Spread Some Inspiration with Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Story selected and published by Philadephia, here is the link.

http://spreadphiladelphia.com/story.php?id=92

Be Inspired by Faryal Amir
Creative Mumz Founder

“I had a lot of free time and did not know how to use it. I felt there were more women of my ilk who cannot find venues to interact creatively. We organise workshops, coffee evenings, story telling sessions for children, post our queries and seek counsel from other members,” Faryal Amir

When Faryal Amir had her second child, she had to give up her job. Feeling cut off from her usual social circle, she instituted Creative Mumz, a platform for women who would share a skill, information, personal experiences with fellow members who are a mix of single women, mothers, aunties and grandmothers.

The group emerged dynamically online with interesting monthly newsletters and other online competitions. Faryal Amir, with little help from close members organises events, develops the newsletter and updates the website which has more than 500 daily visits.

Her efforts have been recognised by some leading newspapers and television channels. A notable number of women in the UAE are associated with the group and lots from all across the world through the web portal; http://www.creativemumz.com

Find Creative Mumz on Facebook

Creative Mumz now has an interactive Facebook® Fan page. Facebook users who become a Fan of Creative Mumz can now stay up to date on the latest info and news, along with post photos and videos of themselves that would help others to bring out their creativity.

To become a Fan of Creative Mumz on Facebook, go to Creative Mumz and click on the “Find us on Facebook” icon. (Located in the upper right corner of the Creative Mumz homepage.)

Happy Facebooking!

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Happy new year to all you mumz out there. Its great to jot down new year resolutions but the tough job is to stick to them. Have you made any new resolutions? I think we all do and I suppose we mums are real good list makers!

Here are some resolutions I think all mothers would like to stick to,

• I will plan and organize my kitchen better, with all food stuff labelled.
• I will plan my week’s menu in advance so I don’t have to bother to do that thinking everyday.
• I will give more quality time to my kids, play puzzles, paint with them, play board games, hangman, draw, fly kites, read story books, hop, skip, run and make faces with them! Oh! I love being mom!
• I will de-clutter corners of my house.
• I will try some money saving tips my friend told me about!
• I will work really hard this year to lose those extra kilos. (This one is on everyone’s list 😉 )
• I will try to give some quality time to myself daily, that I always keep skipping because of my tight schedule. I will not miss my morning walk, or my morning coffee with a friend, I will not ignore my nails, hair or skin just because I could not find that 10 minutes I need to uplift my unkempt look. I will find those 10 minutes daily this year.
• I will read good books, relax and enjoy life making an effort to forget the pain and sorrow I went through in my continuning journey – life!
• I will organize things better by keeping a handy planner, listing important dates, my kid’s school events and most important, keep track of “things to do” by making my “TO DO LIST”.

I am sure you all will have much more to add to this list, do send in your resolutions in the comments section and share them with us.

Playscapes Wall Murals- Decorate your Kids Rooms, Ideal for Nursery

 Playscapes Wall Murals are such an exciting concept in kids rooms decorating and nursery decor! We handcraft and hand paint all the childrens’ wall art and kids’ room accessories, add Velcro pads to the back and then package our wall mural kits and freight them worldwide direct to your door!

   

All you do is paint the wall in your chosen colour, plan your design then simply peel away the backing tape on the murals and adhere. In a couple of hours you will have the most gorgeous room that you did yourself! Another bonus is it is also interactive. Children are encouraged to pick the apples off the tree, fly the bees around and place them back. This improves their hand-eye coordination and fine dexterity. Another bonus is of course if you find you have to relocate, simply take your Playscapes kids’ murals ( or wall art) with you and remove the Velcro without marking the walls!

When ordering at Playscapes, please mention that you heard about Playscapes from Creative Mumz.

Website: http://www.playscapes.com.au/

Email: office@playscapes.com.au       

             

SAYINGS ABOUT LIFE

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.

– Dr. Seuss

Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.

– Randall G Leighton

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.

– Unknown

Feelings change – memories don’t.

– Joel Alexander

Forgive your enemies, but never, never forget their names.

