Every carpet is custom made and takes 3 to 5 months to complete, depending on the complexity of the design and the level of finesse.

Live Rock Music at Bayt Lothan

Amazing New DIY Kitchen Cabinets for Less Than KD 70

 

[link]


This was done for less than $250 which is around KD 70. I'm hoping to make this a project of mine after the summer. Can't imagine it'll be too much more than this price. Love projects, especially as cheap and lovely as this one.  

Review: Me Time Nail Salon, Avenues Phase 2 :O)

My dear friend, Karen, is the oracle on all things salon related. All of her recommendations are spot on. For my birthday this year she got me a gift voucher for a mani/pedi at one of her favourite salons; Me Time, in Avenues, phase 2, upstairs behind Burberry Kids. Was a perfect way to dwindle away the hours whilst my daughter and friend played in Kidzania. Loved the salon, clean and spacious. Staff were pleasant and helpful. The massage chair was just what I needed and the mani/pedi one of the best I've ever had. The wrapping of the arms and legs in hot towels and clingfilm helps the moisturiser do a more thorough job. The technicians were brilliant - no pain, nicks, smudges or idle chatter. Perfect mani/pedi. Great coffee.

I will be back. 

You can walk in but it can get busy so best to book ahead Tel. 2259 8025

A big fat 10/10

30 Day Ab Challenge

If you need moral support there's a whole group of people on Facebook to draw encouragement from [link].


How to do a plank correctly (planks are done in seconds, for example Day 1 is a 10 second plank) http://youtu.be/3vgG_Zemg88

How to do a sit up correctly: http://youtu.be/1fbU_MkV7NE

How to do crunches correctly: http://youtu.be/Xyd_fa5zoEU

How to do leg raises correctly: http://youtu.be/JB2oyawG9KI

Here is a link to the calendar http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/louisemcentee/30-day-abschallenge_zps6b51b597.png


Now who's in? 

Day 1: Done :O)
Day 2: Done :O)
Day 3: Done :O)
 

K'S PATH First Street Cat Sterilization Clinic

K'S PATH are conducting their FIRST Street Cat Sterilization Clinic today with support from the US Army Veterinarians from Camp Arifjan. They are sterilizing 11 street cats today as a pilot clinic in preparation for doing 30 street cats next week and 30 again the week after. Excited about this program? They need volunteers, and even more, they need financial support to grow their capabilities! Please email info@Kspath.org to offer your help!