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Daycation Brunch at Lapita Hotel

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Lapita Hotel located at Dubai Parks and Resorts has launched a new family experience available at the park – The Daycation Brunch.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is obviously becoming our favorite family destination, it is after all the biggest theme park with LEGOLAND Dubai, MotionGate and Bollywood Park. Have you been yet? You should really check it out while we have this beautiful weather in Dubai.

The lobby terrace gives you a beautiful view of the property, makes one forget that you are still in Dubai.

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lapita-hotel-lobby-b

Polynesian brunch

What makes Lapita’s brunch different? We have been to a couple of brunches and I think what stands out with them is that the whole setup did not feel crowded and overwhelming.

lapita hotel daycation brunch

Brunch is hosted at Kalea Restaurant which occupies the whole ground floor that extends outdoors. Inside you will find salad area, sushi, fresh seafood, cheese table and generous choices of desserts. Kuya V kept going back for more nitrogen popcorn prepared by CandyKool.

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lapita-brunch
lapita-brunch-macaroon

 

lapita-brunch-edible-garden

Outdoors, you will find Chinese hot pot & noodles, roast beef with all the trimmings, curries and a grilling station. I sadly miss having some butter chicken which the gang at And They Were Two claims to be the best they have had.

lapita-brunch-roast-beef
lapita-brunch-grilled-section
lapita-brunch-chinese-hotpot

A good choice of drinks ranging from fresh fruit juices, cocktails, mocktails and some themed drinks are available.

Kids Entertainment

As we walked towards our table, I was informed that the kids have a special corner outdoors with their own buffet spread and games provided by staff of Luna & Nova Kids Club. I managed to get both kids eat proper food before they discovered the special area for them. They happily forgot about us, Daddy C and I enjoyed a plate or two before checking them out.

lapita-brunch-kids-activities

The staff made sure that all of the kids (specially the younger ones) were included in all the games, LitteMiss C who is usually shy happily participated in all the activities. I would suggest though that they provide some label or tag for each kid just so the staff know to which family they belong too in case they wander off somewhere. Another thing would be to make families with children seat close to the area just so parents get a view of what the kids were up to.

lapita-kids-corner-buffet

A dedicated kids buffet with a good choice of fresh fruits, sandwiches, muffins, pasta, hotdog sandwich and of course candies were available for them to enjoy. It was difficult to get the kids out of the play area since pretty much what they want is already there.

All day pool access

Additionally, the brunch package includes an all day pool access which the kids can’t resist even with the overcast skies and rain we had last week.

lapita-hotel-pool-access

The temperature of the pool water was warm enough that made kids want to even stay longer. Both even dared ask us to get food from the buffet and bring some for them! Unfortunately, the staff informed us that the shower area is still not ready so make sure to confirm if the facility is available before you take a dip.

lapita-brunch-pool-area

We stayed later than most guests with plans to stroll Riverland which can be conveniently accessed via Lapita’s transport. Rain poured before we could get out and the kids decided to pass time at the indoor kids corner which offered movies and wall climbing

lapita-kids-club-wall-climb

Daycation Brunch Package

as of February 2017

AED 95   – kids under 12 years
AED 195 – adults including kids 12 yrs and above with soft beverages
AED 295 – adults with house beverages

For more information visit Lapita FB page or  call +971 4 810 9999

They currently have a good launch deal for March 3 brunch where “kids pay and adult eat for free.” Yes! Adult eat free with one paying child under 12 yrs at AED 95. Parents can pay additional AED 150 for beverage package.

 

We were at the launched with some UAE Mom Bloggers, check out what Our Globtrotters , And Then There Were Two , Ayu Tanimoto and Mummy on my Mind had to say.

 

Disclaimer: We were invited for the launch of Daycation Brunch at no cost and no obligation to write. It was wonderful Friday brunch for our family that we just had to share. As always all opinions are my own.

 

Bento Lunch Box Menu January 8-12

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Rice is a big part of our meals and this week I packed mostly rice meals for Kuya V. Our recipe used for the week is pan grilled bbq chicken and banana oatmeal cupcake.

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

This is the last week for you to win a Yumbox Panino from us! Details over at our Instagram post, here.

Sunday– January 8: pan grilled chicken, banana roll-ups, carrots and strawberry.

barbecue chicken bento lunch box

Monday– January 9: beef tapa, boiled quail eggs, rice, carrots, kiwi and watermelon

beef tapa bento lunchbox

Tuesday – January 10: chicken popcorn, carrots, strawberry and blueberries.