– John F. Kennedy

Being sad with the right people is better than being happy with the wrong ones.

– Philippos

Never allow someone to be your priority while you’re just their option

– Unknown

My best dreams and worst nightmares have the same people in them.

– Philippos

(Sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates, recipes, tips, art and craft ideas and more, log on to www.creativemumz.com )

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

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If a child lives with Criticism, He learns to Condemn.
If a child lives with Hostility, He learns to Fight.
If a child lives with Ridicule, He learns to be Shy.
If a child lives with Encouragement, He learns Confidence.
If a child lives with Shame, He learns to feel Guilty.
If a child lives with Tolerance, He learns to be Patient.
If a child lives with Praise, He learns to Appreciate.
If a child lives with Security, He learns to have Faith.
If a child lives with Approval, He learns to Like Himself.
If a child lives with Acceptance and Friendship, He learns to Find Love in the World.

 

Very true! Found these words,wanted to share with you all.

Nutrition For Toddlers/Children

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Mums, its best that we give our kids snacks that are high in nutrition. Here are some ideas for snacks for your little ones. Even older kids can be given nutritious foods between meals to promote health and cut down on extra calories gained by consuming sugary high fat snacks.  Snacks for Toddlers The best snacks are mini meals, not meal wreckers, so start small and give your child just enough to hold him until the next meal. Of course, this does not always work out perfectly with one- and two-year-olds, since their appetites are erratic. It’s OK if your child ends up eating a bigger snack as long as it’s healthy. Fruit juice Natural cheese such as cheddar. Milk (full-fat for up to two years old) Yogurt (full-fat for up to two years old) Hard-cooked eggs Cottage cheese (full-fat for up to two years old) Tuna Whole grain breads and crackers Fruit (with the exception of whole grapes) Weetabix with milk  Fresh fruit blended with milk Pudding made with full-fat milk Dry cereal or a small bowl of cereal with milk Vegetable juices Well-cooked vegetables such as a sliced, peeled sweet potato Tortillas Creative Mumz is a group of creative ladies in Dubai and Sharjah. To join us please write to creativemumz.com or log on to www.creativemumz.com

20 Ideas for Kids Birthday Party Favors

If you are planning your kid’s birthday party, here are fun ideas for party favors… The children will love these return gifts!

1.Stuffed animals

2.Finger puppets

3.Puzzles

4.Pencil toppers according to birthday theme

5.Stickers according to birthday theme

6.Masks

7.Glow in the dark jewelery

8.Glow in the dark stars for decoration

9.Bookmarks

10.Key chains

11.Mini photo frames

12.Candy

13.Yoyo

14.Craft kits

15.Themed hats

16.Themed T-shirts

17.Mini water guns

18.Flutes and whistles

19.Fridge magnets

20.Balloons

 

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20 Ideas for Kids Birthday Party Favors

 www.creativemumz.com

If you are planning your kid’s birthday party, here are fun ideas for party favors… The children will love these return gifts!

1.Stuffed animals

2.Finger puppets

3.Puzzles

4.Pencil toppers according to birthday theme

5.Stickers according to birthday theme

6.Masks

7.Glow in the dark jewelery

8.Glow in the dark stars for decoration

9.Bookmarks

10.Key chains

11.Mini photo frames

12.Candy

13.Yoyo

14.Craft kits

15.Themed hats

16.Themed T-shirts

17.Mini water guns

18.Flutes and whistles

19.Fridge magnets

20.Balloons

 

Join our newsletter for ideas, tips, articles, updates on the Creative Mumz group meet up in Dubai and Sharjah. Please log on to www.creativemumz.com , creativemumz@gmail.com

Check out our writer’s club www.writers.creativemumz.com

Mums in Dubai and Sharjah-Shopping, Kids Play Areas and Coffee..

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Life for mums in the United Arab Emirates is great. I have been here since 1995 and have seen it grow into a stronger economy and a society that provides opportunities to all, provided we seek to work hard and hunt for new doors to success. And its a shopper’s paradise. Mothers have many stores to choose from to buy stuff for their babies and kids. Baby items, toys, clothes, accessories, excellent stuff and innovative mommy help gadgets are also available. You can check out The Baby Shop, Early Learning Centre, Monalisa, Toys’r’Us, Good Baby, Mothercare, Baby Land and many more.

