Keeping Up With Kaya: March

A mini guide to what’s hot and what’s new in Dubai this month

It’s March – MARCH! Can you believe it!? Where has the time gone, mamas?! With Half Term out of the way, we’re now speeding towards Spring Break (keep an eye on the site for plenty of travel ideas if you’re thinking of skipping town). This month is all about the joys of Spring! It’s about new beginnings (because those are never really that possible at New Year) – I’m just starting to get into my exercise regime now and setting great intentions for the next 10 months. It’s also about Mothers Day, spending time as a family – trying new things and making memories. From weekends away to delicious new eats, here are a few of the things I’m loving and doing this month.

Getting cosy…

In matchy matchy pj’s by Annabelle – no joke the softest most comfy sets you will ever wear, it’s become a bit of a joke in our home that I spend most of my evenings in them! My boys have all-in-one cosies with marvel comic heroes on them and my little girl and I have matching Mickey Mouse designs because, as a friend recently told me, ‘twinning is winning!’. They were our go-to outfits during all that rain – the perfect movie-on-the-sofa look! That’s us up there in our pj’s in the main pic on this feature…

Sooo excited about…

The imminent opening of John Lewis in Festival City Mall! If you’re a British mama then you’ll know why this is exciting – and if not then trust me, John Lewis is a department store that answers all your needs. From gorgeous homeware to clothing, beauty to kiddie stuff – this is your one stop shop. I was privileged to have a sneak peek behind the scenes of the new store, which is a collaboration with Robinsons (another awesome department store) and I literally cannot wait to get back there once the doors open. Not only will this be my go-to place for all things home (there’s a beautifully designed sleep room where you can test mattresses to the sound of the dawn chorus) but also for the kids who’ll have their very own area complete with activities to make shopping with them in tow that much easier. Oh and a fusion Japanese restaurant, Wild & The Moon outlet and loads more treats. Cannot wait (did I say that already?). Opening 29 March – WATCH THIS SPACE!

Busting…

That baby belly (yes, 3 and a bit years after the birth of my youngest) with group personal training sessions by Matthew Henry – a lovely Kiwi guy who’ll put you through your paces and get you great results while keeping sessions fun and believing that you can definitely have your cake and eat it too. Perfect.

Read more: Meet Some Of Dubai’s Best Personal Trainers (& Get Fit & Fabulous In 2017!)

Booking…

Another trip to Hatta where you can now kayak on the dam, explore the mountains and stay at the newly renovated Hatta Fort Hotel which is the closest thing I’ve found to that cosy ‘chalet’ feel complete with white washed wood and fluffy duvets – and those amazing mountain views! Read up on my recent stay here and look for the offer at the bottom of the feature!

Giving…

The new gift boxes by Fruitful Day – beautiful large wooden crates made of locally sourced wood and filled with compartments of delicious fresh fruit – it almost looks too pretty to eat and is jam packed with fruit you might not necessarily buy yourself (lychees for example – so yummy!) plus cut fruit, chocolate shavings and dried fruit as tasty little snacks. THE perfect gift for new mamas, as a housewarming, for mother’s day, for yourself (yes, I gifted myself), for the fam – this is one of the prettiest and healthiest and most useful presents I’ve ever received (and the box has now been repurposed as a lovely utensil holder on my kitchen counter!).

Shopping…

For homeware, bags, accessories, shoes and shoes on shop.styledrifter.com, an online store launched by Swedish stylist and art director Teresa Karpinska (if you don’t already follow her on instagram then do!). The SyleDrifterSHOP is all about offering a unique selection of pieces that reflect Teresa’s upscale bohemian style. The selection is currently quite small but it’s going to grow – and just check out the Nomad Satchel and Pom Pom Cuff for starters – so cute!

Blasting…

My hair with the new DysonDyson supersonic hairdryer – literally the ultimate mama beauty tool. Wash hair, dry it with ‘high velocity airflow’ and ‘intelligent heat control’ that means perfect shiny hair – and be out of the door for the school run on time. Perfect! Also ideal for drying my daughters hair, this is the only hairdryer she hasn’t objected to (maybe because it comes in a fuchsia/iron colour combo and anything pink gets her vote) and that makes her hair beautifully tangle free without any risk of burning. It’s not cheap but it’s one of those products that’ll save you time and make you look good too – basically a winning combo! Available at Sephora.ae.

Stocking up…

On Treewise recycled pencils – made entirely from recycled newspaper – the perfect little gifts (my sons birthday party is coming up and I’m thinking of adding these to the goody bags) and ideal for school/home and helping teach the kids about reusing/recycling and the importance of making small steps to help protect the environment. Currently sold via Dusyma, a fab brand which offers high quality educational furniture and toys designed in beautiful materials (i.e no tacky plastic) that allow children to develop a love of discovery and curiosity. Check them out on Facebook and buy their pencils!

Loving…

The new season Clarks shoes which have taken some of the really old-school styles and redesigned them with a modern twist. Think patent maryjanes for girls and really cute soft leather slip-ons for boys, as well as retro style trainers and the sweetest girlie sandals covered in little pink cats (yes, I had to buy them…).