Mother, Baby & Child December 2019

ISSUE 105 | DECEMBER 2019 | DHS15

«WIN« WORTH OVER DHS4,000 IN PRIZES

Karissa Stelma

COO, MUM AND FOUNDER OF THE SIMPLICITY LINE

IF ITÔS MISSED OUT IN CHILDHOOD...

IT WILL IMPACT ADULTHOOD Our Paediatricians Look At All Things Children ...

From Fetal To Adolescence

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Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Infectious Diseases

Metabolic

Neurodevelopment

Orthopaedics

Paediatrics

Paediatric Surgery

Plastic Surgery

Pulmonology

Rehabilitation

Rheumatology

Sleep Centre

Urology

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@jalilachildrens aljalilachildrens.ae

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MANAGEMENT PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Natasha Pendleton Natasha.pendleton@cpimediagroup.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Nicola Monteath Nicola.monteath@cpimediagroup.com ONLINE EDITOR: Glesni Holland glesni.holland@cpimediagroup.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIPS Mathew Tharakan Tara Cameron mbc.sales@cpimediagroup.com

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PUBLISHED BY

‘Tis the season to be jolly. My favourite time of the year, when festive cheer is in the air, I’ve eaten one too many mince pies, and evenings are filled with shopping for loved ones. Turn to our Gift guide for ideas (page 40). You can also get tips on how to prep for the holidays (page 48). This month, we celebrate The Mother, Baby & Child Award Winners. Turn to page 22 to see if your favourite brand took home gold.

Our monthly columnist shares everything she’s looking forward to in December (page 16), while our cover star and Founder of The Simplicity Line, Karissa Stelma, discusses her IVF journey and motherhood (page 18). Mums, if you’re looking to purify the air at home, now that the weather has changed, read page 30.

The December issue also has festive recipes, décor, trends and hotspots to dine at.

HEAD OFFICE:

Media City, Building 4, Office G-08 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 13700 Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 Email: info@cpimediagroup.com

Happy holidays!

A publication licensed by Dubai Production City, DCCA © Copyright 2019 CPI Media Group FZ LLC. All rights reserved.

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.

CPIMEDIAGROUP.COM

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 03

CONTENTS 42

FESTIVE GUIDE

18

54STYLE FILES

A WOMAN OF ALL TRADES

62 Editor’s Letter

03

COOKING WITH KIDS

On Our Radar

06

Gifts for Kids

42

Things To Do

08

Gifts for Dad

46

PARENTING

12

Prepping for the Holidays

48

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

14

GOOD LIVING 50

What’s Happening in December?

16

What’s In Store?

51

A Woman of all Trades

18

The Beauty Edit

52

Mother, Baby & Child Awards 2019 Winners

22

Tried & Tested Spa

53

Style Files: Holiday Edit

54

HEALTH 28

Style Files: Occasion Ready

55

Wellbeing Talk

29

Dining In The City

56

How clean is the air your child is breathing?

30

Staycation: Studio One Hotel, Dubai

58

EDUCATION

34

Teacher’s Profile

35

Ask the Principal

36

“Be a Buddy, Not a Bully”

38

FESTIVE GUIDE Gifts for Mum 04 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

HOME & SOUL 60 Festive Vibes

61

Cooking With Kids

62

40

Predictive Biology: The Science Behind Our Pet Food

66

41

COMPETITIONS 69

It’s Mince Pie season. I never have time to make them, so I’m always on the hunt for the best baked goods. This season, Marks & Spencer have made it possible for everyone to indulge in these treats, with gluten free and plant-based options.

Aesop’s States of Being: Aromatique Room Spray Trio gathers three interior fragrances taking their titles from locations significant to Ancient Greece — Cythera (a warm, woody aroma); Istros (lavender and pink pepper fused with cedar and sandalwood) and Olous (cedar and incense combined with bergamot, jasmine and grapefruit). If there’s one way to change the way your home feels, it’s with a good scent.

Dhs 390 at Aesop stores

I’ll be cozying up with hot chocolate and this gorgeous Gray and rose gold Christmas jumper this month.

Available at Marks & Spencer Shnuggle, a clever baby products company from Northern Ireland, UK, has launched in the United Arab Emirates. The range includes sleep-time, bath-time and changing categories, including the multi-award winning Shnuggle Bath which sees one sold every 2.5 minutes around the world.

Dhs91 at Next Online

ON OUR

EDITOR’S

Available at Mamas & Papas

RADAR

If you’re looking for gifts for your tween, Justice has just opened at Mall of the Emirates, with adorable unicorn bags, hoodies, and more for girls. The brand focuses on empowering tweens with fun trends that makes them look and feel great. For gift ideas, turn to page 43.

06 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

These Arianne boots are incredibly versatile. They give you shelter from the cold while travelling and add a stylish edge to a skirt or over-the-knee dress.

Dhs300 at Monki

My weight has been fluctuating quite a bit, which means stretch marks are on the horizon – adding on to the ones I got when I grew out of my tween body. To avoid those rippled lines, I’ve been using Bio-Oil, as it came in highly recommended by a few cover stars. The special formula can help improve appearance with regular use, as it contains a breakthrough ingredient called PurCellin Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and chamomile oil to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Can’t wait to see the results.

Available from Dhs24 at leading pharmacies

T H I N G S

T O

D O

BRING IN THE EXPERTS Elite Babies & Tots, the leading Babycare company for new parents across the UAE, are the experts to bring in, when you need an extra pair of hands. The qualified Pediatric First Aid trained Babycare assistants from Elite Babies & Tots are at your service for 24-hours, 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 great hands.

If you are looking to pick up a few tips and tricks, head to one of their educational morning workshops. All events are in collaboration with Healthbay clinic, and great for meeting other parents and having all your child-related questions answered.

The workshops are free of charge. To request further information contact +971 56 900 9118 or email info@elitebabiesandtots.com

SPECIAL OFFER

Planning your child’s birthday? Splash N Party have an incredible offer going on, where you get one-year membership to use in 2020, when you book your child’s birthday before the end of the year. Your little ones can enjoy water slides, splash pads and plenty more in the year to come.

The package is available for Dhs99 per child ( for kids between 1-12).

Contact +9714 388 3008 for more information

08 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

T H I N G S

T O

D O

TO THE SCIENCE LAB…

Henkel, in partnership with Dubai Municipality’s Children’s City have officially opened the Forscherwelt (Researchers’ World) Science Lab for children in Dubai. The purpose-built science centre is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the largest Forscherwelt Science Lab for children, across the globe.

During the children’s program for ages 7 to 11 years old, kids can engage in STEM activities, and explore natural sciences by conducting practical experiments related to everyday topics associated with Henkel´s research activities such as, finding out how to extract glue from a date, how toothpaste works, or

how clothes become clean again and the role of enzymes in this process. The Forscherwelt team will be offering ten, 45-minute modules, for up to 25 children per session.

Sessions are free for children to attend. The lab is for children aged between 7- 11 years of age.

Visit childrencity.ae

Y

CM

CY

CMY

For families looking for a day out that can cater for the sun lovers, fitness fanatics, spa seekers and little adventurers, this UAE lifestyle membership, Privilee has it all. From Dhs529 per month (per adult), Privilee offers the perfect weekend for everyone – and many of its outlets allow up to three children to access facilities free of charge.

K

For a Thai-inspired daycay, with stunning spa facilities (where Privilee members get 25% off treatments) and a fantastic kids’ club to keep both the little ones and teens entertained, head to Anantara The Palm.

There’s also discounts on tennis courts and F&B outlets for members.

And for those looking to get the blood pumping in a quick workout session ahead

M

MY

FAMILY DAYS IN THE SUN

Family fun never felt so good at The Westin and Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. With a kids’ club, giant chess board, buckets and spades, water slides and an ice-cream stand (which we know the adults will love just as much as the little ones!) there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

C

of a day in the sun, mums will be pleased to hear that Privilee members get complimentary access to fitness classes at Rixos The Palm. Drop the kids (aged 4-12) off at Rixy Kids’ Club (younger children must be accompanied), head to the gym for a spin

10 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

class, tabata session or perhaps a relaxing yoga class, before picking up your little one for an afternoon by the pool. The perfect day out? We think so!

Visit privilee.ae for more details.

PA RE N T I N G

Find out how these women manage work-life balance. Our cover star discloses her journey and tips

12 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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CUSTOMIZE IT!

