Mother, Baby & Child October 2018

ISSUE 90 | OCTOBER 2018 | AED 15

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CHILDREN DEEP CLEAN Your HOME

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AN EMIRATI SUPERMOM SHARES HER JOURNEY AND TIPS FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE Supported by:

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H

ello Mum, October is one of my favourite months of the year, apart from December.

The temperatures have dropped, people are out in full force with alfresco gatherings, camping getaways, and BBQs. But the reason I love it the most is because it’s my birthday month – yes, I’m one of those women that scream it from the rooftop. As I step into a new year, I’ll be de-cluttering my mental space (with our mindfulness tips on page 28) and deep cleaning my home (page 40). It’s all about bringing balance to life.

Speaking of balance, team MBC headed over to Omaira Farooq Al Olama’s home to find out more about the mother of three (page 20). This issue also takes a look at the journeys of a pregnant mum (page 14), and mumpreneurs (page 16 and page 18).

If you are looking to lose a few pounds, like me, maybe consider hiring a health coach (page 34) – apt for those who need virtual guidance – or trick your subconscious mind with therapy and hypnosis (page 36). Those in need of a quick fix, or a getaway with the ladies, can escape to Chenot Palace in Gabala, Azerbaijan for an 800-calories-per-day detox – read my comprehensive review on page 58. As always, the October issue is brimming with the latest in dining spots, spas, fashion, beauty and lifestyle, so you’re ready to head out the door, shop and indulge the minute you put the magazine down.

Happy reading!

While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

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MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 03

CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2018

20 40 50 69 TAKING ON ROLES

DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOME

WHAT’S IN STORE COMPETITIONS

Editor’s Letter.................................................................. 03

Health ............................................................................32

On Our Radar................................................................. 06

Wellbeing Talk................................................................ 33

Things To Do ................................................................. 07

Trick Yourself into Losing Weight................................... 36

Parenting ......................................................................13

Good Living ..................................................................49

What to Expect When You’re Expecting.........................14

The Beauty Edit.............................................................. 52

24 Hours in The Life of a Mumpreneur........................... 16

Bold with Burgundy.........................................................55

Mom’s Little Black Book..................................................18

P for Preppy/Mama’s Little Monster................................ 56

Education ......................................................................27 Mindfulness Tips for Children........................................ 28 Maximise your Child’s Potential..................................... 30 04 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Wellness Escape............................................................ 58 Tried & Tested Spas....................................................... 61 Family-Friendly Staycation.............................................. 62 Dining in The City........................................................... 65

The Rado Tradition 1965 M Auto in cognac coloured leather is absolutely stunning. This timepiece comprises 25 jewels, three hands, and 38-hour power reserve, all in a polished stainless steel case with a special engraving on the case back.

This Clo’e Floirat piece is the ultimate weekend bag, and one your little girl or teen may raid your closet for. The nylon canvas’ tone-on-tone features packs of dogs in bright, bold colours, with elegant red details.

This Money Box bulldog is a great way of saving change.

Dhs299 at KARE

Available at Longchamp

Dhs7,278 at Rado

ON OUR

Beach season is upon us. If you, like me, are on the hunt for an elegant onepiece that’s flattering and trendy, try this star-print Babel swimsuit.

Editor’s RADAR

Dhs686 at Sapiasimone.com

I know quite a few pregnant mums who will love the fit of this maternity shift dress

by Isabella Oliver – great gift option!

Dhs595 at Mumsandbumps.com

I’ll be applying Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Double R (Repair & Renew) Serum daily, to tighten pores, contour and firm skin. The serum also boasts a combination of AHAs that assist with skin renewal, for that youthful glow.

Dhs900 at Harvey Nichols, Faces and Bloomingdales

How adorable is this little cardigan for a new born girl? Wish they had one in my size.

Dhs109 at Zippy

My go-to aroma for candles or diffusers is a woody, musky scent for that cosy ‘winter/rainy day’ vibe. This Peppermint Grove sandalwood and vetiver diffuser does the job perfectly.

Dhs190 at Robinsons

06 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

things to do IN OCTOBER SURF’S Up

Are your toddlers or teens interested in learning surfing or perfecting their skills?

Laguna Waterpark has become the destination to visit for year-round surfing.

Hotfoot to the 180 Flow Club where FlowRiding enthusiasts can practice and learn tips and tricks such as shredding, the barrel roll and 360s. After a few lessons, let your children practice their skills at the WaveOz 180 FlowRider; the first 180 degrees wave in the region.

Guests can also sign themselves up for lessons by expert and global FlowRider Champion, Clayton Barker.

Stand-up surf lessons are available on weekdays for Dhs75 per hour, in addition to the general admission ticket to Laguna Waterpark (Dhs99). Lessons with Clayton Barker take place every Saturday from 8-11am, priced at Dhs175 per person. lagunawaterpark.com

MARK Your CALENDARS Elite Babies & Tots, the leading Babycare company for new parents across the UAE, is back with Elite Mama Mornings; their educational morning workshops. Head to their upcoming sessions, ‘Early Pregnancy

by Registered Midwife Sophie Medway’ on October 9th, and ‘Pediatric Dental by Specialist Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Lana Habash’ on October 17th. Both events are in collaboration with Healthbay clinic, and great for picking up new tips from industry experts, meeting other parents and having all your child-related questions answered. Looking for someone to care for your kids while you head out to events and workshops? Hire a qualified Pediatric First Aid trained Babycare assistant from Elite Babies & Tots. They offer 24-hour service, seven days a week, and each Babycare assistant holds a degree in Midwifery / a Bachelor of Science in Nursing so you can have peace of mind knowing that your little ones are in expert hands.

The workshops are free of charge and take place 10-11:30 am at Villa 20-A, Verve Villas, Al Wasl Road. To RSVP or request further information contact +971 56 900 9118 or email info@elitebabiesandtots.com MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 07

things to do IN OCTOBER

A WEST END SHOW IS

Coming

TO THE UAE

Aliens Love Underpants is showing at theatres near you this month, for just one day in each city. Introduce your little ones to theatre, and enjoy a show all the way from West End. The classic children’s story is being adapted from the renowned picture book by authors Claire Freedmand and Ben Cort. The hilarious and interactive musical centers around little Timmy who witnesses aliens pinching underpants from the washing

line. Expect stunning effects, action, songs and a performance your child will absolutely love and remember.

For children aged three and above. The 55-minute show takes place on October 12th at Madinat Theatre and October 14th at Abu Dhabi Theatre. Priced at Dhs100, plus VAT. Call +9714 304 2340 or email info@artforall.ae

THE Biggest BOOK SALE EVER! Calling all bookworms! The world’s biggest 24-hour sale, The Big Bad Wolf Books Sale, is coming to Dubai this October, and you can take your pick from three million books. We suggest stocking up for the year – or years – ahead. All books will be available at discounts of 50-80 per cent below recommended retail prices, with genres on sale including fiction, art, design, cookery, business and self-help, apart from titles for children and young adults.

The sale takes place from October 18-28 at Dubai Studio City (soundstages 2 and 3) and will be open to the public 24 hours a day. Visit their page on facebook.com/bbwbooksuae 08 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Everyday, your baby’s skin needs gentle care, a loving touch that cleanses, nurtures & protects his delicate hair & skin.

For all that & more, discover Cetaphil baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo.

Trusted by moms, loved by babies. ÂŽ

things to do IN OCTOBER

FOR A Good CAUSE

The Hilton Tower Race is back for its seventh year. Are you ready to run? The race up 730 steps of Hilton Dubai The Walk, is to raise awareness and funds for the Rashid Centre for Disabled. It finishes on the 35th floor of the hotel, and participants are greeted with views of the Arabian Gulf and a party on the rooftop bar and dining venue, Pure Sky Lounge. Last year’s winning time was three minutes and 46 seconds – can you beat it?

The race takes place on October 20. Visit premieronline.com/event/hilton_dubai_tower_race

YAMAHA TEACHES CHILDREN

The Love Of Music Popular music Institute in Wafi Mall and Sing & Swing Training Centre in Ibn Battuta Mall offer the Yamaha Junior Music Course for kids in Dubai. Yamaha Music has 50 years of experience with its comprehensive and unique curriculum that fosters children’s musical abilities. Yamaha music schools operate in 40 countries and have introduced close to one million students to the world of music. Research has shown that music has a positive impact on a child’s physical, intellectual and mental developments.

The Junior Music Course has many unique characteristics, including timely education (age-appropriate curriculum is designed based on children’s physical, mental and emotional development); group lessons (Yamaha believes that learning in a group is ideal, especially for children); and emphasis on creativity (the aim is to develop students to be able to express themselves through music).

Course, include parent participation, in which the parent participates in the activities with the student during the lessons; the keyboard as a learning tool, whereby Yamaha uses the electone in the class (it is considered to be the perfect learning tool for young children); and all Yamaha teachers are certified

by Yamaha. All textbooks and recorded materials are produced by Yamaha.

Other key factors about Junior Music

Age-appropriate courses for children

10 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

and adults are available in groups and individual lessons. Call and book a free trial lesson in September with classes starting in October.

Popular Music Instutute, Wafi Mall: +9714 324 2626 Sing and Swing Training Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall: +9714 366 9385 Email: info@popmusic.ae Visit popmusicuae.com

things to do IN OCTOBER

EXTRA SPECIAL CARE FOR YOUR Baby’s Skin IN THE EARLY MONTHS

A

newborn baby’s skin is much thinner than adults and protecting and nourishing their delicate and sensitive skin can be intimidating for new parents. With so many products available in the market, how do you choose the best one to deliver the extra special care your baby needs?

As October is Eczema Awareness Month, the importance of a conversation on baby rashes and eczema is top of mind. Most parents wait at least eight days before bathing their newborns, to help make the most of their natural defenses, whilst protecting their delicate, sensitive skin.

Using soaps and other products may exacerbate any skin conditions, such as eczema or cracked and dry skin, causing further irritation, dryness or damage.

Opting for a sponge and warm water is adequate for the first week or so. If you

Create

a safe and healthy environment for your baby

notice any redness on your baby’s bottom when changing, allow to air dry and give them some nappy off time. Always ensure you use a pure baby wipe. The key is changing frequently and allowing the air to circulate.

Many factors combine to make baby and infant skin a less effective barrier, which is far more delicate and vulnerable, and requires special care and protection. It is important to select the correct type of products to use on baby skin to prevent nappy rash and preserve the barrier function of their new skin. You can never be too cautious when it comes to caring for your baby.

Developed specifically for newborn baby skin, WaterWipes are the only wipe to be endorsed by Allergy UK and awarded the National Eczema Association of America

Appreciate

and trust your motherly instincts

Reach

out for the best to ensure your baby is taken care of

seal of acceptance. Made with just 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit seed extract, you can be confident that you’ll be leaving your baby’s skin clean.

