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FREE things to do at the Museum of the Future

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Do you want to explore the most beautiful building in the world – Museum of the Future?

I have a solution for you and it’s FREE or atleast budget friendly.

It is advised to buy tickets to explore the entirety of Museum of the Future months ahead. While we wait for that chance, here are some FREE activities you can do when you decide to drop by #MOTF

🆓 Entrance to the museum is FREE

– exploring the ground floor and first floor where the foot bridge connection to the Emirates Tower and to the metro is accessible to the public

🆓 Play & interact with robodog

– #MOTF guests are greeted by the in-house museum pet – RoboDog; we stayed longer interacting with the RoboDog, he’s so cute!

Boy playing with Robodog

🆓 Witness the adorable flying robot dolphin

– the flying dolphin was one of the highlights of our visit. No strings at all! If you know how it was possible, talk to a friendly muese staff.

🆓 Learn about the Arabic calligraphy inscribed on the museum based on the words of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum


🆓 Refill your water for free from the Aquafina station located at the cafe

– are you familiar with the water stations at Expo2020? They have one at MOTF too.


🆓 Talk to any of the staff and learn some fun facts

– museum staff are friendly and enthusiastic to answer some questions. Remember though that you have to be mindful when taking photos or videos; ask permission first.


🆓 Watch the RoboBarista make coffee when someone decides to order a cup from the cafe

– this bit would cost you a few dirhams if you don’t want to wait. We ordered a cup (AED 22) to enjoy and happy to report while it’s machine made, the latte tasted good too.

WATCH our trip to MOTF ⬇️
https://youtu.be/HkFaqUjMTEQ

Flamingos in Dubai

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A sanctuary for wildlife tuck away in the middle of city lights and just beside a busy highway exist in Dubai.

We finally visited the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and it did not disappoint. We’ve never seen so many flamingos upclose and in the ‘wild’ too.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary timings extend from 7:30am to 5:30pm during the winter season, and from 6am to 6pm between April to September (visitDubai.com).

We drove to the sanctuary following this directions -> https://goo.gl/maps/8Xpe1ZU3hZJEpvXo7 but it can be accessible via metro too, stop at Creek Staion then grab a cab to get to the sanctuary. Entrance is FREE, visitors are asked to not consume any food and be quiet as to not disturb the birds.

Sheet Pan Eggs

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Sheet Pan Eggs is an easy way to serve eggs to a crowd or as a make ahead lunchbox meal as it freeze well too.

Sheet Pan Egg Sandwich with blueberries, Sainsbury Chocolate Thins and NingXia Red

Eggs clearly are the star here so make sure to use fresh and good quality ones. We have been loyal Al Jazira Poultry customers because we get to have our eggs & poultry needs delivered straight from the farm to our home.

UAE friends:

Use 15% off discount code BICNC on all your Al Jazira Poultry

Sheet Pan Eggs

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Source: cuddlesandcrumbs.com
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Ingredients

  • 12 eggs, large
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Toppings: capsicum, carrots and cheese

Directions

  1. PreHeat oven to 180C
  2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper and milk
  3. Pour eggs onto a greased sheet pan and sprinkle with your chosen toppings
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until eggs are firm and cooked through
  5. Allow omelette to cool for a few minutes then slice to equal size. Serve in a sandwich or with a salad.


The recipe can be jazzed up with any topping you wish, just make sure to squeezed out extra juice if using watery vegetable.

WATCH Egg Sheet Pan recipe video, below.

Chicken in Creamy Tomato Sauce

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This one pot NutriCook recipe is such a breeze to make. You can choose to enjoy this over pasta, salad greens or Chloe’s favorite jasmine rice.

Chicken in Creamy Tomato Sauce

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken Breast
  • 2 cups pasta sauce
  • ½ cup cream
    • For seasoning chicken
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ paprika
  • ½ five spice

Directions

  1. Marinate chicken breast with seasonings for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Pour two cups of pasta sauce in the pot. For this recipe, I used Basilico Pasta Sauce by Maggi
  3. Press ‘Chicken’ mode and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Fold dry ingredients to wet mixture, until incorporated.
  5. Once pressure is released. Turn pot to sauté mode then add cooking cream. Cook for 3 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve over a bed of greens or pasta and top off with Parmesan cheese.

Here’s an IG reel for this recipe. Enjoy!