If you want your child’s nursery or room to look seamless with your home setting, the best way to go about it, is by customizing it. At Elli Junior, you can create the perfect room for your child with memories that will last a lifetime. The brand has collaborated with the finest Swedish designers in the market, to manufacture beautiful luxury furniture that you and your children will love.

The high-quality pieces that you can get customized include gorgeous

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Elli Junior is a one-stop baby shop offering a unique selection of high quality Swedish organic accessories, toys and interiors. Shop the collection at ellijunior.com or head to the store at Yas Mall (Inside House of Fraser - 1 level Up at Kids Department) for inspiration. ellijuniorgcc MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 13

P A R E N T I N G

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

Asiya Nasir Founder of amamabasicblog.com

MARCH

APRIL

Me and my husband had been talking about having a third child soon, because we kept a two-year gap between each child, so it was time we completed our family. This decision was based around the fact that we could all fit into one car without buying a minibus, and my wishful thinking, that the kids can grow up together and leave me the heck alone (especially when they're all in school together). We didn't expect I'd get pregnant on the get go, but lo and behold, I missed my period and finally took a test two weeks later. All I remember thinking was; “Oh cringe, it's a Valentine’s baby?”, which means I'll be joining many others giving birth in November. Yay.

As many women now know, morning sickness doesn't actually mean it only happens in the morning, but for me, it was exactly that.

Sickness only in the morning, especially after brushing my teeth. This continued the whole nine months, no matter what brand of toothpaste I tried. I'm convinced this baby wants me toothless. I did get a good look at the hiccupping little bean at my ultrasound and decided I'd be toothless for him/her - selfless I know.

14 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

It definitely has not hit me that I will be a mother of three soon, but I'm sure it will, when my eyebags reach the centre of the earth and let's not talk about the collateral damage that is called my body.

MAY

This month was Ramadhan and my family pledged to do a charity project of feeding 700+ workers a day for 30 days. A rice and chicken dish called biryani was cooked from home, and nowadays, I cannot stand the smell or sight of biryani. Ramadhan is also a month of fasting for the whole day, which when you're pregnant, you cannot do. So when my in-laws arrived from the UK, we broke the news to our family so no-one questions why I'm always eating. Reactions ranged from the typical South Asian response of, “I knew already, I had a psychic dream” (I bet), to lots of excited screaming. I also got a huge surprise when my mum and sister came to visit me during the half term holidays. I would've lied and told my family I was pregnant ages ago if I knew they would fly out here that fast.

JUNE

Cravingsm cravings, cravings. But everything was what I grew up eating in the UK from certain shops like Greggs, which doesn't exist here in Dubai. I found this to be the toughest factor about being a pregnant expat, so I kept myself distracted with cooking British favourites like cornflake tart and Sunday roasts. Coming into the second trimester also meant lots of scans, blood tests and not knowing if the baby is kicking or my tummy rumbling. The extra baby weight started to put pressure on my back, so I invested in some good pregnancy pillows and a pregnancy belt with a pocket at the back to insert an icepack or heated pad. Totally recommend this!

JULY

I discovered a new sensation called “Lightning crotch”. It feels like an electric bolt from *down there * to the rest of the body and it happens when the baby's head hits a certain nerve, so it's literally a lightning crotch as the name suggests. The shock is so strong that I jump with surprise and stop talking midsentence.

AUGUST

I discovered ASMR videos and I'm totally hooked. It gives me a weird tingly feeling at the back of my spine and makes me feel relaxed. My favourite ones are cats grooming themselves and fluffy white dogs being brushed down. I also find myself doing weird things like sniffing nail polish and going to

furniture stores for the new leather smell.

SEPTEMBER

Kids are back at school meaning I could finally start nesting. I filled five bags of clothes for charity and felt really chuffed with the clear out. I sorted out baby clothes month by month, colour-coded the hangers and labelled boxes for smaller items like baby socks. I honestly forgot how small newborns are and it suddenly made me nervous about me being able to do it all over again.

OCTOBER

Coming closer to the due date had me freaking out. The scans revealed everything is normal, however baby seems to be gaining weight too fast and therefore I was told to be on a healthier diet. I’m hoping it’s not a C-section as I'm terrified of it and I’ve never experienced it before, so I signed up for

hypnobirthing classes with the amazing Ana (@thedancingbirth) and it's helped me calm down and accept whatever happens, I can do this.

NOVEMBER

I have two weeks left until my due date and I'm keeping active by walking, taking in the Dubai winter and using my birthing ball for a good stretch. I've been explaining to my children that they will become an older brother and sister soon. I also took them - for their first time - to my ultrasound.

My son was so confused when he saw the baby on the monitor and started yelling “I don't understand, is it a rectangle baby?”

It was hilarious. I'm so glad its nearly over, pregnancy has felt like a nine-month hostage situation. Looking forward to the next chapter!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 15

P A R E N T I N G

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DECEMBER? Everything to look forward to in the city

LAURA BUCKWELL Event MC

A

lthough my favourite month of the year November has just passed, December comes close as the festivities leading up to Christmas and over the festive month are just spectacular, and there’s so much to look forward to.

Christmas markets are rife for the next couple of weeks and I can’t wait. I’ll be sure to hit up the Madinat Jumeriah festive market, which we do every year with loads of activities for kids and parents including a snow pit, as well as the ripe market for pressies and more family fun.

I was reading about the Dubai Opera Christmas market too, so I’m looking forward to that one! I love that you can literally go into any hotel across the city and they are celebrating in some way, with some of the most incredible displays and tree lighting ceremonies.

It’s also my son’s birthday early in the month, so I’m on the hunt for some good outdoor venues, although he seems intent on doing an escape room. I might postpone to January when all his friends are here.

As we are staying in Dubai over the holidays, we are also keen for a weekend away and I’m desperate to head back to the JA Resort, maybe even for their Christmas brunch. It’s the perfect escape just outside the city but feels miles away. There are three hotels on the grounds, and you can use the facilities across all of them. There’s the JA Lake View overlooking the golf course, their latest hotel which is beautifully fresh and modern with the most incredible Indian restaurant owned by a Michelin Star Indian chef. Then a short buggy ride away, there’s the JA Beach Hotel right on the beach with water sports, a marina, four swimming pools and loads of F&B options.

It really is a proper little getaway and just 20 minutes from Dubai marina. Check my Instagram page (@laurabuckwell) to see what you're missing - hubby even had a go at clay pigeon shooting!

My sister in law works at the Dubai Centre for Special Needs and we always head over to their Family Winter Fair for the amazing kids activities. Their little festive market is fab too.

See you there on the 6th December. Whatever you might be doing over the holidays I hope you get to enjoy some good quality family time.

Merry Christmas!

16 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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P A R E N T I N G

A WOMAN OF ALL TRADES Karissa Stelma is a COO by day, skincare brand founder by night, and mum to three adorable children. Here she discusses motherhood, her IVF Journey and the launch of The Simplicity Line

18 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

B

orn and raised in New York, Karissa Stelma, Founder of an organic skincare brand The Simplicity Line, saw herself travelling around for work in her early 20s. Now, she is based in Dubai with her husband and three children. The COO of a DIFC firm works in corporate by day and finds herself dipping her toes into the beauty world by night. The soon-to-be-published author is also a “mother, wife, negotiator, chef, therapist, driver and maid,” as she refers to herself.

“The energy and the opportunities keep us highly engaged within Dubai. Plus, it is an amazing place to raise children,” says the mum of three. I was first introduced to Karissa through her latest launch, the organic Nine Stretch Mark Savior from her natural skincare brand, The Simplicity Line. After discovering the founder of the incredible product lives in Dubai, I knew we had to meet and talk about her journey.

“I visited many different facilities and found one that could produce the balm - which are tricky - the way I was able to at home. I may wind up producing some future products back in the US, but starting out here was a terrific platform. Company set up is straightforward as is the proper licensing/approval process of cosmetic products,” she says. The brand stemmed from Karissa’s personal and challenging journey with IVF, back in 2018.

She became attuned to the importance of ingredients and the impact they have on the journey of fertility, and as a result changed her diet and products that touched her skin.

It was this that inspired her to launch The Simplicity Line, to help other women who are concerned for their skin, health and fertility.

