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Bento Lunch Box Menu January 2-5

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First week back to school for 2017 was last January 2. We were still on a holiday mood and forgot to go for our weekly grocery shopping, so this weeks kids lunch box consist mostly of leftover holiday food like ham.

Join our lunch box packing FB group via this link. The aim of #LetsMakeLunchFun community is to inspire and help families pack / prepare a healthier meal

Monday – January 2: ham and cheese sandwich, yoghurt and fruits.

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Tuesday – January 3: pizza pinwheels filled with pepperoni and cheese

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Wednesday – January4: cream cheese sandwich for both

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Thursday – January 5: a repeat of what we packed yesterday

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Did you notice something new in your Yumbox boxes? Both kids received a new Yumbox and Camelback bottles with their name and chosen design from Kilani Kreations.

Kilani Kreations can personalize your existing yumbox or directly order a new one from them. For more details visit their Instagram and Facebook pages.

Make sure you follow our accounts on Instagram, @cuddlesandcrumbs for more lunchbox ideas and use #LetsMakeLunchFun hashtag on all your packed meals.

 

Hello 2017!

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I am always on the mood to make goals and get organize at the start of the year, but I only do so on my mind which like all of the marvelous ideas I’ve had, it all flew away with the wind.

This year I am determined to be more organized and be thankful every day.  I am currently working on family calendar and blessings jar.

Wishing you all a beautiful life story filled this 2017!

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Grateful for 2016, a year in review

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We are about to bid farewell to 2016. Am I ready for the year to come? I am definitely ready to write a beautiful 2017 life story, hand in hand with my family. As with each year, 2016 made me stronger with challenges I faced and always grateful with all the blessings that came our way.

Here’s a look back at our 2016 life story.

LittleMiss made a big move from nursery to foundation stage last January that had me send out a request for more pedestrian friendly Dubai. Tarana and I also launched the first ever blog support group for moms – UAE Mom Bloggers

February gave me the opportunity to share my passion of fun lunch box packing that led to conducting a private bento workshop for a company here in Dubai.

I shared a stage with Al Islami Foods last March for a bento box demonstration during Dubai Food Festival. Also finally got to write about our Disneyland experience.

The kids and I found ourselves in April “winter” where we played with baby penguins at Ski Dubai.

The month of May was challenging health wise where I had late night to early morning trip at the Mediclinic emergency room. Thankfully my doctors, Dr. Mazin Aljabiri and Dr. Faisal Ikram took good care of me as I underwent a Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal and Stone Removal on my bile duct.

I was back to my old self by June as we prepared for LittleMiss 4th birthday party.

July kicked off our two months long vacation in the Philippines. I look back and find out I have not written anything about it on the blog was regularly updating our Instagram. This month though I manage to share our first interactive play experience, The Little Prince.

Back to school for kids at the last week of August.

A busy September where I shared tips to get your lunch box kit ready for school, shared few recipes and mark the beginning of my promoting #LetsMakeLunchFun tag. We also found ourselves admiring sunrise at UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais. Life as a stay at home mom got me all stressed up that made me open up on my hope to bring back the happy mama back.

October marked another highlight for my lunch box packing passion where I joined Al Islami’s campaign to encourage happier and healthier kids. Kuya V received his first sponsored product review, 3Doodler Pen.

We toured a MCDonalds kitchen in November and recalled our LEGOland open day experience.

December is all about fun where we checked out Dubai Garden Glow.

Wishing a happy and prosperous New Year 2017.

I wish that year 2017 writes you a beautiful life story.

 

 

Christmas Buffet at Movenpick Hotel JLT

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It may seem surprising but Christmas is widely celebrated here in Dubai, almost all establishments are adorned with festive decorations and Santa Claus make several appearance across the city.

For many Filipinos this is also the time to reunite with relatives who they have not seen for a long time and a special day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. As with any celebration expect a traditional feast that would require one to spend a few days of food prep and whole day in the kitchen. You can skip all and just enjoy the night away by spending Christmas eve or lunch at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lake Towers.

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Our expat kids have been spending Christmas in Dubai for the past 6 years. My son can barely remember what Christmas is like back in the Philippines while LittleMiss only know of the celebrations we have here. They are not missing out on the Christmas festivities because all establishments here are adorned with lights and decorations. One Filipino activity we do yearly as a family is attending 'Simbang Gabi' which is a 9 days of going to church to attend mass to recall and celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph up till the day Jesus was born. Simbang Gabi back in the home country is held at the crack of dawn but is held at night here in Dubai to accommodate schedule of those working. Many believe that if you complete 9 days of simbang gabi, whatever their heart desires will come true. ••• Are you celebrating Christmas away from home? What tradition/activity do you keep to stay connected to your roots? ••• •• • #christmasindubai #christmas #expatkids #kidbloggersofig #myDubai #uaemombloggers #dubaibloggers #expatfamily #mommyblogger #mkbkids #movenpickjlt

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A few weeks back we attended the hotels tree lighting ceremony, listened to Nord Anglia International School Primary Carolers’, a visit from Santa and enjoyed an early Christmas buffet.

