Post Category - ExpertsExperts
Post Category - EatEatIf you’re struggling to decide what to buy your Sassy Mama buddies or family members for Christmas, then look no further.What better gift to give than the gift of health! I’ve complied a little list that that is sure to impress and show you care all in one gift-wrapped package.
The Gift of Organic Goodness
Imagine coming home to a care-package full of yummy healthy organic food – how excited would you be! I know I would love such a practical and delicious gift. Rather than spending 300AED on something you hope your sassy friends will like, what a great idea to give them a gift they will actually use and that will keep them nourished and healthy. There are plenty of organic online grocery stores out there so you don’t even need to leave your house to send the gift: try Bio Organic, Organic Foods and Cafe or Green Heart. I personally also like RIPE for its wide selection – you can add some yummy chocolates and treats as well as organic veggie boxes from as little as AED 200 for a family bag. For something a bit more specialised, I love I Herb for superfoods, organic kids toys and food as well as a vast array organic and chemical free goodies such as essential oils etc – shipping from the US takes about 4-5 days.
The Gift of Fitness
Dubai is fast becoming a hub of wellness activity of all varieties – we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ways to keep fit in fun and new ways. For example, why not treat your family or sassy friend to an hour at Bounce – not only will this help to shift some of those extra calories after some festive over-indulgence, but bouncing also releases lots of happy hormones so you’re sure to give your gift-receiver a big smile to boot.
Most fitness places offer gift vouchers and branded goodies to package up in a parcel so that your pressie looks the part. Some of my other suggestions include a glamorous afternoon at NYLA House where you can get your Barre workout as well as enjoy yoga, a blow dry and an indulgent High Tea for 2 at NYLA Kitchen; or for as little as 275 AED you can join a “Discover Scuba” course with Al Boom Diving – a gift that is sure to keep giving all diving season long!
Make your own Festive Chocolates
When was the last time you received a hand-made gift? I bet you remember it with a smile, right? Hand-made is the best, it shows the receiver of your gift you really do care, and it’s such a sweet personal touch. Christmas is all about indulgence and just because you want to give a healthy gift does not mean that you can’t give chocolate! Come along to my Festive Raw Chocolate Making Workshop at NYLA House on 15th December at 6.45pm, AED 120 per person (AED 100 if you book before 8th December) and learn not only how to make your own raw, vegan gorgeous choccies but you’ll also get to take away your hard-work in a little gift-wrapped box for a special person.
The Gift of Time Together
Rather than send another scented candle, give the gift of time together with a tea or dinner date. You could send a cute invite in a Christmas card or email. People remember experiences and laughter over any gift you can give. If you’re looking to save money this year, why not put on a high-tea afternoon for your nearest and dearest sassy mama friends – check out some sweet-treat recipes on my blog for some healthy inspiration that won’t break the bank.
Upgraded Smellies
I recently had the luxury of spending time in the Philippines where coconuts are aplenty and handmade soaps; cream and shampoos are in abundance. I must say, not only did the look and feel of the artisanal products made my bathroom look funky, but I also felt I was doing something good for a) my skin and b) the people who actually handmade the products in the first place. For sure there is something special about knowing that a product has literally been put together with two bare hands. “Local”, “handmade” and “artisanal” are all the rage now, which is a great thing, actually, as you’re more likely to trust what is in the products (no parabens and hidden nasties), and what a beautiful gift idea to give something that was made with such love and thoughtfulness. You can find handmade and organic bathroom goodies at all over Dubai these days – check out Addictedtosoap, Sabooarabia and RIPE who also sell local camel soap in gift packages.
Have a beautiful festive season, sassy mamas! I hope the season brings you all much happiness. I for one am looking forward to some selfish indulgence of my own as next year hubby and I will be plus some tiny feet that will be keeping us on our own toes. Yep, I’ll be a sassy mama not just to Zighy the puppy but also to a lil mini-Mia :0)
Take care!