“To be perfectly frank, I never planned on children. ‘Oops’ was my first daughter,” she laughs and tells me. But when it was time for child number three, it took almost two years of IVF. “It was utterly merciless! But I wouldn’t change a thing.” Karissa mentions IVF affected her routine in every way; and its effects were cumulative. “You have to remember that for the duration of the

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 19

treatment you are (usually) put on elephant doses of drugs. Even if you opt for low dose cycles, these hormones have a tendency to take over your perception of reality and your energy levels, at a minimum. Every month (or cycle) either ends with a crushing defeat or a breath of hope.” She says if it is the latter, that turns to a state of worry until you reach 12 weeks of pregnancy and beyond, and has the potential to become a hamster wheel that truly takes over your life. “Your days become scheduled by what drug you are on and what scan you have to go for. Retrievals. Transfers.

Waiting for test results of all kinds.”

The side effects are different for everyone though and you can expect a gamut of emotional disturbances and physical turbulence. “It’s a constant roller coaster. I had nearly two years straight of migraines and miscarriages, cycle after cycle. IVF is addictive because hope is addictive. It’s an arduous and expensive road to embark on.”

But when Karissa looks at her little boy, she forgets it all. “All the needles, the procedures, the shattered hopes, the despair – gone. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“I have a book coming out next year in the US on this very topic. Namely, a one stop resource on IVF – from a personal and medical perspective – for busy women (and their partners!) who need a consolidated guide.” One of the chapters touches on decision making. If nothing else, you can expect to be faced with decision after decision from day one. “Whether that be on drug protocols, embryo testing, lifestyle changes, etc. prepare yourself with as much research and knowledge as you can, gather your support group, shore up your finances, get an awesome doctor on board (I loved mine!) and make sure you and your partner have very strong and open lines of communication. I did my IVF here in the UAE, and in comparison, to NY (where I am from) and other places in Europe we consulted, I can say my treatment was world class.”

Karissa admits that motherhood has changed everything for her. “It continues to challenge, stretch, humble, and teach me when I feel no desire to learn any more.

As for work-life balance, I’m not sure that exists in any pragmatic way. It’s a constant juggling act no matter how good you get at it. I do get more done in a day now with three kids, than I did with none.” Her days our described as happily chaotic, with focus on activities as a family. “We also do

“

All the needles, procedures, shattered hopes, despair – gone. I wouldn’t change it for the world

“

P A R E N T I N G

a ‘switch-a-roo’ day (my husband takes one kid, I take the other, then we switch mid-day and come back again for a family dinner) to get in that absolutely vital one on one time. With the new addition, we still have it pretty easy as he’s only three-months old.”

She does explain that her kids go through phases as well, when one seems to need one of them more than the other, which always helps.

Motherhood is a journey, and Karissa says

20 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Ever. You rock.”

As for how Karissa's journey is going with her third baby, she says she’s still coming across products that are incredibly handy. “I recently discovered a diaper wipe warmer (who knew how fabulous these were!?) and the Snoo crib (a responsive baby bassinet that boosts a baby's sleep by combining gentle rocking with soothing white noise and snug swaddling). How I had two other kids without these things is beyond me!

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yalemiddleeast MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 21

W IN N E R S

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9 Celebrating the best of brands, educational establishments, healthcare providers and other entities that shape the future for families in the UAE. The Awards feature 40 categories, with winners voted by UAE mums themselves. Take a look and see if your favourite brand won!

22 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

WINNERS

Nursery of the Year

Nursery of the Year

Happy Home Nursery

Toddler Town British Nursery

Bright Kids Nursery

Chubby Cheeks Nursery Sharjah

Little GEMS International, Al Barsha

Hummingbird Early Learning Centre

British Orchard Nursery

Aga Khan Early Learning Centre

MindChamps Nursery

Primary School of the Year-UAE

Secondary School of the Year-UAE

The Arcadia Preparatory School

Sunmarke School

Head Start Speech Therapy Center

Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park

Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park

Wilson Centre

Regent International School

The British International School, Abu Dhabi

iCademy Middle East

Northern Emirates

Nursery of the Year Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Special Needs Education Centre of the Year

Special Needs Education Centre of the Year

Educational After-School Activity Centre of the Year

New School of the Year UAE

FitRepublik

The Arbor School

Little Explorers

Dunecrest American School

Bricks 4 Kidz

The Aquila School

Educational After-School Activity Centre of the Year

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9

New School of the Year UAE

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 23

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9

WINNERS

Best Party Venue of the Year

Kids' Entertainment Centre of the Year

Soft Play Venue of the Year Soft Play Venue of the Year

Kids' Entertainment Centre of the Year

Best Party Venue of the Year

Cheeky Monkeys

OliOli Children's Museum

Splash 'n' Party

Little Explorers

The Green Planet

Mattel Play Town

Mattel Play Town, Dubai

Splash 'n' Party

We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym

Theme Park of the Year

Theme Park of the Year

Water Park of the Year

Dental Care Provider of the Year

Global Village

Yas Waterworld

GMCClinics

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Aquaventure Waterpark

Dubai London Clinic Dental Clinic

Ski Dubai

Wild Wadi Water Park

Drs. Nicolas & Asp

Water Park of the Year

Aesthetic Clinic of the Year

Dental Care Provider of the Year

Women's Health Clinic of the Year

Aesthetic Clinic of the Year

Women's Health Clinic of the Year

Valiant Clinic

Mediclinic City Hospital

The Nova Clinic

by Aesthetics

HealthBay Polyclinic

Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation

Shamma Clinic

24 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

WINNERS

Medical Clinic of the Year

Maternity Department of the Year

Medical Clinic of the Year

Maternity Department of the Year

Paediatrics Clinic of the Year

HealthBay

Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital

Mediclinic City Hospital

Valiant Clinic

Mediclinic City Hospital

Dubai London Clinic (Al Thanya Centre)

GMCClinics

Medeor Hospital

HealthPlus Children's Specialty Center

Hospital of the Year

Hospital of the Year

Formula Brand of the Year

Baby Food Range of the Year

Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital

NAN by Nestlé

HiPP Organic

Mediclinic Parkview Hospital

Aptamil

Heinz Baby

King's College Hospital UAE

Pediasure

Humana

Paediatrics Clinic of the Year

Formula Brand of the Year

Baby Food Range of the Year

Family-Friendly Restaurant of the Year

Family-Friendly Hotel of the Year

BFF Gastro Bar & Lounge

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen

Fairmont The Palm

Tania's Teahouse

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

Family-Friendly Restaurant of the Year

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9

Family-Friendly Hotel of the Year

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 25

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9

WINNERS

Supermarket of the Year Supermarket of the Year

Homestore of the Year

Baby & Child Clothing Retailer of the Year

Waitrose

Home Centre

Babyshop

Carrefour

IKEA

Zippy

Spinneys

Danube Home

Max Fashion

Homestore of the Year

Baby & Child Footwear Retailer of the Year

Baby & Child Clothing Retailerof the Year

Maternity Retailer of the Year

Maternity Skincare Brand of the Year

Baby & Child Footwear Retailer of the Year

Maternity Retailer of the Year

Maternity Skincare Brand of the Year

Shoemart

Marks & Spencer

Palmer's

Clarks

Mums and Bumps

Bio-Oil

Skechers

KIABI

Mustela

Sustainable Local Food & Beverage

Baby & Child Skincare Brand of the Year

Baby Wipe Brand of the Year

Cetaphil Baby

WaterWipes

Mustela

Pampers

Johnson's Baby

Pureborn

Baby & Child Skincare Brand of the Year

26 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Baby Wipe Brand of the Year

WINNERS

Disposable Nappy Brand of the Year

Car Seat of the Year

Stroller Brand of the Year

Pampers

Chicco

Hauck

Huggies

Juniors

Babyzen Yoyo

Pureborn

Maxi-Cosi

Chicco

Toy Brand of the Year Toy Brand of the Year

One-Stop Parenting Shop of the Year One-Stop Parenting Shop of the Year

Mums' Must-Have Item of the Year

BABY born

Elli Junior

Close to Me by Hauck

Lamaze

Babyshop

Elite Babies & Tots

Hape

JustKidding

Cetaphil

Disposable Nappy Brand of the Year

Stroller Brand of the Year

Car Seat of the Year

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9

Brand of the Year

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9

Mums' Must-Have Item of the Year

A W A R D S 2 0 1 9

Brand of the Year

Mother Baby Child Award for Sustainable Local Food & Beverage Manufacturer

Babyshop

Al Ain Farms MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 27

H E A LT H

Everything parents need to know about healthy eating habits and current trends. Turn over for wellbeing advice

28 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

WELLBEING

TALK

READ THIS

The latest in health and fitness

Dubai-born Delna Prakashan has launched her first cookbook, Whip It! After gaining experience within the hospitality industry in Dubai and Europe, followed by a corporate career in advertising, she travelled the world to soak up local cuisine and get inspiration.

