Year: 2014

Samsung Launching People

Did you wake up today with a brilliant idea? An idea you know in your mind and heart, it will be the next big thing. I have been a stay at home mom for 5 years now, some days I think that I am stuck to this mommy routine and there is nothing left for me, but I know deep in my heart that I am everything to these two little people, who I care for 24/7. A light bulb moment once sparked while preparing Little Miss lunch and assisting V on his homework,the idea got me all excited. Why in the world did I just think about it now! I’m sure it will be the next big thing! Then, reality slowly creeps in, questions & doubt slowly clouds my thoughts. How in the world will it work? Will someone even care to listen? And will they even believe in it, believe in me? Then, after having a cup of coffee, I (you) shrug it off as silly. DON’T! Rephrasing what Dr. Seuss’s said “A …

Wheat Free Snacking

I can’t remember the last time I shared a recipe here. That doesn’t mean that I’ve been slacking on kitchen duties, I do have 3 people living with me who are constantly in need of something to eat. Grace introduced me to wheat free world, I tired doing it for 3 weeks and was really happy with how my body reacted to wheat elimination. No sudden headache, and didn’t feel bloated or lazy are some of the noticeable changes during the 3 weeks. I’ve been trying to not indulge in any food with wheat, which is a hard for me since I love to snack on bread and crackers. To solve this snacking problem, I’ve been baking wheat free goodies. Here are some of the wheat free recipes I’ve tried and really enjoyed.     1) Almond Meal Chocolate Chip Cookies with Coconut from Minamalist Baker These are crunchy and chewy. The LittleOne liked them as well and we ate a dozen cookies in two days. 2) Carrot Coconut Breakfast Loaf from Anjas Food 4 Thought …

Nanan

I breastfed V for exactly two years and I am still breastfeeding LittleMiss C. Both of them refer to breastfeeding, breast and milk (from mommy) as “nanan,” a word we adapted when V was about a week old  which was suggested by Lola Alma. LittleMiss C in her 18 months only had “nanan” in a bottle when I left her in the care of Lola Let and she didn’t liked it at all. Big brother V didn’t see her sister drink from a bottle and for him, babies like her sister only get milk from Mommy’s “nanan”. Last week, V’s exam results and papers are back, his answer to one question on the PSHE subject caught my attention. It made me laugh and really proud. Question: When I was a baby I drink in a  Nanan   I asked him why he didn’t answer baby bottle. He simply replied “Mama, Chloe and I only drink in your nanan. Please tell teacher that I’m correct, I think she doesn’t know that “nanan” is drinking milk from you.” Saddens my heart …

Family Fun Day @ Al Tamimi Stables

We spent a lovely Friday at Al Tamimi Stables located in Sharjah with family friends Mio (ThirdCultureFamily) and Grace (SandierPastures). LittleMan V only knew about the days activity when he woke up that morning, and was anxiously waiting for his Daddy C to come home from a basketball game. Too excited indeed that both kids can’t contain themselves to sit and eat breakfast. We drove for 30 minutes and finally reached our destination. Sharing some photos: Central area where families gather to enjoy the sun, children ran and bounce in the castles like there was no tomorrow. Al Tamimi Stables is a 30 acres of lush farm area with over 500 domestic and exotic animals. Sports facilities, stables, petting zoo and cafe are among other things that will keep everyone busy. Basic ‘Falconry’ class – did you know that the falcon is the fastest animal!          LittleMiss C saw the Falcon and just screamed “tweet tweet…birdie” while LittleMan V was so fascinated that he asked so many questions and was the first one …

Kidzania presents First Kinder Chocolate Factory for Kids

My LittleOnes and I were invited to the opening of the first Kinder Chocolate Factory for kids at Kidzania, Dubai Mall. We registered and were ushered to go inside the theatre and wait for the event to start. Inside the theatre, the most amazing balloon artist I’ve met kept the kids and adults in awe with his balloon creations – he made Vierte a jetpack and Chloe a penguin. We also enjoyed munching on chocolate chip cookies, red Jell-O, chicken spring rolls and fruit juice. The event started with speeches from Mr. Giovanni Martini, VP Marketing for Ferrero Middle East and Kidzania Governor, Mr. Francois Yves Pain. A key to finally open the world’s first Kinder Chocolate factory was presented which only means “let the fun begin!” Groups of six children at a time will be able to experience the simulation of chocolate production for the duration of 20 minutes. Work at Kinder Chocolate Factory started off with wearing uniforms and introduction class on the ingredients use to make a yummy kinder chocolate. Children get …

HK Trip: Tian Tan Buddha

*This is a part of a series of posts about our 2013 vacation in Hong Kong” Last year we enjoyed a 5 days vacation at Hong Kong with Daddy C’s side of the family. It was a first family vacation, all of Daddy C’s siblings were present along with kids and spouses which really made Mama Let (MIL) very happy. I have already blogged on the food we enjoyed along Nathan Road, where our hotel was located. Tita Crist (Daddy C’s younger sister) planned our HK itinerary, every detail of it – where to buy our Octopus card and what train or bus to take to reach our destination. Octopus card is a handy card you can use to get your way around Hong Kong. Almost all means of public transportation accepts this card. Once you reach airport don’t buy the card one of the vending machines, instead look for the special kiosk near the exit to the express train and buy your card, much more cheaper and easier for tourists you just need to show …

Dubai Miracle Garden

V’s exam week is finally over and we all need a breather, something new and definitely not inside a mall. The weather now is just perfect to be spent outdoors. Daddy C suggested that we drive to Dubai Miracle Garden since we haven’t been to the place yet. Sharing some photos: It was Friday afternoon and the place was packed with tourists and locals. We’d like to visit the garden on a weekday and enjoy a quiet morning appreciating all the flowers in bloom. LittleMan V had fun running around, smelling the flowers and teaching LittleMiss C the colors. She had fun copying whatever her big brother was doing. LittleMiss C and her awkward picture pose. Dubai Miracle Garden has about 45 million flowers in bloom, presented in stunning topiary designs of pyramids, flower beds, and Burj Khalifa. Flower designs will change every year so returning visitors will have something to look forward too every season. Food stalls are available for you to grab a quick bite, but I do suggest that you don’t visit …

Happy Healthy New Year!

I believe we are in the 3rd week of January and this is my first post for 2014. Oh dear, days go by so fast this month will soon be over. I’ve been really busy with Mommy duties since the holidays, V’s 1st term exam for all his 10 subjects is happening this week, having a child in school brings up parenting levels (& anxiety) a higher notch and believe but it feels like I’m also taking the exam.   MyNappytales family promised that for the year 2014  we will start eating more fruits everyday. Daddy C and I want to be a good example to the kids. A fruit platter now serves a centerpiece of our dining table – since we always see it and available within reach we were able to consume all the fruits (photo above) within 3 days. Both LittleMiss and LittleMan can sit down and consume a bowl of sweet strawberries while watching movies and so I’ve decided to add another berry to the list – a raspberry. We bought …