Exclusive Launch & Book Signing Event of the novel, I Know Who You Are! at Karachi International Book Fair 2009

Liberty Books presents the

Exclusive Launch & Book Signing Event of the novel,

I Know Who You Are! by Pakistani twin authors, Mariam and Fatima Masood,

during the Karachi International Book Fair 2009.

Be at the Karachi Expo Center, Activity Area, Hall 1

on Sunday, 13th December 2009 between 1:00 -1:45 pm in the afternoon.

http://www.iknowwhoyouare-thebook.com/

CONTEST..WIN A COPY OF I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

This is your chance to win a copy of the new book, “I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!” by Mariam and Fatima Masood.

Simply answer the following questions and send them to creativemumz@gmail.com with your name and mobile number. Competition for UAE residents only. Contest ends on 25th June. 

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE! The Book

http://www.iknowwhoyouare-thebook.com/

CONTEST QUESTIONS

1. Where are the authors based?

a. Pakistan  b. Dubai  c. England

2. In the book, who moves into a new house with his family?

a. Grandfather  b. Scuff  c. Sultan

3. The book introduces five…

a. friends  b. character skins  c. family secrets

 

“I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!” is available at Jashanmal and Magrudys book stores. It is also available online at Amazon.

Authors of I KNOW WHO YOU ARE! featured in Gulf News today…

http://www.iknowwhoyouare-thebook.com/

I Know Who You Are! is available online @ Amazon

Article in Gulf News today…

Mariam and Fatima Masood

Mariam and Fatima Masood Authors of the book I Know Who You Are!

 

Twins Fatima and Mariam Masood with their book “I Know Who You Are!”
 

Twins explore personality types in co-authored work

By Nasheet Jaffer Khan, Community Solutions Editor
Published: April 02, 2009, 22:46

 

Dubai: Dubai-based twin sisters Mariam and Fatima Masood attempt to help break personality codes through their work of fiction I Know Who You Are.

The novel spins its tale around the nights and days of a 12-year-old boy, Sultan, who stumbles upon magical powers while cleaning a closet, as his family prepares to move house.

What follows is Sultan’s journey to understanding the varied personalities of people, aided by his grandfather.

Being human we have problems with humans,” 25-year-old Fatima said. “Actually, it should be the contrary. Every person has a character skin [type], which affects their manner of interaction and relationship with others.

The book surmises that if you are able to identify the personality type, you can understand people better.

 

Mariam said that sensitivity and a keen observation of people helped provide the fodder for the story.

She said: “Just because people have physical similarities, they expect each other to think alike, believe or have similar opinions, too. The book broadly categorises the basic personalities.” She is quick to add that they “don’t claim that all personalities can be categorised“.

Employed as kindergarten teachers, it took the twins a year, endless cups of tea and countless “rain cheques” for family gatherings to finalise the book and its prime characters.

When it comes to creating something from nothing there are quite a few things that have to be considered. The development of the character ‘skins’ was a challenging task as we had to make each character as powerful as the other and yet unique,” Mariam said. She added that no character had a negative side to it as “everyone has a good reason for doing what they do“.

Squint-eyed nights of research and belief in their story gave the twins the courage to push the envelope and mail it to the publishers.

Fatima said: “There were times when we used to feel stressed and disappointed, waiting for publishers and literary agents to respond. However, from the time of sending the queries to signing the publishing contract, it only took us three months.”

Thinking of the time we started writing and to see the book published has been a rewarding experience. I feel like going to the bookstore just to see the book there!” Mariam said. Fatima added: “It was similar to seeing the harvest of a crop which has been planted, nurtured, protected and prayed for day in, day out. It is still unbelievable sometimes.”

The twins said they could not have written the book without each other – it was “a joint thought”. They said: “Though we are identical, little is common between us. We still understand each other the best.”

How has the book changed their lives?

They said: “It has simplified it. We know how to deal with people more effectively.

The book is published by Olympia Publishers and is available at Jashanmal Bookstores.

 

 

“I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!”…THE BOOK RELEASING IN SPRING 2009

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” I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!” is written by Dubai based twin authors, Mariam Masood and Fatima Masood. It is being published in the United Kingdom by Olympia Publishers and shall be out in Spring 2009 with the grace of Almighty Allah.

If you are a book lover, this ones for you.

I am among one of the few first readers of the book and I must say its a very gripping piece of modern literature. The concepts put forward in the book are very unique and capture the mind of the reader. You tend to read and re-read the core lines and concepts as you unfold the mystery woven around the characters.

It would be a good handbook to keep as a guide to understand people we live with. I believe the character skins portrayed in the book are very real. As you read the book you tend to say, “Oh! yes, I know this one; it is so and so in my life..oh so now I know!!”

By Faryal

Here is what the authors have to say about it:

I Know Who You Are! is a unique novel which has a blend of fascinating fiction and hard-core reality. It not only tells the readers the story about Sultan and his family but it also reveals the secret of dealing with people successfully.

 The book presents the concept that every person has a Character Skin which guides his behaviour and inspires his conversations. If you know a person’s Character Skin, you can understand, respond and deal with him effectively.

 “Truth is only valued by the ones who are righteous, for the ones who are possessed by their own beliefs are indifferent to it.” (Mariam & Fatima Masood)

 I Know Who You Are! diversifies a person’s perspective through positive thinking. It invites its reads to explore, enjoy, reflect  and analyze the concepts the Character Skins, people, possess.   

I Know Who You Are! will be in bookstores in Spring 2009.

To Read the preview, click here…

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.

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE?

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WHAT TEACHERS MAKE…….