Her Nigella-esque approach to food is seen through the book, with cooking tips, an explanation of various mushrooms, and plenty of recipes. It is not all about just food, Whip It! is a lifestyle book on wellbeing.

Available on thedreamworlscollection.store and Amazon.com for Dhs130

GET YOUR SUPERFOOD FIX

Wild & The Moon have introduced 11 Organic superfoods made with raw, pure ingredients and four superfood mixes, including the Beauty Mix, Detox Mix, Energy Mix and Relax mix. All superfoods are created with natural ingredients including plants, roots, berries, algae and mushrooms filled with nutrients designed to beat fatigue and rid harmful toxins from the body. Each superfood is coupled with its own benefit and designed to boost metabolism, regain a glowy complexion, balance the hormonal system, have absolute warrior energy and so much more, day in and out.

Visit Wild & The Moon cafes to shop

SNACK ON THE GO

Humm Organic has recently launched in Dubai, offering organic, sweet and savoury snacks for on-the-go families. The line includes nine products including sweet cookies, biscuits, bars and savory crackers. Wrapped individually in convenient packaging, Humm bars and biscuits are a great addition to a kid’s lunchbox, mum’s handbag and dad’s briefcase. The one-of-a-kind cacao nut bar is gluten free, while the others are free from sugar and preservatives.

Available at Ripe Markets, Organic Food & Café, Bio Organic Markets, Greenheart, Sprii and Karakoy Gourmet MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 29

H E A L T H

HOW CLEAN IS THE AIR YOUR CHILD IS BREATHING? Mother, Baby & Child joined forces with Blueair – an air purification solutions company, for an insightful mum’s morning to discuss the positive health benefits of clean air in UAE homes

M

ore than 40 mums from across Dubai gathered at OliOli Children’s Museum last month to grasp a greater understanding of why the quality of air inside the home is so vital to a child’s health and wellbeing. The morning began with mums engaging with various brands such as Metanium, Bio-Oil and Mustela, while littles ones were taken care of by baby care experts from Elite Babies & Tots, as they explored the museum.

A representative from Blueair led the morning’s discussions, and began by affirming the company’s main beliefs: “to bring clean air into homes, and empowering people with the freedom to breathe.”

Children are the most affected when it comes to pollution and unclean air today. "We believe that everyone has the right to breathe clean air, but modernisation and urbanisation efforts have meant that this has become somewhat of an afterthought in recent years.”

30 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

The Blueair team went on to explain Air Quality Index (AQI) in more detail and said that, “A reading of 50 or below on the scale is regarded as 'good' and therefore healthy. But on a bad day, the UAE can reach up to 150 or more on the scale, with the likes of China, Japan and Korea sitting at 250 – even on a good day. Of the 7.3 billion people on this earth, more than 6.7 billion breathe unclean air every day." This means that more than 90% of the world’s population inhales “bad air” daily.

For children, it’s even more crucial to ensure that they begin life with clean air in their lungs.

“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are the most important when it comes to air quality.

Breathing unclean air can have a significant impact on a child’s vision, hearing, language and learning during those early years.”

But while outdoor air is typically regarded as the main concern when discussing pollution, that is in fact not the case. “Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air,” the representative explained. “Causes of this can come from various sources, such as dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander.”

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 31

H E A L T H

The team went on to showcase Blueair’s capabilities in ensuring UAE families breathe “completely clean air” – as their purifiers can clean an entire room of dirty air particles in just 12 minutes. The purifiers are also IoT enabled, meaning they can be connected to smart home devices such as Alexa and Google Home.

To conclude, two raffle winners were drawn and awarded a pair of exciting prizes. Elham Assaad took home a family pass for OliOli Children’s Museum, and Suha Salem won a one-year subscription to Mother, Baby & Child magazine.

To learn more about Blueair, visit blueair.com

32 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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medical facility where your card would be accepted, if that’s a priority to you.

But now, thanks to a new app called Okadoc, finding the right doctor at the time you are looking for one has never been easier in the UAE. Okadoc is a ‘lifesaving app’ because not only does it help you find the right doctor for your child any time you need it, based on specialty but it allows you to instantly book an appointment for the next available slot of the paediatrician you’ve chosen. That takes a lot of stress out and gives you peace of mind. And if earlier availability is required, Okadoc’s always-on system detects cancelations and offers the choice to book the preferred doctor earlier than the initial appointment, on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can even search between different hospitals and clinics for your preferred location.

And if suddenly that fever drops, Okadoc’s superior functionality helps you cancel your appointment in just a few seconds or even reschedule it for later if you want. Okadoc also guarantees that we will never forget a doctor’s appointment again, thanks to its non-intrusive, reminders system.

What’s more, thanks to Okadoc’s real-time, 24/7 online availability, parents will never fail to connect with their doctor due to missed or off-hours calls, or because it’s the weekend or a public holiday.

It also helps you to choose doctors depending on their first language. And if you are uncertain about your health insurance policy’s coverage, Okadoc guides you to the

Okadoc’s service is free and always available across www.okadoc.com or the app for iPhone and Android. Once there, you can find and book online over 1,000 doctors from 130 different specialities. More doctors join in every day and Okadoc.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 33

E DU CAT I ON

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

34 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

TEACHER’S PROFILE DIMPY CHOUDHARY

Head of Curriculum and Learning at Sabari Indian School How did you get into this career?

Any challenges you face

After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I took a gap year to understand if I wanted to do my Major in Sciences and enter the field of Research, or if there was something else that could potentially make me happy as a profession. I volunteered at the school I attended as a student, and later joined a school in India called The Riverside school, which placed a core focus on teaching students to perform well in education and life. Becoming part of such a vivacious team, learning something new every day, and seeing the smiles on the students’ faces every day made me happy and so I decided to persue education as a career. It has been a metamorphic process for me – from initially doubting whether I could be a good teacher, to eventually becoming a Head of Department (Science), content developer, consultant and curriculum manager – all while doing my Master’s degree in Science and Education. Every role has helped me to be what I am today.

There is a wide gap between the idealistic and pragmatic approach. An approach to learning that is embedded in common sense, with a focus on the quality of learning and student wellbeing, is the need of the hour. Teachers need to understand that their role must change with the changing face of education to address a new, smarter generation. Working with an Indian curriculum, which is vast and rigorous in itself, requires a mind shift from teachers from a ‘sage on the stage’ to a ‘guide on the side’ approach, and from parents from pushing their students for higher grades to one that allows them to innovate and lead their ideas.

What excites you about your role?

In my 14+ years of experience, I have realised that teaching young minds is a task that cannot be taken lightly. It is full of challenges, frustrations and responsibilities. However, it is a task that is also full of excitement, wonder, satisfaction and joy. Working with diverse cultures and students from different backgrounds has highlighted that all students are similar in the fact that they have the same zest for learning, sparks of curiosity, and are full of potential - irrespective of the place, nationality or economic background. Children are capable of learning if they have the proper motivation and direction from their teachers. I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world, and discovering that uniqueness on a daily basis with my team is what excites me.

Your greatest achievement over the course of your career A recent achievement was when one of my Grade 10 students, who participated in Sabari Indian School’s Entrepreneur programme, challenged the idea of gaming and introduced it as a learning tool, convincing parents to let students use this as a platform to engage with other schools across the UAE, as part of a gaming league. Another student developed a business plan, which promotes physical play with healthy food.

One thing you would like to change about the academic system in the UAE? The UAE is a place full of opportunities for exploring the future for the better. A lot has changed in education and a great emphasis is put on improving the quality of learning. I wish to see even stronger links between the professionals and experts volunteering; opening avenues for students to intern at various professional setups before the younger generation decides their career path.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 35

E D U C A T I O N

ASK THE PRINCIPAL GILLIAN HAMMOND

Principal at Repton School Abu Dhabi

How did you begin your career in education?