They are alcohol and fragrance free to help reduce the risk of drying out the skin and the potential development of contact or allergic dermatitis. WaterWipes are suitable for use on even the most sensitive skin and can be used on babies from birth. They are the only baby wipe to have secured numerous accreditations and endorsements from global skin and allergy associations including recommendations by midwives and other healthcare professionals worldwide.

WaterWipes is available at retail outlets like Spinneys, Carrefour and online on MumzWorld and Sprii.com.

Eliminate

using alcohol and fragrance products on your baby’s skin

Think 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract with WaterWipes @WaterWipesMiddleEast 12 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

N A T U R E

|

N U R T U R E

|

L I F E

Find out how modern women, and pregnant mums, manage work-life balance.

Our cover star discloses her tips and tricks

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 13

parenting

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE

Expecting About to become a mother for the first time? Here’s an honest month-by-month experience from a gorgeous mum-to-be

APRIL

To my complete surprise, I discovered I was pregnant. We weren’t trying for a baby or honestly even planning to get pregnant just yet, so it was all quite a lot to digest at the start. All happy positive thoughts but a shock none the less. Our lives were about to change forever, and to mentally prepare for that change was quite overwhelming. I found out quite early that I was pregnant, at just over five weeks - I normally have a very reliable menstrual cycle and I had this feeling deep down, so straight off to the pharmacy I went.

Unfortunately, my husband’s parents were staying with us that week, so I didn’t get to do the romantic reveal I had always planned. A suspicious phone call to him insisting we meet for lunch that day and an announcement over a chicken skewer in Dubai Mall was how it had to go down.

MAY

Lora Garrard Founder of Lipstick in the Sand (@lipstickinthesand)

14 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

I think it took until this time to really get my head around the fact that I was pregnant, what that meant, and what I needed to plan for. I found it so surreal in those first 12 weeks because we were being safe and not announcing it just yet. It was this huge secret that I felt I couldn’t plan properly for because it didn’t quite feel real. Luckily, one of my best friends was visiting this month so I got to tell her face-to-face which was magical. Being in Dubai, I felt like I’ve missed out on sharing a lot of pregnancy moments with loved ones, so sharing moments like this

one was precious. I also spent this month secretly throwing up at work every single morning without fail - that was pretty miserable and draining. I ate enough to feed a small army in between spew breaks and had to resist eating out in public - due to Ramadan – which was a whole other challenge. My husband was fasting, and I pretty much wanted to sleep after he had eaten, so it was tough to spend any time together and that was really hard.

JUNE

We could finally announce our news! I could explain why I ate so much and got sweaty at random intervals. I continued to have morning sickness right up until week 16, which in the peak of summer was exhausting. Sick bags, toothpaste and a sugary drink to regain energy afterwards, were now all my handbag essentials.

A visit from my mum for a week was valued and we were lucky enough to time our gender reveal scan during her visit, which was beautiful for her to be a part of.

We found out we were having a little boy, and within an hour, we were at Dubai Mall buying our first blue items.

JULY

The first big wardrobe clear-out happened.

Regular trousers we no longer my friend and maternity jeans were now life. I quickly detached from my wardrobe favourites, after some huffing, tears and frustration.

That cleanse and those quick decisions made me feel much better. My advice to mums in their first trimester would be the sooner you can dress for your everchanging body and get a few key items that make you feel good about yourself, the better. I started pregnancy yoga in an amazing maternity range from Mums and Bumps which were my saviour for comfortable workout wear, because yes, you will even grow out of your stretchy leggings. I was a yoga virgin and have completely converted - I would recommend it to anyone during pregnancy, it helps me relax and I feel so light afterwards - a feeling which is now very rare.

AUGUST

I finally had some down time and took a two-week staycation in Dubai. Originally, we had planned one last adults-only break in the Maldives, but when I realised it was a no-go due to Zika virus, we decided it would be easier to stay home. I can’t

"Enjoy the miracle that is creating life" tell you how happy I am we did. No uncomfortable plane journey, awkward pregnancy holiday packing, or worry of feeling too tired to do things. We finally got to really enjoy the amazing country we live in; Privilee beach days made us feel like we were far from home, and I used my time to create a million spreadsheets of expenses and what I wanted to buy. It’s the endless online searching and Insta-shopping that takes time, so I felt great for locking down the essentials such as personalised towels and baby lions for the walls.

SEPTEMBER

I’ve now booked flights home, so I can deliver in the UK with my friends and family around me. It’s starting to sink in that something actually happens at the end of pregnancy. In the meantime, the amazing team at Infinity family clinic look after me, and Dr. Janeta has been

my go-to for keeping it real. I’ve also felt ready to get some proper information on what to expect - don’t pressure yourself to do this, you need a lot of headspace and it has personally taken me until month six. I visited the team at Maalak mama & baby care and had a session with Cecile, who if you haven’t heard of, is basically superwoman. She taught me and some girlfriends the essentials on breastfeeding and sleep techniques and it wasn’t overwhelming at all. I walked away feeling genuinely equipped as a mother with practical techniques, the science behind them, and tools to prepare me for motherhood.

I’m due mid-December and I’m praying for him to be right on time, so I can enjoy some Turkey back home. Until then, I will continue to educate, but not overwhelm myself, and as much as possible enjoy the miracle that is creating life.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 15

parenting

24 HOURS

in the life of a Mumpreneur 6:00AM

circuit training class. I do this about three times a week. On the days I do not workout, my day is pulled up a bit earlier with more meetings/things added to the schedule.

9:15 AM

Alarm goes off, I have to admit I am a snoozer, that is probably not something many admit, but I will throw it out there. I am up by 6:20am and ready to take on the day.

The boys greet me in the kitchen with big hugs and freshly charged energy ready to go full-force. Sometimes they are wrestling and fighting like wild little cubs. I usually make a green juice which feels like I am drinking a salad, but I do it anyways.

7:20AM

FARAH SAWAF Founder/Managing Partner of Soul Communications, Culinary Consultant, and Mother of three little boys

The boys and I are in the car on the way to school. They are finally all at the same school, so that means one drop off but three locations - I am the mom in heels running frantically through the halls.

8:15AM

Workout with my awesome health coach Nic St. Maurice or attempt a spinning or 16 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Express bite somewhere as I absolutely love breakfast - it’s my fuel for the day. I remind myself throughout the day to take deep breaths and not to forget to exhale.

9:45AM-1:15PM

Meetings officially begin. I usually embrace myself. Examples of a typical day: radio station, presentations, conference calls with our clients in Europe, introduce a new menu, style and conduct a photo shoot, organise tasks with my team and churn out anything they need from me before I enter the next chapter of the day. I grab lunch such as a salad or bowl depending where I am at that time. We conduct a lot of tastings at Soul as we work with quite a lot of F&B brands, including Deliveroo, so the sky is the limit with what we try!

1:45PM

explore many things and as they get older let them select one or two things and stick to it rather than overload them with a million activities. Don't overdo it! Every Thursday I am an assistant coach for basketball during one season, followed by rollerblading the season after.

7:30

6PM Head to American School of Dubai to pick up my 4-year-old from kindergarten and head to the cafeteria where he has a snack and I have my lunch. On days he has after school activities, I go somewhere for a quick sit-down lunch. This is my time to catch up with personal calls, friends, answer messages, and call my husband Said to exchange stories about the day.

3:00PM

Usually we are on our way home at this time. Dinner with the boys is always a very loud, chaotic time no matter what. Most meals are pre-planned and prepared from the day before. The boys have requests a few times a week and my eldest, Talal, is eight and has “his own” Deliveroo account and takes charge typically on a Thursday evening to order something fun for his little brothers.

7PM Complete school pick up. All three boys are now out of school and the mama hat is on, with a few emails and phone calls in between.

Time for Said and I to go have some fun. Refresh, pop on some lipstick and have a delicious dinner with Said or catch up with friends. There is always something happening in this city.

Options are endless, and we have to push ourselves to go out and explore, especially given the fact the day is so busy. On the nights where we feel like being cosy, we make it a takeout and Netflix kind of evening - those are priceless! I have to admit, throughout the evening I will check emails and tend to anything that requires immediate attention. The life of an entrepreneur.

11PM/MIDNIGHT

4:00PM

Various activities spread across the three boys. Basketball and tennis top all interests.

I believe, at a very young age, kids should

Round the boys for showers and a bath for my little one which means lots of splashing and laughing. There is nothing better than post-shower cuddles. I have to say, that moment revitalises my heart and makes me feel refreshed. After a story that they select or make up free style from my mind, they are off to bed!

Bedtime. I am cursed with sleeping late which is something I need to work on. It’s off to dreamland (usually about the family and work)!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 17

parenting

MY LITTLE

BlackBook Camilla Hassan

Founder and Managing Director of Five Little Ducks (a premium baby and kids’ boutique) Favourite coffee-shop Confetti Café in JLT, it’s a lovely play area for the kids with good coffee and waffles for mum.

Top three play areas the children love Kids HQ, Fun Blocks, and Oli Oli

The gadget I can’t live without My phone with Netflix on it – I’m always working on the go, so need to keep my phone at hand, and Netflix for all the family.

Décor store I keep returning to

My child loves watching

Last date-night was at…

Pottery Barn Kids

Number Blocks

Atmosfire – it’s a great steak and pit BBQ restaurant in Umm Suqeim

Best kidswear brand

When I relax, I head to…

Cotton On Kids

Talise Ottoman spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, I went there recently and haven’t felt that relaxed in a long time.

A book I’m reading to my child

Advice for expecting moms

Curious George

18 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Sleep, relax, and be kind to yourself. Accept whatever help is offered when the baby comes along and do whatever you need to do to survive the first few months – whether that’s day naps, a food delivery service, or a night nanny. Finally – no mum guilt.

We provide newborn and toddler care in the comfort of your own home, for any length of time and at any time of day or night. Each of our Babycare assistants holds a degree in Midwifery / a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is trained in Pediatric First Aid and certified by Highfield U.K. Our private drivers pick up and drop off the Babycare assistants to and from duty.

IDEAL FOR: ∫ New parents or first-time parents ∫ Those who are ready to go back to work post delivery ∫ Parents in need of an extra pair of hands ∫ Anyone who wishes to get a good night’s sleep

Highly recommended by HEALTHBAY CLINIC For more information, please contact us: +971569009118 @elitebabiesandtots info@elitebabiesandtots.com

parenting

Roles TAKING ON Omaira Farooq Al Olama discusses her integral role in shaping UAE’s workforce, and what it’s like to be a mum of three girls

Photos by Maksym Poriechkin 20 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 21

parenting

B

eing a single mother of three was no easy feat for Emirati-national, Californiaraised Omaira Farooq Al Olama. Her mornings are spent training Emirati individuals all about workplace ethics and ways to succeed – she is the Managing Director of the ALF Administration Training – while her evenings are at home with her three daughters, two dogs and husband.