There are many play areas where the kids have fun and at the same time develop their gross motor skills, coordination and balancing skills. Mums can relax with a cup of coffee, chat and watch their little ones having a blast!

Check out our mother’s group activities in Dubai and Sharjah. www.creativemumz.com Sign up for our free monthly newsletter for free for updates on the Creative Mumz meetings, activities, presentations, workshops, art and craft demonstrations, playgroup, coffee mornings, tips and articles.

Creative Mumz @ the Used Book Festival, Sharjah

Creative Mumz is participating in the

Used Book Festival organized by

Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services,

at Qanat Al Qasba, Sharjah

29th-31st of March 2007 (Thursday – Saturday)

from 10am – 10pm.

We are collecting used books for the event. The books will be sold at our tent at Qanat Al Qasba and , sale proceeds of the same will be donated to benefit special needs children. Please make a contribution by collecting used unwanted books (non-school books), you can ask your friends as well since this is for a good cause. Please support the event, your contribution is highly appriciated. All kinds of books, any language can be donated.

Kindly write to me if you would like to donate books so I can tell you where to deliver them (Dubai and Sharjah). I shall apprecite if the donation can be made by the 25th of March.

You are also invited to attend the festival with your family and friends and have a look at all the books there. Many schools, universities and organizations are participating  in the event. Since Qanat Al Qasba is a great family outing spot, I am sure we all will have a great time while supporting a good cause.

Thanks a lot. Hoping to get a great response from all of you.

Best regards,

Faryal Amir
Coordinator Creative Mumz
www.creativemumz.com
www.creativemumz.wordpress.com
creativemumz@gmail.com

Dos and Don’ts of Answering Children’s Questions

Dos and Don’ts of Answering Children’s Questions Dos:· Always pay attention to your children’s questions and listen carefully when they ask you something. Even if you are in the middle of something really important, divert full attention to your child. Value your child’s curiosity.

• Be honest. You are your child’s guide and whatever you say has a deep impact on your child’s thoughts and perception of things. Give accurate information.
• Provide information in simple, concrete and concise sentences.
• Your language should be comprehendible, keeping in mind the child’s age and level of understanding.
• Check if the child has understood by having him/her repeat the answer in his/her own words. If it comes back and you can make sense of it, the message has been received!
• There aren’t always answers. It’s alright to say, ‘I don’t know, but that was a good question.’
• If it’s a painful, sensitive or emotional subject, it’s important to tell why.
• Your child has approached you with a question and is ready to receive information. Grab this opportunity to convey good morals and values, if appropriate, since the child is ready to absorb what you are about to say.
• Be prepared to answer more questions once they get answers to their first ones.

Don’ts:· Never discourage you kid from asking questions. It may be the last time he/she came to you to request information.· Avoid long and confusing sentences. · Never provide false or misleading information.· Never try to avoid further conversation and questions by saying, ‘No more questions.’ “Why?” “Because I said so.” Clear the child’s doubts till he/she is satisfied.· Do not avoid questions on sensitive issues. Children know when we are trying to get away from answering difficult ones. They may then try to find other sources to get information and that may sometimes have a negative influence on them.· Even if you are getting irritable with repeated questions, never show it your child. Find out more about our groups activities, up coming meet up in Dubai, log on to www.creativemumz.com

The First Story

I have penned down the very first story that my mother had told me when I was five years old. We lived in Muscat at that time. Its simplicity and innocence makes it lovable. And the message in it is what all mommys want their kids to get! Read the story on this link. www.writers.creativemumz.com on the stories page.

You may send in your original articles and stories (Short ones please) to writers.creativemumz@gmail.com along with your name, occupation and country, to be published on this new website Creative Mumz Writers Club. Kids can send in their original poems with their name and age.