As a female science graduate with a chemistry major, I experienced first-hand the gender gap in this field of study. I also experienced on a nearly daily basis, the misconceptions around studying science; that it is too hard or that it is boring. While I never gave it much thought as a student, it did impact my peers when deciding whether or not to study science at a higher level, but I was committed to pursuing something I loved. When I graduated, I felt determined to break down as many barriers as possible to allow others interested in science to follow their dreams - with the hope of inspiring future generations into an exciting and essential science career.

How long have you been at this school and where were you prior to this?

I joined the Repton family in January 2018 as Head of Senior School and was delighted to take the Principal post in September 2018.

In addition, I became the Inclusion and Safeguarding Governor of Repton School Dubai in January 2019. Prior to joining Repton, I was the Head of Secondary at a school in Abu Dhabi and have also held various other senior leadership roles in the UK and Italy.

36 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Please tell us about your school curriculum.

Our classrooms are learning focused, where teachers act as facilitators for skill acquisition. You won’t see rows of desks and piles of textbooks, instead students huddled together, learning from discovery.

We follow a British independent school curriculum, which incorporates elements of the English National Curriculum, allowing highly skilled teachers to develop an appropriate curriculum for an independent school in an international environment.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics subjects (STEAM), are central elements in the curriculum.

Ministry of Education subjects (Arabic, Social Studies and Islamic Studies) enrich the curriculum in our local context and are integrated appropriately. All subjects are delivered with rigour, stemming from proven, research-based teaching methods and are bolstered by the latest innovations in using technology to accelerate learning.

There is a strong emphasis on specialist teaching in subjects such as French, Art, Music, PE and Swimming, and we are supported by a world-class outdoor education programme at Group level, unique to the region and specifically designed to develop resilience, leadership and prepare our students for life after school – a key aspect of our focus on the ‘whole child’.

Regular Personal Study is set to support and extend the children’s learning.

Moreover, it instils self-discipline and independent study, which are vital to academic progression through the school.

In support of The UAE Moral Education Programme and Repton Abu Dhabi’s Ten Values, our curriculum is value driven.

We integrate the development of skills in the areas of global, social, and cognitive competences through all subjects, enabling

them to thrive and solve the problems of their generation.

What sets your school apart from others in the city?

As an Apple Distinguished School, all students have an iPad. It has had a huge impact in promoting independent, self-directed learners. During lessons we witness the facilitation of dynamic quizzes, discussions, evaluation and flipped learning environments.

Students are scanning QR codes to find differentiated work and removing communication barriers using Google Translate. Parents attend workshops in school on how to utilise Apps to support home learning and Personal Study projects.

Technology is also used during timetabled Innovation time where students are challenged to become entrepreneurs and identify a service or product that may be improved or invented. We invite them to use the technology available (Mac suite, woodwork lab, 3D-printers, Spheros, drones, etc.) to research, design and develop prototypes to test, manufacture and market. Students have proudly presented their ideas and projects in the Apple Store in Dubai Mall and at the ADEK Private Schools Forum.

Any specific activities?

We host an Annual Digital Challenge, where the focus is to inspire creativity, encourage collaboration, and challenge students to solve relevant problems their communities may face. This year we invited students from eight different schools across the Emirates to work together in teams to develop an idea for a new mobile app. Students were guided through eight workshops focusing on a range of STEAM based disciplines, using the Apple native apps and iPad

technology. Our students are fully engaged with STEAM subjects and I find it difficult to contain my joy when I witness the many projects that take place in our STEAM Garden, STEAM Innovation lab, Robotics Room, Science laboratories and Design Technology workshops throughout the academic year.

We also host an Annual Educators Digital Summit, where educators from across the UAE are invited to deliver talks and participate in comprehensive discussions on the use of technology.

What should parents keep in mind when enrolling their children?

Our school’s motto is “The best for every child”. With over 74 different nationalities at Repton Abu Dhabi, our Inclusion Programme is integral in ensuring all students access the curriculum and reach or exceed their potential. All students complete base-line assessments when they join the school and each year after, to help us identify our students’ talents, interests and challenges as well as closely track progress and attainment throughout the year.

Our Pastoral Care and Students’ Personal Development has been rated as Outstanding by ADEK. Caring for our students underpins everything we do, be it encouraging a child at Sports Day, supervising a safe playtime, celebrating their achievements in assembly, organising a parent meeting about behaviour at the end of a school day or tracking attendance.

All that we achieve is dependent on recruiting outstanding teachers. Each bring their own unique teaching style, experience, passions, gifts and talents, and our forward-thinking professional development programme enables staff not only to work upon the specific needs of their curriculum or subject, but also to reflect and plan for the betterment of their own mindset, wellbeing and career development.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 37

E D U C A T I O N

“

BE A BUDDY, NOT A BULLY” Darine El-Khatib, Senior Director Creative Strategy and Brand Development at WarnerMedia MENA and Turkey discusses the launch of Cartoon Network’s Global Buddy Network anti-bullying campaign

38 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

To put an end to bullying, Cartoon Network Middle East launched an anti-bullying campaign ‘CN Buddy Network’ that encourages children aged 5 to 12 years to understand others better and become more tolerant. Apart from the animated antibullying videos that play between cartoons on the channel, the team have also collaborated with Sony Music Entertainment to use the power of music to engage children, Here Darine El-Khatib, Senior Director Creative Strategy and Brand Development at WarnerMedia MENA and Turkey discusses further.

Why did Cartoon Network choose to launch the Global Buddy Network anti-bullying campaign in the Middle East?

Bullying is a major cause for concern in the region. Cartoon Network conducted a study with Opinion Matters, which showed that half of all parents with children aged 6-12 years in the UAE are aware that their child has been bullied previously. To raise awareness about this issue, we decided to launch the Global Buddy Network anti-bullying campaign in the region, and the first market for the roll out was the UAE. As a channel that has access to more than 60 million households in the region, we are committed to the well-being of our target audience – children – and we see it as a responsibility to use this powerful platform to raise awareness about such an important issue.

What outcome does Cartoon Network hope to achieve?

CN Buddy Network encourages children and young people to ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’ and supports positive behaviour amongst children to counter the negativity of bullying. We want children to speak up against bullying and feel confident to act if they witness or are victims of bullying themselves.

Our aim is to raise awareness not only among students, but also among teachers and mothers. We started conducting tailored workshops for school children in collaboration with certified child psychologists in October, to help children understand what bullying is and provide them with tips and advice on ways to counter it. To date, we have conducted 18 workshops in nine schools with over 4,600 students and our target is to reach over 10,000 by end of the year. Some of the schools that have partnered with us include Innoventures Education (Collegiate American School and Dubai International Academy), GEMS

Education, International Schools of Arts and Science, Al Mawakeb Schools, Al Arqam Private School, Amity Private School Sharjah, Wesgreen International School, among others.

We have also conducted a workshop for mothers, to help them deal with incidents of bullying their children may encounter and to guide them and address the core problem that leads to a child becoming a bully.

What takes place at these workshops?

During the school workshops, our psychologists educate students about the different types of bullying, the characteristics of the bully and the victims.

Additionally, the psychologists conduct three different exercises with students, to show them the consequences of bullying and how it affects the bully himself/herself.

This includes role play and other interactive methods which help bullies overcome this behaviour.

What about for schools that you’ll don’t visit in the Middle East?