Nord Anglia International School Primary Carolers’
movenpick jlt gingerbread house
movenpick jlt santa

Christmas Buffet is hosted at Movenpick JLT’s NOSH restaurant, they sure know how to satisfy someone’s appetite for good food.

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movenpick jlt nosh
movenpick jlt nosh review

Entering the restaurant you are greeted by a wide array of beautiful desserts that taste really good too. Let this be a warning to talk to your kids to have some proper food first before getting on the sweets.

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Honestly, I just kept coming back to appetizers which had a really good salad and seafood choices. It was a seafood lovers haven. Also a lot of choices for your picky eaters with crunchy selection of fish fingers and some mains.

nosh-brownies

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
AED 165 per person, buffet and soft beverages
AED 260 per person, buffet and unlimited house beverages

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH
AED 199 per person, buffet and soft beverages
AED 299 per person, buffet and unlimited house beverages

Kids under 6 dine free. Kids from 6 to 12 get 50% discount.
For more information or to book, call +971 4 4380000

Check out all of Movenpick JLT festive offerings, here.

 

Disclaimer: We were invited for the Christmas buffet, but as always all opinions are my own.

Toys For Less in Dubai

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A favorite moment of mine will always be watching my kids expression on Christmas day as they open beautifully wrapped boxes with their names on it. Christmas is just around the corner and our kids wish list is getting longer every day. Its time to think about things to buy and making sure you are staying on budget.

toys for less al barsha
We recently discovered Toys For Less a sister company of Brands For Less which offers affordable branded toys and clothes for kids.

Available items

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toys for less dubai
toys for less dubai

A wide range of toys for kids up till pre-teens is available. However, the toys you might see in the photos I posted might not be available when you visit. I advise that when you see something you think your kids or godchildren will like better grab hold of them because the staff won’t be able to guarantee if its still there on your next visit. For instance we were looking for Shopkins and Play-Doh toys on our first visit but when we went back the following week we found both.

toys for less dubai

Clothes for both boys and girls are also available. As with the toys selection, brands will also vary I once found a pretty Ralph Lauren dress sold for 89 AED which sadly was too small for LittleMiss.

toys for less dubai

If Kuya V didn’t live in his Crocs, I would have purchased a sneakers for him. LittleMiss bought a Havaianas priced at 34 AED. Available footwear range from slippers to glittery sandals, black school shoes, sneakers and baby shoes.

Cost of toys

toys for less dubai shopping

The cheapest toy or item we bought cost 10 AED and the most expensive cost 99 AED which is the Play-Doh Cupcake set. Most of the toys at Toys For Less are sold almost half the price compared to the cost at big toy stores.

Location

They now have two stores in Dubai, we have only been to Al Barsha branch. I can’t find a map to Mirdiff branch, will update this post once we visit the place.

Al Barsha Store

Shop No: 3, Plot No: 373-117
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1,
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3233423

Uptown Store

Shop No. R7A Uptown Mirdif
Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 2888945
E-mail: info@bflgroup.ae

Dubai Garden Glow: Fun Family Attraction

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Dubai once again opened one of the worlds largest themed gardens, the Dubai Garden Glow, now on its second season. Located at Zabeel Park the garden offers two attractions for the whole family to enjoy  – Dinosaur Park and Garden Glow.

dubai garden glow

Tickets cost 60 AED per person, guests under 3 years old can enjoy park for free.  Price seem to be expensive but considering you get to see two attractions I do think its worth a visit. Access to park is via Gate 6 and 7 of Zabeel Park. I suggest you visit the park at 4pm to give you ample time to enjoy day light at the Dinosaur Park, have dinner then proceed to Glow Garden by sundown.

Dinosaur Park

The park features 100 life-sized dinosaurs and a few of them “interacts” with visitors by means of sounds and movements. All these things make it more realistic to a child (adult too), I imagined this would be quite scary for a toddler at night.

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Dinosaur lovers will have fun walking through each period and reading all the information provided. I hope the management provide guests a book with activities like “dino hunt” to make the walk more interesting.

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dinosaur park dubai
dinosaur park dubai

My eldest took his sweet time reading everything, a souvenir book will be a great addition to the tour too. LittleMiss on the other hand was happy posing for photos with a scared/surprised expression.

dinosaur park dubai

More activities can be done at the Dino Museum where one can take a look at dinosaur eggs and excavate bone, and Dino Zoo that features baby dinosaurs and a petting station where you can touch and see a dinosaur up close.

Watch the video below if you want to take a glimpse of what Dinosaur Park has to offer.

Garden Glow

We have been admiring the light installation of Dubai Garden Glow from a far and have been hesitant to visit because of some feedback that “place is boring” and “its not worth it”.  This is the second season and the management certainly listened to last years feedback because the place is magical and amazing. As soon as you enter glow garden its like you are transported to a different place.

dubai glow garden

We love the Symphony of Lights which features a musical extravaganza by the Burj Khalifa, the tunnels where we felt like we were walking under a shower of colorful stars, Cinderella’s Carriage was a big hit too.