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,
“What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in
life was to become a teacher?” He reminded the other dinner guests what
they say about teachers: “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.”

To stress his point he said to another guest; “You’re a teacher, Bonnie.
Be honest. What do you make?”

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, “You
want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, and then began…)

“Well lets see, for starters, I make kids work harder than they ever thought
they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honour.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents
can’t make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental…

(She paused again then went on)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know
in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were
given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)
“Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up
high and pay no attention because they are ignorant… Do you want to
know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
What do you make?”

THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER YOU KNOW.
THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT:

“Teachers make every other profession”.

This was worth sharing!

Catch us with what’s new, log on to www.creativemumz.com

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

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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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.

Sayings-Mums, Dads and Children

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  • All mothers hope that their daughters will find a better husband than she did, and are convinced that their sons will never find as good a wife as their fathers did. 
  • We spent the first twelve months of our children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk, and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up. 
  • Children are incredibly good imitators.No matter how hard you try to teach them good manners, they always behave exactly like their parents.
  • Children fill the home with peace when they sleep.
  • Precocious children can be a pain. childish adults are worse.
  • Only after seeing how your grandchildren turn out can you see if you brought up your own children well.
  • Before I got married, I had six theories about bring up children. Now I have six children and no theories.
  • Children seldom misquote you. Infact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn’t have said.
  • How is it that little children are so intelligent and men so stupid. It must be education that does it?

I found these interesting sayings and thought of sharing them with you all.

www.writers.creativemumz.com

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.

http://schsuae.brinkster.net/bannerclick.aspx?BannerID=55&returnURL=http://www.schs.ae

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

Inspiration…Where can we find it?

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Look deep with in yourself…deep down… there is someone very pure, very innocent, very loving, very sensitive and above all very inspiring!

Life can sometimes be very stressful and everything may seem gloomy. When we are low, distressed, in grief, we long for someone to pat our shoulder, inspire us and say, “Don’t worry, all will be fine. Get up and get going, boost your energy, look at the brighter side, find happiness in the simple things you have and make the most of them, fill yourself with courage, enthusiasm and self worth, you are doing a good job, I appreciate you.” But most of the time we do not find anyone to console us.

The best and the most honest person to uplift our spirits is our own SELF. The best inspiration a person can find is with in him/herself. Because we truly understand what we are going through, we respect the fact that we are hurt and sincerely want to do something about it. We are our best well wisher. So go ahead complement yourself for what you are and what you do. Be your own stimulus and your life will change for the better!

 cutecolorsschoolicon3.gifCreative Mumz Writers Club

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

Newsletter for mommys

Free monthly newsletter…a good way to keep track of what’s happening at Creative Mumz. Visit our website www.creativemumz.com  to sign up for latest updates on our group’s activities. We send out tips, recipes, updates of our events and more. You can contribute by sending in tips and recipes or other interesting short articles that would interest mothers.

Check out our Writers Club to post your original stories for children and articles. www.writers.creativemumz.com

‘Must Haves’ in mommy’s hand bag

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Mommy hand bags are instant problem solvers. In times of need or emergency, we happen to find almost everything required to fix the situation. Therefore, mommy hand bags must be ORGANIZED. I feel the following are must haves for a mommy’s hand bag.

1. Tissues

2. Individually packed wipes (antibacterial will be an advantage)

3. Safety pins

4. Panadol tablets

5. Small scotch tape

6. Band aid strips (3-4)

7. Little snacks for the little ones

8. Pen and Post-it (Special lists for shopping)

9. Small toys to keep little ones busy (Small cars, balls, rattle)

10. List of important contacts incase a mobile is not carried

11. Money and enough change

12. Telephone card in case mobile is not carried

13. Medical cards for all family members

14. Membership and kids entertainment centre cards.

15. Driving License 

www.writers.creativemumz.com

What makes a mother strong?

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www.writers.creativemumz.com  

1. Her children’s smiles and tender touch. Kid’s smiles are like turbo boosters when a mother feels low. And they work as heart softeners when she is cross. Their sweet emotions give inner strength. When nothing can cheer up a mother, her little one’s smile and hug will do the trick.  

2. A mother is not and never will be alone in her thoughts. Her children’s memories, tales and worries will always be with her. Whether she is cooking, cleaning, at work or just relaxing on a couch, she always has her kids on her mind.  

3.  The precious friendship of her kids is her greatest strength and an ultimate source of experiencing new worlds everyday.  

4. When her 6 year old kid makes a card for her and writes, “Mummy I love you. I am with you.” Sometimes such reassurance, strength and hope that a mother gets from these innocent words makes a mother forget all her worries. 

5. The dream to see her kids grow up to be responsible human beings gives a mother all the strength to work hard for them in spite of all odds. 

6. The trust that she can see in her child’s eyes, in all that she tells and does for him. The belief that my mother will always be there for me when I need her. 

7. A mother derives strength from her kid’s problems and fears. She has to build courage to accept these issues and provide wise solutions to tackle these problems. A mother has to be strong to face certain fears of her children with them. 

8. A thank you note that she finds on the fridge for something little that she did for her child, which she never felt was worthy of acknowledgement but was noted by her little one. 

9. The commitment that she is responsible for rearing and moulding the next generation. The thought that, with patience, guidance and support a mother can mould lives, makes her go an extra mile.  

10. The thought that she is blessed with the best gift a lady can wish for. Her kids are her priceless possession!  Someone who will relate to her and who will always need her no matter how old they get. This is a magical feeling that only a mother feels many times in a single day.  

 

Send in your original articles and stories for kids to writers.creativemumz@gmail.com 

To view current articles and stories log on to www.writers.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