Both parents and children can visit our website beabuddy.cartoonnetworkmena. com to find various educational and useful material. In addition to the animated videos on our channel and website, we have utilised our social media channels to spread the word. And because music is a universal language and reaches a wider audience in the region, we have teamed up with Sony Music Entertainment Middle East and released a worldwide unique and impactful song featuring YouTube stars and sisters Rawan and Rayan. The song speaks directly to children about the effects of bullying and shares positive messages around inclusion.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 39

THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Stocking fillers and thoughtful items to spoil your loved ones with 40 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

FOR MUM

Thames & Hudson Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk book, Dhs250 at Namshi

FOREO LUNA 3, Dhs1,000 at Sephora

Louison Drop Pierced Earrings Rhodium plated, Dhs575 at Swarovski

SALT BY HENDRIX Bath Salts (Ylang Ylang and French Clay), Dhs59 at Beautysolutions.ae

Twilight Rose Teddy Coat, Dhs1,995 at Kate Spade

Yolke Pyjama, Dhs348 at The Outnet

Slippers, Dhs89 at Women'secret

Classic Cabin luggage with custom features, Dhs3,890 at Rimowa

Arabic Name Necklace, Dhs235-265 at BOXXT.COM Sunglasses, Dhs1,500 at Robert Cavalli outlets

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 41

F E S T I V E

G U I D E

FOR KIDS

Frozen 2 Singing Doll by jakks, Dhs269

Nelly Elephant, Dhs120 at BOXXT.COM

Avengers TH Power FX 2.0 Hero Iron Man by Hasbro, Dhs199

Girls Lunch Box and Water Bottle Set, Dhs22 at Max Fashion

Slime Blaster, Dhs79 at Pinca

Hasbro Disney Frozen II Castle Dollhouse, Dhs399 at Babyshop

Star Wars Lightsaber

by Hasbro, Dhs179

Magic Wand Christmas bath bomb, various prices at Lush

42 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Silver Santa Soft Toy,

by Jellycat, Dhs101 at Childrensalon.com

F E S T I V E

G U I D E

Iron Man Hall of Armor, Dhs299 at LEGO

Blume Doll, Dhs69 at Pinca

Doll, various prices at American Girl

Onesie, available at Timberland

Defea Metallic Handbag, Dhs599 at Kipling

Toy Story 4 Interactive Buzz, Dhs449 at Babyshop

FOR KIDS Brilliant Statement Multi Studs, Dhs250 at Kate Spade iBird by Saeed Attari, Dhs50 at BEYOUboutique

44 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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G U I D E Scarf Camel Plain Woven, Dhs99 at River Island

Daria Card Holder, Dhs95 at BOXXT.COM

Watch, Dhs1,319 at Diesel

Playing Cards, Dhs560 at Berluti

FOR DAD

The Ritual of Ayurveda Scented Candle, at Rituals

Sunglasses, Dhs1,940 at Tom Ford

Iron & Glory Mini Travel Chess Set, Dhs75 at Namshi Emporio Armani Engraved Cufflinks, Dhs509 at Namshi

Grolh Business Bag, Dhs4,840 at Bally

Men’s Society Smooth Operator Shave Kit, Dhs175 at The Lighthouse concept store

46 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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F E S T I V E

G U I D E

HOLIDAYS IN THE DESERT If you’re celebrating the season with your expat family here in the UAE, Rebecca Davis and Megan Kelly, Dubai-based mum bloggers and Founders of @justtwomums, have a few tips and tricks to share This time of year has always been about making new traditions with our expat family. It begins at home, by baking gingerbread cookies with the kids - an activity we both grew up with - so it

feels like a natural one to pass onto the small ones. To make the season all the more enjoyable for family, friends and neighbours, try these ideas:

CREATE A KIDS’ TREE Put a second Christmas tree outside, or in another corner of your home, and let the kids decorate that one themselves.

This can be with unbreakable ornaments or even strings tied around selected toys. The kids will love it and it means they won’t mess up your main tree.

CELEBRATE THE DIVERSITY Get each of your guests to bring a dish from their country. Not all of us have turkey on Christmas Day and it’s nice for adults and kids to try something new. This can be desserts, side dishes, anything they would like to bring over.

48 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

MAKE THE KIDS FOOD SPREAD FUN! Although Pinterest is full of amazing ideas, not all of us have the time or the patience. Some recipes to try are a sausage roll Christmas wreath, tree pizzas, Santa fruit skewers and snowman cheese sticks. The key to an easy holiday meal with children, is to pick things you know they like or will find fun and not to force them to eat brussel sprouts.

TAKE THE EASY ROUTE We are spoiled in the UAE and if cooking the Christmas turkey gives you nightmares, just order it. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants that deliver a turkey and even an entire holiday meal and it usually doesn’t work out that much more expensive.

RE-GIFT If you’re hosting a party, while sending out the invites, give each of the kids a random name of another child attending the party and ask them to go through their own toys and select something to gift. Make sure the selected toy is in good condition and don’t let them give away any of their favourites (you don’t want any tears). This helps teach the kids about giving and sharing, while being a little friendlier on the wallet and the environment.

GO O D L I V I N G

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

50 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

WHAT'S IN STORE? Two delivery services to try this month

GOURMET FOOD FOR LITTLE ONES Mum, if you’re rushed for time and have just discovered your baby is at weaning stage, leave meal prep in the hands of the experts. Lil’ Tots, a toddler meal delivery service, makes fresh, wholesome meals that are delivered directly to your door. Working hand-in-hand with clinical dietician, Cynthia Bou Khalil and Chef Paul Hage, Lil’ Tots meals have the right nutrient count for your infants and toddlers’ wellbeing. All meals are handmade in small batches, using farm-fresh ingredients and are free from sugar, salt and preservatives.

Choose from a huge range of meals including ratatouille, Moroccan feast, poulet roti, Hawaiian breeze and topical pudding, to name a few.

Set menus are planned week by week for five days (from Sunday to Thursday). The blends are recommended from the age of eight months.

Subscription plans are available for Dhs420.

Contact +97155 369 5002 or visit liltots.me

KIBONS LAUNCHES GLUTEN FREE AND VEGAN OPTIONS You can now order vegan and gluten-free options from Kibsons. The recipes have been carefully designed to make your meat-free meals just as satisfying. Try the Gluten Free Cauliflower Pizza, Sticky Chicken Lettuce Tacos, and Vegan Scallops.

Each DIY box comes with a recipe card for ease and all food items are packed neatly inside – it couldn’t be simpler, and these recipes will keep you coming back for more.

Visit kibsons.com for more information

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 51

G O O D

L I V I N G

VANITY ESSENTIALS

THE BEAUTY EDIT This months' must-haves & lust-worthy buys DOWNLOAD THIS! Sephora Middle East has finally launched an app. You can swipe between various weekly stories to navigate between the latest drops from your favorite brands, bestsellers, editorial content and exclusives. Check out featues such as the Instant beauty fix, get push notifications, and make sure to shop for apponly specials. There’s plenty more for beauty-lovers, including tips from makeup artists.

MAKE-UP WE LOVE

Three to try this month

Tarte Chrome for the Holidays, Dhs100 at Sephora

Available on the UAE and KSA App Stores and Google Play

Lancôme’s Monsieur Big’s Waterproof Mascara, Dhs135 at Robinsons

A CELEB-FAVOURITE MATRISKIN has launched in the UAE and we hear Eva Longoria, Madonna and Penelope Cruz are loyal fans of the high-performance skincare system. The range features an extensive selection to target each and every skincare concern. Our skincare routine will now include the Hyaluronic acid serum (a concentrated gel made on the basis of hyaluronic acid to provide a particularly hydrating anti-ageing and smoothing effect) and the Collagen M/P Serum, which features a unique combination of active ingredients to repair the dermal matrix, stimulate fibroblast growth and increases the synthesis of collagens I & IV. Other products in the skin care line are the Instant Foaming Cleanser, Osmopeel Mask, High Performance Cream, RL/3 Cream, GF/7 Serum, CR/7 Cream, and the Nopad Peri-orbital cream.

Available in specialised clinics including Gardynia Clinic and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, and online at Noon.com

52 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Starry Eyes to Hypnotise Instant Eye Palette, at Charlotte Tilbury stores

TRIED & TESTED

Enjoy me-time in the comfort of your home

Maria Concetta, Salon-at-Home The festive period is a notoriously busy time. Whether you’re dashing to the school play, darting around the mall to finish off your Christmas shopping or trying to find an outfit for the office party, finding time to pamper yourself has likely fallen off the radar.

While we’re so spoilt for top-quality salons and spas to visit in Dubai, it can be extremely hard to find the time to attend an appointment when the calendar fills up, so we decided to try a salon-at-home service to see if it is really as convenient as it’s cracked up to be.

Having only recently ventured into the athome service space, Maria Concetta – the long-standing salon based at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, now offers a number of

treatments outside of the salon’s four walls for both men and women. From organic hair treatments to waxing, facial or hair colouring, eyelash extension, mani-pedi plus so much more, I was pleasantly surprised to see the sheer number of services that the salon offers as a mobile alternative.

