All posts filed under: Family

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 …

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. 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 …

one little word grow illustration

Grow | One Little Word

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As with the beginning of each year, I have chosen a word to inspire and guide me. One word that I would intentionally live with for the whole year. There are so many ways I want to grow this year: I want to grow ‘ME’ make meaningful connections that will make me a better person. I will make an effort to get in touch with friends, meet-up and enjoy a conversation. To exercise and eat better. I have been sickly and have ignored signs my mind & body is telling me. Spend more time to read and write. Grow my digital skills learn a skill every month if possible – photo & video editing that will help me make more content for our social media channels. Grow my team and business my Young Living ‘Happy Essentials’ team had a slow growth since I began using essential oils. I intend to meet with them often, share my knowledge and empower each individual on the use and benefits of the products. Grow my relationship to… God my …

My Word for 2019

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Happy 2019! THRIVE is my #onelittleword for 2019. It is a personal challenge to thrive: in my family, marriage, health, relationships, business and in all areas of my life. To awaken that desire within me to improve and be the person I was created to be. thrive: 1. to grow vigorously; flourish 2. to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances As a recap, I chose the word COURAGE to guide me thru 2018 because of the sudden changes that we were about to face. I did just that – have learned to accept that I need courage to find happiness in situations that I don’t have any control off. What is your word for 2019? #OneLittleWord concept was introduced by Ali Edwards, read more about it here. Choosing one word is more doable for me as I have to go back to just that one word as a reminded as I go about my daily life. Friends have shared their word over at Instagram, check it our in this link.

Time Out Dubai Kids Awards 2018

Time Out Dubai Kids Awards 2018

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A recognition of any form for something one is passionate about is a big pat in the back that you are doing a great job. Every year when the list for Time Out Kids Awards comes out a little sparkle  of hope lingers that maybe just maybe this year I will see my name on the list. To see Cuddles and Crumbs on the list of Parent Blog for the Time Out Dubai Kids Awards 2018 was a surprise. I honestly feel like a winner! My glammed up look was all thanks to friends who loaned me the dress, shoes and bag for the night. Thank you Chiqui and Mheann! I needed to have an Oscar worthy hair and make-up that was made possible by Shella Amer.  It was a night to remember because I was all glammed up for a black tie event. My sweet Joy Caasi of The Thrift Trip was the best date one could ask for. I honestly would have not attended the event if Joy did not join me.  A …

DIY Fairy Lantern

How to make a Fairy Lantern

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This month the PPS Design Team will create projects with HOPE as a theme. My kids believe in fairies and making wishes. I do too. I want to keep that magic of hope burning inside them until they grow old and have kids of their own. The kids really liked the idea of having their own fairy lanterns. Their very own fairy to watch over them and whisper their hopes and dreams before they sleep at night. You need few materials and most of it is already available in your existing craft supply. All you need is a little imagination and the easy steps you will find at the Pretty Paper Studio blog. I really hope that the easy crafts we make will inspire you to do crafting with your kids. Once you’re done, make sure to tag our social media handles @PPSUAE and @cuddlesandcrumbs with the hashtags #ppsuae #prettypaperstudio #madewithppsuae.    

Hatchimals CollEGGtibles unboxing

Kids Corner: Unboxing Hatchimals CollEGGtibles

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Any toy presented in egg like containers was the one constant toy on every kids (I know) wishlist. MissChloe belong to the bunch of kids who gave us hints that this is the toy that would really make her super happy! But. We were boring parents and refused to buy her one. Why? We already have a lot of toys and she already own one Hatchimal. She did not give up and solved the problem by saving up her weekly allowance and earnings from selling cupcakes. Her savings was more than enough for her to buy half of the toys in her wishlist. We helped her hatched her first batch and I do admit that it was quite exciting to finally see what was inside. Does your kid own one?

One Little Word for 2018

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Happy 2018! I know that I have been sharing few and far between posts in 2017. I plan to do so MUCH more blogging this year. I’ve missed sharing stories with you. So if you’re still here, THANK YOU for sticking around. The last quarter of 2017 bought so many realization. Friends leaving Dubai for good. Companies downsizing. That we at some stage will move on from working overseas and our expat life. The only constant in life is change.   “Courage” was a word I have been pondering on since the start of the year. I discovered this when I participated in our oil group’s “what will I manifest in 2018” game, you just need to take a screenshot and whatever word or phrase appears is what you are suppose to manifest this year. I won’t let predictions define me or my day, but the word stayed with me. I prayed about it and the word “courage” just kept coming back to me. I knew it was the right one. If you want to check out …