Stay-at-home Mom

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SAHM (stay-at-home mama) is a label attached to my name since we moved in the UAE, that’s more than 10 years now. The choice to be one was mine. 

Being one was certainly not a part of my 10yr plan back then. I’ve always imagined myself a career woman. When Coy left for work overseas, my Mama said ‘Go where your husband is if circumstances permit it’ and so I did. 

Ohh how I blamed her that first year away living the life of an expat SAHM. Why? I was tired with domestic life – infinite dishes to wash, endless laundry to attend too and a house that always needed cleaning. Add to that even after a days work, the effort was left unnoticed!

SAHM label often left me feel exhausted, lonely, angry, and worthless. I completely lost who I really is/was. 

I, myself no longer know me.

If you find yourself in that similar situation know that you are not alone and what you are feeling right now is VALID.

***

In a world where we are connected via social media, accomplishments are highlighted. 

Friends you once played with in the school grounds, now lawyers, doctors, accomplished in their fields; and while I am genuinely happy sending congratulatory wishes in between washing dishes…I begin to compare and question myself: What have I accomplished?

Accomplishments in the real world does not equal to an empty laundry bin or finally braiding my daughters hair.

I honestly cannot think of many. My son once asked me who I was outside of being just his mom, here. People’s eyes certainly don’t light up when I tell them I am a stay-at-home mom.

If you find yourself in that similar situation know that you are not alone and what you are feeling right now is VALID.

***

When asked the question “What are your hopes and dreams?”

My initial answers are “My dream is to see my children happy and successful in their chosen fields.” “I hope to see them build a happy family of their own.” 

But does that really answer the question? Is that really MY dream?

I have forgotten my own dreams, the ones where I would directly benefit from. One that is of my own. 

I have buried and forgotten the life I once imagined myself to be. I no longer even know how to dream for me. 

My personal dreams lost between my role as a mother and wife. Gone.

If you find yourself in that similar situation know that you are not alone and what you are feeling right now is VALID.

***

Whether you have stepped into the role of stay-at-home mom by choice or forced into it because of circumstances. You said YES to a role that is not for the faint hearted. Surviving today is already BIG accomplishment.

Know that you are capable of ditching the stigma that you are ONLY a stay-at-home mom. The TRUTH is you are capable of amazing things! 

You can focus on who you really are while giving your kids the greatest love they can ever receive. You are a woman who does not need any label because you are who you are!

I am still working on getting myself out of the stigma that I am a mere speck of sand in the vast desert. Here are some of the things I am doing that might help you too.

1.) What are you feeling right now? 

  • Acknowledge that emotion and if it is a negative one work on getting yourself out of it. I start my day, in a pause by counting backwards from 20 to 1 then I thank God for giving me another chance to work on the best version of me from yesterday (and yes sometimes you have to force yourself to even be thankful for waking up).  Starting your day with a grateful heart really makes a difference. When I am done with morning chores or just before that depending on what time I start my day, I take 5-10 minutes to sit down read or listen to daily scripture and script my day. I write down in present tense how I would like my day to be. It is simple as “I am going to finish two loads of laundry” or “I am the friend and parent my children needed me today” 

2.) What are the things that you love to do?

  • Incorporate 1 task a day that brings you so much joy. Something just for you. This can be reading few pages a day from a book you bought a few months back or even just a few minutes to daydream or draw.

3.) If you cannot find time to do the first two because you are overwhelmed with the tasks you have on hand, then do this: 

  • List three non negotiable thing you need to accomplish that day. Example, you need to pay your electric/water bill today or else the company will cut you off or you need to make the costume for your kids character day tomorrow. We need to be able to to identify this, I find that writing down things I need to do helps rather than just having them all in my head.

4.) Speak up! 

  • Let members of the family know (sit down with your husband) and tell them that you need to delegate things. No! I do not give you the permission to feel guilty, acknowledging that you need one is a strength. Superheroes work well with a partner.

I will stick with the above for now. 

All I have shared is a reminder to all of us that you can give your kids what they need and still fulfill yours by doing what you love… one day at a time. 

A small step is better than none.    

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FREE Back to School Distance Learning banner

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So it begins!

We have chosen ‘distance learning’ school mode for both our kids since this is the best setup for our family right now.

The excitement this school year might is not the same as the previous ones; for the first time we did not bother much with school shopping besides the essentials. No need to buy uniforms, shoes and socks. Alarm not as early, this I am very pleased.