Monday– January 9: beef tapa, boiled quail eggs, rice, carrots, kiwi and watermelon

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Wednesday – January 11: hotdog sushi rolls, fruits and banana oatmeal cupcake.

hotdog sushi rolls bento lunchbox

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Thursday – January 12: sausage tortilla, fruits, carrots and chocolate wafers

sausage tortilla bento lunchbox

banana oatmeal cupcake

You can follow us on Instagram, @cuddlesandcrumbs for more lunchbox ideas and feel free to use #LetsMakeLunchFun hashtag on all your packed meals.

Philippine Passport Renewal in Dubai for Kids

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LittleMiss C’s passport expires this year and what I thought was a daunting task only took us 12 minutes! I could not believe that we were done with the whole process that fast, sharing with you some tips for a smooth and fast process.

philippine-passport-renewal-for-kids-in-dubai

5 tips for a FAST Passport Renewal process for kids

1)      Prepare DOCUCMENTS and bring EXTRA COPY. You can save and fill out the E-Passport Application Form on your computer. I strongly suggest you type the information needed from your computer to avoid misspelled names and be sure to recheck once printed. Form and documents needed for passport renewal are listed in the Dubai Philipine Consulate General (PCG) website.

2)      Talk to your child about the whole process and why they need to have this done. Practice how they should smile without teeth showing. You will be asked to remove jewelry and have your daughters hair tucked behind ears so keep hair tidy. I told LittleMiss that a person will take her photo so she can ride the airplane again.

3)      Start early. Your child is already skipping school and used to waking up early so take advantage of that to avoid waiting for a long time. Consulate working hours starts at 8 am. We arrived at around 7:30 am and was allowed to wait inside the premises. Always check PCG site and Facebook page to find out if consulate timings and if open on the day of your planned visit.

4)      Talk to the guard and/or PCG staff about the purpose of your visit. As soon as we entered the consulate gate I greeted the guard and told him I was there to renew my daughter’s passport. He then told me to go straight to the Mini Hall and give my papers at window.

5)      Bring exact amount. As of January 2016, I paid 240 DHS for the passport renewal. Prepare 100, 50, and 5 denomination bills.

You do not need to get prior appointment for any passport process if its for

  • Newborn baby
  • Kids ages 5 years old and below
  • If you Lost your passport
  • You work as Maid

PCG Dubai confirmed that the four listed above do not need to get appointment to process passport application and renewal. Below screenshot was the confirmation I received from PCG Dubai facebook page.


Important links:

Website of Website of Philippine Consulate General of Dubai

Facebook page of Philippine Consulate General of Dubai

Our friends over at AB and ME wrote a more detailed post on how to renew your child’s Philippine passport in Dubai, here.

Recipe: Pan Grilled Chicken

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One concern I had before moving to Dubai was availability of ingredients and products I was used to using specially when it comes to cooking. I packed a good stash of ready made sauce mix to make caldereta and sinigang. Why? I was not a confident cook because while I helped in the kitchen someone always did the cooking for me.

The good news is Filipino products is widely available in small and major groceries here – your favorite Pinoy corned beef, canned tuna, suka, toyo and Mama Sita’s oyster sauce are sold here.

Now lets get on to this super easy Pan Grilled Chicken recipe. Made easy with the use of store bought Mama Sita’s barbecue marinade. YES, I admit and take no shame of me using ready made food flavorings specially when I just spent the rest of my free time watching Elementary.

How easy is this you ask? Wash and pat dry chicken thighs (I prefer dark meat), place on a container with lid, pour enough Mama Sita’s barbecue marinate to cover chicken, keep in your fridge overnight or for at least 30 minutes. Bake on a pre-heated 180c oven for 40 minutes then get those pretty marks on a heated grilled pan. You can of course cook straight on the griller but I was in hurry and had to make sure chicken was cooked. Enjoy!

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I also packed this grilled chicken for the boys lunch box.

barbecue chicken bento lunch box

LittleMiss C and I had it for lunch with some greens.

mama sitas chicken barbecue

This is the product used for the recipe.

mamasita-barbecue-marinade

Disclaimer:  PR company of Mama Sita’s gave me several product range to feature on the blog. Mama Sita’s is already a staple brand in my pantry and a Filipino product I am happy to promote. All opinions are my own.

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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0102-hamsandwich

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!

hello-2017

Grateful for 2016, a year in review

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grateful-for-2016

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.