Judge for Speech and Debate; Service

Later today I am going to be a judge for speech and debate novice season. It is for people trying speech and debate out for the first time this year. Competing is one thing, but being a judge is something different entirely. With this activity I hope to increase awareness for areas of strength and growth by paying close attention to the competitors, and what they are good at compared to what they need improvement in. I also hope to undertake a new challenge of judging , and gain more appreciation for my judges I have this season.
Ciara

Shimmer Sparkle Shine Girls 2 and 3

Today I did pair of best friends; Denise and Shealyn. It was Denise's birthday, so having a Shimmer Sparkle Shine day made it even better. First I got another appointment with Fantastic Sams to do their hair.


Then they came to my house for makeup and nails!


Then is was photoshoot time! I really got good practice with the natural light! The photos came out so well, and they got some great individual shots and best friend shots. These are the great best friend shots.





Then these are some of my favorite of Denise's. She really struggles with confidence at such a young age, and it is very apparent in normal everyday conversations. With feeling all glammed up she really had a different outlook on herself which is awesome.





Shealyn was fun to do to. She is like a sister to me. Her confidence issue is different then most. She is confident, but is always wanting to fit in, and I wanted to get across that being yourself is the best.





I have done 3 girls for the Shimmer Sparkle Shine Project and I cant wait to do more. Having these girls feel beautiful and confident is why I do this. I got the fuzziest feeling in my soul when they were happy and having fun. I think that these girls are some unique people, and so far throughout this project I have learned that all girls are unique in their own way. May sound cliche but its true! Always Remember to Shimmer Sparkle Shine!

Project Valentine Craft Day 1

Project Valentine Craft Day 1 was a success!! We made 18 stress balls, that will be helping cancer patients. My church has 6 other girls come tonight plus leaders! It was great. Everyone thought the craft was so cool that they actually thought service could be fun and that was my goal. Everyone loves crafts, whether it is for them or not. Here is what the stress balls looked like;

My next Project Valentine Craft Day will be at my house on December 16th. I am going to have other kids come so that they can work on CAS as well, and I will have different project stations set up. The washer necklaces seem hard for a group, so I know I am for sure doing the stress balls. Then a few others. I think I am really working great with other people on this, and taking indicative to call cooperate companies like Dove. Keep You Up To Date!

Shimmer Sparkle Shine Project

I got in contact with Dove and they sent me for free handbooks for younger girls to do with their moms to build their self esteem from the Dove Self Esteem Campaign! I plan on adding this to my gift bags. I hope to do my next girl within the next month. She is a friend of a family member...and she is so adorable and so needs it!! I hope that girls everywhere can SHIMMER SPARKLE SHINE!

Shimmer Sparkle Shine Project Behind the Scenes

I have a 2nd girl in mind right now, but my mom brought to my attention Dove's Self Esteem Program. I went to their websites to find tool books to build girls confidence. http://www.dove.us/Social-Mission/Self-Esteem-Toolkit-And-Resources/
They have them for all age groups, and I love their ideas. For the 8 - 12 girls they had some great ideas. So from now on for each girl, we are going to do an activity or two to help build the confidence inside, as well as the outside part. My favorite for the 8 - 12 girls is Boost Book;
Decorate a notebook or sketchpad together and keep a log of inspiring quotations, compliments and positive comments other people have made about the girl in your life. Tuck in a few favorite photos or mementos that remind her of moments when she felt confident and beautiful or just had a great time. Whenever she has a moment of uncertainty, bring out the book to get her self-esteem back on track..
I like this for all age groups, and I think I may start my own to set an example that everyone has problems of confidence so the girls understand.
A link to that self esteem book is; http://www.dove.us/Social-Mission/Self-Esteem-Toolkit-And-Resources/Activities-for-Girls-8-12.aspx
In the 13 - 18 I like the activity of Positive Playlist;
Create a soundtrack of songs that she enjoys and that make her feel good. She can listen to it to get pumped up for an important event like a soccer game or dance recital, or turn it on whenever she needs a lift.
The link for this book is; http://www.dove.us/Social-Mission/Self-Esteem-Toolkit-And-Resources/1-On-1-Activities-for-Girls-13-18.aspx

They also gave some great statics on Self Esteem Problems. People don't think of it as an issue, but these facts will help stress the global impact of this issue. Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful (up from 2% in 2004)
• Only 11% of girls globally are comfortable using the word beautiful to describe themselves
• 72% of girls feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful
• 80% of women agree that every woman has something about her that is beautiful but do not see their own beauty
• More than half (54%) of women globally agree that when it comes to how they look, they are their own worst beauty critic
It is a GLOBAL problem, and it is something I deeply care about. Through CAS I want to make the Shimmer Sparkle Shine Project amazing! and something I might do forever.
In the morning I plan on contacting Dove to see if they could help me in anyway. They are a big organization, but it is worth a chance.
One last thing, if I want this organization to get somewhere I need a logo. So here it is!

Stress Ball Saying Card

Thanks to Creative Memories Storybook I made the cards we will be using with the stress balls. Here is what it looks like;
Just Wanted To Share,
Ciara

Taekwondo Error

Sometimes, life can throw you of course, and you have to adapt. I had a set plan with my master on when I was going to get certain belts, and ect. Well. I fell and broke a weird bone in my ankle/foot. I was put into a cast, to where I couldn't do Taekwondo for 3 weeks. I recently just got my walking cast boot, and I was told I can't do Taekwondo for another 2-3 months. Well... I was really upset. I still wanted to be involved. I therefore went to the Taekwondo Belt test at the park to cheer my team on, and to still watch. Here is a picture of who tested;
I have learned that by me watching, I can still learn, so that is what I did for a while. Yesterday I returned to Taekwondo, in my boot, even thought I am not supposed to for another 2 months... I don't run, and I don't kick the bags. I can do everything else pretty much. This is helping me to stick to something even with a problem. Life happens, and it is okay to readjust your plan. I do still hope on earning my black belt by next summer. :) I love CTA!
Ciara