Creative Mumz  www.creativemumz.com

Anger Management-Over Criticism by Parents

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At Creative Mumz we believe in nurturing the parent-child bond. Although all parents including me claim and really do love their kids more than anything, but at times our love falls prey to our own frustrations and anger. We might loose control in difficult situations but need to educate ourselves to keep our cool, be more understanding and reasonable, esp. when dealing with kids. 

The following article is very thought provoking, so I felt like sharing it with all of you.

The most popular emotional wrecking tool with parents is over-criticism.
The slogan of the over-critical parent is “I’ll get that kid to shape up even if it kills him! After all, its for his/her OWN good! They will thank me some day!”

The really dedicated over-critical parent rides the kid’s back from the moment his feet touch the floor in the morning until he passes out at night! They become angry to the point of rage (or violence) whenever their kid “fails” to live up to their expectations. They resort to all kinds of ways and means to punish and “humiliate” the kid to live up to their unrealistic expectations and standards. The apparent aim of this kind of misguided parent(s) is to build the child up by tearing them down! The end result of course is just that, a torn down, broken hearted and bitter(angry) kid!

The child (victim) of the over-critical parent’s “good intentions” soon starts to feel that he or she just can’t do anything right! Whenever he or she falls short of perfection, they are made to feel they are a total screw up. And he now begins to feel that, since he or she has failed to live up to their parent’s impossibly high standards and expectations, he doesn’t therefore deserves their love and respect. A deep and dark feeling of “self-contempt” (anger at self) and worthlessness overwhelms him to the point of self-destructive behavior. Kids resent (are angry about) being “put down” and insulted all the time ESPECIALLY by their OWN parents! They rebel against it, and parents then wonder “whats gotten into him ?”

Since he has been made to feel he’s a “loser” by HIS OWN PARENT(S), he will now dramatize (act out) this conviction for the rest of his life.

Check out our website for information about our group for mums in Dubai and Sharjah. www.creativemumz.com

Before I was a Mom!

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This is an article that Shagufta, my friend and member of Creative Mumz has sent to be added to the Creative Mumz newsletter. I thought I could post it here instead for all of you to read.

“Before I was a Mom, I ate hot meals.  I would sit at the table without
having to get up for extra napkins, ketchup, or to pick up the spoon that
was hurdled across the room.  I never had to say, Clean your plate or no
dessert! I was able to talk on the phone for hours at a time without interruptions.Before I was a Mom, I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about
what time I got into bed. My house was always clean.  There were never dishes in the sink or crumbs left on the table.  I never tripped over toys or made up my own games or a lullaby to sooth a crying baby.

Before I was a Mom, I didn’t worry whether my plants were poisonous, if the
coffee table had sharp corners or if the electrical sockets were exposed. I had complete control of my mind, my thoughts, my body
and all my feelings and emotions.

Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so that doctors
could do tests or give shots. I never thought about immunizations or
learned how to read a thermometer.  I never looked into teary eyes and
cried with compassion.  I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn’t stop the
hurt.  I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so unconditionally.

Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn’t want
to put it down or stayed up late at night just to watch it sleep so
peacefully. I didn’t know the feeling of having my heart outside my
body.  I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.  
Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten out of bed in the middle of the
night to make sure that everyone was covered with blankets and had their
teddy bear & just in case.

Before I was a Mom, I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much.  I had
never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache or the
satisfaction that being a Mom can bring.  I never knew just how much I
would love being a mom. I never fully understood my own mother’s joys and
sorrows.  I didn’t appreciate everything she did for me or really thank her
enough for the wisdom she shared.   Before I was a mom I never loved my
mother the same way I do now.

My life has changed & there is no doubt about it, but there isn’t anything
I would be willing to do or any gift I’d be willing to receive to go back
to the days of Before I was a Mom.”

A Goal a Day!

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Accomplish a goal a day!  We usually are working hard everyday to accopmplish our short as well as long term goals that may be personal, family or work related. There may be time involved before you accomplish these, thus keeping you waiting to get a sense of accomplishment. Accomplishment acts as a catalyst to promote one’s self esteme, self confidence and moral.

