Dear All,
I am also a “Professional Mom” and stay-at-home with Misses Sarah & Salma.
For healthy nutrition we follow http://drsears.com/ and I plan our family’s meals by creating a menu and taking stock of what is in the pantry, along with what is in season and on usually on sale at the markets, Costco, farmer’s markets, etc. We eat lean meats and a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. We drink water and their 16 oz. soymilk daily. I also try to cook with a pressure cooker as much as possible > http://kuhnrikon.com/products/pressure_cookers/.
For my passion for reading, I buy pre-owned books from > http://www.alibris.com/ .
We also save money on cleaning and laundry products by using Shaklee Cleaners:
http://www.shaklee.com/products_prod_getclean.shtml
I also absolutely LOVE the cleaning tools and “Speed Cleaning” techniques from Jeff Campbell of the Clean Team. I wish my mom would have taught me these techniques a longgg time ago!:
http://thecleanteam.com/
Following in the stylish epitome of the French woman, I have learned how to dress to look my best with less, and on a limited budget with the following resources:
The Pocket Stylist - excellent book and recommended by a French woman:
385 of 399 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A single source on how to look your best, September 30, 2004
By Jocelyne “French lady” (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews
I am a French woman living in the US and have been looking for a book to teach my teenage daughter all the things that French women know about dressing well. This is THE book. It has everything. It covers subjects that may be covered elsewhere such as body type and flattering style, fit, how to build a wardrobe, what to invest in and what to have fun with. What I found most valuable, though, was how the author dispels the myths that fashion magazines promote. For example, she tells you how she prepares for a photoshoot and erases the myth of effortless good looks. She advocates that looking good is not about wearing the latest fashion, but knowing what makes you look good and wearing it. She outlines a basic wardrobe of timeless high quality basics that flatter and supplement with trendier and cheaper items that are fun but will not last as long in your wardrobe. This is how I dress and I can testify that it works.
I will be for ever grateful to my grandmother for teaching me to recognize when a garment fits and when it does not. Therefore, my highest mark in this book goes to the two pages explaining how to tell if a jacket fits. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
If you want just one book to teach you how to be stylish, this is the one. If you want to further explore how French women dress, look at “Chic and Slim” by Ann Baronne.
source > http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Stylist-Behind-Scenes-Expertise/dp/1592400418/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232391880&sr=1-14
Fashion for Real Women and The Clothing Chronicles (free)
http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com/
http://www.theclothingchronicles.com/
http://www.theclothingchronicles.com/archives/
Basically, we buy quality, instead of quantity.
I also follow the zero-based budgeting principles taught by Dave Ramsey > http://www.daveramsey.com/ .
The Secrets to Saving Money
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/the_secret_to_saving_money_4996.htmlc
Four Lessons the Wealthy Can Teach You
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?intContentID=5778
Millionaire Secrets
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/millionaire_secrets_9569.htmlc
However, with regard to home financing, we have a co-ownership declining balance mortgage from Guidance Residential that is available to anyone in America regardless of faith. It follows Islamic Law guidelines for Muslims wanting to actively apply and practice their religious ideals of not paying/receiving interest, especially in the capitalistic society of America.
http://www.guidanceresidential.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8
http://www.guidanceresidential.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10
http://www.guidanceresidential.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13
For those interested in understanding Islamic Law on Economics/Finance/Investing and why even Harvard Law School has an ongoing project since 1995, please see:
http://ifptest.law.harvard.edu/ifphtml/
http://www.amanafunds.com/
http://azzad.net/new/
http://www.investaaa.com/
http://muslim-investor.com/
- Ayesha