A mini guide to what we’re doing and loving in February!
Playing:
On the latest (and most stylish) play-mats to grace our floors – Bumpa Mats are huge soft play mats that are not only non-toxic, cushioned, hygienic, hard-wearing and perfect for indoor or outdoor play BUT also super stylish. One side looks like a gorgeous floor covering (think Pottery Barn style rug) – the other a pink or blue play design – meaning that at the end of the day you can just flip it over, put the toys away and escape the feeling that you’re being invaded by kid’s stuff. Harper’s Australia voted Bumpa Mats the best play mats and if it’s good enough for them then it’s most definitely good enough for us. In the kitchen, play room, kids rooms – we love.
Flashing:
Our Privilee Card, the most sought after piece of plastic in Dubai. Privilee is a virtual members club that gives you access to some of Dubai’s most gorgeous hotel beaches, swimming pools, spas, dining spots and much more – all at a huge discount. Whether you’re looking to fill your weekends with the best sun-loungers, infinity pools and family fun on the sand, or just need a helping hand to make the most of our beautiful city – Privilee is your answer. And the best bit? Most of the partner venues let you bring up to three children under the age of 15 free of charge. Hooray!
Boosting:
The kids health with YaYa Multi & Minerals – tasty fruit flavoured multivitamins cleverly disguised as gummies (kids think they are treats – bonus when trying to get them to finish their brekkie) that deliver all of the key vits and minerals to our little salad dodgers. Want to ramp it up a little more? How about sprinkling Berryfect premium bilberry powder on your (and their) porridge for a bumper dose of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as nutritional fibre (1 little 3g packet is the equivalent of 30g of berries). It’ll make everything purple but that’s ok, kids love a bit of colour in their food – and if not then whizz it up in smoothies or create purpalicious shakes. They’re perfect for kids and for anyone looking to lose weight (double tick). And I just need to mention that the berries are grown under the Northern Lights in Finland – that fact alone makes me love them.
Treating:
Ourselves to beauty treatments – both of essential (wax etc) and pampering (massages, facials and much more) at Kure Beauty & Spa – one of the coolest spas we’ve found in Dubai. Set up by a mama after her little boy suffered terrible burns – as a result of trying to find the very best holistic, healing and organic skincare products around the world, Kure is now my go-to for everything from shampoo by John Master Organics to their very own selection of handmade essential oils. The mani/pedi stations are so chic and so peaceful that you’ll never want to leave – and your nail oils and creams are chosen according to the time of day (morning = something energising and evening=calm and soothing). And no, it’s not crazy expensive mamas!
Looking:
For the Parker’s Key so that we get to try the Parker’s ‘pop up’ resto in Dubai’s Al Khazan Park – the sister restaurant of Salt with the most yummy sounding menu and apparently charming setting – but unavailable to anyone who hasn’t found the magic key to get in. I’m being serious – find the key and you can open this culinary door – and keep coming back for more (once you’re in, you’re in). I don’t know how long Parker’s will be around for but it’s my mission to find that key and if you’d like to join in the hunt then follow Parker’s on Instagram for clues as to where these elusive things are hiding – from DIFC to Kite Beach – time to get searching (and eating!).
Shopping:
For kids clothes at Old Navy – kinda like Gap but with friendlier price-tags – the store opened at the end of last year in Dubai’s Festival City and is definitely worth a visit when you need to re-stock wardrobes that have been grown out of. A little closer to my ‘hood is the recently opened abercrombie kids in Mall of the Emirates for cute looking denim, tees and vintage style clothing.
Eating:
At Burger & Lobster in DIFC – or actually waiting on the doorstep until it opens on 17th Feb – lobsters cooked every which way, burgers, chips and cocktails – what’s not to love!? Also booking a table at Palazzo Versace’s Enigma where some of the world’s best chefs will head the kitchen for a limited time each and where Spanish Chef Quique Dacosta, whose restaurant in Spain holds three Michelin stars is currently working his magic until 12 April. And spending weekends at Emaar’s Terrace Cafe, Dubai Creek Harbour, the most amazing spot with Dubai skyline views to match complete with food trucks, kids corner and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary – perfect.
Have a fabulous February, mamas!