Omaira’s background isn’t what you would expect though. After she moved back to Dubai in 2001, she became Dubai’s first female Master’s graduate in Criminology.

However, she soon stepped away and carved her own path by launching ALF Administration. “Criminology is a lot like technology. Medicine is constantly evolving, and I just don’t have the energy to get back into it and study all over again.”

Omaira’s personal life experienced a few curveballs too. After her divorce, Omaira moved out of her family home and into an apartment at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

“I didn’t want to be a burden to my parents and move back home. I was blessed to be able to get my own place,” she says.

As for the response she got from society, Omaira says, “people need to realise divorce isn’t taboo, and shouldn’t be shunned upon. The best thing to do is say you failed and move on. We always beat ourselves down, thinking we spoiled our family’s name, and the worst part is that children see that you are upset and then they reflect this and make the wrong choices too. It’s terrible.” It dawned on me that Omaira was responsible for three girls (twins and a younger baby), all below the age of two, at the time of divorce. That must have been a mission? I questioned. “You know, I firmly believe in asking for help when you need it. I hired night-service nannies, so that I could get great sleep and in turn, function properly at work,” she says. “I tell my students this all the time. It’s okay to ask for help, and to say you don’t know something and can’t

do it anymore,” says Omaira, referring to her current role.

BUILDING A CAREER While at her job within the Criminal Frauds section at Dubai Holding and Nakheel, Omaira realised UAE nationals were always bored out of their minds at training sessions. “We had these amazing tutors from England, the States, India, and they were extremely skilled, but somehow the nationals weren’t interested,” she tells me.

Omaira soon found out that it was due to a lack of a connection, and that these tutors didn’t understand the nationals or their character. “My peers said I understood them better because of my Western upbringing. The fact that I was used to

22 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

their culture.”

Fast forward to today and Omaira runs a successful training company that she launched back in 2011. “I went to the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders with my idea of opening a training company. I saw the niche and what was needed for UAE nationals to achieve things and become confident in their work,” says Omaira.

She currently works with over 2,000 students a year, training them to understand work ethics, change their mindset on work culture, responsibility and accountability – things they can’t learn in a textbook. The programs depend on the capacity of the national, however banks usually hire her for

a period of time. United Arab Bank for instance, hired Omaira to train 15 nationals – from junior level positions to managerial level. She has also worked with CitiBank, Emirates NBD – to train 200 nationals – Emirates Islamic Bank, and DEWA, to name a few organisations.

While the focus is primarily on nationals, Omaira’s team work with expats too. “They have great work ethics. Although, they sometimes think their jobs are on the line and that they can lose it to a national. We make them understand that if they are great at what they do and bring value to the company, they won’t. Likewise, if they offer guidance to these UAE nationals, they will move up a tier, while the nationals replace them. It’s a win-win situation for both,” she says.

“

My life is very different from the typical married woman.

I had to create my own bridge and join both cultures (Western and Emirati).

According to Omaira, most Emiratis think they need to step into a managerial position the minute they graduate. That’s where her team come in. They make them understand the significance of working from the ground up. “My first job was photocopying, and I took it, because how else am I going to learn?” She believes that graduates need to earn their stripes and demonstrate how they can handle their responsibilities, before managing a workforce. “What is being a manager anyway? It’s all about people skills and building a team. You can’t do that if you haven’t worked a day in your life. These things come with practice and time,” she says.

Throughout her career, Omaira has been inspired by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his vision for UAE nationals. When Omaira was asked to speak at TedxAlWaslWomen, the topic was a seamless fit. It was all about “bridges” – about how you build it, burn it, and interpret it the way you like. “My life is very different from the typical married woman. I spoke about my Western upbringing, about how I had to create my own bridge and join both cultures, because at the end of the day, my heritage was Emirati. It was a bit of a MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 23

“

“

parenting

We work with

150 women

from all emirates.

Most women don’t want to upset their families by going out into the workplace, so we send them printers and laptops so that they can

work from home

“

culture shock at first, but I learnt it, through my annual visits home and interaction with the family,” she tells us.

I’ve met Omaira on a couple of occasions, and I’ve always thought of her as a wholeheartedly giving sort of woman.

This was noticeable once again, as she revealed more about her company’s humanitarian sect, wherein she employs UAE nationals that are divorced and widowed, understanding that they have mouths to feed at the end of the day. “We work with 150 women from all emirates.

Most women don’t want to upset their families by going out into the workplace, so we send them printers and laptops so that they can work from home, and they are doing great,” she says.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE You know they say you meet someone when you aren’t looking. As fate would have it, Omaira found love in her building elevator at JBR years ago. She now lives in Barsha with her family, where her adorable daughters are old enough to borrow items from mum’s closet and share their words of wisdom ever so often. We speak about her schedule briefly and Omaira mentions she’s off to Ras Al Khaimah the next day for a talk, and Facebook offices soon after. How does one manage work/life balance? I ask. “It’s tough but it’s so important to manage time well, especially with kids.

They are growing up and often working moms feel guilty about missing out on

24 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

so much. However, I believe quality over quantity. I make sure that when I’m busy in the mornings, I don't attend events or anything later in the evening until my kids are asleep. For evening events, I try to include my husband as much as I can so that we can equally spend some time together,” she says. Omaira also makes sure they enjoy time out as a family. “It’s either swimming or Zumba.

We like to eat out as a family too – our favourite restaurant is Toro and Ko as they treat the kids well and their food is delicious.”

As for the way she’s raising her daughters, Omaira tells us she’s teaching them what her mother taught her, “to be humble and patient.”

L E A R N I N G

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D E V E L O P M E N T

|

P E R F O R M A N C E

Take your child's education in your hands with advice from these professionals

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 27

education

MINDFULNESS

TIPS for

CHILDREN

“In today’s rush, we all think to much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being” (Eckhart Tolle).

Being mindful is simply being aware of the moment with all our senses. Living in the moment has been a difficult path for many of us, including our children, as we are so programmed to live in the past or future, missing out the only moment we actually have which is the now. Here are some ways you and your child can learn to be mindful:

Gratitude jar

Sarah Abdelal

Clinical hypnotherapist at Life’n One, shares simple tips to introduce mindfulness to children

Having an attitude of gratitude is a life enhancer and yet so simple to have.

Focusing on what we already have and to be grateful for, forces us to not only become a more positive person, but to attract more positive people and circumstances into our lives. All you need is a simple jar ready to be recycled.

Decorate it and use it daily or weekly. Fill the jar with small pieces of folded paper, on which you and your child have written what you are grateful for in that moment.

This practice helps to be more mindful as it guides you to be focused and aware of your blessing in the now.

Practice mindful eating

Mindful eating guides us to have a healthy and grateful relationship with our food.

Being mindful in eating means that you are totally aware of the smell, taste, heat, texture of the food, the associated feelings, and the physical body, allowing this eating process to complete. Kids will learn, from a young age, to create healthy mindful habits about food they will carry on as adults.

Meditation

Meditation is an excellent tool for adults and children to give themselves a “break” from all the responsibilities they have, that causes them stress and the feeling 28 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

of being overwhelmed. There are many different techniques to meditate, however for children, the preferred technique is guided visualisation, breathing exercises or simply listening to relaxing music and floating in a daydream.

Connect with nature on a deeper level

We live in a concrete jungle and are completely disconnected from nature. By connecting with nature, your child can become more aware of all the small details of a tree, the sky, butterfly, a bird singing, and the feeling of soil under the feet.

Nature is a five-sense activator and helps our energy to balance and be in a mindful state effortlessly, just by becoming an awakened observer.

Mindful applications

We are in an age where kids are almost inseparable from technology. So why not use this fact and truth in a positive and productive way? Download apps such as The DreamyKid, Kids Yogaverse: I am love; Stop Breathe and Think Kids, and Breathing Bubbles.

Mindful creativity

Creativity is one of the easiest ways to experience mindfulness. When we do something creative, our mind is focused and aware of that act of creativity only as if the outer world stops for few moments and this kind of activity is sometimes called active meditation. Examples of mindful creativity are mindfulness coloring, creative dancing, chanting, or just taking few minutes to doodle on a piece of paper. Children who learn mindfulness from an early age tend to grow positively in a relaxed stress-free environment, and become adults who are more aware, conscious and have a relaxed and joyful journey of life.

ADVERTORIAL

KINGS’ celebrates NEW INNINGS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Extracurricular activities are an integral part of the Kings’ School Al Barsha experience, and the 2018/19 schedule is already off to a great start From sports and science focused clubs to music and arts programmes, Kings’ School Al Barsha students lead the development of the constantly evolving extracurricular programme and are encouraged to follow their passion.

Before and after-school clubs led by Kings’ own teaching and support staff, along with a carefully vetted collection of externally operated clubs offer a world of hands-on opportunity, with the current list including chess, rounders, origami and Zumba, plus cooking, photography and a Dragons Den styled business club.

External providers add even more to the mix with ballet, karate, yoga, engineering and a Lego club part of this year’s line-up.

The school is also renowned for its competition standard sports facilities, and is a full member of both the Dubai Affiliated School Sport Association (DASSA) and British Schools in the Middle East (BSME). Its competitive sports programme gives students amazing exposure to the top international school sports competitions in the region.

This year is already off to a strong start with the Kings’ Cricket Academy taking part in last month’s Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Academy League - for the first time ever. Fielding an Under 14s and Under 17s team, players also got to try out the school’s brand-new turf wicket and took on the UAE National Women’s team. Led by South African level 3 coach Russel Sissing, and the UK’s Ash Mohammed, who has represented Essex County at all levels, this was an invaluable opportunity for Kings’ teams to test their mettle as part of a highly competitive tournament.

To find out how the day went and to learn more about our calendar of sporting events, go to kingsalbarshasport.com

Want to know more about Kings’ School Al Barsha?

Join us on Tuesday 9th October 2018 from 6-8pm for our first Open Day event of the year and meet the team, explore the school, and check out our fantastic sports facilities! Parents will have the opportunity to experience life at Kings' throughout their child's education journey with a guided tour through the school from FS1 to Year 13.

Twitter: @KingsAlBarsha Instagram: @Kings_education Facebook: @KingsSchoolAlBarsha

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 29

education

MAXIMISE YOUR

Child’s Potential It is never too early to start planning your child's education, to ensure that they are stretched from a young age in different ways to maximise their potential. If you are looking to hire a credible tutor, extra coaching for your child, or an organisation that can assist with your child’s academic requirements, Allen & Jain Education Concierge, is one to look towards.

What is Allen & Jain Education Concierge?