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You can take a rest at the stage area where you can watch live performance of dancers and acrobats. The photos and video we took does not give justice to that magical feeling you get when you visit the Glow Garden. Make sure you bring a good camera, lots of free space on your memory card and a battery pack, almost every corner are instagram worthy.

Food stalls can be found around the park selling drinks and snacks, the dome like building near the water area is the main restaurant. Riding the train that goes around the park is another option but this is an additional cost apart from the entrance. Toilets are well kept, a plus for any public area. Families with strollers need not worry as the whole park is pram friendly.

Dubai’s winter season is the best time to get outdoors and keep the kids busy, Dubai Garden Glow is definitely a fun family destination.

Let us know what you think of the park in the comments below.

Garlic and Herb Hassleback Potatoes from Spinneys

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In the Philippines we celebrate Christmas season the longest, from September until January. Yes, by September Filipino families start decorating for the season, carols are played and countdown begins.

My first Christmas dinner for 2016 happened last November 21 with Spinneys Dubai. It definitely kicked off festivities on a high note, Chef Mark and his team prepared a delicious spread of minced pies, turkey, roasted beef ribeye paired with yummy sides of stuffing, hasselback potatoes, vegetables and all the trimmings you could possible think off.

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Photo Credit: Spinneys Dubai

We also got some tips and tricks on how to prepare a stress-free Christmas menu from Chef Mark Evans and lovely food presentation from Spinneys Food Magazine editors Amy and Emily.

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I am all for a stress-free Christmas menu preparation this year, no more spending long hours in the kitchen because I’m ordering some food lovingly prepared by the experts. With just 16 days till Christmas day, Spinneys is giving us the option skip the panic of shopping for ingredients with a variety of delectable treats like a whole crown turkey with stuffing, Wagyu beef sirloin and more. We chose the beef ribeye to be the star of our dinner table. You can also order yours via this link.

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I will be cooking hassleback potatoes which I think will be a perfect pair for the rib-eye, recipe below.

Garlic and Herb Hassleback Potatoes

  • Print

garlic-and-herb-hasselback-potatoes

Credits: Spinneys Dubai

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tbsp chopped rosemary

• 1 tbsp chopped thyme

• 1 tbsp chopped sage

• 12 SpinneysFood Potatoes for Baking and Mashing

Directions

1.      Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Combine the olive oil, garlic and herbs in a bowl. Season.

2.      One at a time, place the potatoes in the well of a wooden spoon and make deep cuts 1-2mm apart along the width of the potatoes (the spoon will stop you from cutting all the way through).

3.      Rub the potatoes with the garlic and herb oil and arrange cut-side up in a large roasting tray. Cook for 1 hour, until the skins are crisp and the centres tender

 

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Spinneys customers can order their Christmas menu in store until December 15. Here’s to a fun and relaxed Christmas preparation for 2016!

For more information, please visit www.spinneys-dubai.com.

Fab Family Brunch at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR

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I have always said that brunching is a big part of Dubai weekends, it is after all a time for families to gather and unwind with good food. I also make most of the two days off to enjoy a meal that I did not cook. We were recently invited to the re-launch of Fab Family Brunch at Hawthorn Suits by Wyndham located at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

hawthorn suites friday brunchHawthorn Suits family brunch took place at the hotels Flavours Restaurant which has access to the hotel pool, kids play area and outdoor garden. The place has a cozy feel with all the natural light coming in and the easy access outdoor gives kids the option to sweat it off by running in the big lawn.

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The brunch spread was presented so beautifully and although not as lavish compared to others, food options were enough to satisfy once cravings. I personally fell gastronomically in love with the salad spread. This is probably the only brunch where my plate was filled with more salad than meat.

hawthorn suites friday brunchThey also offer a decent seafood bar with oysters, mussels, shrimps and crabs. All tasted so fresh that my son V satisfied himself with a good helping of shrimps.

hawthorn suites family brunchIf you are not satisfied with the food inside, step out and have either freshly grilled chicken, lamb and lobsters. We are big fans of any food that is grilled so we kept getting more meat outside. They also offer some mains like Tandoori Chicken but I unfortunately did not get to try as I was busy stuffing myself with salad and grilled meat.

Kids menu consisted of the usual chicken nuggets, fish fingers and fish fingers with some rainbow bread. I think though that they need to work on the kids menu and think more than the usual.

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Desserts offerings consisted of  mousses, cakes, tarts and fresh fruits.

hawthorn suites family brunch kids play area

We recommend spending a relaxing brunch at Hawthorn Suites. It is great for families with children and not worry about them getting bored with a great play and outdoor area. Doesn’t cost much too and offers good food.

Flavours Restaurant hosts the Family Brunch at the Plaza Level of Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR. Brunch costs 125 AED per person, includes soft beverages and select drinks. Children under 12 years get to eat for free. For reservations you can call +974 399 9979, or email dining@hsdubai.com. More information about the hotel available at http://www.hawthornsuitesdubai.com.

 

Disclaimer: We were invited for the Fab Family Brunch, but as always all opinions are my own.