In readiness for December’s madness, I opt for a gel mani-pedi and an organic hair treatment. Two of the salon’s therapists – Nam and Ruth, arrive promptly at my apartment and begin setting up the space for my treatments. Ruth begins by cleansing and prepping my hair with the Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash, before applying drops of the Elixir Flacon mix with Kevin Murphy’s “Strength” treatment. The elixir

acts as a catalyst to boost performance of the treatment cruets, while helping to remove roughness and enhancing shine and long-lasting nourishment. Ruth then covers my hair to kick-start the deep conditioning process, and begins work on my mani-pedi with Nam’s assistance. The salon contacted me ahead of my appointment to ask which shade I’d be choosing for my nail polish, and I opt for Orly Gelfx’s “Head in the Clouds” – a soft and delicate light pink that complements my pale complexion.

Within 90 minutes, all from the comfort of my armchair, I’m left party-ready with fresh nails and a bouncy blow-dry that sees me through the weekend.

To learn more about the services, or make an appointment, call 058 971 7723.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 53

G O O D

L I V I N G

Wild fringe crystal sandal, available at Aquazurra Sequin dress in copper, Dhs269 at Mango Versace capsule collection earrings, Net-a-Porter

HOLIDAY EDIT

season is here Party

Gold label long dress, Dhs1,175 at Liu Jo

Sicily bow neck blouse, Dhs219 at River Island Gabie pink dress, available at Ted Baker Envelope detail clutch in beige, Dhs229 at Steve Madden

Mango Sile pump, Dhs399 at Namshi

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DKNY

Banana sleeve sweatshirt, Dhs165 at Cos

STYLE FILES

Pearl collar dress, Dhs199 at River Island Tan check smart trousers, Dhs119 at River Island

Disney Frozen sequin detail t-shirt, Dhs59 at Babyshop

Juniors AOP joggers, Dhs35 at Babyshop Cream red reindeer dress and tights set (0mths-2yrs), from Dhs99-108 at Next Online

Overalls, available at Timberland

OCCASION R E A DY Heaven rose gold shoes, Dhs99 at Steve Madden

Frozen 2 dress, Dhs35 at Max Fashion

Shirt, available at Timberland

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 55

G O O D

L I V I N G

DINING IN THE CITY Hotspots for all ages

SIDRA, HABTOOR PALACE DUBAI The afternoon tea takes a festive twist over the holiday season with a special menu for the month. Apart from special treats, you can savour delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones and juicy Beef Wellington.

Dhs225 per person, contact +9714 435 5577

BONFIRE, EMIRATES PALACE BEACH Enjoy a Caribbean-inspired bonfire and barbecue by the beach. On the first Thursday of the month, Bonfire Nights at the Palace comes to life, where you can indulge in barbecue, beats by a live calypso band, and a fun beach vibe to make the best of the weather.

Contact +971 (0) 2 690 7999

BLACK GOOSE, SHERATON JBR Celebrate Boxing day at this laid-back spot, where you can tuck into all-you-can-eat-roast with trimmings as you listen to tunes from DJ Jay Arger and take in the views of Bluewaters Dubai.

Dhs65 per person, contact +9714 315 3861

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CÉ LA VI DUBAI, ADDRESS SKY VIEW From December 22nd to 30th, diners get the chance to experience a five-course preview menu including Seaweed Parker Rolls; a famous and irresistibly buttery Boston Parker House creation served with a regional twist of yuzu labneh, date honey and pistachio verde. Spanish Blue Fin Tuna Crudo prepared with flavourful watermelon radish, fennel and avocado, and for meat-lovers, Wagyu Beef and Broccoli in bone marrow jus with a side of buttered broccoli, confit potato, cippolini onion and roasted pear, amongst other specialties. The closing act offers a decadent dessert platter of the pastry chef’s mini creations.

Contact +971 56 515 4001

CAFÉ BATEEL

TURKEY TAKEAWAY

JA THE RESORT

HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH

Order your roast turkey with chestnut and apple stuffing, roasted root vegetables, herb roasted potatoes, chicken chipolata and all the trimmings.

Leave the stress of cooking the turkey in the hands of the experts. You can order roast turkey for take-away, prepared to perfection with chestnut stuffing, served with all the traditional trimmings.

Dhs599 (Serves 8-10). Contact +9714 814 5566.

From Dhs550 for a turkey that can feed up to six people. Available until January 6. Contact +9714 318 2319

The newly launched winter menu features an assortment of dishes to tuck into on a cold day. Head to the nearest branch to try the Tuna Vitello Tonnato (tuna ventresca served atop beef tomato and drizzled with a creamy sauce, finished with caperberries, croutons, wild rocca and parmesan), organic Mushroom Linguini and Teriyaki Beef Ribs, amongst other dishes. End with the Choux Pecan Praline (soft choux pastry with pecan praline, served with crunchy caramelised pecans, yoghurt ice cream and vanilla dhibs) or the Mango and Passion Fruit Cremeux on a coconut biscuit base.

Bateel.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 57

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L I V I N G

Staycation: Studio One Hotel, Dubai Have you visited Studio City’s newly-opened urban hangout yet?

Following its opening earlier this year, Studio One has already established itself as a popular addition to Dubai’s hotel scene - offering a onestop shop for those looking for an unpretentious, laid-back getaway that won’t break the bank. Its host of fantastic onsite F&B options, including well-known brands such as The Maine, Mr. Miyagi’s and The Irish Village, has brought a new lease of life to the area, drawing in weekend crowds from Arabian Ranches, Sports City and Motor City residents. But with the festive season fast approaching, the hotel is also offering some brilliant Christmas deals for those with guests heading to the UAE this month, but more on that later!

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REVIEW

DINING

ACCOMMODATION Ideal for any type of traveller – be it couples, friends or families, Studio One’s 141 rooms offer something for everyone. During our one-night visit, we’re staying in a third-floor “room with a view.” Inside, there’s a super comfy double bed (all double rooms can also be converted into twins), a desk, seating area and large smart TV. A colourful Audrey Hepburn mural spans the main wall, while other quirky touches include the AM/PMspecific drinking implements – coffee cups for the morning, wine glasses for the evening, and the Scrabble-style carpets. There’s also a rainfall shower and separate toilet. For families planning to visit, there’s the option of a “bunk room” (complete with a double bed plus bunkbed) or a larger apartment-style room for those needing more space or planning a longer stay, kitted out with a kitchenette and separate living area.

As mentioned, the hotel is certainly not short of dining options to suit a range of tastes. We decide to check out the in-house Italian offering, LARTE, on Thursday evening. The restaurant is bustling with guests when we arrive, and the atmosphere continues to grow throughout the night as the live music picks up; before long, the whole restaurant is joining in with singing everyone’s favourite swing classics! To eat, we enjoy deep-fried calamari and burrata to start. Both are generous portions, but the calamari is my favourite – it’s lovely and light, with a delicious pesto mayo dipping sauce. For mains, I try the mushroom risotto; the ultimate comfort food delight. Topped with a parmesan crisp (the size of the bowl!) the dish is deliciously rich, creamy and flavoursome. My partner tries the striploin steak, served with chunky fries, a rocket and parmesan salad, and a deliciously moreish gravy, which we happily mop up with the leftover fries.

Breakfast the next morning is also served in LARTE, and we opt to soak up the morning sunshine and take our seats on the poolside terrace. Guests have a number of options when it comes to breakfast; there’s a small menu where you can request made-to-order eggs, French toast or pancakes, as well as having access to the indoor buffet, where you’ll find pastries, cereals and fruit. Or, there’s a larger menu for both hotel and non-staying guests where each dish is charged individually. Here, you’ll find breakfast favourites such as avocado on toast and omelettes.

What we particularly like about the accommodation set-up at Studio One is the “take one” room on each floor. It’s a “help yourself” concept for guests to have access to additional amenities at their own leisure, free of charge. Short of towels? Need extra water? Want one more pillow to rest your head on? The take one room has it all! Be sure to grab one of the ultracosy bath robes too.

FACILITIES From a 24-hour gym, large pool with sundeck and an in-house salon offering “A-List” treatments, there’s something to keep everyone entertained during your stay.

OFFERS Perfect for those with family heading to the UAE for celebrations this Christmas, Studio One has announced its aptly-named “No Festive Feud” offer for December. Rooms start at just Dhs225 per night for stays between 8 December and 26 December.