Allen & Jain (A&J) is the world’s first ‘Education Concierge’ focused on providing bespoke solutions to private clients for their educational needs.

Importantly, we are more than just a consultancy because every single client has a dedicated account manager that they can call – with guaranteed response times – and we arrange whatever they may require in education at short notice.

This includes anything from sourcing tutors to teach your children on your yacht, all the way to designing tailored enrichment programmes that range from helping clients found charitable initiatives, to providing them with the opportunity to have mentorship programmes under Harvard Professors.

The Founders of Allen & Jain Education Concierge discuss how their service preps children for an education at top international universities

What services do you offer?

We offer three primary services: consulting, tutoring and profile-building: Consulting is our catch-all term for guiding our clients through every stage of their educational needs. No matter how early they begin their journey with us, the first step is always a comprehensive assessment, on multiple metrics, of a client’s abilities and characteristics.

From there, we sit down with families and

30 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

discuss their ultimate goals, followed by deriving a strategy with milestones along the way to ensure that we are on the right path to being able to achieve their dreams, be it entry to a school such as Eton or a university such as Stanford – or even both down the years. Every client is assigned an account manager and both parents and children have access to them to be able to answer questions and arrange needs at short notice. This manager – assisted by senior consultants and the partners – will then move towards implementing the strategy designed in the initial collaborative process, be it sourcing tutors, providing administrative support with form-filling and registrations etc. all the way to more bespoke requests such as arranging private tours of institutions with senior members of faculty.

Tutoring is self-explanatory, but a key part of ensuring that our clients have the academic support they need to excel both in and beyond their school curricula. All our tutors are hand-picked with extensive experience in their particular areas of specialty and then in-house trained to ensure consistency with the wider framework that we build together with clients. All our tutors work with proprietary materials and provide regular reports back to clients, to ensure that academic milestones are being met.

Since the company is based in the UK, how can expat parents living in the UAE benefit from your services?

Profile-building is where we take the traditional concept of an education consultant to the next level. In response to an increasingly competitive world, where the average candidate applying to top schools and universities possess ever-impressive profiles, we are here to ensure that our clients can still maintain a competitive edge so that they are compelling candidates even amongst elite competition from all around the world. This process can happen for all ages and is truly bespoke. We have sent nine-yearolds on a specially designed leadership and resilience training course in the Pyrenees in France, led by former SAS officers; we have helped clients conduct research on the Antarctic peninsula, working in tandem with scientists from various bases there; we have helped our clients found charities, small businesses and even publish academic articles in peer-reviewed journals before they reach university. Most things are possible, and we are here to enable them for clients.

As a luxury service, we are also happy to operate in the UAE to meet clients and discuss their needs in person. We can provide residential tutoring services and also arrange enrichment programmes if necessary. We actually already work in the Gulf, with clients in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Choosing The Education Concierge means you will get unique experiences, opportunities and individuals that cannot be replicated elsewhere, ranging from Nobel laureates to industry and thought leaders that provide our clients access with the very best that the world has to offer. We are a global offering, not just for the UK.

Many expat parents want their children to study abroad in the UK, USA, Canada or Switzerland, etc. which we have extensive experience with, as well as associates on the ground who can immediately facilitate client needs. If they wish to aim for the top schools and universities in the world, then we are perfectly placed to help them.

Why do parents need an Education Concierge service?

With our model, our clients – often very busy people – can be as involved or not as they want, as we are always on-hand to implement our mutually agreed strategy

or special requests at short notice, without being invasive on principal’s lives. We can provide support and access to unique opportunities that build our clients into truly compelling candidates, so that they can earn admission into the world’s most prestigious learning institutions.

This is becoming ever more difficult as application processes are becoming more byzantine and competitive, and we are here to ensure that every step of the way is completed in an optimised manner.

Do you have any tips for parents of toddlers?

First off, it is never too early to think about securing the basics which will serve as a foundation for any further learning. The key, at a very young age, is to encourage children to develop an innate intellectual curiosity, so that rather than shying away from reading or maths/logic puzzles, etc. they engage and try to rise to the challenge. This will ensure that learning is truly enjoyable rather than being an uphill battle as they grow older. Our second tip is to never patronise children. Children are often cleverer than we give them credit for and will often realise when decisions made by adults concerning them are arbitrary. Always try to make sure that thought-processes are explained to them and encourage open communication, so that as children grow up, they learn to respect your authority willingly.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 31

N U T R I T I O N

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W E L L B E I N G

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V I T A L I T Y

Everything mums and pregnant women need to know about breast cancer. Keep your family healthy with our wellbeing and fitness advice

32 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

WELLBEING TALK The latest in health and fitness trends

#HEALTHTREND

EXPERT

ADVICE Luqman Rashad,

Moringa isn’t exactly a new trend, but it’s one we choose to raise awareness on merely for its health benefits.

Have it as a tea, or add the powder to smoothies and lattes, to up your

protein and iron intake. The earthytasting spice has three times the iron of spinach, and is said to aid digestion, improve skin, and boost energy, and overall alertness.

GEAR UP Under Armour leggings, Dhs209 at sssports.com

Reebok’s latest release, the PureMove Bra, is apt for mums who are breast-feeding and ladies who experience breast pain while exercising. The bra is available in 10 sizes (from S to XL+) and features motion sense technology created by treating a performance-based fabric with STF (Sheer Thickening Fluid) - a gel-like solution that takes a liquid form when in a still or slow-moving state, and contrastingly solidifies when moving at higher velocities. Dhs310 at Reebok stores or reebok.ae

Dharma Bums Bamboo Splice Colbalt tee, Dhs245 at yapparel.com

Founder and Executive Director of MPAC Sports International (an international sports academy that specialises in basketball, youth development, and opportunities for USA Collegiate athletic scholarships) My children are fussy eaters and don’t eat a lot of vegetables and fruits.

I’ve heard kids burn a lot of energy. Do you have any tips on what they need to eat?

It’s very true that kids do burn a ton of energy. As a parent of triplet 8-year-old boys, sometimes I feel I can burn off pounds just watching them run circles around each other.

I honestly wouldn’t worry too much about the fussy eater. At mealtime, try to include protein-rich foods like nuts, meats, and egg. Also, calcium from milk and yoghurt helps their bones grow stronger. My wife manages to slide a few good tricks on the kids with spinach in brownies and kale in their strawberrybanana smoothies. This way our boys never know they are actually eating all their green veggies. The most important element is keeping kids hydrated, as it is key in both digestion and burning energy in the most healthy, natural, and productive of fashions. The Gulf region heat can take its toll on the body - keep those water bottles within reach..

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 33

health

DO YOU NEED A Health COACH? Ankit Ruia, Founder of The Health Concierge, sheds light on the benefit of having a personal health coach

Tell us about The Health Concierge (THC)?

The Health Concierge is a 360-degree wellness programme to help people in the UAE become healthier and happier.

We are currently facing a health epidemic with ever-increasing levels of lifestylerelated diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression and low energy.

The Health Concierge’s team of expert health coaches offer one-on-one coaching and corporate wellness, so that clients are always connected to their coaches. We believe your lifestyle is the ultimate tool to becoming healthy and happy, which is why we coach people in a sustainable manner, to make continuous improvements in relation to exercise, stress management, nutrition, and sleep. We have had great success over the past 12 months, helping people lose weight, reverse diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety.

What services does THC offer?

People need to make continuous improvements to their lifestyle in order to reach a healthy and happy state. Small, continued and sustained improvements can have a huge impact on the way you look and feel. Our one-on-one coaching is quite personalised and lifestyle focused

- experienced coaches interact with clients approximately three to four times per day, to ensure they are on the right track.

We also offer corporate wellness programs where we help employees of certain companies with their health and wellbeing needs, whether they want to lose weight, quit tobacco, begin an exercise routine, or understand results from their biometric screening. In addition to this, we conduct a lifestyle assessment to improve productivity during office hours. Our team of well qualified experienced health coaches help patients by: • Creating sustainable behavioural changes in lifestyle • Supporting and motivating fanatically • Interacting three to four times daily • Fortnightly calls and continuous monitoring • Setting short-term goals to achieve long-term results

Who should invest in a health coach and why is it a significant investment?

Anyone who wants to stay fit, lose weight, boost energy levels, improve immunity or struggles from health problems such as diabetes, PCOS, obesity, heart diseases etc. should invest in a health coach. Health

34 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

coaches work with clients to support, educate, and ensure that the client stays accountable on a daily basis. A health coach understands each client’s lifestyle, sets mutually acceptable goals, and tailored food and exercise plans, to help each individual look and feel their best.

Should children be assigned a health coach too?

Health coaching is for everyone, including parents who are concerned about their kids. Children are at a risk of childhood obesity, due to the multitude of junk food options available and lack of exercise.

The best thing to do is to counsel them, make them understand, and guide them on making healthy choices in a fun and engaging way. Take your kid to a health coach, so that they learn along with you.

How has THC helped customers in the past?

The service has quickly picked up traction as people do not have the time to visit a health facility on a regular basis. Our daily communication model serves as a viable option for those seeking a direct form of communication with their nutritionist, personal trainer and/or health professional, when seeking advice.

ADVERTORIAL

Quick facts about THC

• We insist on quarterly checks because it enables us to monitor how our coaches are doing, and we can intervene in case any clients are struggling. It is also a great way of keeping score and providing added motivation to clients who can see the progress they are making, while encouraging them to make even more, over the forthcoming quarter.

Testimonial

"I have been a member of The Health Concierge for six months and have enjoyed it very much as I struggled with my weight for 12 years.

My life is quite hectic and I often find it difficult to make time for myself.

My health coach, Dr. Ekta, spent a lot of time understanding my lifestyle, food habits and the excuses I used to make for not exercising. She helps me every single day, and has been in contact to push me to make continuous improvements in relation to the food I eat. So far I’ve received numerous food plans and recipes for my household, along with an exercise regime for the home and gym. I've lost 11 kgs and feel a lot more energetic and comfortable. I would highly recommend The Health Concierge for anyone who wants an easy way of becoming healthier, and wants to be supported at every step of the way."

Anisha S, 38, a banker and mother of two

• Physical exercise and good stress management are essential for any good lifestyle plan and we provide these activities onsite. Our meditation sessions are encouraged so that people learn how to manage stress, while our breathing exercises improve sleep. With these activities, we tackle exercise, stress management and sleep, three of the four pillars of a good lifestyle.

• We like to focus our monthly seminars on areas surrounding the fourth pillar of good lifestyle, nutrition. Top doctors from the UAE and dieticians are brought in to discuss issues ranging from fasting to hydration, good fats and snacking. We ensure the sessions are interactive and easy for participants to understand and incorporate.