Therefore apart from these goals, I believe in setting simple daily goals as well. Something special, something that will give me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Something I like doing. Thus charging my energies. Try setting goals that can be fun or creativity oriented, so that you feel happy and relaxed each day. Plan a day ahead about what you would like to do tomorrow. Perhaps brainstorm at night before sleeping. Examples could be, setting out 30 minutes to complete an art project, writing a short article or incident, drawing, acquiring a new skill, reading short stories, organizing your paper work, arranging your stuff at home, walk with a friend, searching the net for articles of interest, writing down your ideas in a note pad and reading all at the end of the month, learning 10 new words and their meanings using a dictionary, rearranging your room or setting, read a story to a child in the house, and other things that you like doing and can be completed on the same day in a short time.

Creative Mumz (www.creativemumz.com) encourages all mothers to set daily goals as well, assign special time to attain simple, short and  satisfying goals that would make them feel happy and relaxed.

Magic Potion

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My elder son started school when he was three and within the first month of his nursery school he started getting sick. He used to get throat infections, coughs, blocked nose, wheezing and high fever. This continued and our visits to doctors increased. He used to end up getting an antibiotic doze every month on average. We saw many doctors, the child had many blood tests and lung x-rays to check for mucus. His tonsils and adinoids got enlarged, had pus in the tonsils and the child snored at night. One ENT specialist suggested tonsil operation at the age of 3.5 years. We were all very worried since getting down with high fever and pus in the throat became a regular feature. We had tried all medicines, tonics and herbals.

Then by God’s grace, one of my friend who is from India told me about SEPTILIN.  This is a product by Himalaya Herbals which enhances the bodies immunity and helps in cases of tonsils, sinus and similar issues. Mashallah my son has been having this mdicine since 1 year and with Allah’s grace he is keeping well. I give him regularly as a tonic and esp. when he starts to get a cold. I would suggest all mothers to try it with kids even elders can have it and it should inshallah prove to be the magic potion for you. But remember it is God who is the healer and not the medicine! 

Since we benefited from this medicine, I wanted to share this with all of you. You can perhaps search about it on the net to buy it online.

Check out our group’s website www.creativemumz.com for info on our activites.

The truth about truth!

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The truth about truth is, “practicing it might sometimes cause you the most harm.” Many situations may arise in life when we can get way with false statements, facts and expressions. And this is what people at times. Because saying the right thin and accepting the true fact can get you into trouble. The question is, “are we ready to practice saying and accepting truth?” (Truth about the world, life, people and most important about us!)

We may always preach to be truthful, but how truthful are we?  Infact, to listen to the right thing, the true story, the right facts and accepting it, is the most difficult thing to do for many. Because we are not trained to do so, even if we are we are not strong enough to accept it!

And I think this is where parents, most importantly the mother comes into the picture. We as parents need to enable the next generation to say and accept the truth, no matter how bitter it may be. There is a constant need to educate and train our kids to develop inner strength to face facts rather than hiding them or moulding them to fit in or win situations.

And to do this, we need to be role models first. Here we can follow the saying, “practice what you preach.” Because truth is what will eventually prevail!!

Join our bunch of creative mothers at www.creativemumz.com . Join our mailing list for more information about upcoming events and workshops in Dubai and Sharjah.

Happy Mommy, Happy Family

www.creativemumz.com A happy mother makes a happy family. It is very vital that the mother of the house is happy, at peace mentally and smiling. Work around the house, crying babies, fighting sibblings, dirty laundry, stinking nappies, burnt toast and juice spilt on the new carpet can really put the home minister off! All this daily stress needs to be battled by the mother. It is then up to all others in the family to give her, if not many, atleast a couple of reasons to smile. A little ‘thank you’ note or ‘mommy you are the best’, getting a rose at the end of a tiring day, a big hug and continuous reassurance that she is respected for all her effort, is all that it takes to make a mother happy. It simple but it needs to be done.

So to all of you out there, send a little ‘love you mom’ note to the person who worked so hard to make you capable of what you are doing now!

Check out our group for mothers, log on to www.creativemumz.com