BOOK NOW!

studioonehotel.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 59

H O ME & S OU L

Everything you need for a happy home and family life. Read through for decor, pet care tips, and child-friendly recipes

60 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

DÉCOR Interiors Uttermost Kamdyn Candle Holders

F E STIVE VIBES

Silsal Emerald Collection

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

1. Jewel tone shatterproof baubles (12 pack) Dhs35 at Marks & Spencer 2. John Lewis wreath, Dhs215 at Robinsons 3. Snowflake Tree Ornament group, Dhs45 at BOXXT.COM 4. Christmas stocking, Dhs80 at Robinsons 5. Christmas tree, Dhs1,753 at Chattels & More

2

1

4

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COOKING WITH KIDS Jeri Willmott, Founder of My Wild Tribe (@my_wild_tribe) shares festive foods your children will love

CHEESEMAS TREE • Feta cheese • Yellow cheddar cheese • White cheddar cheese • Black grapes • Purple grapes • Green grapes • Kiwi • Apple • Rosemary and dill for decoration

STEP 1: Arrange the feta cheese and make it a wide row on the bottom of the platter or board.

STEP 4: Carefully place the white cheddar cubes.

STEP 2: Add the grapes followed by the yellow cheddar cubes.

STEP 5: Slice the kiwi and add the pieces to the tree.

62 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

STEP 3: Top with the green grapes.

STEP 6: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter for

the apple and position it at the top. Get creative and add rosemary and dill for decoration.

RECIPES

OREO TREATS

• Oreo cookies (original pack of 16) • 200g cream cheese

STEP 1: Remove the oreo filling

and process it until they become fine crumbs.

STEP 5: Dip the balls

into the melted chocolate with a toothpick or fork and place it aside to set.

• White candy, melted • Brown candy, melted • Green icing

STEP 2: Add cream cheese.

Mix well or blend.

STEP 6: Decorate the treats to

your liking. To make Reindeers cut pretzels into half using it as the reindeer’s ears, add googley eyes, and use the M&Ms for the nose.

• Edible silver dust • Rainbow-coloured candy balls • Googley eyes

STEP 3: Shape some into balls and set some aside to shape into the Christmas tree, reindeers, snowflakes or gingerbread men using cookie cutters.

STEP 7: To decorate the tree, use green icing and sprinkle with rainbowcoloured candy balls.

• Red M&Ms • Pretzels

STEP 4: In two separate bowls,

melt both white and brown candy melts, adding 1 tbsp of coconut oil to each bowl.

STEP 8: For snowflakes,

decorate the dough with white icing and top it with silver dust.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 63

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RECIPES

CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE BARK • Dark cooking chocolate • Pretzels

STEP 1: Melt dark chocolate.

STEP 5: Add the M&Ms for the nose.

• Red M&Ms • Christmas candy, for decoration

STEP 2: Pour into a lined baking tray.

STEP 6: Sprinkle with candy.

64 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

STEP 3: Cut pretzels and place on the melted dark chocolate to resemble reindeer ears.

STEP 7: Set aside to rest.

STEP 4: Place googley eyes.

STEP 8: Slice up the bark when it’s ready to eat. .

AP

PL

E

MEGRANATE PO

CH

ERRY

EUROPEAN ORGANIC JUICES

www.euorganicjuices.eu

drink organic super juices

“The content of this this promotion campaign represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility.

The European Commission and the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA) do not accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains.”

CAMPAIGN FINANCED WITH AID FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION

THE EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORTS CAMPAIGNS THAT PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

H O M E

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ADVERTORIAL

PREDICTIVE BIOLOGY: THE SCIENCE BEHIND OUR PET FOOD With all the trends and changes in pet food, it can be difficult to know who or what to trust. All you want to do is find the best for your dog or cat, so why does it have to be so complicated?

66 | DECEMBER 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

PETS

At Hill’s, our commitment isn’t in the various trends our competitors are peddling, but in the scientific data gathered from years of ongoing veterinary and nutritional research. Every Hill’s pet food is a collaboration between vets, scientists and pet nutritionists to ensure we are providing the best pet food for your dog or cat.

It starts with a process called predictive biology. If you’re not a scientist or pet nutritionist, fear not — here’s our process behind making healthy, biology-based pet food products.

Research Just like humans, the biology of dogs and cats is the blueprint behind your pet’s life and their roadmap into a fully-grown pet.

Learning about a pet’s inner processes, organs, neurological system, blood, reproduction, development, and diseases all prove essential for developing nutrition to optimize their health and well-being.

That’s where predictive biology comes into play — it's a comprehensive approach used to understand your pet's biology. We study how different ingredients and nutrients have an essential role in your pet’s biology and determine how they play a role in their biologic processes. We can break this research into three different areas:

We begin by taking a swab of a dog or cat’s cheek and look at the cells within the sample. With the help of machines, we are able to extract the DNA from the cells and study it. Through careful mapping, we are able to determine which pieces of a pet’s DNA affects which trait in their biology.

Genomics Different ingredients and nutrients have the ability to change gene’s activity or gene expression, which is why it is so important to study this before ever formulating a pet food. Think of genomics like dimmer lights - we observe which nutrients can change the activity of genes in a metabolic pathway either by lowering their activity (dimmer) or increasing their activity (brighter). By studying how genes react to different nutrients, we can determine the biological effects of our pet food formulations. So how do we do this? We look at effects of ingredients and nutrient on gene expression, either in cells in culture in the lab or by feeding the pet.

Microbiomics

Genetics DNA is what controls how big your dog will get, what colour your cat will be, what health conditions your pet might be predisposed to, and just about everything else. A pet’s DNA plays a huge role in nutrition, too. It influences your pet’s hormones, enzymes, and proteins that help create organs and tissues, digest their food and control their metabolism. Genetic research helps us to determine how a pet will react to certain ingredients and nutrients. It also tells us how your pet will metabolize (break down) certain foods and not others. For instance, genetics is why you can enjoy chocolate as a tasty treat, but it is toxic to a dog or cat.

The last method of research is the study of microbiomics — how bacteria inside your pet affect his or her health. Like all living organisms, dogs and cats have millions of bacteria growing in and on their bodies. By studying these tiny microbes, we can determine which bacteria are important and what they are doing and if it has a positive or negative effect on your pet’s health. By understanding what microbes live inside your pet, we can formulate healthy pet food that supports the beneficial bacteria a pet needs and influence the microbiome to help them stay healthy.

Formulation The data that all of our scientists and nutritionists compile is the basis of how we create a Science Plan pet food. Whether we’re creating better hairball control for your feline friend, or supporting healthy brain function for an older dog.

But healthy foods have to be tasty too. We conduct taste preference tests to let the pets choose which recipe is best at our Global Pet Nutrition Center (PNC). We provide our pets with quality nutrition, mental and physical exercise, excellent veterinary care, socialization with other pets and people and lots of love every day.

No matter what you feed your dog or cat, we know that you love them and are looking to do what is best for them. That’s the same feeling that launched Hill’s Pet Nutrition over 75 years ago, and why we tirelessly spend time researching and innovating new ways to make your pet healthier and happier.

When it comes to Science Plan pet foods, it all starts with science to help us create a biology-based nutrition that your dog or cat is sure to love.

This article is brought to you by Hill’s Pet Nutrition UAE. Hill’s Mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets. Hill’s delivers the highest quality dog and cat food products formulated to meet a diverse spectrum and unique needs of your pet. Follow the conversation on their socials @HillsPetUAE

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 67

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One mum can win this hamper comprising head-to-toe products for mother and baby. Expect the fully natural hair care range, Natural Fusions; protein masks perfect for mums to regain hair growth after delivery; the coconut body firming range and the renowned, effective skin therapy oil for your face - to fight uneven skin tone. The hamper also includes the full baby care set of products, including one-month supply of baby wipes.

For a chance to win one of these amazing prizes, visit motherbabychild.com/competitions MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | DECEMBER 2019 | 69

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One lucky reader has the chance to win a hamper of pet food and goodies for their cat or dog, from Hill’s Pet food UAE Connoisseur, fussy eater, or simply sensitive. The delicious kibble in the Hill’s Science Plan range contains nutrition with the power to transform your pet’s life. Biology based nutrition is made for dogs and cats of every age, size and need.

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FOR A HAPPY NAPPY ROUTINE ay n yd io er ct Ev ote Pr

e t v i t en c e tm f f E a Tre