Book now: THC keeps things simple with no contracts and no complicated pricing structures, just simple monthly payments at Dhs700.

For more information, please contact +97152 625 3332 or email rekha@thc.ae.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 35

health

TRICK YOURSELF

INTO LOSING WEIGHT

With conventional diet methods failing to show sustainable results, Kate Gammelgaard explores a holistic approach that begins with your subconscious mind 36 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

The struggle to manage weight can be a lifelong and ongoing battle. Mothers, especially, can fall into the trap of managing work-life balance, where taking time out to take care of yourself is often a reserved luxury. It becomes rather frustrating and de-motivating when your efforts toward getting to your goal weight is hampered by one factor or the other. However, there is a solution. Your woes could very well be in the hands of your subconscious. One such method, the Virtual Gastric Band Therapy, has been gaining momentum thanks to its non-invasive nature. This program uses a combination of hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) that trains your subconscious to develop a better relationship with food, permanently. Anna Yates and Louisa Kiernander, Therapists at Mind Solutions, share their input:

THE LINK Your subconscious mind has two significant roles; one is to protect and keep us alive (carry out physical processes such as breathing and digesting food), while the other is to keep us happy and help us achieve our goals (juggle our emotional and mental levels). Its primary function, however, is to avoid pain at all costs. Dieting is a painful process (working out, training your body to eat less), and so your subconscious resists. Your subconscious mind’s only focus is your pain or pleasure in the now. That means if there is a piece of cake on the table in front of you, you are more likely to eat it than pass it on. Even if your conscious mind knows that staying away from the cake will reap benefits later, your subconscious does not have a sense of delayed gratification, and that is the struggle a lot of us deal with on a day-to-day basis.

GET TO THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE The battle to lose weight can come in many forms; general overeating, no time for the gym, too many take-out work lunches, medical hindrances - we all have an excuse, one that our subconscious mind is more than willing to facilitate. These may ring a bell, ‘you’ve had a really stressful day, go ahead and eat that chocolate” or the classic “feeling a bit down

today. Let’s just skip gym.” It is these voices that your subconscious keeps feeding, to keep you in your comfort zone and off-track.

The Virtual Gastric Band Therapy sessions peel back the layers of the onion to get to the actual problem, which is often an underlying emotional issue or a learned behavior. We can sometimes be blind to the contributory issues causing us distress; frustrations in our marriage or parenthood, and unsatisfying jobs.

We get so used to living in an, ‘I’m fine culture’ that we don’t always realise that something may be causing trauma and hindering our efforts to get to our goals.

FIND A BALANCE Considering our subconscious controls over 90 per cent of our mind, it is not hard to understand why most of us struggle with willpower to shed the extra kilos. The unfortunate reason for that is that our willpower is stored in the conscious mind, and often our willpower will lose the battle. With each session, you are offered tools and techniques to conquer the “battle of wills.” The techniques help you to stop for a moment, think, and make the right and healthy decision.

IS IT FOR ME? This method of weight management has proven to work on all kinds of personalities. Whether you are a strong-willed person or maybe even a bit skeptical, the critical thing is your desire to make the process work, and to listen to and practice the advice given.

We have all been down the route where a typical diet sometimes leaves you with a desire for unhealthy choices, greater than before your started. The program comprises of four sessions (six hours in total), and takes a look at eating habits, stress-levels, and emotional links, to open up your subconscious to accept and replace old habits with new and healthy ones. Each session ends with hypnosis - to allow clients to enter a deep state of relaxation (similar to zoning out) - and the client is given a copy to listen to in between sessions as well.

As for the success rate, therapists are seeing tremendous results with both men and women, as the process is a completely different approach to conventional dieting. It’s time to focus on yourself, in a practical and emotional manner, rather than just treat the symptoms.

Special offer!

Interested in booking a session? Mother, Baby & Child readers get 10 per cent discount upon quoting the magazine. Visit elitemindsolutions.com for more information MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 37

health

ADVERTORIAL

Breast Cancer screening: EVERYTHING MUMS NEED TO KNOW October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month and there’s no better time than now to get yourself checked. Dr. Ali Dameh, Consultant Surgeon (Harvard Medical School, USA) at Emirates Specialty Hospital- DHCC answers any queries pregnant or new mums may have

At what age should women begin screening for breast cancer?

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer that affects women worldwide and one in 10 women are at risk of developing breast cancer in their 40s. Women should start checking at the age of 40, or ten years prior – for those whose family members have been diagnosed. All females between 35-40 should consider screenings, and the best way of checking it at an earlier stage is through home check-ups, screenings or a mammogram.

Mammograms can be done at all ages; however, they are not always required.

Young females in their 20s or 30s should first consider a clinical history examination and ultrasound.

Can mums get breast cancer while they are breast feeding?

For mums that are breast-feeding, there are special precautions that we use at Emirates Specialty Hospital, with led protection for the abdomen area. We always check the risks and benefits, during a pregnancy. If it doesn’t seem harmful, we proceed. Most pregnant women don’t need a mammogram as it’s very rare to have breast cancer during pregnancy, although, it can happen.

The incidents are less than 0.5 per cent, and if symptoms do occur in the pregnancy, then the individual needs to see a consulting doctor to perform an examination and ultrasound scan before proceeding with a mammogram.

Does breastfeeding help reduce the risk of breast cancer?

Yes, breastfeeding is protective as it lowers the hormone and exposure of the breast glands to estrogen. This reduces the turnover and division of the cells, of the ducts of the breast, which preserves them and minimises the chances of them developing cancer when breastfeeding.

Any there any precautions pregnant or new mums should be taking?

Yes, they need to be careful when using hormonal therapy. In addition to this, they need to check their family history, reduce or stop smoking – as it has been associated

38 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

with developing cancer cells – and lead a healthy lifestyle. Recent studies have shown that women with excess body fat are prone to develop breast cancer.

Eating a nutritious diet can also help protect against breast cancer.

Early detection is key, even before it develops into Stage 1 (called situ – where the abnormal cells are still within the cells and haven’t crossed the membrane and spread). The purpose of early detection and screening is to identify patients with lumps, that can potentially develop into cancer in the future. We eradicate them and there’s a 100 per cent chance of cure before it leads to advanced cancer.

According to international guidelines, breast cancer screening before the age of 40 is a must. In this region especially, we are seeing younger patients with breast cancer, so we highly recommend seeking medical help.

#Need to know Emirates Specialty Hospital offers free checkup for patients interested in breast cancer screening. Visit eshospital.com or contact +9714 248 4500 for more information.

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health

DEEP CLEAN Your HOME

Before winter comes around and you get cosy and comfortable in your space, do a thorough clean-up of each room with this nifty guide 40 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Living Room Freshen the furniture

Don’t forget the frames

Dust off electronics

We dust cushions every week and take out crumbs, fur, or anything that is visible on the couch, but it’s important to take a vacuum to it, with the brush attachment, to pull out gunk that has fallen between cushions, the sides and the backs of the surface.

Whether you have a gallery wall, or just a few frames, take out all framed artwork and dust down the pieces at the front and back with a damp microfibre cloth. Make sure you don’t spray anything directly on the glass as it could seep into the corners of the frame and potentially ruin the picture and mat.

The television box, PS4 or Xbox may be kept hidden away on your TV shelf, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a good dusting. Use a dusting wand or special cleaning cloths and brushes for gadgets (Sharaf DG and souq.com have a wide selection from Dhs19). If you have

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 41

health Clean your AC ducts

Ali Taha, Director at ipurity (a Dubai-based company that specializes in 100 per cent chemical-free purification spraying technology, and eco-friendly air disinfection services) explains why AC duct cleaning is essential for your family’s health

DVDs, CDs, video games or any other media that you or your children haven’t touched in ages, donate it, sell it on Dubizzle.com, or add it to a collection of sale items for an upcoming market (visit dubai-fleamarket.com).

Launder the fabrics Take out the drapes, table cloths or any material you have around your home and place them on a gentle, low-spin wash, or send it off to the laundry. Do this at least once a month.

Declutter the room It’s all too easy to pile up a bunch of items on an empty surface, place boxes and unwanted items on a chair in a corner, and cram up the kitchen counter with knickknacks.

Clear out the clutter so that every blank surface is neat and tidy. You could stow it away - behind closed doors or in a storage unit - and deal with it another day, so it isn’t too overwhelming.

From top to bottom Don’t forget the lighting fixtures, bulbs and wall trim. These tend to collect dust over time and need to be wiped down with a microfibre mop or duster with a telescoping handle.

The floors can be mopped with your favourite cleaning products. If you have carpets or want to polish the tiles, this is a great time to call in the professionals – servicemarket. com and urbanclap.com offer services from just Dhs149.

You can pick one according to ratings and compare quotes to suit your budget.

42 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

If family members suffer from allergies linked to pollen and dander, your number one enemy is dust mites. These microscopic elements are naked to the invisible eye and commonly found in air ducts. Researchers have discovered that childhood diagnoses of allergies, autism, Asperger’s and Tourette’s syndrome are interconnected with indoor pollutants such as dust, phthalates, PVC flooring and secondhand smoke. It is advisable to have the air conditioning ducts cleaned annually, especially if one or more people in your family get affected quickly.

Additionally, those with pets can’t afford to skip out on changing the air filters regularly. Even if you don’t have allergies, keep in mind one of your guests may, and having loose pet dander around the home can lead to a coughing and sneezing fit.

Besides, a dirty air filter clogs up your system, preventing air from moving through the AC system and across the evaporator coil – this restricts airflow. At homes with pets, air filters get dirty a lot quicker. Neglecting to change the filter each and every month, if not more often, can cause your air conditioner to become overworked and break down.

Choosing a professional service to clean air ducts also reduces the dust that would otherwise circulate throughout your living space, landing on your furniture, bedding, flooring and just about everywhere. Fortunately, a thorough air duct cleaning reduces the amount of interior cleaning and dusting necessary to maintain a hygienic home. A periodic air duct cleaning promotes healthier living, otherwise dirty air in your home just keeps re-circulating. If you feel this isn't necessary as no one in your household suffers from chronic allergies or respiratory problems, remember that cleaner air makes it easier for everyone to breathe. Even among the healthiest, dust and pollutants entering the nose and lungs can trigger sneezing and coughing, as well as sinus and bronchial congestion, so cleaning an air filter shouldn’t be an option, but rather a necessity for all homes.

To book an eco-friendly service that’s 100 per cent chemical free, visit ipurity.com or contact +971 4 565 5245

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health

Bedroom A proper wipe down

You may be dusting surfaces on a daily basis, but it’s time to give each and every item a proper wipe. Clean knickknacks, side tables, ceiling fans, baseboards, windows, bookshelves, and most importantly, your headboard.