Despite all the crazy happening around, we are all trying our best to make this 1st week of school a smooth one because when we just open our eyes we will see so many reasons to smile.

With that… let me present my babies with the new school setup and a FREE back to school: distance learning banner for 2020 – 2021 school year.

Fancy using our First Day #backtoschool banner?

Click link below to download.

FREE #BackToSchool Distance Learning Banner.

What’s inside our GO BAG?

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What is a ‘Go Bag’?

A ‘Go Bag‘ is something that you would grab in situations that require immediate evacuation. It basically is an emergency-preparedness bag that you pack in advance but hope you never need.

Contents of the bag should be sufficient for a 12-hour period. It is recommended to update contents of this bag every few months. You have to choose a bag that is large enough to carry the necessary items. I prefer to use a backpack so my hands are free to hold my children.

emergency bag

What is inside a Go Bag?

Travel and identification documents are the top most items that I make sure is updated and always inside our bag since we are living overseas. Make it a habit to scan important documents, then save it in a virtual drive and send copies to your relatives

  • Passport
  • Emirates ID (identification card for UAE residents)
  • Health Insurance Card 
  • Insurance Papers

First Aid Kit – masks, bandAid, antiseptic wipes and important medication. Include a copy of your physician’s prescription.

Flashlight and batteries. Ideally, a flashlight for each member of the family. For younger kids, a headlight or flashing emergency lights attach to their clothing.

Whistles with a neck cord for each member of that family will help in situation to call attention.

Gadgets like a mobile phone, cord, battery pack, and a solar charger.

Food with a long shelf life like canned goods, dates, energy bars, gum, candies and water.

Money of multiple currency that you have, include some jewelries too.

Clothes and mylar blankets. Pack a book or toy if you have smaller kids, this will help entertain and give them comfort.

Tools that you might need like Swiss army knife, duct tape, matches.

Where should I keep the bag?

Store bag in a central location where it is easy for any member of the family to grab. We have ours hanging by the main door. As of the moment, we only have 1 bag.

Ideally, I would have a bag for each member of the family. If and when I have this gut feeling, I would prepare a much more eleborate #emergencybag for all of us.

My kids are aware that the bag is important. Once they hear a building alarm, this is one of the first item they would grab after wearing sports shoes.

When they were younger, we would do a practice run by the emergency exit.

Yes, I am paranoid but I’d rather be prepared.

Do you have an emergency go bag?

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What’s inside our GO BAG? . A ‘Go Bag’ is something that you would grab in situations that require immediate evacuation. I update contents of this bag every few months. Do you have one? . (1) Travel and identification documents are the top most items that I make sure is updated and always inside our bag since we are living overseas. . (2) First Aid kit – masks, bandAid, antiseptic wipes and important medication . (3) Flashlight and batteries . (4) Whistles – will help call attention . (5) Phone, cord, battery pack . (6) Food – I would pack dates, energy bars and water. . (7) Money – set aside every currency you can . Ideally, I would have a bag for each member of the family with basic needs to survive for 12 hours with clothes. If and when I have this gut feeling, I would prepare an #emergencybag by our main door. . My kids are aware that the bag is important. Once they hear a building alarm, this is one of the first item they would grab. When they were younger, we would do a practice run by the emergency exit. . Yes, I am paranoid but I’d rather be prepared. . ••• •• • #goBag #bugoutbag #uaemombloggers #cncdiaries #mommybloggers #prepper #emergency #emergencypreparedness #dubaibloggers #parenting #safetyfirst #mydubai #buhayofw #ofw

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How To Make Ice Cream at Home

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Just 3 ingredients to make ICE CREAM at home!

It is so easy to make that Chloe took charge in preparing the recipe and she even prepared a video to show you how.

This can be a very fun DIY project for the family to do at home and because we need to satisfy a sweet frozen craving.

The base recipe is versatile that you can basically add different flavorings! The option is endless to your imagination.

How to Make Ice Cream at Home

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups whipping or heavy cream
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or bean paste

Directions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
  2. Add condensed milk and vanilla, on low speed until just incorporated.
  3. Pour into resealable container. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.


Flavorings:

Cookies & Cream
15 Oreo cookies, chopped

Cookies & Chocolate
10 Chocolate Digestive Cookies, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup Chocolate Hazelnut spread

Rocky Road
1 cup Chocolate Syrup
1 cup mini Marshmallows
1 cup Walnuts & Almond mix