Flip it and reverse it It’s important to turn your mattress every few months or at least twice a year. Sleeping on the same spot for an extended period of time can cause a mattress to sag, while wearing out the steel coil springs. To do this, simply spin your mattress, end for end, so that the side that was towards the headboard is now at the footboard. Don’t forget to vacuum and neatly place back items that have been stowed away under your bed.

Freshen the mattress Sprinkle baking soda on the bed, let it sit on the mattress for an hour, and then vacuum it. For a thorough cleanse and to get rid of dust mites and germs, call in the experts for a mattress cleaning service.

This includes a deep vacuum, sanitation using UV light treatment, and over-heated dry steam to meticulously purify it. The

experts even sanitise pillows, duvets and bed covers.

Organise your closet and storage Pull out all the clothes you didn’t wear this past season and set them aside for consigning or donating. Treat your

Bathroom

wardrobe to thin, matching hangers and arrange your closet according to your needs – colour, work/leisure wear, categories (trousers, dresses, tops, etc.).

Make sure you neatly fold anything that doesn’t need to be hung, and don’t forget to add scented sachets or a few drops of essential oil on a tissue, to keep your closet aromatic at all times.

Toss or keep Use a big brush or cloth to dust light fixtures and clear cobwebs collected in the corner. If your shower curtain and bathmat look worn out, replace them – this is a great way of giving your space a seasonal update. If they aren’t, wash in a gentle cycle or according to the tag instructions. To get rid of water spots and make your shower door sparkle, heat distilled white vinegar and wipe the door with it – reapply to keep it wet for 30 minutes. Scrub with baking soda sprinkled on a non-scratch pad.

Scrub a dub dub Clean your shower, toilet, sinks and tubs so that they are sanitized, polished and free from grime and limescale.

44 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Kitchen Polish the cabinets To cleverly collect dust, wipe down the exposed tops, cut newspaper and fit into the cabinets. The paper collects dust over time, so all you have to do is replace the papers. Wipe the exterior with wood cleaner that’s specifically for painted or laminate surfaces, or warm water with dish soap.

Extend The Lifespan of Appliances Mais Al Nashash, Marketing Executive at Better Life shares tips and tricks to keeping items in great condition

Refrigerators: These are one of

the most essential appliances in a kitchen. A little bit of neglect and it’s very easy for mould colonies to start building inside. To prevent mould, fungi and general biological pests from spreading in the insides of your fridge, make sure you bin foods passed their expiry date. Thoroughly clean up the fridge once every week, or a couple of weeks, and remove all food from the refrigerator before scrubbing and wiping down the shelves with warm water and soap.

When you feel like your fridge isn’t cooling enough, check the seals and coils (at the back) for dust, and clean thoroughly with a vacuum brush or broom.

through heavy greasy cooking and high temperature on a daily basis.

Always look for physical damages on the surface area and fix accordingly.

If you clean the oven from the inside after every use, it is most ideal.

However, if you do it once a year, you will end up using harsh chemicals to get the oven sparkling again. If the temperature doesn’t feel quite right, recalibrate the setting according to the instruction manual. Lastly, the best way to clean an oven is handsdown a sprinkling of baking soda inside and on its sides. Spray vinegar on the baking soda to form a paste and let it sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing away.

Dishwashers: When the dishwasher

Ovens: They are not cheap and go

doesn’t do its job, it’s probably the food-filled filter that is the culprit. It gets clogged and to fix that, all you need to do is pull out the lower rack and remove the filter cover inside the washer. Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean the screen. If you slam or drop the lid of your washer, you are going

to damage and/or break it. Check the door gaskets for any wear and tear from time-to-time.

Coffee makers: Try to sanitize the

coffee maker once every month to keep it fresh and gunk free, and make sure after having your morning cup of joe, you throw out the leftovers and rinse the pot. Stale coffee is an open invitation to bacteria. To clean it thoroughly, use one-part vinegar and two parts water. Pour this into the water tank of the coffee maker, place a filter in the basket and switch it on.

Once done, run two to three pots of plain water to flush out the vinegar.

Other bits and bobs

When using pots and pans, always use it on low flame to avoid burning the sides of pots and pans. For high heat dishes, make sure the pan is large enough to cover the powerful flame. If you use wooden cutting boards, never soak it in water. Always use a soft cloth to rub mineral oil all over the board, wait 30 minutes and wipe off excess oil to increase durability.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 45

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ADVERTORIAL

AN ADVANCEMENT IN PURIFIERS Purifiers are one of those gadgets that people don’t realise they need but are essential in making a home dust-and pollutant-free. If you have children, pets, or suffer from dust allergies and hay fever, chances are, you need this gadget to cleanse and purify your space on a daily basis.

The options available on the market can be quite overwhelming, but where the newly released Dyson Pure Cool sets itself apart from the others, is in its multi-functional operations. This gadget is not just a purifier, but a fan too. Available in two sizes, the purifier-fan hybrid can be placed anywhere in your home. We tested it at the Mother, Baby & Child HQ and noticed the results instantaneously. Quite a few of the team members are allergic to dust, and the morning we forgot to switch on the gadget, the sneezing began. The Dyson Pure Cool purifies 99.95 per cent of allergens, and pollutants as minuscule as 0.1 microns from air.

First impression of the Pure Cool was that it was lightweight, and easy to install – you can put it together in less than two minutes. The Dyson Pure Cool tower circulates clean air throughout the room, can be placed still, and allows airflow in just one direction too.

Those looking to use it as a fan as well, can increase the setting from four to ten, to produce cool, longrange airflow. You can watch the air being cleansed

from odours, pollutants, allergens, and bacteria, on the tower’s screen or your phone app – the line goes from red to yellow, and then green – with description of whether the air quality is good, fair or unhygienic. Connection to the phone app takes less than three minutes, and from it, you can monitor the temperature of your room, amount of dust particles, switch it on/off when you aren’t home, control the airflow and set it on night mode.

One of the most infuriating aspects of an air-purifier is the hassle of cleaning the filter. Those who dislike the time-consuming activity, will love the fact that this gadget filter needs to be replaced only after a year of using it for 12 hours per day, and when the time does come around, it takes less than 60 seconds to do so. How’s that for efficiency?

From Dhs2,309 at shop.dyson.ae MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 47

2 - 3 November 2018 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

F A M I L Y

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F A S H I O N

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L I F E S T Y L E

Read through for the latest in dining, spas, beauty and fashion. This section is all about catering to mums, and modern women, so we've highlighted only the best

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 49

good living

ADDING edge TO REFRIGERATORS

LG’s latest innovation is one every family member will love. The LG InstaView Door-in-Door technology allows you to see what’s inside without opening it. Now mums won’t have to tell their kids to “stop opening the fridge a hundred times.”

Knock twice and the sleek mirrored glass panel illuminates the fridge, giving you a glimpse of what’s in each compartment without opening the door.

Food inside is kept fresher for longer, without cold air loss; while the dedicated fan deodorises the air so it’s as clean and fresh as when you bought it. If your hands are dirty and you don’t want to touch the handle, the sensor at the foot of the fridge automatically opens the door for you when you step on the “door open” light projection on the floor. The freezer drawers are also automated, while FreshShield Cooling creates a thermal barrier within the fridge, using cold air to maintain temperature and lock in freshness. Smart-technology enthusiasts can control their device – temperate and operations – with LG’s SmartThinQ app.

Dhs31,500 at leading electronic stores.

YOUR CHILD’S NEW furry FRIEND Children have a way of finding out about the latest toys on the market, way before we even hear of them. Chances are you would have already heard of Pomsies – one of 2018’s hottest toys. These wearable plush toys can be wrapped around your child’s hand, or attached to a backpack, and react when you touch and pet them. Their giant colour changing eyes indicate when you need to feed them – by turning yellow – and if they eat too quickly, they get hiccups and their eyes turn green.

Blue eyes suggest they need a little TLC, in the form of a nose press, while pink eyes are Pomsies asking to be tickled until they giggle. The more you play and sing with your pet, the happier they will be. Rainbow eyes and a special song means your child is doing a great job. Let your children choose from over six adorably-named Pomsies.

Dhs119 at ELC, Toys R Us, Hamleys, Borders, Party Zone, Robotika, Robox, Souq.com, Noon.com, Mumzworld and Sprii.

50 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

WHAT'S

GO GREENER AT HOME

IN STORE

Loose Unicorns, the first specialty coffee subscription in the Middle East, has launched 100 per cent compostable capsules that are compatible with all Nespresso machines. Eco-conscious individuals can now get their daily dose of caffeine and feel less guilty about polluting the environment.

Coffee snobs can also pick their favourite beans from the online store and have it delivered whole or ground. The new range of specialty coffee capsules are BPA free and 100 per biodegradable, which means they “turn into pixie dust in just twelve weeks.”

Visit looseunicorns.com

DEVELOPMENT BOX FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

Mums, there’s a new way of shopping toys for your little ones. And you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Monki Box, a monthly subscription box for children up to three years old, will take the leg work and stress out of finding useful, developmentally-appropriate and exciting toys and products for your children. The discovery box features brands such as Hape, Skip Hop, Mustela, and Melissa & Doug, to name a few, with each box boasting four to six hand-picked products. Expect everything from toys to books, snacks, baby care products, bottles, utensils, health and safety items and plenty more.

The plans start from Dhs209 per month and vary according to the subscription duration. Visit monkibox.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 51

good living

VANITY

ESSENTIALS

Hair Saviours

Keep your tresses hydrated, protected and glossy

LUSTROUS LOCKS There are some ingredients that work perfectly in certain products.

For instance, witch hazel in toners, or egg in conditioners.

Pert Plus have launched a new shampoo formulated with almond oil, and the results are great – stronger hair with a glossy sheen, thanks to the protein-rich almonds. The aromatic shampoo is free from artificial colourants, is pH netural, dermatologically tested, and has been created to specifically tackle lackluster medium-long hair.

Available in 400ml and 600ml from Dhs15-19.

GO NATURAL Danish hair clinic, Harklinikken, is best known for their non-invasive hair loss treatments and incredibly effective natural haircare products. The latest addition to their range is this styling paste that protects and hydrates hair with plantbased extracts and fatty acids from honeysuckle, aloe vera and jojoba oil. The formula is free from colour, perfume, essential oils, petrochemicals and parabens, allowing you to create a firm-hold, matte look.

Dhs148 at Harklinikken

THE BEAUTY BEAUTY EDIT Peel TO REVEAL

Skin-saviours and lust-worthy buys

Hydrate and soften skin with this antioxidant-packed Platinum peel-off face mask from Skin Republic. We tried it and love how smoothly it goes on, and penetrates into the skin to give an instant radiance the minute you peel it off. The shimmery silver mask contains a six-fruit acid formula, witch hazel, aloe vera, and colloidal platinum – one of the highest antioxidants and antiaging ingredients available. The pack has enough for three applications, and you can find a gold anti-aging mask amongst the range too.

Dhs33 at Boots, Lifestyle, noon, souq.com and sprii.com 52 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

THIS MONTH WE LOVE… Bubble T Lemongrass and green tea body lotion Why? The emollient lotion is packed with goji berry extracts and essential oils. Apply the refreshing lemongrass-scented cream for a pick-me-up in the morning, or if you have itis at your desk.

Dhs19 at Virgin Megastores, Lifestyle, Tania’s Teahouse and BeautySolutions-me.com

A

SPRITZ OF…

The Only One by Dolce&Gabbana Beauty This enchanting floral scent opens with notes of violet, combined with bergamot. At the heart of the scent is a rich coffee blend, finishing off with a warm base of vanilla and patchouli.

Dhs425 for 50ml and Dhs595 (100ml) across Dolce&Gabbana beauty counters

good living

ADVERTORIAL

THE ART OF

Gifting

Personalised gifts are not only fun to curate, they also showcase your personality while making a great impression.

Prerna Ruia and Nupur Jain, Founders of Co-Originality (a boutique gifting platform) explain why it's the ultimate gift

5

REASONS TO PERSONALISE YOUR GIFT BOX

5

It’s a gift to be treasured forever and ever

A Corky Lego frame or an elegantly painted leather journal marking a milestone will be treasured forever. The best part is the look on their faces when they receive it.

It shows how much you know and care about them

In a world where time is short and busy is the buzz word, personal gifts add more value to what you spend by giving the other person the pleasure of knowing that you've invested time, money and effort, rather than a quick fix for their gift. At the end of it all, ‘it’s the thought that counts.’

Comes in various price points

A personalised gift can be pretty much worked into all kinds of budgets. You could choose to get a customised note pad, or a Hermes wallet painted with art. Go wild with your creativity, personalisation and preferences.

There's nothing personal about standardisation. People are particular about the necessities they want and picky about the basics they wear. That's where personal gifting steps in and mixes a sense of effort and exclusivity, with utility and convenience.

1

4

3

These gifts are unique

When you go through a creative process of personalising a gift, you never have to worry if someone else is giving them the same curated box. At the same time, it adds a great personal touch.

2

A personalized gift is the ultimate bonding experience

Since it is not a run of the mill storebought gift, you need to have a deep understanding of the person you are gifting. We at Co-Originality like to take the time out to not only understand the individuals’ interests, but explore things they may use in their daily lives too.

About Us

Co-Originality was founded in 2017 by partners, Prerna Ruia and Nupur Jain.

Their goal was to provide high-class gifting solutions in Dubai, specializing in personalized and unique gifting solutions. The brand has recently launched ‘The People of Influence’ Subscription Series; a Dubai discovery platform where customers receive boxes from well-loved brands in the region. Keep an eye out for four new boxes including New Born, Kid, Health and Lifestyle.

Visit cooriginality.com to curate the perfect gift box, and follow them on Instagram at @cooriginality to stay inspired.

54 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

STYLE Longchamp

Bag, Dhs2,307 at M2Malletier

Loafer Pump, Dhs529 at & Other Stories

BOLD with

BURGUNDY This sensual colour is perfect for Fall Winter 2018 Scarlet earrings, Dhs1,798 at Oscar De La Renta

Skirt, Dhs199 at Zara

Dress, Dhs940 at Ted Baker

Glasses, Dhs770, at Burberry

Ruby Bordeaux embellished fitted gown, Dhs5,370 at Alice & Olivia

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 55

good living

STYLE Pack of 5 Socks, Dhs49

at Okaidi skirts with suspenders, Dhs99 at Zippy,

Dress, Dhs109 at Babyshop Striped Shirt and Waistcoat with Bow, Dhs145 at Babyshop

Urban Sneakers, Dhs549, at Ecco

Preppy P FOR..

T-shirt, Dhs59 at Okaidi Nik&Nik Skirt, Dhs310 at Childrensalon.com

Elis' Boots, Dhs263 at BEYOUboutique

Stella McCartney Sneakers, Dhs590 at Level Kids

Zipped Jumper, Dhs109, at Zippy

Twinkle Hands baby Bodysuit Romper, Dhs69, at Sprii.ae

MAMA’S LITTLE

A Little Lovely Company BackPack, Dhs125, at Level Kids

MONSTER Ripped jeans, Dhs245 at GUESS

Catboy Halloween Costume,Dhs125 at mypartycentre.com

Rubie's Pumpkin Witch Costume, Dhs135, at Sprii.ae

Cute As A Devil Halloween Costume, Dhs100 at mypartycentre.com

56 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Rechargable Night Light, Dhs112, at Little Wren

good living

Wellness Escape

If fad diets have left you in the depths of despair, it’s time to consider a quick five-day wellness detox. Nicola Monteath offers an insight to her programme at Chenot Palace Health Wellness Hotel in Azerbaijan To be honest, I didn’t really know what I signed up for until a few hours before I hopped onto my flight. All I knew was that it was something I needed. Five days of bliss was the only thought on my mind - one where I would wake up to birds chirping, indulge in spa treatments, swim, stroll around the lake, and breathe in fresh bucolic air.

Most of that was true, but the first two days of this 800-calories-per-day detox wasn’t anything close to blissful. That said, I left Chenot Palace Health Wellness Hotel in Qabala feeling lighter, absolutely focused, and energetic – something I hadn’t felt in a very long time. So, what did I sign up for?

The Chenot Method devised by Henri Chenot over 45 years ago. The programme caters to individual requirements and comprises a combination of treatments and a stringent diet to eliminate toxins, while increasing vitality.

To experience the five-day detox programme I headed to Qabala, a city three hours away by road from Baku. I skipped the inflight food in the hope that nutritious snacks awaited my arrival – I figured the mini bar would have

something, or maybe a fruit platter in the room? Much to my surprise there wasn’t a mini-bar or any food in sight for that matter.

And so, my detox began the night before I intended to.

READY TO CLEANSE Guests are encouraged to roam around the premises in their robes – something I adhered to quite quickly – and so I headed out to breakfast the next morning in my plush free-flowing ensemble with the Chenot bag and diary in hand. As I walked up to the terrace boasting views of the lake and verdant surroundings, I sat down and ordered a coffee. “We only have barley coffee,” was the response. It took me a few seconds to digest the fact that I wouldn’t be sipping my fresh aromatic brew for the next few days. Honestly speaking, barley coffee is quite close to the real deal, and doesn’t taste too bad. A bowl of tart berry compote accompanied my beverage, and I ordered the porridge too (meant for those on the Biolite menu who have to consume an additional 300 calories per day).

58 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Day one comprises of check-ups and treatments. Consultations are held at the sprawling, airy spa that houses the medical wing, an indoor swimming pool, one of the best gyms I’ve ever come across that takes the term “state-of-the-art equipment” to a whole new level, and spa facilities (sauna, steam and hammam). It all begins with the lovely and chatty Dr. Saida who kindly mentioned my blood pressure was low. This is particularly due to me unwilling skipping a meal the night before. She then asks if I suffer from interrupted sleep to which I reply “Yes! Thanks to my partner’s snoring.”

She giggles to a heart’s content as I ask for tips on tackling the one most annoying thing that wakes me from my deep sleep.

I am taken to Dr. Ioannis Feroukas soon after for a bioenergy check-up. Two metal prongs are placed into my hands to analyse the functionality of my insides. A lot was revealed, and I was left in a state of shock, but Dr. Ioannis confirmed there was nothing to be worried about. “Just follow the plan properly,” he said calmly.

The treatments began soon after, starting

tingle from the cup. This soon became one of the treatments I looked forward to daily.

What else to expect?

I drank plenty of water and did everything possible to get rid of my lingering headache caused by caffeine withdrawals and the sudden change in meal portions. I found out this was absolutely normal, and by day three I was fueled with energy, with the desire to be slightly more active – a yoga class it was.

In addition to the recommended schedule you can opt in for other treatments, facials and massages too. Try Cryotherapy, where you enter the first chamber set at -10 degrees Celsius and finish at the third chamber at -112.1 degrees Celsius – all within three to five minutes. The treatment instantly relieves muscle pain, boosts blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and is said to assist with weight loss, anxiety and depression.

You will feel like an ice cream in a pit of shaved ice, especially when your lashes gather icicles for a few seconds. The minute you step out, you have enough energy to run a marathon and can zone in and focus on just about any task at hand – perfect for those who missed reading, or catching up on emails, the first few days.

The verdict with a hydro-aromatherapy bath – a relaxing 20-minute session of jets shooting into your legs, back, arms and tummy. The bath was fresh and invigorating, thanks to the essential oils, and the lights were kept a deep indigo – according to my aura colour mentioned

by Dr. Ioannis. A quick wipe down and I headed to the next room for a Phyto-mud wrap treatment where it all got a bit messy but fascinating. The wrap entails a warm mixture of seaweed and good-for-your-skin ingredients that is applied to the body. This was followed by a wrap with plastic sheets and me sinking into the water bed for a deep 20-minutes nap. You wake up feeling refreshed, with smooth skin the minute you wash off at the in-room shower. In between treatments, I sipped on detox water (with apple cider vinegar or lemon) and digestive herbal tea to commit fully to the detox.

Lunch is served at the all-day dining restaurant, and I’m presented with marinated peach, tapioca and passion fruit – which I polish off in two bites due to starvation – followed by a fresh lettuce salad with eggplant mousse, roasted sunflower seeds and avocado dressing. I chose brown risotto with tomato and black olive pesto in the hope

that it would be quite substantially filling. It wasn’t, but I chewed every grain over 30 times and absolutely relished it – mindful eating at its best. All meals include fruit and vegetables, and some of the highlights were the seitan burgers with roasted veggies, pineapple ravioli, and risotto. My diet plan was free from gluten, chicken, seafood and meat; however, they do serve protein – and pizza – on the Biolite menu.

On days I had a few hours to myself, I snuck in a few laps at the tranquil ozone-powered outdoor pool that’s free from chlorine and chemicals. Swimming here is a dream, as the water is pure and feels as good as clean, filtered drinking water.

Treatments become muscle-memory after a day or two, even though you are handed a daily schedule. I was scheduled in for a new treatment on my second day, the Chenot energetic massage using suction cups. My therapist massaged my back with a warm oil, followed by the application of a cup to draw impurities. Skin is yanked into various directions as she moves along the body without leaving even a single cup mark. The movements are slow and gentle, with a slight

On the last day of the trip my midsection felt less bloated, swollen feet – from being in heels at work – had subsided, and my body appeared and felt toned and lean thanks to the cupping, wraps and hydro baths. The kind and friendly staff don’t leave you to fend for yourself as you depart. Instead, you are handed a tiffin packed with fresh fruit and crudités to munch on.

Of course, the real test was when I came back to reality and my daily routine. I couldn’t help but treat myself to a freshly brewed cup of coffee at work. I did, however, ease myself into my “normal food habits” with a nutritious salad topped with grilled chicken. At the gym, I had plenty of energy to sprint and lift heavier weights, and while I did go up in calorie intake, I kept it wholesome and clean.

Would I recommend this to mums, or ladies who need a quick reboot? Yes! Simply because it’s a great way to detox when someone is watching your daily intake, and there is no temptation in sight.

Invest in your wellbeing: The three-day active detox programme is available from Euros 1,580 (approximately Dhs6,790) per person. chenotpalacegabala.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 59

Tried & Tested Pamper yourself and enjoy ‘me-time’ at the spa

Tips and Toes,

The Spring Souk

There’s something about a community salon. It’s within close proximity, convenient, and a great catch-up spot with friends from the area. Growing up in the Springs neighbourhood there weren’t any salons. So, when I heard Tips and Toes opened at the newly launched Springs Souk, I had to check it out. The Souk is home to this peaceful spa comprising their signature colour theme, wooden elements, and soothing aromas. If there’s one thing Tips & Toes are known for, it’s their speedy, remarkable service – an essential tip for moms who want to squeeze in appointments during lunch-hour, or after work.

VK

On my recent visit, I opted for the Mum’s Escape package. While not a mum yet, I chose it simply to get all my pampering done at once. The package begins with an express manicure and pedicure, where your nails are filed, buffed and polished before colour is placed on. Take a few sips of tea before your neck, shoulder and head massage begins. The therapist eases all knots in the neck and shoulder area, to ensure you are ache-free. This is followed by a scalp massage to boost circulation - there really isn’t any other way to describe it other than incredibly-relaxing. Once your nails are dry, hair is quickly washed and blow-dried, so you’re all set – from head to toe – to conquer the week ahead.

Book now: The package is available for Dhs468. Contact +9714 422 7446

Beauty Bar & Lounge

This expansive salon at the plaza level of Rimal, JBR is most likely going to become your go-to spot for hair treatments. Divided into various sections: colour bar, nail bar, and hair/treatments area, the brand’s philosophy is all about making hair healthy enough to carry out any colour or cut you desire. They are fairly straightforward at pricing services too - want to get keratin? You are charged by the gram instead of a hefty fee.

Valentina is your lady for a mani/pedi. We tried the spa manicure that begins with an invigorating scrub with avocado oil, followed by a hydrating and soothing mask that’s smeared all over your hands and forearms, and covered with a wrap and towel while your nails are being done. Valentina files, buffs and polishes nails to the point where you want to keep them bare, and even while putting polish on, carefully analyses cuticles to make amendments if required. To maximise time at the salon, I tried the highly recommended Botox with cold flat iron treatment.

Hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo after which an intense hydrating mask is applied, section by section. The bubbly Katerina chats about life and her home country while going over from root-to-root with the flat iron – it’s literally as cold as ice – to prevent hair damage and let the mask really sink into the roots. Hair is washed minutes later and blow dried to reveal hydrated, glossy locks. We were told the treatment lasts up to 20 days – tune in online for an update!

Book now: The Botox hair treatment with cold iron is Dhs150-250 (depending upon hair length), while the spa manicure is Dhs150. Contact +9714 565 6011 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 61

good living

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Staycation

Escape to Tilal Liwa Hotel for cooler climes and a fun getaway with the children

62 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Nestled three hours away from Dubai on the edge of the stunning Rub’ Al Khali desert is Tilal Liwa Hotel, a secluded family resort that packs in great food, adventurous desert activities, and lazy days by the pool – if that’s what you’re looking for. The minute you enter this hotel, you are greeted with Arabesque vibes and a cup of gahwa. Lanterns hang high from the ceiling over a water feature comprising large pots, and this is where the photo ops begin. Few steps ahead, and you get a glimpse of the desert resort, courtyard and swimming pool, sited a floor below.

ACCOMODATION There’s nothing we love more than a suite with direct access to a pool or the beach. At Tilal Liwa, the Oasis Room is furnished with a plush bed that you sink into the minute you get under the sheets; tea and coffee making facilities, and sun loungers right outside your terrace - by the pool. The two-story resort is home to various rooms and suites, most of which offer either views of the courtyard, desert, or swimming pool.

DINING Breakfast, lunch and dinner takes place at Al Badiya Restaurant, the resort’s all-day dining venue. The calm space offers a wide selection of contemporary and regional dishes to suit all palettes. For breakfast, begin with a plate of fresh fruit, followed by cold cuts, or eggs made to your liking. Other dishes range from Indian to Chinese cuisine, alongside Arabic favourites including foul medames. The lunch buffet features a pasta station, and everything from roast chicken to biryani, steamed fish, noodles, and curries.

Complete your meal with the extensive selection of desserts and a cup of chamomile or your favourite tea.You can’t miss appetisers such as the muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip), Waldorf salad, buttered vegetable tempura, and their soup of the day (we tried lentil, and crab and corn, for dinner. Treat yourself to steak, steamed vegetables, salmon, curries and more for mains, followed by pudding or cheese.

We didn’t get a chance to try the other culinary offerings, but some available include a BBQ buffet at Al Dhafra Oasis (majlis-style dining), Al Liwan for poolside bites, and Layali for cocktails and karaoke.

ACTIVITIES Those looking for an adventurous activity can try sand boarding, dune bashing, cycling through the desert, quad biking, horseback riding, and safaris. Little ones will love mingling with children at the Kid’s Club, playing a game at the giant chess board, and a visit to the camel farm.

BOOK NOW:

The family package is available from Dhs345 per night for GCC and UAE residents, and includes a 10-minute camel ride, 15-minutes quad biking session, and breakfast for two adults and two children (below six) at Al Badiya Restaurant. Visit tilalliwa.danathotels.com MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 63

Dining In The City Hotspots ideal for little ones and adults

#Family-friendly lunch

LEVEE CAFÉ & LOUNGE, LA MER, JUMERIAH 1 The bright and airy Levee café and lounge is an all-day dining concept sited at the north-end of La Mer. Your children will love dining here, as they can head to the beach before and after, and when the hunger pangs kick in, savour everything from sandwiches to burgers and pasta.

This eatery’s menu has been designed to suit its beachside location. Head there for coffee and croissants, catch-up with other mums for lunch or afternoon tea, or relax back for dinner with your hubby. We dined on a weekend when we were craving something healthy, at least to begin with, so we shared a quinoa salad with chunky cubes of fresh avocado and peach. Quite an interesting combination, with creamy, crunchy and soft textures, but nonetheless very refreshing and appetising. Since it was a lunchtime affair, I opted for a seafood tagliatelle that had a tomato-based sauce, with mild spicy notes, and plenty of squid, shrimp and octopus. My carnivorous partner opted

for rib eye steak with shallot and mascarpone dressing. It arrived well done the first time, however, the second time around they got it right. And it was perfect. The creamy mascarpone sauce with shallot added an innovative twist to the tender piece of meat. We skipped sides and relished a chocolate cake with tea instead – they have a wide selection of freshly baked cakes and pastries to choose from.

Reserve a table: Contact +971 4 380 2000

#Date-night

WORLD CUT STEAKHOUSE, HABTOOR PALACE – LXR HOTELS AND RESORTS The change in branding has under no means affected the quality, service and ambience of this venue at Habtoor Palace.

This date-night venue is just the sort of place for couples who love a good piece of meat, and jazz tunes.

We noticed an addendum to the previous menu – from when it was under the reigns of Jean-Georges Vongerichten – to now include special offers and sharing platters.

We opted for the a la carte offerings, commencing with crisp truffle fritters filled with melted cheese and mushroom, yellowfin tuna tartare on a bed of mashed avocado beautifully complemented by spicy radish and a ginger marinade, and grilled tender black octopus with tarragon sauce. We did go a bit overboard with starters but couldn’t help ourselves as each and every one was as mouthwatering as it appeared to be. Mains had to be steak.

My dining partner opted for the impressive 560g bone-in rib eye cooked exquisitely at the temperature he requested – medium rare; while I chose a 360g Australian 64 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

black onyx/Range valley rib eye (360g) and proved my eyes were bigger than my stomach. Before our entrées arrived, we were asked to pick from an extensive selection of knives, and when served, were treated to a selection of mustards ranging from grainy to smooth Dijon – we picked gingerbread for a hint of sweetness and texture to complement the meat. Both the succulent pieces were easy to slice, revealing a juicy inside and absolutely delightful mouthful – especially when paired with smooth béarnaise, creamy peppercorn and bordelaise sauce.

At this point, I was happy I wore a flowy dress that hid my food baby. A warm chocolate cake was shared – decadent but a great end to an intimate meal. If you prefer something fruity and light, we highly reccomend the raspberry pavlova served with crisp meringue and passionfruit.

Reserve your table: Until October 31st, diners can try a three-course set menu including a glass of house grape for just Dhs299. Contact +9714 435 5577.

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DINING IN THE CITY

#Casual Friday brunch

THE BLACKSMITH, WYNDHAM DUBAI MARINA

Gather a few friends and head to the ITIS brunch at this Dubai Marina hotel. You may have come across their custom-built smoker on social media, or their cheerful pitmaster, but if not, we can testify that every smoked meat made out on the terrace, in that smoker, was cooked to perfection. Carnivores can get a real taste of southern flavours with smokehouse classics presenting itself through the course of the afternoon. The name of the brunch isn’t a joke. You really do feel the Itis once done, but that’s what Fridays are all about right - a great brunch and naps?

It all begins with a platter of finger-licking

good wings and ranch, chicken tenders served with honey mustard sauce, shrimp po boyz, hushpuppies with cheese sauce, and armadillo eggs. You can re-order dishes as many times as you like. We went for round two of the crispy shrimp po boyz with crunchy coleslaw, and hushpuppies – warm deep-fried cornmeal balls that are quite filling if you continue munching on them. You have been warned!

For mains, make space for a sharing platter of smoked glazed chicken, juicy lamb ribs with a sticky marinade, insanely flavoursome pull-apart smoked brisket and southern fried cat fish. A substantial,

66 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

but indulgent mac and cheese is served as a side, along with BBQ brisket chilli, seriously good sweet potato mash, and cilantro lime slaw that pairs well with soft pieces of meat.

Enjoy each course with the extensive list of free-flowing beverages on offer but do leave space for dessert - pecan pie with a little bucket of banoffee pudding that puts a smile on your face. This is soulful, incredle southern food at its best.

Reserve your table: The brunch is priced at Dhs299 per person. Contact +9714 407 8873

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MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2018 | 69

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70 | OCTOBER 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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